Category: Europe

MIL-OSI Security: Couple Sentenced to Prison for $2 Million Bank Loan and Pandemic Relief Fraud Schemes

Source: US FBI

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Antoine Johnson, 49, and Kimberly Maddox, 44, formerly of Huntersville, N.C., currently residing in Georgia, were sentenced today for fraudulently obtaining approximately $2 million in bank loans and COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Johnson was ordered to serve 51 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Maddox was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with six months of home confinement, followed by three years of supervised release. The couple was also ordered to pay restitution in $3,037,868.10.

Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

According to court documents and today’s court hearings, the defendants owned and operated Pick Up and Go Moving International, Inc. and affiliated businesses (collectively, PUGMI). Johnson was the president of PUGMI and Maddox the vice president. Court documents show that, between 2018 and 2023, the defendants fraudulently applied for and obtained multiple lines of credit, bank loans, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program loans on behalf of their businesses. Johnson and Maddox applied for loans totaling more than $3.4 million. To secure the loans, the defendants lied on more than 35 loan applications about PUGMI’s income, gross revenues, expenses, and number of employees, and submitted fabricated supporting documents that included fraudulent tax returns and fictitious financial statements. Court documents show that at the time the couple engaged in the fraudulent loan schemes, Johnson was on federal supervised release after he was convicted and sentenced to prison for mortgage fraud.

Johnson and Maddox previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and making a false statement to a financial institution. They will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

The FBI handled the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caryn Finley and Graham Billings of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Highlighting Safety Measures to Protect Nation’s Food Infrastructure

Source: US FBI

“Wherever in the country you may live—from California to Nebraska to Georgia to points in between—the cyber risk and the national security risk for farms and ranches and our food processing facilities is growing exponentially,” said Gene Kowel, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Omaha Field Office, which partnered with the Nebraska Farm Bureau to host the August 12 symposium. “The threats are evolving. They’re becoming more complex and more severe.”

Examples shared during the daylong event included ransomware attacks that cripple operations, network hacks that take control of systems, and the theft of seeds worth millions of dollars in intellectual property and research.

Kowel said the FBI is monitoring four major threats to the nation’s agriculture sector, which—like water, power, and transportation—is considered part of the nation’s critical infrastructure. The threats include ransomware attacks, malicious software (malware) from foreign adversaries, theft of data and intellectual property, and bioterrorism.

Foreign actors—most notably the People’s Republic of China—are actively seeking ways to disrupt the United States’ agriculture industry, Kowel said. He urged farmers, cattle ranchers, and others to add cyber hygiene to their long list of chores. Cyber hygiene includes basic steps like using multi-factor authentication to access networks and backing up critical data.

“We all know that in agriculture today, almost all of our data is stored in the cloud,” Kowel said. “Almost all of our complex machinery is connected to the internet, connected to the cloud, so protecting that control and protecting that data is critical.”

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May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: FBI Director Announces Chinese Botnet Disruption, Exposes Flax Typhoon Hacker Group’s True Identity at Aspen Cyber Summit
Source: US FBI

The FBI and our partners disrupted a Chinese botnet and freed thousands of impacted devices from its clutches, Director Christopher Wray announced September 18.

The botnet, which was operated by a Chinese government-sponsored hacker group known as Flax Typhoon, targeted internet-connected devices such as storage devices, cameras, and video recorders to compromise victims’ systems and steal their confidential data, Director Wray said during a keynote at the 2024 Aspen Cyber Summit in Washington, D.C.

“Ultimately, as part of this operation, we were able to identify thousands of infected devices, and, then, with court authorization, issued commands to remove the malware from them, prying them from China’s grip,” Wray said.

Approximately half of the devices under the botnet’s control were based in the United States, he noted. The hacker group’s targets included organizations in the public and private sectors, as well as academia and the media, he added. Wray also revealed the hacker group’s true identity to be an information security company known as the Integrity Technology Group. “But their chairman has publicly admitted that for years his company has collected intelligence and performed reconnaissance for Chinese government security agencies,” Wray added.

Wray called the cyber disruption a success but cautioned that the effort was “just one round in a much longer fight.”

“The Chinese government is going to continue to target your organizations and our critical infrastructure—either by their own hand or concealed through their proxies,” Wray said. “And we’ll continue to work with our partners to identify their malicious activity, disrupt their hacking campaigns, and bring them to light.”

Saving victims time and money

During his remarks, Wray also underscored the Bureau’s dedication to working with victims of cyber intrusions, whether they’re individuals or organizations. According to Wray, reporting ransomware attacks to the FBI can potentially help us:
- Recover ransomed data
- Negotiate-down ransoms demanded by cybercriminals—or spare victims from having to pay ransoms at all
- Help impacted organizations resume their normal operations in a speedy manner
“I’m extremely proud to report that, in just the past two years, the FBI has handed out nearly 1,000 decryptors, and we’ve saved victims around the world something like $800 million in ransom payments,” Wray said.

Decryptors—also known as decryption keys—function like passwords to unlock data that ransomware criminals hold captive. But, Wray explained, some of those keys require information about the victim to work.

So it’s paramount that organizations contact the FBI if they fall victim to ransomware attacks. Otherwise, he cautioned, the Bureau “might not be able to make that match—and we might not be able to save you that ransom payment.”

Wray also discussed how information sharing between the Bureau and our public and private sector partners can help the FBI combat ongoing cyberattacks and lessen the impact of future cyber incidents.

As an example, he pointed to a recent interagency effort to alert the private sector that a pro-Russian hacktivist group was targeting “operational technology networks.”

“They had set their sights across our critical infrastructure—from dams and wastewater systems to the energy, food, and agriculture sectors,” Wray explained.

But, he said, the FBI’s joint advisory about the cyber threat allowed private sector organizations to fix the vulnerability these bad actors were using to infiltrate networks, thereby protecting the companies and the American public, alike.

“So, if there’s only one thing you take away from my time here today, I hope it’s this: The FBI needs and wants to work with you,” Wray said. “Let us save you money, save you time, and save you from future attacks so that you can keep your organization’s focus where it should be: on your operations, and—together—we can help keep our nation safe.”

West Palm Beach investigation updates

During his remarks, Wray also addressed the Bureau’s investigation into the September 15 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

“For the second time in just over two months, we’ve witnessed what appears to be an attempt to attack our democracy and our democratic process,” he said. “I’m relieved that former President Trump is safe, and I want the American people to know the men and women of the FBI are working tirelessly to get to the bottom of what happened.”

Wray acknowledged that the ongoing nature of the investigation limited how much the Bureau could say about the matter.

“What I can say is that we have dedicated the full force of the FBI to this investigation, and that runs the gamut from criminal to national security resources, from tactical support to Evidence Response Teams, from forensic scientists to operational technology personnel,” he said.“Together, we’re working around the clock to investigate this.”

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May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: President and CEO of Las Vegas-Based Company Pleads Guilty for Role in Investment Fraud Scheme Where He Stole Millions in Victim Investor Funds

Source: US FBI

LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of wire fraud stemming from his role in a years-long fraud scheme, during which he stole more than $6.1 million in victim investor funds.

According to court documents, Mykalai Kontilai, formerly Michael Contile, 55, of Las Vegas, facilitated an investment fraud scheme involving his company, Collector’s Coffee Inc., doing business as Collector’s Café (Collector’s Coffee), a company incorporated in California and headquartered in Las Vegas. From 2012 to 2018, Kontilai made or caused to be made numerous materially false and misleading representations to induce victims to invest in Collector’s Coffee — a company he claimed was on the verge of launching an online auction house for third-party owned collectibles, such as Hollywood and sport memorabilia. As a result of Kontilai’s numerous false and misleading statements, including that investor funds would be used for legitimate business purposes, that Kontilai had personally invested millions of his own money in the company, and that he did not take a salary, Kontilai successfully raised approximately $23 million from Collector’s Coffee investors. However, rather than using the proceeds as represented, Kontilai stole approximately $6.1 million for his own personal use, including for the purchase of luxury goods, apartments, and vehicles.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Kontilai for misappropriating investor funds in or around 2017. Kontilai obstructed the investigation by forging documents that he caused to be transmitted to the SEC and lied under oath to the SEC. Kontilai was charged in connection with this conduct both in the present case on June 3, 2020, and in a separate case in the District of Colorado on March 10, 2020. While under investigation but prior to charging, Kontilai fled to Russia and was ultimately arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in Germany in 2023. He was extradited back to the United States to face the pending charges in May. As part of the plea agreement in this case, the government will move to dismiss the Colorado case at sentencing.

Kontilai pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 4 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.

The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition from Germany of Kontilai.

Trial Attorneys Brandon Burkart and Sara Hallmark of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (FRD) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada prosecuted this case. Former FRD Trial Attorney Emily Scruggs provided valuable assistance.

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MIL Security OSI –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: President and CEO of Las Vegas-Based Company Sentenced for Role in Investment Fraud Scheme Where He Stole Millions in Victim Investor Funds

Source: US FBI

LAS VEGAS — A Nevada man was sentenced yesterday to 51 months in prison and was ordered to pay $6.1 million in restitution stemming from his role in a years-long fraud scheme.

According to court documents, Mykalai Kontilai, formerly Michael Contile, 55, of Las Vegas, facilitated an investment fraud scheme involving his company, Collector’s Coffee Inc., doing business as Collector’s Café (Collector’s Coffee), a company incorporated in California and headquartered in Las Vegas. From 2012 to 2018, Kontilai made or caused to be made numerous materially false and misleading representations to induce victims to invest in Collector’s Coffee — a company he claimed was on the verge of launching an online auction house for third-party owned collectibles, such as Hollywood and sport memorabilia. As a result of Kontilai’s numerous false and misleading statements, including that investor funds would be used for legitimate business purposes, that Kontilai had personally invested millions of his own money in the company, and that he did not take a salary, Kontilai successfully raised approximately $23 million from Collector’s Coffee investors. However, rather than using the proceeds as represented, Kontilai stole approximately $6.1 million for his own personal use, including for the purchase of luxury goods, apartments, and vehicles.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Kontilai for misappropriating investor funds in or around 2017. Kontilai obstructed the investigation by forging documents that he caused to be transmitted to the SEC and lied under oath to the SEC. Kontilai was charged in connection with this conduct both in the present case on June 3, 2020, and in a separate case in the District of Colorado on March 10, 2020. While under investigation but prior to charging, Kontilai fled to Russia and was ultimately arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in Germany in 2023. He was extradited back to the United States to face the pending charges in May.

On Nov. 21, Kontilai pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. As part of the plea agreement in this case, the government has moved to dismiss the Colorado case.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada; Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.

FBI and IRS-CI investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition from Germany of Kontilai.

Trial Attorneys Brandon Burkart and Sara Hallmark of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada prosecuted this case. Former Fraud Section Trial Attorney Emily Scruggs provided valuable assistance.

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May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Pelham Man Sentenced to 80 Years in Prison on Child Exploitation Charges

Source: US FBI

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Pelham man was sentenced today on charges of sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon.

U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced Neal Richard Goodacre, 54, to 960 months in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. In July, Goodacre pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. These convictions will require Goodacre to register as a sex offender in accordance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

According to the plea agreement, in July 2023, the Queensland, Australia, Child Exploitation Task Force discovered images of child pornography on a Russian file-sharing website. Queensland officers connected the account used to post the images to Goodacre at a residence in Pelham, Alabama. On September 13, 2023, HSI executed a search warrant at Goodacre’s residence. Agents recovered two electronic devices containing 29 images and one video of child pornography. Goodacre produced some of the child pornography he possessed.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case along with the Queensland, Australia, Child Exploitation Task Force and the Pelham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.

If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.

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

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May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Distributor of ANOM Hardened Encrypted Devices Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy

Source: US FBI

SAN DIEGO – Osemah Elhassen of Sydney, Australia, was sentenced in federal court today to 63 months in prison for participating in a worldwide conspiracy to distribute hardened encrypted communication devices to criminal syndicates to facilitate drug trafficking and other crimes.

Elhassen was one of 17 defendants indicted in San Diego in 2021 in connection with Operation Trojan Shield, an international law enforcement effort in which the FBI secretly operated an encrypted messaging network used by criminals, leading to the arrests of hundreds worldwide.

According to court records, the platform was known as ANOM. While ANOM’s criminal users unknowingly communicated on the system operated by the FBI, agents catalogued more than 27 million messages between users around the world whose criminal discussions were covertly obtained and reviewed by the FBI. The platform was taken down in June 2021. Please see Operation Trojan Shield in 2021.

Elhassen pleaded guilty in May 2024 to Count 1 of a superseding indictment charging him and the others with a racketeering conspiracy in connection with the ANOM enterprise. A citizen of Australia, Elhassen was a Colombia-based distributor of ANOM devices who was also directly involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

Elhassen admitted that around November 2019, he became a member of the ANOM enterprise. According to his plea agreement, he admitted to helping accomplish the illegal objectives of that enterprise, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and obstruction of justice offenses. To that end, Elhassen distributed ANOM devices to criminal end-users for over a year and a half, and in doing so, facilitated the importation, exportation, and distribution of at least 15 kilograms of cocaine and the laundering of proceeds from the enterprise’s illegal activities.

According to the government’s sentencing filings, Elhassen’s ANOM messages show significant distribution of ANOM devices in Colombia and other places. His messages also show that Elhassen participated in providing ANOM device support and arranging subscription renewals, among other sales and price-setting activity.

Elhassen was arrested in Colombia in June 2021 and was extradited to the Southern District of California in May 2023. He pleaded guilty in May 2024.

“Despite use of sophisticated technology and extreme measures to conceal the criminal enterprise, Mr. Elhassen could not thwart federal investigators,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “The sentence today demonstrates that even those who go to the greatest lengths to hide will be held to account.”

“Evidence collected during Operation Trojan Shield showed that distributors of ANOM devices, like Mr. Elhassen, were not merely providing a messaging service but enabling and facilitating Transnational Criminal Organizations,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Stacey Moy. “Today’s sentence should send a strong message to the users and distributors of these types of devices. The FBI will continue to collaborate with domestic and international partners on new and innovative strategies to combat the ever-evolving threat posed by transnational criminal organizations.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua C. Mellor, Mikaela L. Weber, and Peter S. Horn. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché Office in Bogota provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Elhassen. The United States also thanks Colombian law enforcement authorities for their valuable assistance.

Three other defendants in this case have pleaded guilty, including Dragan Nikitovic, aka Dr. Djek; Edwin Harmendra Kumar, aka Edwin Harmendra Valentine; and Miwand Zakhimi, aka Maiwand Zakhimi. They are scheduled to be sentenced in December 2024 and January 2025. A trial for four other defendants is scheduled for March 10, 2025. Eight other defendants in the case are yet to be extradited to the United States, and one is a fugitive.

For further information on investigations and prosecutions of encrypted communication providers, see https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/fbi-s-encrypted-phone-platform-infiltrated-hundreds-criminal-syndicates-result-massive (ANOM), https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/sky-global-executive-and-associate-indicted-providing-encrypted-communication-devices (Sky Global), and https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/chief-executive-communications-company-sentenced-prison-providing-encryption-services (Phantom Secure).

Operation Trojan Shield is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 21cr1623-JLS-17

Osemah Elhassen                                            Age: 51                                   Sydney, Australia

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1962(d)

Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, and fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Drug Enforcement Administration

United States Marshals Service

Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs

Australian Federal Police

Swedish Police Authority

Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau

National Police of the Netherlands

EUROPOL

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May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: FBI Newark Searching for Fugitive in Stabbing Death

Source: US FBI

FBI Newark, Pennsylvania State Police Fugitive Unit, Stroud Regional Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service are asking for the public’s help finding Ricky ‘Angel’ Vargas (36), who was charged in federal court with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution after being indicted in Bergen County on first degree murder charges. FBI Newark is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Detectives with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office say Vargas stabbed a man on February 4, 2024, at the JoJo’s Bar and Grill in Garfield, NJ. They say Vargas, a member of the Latin Kings gang, stabbed Richard Franceschi, who later died from his injuries.

Vargas’ last known residence was in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. He also has connections to Chicago, Illinois, and Winter Park, Florida. He does not have a valid driver’s license and is known to use ride share apps and mass transit to get around. He is around 5’5, 200lbs, with numerous tattoos on his arms and hands. He typically has facial hair and wears glasses.

Vargas is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the FBI Newark Field Office at 973-792-3000, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. They could receive a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to his arrest.

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May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Federal Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Inmate in His Custody

Source: US FBI

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A former Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) Corrections Officer, Robert D. Smith, 39, was sentenced today in federal court to 24 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for sexually abusing an inmate while he was a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution, in Aliceville, Alabama (FCI-Aliceville).

Smith previously pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a ward on Jan. 11.

“Robert Smith’s egregious acts have no place in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and he has been held to account for abusing of his position of trust,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today sentence marks the latest effort in the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to root out sexual misconduct within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Department will continue our efforts to hold accountable employees who fail to uphold their oath to protect those in their care.”

“Beyond the view of the cameras and the eyes of potential witnesses, this defendant sexually abused and assaulted vulnerable women inmates and thought he would get away with his crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This case should send an unequivocal message to officials working in correctional settings that we have zero tolerance for sexual assaults of women held inside jails and prisons. We encourage the survivors of these heinous crimes to report acts of official misconduct and violence to the FBI. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute those who violate the civil and constitutional rights of people detained in correctional facilities.”

“Corrections officers have the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of those incarcerated in our nation’s prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute corrections officers who abuse inmates and violate positions of public trust.”

“Today’s sentencing holds Smith accountable for the serious crimes he committed,” said Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “Smith sexually abused multiple inmates and he did so by taking them to areas of the prison without camera coverage. As the OIG has repeatedly found, the effective use of cameras by the FBOP is critical to preventing and deterring such criminal wrongdoing at its facilities.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Smith worked as a corrections officer at FCI-Aliceville, which is a low-security federal prison. As part of his duties, Smith was to ensure the safety and security of inmates housed at FCI-Aliceville and to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

While acting in his capacity as an officer, in or around February 2019, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory or disciplinary authority. Smith committed this criminal act when he and his victim were in his office in the facilities department, which was away from cameras and other inmates and officers.

Smith also admitted to sexually abusing another inmate on a different occasion. Specifically, also while acting in his capacity as an officer, between on or about July 6, 2018, and Nov. 15, 2018, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory or disciplinary authority. Smith committed this criminal act in the mechanical room, which Smith accessed with a key, and which was also away from cameras and other inmates and officers.

DOJ-OIG investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Royster for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

FBOP is committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous FBOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for the victims of misconduct are critical to the department’s reform efforts.

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May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two Individuals Plead Guilty to Health Care Fraud Conspiracy

Source: US FBI

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A former doctor and her wife pleaded guilty today to crimes involving the medical practice they ran in north Alabama for many years. United States Attorney Prim Escalona, FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer, and Special Agent in Charge Tamela Miles of the Department of Health and Human Service Office of the Inspector General Atlanta Region made the announcement.

Francene Aretha Gayle, 50, of Apopka, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District. Judge Liles Burke to five counts of unlawful drug distribution, one count of health care fraud conspiracy, and one count of wire fraud conspiracy. Gayle’s wife, Schara Monique Davis, 48, also of Apopka, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud conspiracy and one count of wire fraud conspiracy.

According to the defendants’ plea agreements, between about 2014 and early 2020, Gayle was a doctor who operated a multi-clinic practice in Huntsville, Athens, and Killen. Davis owned the practice and served as business manager. In 2019, the Killen clinic shut down. In March 2020, the Alabama Medical Licensure Commission revoked Gayle’s license, and the other two clinics closed shortly after that.

Gayle admitted that she had unlawfully distributed drugs, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone.

Gayle and Davis both admitted to having conspired to commit health care fraud for several years by billing insurers for office visits under Gayle’s name even when she did not see the patients, was not in the same building, and sometimes was not in the same town. The defendants knew that the billing scheme was fraudulent. In 2015, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama audited the practice and discovered that Gayle was absent, other staff were seeing patients, and yet all office visits were being billed under Gayle’s name. Blue Cross flagged the issue, and Gayle promised it would stop. Instead, the practice continued fraudulently billing insurers for office visits for the next four years. In total, between 2015 and 2020, Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross paid more than $2.3 million for office visits billed under Gayle’s name.

Gayle and Davis both also admitted to having conspired to commit wire fraud. In March 2020, based on concerns about her prescribing and billing practices, Gayle’s Alabama medical license was revoked. Months later, Gayle and Davis applied for and obtained more than $450,000 in COVID-19 disaster relief funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Those funds were designed to stabilize businesses struggling because of the pandemic. In their funding applications, Gayle and Davis certified that their medical practice needed the money because of economic uncertainty or injury caused by the pandemic. In reality, Gayle and Davis’s practice had closed, and they used COVID-19 funds they received on other things.

The maximum penalty for unlawful drug distribution is twenty years in prison. The maximum penalty for health care fraud conspiracy is ten years in prison. The maximum penalty for wire fraud conspiracy is twenty years in prison.

The FBI, DEA, and HHS-OIG investigated the case. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office provided exceptional investigative assistance after the Alabama Medicaid Agency’s Program Integrity Division initiated the case and referred it. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J.B. Ward and Ryan Rummage are prosecuting the case.

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May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Iran Sanctions

Source: US FBI

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Ray Hunt, also known as Abdolrahman Hantoosh, Rahman Hantoosh and Rahman Natooshas, 70, of Owens Cross Roads, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to export U.S.-origin goods to the Islamic Republic of Iran in violation of trade sanctions.

According to court documents, in May 2014, Hunt registered Vega Tools, LLC with the Alabama Secretary of State, listing the nature of the business as “the purchase/resale of equipment for the energy sector.” He operated Vega Tools, including purchasing, receiving, and shipping U.S.-origin goods, from locations in Madison County, Alabama. Beginning at least as early as 2015, Hunt conspired with two Iranian companies located in Tehran, Iran, to illegally export U.S.-manufactured industrial equipment for use in Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

Hunt engaged in a series of deceptive practices to avoid detection by U.S. authorities, including using third-party transshipment companies in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and routing payments through UAE banks, as well as lying to shipping companies about the value of his exports to prevent the filing of Electronic Export Information to U.S. authorities. Hunt lied to suppliers and shippers by claiming the items he purchased on behalf of the Iranian co-conspirators were destined for end-users in Turkey and UAE, while knowing the exports were ultimately destined for Iran. Hunt lied also to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers regarding the nature and existence of his business when questioned upon his return from a March 2020 trip to Iran.

Hunt pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security is investigating the case with valuable assistance provided by the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan “Jack” Harrington, Jonathan Cross, and Henry Cornelius and Trial Attorneys Emma Ellenrieder and Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

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May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Large IT businesses view Novosibirsk State University as a key university for training specialists in this industry for Siberia

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

A strategic session with the participation of representatives of one of the largest Russian IT holdings, the T1 Group of Companies, was held at Novosibirsk State University. Following the meeting, the parties expressed mutual interest in deepening cooperation and announced the start of work on roadmaps for the implementation of joint projects in the educational and technological tracks.

Opening the meeting, the rector of NSU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk noted:

— Cooperation with T1 is developing rapidly. This distinguishes the holding from many other companies wishing to become our industrial partners. We hope that further joint work will bring tangible and mutually beneficial results.

According to Mikhail Knigin, head of the Integration domain of the holding, T1 plans to build systematic work on training personnel specifically in the Novosibirsk region:

— We work all over the country, Siberia is an important region for us, and we want to see NSU as a flagship university here. Already now, about 80 NSU graduates work in our companies — the growth of this number will become one of the metrics of the partnership’s effectiveness.

Ksenia Rumbest, Director of the Corporate Training and Talent Development Department and Head of the T1 Digital Academy, spoke about the practice of training young specialists. One of the largest projects was the T1 IT Camp, where about 1,000 participants were trained last year. The best 150 were invited to the in-person stage of the program, and some of them then became employees of the holding’s companies.

This year, according to her, it is planned to launch regional camps based at universities. The introduction of the “open schools” format was also discussed – five-week intensive courses to develop professional competencies. About 40% of graduates of such schools get jobs at T1, the rest go to other leading Russian and international IT companies.

“We are ready to offer these courses to the university as additional education, and also invite students for internships during the academic year,” Rumbest emphasized.

Cooperation between NSU and the holding can develop not only in the educational, but also in the scientific and technological sphere. The session presented the project “SPHERE” – a domestic platform for managing the full cycle of software development, including tools for project management, code analysis, testing, monitoring and automation of business processes.

An additional area of interaction may be joint work in the field of artificial intelligence. The AI Center, which develops technologies for the digitalization of the urban environment, has been operating at NSU for the second year. The head of the center, Alexander Lyulko, spoke about developments in creating platforms for managing urban infrastructure, creating intelligent systems for monitoring the environmental situation, as well as AI solutions for transport, medicine and construction. The latest projects have attracted the greatest interest from representatives of the holding.

Reference:

T1 is one of the leaders of the domestic IT market with more than 30 years of history. The holding includes companies providing a full range of IT services: from software development and system integration to cloud solutions, big data analysis, artificial intelligence, information security and industrial outsourcing. Key areas of work include digital transformation of businesses and government agencies. The company has more than 26 thousand employees, revenue for 2024 is 249.6 billion rubles.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China launches first digital platform dedicated to tropical biodiversity

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

KUNMING, May 23 (Xinhua) — China launched the country’s first digital platform dedicated to tropical biodiversity on Thursday to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity.

The biodiversity platform, hosted by the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), offers global access to more than 90,000 species records.

Xishuangbanna in southwest China’s Yunnan Province is one of the country’s areas where an intact tropical ecosystem has been preserved. It is home to a sixth of the country’s plant species and a quarter of its animal species.

The new platform contains more than 90,000 records covering 5,236 animal species, 9,779 plant species and 607 fungi species.

The platform was jointly launched by the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden and the Ecology and Environment Bureau of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. In order to promote the integration of scientific research, biology popularization and nature conservation, it will continue to expand functions such as intelligent biological image recognition, artificial intelligence-based science popularization, etc. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: FRO – First Quarter 2025 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FRONTLINE PLC REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2025

Frontline plc (the “Company”, “Frontline,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), today reported unaudited results for the three months ended March 31, 2025:

Highlights

Profit of $33.3 million, or $0.15 per share for the first quarter of 2025.
Adjusted profit of $40.4 million, or $0.18 per share for the first quarter of 2025.
Declared a cash dividend of $0.18 per share for the first quarter of 2025.
Reported revenues of $427.9 million for the first quarter of 2025.
Achieved average daily spot time charter equivalent earnings (“TCEs”)¹ for VLCCs, Suezmax tankers and LR2/Aframax tankers in the first quarter of $37,200, $31,200 and $22,300 per day, respectively.
Entered into three senior secured credit facilities in February 2025 for a total amount of up to $239.0 million to refinance the outstanding debt on three VLCCs and one Suezmax tanker maturing in 2025 and, in addition, provide revolving credit capacity in a total amount of up to $91.9 million.
Entered into one senior secured term loan facility in April 2025 in an amount of up to $1,286.5 million to refinance the outstanding debt on 24 VLCCs approximately three and a half years prior to maturity to reduce the margin.

Lars H. Barstad, Chief Executive Officer of Frontline Management AS, commented:

“The first quarter of 2025 came in line with the previous quarter, somewhat muted relative to the economic and political backdrop during the period. In times of uncertainty, it’s comforting to operate in an industry that maintains business as usual, transporting oil and products around the world at a steady pace. Utilization on the larger ships has improved during the quarter and with continued pressure and enforcement on sanctioned trades, we have seen healthy developments in activity across the segments that Frontline deploys. Fleet growth remains slow, and ordering has again stalled, continuing to support the long-term fundamental story for tankers, where Frontline is ideally positioned with its cost-focused business model and spot-exposed, modern fleet.”

Inger M. Klemp, Chief Financial Officer of Frontline Management AS, added:

“Through our refinancings in 2025, we have further strengthened our strong liquidity, leaving the Company with no meaningful debt maturities until 2030, and further reduced our borrowing costs and cash breakeven rates. We continue to focus on maintaining our competitive cost structure, breakeven levels and solid balance sheet to ensure that we are well positioned to generate significant cash flow and create value for our shareholders.”

Average daily TCEs and estimated cash breakeven rates

($ per day)	Spot TCE			Spot TCE currently contracted	% Covered	Estimated average daily cash breakeven rates for the next 12 months
	Q1 2025	Q4 2024	2024	Q2 2025
VLCC	37,200	35,900	43,400	56,400	68%	29,700
Suezmax	31,200	33,300	41,400	44,900	69%	24,300
LR2 / Aframax	22,300	26,100	42,300	36,100	66%	23,300

We expect the spot TCEs for the full second quarter of 2025 to be lower than the spot TCEs currently contracted, due to the impact of ballast days during the second quarter of 2025. See Appendix 1 for further details.

The Board of Directors
Frontline plc
Limassol, Cyprus
May 22, 2025

Ola Lorentzon – Chairman and Director
John Fredriksen – Director
James O’Shaughnessy – Director
Steen Jakobsen – Director
Cato Stonex – Director
Ørjan Svanevik – Director
Dr. Maria Papakokkinou – Director

Questions should be directed to:

Lars H. Barstad: Chief Executive Officer, Frontline Management AS
+47 23 11 40 00

Inger M. Klemp: Chief Financial Officer, Frontline Management AS
+47 23 11 40 00

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this report may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements, which include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

Frontline plc and its subsidiaries, or the Company, desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. This report and any other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. When used in this document, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “expect” and similar expressions, terms or phrases may identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this report are based upon various assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In addition to these important factors and matters discussed elsewhere herein, important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include:

the strength of world economies;
fluctuations in currencies and interest rates, including inflationary pressures and central bank policies intended to combat overall inflation and high interest rates and foreign exchange rates;
the impact that any discontinuance, modification or other reform or the establishment of alternative reference rates have on the Company’s floating interest rate debt instruments;
general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values;
changes in the supply and demand for vessels comparable to ours and the number of newbuildings under construction;
the highly cyclical nature of the industry that we operate in;
the loss of a large customer or significant business relationship;
changes in worldwide oil production and consumption and storage;
changes in the Company’s operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry docking, crew costs and insurance costs;
planned, pending or recent acquisitions, business strategy and expected capital spending or operating expenses, including dry docking, surveys and upgrades;
risks associated with any future vessel construction;
our expectations regarding the availability of vessel acquisitions and our ability to complete vessel acquisition transactions as planned;
our ability to successfully compete for and enter into new time charters or other employment arrangements for our existing vessels after our current time charters expire and our ability to earn income in the spot market;
availability of financing and refinancing, our ability to obtain financing and comply with the restrictions and other covenants in our financing arrangements;
availability of skilled crew members and other employees and the related labor costs;
work stoppages or other labor disruptions by our employees or the employees of other companies in related industries;
compliance with governmental, tax, environmental and safety regulation, any non-compliance with U.S. or European Union regulations;
the impact of increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, lenders and other market participants with respect to our Environmental, Social and Governance policies;
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or other applicable regulations relating to bribery;
general economic conditions and conditions in the oil industry;
effects of new products and new technology in our industry, including the potential for technological innovation to reduce the value of our vessels and charter income derived therefrom;
new environmental regulations and restrictions, whether at a global level stipulated by the International Maritime Organization, and/or imposed by regional or national authorities such as the European Union or individual countries;
vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hire;
the impact of an interruption in or failure of our information technology and communications systems, including the impact of cyber-attacks upon our ability to operate;
risks associated with potential cybersecurity or other privacy threats and data security breaches;
potential conflicts of interest involving members of our Board of Directors and senior management;
the failure of counter parties to fully perform their contracts with us;
changes in credit risk with respect to our counterparties on contracts;
our dependence on key personnel and our ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees;
adequacy of insurance coverage;
our ability to obtain indemnities from customers;
changes in laws, treaties or regulations;
the volatility of the price of our ordinary shares;
our incorporation under the laws of Cyprus and the different rights to relief that may be available compared to other countries, including the United States;
changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities;
government requisition of our vessels during a period of war or emergency;
potential liability from pending or future litigation and potential costs due to environmental damage and vessel collisions;
the arrest of our vessels by maritime claimants;
general domestic and international political conditions or events, including “trade wars”;
any further changes in U.S. trade policy that could trigger retaliatory actions by the affected countries;
potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, environmental factors, political events, public health threats, international hostilities including the war between Russia and Ukraine and possible cessation of such war, the conflict between Israel and Hamas and related conflicts in the Middle East, the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, acts by terrorists or acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels;
the impact of restriction on trade, including the imposition of tariffs, port fees and other import restrictions by the United States on its trading partners and the imposition of retaliatory tariffs by China and the EU on the United States, and potential further protectionist measures and/or further retaliatory actions by others, including the imposition of tariffs or penalties on vessels calling in key export and import ports such as the United States, EU and/or China;
the length and severity of epidemics and pandemics and their impact on the demand for seaborne transportation of crude oil and refined products;
the impact of port or canal congestion;
business disruptions due to adverse weather, natural disasters or other disasters outside our control; and
other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We caution readers of this report not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. These forward-looking statements are no guarantee of our future performance, and actual results and future developments may vary materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

¹ This press release describes Time Charter Equivalent earnings and related per day amounts and spot TCE currently contracted, which are not measures prepared in accordance with IFRS (“non-GAAP”). See Appendix 1 for a full description of the measures and reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure.

Attachment

1st Quarter 2025 Results

The MIL Network –

May 27, 2025

UK signs Chagos deal with Mauritius, India welcomes move

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Britain signed a deal on Thursday to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after a London judge overturned a last-minute injunction and cleared the way for an agreement the government says is vital to protect the nation’s security.

The multibillion-dollar deal will allow Britain to retain control of the strategically important U.S.-UK air base on Diego Garcia, the largest island of the archipelago in the Indian Ocean, under a 99-year lease.

India has welcomed the signing of the treaty between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the return of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including the strategic island of Diego Garcia.

“India has consistently supported Mauritius’s legitimate claim over the Chagos Archipelago. This is in keeping with our principled position on decolonization, respect for sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of nations,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

“As a steadfast and longstanding partner of Mauritius, India remains committed to working closely with Mauritius and other like-minded countries to strengthen maritime security and regional stability,” the MEA added.

The signing went ahead after a carefully choreographed ceremony was postponed when lawyers representing a British national born in the Chagos Islands were granted an interim injunction at the High Court in the early hours of Thursday.

Judge Martin Chamberlain then lifted that injunction following a hearing, saying Britain’s interests would be “substantially prejudiced” if the injunction were to continue.

The government, which has been criticised by opposition parties for pursuing a deal they say is overly costly and would play into the hands of China, has long said the agreement is essential to secure the future of Diego Garcia.

“The strategic location of this base is of the utmost significance to Britain, from deploying aircraft to defeat terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan to anticipating threats in the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer told a news conference.

“By agreeing to this deal now, on our terms, we’re securing strong protections, including from malign influence, that will allow the base to operate well into the next century.”

The signing ends months of wrangling over the deal, the details of which were first announced in October, after the then-Mauritian leader Pravind Jugnauth was replaced by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who raised concerns about it.

It was further delayed after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump in January, with London wanting to give the new administration time to examine the details of the plan. In February, Trump indicated his backing for the deal.

Ramgoolam welcomed the deal, saying it had been a long fight to get to this point.

“With this agreement, we are completing the total process of decolonization,” Ramgoolam said in a televised broadcast, speaking in the local Creole language.

“It’s total recognition of our sovereignty on the Chagos, including Diego Garcia.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also welcomed the deal saying it “secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint U.S.-UK military facility at Diego Garcia”.

LATEST LEGAL CHALLENGE

The injunction was the latest legal challenge to the deal in the last two decades brought by members of the wider Chagossian diaspora, many of whom ended up in Britain after being forcibly removed from the archipelago more than 50 years ago.

It was granted following action by Bertrice Pompe, a British national who was born in Diego Garcia and has criticised the deal for excluding Chagossians.

James Eadie, the government’s lawyer, said the delay was damaging to British interests and “there is jeopardy to our international relations … (including with) our most important security and intelligence partner, the U.S.”

It is one less headache for Starmer, who is under fire from his own governing Labour Party for implementing welfare cuts to try to better balance Britain’s books.

But Starmer’s political opponents were again critical of the accord, arguing it was both costly and by ceding sovereignty, China could further deepen its ties with Mauritius, benefiting Beijing’s influence in the Indian Ocean.

“Labour’s Chagos Surrender Deal is bad for our defence and security interests, bad for British taxpayers and bad for British Chagossians,” Conservative Party foreign affairs spokeswoman Priti Patel said on X.

The financial component of the deal includes 3 billion pounds to be paid by Britain to Mauritius over the 99-year term of the agreement, with an option for a 50-year extension and Britain maintaining the right of first refusal thereafter.

The base’s capabilities are extensive and strategically crucial. Recent operations launched from Diego Garcia include bombing strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in 2024-2025, humanitarian aid deployments to Gaza and, further back, attacks on Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan in 2001.

(Reuters)

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Court-Authorized Operation Disrupts Worldwide Botnet Used by People’s Republic of China State-Sponsored Hackers

Source: US FBI

Note: View the affidavit here.

The Justice Department today announced a court-authorized law enforcement operation that disrupted a botnet consisting of more than 200,000 consumer devices in the United States and worldwide. As described in court documents unsealed in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the botnet devices were infected by People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored hackers working for Integrity Technology Group, a company based in Beijing, and known to the private sector as “Flax Typhoon.”

The botnet malware infected numerous types of consumer devices, including small-office/home-office (SOHO) routers, internet protocol (IP) cameras, digital video recorders (DVRs), and network-attached storage (NAS) devices. The malware connected these thousands of infected devices into a botnet, controlled by Integrity Technology Group, which was used to conduct malicious cyber activity disguised as routine internet traffic from the infected consumer devices. The court-authorized operation took control of the hackers’ computer infrastructure and, among other steps, sent disabling commands through that infrastructure to the malware on the infected devices. During the course of the operation, there was an attempt to interfere with the FBI’s remediation efforts through a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack targeting the operational infrastructure that the FBI was utilizing to effectuate the court’s orders. That attack was ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the FBI’s disruption of the botnet.

“The Justice Department is zeroing in on the Chinese government backed hacking groups that target the devices of innocent Americans and pose a serious threat to our national security,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As we did earlier this year, the Justice Department has again destroyed a botnet used by PRC-backed hackers to infiltrate consumer devices here in the United States and around the world. We will continue to aggressively counter the threat that China’s state- sponsored hacking groups pose to the American people.”

“Our takedown of this state-sponsored botnet reflects the Department’s all-tools approach to disrupting cyber criminals. This network, managed by a PRC government contractor, hijacked hundreds of thousands of private routers, cameras, and other consumer devices to create a malicious system for the PRC to exploit,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today should serve as a warning to cybercriminals preying on Americans – if you continue to come for us, we will come for you.”

“This dynamic operation demonstrates, once again, the Justice Department’s resolve in countering the threats posed by PRC state-sponsored hackers,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division. “For the second time this year, we have disrupted a botnet used by PRC proxies to conceal their efforts to hack into networks in the U.S. and around the world to steal information and hold our infrastructure at risk. Our message to these hackers is clear: if you build it, we will bust it.”

“The disruption of this worldwide botnet is part of the FBI’s commitment to using technical operations to help protect victims, expose publicly the scope of these criminal hacking campaigns, and to use the adversary’s tools against them to remove malicious infrastructure from the virtual battlefield,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “The FBI’s unique legal authorities allowed it to lead an international operation with partners that collectively disconnected this botnet from its China-based hackers at Integrity Technology Group.”

“The targeted hacking of hundreds of thousands of innocent victims in the United States and around the world shows the breadth and aggressiveness of PRC state-sponsored hackers,” said U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “This court-authorized operation disrupted a sophisticated botnet designed to steal sensitive information and launch disruptive cyber attacks. We will continue to work with our partners inside and outside government, using every tool at our disposal, to defend and maintain global cybersecurity.”

“The FBI’s investigation revealed that a publicly-traded, China-based company is openly selling its customers the ability to hack into and control thousands of consumer devices worldwide. This operation sends a clear message to the PRC that the United States will not tolerate this shameless criminal conduct,” said Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the FBI San Diego Field Office.

According to the court documents, the botnet was developed and controlled by Integrity Technology Group, a publicly-traded company headquartered in Beijing. The company built an online application allowing its customers to log in and control specified infected victim devices, including with a menu of malicious cyber commands using a tool called “vulnerability-arsenal.” The online application was prominently labelled “KRLab,” one of the main public brands used by Integrity Technology Group.

The FBI assesses that Integrity Technology Group, in addition to developing and controlling the botnet, is responsible for computer intrusion activities attributed to China-based hackers known by the private sector as “Flax Typhoon.” Microsoft Threat Intelligence described Flax Typhoon as nation-state actors based out of China, active since 2021, who have targeted government agencies and education, critical manufacturing, and information technology organizations in Taiwan, and elsewhere. The FBI’s investigation has corroborated Microsoft’s conclusions, finding that Flax Typhoon has successfully attacked multiple U.S. and foreign corporations, universities, government agencies, telecommunications providers, and media organizations.

A cybersecurity advisory describing Integrity Technology Group tactics, techniques and procedures was also published today by the FBI, the National Security Agency, U.S. Cyber Command’s Cyber National Mission Force, and partner agencies in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The government’s malware disabling commands, which interacted with the malware’s native functionality, were extensively tested prior to the operation. As expected, the operation did not affect the legitimate functions of, or collect content information from, the infected devices. The FBI is providing notice to U.S. owners of devices that were affected by this court-authorized operation. The FBI is contacting those victims through their internet service provider, who will provide notice to their customers.

The FBI’s San Diego Field Office and Cyber Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and the National Security Cyber Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division led the domestic disruption effort. Assistance was also provided by the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. These efforts would not have been successful without the collaboration of partners, including French authorities, and Lumen Technologies’ threat intelligence group, Black Lotus Labs, which first identified and described this botnet, which it named Raptor Train, in July 2023.

If you believe you have a compromised computer or device, please visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or report online to CISA. You may also contact your local FBI field office directly.

The FBI continues to investigate Integrity Technology Group’s and Flax Typhoon’s computer intrusion activities.

MIL Security OSI –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Minister Burke and Minister Donohoe welcome latest figures showing further employment growth in first quarter of 2025
Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

22nd May 2025

The Q1 2025 Labour Force Survey and latest Monthly Unemployment Release show:
- Employment continues to grow, with 90,800 jobs created in the year to Q1 2025
- Total employment now stands at 2.81 million
- Employment growth has been widespread throughout the regions – Employment outside of Dublin increased by 65,700 in the year to Q1 2025 (+3.5 percent)
- Full time employment was up 71,400 (+3.3 percent) year on year in the first quarter, while part time employment was up 20,100 (+3.5 percent) year on year
- In April 2025, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, down from the revised rate of 4.4 in March 2025 and from a rate of 4.4 percent in April 2024
Labour Force Survey (LFS) results published today by the Central Statistics Office show continued growth in Ireland’s labour market, with 90,800 jobs created in the year to Q1 2025.

Employment now stands at 2.81 million, an increase of approximately 3.3 percent over Q1 2024.

This is a positive step towards the Programme for Government’s target to create 300,000 extra jobs by 2030, supported by strategic investments, supportive enterprise policies, and a focus on fostering a vibrant economy. This commitment to continued employment growth builds upon the Government’s White Paper on Enterprise, published in December 2022, which sets out the strategic direction for job creation in the years ahead.

Commenting on the figures, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said:

“The Irish labour market has shown strong resilience and growth, with low unemployment rates and increasing job opportunities across sectors such as technology, healthcare, and finance. Today’s release from the CSO shows an exceptionally strong start to 2025, as the workforce continues to expand, driving the nation’s economic resilience and ensuring a brighter future for job seekers across the regions.

Female participation rates in the labour market in particular have been trending upwards and reached a new historic high in the first quarter of 2025, with more women now availing of opportunities for employment. My Department will continue to support workers throughout their careers, with initiatives to improve work-life balance and flexible working arrangements which encourages greater participation, resulting in greater diversity and inclusion within the workforce.”

The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, said:

“Today’s results highlight the continued strength of the Irish labour market, with around 90,000 jobs added in the year to Q1 2025. On a seasonally adjusted basis, we now have over 2.8 million people employed in our country, while the unemployment rate stood at 4.0 per cent in the first quarter. It is particularly welcome to see the continued rise in female labour force participation – increasing by over 1 percentage point on an annual basis.

While I am encouraged by the resilience of the labour market in the face of increased economic uncertainty, it is important to stress that today’s figures are backward looking. It is crucial that the strength of the economy in recent years does not lead to complacency.

As we begin preparations for Budget 2026 this summer, starting with the National Economic Dialogue in June, it is imperative that we continue to pursue a balanced and sensible budgetary policy as we navigate this period of uncertainty.”

CSO release here

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MIL OSI Europe News –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spitfire display part of packed Portsmouth Armed Forces Day on 21 June

Source: City of Portsmouth

A Battle of Britain Spitfire will take to the sky as part of a packed Portsmouth Armed Forces Day on Saturday 21 June.

Image from Battle of Britain Memorial Flight by Gary Eason

Southsea Common will again burst to life for a free community day of military parades, a Royal Navy ‘Raiders’ parachute jump and arena displays, plus a live music stage and lots of other entertainment.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team will be performing a full spitfire display to delight the crowds, with thousands again expected to turn out.

Portsmouth City Council organises the annual event to let Portsmouth residents and families come together and honour our current and former armed forces.

BAE Systems is continuing its commitment to Armed Forces Day by headline sponsoring the event and enabling the council to put on such a large programme for the whole of Portsmouth to enjoy.

Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:

“In what is the 80^th anniversary year of the end of the Second World War, we are very proud to once again host a day for the whole of Portsmouth to come and honour and celebrate our armed forces community.

“We’re expecting well over 10,000 people to again attend, and they will be treated to a full day of action and excitement, including a Royal Navy parachute jump and a full Spitfire display.

“Our thanks again to BAE Systems for its support, which enables us to make Portsmouth Armed Forces Day the hugely popular event it is.”

Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ M&L Defence Solutions, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our support of Portsmouth Armed Forces Day. It’s a popular event in the local calendar, offering an opportunity for the local community to come together to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of our Armed Forces community – those in service, veterans and their families.”

The main arena will host the full military parade led by the Rose and Thistle Pipe Band, plus dog shows and the Spitfire display above.

This year there’s a dedicated bike arena with BMX tricks and jumps in the afternoon.

There will be a Field Gun Arena to explore, and a music stage with live performances from local acts through the day.

The 6 Regiment Army Air Corps Reserves are bringing a static Gazelle helicopter, there’s a tactical wing supply from Joint Helicopter Group, plus displays and stalls from veterans, charities and military organisations.

The popular free climbing wall is back, plus there will be full funfair with rides to purchase, and plenty of food and refreshments on sale.

The free event runs from 10am to 4pm.

Snows BMW & MINI Portsmouth is a supporting sponsor of the event, and will be bringing a selection of electric vehicles from across their range for people to view.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: International Academic Hub for Pediatric Oncology to be Established in Uzbekistan

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

Tashkent, May 22 (Xinhua) — An International Academic Hub for Pediatric Oncology will be opened in Uzbekistan, local media reported on Thursday, citing a decree by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The hub will reportedly operate at the Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Children’s Oncology, Hematology and Immunology of Uzbekistan.

“In accordance with the Resolution, a digital patient route will be introduced, including the processes of registration, diagnosis, treatment, dispensary observation and routing of children with oncological and oncohematological diseases,” the statement says.

It is noted that the academic hub is a scientific and educational institution, and it is entrusted with such tasks as the implementation of international educational programs, analysis and forecasting of epidemiological trends in childhood cancer incidence for strategic planning and development of preventive measures. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Discours du président António Costa à la cérémonie de remise du Prix Félix Houphouët-Boigny – UNESCO pour la Recherche de la Paix

Source: Council of the European Union

Lors de sa visite à Abidjan, António Costa, président du Conseil européen, a reçu le Prix Félix Houphouët-Boigny – UNESCO pour la Recherche de la Paix, en reconnaissance de son engagement en faveur du multilatéralisme, du dialogue, et du développement durable.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Security Federal Announces Cash Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AIKEN, S.C., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security Federal Corporation, parent company of Security Federal Bank, is pleased to announce that a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share will be paid on or about June 15, 2025, to shareholders of record as of May 31, 2025.

This is the one hundred thirty-eighth consecutive quarterly dividend to shareholders since the Bank’s conversion in October of 1987 from a mutual to a stock form of ownership. The dividend was declared as a result of the Bank’s continued profitability.

Security Federal Bank has nineteen full-service branch locations in Aiken, Ballentine, Clearwater, Columbia, Graniteville, Langley, Lexington, North Augusta, Ridge Spring, Wagener and West Columbia, South Carolina and Augusta and Evans, Georgia. A full range of financial services, including trust and investments, are provided by the Bank, and insurance services are provided by the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Security Federal Insurance, Inc.

Security Federal Corporation common stock is traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol SFDL.

The MIL Network –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Global space economy market to surpass $511 billion in 2029, forecasts GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Global space economy market to surpass $511 billion in 2029, forecasts GlobalData

Posted in Strategic Intelligence

The global space economy market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% from $421.0 billion in 2024 to $511.2 billion in 2029, driven by an increase in the deployment of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, productivity improvements in satellite equipment manufacturing, the competitive launch services landscape, and demand for services around data communications, navigation, and Earth observation. according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest Strategic Intelligence report, “The Space Economy” reveals that space applications, which include satellite communications, navigation, and Earth observation, is the largest segment of the space economy and will grow at a CAGR of 2.9% to reach $334.8 billion by 2029.

Falling manufacturing and launch costs, non-Western companies’ entrance into the space economy market, increased space militarization, and new uses for data from space are the other growth drivers of the space economy.

William Rojas, Research Director, Strategic Intelligence at GlobalData, comments: “Different scenarios indicate different growth rates for the space economy market over the coming decade. Issues that may restrict growth include a continuation of the currently challenging global economic environment, Russia’s permanent exit from the space economy, and whether Chinese companies can fulfill the country’s space ambitions. The uncertain financial viability of young satellite and rocket companies and the market’s low return on investment in the short term, combined with the current global economic environment, could lead to a pause in investor confidence in the space economy beyond 2025.”

Future market growth will also depend on the development of reusable rockets and more affordable and frequent ride-sharing services that will increase payload slots on launch missions. The space tourism and colonization subsectors are unlikely to significantly contribute to the overall space economy market until after 2030.

Rojas adds: “Space is no longer the sole domain of governments and incumbent aerospace and defense companies. Technological advances in manufacturing, propulsion, and the launch of rockets have made it much easier and less expensive to venture into space. Those businesses that pursued emerging opportunities have gained a first-mover advantage. SpaceX was the first private company to launch a spacecraft into orbit and return it safely to Earth. Currently, it charges clients $69.5 million per launch of the Falcon 9, its partially reusable medium-lift launch vehicle.”

The sector has become incredibly competitive, with various start-ups developing concepts for cost-effective rockets and satellites to rival the aerospace giants. The large satellite groups continue to consolidate to compete with Starlink and the future Amazon Kuiper mega-constellations. Eutelsat and OneWeb merged in 2022, Viasat acquired Inmarsat in 2023, and SES acquired Intelsat in 2024. This market consolidation will continue.

Rojas continues: ”Satellite broadband communications has become the new strategic imperative impacting national sovereignty, national security, and national digital infrastructure. Countries lagging in terrestrial broadband residential and enterprise infrastructure can use satellite broadband to help fill the gap with advanced countries and attract more foreign direct investment and the digitalization of industry sectors.”

Technological advancements, such as spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for detailed surface mapping and satellite-to-ground optical (laser) technology for ultra-high-speed data transmission, 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), and satellite device-to-device technology, will enhance remote sensing and communications capabilities. Quantum key distribution (QKD) for satellite communications could boost data transmission security for banks, data center companies, government data centers, and corporate data centers. These technologies will all benefit the space economy in 2025.

Rojas concludes: “The space economy has been intertwined with the oil and gas and mining sector for several decades already, and now with the falling communications costs of satellite broadband combined with new technologies, many sectors from agriculture to maritime to emergency and disaster response to media will benefit from the pervasiveness of satellite coverage as well as the new capacity that is coming online, reflecting an increase of over 65X between 2015 and 2025.”

MIL OSI Economics –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Apple products transform care at Emory Healthcare

Source: Apple

Headline: Apple products transform care at Emory Healthcare

May 22, 2025

UPDATE

Apple products transform care at Emory Healthcare

At Emory Hillandale Hospital, Apple’s ecosystem of products — powered by the suite of Epic healthcare apps — is elevating care delivery and the patient experience

At Emory Hillandale Hospital in Lithonia, Georgia, Apple products are now the standard, marking a first-of-its-kind technology transformation for clinicians and patients. Propelled by the availability of Epic Systems on Mac, Emory Healthcare has introduced Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch across Emory Hillandale Hospital, enabling clinicians to work more efficiently and stay connected with their teams, from anywhere.

“We’re not just changing technology, we’re changing a culture,” says Ravi I. Thadhani, MD, MPH, executive vice president for health affairs of Emory University and executive director of Emory’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center. “Emory Healthcare is redefining both the patient and clinician experiences with a more efficient and intuitive technology-driven process.”

Apple products like iPhone and iPad have unlocked new levels of mobility, efficiency, and collaboration for clinicians, leading to better patient experiences and satisfaction. The introduction of Mac across Emory Hillandale Hospital replaces its legacy devices and marks an entirely new chapter for the healthcare industry.

“As clinicians, we join the field with a deep commitment to serving those in need,” says Vikram Narayan, MD, assistant professor of urology at Emory University and a urologic oncologist at Emory Healthcare. “But the reality of healthcare delivery is inherently complex and multifaceted. Across the industry as a whole, the administrative burden, combined with a shrinking workforce, is resulting in an uptick in burnout of frontline workers.”

“By integrating Epic on Mac across Emory Hillandale Hospital, we are showing the world how best to embrace technology to improve workflow for clinicians so they can continue to put patients first,” says Dr. Thadhani.

To alleviate some of that administrative burden, laptops and desktop computers across the 100-bed hospital have been replaced with Mac computers running Epic. Nursing stations are equipped with iMac and Mac mini, and physicians are able to manage patient care journeys from wherever they are thanks to the portability of MacBook Air.

Care teams are able to access patient-specific data — such as allergies, precautions, and other relevant information — using a magnetically attached iPad outside of each patient room. This helps improve communication and coordination between care teams as information shown on iPad updates in real time. Additionally, every nurse and physician is issued their own iPhone to stay connected, and physicians are using Apple Watch to more quickly respond to patient needs as they arise. For example, critical lab result notifications from Epic’s Limerick app can be viewed in real time directly on their wrist.

“I can stay up to date with my patients in a way that wasn’t possible before,” says Rashida La Barrie, MD, a hospitalist and medical director of utilization review at Emory Hillandale Hospital. Being able to transition between iPhone and Apple Watch to receive notifications has helped Dr. La Barrie stay connected no matter where she is, ultimately leading to better care for her patients. “Healthcare has historically been slow to adopt technology, which I think is such a mistake. We can use technology to provide better and more efficient care, especially now, for our patients.”

Prior to the Emory Hillandale deployment, Emory conducted a proof of concept program at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. After deploying iMac, MacBook, and iPhone for shared use by registered nurses and clinicians, care team satisfaction surged, and nurse retention has remained strong. Nurses and clinicians cited improvements like faster login time with Apple devices, ease of documentation, and less eyestrain with the iMac high-resolution Retina display. Additional documentation efficiency research, led by Emory’s Dr. Narayan, found that combining Apple technology with Epic and Abridge ambient documentation saves him an average of two hours a day compared to legacy systems.

Additionally, Apple devices help enhance the inpatient experience with the MyChart Bedside app on iPad. Each patient bed is equipped with an iPad so patients can have easy access to their medical records, view their care plans, order meals, and communicate with their care teams, allowing them to stay engaged with their health.

“The technology we’re utilizing today at Emory Hillandale has improved the workflows for our nursing staff as a whole,” says Edna Brisco, MSN, RN, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Emory Hillandale Hospital. “Mac lets the nurses move through their day more swiftly, while iPad brings important health information to our patients’ fingertips. It’s a game changer for how we provide care.”

Emory Healthcare — and healthcare systems in general — host some of the most private and personal data, whether it’s health records or a patient’s personal information. Around the world, hospitals are facing increased cybersecurity threats that could put their staff and patients at risk.

Apple products are designed with privacy and security at their core, working to keep healthcare organizations’ and their patients’ data safe.

Looking ahead, Emory Healthcare and Epic are exploring new ways to innovate patient care and support with Apple devices. Clinicians are also testing new technology like Apple Vision Pro in their surgical planning and research, paving the way for the next phase of care.

“I want to be involved in everything related to this transformation,” says Dr. La Barrie. “I think this is the future of healthcare, and as healthcare providers, we should always be looking toward the horizon.”

Press Contacts

Zaina Khachadourian

Apple

zkhachadourian@apple.com

Andrea Schubert

Apple

a_schubert@apple.com

Apple Media Helpline

media.help@apple.com

MIL OSI Economics –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Colonial-era borders create conflict in Africa’s oceans – how to resolve them

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, Lecturer in Sustainable Futures, University of St Andrews

Africa has 38 coastal and island nations. Their maritime industries – including energy, tourism, maritime transport, shipping and fishing – play a crucial role in developing these nations.

Key to harnessing these resources are Africa’s maritime boundaries – lines on a map showing the legal divisions of the ocean between neighbouring coastal states.

Some of these boundaries were created by colonial powers and kept after independence. Their purpose was to achieve territorial security and ensure the exclusive exploitation of resources and to maintain navigational freedom.

But Africa’s maritime boundaries sometimes lead to conflict, prevent cooperation on resource management and create room for maritime crimes, like illegal fishing. This is because they are often contested. Countries have overlapping claims and varying interests in resource exploration. This is common in maritime areas rich in oil, gas and fisheries, and deep seabed resources.

In our recent paper we found that using international law to resolve maritime boundaries does not always bring peace, especially when it results in ceding the disputed area to one party. It can result in animosity between countries and breed room for continued distrust among peoples.

Today, Africa has the most unresolved maritime boundary disputes in the world and the lowest number of settled boundary disputes.

As more ocean resources are discovered, climate change may heighten disputes. Rising sea levels can gradually submerge maritime zones, potentially affecting the baselines from which these zones are measured. This could create uncertainty or trigger new conflicts.

In our paper, we suggest a collaborative approach to resolving maritime disputes. We hope that this will help prevent many African countries from missing out on the benefits of their oceans.

Price of disputed boundaries

Disagreements over maritime boundaries can have many negative effects.

Research has shown that criminal activities tend to increase in disputed maritime boundaries. For instance, illegal fishers are aware that because there is dispute over a border, there will also be enforcement gaps.

Countries in dispute will also not work together and will not be sending patrols to contested areas. For instance, in 2016, a Chinese vessel escaped into Sierra Leone to avoid capture. When Guinean naval forces boarded the vessel for enforcement, there was an exchange of fire and 11 Guineans were detained by Sierra Leone.

When boundaries are disputed, it also means that local fishers are likely to encroach into neighbouring waters, often unknowingly, in search of better catches. Given the significance of fisheries to coastal livelihoods and the extent of depletion, this threatens peace and security. It fuels tension between communities and countries over access to dwindling resources.

Disagreements over maritime boundaries also diminish maritime security cooperation, complicate joint patrols, and divert attention from tackling shared threats such as piracy.

Colonialism never ended

Unfortunately, resolving maritime boundary disputes is complicated by a principle in international law known as uti possidetis juris – “as you possess under law”.

The principle says that when countries argue over borders, international law, built around colonial-era boundaries, is used to decide who gets what. This creates a “winner-takes-all” approach – one side gains control over the disputed area and resources. International courts, like the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, follow the provisions of law reinforcing uti possidetis.

Our examination of maritime boundary disputes in west and central Africa found that the principle of uti possidetis juris had failed to alleviate maritime boundary tensions. In some cases, it has exacerbated them.

One example is a maritime dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria decided in 2002. The dispute was over who had control of Bakassi, an oil-rich region, and its maritime frontier.

The uti possidetis juris principle upheld the lines drawn at the time of Nigeria’s independence and resulted in the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon. The impact of the resolution lingers. To date, thousands of displaced Bakassi people that returned to Nigeria have yet to be resettled and reintegrated. Disputes also continue between fishers from Nigeria and Cameroonian law enforcement agents. In extreme cases, it results in death, like the alleged killing of 97 Nigerian fishers by Cameroonian marine police.

The way forward

In our paper, we recommend that courts, tribunals or disputing countries consider joint management agreements to resolve maritime disputes. Under such agreements, countries share and manage disputed maritime resources.

These agreements will allow for the joint management of shared resources. It will also encourage cooperation and collaboration in other areas, such as joint operations to combat illegal fishing and piracy. While international courts may apply uti possidetis juris as required by law, countries should be encouraged to negotiate special arrangements – such as joint development agreements – as part of the resolution process. Especially in cases where livelihoods and longstanding community ties risk being disrupted by unilateral decisions or the ceding of disputed areas to one party.

While not perfect, this approach has already improved cooperation on security and resource use at sea. It has worked in places like Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire also have a joint management framework in place for their shared boundaries to avoid future disputes.

Prolonged boundary disputes only enable criminal actors to exploit Africa’s resources, undermining collective progress. A shift towards collaborative solutions is essential for achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.

Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood receives funding from the PEW Charitable Trust and the Research Council of Norway. The St Andrews Research Internship Scheme (StARIS) supported the initial peer-reviewed research.

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

– ref. Colonial-era borders create conflict in Africa’s oceans – how to resolve them – https://theconversation.com/colonial-era-borders-create-conflict-in-africas-oceans-how-to-resolve-them-248577

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: UK Committee Corridor, Episode 3 out now 🎧

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

New episode out now!
In the 3rd episode of Committee Corridor Season 5, EAC Chair @toby-perkins-mp leads the conversation on aviation, airport expansion, and the impact on the UK’s net zero goals

If you’re into climate policy, transport, or Parliament’s role in shaping a greener future, this one’s for you.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

#CommitteeCorridor #HouseofCommons #Aviation #Sustainability #UKPolitics #SelectCommittees

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMbi50YxzAo

MIL OSI Video –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New investment in regeneration boosts growth and jobs in Port Talbot
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release

New investment in regeneration boosts growth and jobs in Port Talbot

English

Cymraeg

More than £20 million in funding announced from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board
More than £20 million announced for regeneration projects in the Port Talbot area.

More than £20 million in funding from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board for three local regeneration schemes.

This major investment will support more than 270 jobs in steel community.

Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board has announced more than £70m funding in past nine months.

A new investment of £21.2 million for regeneration projects will support more than 270 jobs and see the creation of additional construction jobs in the Port Talbot area following the planned announcement today (22 May) of the latest release of funding from the Tata Steel /Port Talbot Transition Board.

Pending endorsement by the Transition Board when it meets today, funding of £21.2 million will be allocated for three more regeneration projects in the Port Talbot area, which will bring an estimated £119 million in GVA benefits to the local economy.

The three projects are:

Creation of an Advanced Manufacturing Production Facility (AMPF) and National Net Zero Skills Centre of Excellence Harbourside, Port Talbot

£12.5 million to help create a £35 million production and training centre to drive forward low carbon and net zero skills training. The AMPF will make specialist equipment and test products, upscaling advanced manufacturing in the region and is also receiving funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal.

AMPF is one of three projects contributing to the establishment of an Innovation District in the Harbourside which will also include the previously announced South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub (SWITCH) project and the development of an Innovation Park.

AMPF, with the National Net Zero Centre of Excellence, will support 170 jobs and engage with 150 companies to generate a Gross Value Added (GVA) of £89.1 million. There will also be additional construction jobs created by this project.

The National Net Zero Skills Centre of Excellence will provide the facilities and capabilities to train and develop the workforce needed for the Celtic Freeport, Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) and other investment opportunities in the future.

Redevelopment of Metal Box and Sandfields Business Centre (Briton Ferry and Port Talbot)

These two projects will convert and expand two existing buildings to provide high quality accommodation to enable tenants to expand and improve access to new business units, encouraging and supporting start-up businesses and those seeking to grow. There is significant demand for business space in Neath Port Talbot which this funding will help address.

A total of £8.7m in Transition Board funding will fully fund the projects, £6.9 million for Metal Box and £1.8 million for Sandfields Business Centre.

Together, it is estimated that the redevelopments will support 101 jobs and create a net additional GVA of £29.9m by 2035.

The £21.2 million investment announced today is the latest from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board, chaired by Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens and including representatives from the UK and Welsh Governments, local authorities, unions and business.

Since its first release of funding in August 2024, it has announced more than £70 million to fund skills training for workers and regeneration projects as Tata Steel carries out its transition to electric arc steelmaking.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

We said we would back the steelworkers of Port Talbot, their families and businesses dependent on Tata Steel.

This latest investment means more than £70 million has been announced by the Transition Board in just nine months, delivering on our promise to the community.

The plans for the Celtic Freeport, development of floating offshore wind, preservation of steelmaking in the town and significant funding for regeneration all mean there is a bright future for Port Talbot.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans MS said:

We remain committed to ensuring those who have been impacted by the Tata transition, including the workforce, supply chain and local community are supported not only in the short term but well into the future.

I am pleased this latest investment of Tata Transition funding will complement City Deal funding and unlock valuable job opportunities, particularly those linked to renewable energy and high value manufacturing.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt said:

As we work closely together in meeting the challenges of decarbonisation, it is vital that we also support local people and businesses to maximise the opportunities it offers.

The investment announced today will provide a significant boost to our ongoing work with partners to promote economic growth and to provide people with the skills needed for the industries of the future.

In the coming months, there will be millions more in funding allocated to growth and regeneration projects in Port Talbot, ensuring that secure well-paid jobs are available in the local area following Tata Steel’s Transition to greener steelmaking.

The UK Government has committed £2.5 billion of investment to rebuild the UK’s steel industry for decades to come as it decarbonises.

This is in addition to the £500 million allocated to Tata Steel in Port Talbot for an electric arc furnace, which recently received planning approval.

ENDS

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Published 22 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Lord Mayor appointed for Stoke-on-Trent

Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

Published: Thursday, 22nd May 2025

The new Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent has officially been appointed.

Councillor Steve Watkins was selected as the city’s latest Lord Mayor during Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s annual council meeting this morning.

Councillor Watkins was first elected as a Labour councillor for Abbey Hulton in May 2023. His appointment comes during a milestone year for the city, as Stoke-on-Trent celebrates 100 years since being granted city status.

Before being elected as a councillor, he worked for 25 years at Royal Doulton and served six years in the military as part of B Company Second Mercian Regiment, which he joined as a reservist in 1982.

Now semi-retired, Councillor Watkins has lived in Stockton Brook for nearly 40 years with his wife – fellow Stoke-on-Trent City Councillor – Lynn Watkins. The couple have two sons and a granddaughter, and Lynn will serve as Lady Mayoress

Councillor Steve Watkins said: “I am delighted to be named First Citizen of this great city, and it means even more to take on the role in our Centenary year.

I’m especially lucky to have my wife by my side who will be making sure I get up, dress up and show up on time.

“Over the next 12 months I will be helping to promote and support our city during our Centenary year and I am looking forward to attending as many events as possible. I would also like to promote the skills and talents of our businesses and neighbourhoods who make up our diverse and inclusive city.”

During his year of office, Councillor Watkins will raise money for his three chosen charities: Help for Heroes, the National Literacy Trust (Stoke-on-Trent) and Saltbox Carelink.

Councillor Joan Bell, who represents the Sandford Hill ward has been appointed Deputy Lord Mayor for the year ahead. Her consort will be her husband Dennis Bell.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reports of raw sewage on Mugiemoss Road at Persley Bridge

Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

Pedestrians and cyclists are asked to avoid the Mugiemoss side of Persley Bridge as there are reports of raw sewage on the road.

Scottish Water is aware of the incident.

People are asked to avoid going into the River Don at Persley Bridge and downstream from the bridge. This includes Seaton Park and the Donmouth area of Aberdeen beach.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Key milestone for plans to transform eyesore site and deliver dozens of new homes

Source: City of Leeds

Plans for new council housing on a site in Leeds currently occupied by dozens of empty run-down flats have taken a significant step forward.

Leeds City Council has for some time been working to secure ownership of all land and property at Kingsdale Court, a complex of 88 flats in the Boggart Hill neighbourhood of Seacroft which have had long-standing issues linked to crime, anti-social behaviour and ineffective management.

As of September last year, 87 of the privately-owned flats – many of which were in a very poor condition and already vacant – had been successfully acquired by the council, along with the freehold for the site and associated management rights.

And today it can be confirmed that the acquisition of the 88^th and final flat has been concluded, bringing the site as a whole into council ownership without any need for the use of compulsory purchase powers.

The deal means that the council can now look to press ahead with the demolition of the eight medium-rise blocks that make up Kingsdale Court.

It will also bring forward development proposals to deliver good quality, energy efficient and affordable new-build council housing on the cleared site.

Detailed design work on the scheme has yet to be completed but at this stage it is hoped that more than 50 homes will be built.

The comprehensive regeneration of the site would support the council and its partners in their efforts to tackle deprivation and improve living standards across the wider Boggart Hill area.

Built around the turn of the 1970s, Kingsdale Court had been in a state of serious decline for many years when the council began its acquisition process in 2020. This involved lengthy negotiations with around 35 individual property owners as well as the freeholder.

Fragmented and failing arrangements for the management and upkeep of the buildings had previously contributed to a dramatic deterioration in housing conditions at a time when problems such as fly tipping, criminal damage and drug use were also causing concern for residents in both Kingsdale Court and the surrounding neighbourhood.

The council has secured vacant possession for the entire site, with former sitting tenants having been offered rehousing assistance tailored to their specific needs.

Hoardings are now due to go up around the site following the completion of the final purchase, keeping it safe and secure while the demolition and home-building plans are progressed.

It is anticipated that the redevelopment work will be carried out as part of Leeds’s Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP).

Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said:

“As a council, we are determined to do everything we can to tackle inequality and boost living standards in communities across Leeds.

“The benefits of our proactive and forward-thinking approach to this work are perfectly illustrated by the comprehensive regeneration plans for Kingsdale Court, where poor-quality private sector housing – coupled with crime and anti-social behaviour – has been a problem for many years.

“My thanks go to everyone at the council who has been involved in the complex process of bringing together the many and varied ownership interests at the flats.

“The conclusion of the final purchase means we can, subject to planning approval, now look to open a bright new chapter for this part of east Leeds.

“The proposed homes will help to ease local affordable housing pressures, while the transformation of the site as a whole will, we believe, have a really positive impact on the wider Boggart Hill and Seacroft areas.”

Around 350 new homes have been built via the council’s CHGP since 2018, with more than 420 homes also being acquired as part of the programme.

Locations where new housing has recently been delivered by the CHGP include Barncroft Close in Seacroft and Scott Hall Drive in Chapel Allerton as well as a site in Middleton formerly occupied by Throstle Recreation Ground and Middleton Skills Centre.

Places where CHGP schemes are currently under construction include Brooklands Avenue in Seacroft, the Ambertons area of Gipton and the former Middlecross Day Centre site in Armley.

ENDS

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Calls for Hub and Civil Service jobs

Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

Dundee City Council leader Cllr Mark Flynn has written to the UK Government asking for clarity on Dundee’s place in plans to relocate more than 50,000 Civil Service jobs outside of London by 2030.

As part of the plans announced on 14^th May 2025, a commitment was made by the UK Government to relocate thousands of civil service jobs to 13 towns and cities across the UK including new opportunities for Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as the creation of a new regional campus in Aberdeen, however Dundee does not feature.

Council Leader Cllr Mark Flynn has written to Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government the Rt Hon Angela Rayner to ask whether opportunities remain for the relocation of civil service jobs to Dundee as well as for the creation of an East Scotland UK Government Hub in the city centre as part of the plans.

Council Leader Mark Flynn said: “We support the commitment to ensuring that more towns and cities benefit from civil service employment and in doing so play a key role in the delivery of a revitalised approach to regional policy and addressing economic disparities in cities like Dundee.

“Over the past decade, the Dundee & Angus area has seen one of the lowest increases in civil service employment, with only a 14% increase, a stark contrast with Glasgow’s 80% growth and Edinburgh 41% rise.

“Despite our efforts to position Dundee as a low-cost, high-quality location for Government agencies which has helped to attract Social Security Scotland’s headquarters in 2019, the city has faced significant setbacks with the closure of UK Government offices, such as HM Revenue and Customs.

“Relocating civil service jobs to Dundee presents a highly cost-effective solution when considering the low cost of city office rents and the affordability of Dundee’s cost of living.

“I have written to the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ask that consideration is given for the creation of a high-profile East Scotland UK Government Hub strategically located in Dundee’s city centre.

“The creation of a prominent, centralised hub in Dundee would help attract further investment into the region, while enabling people from our city to support in UK Government decision-making processes.”

Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure Convener Cllr Steven Rome added: “We have raised the matter with the UK Government at every available opportunity including through a meeting with the Secretary of State for Scotland The Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, at a previous visit to the city made by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth) Alex Norris MP and when I recently wrote to Michael Shanks MP.

“We would welcome the chance to discuss further how Dundee can contribute to the creation of a more balanced civil service presence across the UK.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025

Category: Europe

Price of disputed boundaries

Colonialism never ended

The way forward

New investment in regeneration boosts growth and jobs in Port Talbot

Creation of an Advanced Manufacturing Production Facility (AMPF) and National Net Zero Skills Centre of Excellence Harbourside, Port Talbot

Redevelopment of Metal Box and Sandfields Business Centre (Briton Ferry and Port Talbot)

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