Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New taxpayer alert warns about GST refund fraud

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    We’ve now published a new taxpayer alert – TA 2025/2: Arrangements designed to improperly obtain goods and services tax refunds. This alert strongly warns businesses against using arrangements where a business colludes with another related business to create fraudulent invoices, so they can attempt to claim large GST refunds. In many cases the invoice will overclaim GST credits on real goods or services that were provided. In the worst cases, invoices are completely fictitious.

    Deliberately exploiting the GST system to obtain a refund you’re not entitled to, or to avoid payment, is a criminal offence.

    We’re still seeing these arrangements occurring, despite warnings from the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce over the last 18 months about fraudulent GST refunds and false invoicing.

    Our data shows that the fraud is currently predominantly within the property and construction industry. We’ve also identified early signs of it proliferating in other industries, particularly by privately owned and wealthy groups.

    It’s a small number of businesses that are attempting to do this. However, they’re trying to fraudulently claim tens of millions of dollars – money that should instead be supporting vital services the Australian community relies on. Their behaviour:

    • disadvantages the vast majority of Australian businesses that are doing the right thing
    • tarnishes the reputation of the industries where those businesses operate
    • undermines the tax system.

    This is not related to the GST fraud scheme that was promoted through social media where individuals created fake businesses and lodged BAS statements to obtain GST refunds. These are real businesses creating fraudulent invoices to try to gain overinflated GST refunds.

    We’re equipped with resources, sophisticated data matching and analytics capabilities, and intelligence-sharing relationships to uncover even the most elaborate financial crime. Any businesses caught in these arrangements will face the full force of the law. Further:

    • If you’re a company director, you’re responsible for ensuring the company pays its GST in full and by the due date. If these obligations are not met, you can become personally liable for director penalties.
    • Promoter penalty laws may apply to any registered agent and adviser who promotes these arrangements. In some instances, cases will be pursued as criminal matters. The worst cases may result in imprisonment.

    What you can do

    We’re encouraging honest businesses, industry groups and the community to help us stamp out this behaviour. If you suspect another business of being involved in these arrangements, you can confidentially report to us by making a tip-off or by calling 1800 060 062.

    If you’re involved in a fraudulent arrangement, we strongly encourage you to come forward and make a voluntary disclosure rather than wait for us to contact you. If you cooperate early and make a voluntary disclosure, we may reduce the penalties imposed.

    Keep up to date

    We have tailored communication channels for medium, large and multinational businesses, to keep you up to date with updates and changes you need to know.

    Read more articles in our online Business bulletins newsroom.

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    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Irregular migration of people: UK statement to the OSCE, July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Irregular migration of people: UK statement to the OSCE, July 2025

    Ambassador Holland updates the Permanent Council on the UK’s newly introduced Global Irregular Migration Sanctions Regime.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Fifty years ago, the Helsinki Final Act recognised the movement of migrants as a key issue for both States and individuals. Twenty years ago in Ljubljana, our Ministers acknowledged in Ministerial Council Decision 2/05 that migration was becoming increasingly diverse and complex, requiring both national and transnational responses. They identified ways the OSCE could contribute and tasked the Secretary General and OSCE structures to address migration across all three dimensions.

    That same year, Ministers adopted the Border Security and Management Concept. While reaffirming that border security is a matter of national sovereignty, we committed to enhancing mutually beneficial inter-State cooperation to address terrorism, organised crime, illegal migration, and the trafficking of weapons, drugs, and people. These threats remain persistent. We must respond nationally and through cooperation. Protecting our borders is protecting our national security.

    In the UK, our Border Security Command is building a more coherent and controlled system to tackle threats, including Organised Immigration Crime (OIC). Our newly established OIC Domestic Taskforce will strengthen how these crimes are investigated and prosecuted by police, law enforcement, and the justice system.

    We are also focused on the enablers of OIC. The online environment must not be a safe haven for criminal networks. The UK is committed to working with online platforms to prevent their use in facilitating irregular migration.

    To support this, we are strengthening our legislative framework. Our Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill introduces new counter-terror-inspired powers to target those who supply, or handle items used in immigration crime. It also enhances data-sharing powers to support law enforcement and immigration operations, both domestically and with international partners.

    On 22 July, we introduced the world’s first standalone Global Irregular Migration Sanctions Regime. This innovative tool enables us to impose sanctions related to people smuggling, human trafficking, and organised immigration crime.

    As Chair of the Security Committee, I look forward to September’s events marking the 20th anniversary of the Border Security and Management Concept. It will be a timely opportunity to reflect on how our practices must evolve to meet emerging challenges while upholding fundamental rights and OSCE principles, and I invite interested participating States to join us in considering how we can build on the OSCE’s mandates in this area.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Honorary King’s Counsel nominations: deadline 19 September 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Honorary King’s Counsel nominations: deadline 19 September 2025

    The Ministry of Justice is inviting nominations for the award of King’s Counsel Honoris Causa. Please submit nominations via the digital form below, before the deadline of 19 September 2025.

    The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is inviting nominations for the award of King’s Counsel Honoris Causa.

    Nomination forms must be completed and returned to MOJ by 23:55 on Friday 19 September 2025. To make a nomination, please complete and submit a nomination form via this link..

    KC HONORIS CAUSA – HONORARY KC

    This is an honorary award unique to the legal profession. It is a dedicated opportunity, made by royal prerogative, to recognise those in the profession who have made a major contribution to, and impact on, the legal sector and the law of England and Wales outside the courtroom.

    The award is not a working rank and is separate to substantive KC appointments administered by King’s Counsel Appointments. Where someone is eligible to apply for substantive KC in their role, we would not normally consider them for an Honorary KC award.

    Please note that anyone nominated may be subject to criminal record checks with the ACRO Criminal Records Office.

    What is the award for?

    The award is for:

    A significant, positive impact either on the shape of the law of England and Wales, or on the legal profession. This is for work outside the courtroom.

    This criterion can be interpreted broadly, either as:

    • a major contribution to the development of the law of England and Wales (for example, by dedicated research, influencing case law/ legislation and promoting initiatives),
    • to how it is advanced (for example, by positively impacting the shape of the profession)

    What is most important is that nominations clearly evidence the significant, positive impact an individual’s efforts have had.

    It is not a long-service award. Honours may be awarded for a significant impact over a long period of time, but they may equally be awarded for such an impact over a shorter period – it is the scale of impact that is important.

    We are keen to recognise diversity within the profession, with awards that reflect the range of different legal careers and different backgrounds that make up the profession. You can see examples of previous successful nominees by viewing their biographies via this link.

    Examples of what these different contributions may look like

    Influencing legislation

    • Making an impact on the law by influencing legislation or case law (e.g. through outcome of research, creating awareness or campaigning, pro bono work or other advocacy outside the courtroom).

    Social mobility and diversity

    • Making a considerable impact on the legal profession (e.g. through initiatives that have an impact on social mobility or diversity and increase the competitiveness of the sector).

    Innovation

    • Making an impact through a standout achievement or through innovation (e.g. by breaking through into new territory, such as making an impact through work on Lawtech, innovation in legal education, or on promoting UK legal services overseas).

    Academic work

    • Making an impact through outstanding academic work that makes a positive contribution to the law and/or legal system.

    Who is eligible?

    • To be eligible for the award, the individual must be a qualified lawyer or legal academic.
    • The nomination must be for achievement outside practice in the courts. In other words, an award would be made for non-advocacy work.
    • The award is open to foreign qualified professionals. There is no residency requirement.

    Examples of those eligible may include (but are not limited to):

    • Solicitors without higher rights of audience
    • Legal executives
    • In-house lawyers, including Counsel
    • Non-practising lawyers
    • Legal academics

    Holding a fee-paid judicial office in addition to practice would not exclude lawyers who meet the eligibility criteria above.

    How are awards made?

    The process is administered by the MOJ. Nominations are considered against the criterion by a panel of representatives from the legal profession, civil service, judiciary, and academia, which is chaired by an MOJ official.

    The panel of representatives provide the Lord Chancellor with recommendations of appointable nominees. The Lord Chancellor will then consider and decide the final recommendations. The recommendations are then referred to the King, who grants the awards under the royal prerogative.

    How is the information about nominees used?

    To assess each nominee’s suitability for the award and support the selection process, we use the information provided to carry out:

    • Cross-Whitehall checks to confirm whether the individual or their work may be known by, or of interest to, another government department
    • Checks against nominees on the main honours system as per the eligibility criteria
    • Evaluation by the selection panel of the individual’s legal qualifications and evidence of their contribution and impact on the law of England and Wales
    • Shortlisted nominees will undergo a criminal record check

    For more information on how we use and protect personal data, please refer to our privacy notice.

    Where someone from outside the legal profession has made a significant impact on the law of England and Wales, or how it is advanced, they would not qualify for this award. We would welcome those nominations as part of the main honours system.

    Scotland and Northern Ireland

    There is a separate Honorary King’s Counsel award in Scotland. There is no exact equivalent in Northern Ireland. However, this does not mean that achievements of a similar nature cannot be recognised. If you would like to nominate someone for an honour whose work is in Northern Ireland, you can contact the Honours Secretariat for Northern Ireland.

    Nominees and recipients of national honours

    Someone who has been honoured in the official UK honours system within the last two years, or who has been nominated for such an honour this year, would not be eligible to receive an Honorary KC award. Where someone was awarded an honour more than two years ago, the panel will consider the individual’s contribution to and impact on the law since that honour was awarded.

    How to make a nomination

    Please submit your nomination form using our digital form via this link.

    Please note that we will only accept nominations made via the digital form.

    If you are unable to use our digital form, or have any other questions, please contact HonoraryKC@justice.gov.uk.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. What is the process and timelines?

    • July: Nominations open
    • September: Nominations close
    • November: Panel meet and shortlist nominees
    • November: ACRO Criminal checks are conducted
    • December: Lord Chancellor makes final recommendations to the King
    • January: Successful nominees are announced
    • March: Ceremony

    These dates are provisional and subject to change

    2.Who can make a nomination?

    Anyone can make a nomination. You do not need to have a legal background or reside in the UK.

    3.Do I need to be a practising barrister or solicitor to be nominated?

    No. You do not need to be practising, although you do need to be a qualified lawyer or legal academic to be eligible. The award is for achievements outside the courtroom.

    4.Can I make more than one nomination?

    Yes. You may nominate as many people as you like, but please ensure that you submit separate nomination forms.

    5.Is there a limit to the number of nominations for an individual?

    No. An individual can be nominated by multiple people.

    6.Can I nominate a foreign national?

    Yes. There are no nationality or residence requirements for the award.

    7.In order to be considered for the award, do I need multiple nominations?

    No. The scoring is not based on how many nominations an individual has received.

    8.Can I attach letters or statements in support of a nomination?

    No. Letters or statements of support will not be accepted. If others wish to endorse the nomination, you can list their name(s) in the relevant section of the form.

    9.What happens if I miss the deadline to apply?

    Unfortunately, we cannot consider any nomination past the deadline. We encourage you to submit your application when the next round of nominations open.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Trader AI: This Trader AI App Sets New Standard in AI-Driven Trading with Unmatched Security and User Approval

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trader AI, a pioneering fintech platform specializing in AI-powered cryptocurrency trading, today announces the launch of its fully integrated trading robot tailored specifically for Canadian investors. Building on extensive development and rigorous testing, Trader AI delivers a secure, compliant, and highly automated solution designed to help both novice and experienced traders optimize returns while effectively managing risk.

    By seamlessly combining advanced machine learning algorithms, real-time market analysis, and regulatory compliance, Trader AI establishes itself as a frontrunner in the emerging landscape of AI-driven crypto trading. With the cryptocurrency market expanding rapidly—exceeding USD 50 billion in annual trading volume—investors are seeking innovative tools that simplify trading processes without compromising on security or transparency. Trader AI’s newly announced features and localized support address these needs directly, empowering Canadians to participate confidently in digital asset markets.

    Key Highlights:

    • AI-Powered Signal Generation: Proprietary machine learning models continuously scan global crypto markets to identify high-probability trade setups across major coins—including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and top altcoins—enabling swift, data-driven decision-making.
    • Fully Automated Execution: Direct API integrations with FINTRAC-registered Canadian brokerages ensure that algorithmic signals translate instantly into live orders, minimizing latency and slippage.
    • User-Centric Interface: A clean, intuitive dashboard guides users from registration to live trading in under 20 minutes, supported by a built-in demo mode for risk-free practice and an optional manual trading toggle for advanced traders.
    • Robust Risk Management: Dynamic stop-loss and take-profit mechanisms adjust automatically to real-time volatility metrics, while customizable position-sizing algorithms safeguard capital with preset risk thresholds.
    • Transparent Fee Structure: Trader AI requires a minimum deposit of USD 250 and operates commission-free—fees are embedded solely within market-standard spreads, ensuring full cost transparency.
    • Canadian-Focused Compliance: With partnerships in Ontario and British Columbia, Trader AI operates alongside regulated broker-dealers, maintains PIPEDA-aligned data practices, and offers optional KYC verification for withdrawals exceeding CAD 2,000 per month.
    • Localized Support & Education: 24/7 live chat, toll-free phone lines, region-specific webinars on taxation and compliance, and a bilingual knowledge base demonstrate Trader AI’s commitment to serving Canada’s diverse trading community.

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    Trader AI’s Mission: Democratizing Crypto Trading 

    In recent years, the cryptocurrency sector has witnessed explosive growth—often accompanied by elevated volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and a steep learning curve for newcomers. Recognizing these challenges, Trader AI was conceived to bridge the gap between sophisticated algorithmic trading and accessibility for everyday Canadians. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the platform aims to automate labor-intensive tasks such as trend analysis, technical indicator computation, and real-time order generation, freeing users from the need to monitor markets around the clock.

    How Trader AI Works: A Technical Overview

    According to official website, Trader AI’s core engine is anchored in a multi-layered AI architecture that integrates supervised learning, deep neural networks, and real-time data aggregation. Below is an outline of the platform’s operational framework:

    1. Comprehensive Market Data Aggregation
      • Trader AI continuously ingests live order book data, trade histories, volume indicators, and social sentiment inputs from over 20 global exchanges.
      • All incoming data undergoes cleaning and normalization, ensuring consistency for downstream machine learning modules.
    2. Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition
      • A combination of supervised models—trained on historical price movements from January 2017 to December 2024—and unsupervised clustering algorithms identify characteristic market patterns, such as sudden volume surges, technical divergence, and on-chain network activity that historically precedes price shifts.
      • Periodic model retraining occurs every four weeks, incorporating the most recent market data to adapt to evolving conditions.
    3. Signal Generation and Scoring
      • When the AI identifies a pattern that meets predefined confidence thresholds (typically 70–85% probability), it issues a trade signal complete with suggested entry price, stop-loss, take-profit levels, and ideal position size relative to account equity.
      • Each signal is assigned a Signal Quality Score (SQS)—a proprietary metric ranging from 0 to 100—that reflects confidence based on factors such as liquidity depth, volatility, and historical win rate for similar setups.
    4. Automated Order Execution
      • Upon user authorization (via the “Auto-Trade” toggle), signals are dispatched instantly through secure API connections to partnered Canadian brokerages and select international exchanges.
      • In live conditions, orders are executed with an average round-trip latency of under 150 milliseconds, minimizing the risk of slippage during periods of heightened volatility.
    5. Dynamic Risk Management
      • Stop-loss and take-profit parameters adjust in real-time based on Average True Range (ATR) and Bollinger Band expansions. For example, if an asset’s 24-hour volatility spikes above 8%, the AI narrows stop-loss bands by 10–15% to limit drawdown.
      • The platform’s Position Sizing Algorithm (PSA) calculates optimal trade size by referencing account balance, risk tolerance (e.g., 1–3% per trade), and portfolio diversification targets. Any deviation beyond preset risk thresholds triggers an automated alert or halts new allocations.

    Registration and Onboarding: Getting Started in Minutes

    Trader AI’s streamlined registration process has been optimized for speed, transparency, and regulatory compliance—ensuring that Canadian clients can begin trading quickly without unnecessary hurdles. The following steps outline the typical user journey from initial sign-up to live trading:

    1. Account Creation
      • Visit official website homepage, click “Sign Up,” and complete the registration form with basic information:
        • Full legal name
        • Email address
        • Country of residence (preselected as based on IP detection)
        • Phone number (for 2FA and important notifications)
      • Users must acknowledge the platform’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, both of which include specific disclosures regarding data handling under PIPEDA regulations.
    2. Email and Phone Verification
      • An email containing a verification link is sent immediately; clicking the link confirms the email address.
      • A one-time code (OTP) is dispatched to the registered phone number. Entering this code completes the two-step verification process.
    3. Demo Account Activation
      • Without any deposit requirement, new users receive CAD 10,000 in virtual funds to explore the platform’s features and test AI-generated signals.
      • The demo environment simulates real market conditions, including bid-ask spreads and execution latencies, enabling risk-free practice trades.
    4. Minimum Deposit and Funding Options
      • To transition from demo to live trading, a minimum deposit of USD 250 is required.
      • Canadian users may fund accounts via:
        • Interac e-Transfer: Funds clear within 1–2 business hours.
        • Credit/Debit Card (Visa/Mastercard): Instant funding up to CAD 5,000 per day for non-verified accounts.
        • Wire Transfer: Larger deposit limits (up to CAD 50,000 daily) with a 1–2 business day processing time.
      • Immediately after deposit confirmation, live trading features unlock—allowing users to choose between fully automated or manual signal execution.
    5. Optional KYC Verification
      • For withdrawals exceeding CAD 2,000 per month, users are prompted to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification by uploading:
        • A government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
        • Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement dated within the last 90 days)
      • KYC checks typically finalize within 24–48 hours, though urgent requests may be expedited upon user inquiry.
    6. Live Trading Activation
      • With funds deposited and (if necessary) KYC cleared, users can configure initial risk parameters—such as daily drawdown limits, maximum open trades, and preferred asset baskets.
      • The AI engine is now primed to generate signals. Traders can elect “Auto-Trade” to allow fully automated execution or opt to review and manually approve each AI recommendation.

    Core Features and Functionalities

    As per official website, Trader AI’s feature set has been refined to balance sophistication with usability—addressing the distinct needs of Canada’s diverse trading population. The following sections highlight the platform’s most compelling capabilities:

    1. AI-Powered Trade Signals

    • Proprietary Algorithms: Trader AI’s AI suite includes recurrent neural networks (RNNs) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which process time-series price data, order flow imbalances, and macroeconomic indicators to forecast short-term price movements.
    • Cross-Asset Analysis: Signals are not isolated to single-asset momentum. The system examines correlations between Bitcoin, major equities indices, and global macro events—such as central bank announcements—to adjust trading thresholds.
    • Signal Quality Score (SQS): Each trade recommendation includes an SQS metric (0–100) reflecting confidence based on factors like market depth, recent volatility shifts, and historical win rates for analogous setups. Users can filter signals by minimum SQS thresholds (e.g., ≥ 70) to ensure high-probability engagement.

    2. Automated Trade Execution

    • API Integrations: Trader AI maintains secure API connections with FINTRAC-registered Canadian brokerages—such as Maple Brokerage and Aurora Digital Assets—and renowned international exchanges. This reduces counterparty risk by routing orders through regulated entities rather than holding funds internally.
    • Low-Latency Order Routing: By co-locating servers near major exchange matching engines, Trader AI achieves average order round-trip times under 150 ms. This is critical during rapid price fluctuations when even small delays can erode profit margins.
    • Slippage Control: Users may elect “Maximum Slippage Tolerance” parameters (e.g., 0.1%–0.5% of trade size) to prevent orders from executing at disadvantageous prices. If slippage exceeds the user-defined threshold, orders are canceled automatically.

    3. Customizable Strategy Settings

    • Risk Tolerance Profiles: “Conservative,” “Moderate,” and “Aggressive” presets allow users to quickly adopt risk frameworks aligned with their goals. Conservative settings limit daily drawdown to 2% of account equity and cap leverage at 2x; moderate settings permit up to 4% drawdown and 5x leverage; aggressive settings enable up to 6% drawdown and 10x leverage (subject to brokerage approvals).
    • Asset Basket Creation: User-defined “Smart Baskets” group multiple cryptocurrencies—such as “Top 5 by Market Cap,” “Emerging DeFi Tokens,” or “Stablecoin Arbitrage.” The platform rebalances these baskets weekly based on performance, market capitalization changes, and liquidity metrics.
    • Volatility-Adaptive Stop-Loss: Stop-loss percentages are not static. Instead, they adjust proportionally to the 14-day Average True Range (ATR) and Bollinger Band expansions. For example, if the ATR for Bitcoin spikes from 2% to 4%, the stop-loss widens by 10–15% to avoid premature exit during heightened volatility.

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    4. Portfolio Diversification Engine

    • Balanced Allocation Recommendations: The AI provides suggested allocation percentages across multiple asset classes—e.g., 40% BTC, 25% ETH, 15% top-10 altcoins, and 20% stablecoins—based on risk-adjusted performance data and user-defined risk tolerance.
    • Correlated Asset Mitigation: By monitoring correlation coefficients between assets (e.g., BTC vs. ETH correlation of 0.85), the platform can reduce overweight positions to minimize systemic exposure. When correlation exceeds 0.9, the AI recommends temporary reallocation to lower-correlation assets.
    • Automated Rebalancing: Weekly portfolio rebalancing ensures that no single asset exceeds preset maximum exposure (e.g., 25% of total equity). If an asset’s value grows beyond this cap, the system executes partial sell orders and redistributes proceeds to underweighted categories.

    5. Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics

    • Real-Time Dashboard: The homepage features live P&L, open trade positions, daily profit percentages, and drawdown statistics. A customizable graph displays historical performance, including monthly ROI comparisons against benchmark indices like the S&P 500 and TSX Composite.
    • Sharpe Ratio & Sortino Ratio: Users can view risk-adjusted performance metrics to gauge risk efficiency. A Sharpe Ratio above 1.5 is highlighted in green, indicating favorable risk-adjusted returns. Sortino Ratio (which penalizes downside volatility) is also displayed for more precise risk assessment.
    • Trade History: A searchable log details each executed trade (entry price, exit price, timestamp, P&L, SQS). Users can filter by asset, date range, or trade outcome (win/loss). CSV export functionality enables further analysis in external tools.

    6. Security and Data Protection

    • SSL Encryption & Data Integrity: All data in transit is encrypted via AES 256-bit SSL/TLS protocols. Sensitive user information—such as login credentials and payment details—resides in encrypted databases with advanced hashing (bcrypt) and tokenization methods.
    • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Upon login, users must input their password followed by a one-time code generated through an authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator) or delivered via SMS. This two-tier verification effectively prevents unauthorized access, even if credentials are compromised.
    • Third-Party Security Audits: Leading cybersecurity firms—such as CanSecWest Security—conduct quarterly penetration tests and codebase reviews. Summary reports are shared with the Canadian Office of the Privacy Commissioner to demonstrate ongoing compliance with PIPEDA.
    • Data Residency: All Canadian user data is stored on servers located within Canada, ensuring compliance with provincial data sovereignty regulations. Backups occur daily and are encrypted with unique user-specific keys.

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    7. Transparent Fee Structure

    • No Subscription Fees: Trader AI does not charge recurring platform fees—traders benefit from a zero-cost software model.
    • Embedded Spread-Only Costs: All trading costs are embedded in exchange spreads. For example:
      • BTC–USD: Typical spread between 0.10% and 0.20%.
      • ETH–USD: Typical spread between 0.12% and 0.22%.
      • Top Altcoins (e.g., LINK, DOT): Spreads between 0.20% and 0.40%.
    • Withdrawal Fees:
      • Interac e-Transfer (≤ CAD 1,000): Flat CAD 20 fee.
      • Interac e-Transfer (> CAD 1,000): No fee.
      • Wire Transfers: CAD 30 processing fee (waivable for account balances > CAD 10,000).
    • Currency Conversion Markup: For trades executed in USD or other foreign currencies, a transparent 0.25% conversion margin is applied—visibly displayed on the funding page prior to transaction confirmation.

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    Localized Support and Educational Initiatives

    Trader AI’s success in Canada is rooted in its investment in region-specific support and educational resources. Recognizing that regulatory requirements and tax implications for cryptocurrencies vary significantly from country to country, the platform has implemented multiple initiatives to guide Canadian users.

    1. Multi-Channel Customer Support

    • 24/7 Live Chat: Available directly on the website, live chat is staffed around the clock by bilingual (English/French) agents trained in both technical troubleshooting and Canadian regulatory guidelines.
    • Toll-Free Canadian Phone Lines: Operating daily from 8 AM to 8 PM ET, dedicated support lines (1-800-IMPATH1) ensure prompt resolution of urgent issues—ranging from account access difficulties to withdrawal queries.
    • Email Ticketing System: For non-urgent matters, users can submit support tickets via support@immediate-path.com. Average response time is 4–6 hours on weekdays; weekend requests are addressed within 12 hours.

    2. Dedicated Compliance Resources

    • Regulatory Updates Section: A rotating banner on the Trader AI homepage alerts users to any changes in Canadian crypto regulations—such as new FINTRAC reporting guidelines or provincial licensing requirements.
    • Tax Reporting Guides: Downloadable PDFs explain:
      • How to classify various transactions (spot trading, staking rewards, airdrops) for CRA reporting.
      • Strategies for netting gains and losses across multiple wallets and platforms—ensuring accurate portfolio-wide tax calculations.
    • AML & KYC Policy Disclosure: Users can review Trader AI’s anti-money-laundering protocols, including suspicious transaction reporting criteria and process flows for large withdrawals requiring enhanced due diligence.

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    Safety and Security

    As crypto regulatory framework continues to evolve, Trader AI remains committed to exceeding compliance standards and upholding the highest levels of security—minimizing risk for users and partners alike.

    1. Data Privacy and PIPEDA Compliance

    • PIPEDA-Aligned Privacy Policy: Trader AI’s privacy policy explicitly references the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), ensuring that Canadian user data is collected, processed, and stored in accordance with federal requirements.
    • Data Residency: All Canadian user data is housed on servers located within Canadian jurisdiction (Toronto and Montreal data centers), offering additional protection under provincial data sovereignty regulations (e.g., Ontario’s provincial data residency requirements).
    • User Rights: Canadians retain full control over personal information—users can request access, correction, or deletion of their data at any time by contacting privacy@immediate-path.com.

    2. Encryption and Infrastructure Security

    • End-to-End SSL/TLS Encryption: All data transmitted between user browsers and Trader AI’s servers is encrypted via AES 256-bit SSL/TLS protocols, preventing interception or tampering.
    • Hashed Password Storage: User passwords are stored using bcrypt with a work factor of 12, making brute-force compromises computationally infeasible.
    • Intrusion Detection & Multi-Tenant Segmentation: Network traffic is continuously scanned by an Intrusion Detection System (IDS). Each user’s trading environment resides within an isolated container, preventing cross-account data leaks or unauthorized lateral movement by attackers.

    Comparative Performance: Backtesting and Live Results

    Trader AI’s performance results—both in backtesting and real-world conditions—underscore its capability to navigate dynamic crypto landscape:

    Backtesting Overview (January 2020–December 2024)

    • Annualized Return (Conservative Settings): 45%
      • Parameters: Maximum daily drawdown capped at 2%, trades limited to 07:00–16:00 EST (peak liquidity hours), leverage ≤ 2x.
      • Historical drawdown: 12% during March 2020 “Corona Crash.”
    • Annualized Return (Moderate Settings): 70%
      • Parameters: Daily drawdown ≤ 4%, 24/7 trading, leverage ≤ 5x.
      • Historical drawdown: 18% during May 2021 “Altseason Correction.”
    • Annualized Return (Aggressive Settings): 95%
      • Parameters: Daily drawdown ≤ 6%, leverage ≤ 10x, full asset basket allocation including high-volatility DeFi tokens.
      • Historical drawdown: 25% during November 2021 “Crypto Winter II.”

    Metrics

    • Average Win Rate: 62%
    • Average Risk/Reward Ratio: 1:1.8
    • Maximum Drawdown (Conservative): 12%
    • Maximum Drawdown (Aggressive): 25%

    Asset Coverage and Diversification Strategies

    Trader AI supports a broad spectrum of digital assets, enabling traders to construct diversified portfolios that mitigate risk and capture growth across multiple sectors:

    1. Major Cryptocurrencies
      • Bitcoin (BTC): The flagship asset, receiving the highest allocation in most conservative and moderate baskets.
      • Ethereum (ETH): Backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts, featured prominently.
      • Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA): Liquid, established altcoins available for core portfolio building.
    2. Emerging DeFi and Layer-1 Tokens
      • Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX): Rapidly scaling networks with robust ecosystems—suitable for moderate-risk allocations.
      • Chainlink (LINK), Aave (AAVE), Uniswap (UNI): Leading DeFi and oracle solutions that often exhibit high volatility paired with substantial upside potential.
    3. Metaverse and NFT-Related Tokens
      • Decentraland (MANA), Axie Infinity (AXS), The Sandbox (SAND): Assets tied to virtual real estate and blockchain gaming—ideal for investors seeking exposure to Web3 trends.
    4. Stablecoin Pairs and Hedging Options
      • Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), Dai (DAI): Trader AI’s AI can automatically rotate capital into these stablecoins when market volatility exceeds user-defined thresholds (e.g., 10% 24-hour price swing), preserving equity during short-term drawdowns.
    5. Sector-Specific Baskets
      • “Layer 1 Champions”: Allocation across BTC, ETH, DOT, SOL, AVAX.
      • “DeFi Innovators”: Allocation across LINK, AAVE, UNI, SUSHI, COMP.
      • “Metaverse Mavericks”: Allocation across MANA, AXS, SAND, FLOW.

    Trader AI Knows the Next Move—Be the First to Profit. Download and Trade Today!

    Payments, Fees, and Account Funding

    Trader AI’s commitment to transparency extends to its straightforward funding and fee model. Canadian users benefit from local payment options, minimal entry capital requirements, and no hidden subscription charges.

    1. Minimum Deposit Requirement

    • Base Capital: USD 250 (equivalent to approximately CAD 330 at current exchange rates).
    • Deposit Methods for Canadians:
      • Interac e-Transfer: Typical processing time of 1–2 business hours; no fees for deposits over CAD 1,000; flat CAD 20 fee for deposits ≤ CAD 1,000.
      • Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard): Instant processing with a daily limit of CAD 5,000 for non-verified accounts.
      • Wire Transfer: For larger capital needs (up to CAD 50,000 per transaction), processed in 1–2 business days; CAD 30 fee applies (waivable for initial deposits > CAD 10,000).
    • Currency Conversion: For trades executed on non-CAD pairs, an automatic 0.25% conversion margin is applied. Real-time mid-market exchange rates are displayed prior to transaction.

    2. Fee Structure

    • Software Access: No subscription or platform fees—Trader AI’s model is “software-free,” with all platform maintenance costs absorbed by the company.
    • Trading Costs (Embedded Spreads):
      • BTC–USD/CAD: Spreads between 0.10% and 0.20%.
      • ETH–USD/CAD: Spreads between 0.12% and 0.22%.
      • Major Altcoins: Spreads ranging from 0.20% to 0.40%.
      • Spread rates adjust dynamically based on overall market liquidity—tightening during high-liquidity periods and widening slightly during low-liquidity windows (e.g., weekends, public holidays).
    • Withdrawal Fees:
      • Interac e-Transfer (≤ CAD 1,000): Flat CAD 20.
      • Interac e-Transfer (> CAD 1,000): No fee.
      • Wire Transfer: CAD 30 (waived if account balance exceeds CAD 10,000 at time of withdrawal).
      • Credit/Debit Card Refunds: If a user funded via card and requests a refund to the same card, a 2% processing fee applies to cover issuer charges.
    • Overnight Funding Fees: If a user employs leverage (up to 10x for aggressive strategies), an overnight interest rate of 0.03% per day is applied—transparent line-item in the trade ticket before order execution.

    About Trader AI

    Trader AI Inc. is a AI-driven cryptocurrency trading solutions. Founded in 2023 by a team of quantitative analysts, data scientists, and seasoned software engineers, Trader AI’s mission is to democratize algorithmic trading—making advanced, data-driven strategies accessible to investors of all experience levels.

    Key Facts:

    • Established: 2023
    • Core Product: AI-powered crypto trading robot with automated and manual trading modes
    • Target Market: Crypto investors, ranging from first-time traders to institutional participants
    • Regulatory Partners: Maple Brokerage (Ontario), Victory Crypto (British Columbia)—both FINTRAC-registered

    Company Vision: Trader AI seeks to empower Canadians by providing state-of-the-art AI trading tools under a fully compliant, transparent framework. By combining deep learning, robust risk management, and localized support, Trader AI aims to elevate Canada as a global hub for safe, responsible cryptocurrency trading.

    Conclusion

    Trader AI stands at the forefront of AI-driven cryptocurrency trading, combining cutting-edge machine learning, rigorous risk management, and a deep commitment to regulatory compliance. For both newcomers and seasoned traders, the platform offers a streamlined onboarding process, transparent fee structures, and a robust suite of tools designed to optimize performance while safeguarding capital. All users benefit from local payment integrations, bilingual support, and educational resources that demystify tax reporting and compliance requirements.

    Whether you’re aiming to augment your existing strategy or take your first steps into automated crypto trading, Trader AI delivers an accessible, secure, and high-performing environment. With a proven track record of consistent returns—backed by both backtesting data and real-world results—this platform has quickly become a trusted choice for Canadian investors seeking to navigate volatile markets with confidence.

    Ready to experience the power of AI-driven trading for yourself? Sign up for a free demo account and explore Trader AI’s features with CAD 10,000 in virtual funds. When you’re ready to trade live, a minimum deposit of USD 250 (approximately CAD 330) unlocks full access to all automated and manual trading modes. Discover why thousands of Canadians are turning to Trader AI to harness smarter strategies and take control of their crypto portfolios.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect Trader AI Inc.’s expectations regarding future events, including anticipated performance, product enhancements, and regulatory developments. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Trader AI Inc. assumes no obligation to update or revise these statements except as required by applicable law.

    Visit Here to Register on the Trader AI – Select Your Country Here!!!

    Media Contact

    Trader AI 

    50 W 4th St,
    New York, NY 10012, USA
    Email: info@traderai.ai
    Phone
    AU +61284889800
    UK +442038379676
    Websitehttps://traderai.ai

    General Disclaimer:
    The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Readers are advised to consult a certified financial advisor, licensed loan officer, or legal professional before making any financial decisions. The information presented may not apply to every individual circumstance and is not intended to substitute professional judgment or regulatory guidance. The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website’s content as such. We does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
    Trading Disclaimer:
    Trading cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. Before deciding to trade cryptocurrency you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor. ICO’s, IEO’s, STO’s and any other form of offering will not guarantee a return on your investment.
    HIGH RISK WARNING: Dealing or Trading FX, CFDs and Cryptocurrencies is highly speculative, carries a level of non-negligible risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You may lose some or all of your invested capital, therefore you should not speculate with capital that you cannot afford to lose. Please refer to the risk disclosure below. Trader AI does not gain or lose profits based on your activity and operates as a services company. Trader AI is not a financial services firm and is not eligible of providing financial advice. Therefore, Trader AI shall not be liable for any losses occurred via or in relation to this informational website.
    SITE RISK DISCLOSURE: Trader AI does not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information contained within this website; this includes education material, price quotes and charts, and analysis. Please be aware of and seek professional advice for the risks associated with trading the financial markets; never invest more money than you can risk losing. The risks involved in FX, CFDs and Cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for all investors. Trader AI doesn’t retain responsibility for any trading losses you might face as a result of using or inferring from the data hosted on this site.
    LEGAL RESTRICTIONS: Without limiting the above mentioned provisions, you understand that laws regarding financial activities vary throughout the world, and it is your responsibility to make sure you properly comply with any law, regulation or guideline in your country of residence regarding the use of the Site. To avoid any doubt, the ability to access our Site does not necessarily mean that our Services and/or your activities through the Site are legal under the laws, regulations or directives relevant to your country of residence. It is against the law to solicit US individuals to buy and sell commodity options, even if they are called “prediction” contracts, unless they are listed for trading and traded on a CFTC-registered exchange unless legally exempt. The UK Financial Conduct Authority has issued a policy statement PS20/10, which prohibits the sale, promotion, and distribution of CFD on Crypto assets. It prohibits the dissemination of marketing materials relating to distribution of CFDs and other financial products based on
    Cryptocurrencies that addressed to UK residents. The provision of trading services involving any MiFID II financial instruments is prohibited in the EU, unless when authorized/licensed by the applicable authorities and/or regulator(s). Please note that we may receive advertising fees for users opted to open an account with our partner advertisers via advertisers websites. We have placed cookies on your computer to help improve your experience when visiting this website. You can change cookie settings on your computer at any time. Use of this website indicates your acceptance of this website. Please be advised that the names depicted on our website, including but not limited to Trader AI, are strictly for marketing and illustrative purposes. These names do not represent or imply the existence of specific entities, service providers, or any real-life individuals. Furthermore, the pictures and/or videos presented on our website are purely promotional in nature and feature professional actors. These actors are not actual users, clients, or traders, and their depictions should not be interpreted as endorsements or representations of real-life experiences. All content is intended solely for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as factual or as forming any legally binding relationship
    RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURES TRADING
    Futures transactions involve high risk. The amount of the initial margin is low compared to the value of the futures contract, so that transactions are “leveraged” or “geared”. A relatively small market movement has a proportionately larger impact on the funds that you have deposited or have to pay: this can work both for you and against you. You may experience the total loss of the initial margin funds as well as any additional funds deposited in the system. If the market develops in a way that is contrary to your position or if margins are increased, you may be asked to pay significant additional funds at short notice to maintain your position. In this case it may also happen that your broker account is in the red and you thus have to make payments beyond the initial investment.
    RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRONIC TRADING
    Before you begin carrying out transactions with an electronic system, you should carefully review the rules and provisions of the stock exchange offering the system, or of the financial instruments listed that you intend to trade, as well as your broker’s conditions. Online trading has inherent risks due to system responses/reaction times and access times that may vary due to market conditions, system performance and other factors, and on which you have no influence. You should be aware of these additional risks in electronic trading before you carry out investment transactions.
    Accuracy Disclaimer:
    All information included in this article is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate at the time of writing. However, no representations or warranties are made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information presented. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk. The publisher does not accept responsibility for typographical errors, outdated information, or changes to products, terms, or policies after publication.
    Regulatory and Jurisdictional Disclaimer:
    Lending laws vary by jurisdiction, and not all services described in this article may be available in every state or region. It is the responsibility of the reader to understand and comply with local laws and regulations. The platforms mentioned are independently operated and are not controlled or endorsed by the publisher.
    Third-Party Liability Waiver:
    The publisher, its writers, editors, affiliates, and syndication partners shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect loss, damages, or legal claims arising from the use of this content or from reliance on any third-party services, platforms, or products mentioned herein. All loan agreements, terms, and disputes are strictly between the borrower and the lender or service provider.
    Syndication Partner Use:
    This content may be republished or syndicated by authorized partners under existing licensing or distribution arrangements. All syndication partners are free from liability regarding the editorial stance, financial suggestions, or any user outcome resulting from the reading or application of this content.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results; Double-Digit Net Revenue Growth Reflects Strong Momentum Across All Divisions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq, Inc. (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today reported financial results for the second quarter of 2025.

    • Second quarter 2025 net revenue1 was $1.3 billion, an increase of 13% over the second quarter of 2024, or up 12% on an organic2 basis. This included Solutions3 revenue growing 10%.
    • Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR)4 of $2.9 billion increased 10% over the second quarter of 2024, or up 9% on an organic basis. Annualized SaaS revenue increased 13%, or 12% on an organic basis, and represented 37% of ARR.
    • Financial Technology revenue of $464 million increased 10% over the second quarter of 2024.
    • Index revenue of $196 million grew 17%, with $88 billion of net inflows over the trailing twelve months and $20 billion in the second quarter of 2025.
    • GAAP diluted earnings per share grew over 100% in the second quarter of 2025. Non-GAAP5 diluted earnings per share grew 24% in the second quarter of 2025.
    • In the second quarter of 2025, the company returned $155 million to shareholders through dividends and $100 million through repurchases of common stock. The company also repaid $400 million of senior unsecured notes in the quarter.

    Second Quarter 2025 Highlights

    (US$ millions, except per share) 2Q25 YoY change % Adjusted2YoY
    change %
    Organic YoY
    change %
    Solutions revenue $991 10% 10% 10%
    Market Services net revenue $306 22% 21% 21%
    Net revenue $1,306 13% 12% 12%
    GAAP operating income $568 34%    
    Non-GAAP operating income $721 16% 16% 16%
    ARR $2,931 10% 9% 9%
    GAAP diluted EPS $0.78 103%    
    Non-GAAP diluted EPS $0.85 24%   24%

    Note: Adjusted and organic change for 2Q25 as compared to 2Q24 are equivalent as they include the same period over period adjustments. Refer to the footnotes to this press release for more information.

    Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO said, “Nasdaq delivered an excellent second quarter performance amid a dynamic market environment. Our ability to deliver broad-based growth through cycles is testament to our role as a partner to our clients, helping them capture strategic opportunities, manage risk, and solidify their operational resilience.

    Looking ahead, we remain well-positioned to enhance value for our clients and shareholders by driving innovation and deepening our client relationships through our One Nasdaq approach.”

    Sarah Youngwood, Executive Vice President and CFO said, “Nasdaq’s financial results highlight the resilience of our business model and its ability to achieve exceptional revenue and earnings growth with strong free cash flow generation.

    We are executing well on our capital allocation priorities, including repaying debt, and have surpassed our gross leverage milestone 16 months ahead of plan. We will optimize for long-term investor returns as we make organic growth investments and balance further deleveraging with opportunistic share repurchases.”

    FINANCIAL REVIEW

    • Second quarter 2025 net revenue was $1,306 million, reflecting 13% growth versus the prior year period. Organic net revenue growth was 12%.
    • Solutions revenue was $991 million in the second quarter of 2025, up 10% versus the prior year period, reflecting strong growth from Index and Financial Technology.
    • ARR grew 10% year-over-year, or 9% on an organic basis, in the second quarter of 2025, with 12% ARR growth for Financial Technology, or 11% on an organic basis, and 7% ARR growth for Capital Access Platforms, or 6% on an organic basis.
    • Market Services net revenue was $306 million in the second quarter of 2025, up 22% versus the prior year period, or 21% on an organic basis.
    • Second quarter 2025 GAAP operating expenses were $738 million, in line with the prior year period. The quarter reflected lower restructuring costs, offset by higher compensation and benefits costs, merger and strategic initiative costs, and increased investments in technology and people to drive innovation and long-term growth.
    • Second quarter 2025 non-GAAP operating expenses were $585 million, reflecting 9% growth versus the prior year period, or 8% growth on an organic basis. The organic increase for the quarter reflected growth driven by increased investments in technology and people to drive innovation and long-term growth, partially offset by the benefit of synergies.
    • Cash flow from operations was $746 million for the second quarter, enabling the company to make continued progress on its deleveraging plan. In the second quarter of 2025, the company returned $155 million to shareholders through dividends and $100 million through repurchases of common stock. As of June 30, 2025, there was $1.5 billion remaining under the board authorized share repurchase program. The company also repaid $400 million of senior unsecured notes in the second quarter of 2025.

    2025 EXPENSE AND TAX GUIDANCE UPDATE6

    • The company is updating its 2025 non-GAAP operating expense guidance to a range of $2,295 million to $2,335 million. The driver of the update is the impact of foreign exchange rates, which is offset in net revenue. The company is maintaining its 2025 non-GAAP tax rate guidance in the range of 22.5% to 24.5%.

    STRATEGIC AND BUSINESS UPDATES

    • Financial Technology achieved solid revenue growth across each subdivision in a dynamic macro environment. Robust client demand drove double-digit revenue and ARR growth. FinTech delivered 57 new clients, 130 upsells, and a record 7 cross-sells. Second quarter highlights included:
      • Financial Crime Management Technology is executing on its key growth initiatives. Second quarter results included three new enterprise client signings, including a cross-sell client and 2 upsells, reflecting continued progress on its enterprise client land and expand strategy. Nasdaq Verafin added 46 new small-and-medium bank clients in the second quarter. The business also signed its first proof of concept project with a European Tier 1 bank as part of its international expansion strategy.
      • Regulatory Technology’s success with new client wins and upsells driving growth. AxiomSL signed a new client and a cross-sell. The business accelerated its momentum with existing clients in the second quarter with 34 upsells, including the renewal of a large bank. Surveillance signed 6 new clients in the quarter, including 2 market operators and a European regulator, as well as 3 cross-sells. The business closed 33 upsells in the quarter, including a strategic upsell to a large European bank.
      • Solid momentum in Capital Markets Technology. Second quarter client demand was robust, supported by the ongoing market modernization mega trend. Calypso signed 2 new clients, 37 upsells, and a cross-sell. Market Technology secured 2 new clients, 24 upsells, and a cross-sell. In the second quarter, the business signed 3 clients to its fourth-generation marketplace technology platform, Nasdaq Eqlipse, including 2 fully managed services mandates where Nasdaq hosts and manages the clients’ entire trading environment and one AWS-hosted SaaS deployment.
    • Index ETP assets under management reached record levels and surpassed $700 billion at quarter-end. In the second quarter, Index had $20 billion in net inflows. ETP AUM was $745 billion at quarter-end, an all-time high. Nasdaq launched 33 new Index products in the second quarter, including 21 international products, 12 products in partnership with new Index clients, and 7 in the institutional insurance annuity space. Nasdaq and CME Group signed an extension through 2039 of CME Group’s exclusive license contract to offer futures and options on futures based on the Nasdaq-100 and other Nasdaq indexes, reflecting the companies’ shared commitment to delivering value through trusted benchmark products.
    • Nasdaq extended its listing leadership to 46 consecutive quarters. Nasdaq had the highest number of first half listings since 2021. New listings in the first half included 83 operating companies that raised more than $8 billion in total proceeds, contributing to a 81% win rate for eligible operating company listings. In the second quarter, the company welcomed 38 U.S. operating company IPOs that raised more than $3.5 billion in proceeds with a 79% win rate. Nasdaq maintained momentum in its switch program, attracting nearly $50 billion in market value in the second quarter and over $270 billion year-to-date, including Shopify, Thomson Reuters, and Kimberly Clark.
    • Market Services delivered record net revenue with record cash equities and derivatives revenue in the U.S. Nasdaq’s exchanges achieved record U.S. cash equities volumes in a quarter in which the industry achieved record volumes. During the Russell reconstitution, Nasdaq’s Closing Cross successfully executed 2.5 billion shares in 0.871 seconds across Nasdaq-listed securities that represented a record $102.5 billion dollars in notional value. Extending the first quarter’s trend, Nasdaq’s North American markets continued to experience exceptional message traffic in the second quarter, reaching a new record of more than 560 billion messages7 in a day. Nasdaq’s European equities business achieved sequential market share improvement in an elevated volume environment.
    • Nasdaq continues to execute on its 2025 strategic priorities — Integrate, Innovate, Accelerate — positioning the company to capitalize on opportunities for sustainable, scalable, and resilient growth.
      • Integrate – Nasdaq is on track to action its $140 million expanded net expense efficiency program by year-end, with approximately $130 million actioned as of the end of the second quarter. In the second quarter, Nasdaq surpassed the 3.3x gross leverage milestone that was set following the Adenza acquisition, achieving this milestone 16 months ahead of plan.
      • Innovate – Nasdaq continues to focus on innovating across the business. In July, Nasdaq Verafin announced the launch of its Agentic AI workforce. This suite of digital workers, now in beta testing, has the potential to address the most resource intensive anti-money laundering workflows. For example, when onboarded into a bank’s alert triage workflow, the Digital Sanctions Analyst automates the screening, documentation and acknowledgement processes, reducing alert review workload requiring human intervention by more than 80%. Beyond AI, Calypso announced a proof of concept that expands its industry-leading collateral management capabilities with digital assets. The use case demonstrates Nasdaq’s ability to integrate on-chain capabilities and help financial institutions manage collateral across asset classes in a more dynamic and efficient manner. Nasdaq became the exclusive distributor of Nasdaq Private Market’s Tape D(R) API in the second quarter to deliver real-time private market data and valuation insights to investors.
      • Accelerate – Nasdaq continued to deliver on its One Nasdaq strategy driving 7 cross-sell wins across Financial Technology in the quarter for a total of 26 cross-sells since the Adenza acquisition. Nasdaq remains on track to surpass $100 million in run-rate revenue from cross-sells by the end of 2027. At the end of the second quarter, cross-sells continued to account for over 15% of Financial Technology’s sales pipeline.

    ____________
    1 Represents revenue less transaction-based expenses.
    2 Adjusted and organic change for 2Q25 as compared to 2Q24 are equivalent as they include the same period over period adjustments. These changes are calculated by (i) removing the impact of period over period changes in foreign currency exchange rates (ii) adjusting for the impact of a divestiture and (iii) adjusting for the impact of AxiomSL on-premises contracts for ratable recognition for 2Q24, which was immaterial during that period. As it relates to ARR, organic changes only exclude the impacts of period over period changes in foreign currency exchange rates and a divestiture as the AxiomSL ratable recognition adjustment had no impact on ARR. Adjusted operating results also exclude the impact of the previously announced one-time revenue benefit in our Index business in 1Q24 ($16 million), which did not have an impact on our 2Q25 period over period change but does have an impact on year to date period over period results.
    3 Constitutes revenue from our Capital Access Platforms and Financial Technology segments.
    4 Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) for a given period is the current annualized value derived from subscription contracts with a defined contract value. This excludes contracts that are not recurring, are one-time in nature or where the contract value fluctuates based on defined metrics. ARR is currently one of our key performance metrics to assess the health and trajectory of our recurring business. ARR does not have any standardized definition and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue and is not intended to be combined with or to replace either of those items. For AxiomSL and Calypso recurring revenue contracts, the amount included in ARR is consistent with the amount that we invoice the customer during the current period. Additionally, for AxiomSL and Calypso recurring revenue contracts that include annual values that increase over time, we include in ARR only the annualized value of components of the contract that are considered active as of the date of the ARR calculation. We do not include the future committed increases in the contract value as of the date of the ARR calculation. ARR is not a forecast and the active contracts at the end of a reporting period used in calculating ARR may or may not be extended or renewed by our customers.
    5 Refer to our reconciliations of U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP net income attributable to Nasdaq, diluted earnings per share, operating income, operating expenses and organic impacts included in the attached schedules.
    6 U.S. GAAP operating expense and tax rate guidance are not provided due to the inherent difficulty in quantifying certain amounts due to a variety of factors including the unpredictability in the movement in foreign currency rates, as well as future charges or reversals outside of the normal course of business.
    7 Message count represents the number of records across Nasdaq’s U.S. options, U.S. and Canadian equities markets, trade reporting facilities, and bond exchange that are recorded into Nasdaq’s data warehouse on a daily basis.

    ABOUT NASDAQ

    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

    NON-GAAP INFORMATION

    In addition to disclosing results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Nasdaq also discloses certain non-GAAP results of operations, including, but not limited to, non-GAAP net income attributable to Nasdaq, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, non-GAAP operating income, and non-GAAP operating expenses, that include certain adjustments or exclude certain charges and gains that are described in the reconciliation tables of U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP information provided at the end of this release. Management uses this non-GAAP information internally, along with U.S. GAAP information, in evaluating our performance and in making financial and operational decisions. We believe our presentation of these measures provides investors with greater transparency and supplemental data relating to our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we believe the presentation of these measures is useful to investors for period-to-period comparisons of results as the items described below in the reconciliation tables do not reflect ongoing operating performance.

    These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, U.S. GAAP, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate such measures differently, which reduces their usefulness as a comparative measure. Investors should not rely on any single financial measure when evaluating our business. This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant as a substitute for our operating results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We recommend investors review the U.S. GAAP financial measures included in this earnings release. When viewed in conjunction with our U.S. GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliations, we believe these non-GAAP measures provide greater transparency and a more complete understanding of factors affecting our business than U.S. GAAP measures alone.

    We understand that analysts and investors regularly rely on non-GAAP financial measures, such as those noted above, to assess operating performance. We use these measures because they highlight trends more clearly in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on U.S. GAAP financial measures, since these measures eliminate from our results specific financial items that have less bearing on our ongoing operating performance.

    Organic revenue and expense growth, organic change and organic impact are non-GAAP measures that reflect adjustments for: (i) the impact of period over period changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and (ii) the revenue, expenses and operating income associated with acquisitions and divestitures for the twelve month period following the date of the acquisition or divestiture and (iii) the impact of AxiomSL on-premises contracts for ratable recognition in comparable periods to align with current period presentation. Reconciliations of these measures are described within the body of this release or in the reconciliation tables at the end of this release.

    Foreign exchange impact: In countries with currencies other than the U.S. dollar, revenue and expenses are translated using monthly average exchange rates. Certain discussions in this release isolate the impact of year-over-year foreign currency fluctuations to better measure the comparability of operating results between periods. Operating results excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations are calculated by translating the current period’s results by the prior period’s exchange rates.

    Restructuring programs: In the fourth quarter of 2023, following the closing of the Adenza acquisition, our management approved, committed to and initiated a restructuring program to optimize our efficiencies as a combined organization. We further expanded this program in the fourth quarter of 2024 to accelerate our momentum and further optimize our efficiencies (efficiency program). We have incurred costs principally related to employee-related costs, contract terminations, asset impairments and other related costs and expect to incur additional costs in these areas in an effort to accelerate efficiencies through location strategy and enhanced AI capabilities. Actions taken as part of this program will be complete by the end of 2025, while certain costs may be recognized in the first half of 2026. We expect to achieve benefits primarily in the form of expense synergies. In October 2022, following our September announcement to realign our segments and leadership, we initiated a divisional realignment program with a focus on realizing the full potential of this structure. As of September 30, 2024, we completed our divisional realignment program. Costs related to the Adenza restructuring and the divisional realignment programs are recorded as “restructuring charges” in our condensed consolidated statements of income. We exclude charges associated with these programs for purposes of calculating non-GAAP measures as they are not reflective of ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Nasdaq’s performance between periods.

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) projections relating to our future financial results, total shareholder returns, growth, dividend program, trading volumes, products and services, ability to transition to new business models, taxes and achievement of synergy targets, (ii) statements about the closing or implementation dates and benefits of certain acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic, restructuring, technology, de-leveraging and capital allocation initiatives, (iii) statements about our integrations of our recent acquisitions, (iv) statements relating to any litigation or regulatory or government investigation or action to which we are or could become a party, and (v) other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, Nasdaq’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, geopolitical instability, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition. Further information on these and other factors are detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    WEBSITE DISCLOSURE

    Nasdaq intends to use its website, https://ir.nasdaq.com/, as a means for disclosing material non-public information and for complying with SEC Regulation FD and other disclosure obligations.

    Media Relations Contact:

    David Lurie
    +1.914.538.0533
    David.Lurie@Nasdaq.com

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Ato Garrett
    +1.212.401.8737
    Ato.Garrett@Nasdaq.com

    -NDAQF-

    Nasdaq, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (in millions, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)
               
      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
        2025       2024       2025       2024  
                     
    Revenues:              
    Capital Access Platforms $ 527     $ 481     $ 1,042     $ 960  
    Financial Technology   464       420       896       813  
    Market Services   1,090       883       2,224       1,678  
    Other Revenues   9       8       18       18  
      Total revenues   2,090       1,792       4,180       3,469  
    Transaction-based expenses:              
    Transaction rebates   (629 )     (483 )     (1,208 )     (965 )
    Brokerage, clearance and exchange fees   (155 )     (150 )     (429 )     (227 )
    Revenues less transaction-based expenses   1,306       1,159       2,543       2,277  
                   
    Operating Expenses:              
    Compensation and benefits   352       328       681       669  
    Professional and contract services   39       39       75       72  
    Technology and communication infrastructure   79       69       156       135  
    Occupancy   30       27       58       56  
    General, administrative and other   23       30       29       58  
    Marketing and advertising   14       12       28       23  
    Depreciation and amortization   158       153       313       308  
    Regulatory   14       18       29       28  
    Merger and strategic initiatives   20       4       44       13  
    Restructuring charges   9       56       15       82  
      Total operating expenses   738       736       1,428       1,444  
    Operating income   568       423       1,115       833  
    Interest income   12       6       24       12  
    Interest expense   (95 )     (102 )     (192 )     (211 )
    Net gain on divestitures   39             39        
    Other income   1       12             13  
    Net income from unconsolidated investees   23       2       50       6  
    Income before income taxes   548       341       1,036       653  
    Income tax provision   96       119       190       198  
    Net income   452       222       846       455  
    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests               1       1  
    Net income attributable to Nasdaq $ 452     $ 222     $ 847     $ 456  
                   
    Per share information:              
    Basic earnings per share $ 0.79     $ 0.39     $ 1.47     $ 0.79  
    Diluted earnings per share $ 0.78     $ 0.38     $ 1.46     $ 0.79  
    Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.27     $ 0.24     $ 0.51     $ 0.46  
                   
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding              
    for earnings per share:              
    Basic   574.1       576.4       574.6       575.9  
    Diluted   579.0       579.0       579.5       578.9  
                     
    Nasdaq, Inc.
    Revenue Detail
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
                     
            Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
            June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
              2025       2024       2025       2024  
                         
    CAPITAL ACCESS PLATFORMS              
      Data and Listing Services revenues $ 198     $ 187     $ 391     $ 372  
      Index revenues   196       167       388       336  
      Workflow and Insights revenues   133       127       263       252  
        Total Capital Access Platforms revenues   527       481       1,042       960  
                         
    FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY              
      Financial Crime Management Technology revenues   81       67       157       131  
      Regulatory Technology revenues   104       95       206       186  
      Capital Markets Technology revenues   279       258       533       496  
        Total Financial Technology revenues   464       420       896       813  
                         
    MARKET SERVICES              
      Market Services revenues   1,090       883       2,224       1,678  
      Transaction-based expenses:              
          Transaction rebates   (629 )     (483 )     (1,208 )     (965 )
          Brokerage, clearance and exchange fees   (155 )     (150 )     (429 )     (227 )
        Total Market Services revenues, net   306       250       587       486  
                         
    OTHER REVENUES   9       8       18       18  
                         
    REVENUES LESS TRANSACTION-BASED EXPENSES $ 1,306     $ 1,159     $ 2,543     $ 2,277  
                         
    Nasdaq, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in millions)
               
          June 30,   December 31,
            2025       2024  
    Assets   (unaudited)    
    Current assets:        
      Cash and cash equivalents   $ 732     $ 592  
      Restricted cash and cash equivalents     195       31  
      Default funds and margin deposits     5,218       5,664  
      Financial investments     84       184  
      Receivables, net     896       1,022  
      Other current assets     227       293  
    Total current assets     7,352       7,786  
    Property and equipment, net     656       593  
    Goodwill     14,328       13,957  
    Intangible assets, net     6,741       6,905  
    Operating lease assets     441       375  
    Other non-current assets     865       779  
    Total assets   $ 30,383     $ 30,395  
               
    Liabilities        
    Current liabilities:        
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 246     $ 269  
      Section 31 fees payable to SEC     411       319  
      Accrued personnel costs     280       325  
      Deferred revenue     848       711  
      Other current liabilities     154       215  
      Default funds and margin deposits     5,218       5,664  
      Short-term debt     500       399  
    Total current liabilities     7,657       7,902  
    Long-term debt     8,678       9,081  
    Deferred tax liabilities, net     1,540       1,594  
    Operating lease liabilities     453       388  
    Other non-current liabilities     237       230  
    Total liabilities     18,565       19,195  
             
    Commitments and contingencies        
    Equity        
    Nasdaq stockholders’ equity:        
      Common stock     6       6  
      Additional paid-in capital     5,425       5,530  
      Common stock in treasury, at cost     (706 )     (647 )
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (1,869 )     (2,099 )
      Retained earnings     8,955       8,401  
    Total Nasdaq stockholders’ equity     11,811       11,191  
      Noncontrolling interests     7       9  
    Total equity     11,818       11,200  
    Total liabilities and equity   $ 30,383     $ 30,395  
               
    Nasdaq, Inc.  
    Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to Nasdaq and Diluted Earnings Per Share  
    (in millions, except per share amounts)  
    (unaudited)  
                         
                     
           Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended  
          June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,  
            2025       2024       2025       2024    
                         
    U.S. GAAP net income attributable to Nasdaq   $ 452     $ 222     $ 847     $ 456    
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                  
      Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets (1)     122       122       243       244    
      Merger and strategic initiatives expense (2)     20       4       44       13    
      Restructuring charges (3)     9       56       15       82    
      Net gain on divestitures (4)     (39 )           (39 )        
      Net income from unconsolidated investees (5)     (23 )     (2 )     (50 )     (6 )  
      Gain on extinguishment of debt (6)                 (19 )        
      Legal and regulatory matters (7)     1       13       4       16    
      Pension settlement charge (8)                       23    
      Other loss (income) (9)     1       (10 )     1       (9 )  
      Total non-GAAP adjustments     91       183       199       363    
      Non-GAAP adjustment to the income tax provision (10)     (24 )     (41 )     (70 )     (88 )  
      Other tax adjustments (11)     (27 )     33       (27 )     33    
      Total non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax     40       175       102       308    
    Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nasdaq   $ 492     $ 397     $ 949     $ 764    
                         
    U.S. GAAP diluted earnings per share   $ 0.78     $ 0.38     $ 1.46     $ 0.79    
      Total adjustments from non-GAAP net income above     0.07       0.31       0.18       0.53    
    Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share   $ 0.85     $ 0.69     $ 1.64     $ 1.32    
                         
    Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding for earnings per share:     579.0       579.0       579.5       578.9    
                         
                         
    (1) We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense can vary from period to period due to episodic acquisitions completed, rather than from our ongoing business operations.  
    (2) We have pursued various strategic initiatives and completed acquisitions and divestitures in recent years that have resulted in expenses which would not have otherwise been incurred. These expenses generally include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence and other third-party transaction costs. The frequency and the amount of such expenses vary significantly based on the size, timing and complexity of the transaction. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, these costs included Adenza integration costs and other strategic initiative costs. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, these costs were partially offset by the recognition of a termination fee due to Nasdaq in the second quarter of 2024 related to the termination of the then proposed divestiture of our Nordic power futures business. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, these costs included a repayment of this fee due to the closing of the transaction with another buyer, as designated in the settlement agreement.  
    (3) For a description of our restructuring programs, see “Restructuring Programs” in the “Non-GAAP Information” section of this earnings release.  
    (4) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, we recorded pre-tax net gains on the sale of our Nordic power futures business and our Nasdaq Risk Modelling for Catastrophes business, which are included in net gain on divestitures in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  
    (5) We exclude our share of the earnings and losses of our equity method investments. This provides a more meaningful analysis of Nasdaq’s ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Nasdaq’s performance between periods.  
    (6) For the six months ended June 30, 2025, we recorded a gain on the extinguishment of debt. This gain is recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  
    (7) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, this includes accruals relating to certain legal matters, which are recorded in professional and contract services in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, these items primarily included the settlement of a Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority, or SFSA, fine, which is recorded in regulatory expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  
    (8) For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recorded a pre-tax charge as a result of settling our U.S. pension plan. The plan was terminated and partially settled in 2023, with final settlement occurring during the first quarter of 2024. The loss was recorded in compensation and benefits in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  
    (9) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, other items primarily include net gains from strategic investments entered into through our corporate venture program, which are included in other income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  
    (10) The non-GAAP adjustment to the income tax provision primarily includes the tax impact of each non-GAAP adjustment. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, this also includes a release of the prior year’s reserves following a favorable audit settlement.  
    (11) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, we recorded a tax benefit related to payments made to certain former Adenza employees. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, other tax adjustments also includes a one-time net tax expense of $33 million related to the completion of an intra-group transfer of certain IP assets to our U.S. headquarters.  
                         
    Nasdaq, Inc.  
    Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Income and Operating Margin  
    (in millions)  
    (unaudited)  
                     
           Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended  
          June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,  
            2025       2024       2025       2024    
                         
    U.S. GAAP operating income   $ 568     $ 423     $ 1,115     $ 833    
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                  
      Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets (1)     122       122       243       244    
      Merger and strategic initiatives expense (2)     20       4       44       13    
      Restructuring charges (3)     9       56       15       82    
      Gain on extinguishment of debt (4)                 (19 )        
      Legal and regulatory matters (5)     1       13       4       16    
      Pension settlement charge (6)                       23    
      Other loss     1       2       1       2    
      Total non-GAAP adjustments     153       197       288       380    
    Non-GAAP operating income   $ 721     $ 620     $ 1,403     $ 1,213    
                       
    Revenues less transaction-based expenses   $ 1,306     $ 1,159     $ 2,543     $ 2,277    
                         
    U.S. GAAP operating margin (7)     44 %     36 %     44 %     37 %  
                         
    Non-GAAP operating margin (8)     55 %     53 %     55 %     53 %  
                         
    Note: The current period percentages are calculated based on exact dollars, and therefore may not recalculate exactly using rounded numbers as presented in US$ millions.  
    (1) We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense can vary from period to period due to episodic acquisitions completed, rather than from our ongoing business operations.  
    (2) We have pursued various strategic initiatives and completed acquisitions and divestitures in recent years that have resulted in expenses which would not have otherwise been incurred. These expenses generally include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence and other third-party transaction costs. The frequency and the amount of such expenses vary significantly based on the size, timing and complexity of the transaction. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, these costs included Adenza integration costs and other strategic initiative costs. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, these costs were partially offset by the recognition of a termination fee due to Nasdaq in the second quarter of 2024 related to the termination of the then proposed divestiture of our Nordic power futures business. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, these costs included a repayment of this fee due to the closing of the transaction with another buyer, as designated in the settlement agreement.  
    (3) For a description of our restructuring programs, see “Restructuring Programs” in the “Non-GAAP Information” section of this earnings release.  
    (4) For the six months ended June 30, 2025, we recorded a gain on the extinguishment of debt. This gain is recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  
    (5) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, this includes accruals relating to certain legal matters, which are recorded in professional and contract services in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, these items primarily included the settlement of a SFSA fine, which is recorded in regulatory expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  
    (6) For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recorded a pre-tax charge as a result of settling our U.S. pension plan. The plan was terminated and partially settled in 2023, with final settlement occurring during the first quarter of 2024. The loss was recorded in compensation and benefits in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  
    (7) U.S. GAAP operating margin equals U.S. GAAP operating income divided by revenues less transaction-based expenses.  
    (8) Non-GAAP operating margin equals non-GAAP operating income divided by revenues less transaction-based expenses.  
                         
    Nasdaq, Inc.
    Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Expenses
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
                   
           Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
          June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
            2025       2024       2025       2024  
                       
    U.S. GAAP operating expenses   $ 738     $ 736     $ 1,428     $ 1,444  
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                
      Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets (1)     (122 )     (122 )     (243 )     (244 )
      Merger and strategic initiatives expense (2)     (20 )     (4 )     (44 )     (13 )
      Restructuring charges (3)     (9 )     (56 )     (15 )     (82 )
      Gain on extinguishment of debt (4)                 19        
      Legal and regulatory matters (5)     (1 )     (13 )     (4 )     (16 )
      Pension settlement charge (6)                       (23 )
      Other loss     (1 )     (2 )     (1 )     (2 )
      Total non-GAAP adjustments     (153 )     (197 )     (288 )     (380 )
    Non-GAAP operating expenses   $ 585     $ 539     $ 1,140     $ 1,064  
                       
                       
    (1) We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense can vary from period to period due to episodic acquisitions completed, rather than from our ongoing business operations.
    (2) We have pursued various strategic initiatives and completed acquisitions and divestitures in recent years that have resulted in expenses which would not have otherwise been incurred. These expenses generally include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence and other third-party transaction costs. The frequency and the amount of such expenses vary significantly based on the size, timing and complexity of the transaction. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, these costs included Adenza integration costs and other strategic initiative costs. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, these costs were partially offset by the recognition of a termination fee due to Nasdaq in the second quarter of 2024 related to the termination of the then proposed divestiture of our Nordic power futures business. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, these costs included a repayment of this fee due to the closing of the transaction with another buyer, as designated in the settlement agreement.
    (3) For a description of our restructuring programs, see “Restructuring Programs” in the “Non-GAAP Information” section of this earnings release.
    (4) For the six months ended June 30, 2025, we recorded a gain on the extinguishment of debt. This gain is recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
    (5) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, this includes accruals relating to certain legal matters, which are recorded in professional and contract services in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, these items primarily included the settlement of a SFSA fine, which is recorded in regulatory expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
    (6) For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recorded a pre-tax charge as a result of settling our U.S. pension plan. The plan was terminated and partially settled in 2023, with final settlement occurring during the first quarter of 2024. The loss was recorded in compensation and benefits in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
                       
    Nasdaq, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Organic Impacts for Revenues less transaction-based expenses, Non-GAAP Operating Expenses,
    Non-GAAP Operating Income, and Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share
    (in millions, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)
                                   
                                   
      Three Months Ended   Total Variance   Other Impacts (1)   Adjusted/Organic
    Impact
    (2)
      June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024   $   %   $   %   $   %
    CAPITAL ACCESS PLATFORMS                              
    Data and Listing Services revenues $ 198   $ 187   $ 11   6 %   $ 3   2 %   $ 8   5 %
    Index revenues   196     167     29   17 %       %     29   17 %
    Workflow and Insights revenues   133     127     6   5 %     1   1 %     5   5 %
    Total Capital Access Platforms revenues   527     481     46   10 %     4   1 %     42   9 %
                                   
    FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY                              
    Financial Crime Management Technology revenues   81     67     14   20 %       %     14   20 %
    Regulatory Technology revenues   104     95     9   10 %       (1 )%     9   11 %
    Capital Markets Technology revenues   279     258     21   8 %       %     21   8 %
    Total Financial Technology revenues   464     420     44   10 %       %     44   10 %
                                   
    Solutions revenues (3)   991     901     90   10 %     4   %     86   10 %
                                   
    Market Services, net revenues   306     250     56   22 %     4   2 %     52   21 %
                                   
    Other revenues   9     8     1   5 %       3 %     1   1 %
                                   
    Revenues less transaction-based expenses $ 1,306   $ 1,159   $ 147   13 %   $ 8   1 %   $ 139   12 %
                                   
    Non-GAAP Operating Expenses $ 585   $ 539   $ 46   9 %   $ 5   1 %   $ 41   8 %
                                   
    Non-GAAP Operating Income $ 721   $ 620   $ 101   16 %   $ 3   1 %   $ 98   16 %
                                   
    Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share $ 0.85   $ 0.69   $ 0.16   24 %   $   %   $ 0.16   24 %
                                   
                                   
    Note: The current period percentages are calculated based on exact dollars, and therefore may not recalculate exactly using rounded numbers as presented in US$ millions. The sum of the percentage changes may not tie to the percentage change in total variance due to rounding.
    (1) Reflects the impacts from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the impact of a divestiture within Capital Markets Technology.
    (2) Adjusted and organic period over period change are calculated by (i) removing the impact of period-over-period changes in foreign currency exchange rates (ii) adjusting for the impact of a divestiture and (iii) adjusting for the impact of AxiomSL on-premises contracts for ratable recognition for 2Q24, which was immaterial during that period. Adjusted operating results also exclude the impact of the previously announced one-time revenue benefit in our Index business in 1Q24 ($16 million), which did not have an impact on our 2Q25 period over period change but does have an impact on year to date period over period results. Adjusted and organic changes are equivalent as they include the same period over period adjustments.
    (3) Represents Capital Access Platforms and Financial Technology segments.
                                   
    Nasdaq, Inc.
    Key Drivers Detail
    (unaudited)
                     
        Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
        June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
          2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Capital Access Platforms              
      Annualized recurring revenues (in millions) (1) $ 1,315     $ 1,226     $ 1,315     $ 1,226  
      Initial public offerings              
      The Nasdaq Stock Market (2)   79       39       142       66  
      Exchanges that comprise Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic   6       5       10       6  
      Total new listings              
      The Nasdaq Stock Market (2)   194       84       364       163  
      Exchanges that comprise Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic (3)   6       10       15       12  
      Number of listed companies              
      The Nasdaq Stock Market (4)   4,238       4,004       4,238       4,004  
      Exchanges that comprise Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic (5)   1,148       1,198       1,148       1,198  
      Index              
      Number of licensed exchange traded products (6)   422       373       422       373  
      Period end ETP assets under management (AUM) tracking Nasdaq indexes (in billions) $ 745     $ 569     $ 745     $ 569  
      Total average ETP AUM tracking Nasdaq indexes (in billions) $ 663     $ 531     $ 662     $ 512  
      TTM (7) net inflows ETP AUM tracking Nasdaq indexes (in billions) $ 88     $ 53     $ 88     $ 53  
      TTM (7) net appreciation ETP AUM tracking Nasdaq indexes (in billions) $ 88     $ 115     $ 88     $ 115  
                     
    Financial Technology              
      Annualized recurring revenues (in millions) (1)              
      Financial Crime Management Technology $ 308     $ 258     $ 308     $ 258  
      Regulatory Technology   376       338       376       338  
      Capital Markets Technology   932       846       932       846  
      Total Financial Technology $ 1,616     $ 1,442     $ 1,616     $ 1,442  
                     
    Market Services              
      Equity Derivative Trading and Clearing              
      U.S. equity options              
      Total industry average daily volume (in millions)   52.5       42.1       53.0       42.7  
      Nasdaq PHLX matched market share   9.6 %     9.9 %     9.4 %     10.1 %
      The Nasdaq Options Market matched market share   4.3 %     5.5 %     4.7 %     5.4 %
      Nasdaq BX Options matched market share   1.7 %     2.3 %     1.7 %     2.3 %
      Nasdaq ISE Options matched market share   6.6 %     6.9 %     6.7 %     6.6 %
      Nasdaq GEMX Options matched market share   4.4 %     2.6 %     4.0 %     2.6 %
      Nasdaq MRX Options matched market share   2.8 %     2.1 %     2.8 %     2.3 %
      Total matched market share executed on Nasdaq’s exchanges   29.4 %     29.3 %     29.3 %     29.3 %
      Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic options and futures              
      Total average daily volume of options and futures contracts   223,450       251,677       240,133       246,527  
                     
      Cash Equity Trading              
      Total U.S.-listed securities              
      Total industry average daily share volume (in billions)   18.4       11.8       17.1       11.8  
      Matched share volume (in billions)   158.4       119.3       295.5       236.0  
      The Nasdaq Stock Market matched market share   13.5 %     15.6 %     13.8 %     15.7 %
      Nasdaq BX matched market share   0.3 %     0.3 %     0.3 %     0.3 %
      Nasdaq PSX matched market share   0.1 %     0.2 %     0.1 %     0.2 %
      Total matched market share executed on Nasdaq’s exchanges   13.9 %     16.1 %     14.2 %     16.2 %
      Market share reported to the FINRA/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Facility   47.7 %     42.9 %     47.9 %     42.2 %
      Total market share (8)   61.6 %     59.0 %     62.1 %     58.4 %
      Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic securities              
      Average daily number of equity trades executed on Nasdaq’s exchanges   804,121       663,897       796,426       665,183  
      Total average daily value of shares traded (in billions) $ 5.7     $ 4.7     $ 5.5     $ 4.7  
      Total market share executed on Nasdaq’s exchanges (9)   71.9 %     74.1 %     71.2 %     73.3 %
                     
                     
      (1) Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) for a given period is the current annualized value derived from subscription contracts with a defined contract value. This excludes contracts that are not recurring, are one-time in nature, or where the contract value fluctuates based on defined metrics. ARR is currently one of our key performance metrics to assess the health and trajectory of our recurring business. ARR does not have any standardized definition and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue and is not intended to be combined with or to replace either of those items. For AxiomSL and Calypso recurring revenue contracts, the amount included in ARR is consistent with the amount that we invoice the customer during the current period. Additionally, for AxiomSL and Calypso recurring revenue contracts that include annual values that increase over time, we include in ARR only the annualized value of components of the contract that are considered active as of the date of the ARR calculation. We do not include the future committed increases in the contract value as of the date of the ARR calculation. ARR is not a forecast and the active contracts at the end of a reporting period used in calculating ARR may or may not be extended or renewed by our customers.
      (2) New listings include IPOs, issuers that switched from other listing venues, closed-end funds and separately listed ETPs. For the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, IPOs included 41 and 8 SPACs, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, IPOs included 59 and 13 SPACs, respectively.
      (3) New listings include IPOs and represent companies listed on the Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic exchanges and companies on the alternative markets of Nasdaq First North.
      (4) Number of total listings on The Nasdaq Stock Market for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 included 914 and 645 ETPs, respectively.
      (5) Represents companies listed on the Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic exchanges and companies on the alternative markets of Nasdaq First North.
      (6) The number of listed ETPs as of June 30, 2024 has been updated to reflect a revised methodology whereby an ETP listed on multiple exchanges is counted as one product, rather than formerly being counted per exchange. This change had no impact on reported AUM.
      (7) Trailing 12-months.
      (8) Includes transactions executed on The Nasdaq Stock Market’s, Nasdaq BX’s and Nasdaq PSX’s systems plus trades reported through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Facility.
      (9) European cash equities markets include cash equities exchanges of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Minor adjustments to prior periods reflect data from a new consolidated data provider that accurately captures all primary trading venues and Multilateral Trading Facilities, or MTFs.
                     

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Xtract One Secures SmartGateway Contract with Global Performing Arts Company Famous for Live Entertainment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA)(OTCQX: XTRAF)(FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) today announced its SmartGateway screening solution has been chosen by a leading, global performing arts company, known for permanent and touring live entertainment, to amplify security for its shows. The initial deployment will support a number of the organization’s touring performances across dozens of venue locations beginning earlier in 2025. Further deployments are in planning for later in 2025 and into 2026.

    Following a thorough evaluation of available solutions and trial period with a single show with SmartGateway, the entertainment organization selected Xtract One for its enhanced weapons detection capabilities, streamlined entrance experience, flexibility and portability to address the dynamic and changing needs of a tour environment, and seamless integration into existing business security protocols. This deployment sets a new benchmark for safety and innovation in the entertainment industry, spanning live shows, multimedia productions, and immersive experiences. It also reinforces Xtract One’s position as a leader in providing outstanding guest experience, operational simplicity and flexibility, and a solution that can deliver against a globally diverse set of security needs.

    “In the world of live entertainment, brand experience is a key priority. These are immersive experiences where the first brand moment occurs at the entry to the venue. Well executed security changes the security guard to the first brand ambassador that a guest encounters, and their first brand experience” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “We’re proud to be working with another major player in the entertainment field, delivering next-generation security solutions that meet the demands of large-scale complex events in a myriad of deployment applications. These deployments demonstrate an exciting opportunity to combine our technological expertise with their creative vision, ensuring safe, seamless experiences for all audience members throughout the world.”

    SmartGateway revolutionizes security by delivering fast, reliable, and accurate patron screening for high-throughput venues. This concealed weapons detection solution discreetly scans individuals for weapons and prohibited items upon entry by leveraging AI-powered sensors that detect threats without the need for patrons to remove personal items. The advanced system replaces intimidating and traditional metal detectors to ensure that patron privacy and comfort are not compromised, all while maximizing security screening efforts. The Company’s Multi-Sensor Gateway portfolio has been awarded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security DHS SAFETY Act Designation as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT), highlighting the efficacy of Xtract One’s innovative security solutions in safeguarding public spaces against modern threats.

    To learn more, visit www.xtractone.com.

    About Xtract One
    Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven provider of threat detection and security solutions leveraging AI to deliver seamless and secure experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that enable facility operators to prioritize and deliver improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while providing unprecedented safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

    About Threat Detection Systems
    Xtract One solutions, when properly configured, deployed, and utilized, are designed to help enhance safety and reduce threats. Given the wide range of potential threats in today’s world, no threat detection system is 100% effective. Xtract One solutions should be utilized as one element in a multilayered approach to physical security.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.

    For further information, please contact:
    Xtract One Inquiries: info@xtractone.com, http://www.xtractone.com
    Investor Relations: Chris Witty, Darrow Associates, cwitty@darrowir.com, 646-438-9385
    Media Contact: Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations, kristen@jmgpr.com, 212-206-1645

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: At UN conference states must prioritize ending Israel’s genocide, unlawful occupation and apartheid

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The high-level UN conference to discuss a peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and implementation of the two-state solution next week must be centered around the immediate and effective application of international law, including states’ obligations to prevent and punish genocide and apartheid and end Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory, said Amnesty International in an advocacy briefing published today.

    The briefing outlines a series of recommendations for states to take meaningful action and exert the necessary pressure on Israel to end its ongoing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, lift the inhumane humanitarian blockade and dismantle its unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territory and its system of apartheid imposed on all Palestinians whose rights it controls.

    “If the ministers gathering in New York next week are truly committed to forging just, comprehensive and lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, the first priority must be to take concrete action to end Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and its unlawful military occupation of Palestinian territory, which has fuelled mass violations against Palestinians and enabled and entrenched Israel’s cruel system of apartheid,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

    The current catastrophic crisis created by Israel in Gaza is unbearable, and states must act with urgency and resolve. Statements, condemnation and limited state actions are failing to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law.

    States must be unequivocal: Israel is not above the law and accountability is a priority.

    Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard

    “Genuine and meaningful action by states must begin, first and foremost, with the demand for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, as well as the lifting of Israel’s illegal blockade. Without these fundamental urgent steps, any process aimed at addressing the future of Palestinians lacks credibility. How such process be considered meaningful when Palestinians are being slaughtered, starved and forcibly displaced into ever-shrinking pockets of land on a daily basis?”

    Among the recommendations, Amnesty International is urgently calling on states to:

    • Demand an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, ensure full, unimpeded access to all areas of Gaza and firmly reject Israel’s military-controlled, non-neutral aid distribution model. A principled, UN-led humanitarian response must be immediately restored, and funding for impartial humanitarian organizations must be maintained and expanded.
    • End any trade or transfers that contribute to or are linked to the genocide, apartheid or the unlawful occupation. This includes in the first place banning all weapons and surveillance equipment transfers and any military assistance to Israel. States must end preferential trade agreements and cooperation deals with Israel, including the EU-Israel Trade Agreement.
    • Adopt targeted sanctions against those Israeli officials most implicated in international crimes and cooperate with the International Criminal Court, including by implementing its arrest warrants.
    • Commit to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the rehabilitation of its people while opposing any forced displacement of Palestinians within or outside of Gaza.
    • Establish mechanisms for reparations and rehabilitation of Palestinians, with Israel bearing the primary financial responsibility.

    Amnesty International calls also on corporations to refuse any involvement in, or direct linkage to Israel’s unlawful actions. Corporations must ensure that they are not contributing to serious human rights violations themselves.

    The organization also calls on civil society and the public at large to continue mobilizing and campaigning to demand that states abide by their legal obligations under international law and denounce companies, banks and other economic actors that contribute to or are directly linked to Israel’s violations of international law, and demand that they stop.

    “States must be unequivocal: Israel is not above the law and accountability is a priority. They must seize the opportunity presented by this conference to end their active or tacit support for Israeli violations or their self-imposed inertia. The conference must lead to a clear commitment by all states to suspend all economic activity that contributes to or is directly linked to Israel’s illegal occupation, its system of apartheid or its genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza,” said Agnès Callamard.

    “With the very survival of Palestinians at stake, there’s no time to waste with false promises or platitudes. As people continue to take to the streets to demand global action and as more and more states are recognizing Israel’s genocide for what it is, an empty, performative exercise would not be just tone-deaf, it would be unconscionable. For this conference to be anything more than a charade, states must heed our calls. They must turn words into action that is firmly rooted in international law and protection of human rights.”

    Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution will take place in New York from 28 to 29 July 2025. Agnès Callamard and other Amnesty International spokespeople will be available for interviews.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Summary table of proposals and comments on the draft Bank of Russia instruction

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Public discussion

    Draft regulatory documents of the Bank of Russia for public discussion

    Summary table of proposals and comments on the draft Bank of Russia instruction “On Amendments to Bank of Russia Instruction dated April 10, 2023 No. 6406-U”

    Draft regulation of the Bank of Russia “On the requirements for targeted internal control rules to combat the legalization (laundering) of proceeds from crime, the financing of terrorism, extremist activity and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, on the qualification requirements for special officials responsible for the implementation of targeted internal control rules to combat the legalization (laundering) of proceeds from crime, the financing of terrorism, extremist activity and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and on the procedure for informing organizations carrying out transactions with funds or other property that are members of a banking group or banking holding company, on the introduction of the ban specified in Part Two of Article 13 of Federal Law No. 115-FZ of August 7, 2001 “On Combating the Legalization (Laundering) of Proceeds from Crime and the Financing of Terrorism”

    Draft Bank of Russia instruction “On the procedure for notification by a bank (other credit institution) of the opening or closing of an account, of a change in account details, of a change in account details in electronic form to the territorial body of the insurer”

    Draft Bank of Russia Instruction “On Amending Bank of Russia Instruction No. 3701-U of June 29, 2015 “On the Procedure for Sending Requests and Receiving Information from the Central Catalog of Credit Histories by Submitting a Request through a Notary”

    Draft Bank of Russia Instruction “On Amendments to Bank of Russia Instruction No. 135-I of April 2, 2010”

    Draft Bank of Russia Instruction “On the cases and procedure for partial redemption of investment units of a closed-end mutual investment fund without the owner of the investment units submitting a request for their redemption”

    Draft Bank of Russia Instruction “On Amendments to Bank of Russia Instruction No. 6568-U dated October 6, 2023”

    Summary table of comments and suggestions on the draft Bank of Russia instruction “On Amendments to Bank of Russia Instruction dated September 18, 2017 No. 4533-U”

    Summary table of comments, suggestions and questions on the draft Bank of Russia Instruction “On types of assets, characteristics of types of assets for which risk coefficient surcharges are established, and on the application of surcharges to the specified types of assets when credit institutions determine capital adequacy standards”

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 24 July 2025 Departmental update WHO and UNODC release landmark report on contaminated medicines, urging action to protect patients from preventable harm

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have jointly released a landmark report unveiling critical findings on the persistent and preventable threat of contaminated medicines which claimed the lives and compromised the health of countless patients, predominantly children, through the ingestion of medicines with dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals.

    Over the past 90 years, at least 25 documented incidents of excipient contamination have resulted in more than 1300 deaths worldwide, many of them children. These incidents occur often due to systemic vulnerabilities in the global supply chain of pharmaceutical excipients, and they have disproportionately affected people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where regulatory oversight and access to quality-assured medicines may be limited.

    Titled “Contaminated medicines and integrity of the pharmaceutical excipients supply chain”, the report highlights a tragic and ongoing public health crisis: the contamination of medicines with industrial-grade toxic chemicals, notably diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG).

    These substances are used as industrial solvents and antifreeze agents but can cause severe health issues and be fatal if ingested, even in small amounts, especially for children. They are often illegally substituted for pharmaceutical-grade excipients such as propylene glycol, glycerin, and sorbitol—ingredients used in the formulation of medicines, including cough and paracetamol syrups.

    Since October 2022, WHO has issued 7 Medical Product Alerts concerning multiple batches of contaminated liquid oral medicines, many of which were marketed for paediatric use and exported widely to LMIC. WHO also issued 2 Alerts concerning falsified bulk chemicals masquerading as pharmaceutical quality excipients.

    Following a particularly serious case in The Gambia, in which at least 66 children lost their lives, attention was once again focused on this issue. The case in The Gambia was quickly followed by similar incidents in Indonesia and Uzbekistan with a further 268 reported deaths and two further WHO Medical Product Alerts.

    Most of the recent cases involve inexpensive oral liquid medicines that can be bought without a prescription.  In most cases these medicines were marketed specifically for children and are registered medicines available in pharmacies, medicine stores or informal street markets.

    Key findings

    The report reveals how criminal networks exploit market volatility and regulatory gaps to introduce toxic substitutes into the supply chain. Key findings include:

    • The use of falsified labels and substitution of toxic chemicals for legitimate excipients such as propylene glycol.
    • The marketing of falsified excipients via online platforms, including e-commerce and social media.
    • A lack of regulatory oversight for manufacturers and distributors of high-risk excipients.
    • Deficiencies in post-market surveillance and enforcement mechanisms in both manufacturing and importing countries.
    • Intentional criminal conduct, including deliberate falsification of excipients and documentation, contributing directly to multiple contamination incidents.
    • Inadequate coordination and capacity among regulatory, customs and law enforcement authorities hindering timely investigations and prosecutions in some jurisdictions.

    Call to action

    The report calls for urgent global action to close regulatory gaps, strengthen oversight of excipient supply chains and protect all populations, especially the most vulnerable such as children, from preventable and deadly poisoning.

    WHO has long played a central and proactive role in preventing, detecting, and responding to substandard and falsified medical products. This report reinforces the critical importance of strong and effective medicines regulatory systems to ensure access to safe, effective and quality-assured products.

    Complementing this public health perspective, UNODC highlights the criminal dimension of the issue, documenting how organized criminal groups falsify documentation, substitute industrial-grade chemicals and exploit digital platforms to illegally infiltrate the global pharmaceutical supply chain with toxic and unregulated substances. Its contribution underscores the importance of criminal justice responses in parallel to regulatory action.

    The report underscores the need for:

    • Improved regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
    • Enhanced compliance by manufacturers and distributors.
    • Greater transparency and traceability in the excipient supply chain.
    • Stronger collaboration between health authorities, law enforcement and the private sector.
    • Closer collaboration and timely information exchange between regulatory authorities, law enforcement and customs to support investigations and prosecutions.
    • Greater enforcement of existing laws, including the application of sanctions in cases of critical non-compliance with regulations related to contaminated excipients.
    • Improved investigation quality and prosecutorial capacity to address intentional acts of contamination and falsification of pharmaceutical excipients.
    • Strengthened post-market surveillance mechanisms to detect and respond to incidents with potential criminal dimensions.
    • Enhanced legal and operational frameworks to address the deliberate falsification of labels, certificates of analysis and excipient composition.

    In many cases, contaminated medicines are the result of intentional criminal conduct. Addressing this threat requires coordinated efforts by all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, customs officials, prosecutors and anti-corruption bodies. The report calls for greater cross-border cooperation, investigative capacity and the use of international legal instruments such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).

    WHO and UNODC urge Member States, national regulatory authorities, criminal justice actors, law enforcement agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers and excipient distributors to take immediate decisive action to prevent further avoidable tragedies. Failure to act now risks condemning future generations of children to the same unacceptable and avoidable harms.

    A collaborative effort grounded in global partnership

    This report is the result of a collaborative effort involving national regulatory authorities (NRAs) and global health partners. Its development was made possible through the generous support of the Fleming Fund and the Gates Foundation.

    WHO and UNODC extend their sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to this important work, particularly the NRAs of The Gambia, Indonesia and Pakistan, whose experiences and insights were instrumental in shaping the report’s findings.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Alleged Chinese fugitive arrested in SA

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Thursday, July 24, 2025

    The International Criminal Police Organisation’s (INTERPOL) National Central Bureau (NCB) in Pretoria has arrested a 57-year-old Chinese fugitive, who is believed to be linked to a case of fraud reported in China.

    According to a preliminary report, INTERPOL circulated a Red Notice to all member countries to locate and provisionally arrest the Chinese national.

    This as wanted persons often flee to another country to evade their arrest.

    “The suspect reportedly applied for a visa at the United States of America Embassy in Sandton when his fugitive status was flagged, leading to his arrest on Tuesday, 22 July 2025,” said the police in a statement.

    The suspect made his first appearance in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 23 July 2025.

    The police said the INTERPOL NCB continues to record commendable successes in dismantling transnational crime syndicates and arresting international fugitives in the country. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Frankford-Based Drug Gang Sentenced to 75 Years in Prison for Killing Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, Kaseem Rogers, Tyrone Tyree, and Dontae Walker, and Additional Drug, Gun, and Violent Crimes

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

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Hassan Elliott, aka “Haz,” 26, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez to 900 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $2,500 for the fatal shootings of Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, Kaseem Rogers, Tyrone Tyree, and Dontae Walker, and numerous other crimes arising from the defendant’s membership in a violent drug trafficking organization known by several names, including “SG1700” and “L-Block,” which operated in the Frankford section of Northeast Philadelphia.

    Elliott, along with Khalif Sears, aka “Leaf” and “Lil Leaf,” 23, Kelvin Jimenez, aka “Nip,” 34, and Dominique Parker, aka “Dom,” 34, all of Philadelphia, were charged in March 2023 by superseding indictment with conspiracy to engage in a racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO), violent crimes in aid of racketeering, to include murder, stemming from the killings of victims Rogers, Walker, Tyree, and Sergeant O’Connor, and numerous related offenses.

    Elliott and Sears pleaded guilty this January to RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, causing the death of Sergeant O’Connor by firearm, and multiple drug, gun, and violent offenses.

    Jimenez and Parker were convicted at trial in March of all charges against them, including racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, maintaining a drug-involved premises, assaults in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and related crimes. Jimenez was also convicted of the murder of Kaseem Rogers, and Parker of the murder of Dontae Walker.

    On March 13, 2020, Elliott, Sears, and others previously indicted were inside a stash house on the 1600 block of Bridge Street, when Sergeant O’Connor and other members of the Philadelphia Police Department SWAT team arrived with an arrest warrant for Elliott for the March 2019 murder of Tyrone Tyree. As Sergeant O’Connor and his fellow officers ascended the staircase to the second floor of the residence and repeatedly announced their presence, Elliott fired a semiautomatic assault rifle 16 times, striking and killing Sergeant O’Connor.

    Sears, Parker, and Jimenez will be sentenced at a later date.

    “Hassan Elliott murdered a police officer who was protecting and serving his community,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Unfortunately, Philadelphia Police Department Sergeant James O’Connor is only one of many victims of SG1700’s rampage of violence. The punishment Mr. Elliott received today is justice for these outrageous crimes, and our efforts — past, present, and future — to prosecute anyone who harms law enforcement will forever honor the sacrifice of Sergeant O’Connor.”

    “Hassan Elliott is now facing justice for the murder of Sergeant O’Connor and his other victims,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division. “Criminal gang members can’t hide from the mayhem they inflict, especially when their violence turns against the law enforcement officers who protect our communities. Thanks to the diligent and meticulous work in partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Elliott and those who enabled him are being held accountable for these heinous crimes.”

    The case was investigated by the ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Martin, Christopher Diviny, and Lauren Stram.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: CONVICTED FELON CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

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

    PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jason Wayne Coleman, 41, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.

    Coleman appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida on July 22, 2025.

    Coleman faces a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment for each count.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI

  • Supreme Court stays Bombay HC verdict acquitting 12 accused in 2006 Mumbai train blasts case

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Supreme Court of India on Thursday stayed a Bombay High Court judgment that acquitted 12 men convicted in the 2006 Mumbai train bombings, after the Maharashtra government argued that the ruling could undermine ongoing cases under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

    The court made it clear that its order would not affect the release of the 12 men, all of whom had already been freed following their acquittal.

    A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and N. Kotiswar Singh also issued notices to all 12 acquitted individuals and sought their responses to the state’s appeal.

    Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Maharashtra government, told the court that the state was not seeking to reverse the release of the accused but was concerned about the broader implications of the High Court’s findings. Accepting the argument, the bench said the Bombay High Court’s ruling would not carry precedential value until further orders.

    The High Court, in its judgment delivered on July 21, had overturned the 2015 convictions of the 12 men by a special MCOCA court. Five of the accused had been sentenced to death and the rest to life imprisonment. The court found that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt, describing the investigation as flawed and marred by procedural lapses.

    Additionally, the court found serious issues with the reliability of eyewitness accounts.

    On July 11, 2006, seven bombs exploded in packed Mumbai local trains, bringing the city to a standstill within 11 minutes.

    The coordinated terror attack left 189 dead and over 800 injured.

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israel waging ‘horror show’ starvation campaign in Gaza, says UN chief

    This is Democracy Now!. I’m Amy Goodman.

    More than 100 humanitarian groups are demanding action to end Israel’s siege of Gaza, warning mass starvation is spreading across the Palestinian territory.

    The NGOs, including Amnesty International, Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders, warn, “illnesses like acute watery diarrhea are spreading, markets are empty, waste is piling up, and adults are collapsing on the streets from hunger and dehydration.”

    Their warning came as the Palestinian Ministry of Health said the number of starvation-related deaths has climbed to at least 111 people.

    This is Ghada al-Fayoumi, a displaced Palestinian mother of seven in Gaza City.

    GHADA AL-FAYOUMI: “[translated] My children wake up sick every day. What do I do? I get saline solution for them. What can I do?

    “There’s no food, no bread, no drinks, no rice, no sugar, no cooking oil, no bulgur, nothing. There is no kind of any food available to us at all.”

    AMY GOODMAN: Thousands of antiwar protesters marched on Tuesday in Tel Aviv outside Israel’s military headquarters, demanding an end to Israel’s assault and a lifting of the Gaza siege. This is Israeli peace activist Alon-Lee Green with the group Standing Together.

    ALON-LEE GREEN: “We are marching now in Tel Aviv, holding bags of flour and the pictures of these children that have been starved to death by our government and our army.

    “We demand to stop the starvation in Gaza. We demand to stop the annihilation of Gaza. We demand to stop the daily killing of children and innocent people in Gaza.

    “This cannot go on. We are Israelis, and this does not serve us. This only serves the Messianic people that lead us.”

    AMY GOODMAN: This comes as the World Health Organisation has released a video showing the Israeli military attacking WHO facilities in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah. A WHO spokesperson condemned the attack, called for the immediate release of a staff member abducted by Israeli forces.

    TARIK JAŠAREVIĆ: “Male staff and family members were handcuffed, stripped, interrogated on the spot and screened at gunpoint.

    “Two WHO staff and two family members were detained.”

    AMY GOODMAN: Meanwhile, health officials in Gaza say Israeli attacks over the past day killed more than 70 people, including five more people seeking food at militarised aid sites. Amid growing outrage worldwide, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday the situation in Gaza right now is a “horror show”.

    UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES: “We need look no further than the horror show in Gaza, with a level of death and destruction without parallel in recent times.

    “Malnourishment is soaring. Starvation is knocking on every door.”

    AMY GOODMAN: For more, we’re joined by Michael Fakhri, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. He is a professor of law at University of Oregon, where he leads the Food Resiliency Project.


    Israel waging ‘fastest starvation campaign’ in modern history    Video: Democracy Now!

    Dr Michael Fakhri, welcome back to Democracy Now! If you can respond to what’s happening right now, the images of dying infants starving to death, the numbers now at over 100, people dropping in the streets, reporters saying they can’t go on?

    Agence France-Presse’s union talked about they have had reporters killed in conflict, they have had reporters disappeared, injured, but they have not had this situation before with their reporters starving to death.

    DR MICHAEL FAKHRI: Amy, the word “horror” — I mean, we’re running out of words of what to say. And the reason it’s horrific is it was preventable. We saw this coming. We’ve seen this coming for 20 months.

    Israel announced its starvation campaign back in October 2023. And then again, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced on March 1 that nothing was to enter Gaza. And that’s what happened for 78 days. No food, no water, no fuel, no medicine entered Gaza.

    And then they built these militarised aid sites that are used to humiliate, weaken and kill the Palestinians. So, what makes this horrific is it has been preventable, it was predictable. And again, this is the fastest famine we’ve seen, the fastest starvation campaign we’ve seen in modern history.

    AMY GOODMAN: So, can you talk about what needs to be done at this point and the responsibility of the occupying power? Israel is occupying Gaza right now. What it means to have to protect the population it occupies?

    DR FAKHRI: The International Court of Justice outlined Israel’s duties in its decisions over the last year. So, what Israel has an obligation to do is, first, end its illegal occupation immediately. This came from the court itself.

    Second, it must allow humanitarian relief to enter with no restrictions. And this hasn’t been happening. So, usually, we would turn to the Security Council to authorise peacekeepers or something similar to assist.

    But predictably, again, the United States keeps vetoing anything to do with a ceasefire. When the Security Council is in a deadlock because of a veto, the General Assembly, the UN General Assembly, has the authority to call for peacekeepers to accompany humanitarian convoys to enter into Gaza and to end Israel’s starvation campaign against the Palestinian people.

    AMY GOODMAN: People actually protested outside the house of UN Secretary-General António Guterres yesterday. People protested all over the world yesterday against the Palestinians being starved and bombed to death. Those in front of the UN Secretary-General’s house said they don’t dispute that he has raised this issue almost every day, but they say he can do more.

    Finally, Michael Fakhri, what does the UN need to do — the US, Israel, the world?

    DR FAKHRI: So, as I mentioned, first and foremost, they can authorise peacekeepers to enter to stop the starvation. But, second, they need to create consequences.

    The world has a duty to prevent this starvation. The world has a duty to prevent and end this genocide. And as a result, then, what the world can do is impose sanctions.

    And again, this is supported by the International Court of Justice. The world needs to impose wide-scale sanctions against the state of Israel to force it to end the starvation and genocide of civilians, of Palestinian civilians in Gaza today.

    AMY GOODMAN: Well, I want to thank you so much for being with us, Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, speaking to us from Eugene, Oregon.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Several Amata-Cosponsored Bills Passed by Foreign Affairs Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting several bills she cosponsored that were passed Tuesday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) as part of a slate of a dozen bills, including Pacific issues and combating human trafficking.

    Congresswoman Amata during votes Tuesday in the Foreign Affairs Committee

    Congresswoman Amata is an original cosponsor of H.R. 4490, as introduced by Congressman Joquin Castro (D-TX). Notably in the Pacific region, this bill ensures important diplomatic rights and recognitions for the nations in the Pacific Islands Forum. Along with Congresswoman Amata, this key bipartisan bill is also cosponsored by Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) and Rep. Ed Case (D-HI). The bill’s full title is To amend the International Organizations Immunities Act to extend diplomatic privileges and immunities to certain additional international and regional organizations.

    Congresswoman Amata is a cosponsor of the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025, H.R. 1144. This bipartisan bill is led by Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ), who has served in Congress for 45 years and is widely recognized as Congress’s foremost human rights champion in his longtime legislative focus. The bill reauthorizes and updates the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, also led by Rep. Smith, which strengthened federal prosecutions and victim protections from either forced labor or sexual trafficking, created the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, and the Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, and boosted international cooperative efforts to combat trafficking.

    Amata also cosponsored the US-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act, H.R. 3429, introduced by Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA). Along with Congresswoman Amata, this bipartisan bill has the support of various Pacific coast colleagues including Rep. Case (D-HI), Rep. Young (R-CA), Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam), Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI), and several other senior Members. This bill creates a regular inter-parliamentary dialogue to facilitate closer cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea on shared interests and values.

    Finally, she is cosponsoring H.R. 4233, the ARMOR Act, under the full title the AUKUS Reform for Military Optimization and Review Act. Led by Rep. Young Kim, this bill updates and expedites provisions on defense trade and cooperation among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (known as AUKUS).

    “These are bills that work together to strengthen our Pacific region and promote cooperation among key allies and partners for mutual stability, security and prosperity,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “I’m especially pleased to cosponsor Chairman Smith’s ongoing work to combat trafficking, and I want to thank him for his dedication to this great moral cause. Thank you also to all my Pacific region colleagues supporting efforts that affect us in the Pacific.” 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • From Gujarat to global: How PM Modi’s diaspora diplomacy took root in the UK

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London on Wednesday, he was greeted by thunderous chants of “Modi Modi”, “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, and “Vande Mataram” from the Indian community — an emphatic reminder of a diplomatic tradition he initiated decades ago, long before rising to India’s highest political office.

    This growing emotional and strategic connect with the Indian diaspora has become a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy under PM Modi, especially during his second term.

    The foundations of this approach were laid as early as 1993, when Narendra Modi — then BJP’s General Secretary in Gujarat and an emerging national figure — made an impromptu stop in the UK on his return from the United States. Although the visit was unplanned and brief, Modi ensured he connected with the Indian diaspora in the UK. He visited media hubs like Sunrise Radio and the Gujarati newspaper Naya Padkar, interacted with families in Croydon and Hastings, engaged in informal conversations, rode the London Underground, and exchanged ideas with everyday Indians living in Britain.

    “The seeds planted then would quietly nourish India’s diaspora diplomacy for decades to come,” the Modi Archive said in a post on X, while sharing a timeline of the Prime Minister’s engagements in the UK.

    By 1999, when Modi had become a key national figure and the BJP’s global voice, he returned to the UK for a five-day visit in October, shortly after the BJP’s sweeping national electoral victory. Then serving as BJP’s National General Secretary, Modi had just delivered a stellar performance in Gujarat — winning 20 out of 26 Lok Sabha seats and expanding the party’s grassroots presence from 1,000 to over 16,000 village units between 1985 and 1995. This visit was highlighted by a landmark event at the Swaminarayan School in Neasden, organised by the Overseas Friends of BJP (UK). Despite a cold drizzle, the hall was packed.

    Notable attendees included Lord Navnit Dholakia, MP Barry Gardiner (Chairman of Labour Friends of India), and C.B. Patel, editor of Gujarat Samachar.

    “BJP stands for nationalism and patriotism,” Narendra Modi was quoted as saying by the Modi Archive.

    During this visit, he expanded on India’s democratic traditions, the NDA’s policy vision, and paid homage to Gandhian ideals — illustrating the BJP’s ideological clarity and moral purpose. He framed the BJP not just as a political force, but as a cultural and civilizational movement rooted in tradition, religion, modernity, and democracy. He further asserted that India’s democratic ethos is admired across the world.

    In addition, Modi was honoured by the Lohana Mahajan community, where he commended overseas Indians for serving as authentic ambassadors of Indian civilisation. He also paid a visit to 10 Downing Street during the trip.

    Modi’s emphasis on global awareness continued during another visit to the UK in 2000. In September that year, he stopped in London en route to the World Hindu Conference in the Caribbean and the UN Peace Summit in the US. At the time, he was about to assume the influential position of BJP General Secretary (Organisation), a role only two others had held since the Jana Sangh era.

    During this short visit, Modi met British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and engaged in serious discussions on political stability in Asia, India’s regional situation, and the growing threat of international terrorism. He also met with members of the Overseas Friends of BJP and held teleconferences with C.B. Patel, updating them on the state of affairs in Gujarat and national security efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.

    “Terrorism is an evil against humanity — whether in India, the Middle East, or Northern Ireland,” Modi said.

    It was a prescient warning that came a full year before the 9/11 attacks, at a time when much of the world had yet to perceive terrorism as a shared global menace.

    In August 2003, two years after the devastating Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat, Modi returned to the UK as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

    The purpose was to thank members of the Indian diaspora, many of whom had mobilised support, resources, and aid for the affected people.

    “You are all the real friends of Gujarat, and I have come to reciprocate the loyalty. We have slept in the street of death and today I have come to repay a debt of friendship to those who helped us in our hour of need,” Modi said, addressing thousands at the packed Wembley Conference Centre.

    He praised the diaspora not just for their financial contributions but for their deep emotional ties with India, calling them “the true friends of Gujarat”.

    During this visit, he also inaugurated the Shakti Hall at the Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice offices. True to his style, he spoke not just of the past, but also of the future.

    In a speech still fondly remembered by the editors of Asian Voice, Modi famously said, “IT is not Information Technology. IT is India Today. BT is not Biotechnology. It is Bharat Today. IT and IT equals IT. That means Information Technology and Indian Talent is India Tomorrow.”

    The visit also included a meeting with then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was in London at the time. Modi later met a delegation of political leaders and diaspora members on the South Bank of the River Thames, near Westminster Bridge, opposite the iconic Houses of Parliament.

    Even in 2011, when Gujarat marked its golden jubilee, he virtually brought the UK into the celebrations. He addressed a high-profile audience in Mayfair, London, through video conferencing while in Gandhinagar, stating, “The name Gujarat and development are synonymous. Gujarat is creating history.”

    The event, hosted by Friends of Gujarat, Gujarat Samachar, and Asian Voice, brought together 90 distinguished guests including British MPs, Lords, and community leaders. Among them was Lord Gulam Noon, who had a direct and lively exchange with Modi.

    He used the opportunity to share his vision for the future. He announced the construction of the Mahatma Mandir, a monumental tribute rising from the soil of 18,000 villages — and including ‘mitti’ sent by Gujaratis living abroad.

    “In this Golden Jubilee celebration, we have decided to build a Mahatma Mandir. We have collected earth from 18,000 villages in Gujarat to make this monument. We have also collected earth from abroad, especially the UK,” he said.

    The message was clear: for Narendra Modi, the diaspora has never been a passive audience.

    It has always been, and continues to be, an integral part of India’s journey — a partner in progress and a powerful force in shaping India’s global image.

    Now, as Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi continues to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions made by overseas Indians in deepening people-to-people ties and in promoting India’s image and influence across the globe.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand joins fight against cybercrime

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New Zealanders will be better protected from cybercrime following legislation passing third reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. 

    “11 per cent of New Zealanders were victims of fraud and cybercrime in 2024, and the National Cyber Security Centre estimates $1.6 billion was lost to online threats.

    “The emotional and financial harm caused by cybercrime is significant, and such a quickly evolving threat warrants a coordinated response.

    “The Budapest Convention, also known as the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime, is the only binding international treaty on cybercrime. 

    “It aligns member countries’ laws and makes it easier for them to cooperate on criminal investigations.

    “By joining the convention, we are signalling to the other like-minded countries that we take cybercrime seriously and we are prepared to do our part to eliminate it.

    “It will help our law enforcement agencies to protect New Zealanders, by providing the tools they need to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal offending, even when it happens online.”

    The Bill contains provisions to ensure our domestic laws meet the requirements of the Convention. These include;

    • New ‘preservation directions’ in the Search and Surveillance Act, to enable law enforcement agencies to require companies to preserve records that could be evidence of offending.
    • Amendments to the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act to enhance our ability to seek assistance from foreign countries for criminal investigations, and to provide assistance in return.

    Minor amendments to the Crimes Act to ensure offences related to cybercrime and the use of computers are comprehensive and fully align with the Convention.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Secures $49 Million for Louisiana in FY 2026 Appropriations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced that he successfully secured $49,102,00.00 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) in the first Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Appropriations bills advanced by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. These projects will support critical Louisiana priorities, from military construction and public safety to university research.
    “Whether it’s almost $1.4 million for Jefferson Parish to support criminal investigations, $500 thousand to the Northshore to address substance abuse and mental health issues, or multiple grants across the state to support first responders, this money works for the safety, security, and economic growth of Louisiana,” said Dr. Cassidy. Since taking office, Cassidy has emerged as one of the most effective U.S. Senators at directing federal dollars home to Louisiana, despite not serving on the Appropriations Committee. In FY2024, Roll Call reported that Cassidy was one of the top 20 senators in total funding secured for his state, and one of only five in that group who does not sit on the Appropriations Committee. That year, he secured a record $1.3 billion for Louisiana—the highest of any member of the state’s congressional delegation.
    See below for a list of the funding secured by Senator Cassidy.

    Funding Amount
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $30,000,000.00
    Fort Polk
    This funding will support construction of the Rotational Unit Billeting Area, Phase 1.

    $5,000,000.00
    University of Louisiana at Lafayette
    This funding will support purchase of equipment for the Silicon Bayou Semiconductor Technology Center.

    $4,000,000.00
    St. Bernard Parish
    This funding will support construction of a new fire station.

    $2,500,000.00
    Louisiana State University
    This funding will support LSU’s Electronic Microscopy Sight Initiative.

    $1,500,000.00
    City of Ruston Police Department
    This funding will support development of a Real Time Intelligence Crime Center.

    $1,395,000.00
    Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office
    This funding will support purchase of advanced forensic equipment.

    $1,350,000.00
    University of New Orleans
    This funding will support instrumentation upgrades in computing and chemical sciences.

    $1,250,000.00
    East Baton Rouge DA’s Office
    This funding will support the Gun Intelligence Center Program.

    $794,000.00
    West Monroe Police Department
    This funding will support purchase of safety equipment for officers.

    $500,000.00
    22nd Judicial District Court
    This funding will support specialty courts for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

    $300,000.00
    Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office
    This funding will support upgrades to local law enforcement services.

    $263,000.00
    Town of Farmerville
    This funding will support renovations to the fire department.

    $250,000.00
    Tensas Parish Police Jury
    This funding will support security equipment upgrades.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Muscatine Men Sentenced to Federal Prison Related to Events Surrounding Officer Involved Shooting

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

    DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Muscatine men were sentenced on July 22, 2025, to federal prison for drug and gun crimes, related to an officer involved shooting in Muscatine on May 29, 2024.

    According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, on May 29, 2024, Juan Aldo Beltran Delgado, 34, and Isidro Barajas, Jr., 30, drove to a residence in Muscatine, Iowa, to await the delivery of a package they expected to contain more than 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement observed Beltran Delgado and Barajas pick up the package from the residence and attempted to stop their vehicle. Beltran Delgado was driving the vehicle and drove over 100 miles per hour through Muscatine, drove through multiple red lights, attempting to evade law enforcement. Ultimately, Beltran Delgado crashed into two other vehicles near Highway 61 and Cedar Street. After crashing, both Beltran Delgado and Barajas fled from the car on foot carrying firearms. Officers arrived in the area and Beltran Delgado shot at officers. Officers were able to take both Beltran and Delgado and Barajas into custody.

    Beltran Delgado was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, following his plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and carrying and discharging a firearm during an in relation to his drug trafficking. Barajas was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison, followed by a ten-year term of supervised release, following his plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, carrying and displaying a firearm during an in relation to his drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Public Safety, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Muscatine Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, Muscatine County Drug Task Force, Johnson County Drug Taskforce, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: TALLAHASSEE MAN RECEIVES 42 MONTHS FOR POSSESSION OF A MACHINEGUN

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

    TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Artaviyon Cornel Williams, 24, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced in federal court for illegal possession of a machinegun. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our brave law enforcement officers are increasingly encountering violent criminals and seizing firearms that have been illegally modified to fire as fully automatic machineguns. My office is committed to staunchly supporting law enforcement efforts to keep our communities safe from violent criminals.”

    Court documents reflect that law enforcement obtained an arrest warrant for Williams for an aggravated assault that had occurred on June 28, 2024, outside the Table Lounge in Tallahassee. Witnesses advised Williams broke up a fight involving his girlfriend by brandishing a firearm, firing a round into the air, and pointing the firearm at one woman and telling her “I’ll kill you.” Officers located Williams on July 6, 2024, outside the Table Lounge and arrested him on the outstanding warrant. When arrested, Williams had a stolen Glock pistol in his waistband which had been illegally modified to fire as a machinegun. Williams had a second, loaded, extended-round magazine in a pocket.

    Williams received a sentence of 42 months in prison, which will be followed by three years of supervised release.

    “The Tallahassee Police Department remains committed to removing illegal firearms from our streets,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “Modifying a weapon to function as a machine gun is not only illegal, but also reckless and puts innocent lives at risk. We’re proud to work alongside our federal partners to ensure those who engage in this kind of violent behavior are held accountable.”

    The case involved an investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Markey, Rep. Khanna Introduce Legislation to Pause Sentinel Nuclear Missile Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Bill Text (PDF)

    Washington (July 23, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), along with Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), today introduced the Investing in Children Before Missiles (ICBM) Act of 2025, legislation that would redirect funding from the troubled Sentinel nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) program to the U.S. Department of Education.

    The Trump administration is planning to replace the current fleet of nuclear-armed Minuteman III ICBMs with a new fleet of Sentinel ICBMs. However, the Sentinel program is so over budget and behind schedule that the Department of Defense (DoD) was forced to complete a Nunn–McCurdy review last year that found that the cost of the program had skyrocketed to $141 billion, an 81 percent increase. Moreover, the Air Force recently announced the Sentinel program will likely require digging new missile silos, a move that would cause further significant cost increases and schedule delays. In response to Sentinel’s setbacks, DoD is restructuring the program and considering extending the life of the Minuteman III by 11 years, from 2039 to 2050.

    In addition, the Air Force recently announced its plans to pay for upgrades to President Trump’s gift jet from Qatar using excess Sentinel funds. This is yet more evidence that Sentinel funding is “excess to need” and that the program should be paused for one year while it is being restructured. Nevertheless, the Trump administration is seeking to double the budget for the Sentinel missile to $4.1 billion for fiscal year 2026.

    “The United States should invest in education, not annihilation,” said Senator Markey. “The ICBM Act makes clear that we will not continue to waste billions on nuclear weapons we do not need—and that actually make us less safe—when there are more important things to fund, like public education. The Sentinel program is 81 percent overbudget—we are literally throwing taxpayer dollars down the deepest money pit ever created. When you are in a hole, stop digging. The ICBM Act signals we intend to make the world safe from nuclear weapons and prioritize spending that improves lives, rather than endangering them.”

    “The Trump administration’s Sentinel program is $60 billion over budget and years behind schedule. We need to invest into Americans, not further increase wasteful defense spending. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Investing in Children Before Missiles Act of 2025 that will pause the Sentinel program, commission an independent review of existing missile capacity, and redirect funds saved into K-12 programs in low-income communities,” said Rep. Khanna.

    “While the world has changed significantly since I was a nuclear weapons policy analyst at the Pentagon and Congressional Budget Office, the costs associated with nuclear weapons have steadily increased,” said Senator Merkley. “The United States is currently spending billions of dollars on nuclear weapons programs with limited oversight and accountability. As cost overruns continue to mount, Congress must rein in out-of-control nuclear weapons spending and instead responsibly invest these dollars in the success of America’s future leaders: our children.”

    “Instead of sinking tens of billions of taxpayer dollars into propping up a relic of our outdated Cold War-era nuclear strategy – and raising the risk of global mass destruction – we can invest more in fostering greater opportunity for our next generation. The Investing in Children Before Missiles Act does just that – diverting taxpayer funds away from an increasingly expensive boondoggle and instead directing them toward ensuring every child receives a quality education, without compromising our national security. If there ever was an opportunity for greater government efficiency, this is it,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    The ICBM Act is endorsed by the Federation of American Scientists, Council for a Livable World, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Union of Concerned Scientists, Win Without War and United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society.

    “Whether you think nuclear weapons make us more secure or put us at grave risk, everyone can agree that programs should run on time and on budget, or close to it. The Sentinel program is tens of billions over budget and years behind schedule. This is a classic white elephant program – rushed into production before key milestones were reached. The ICBM program should be sent back to the drawing board. We can do much better things that make America safer, stronger and more prosperous with $200 billion,” said Jon Wolfsthal, Director of Global Risk, Federation of American Scientists and former special assistant to the President.

    “The Sentinel ICBM is completely unnecessary, wildly expensive, and so far behind schedule the Pentagon has only a vague idea of when it will be deployed. Given that ICBMs are vulnerable to attack, and therefore kept on hair trigger alert, they create pointless risk. UCS has long called for eliminating them entirely. Sentinel should be cancelled and existing ICBMs retired,” said Stephen Young, Associate Director, Government Affairs, Global Security Program, Union of Concerned Scientists.

    “The Sentinel ICBM program is a case study in waste, risk, and misplaced priorities. There is no justification for pouring billions more into new land-based nuclear missiles that increase the risk of accidental war. Instead of deepening our dependence on Cold War-era thinking, we should invest in the future our children deserve: strong public schools, climate resilience, and real security rooted in equity and care. We applaud Senator Markey and Representative Khanna for their leadership in stopping the dangerous and costly Sentinel program and redirecting those resources to what truly keeps our communities safe,” said Sara Haghdoosti, Executive Director of Win Without War.

    “In 2021, Sen. Markey and Rep. Khanna first introduced the ICBM Act to pause funding and work on the already-troubled Sentinel program. Since then, the Sentinel program has continued to raise alarm bells, including in 2024 when it violated the Nunn-McCurdy Act by being more than 30% over budget. Now, the more we learn about this program, the more problems we uncover about its exceptional cost — it is now at least 80% over budget — and inability to meet deadlines. These additional concerns even led the Air Force to talk about a further life-extension of the Minuteman III missile, which the Sentinel is supposed to replace. Enough. It is past time for Congress to ask some serious questions about the necessity of this program and make some tough decisions to stop throwing good money after bad. Modernization of our nuclear forces should not be a blank check. At a time when it seems every government program is under a microscope and funding for critical programs that help every day Americans is being cut, pausing funding and work on this one program until Congress can get to the bottom of the cause of its issues seems like a no-brainer,” said John Tierney, Executive Director, Council for a Livable World.

    “As people of faith committed to peace, justice, and responsible stewardship of public resources, the Friends Committee on National Legislation strongly supports the Investing in Children Before Missiles (ICBM) Act. We oppose pouring billions into new nuclear weapon systems, especially one that’s so consistently over budget and behind schedule. It’s time to end the wasteful spending on the Sentinel program and invest instead in schools and communities,” said Allen Hester, Legislative Representative for Nuclear Disarmament & Pentagon Spending, Friends Committee on National Legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Highway safety blitz catches speeding drivers

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Highway safety blitz catches speeding drivers

    Thursday, 24 July 2025 – 11:11 am.

    Tasmania Police issued 24 drivers with speeding infringements during a four-hour road safety blitz on the Bass Highway on Wednesday.
    Officers from Western and Northern Road Policing Services conducted the joint operation on the highway, between Westbury and Latrobe, between 8am and noon.
    Police detected 24 speeding offences, including five drivers travelling 20km/h to 30km/h over the posted speed limit. There was also one unregistered and uninsured vehicle.
    Western District Acting Inspector Martin Parker said the higher range speeding offences were committed near the Paramatta Creek weigh bridge, where the speed limit had been reduced to 80km/h due to officers from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator conducting operations at the weigh bridge.
    “It is concerning that motorists are disregarding highly visual speed reduction signs when the weigh bridge station was operating,” Acting Inspector Parker said.
    “The speed limit had been reduced to allow NVHR officers to safely conduct their work and the safe flow of traffic in the area, when trucks are exiting and re-entering the highway.”
    Tasmania Police is committed to continuing road safety activities with the aim to reduce crashes on our roads, particularly serious and fatal crashes.
    One death or serious injury is one too many and has the potential to severely impact the community.
    Incidents of dangerous driving can be reported to police on 131 444 or call triple zero (000) if the behaviour is life threatening. Reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Aggravated robberies and ram raids – Darwin Northern Suburbs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police Force has arrested four youths following multiple aggravated robberies and a ram raid in the northern suburbs overnight.

    Around 10:35pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a woman had allegedly been threatened with an edged weapon and had her silver Mitsubishi ASX stolen outside her residence on Aralia Street.

    It is alleged that victim was sitting in her parked vehicle when she was approached by two youths, one of which threatened her with an edged weapon and demanded the keys to the vehicle. They subsequently fled the scene in the Mitsubishi ASX.

    The victim was not physically harmed during the incident.

    Around 12:05am, the JESCC received a report that three youths entered a residence on Carnoustie Circuit before being confronted by the occupants. The offenders then threated the occupants with a machete and demanded money and vehicle keys before fleeing the scene in a Mitsubishi ASX.

    The offenders subsequently drove to a shopping complex on Yanula Drive where they allegedly used the stolen vehicle to ram through the rear gate of the premises and cause significant property damage before fleeing the scene.

    A short time later, the stolen Mitsubishi, occupied by three youths, was allegedly used to ram the roller door of a bottle shop on Baroalba Street, Leanyer. Once inside the group stole a quantity of alcohol and fled the scene.

    Police later observed the stolen vehicle travelling towards Darwin City on Tiger Brennan Drive. A pursuit was initiated, however, was terminated shortly after the stolen Mitsubishi attempted to ram the police vehicle. At this time, it was identified that two female youths were also occupied the offending vehicle.

    CCTV operators later observed the offenders abandon the vehicle on Voyager Street, Stuart Park. A large quantity of alcohol was located inside the vehicle.

    General duties officers, Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit deployed to the area and arrested two females aged 13 and 14, and two males aged 14 and 17. The fifth offender remains outstanding.

    At the time of arrest, one of the offenders was armed with a large machete and another was in possession of a bottle of alcohol believed to have been stolen during the ram raid.

    Three of the youths have been charged in relation to the offending:

    • A 17-year-old male has been charged with multiple property related offences, weapons offences, aggravated robbery, ram raid and traffic offences.
    • A 14-year-old male was charged with multiple aggravated robbery offences, property offences, ram raid, going armed in public and traffic offences.
    • A 14-year-old female was charged with Drive/use motor vehicle without consent, Possess stolen property and armed with offensive weapon.

    The 13-year-old female will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.

    Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25196901. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with serious family violence offences

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Man charged with serious family violence offences

    Thursday, 24 July 2025 – 10:06 am.

    A 43-year-old Risdon man has been charged with serious family violence offences following an operation led by Tasmania Police’s South East Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).
    The offences include emotional abuse (coercive control), systems abuse, and numerous family violence order breaches.
    As part of the investigative operation, several coordinated searches were conducted at a range of locations on Wednesday, with exhibits seized and the man charged on Wednesday evening.
    Supporting and protecting victims of crime is a priority for Tasmania Police, and this matter remains under active investigation.
    The man is due to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 5 December 2025.
    If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence and is in need of urgent assistance, call police on Triple Zero (000).
    To report a non-urgent incident of family violence – call the Tasmania Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or attend your local police station to make a report. If you have a hearing impairment, call TTY 106.
    For advice, support and counselling relating to family violence (if you do not wish to report the matter to police in the first instance) – call the Family Violence Counselling Support Service on 1800 608 122.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Luttrell Join Forces to Hold Illegal Alien Murderers Accountable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced in the Senate the Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act, legislation from U.S. Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-08) that would create a new federal offense for an illegal alien or deportable alien who commits murder in the United States, as Rep. Luttrell also introduced in the House of Representatives Sen. Cornyn’s Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act, which would codify President Trump’s Executive Order subjecting illegal immigrants who kill American citizens to the death penalty:

    “Joe Biden rolled out the red carpet for illegal immigrants to come into this country and brutally murder innocent Americans,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud to join forces with Congressman Luttrell in introducing each other’s legislation to deliver justice for the victims who were tragically ripped from their families at the hands of the criminal aliens by holding these perpetrators accountable for their heinous actions and subjecting them to the death penalty.”

    “America will never be a safe haven for violent criminals who enter our country illegally and murder those in our communities,” said Rep. Luttrell. “The Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act ensures accountability and sends a clear message that violence will not be tolerated. I applaud Senator Cornyn’s leadership on this critical issue and am proud to introduce companion legislation in the House.”

    Senators Jim Justice (R-WV), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Tim Scott (R-SC) cosponsored the Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act in the Senate.

    Background:

    The Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act aims to prosecute illegal alien murderers in federal courts, and the Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act aims to direct juries to administer the death penalty for illegal aliens who commit murders once the case has been prosecuted, tried, and a guilty verdict has been reached. 

    Rep. Luttrell introduced the Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act last May, and it would:

    • Allow the federal government to prosecute illegal aliens who commit murder in the United States, and if convicted of first-degree murder under this statute, offenders could face the death penalty or life in prison;
    • Close a dangerous loophole by enabling the federal government to step in and vigorously prosecute an illegal alien murder in certain jurisdictions where a prosecutor may fail to seek an adequate penalty due to a lack of resources or partisan views;
    • And ensure those who are unlawfully in the U.S. and commit these heinous crimes do not slip through the cracks of the legal system due to jurisdictional challenges.

    In May, Sen. Cornyn introduced the Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act, which would codify President Trump’s Executive Order subjecting illegal immigrants who kill American citizens to the death penalty. This legislation would:

    • Amend the Criminal Code to create a new aggravating factor for illegal immigrants who murder U.S. citizens;
    • Help direct juries to administer the death penalty when an illegal immigrant murders a U.S. citizen;
    • And fully implement and permanently codify President Trump’s Jan. 20, 2025 Executive Order, “Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety,” specifically Section 3(b)(i) of the Executive Order, which states that the “Attorney General shall, where consistent with applicable law, pursue Federal jurisdiction and seek the death penalty regardless of other factors for every federal capital crime involving … [a] capital crime committed by an alien illegally present in this country.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, GOP Colleagues Introduce Bill to Hold Illegal Alien Murderers Accountable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    Legislation Would Allow Federal Prosecution of Illegal Immigrants Who Murder Americans

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Jim Justice (R-WV), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Tim Scott (R-SC) today introduced the Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act, which would create a new federal offense for an illegal alien or deportable alien who commits murder in the United States:

    “Joe Biden rolled out the red carpet for illegal immigrants to come into this country and brutally murder innocent Americans,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m proud to join with my GOP colleagues to deliver justice for the victims who were tragically ripped from their families at the hands of the criminal aliens by holding these perpetrators accountable for their heinous actions and subjecting them to the death penalty.”

    “If you’ve entered into our country unlawfully and take the life of an American, you will face very real consequences handed down by our federal government: plain and simple,” said Sen. Justice. “This legislation serves as the ultimate deterrent to would be violent criminal aliens and represents real justice for those who illegally enter our country and murder our citizens.” 

    “Under President Biden, we saw the deadly effects of wide-open borders that far too often devastated our communities,” said Sen. Britt. “Tragically, too many Americans have lost loved ones at the hands of an illegal alien. I couldn’t be more grateful President Trump is back in control of the security of our borders and continues to take strong action to curb illegal migration and keep Americans safe. However, we still need tools at our disposal to prosecute the most violent illegal aliens, which is why I’m proud to join Senator Cornyn in cosponsoring the Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act.”

    “Under the Biden administration’s reckless open border policies, far too many innocent Americans tragically lost their lives at the hands of violent criminals who should not have been in the country,” said Sen. Budd. “Now that President Trump has secured our border, I am committed to putting ironclad policies in place to hold illegal aliens accountable for heinous crimes committed on U.S. soil. I am proud to join Senator Cornyn and my colleagues to bring justice to victims by making an act of murder committed by an illegal or deportable alien a federal offense.” 

    “The open-border policies under President Biden have made our country less safe, resulting in the tragic loss of American lives. In contrast, President Trump has taken swift action to restore border security. Now, we are left to address the consequences of the previous administration’s failures,” said Sen. Scott. “I’m joining my colleagues to protect American citizens and ensure justice for victims by holding any illegal immigrant who commits murder in the U.S. fully accountable.”

    U.S. Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-08) is leading this legislation in the House of Representatives.

    Background:

    The Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act would:

    • Allow the federal government to prosecute illegal aliens who commit murder in the United States, and if convicted of first-degree murder under this statute, offenders could face the death penalty or life in prison;
    • Close a dangerous loophole by enabling the federal government to step in and vigorously prosecute an illegal alien murder in certain jurisdictions where a prosecutor may fail to seek an adequate penalty due to a lack of resources or partisan views;
    • And ensure those who are unlawfully in the U.S. and commit these heinous crimes do not slip through the cracks of the legal system due to jurisdictional challenges.

    This legislation complements Sen. Cornyn’s Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act, introduced in the House of Representatives today by Rep. Luttrell, which would codify President Trump’s Executive Order subjecting illegal immigrants who kill American citizens to the death penalty.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: $36 Million for Law Enforcement to Fight Gun Violence

    Source: US State of New York

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    New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s unwavering commitment to public safety, New York continues to see record reductions in gun violence. This funding ensures that our local law enforcement agencies and community organizations can build on the strategies that are working, saving lives, strengthening communities, and restoring trust. I am so proud of my DCJS team members who provide our partners across the state with the tools, training, and resources that allow them to sustain this progress.”

    New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The GIVE initiative continues to produce results that matter. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment and the leadership of the Division of Criminal Justice Services, law enforcement agencies across the state are better equipped to target and reduce gun violence. This funding supports the critical work being done on the ground, providing local agencies with the tools, training, and resources they need to keep their communities safe. The New York State Police is proud to support our partners in this effort and remains committed to doing everything we can to protect the people of New York.”

    Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “This funding is a vital investment in the safety and well-being of New Yorkers. By directing this funding to local law enforcement and public safety partners through the GIVE initiative, we are reinforcing evidence-based strategies that are driving down gun violence and saving lives. Our communities throughout the state have made tremendous progress, and this continued investment ensures that momentum continues. I was proud to work with Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, and my Senate Majority colleagues to deliver $347 million in this year’s budget to support GIVE and other gun violence prevention efforts across the state.”

    State Senator Monica Martinez said, “When it comes to protecting our streets from gun violence, we must ‘GIVE’ law enforcement agencies the funding they need to succeed. These grants help make Suffolk County and other recipient communities safer, as proven by the double-digit declines in shooting-related incidents with injury and shooting deaths. I thank Governor Hochul and the Division of Criminal Justice Services for prioritizing this investment in safer neighborhoods across New York.”

    State Senator Siela Bynoe said, “Gun violence is a public health crisis in New York State, and I am grateful to Governor Hochul for taking action to reduce the number of individuals injured or killed in this epidemic. Community-based solutions like the GIVE initiative, which supports Nassau’s law enforcement in their mission to combat gun violence in our neighborhoods, are critical to maintaining statewide progress in reducing shooting incidents. While Nassau County has an extraordinary safety record, there is more work to be done, and this initiative proves to be an invaluable resource.”

    Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos said, “New York continues to lead the nation with bold, innovative strategies that combine precision policing with community-driven public safety. This record-level investment of $36 million underscores our state’s unwavering commitment to real solutions to reduce gun violence. This investment builds on the progress New York has made in saving lives, curbing illegal firearms, and empowering the communities we serve. As a former Detective and Police Officer, I’ve seen firsthand how funds like these provide the necessary resources, focused training, modern technology, and data-driven strategies that produce tangible, measurable results. The numbers speak for themselves: fewer shootings, fewer victims, and safer communities. I commend Governor Hochul for her continued partnership and leadership in ensuring that Long Island and New York State continue to be a safe and prosperous places to live, work, and visit.”

    Assemblymember Charles Lavine said, “Since being sworn-in, Governor Hochul has remained laser-focused on fighting crime through all means at her disposal. This includes providing financial support for local law enforcement to ensure it has the necessary resources to do its job and enacting legislation, like my ghost guns bill, designed to keep dangerous firearms off the streets. I am proud of the great progress made so far and look forward to continuing to work with her to prevent senseless violence from occurring and keeping our communities as safe as possible.”

    Public safety is my top priority, and since taking office, my administration has been laser focused on working with local law enforcement to drive down gun violence across New York.”

    Governor Hochul

    Assemblymember Judy Griffin said, “Reducing gun violence is directly linked to public safety. I am proud to live in a state where our constituents know this and demand that we continue to take action. This vital funding will ensure that our local police departments have the equipment and technical assistance needed to continue their fight. Public safety is a top priority for my constituents, and I thank the Governor for designating a portion of this funding to police agencies that serve Nassau County residents.”

    Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for these funds that will provide essential support to our local law enforcement as they work to reduce gun violence, and strengthen safety in our neighborhood. State investments like the GIVE initiative help ensure officers have the training and tools they need to stay safe, protect the public, and build trust within the community.”

    Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni said, “I would like to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and steadfast commitment to keeping our communities safe. Governor Hochul’s continued investment in the GIVE initiative is saving lives and making our communities safer. This targeted support for law enforcement and evidence-based violence prevention strategies has produced real, measurable results. I am especially grateful for the funding directed to Long Island, where local agencies are working tirelessly to reduce gun violence and improve public safety for all residents.”

    Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow said, “Together, we invest in safer streets and stronger communities as we tackle gun violence head on with unwavering support and commitment from our Governor.”

    Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for providing Suffolk County with vital resources to address gun violence and domestic abuse in our communities. These grants help ensure that our law enforcement officers have the tools they need to protect our families, support survivors, and build safer neighborhoods for everyone who calls Suffolk home.”

    Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Kevin Catalina said, “The grant money builds upon our success in fighting gun violence, providing funds to focus on enforcement and community outreach efforts. The SCPD extends our gratitude to Governor Hochul for the GIVE grant funding which enhances our public safety efforts in Suffolk County.”

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    Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. said, “The GIVE grant has been a critical tool in our efforts to reduce gun violence by funding key personnel and supporting programs that reach at-risk youth before trouble does. This is what real collaboration looks like, and we’re proud to continue this vital work together. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her investment in this initiative to help keep Suffolk County and our communities safe.”

    Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin said, “It is devastating and unacceptable that gun violence is still the leading cause of death for children in the United States. I deeply commend the Governor for taking action—investing in law enforcement and delivering the tools our county needs to safeguard our children. Today marks a significant step forward in our fight to keep our kids safer in Suffolk County, ensuring that their future is not defined by the fear of violence but rather the promise of hope and possibility.”

    Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund Founder Linda Beigel Schulman said, “I thank Governor Hochul for her visit to Suffolk County and her steadfast support to prevent gun violence. I worked closely with her to make red flag laws in New York a reality. Her commitment to better funding for community policing is crucial to deterring crime. We must always do more, and I know the governor is committed to progress.”

    GIVE data for each of the 28 police departments and an interactive dashboard featuring current year and annual historical data are available on the Statistics page of the state Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) website.

    View the breakdown of funding awarded to GIVE police departments, and district attorneys’ offices, probation departments, and sheriffs’ offices in 21 counties outside of New York City for the contract period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026: Albany, Broome, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Dutchess, Erie, Jefferson, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Rensselaer, Rockland, Schenectady, Suffolk, Tompkins, Ulster, and Westchester. DCJS administers GIVE grants and provides training and technical assistance to partner agencies through the program, which requires agencies to use evidence-based strategies to reduce shootings, save lives and combat violent crime.

    The FY26 Enacted Budget sustained unprecedented funding secured by Governor Hochul, including $347 million for GIVE and other gun violence prevention programs, as well as additional initiatives to improve public safety, expand support for victims and survivors of crime, and strengthen communities.

    The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state’s criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Criminal Illegal Alien Accused of Murdering 15-Year-Old and Attempting to Rape Mother

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    This criminal illegally entered the country three times since 2021

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an arrest detainer against Gildardo Amandor-Martinez, a criminal illegal alien accused of murdering a 15-year-old boy and assaulting a minor female with a firearm after he attempted to rape their mother in Morehead, Kentucky. 

    ICE detainers are legal requests to state or local law enforcement to hold illegal aliens in custody until they can be turned over to immigration authorities. 

    According to local reports, on July 20, Amandor-Martinez arrived at an apartment shared with his girlfriend, Aleida Lopez, early in the morning and attempted to rape her. After she fended him off, Amandor-Martinez assaulted her by biting her left hand, right armpit, and injured her arm. Her 15-year-old-son, Luis Lopez, tried to intervene and was shot by Amandor-Martinez three times and murdered. The criminal illegal alien then assaulted Lopez’s daughter with a firearm. 

    15-year-old Luis Lopez who was tragically killed the criminal illegal alien was greatly admired and called a “sweet student” by Rowan County Senior High School. He would have been a sophomore this fall. 

    Amandor-Martinez a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, attempted to enter the country THREE times under the Biden administration in 2021, at the southern border. He successfully illegally entered the country on his third try at an unknown date and location and without inspection by an immigration officer.  

    “15-year-old Luis Lopez died trying to save his mother from this criminal illegal alien who was attempting to rape her. Gildardo Amandor-Martinez is a rapist and cold-blooded killer who should have never been in this country,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “The Biden administration’s open-border policies allowed this monster to walk American streets and commit these evil crimes, including murder, assault, and attempted rape, against a mother and her children. ICE has placed an arrest detainer to ensure Amandor-Martinez will not be released onto America’s streets and allowed to terrorize American families again.” 

    Secretary Noem relaunched the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office. The VOICE office was shuttered by the previous administration, which left victims of alien crime without access to many key support services and resources. The office was first launched in 2017 by the Trump administration as a dedicated resource for those who have been victimized by crime with a nexus to immigration. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to two papers assessing off-the-shelf health tests sold in UK shops

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in The BMJ assesses direct-to-consumer self-tests sold in the UK.

    Prof Amitava Banerjee, Professor of Clinical Data Science and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist, Institute of Health Informatics, UCL, said:

    “Direct-to-consumer, self-tests are increasingly used by people with and without disease for screening and are widely available from high street vendors.  In these rigorous, real-world studies led by the University of Birmingham, we see two main findings.  First, across 30 self-tests in 19 conditions from infertility and menopause to raised cholesterol and anaemia, there is a not enough information for consumers to judge when and why to do the test, and how to interpret or how to act on the results.  Second, the evidence and the support from clinical guidelines to use these tests is often lacking, suggesting that regulatory oversight needs to be improved.

    “Sometimes people use self-tests because they “feel it is better to know” and they are trying to inform their health and healthcare decisions.  This research shows that these self-tests are often not providing relevant knowledge or information and they are not informing decisions in the right way.  Therefore, all stakeholders need to consider the quality of self-tests and information available to members of the public or health professionals before recommending their use, whether in the health and wellness space or in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.”

    Rachel Richardson, Acting Head of Methods Support, Evidence Production and Methods Directorate, The Cochrane Collaboration, said:

    “This well-conducted research shines a welcome light on an area of healthcare which appears to be inadequately regulated.”

    Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics, The Open University, said:

    “I think the findings of these new studies on self-tests for health conditions, available (at a cost) in supermarkets, high street chemists and online, are scary and concerning.  I don’t doubt the findings of the researchers, that many of the available tests don’t make it clear who could make good use of them, how accurate the results might be, or what someone should do in the light of their results.

    “These are good studies in my view.  The researchers do list some limitations in the discussion sections of the papers, in particular that their samples of tests were obtained two years ago and were not specifically intended to be a sample of what was available across the country, but given what they do say about where they got the tests, I’d be surprised if they aren’t pretty much the same anywhere nowadays.  Also, the researchers didn’t check with representatives of the public whether the instructions were as unhelpful to understanding as they believe they were, but I don’t think this affects their conclusions.

    “I’m certainly not saying that tests like this should be banned, or even radically discouraged.  The authors of these research papers aren’t saying that either.  Experience during the heights of the Covid pandemic showed how useful home testing could be, particularly when access to other information about one’s health might not be easily available (as can still be the case at some GP practices, for instance).  And, generally as a default position, I don’t like telling people they can’t do something that they want to do – though only in the light of clear, transparent and easily available information on the pros and cons, and in the presence of adequate regulation.  These studies make it clear that users of many self-tests aren’t given easy access to relevant information, and that the regulation isn’t appropriate at present.

    “I’ll just mention one particular aspect, because it’s one that I have studied and written about myself.  This is about why the findings are important, not about the quality of the research.  No diagnostic or screening test for a health condition can be 100% accurate.  There will inevitably be false positives – people with a positive test result for the condition who actually don’t have the condition – and false negatives – people with a negative test result for a condition who actually do have the condition.  These are aspects of accuracy, though discussions of that word don’t always make it clear enough that there are two different ways in which a test result can be wrong.

    “You probably recall some of the interest and media discussion about these things in relation to Covid testing.  Not all of the discussion was logical or well argued, but it clearly and correctly drew attention to the fact that test results can be wrong sometimes.

    “Fewer than half of the self-tests examined by the researchers gave any information at all on the box about accuracy of the results.  Even when they did give information about accuracy on the box or in the instructions inside, the information was sometimes itself not accurate, or was based on the results of laboratory studies under careful conditions, not on findings on use of the tests by people who are not health professionals.

    “But even if all the tests had given information about accuracy, and all that information was reliable, there can still be problems. I’ll describe how.

    “Because there are two kinds of wrong results from tests – false positives and false negatives – we need to look at two aspects of the chance of making an error.  One common way of doing this, that was used in some of the self-test instructions, is as follows.  Findings from the development and use of the test can estimate the probability that someone, who is known to have the health condition in question, will have a true positive test result rather than a false negative result.  (In the jargon, that probability is called the test sensitivity – but trust me, knowing the jargon doesn’t help understanding.)  Another finding from test development and use is an estimate of the chance that a person, who is known not to have the condition on question, will have a true negative test result rather than a false positive result.  (That’s called the test specificity.)

    “The trouble is that these two probabilities are the probability of the person having a positive or a negative test result, in the position where we know whether they really have the health condition.  But you don’t do these tests if you know already whether you have the health condition.  So these probabilities are the wrong way round.  What people (and health professionals) want to know is, for example, if we know someone has a positive test result, what’s the chance that they really have the health condition that is being tested for.  Or, if we know someone has a negative test result, what’s the chance that they really don’t have the health condition?  (There are jargon names for those too – the positive predictive value and the negative predictive value, but again I don’t think those names help much, as there’s too much risk of confusion.)  And I’m sure that’s the kind of thing someone would want to know if they buy a self-test and see what result it gives for them.

    “However, the first lot of probabilities, the sensitivity and specificity, are different from the second lot, the predictive values.  If I tell you that the chance that a person, known already to have the health condition, will have positive test result is 98%, that doesn’t tell you what the chance is that a person, who has a positive test result, actually has the health condition.  That second probability is almost certainly not 98%, and in many circumstances it would be very much less than 98%.  To get from one set of probabilities to the other, you would need more information, such as how likely it is that the person has the condition if we don’t yet know the test result.

    “Just to rub in that these two probabilities aren’t the same, consider the following silly story.  You find a man in the street in London.  You happen to know he is the Pope.  What’s the chance that he is a Roman Catholic?  Obviously, 100%.  But now suppose the thing you know ,and the thing you want to know the chance of, are the other way round.  You know, somehow, that a different man in the London street is a Roman Catholic.  What’s the chance that he is the Pope?  Well, very much less than 100%.  It matters, a lot, which thing you already know and which thing you want the probability for.

    “So, in testing you get different probabilities if you know whether the person being tested has the health conditions, and want the probability that the test will be positive, from if you know what the person’s test result is, and want the probability that they have the health condition.  And only one of these probabilities – the second one – tells you what a test result is really saying about the chance of having the health condition.

    “There has been a lot of research in the past on how people, including health professionals and also non-professionals that might buy one of these self-tests, understand the findings, when they are given some information about the probabilities.  Several studies, for instance, found that many doctors and health professionals weren’t using the information on probabilities when the person’s health status is already known (the sensitivity and specificity) properly in trying to answer the question of how likely it is that someone, with a positive test result, actually has the health condition.  And if doctors might not be getting it right, how could a non-expert be expected to interpret their own test results properly?

    “The position on that maybe isn’t as grim as it sounds, though.  Other research has indicated that there are ways of getting the information across so that it’s useable by non-experts.  That has been done by several groups, including the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication in Cambridge (which has now closed, though its findings are still available), groups led by the psychologist Gerd Gigerenzer in Berlin, and many others.  Somehow, those communication findings need to be incorporated, as well as they can be, in the instructions for these tests.  But that will require more and better regulation.

    “Also, some doctors in primary health, including Jessica Watson and Margaret McCartney, who wrote the editorial accompanying these two new research papers in the BMJ, have worked on ways of helping people to understand test results – though you’d need to ask them how much of their findings could transfer easily to something that could be written clearly in test instructions rather than used in direct communication between health professionals and patients.”

    Paper 1: ‘Direct-to-consumer self-tests sold in the UK in 2023: cross sectional review of information on intended use, instructions for use, and post-test decision making’ by Clare Davenport et al. was published in the BMJ at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 23 July 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2025-085546

    Paper 2: ‘Direct-to-consumer self-tests sold in the UK in 2023: cross sectional review of regulation and evidence of performance’ by Bethany Hillier et al. was published in the BMJ at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 23 July 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2025-085547

    Declared interests

    Prof Amitava Banerjee: “AB declares no relevant conflicts of interest.”

    Prof Kevin McConway: “I have no conflicts of interest to declare.”

    Rachel Richardson: “I have no interests to declare.”

    This Roundup was accompanied by an SMC Briefing

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Lawler Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on State Department Bureau of Counterterrorism

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Michael Lawler delivered opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing on the State Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism FY26 Budget Posture.

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    -Remarks-

    The subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa will come to order. The purpose of this hearing is to assess the budgetary posture and strategic direction of the State Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism for fiscal year 2026. I now recognize myself for an opening statement.

    Today we convene to duck conduct oversight of the State Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism and review its budgetary posture and strategic priorities for fiscal year 2026. I want to thank our witness acting coordinator for Counterterrorism, Gregory LoGerfo, for appearing before us today. The Bureau of Counterterrorism is a vital arm of America’s national security strategy. It plays a leading role in coordinating US counter-terrorism policy, engaging foreign partners to disrupt threats before they reach our shores, and supporting global efforts to confront terrorism in all its forms. From its role in special operations to diplomatic engagement to training programs, the bureau is on the front lines of protecting the American people. As terrorism threats are becoming more diffused, adaptive, and globally networked, we must ensure the Bureau is equipped to respond with agility, efficiency, and strategic foresight.

    In the Middle East, this means confronting the malign influence of Iran backed proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, while sustaining pressure on Isis whose presence in the region remains a serious concern. And it is with this background that we examine the Bureau of Counter Terrorism’s budget. During this hearing today, we will assess how the Bureau is delivering measurable security dividends for US taxpayers through its foreign assistance programming, particularly through its anti-terrorism assistance and the worldwide security program. We will also explore the extent to which the bureau’s budget requests will enable personnel to adapt to new geopolitical threats while maintaining coordination across the inter-agency and international partners. We must also consider whether the state department’s reorganization has impacted outcomes and how the bureau is responding to its expanded scope. We must determine if the State Department has the tools, authorities, and structure to preserve its capacity to respond to regional complexities. Finally, I want to emphasize that the effective counter-terrorism policy demands a strong partnership between Congress and the department that is granted in transparency, oversight, and shared strategic vision.

    As we move toward reauthorization and review of the department’s fiscal year 2026 plan, this subcommittee is committed to ensuring that the Bureau of Counterterrorism has the resources and guidance it needs to remain a global leader in combating our world’s most dangerous threats. Mr. LoGerfo, we look forward to your testimony and to a robust discussion of how we can work together to safeguard the United States and our allies in an increasingly complex threat environment.

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    MIL OSI USA News