Category: CTF

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

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    West Midlands to benefit from recent trade deals

    The automotive sector in the West Midlands is set to benefit from new trade deals with India and the US that slashes tariffs and boosts access to the world’s fastest growing economy.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • US and India trade deals deliver a major boost for the West Midlands’ automotive industry, that employs 50,000 people.

    The automotive sector in the West Midlands is set to benefit from new trade deals with India and the US that slashes tariffs and boosts access to the world’s fastest growing economy. 

    This means long-term stability for 50,000 people employed in the sector and security for their families.  

    It will also deliver opportunities for major job creators in the region like Jaguar Land Rover to grow – the first priority of our Plan for Change.  

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

    These trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for 50,000 workers employed in automotive manufacturing in the West Midlands.   

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.   

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across the West Midlands.

    40,000 people employed in agriculture across the region will also benefit from our deal with the EU. It means less checks and red tape, meaning that produce grown in the West Midlands has easy access to the UK’s biggest trading partner. 

    British steel exports are also protected from new EU rules and restrictive tariffs, through a bespoke arrangement for the UK. With this new agreement with the EU and our recent UK-US trade deal, we are helping to protect the 5,000 people working in the steel industry across the West Midlands.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.       

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.      

    Anthony Bamford, JCB Chairman said:

    I’m very pleased that the UK Government have got both the US and India trade deals over the line. India is the world’s most populous country with over 1.4 billion people living in the world’s largest democracy. I know from JCB’s experience of making and selling machines in India that British businesses looking to trade with India will be welcomed with open arms. The opportunity is huge, and the Free Trade Agreement will open the door to much improved trade between our countries – in both directions.

    The USA is the world’s largest market for construction equipment. JCB has been manufacturing there for 50 years, so it’s vital we have a strong presence in the US market. We will carry on with our recently announced plans to double the size of our new factory in San Antonio, Texas but the USA will still remain an important export market for certain UK-made machines. Ultimately, we need the removal of that 10% baseline tariff to support the export side of our business.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    “The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in the West Midlands, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 

    The Economic Prosperity Deal is the first such agreement made by this US administration and a testament to the deep and enduring relationship that the UK and US share.

    We are going further and faster to deliver economic growth, working with our allies around the world to drive prosperity and give certainty to businesses and customers alike.

    The trade deals with India and the US will unlock new opportunities for the West Midlands, where 32% of the automotive workforce is based.  

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, tariffs on cars sold to India will come down from over 100% to 10% under a quota, while other tariff reduction will support the region’s advanced manufacturing sector. 

    Our deal with the US negotiated in the same week, is set to benefit every corner of the UK, including the West Midlands that exported £8.5 billion to the US in 2024, more than any other region in the UK.  

    The benefits of the deal for local businesses and workers are relevant for Oliver Christian, a graduate of Keele University and the UK’s new Trade Commissioner to North America.   

    His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and His Majesty’s Consul General to New York, Oliver Christian, said:   

    As a Keele University graduate, I’m proud to be championing the UK and the West Midlands in North America, especially at such a crucial time.    

    The US is one of the West Midlands’ biggest export destinations. Over half of those exports come from the automotive industry, with some of the UK’s most well-known car manufacturers based in the area including Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin.   

    The deal we have negotiated will cut tariffs on cars from 27.5% to 10% for 100,000 vehicles every year, saving millions for carmakers in the region and protecting thousands of jobs.

    Just this week the Prime Minister acted in the national interest by confirming a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in the West Midlands, raising living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.     

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Urine Drug Testing Laboratory and Owner Agree to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that LabXperior Corporation (LabXperior) and owner Tina Ball (Ball) have paid $235,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the Federal False Claims Act and North Carolina False Claims Act by knowingly billing North Carolina Medicaid (Medicaid) for urine drug tests that were medically unnecessary and resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.

    The United States and State of North Carolina alleged that from September 28, 2016, through December 20, 2017, LabXperior submitted claims to Medicaid for urine drug tests that were false. The claims were false because they were the result of an illegal kickback arrangement between LabXperior and BPolloni Consulting, LLC (BPolloni), an entity that referred urine drug tests to LabXperior. Under the arrangement, LabXperior paid BPolloni a percentage of the revenue or profit from the Medicaid reimbursement for each urine drug test that BPolloni arranged for another entity, Do It 4 the Hood Corporation (D4H), to send to LabXperior. The Chief Executive Officer of BPolloni and other individuals who operated D4H previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and Anti-Kickback Statute violations arising from D4H’s illegal kickback arrangements with urine drug testing laboratories.

    In addition to being tainted by illegal kickbacks, the United States and State of North Carolina alleged that claims for drug tests that LabXperior submitted to Medicaid were false because the tests were medically unnecessary. Specifically, the orders for the tests were not patient-specific and did not reflect a qualified medical provider’s determination of the patient’s need for the testing.

    The civil settlement and resolution of claims obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI in Charlotte, with assistance from the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.

    Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: London to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    London to benefit from recent trade deals

    London’s top job creators including Diageo are set to benefit from the UK’s trade deals with India, the US and EU that slashes tariffs and boosts international trade.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Delivers mayor boost to job creators like Diageo that supports 100,000 jobs.

    London’s top job creators including Diageo are set to benefit from the UK’s trade deals with India, the US and EU that slashes tariffs and boosts international trade.  

    The deals negotiated by the Prime Minister deliver long-term certainty for London-based firms like Diageo that supports 100,000 jobs throughout its value chain.  

    The agreement also opens the way for London’s AI sector, that is currently worth £8.4 billion and employs 38,000 people in the city to grow – the first priority of our Plan for Change. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

    The trade deals that we have closed delivers stability, security and opportunities for firms across London.  

    It also will create opportunities for seamless trade with our key international partners, attracting investment into the capital, that will grow the economy and make a difference to Londoners. 

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across London.

    45,592 people employed in agriculture in the Greater London and the South East of England region will also benefit from our deal with the EU. It means less checks and red tape,  meaning that food and drink exported from the capital has easy access to the UK’s biggest trading partner. 

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.   

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.   

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in the capital, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.  

    Rohan Malik, EMEIA and UKI Government & Public Sector Managing Partner, EY said:    

    This agreement is poised to accelerate an economic partnership that is already thriving, with the value of total trade between the UK and India having more than doubled from £16.6 billion to £40 billion over the last decade.   

    British business stands to benefit substantially from enhanced access to one of the world’s largest export markets and a skills pool that can fuel strategically important UK sectors, including professional services and emerging industries based around data and AI.   

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every part of the UK – including Greater London.  

    It delivers a major boost to London based firms like Diageo, that supports 100,000 jobs by opening up iconic UK spirits to the world’s fastest growing economy.  

    Both deals deliver significant benefits for London’s financial services hub, with the capital home to firms like EY who provide services to more than 150 countries and territories. 

    We will also support the cutting-edge AI sector in the capital – that has 52% of all firms nationwide, contributes £8.4 billion and supports 38,000 jobs by removing red tape for firms trying to export to the US and putting rocket boosters on the sector that already contributes so much to the UK economy.  

    Just this week the Prime Minister acted in the national interest by confirming a new agreement with the EU that will deliver on our core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in Greater London and putting more money in people’s pockets.   

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Last Two Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Large Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – The last two of seven defendants charged in a drug trafficking conspiracy have been sentenced for their roles in distributing large quantities of methamphetamine from California and Mexico to Nevada.

    Ivan Salazar, a four-time convicted felon, aka “Evil,” (40) and Domingo Montes, a three-time convicted felon, aka “JR,” (36) were sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson to 140 months and 100 months in prison, respectively.

    According to court documents, in 2019, law enforcement began investigating co-conspirator Luis Arellano and other members of the Pomona Sur Lokotes (PSL) drug trafficking organization. In 2020, Salazar and Montes conspired with others to distribute 946 grams and 204 grams of methamphetamine, respectively, in Las Vegas. Salazar and Montes obtained the methamphetamine from Arellano, the leader of the drug trafficking organization.

    Salazar and Montes each pleaded guilty in November 2022 to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

    The other members of the drug trafficking conspiracy were sentenced earlier. Luis Arellano, aka “Lewis Arellano” and “Laughter,” (31) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 168 months in prison; Jacqueline Martinez (31) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 78 months in prison; Amelio Che Medina (45) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 97 months in prison; Anna Barrios (34) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 90 months in prison; and Victor Manuel Rodriguez, aka “Smokey” (39) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 100 months in prison.

    United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

    The FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sokolich prosecuted the case.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: East Midlands to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    East Midlands to benefit from recent trade deals

    Top job creators in the East Midland’s thriving aerospace industry are set to benefit from new trade deals with the US and India.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.  
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Boost for job creators including region’s aerospace industry that employs more than 23,000 people.

    Top job creators in the East Midland’s thriving aerospace industry are set to benefit from new trade deals with the US and India. 

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

    This also means long-term stability for 23,000 employed in the sector and security for their families, which is a cornerstone of our Plan for Change. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    The trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for the aerospace sector in the East Midlands that employs 23,000 people.

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.    

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across the East Midlands.

    More than 30,000 people employed in agriculture across the East Midlands are set to benefit from our deal with the EU. It means less checks and red tape, meaning farmers and producers who grow food across the region now have easy access to the EU – the UK’s biggest trading partner.  

    The agreement also protects British steel exports from EU rules and restrictive tariffs, further supporting 2,010 people working in the steel industry across the East Midlands. 

    Last year, 740 businesses in the East Midlands exported £308 million in good to India. The Free Trade Deal agreed on 6 May opens up new opportunities for fashion brands in the East Midlands to grow their business in India with zero duties on imports.   

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.      

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.     

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in the East Midlands, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

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

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

    Just this week the Prime Minister acted in the national interest by confirming a new agreement with the EU that will deliver on our core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in Hull and East Yorkshire and putting more money in people’s pockets.  

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Merseyside to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Merseyside to benefit from recent trade deals

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will boost Liverpool’s automotive sector that employs 5,000 people, with tariffs on car exports slashed alongside a range of other measures.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Boost for job creators including the region’s automobile industry that employs 5,000 people.

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will boost Liverpool’s automotive sector that employs 5,000 people, with tariffs on car exports slashed alongside a range of other measures. 

    Reducing India’s tariffs on machinery, slashing tariffs on car exports in both deals and our agreement with the US to remove the 25% tariff on steel provides stability for the biggest employers in the region like Ford and Jaguar Land Rover. 

    This means greater job security for workers, stronger economic growth to supporting more jobs and higher living standards across Merseyside – priorities that we are delivering through our Plan for Change.

    The Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for the automobile industry in Liverpool that employs 5,000 people. 

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.   

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Merseyside.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.     

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.    

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For Merseyside businesses, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including Merseyside. The area is renowned for its music industry, which will benefit from copyright protections enshrined in the deal and a commitment that works will continue to be protected for at least 60 years. 

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, tariffs on cars sold to India will come down from over 100% to 10% under a quota.

    In another win for the region, tariff reduction agreed with India on advanced manufacturing will benefit Liverpool’s port that is close to more than 50% of UK manufacturers and has the capability to service 95% of the world’s largest container ships. 

    UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said:

    The Government’s recent trade deals are welcome progress towards boosting further growth of the UK music industry which already contributes £7.6 billion annually to the economy. 

    Commitments made in the UK-EU agreement to support cultural exchange for touring artists are an important first step.

    In the same week, we negotiated a first of its kind agreement with the US that will reduce tariffs on car exports to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles per year, almost the total number of UK vehicles exported to the country last year.  

    Just this week, the Prime Minister acted in the national interest by confirming a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in Merseyside, raising living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.   

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tribe Member Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for the Death of a Child

    Source: US FBI

    RENO – An enrolled member of the Ely Shoshone Tribe was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release, the maximum sentence, for voluntary manslaughter of a three-year-old girl.

    Colon Jackson (31) pleaded guilty in December 2022 to one count of voluntary manslaughter within Indian Country.

    According to court documents and facts presented in court, on January 9, 2019, on the Ely Shoshone Indian Reservation, the victim’s mother picked her up from day care and took her home so Jackson could care for her while her mother was at work. While the three-year-old girl was in Jackson’s care, he shook and threw the victim’s body. Jackson called the victim’s mother to tell her that the girl was unconscious. The mother came home from work and took the child to the emergency room in Ely. The girl was then flown from Ely to Salt Lake City. She died from the injuries caused by Jackson.

    “The defendant’s senseless act resulted in the death of a child,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are working steadfast to seek justice for victims. In collaboration with state, local, Tribal, and federal law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating reports of missing and murdered Indigenous people, also prioritizing the disproportionately high rates of violence against women and girls.”

    “I am extremely proud of the collaborative effort put forth to hold the defendant accountable for his actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “The FBI stands strongly with tribal and law enforcement partners in our joint commitment to bring justice for victims. Violent crimes, such as this horrendous act, will never go unchallenged.”

    The case was investigated by the FBI, BIA, the White Pine County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ely Shoshone Tribal Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady, Megan Rachow, and Richard Casper prosecuted the case.

    If you have information concerning a missing or murdered person in Indian Country, please contact your local FBI office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).

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    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Heads of G7 Export Credit Agencies – Meeting Communiqué – 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Heads of G7 Export Credit Agencies – Meeting Communiqué – 2025

    The meeting of the heads of G7 Export Credit Agencies met in London, United Kingdom to discuss international trade.

    The leaders of official export credit agencies (ECAs) of the G7 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America) met in London on 19-20 May, hosted by UK Export Finance, to discuss recent business trends and challenges.

    Serving national customers was at the heart of the meeting. Discussions took place on strengthening supply chains with a focus on critical and raw materials, enhancing domestic support programmes, and adapting to evolving economic and policy landscapes.

    The group also talked about the evolving ECA landscape, the challenges arising from increasing overlap of trade and development, the increasing need to focus on support in emerging markets and mobilise private finance.

    There was a constructive discussion on G7 ECA business under the Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits and the Group recognised the need to maintain the level playing field; transparency, relevancy and energy were key issues explored.

    We discussed how best to leverage digital innovation to improve efficiency and better meet customers’ needs. There was agreement that there is a need for investment in AI and digitalisation in order to keep pace with business.

    Acknowledging that we are operating in shifting political times, we agreed that our strength lies in our collaboration. By working together, sharing risks, and trying to resolve challenges together, we can enhance our resilience as ECAs and expand our global outreach, and in doing so we will help support economic growth and stability at home.

    A parallel Growing Professionals programme, now in its fourth year, explored practical innovations in export finance. The initiative brought together seven Growing Professionals from each organisation and aims to foster the next generation of international trade professionals.

    The next meeting is scheduled to be held in Spring 2026 and hosted by US EXIM in Washington.

    Agreed by the Heads of the G7 ECAs/Guardian Authorities.

    Atsuo Kuroda (NEXI, Japan), Bastian Kern (Export Credit Guarantees Germany), Tim Reid (UKEF), Alison Nankivell (EDC, Canada), Armel Castets (Export Finance and Trade Promotion Division, France), James C. Cruse (US EXIM), Paola Valerio (SACE, Italy).

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tribe Member Sentenced to Prison for Shooting at Police Officer

    Source: US FBI

    RENO – A Winnemucca Indian Colony tribe member was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks to 78 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for shooting at a law enforcement officer and pointing his firearm at a second officer.

    Martin Williams (39) pleaded guilty in November 2022 to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon within Indian Country.

    According to court documents and admissions made in court by Williams, on April 2, 2020, he fired a shot at a law enforcement officer while on the Winnemucca Indian Colony reservation and pointed his firearm at a second officer.

    United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

    The FBI, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Winnemucca Police Department, and the Elko Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady and Andrew Keenan prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Northern Ireland to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Northern Ireland to benefit from recent trade deals

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU to help drive growth in Northern Ireland as tariffs on key industries slashed.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Delivers job security for workers in Northern Ireland and will create more highly skilled jobs in communities.

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU to help drive growth in Northern Ireland as tariffs on key industries slashed.

    These deals will deliver benefits that communities across Northern Ireland will feel – supporting job creation, reducing costs and expanding export opportunities.

    This means stronger economic growth across Northern Ireland – delivering our Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    These trade deals deliver long term security for people in Northern Ireland. They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people’s lives.   

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Northern Ireland.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.  

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.  

    Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): 

    An SPS deal is a win and signals the beginning of making sure that businesses in Northern Ireland face less bureaucracy.

    Three deals in two weeks is a very positive start to trade negotiations. There’s more work to be done, but let’s keep it going. An agreement with the US, greater opportunities for trade with India and the UK-EU deal mark a major reset in relationships, moving us away from the stalemate of the past. This represents progress which can help drive growth and opportunity for businesses in Northern Ireland.

    We must continue to build better relationships and work more closely with our closest trading partners. If we can harness the potential which deals with the EU, India and the US provide, we can turn ambition into success.

    Last year, 143 business exported £65 million in goods to India last year. Our deal means the total number of exports from Northern Ireland is likely to grow as it is set to halve the tariffs on Irish Whiskey from 150% to 75% before they reduce to 40% over ten years.

    In addition, advanced manufacturing that accounts for 11% of employment in Northern Ireland will benefit from India reducing or eliminating tariffs across a wide range of industrial products, including aerospace, medical technologies, or electronics.

    India’s commitment to increasing trade with Northern Ireland is further demonstrated in the opening of a Consulate in Belfast in March this year.

    For the first time ever, the landmark US-UK deal will open up exclusive access for UK beef to the US market. This is a major opportunity for Northern Ireland farmers to sell their high-quality beef to a market of over 300 million people, helping farmers grow their business.

    The deal protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors. The Government is continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains. 

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said:

    These deals open the door to new export opportunities for Northern Ireland, giving businesses greater access to some of the world’s largest markets.

    With smoother trade into the EU, growing export opportunities with the US and India, as well as smoother movement of goods within the UK, Northern Ireland is uniquely positioned for investment and growth, and these deals will boost key sectors like agri-food, biotech, and whiskey—strengthening Northern Ireland’s economy and supporting jobs.

    This strategic partnership with the EU will also support jobs and growth in Northern Ireland whilst protecting Northern Ireland’s unique access to the EU single market provided by the Windsor Framework. The agri-food agreement with the EU will remove Sanitary/Phytosanitary (SPS) frictions, reducing costs and protecting the UK’s internal market. The security and defence deal will strengthen our security and support Northern Ireland defence businesses, and cooperation on law enforcement will help prevent crime and bring perpetrators to justice, and linking our Emissions Trading System schemes will help avoid hikes in bills and prices.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in Northern Ireland, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation Crimes

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 33 years in prison followed by lifetime supervised release for committing multiple child sexual exploitation crimes.

    Stephen Thomas Parshall, aka “Kiwi,” (38) pleaded guilty in October 2022, to two counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of coercion and enticement, and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Parshall is required to register as a sex offender.

    According to court documents, law enforcement learned of Parshall’s alleged participation in a conspiracy to cause destruction during protests on May 30, 2020, and of Parshall’s alleged membership in the “Boogaloo” movement. Parshall was arrested and search warrants were executed on Parshall’s electronic devices. Law enforcement officers located 10 images of child sexual abuse material, and numerous images of child erotica, on Parshall’s cellular phone. Investigators identified Victim 1, a child under the age of 18 years old, in two of the child sexual abuse images located on Parshall’s phone. Parshall forced Victim 1 to perform sex acts upon him while he photographed it.

    Investigators also located social media conversations on a second cell phone owned by Parshall, under account names “cptkiwi1”, “nopictoobad”, and “pervysage”. In some of those social media conversations, Parshall messaged with Victim 2, another child under 18 years old, and convinced Victim 2 to take sexually explicit pictures. Victim 2 sent the requested child sexual abuse material to Parshall.

    Additionally, in separate social media conversations, Parshall traded child pornography material with other users.

    “As part of our Project Safe Childhood initiative, together with law enforcement partners, we will use all available resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute predators who exploit children,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Thanks to the hard work by the prosecution team and law enforcement, the defendant is no longer a threat to children and the community.”

    “The FBI is committed to stopping and holding accountable anyone who engages in the sexual exploitation of children,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “Every time child pornography is viewed on the internet it re-victimizes a child. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to investigating and bringing federal charges against those who commit these heinous crimes.”

    The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bianca Pucci and former Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Portz prosecuted the case.

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

    Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Indicts Two Central Ohio Women in $2.8 Million in COVID-Relief Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged two Central Ohio women with crimes related to fraudulently receiving more than $2.8 million total in covid-relief funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

    Lorie A. Schaefer, 62, of Westerville, allegedly received nearly $1.9 million in covid-relief funds by fraudulently claiming an affiliation with an Ohio pizza company.

    According to the indictment, Schaefer opened new bank accounts in December 2020 prior to registering a fictitious business name with the State of Ohio in March 2021.

    It is alleged that Schaefer fraudulently claimed affiliation with the Flying Pizza restaurants in Dayton, Centerville and Fairborn. When notified that a PPP loan for nearly $1.9 million had been filed in the name of Flying Pizza, individuals at the family-owned business said their restaurants could not justify such a large loan.

    Schaefer claimed to have 98 employees and allegedly submitted altered bank records as part of her application. Schaefer also claimed the business was established in March 2021, even though the original Flying Pizza was established in 1984. Additionally, she claimed not to be under indictment despite having pending theft charges in Meigs County. Schaefer allegedly attached multiple fraudulent documents to her PPP application, including a bank statement, tax records, and a letter from the IRS.

    Bank records indicate Schaefer improperly used PPP funds for personal expenses, for example, nearly $26,000 on liposuction, a $10,000 check for a “newborn baby gift,” and more than $900,000 to purchase and renovate a condominium in Westerville. Schaefer also allegedly made purchases at Wayfair, Lamps Plus, Kroger, KFC, Burger King, Arby’s, McDonald’s and Olive Garden. Evidence also suggests Schaefer used the fraud proceeds to purchase vehicles in Ohio and property in Australia for her personal use.

    Schaefer allegedly assisted co-defendant Latisha C. Holloway, 42, of Reynoldsburg, in fraudulently receiving more than $980,000 in PPP loans.

    Holloway allegedly claimed to own a business called Jaguar Logistics, LLC. Holloway stated on loan application documents that she had 76 employees and had a total gross income of $4.9 million. Her loan application was submitted within a month of Schaefer receiving PPP loans and records indicate Holloway wired Schaefer $180,000 after receiving her own loan money. According to court records, Holloway similarly attached fraudulent documents to her PPP loan, including a bank statement and tax records.

    Both defendants allegedly collected unemployment benefits after receiving federal covid-relief funds.

    Finally, it is alleged that Schaefer used another individual’s Social Security Number to apply for and receive an additional $20,800 in PPP funds for “LS Associates,” a corporation established by Schaefer.

    The indictment charges each woman with two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and money laundering carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

    Schaefer and Holloway were arrested in August 2023 and originally charged at that time by criminal complaint.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division. Assistant United States Attorney David J. Twombly is representing the United States in this case.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southwest Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for $8.6 Million Investment Fraud Scheme That Defrauded Pike County Investors

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Southwest Ohio man was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 24 months in prison for orchestrating an investment fraud scheme in Pike County and for failing to remit money withheld from employee paychecks to employee retirement funds.

    Robert W. Walton, Jr., 55, of Loveland, Ohio, was also ordered to pay more than $8.6 million in restitution.

    According to court documents, Walton committed two distinct financial crimes that resulted in a total loss of $8,657,603. He defrauded investors in a company he co-founded and stole retirement funds of its employees.

    Walton engaged in a scheme to defraud investors of Hadsell Chemical Processing, LLC (HCP) and related entities. Walton was the president of HCP and fraudulently sought investments in the form of promissory notes from dozens of victim investors.

    Walton claimed the notes were personally guaranteed by a prominent local business owner when in fact they were not. Walton repeatedly forged the business owner’s signature from 2012 through 2015 without the business owner’s authority on several loan documents and promissory notes.

    Walton falsely represented his company’s future revenues from another business to be in the millions by creating fake invoices. The actual total legitimate business revenue HCP had with that other business was approximately $50,000. He provided the fake invoices to investors. Walton also provided investors with falsified profit and loss statements, including one that changed HCP’s net income from a loss of approximately $800,000 to a profit of nearly $395,000.

    Walton also engaged in Ponzi-type activity by paying earlier investors with money received from new investors.

    During part of his employment at HCP, Walton was responsible for approving the remittance of employee retirement funds to an employee benefit plan sponsored by HCP. Walton failed to remit approximately $53,000 withheld from employees’ paychecks, failing to transfer the funds into employee retirement funds.

    Walton pleaded guilty in March 2023 to wire fraud and embezzling from employee benefit plans.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Cheryl Mimura, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cincinnati Division; and L. Joe Rivers, Regional Director, United States Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, Cincinnati Regional Office, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Health Care Staffing Executive Indicted for Fixing Wages of Nurses

    Source: US FBI

    A federal grand jury in Las Vegas returned an indictment yesterday charging a health care staffing executive with conspiring to fix the wages of Las Vegas nurses, in violation of the Sherman Act.

    According to the one-count felony indictment, Eduardo Lopez, of Las Vegas, held executive positions at three different home health agencies. For each company, Lopez oversaw recruitment, hiring, retention and assignments of nurses and other health care staff. Lopez and other unnamed co-conspirators are charged with agreeing to suppress and eliminate competition for the services of nurses between March 2016 and May 2019. Specifically, Lopez and his co-conspirators are charged with participating in a series of meetings and communications to fix wages of nurses.

    “Wage fixing is a crime that deprives workers of hard-earned wages,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division will be vigilant in protecting workers.”

    “We will continue to partner with the Antitrust Division and the FBI to protect the marketplace and the rights of workers to earn fair wages,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “We will investigate and prosecute those who engage in anticompetitive activities.”

    “The wage fixing alleged in this case harmed hardworking Americans and cheated them of fair opportunity and compensation,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI is committed to rooting out anti-competitive activity and corruption.”

    A violation of the Sherman Act carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals and a maximum penalty of a $100 million fine for corporations. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by victims if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum.

    Today’s announcement is the result of a federal investigation being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the International Corruption Unit of the FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.

    The charges in this case were brought in connection with the Antitrust Division’s ongoing commitment to prosecute anticompetitive conduct affecting American labor markets. Anyone with information on market allocation or price fixing by employers should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.

    An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Indicts Butler County Man for Sexually Exploiting Toddler on Snapchat

    Source: US FBI

    Officials ask anyone with information about potential additional victims to call FBI tip line

    CINCINNATI – A Middletown man has been indicted for sexually exploiting a toddler. The defendant shared the alleged sexually explicit conduct on Snapchat.

    A federal grand jury returned the indictment against Daveion Wright, 31, on March 20.

    According to the indictment, on at least five instances in January 2024, Wright sexually exploited a 2-year-old victim and shared the explicit conduct on Snapchat.

    Law enforcement officials ask members of the public to call the FBI at 513-979-8821 if you believe you have information related to victimization of other minors by Wright.

    Sexually exploiting a minor is a federal crime punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison.

    Wright has also been charged locally and those charges remain pending.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Cheryl Mimura, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division and Middletown Acting Police Chief Eric Crank announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Elena Iatarola Named Special Agent in Charge of the Cincinnati Field Office

    Source: US FBI

    Director Christopher Wray has named Elena Iatarola as the special agent in charge of the Cincinnati Field Office. Ms. Iatarola most recently served as a section chief in the Security Division.

    Ms. Iatarola joined the FBI as a special agent in 1997 and reported to the El Paso Field Office in Texas, where she investigated volent and transnational organized crimes. In 2008, she was promoted to serve as supervisory special agent in the Merrillville Resident Agency of the Indianapolis Field Office and led two Safe Street Task Forces in Northern Indiana.

    Ms. Iatarola transferred to the Las Vegas Field Office, and from 2012 she served as a field supervisor overseeing criminal and international terrorism investigations. In 2017, she reported to the Inspection Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., as a team leader. In 2018, she returned to Las Vegas as the program coordinator for the Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking programs.

    Ms. Iatarola was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of the Intelligence and Administrative branches of the Denver Field Office in 2019. In her role there, she was responsible for oversight of the resident agencies in Wyoming, the intelligence and security programs,  SWAT and Evidence Response Team, and all administrative programs. Ms. Iatarola was also the on-scene commander after a mass shooting at a Boulder grocery store in 2021 which left 10 people dead, including an on-duty police officer.

    In 2022, Ms. Iatarola was promoted to section chief of the Suitability and Security Clearance Section in the Security Division, overseeing all aspects of background investigations and clearances. The Security Division is one of several FBI Headquarters divisions located on the FBI’s campus on Redstone Arsenal near Huntsville, Alabama.

    Prior to joining the FBI, Ms. Iatarola served as a police officer with the Henderson Police Department in Nevada. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from Indiana University, a master’s degree in public safety administration from the Calumet College of St. Joseph University in Indiana, and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Not a competition, but a confession: who became Mister and Miss Polytech 2025?

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The long-awaited final of the creative project “Mr. and Miss Polytech” took place – an event that became a real celebration of self-expression, beauty and inner light.

    This year the competition was held under the slogan “In the reflection of yourself”, deeply symbolic and philosophical. Each of us is a mosaic of feelings, experiences, states. We change day after day, living joys and trials, discovering new sides of ourselves. Mirror reflection is not just an image looking at us from the other side. It demonstrates not only external changes, but also internal growth, overcoming obstacles, searching for your individuality. It is a look inside. It is a meeting with your true self, with who we have become and what we strive for.

    The Mister and Miss Polytech project is more than a beauty and talent contest. It is a space for reflecting the soul, for finding and showing the world your true self. The participants did not play roles – they searched for themselves, explored their essence and shared their innermost.

    The selection stage was intense: over three days, the organizers held 43 interviews and selected 18 participants, 9 of whom reached the final. For three months, the finalists went through a real path of self-knowledge and personal growth. With the help of experienced mentors, they learned to accept themselves, demonstrate their strengths and overcome internal barriers.

    The participants were assessed by a competent jury: Head of the Public Relations Department Marianna Dyakova, Chairman of the Trade Union of Students of SPbPU Maxim Susorov, Chief Organizer of the Mister and Miss Polytech 2022-2024 contests and former responsible for the PROF.event service Olga Goreva, as well as Mister and Miss Polytech 2024 — Svyatoslav Stolbov and Arina Kolbasova. They considered not only artistry, but also sincerity, depth of personality, and creative approach.

    “Mr. and Miss Polytech” is the flagship project of PROF, helping to realize, accept and develop one’s own personality through the prism of creativity. Mr. and Miss Polytech 2025 were 2nd-year student of IMMiT Alim Isaev and 2nd-year master’s student of IBSiB Maria Shevaldina. They reminded the audience how important it is to listen to your inner child and believe in yourself. During the performance, the guys not only presented creative numbers, but opened the doors to the world of their thoughts and feelings, allowing each person in the White Hall to see their stories.

    Vice-Mr. was a 2nd-year student of IPMEiT Andrey Krasnyakov. Vice-Miss was a 1st-year student of IPMEiT Sofia Kryukova. They showed that love for music, energy and charisma can become a huge motivation to achieve your dream. The Audience Award was won by 4th-year student of IPMEiT Sergey Radchenko with a magnificent dance. Watching Sergey’s performance, the audience felt that sincere love for your hobby can overcome any obstacles and win the hearts of the public.

    A distinctive feature of this year was the participants’ individual video business cards and visual accompaniment, immersing the audience in the atmosphere of each number. The final was attended by more than 200 people, and the stage itself was filled with not just finalists, but individuals who had gone through a path of internal transformation and self-knowledge.

    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

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Maria Zavyalova: “Miracles happen in life. Entering the Polytechnic was also a miracle”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The hero of the next issue of “Persona” Maria Zavyalova has been interested in history and the humanities since childhood. While studying at the Polytechnic University, Maria joined the military-historical club “Our Polytechnic”, was engaged in historical dances and participated in patriotic education. After graduating from the university, she stayed at her alma mater. Now Maria Zavyalova is a leading specialist at the Museum of History of SPbPU and an assistant at the Higher School of Social Sciences of the Humanities Institute. For her special contribution to the spiritual and moral education of youth and students, she was awarded the Honorary Badge of St. Tatiana. In an interview, Maria Zavyalova said about childhood in the village, the best moments in student life, about crossing paths and miracles in life.

    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

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Schoolchildren from Rostov-on-Don and Nalchik presented their works in the final of the competition “PROproekt”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    As part of the final of the All-Russian competition of school projects “PROproject” at the State University of Management, teleconferences were held with schools in Rostov-on-Don and Nalchik with the organizational, informational and technical support of the Rostov-on-Don Education Department.

    Students from eight Rostov schools defended their works: MBOU “School No. 6”, MBOU “School No. 30”, MBOU “School No. 76”, MBOU “School No. 90”, MBOU “School No. 96”, MBOU “School No. 99”, MBOU “School No. 100”, MBOU “School No. 104”, and from two schools in the urban district of Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkarian Republic: MKOU “Secondary School No. 9”, MKOU “Lyceum No. 2”.

    The projects were presented in areas corresponding to the national development goals of the Russian Federation, in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of May 7, 2024 No. 309: long and active life; family; youth and children; personnel; infrastructure for life; efficient transport system; environmental well-being; efficient and competitive economy; international cooperation and export; data economy and digital transformation of the state.

    The competition entries of the second stream of finalists were evaluated by the jury members: Deputy Director of the Center for Career Guidance at the State University of Management Andrey Kolchin, specialist of the Center for Career Guidance at the State University of Management Victoria Vrublevskaya, associate professor of the Department of Sociology, Psychology of Management and History Irina Shcherbakova, teachers of the Department of Project Management, as well as representatives of the Youth Association for Project Management Young Crew SOVNET: director Mikhail Zorin and marketing specialist Kamilla Bikkulova.

    The experts noted the high level of development of the projects: detailed business models, prototypes of the proposed technological solutions and the results of laboratory experiments were prepared.

    In particular, the following projects were presented in the final:

    An integrated approach to combating cybercrime Offenses using social engineering Implementation of an expanded digital platform for the project of the winner of the National Open Championship of Creative Competencies ArtMasters2024 – the shadow theater “Rose-colored Glasses” The contribution of natives of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic to the military events of 1941-1945 3D printing technologies in the tourism industry Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s economy: problems, prospects and incentives Tracked all-terrain vehicle We are what we eat: the struggle of natural and synthetic dyes for human health The tourism industry of the Leningrad Region: prerequisites and development prospects The problem of romanticizing drugs in cinematography Age boundaries of young people as an object of sociological analysis The influence of psychological techniques of digital advertising on the formation of consumer behavior in the youth segment and others.

    Let us recall that in 2025, over 200 projects were submitted to the PROproject Competition, and 72 students from 37 general and vocational educational organizations (schools, lyceums, gymnasiums, colleges), as well as additional education institutions (technology parks, quantum centers, creativity centers, online schools) from 22 cities of the Russian Federation took part in the competition finals: Moscow, Obninsk, Ramenskoye, St. Petersburg, Orel, Lugansk, Shira village (Republic of Khakassia), Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Ufa, Vsevolozhsk, Serpukhov, Perm, Borisoglebsk, Krasnoperekopsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Magnitogorsk, Mostovskoy urban-type settlement (Krasnodar Territory), Sergiev Posad, Nalchik, Rostov-on-Don.

    You can read about how the final went for the first group of participants in this article.

    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

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [GLOBALDATA PLC – 22 05 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
    N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    GLOBALDATA PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    22 MAY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.01p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 11,051,955 1.3703    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 11,051,955 1.3703    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.01p ORDINARY SALE 8,265 192.65p
    0.01p ORDINARY PURCHASE 1,765 193.85p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD
    Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
    Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.
    Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option
    Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion
    Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 23 MAY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bilibili Inc. Announces Completion of US$690 Million Convertible Senior Notes and Offering of Class Z Ordinary Shares in Connection with Hedging Transactions of Certain Convertible Notes Investors and Terms of Concurrent Repurchase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bilibili Inc. (“Bilibili” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BILI and HKEX: 9626), an iconic brand and a leading video community for young generations in China, today announced (i) the completion of its offering (the “Notes Offering”) of US$690 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “Notes”), including the initial purchasers’ full exercise of option to purchase an additional US$90 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, and (ii) the completion of the previously announced concurrent offering of its 10,281,240 Class Z ordinary shares that have been borrowed from non-affiliate third parties and offered in a separate underwritten offering.

    Notes Offering

    The Notes have been offered to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

    The Notes constitute senior, unsecured obligations of the Company. The Notes will mature on June 1, 2030, unless repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Holders may convert their Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the seventh scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The initial conversion rate of the Notes is 42.1747 Class Z ordinary shares per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately HK$185.63 per Class Z ordinary share and represents a conversion premium of approximately 27.1% above the closing price HK$146.00 per Class Z ordinary share of the Company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on May 21, 2025) and a premium of approximately 32.5% to the clearing share price of the Concurrent Delta Offering of HK$140.10 per Class Z ordinary share of the Company, and is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. Upon conversion, subject to certain procedures and conditions set forth in the terms of the Notes, the Company will cause to be delivered the Company’s Class Z ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share. Holders may elect to receive the Company’s American depositary shares (“ADS”), each representing one Class Z ordinary share, in lieu of Class Z ordinary shares deliverable upon conversion.

    The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 0.625% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2025.

    The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering to enhance its content ecosystem to facilitate user growth, facilitate IP asset creation, and unleash its inherent potential. The Company also plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering to improve its overall monetization efficiency, fund the Concurrent Repurchase (as defined below), fund future repurchases (from time to time) under its share repurchase program, and for other general corporate purposes.

    The Notes, the Class Z ordinary shares deliverable upon conversion of the Notes or the ADSs deliverable in lieu thereof have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws. They may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons, except in reliance on the exemption from registration under the Securities Act.

    Concurrent Delta Offering

    The Company also completed the concurrent offering of its 10,281,240 Class Z ordinary shares that have been borrowed from non-affiliate third parties and offered in a separate underwritten offering by Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. and Morgan Stanley Asia Limited (the “Underwriters” and the “Concurrent Delta Offering”, respectively), each acting severally on behalf of itself and/or its respective affiliates, at HK$140.10 per Class Z ordinary share. The Underwriters used the resulting short position to facilitate hedging transactions by certain investors subscribing for the Notes, who employ a convertible arbitrage strategy (the “Convertible Arbitrage Investors”). The Company has been advised that each Underwriter has concurrently entered into off-market privately negotiated derivative transactions relating to the Class Z ordinary shares, which enabled Convertible Arbitrage Investors to establish their initial short positions in the Class Z ordinary shares to hedge market risk in the Notes. The number of Class Z ordinary shares subject to the Concurrent Delta Offering generally corresponds to such initial short positions of the Convertible Arbitrage Investors. No new Class Z ordinary shares have been issued in the Concurrent Delta Offering.

    The Company has filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (including a prospectus) with the SEC. The Concurrent Delta Offering has been made only by means of a prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You may obtain these documents by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, a copy of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282, Attention: Prospectus Department, Email: Prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com, Telephone: 1 (866) 471-2526; or Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, c/o Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, 180 Varick Street, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department, Email: prospectus@morganstanley.com, Telephone: 1 (866) 718-1649.

    The Company has subscribed for and been allocated 5,588,140 of its Class Z ordinary shares offered in the Concurrent Delta Offering for an aggregate amount of approximately HK$782.9 million at the offering price (the “Concurrent Repurchase”). The Concurrent Repurchase is being made pursuant to the Company’s existing share repurchase program. The Company used part of the proceeds from the Notes Offering for the Concurrent Repurchase. The Concurrent Repurchase enables investors to establish some of their initial short positions in the Class Z ordinary shares to hedge market risk in the Notes and reflects the Company’s confidence in its long-term strategy and growth. The repurchased shares will be cancelled.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any of these securities, nor shall there be a sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar expressions. Bilibili may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Bilibili’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: results of operations, financial condition, and stock price; Bilibili’s strategies; Bilibili’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Bilibili’s ability to retain and increase the number of users, members and advertising customers, provide quality content, products and services, and expand its product and service offerings; competition in the online entertainment industry; Bilibili’s ability to maintain its culture and brand image within its addressable user communities; Bilibili’s ability to manage its costs and expenses; PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to the online entertainment industry, general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of the announcement, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    About Bilibili Inc.

    Bilibili is an iconic brand and a leading video community with a mission to enrich the everyday lives of young generations in China. Bilibili offers a wide array of video-based content with All the Videos You Like as its value proposition. Bilibili builds its community around aspiring users, high-quality content, talented content creators and the strong emotional bonds among them. Bilibili pioneered the “bullet chatting” feature, a live comment function that has transformed our users’ viewing experience by displaying the thoughts and feelings of audience members viewing the same video. The Company has now become the welcoming home of diverse interests among young generations in China and the frontier for promoting Chinese culture across the world.

    For more information, please visit: http://ir.bilibili.com.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China:

    Bilibili Inc.
    Juliet Yang
    Tel: -86-21-2509-9255 Ext. 8523
    Email: ir@bilibili.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Helen Wu
    Tel: -86-10-6508-0677
    Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com

    In the United States:

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: -1-212-481-2050
    Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [CRANEWARE PLC – 22 05 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
    N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    CRANEWARE PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    22 MAY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,712,784 4.8370    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,712,784 4.8370    

    NOTE: On 22/05/2025 there was a transfer out of 668 shares by a discretionary client.

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SALE 335 2091p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD
    Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
    Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.
    Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option
    Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion
    Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 23 MAY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Jitterbit Placed in 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Integration Platform as a Service

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALAMEDA, Calif., May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jitterbit, a global leader in accelerating business transformation for enterprise systems, today announced that it has been positioned by Gartner as a Visionary in the Magic Quadrant™ for iPaaS, core to the Jitterbit Harmony platform. The evaluation was based on specific criteria that analyzed the company’s overall completeness of vision and ability to execute.

    “As part of the unified, AI-infused Harmony platform, Jitterbit iPaaS is empowering users of all skill levels to build and manage integrations with unprecedented speed and simplicity,” said Jitterbit CTO and SVP of Engineering Manoj Chaudhary. “This recognition highlights Jitterbit’s consistent innovation and visionary approach within the industry.”

    Jitterbit Harmony, which includes iPaaS, App Builder, API Manager and EDI offerings, is designed for line-of-business leaders and IT/IS experts to collaborate on critical automation, application development and orchestration initiatives. The platform empowers both groups to build AI agents that seamlessly integrate with their complex enterprise architecture, driving unprecedented efficiency and innovation while maintaining rigorous control, transparency and accountability.

    Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ reports are a culmination of rigorous, fact-based research in specific markets, providing a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the providers in markets where growth is high and provider differentiation is distinct. Providers are positioned into four quadrants: Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries and Niche Players. The research enables you to get the most from market analysis in alignment with your unique business and technology needs.

    View a complimentary copy of the Magic Quadrant™ report to learn more about Jitterbit’s strengths and cautions, among other provider offerings, at https://www.jitterbit.com/report/the-2025-gartner-magic-quadrant-for-ipaas/.

    Gartner disclaimer
    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    About Jitterbit
    For organizations ready to modernize and innovate, Jitterbit provides a unified AI-infused low code platform for integration, orchestration, automation, and app development that accelerates business transformation, boosts productivity, and unlocks value. The Jitterbit Harmony platform, including iPaaS, API Manager, App Builder and EDI, future-proofs operations, simplifies complexity and drives innovation for organizations globally. Learn more at www.jitterbit.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Geoff Blaine
    Jitterbit
    Email: geoff.blaine@jitterbit.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government’s response to Fitch’s affirmation of Hong Kong’s “AA-“credit rating and “stable” outlook

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    In response to the report from Fitch today (May 23) on maintaining Hong Kong’s “AA-“credit rating and “stable” outlook, a Government spokesman made the following response:

    We noted Fitch’s decision to maintain Hong Kong’s credit rating at “AA-” with a “stable” outlook. Fitch recognised Hong Kong’s strong credit fundamentals, including large fiscal buffers, robust external finances, and a low level of fiscal debt. It also pointed out that our banking sector is resilient, with solid funding and liquidity.

    Hong Kong’s financial system remains robust, with a consistently healthy level of overall asset quality in the banking sector according to international standards. Bank deposits have continued to grow. As of the end of March this year, the total amount of bank deposits in Hong Kong was near $18 trillion, marking an 11 per cent year-on-year increase.

    Data have demonstrated the continuous reinforcement and enhancement of Hong Kong’s status and functions as an international financial centre. The confidence of global investors in Hong Kong is strengthening. The capital markets are active. For the stock market, the Hang Seng Index rose by 18 per cent last year, and has increased by over 15 per cent since the beginning of this year. The total market capitalisation of Hong Kong stocks has exceeded $41 trillion. The average daily turnover in the first four months of 2025 surpassed $250 billion, representing a 144 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The initial public offering (IPO) market is also thriving, with cumulative funds raised exceeding $60 billion. This week, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited welcomed the world’s largest IPO activity so far this year.

    The fiscal situation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has remained robust. In the 2025-26 Budget, reinforced fiscal consolidation was set out. It focuses primarily on containing expenditure growth, supplemented by revenue increase. It will gradually restore balance to government accounts. According to the Government’s medium-range forecast, the Operating Account (i.e. the Government’s daily income and expenses) is expected to be largely balanced in this financial year, and will return to surplus in the next financial year (2026-27). The Capital Account mainly involves capital works expenditure, which represents investments for the future, such as the development of the Northern Metropolis. Therefore, the Government will make flexible use of market resources, including increasing the scale of bond issuance, to fast-track the related projects. Even if so, the level of deficit in the Capital Account will gradually decrease starting from the 2026-27 financial year. Overall, after counting the proceeds from bond issuance, the Consolidated Accounts will return to surplus in the 2028-29 financial year.

    The tariff war has increased global economic uncertainty, and the world economy is facing broad challenges. However, international trade tensions have recently eased to a certain extent, and the Mainland’s economy has continued to grow steadily, supported by more proactive fiscal policies and moderate expansionary monetary policies. These will benefit the trade performance in Hong Kong and the region. Meanwhile, the Mainland’s high-level two-way opening up, as well as its pursuit of green transition, innovation and technology, and digital economy, will continue to create business and investment opportunities for Hong Kong. 

    Leveraging its unique advantages of connecting with both the Mainland and the rest of the world under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, Hong Kong will aptly adjust to the global trade realignment and seize opportunities. In fact, more Mainland and international companies are establishing international headquarters, research and development centres and regional offices in Hong Kong to expand their global business. For example, in 2024, the number of companies in Hong Kong with parent companies located outside Hong Kong increased by about 10 per cent to nearly 10 000, reaching a new historical high. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and Invest Hong Kong have also achieved good results in attracting businesses and investments.

    As a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, Hong Kong will continue to actively link the Mainland with the world. While reinforcing connections with traditional markets, we will also forge more economic and investment networks with new markets, particularly those in the Global South. Furthermore, Hong Kong will deepen integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. These will allow us to open up new growth points and inject greater impetus into our economy.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fatal traffic accident in Tsing Yi

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tsing Yi in the small hours today (May 23) in which a man died.

    At 0.40am, a private car driven by a 40-year-old man was travelling along Tsing Sha Highway towards Kowloon. When approaching the entrance of Nam Wan Tunnel, the private car reportedly knocked down a 61-year-old male tunnel staff.

    Sustaining serious leg injuries, the man was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 2.17am.

    The driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

    Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories South is underway.

    Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 1446.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chairman of Hong Kong Jockey Club reviews Fire Services passing-out parade (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Chairman of Hong Kong Jockey Club reviews Fire Services passing-out parade  
    The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 195 graduates will be posted to various fire stations, ambulance depots and the Fire Services Communications Centre.
    Issued at HKT 18:16

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2025; “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: parent-child code – Harmonious family building (Chinese version only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Unlocking the Future of Learning: AI in EducationAs we step into the era of artificial intelligence, parents who wish to better understand their children’s educational needs and optimize their learning experiences must stay informed about the latest technological advancements.At the Summit on 4-5 JulyBoth the Summit and the Technology Showcase are open to the public and free of charge. There will be around 100 paper presentations and teaching demonstrations in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. Members of the public are most welcome to register or check out the latest update at the website (https://events.polyu.edu.hk/AIinLT) now.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Approved Shau Kei Wan Outline Zoning Plan amended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Approved Shau Kei Wan Outline Zoning Plan amended* The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification. Issued at HKT 16:00

    The Town Planning Board today (June 23) announced amendments to the approved Shau Kei Wan Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

    The amendments mainly involve the following items:

    (i) rezoning a site at A Kung Ngam Village and its adjacent areas from “Open Space” (“O”), “Green Belt”, “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Business” (“OU(B)”), “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Comprehensive Recreational Development Area” and areas shown as ‘Road’ to “Residential (Group A)6” for public housing development;

    (ii) rezoning a site to the north of Ming Wah Dai Ha from “O”, “Residential (Group A)” (“R(A)”) and “Government, Institution or Community” (“G/IC”) to “Residential (Group A)5” for public housing development;

    (iii) rezoning a site at 5 A Kung Ngam Village Road from “OU(B)” to “OU(B)1” to facilitate the wholesale conversion of the existing building to hospital; and

    (iv) rezoning a site at 456 Shau Kei Wan Road from “G/IC”, “O” and an area shown as ‘Road’ to “G/IC(1)” to facilitate the redevelopment of an existing social services building.

    Opportunity is also taken to amend the Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP to reflect the above amendments and to update the general information of various land use zonings and the planning circumstances, where appropriate.

    The draft Shau Kei Wan OZP No. S/H9/19, incorporating the amendments, is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Hong Kong District Planning Office and (iv) the Eastern Home Affairs Enquiry Centre.

    Any person may make written representations in respect of the amendments to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board on or before August 23. Any person who intends to make a representation is advised to read the Town Planning Board Guidelines No. 29B on “Submission and Publication of Representations, Comments on Representations and Further Representations under the Town Planning Ordinance” (TPB PG-No. 29B).

    Submission of a representation should comply with the requirements set out in TPB PG-No. 29B. In particular, the representer should take note of the following:

    * If the representer fails to provide his or her full name and the first four alphanumeric characters of his or her Hong Kong identity card or passport number as required under TPB PG-No. 29B, the representation submitted shall be treated as not having been made; and
    * The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification.

    The Guidelines and the submission form are available at the above locations (i) and (ii) and the Town Planning Board’s website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).

    Copies of the draft Shau Kei Wan OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centres in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed on the Town Planning Board’s website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).

    Ends/Friday, June 23, 2023
    Issued at HKT 16:00

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Focus Session – TARGET Services – T2S: T+1 initiative

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    In order to achieve the objective of further promoting settlement efficiency in the EU, a potential move to a shorter standard securities settlement cycle, namely T+1 is envisaged. Gain insight on the potential implications on the TARGET2-Securities (T2S) to facilitate the transition to T+1.

    George Kalogeropoulos, Deputy Head of Market Infrastructure Development Division, ECB

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRR-XtrMYM0

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Focus Session – TARGET Services – ECMS: Operational aspects

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    The ECMS becomes the fourth TARGET Service in operation on 16 June 2025. Learn more about the system’s key operational features once the ECMS is live.

    Irene Katsalirou, Deputy Head of Market Infrastructure Management Division, ECB

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgogloAr9_w

    MIL OSI Video