NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Japan’s GDP fell 0.7 percent year-on-year in Q1

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TOKYO, May 16 (Xinhua) — Japan’s economy contracted 0.7 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025 amid stagnant private consumption and a drop in exports, government data showed Friday.

    Real gross domestic product (GDP) growth showed its first quarterly decline in four quarters, the cabinet said.

    In quarterly terms, GDP for the period from January to March, taking into account inflation, fell by 0.2 percent, according to the preliminary report of the Cabinet of Ministers.

    Over the quarter, exports fell by 0.6 percent, while imports, which have a negative impact on GDP, grew by 2.9 percent.

    Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of Japan’s economic output, rose 0.04 percent as prices rose.

    Nominal GDP increased by 0.8 percent compared to the October-December period, or by 3.1 percent year-on-year. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tel Aviv hosts business event aimed at developing Chinese-Israeli cooperation in healthcare

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JERUSALEM, May 16 (Xinhua) — A business event aimed at promoting cooperation between Chinese and Israeli enterprises in the healthcare sector was held in Tel Aviv, Israel on Thursday.

    The event, hosted by the China-Israel Innovation Industrial Park in Changzhou, eastern China, was attended by more than 100 representatives from government, business, technology and medical sectors from both countries. During the event, Chinese and Israeli companies signed technology cooperation agreements, and several Israeli firms entered into agreements to join the innovation park.

    Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Israel Xiao Junzheng stressed that technological innovation is a key factor in the healthy development of China-Israel relations.

    China, with its vast single market, comprehensive industrial system and growing innovation ecosystem, complements Israel’s strengths in original research and its excellent innovation environment, he said.

    Over the past decade, the park has become a “key window” for Chinese-Israeli scientific cooperation, especially in health care, according to Shen Dong, a senior official in the city of Changzhou. He noted that the park has attracted about 300 Israeli companies and joint ventures. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Re-elected Australian government wants more cooperation with China: Trade Minister

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    CANBERRA, May 16 (Xinhua) — Australia’s re-elected federal government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants to “do more business with China,” Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell told the Australian Financial Review (AFR) on Thursday.

    Australia will resist pressure from the United States to impose tariffs on imports from China and make decisions based on its national interests, the official said.

    “We don’t want to do less business with China, we want to do more business with China,” Farrell said. “We will make decisions about how to continue to engage with China based on our national interests, not on what Americans may or may not want,” he added.

    According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian exports to China in 2023 were worth A$219 billion (US$140.2 billion), while exports to the United States were worth only A$33.5 billion (US$21.4 billion).

    Mr Albanese, whose ruling Labour Party won the May 3 election, confirmed on Monday that Mr Farrell would remain in the role of trade and tourism minister, a post he has held since 2022.

    The latter told AFR that Australia had offered to negotiate with the United States to lift the 10 percent tariff imposed by President Donald Trump in April, but Canberra would not make a deal for the sake of a deal. “We will only make a deal if it is in our national interest. We want a good deal and we are prepared to wait and be patient,” the minister said.

    Mr Farrell also said Australia would soon finalise a new proposal to the European Union in talks on a free trade agreement, which stalled in 2023 but was revived in response to US tariffs. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Investments Have Become ‘Indispensable Driver’ of Hungary’s Economic Growth – Orban

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BUDAPEST, May 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese investment has become an “indispensable engine” of Hungary’s economic growth, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Thursday.

    He made the remarks at a press conference here, where he also announced the decision of leading Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD to locate the headquarters of its European subsidiary and a new research and development centre in Budapest.

    “We are living in an era of transformation,” said Orbán. “New technologies, new consumer demands and new producers have emerged. And we, Hungarians, do not want to be left out of this new era. That is why we have made a strategic decision: Hungarian industry must enter the era of electric vehicles.”

    V. Orban noted that Hungary cannot enter the new technological era alone. “We need partners. And we can enter this new era only with Chinese-Hungarian strategic cooperation, because China is the leader in technology in this industry,” the Hungarian Prime Minister added.

    He also stressed the importance of the country’s “connectivity strategy.” “Hungary aims to become a meeting point for Eastern and Western capital, trade and innovation,” he said.

    Hungary’s trade has doubled in the last decade, and China has consistently ranked among the country’s top three investors. “In some years, China has even been Hungary’s number one investor,” Orban said. “This means that Chinese investment has become an important, even indispensable, engine of the country’s economic growth.”

    The Prime Minister also noted major infrastructure projects being implemented with China’s support, such as the Budapest-Belgrade railway. “China plays a decisive role in financing Hungary’s modernization,” Orbán emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Joint training on Mt Dandenong

    Source:

    Recently, Kalorama-Mt Dandenong Fire Brigade invited neighbouring brigades of Sassafras-Ferny Creek, Olinda and Montrose to join them on a combined training session at Skyhigh, Mt Dandenong.

    The volunteers from these brigades joined up to assess the access and resources on site and plan for possible events.

    The training was coordinated by Alex Felich, 1st Lieutenant at Kalorama-Mt Dandenong brigade, with the goal of expanding the knowledge of the responding and assisting brigades.

    “Having a good working knowledge of the premises, the site and the resources can save critical time,” Alex said.

    The emergency response area for Kalorama-Mt.Dandenong brigade is unique in terms of bushfire risk and critical social and economic infrastructure.

    The brigade is responsible for the TV towers (communications to Melbourne), an electrical substation and water pumping stations. They also protect large businesses including Skyhigh Mt.Dandenong and Panorama Retreat, and a number of small businesses, cafes and B&Bs.

    “In order to protect these valuable assets we need to prepare not only our ourselves but also our supporting brigades,” Alex said.

    “Training is important but so is knowing what resources we have in terms of water, vehicles, firefighters, equipment and, importantly, the role we all need to accomplish.”

    Captain of Sassafras–Ferny Creek Fire Brigade Jeff Harbourd commented that Sky High is a location that his brigade would also be called to, to support Kalorama–Mt Dandenong, and when that occurs it would be under the worst possible conditions such as a bushfire or structure fire.

    “Training like this offers valuable familiarisation and allows for the identification and clarification of each and everyone’s roles and responsibilities, enables members to practise with trucks on site, sort out difficulties and provide workable solutions prior to a fire.”

    Captain of Olinda Fire Brigade, Deb Weber, strongly agreed.

    “Getting to know the people we work with from our neighbouring brigades in a more relaxed training scenario makes for a better cohesive working relationship and allows members to build the trust required to endure certain emergency situations, which can lead to better outcomes for all involved,” Deb said.

    The exercise was deemed successful in bringing the brigades together and giving them a view to how they each operate and can support each other in an emergency. Having the training on site also allowed for a hands-on approach to the unique location.

    Brigades can then tailor training for the technical aspects of fires that may occur at Sky High and its surrounds.

    “When an emergency occurs – no matter where across the state – ‘we work as one’ to protect our communities,” Jeff said.

    Submitted by Virginia Porter

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arson and criminal damage charges – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Yesterday, police arrested two youths in relation to arson and criminal damage at a supermarket in Palmerston.

    About 7:40pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a small fire within a grocery store at a shopping centre.

    Before emergency services arrived, a staff member extinguished the flames.

    Two male youths, aged 14 and 13-years-old, were arrested.

    The 14-year-old has been charged with arson, property damage and breach of bail.

    The 13-year-old has been charged with arson and property damage.

    Both youths were remanded to appear in court today.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Updated information about global and domestic minimum tax

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    We’ve published updates on our website about key aspects of the global and domestic minimum tax.

    The updates follow on from the royal assent of the primary legislation, and the subordinate legislation being registered as a legislative instrument.

    Our website information is designed to help taxpayers who may be in-scope of Pillar Two to meet their obligations, as first lodgments are due by 30 June 2026.

    The global and domestic minimum taxes are a key part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s coordinated global approach to prevent a ‘race to the bottom’ on corporate tax rates.

    What the website updates cover

    Our website information now includes:

    • guidance about how we’ll administer potential amendments to Australian law to address inconsistencies
    • an overview of the mechanics for calculating top-up tax
    • additional information on how the rules apply, including in respect of specific entities
    • additional information and examples about lodgment, payment and record-keeping obligations
    • how Pillar Two interacts with other provisions and how it applies.

    Moving forward

    Through our consultation with the Pillar Two Global and Domestic Minimum Tax Working Group, we’ve been considering the need for, and prioritising the development of, formal and informal guidance for the market. We’re also updating existing guidance that may be affected by the introduction of this measure.

    We’ll continue to update our website with more information over the coming months.

    To provide feedback on priority issues your organisation is facing, or if you have any questions about the Australian Pillar Two rules, you can contact us via the Pillar 2 mailbox.

    Keep up to date

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

    Read more articles in our online Business bulletins newsroom.

    Subscribe to our free:

    • fortnightly Business bulletins email newsletterExternal Link
    • email notifications about new and updated information on our website – you can choose to receive updates relevant to your situation. Choose the ‘Business and organisations’ category to ensure your subscription includes notifications for more Business bulletins newsroom articles like this one.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Company tax rates

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Our commitment to you

    We are committed to providing you with accurate, consistent and clear information to help you understand your rights and entitlements and meet your obligations.

    If you follow our information and it turns out to be incorrect, or it is misleading and you make a mistake as a result, we will take that into account when determining what action, if any, we should take.

    Some of the information on this website applies to a specific financial year. This is clearly marked. Make sure you have the information for the right year before making decisions based on that information.

    If you feel that our information does not fully cover your circumstances, or you are unsure how it applies to you, contact us or seek professional advice.

    Copyright notice

    © Australian Taxation Office for the Commonwealth of Australia

    You are free to copy, adapt, modify, transmit and distribute this material as you wish (but not in any way that suggests the ATO or the Commonwealth endorses you or any of your services or products).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shelton Man Admits Producing Child Sex Abuse Images

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburg County Resident Sentenced For Second Degree Murder

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Trafficker Presented On Federal Charges After Turning Hotel Room Into Clandestine Drug Lab

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Frank A. Tarentino, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced today the presentment of PEDRO MARTE in White Plains federal court on a Complaint charging MARTE with two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. 

    U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said: “As alleged, Pedro Marte turned a New Rochelle hotel room into a dangerous drug lab.  A law enforcement investigation revealed that Marte possessed large quantities of cocaine, and deadly fentanyl.  We should all be able to stay in a hotel without worrying about exposure to dangerous and potentially lethal drug trafficking.  The Women and Men of the Southern District, together with our law enforcement partners, will do everything in our power to protect our community from those who put innocent lives at risk.”

    DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino said: “Pedro Marte’s use of his hotel room as a clandestine drug lab not only placed the lives of innocent guests in danger but was reckless and unconscionable.  We are thankful to our law enforcement partners and our first responders for their quick actions.  Without their immediate response, the results could have been catastrophic.” 

    As alleged in the Complaint:[1] 

    On or about the evening of April 6, 2025, law enforcement and fire department personnel responded to reports of an incident in a hotel in New Rochelle. Upon entering the hotel, they observed damage to 27 rooms.  Law enforcement then entered the room where the hotel’s sprinkler systems had first been activated and observed evidence of a significant fire, as well as equipment and materials consistent with a clandestine drug lab for converting powder cocaine into crack cocaine.  After determining that MARTE had rented the room in question, law enforcement officers searched the storage locker that MARTE had visited immediately prior to arriving at the Residence Inn, where they found approximately three kilograms of a substance that tested positive for cocaine, 12.2 grams of a substance that tested positive for fentanyl, and drug distribution paraphernalia.

    *                *                *

    MARTE, 47, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

    The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. 

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the DEA, the New Rochelle Police Department, and the New Rochelle Fire Department. 

    This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmi Schickler is in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
     

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal grand jury indicts Buffalo man for his role in Jamestown drug conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia man indicted by federal grand jury on gun trafficking charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging Devontae Jones, 27, of Atlanta, Georgia with dealing firearms without a license and transferring a machinegun, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2024, the ATF began investigating Jones, who was believed to be trafficking illegal firearms, including machine guns, from Atlanta, Georgia to the Rochester, NY, area. The ATF conducted a series of controlled firearms purchases from Jones, who shipped the firearms from Atlanta to Rochester. A total 20 firearms, including four machine guns, were purchased from Jones between February and May 2024.

    Jones was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and detained.

    The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco Ward, Boston Division.   

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

    # # # # 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lackawanna man going to prison for his role in kidnapping conspiracy attempting to force sister to marry in Yemen

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Waleed Abughanem, 33, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted of misprision of felony, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that Abughanem is the son of Khaled Abughanem and the brother of Adham Abughanem. On September 8, 2021, Khaled and Adham Abughanem flew from Buffalo, NY, to Guadalajara, Mexico to kidnap Victim 1, who is the daughter of Khaled and the sister of Adham and Waleed. Between September 10, 2021, and April 6, 2023, Waleed, Khaled and Adham Abughanem conspired to transport Victim 1 from the Western District of New York to Cairo, Egypt, and then to Sanaa, Yemen, where they confined Victim 1 for approximately 16 months with the purpose of marrying her to a man not of her choosing.

    Waleed Abughanem knew Victim 1 was being held involuntarily, and during some of this period, he was present in Yemen. When he was not present in Yemen, Waleed Abughanem instructed his wife to monitor and supervise Victim 1. In December 2022, Waleed Abughanem traveled from Yemen to the United States. When questioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as to the whereabouts of his siblings, Waleed Abughanem told the CBP Officer that the Victim was in the United States. By making a false statement, Waleed Abughanem concealed that Victim 1 had been kidnapped and was being involuntarily held in Yemen.

    Khaled and Adham Abughanem were previously convicted by a federal jury at trial and are awaiting sentencing.

    Waleed Abughanem’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Diplomatic Security Director Carlos Matus and Deputy Assistant Secretary Paul Houston. Additional assistance was provided by the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and CPB in Boston, Massachusetts.

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    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

    # # # # 

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ecuadorian Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 19CR1610-01-LL                             

    Wilder Emilio Sanchez Farfan, aka Gato                   Age: 44                               Ecuador

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

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

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

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Final Defendant in Sexual Assault of a 14-Year-Old Girl Sentenced to Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Nasouh Albasis-Albasis, 27, of West Valley, Utah, was sentenced to 110 months’ imprisonment and a life term of supervised release after he and one of his co-defendants sexually assaulted a 14-year-old victim in the back of a vehicle, which was recorded and shared on social media in 2017.

    The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell, comes after Albasis-Albasis pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to charges involving child sexual abuse material. His co-defendants, Dodjim Leclaire, 32, of Murray, Utah, and his brother Richard Djasserambaye, 29, of Central Republic of Africa, living in Murray, Utah, at the time of the assault, were also sentenced. Leclaire was sentenced to 208 months’ imprisonment and Djasserambaye was sentenced to 181 months’ imprisonment. Both defendants were sentenced to a life term of supervised release.

    According to court documents and statements made at Albasis-Albasis’ change of plea and sentencing hearings, on September 9, 2017, Albasis-Albasis and his co-defendants Djasserambaye, and Leclaire used the 14-year-old victim to produce sexually explicit images. Specifically, Albasis-Albasis and Leclaire sexually assaulted the severely intoxicated and physically incapacitated minor while Djasserambaye video recorded the violent assaults. Djasserambaye then posted the video on social media. Albasis-Albasis further admitted he had video of the assaults of the victim on his cell phone.

    The case was investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, West Jordan City Police Department, Salt Lake City Police Department, Sandy City Police Department and Syracuse City Police Department.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Young people are concerned they lack the green skills to effectively act on climate change

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN, Republic of Korea pledged to enhance comprehensive strategic partnership

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    BANGKOK, 16 May 2025 – Senior officials of ASEAN and the Republic of Korea (ROK) reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) at the 29th ASEAN-ROK Dialogue held today in Bangkok.
     
    The Meeting acknowledged the positive momentum of ASEAN-ROK cooperation following the establishment of the CSP in conjunction with the 35th anniversary of Dialogue Relations in 2024. Substantive progress has been achieved across a wide range of areas of cooperation under the ASEAN-ROK Plan of Action (POA) 2021-2025, including political and security cooperation, trade and investment, digital transformation, tourism, energy, environment, disaster management, education, culture, youth and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides looked forward to the finalisation of the successor POA for the term 2026–2030, which is expected to be adopted by the Foreign Ministers of both sides in July 2025 during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the ROK.
     
    The ROK expressed its support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and priorities this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”. The ROK also affirmed its continued support for ASEAN Community-building efforts and ASEAN Centrality, including the implementation of the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future that will be adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit.
     
    ASEAN and the ROK renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under the CSP. Focus will be placed on key areas such as trade and investment, including through the upgrade of the ASEAN-ROK Free Trade Are (AKFTA), digital transformation, cybersecurity, clean energy, ASEAN Power Grid, smart cities, climate change and environmental, education and youth empowerment, and narrowing the development gap. ASEAN welcomed the ROK’s implementation of various initiatives under the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) to further enhance cooperation.
     
    Both sides also agreed to continue advancing practical cooperation in the four priority areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), in accordance with the Joint Statement on Cooperation on the AOIP adopted at the 24th ASEAN-ROK Summit in 2023.
     
    The Meeting exchanged views on international and regional issues, including the situations on the Korean Peninsula, in South China Sea, in Myanmar, in Ukraine and in the Middle East. Both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation amidst the ongoing global uncertainties, including the need to uphold multilateralism and the open and free trading system.
     
    The 29th ASEAN-ROK Dialogue was co-chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SOM Leader of Thailand, Eksiri Pintaruchi, and Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, SOM Leader of the ROK, Chung Byung-won. It was attended by Senior Officials of ASEAN Member States and the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.
     

    The post ASEAN, Republic of Korea pledged to enhance comprehensive strategic partnership appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends wishes on the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood. In a post on X, PM Modi highlighted that Sikkim is associated with “serene beauty” and has made “strides” in various sectors.

    “Warm greetings to the people of Sikkim on their Statehood Day! This year, the occasion is even more special as we mark the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood! Sikkim is associated with serene beauty, rich cultural traditions, and industrious people. It has made strides in diverse sectors. May the people of this beautiful state continue to prosper,” the PM said in his post.

    Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also extended his greetings on the occasion. He termed the day as “historic” and paid homage to the legacy of the Kingdom of Sikkim. He further reaffirmed his commitment to the vision of “Sunaulo Sikkim, Samriddha Sikkim, ani Samarth Sikkim,” aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat.”

    Sikkim became the 22nd state of India on May 16, 1975, under the leadership of Lhendup Dorjee Khangsarpa, the state’s first Chief Minister, who ushered in democracy in the erstwhile Chogyal Kingdom.

    ANI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Japanese handcrafted eyewear brand Kaneko Optical upgrades Hong Kong office to international headquarters with new concept store opening (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Japanese handcrafted eyewear brand Kaneko Optical upgrades Hong Kong office to international headquarters with new concept store opening  
         The Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Mr Arnold Lau, said, “We are delighted to see the expansion of Kaneko Optical in Hong Kong, just five months after its first launch in the city. It shows confidence not only in Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for international brands but also in our advantages as a global supply chain management hub.”
     
         The Chief Executive Officer of Japan Eyewear Holdings Hong Kong and Japan Eyewear Holdings International, and Director & Head of Global Operations of Kaneko Optical, Mr Toru Akita, indicated that Hong Kong is not only a retail market for the company but also a strategic hub for its international supply chain.
     
    Mr Akita said, “Our Hong Kong office will serve as an international headquarters spearheading the brand’s overseas branding and merchandising operations, including our existing wholesale destinations in over 20 countries, as of the end of 2024. In addition, it will gradually take charge of the company’s international sales development and corporate treasury management outside of Japan.”
     
    He added, “Hong Kong has a rich variety of retail scenarios that we want to tap into. The new concept store in Tsim Sha Tsui, which is our largest presence outside of Japan, will open up new business ties at emerging markets through the growing number of ASEAN, Middle East tourists.”
     
    He explained, “One thing we learned after launching our first concept store in Central is the brilliant mix of high-net worth professionals from different parts of the world. Their spending habits and preferences fit well with our market position, and our brand image gets to spread wide through their international networks.”
     
    Founded in 1958 as an eyeglass wholesaler, Kaneko Optical has become a recognised trendsetter in the Japanese eyewear industry. With its own planning, design, and sales of eyewear brands, it actively collaborates with major collections and apparel manufacturers to create original brands.
     
    For more information about Kaneko Optical, please visit www.kaneko-optical.co.jp/en 
    To get a copy of the photo, please visit     www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720326093396Issued at HKT 14:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Peace breakthrough unlikely as Putin declines to meet Zelenskiy in Turkey

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia’s Vladimir Putin spurned a challenge to meet face-to-face with Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Turkey on Thursday, instead sending a second-tier delegation to planned peace talks, while Ukraine’s president said his defence minister would head up Kyiv’s team.

    They will be the first direct talks between the sides since March 2022, but hopes of a major breakthrough were further dented by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said there would be no movement without a meeting between himself and Putin.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later echoed that view, telling reporters in the Turkish resort of Antalya that Washington “didn’t have high expectations” for the Ukraine talks in Istanbul.

    The head of the Russian delegation, presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, said he expected Ukraine’s representatives to turn up for the beginning of discussions on Friday in Istanbul at 10 a.m. local time (0700 GMT).

    “We are ready to work,” Medinsky said in a video posted on the Telegram messaging app. He said his delegation had held “productive” talks on Thursday evening with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

    Zelenskiy said Putin’s decision not to attend but to send what he called a “decorative” lineup showed the Russian leader was not serious about ending the war. Russia accused Ukraine of trying “to put on a show” around the talks.

    “We can’t be running around the world looking for Putin,” Zelenskiy said after meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

    “I feel disrespect from Russia. No meeting time, no agenda, no high-level delegation – this is personal disrespect. To Erdogan, to Trump,” Zelenskiy told reporters.

    Zelenskiy said he would also not go to Istanbul and that his team’s mandate was to discuss a ceasefire.

    A decree issued by Zelenskiy said Ukraine’s delegation would be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and include the deputy heads of its intelligence services, the deputy chief of the military’s general staff and the deputy foreign minister.

    Ukraine backs an immediate, unconditional 30-day ceasefire but Putin has said he first wants to start talks at which the details of such a truce could be discussed. More than three years after its full-scale invasion, Russia has the advantage on the battlefield and says Ukraine could use a pause in the war to call up extra troops and acquire more Western weapons.

    Both Trump and Putin have said for months they are keen to meet each other, but no date has been set. Trump, after piling heavy pressure on Ukraine and clashing with Zelenskiy in the Oval Office in February, has lately expressed growing impatience that Putin may be “tapping me along.”

    “Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get together,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

    Rubio, speaking in Antalya, later echoed that thought: “It’s my assessment that I don’t think we’re going to have a breakthrough here until the President (Trump) and President Putin interact directly on this topic.”

    Referring to the current state of the talks as a “logjam,” Rubio said he would travel to Istanbul to meet with Turkey’s foreign minister and Ukraine’s delegation on Friday.

    The diplomatic disarray was symptomatic of the hostility between the sides and the unpredictability injected by Trump, whose interventions since returning to the White House in January have often provoked dismay from Ukraine and its European allies.

    While Zelenskiy waited in vain for Putin in Ankara, the Russian negotiators had no one to talk to on the Ukrainian side. Some 200 reporters milled around near the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus Strait that the Russians had specified as the venue.

    CEASEFIRES AND PEACE TALKS

    The enemies have been wrestling for months over the logistics of ceasefires and peace talks while trying to show Trump they are serious about trying to end what he calls “this stupid war.”

    Hundreds of thousands have been killed and wounded on both sides in the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two. Washington has threatened repeatedly to abandon its mediation efforts unless there is clear progress.

    Asked if Putin would join talks at some future point, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “What kind of participation will be required further, at what level, it is too early to say now.”

    Russia said on Thursday its forces had captured two more settlements in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. A spokesperson for Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pointedly reminded reporters of his comment last year that Ukraine was “getting smaller” in the absence of an agreement to stop fighting.

    FIRST TALKS FOR THREE YEARS

    Once they start, the talks will have to address a chasm between the two sides over a host of issues.

    Russian delegation head Medinsky is a former culture minister who has overseen the rewriting of history textbooks to reflect Moscow’s narrative on the war. It includes a deputy defence minister, a deputy foreign minister and the head of military intelligence.

    Key members of the team, including its leader, were also involved in the last direct peace talks in Istanbul in March 2022 – and Medinsky confirmed on Thursday that Russia saw the new talks as a resumption of those interrupted three years ago.

    “The task of direct negotiations with the Ukrainian side is sooner or later to achieve long-term peace by eliminating the basic root causes of the conflict,” said Medinsky.

    The terms under discussion in 2022, when Ukraine was still reeling from Russia’s initial invasion, would be deeply disadvantageous to Kyiv. They included a demand by Moscow for large cuts to the size of Ukraine’s military.

    With Russian forces now in control of close to a fifth of Ukraine, Putin has held fast to his longstanding demands for Kyiv to cede territory, abandon its NATO membership ambitions and become a neutral country.

    Ukraine rejects these terms as tantamount to capitulation, and is seeking guarantees of its future security from world powers, especially the United States.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 16, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 160557

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1257 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

    Valid 171200Z – 181200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PORTIONS OF
    THE SOUTHERN PLAINS INTO ARKANSAS AND OVER PARTS OF THE MID-ATLANTIC
    AND NORTHEAST…

    …SUMMARY…
    Severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday across parts of the Mid
    Atlantic and Northeast, and across parts of the southeastern Great
    Plains to Lower Mississippi Valley.

    …Synopsis…
    A mid-level low centered across the western Great Lakes Saturday
    morning will shift east through the day and move over the Northeast
    by 12Z Sunday. Moderate to strong mid-level flow will expand south
    from the southern Great Lakes to the Southeast. Farther west, a
    weakening mid-level shortwave trough will advance from northern
    Mexico into the Southern Plains. A mid-level jet streak associated
    with this mid-level shortwave trough will overspread portions of
    central/northern Texas and into Oklahoma on Saturday. A strong
    mid-level jet streak will move into the Intermountain West on
    Saturday and amplify a trough across the western CONUS.

    …Mid Atlantic to the Northeast…
    Thunderstorms will likely be ongoing at the beginning of the period
    across portions of the Upper Ohio Valley and eastern Great Lakes.
    This convection and cloudcover associated with it, casts
    considerable uncertainty on destabilization, particularly across the
    Northeast. However, mid-60s dewpoints are anticipated ahead of the
    cold front as it moves eastward through the day. This moisture,
    combined with cooling temperatures aloft. Could be sufficient for
    damaging wind gusts and perhaps isolated large hail.

    The most favorable zone for severe storms will likely exist across
    eastern North Carolina into southeast Virginia. This zone is far
    enough south to likely remain mostly cloud free which will promote
    surface heating and destabilization. In addition, the stronger
    mid-level flow is forecast to overspread this region which would
    support storm organization and the potential for supercells. Given
    the greater instability and shear with potential for supercell storm
    mode, large hail and damaging wind gusts appear most likely within
    this region.

    …Southeast…
    The cold front will likely become stalled across the Southeast on
    Saturday. South of this front, moderate to strong instability is
    forecast with 50 knots of flow parallel to the boundary. Forcing
    will remain weak along this boundary with minimal surface
    convergence and mostly neutral heights aloft. Therefore, storms are
    possible along this boundary, and could be supercellular if they
    form, but coverage should be isolated if any storms form at all
    given the weak forcing.

    …Central Texas into Oklahoma, Arkansas, and northern Louisiana…
    Moderate to strong instability is forecast across central/northern
    Texas Saturday afternoon as temperatures warm into the low 80s with
    dewpoints in the low 70s and 500mb temperatures around -10C. Weak
    large scale forcing will overspread the dryline during the afternoon
    as a right entrance region of the upper-level jet overspreads
    northern Texas. Any subtle large scale forcing will likely be
    sufficient for rapid storm development along the uncapped
    dryline/triple point in north-central Texas by mid-afternoon. Large
    hail (some 2+ inch) will be the initial threat from supercells along
    the dryline. However, CAM signals suggest a combination of left and
    right-moving supercells congealing into a cluster/MCS rather quickly
    with an increasing severe wind threat. These mode concerns limit
    higher hail/tornado probabilities at this time, despite a very
    unstable and strongly sheared environment across the region.

    Additional supercells may develop Saturday evening and into early
    Sunday morning across eastern Oklahoma into the Ozarks as isentropic
    ascent increases with the strengthening low-level jet. These storms
    will pose a primary threat of large hail.

    …Utah into Southeast Idaho and Southwest Wyoming…
    Rapidly cooling temperatures aloft across the Great Basin on
    Saturday will result in weak destabilization and numerous storms. A
    deep, well-mixed boundary layer will support the potential for
    severe wind gusts from the stronger cores.

    ..Bentley.. 05/16/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 16, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 160558

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1258 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

    Valid 161200Z – 171200Z

    …THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
    KENTUCKY…NORTHERN AND WESTERN TENNESSEE…SOUTHEAST MISSOURI…FAR
    SOUTHERN ILLINOIS…SOUTHERN INDIANA…FAR SOUTHWEST OHIO…

    …SUMMARY…
    A regional outbreak of severe thunderstorms is likely this afternoon
    into tonight across parts of the mid Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee
    Valleys. This will include intense supercells associated with
    tornadoes, large hail and wind damage. Several strong tornadoes are
    expected, and a long-track high-end tornado will be possible. From
    the evening into the overnight, a bowing line segment is expected to
    form with potential for tornadoes and damaging winds, some possibly
    greater than 75 mph.

    …Mid Mississippi and Ohio Valley/Tennessee Valley…
    A negatively-tilted mid-level trough will move through the Upper
    Midwest and mid Mississippi Valley today, as an associated 75 to 90
    knot mid-level jet translates northeastward into the Ozarks. At the
    surface, a low will move into the western Great Lakes, as a cold
    front advances eastward into the mid Mississippi Valley. A very
    moist airmass will remain in place ahead of the front, extending
    eastward into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. Across this airmass,
    surface dewpoints will be in the upper 60s and lower 70s F. Warming
    surface temperatures will result in moderate to strong
    destabilization across much of the moist sector by afternoon. An
    area of low-level convergence is expected to become increasingly
    focused from the Ozarks into the mid Mississippi Valley. This will
    result in the initiation of scattered strong to severe storms around
    midday. Several convective clusters are expected to organize and
    move eastward into the lower Ohio Valley during the afternoon. Storm
    coverage will expand markedly during the late afternoon and early
    evening as low-level flow increases across the region.

    Concerning the thermodynamic environment, a pristine airmass is
    expected to be in place by afternoon. Model forecasts are in good
    agreement that MLCAPE will peak from 3000 to 4000 J/kg from parts of
    the Ozarks eastward into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. As
    instability increases, deep-layer shear and lift are also expected
    to increase as a mid-level jet approaches from the west. Ahead of
    this feature, an 850 mb jet is forecast to develop over the mid
    Mississippi Valley. This jet will gradually increase in strength
    into the 45 to 65 knot range, moving eastward into western Kentucky
    by late afternoon. Near the axis of the low-level jet at Paducah,
    RAP forecast soundings at 23Z have MLCAPE near 3500 J/kg, 0-6 km
    shear around 60 knots, and low to mid-level lapse rates near 7 C/km.
    0-3 km helicity is forecast to be between 225 and 250 m2/s2. This
    environment will support supercells and tornadoes. Several strong
    tornadoes appear likely, and a high-end long-track tornado will be
    possible from far southeast Missouri, into southern Illinois and
    southern Indiana, southward into western Kentucky and far northern
    Tennessee.

    During the late afternoon, storm coverage is expected to become
    widespread across the moist sector. Several supercell clusters will
    move eastward from the mid Mississippi Valley into the Ohio and
    Tennessee Valleys. Steep mid-level lapse rates will promote large
    hail development. The more intense cores may have hailstones between
    2 and 4 inches in diameter. Supercells will also be capable of
    producing damaging wind gusts. During the early evening, the
    wind-damage threat is expected to increase as some of the convective
    clusters gradually transition into more linear structures. Winds
    could exceed 75 mph along the leading edge of these faster-moving
    bowing line segments. During the evening, multiple bow echos are
    expected to form that will result in extensive wind damage swaths.
    Wind damage is expected across a broad area, including parts of the
    mid Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee Valleys into the central
    Appalachian mountains.

    …Ark-La-Tex/Lower Mississippi Valley…
    A very moist airmass will be in place today across the Ark-La-Tex
    and lower Mississippi Valley. Surface dewpoints in the lower to mid
    70s F will result in moderate to strong destabilization across much
    of this airmass. A capping inversion is expected to be in place for
    much of the day, but should weaken late in the afternoon as a
    mid-level jet moves eastward into the mid Mississippi Valley. The
    southern edge of the jet will help to increase large-scale ascent,
    aiding convective development. In response, a few clusters of storms
    will form and move eastward into the lower Mississippi Valley during
    the late afternoon and early evening. In areas that strongly
    destabilize, storms could be capable of producing large hail and
    wind damage. Hailstones greater than 2 inches in diameter will be
    possible with intense supercell cores.

    ..Broyles/Weinman.. 05/16/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1300Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Fri May 16 06:05:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated:  Fri May 16 06:16:02 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

    Notice:  The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Fri May 16 06:05:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Fri May 16 06:16:05 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd Clarifies No Affiliation with Black Capital Partners

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd, a London-based boutique consultancy specialising in helping companies with investor introductions across private equity, venture capital, and real estate, today issued a public clarification regarding its independent status and operations.

    The announcement follows ongoing market enquiries and online search activity that has led to confusion between Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd and another similarly named entity, Black Capital Partners. It has come to their attention that recent online searches such as “Black Castle Capital Reviews” have inadvertently associated Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd with unrelated content pertaining to Black Capital Partners, while these are entirely separate businesses with no shared ownership, leadership, or operational overlap.

    The clarification aims to support market transparency, ensure accurate information for investors and partners, and reaffirm the distinct position of Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd in the consultancy space.

    Statement from the CEO. 

     “We regret the confusion caused by this naming similarity and urge clients, partners and the public to verify information directly through our official channels. We welcome due diligence and our track record speaks for itself,” said Richard Diaz, CEO at Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd. 

    Background: Distinguishing Two Independent Companies

    Recent market enquiries have highlighted instances where Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd have been mistakenly associated with Black Capital Partners, a totally unrelated entity with separate leadership, branding, and business objectives. 

    Why the Distinction Matters 

    • Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd operates independently from Black Capital Partners and any similarly named entities. 
    • Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd is registered with Companies House Number 10635644 under UK law. 
    • Clear distinction between entities helps avoid unnecessary confusion among investors and partners.
    • Avoiding confusion helps uphold brand integrity and informed decision-making.

    About Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd 

    Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd is a boutique consultancy company based in London. The company was founded in 2017 by CEO and Founder, Richard Diaz, to provide bespoke solutions for entrepreneurs, growth-stage companies and institutional investors working alongside venture capital, private equity and strategic capital. 

    The company partners with visionary founders and disruptive businesses to unlock long-term value. 

    With a lean, hands-on approach, Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd distinguishes itself through sector-agnostic expertise, targeting high-potential opportunities in technology, real estate and emerging markets. The team offer not just help in securing capital through its introductory services but strategic guidance, network access and operational support.

    Headquartered in London, Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd prides itself on flexibility, discretion and alignment of interests with its partners, high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. The company’s ethos revolves around building relationships ensuring each engagement is tailored to the unique ambitions of its partners.

    For Accurate Information: 

    Website: www.blackcastlecapital.co.uk 

    Contact: admin@blackcastlecapital.co.uk | +44 (0)207 099 8877 

    Address: Black Castle Capital Partners Ltd, 48 Charles Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5EN 

    Company House registration no: 10635644

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Annual General Meeting of 17 June 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOLUTIONS 30 SE (the Company) informs its shareholders that its annual general meeting (General Meeting) will be held on 17 June 2025 at 2:30 p.m. (Luxembourg time) at Sofitel Luxembourg Europe, 6 rue du Fort Niedergruenewald, L-2226 Kirchberg, Luxembourg. The General Meeting will be video broadcasted live, through the Company’s website.

    The convening notice (Convening Notice) detailing the agenda of the General Meeting was published in the Recueil Electronique des Sociétés et Associations (RESA) as well as in the Tageblatt, on 16 May 2025. The procedures for voting at this General Meeting are set out in the Convening Notice.

    This Convening Notice together with all ancillary documents and preparatory information relating to the General Meeting are available to shareholders on the Company’s website at https://solutions30.com/general-meeting/ where they can be consulted and downloaded.

    For any further information, please:

    • visit the Investor Relations / General Meetings section of the website: https://www.solutions30.com where all relevant documents are available,
    • or contact the Company by email at the following address: investor.relations@solutions30.com.


    About Solutions30 SE

    Solutions30’s mission is to make the technological developments that are transforming our daily lives accessible to everyone, individuals and businesses alike, especially with regard to the digital transformation and the energy transition. With its network of more than 16,000 technicians, Solutions30 has completed over 65 million call-outs since its inception and led over 500 renewable energy projects with a combined maximum output surpassing 1800 MWp. Every day, Solutions30 is doing its part to build a more connected and sustainable world. Solutions30 has become an industry leader in Europe with operations in 10 countries: France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Poland. The capital of Solutions30 SE consists of 107,127,984 shares, equal to the number of theoretical votes that can be exercised. Solutions30 SE is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN FR0013379484- code S30). Indices : CAC Mid & Small | CAC Small | CAC Technology | Euro Stoxx Total Market Technology | Euronext Tech Croissance.

    Visit our website to learn more: www.solutions30.com

    Contact

    Individual Shareholders:

    actionnaires@solutions30.com – Tel: +33 1 86 86 00 63

    Analysts/Investors:
         investor.relations@solutions30.com

    Press – Image 7:
     Charlotte Le Barbier – Tel: +33 6 78 37 27 60 – clebarbier@image7.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Richemont publishes FY25 Annual Report and Accounts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR
    16 MAY 2025

    RICHEMONT PUBLISHES FY25 ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

    Richemont has today published its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.

    The Annual Report includes the Chairman’s review to shareholders, the annual consolidated and statutory financial statements, and the corresponding audit reports. It reflects the information provided in Richemont’s full-year 2025 results announcement issued today.

    Richemont expects to publish the combined Annual Report with the Compensation Report, the Corporate Governance Report and the Business review for the year ended 31 March 2025, on 5 June 2025. At that time, it will also publish the Group’s Non-Financial Report 2025.

    The Annual Report is available for download on the Company’s website at
    https://www.richemont.com/media/ue1bjrjv/richemont-fy25-annual-report-en.pdf.  

    About Richemont

    At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity. Richemont’s ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term.

    Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Vhernier; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaïa, Chloé, Delvaux, dunhill, G/FORE, Gianvito Rossi, Montblanc, Peter Millar, Purdey, Serapian as well as Watchfinder & Co. Find out more at https://www.richemont.com/.

    Richemont A shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Richemont’s primary listing, and are included in the Swiss Market Index (‘SMI’) of leading stocks. Richemont A shares are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Richemont’s secondary listing. 

    Investor/analyst and media enquiries
    +41 22 721 3003 (investor relations)
    Investor.relations@cfrinfo.net
    +41 22 721 3507 (media)
    pressoffice@cfrinfo.net
    richemont@teneo.com

      
    Click here for a printer-friendly version in English (PDF)

    The MIL Network –