Category: Crime

MIL-OSI: Best Minimum Deposit Casinos – Play Real Money Games At 7Bit Casino with $20 Minimum Deposit & Fast Withdrawals!
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SEATTLE, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In today’s online gaming scene, minimum deposit casinos are a popular choice, offering affordable access to real money games. These platforms let players enjoy slots, table games, and live dealers with a modest investment, perfect for both beginners and experienced gamers. In 2025, 7Bit Casino stands out for its low deposit requirement and fast withdrawals.

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For online casino enthusiasts, $20 minimum deposit casinos offer an affordable way to enjoy quality gaming without a big upfront investment. 7Bit Casino stands out with its crypto-friendly approach, no-KYC policy, and extensive game library. In 2025, it leads with instant crypto rewards and thousands of games, making it a top choice for budget-conscious players.

How to Register at 7Bit Casino in 2025

Joining 7Bit Casino – one of the most trusted fast-payout casinos- is simple and streamlined. Follow these quick steps to get started with real money games and speedy withdrawals:
1. Go to the Official 7Bit Casino Website
  Click here to visit the official 7Bit Casino site, fully optimized for both Android and iOS users.
2. Click the “Sign Up” Button
  Find the green “Sign Up” button in the top-right corner of the homepage to begin registration.
3. Complete the Registration Form
  Enter the following details:
  - A valid email address
  - A strong password (use letters, numbers, and special characters)
  - Your preferred currency (fiat, like USD, or cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin)
    Review your details to ensure accuracy.
4. Agree to the Terms and Conditions
  Check the box to accept the casino’s terms and conditions. You can also opt in for exclusive promotions, including free spins and bonus offers.
5. Submit Your Registration
  Click “Sign Up” to complete the process. Registration takes just a few moments, reflecting 7Bit Casino’s user-friendly approach.
6. Verify Your Email (If Needed)
  Check your inbox for a verification email. Click the link to confirm your account. Crypto players may skip this step and enjoy immediate access.
7. Log In to Your Account
  Use your registered email and password to log in and start exploring top pokies, table games, and more.
8. Make Your First Deposit
  Head to the “Cashier” section, pick a payment method (like Bitcoin, Pay ID, or Visa), enter your deposit amount, and proceed. Crypto deposits are instant and support private, secure gameplay.
9. Claim Your Welcome Bonus
  Once you deposit, claim your welcome offer: a 325% bonus up to 5.25 BTC plus 250 free spins, distributed over your first four deposits, the perfect way to kick off at this fast-paying online casino.
What Makes 7Bit Casino a Top Choice for Budget-Conscious Players

7Bit Casino, established in 2014 and operated by Dama N.V., has built a reputation as one of the best minimum deposit casinos, particularly for players who prioritize flexibility and speed. Licensed by the Curaçao eGaming Authority, the platform combines a retro-themed interface with modern functionality, making it a favorite among crypto and fiat users alike.

Its $20 minimum deposit threshold aligns perfectly with the growing demand for low minimum deposit casinos, placing 7Bit Casino firmly among the top choices for budget-conscious players seeking real money gaming with minimal upfront risk.

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The casino’s extensive library, featuring over 10,000 games from providers like NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, and BGaming, ensures players have endless options. From classic slots to live dealer tables, 7Bit caters to every gaming preference, making it a standout among casinos with minimum deposit requirements.

Additionally, its focus on fast withdrawals, especially for cryptocurrency transactions, sets it apart in the competitive landscape of online casinos with low minimum deposit options.

A Closer Look at 7Bit’s Offerings

To understand why 7Bit is a top pick among $20 minimum deposit casinos, let’s examine its key features through a player-focused lens. The following areas highlight what makes 7Bit a compelling choice for those exploring minimum deposit online casinos:

1. Licensing and Security

7Bit operates under a Curaçao eGaming license, ensuring compliance with industry standards for fair play and player protection. The platform employs SSL encryption to safeguard transactions and personal data, providing peace of mind for users.

For players seeking casinos with low minimum deposit options, this level of security is crucial, as it ensures safe handling of even small transactions.

The casino also uses Random Number Generators (RNGs) to guarantee fair game outcomes, with regular audits reinforcing its commitment to transparency. This makes 7Bit a reliable choice among the best minimum deposit casinos, where trust is paramount.

2. Game Variety and Quality

With over 10,000 games, 7Bit’s library is one of the largest among $20 minimum deposit casinos. Players can enjoy:
- Slots: Thousands of titles, from classic fruit machines to modern video slots like Elvis Frog in Vegas and Sweet Bonanza.
- Table Games: Variants of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
- Live Dealer Games: Over 200 tables powered by Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play, offering immersive experiences like live blackjack and roulette.
- Provably Fair Games: Crypto-specific games that allow players to verify fairness independently.
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This diversity ensures that players at casinos with minimum deposit requirements can explore a wide range of options without needing to deposit large sums. The availability of demo modes further enhances accessibility, allowing users to try games risk-free before wagering real money.

3. Bonuses and Promotions

7Bit offers a range of bonuses that appeal to players at low minimum deposit casinos. New players can claim a welcome package spread across four deposits, totaling 325% up to 5.25 BTC, plus 250 free spins. The structure is as follows:
- First Deposit: 100% match up to 1.5 BTC + 100 free spins (no code required).
- Second Deposit: 75% match up to 1.25 BTC + 100 free spins (code: 2DEP).
- Third Deposit: 50% match up to 1.25 BTC (code: 3DEP).
- Fourth Deposit: 100% match up to 1.0 BTC + 50 free spins (code: 4DEP).
Ongoing promotions include:
- New Game Offer: 45 free spins
- Monday Reload: 25% match bonus + 50 free spins.
- Wednesday Free Spins: Up to 100 free spins based on deposit size.
- Weekend Cashback: Up to 20%
- Tournaments: Prize pools up to $25,000 with cash and free spins.
- Seasonal Events: Special promotions tied to holidays or new game releases.
- Telegram Friday Offer: 111 Free Spins
- Telegram Sunday Offer: 66 Free Spins
- Telegram Exclusive: 50 free spins for Telegram channel members
- New Game Offer: 45 free spins on selected new releases
- Titans` Arena: $8000
- Platipus Rush: €2000
- 10 Years of Platipus: € 100,000
- Lucky Spin: $1500 + 1500 Free Spins.
While these bonuses enhance the appeal of $20 minimum deposit casinos, players should note the 35x wagering requirement for bonuses and 40x for free spins, which is standard but requires strategic play to meet. The 14-day bonus validity period is shorter than some competitors, so players must plan accordingly.

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4. Payment Methods and Banking Experience

7Bit supports a variety of payment methods, making it a versatile choice among online casinos with low minimum deposit options. The $20 minimum deposit applies to most methods, with crypto transactions often processed instantly. Available options include:
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Tether (USDT), Ripple (XRP), Binance Coin (BNB). Minimum deposit: 0.0005 BTC or equivalent. Withdrawals are typically instant, with no fees for most coins, though Bitcoin withdrawals carry a 0.0002 BTC fee.
- Fiat Options:
  - Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro. Deposits are instant; withdrawals take 1-3 days with a 2.5% fee.
  - E-Wallets: Skrill, Neteller, Pay ID, Neosurf, MuchBetter, eZeeWallet. Deposits are instant; withdrawals are within 24 hours, often with no fees.
  - Prepaid Cards: Paysafecard, AstroPay. Instant deposits, not available for withdrawals.
  - Bank Transfers: Secure but slower (3-5 days for withdrawals), with potential fees of 1-2%.
  - Other: Interac, MiFinity, Rapid Transfer. Instant deposits, varying withdrawal times.
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The minimum withdrawal is $20 for most methods, with crypto withdrawals often processed within minutes, making 7Bit a leader among $20 minimum deposit casinos for payout speed. However, fiat withdrawals may incur minor fees, and some methods, like bank transfers, are slower, which is a consideration for players at casinos with low minimum deposit requirements.

5. Mobile Experience

7Bit’s mobile-optimized website ensures seamless gaming on Android, iOS, and Windows devices without requiring a dedicated app. Players can access the full game library, manage deposits, and request withdrawals on the go. The HTML5-powered platform delivers smooth navigation and fast load times, making 7Bit a top choice for mobile users exploring minimum deposit online casinos.

Rumors of a native app in beta testing for a Q3 2025 release have surfaced, which could further enhance the mobile experience for players at $20 minimum deposit casinos. For now, the browser-based platform meets the needs of most users, offering flexibility and convenience.

6. Customer Support

7Bit provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email (support@7bitcasino.com), and an online contact form. The support team is known for quick response times and professionalism, addressing issues like bonus queries, payment delays, or game glitches efficiently. This level of service is a key factor for players at low minimum deposit casinos, where prompt assistance can enhance the overall experience.

7. Responsible Gambling Tools

7Bit prioritizes player well-being with tools like deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options. These features allow players to manage their spending and gaming habits, ensuring a safe experience at casinos with minimum deposit requirements. The platform also partners with problem gambling programs, reinforcing its commitment to responsible gaming.

How 7Bit Casino Stands Out Among $20 Minimum Deposit Casinos

When evaluating the best $20 minimum deposit casinos, 7Bit Casino consistently emerges as a top choice for budget-conscious players.
- Game Library:
With over 10,000 games, 7Bit Casino offers one of the largest collections available, ensuring players enjoy exceptional variety across slots, table games, and live dealer options.

7Bit’s 325% welcome package plus 250 free spins is one of the most generous in the industry. While some sites offer slightly lower wagering requirements, 7Bit enhances its appeal with occasional no-deposit spin offers.
- Payout Speed:
7Bit Casino is known for its instant crypto withdrawals, giving players quick access to their winnings without long wait times- an essential feature for modern online gamblers.
- KYC Requirements:
One of 7Bit’s key advantages is its no-KYC policy on most crypto transactions. This allows players to enjoy fast, private, and secure withdrawals without unnecessary delays.
- Payment Options:
7Bit supports both cryptocurrency and fiat payment methods, offering flexibility for all player preferences. While a small fee may apply to some fiat deposits, the wide range of accepted payment methods makes it convenient for various users.

In summary, 7Bit Casino distinguishes itself through game variety, fast payouts, and crypto-friendly policies. While there may be slight trade-offs in terms of bonus wagering or fees, its strengths make it a leading option for players seeking a top-tier $20 minimum deposit casino.

Responsible Gambling at 7Bit Casino

7Bit takes responsible gambling seriously, offering tools to help players stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps to manage spending.
- Loss Limits: Restrict losses over a set period to prevent chasing losses.
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close accounts with support assistance.
These features align with industry standards for casinos with minimum deposit requirements, ensuring players can enjoy gaming safely. The 24/7 support team is available to guide users through these tools, reinforcing 7Bit’s commitment to player welfare.

Exploring the Competitive Landscape of $20 Minimum Deposit Casinos

The rise of $20 minimum deposit casinos reflects a broader trend in the iGaming industry, where accessibility and affordability are key. 7Bit Casino stands out by offering low entry points, a diverse game selection, and fast payouts. Its massive game library, crypto-friendly features, and no-KYC withdrawals give it a distinct edge among low minimum deposit casinos, attracting both new and seasoned players looking for convenience without high upfront costs.

What sets 7Bit apart is its well-rounded approach, combining variety, speed, and accessibility in one platform. For players seeking the best minimum deposit casino experience, 7Bit’s ability to support both crypto and fiat transactions significantly enhances its appeal.

Tips for Maximizing Your Experience at $20 Minimum Deposit Casinos

To get the most out of 7Bit and other $20 minimum deposit casinos, consider these strategies:
- Choose Crypto for Speed: Opt for Bitcoin or Ethereum to benefit from instant deposits and withdrawals with minimal fees.
- Read Bonus Terms: Understand wagering requirements and game contributions to meet conditions efficiently.
- Start with Demo Modes: Test games for free to find favorites before wagering real money.
- Set Budget Limits: Use responsible gambling tools to stay within your financial comfort zone.
- Join the VIP Program: Consistent play unlocks cashback, free spins, and higher withdrawal limits.
These tips can enhance your experience at casinos with low minimum deposit options, ensuring both fun and financial control.

The Future of $20 Minimum Deposit Casinos

As the online gambling industry evolves, $20 minimum deposit casinos are likely to grow in popularity. The demand for affordable gaming, coupled with advancements in crypto technology, will drive platforms like 7Bit to innovate further. Potential developments, such as 7Bit’s rumored mobile app or expanded no-KYC features, could solidify its position among the best minimum deposit casinos in 2026 and beyond.

For now, 7Bit remains a strong contender, offering a compelling mix of accessibility, variety, and speed.

Final Thoughts About The Best 20$ Minimum Deposit Casinos

7Bit Casino shines as a top $20 minimum deposit casino, offering over 10,000 games, fast crypto withdrawals, and a generous welcome package. Its blend of accessibility, variety, and player-focused features like no-KYC transactions and responsible gambling tools makes it a standout choice. While fiat fees and wagering requirements may pose minor challenges, 7Bit’s commitment to transparency and speed ensures a rewarding experience. As part of the growing category of low minimum deposit casinos, 7Bit delivers exceptional value and entertainment for players who want more flexibility with less financial commitment.

✅PLAY WITH JUST $20 AT 7BIT CASINO!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I play at 7Bit Casino without verifying my identity?

Yes, 7Bit supports anonymous crypto gaming for most transactions, with no mandatory KYC for standard withdrawals, ensuring privacy while playing securely.

2. How fast are 7Bit’s crypto withdrawals?

7Bit is renowned for rapid crypto payouts, with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other coins typically processed within minutes, especially for frequent users.

3. Can I claim bonuses immediately after signing up at 7Bit?

Absolutely. New players can access welcome bonuses and free spins upon their first $20 deposit, with no complex conditions delaying rewards.

4. Is 7Bit’s mobile platform reliable for gaming on the go?

Yes, 7Bit’s mobile-optimized site runs smoothly on Android and iOS, offering full access to games, deposits, and withdrawals with fast performance.

5. Does 7Bit offer rewards for regular play?

Definitely. 7Bit’s 12-level VIP program rewards consistent play with cashback up to 20%, exclusive bonuses, and faster withdrawal privileges.

EMAIL: Support@7bitCasino.com

Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The content is based on research and user reviews, with no warranties made as to its accuracy or completeness. Users must verify information before acting.

Online gambling involves risks and is not suitable for everyone. Confirm you meet the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Gambling laws vary, and compliance is your responsibility. We do not promote gambling; participation is at your own risk. 7Bit Casino is a third-party platform, and we are not liable for losses or disputes.

This article may contain affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you for qualifying actions. These support our content, but our reviews remain unbiased. Always conduct your own research before signing up.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa442795-ce3a-40f5-ba76-aba23194322a
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ab4c86a8-edcf-4665-b2c2-498529ee2e0b

The MIL Network –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The second meeting of the joint dissertation council of the State University of Management and the Belarusian State Technical University named after V.G. Shukhov took place

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

On May 15, a meeting of the joint dissertation council was held, created on the basis of the BSTU named after V.G. Shukhov and the State University of Management in the scientific specialty 2.9.9. “Logistics transport systems”. The main issues on the agenda were dissertation research for the academic degrees of Doctor of Science and Candidate of Science.

The meeting, chaired by the rector of the V.G. Shukhov BSTU Sergey Glagolev, was held with a full quorum: out of 13 council members, 10 were present in the hall, three joined remotely.

Colleagues from the Yelets State University named after Bunin were invited as guests: Director of the Institute of Agrobiotechnology and Technical Systems Sergei Shubkin, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Mechatronic and Radioelectronic Systems Sergei Dobrin and Senior Lecturer of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Mechatronic and Radioelectronic Systems Vladimir Volkov.

Three candidates presented their dissertations for preliminary hearing. Roman Khalturin was the first to present his research on the topic of “Methodology of resource allocation in passenger transport systems based on the theory of decision-making under uncertainty”. Dmitry Nikitin’s dissertation topic was “Method of optimization of the management structure of multi-level logistics transport ecosystems”. Nikolay Solovyov devoted his dissertation to the method of ensuring the unity of efficiency measures for various types of transport in logistics transport systems. Following the presentations, the council members asked questions and expressed comments and suggestions that should be taken into account in the further development of the dissertations.

Another issue on the agenda was the consideration and approval of the regulations for the work of the joint dissertation council, which was presented by the director of the Transport and Technology Institute Ivan Novikov. The preparation of the document was initiated at the first meeting of the council, which was held at the State University of Management in Moscow. Rector Sergey Glagolev emphasized that this is the first joint dissertation council in Russia in the field of logistics transport systems, created on the basis of two educational organizations.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 05/16/2025

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: JACET Charges – Child abuse material

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) have arrested and charged a 44-year-old male in relation to child abuse offences.

In April 2025, police became aware of the male as part of a wider operation targeting people who access child abuse material.

Yesterday, NT Police and Australian Federal Police officers attended a residence in a rural suburb to conduct a lawful search where they located and seized a device containing child abuse material. The male was arrested and has since been charged with:

• Access child abuse material

• Possess or control child abuse material

He was remanded to appear in Darwin local Court on 22 May 2025.

Detective Sergeant Mark Cronin said “Accessing, possessing, or distributing child abuse material is a heinous crime that will not be tolerated. The Northern Territory Police remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, and we will continue to work tirelessly to hold offenders accountable for their actions.”

AFP Superintendent Greg Davis said the investigation highlighted how closely police around Australia worked together to combat the exploitation and abuse of children.

“Our common goal is to protect children, wherever they live, and to ensure anyone who tries to harm them is identified and brought before the courts,” Supt Davis said.

“Our message to offenders is clear, access and transmit child abuse material, you will be found and you will be prosecuted.”

Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. You can also submit a report online at https://crimestoppers.com.au/.

You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the ‘Report Abuse’ button at www.accce.gov.au/report.

MIL OSI News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to Chong Hing Bank Limited

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to Chong Hing Bank Limited
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Issued at HKT 15:13

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CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Ben Roberts-Smith has lost an appeal in his long-running defamation case. Here’s why

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor in Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia

The full Federal Court has dismissed Ben Roberts-Smith’s appeal to have his defamation case loss overturned.

It is important in seeking to understand this judgement to know the history of the case.

In June 2023, Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko handed down a 726-page judgement in the defamation case that Roberts-Smith, the most highly decorated serving member of the Australian Defence Force, had brought against Nine Entertainment news outlets.

Reporters for the Sydney Morning Herald, the Canberra Times and The Age had alleged, in 2018, that Roberts-Smith, a patrol commander with the Australian Special Air Service Regiment, was a war criminal. They maintained he had murdered unarmed Afghan prisoners and civilians, and bullied fellow soldiers.

These press reports were particularly galling to a man who had been awarded the Medal of Gallantry, the Victoria Cross, and a Commendation for Distinguished Service.

He sued Nine Entertainment (then referred to as Fairfax Publications) and their investigative journalists.

Submissions in the trial ended in July 2022 after 110 days of evidence. In the result, Justice Besanko determined that Nine Entertainment had not defamed Roberts-Smith. The judge found the reporting was capable of being deemed defamatory, but that most of the imputations were substantially true. That being the case, he upheld the defence of truth and contextual truth not only in relation to the allegations of murder, but also with respect to imputations regarding Roberts-Smith’s character.

Roberts-Smith appealed to the full Federal Court. The appeal hearing ran for ten days in February 2024. Today, 15 months later, the appeal court consisting of Justices Nye Perram, Anna Katzmann and Geoffrey Kennett has dismissed his appeal.

Because the case had national security implications, there is in place for a short period, a non-publication order over what is referred to as the “open court” reasons for judgement. The judges ordered that their reasons will not be available
“until either the Commonwealth notifies the court and the parties that it has no objection to publication […] or 4pm on May 20, 2025, whichever is earlier”.

In recent times it has become the practice of the Federal Court, in cases of public interest, to provide a summary to accompany the orders, available immediately. The summary provided to the public is not a complete statement of the conclusions reached. The only authoritative statement of the court’s reasons is that contained in the judgement that will be made available in due course.

There are, however, a couple of matters that bear noting now.

The first is that the appeal judges were unanimous in their support for the conclusions of the trial judge. In 2023, Justice Besanko made numerous adverse findings about the credibility of the evidence of Roberts-Smith, and the evidence of the witnesses whom he called on his behalf. Roberts-Smith sought to challenge all of those adverse findings and to point out errors in the trial judge’s findings. But it was to no avail.

The appeal court’s summary states

Having carefully considered all these matters, we are unanimously of the opinion that the evidence was sufficiently cogent to support the findings that the appellant murdered four Afghan men and to the extent that we have discerned error in the reasons of the primary judge, the errors were inconsequential. Accordingly, the appeal must be dismissed with costs.

There is another, secondary matter arising from a side issue to the appeal, which bears mentioning here. When the draft judgement of the appeal court was close to completion, Roberts-Smith’s lawyers filed an application to lodge an amended notice of appeal. It referred to an audio recording that was sent anonymously to them in March this year. The recording purported to be a portion of a telephone conversation between investigative journalist Nick McKenzie and a witness whose identity is the subject of suppression orders.

In this call, McKenzie was alleged to have admitted to using Roberts-Smith’s ex-wife as a source regarding her former husband’s legal strategy. Roberts-Smith’s lawyers said had they known of McKenzie’s alleged journalistic misconduct, they would have structured their arguments differently during the defamation trial.

On the Federal Court website today, two judgements have been released in relation to the so-called McKenzie tape. The first gave the Roberts-Smith team a glimmer of hope. The appeal court judges determined that the application for them to hear the recording was, in fact, appropriate, and that the content was therefore admissible evidence in consideration of a new claim of miscarriage of justice.

However, the second judgement extinguished any hope of this occurring. The appeal court judges concluded there was, in fact, no miscarriage of justice in not allowing the recording to be considered by a court.

It’s been seven years since the allegations regarding Ben Roberts-Smith’s involvement in war crimes first surfaced. Roberts-Smith has indicated his intention to appeal to the High Court. This case may yet still have a way to run.

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

– ref. Ben Roberts-Smith has lost an appeal in his long-running defamation case. Here’s why – https://theconversation.com/ben-roberts-smith-has-lost-an-appeal-in-his-long-running-defamation-case-heres-why-223543

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Shelton Man Admits Producing Child Sex Abuse Images

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROSS DeLIBRO, 54, of Shelton, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to child exploitation offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2024, a detective assigned to the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit began an investigation into the sharing of child sex abuse images and videos over a peer-to-peer file sharing network. The investigation revealed that an internet protocol (IP) address assigned to DeLibro’s residence in Shelton had been used to download child sex abuse videos. On May 1, 2024, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of DeLibro’s residence and seized his Apple MacBook Air, his iPhone, an external hard drive, and other items. Analysis of the seized items revealed image and video files depicting male children being sexually abused, including two images in which DeLibro appears engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a toddler.

DeLibro pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for August 14.

DeLibro has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 11, 2024.

This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Shelton Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel George and Nancy Gifford.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Ansonia/Milford for its cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate can be reached at usact.vns@usdoj.gov or 203-696-3039.

MIL Security OSI –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburg County Resident Sentenced For Second Degree Murder

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Timothy Kenneth Barber, age 45, of Hartshorne, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 293 months in prison for one count of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police.

On November 5, 2024, Barber pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on December 20, 2023, Barber killed the victim with a single intentional shot to the head fired at close range from a .22 caliber rifle. The crime occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.

MIL Security OSI –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Federal grand jury indicts Buffalo man for his role in Jamestown drug conspiracy

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jason Talley, 46, of Buffalo, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2018, and May 26, 2022, Thayer conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area. Co-defendants include Andres Pizzaro Campos, Joseph Thayer, Max Pizzaro Campos, Cindy Frank, Edward Leeper, and Jaquez L. Thomas. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

Talley was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and detained.

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

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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

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MIL Security OSI –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two men arrested, charged with operating large-scale marijuana grow operation in Wayne County, NY

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ferrydoon M. Ardehali, 55, of Staten Island, NY, and Colby Riggle, 37, of California, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with manufacturing and possessing with intent to distribute 1,000 or more marijuana plants. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in January 2025, the DEA began investigating a large-scale illegal marijuana cultivation operation, under the direction of Ardehali and Riggle, on Daansen Road in Walworth, NY. The investigation revealed that the defendants were selling and distributing marijuana to multiple businesses that are New York State-authorized cannabis grow facilities, including in North Tonawanda and Clarence, NY, under the business name Integrity Farms & Greenhouses, Inc. a records check with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management discovered that neither Integrity Farms & Greenhouses, Inc., nor any other business associated with the operation has been issued a New York State license to grow cannabis or hemp.

On May 14, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at the Daansen Road property. The complaint states that it was immediately apparent that marijuana was being grown on a large scale, processed, and packaged within the facility. Investigators seized approximately 29,406 growing marijuana plants, and approximately 3,700 lbs. of processed marijuana.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Robert Milby, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer, U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Buffalo Station Patrol Agent-in- Charge Martin Coombs, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation New York, under the direction of Harry Chavis, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Eric Butler, the Cuba Police Department, under the direction of Chief Dustin Burch, the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson, and the Salamanca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jamie Deck.

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

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MIL Security OSI –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: California Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Nearly $2 Million in Two Separate Fraud Schemes

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PORTLAND, Ore.—A California woman was sentenced to federal prison today for stealing nearly $1.3 million in Covid-relief program funds and failing to pay the IRS more than $700,000 in payroll taxes she collected from the employees of a small business in Salem, Oregon.

Jamie McGowen, 43, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $2,072,860 in restitution to the IRS and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

According to court documents, McGowen was the owner or partial owner of nine separate companies including Salem Outsourcing, Inc., a payroll processing company based in Salem. Between August 2016 and December 2019, McGowen provided payroll processing services to a small business also located in Salem. During this time, she failed to pay the IRS $705,613 in payroll taxes she withheld from the paychecks of the company’s employees. Instead, McGowen kept the money for herself and used a portion of the funds to, among other things, purchase a 100% ownership stake in the same company whose payroll taxes she had stolen.

In a separate scheme, between April 2020 and December 2021, McGowen stole more than $1.2 million from federal relief programs intended to help small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, and Restaurant Revitalization Fund. McGowen made numerous false statements in 15 separate loan applications, including by stating she did not own any other company, inflating the number of employees and revenues, and providing false tax documents. McGowen also falsely claimed on loan forgiveness applications that her companies had used the funds received for payroll. In reality, McGowen transferred the money around her businesses, to her father, and to her personal checking account, and paid off personal credit cards.

On October 12, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a seven-count indictment charging McGowen with wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. On December 11, 2024, she pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and bank fraud, and two counts of money laundering.

This case was investigated by the SBA Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). It was prosecuted by Meredith Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

MIL Security OSI –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Ecuadorian Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SAN DIEGO – Wilder Emilio Sanchez Farfan, aka Gato, an Ecuadorian national and high-level drug trafficker, pleaded guilty in federal court today to international drug trafficking charges following his extradition to San Diego January 26, 2024.

Farfan had previously been designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059 for materially contributing to the illicit activities of major Mexican cartels to traffic cocaine into the United States.

Farfan pleaded guilty to a second superseding indictment returned by a federal frand jury on October 30, 2019. In his plea agreement, Farfan admitted that he led an extensive drug trafficking organization that distributed over 450 kilograms of cocaine in Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and elsewhere, and that the cocaine was ultimately imported into and distributed within the United States. He also admitted that the organization bribed government officials and used firearms to further their drug trafficking activities.

As part of his plea, Farfan also agreed to forfeit over $899,000 of U.S. currency.

Farfan is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Linda Lopez on August 11, 2025, at 10 a.m.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle B. Martin and Ashley E. Goff.

DEFENDANTS Case Number 19CR1610-01-LL

Wilder Emilio Sanchez Farfan, aka Gato Age: 44 Ecuador

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

International Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 959, 960, and 963

Maximum penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Drug Enforcement Administration

Federal Bureau of Investigation

MIL Security OSI –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI: Young people are concerned they lack the green skills to effectively act on climate change
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Capgemini Press contact:
Sereydana Oum
Tel.: +33 6 61 42 03 59
Email: sereydana.oum@capgemini.com

UNICEF Press contact:
Anupama Saikia
E-mail: ansaikia@unicef.org

Young people are concerned they lack the green skills
to effectively act on climate change

Six in ten 16–24-year-olds globally agree that developing green skills could open up new career opportunities but less than half (44%) possess the skills required for today’s green workforce

Paris, May 16, 2025 – The Capgemini Research Institute and UNICEF* Generation Unlimited’s report, ‘Youth perspectives on climate: Preparing for a sustainable future’ published today, explores youth perspectives on the climate crisis. It includes their take on “green skilling” and graduating to a green job, as well as how business and government can collaborate with young people to inspire climate advocacy. The report finds that despite rising climate anxiety, a majority of young people remain hopeful that there is still time to address and fix the problems caused by climate change. Young people in both, the Global South and Global North, want to be a part of the solution, with most interested in shaping environmental policy and many interested in pursuing a green job, however the report highlights a worrying lack of requisite green skills.

According to the research, most young people worry about climate change. Over two-thirds of youth globally say they are concerned about how climate change could affect their future, representing an increase since 2023, when a UNICEF USA survey found that 57% of youth globally experienced “eco-anxiety.”¹ Youth in the Global North report higher levels of climate-related anxiety (76%) compared to their peers in the Global South (65%). A rural-urban divide is also evident, with 72% of youth living in urban and suburban areas expressing concern about climate change impacts on their future, versus 58% in rural areas.

Young people believe there is still time to fix the problems caused by climate change
Despite their climate anxiety, most youths believe green skills are key to a brighter future, with 61% agreeing that developing green skills² will offer them new career opportunities. They are interested in aligning their paid employment with their climate conscious values, with slightly over half (53%) globally and almost two-thirds (64%) in the Global North interested in a green job.

“Young people across the globe, and in particular in the US, are hyperaware of the urgent challenges posed by climate change. It’s clear that they are also eager to be part of the solution,” said Sarika Naik, Group Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Capgemini. “We need to help young people turn their passion into impact by investing in green skills. This report shows how critical it is that business, governments, and education leaders work together to bridge the skills gap, empower youth voices, and create pathways to meaningful green careers.”

“Young people are architecting climate solutions. They are designing and deploying innovative solutions that respond to the climate realities their communities are facing,” said Dr. Kevin Frey, CEO, Generation Unlimited at UNICEF. “Green Rising, with its ecosystem of public and private sector partners, is supporting young people with the skills and opportunities they need to take climate action, start green companies, access green jobs and power green solutions.”

Youth lack the necessary green skills
Young people provide a workforce pipeline for tackling climate change, but the green transition requires a skilled workforce. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), environmental sustainability competency relies on a strong foundation in science, an understanding of climate change, a commitment to protect the environment, the confidence to explain environmental issues, and the motivation to act sustainably³.

However, the report finds that less than half of youth globally (44%) believe they have the green skills necessary to be successful in today’s workforce. In terms of green skills, young people in rural areas lag even further behind young people in suburban and urban areas. This percentage also differs across regions. In the Global South, around six in ten Brazilian youth say they are equipped with green skills, while only 5% of Ethiopian youth say the same.

Since the Capgemini Research Institute’s 2023 research⁴, youth in several countries in the Global North have regressed in their knowledge of green skills. Among youth aged 16 to 18 in Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US, recycling and waste reduction remains the most commonly held green skill. But the share of youth knowledgeable about sustainable design, sustainable energy, and sustainable transportation has significantly declined since 2023. In the Global South, young people are most knowledgeable about recycling and waste reduction, energy conservation and water conservation, but least knowledgeable about climate technologies, data analysis, and sustainable design.

The generational divide must be overcome to find solutions
Most youth globally (71%) agree that they should have a strong influence on environmental policy and legislation. However, the majority agree that business and political leaders are not playing their part and should be contributing more to the fight against climate change. While almost two-thirds of young people feel engaged enough to want to speak with local leaders about climate action, fewer than half believe their opinions are actually heard by community leaders.

The report urges community leaders to support young people in advancing climate solutions and green skills. According to the report, integrating green education, expanding access to training, and aligning climate goals with youth employment strategies should be part of the solution and implanted by policymakers. Whereas corporate leaders could be encouraged to co-create green job pathways, invest in youth-led initiatives, and embed young voices in CSR, ESG, and climate strategies in order to build trust and drive sustainable innovation.

As young people seek to upskill, global movements like Green Rising aim to support 20 million young people by 2026 in taking grassroots action, offering opportunities for volunteerism, advocacy, paid work and entrepreneurship. This initiative is led by Generation Unlimited at UNICEF and supported by the public and private sector, including Capgemini.

To read the full report: https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/global-youth-and-sustainability

Report Methodology
The Capgemini Research Institute carried out extensive research into youth perspectives on climate change and interest in green skills and green jobs in February and March 2025. They conducted an online survey of 5,100 youth aged 16 to 24 across 21 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. This included 4,394 youth aged 18 to 24 and 706 youth aged 16 and 17 years old. For the 14% of the sample that were minors (<18 years old), they obtained parental permission from 706 parents. The majority (83%) of the youth surveyed live in the Global South (low- and middle-income countries).⁵ The remaining youth respondents live in the Global North or high-income countries.

About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

About Generation Unlimited
Launched by the UN Secretary-General at the 2018 UN General Assembly, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited is a leading global Public-Private-Youth Partnership on a mission to skill and connect the world’s 1.8 billion young people to opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and social impact. The partnership brings together global organisations and leaders including Heads of State, CEOs, Heads of UN agencies, and civil society champions with young people to co-create and deliver innovative solutions on a global scale.

* UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service

About Capgemini
Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

About the Capgemini Research Institute
The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times – an industry first.

Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/

1 UNICEF USA, “From eco-anxiety to eco-optimism, listening to a generation of resilient youth,” January 2023.
2 Green skills refer to the hard and soft skills which help people take care of nature, stop pollution, and use resources wisely.
3 OECD, Skills Outlook 2023: Skills for a resilient green and digital transition, November 6, 2023.
4 CRI, Digital skills and technology in secondary education survey, March 2023
5 Bank Group, Income Group Class, according to 2023 gross national income (GNI) per capita, calculated using the World Bank Atlas method.

Attachment
- 2025_05_16_Youth perspectives on climate_Press Release_
The MIL Network –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Eight Law Enforcement Bills During National Police Week

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced eight law enforcement bills amid National Police Week. This is the Judiciary Committee’s largest Police Week package in over 15 years.

Additionally, the Committee voted 12-9 to advance Jason Reding Quinones’ nomination to be U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.

“Day in and day out, the men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line to protect communities across America. Today’s action helps ensure these brave individuals, and their families, are equally protected and supported,” Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said. “The legislation advanced out of our committee this National Police Week will boost investment in local police departments, safeguard benefits for fallen officers’ families and improve law enforcement recruitment and retention. I’m proud to Back the Blue and look forward to quickly moving these bills on the Senate floor.”

Grassley also led 80 of his Senate colleagues in a resolution recognizing the service and sacrifice of America’s courageous law enforcement officers and their families.

The eight bipartisan bills passed out of the Judiciary Committee today are:

S. 180, Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act:
A bill to use existing Justice Department funds to equip state and local governments with additional training and containment tools to guard officers and first responders against accidental exposure to dangerous substances.

Cosponsors: Grassley, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)

S.1563, Retired Law Enforcement Officers Continuing Service Act:
A bill to solve law enforcement staffing shortages by providing local police departments access to retired federal, state and local officers to perform investigations and analysis, as well as training for the next generation of law enforcement.

Cosponsors: Klobuchar, Grassley, Durbin

S.419, Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act:
A bill to expand mental health resources for law enforcement officers. The legislation would help provide family –support, mental health services and suicide prevention programs within law enforcement communities.

Cosponsors: Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Grassley, Klobuchar, Durbin

S.911, Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act:
A bill to ensure families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed as a result of their service are not unjustly denied benefits. The bill is named in honor of Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a Korean war veteran and retired law enforcement officer who was tragically killed by an individual he had arrested a decade earlier.

Cosponsors: Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Blumenthal, Grassley, Durbin

S.1316, Strong Communities Act:
A bill to boost law enforcement recruitment and retention by incentivizing officers to work in the communities where they live.

Cosponsors: Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Marsha Blackburn (D-Tenn.), Klobuchar, Cruz, Coons, Welch, Durbin, Hirono

S.1595, Improving Police CARE Act:
A bill to equip law enforcement officers with quality trauma kits, which allows them to respond immediately if a civilian or fellow officer experiences a traumatic injury during a call.

Cosponsors: Cornyn, Whitehouse, Tillis, Coons, Durbin

S.539, PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act:
A bill to reauthorize and modernize the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, aiding state and local law enforcement agencies in combating child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children.

Cosponsors: Cornyn, Blumenthal, Blackburn, Klobuchar, Hawley, Durbin

S.237, Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act:
A bill to strengthen federal support for families of police officers, firefighters and first responders who are killed or permanently disabled by service-related cancers.

Cosponsors: Klobuchar, Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Blackburn, Blumenthal, Coons, Cornyn, Cruz, Durbin, Hirono, Padilla, Welch, Whitehouse

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax to Discuss President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill and the Justice for Angel Families Act

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today joined Sharla McBride and Marc Lotter on Newsmax to discuss the Justice for Angel Families Act, legislation that would amend the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) to expand financial coverage for Angel Families – the immediate relatives of victims killed by illegal aliens, including in drunk driving accidents. This legislation would allow federal funds to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs, easing the financial burden on grieving families.
They also discussed President Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” and what’s next for the reconciliation process.
You may click HERE or above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview on Newsmax.
Highlights from the interview include:
On what’s next for the reconciliation process:
Senator Marshall: “I think we should stop and just congratulate President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, Chairman Jason Smith, over there, for getting the ball this far. They need to get this across the finish line. Let’s give them a little bit of air space. Then let’s bring it over here, and let’s see if we can find some more savings for American families to pay for some of President Trump’s priorities… no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security. This bill will be written to help out those middle-class, hardworking Americans who take a lunch pail to work. So, it’s our job to improve it, and then we’ll send it back there.”
On saving Medicaid and Medicare for vulnerable Americans:
Senator Marshall: “Our hope is that we save Medicaid, that we strengthen Medicaid for those who need it the most. Now, if you’re an illegal alien in California on Medicaid, the federal government shouldn’t pay for that. I think that’s just one very simple example. If you’re a person who’s getting Medicaid from two different states, that’s not right either.
“There’s a lot of fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicaid. We’ve seen Medicaid grow 50% in five years. Over 90 million Americans are now on Medicaid – not Medicare. We’re not touching Medicare. We are trying to strengthen Medicaid for those who need it the most.”
On the need for the Justice for Angels Families Act:
Senator Marshall: “Well, I wish we could find a Democrat that will support it, but I just want to emphasize why this is so important. When anyone dies an unnatural death, it’s a tragedy. But when a loved one is murdered, when they’re murdered by an illegal alien when they’re hit, killed by a drunken driver, you know, it’s just a deeper kick in the gut.
“… These Angel Families, we just want to help them bury their loved one. If they had health care costs that we want to help with that a little bit as well. I think it’s the least we could do.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Van Hollen, Colleagues Question Legality of Trump Administration’s Multi-Million Dollar Payment to El Salvador to Imprison Migrants from U.S.

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Letter Text (PDF)
Washington (May 15, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) led ten colleagues today in writing to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to demand answers regarding the Trump administration’s $6 million payment to the government of El Salvador to support the detention of migrants transferred from the United States, including at the notorious Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) prison.
The letter was signed by Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).
In the letter the lawmakers write, “The Trump administration has boasted of its $6 million payment to the government of El Salvador to support the detention of migrants transferred from the United States, including at Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) prison. Given the well-documented and credible allegations of gross violations of human rights at CECOT, including from reputable human rights organizations, it appears that this payment may have violated the State Department ‘Leahy law,’ a statutory prohibition against U.S. assistance to foreign security force units credibly implicated in such brutality. These allegations demand a detailed explanation from the Department of State as to whether, and if so how, it concluded that this payment was lawful.”
The lawmakers continue, “According to Charles Blaha, the former longtime Director of the State Department’s Office of Security and Human Rights, with responsibility for Leahy law vetting: ‘CECOT is a facility that exposes prisoners to torture, and cruel, degrading, and inhumane treatment and punishment. Under the Leahy [l]aw, this should disqualify CECOT from receiving U.S. assistance.’”
The lawmakers request responses by May 30, 2025, to questions, including:
How much has the State Department paid El Salvador to detain migrants from the United States at CECOT? Are future payments anticipated?
What specific uses are associated with the payment, and who are the defined end users?
Did the Department comply with the requirements of section 7031(a) of the Act regarding government-to-government assistance?
Did the State Department determine that the payment complied with its Leahy law, after conducting human rights vetting?
Did the State Department conduct a full review of all publicly available information sources related to the security operations at CECOT?
Has the State Department received any reports or submissions through its Human Rights Reporting Gateway (https://hrgshr.state.gov/en/) related to abuses at CECOT or its personnel?
Prior to sending the payment, did the Department of State receive any assurances — diplomatic or otherwise — from the government of El Salvador regarding its treatment of individuals in CECOT or other carceral facilities in the country?
Did the Department consult with its Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor or its Office of the Legal Adviser regarding the legality of the payment under the State Department Leahy law or other applicable laws and treaties, such as the Convention Against Torture?
Which specific State Department account or accounts were used to make the payment to El Salvador?

MIL OSI USA News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Crypto exchange $75k out of pocket for missing reporting deadlines

Source: Australian Department of Communications

AUSTRAC issued infringement notices of $75,120 to digital currency exchange provider Cointree Pty Ltd for the alleged failure to submit suspicious matter reports (SMRs) to AUSTRAC on time.
The action came after Cointree voluntarily disclosed it had not met the reporting timeframes required by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act).
AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said that failing to submit SMRs on time denies AUSTRAC and its law enforcement partners the opportunity to act on the information in a timely manner.

MIL OSI News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police investigations continue after man injured

Source: New Zealand Police

A Police investigation is ongoing after a man was seriously wounded in Papakura before lunchtime.

The incident occurred at around 11.42am, when the victim suffered an injury outside a business on Settlement Road.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michele Gillespie, of Counties Manukau CIB, says the victim sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries and was transported to Middlemore Hospital.

“The offender has fled on foot across Settlement Road and was last seen near an address,” she says.

Police were called to the scene shortly afterward with nearby schools placed into a precautionary lockdown with the offender outstanding.

“Cordons were put in place while our staff carried out enquiries in the area to locate this male,” Detective Senior Sergeant Gillespie says.

“Those cordons have now lifted, and the schools were taken out of lockdown earlier this afternoon.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to locate this male.”

Police acknowledge the community’s cooperation this afternoon.

“Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of what has occurred today, including locating the offender.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that can assist Police enquiries is asked to make contact.

Please update us online now or call 105 and use the reference number 250516/1021.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wellington-based man arrested in international cryptocurrency scam investigation

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Inspector Christiaan Barnard:

A Wellington-based man was arrested by the Financial Crime Group in Auckland this morning as part of an FBI investigation into an organised criminal group who stole cryptocurrency from seven victims valued at US$265M (NZD$450M).

Between March and August 2024, the cryptocurrency is alleged to have been fraudulently obtained by manipulating the victims and subsequently laundered through multiple cryptocurrency platforms.

Over the past three days, search warrants have been executed in Auckland, Wellington, and California with several people arrested, including one in New Zealand. A total of 13 people are facing charges.

The Wellington man has been indicted by the US Department of Justice under US Federal law with charges of racketeering (RICO), conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

It is alleged the defendants scammed seven victims, spending the stolen virtual currency to purchase, among other things, $9 million of exotic cars, hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury handbags, watches and clothing, nightclub services and private security guards and rental homes in Los Angeles, the Hamptons and Miami.

The man was bailed after appearing in the Auckland District Court today where he received interim name suppression. He is due to reappear in the Auckland District Court on 3 July 2025.

We have worked closely with our law enforcement colleagues in the United States in support of their investigation. Today’s search warrant and arrest reflects the importance of international partnerships where criminals are operating across borders.

There is an ongoing investigation, and no further comment will be made by Police.

ENDS

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Supports Legislation Requiring Reports about Violent Attacks on Police and Law Enforcement Officers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, legislation requiring the U.S. Attorney General to furnish reports on violent attacks against police and law enforcement officers.

“Criminals who deliberately attack police and law enforcement officers must be punished and held accountable for their actions. Our society must have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to assaulting police and law enforcement. One way that we can help protect the men and women who protect our communities is by gathering information on attacks against law enforcement,” said Rep. Feenstra. “It’s why I voted for legislation requiring the U.S. Attorney General to provide reports to Congress and the American people about violent attacks against police and law enforcement officers. By fully understanding the facts, we can better defend law enforcement from vicious criminals and threats to their lives.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Block Unconstitutional Tracking of Gun Store Purchases

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

WASHINGTON—This week, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, led his colleagues in reintroducing the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, legislation to protect gun store customers by blocking unconstitutional surveillance via Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) that unlawfully track gun store purchases. Representative Riley Moore (R-WV-03) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Co-sponsors of the legislation include Senators Jim Justice (R-WV), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and John Barrasso (R-WY).

“Merchant category codes should never be used to track and surveil gun store customers,” said Senator Hagerty. “If this alarming overreach isn’t stopped, radical leftists won’t just target gun owners—they’ll weaponize the financial system against anyone who makes a purchase that doesn’t conform to their agenda. This legislation is critical to preventing the politicization of MCC codes and securing the civil liberties of law-abiding Americans and the Second Amendment.”

“Any attempt to collect data on Americans simply exercising their God-given rights is wrong, and I won’t stand for it. I’m proud to have led this fight at the state level as West Virginia State Treasurer – where we were the first in the nation to codify this policy that protects our Second Amendment rights,” said Congressman Riley Moore. “I’m proud to be leading this fight with Reps. Hudson and Barr in the House and honored to have Senator Hagerty leading it in the Senate.”

“Gun control proponents, including those in Congress, have already admitted the use of a firearm retailer-specific Merchant Category Code is intended to monitor and approve firearm and ammunition purchases,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel. “Senator Hagerty’s bill would prohibit the government from creating watchlists or determining when law-abiding citizens may exercise their Second Amendment rights, which starts with legally purchasing a firearm or ammunition. No American should be concerned that banks or the federal government are employing this Orwellian antigun scheme to monitor the exercise of their Second Amendment rights when they lawfully purchase firearms or ammunition products. NSSF thanks Senator Hagerty for his principled leadership to stand up for Second Amendment rights and against gun control special interest groups and big government lawmakers who want to monitor and deny lawful transactions by law-abiding Americans. Americans should worry about what’s in their wallet, not who’s in their wallet.”

Background:

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act builds upon Hagerty’s commitment to defending Americans’ constitutional rights from politicized and abusive overreach.

In September 2022, Hagerty criticized the President and CEO of Amalgamated Bank for its efforts to use MCC codes to target gun store customers.

In February 2024, Hagerty grilled former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on reports that the Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network coordinated with financial institutions to monitor for “extremist indicators,” including lawful transactions at stores that sell firearms.

Last Congress, Hagerty introduced the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act in response to revelations that MCC Codes were used to implement unconstitutional surveillance on gun store consumers.

Full text of the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Read More (Rep. Steube and Sen. Moody Introduce Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

May 15, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) today introduced the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act to restore the casualty and theft loss tax deduction for Americans who have suffered devastating losses from fraud, cybercrime, structural home failures, or natural disasters.Under current law, taxpayers can only deduct casualty and theft losses if the loss occurred in a federally declared disaster area. This recent restriction, which has been a burden on so many Florida seniors and families, is on a previously allowed deduction dating back to before the start of the federal income tax which allowed many victims to deduct losses on assets they no longer possess. The Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act restores this deduction and retroactively applies it for tax years 2018 through 2024, providing much-needed relief to victims of theft.This bill addresses the recent policy recommendations by National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins, who was appointed by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin during the Trump Administration.“Hardworking Americans, especially seniors, who fall victim to scams, cybercrime, or disasters should not be forced to pay taxes on income they no longer have,” said Rep. Steube. “Victims of crime, calamity, and fraud deserve peace of mind as they work to regain their footing. This bill protects Americans who have lost everything by restoring fairness and common sense to the tax code.”“As hurricane season is around the corner, I will continue supporting policies that protect Floridians from scammers and fraudsters,” said Senator Moody. “My Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams and Disasters Act will provide commonsense tax relief for victims, often seniors, who have been financially devastated by scams, crimes, or destruction from disasters. This legislation will help folks get back on their feet when they experience hardship. When I was Attorney General of Florida, I made sure to fight for Floridians who fell victim to scams, and I will continue bringing this fight to D.C. so that folks have the protections they need.”The Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act is supported by the AARP, AICPA-CIMA, AMAC Action, American Land Title Association, CFP Board, The Elder Justice Coalition, Family Business Coalition, Financial Services Institute, Investment Advisers Association, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Association of Enrolled Agents, National Association of Realtors, Operation Shamrock, and National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA).
“Family-owned businesses are built over generations, and when they fall victim to scams, disasters, or structural failures, the impact is devastating. Congressman Steube’s Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act restores a vital protection in the tax code that ensures these families aren’t taxed on income they’ve lost through no fault of their own. This is a common-sense targeted fix that reflects the realities family businesses face today.” —Palmer Schoening, Chairman of Family Business Coalition Background:Along with their work on the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act, Representative Steube and Senator Moody have championed the needs of victims of natural disasters and scams. In the last Congress, Representative Steube’s bipartisan Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act was passed and signed into law. This casualty loss legislation delivered much-needed tax relief for victims of disasters across 48 states between 2021 and 2025. While serving as Florida Attorney General, Moody helped lead the fight to prevent cybercriminals from targeting senior citizens, including shutting down six cyber schemes in less than three months in 2024.
Read the full bill here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Joins SEEC Energy and Commerce Members to Slam Republicans’ Attack on American Health and Affordability
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

This week, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA) joined House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) members on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, slamming House Republicans’ obscene budget reconciliation plan to gut life-saving pollution reduction programs, raise Americans’ electricity bills, cut off critical support for high-tech American manufacturing, and legalize corruption for oil and gas companies. These members included SEEC Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui (CA) and Paul Tonko (NY) and were joined by their fellow SEEC colleagues Reps. Nanette Barragán (CA), Kathy Castor (FL), Yvette Clarke (NY), Debbie Dingell (MI), Kevin Mullin (CA), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY), Scott Peters (CA), Kim Schrier (WA), and Darren Soto (FL).

“I know the Trump Administration and some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle don’t like the word environmental justice, but what environmental justice is designed to do is recognize that there are communities in this country — white, black, low-income, urban and rural — where energy projects were put in place with no input from the community, where the people didn’t have the resources to fight back or even knew what was happening,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “These are the same communities that have some of the poorest health outcomes in the country. We should want to help address centuries of injustice and invest in those communities, but this bill guts those programs altogether – that’s not justice.”

“Republicans’ reconciliation bill is a shameless sell-out to corporations at the expense of hard-working Americans’ health and prosperity,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “This bill eliminates and defunds pollution protections and pollution reduction programs that my constituents rely on, illegally and insidiously clawing back funding that is already supporting projects in communities across this country. In my district, La Familia Counseling Center was poised to do transformative work with their Community Change Grant—but Republicans are gutting that progress to pay for tax breaks for their billionaire friends. As if that weren’t enough, Republicans’ bill contains a shocking and outrageous attempt to legalize corruption for oil and gas companies, allowing polluting corporations to simply buy all the permits they need to build a pipeline through American communities, no questions asked. This kind of bribery is how dictatorships operate. This is not how America works. We cannot allow this egregious corruption to become law.”

“My Republican colleagues claim they are going after the clean energy programs that are, in their words ‘reckless’ and favor ‘wokeness over sensible policy,’” said Congressman Tonko. “Which programs are those? Is it the $12 million in unobligated funds to reduce air pollution in schools? How about DOE money to train contractors to retrofit people’s homes? What about money to upgrade our ports with the latest and greatest technologies? These are just a few examples of commonsense investments that are being targeted today that are creating American jobs and deploying new technologies that will indeed reduce pollution. And when you start to list them out, you can see how ridiculous this proposal is. But why on Earth would Republicans be doing this? Well, we know these funds will be used to partially offset yet another round of tax cuts, the benefits of which will overwhelmingly go to the wealthiest.”

“Republican cuts to environmental justice grants will directly harm the health of our communities,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “Medicaid helps many access and afford health care in vulnerable communities with clean air and water challenges. Yet, Republicans have proposed the largest Medicaid cut in history. It’s all connected and Republicans want to go backward on the environment and health care access.”

“You should hold on to your wallets, because House Republicans are coming after your electric bills to pay for a massive tax giveaway to billionaires like Elon Musk,” said Congresswoman Castor. “Because let’s face it, American families are being financially squeezed right now – especially my neighbors in Florida still struggling to rebuild from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Utility companies in at least 19 states have hiked rates as much as $40 per month since the Trump administration began. Republicans have not brought forth a single bill to lower energy costs for hardworking American families. Instead, what they’re offering today is a handout to big oil companies and polluters and the impact will be to raise your electric bill.”

“There’s nothing and no one House Republicans won’t betray just to fund obscene tax breaks for their wealthy donors,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “By taking an axe to the critical programs Americans rely on to protect them from the climate crisis, reduce pollution, and keep energy affordable, our colleagues across the aisle have once again proven they are incapable of putting the needs of their communities above the demands of their billionaire puppet masters.”

“What this bill does is create total chaos for the auto industry in repealing EPA’s emission standards for light and medium-duty vehicles and NHTSA’s corporate average fuel economy standards. What the domestic auto industry needs now more than anything is certainty. My priority is to protect American jobs, maintain our competitive edge in automotive manufacturing, ensure the United States leads in technology and innovation, and that we cede our leadership to nobody,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Our policies must reflect the priorities on the ground, prioritize consumer choice and offer a practical, ambitious path forward. To remain competitive, the US must align with the global shift towards hybrids, electric vehicles, and down the road, who else knows what other technology. Here’s a fact. The global marketplace wants electric vehicles and I will be damned if I let China beat us in that market.”

“Republicans are ramming through a disastrous, ugly budget bill that is going to cause widespread harm to Americans and our environment. Why? So they can give massive tax cuts to billionaires, corporations, and oil companies. Republicans want to strip health care away from over 13.7 million Americans who rely on Medicaid, which will raise prices for the privately insured too,” said Congressman Mullin. “The bill also cuts funding for clean energy innovation while allowing oil and gas companies to buy their way out of having to follow environmental laws. This will stagnate American progress in developing affordable, sustainable solutions to meet our energy needs. This isn’t efficiency, it’s cruelty and Republicans are making it clear that they don’t care about raising costs for working families.”

“In my time here in Congress, I have participated in investigations of large corporations that have poisoned communities across the country. A lot of times, these communities were poisoned due to large corporations that were exploiting corrupt loopholes in the law in order to poison the most vulnerable communities in America,” said Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. “And I deeply fear that there is a loophole and similar provision in this bill. This bill allows gas companies to pay $1 million in order for their project to bypass the traditional permitting process. In fact, this bill allows natural gas pipeline projects to pay a fee of $10 million to cut the line and bypass the normal permitting process. Allowing massive corporations to simply cut a check to bypass the very real reasons why permitting exists in the first place, poses a deep and grave danger to people across the country.”

“Last Congress, my Republican colleagues were insistent that we should have an all-of-the-above energy strategy, one that leveraged our natural resources, unleashed American innovation, and cut through bureaucratic red tape,” said Congressman Peters. “Which is why I am confused that we are considering a reconciliation bill that picks winners and losers, and elevates expensive, outdated, and inefficient sources like coal over cheap American-made energy like solar, wind, and storage. Why does this bill provide government-backed insurance to coal plants, as the President of the United States single-handedly kills hundreds, if not thousands, of clean energy jobs across the country by illegally targeting projects and weaponizing the permitting process?”

“This bill completely bypasses communities and landowners, and these ‘pay-to-play’ provisions put not just a thumb but an entire arm, maybe a body on the scale favoring oil and gas,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It’s giant corporations like Shell, BP, Chevron. They’re the ones that have the wherewithal to pay to bypass all permitting requirements. This bill is more of the ‘drill baby drill’ agenda that we hear every week from our Republican colleagues. I’m all for streamlining permitting to address energy demand and infrastructure that has real impacts on our communities. But there’s ways to streamline permitting and get new energy resources online without sidelining solar, wind, nuclear, hydropower, or hydrogen projects. Streamlining permitting is key if we’re going to meet energy demand. Clean power should have the same opportunity as oil and gas and we shouldn’t be disregarding important environmental protections.”

“This is a bad deal for the South, whether it’s consumers in Florida or whether it’s all these high-paying jobs going to all these Southern states. This is a job killer,” said Congressman Soto. “In addition, adding in defunding of interstate transmission lines. I’ve heard from both sides of the aisle how often this is critical. So why in the world would you defund the interstate transmission lines? That makes no sense. That will raise energy prices. It will prevent efficiencies in the market. And it will prevent different states from specializing in new types of energy, whether it’s modular nuclear or renewable energy that’s being formulated here in Florida.”

Background

House Republicans are gutting critical pollution protections and pollution reduction programs, raising American household energy costs, pulling the rug out from under America’s manufacturing sector, and creating a brazen new “pay-to-play” bribery scheme for polluting corporations. Here’s what the bill does:
- Repeals and rescinds funding from Environmental Protection Agency programs that protect Americans from pollution and help American households save money on energy costs and medical bills. Some of these programs include:
  - Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund that is dedicated to lowering energy bills and cutting pollution.
  - Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grants that support disadvantaged communities to reduce pollution and pollution-related health impacts in their communities.
  - Methane Emissions and Waste Reduction Incentive Program to reduce pollution and waste from the oil and gas sector, improving the health and economic well-being of overburdened communities, while also saving energy.
  - Clean Heavy Duty Vehicle Program that helps communities replace old polluting diesel engines and vehicles—some of the dirtiest vehicles on the road—with new, clean vehicles.
  - Clean Ports Program that helps improve air quality around U.S. ports and address the public health and environmental impacts to surrounding communities.
- Repeals life-saving Clean Air Act standards for vehicle pollution and fuel efficiency that help Americans save money at the pump and improve health outcomes in our communities.
- Eliminates funding for the Department of Energy Loan Programs and the Advanced Industrial Facilities Deployment Program that help commercialize next-generation American-made technology, bringing manufacturing back to America and creating good-paying jobs, while also developing cutting-edge technologies that save Americans money and reduce pollution in American communities.
- Creates a pay-to-play bribery scheme for polluters that allows oil and gas companies to pay a fee and bypass standard permitting, environmental reviews, and judicial review processes. Whether it’s a natural gas pipeline or a natural gas export terminal, companies can simply buy all the permits they need to build their pipeline through your community. This is blatant and unconscionable corruption.
Republicans had multiple opportunities to improve the bill and ensure that Americans’ pocketbooks, health, and livelihoods are protected, but Republicans repeatedly rejected Democratic amendments, including Democratic-led efforts to:
- Ensure that this bill does not raise energy costs for American households. Representative Castor’s amendment would have required the U.S. Energy Information Administration to publish the impacts of the Energy Subtitle of the bill on monthly energy costs for American households.
- Protect the health and safety of our families and communities. Representative Dingell’s amendment would have prevented the repeal of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
- Hold polluters accountable and prevent the legalization of corruption under this bill. Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s amendment would have required the Inspector General of the Department of Energy to certify that this bill will not increase risks of corruption or ‘pay-to-play’ politics.
- Protect American energy independence and deliver cheap energy to Americans. Representative Auchincloss’ amendment would have prevented the energy provisions from going into effect until the Secretary of Energy certifies that tariffs on energy imports are no greater than they were on January 19, 2025.
###

MIL OSI USA News –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lawler Joins Colleagues in Calling Attention to Haiti’s Deepening Crisis

Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

Washington, D.C. – 5/15/25… Last week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) joined Congressman Rich McCormick (GA-07) and 13 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Rubio conveying their grave concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Haiti as missionaries, humanitarian aid workers, and countless innocent civilians face deadly threats from criminal gangs that now control much of the country.

They also called for coordination with the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council, Haitian National Police, and the United Nations Multilateral Security Support Mission to restore peace and a stable government.

Criminal gangs have overrun major urban centers, including the capital Port-au-Prince. Recent reports indicate that these gangs, such as the Viv Ansanm coalition, now control over 85% of the capital and are expanding into previously stable areas. Local healthcare workers have described the complete takeover of their campus by armed gangs who have looted homes, ransacked facilities, and stolen critical supplies including medications and medical equipment. Over one million Haitians have been displaced due to gang violence, and UN security forces have struggled to stabilize the situation.

“The humanitarian crisis in Haiti is heartbreaking and deeply concerning. As violent gangs threaten civilians, including American missionaries and aid workers, the U.S. must act swiftly to restore order and protect lives. My district is home to the second-largest Haitian American population per capita in the country, and I know how deeply these families are feeling the pain of what’s happening,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

“The United States has an important responsibility to act decisively to mitigate this humanitarian and security crisis in Haiti. We must enhance protective measures for our citizens and humanitarian workers while working with local authorities to restore peace and stability,” said Congressman Rich McCormick.

“Failure to address Haiti’s gang crisis risks a point of no return. I thank Representative McCormick for working with me in this bipartisan call for action. Our letter urges the administration to present a clear strategy to restore order, hold perpetrators accountable, resume aid, and return Haiti to the Haitian people,” said Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-05).

“Haiti is on the verge of collapse with violent gangs controlling the center of Port-au-Prince just blocks away from the National Palace,” said Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-28). “It is time for the United States to take a real leadership role in addressing the crisis with hard security solutions capable of stopping the gangs’ advance and restoring peace to Haiti.”

“Haiti continues to confront a dire political, security, and humanitarian crisis that has caused unimaginable amounts of human suffering,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20). “To prevent the situation from deteriorating any further, I am joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in calling on the U.S. Department of State to respond immediately. A long-term solution to this crisis means that we must crack down on violent gangs and the elites who fund them, while simultaneously curtailing the flow of illicit firearms.”

“The Haitian people are enduring a vicious cycle of horrific violence at the hands of brutal gangs,” said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25). “The U.S. must urgently support efforts to restore stability, protect women and girls from harm, and uphold human rights. I remain committed to working with bipartisan colleagues to equip Haiti’s security forces to protect civilians—and to cut off the illicit flow of American weapons to the criminal organizations threatening their safety.”

“The deteriorating security situation in Haiti is more urgent now than ever. Just last year I went on two rescue missions to Haiti bringing home 23 Americans and helping relocate 59 disabled Haitian children to safety. While there, I witnessed firsthand the threats faced by Americans, locals, and humanitarian workers, as criminal gangs endanger lives and disrupt vital aid efforts. I stand with my colleagues to urge Secretary Rubio to take a leading role in restoring stability in Haiti,” said Congressman Cory Mills (FL-07).

“The heartbreaking reports out of Haiti are a call to action. Families are being driven from their homes, clinics and churches looted, and communities held hostage by violent gangs,” said Congresswomen Lois Frankel (FL-22). “With nearly half a million Haitian Americans living in Florida, many with deep ties to loved ones still on the island, the United States should act urgently to protect American citizens and humanitarian workers, and support the Haitian people in their fight to reclaim their country from lawlessness and despair.”

“The humanitarian crisis and security situation in Haiti is devastating,” said Congressman Bill Keating (MA-09). “The State Department must act to enhance protective measures and resources for Americans in Haiti while also coordinating with Haitian authorities and the UN Multinational Security Support Mission to limit the flow of illicit weapons.”

“The crisis unfolding in Haiti is not just a matter of regional instability—it is a humanitarian catastrophe that demands urgent international response. Gangs now control over 85% of Port-au-Prince, and more than one million people have been displaced, many forced to choose between starvation and submission to armed groups. Haiti’s struggle did not begin with this wave of violence—it is rooted in a long legacy of foreign exploitation, failed interventions, and broken promises following the 2010 earthquake and the assassination of President Moïse in 2021. As a nation with deep historical ties to Haiti, the United States has a moral and strategic obligation to protect innocent lives, support democratic governance, and help dismantle the networks trafficking arms and chaos into the region,” said Congressman Jonathan Jackson (IL-01).

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

###

The full letter can be found HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05/15/2025, 17-33 (Moscow time) the values of the lower limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JT403 (VEB.RF 18) were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

05/15/2025 17:33

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 15.05.2025, 17-33 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 95.57) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 941.12 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 8.75%) of the security RU000A0JT403 (VEB.RF 18) 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 –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05/15/2025, 16-14 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A102JB9 (IADOM B1P2) were changed.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

05/15/2025 16:14

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 15.05.2025, 16-14 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 88.08) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 360.86 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 33.75%) of the security RU000A102JB9 (IADOM B1P2) 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 –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Tackling impaired boating on Alberta’s waterways
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs places everyone at risk and is one of the leading factors in recreational boating deaths in Alberta. To help tackle this issue, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services (FWES) has launched a pilot program this summer to enhance safety on lakes and rivers by targeting potential impaired boaters in key areas.

Between May 16 and Sept. 1, fish and wildlife officers will enhance their patrols on lakes and rivers in and around Spruce Grove, Wetaskiwin, Ponoka, Camrose and Red Deer with the ability to determine the sobriety of boat operators by using Approved Screening Devices (ASDs) – commonly known as breathalyzers. If there is reasonable suspicion that the boat operator has consumed alcohol, fish and wildlife officers will administer breath tests. If the officer determines the operator is impaired, they will be arrested for further processing and could face criminal charges.

“Alberta families have a right to enjoy our beautiful summers safely. The pilot program we’ve announced today sends a clear message: impaired boating has no place on Alberta’s waterways. Full stop. Operating a boat while impaired is just as dangerous and illegal as driving a car impaired. I want to commend our fish and wildlife officers for taking concrete steps to prevent accidents and keep Albertans safe.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

This initiative supports the ongoing work and responsibilities of FWES to promote safety on Alberta’s waterways through education and enforcement. During routine patrols where fish and wildlife officers monitor for compliance with fishing regulations, they will also check for valid boating licences and compliance with safety equipment requirements, monitor speed and wake zones, and educate Albertans on responsible boating practices.

“Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services is committed to ensuring the safety of Albertans – both on land and on our waterways. This new pilot program provides officers with an essential tool to better detect those suspected of boating while impaired and enhances our ability to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating season for everyone.”

Rob Lamont, deputy chief, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services

Quick facts
- Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol and drugs is an offense punishable under the Criminal Code (Canada).
- In Canada, Criminal Code impaired operation laws are the same for operating a boat as they are for a vehicle on a highway.
  
  Operators are not permitted to have a blood alcohol concentration that is equal to or exceeds 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
- In Alberta, the Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Act and regulations restrict the consumption and transportation of alcohol or cannabis in vessels.
- Penalties for operating a boat while impaired may include:
  
  suspension of driver’s licence
  
  fines
  
  prohibition from operating a boat
  
  possible prison terms
- According to the Lifesaving Society and the Drowning Research Centre Canada, 50 per cent of boating-related water fatalities in Alberta involve alcohol consumption.
Related information
- Speed and impaired boating
MIL OSI Canada News –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Day of Ceremony and Action: May 15 is Moose Hide Pin Day

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on May 15, 2025

Today, Members of the Legislative Assembly, along with Saskatchewan public service employees will wear moose hide pins to observe the annual Moose Hide Campaign, an Indigenous-led, grassroots movement that has evolved to engage Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to end violence against women and children in Canada.

“Throughout Canada, moose hide has become a symbol of taking a stand against violence,” Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Eric Schmalz said. “By wearing the moose hide pin, we not only demonstrate our stand against violence but our public commitment to end it and protect our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.”

“The Moose Hide Campaign stands as a commitment to honour the women and children in our lives,” Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Alana Ross said. “Together, through awareness, education and action, we can create a future free from violence – a future where women, girls and all Saskatchewan people are safe, healthy and prosperous.”

It started in 2011, when father and daughter Paul and Raven Lacerte were hunting moose along the Highway of Tears in northern BC. Hunting moose is a grounding tradition on their ancestral land that passes knowledge from one generation to the other. The gift of the moose hide is seen as healing medicine that connects all who wear the pins to the land, culture and to each other. For more information, visit: https://moosehidecampaign.ca/.

Observing and promoting the Moose Hide Campaign demonstrates the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). It also supports the province’s implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ (MMIWG+) Community Response Fund offers $800,000 in funding for projects and events that promote and enhance prevention and build safety for Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit+ people. Half of the funding is provided by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). Saskatchewan-based groups, including grass-roots Indigenous groups, can receive up to $40,000 for their project or event.

The MMIWG+ Community Response Fund is currently accepting applications. More information, as well as the online application form, is available at saskatchewan.ca/mmiwg-fund.

To learn more about available supports and resources to help prevent and end violence and abuse and supports for those experiencing it, please visit the Status of Women Office’s website at saskatchewan.ca/swo.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Government Relations
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: karen.hill@gov.sk.ca

Mackenzie Love
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-526-8635
Email: mackenzie.love6@gov.sk.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Leader of Prolific Guatemalan Drug Trafficking Organization and Guatemalan Politician Who Supplied Tons of Cocaine to the Sinaloa Cartel Presented in U.S. District Court

Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

Headline: Leader of Prolific Guatemalan Drug Trafficking Organization and Guatemalan Politician Who Supplied Tons of Cocaine to the Sinaloa Cartel Presented in U.S. District Court

Today, Freddy Arnoldo Salazar Flores of Guatemala, a representative of the Central American Parliament, made his initial appearance in federal court in the District of Columbia. Salazar Flores voluntarily returned from abroad to the United States on May 14, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Taskforce launched to enhance police response to people smuggling
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Taskforce launched to enhance police response to people smuggling

A new dedicated taskforce has been launched to transform the way in which the police respond to organised immigration crime gangs operating from the UK.
Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney

A new dedicated taskforce has been launched to transform the way in which the police respond to organised immigration crime gangs operating from the UK, facilitating people-smuggling across the Channel.

The Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce will be led by Deputy Chief Constable, Wendy Gunney, who is the National Lead for Serious Organised Crime at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Wendy will be supported by a full-time, dedicated assistant chief constable, and will report progress on a regular basis to the Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, and the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper.

The taskforce will be responsible for delivering progress on recent recommendations made by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), following an inspection of the approach to tackling organised immigration crime across the UK.

The inspection, commissioned in January 2024 by the then Home Secretary, looked at police force performance in relation to organised immigration crime between January 2024 and July 2024. It found that while progress has been made, more must be done, with HMICFRS setting out 10 key recommendations, including the need for more effective action against smuggling gangs based in the UK.

This new approach will ensure all police forces work alongside the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force to treat this crime type as a priority.

In practice, this will mean better information-sharing and more co-ordinated tasking, ensuring UK policing is able to use every tool at its disposal to prevent organised criminal networks from undermining UK immigration law, and working to identify and dismantle any smuggling gangs operating from a UK base.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

This new specialist taskforce directly responds to recommendations made by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and marks a significant step in our Plan for Change to secure Britain’s borders. By bringing together expertise under Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney’s leadership and working closely with Martin Hewitt, we are ensuring a co-ordinated, nationwide approach that will put this vital issue at the forefront of policing priorities.

This taskforce reflects our commitment to giving law enforcement the tools they need to dismantle criminal networks that undermine our immigration system and put lives at risk. Police forces and regional organised crime units across the UK need to rapidly gear up the response to organised immigration crime, and smuggling and trafficking gangs. Already we have set up the Border Security Command, and the National Crime Agency has substantially increased its operations and intelligence gathering work with other countries.

These gangs undermine border security and put lives at risk. We need every possible tool to stop them and put dangerous criminals behind bars.

Deputy Chief Constable, Wendy Gunney, said:

The Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce will enable our well-established partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to create a multi-agency, national response in tackling organised immigration crime.

The taskforce will build on existing work driven by the NPCC’s modern slavery and organised immigration crime programme, which supports local force operational activity and intelligence collection linked to the wider organised immigration crime threat.

By working this way, we will accelerate intelligence and information sharing, ensuring organised immigration crime is disrupted robustly and effectively.

Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, said:

Wendy’s wealth of experience and knowledge on serious and organised crime is a vital asset in our fight to tackle border security threats, and I am delighted she has agreed to lead this taskforce.

This is a key part of my whole-system approach to securing our borders, because it puts tackling immigration crime at the forefront of policing priorities.

Police forces across the UK are already very committed to this issue, and while immigration-related arrests and charges have increased, we know there is more to do. So, this is about optimising that collective effort to deliver a properly functioning immigration system, and a safe and secure border.

This latest step comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues his visit in Tirana today, to step up co-operation on migration and expand successful joint initiatives with Albania to more countries in the region.

It also follows the Prime Minister unveiling of the government’s immigration white paper earlier this week, a comprehensive plan that will bring net migration to the UK down significantly, and restore fairness in our immigration system.

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Published 15 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Nashville Man on Probation Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm After Allegedly Shooting at Police

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NASHVILLE – Emmanuel Orr, 18, of Nashville, has been charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.

“We will not stand for violence against our citizens or our men and women in law enforcement,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Those convicted of violent offenses, and especially those on probation for such offenses, cannot possess firearms and put citizens and our police officers at risk. Our Operation Bond Watch program seeks to hold those who do accountable for their actions.”

According to court documents, on April 30, 2025, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) officers responded to a report of a shooting in Nashville. They discovered a victim who had been shot in the leg. The victim reported being shot by a man who was approximately 19 years old, had short black dreads, and was wearing a tan jacket and black jogging pants. The victim also reported that the shooter had pulled out a pistol, possibly a Ruger, and showed it to the victim. Shortly after suspect’s description was broadcast to other officers, an officer observed a young male with a shirt draped over his shoulder, wearing black pants, and having short black dreads walking west on Westchester near Dickerson Pike. The officer gave the suspect commands to show his hands and stop, but the man kept walking away and did not respond. The man then abruptly turned towards the marked police cruiser, raised a pistol with both hands, and fired two shots at officers before fleeing on foot, dropping the firearm as he ran away.

The suspect fled into a nearby restaurant and hid in the bathroom, where he was subsequently taken into custody by officers without incident. The man identified himself as Orr, and after being advised of his rights, admitted to firing the firearm at the MNPD officer, but he refused to discuss the shooting victim. The victim later positively identified Orr from a photo lineup as the shooter.

A Ruger model LC9S 9mm pistol was recovered from the area where Orr was seen dropping a firearm after shooting. MNPD also recovered a spent 9mm shell casing and an intact 9mm round in the area where the victim reported being shot.

Just over ninety days ago, on February 6, 2025, Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk records show that Orr was convicted of Reckless Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and received a two-year sentence that was suspended to probation.

If convicted, Orr faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Hinkle is prosecuting the case.

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

A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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MIL Security OSI –

May 16, 2025