NewzIntel.com

Category: Crime

  • MIL-OSI Global: 1 in 5 Gazans face starvation. Can the law force Israel to act?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University

    As Israel continues to pound Gaza with airstrikes, killing scores of people a day, the two-month ceasefire that brought a halt to the violence earlier this year feels like a distant memory.

    Israel’s overall military and political objective in Gaza hasn’t changed after 19 months of war: it is still seeking the absolute defeat of Hamas and return of the remaining Israeli hostages.

    But it is unclear how Hamas will ever be militarily defeated unless there is a complete and unconditional surrender and the laying down of all arms. This appears unlikely, despite the success of Israel’s so-called “decapitation strategy” targeting the Hamas leadership.

    And Hamas continues to hold an estimated 57 Israeli hostages in Gaza, of which up to 24 are believed to still be alive. The group is insisting on guarantees that Israel will end the war before releasing any more hostages.

    An ongoing blockade for 18 years

    Israel announced Sunday it will allow a “basic” amount of food to enter Gaza after a nearly three-month blockade of the strip. It was not clear when or how the aid would resume amid “extensive” new ground operations the military said Sunday it had also just begun.

    Israel first imposed a land, sea and air blockade of Gaza in 2007 after Hamas came to power. These restrictions have severely limited the movement of people and vehicles across the border, as well as the amount of food, medicine and other goods that have been permitted to go into and out of Gaza.

    These controls increased significantly after Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. They’ve been maintained at heightened levels ever since.

    The January ceasefire temporarily increased the flow of food, medical aid and other support into Gaza. However, this came to an end in early March when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut off aid again to pressure Hamas to extend the ceasefire and release more hostages. Hostilities resumed soon after.

    The United Nations’ humanitarian efforts in Gaza have now come to a “near-standstill”. On May 13, Tom Fletcher, the UN emergency relief coordinator, addressed the UN Security Council, stating:

    For more than 10 weeks, nothing has entered Gaza – no food, medicine, water or tents. […] Every single one of the 2.1 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip face the risk of famine. One in five faces starvation.

    Israel denies there are food shortages in Gaza. It has said it wouldn’t permit any trucks to enter the strip until a new system is in place to prevent Hamas from siphoning supplies.

    International law is clear

    Both the 1949 Geneva Conventions and customary international law make clear:

    The use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare is prohibited.

    In addition, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) makes starvation of civilians a war crime.

    Under international humanitarian law, Fletcher noted, Israel has the responsibility to ensure aid reaches people in territory it occupies. However, Israel’s method of distributing aid, he said, “makes aid conditional on political and military aims” and “makes starvation a bargaining chip”.

    What have the courts found?

    International courts have not ignored Israel’s obligations on this front.

    In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Hamas leader Mohammed Deif (one of the masterminds of the October 7 attack), in addition to Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

    In relation Netanyahu and Gallant, the ICC’s pre-trial chamber found:

    there are reasonable grounds to believe that both individuals intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies.

    As Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute, there is no obligation on the government to act on the arrest warrants. Both men remain free to travel as long as they do not enter the territory of a Rome Statute party. (Even then, their arrest is not guaranteed.)

    The ICC warrants will remain in effect unless withdrawn by the court. The arrest in March of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte highlighted that while ICC investigations may take time, those accused of crimes can eventually be brought before the court to face justice.

    This is especially so if there is a change in political leadership in a country that allows an arrest to go ahead.

    Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing another case in which South Africa alleges Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinian population in Gaza.

    The case began with high-profile hearings last year when the court issued provisional measures, or orders, requiring Israel to refrain from engaging in any genocidal acts.

    The most recent of those orders, issued last May, called on Israel to immediately halt its offensive in Rafah (in southern Gaza) and maintain the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to allow “unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance”.

    These orders remain in effect. Yet, Rafah today is a “no-go zone” that Gazans have been ordered to evacuate. And Israel’s blockade of the strip and restrictions on aid and food entering the territory have clearly been in defiance of the court.

    Late last month, the ICJ began hearings to form an opinion on Israel’s duties to allow aid to enter Gaza. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, criticised the ICJ’s hearings as “another attempt to politicise and abuse the legal process in order to persecute Israel”.

    The court’s advisory opinion on this issue is not expected for several months. A final decision on South Africa’s broader case may take years.

    So, what can be done?

    Reflecting on the situation in Gaza, Fletcher observed at the UN:

    This degradation of international law is corrosive and infectious. It is undermining decades of progress on rules to protect civilians from inhumanity and the violent and lawless among us who act with impunity. Humanity, the law and reason must prevail.

    Yet, while the Security Council continues to have the situation in Gaza under review, it has proven incapable of acting decisively because of US support for Israel.

    The Biden Administration was prepared to use its veto power to block binding Security Council resolutions forcing Israel to respond to the humanitarian crisis. The Trump Administration would no doubt do the same.

    However, as Duterte’s arrest shows, international law sometimes does result in action. The finding by another UN body last week that Russia was responsible for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014 is another case in point.

    As the Dutch foreign minister pointed out in that case, the finding sends a message that “states cannot violate international law with impunity”.

    Donald Rothwell receives funding from Australian Research Council

    – ref. 1 in 5 Gazans face starvation. Can the law force Israel to act? – https://theconversation.com/1-in-5-gazans-face-starvation-can-the-law-force-israel-to-act-256695

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Buffalo removes 2 criminal illegal aliens and foreign fugitives wanted for felonies in home country to Guatemala

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Buffalo removed two illegally present Guatemalan fugitives wanted in their home country for felony offenses May 12.

    Cesar Germain Lopez-Chacon, 28, entered the United States on an unknown date and at an unknown location without admission by an immigration official. The Asbury Park Police Department in New Jersey arrested Lopez-Chacon Jan. 13, 2023, for domestic assault, possession of a controlled substance and possess/intent to use drug paraphernalia. A week later, ICE Newark learned Lopez-Chacon had an outstanding warrant in Guatemala for assaulting a government official. The Neptune Township Police Department arrested Lopez-Chacon for theft July 19, 2024. Lopez-Chacon was released from local custody on each occasion before ICE could lodge and immigration detainer.

    ICE Newark arrested Lopez-Chacon for violating the Immigration and Nationality Act during a targeted enforcement operation March 7, and subsequently transferred him to ICE Buffalo. ICE Buffalo detained him in Buffalo Federal Detention Facility for the duration of his removal proceedings. An immigration judge order Lopez-Chacon removed from the U.S. April 23.

    Francisco Manuel Lopez, 32, also entered the United States on and unknown date and at an unknown location without admission by an immigration official. ICE New York City encountered Lopez, Feb. 19, 2014, at the Rikers Island Correctional Facility in the Bronx, initiated removal proceedings and lodged an immigration detainer against his release. Officers arrested him a week later pursuant to a warrant. An immigration judge ordered him removed on April 1, 2014, and he was subsequently removed from the U.S. May 12 that same year.

    Lopez illegally reentered the U.S. without inspection. On Dec. 11, 2017, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested him near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, served him a notice of intent/decision to reinstate prior order, and turned him over to the U.S Marshals Service for criminal prosecution for illegal reentry. The U.S. District Court of New Mexico convicted Lopez of illegal reentry of a removed alien. Following this conviction, the U.S. Marshals Service transferred Lopez to the New York City Police Department in Manhattan due to an outstanding warrant. The Kings County Criminal Court convicted Lopez of criminal possession of a weapon and assault with a weapon July 2, 2024. ICE New York City lodged an immigration detainer with the Ulster Correctional Facility Sept. 3, 2024. ICE Buffalo arrested Lopez April 21 upon his release from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision pursuant to his warrant of removal.

    On April 23, 2025, ICE Buffalo confirmed that Lopez is an international fugitive wanted in his home country for gender-based violence.

    Both aliens were turned over to the legal authorities upon arrival in Guatemala.

    Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    Learn more about ERO Buffalo’s mission to increase public safety on X at @EROBuffalo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Third man arrested as part of investigation into suspected arsons

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A third man has been arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks in north London.

    A 34-year-old [C] was arrested this morning, Monday, 19 May, in the Chelsea area, SW3, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

    He has been taken into custody.

    On Saturday, 17 May, a 26-year-old man [B] was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

    He is currently still in police custody after a warrant of further detention was obtained at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

    The arrests relate to three incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of 12 May.

    All have connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have led the investigation into the fires.

    Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

    We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

    + A 21-year-old man [A] has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life and appeared in court.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Biz2Credit Small Business Earnings Report Finds SMB Earnings Climbed Higher in April

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Biz2Credit’s monthly Small Business Earnings Report found that average monthly earnings were up to $47,700 in April 2025, up $9,100 from March’s number. This is a consistent run of monthly gains, with earnings rising 48% since January.

    Key Findings for April 2025

    • Average Monthly Earnings: $47,700. (Mar. 2025: $38,600 – an increase of $9,100)
    • Average Monthly Revenue: $522,400. (Mar. 2025: $531,900 – a decrease of $9,500)
    • Average Monthly Expenses: $493,300. (Mar. 2025: $474,700 – a decrease of $18,600)

    A year ago (March 2024), average revenues were $692,900, while average expenses were $651,200. Average earnings were $41,700, a figure that is $3,100 more than the average earnings in March 2025. Additionally, inflation has seen a significant decline, from 3.4% in April 2024 to 2.3% in April 2025. However, tariff-related worries have kept small businesses on edge as they struggle to make revenue projections.

    “Small and medium businesses have found a way to remain economically strong despite trade policy uncertainty” said Rohit Arora, CEO and co-founder of Biz2Credit.

    “Tariffs remain a top concern for small business owners who continue to await further clarity from the White House about trade policy and tariffs before as they make pivotal business decisions,” added Arora, one of the nation’s leading experts in small business finance. “In the meantime, business operators are cutting back expenses, resulting in earnings swinging upward for the first few months of the year.” Q1 was particularly pressured as the new administration came in and began implementing new trade policy, sending markets and small business sentiment plummeting at an alarming rate.

    Summary

    The Biz2Credit Small Business Earnings Report summarizes primary data of companies that applied for funding each month. It assesses the financial health of small businesses by analyzing primary data provided directly by small to midsized firms in the U.S. as part of the application process on Biz2Credit’s award-winning digital funding platform. The report provides one of the most up-to-date readings on the financial health of small businesses currently available. Click here to review the Small Business Earnings Report.

    Methodology

    Biz2Credit examines a number of small business financial metrics in the Small Business Earnings Report, including annual revenue, operating expenses, age of business, credit score, approval rate, and funding rate. Data is drawn from over 100,000 completed financing applications submitted to Biz2Credit’s online small business funding platform between Jan. 2022 and Apr. 2025.

    About Biz2Credit

    Founded in 2007, Biz2Credit has helped thousands of companies access more than in small business financing. Biz2Credit is headquartered in New York City, employs over 800 people with over half in product, data science, and engineering roles. Using data analytics and predictive modeling, Biz2Credit seeks to enhance the accuracy and transparency of business credit decisions, fueling long-term economic development. Visit www.biz2credit.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

    Media Contact: Brett Holzhauer, (818) 326-1109, brett.holzhauer@biz2credit.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met Police foil drug gang who supplied half a ton of cocaine across London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A group of drug dealers involved in the supply of nearly half a ton of cocaine worth up to £17 million have been jailed for a combined 47 years.

    The four, who brought in cocaine from the Netherlands to distribute throughout London, were caught in the act by Metropolitan Police Service officers.

    Bert De Jong, 59, (03.09.1965), of the Netherlands, Hussain Sakhi, 22, (13.03.2003), of Laughton Road, Northolt and Zaibaa Zahur, 21, (04.06.2003), of Harlington Road, Uxbridge were sentenced on Monday, 19 May at Kingston Crown Court.

    They were found guilty of conspiracy to evade the prohibition on the importation of cocaine and conspiracy to supply cocaine, following a four-week trial at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, 7 April.

    Sakhi and Zahur were also found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

    A fourth drug dealer, Justyn Morris, 23, (21.07.2001), of Upper Lees Road, Slough, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, 11 March to conspiracy to evade the prohibition on the importation of cocaine and conspiracy to supply cocaine.

    Detective Constable Leon Ure, of the Met’s Specialist Crime South team who led the investigation, said:

    “This has been a complex and lengthy investigation to dismantle a group supplying drugs across London. It has been part of a wider, proactive drug operation led by the Specialist Crime South team.

    “This investigation shows the breadth of work the specialist crime unit deals with and I’d like to thank every officer who was involved in the case.

    “Drug dealing has a huge impact on Londoners. It fuels further crime and impacts the heart of our communities.

    “Their sentences are fully deserved and I hope this acts as a deterrent to those thinking about bringing in illegal drugs to the country.”

    The investigation found that millions of pounds of cocaine were distributed by lorries across London. Lorries would stop outside the capital, and the drugs would be collected and then be sent to ‘retail suppliers’ on a weekly basis.

    On Tuesday, 16 July 2024, Marsham booked a holiday home near Norwich. Morris drove a van, which has been seen outside the home, to an industrial estate in Norwich, where Morris met De Jong in a lorry. De Jong gave Morris, three cardboard boxes.

    Morris was then intercepted by Met officers who had seen the suspected handover.

    The Met officers searched the van and the three boxes were found hidden behind black cladding containing a total of 70kg worth of cocaine – worth between £1.75million and £2.45million.

    Sakhi and Zahur went to the holiday let later that day, to ‘view’ the property which raised suspicion, leading to the officers arriving and searching the pair.

    A phone was found and showed messages between Sakhi and an unidentified contact, who Morris had also been in contact with.

    All three were arrested by the Met that day.

    They were charged on Thursday, 18 July 2024.

    What followed was an extensive investigation, which proved the defendants had all been involved in the supply of millions of pounds worth of cocaine. Drug ledgers kept by the gang showed they moved nearly 500kg worth.

    De Jong would bring the drugs into the country from the Netherlands and Morris would pick them up and pass them to Sakhi and Zahur, who would then distribute them.

    On Wednesday, 23 July 2024 De Jong, when entering the country again, was arrested. He claimed he had no knowledge of what he was bringing into the country, but evidence suggested on his phone that he would send ‘tokens’ to his counterparts, implying the drugs had been delivered.

    He was charged on the same day.

    De Jong was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment.

    Zahur was sentenced to six years and 10 months’ imprisonment

    Sakhi was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment.

    Morris was sentenced to 12 years and six months’ imprisonment.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Business Owner Sentenced for Failure to Pay Taxes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington business owner, Matthew Buresh, 65, was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell to 24 months in prison, for two counts of failure to pay taxes.

    Buresh was the owner and President of CR Cable Construction Inc. (CR), a company operating in Lexington that installed underground utility lines. As the owner of the company, Buresh was required to remit trust fund taxes withheld from employee paychecks, such as individual income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes, as well as the matching amounts contributed by the employer, to the IRS on quarterly basis. These taxes are generally known as “employment taxes.”

    According to his plea agreement, between March 2018 and December 2022, Buresh knew that his company was required to make deposits of the employment taxes to the IRS on a periodic basis, but chose not to pay the employment taxes withheld from CR’s employees’ paychecks to the IRS. Buresh was notified of CR employment taxes due and owing, accounted for such taxes, had sufficient funds to pay them, but willfully chose not to pay a significant portion of those employment taxes from 2018 through 2022. At the same time, between 2017 and 2022, Buresh withdrew $2.9 million in cash from CR’s bank account to pay for business expenses, his wages, and his distributions.

    Under federal law, Buresh must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Buresh is also required to pay $805,787.82 in restitution.

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Cincinnati Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by the IRS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Dunn-Pirio is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    – END –

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Latham Sex Offender Indicted for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Nathaniel Drescher, age 41, of Latham, New York, was arraigned last Thursday on an indictment charging him with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and the commission of a felony offense against a minor by a registered sex offender.  Drescher was ordered detained pending trial. 

    United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. 

    According to the indictment, Drescher knowingly attempted to persuade, induce, and entice a child whom he believed to be 11 years old to engage in sexual activity.  This conduct follows Drescher’s 2012 convictions in Johnson County, Texas, for online solicitation of a minor. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “This conduct, as alleged, was especially egregious because the defendant had committed a similar offense before in Texas.  With our state and federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to ensure that sex offenders are prosecuted to the fullest extent to the law when they commit new crimes.”

    FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “This indictment proves crimes against our most vulnerable will be met with swift and decisive action. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to protecting children and bringing predators like Mr. Drescher to justice.”

    If convicted on all counts, Drescher faces at least 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. In addition, Drescher would have to continue to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

    The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as Part of Project Safe Childhood. 

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD – A Dunbarton man was sentenced in federal court for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    Scott Currier, age 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 144 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. Currier was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $38,000. In May 2024, Currier pleaded guilty to one count of possession of CSAM.

    “The defendant is a convicted sex offender who repeatedly exploited children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Thanks to the vigilant efforts and critical leads from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement was able to identify the defendant and swiftly investigate his conduct. This office will relentlessly pursue and hold predators accountable, and we will use every tool at our disposal to protect children from exploitation and revictimization.”

    “Currier’s criminal history of aggravated felonious sexual assault makes his possession of hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material all the more troubling. Friday’s significant sentence takes a repeat sex offender off the streets and puts him into federal prison for over a decade while also offering restitution to identified victims of child sexual exploitation found in the materials he possessed,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations New England.

    The defendant was identified through a CyberTip reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children based on internet activity that was traced to his residence.  Based on that tip, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home that resulted in the seizure of a computer that was found to contain over 700 files of suspected CSAM.  The defendant faced enhanced penalties in this matter due to a prior state conviction for aggravated felonious sexual assault.

    Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Dunbarton Police Department and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recruitment consultant sentenced after fraudulently using Covid loans for personal purposes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Recruitment consultant sentenced after fraudulently using Covid loans for personal purposes

    Suspended sentence for Bounce Back Loan fraudster

    • Rico Iheagwara fraudulently applied for two £20,000 Bounce Back Loans during the summer of 2020  

    • Iheagwara’s SJR Recruitment Limited company was not trading at the time of the applications 

    • SJR Recruitment was placed into liquidation in 2021 with liabilities of more than £67,000

    A recruitment consultant who fraudulently spent Covid support funds for personal purposes has been handed a suspended sentence. 

    Rico Iheagwara secured two Bounce Back Loans worth £20,000 each from different banks for his Essex-based SJR Recruitment Limited company when businesses were only entitled to a single loan under the scheme. 

    Iheagwara, 36, of River Meads, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, for fraud when he appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Friday 16 May. 

    He was also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity. 

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Rico Iheagwara blatantly abused a taxpayer-backed scheme designed to support genuine small businesses through the pandemic. He knew he was not entitled to support yet continued with his fraudulent applications nonetheless. 

    Iheagwara’s business was not trading at the time of his application so he was not entitled to a single penny from the scheme, let alone the £40,000 he fraudulently secured. 

    Tackling Covid support scheme abuse remains a key priority for the Insolvency Service and we will not hesitate to prosecute fraudsters such as Iheagwara who stole from the public purse during a national emergency.

    SJR Recruitment was incorporated in January 2017 with Iheagwara as its sole director. The company’s registered office address was on High Road in Loughton. 

    Iheagwara was also the sole signatory on both company bank accounts which were opened in May 2020, just one month before his first fraudulent application. 

    For both applications, made in June and July 2020, Iheagwara claimed the company’s turnover was £82,000. 

    Iheagwara transferred the first £20,000 loan into his personal account on the same day he received the funds. For the second loan, he moved all £20,000 into his personal account the following day. 

    None of the £40,000 was used for the economic benefit of his business. Insolvency Service analysis of bank statements suggested that the funds were used for everyday expenses and paid to various family members. 

    In interviews, Iheagwara said he spent the funds on rent, paying off personal finance and supporting his children. 

    SJR Recruitment went into liquidation in April 2021. No repayments were made on the loans. 

    The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the fraudulently obtained funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The rise of psychedelic capitalism: Work harder and be happy about it?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kevin Walby, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Winnipeg

    Once stigmatized and outlawed, psychedelics are moving from the counterculture to the mainstream. From Prince Harry’s use of psilocybin to National Football League quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ adventures with ayahuasca, our media is awash with accounts of their professed benefits.

    Hundreds of universities around the world are now engaging in psychedelic research. And psychedelic legalization initiatives are taking hold.

    Psychedelics are becoming big business. Just as private capital flooded the cannabis sector years ago, a psychedelic gold rush is underway.

    Wealthy entrepreneurs are investing in the psychedelic industry while biotechnology start-ups are raising capital and running clinical trials on novel psychedelic molecules. Venture capitalists are eyeing the prospects of a new lucrative mass market.

    The authors of this article have a new book out: ‘Psychedelic Capitalism’ published by Fernwood.
    (Fernwood)

    Three causes for concern

    To date, most debates about psychedelics have offered little critical analysis of their relationship to the political economy of modern capitalism and broader power structures. In our new book Psychedelic Capitalism, we make three central claims about the so-called psychedelic renaissance.

    First, the medicalization of psychedelics is likely to restrict access and reinforce existing health and social inequalities.

    Second, the corporatization of psychedelics will enable economic elites to dominate the market while appropriating the vast reservoir of knowledge built up by Indigenous communities, public institutions and underground researchers.

    And third, rather than representing progressive drug reform, the limited legalization of select psychedelics for medical use will help to entrench and sustain the drug war and the criminalization of most drug use.

    Ignoring community knowledge

    Across North America, we’re seeing a medicalization of psychedelics, where a range of problems are presented as treatable by these substances. This is happening in a way that boosts corporate control of the process and pushes aside community and Indigenous knowledge.

    We have seen this scenario play out in Australia. Substances such as psilocybin and MDMA are legally available, but only through a doctor’s prescription and at great financial cost — raising questions about equity, access and who these therapies are for.

    Framing psychedelics as pharmaceutical commodities and individualized health-care solutions reinforces the prohibitionist narrative that these substances are unsuitable for use outside of the medical context. This narrative shifts attention away from how medicalized use might perpetuate a neoliberal ideology — locating mental “disorder” within an individual, rather than addressing more systemic causes such as poverty, inequality and social exclusion.

    It also disregards centuries of traditions created by Indigenous community use, as well as the values of the psychedelic underground.

    A system built on expensive individual therapy, medically trained gatekeepers and hyper-controlled clinical access is not the model that most advocates have envisioned.

    A pill-only model for productivity and happiness

    The foundations of psychedelic capitalism were largely created by public innovation at the public’s expense and are now in the process of being taken over by private capital.

    Psychedelic conferences increasingly resemble corporate trade shows. The psychedelic tourism industry continues to expand and cater to elite clients. For-profit companies like Mind Medicine and Compass Pathways are eliminating psychotherapy from their treatment protocols and embracing a “pill-only” model favoured by Big Pharma.

    Psychedelics, including microdosing and psychedelic-assisted therapy, are marketed as a way for the general population to extract more work out of their already overworked lives, and to be happy about it in the process.

    Companies are competing to capture intellectual property to harness profits from existing compounds and erect legal barriers around new chemicals and their applications.

    The for-profit ketamine industry already offers a glimpse into the future of corporatized psychedelic therapy. This includes a lack of attention to risks, deceitful marketing and little consideration to therapeutic care.

    There has been a surge of new patent applications (and granted patents) in the U.S. on substances such as psilocybin, LSD, DMT, 5-MeO DMT and mescaline that seek to secure exclusivity, monopolize supply chains and privatize knowledge that already exists in the public domain.

    Psychedelics have been swept up into the well-rehearsed capitalist playbook where private players are fabricating exclusionary rights over what are ultimately the products of collective human struggle and intellectual achievement.

    Medical legalization of psychedelics

    The medicalized approach to psychedelic mainstreaming also connects to drug law and policy.

    Across North America, the biomedical approach is the main influence on drug law and the primary avenue for psychedelic access in most jurisdictions. This approach is widely supported by psychedelic capitalists who have a financial stake in medical legalization and want to limit legal access to anything outside of the medical-pharma frame.

    In the United States, places like Oregon and Colorado have more holistic legal models that include elements of community control to prevent corporate capture. But most state initiatives remain limited in scope and are centred around medicalized therapy, particularly for military veterans. Even in Oregon, which has been lauded for its progressive drug policies, there has been an unmistakable drift toward medicalization.

    Canada’s cannabis industry exemplifies how processes of legalization can become intertwined with the interests of corporate-dominated industries.

    As Michael Devillaer, professor of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences and author of Buzz Kill (2024), has explained, the cannabis industry has prioritized profit maximization, product promotion and increased consumption at the expense of public health concerns.

    What is best for public interest?

    As the medical legalization of psychedelics deepens, we are likely to see the intensification of criminal penalties for recreational and other uses.

    In fact, police seizures of psychedelics like psilocybin in the U.S. have increased in recent years. Global arrests for the transportation of compounds such as ayahuasca, iboga and peyote have also increased.

    These problems are likely to be exacerbated by systems of bifurcated scheduling, where a drug product is placed in a different class from the active ingredient or substance.

    For example, if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were to approve psilocybin for depression or MDMA for PTSD, it is likely that only FDA-approved medicinal psilocybin and MDMA products would be rescheduled, while the substances themselves would continue to be prosecuted as restricted narcotics.

    It is in the public interest to move beyond a myopic focus on medical legalization to a more open, decriminalized model of public access. An approach like this would not only mitigate the threats associated with corporate capture, it would also reduce the harms associated with criminalization and the war on drugs.

    Community-controlled decriminalization is a better path to mainstreaming psychedelics than relinquishing power to the medical industry and pharmaceutical cartels that provide monopolized services to primarily affluent customers.

    And treating drug use and dependence as a public health issue and incentivizing harm reduction and support services for at-risk populations would go a long way to mitigating the tragedies of the drug war.

    Kevin Walby receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

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

    – ref. The rise of psychedelic capitalism: Work harder and be happy about it? – https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-psychedelic-capitalism-work-harder-and-be-happy-about-it-253003

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Critical measures needed to fight money laundering and terrorist financing

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    19 May 2025

    VIENNA, Austria – Countries need to take critical measures to target the huge illicit profits generated by drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and frauds and scams, international organisations urged today, warning that behind every dollar laundered is a victim – a family destroyed, a life lost, a community damaged.

    This was the urgent call to action by leaders from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), INTERPOL and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna today, at a high-level side event on the first day of the 34th Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ).

    Prioritising an economic and financial crime approach to crime prevention is critical to reduce the harm that crime causes to our societies, and to ensure financial stability and economic growth.

    At today’s CCPCJ, FATF, INTERPOL and UNODC collectively called on governments to improve asset recovery efforts to remove organized crime and terrorist groups’ ability to expand value and territory, and to cooperate internationally to make financial investigations more targeted and effective.

    Finance ministers have called for greater efforts to fight crime and terrorism by cutting off the profits which enable them. The FATF, the global watchdog on illicit finance covering over 200 jurisdictions, responded to this call by tightening standards for asset recovery.

    Assessments of the FATF Global Network found that almost 80 per cent of countries are at low or moderate level of effectiveness on asset recovery.

    UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly said:

    “This is a call to action to define innovative and scalable solutions to combat economic crime. Let us work together through our partnerships and use the opportunity of this CCPCJ and the 15th UN Crime Congress in 2026 to accelerate collective responses against criminal and terrorist financing to ensure our financial systems are drivers of peace, security, and prosperity.”

    FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo said:

    “The FATF is committed to providing countries with the tools and the international forum to collectively tackle the challenges we all face today. This is critical to financial stability, development, peace, and security. Global defences against illicit finance are only as strong as our weakest link, so we are sounding the alarm so that all countries work together to meet the complex, transnational threats of today. We cannot let crime thrive.”

    From the operational perspective, INTERPOL has implemented its recently launched Silver Notice, designed to improve the speed and effectiveness of international cooperation in targeting criminal assets. Currently, 51 countries that are part of the pilot have indicated they will make use of the new Notice to request information on assets worldwide.

    INTERPOL Acting Executive Director of Police Services Cyril Gout said:

    “Illicit finance is not just one of many criminal threats – it is the enabler of them all. This is why INTERPOL focuses on developing and delivering innovative tools to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and tackle illicit financial flows. We are proud to serve as a bridge between international commitments and national action.”

    The three leaders highlighted their recent collective work in developing practical tools for practitioners to dramatically improve their capabilities in working across jurisdictional lines, with FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo noting that, “Criminals do not confine themselves within national borders, so we need to ensure that our borders do not provide opportunities for criminals to hide money and frustrate our pursuit of them.”

    Later this year, the three organizations, together with the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, will release practical guidance for practitioners on key avenues of international collaboration.

    The leaders stressed the strengthening of the FATF’s international standards on anti-money laundering and terrorism financing and called for accelerated progress on cooperating across borders and capacity building ahead of the UN 2026 Crime Congress, to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates.

    They also recognized the positive impact of Member States increasingly working with the private sector and civil society on joint approaches to fighting financial crime and welcomed the acceleration of operational work through public private partnerships and task forces.

    High-level participants at the event, “Global Call to Action to Combat Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism: International Cooperation”, discussed the critical steps that Member States must take to dramatically improve international cooperation to fight money laundering and terrorist financing, including capacity building, the effective implementation of the risk-based approach, public-private partnerships, and innovating through new technologies.

    The 15th UN Crime Congress, Abu Dhabi, 25 – 30 April 2026, will provide its Member States the opportunity to grapple with these difficult issues and to commit to scalable and innovative responses to financial crime.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: War epic ‘Dong Ji Island’ promoted at Cannes

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

    A 17-minute promo of “Dong Ji Island” was screened on May 14 at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, offering audiences a preview of the upcoming war epic.

    The first still released from “Dong Ji Island.” [Photo courtesy of Seventh Art Pictures]

    Co-directed by Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, and starring Zhu Yilong, Wu Lei and Ni Ni, the film is based on real events during the Second World War in 1942. It follows Chinese fishermen who embark on a perilous journey to rescue British prisoners of war held by the Japanese army aboard the Lisbon Maru, saving 384 POWs after the ship was torpedoed and sunk by a U.S. submarine. 

    The film’s release also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Producers said this transnational story of humanity showcases the universal values of compassion and courage displayed by Chinese fishermen during wartime, which will surely resonate with global audiences.

    This forgotten chapter of history was revealed in last year’s acclaimed documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” directed by Fang Li. Now, “Dong Ji Island” brings the story to life as a feature film with an $80 million budget. The production’s massive scale created unprecedented challenges in Chinese cinema, involving replica sets built on an actual island location, open-sea filming and a full-scale reconstruction of the Lisbon Maru. Directors Guan and Fei led the creative team through six years of preparation and 200 days of filming.

    The Chinese poster for “Dong Ji Island.” [Image courtesy of Seventh Art Pictures]

    Set for summer release in China, Seventh Art Pictures is launching international sales at Cannes for “Dong Ji Island.” Director Guan Hu is no stranger to global recognition, having won the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes last year for “Black Dog.” His film “The Eight Hundred,” released in 2020, became that year’s highest-grossing live-action film worldwide.

    The 17 minutes of footage was screened at the Palais at the Marche du Film in Cannes. Bloggers attending the event noted that the film’s quality exceeded expectations, praising its stunning visual effects, underwater sequences and inspirational plot. They also highlighted the actors’ captivating performances.

    The film’s actors transformed themselves for their roles, undergoing intense strength and aquatic training amid the island’s harsh conditions. Their weathered appearances mirror the fishermen’s rugged spirit, and they mastered various boat handling techniques — helping to bring the heroic maritime rescue to life. Meanwhile, the production team meticulously reconstructed 1940s Dongji Island through historical research, replicating everything from coarse cloth vests to the Lisbon Maru incident using archives and survivor accounts, guaranteeing historical precision.

    At a film tourism event on May 15 during Cannes, producer Liang Jing revealed: “Local fishermen supported us tremendously during production, assisting us through typhoons and numerous challenges. Audiences will be amazed by what they see on screen.”

    Liang noted that Dongji Island became a popular destination after last year’s documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru,” but she believes the release of “Dong Ji Island” will bring even greater attention and tourism. “It’s truly a worthwhile destination,” she said. “The sunrise is breathtakingly beautiful.”

    A new international Cannes poster for “Dong Ji Island.” [Image courtesy of Seventh Art Pictures]

    The film’s official Weibo account simultaneously released an international poster for Cannes captioned: “Crimes sank with the colossal warship, but some salvaged humanity and truth. Coming summer 2025 — ‘Dong Ji Island’.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Seven countries in Latin America where human rights are taking the biggest hit

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nicolas Forsans, Professor of Management and Co-director of the Centre for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, University of Essex

    Latin America is undergoing one of its most profound human rights crises in decades. The region’s civic space is shrinking rapidly, from mass surveillance and arbitrary arrests to political repression, enforced disappearances and impunity for state violence.

    The 2025 State of the World’s Human Rights report, released by Amnesty International, lays bare the magnitude of the challenge. Seven countries – Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, Cuba and El Salvador – are at the epicentre of this authoritarian surge.

    Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January has only deepened the problem. In a separate report published in the same week, Amnesty argues that Trump’s nationalist rhetoric and policy reversals have emboldened strongman leaders. These have undercut international accountability and accelerated rights violations across the hemisphere.

    Here are the countries where the assault on human rights is being felt most acutely.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Join The Conversation for free today.

    1. Haiti

    Nowhere has the collapse in human rights been more visible than in Haiti. By the end of 2024, more than 700,000 people – half of them children – had been internally displaced due to spiralling gang violence and state failure.

    Criminal organisations routinely engaged in killings, sexual violence and attacks on hospitals and schools. A December 2024 massacre in Cité Soleil, a densely populated part of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, saw at least 207 people executed by the Wharf Jérémie gang.

    The justice system has all but ceased to function. Meanwhile, deportations of Haitians from the US and neighbouring Dominican Republic has surged.

    According to Amnesty, nearly 200,000 people were returned without due process in 2024 alone. Trump’s crackdown on migration, framed as necessary for border security, has accelerated these mass removals.

    2. Nicaragua

    Nicaragua’s president, Daniel Ortega, has refined authoritarianism into an efficient machine of repression. More than 5,000 civil society groups, private universities and media outlets have been closed since 2018. This included 1,500 from January to September 2024 alone.

    Over 400 critics have been stripped of nationality since 2023 and dozens of journalists have been forcibly disappeared or jailed. The legal status of hundreds of evangelical groups has also been revoked.

    In 2024, the government criminalised dissent to the point where entire sectors of civil society have vanished. Indigenous communities, meanwhile, faced displacement and armed attacks from pro-government militias, with little international response.

    3. Venezuela

    Venezuela remains mired in repression. A presidential election in July 2024, which was stolen by Nicolás Maduro, was followed by the arbitrary detention and torture of protesters – including children. Independent journalists were arrested and NGOs threatened with closure.

    Many Venezuelans subsequently fled the country. Persecutions and despair at the election results saw 20,000 people migrate northwards through the jungle of the Darién Gap in September 2024 alone, a 70% increase on the previous month.



    Read more:
    Venezuela: Maduro’s declaration of victory isn’t fooling anyone

    In reality, the numbers are probably much higher. A poll following the election indicated that 43% of those remaining in the country were considering emigrating, but official data has not been made available. More than 7.8 million citizens have left Venezuela over the past ten years, with around 28 million people still residing there.

    In June 2023, the International Criminal Court resumed its investigation into the Maduro regime for alleged crimes against humanity. But Venezuela’s government continues to obstruct justice. With Trump’s administration disinterested in multilateral mechanisms, efforts to restore democracy face steeper odds.

    4. Mexico

    Mexico’s public security has become dangerously militarised. A constitutional amendment in September 2024, a few days before the end of the Andrés Manuel López Obrador administration, placed the National Guard under military control. This has enabled widespread abuses including extrajudicial killings. Nine human rights defenders and four journalists were killed in 2024 alone.

    López Obrador’s administration undermined press freedom at home. It also failed to protect those seeking asylum. And with Trump back in office, deportations from the US to Mexico have increased. Returnees are often placed at risk of cartel violence and exploitation.

    5. Colombia

    Colombia suffered Latin America’s longest running insurgency, lasting over 50 years. Despite the country’s robust institutional frameworks, peace remains elusive. In 2024, over 195,000 people were forcibly confined by armed groups, and landmines continue to endanger more than 600,000 civilians.

    Child recruitment, sexual violence and targeted killings of former combatants from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) rebel group have surged. Meanwhile, progress on implementing the 2016 peace accord remains slow.

    Investigations into military-perpetrated extrajudicial killings are ongoing, but face budgetary constraints and political pushback. Trump’s withdrawal of US support for transitional justice mechanisms has further weakened international backing for Colombia’s fragile reconciliation efforts.



    Read more:
    Colombia’s fragile peace process in danger as guerrilla violence rises

    6. Cuba

    The Cuban authorities are continuing to suppress dissent through arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and censorship. Over 100 people were arrested for protesting in 2024, with many forced into self-incriminating video confessions. Independent media and activists were subject to constant surveillance and harassment.

    Amid economic collapse, more than 18% of the population has fled the island in two years. These mass migrations often result in perilous journeys and widespread family separations. The economic crisis has been exacerbated by US sanctions reimposed and intensified under Trump.

    7. El Salvador

    President Nayib Bukele’s model of mass incarceration continues to attract global attention. Nearly 84,000 people have been arrested since 2022 under a state of emergency that suspends basic rights and legal guarantees.

    Surveillance, arbitrary detentions and public humiliation of detainees have become routine. Trump’s vocal admiration of Bukele’s “tough on crime” stance has lent international legitimacy to this dangerous approach.



    Read more:
    Nayib Bukele: El Salvador’s strongman leader doing Donald Trump’s legwork abroad

    Trump’s return to the White House has intensified human rights setbacks across Latin America. His withdrawal from human rights and climate agreements has emboldened authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent and accelerate policies to exploit resources without fear of US pressure or accountability.

    Latin American migrants in the US have also faced a resurgence of mass deportations. Rhetoric portraying migrants as criminals has fuelled xenophobia and enabled sweeping immigration raids and policy rollbacks. Sanctuary cities like Chicago have been targeted and legal protections for undocumented residents eroded.

    Latin America’s current trajectory suggests a drift not just toward repression, but a normalisation of state violence. While local resistance remains strong, particularly among grassroots activists and civil society, international solidarity has been weakened by geopolitical shifts.

    The region risks cementing a new era of authoritarian resilience – one in which the defence of human rights is not just dangerous but futile.

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

    – ref. Seven countries in Latin America where human rights are taking the biggest hit – https://theconversation.com/seven-countries-in-latin-america-where-human-rights-are-taking-the-biggest-hit-255782

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE strengthens Montenegro’s border security with training on arms and human trafficking

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE strengthens Montenegro’s border security with training on arms and human trafficking

    Participants in an OSCE training for Montenegrin border and criminal police officers on combating arms and human trafficking, Bar, 13 May 2025. (OSCE/Katerina Koci) Photo details

    The OSCE is helping strengthen Montenegro’s ability to combat arms and human trafficking through targeted training for border and criminal police officers. From 13 to 16 May in Bar, Montenegro, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department (TNTD), in close co-ordination with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, trained 15 officers from Montenegro’s Police Directorate as part of its ongoing support for border security and management.
    The course marked another deployment of the OSCE-led Mobile Training Team (MTT). It brought together expert trainers from the national police forces of North Macedonia and Tunisia, the OSCE Forum for Security and Co-operation, and INTERPOL’s I-Force Project as well as national experts from the Ministry of the Interior, the criminal police and the Forensic Centre of Montenegro, along with representatives from the US Embassy including the Director of its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
    “This course is part of our long-standing support to participating States in strengthening border security in a human right-based way. Montenegro’s location, bordering the Schengen area, places it at a crucial juncture in the regional and European security landscape: a place where threats can be intercepted, co-operation can begin, and resilience is built,” highlighted Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Head of TNTD’s Border Security and Management Unit.
    Participants took part in hands-on scenario-based exercises, real-life operational case studies and theoretical sessions tailored to Montenegro’s context. The training focused on detecting and responding to indicators of trafficking in human beings using a victim-centred approach. The segment on arms trafficking furthermore explored Montenegro’s national profile and regional trafficking trends, introducing international tools such as INTERPOL’s iARMS database. The course promoted stronger interagency co-operation and emphasized human rights principles as well as gender- and age-sensitive approaches in border security controls.
    “For Montenegro, the fight against trafficking in weapons and human beings is a key priority in safeguarding national and regional security. Only through co-ordinated efforts, information exchange, and continuous training can we effectively respond to threats that undermine the rule of law and the safety of our citizens,” said Predrag Savovic, Senior Police Inspector, Head of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission of Montenegro. 
    This training course is part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project “Training and Deployment of OSCE Mobile Training Team to Better Address Challenges in Identifying the Cross-Border Movement of Foreign Terrorist Fighters and Other Cross-Border Crimes in the OSCE Area–Phase II”, funded by Germany and the United States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man who fled abroad found guilty of manslaughter

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who fled abroad following the fatal stabbing of a teenager in Finsbury Park has been convicted of manslaughter.

    After a six-week trial at Isleworth Crown Court, Kevin Peraj, 23, was found guilty on Friday, 16 May of killing 19-year-old Ahmed Habib under joint enterprise.

    He was brought to justice following a detailed Metropolitan Police investigation, which included reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV and extensive enquiries within the UK and abroad.

    Detective Inspector Brett Hagen, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to pay my respects to Ahmed’s family, I am, once again, very sorry for your loss. I hope this result, and that Peraj will now face the consequences of his actions, brings some small comfort.

    “Our investigation into the events of that day continues as at least one other man was involved in the attack.

    “I am keen to hear from anyone who may have any information, no matter how small. Please think back to when this happened and come forward if you have any information that may help our investigation.”

    Detectives launched an investigation after receiving reports at about 02:50hrs on Thursday, 11 July 2024 of two men injured in a car in Stroud Green Road, at the junction of Tollington Park, N4.

    Officers, London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance all attended and found Ahmed, the driver, suffering from stab injuries. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he sadly dead at the scene. The injuries of the second man, aged 21, in the car were not life-threatening.

    Detectives established the two men sustained their injuries in Seven Sisters Road close to Yonge Park before driving to Stroud Green Road where the car came to a stop.

    After reviewing many hours of footage, detectives found CCTV that captured Peraj approaching the vehicle and attacking the passenger in the car.

    In an attempt to escape police, on the night of the murder Peraj tried to flee the country. He made his way to Heathrow Airport, but was too late and missed his flight.

    Instead he left the UK via the Eurotunnel and headed to Albania.

    Quick time enquiries had led officers to identify Peraj, [8.7.01] of Islip Street, NW5. He contacted police after a warrant was issued at his family address and was arrested upon his return to the UK on Tuesday, 16 July.

    He was interviewed and charged with murder the following day under joint enterprise, before his conviction for manslaughter. The motive for the attack remains unclear.

    Peraj will be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 1 August.

    Officers believe Peraj was acting with another man – anyone with information asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and give reference 873/11July2024.

    You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Education Secretary gives keynote speech at Education World Forum

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Education Secretary gives keynote speech at Education World Forum

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s speech on the use of EdTech to improve opportunity in education at the Education World Forum.

    Hello everyone, and thank you all for being here.

    It’s wonderful to see everyone together in the same place – the biggest gathering of education ministers anywhere in the world!

    And what a fitting location. Just next door is the Methodist Central Hall, where almost 80 years ago the United Nations General Assembly met for the first time.

    And we also sit in the shadow of Westminster Abbey, a place which marks the memories of so many inspirational figures, men and women who still light up our classrooms centuries on.

    Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Darwin are all buried there.

    Jane Austen and the three Brontë sisters each have a plaque – next to the statue of William Shakespeare.

    And close by lies the grave of Charles Dickens, whose stories I grew up reading, whose characters I loved.

    Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Pip and his great expectations.

    The abandoned children of Victorian London, held back, time and again, by the tough luck of a bad start.

    I was always drawn to Dickens because he was never afraid to confront social injustice.

    The daily, grinding poverty that kept opportunity out of the reach of millions.

    There’s been plenty of progress since those darker days.

    And thankfully, London looks very different today.

    But much of the inequality, the injustice remains.

    Opportunity still lies beyond the grasp of too many people – here in this country and around the world too.

    We have so far to go on our journey to cut the link between background and success.

    That’s our job as education leaders, to give not just some children but all children the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background, to make that old dream new again for each generation.

    There are well over a hundred countries and territories represented here today. Well over a hundred different education systems. Well over a hundred different sets of challenges.

    But we can come together around one common cause. Opportunity.

    That’s what education is all about. Opportunity for all children – to learn, to discover, to go on and live a good life.

    So that every child knows, deep down in their bones, that success belongs to them.

    That’s my mission for the children of this country, it’s the mission of our government. Because background shouldn’t mean destiny.

    But the barriers we face are huge – here in the UK and across the globe.

    250 million children still out of school around the world.

    70% of children in low- and middle-income countries unable to read at the end of their basic education.

    A pandemic that saw schools all over the world close their gates, classrooms empty, playgrounds silent, a global generation of children falling behind.

    Challenges of this scale demand the fresh solutions of the future, not the stale systems of the past.

    We must squeeze every last drop of value out of every last pound of funding.

    And technology will lead the way.

    The opportunities of EdTech are huge. It’s a wave of innovation that can lift the learning of billions.

    But to be clear about what technology can do, first we need to be clear what it cannot do.

    It can’t replace great teachers.

    They are the heart, they are the soul of every school.

    That was true 500 years ago. It’ll be true in 500 more.

    Education is a deeply human gift, given by one generation to the next.

    Opportunity passed from one generation to the next.

    But EdTech can take that gift and make it stronger, spread it further, share it with more children.

    It can be the radical force that brings the very best education into every city, every town, every village, every school, every classroom in the world.

    It can help us to reach learners who might otherwise be left out – because they have a disability, their parents are poor, they don’t speak a certain language, or simply because they’re a girl.

    EdTech can help us tear down those barriers.

    Here in this country, we’re using it to free up teachers time to spend more time teaching.

    For children that means more attention, higher standards, better life chances.

    For teachers – less paperwork, lower stress, fewer drains on their valuable time. 

    My department is continuing to support Oak National Academy, an online hub of resources for teachers, whose AI lesson assistant is helping teachers to plan personalised lessons in minutes.

    Making the most of teacher time is one of the challenges we all face.

    Another is attendance – getting children back in the classroom, especially since covid.

    Our response is rooted in our world-class data, where schools can use an interactive dashboard to drive early intervention.

    And it’s working. We’ve lost 3 million fewer days to absence this year than last.

    And now we’re using AI to go further and faster.

    Just last week we launched a brand new AI-powered tool, which we think is amongst the first of its kind in the world.

    Every mainstream school in the country can access reports right now to benchmark their attendance against 20 similar schools.

    They highlight what schools are doing well, and where they need targeted intervention and support.

    That’s the kind of cutting-edge insight schools need to get attendance moving.

    But, despite its huge power, we know that AI isn’t a magic wand.

    EdTech can light up the next century of education – and I believe it will – but there are no guarantees.

    So getting AI on the right track now is the most important challenge for global education in a generation.

    And we have far to go to deliver the scale of progress that I know is possible.

    Our evidence-base is too narrow, too shallow, too concentrated in certain parts of the world, too focused on certain parts of the system.

    More research is needed; better research is needed.

    On impact.

    On value.

    On sustainability.

    And on safety.

    We need to come together to grow a global, collective consensus – a suite of effective tools, built on top-class evidence.

    That’s how, together, we can make sure EdTech and AI deliver the very best learning for children.

    And on this the UK will lead the way.

    This government’s EdTech hub – led by our Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – brings together research and policy organisations working to bridge the EdTech evidence gap.

    The Hub is here to support and empower government leaders, giving you the evidence that you need to roll out and scale up EdTech effectively and responsibly.

    The Hub is leading, and the UK is funding, the AI Observatory and Action Lab – supporting leaders in low- and middle-income countries to use AI in education.

    And we are continuing the change here at home with our new Content Store Project.

    We’re pooling a vast range of high-quality content – from curriculum guidance to teaching resources, from lessons plans to anonymised pupil work.

    And we’re making it available to AI companies to train their tools – so that they can generate top quality content for use in our classrooms.

    And we’re putting AI to work in a way that’s most useful for teachers, and most beneficial for students.

    But now we want to go further, to share our expertise, to work with our partners around the world to grow that collective consensus.

    So I am delighted to announce today that we are funding the development of global guidelines for generative AI in education.

    Working closely with partners at the OECD, we are shaping the global consensus on how generative AI can be deployed safely and effectively to boost education around the world.

    But everyone here today will know that guidelines are only ever as good as their implementation.

    Because what really matters is firm action in our classrooms, not abstract promises on a page.

    That’s why today I can announce that the UK will host an international summit on generative AI in education in 2026.

    Education leaders from around the world will come together to implement these guidelines – for the benefit of our children, young people and learners the world over.

    And we’ll continue to build the evidence base at home too.

    So I’m pleased to announce today that my department is investing more than a million pounds to test the Edtech we’re using in schools and colleges.

    Working with the Open Innovation Team, we’ll be engaging the sector to understand what works.

    We’ll look at how tools, including AI, can improve things like staff workload, pupil outcomes and inclusivity.

    Evidence must be at the heart of all we do, on EdTech and right across education.

    Here in the UK, we’re lucky to have the Education Endowment Foundation.

    The Foundation is at the forefront of research on how children learn.

    And my officials work hand in hand with their experts to make sure all our policies and programmes are driven by the very best evidence.

    We need to be at the top of our game.

    We’ve spoken about the challenges specific to education, but there are wider global challenges, that spill into our schools and colleges.

    Growing economic uncertainty, shifting labour markets, the flood of disinformation around social media.

    These are shared challenges that demand shared solutions.

    Solutions powered by technology, backed by evidence.

    But collaboration is key. We can’t do this alone.

    Learning from each other, sharing evidence, sharing data.

    The UK is here to convene, to accelerate and to celebrate all that is best in global education.

    And in the coming months we’ll publish our refreshed International Education Strategy.

    At its heart will be collaboration.

    Building partnerships that are meaningful, partnerships that matter, partnerships that, above all else, make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

    That’s what sets apart those men and women whom we remember in Westminster Abbey. They made a difference in people’s lives.

    The scientists and engineers, the poets and playwrights, the doctors and nurses.

    Most of their deeds were done and dusted centuries ago. But their legacy lives on.

    EdTech is now bringing the wonders of the Abbey to a whole new generation of children.

    From the Anglo-Saxons to the Tudors, from the majesty of coronations to the drudgery of everyday medieval life.

    Abbey experts run virtual classrooms and virtual tours for schools unable to visit in person – so that every child can learn about this building which has been at the heart of our national life for a thousand years.

    So that no child has to miss out.

    That’s what EdTech is all about, what education is all about, opportunity for all of our children.

    Because let’s not forget, this is for them.

    For every child, for every young person, for every adult around the world who deserves the opportunity to learn.

    That’s why we have to get this right.

    That’s why so many of you have come here today from so far away.

    And that’s why I am so thankful that you have.

    Because together I know that we can make a difference.

    So it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Education World Forum 2025.

    And I look forward to working together with you as we build stronger, bolder, better education together.

    Thank you.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Former Chinese takeaway owner sentenced after spending money on Apple and Burberry products instead of paying VAT bill

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Former Chinese takeaway owner sentenced after spending money on Apple and Burberry products instead of paying VAT bill

    Suspended sentence for bankrupt who defrauded HMRC

    • Former Chinese takeaway owner Zhang Jin Chen sold his house in Portsmouth and spent money from the sale in shops such as Apple and Burberry 

    • Chen knew he owed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) more than £43,000 in VAT at the time he made the purchases and other cash withdrawals 

    • The 51-year-old then filed for bankruptcy, claiming he only had £20 in his bank account

    A former Chinese takeaway owner who withdrew thousands of pounds from his bank account and bought items from shops such as Apple and Burberry instead of settling his tax bill has been sentenced. 

    Zhang Jin Chen owed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) more than £43,000 in VAT when he sold the house he owned with his then wife in Portsmouth in the autumn of 2020. 

    However, Chen disposed of £107,550 of his proceeds from the house sale without paying HMRC back. 

    The 51-year-old then applied for his own bankruptcy the following summer, claiming he only had £20 in his bank account, and £100 in cash. 

    Chen, of Havant Road, Portsmouth, was found guilty of fraudulently disposing of property as a bankrupt under the Insolvency Act 1986. 

    He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 16 May.  

    He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation activity. 

    Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Zhang Jin Chen had the money available to pay the VAT he owed to HMRC twice over following the sale of his house but chose not to do so. Instead, he withdrew huge sums of money in cash and made purchases from the likes of Burberry and Apple. 

    Individuals who are declared bankrupt commit a criminal offence when they put assets out of the reach of creditors in the five years leading up to their bankruptcy. 

    Chen clearly intended to conceal his affairs and defraud HMRC so he could be more than £100,000 better off, instead of little over £60,000 if he had paid his debts.

    Chen ran a Chinese takeaway called Fortune House from an address on Albert Road in Portsmouth. He registered Fortune House as a business with HMRC in February 2012 but did not register it for VAT. 

    HMRC officials visited the takeaway in February 2020, finding evidence that Fortune House should have been VAT registered since December 2012. 

    Chen applied for bankruptcy in July 2021, stating that he knew he owed HMRC £43,876 in VAT but that he could not repay the debts. 

    However, in October 2020, Chen and his ex-wife sold their jointly owned house on Garnier Street in Portsmouth. 

    Over the next two months, Chen withdrew his proceeds of the sale in cash, the largest of which were two withdrawals of £30,000 in November 2020. 

    He also spent more than £3,500 on Apple products in November and December 2020 and a further £880 on a purchase from Burberry nine days before Christmas. 

    Chen signed a five-year Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking in March 2022 restricting him from being able to borrow more than £500 without disclosing his bankrupt status.  

    The restrictions also prevent him holding certain roles in public organisations. 

    The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Terrorists use food as a weapon: how Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab exploit hunger

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Simone Papale, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Parma

    Over the last decade, there has been growing international focus on the role of food in conflict, particularly in Africa. The continent has seen an increase in jihadist terrorism in several regions.

    Violence, like that exercised by terrorist organisations, is linked with food security conditions, causing a vicious circle of hunger and conflict.

    Terrorism generates food disruptions. It undermines production systems and supply routes.

    At the same time, growing food shortages intensify tensions and competition over essential resources at the margins of vulnerable societies. This increases the risk of mobilisation into violence.

    We are researchers in international security and contemporary warfare. In a recent article, we explored the role of food in Africa’s terrorist insurgencies. We focused on Boko Haram in Nigeria and Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

    We show how food is not only a driver or victim of violence. It is also central to how terrorist groups fight, govern and survive.

    Terrorists use food as a tool to challenge national authorities and increase their followers. In parallel, they exploit food insecurity to control communities and confront counter-terrorism forces, pushing the state out of contested areas.

    Read more: How crime is closely linked to Al-Shabaab’s survival strategy

    This has major implications. The use of food as a weapon worsens humanitarian conditions. It causes the displacement of people in vulnerable settings. As a result, it sets in motion dangerous mechanisms of instability that can even undermine militants themselves, reducing their resources and operational capabilities.

    State responses need to address these challenges and promote more comprehensive approaches to counter terrorism.

    Weaponising supplies

    Since the late 2000s, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have engaged African security forces in a strenuous fight. Both groups have sought to overthrow local governments and establish their power.

    They have expanded their networks in regions where food security is low. These are Nigeria’s Borno State and southern Somalia.

    These areas have witnessed historical frictions between the population and government authorities. Local communities have lamented socioeconomic marginalisation, shortages of essential resources and high levels of unemployment.

    Both Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have sought to capitalise on inequalities to gain appeal among aggrieved populations, seeking to replace the state in the delivery of essential resources.

    Read more: Nigeria’s growing security crisis: 6 essential reads

    Boko Haram militants have reportedly provided supplies, such as biscuits, rice and spaghetti, to marginalised villages. As a Borno State resident put it, the militants have shown “love and concern” while addressing local needs.

    Al-Shabaab has resorted to similar practices to win the hearts and minds of southern Somalis and enlarge its pool of recruits. The group has supplied struggling communities with meals and goods, and promoted local agricultural activities.

    In parallel to these activities, both terrorist groups have adopted more aggressive measures to counter the advance of anti-terrorism forces. They have used food denial to punish civilian insubordination and cooperation with the state, relying on starvation tactics.

    Boko Haram has systematically targeted food infrastructures. The group has burned crops, banned farming and fishing activities, and even poisoned water sources. This has happened particularly in places where militants suspected collusion between communities and national authorities.

    Likewise, Al-Shabaab has interrupted trade routes. It has destroyed food imports to isolate southern Somali villages controlled by security forces and deprive them of popular support. During Somalia’s 2011–2012 famine, Al-Shabaab militants blocked humanitarian agencies. This was aimed at preventing the distribution of food aid to curb western influence in territories under their control.

    The repercussions

    The use of food as a weapon has had major repercussions in Borno State and southern Somalia. It is a primary cause of the deterioration of food security in these regions over the last 15 years.

    Attacks on food resources and infrastructure have disrupted supply routes. They have pushed people to abandon their crops and pastures. This has decreased the production and availability of essential goods.

    As a result, humanitarian conditions have worsened, local economies have weakened and displacement flows have intensified.

    This has had detrimental effects for Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab, depriving militants of key assets to sustain their activities and attract new recruits.

    The two terrorist groups have become victims of the emergencies they have helped generate. They have increasingly struggled to supply nourishment for their troops and supporters. Consequently, they have witnessed a growing number of defections motivated by unsustainable conditions.

    Reports highlight increasing cases of jihadists surrendering to security forces while requesting food.

    To address these challenges, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have intensified raids on villages, looting goods and livestock.

    Read more: What drives Al-Shabaab in Somalia: foreign forces out, Sharia law in and overthrow the government

    However, growing frictions with the population have undermined the groups’ operational capabilities, even opening up new fronts of resistance.

    Boko Haram has been forced to transfer part of its resources and operations to the Lake Chad area. The group has intensified incursions to capture food in Nigeria’s neighbouring countries.

    In Somalia, tensions with farming and pastoralist communities have led to the creation of militias mobilising against Al-Shabaab.

    What next

    The relocation of Boko Haram’s operations and the mobilisation of communities against Al-Shabaab have not eradicated the terrorist threat. However, these events further highlight food as a crucial factor shaping insurgencies.

    African and international authorities need to tackle the dynamics of food weaponisation. They need to refine their approach to enhance local resilience, addressing the inequalities that insurgents exploit.

    – Terrorists use food as a weapon: how Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab exploit hunger
    – https://theconversation.com/terrorists-use-food-as-a-weapon-how-boko-haram-and-al-shabaab-exploit-hunger-256162

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Fast Payout Online Casinos: JACKBIT Rated Top Casino For Same Day Withdrawals & Wager-Free Bonuses!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TUPELO, Miss., May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The online casino industry is booming, captivating players worldwide with its thrilling mix of entertainment and real-money rewards, solidifying its dominance in the gaming sector. As players seek platforms that combine excitement with instant access to winnings, fast payout online casinos have become essential.

    >>CLICK HERE TO JOIN JACKBIT & CLAIM YOUR 100 FREE SPINS<<

    After thoroughly evaluating numerous platforms for their bonuses, game variety, and withdrawal speeds, we’ve crowned JACKBIT as the ultimate fast payout casino. Its massive library of over 6,500 games and lightning-fast withdrawal system left us astonished, making it the top choice for the best online casino fast payout experience.

    Why Choose Fast Payout Online Casinos?

    Fast payout online casinos are revolutionizing the gaming world by prioritizing speed, security, and player satisfaction. The rise of instant withdrawal casinos reflects a growing demand for platforms that deliver winnings without delay, ensuring players can enjoy their rewards immediately.

    In the fast-paced casino industry, the fastest paying online casinos stand out by eliminating the frustration of long waiting periods, which can diminish the thrill of a big win.

    Fast payout casinos also emphasize secure transactions and transparent processes, making them a trusted choice for real cash payout online casino gaming. By choosing a fast withdrawal online casino, players gain a seamless, rewarding experience that aligns with the modern demand for convenience and reliability. This focus on speed and trust is why fast payout online casinos are shaping the future of online gaming.

    How to Join JACKBIT? Step-by-Step Guide

    Joining JACKBIT, the best online casino fast payout platform, is simple and takes just a few minutes. Take these actions to begin your gaming journey:

    1. Visit the Website: Click here to head to JACKBIT’s user-friendly homepage using a secure connection. The intuitive design makes navigation easy, allowing you to explore features before signing up. You can preview the game library and promotions to get a feel for the platform. A secure connection ensures your data remains protected from the start.
    2. Sign Up: Click “Sign Up” and enter your email, a strong password, and preferred currency (crypto or fiat). The registration form is quick and straightforward. Choose a password with a mix of letters and numbers for added security. You can also select your preferred language for a personalized experience.
    3. Check your email: To activate your account, look for a verification link in your mailbox and click on it. If it doesn’t appear, check your spam folder for the email. This step guarantees that your account is safe and operational. Follow the email instructions to complete activation smoothly.
    4. Deposit Funds: Navigate to the cashier and select a payment method, such as Bitcoin, Visa, or Skrill. The clear interface guides you through the process. You can view available currencies before confirming your deposit. Minimum deposit amounts are displayed for transparency.
    5. Claim Bonus: Activate the welcome bonus during your deposit. Visit the promotions page to explore additional offers and maximize your rewards. Bonuses are automatically applied if eligible, simplifying the process. Check the terms to ensure you meet the requirements for each offer.
    6. Play: Dive into the game library and enjoy slots, table games, or live dealer titles. Use the search feature to find your favorite games quickly. Start with low-stakes games to explore the platform. Filter games by provider or category for a tailored experience.

    Overview Of JACKBIT – The Best Fast Payout Online Casino

    • Game Library: Over 6,500 titles from top-tier providers.
    • Top Bonus: 100 wager-free spins for new players.
    • Payments: Supports crypto and fiat with instant withdrawals.
    • Security: Curacao license, SSL encryption, and provably fair games.
    • Support: 24/7 live chat and email assistance.
    • Mobile: Fully optimized for all devices.

    Why JACKBIT Excels Among Fast Payout Online Casinos

    JACKBIT has emerged as a leader in fast payout online casinos by combining cutting-edge technology, a vast game selection, and player-centric features. Here’s why it’s the best online casino fast payout platform for gaming enthusiasts.

    1. Expansive Game Selection:

    JACKBIT, the fast payout casino, offers an unparalleled library of over 6,500 games, catering to every type of player. From high-volatility slots like Gates of Olympus to immersive live dealer tables and classic table games like blackjack, this instant payout casino ensures endless entertainment.

    Powered by industry giants like Pragmatic Play and Evolution Gaming, JACKBIT delivers a premium gaming experience, making it a top choice for fast paying online casinos.

    Whether you’re chasing big wins or enjoying casual play, the variety ensures there’s something for everyone. The platform’s intuitive interface makes finding your favorite games a breeze, enhancing the overall experience at this fast withdrawal online casino.

    2. Generous Bonuses and Promotions:

    Unlike many platforms with complicated terms, JACKBIT, the fast payout casino, offers straightforward, player-friendly bonuses. Its welcome package includes 100 wager-free spins and ongoing promotions like cashback and tournaments provide continuous value.

    These rewards make JACKBIT a standout among instant withdrawal casinos, ensuring players get genuine benefits without hidden catches. The simplicity of its bonus structure appeals to both new and experienced players, reinforcing its position as a leading same day withdrawal casino.

    3. Robust Security Measures:

    Security is a cornerstone of JACKBIT’s fast withdrawal online casino. Licensed by the Curacao Gaming Control Board, it employs advanced SSL encryption to safeguard transactions and personal data.

    Provably fair games guarantee transparency, positioning JACKBIT as a trusted real cash payout online casino for secure gaming. Players can enjoy peace of mind knowing their information is protected, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an easy cash out online casino with top-notch security.

    4. Lightning-Fast Withdrawals:

    JACKBIT is renowned as the fastest online casino payout platform, particularly for cryptocurrency users. Withdrawals via Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Tether are processed instantly, while fiat options like MasterCard are completed within 1-3 days.

    This efficiency makes JACKBIT a leader among same day withdrawal online casinos, ensuring players access their winnings swiftly. The streamlined withdrawal process is a game-changer, setting a new standard for fast payout online casinos and enhancing player trust.

    >> CLICK HERE TO JOIN JACKBIT TODAY & WITHDRAW YOUR WINNINGS FASTER THAN EVER!<<

    5. Exceptional Customer Support:

    A hallmark of top fast payout casinos is reliable support, and JACKBIT excels with 24/7 live chat and email assistance. The dedicated team resolves queries promptly, enhancing the player experience and reinforcing JACKBIT’s status as an easy cash out online casino.

    Whether you have questions about withdrawals or bonuses, the support team is always ready to assist, making JACKBIT a player-focused instant payout casino.

    6. Seamless Mobile Gaming:

    In 2025, mobile gaming is non-negotiable, and JACKBIT’s fast payout online casino delivers a fully optimized platform for smartphones and tablets. Players can enjoy slots, table games, and live dealer options on the go, making it a top instant withdrawal casino for mobile users.

    The responsive design ensures a smooth experience across devices, solidifying JACKBIT’s reputation as a same day withdrawal casino that prioritizes accessibility.

    7. Versatile Payment Options:

    JACKBIT supports a wide range of payment methods, from cryptocurrencies like Solana and Bitcoin to fiat options like Visa and Skrill.

    This flexibility caters to a global audience, solidifying its reputation as an online casino with easy withdrawals. Whether you prefer the speed of crypto or the familiarity of fiat, JACKBIT, one of the fast-paying online casinos, ensures a hassle-free banking experience.

    8. Trusted by Players:

    JACKBIT boasts a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating and has earned several industry awards, establishing it as a top-tier fast payout casino. Renowned for its reliability, swift transactions, and outstanding service, it’s a preferred choice for players seeking a seamless real cash payout online casino experience globally.

    Bonuses and Promotions

    Welcome Bonuses:

    • 100 wager-free spins for new players on select slots.
    • 30% rakeback on initial deposits.
    • 100% no-risk sports bet bonus.

    >>CLAIM YOUR FREE 100 WAGER-FREE SPINS + 30% RAKEBACK!<<

    Ongoing Promotions:

    • Weekly Sports Tournament: Prize pools up to $20,000.
    • Sports Betting Boosts: 3+1 free bet deal (place three bets, get one free).
    • JACKBIT Tournament: Daily 1,000 free spins and weekly $10,000 prizes.
    • Event Cashback: Special cashback for major events.
    • Drops & Wins: Prize pool of €2,000,000.
    • Social Media Bonuses: Exclusive rewards via JACKBIT’s social channels.

    Pros and Cons of JACKBIT

    Pros Cons
    Over 6,500 games from top providers Limited fiat withdrawal options in some regions
    Welcome bonus of 100 wager-free spins Some bonuses have high wagering requirements
    Instant crypto withdrawals  
    Supports crypto and fiat payments  
    24/7 customer support  
    Mobile-optimized platform  
    Provably fair games  
    No KYC for crypto users  


    Top Casino Games at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s library of over 6,500 titles makes it a standout among fast payout online casinos, offering diverse gaming options for all players.

    Best Real Money Slots:

    • Gates of Olympus: A high-volatility slot with cascading wins and massive payout potential. Its vibrant visuals and bonus features keep players engaged. Ideal for those seeking big wins in a fast payout casino.
    • Sweet Bonanza: A colorful slot with tumbling reels and multipliers for thrilling gameplay. Its high RTP makes it a favorite for real cash payout online casino players. Perfect for casual and seasoned slot enthusiasts.
    • Mega Joker: A progressive jackpot slot offering life-changing payouts. Its classic design appeals to traditional players at this instant withdrawal casino. High stakes yield high rewards.

    These slots deliver exciting gameplay and significant real cash payout online casino opportunities. Spin for big wins with just one click at JACKBIT’s fast paying online casinos!

    Table Games:

    • American Blackjack: A fast-paced classic with strategic depth. Ideal for players seeking skill-based wins at this same day withdrawal casino.
    • French Roulette: Offers elegant gameplay with favorable odds. Its immersive design enhances vented for instant withdrawal casinos. Perfect for roulette enthusiasts at JACKBIT.
    • Texas Hold’em Poker: A strategic card game for competitive players. Test your skills at this easy cash out online casino.

    Live Dealer Games:

    Experience the thrill of live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows with professional dealers. These games offer an authentic casino atmosphere at this fast withdrawal online casino. Real-time interaction enhances the excitement, making every session unforgettable.

    Progressive Jackpots:

    Chase massive wins with titles like Jackpot Raiders and Hall of Gods. These games offer escalating prize pools for life-changing payouts. Ideal for high rollers at this fastest online casino payout platform.

    Specialty Games

    Explore unique options like keno, bingo, and virtual sports for casual fun. These games provide a refreshing break at this online casino with easy withdrawal. Perfect for quick, low-stakes entertainment.

    >>CLICK HERE TO PLAY FAN-FAVORITE GAMES ANYTIME<<

    Secure Payment Methods

    JACKBIT offers a variety of secure payment methods, making it an online casino with easy withdrawal for players worldwide.

    Fiat Currency Methods Type
    MasterCard, Visa Credit/Debit Card
    Neteller, Skrill E-Wallet
    Bank Transfer Fiat
    Crypto Methods Type Deposit Time Withdrawal Time
    Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Tether Cryptocurrency Instant Instant

    All transactions are protected by SSL encryption, ensuring JACKBIT remains the fastest online casino payout platform for secure deposits and withdrawals.

    Responsible Gambling And Mobile Gaming

    Responsible Gambling

    JACKBIT is committed to promoting safe gaming with tools to help players stay in control:

    • Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps to manage spending. This helps players stay within their budget and avoid overspending. Contact support to customize limits based on your needs. These limits can be adjusted anytime to suit your financial goals.
    • Loss Limits: Restrict losses to encourage responsible play. This feature prevents chasing losses and promotes mindful gaming. Adjust limits via your account settings for flexibility. It’s a proactive way to maintain control over your gaming habits.
    • Wager Limits: Control betting amounts to avoid impulsive bets. This ensures responsible wagering and enhances long-term enjoyment. Limits are easily adjustable to match your gaming style. Regular reminders help you stick to your set boundaries.
    • Session Limits: Define playtime to promote healthy gaming habits. This encourages breaks and prevents excessive play. Set reminders to track session duration effortlessly. Notifications alert you when your session time is nearing its limit.
    • Self-Exclusion: If necessary, suspend your account either temporarily or permanently. This supports players seeking a break or looking to stop gambling. Contact support for guidance on the process. Resources are provided to assist with responsible gaming decisions.

    Support resources are available for players seeking help, reinforcing JACKBIT’s role as a trusted fast payout casino that prioritizes player well-being.

    Mobile Gaming

    JACKBIT’s mobile-optimized platform ensures seamless gaming on smartphones and tablets without requiring an app. From slots to live dealer games, players can access the full experience on the go, making it a top instant withdrawal casino for mobile users.

    Conclusive Thoughts on JACKBIT – The Best Fast Payout Online Casino

    JACKBIT sets the gold standard for fast payout online casinos in 2025, combining a massive game library, generous bonuses, robust security, and instant withdrawals. Its mobile compatibility, diverse payment options, and 24/7 support make it a fast payout casino for players of all levels.

    Whether you’re spinning slots or enjoying live dealer games, JACKBIT delivers unmatched entertainment backed by a commitment to responsible gambling and transparency. Join JACKBIT today to experience why it’s the ultimate destination for fast payout online casino gaming.

    >>CLICK HERE TO PLAY AT JACKBIT & WITHDRAW YOUR WINNINGS INSTANTLY<<

    FAQs About JACKBIT

    1. What makes JACKBIT a leading fast payout online casino?

    JACKBIT’s instant crypto withdrawals and a vast game library make it a top fast payout casino.

    2. Is JACKBIT secure for fast withdrawal online casino gaming?

    Yes, with a Curacao license and SSL encryption, JACKBIT is a safe instant withdrawal casino.

    3. What bonuses does JACKBIT offer as a fast payout casino?

    New players get 100 wager-free spins, plus cashback and tournament rewards.

    4. Can I play JACKBIT’s games on mobile as an instant payout casino?

    JACKBIT’s mobile platform offers seamless access to all games and features.

    5. What payment methods are available at JACKBIT’s fast paying online casinos?

    JACKBIT supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Visa, Skrill, and more for secure transactions.

    6. How fast are withdrawals at JACKBIT’s fastest online casino payout system?

    Crypto withdrawals are instant, while fiat takes 1-3 days at this same day withdrawal casino.

    Email: support@JACKBIT.com

    Disclaimer

    This article doesn’t claim to be financial or legal advice; in fact, it is strictly informational. Gambling carries risks and may be addictive; please play responsibly. Check if gambling on the internet is allowed in that region. Information is accurate as of May 2025, but terms may change; check JACKBIT for updates.

    This article is for informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, no warranties are made regarding completeness or timeliness. Readers should verify information independently. The publisher, affiliates, and contributors are not liable for errors, omissions, or losses arising from this content.

    This content may contain affiliate links, which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase or deposit. These links do not affect editorial integrity, and evaluations are based on independent research.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ba1e4f0-857d-4a64-9692-7951057deec1

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62ba5bee-0981-4b3a-a947-f6b34db15405

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc5992a1-52cb-48ec-8a64-95bf4c5f6119

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casinos: JACKBIT Shines As Top-Rated Bitcoin Online Casino For No KYC, Bonuses & Fast Payout!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark., May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The crypto casino industry has skyrocketed, transforming the casino landscape with its promise of speed, privacy, and innovation. These platforms have become a favorite among players, offering a seamless alternative to traditional gambling.

    >>CLAIM YOUR 100 WAGER-FREE SPINS + 30% RAKEBACK – CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED!<<

    Following extensive testing of multiple crypto casinos, and analyzing their bonuses, rewards, and performance, we’ve crowned JACKBIT as the best crypto casino for 2025. Its jaw-dropping game library and lightning-fast payouts left us in awe, making it stand out among the best crypto casinos. Discover why JACKBIT is redefining crypto gambling!

    Overview Of JACKBIT Crypto Casino

    • Launch Year: 2022
    • License: Curacao eGaming License
    • Game Selection: Over 8,000 games (slots, live casino, table games, esports betting)
    • Software Providers: Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, Betsoft, Yggdrasil, and more
    • Payment Methods: Crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Binance Coin) and fiat-to-crypto options
    • Withdrawal Speed: Instant or within 15 minutes

    JACKBIT’s no KYC policy for crypto users positions it as the best no KYC casino, while its rapid withdrawals make it the best instant withdrawal Bitcoin casino. With lucrative bonuses, round-the-clock support, and top-tier security, JACKBIT is a top crypto casino for players worldwide.

    Why JACKBIT Is One of the Best Crypto Casinos?

    JACKBIT sets itself apart in the crowded world of crypto gambling sites with a blend of cutting-edge features and player-centric services. Here’s why it’s a leader among the best crypto casinos:

    • Blazing-Fast Withdrawals: JACKBIT delivers withdrawals in as little as 15 minutes, making it a top Bitcoin casino for players who value quick access to their funds. This speed is unmatched among crypto gambling sites, earning it a spot as the best BTC casino.
    • Massive Game Collection: Boasting over 8,000 games, JACKBIT caters to every taste. From immersive slots to live dealer tables and esports betting, partnerships with giants like Evolution Gaming ensure top-notch quality, solidifying its status as a top crypto casino.
    • Privacy-First Approach: With no KYC for most crypto transactions, JACKBIT is the best no KYC casino, offering anonymity that appeals to privacy-conscious players. This feature makes it a favorite among the best crypto casinos.

    >>PLAY FREELY, STAY ANONYMOUS – CLICK HERE TO JOIN JACKBIT TODAY!<<

    • Lucrative Bonuses: New players enjoy 100 wager-free spins, a 30% rakeback, and a 100% risk-free esports bet. Weekly tournaments with $20,000 prize pools keep the excitement alive, making JACKBIT a top Bitcoin casino for rewards.
    • 24/7 Support: JACKBIT’s support team is available via live chat, email, and phone, ensuring players get help anytime. This dedication enhances its reputation as a safe and reliable crypto gambling site.
    • Ironclad Security: Featuring SSL encryption and provably fair gaming, JACKBIT ensures a secure environment, making it one of the safest options among the best crypto casinos.

    These qualities make JACKBIT a trailblazer among crypto gambling sites, delivering an experience that’s hard to beat.

    Bonuses And Promotions

    JACKBIT keeps players engaged with a range of exciting bonuses and promotions, ensuring every session is rewarding. Here’s what you can expect from this new crypto casino:

    • Welcome Bonus: Kick off with 100 wager-free spins, a 30% rakeback, and a 100% risk-free esports bet on your first deposit.
    • Daily and Weekly Tournaments: Participate in sports competitions with up to $20,000 in prize pools or JACKBIT tournaments with up to $10,000 and 1,000 free spins.
    • Cashback Rewards: Regular cashback on losses extends your playtime, a hallmark of the best crypto casinos.
    • Esports Bonuses: Enjoy bet insurance and free bets tailored for esports enthusiasts.
    • VIP Rakeback Club: Loyal players earn points for cash, faster withdrawals, and exclusive perks.
    • 3+1 FreeBet: Place 3 bets and get the fourth free.
    • Drops & Wins: Dive into a $2,000,000 prize pool for slots and live casino games.
    • Social Media Rewards: Follow JACKBIT’s social channels for exclusive bonuses.

    These promotions make JACKBIT one of the most rewarding new crypto casinos, offering endless value to players.

    >>CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR 100 WAGER-FREE SPINS<<

    Guide To Join JACKBIT

    Getting started with JACKBIT is a breeze, designed to have you playing in minutes at one of the best crypto casinos. Follow these steps:

    1. Visit the JACKBIT Website:
    Click here to head to the official JACKBIT site to start your journey. The website’s sleek design makes navigation effortless, even for first-time users. Ensure you’re on an authentic site to protect your information.

    2. Sign Up:
    Click “Register” and provide your email and a secure password. No KYC is needed for crypto users, reinforcing JACKBIT’s status as the best no KYC casino. The process takes seconds, letting you dive into the action quickly.

    3. Verify Your Email:
    Check your inbox for a verification link and click to activate your account. This step ensures your account is secure and ready for use. Be sure to check your spam folder if the email doesn’t appear immediately.

    4. Deposit Funds:
    Navigate to the deposit section, choose your preferred cryptocurrency, and follow the prompts. Fiat options like Visa or Google Pay are available to buy crypto. Instant processing of deposits allows you to begin playing right away.

    5. Claim Your Bonus:
    Grab 100 wager-free spins, a 30% rakeback, and a 100% risk-free sports bet to boost your start. These bonuses are automatically credited after your first deposit. Check the promotions page for any additional offers.

    6. Start Gaming:
    Explore the 8,000+ games and dive into the action at this top crypto casino. Everyone can find something they enjoy, whether it’s live casinos or slots. Use the intuitive interface to find your favorite games quickly.

    This simple process ensures you’re quickly immersed in the best Bitcoin casino experience.

    Pros And Cons Of JACKBIT

    Here’s a balanced look at JACKBIT’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right fit among the best crypto casinos:

    Pros Cons
    Ultra-fast crypto withdrawals (often within 15 minutes) No direct fiat wagering options
    Over 8,000 games for an endless variety  
    No KYC for crypto users  
    Generous bonuses with wager-free spins  
    24/7 customer support via multiple channels  
    Robust security with SSL encryption  

    This table highlights why JACKBIT is a top Bitcoin casino while noting areas for consideration.

    Game Selection At JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s game library is a treasure trove, offering over 8,000 titles to suit every player. Partnering with industry leaders like Pragmatic Play and Betsoft, it delivers premium entertainment across these categories:

    • Slots: From classic reels to feature-packed video slots with Megaways and jackpots, there’s something for every slot lover. Popular titles offer immersive themes and high RTP rates for better-winning chances. Regular updates ensure fresh content, keeping JACKBIT among the best crypto casinos for slot enthusiasts.
    • Live Casino: Experience real-time thrills with live dealers in blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows. High-definition streaming creates an authentic casino atmosphere from anywhere. Players can interact with dealers, enhancing the social aspect of this top crypto casino.

    >>SIGN UP WITH JACKBIT TO CHECK OUT YOUR FAVORITE GAMES<<

    • Table Games: Enjoy strategic classics like poker, blackjack, and roulette in various styles. Multiple variants cater to both beginners and seasoned players. Provably fair options add transparency, a key feature of the best BTC casino.
    • Sports Betting: JACKBIT’s sportsbook offers competitive odds and live betting options for a variety of sports, such as basketball, football, and esports.
    • Instant Games: Try quick-play options like crash games and scratch cards for fast fun. These games are perfect for players seeking instant results with minimal strategy. Their simplicity and high rewards make JACKBIT a top Bitcoin casino for casual gamers.

    This variety cements JACKBIT’s place among the best crypto casinos for diverse gaming.

    Why Choose Crypto Casinos?

    Crypto casinos like JACKBIT are reshaping online gambling with unique advantages over traditional platforms, making them a top choice for modern players:

    • Anonymity: No KYC requirements for crypto users ensure privacy, positioning JACKBIT as the best no KYC casino.
    • Speed: Crypto transactions are lightning-fast, with withdrawals often processed in minutes, a key feature of the best BTC casino.
    • Security: Blockchain technology guarantees secure, transparent transactions, making JACKBIT a safe crypto gambling site.
    • Global Reach: Crypto casinos bypass many fiat-related restrictions, offering broader access worldwide.
    • Low Fees: Cryptocurrency transactions typically have minimal fees, maximizing player value at the best crypto casinos.

    These benefits make JACKBIT a standout in the world of crypto gambling sites.

    Payment Methods

    JACKBIT is a crypto-first platform, supporting a variety of cryptocurrencies for seamless deposits and withdrawals:

    • Cryptocurrencies:
      • Bitcoin (BTC)
      • Ethereum (ETH)
      • Tether (USDT)
      • Binance Coin (BNB)
      • Litecoin (LTC)
      • Dogecoin (DOGE)
      • Tron (TRX)

    >>CLICK HERE TO VISIT JACKBIT & EXPERIENCE INSTANT PAYOUTS!<<

    • Fiat-to-Crypto Options:
      • Visa
      • Mastercard
      • Google Pay
      • Apple Pay
      • Bank Transfer

    All gameplay occurs in cryptocurrency, reinforcing JACKBIT’s status as a top Bitcoin casino with secure, fast transactions.

    How To Buy Crypto At JACKBIT?

    Purchasing crypto to play at this new crypto casino is straightforward:

    1. Log into your JACKBIT account.
    2. Go to “Deposit” and select “Buy Crypto.”
    3. Choose a fiat method (e.g., Mastercard or Google Pay).
    4. Pick your desired cryptocurrency.
    5. Enter the amount and confirm.
    6. Funds are credited instantly for gameplay.

    This process makes JACKBIT accessible even for crypto newcomers, enhancing its appeal among the best crypto casinos.

    Mobile Compatibility

    JACKBIT is optimized for mobile gaming, letting you enjoy its full range of games on iOS and Android devices through any browser. While there’s no dedicated app, the responsive website mirrors the desktop experience, including live casino and esports betting. This flexibility makes JACKBIT a top crypto casino for players on the move.

    User Interface And Experience

    JACKBIT’s sleek, modern interface features intuitive navigation and a dark theme that’s easy on the eyes. High-quality graphics, fast-loading pages, and multi-language support create a welcoming experience for global players. Whether on desktop or mobile, the seamless design ensures effortless browsing, solidifying JACKBIT’s reputation as a top Bitcoin casino.

    Responsible Gambling At JACKBIT – The Best Crypto Casino

    JACKBIT prioritizes player well-being with tools to promote responsible gambling:

    • Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently pause your account to take a break. This feature is ideal for players needing time away to reassess their habits. JACKBIT ensures the process is user-friendly and respects player privacy throughout.
    • Deposit Limits: To control expenditure, establish daily, weekly, or monthly restrictions. These customizable limits help prevent overspending and promote financial control. Players can easily adjust or remove limits via their account settings as needed.
    • Reality Checks: Get periodic reminders of your playtime to stay mindful. These notifications help you track session duration and encourage balanced gaming. You can configure the frequency to match your preferences for a personalized experience.
    • Cooling-Off Periods: Take a short break without closing your account. This temporary pause is perfect for players seeking a brief reset. It allows you to step back while keeping your account active for future play.

    These features, paired with links to support resources, make JACKBIT a responsible choice among the best crypto casinos.

    Conclusion: JACKBIT—The Best Crypto Casino For 2025

    JACKBIT emerges as a titan among the best crypto casinos in 2025, blending speed, variety, and security. Its vast game library, instant withdrawals, generous bonuses, and no KYC policy make it the best Bitcoin casino for players of all levels. With a user-friendly interface, robust security, and a commitment to responsible gambling, JACKBIT delivers an unrivaled experience. Join now and see why it’s the ultimate destination for crypto gambling sites.

    >>CLICK HERE TO UNLOCK YOUR BONUS PACK: 100 FREE SPINS!<<

    FAQs

    1. Why is JACKBIT considered one of the best crypto casinos?

    JACKBIT shines with fast withdrawals, a massive game library, and no KYC, making it a top crypto casino.

    2. How fast are withdrawals at JACKBIT?

    Crypto withdrawals are typically processed within 15 minutes, earning JACKBIT its best BTC casino status.

    3. Can I use fiat currencies to wager at JACKBIT?

    No, wagering is crypto-only, but fiat options like Visa are available to buy crypto.

    4. Are there fees for withdrawals at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT offers fee-free withdrawals, a perk of this top Bitcoin casino.

    5. Is JACKBIT accessible worldwide?

    Availability varies by region; check JACKBIT’s terms to confirm access in your country.

    6. What support options does JACKBIT provide?

    JACKBIT offers 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone for quick assistance.

    Email: support@JACKBIT.com

    Disclaimer

    Gambling entails hazards and needs to be handled carefully. Participants have to be of the legal gambling age in the region they reside in. The information provided here does not provide financial advice; it is merely meant to be helpful. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.

    This article is for informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties regarding the completeness or timeliness of the content. Readers should verify information independently before acting on it. The publisher, affiliates, and contributors are not liable for any errors, omissions, or losses arising from this content.

    This article may contain affiliate links, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These relationships do not influence our editorial integrity, and all evaluations are based on independent research. Gambling is intended for those of legal age (typically 18+). It carries financial risks and may lead to addiction. Gamble responsibly and seek help if needed. Brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7fac4085-28e6-4561-8a68-1fd71c53f261

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d3b8fd9-23ef-4a84-94ff-cd4ab02f8ff3

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cc1e20b6-dabe-427c-9e0c-6f2af8b8bcb6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legal News – Former NZ Associate Minister Of Foreign Affairs Calls On NZ Government To Uphold International Law Over US Designation of Cuba

    Source: Hon Matthew Robson

    Former NZ Associate Minister Of Foreign Affairs, Hon Matt Robson, has called on the New Zealand Government to uphold International Law.

    “New Zealand prides itself on being in the forefront of countries supporting the international rule of law and not the international rule of might ”, said former Associate Foreign Minister in the Helen Clark government, the Hon Matt Robson.

    “To uphold this principled position Foreign Minister, the Hon Winston Peters, must strongly condemn the US action of placing Cuba on its “List of Non-Cooperative Terrorism countries.

    “This illegal act is a further breach of international law alongside the ever-tightening unilateral sanctions on Cuba, in place since 1960, which have been condemned as illegal by an overwhelming vote in the UN General Assembly, including that of New Zealand vote” said the Hon Matt Robson.

    “Cuba is recognised by the UN for its commitment to anti-terrorism measures. The irony is that it has been the United States that has supported terrorism against Cuba from the attempted assassination of its leaders, military invasions ,economic sabotage to the bombing of a Cuban airliner and protection in the US of the culprits.”

    “Cuba is renowned not for terrorism but for sending medical professionals to the poorest countries of the world since 1960, training doctors in Cuba from those countries, including many from Pacific nations, and during Covid providing specialist health personnel, including to developed Italy , to world acclaim”.

    “The Hon Winston Peters should place New Zealand on the side of the vast majority of countries supporting international law and condemn the United States for its illegal persecution of a developing country,” Hon Matt Robson said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05/19/2025, 11:05 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A106TR5 (VimpelK3R3) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05/19/2025 11:05

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on 19.05.2025, 11-05 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 87.82) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 936.59 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 18.75%) of the security RU000A106TR5 (VimpelK3R3) were changed

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05/19/2025, 10:44 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0ZZ9R4 (RZhD 1P-07R) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05/19/2025 10:44

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC) on 19.05.2025, 10-44 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 104.82) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1157.55 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A0ZZ9R4 (RZhD 1P-07R) were changed

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05/19/2025, 10-12 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A101CL5 security (FSK RS1R4) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05/19/2025 10:12

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on 19.05.2025, 10-12 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 77.28) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 829.61 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 18.75%) of the security RU000A101CL5 (FSK RS1R4) were changed

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.MOM/N90309

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Open letter from John Cusack: ‘The children of Gaza need your outrage – end the siege’

    Pacific Media Watch

    American film star celebrity John Cusack, who describes himself on his x-page bio as an “apocalyptic shit-disturber”, has posted an open letter to the world denouncing the Israeli “mass murder” in Gaza and calling for “your outrage”.

    While warning the public to “don’t stop talking about Palestine/Gaza”, he says that the “hollow ‘both sides’ rhetoric is complicity with power”.

    “This is not a debate with two sides that can be normalised — and all the hired bullshit in print and on tv will never change the narrative,” he said.

    Palestinian freelance photojournalist Fatma Hassouna . . . murdered in an Israeli air strike on after it was announced about her film on Gaza being screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Image: Fatma Hassouna

    His statement comes as hundreds of directors, writers, actors have denounced Israeli genocide in Gaza and the film industry’s “silence,” “indifference” and “passivity” coinciding with the Cannes Film Festival.

    More than 350 prominent directors, writers and actors signed an open letter condemning the genocide and the “official inaction” of the film industry in regard to the mass suffering.

    The industry open letter was published on the first day of the Cannes festival. It began by calling attention to the fate of 25-year-old Fatma Hassouna, a Palestinian freelance photojournalist, who was murdered in an Israeli air strike on April 16.

    She was assassinated after it was announced that Iranian director Sepideh Farsi’s film Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, in which she Hassouna was the star, had been selected in the ACID parallel, independent film section of the festival.

    She was about to get married.

    Cusack’s own open letter, offered as a template at X@JohnCusack last week, said:

    “To Whom it May Still Concern

    “There is a genocide unfolding before our eyes in Gaza. Not a metaphor, not a tragedy in the abstract — a genocide. Carried out in real time, in front of satellites, smartphones, and sanitized press conferences. And what has the so-called “land of the free” done? Applauded. Armed. Rationalised. Looked away.


    London protest: ‘No to another Nakba”    Video: Al Jazeera

    “The blood in Gaza does not just stain the hands of those launching the missiles. It stains every hand that signs off on the bombs, every hand that wrings itself in liberal anguish but does nothing, and every hand that beats its chest in right-wing bloodlust cheering it all on.

    “The American far right sees in this mass killing a projection of its own fantasies — walls, camps, and the unrelenting dehumanisation of the “other.” No surprise there. And where are the liberals? Their silence is violence. Their hollow “both sides” rhetoric is complicity with power. And mass murder. And the machine of empire—greased with our taxes, shielded by our media, and excused by our moral debauchery .
    How’s everybody at the Met gala doing tonight ?

    American actor John Cusack . . . “If you claim to care about justice – if you ever marched, ever lit a candle for any cause – then your voice should be raised now.” Image: Wikipedia

    “If you claim to care about justice — if you ever marched, ever lit a candle for any cause — then your voice should be raised now. Or it means nothing. The children of Gaza do not need your sorrow. They need your outrage. Your pressure. Your courage.

    “End the siege. End the weapons shipments. End the lies. Call this what it is: a genocide.

    “And if your politics cannot confront that—then your politics are worthless.

    “In furious solidarity

    “John Cusack”

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Legal Aid Agency data breach

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Legal Aid Agency data breach

    An update following a cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency’s online digital services.

    On Wednesday 23 April, we became aware of a cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency’s online digital services.

    These are the services through which legal aid providers log their work and receive payment from the Government.

    In the days following the discovery, we took immediate action to bolster the security of the system, and informed all legal aid providers that some of their details, including financial information, may have been compromised.

    Since then, we have worked closely with the National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre as well as informing the Information Commissioner.

    On Friday 16 May we discovered the attack was more extensive than originally understood and that the group behind it had accessed a large amount of information relating to legal aid applicants.

    We believe the group has accessed and downloaded a significant amount of personal data from those who applied for legal aid through our digital service since 2010. 

    This data may have included contact details and addresses of applicants, their dates of birth, national ID numbers, criminal history, employment status and financial data such as contribution amounts, debts and payments.

    We would urge all members of the public who have applied for legal aid in this time period to take steps to safeguard themselves. We would recommend you are alert for any suspicious activity such as unknown messages or phone calls and to be extra vigilant to update any potentially exposed passwords. If you are in doubt about anyone you are communicating with online or over the phone you should verify their identity independently before providing any information to them.

    Jane Harbottle, Chief Executive Officer of the Legal Aid Agency, said:

    I understand this news will be shocking and upsetting for people and I am extremely sorry this has happened.

    Since the discovery of the attack, my team has been working around the clock with the National Cyber Security Centre to bolster the security of our systems so we can safely continue the vital work of the agency.

    However, it has become clear that to safeguard the service and its users, we needed to take radical action. That is why we’ve taken the decision to take the online service down.

    We have put in place the necessary contingency plans to ensure those most in need of legal support and advice can continue to access the help they need during this time.

    I am incredibly grateful to legal aid providers for their patience and cooperation at a deeply challenging time.

    We will provide further updates shortly.

    Further information on how to protect yourself from the impact of a data breach can be found on the NCSC website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stoke-on-Trent to weed out illegal cannabis grows in zero-tolerance crackdown

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Weed them out graphic

    Published: Monday, 19th May 2025

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police are teaming up in a major new crackdown on illegal cannabis grows in the city.

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police are teaming up in a major new crackdown on illegal cannabis grows in the city.
     

    The joint operation will target cannabis grows in council properties, privately rented homes and empty commercial buildings to combat the negative impact the drug has on our communities.
     

    Action will be taken against council tenants, private landlords and their tenants, and owners of commercial buildings when a cannabis grow is found.
     

    Private landlords who knowingly allow cannabis grows in their properties could face criminal charges, while council tenants will see their tenancies terminated.

    To encourage private building owners and landlords to make sure buildings are in legal use – as well as encouraging regeneration of the city’s empty properties – charges on empty homes are now applicable and can be up to a 300% premium.
     

    The crackdown will build on the existing police Operation Levidrome, which has seen more than 21 significant cannabis grows detected in the city in the last three months.

    Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are committed to tackling this issue – and it starts with the property owners.
     

    “Criminal gangs are targeting empty buildings to set up dangerous grow which create fire risks and other hazards.

    “We need to keep drugs out of our communities and out of the hands of children.
     

    “We won’t stand by while illegal activity threatens the safety of our residents.
     

    “If you see, smell or hear something suspicious: grass a grow!!! Together we will weed them out.”
     

    Stoke North Local Policing Team Inspector Victoria Ison said: “We’re determined to continue working with our partners in the city to rid the area of organised crime, including the gangs responsible for cannabis cultivation.

    “We’re acting proactively to identify, dismantle and disrupt cannabis grows in Stoke-on-Trent, and we welcome the city council’s clampdown on tenancy rules to ensure that grows are more easily identified.

    “Working in partnership with the local authority helps us act strongly against those responsible for harm in local communities. By working together, we have arrested more than 260 people suspected of high-harm offences in the city under our Making Great Places initiative.
     

    “Officers are continuing to act on the concerns of local people and businesses as robustly as possible in Stoke-on-Trent.”
     

    Over the coming months, council housing teams will carry out proactive inspections of high-risk properties, particularly those standing empty. More information about how to spot and report cannabis farms can be found at: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/police-forces/staffordshire-police/areas/staffordshire-police/campaigns/2021/cannabis-farms/

    The campaign will also work to help aide the reduction in anti-social behaviour across the city.
     
    For any other concerns relating to anti-social behaviour (ASB), report through to the ASB Team on 01782 234234, complete the online form at www.stoke.gov.uk or email asb@stoke.gov.uk

    To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    For information on charges for Empty Homes, visit: www.stoke.gov.uk/emptyandsecondhomes
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearms seized – Acacia hills

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police Force, in collaboration with the Australian Border Force (ABF), have seized multiple firearms and other prohibited items following a joint operation in Acacia Hills.

    On 13 April 2025, ABF officers at the Sydney Gateway Facility intercepted a prohibited import—a firearms silencer—addressed to a 62-year-old male residing at a rural property in Acacia Hills. The individual is a known person of interest to police, with his firearms licence having been revoked in 2019.

    On 16 May 2025, members of the NT Police Firearms Audit and Enforcement team, alongside ABF officers, executed a comprehensive search of the 56-hectare property under section 119AA of the Police Administration Act. The male was apprehended at the scene.

    ABF firearms and explosives detection dogs were deployed and indicated several areas of interest within the primary dwelling. During the search, officers located and seized:

    • A Mini Ruger 14 .223 semi-automatic rifle with two 30-round magazines (one loaded), concealed under a couch.
    • A Ruger M77 .300 Win Mag bolt-action rifle hidden within shed pylons.
    • Multiple boxes of live ammunition and spent shell casings.
    • A night-vision thermal weapon sight and multiple firearm scopes.
    • Firearm cleaning equipment.
    • Approximately 3 grams of cannabis.
    • Evidence of a makeshift shooting range beneath a veranda.

    Following the discovery of cannabis, a section 120B search warrant was executed in addition to the initial 119AA search.

    Search and Rescue Section (SRS) and Territory Support Division officers assist in conducting a detailed grid search of the surrounding bushland, confirming no further weapons were present.

    The male has been issued a Notice to Appear in the Darwin Local Court on 15 July 2025 for the following offences:

    • Possess/use Category D firearm while unlicensed
    • Possess/use Category B firearm while unlicensed
    • Possess ammunition without a licence
    • Possess unregistered firearm
    • Possess less than traffickable quantity of a Schedule 2 dangerous drug

    Additionally, ABF issued the male with an infringement notice totalling $4,950.

    Senior Sergeant Alex Brennan said, “This incident highlights not only the ongoing risks posed by individuals unlawfully possessing firearms and prohibited imports, but also the seamless collaboration between agencies when it comes to investigating firearms offences.”

    ABF Commander Tracie Griffin said people should remember that any weapons or parts that are purchased overseas have to come across the border, and warned “that’s where our highly trained officers, detector dogs and cutting-edge x-ray technology are deployed”. 

    “In the wrong hands, these weapons could be deadly. If we detect them at the border, we will seize them and where appropriate prosecute those trying to bring them in illegally,” Commander Griffin said. 

    “Recreational shooters and firearm enthusiasts importing firearms, firearm parts or other weapons online should be very clear about the regulations in place. 

    “Anyone attempting to import prohibited weapons, including firearm parts, runs the risk of losing those goods and facing possible criminal prosecution.”

    Importing firearms without a permit is a serious offence with penalties including imprisonment for up to ten years and/or fines of up to $525,000. 

    Anyone with information about illegal firearms or related activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Crime Stoppers NT.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man arrested in FBI bust has thousands in assets restrained

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attribute to Detective Inspector Christiaan Barnard

    Police have restrained more than $650,000 in assets, following the arrest of a Wellington-based man on Friday as part of an FBI investigation.

    The man appeared in the Auckland District Court on Friday for his alleged involvement in an organised criminal group that stole cryptocurrency from seven victims valued at US$265M (NZD$450M).

    The Wellington High Court has now issued restraining orders under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 for assets valued at $670,000 including cash held in bank accounts, cash held in a lawyer’s trust account for the purchase of a property, cryptocurrency, and high value goods.

    We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in the United States to recover assets alleged to have been stolen by the organised criminal group.

    An interim name suppression order remains in place.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –