NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: PureVoltage Hosting Increases New York City Footprint with Major Telehouse / KDDI Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Staten Island, NY, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PureVoltage Hosting, a premier provider of high-performance infrastructure and enterprise-grade hosting solutions, is proud to announce a major expansion of its presence at the Telehouse facility located at 7 Teleport Drive in Staten Island, New York. This move continues to solidify PureVoltage as the largest client operating at 7 Teleport and marks a continued commitment to delivering scalable, resilient, and cutting-edge infrastructure services to customers worldwide. 

    Significant Capacity Expansion and Power Investment  

    PureVoltage’s latest expansion includes the addition of multiple private suites and dedicated offices within the 7 Teleport campus. The new deployment brings an additional 96 secure private-locking racks and 500kW (half a megawatt) of power to its infrastructure portfolio, enabling the company to support a broader range of enterprise, cloud, colocation and AI workloads with unparalleled reliability and flexibility.  

    “Our expansion with Telehouse has been instrumental in helping us deliver consistently exceptional service,” said Jake Terepocki, CEO of PureVoltage. “This expansion reflects our long-term vision and dedication to offering reliable infrastructure for our customers’ mission-critical operations.”  

    With over 12 years of uninterrupted service at the Telehouse facility, PureVoltage has built a legacy of resilience. Even during catastrophic events such as Hurricane Sandy, PureVoltage remained fully online without any power-related downtime, a testament to both its robust infrastructure and Telehouse’s Tier III-certified environment.  

    The expansion further strengthens PureVoltage’s network capabilities. As part of this deployment, PureVoltage has increased its connectivity to the New York International Internet Exchange (NYIIX), now boasting over 800Gbps of capacity. This ensures ultra-low latency and lightning-fast routing to major carriers, ISPs, and global networks.    

    Robust Features and Custom Solutions  

    Customers hosted at PureVoltage’s NYC facility can benefit from:  

    • Private cages and enterprise suites tailored to specific needs  
    • AI-ready infrastructure with high-density power and rapid provisioning  
    • DDoS protection and 24/7 proactive network monitoring  
    • Carrier-neutral bandwidth and direct access to major Tier 1 providers  
    • Modular, burstable power configurations  
    • Flexible SLAs, fast turnaround, and full equipment lifecycle management  
    • Compliance-ready environments (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA support)  
    • Remote hands, secure access control, and fully staffed operations 

    Whether clients are deploying AI training clusters, fintech workloads, or high-availability applications, PureVoltage’s infrastructure is designed to scale seamlessly.    

    A Vision for Scalable, Global Infrastructure  

    As PureVoltage continues to expand across key markets including New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Tampa and Chicago, its relationship with Telehouse remains a cornerstone for future growth. The Staten Island facility offers proximity to Manhattan with the elevation, security, and uptime enterprises need to thrive in a digital-first economy.  

    PureVoltage’s expansion underscores its mission:  

    Our mission is to provide dependable, scalable, and cost-efficient solutions, customized to meet the unique needs of our customers. We provide enterprise-grade hosting services designed to be robust, reliable, and prepared for future demands, particularly those associated with emerging AI and data centric workloads.  

    About Telehouse / KDDI  

    Telehouse, a global data center and colocation provider, is a subsidiary of KDDI Corporation one of Japan’s largest telecommunications companies. Operating over 45 data centers worldwide, Telehouse offers carrier-neutral colocation services, cloud interconnection, and a robust ecosystem of ISPs and service providers.  

    The 7 Teleport Staten Island campus is a strategic, highly resilient Tier III-certified data center known for its elevated geographic location, disaster resilience, and record of long-term uptime. As part of the KDDI Corporation, Telehouse brings both global scale and localized technical excellence to support enterprise digital transformation. 

    About PureVoltage  

    PureVoltage Hosting is a leading infrastructure provider specializing in Dedicated Servers, Bare Metal, Colocation, and scalable Cloud VPS solutions (BOLT). Built with a focus on performance, availability, and transparency, PureVoltage supports businesses of all sizes, from growing startups to large-scale global deployments.  

    With a national presence across New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago, PureVoltage delivers:  

    • AI-optimized infrastructure for training and inference workloads  
    • Engineering-first support with real humans available 24/7  
    • Transparent pricing and fast hardware provisioning  
    • Custom solutions for SaaS, gaming, finance, hosting resellers, and more  

    From powering the latest AI innovations to ensuring mission-critical workloads stay online, PureVoltage offers future-proof hosting that scales with your ambitions.

    Learn more at: www.purevoltage.com

    Press inquiries

    PureVoltage Hosting
    https://purevoltage.com
    PureVoltage Media Relations
    press@purevoltage.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kawser Ahmed, Adjunct Professor at the Political Science department, University of Winnipeg

    This week, the RCMP arrested four men in Québec, alleging they were attempting to create an anti-government militia.

    The RCMP used the umbrella term “Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism” to categorize the suspects. Essentially, this means the RCMP alleges they share violent right-wing ideologies. Their arrests raise questions about whether Canada’s problem with right-wing extremism is getting worse.

    The group is accused of storing explosive devices, dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The RCMP seized all of it, and the four suspects are due to appear in Québec City court next week. Three are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, along with weapon-possession offences.

    The suspects include active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to the RCMP. Given the allegations that they were planning terrorist attacks for an extremist militia, the inclusion of army personnel might not be surprising.

    But it could represent a stark manifestation of a deeply troubling and accelerating trend: the rise of violent right-wing extremism and anti-government or anti-authority radicalization within western democracies. This is a shift dramatically exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as many seized the opportunity to spread anti-government ideas based on restricted freedoms.

    Raphaël Lagacé, one of the suspects charged by the RCMP.
    (Instagram)

    Canada not immune to violent movements

    Canada often thinks it’s safe from violent movements, but it’s becoming more vulnerable. This is especially evident in places like Québec, where there has been ideological conflict in the past, including the massacre at a Québec mosque in January 2017.

    However, the threat is also clear on a national level.

    According to a Canadian intelligence report, far-right extremist groups actively recruit past and present members of the military and police.

    There’s also a long-running pattern of militia activity in North America. Activities in the United States show how dangerous it is when violent ideologies spread.

    This includes the nihilistic doctrine of accelerationism, which is a white-supremacist belief that the current state of society cannot be fixed and that the only way to repair it is to destroy and collapse the “system”.

    There are versions of accelerationism on both the right and left.

    The rise in right-wing extremism globally

    The charges in Québec shine a spotlight on the global trend of rising right-wing extremism that has been worsening since 2016.

    In the past decade, white supremacist, anti-government and militia groups have gained traction. That’s due in part to online echo chambers, growing political and social divisions and the rise and rapid spread of conspiracy theories.

    The U.S. is the best and most immediate example. Groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys are well-known, playing a significant role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. These groups are keen to recruit current and former military and law enforcement officers because they know how to handle weapons and use explosives.

    In 2023, the FBI repeatedly said domestic violent extremism continues to pose a threat, especially racially or ethnically motivated extremists and anti-government groups.

    Accelerationism is behind a lot of this violence. It underpins efforts to speed up the disintegration of society through targeted violence and technology, with the goal of starting a racial war or civil war to bring down liberal democratic institutions.

    The Base is an example of this trend. It’s a multinational, trans-border white supremacist network that supports violence to create chaos.

    But this is not just a North American problem. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, far-right members of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment reportedly drew western extremists to their cause, many of whom were looking for paramilitary training, possibly to use against their own governments.

    Canada: The Base, the ‘freedom convoy’

    This global tide doesn’t leave Canada out. The arrests in Québec are the most recent and concerning example.

    Patrik Mathews, a former Canadian Army reservist from Winnipeg, was involved in a well-known Canadian case that involved recruiting for The Base, as well as a plot to harm a journalist, Canadian investigative journalist Ryan Thorpe. His reports in the Winnipeg Free Press exposed Mathew’s membership in the The Base.

    Mathew fled to the U.S. in 2019. The FBI subsequently arrested him and charged him with gun-related crimes and taking part in a riot at a Virginia protest. Mathew is now serving a long prison sentence for his part in what the FBI called a “neo-Nazi plot to instigate a race war in the United States.”

    These examples clearly show how extremists work within national military systems to learn tactical capabilities.

    The so-called “freedom convoy” occupation of Ottawa in 2022 also showed troubling connections between radicalism and some parts of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Investigations found numerous active and former Army members were either actively involved with the convoy or donated a lot of money. Some were found to have posted extreme anti-government views online. Some Army members are also vulnerable to the right-wing ideologies of a “white-ethnostate” fuelled by political rhetoric and hate.

    All of this paints a bleak picture: extremist ideas are slowly taking hold in Canada as adherents aim to leverage military training to spread cynicism in democratic institutions. Previous studies back this up.

    Countering the threat

    To deal with this complicated and changing threat, we need a whole society, integrated approach that includes reliable top-down enforcement and monitoring and proactive, bottom-up societal resilience.

    To quickly disrupt and deter extremist groups, top-down actions are very important. To properly monitor, penetrate and break up violent extremist networks, law enforcement and security services like CSIS and the RCMP need more resources, updated laws and better co-ordination.

    It’s also important for the Canadian Armed Forces and other security-sensitive organizations to have better screening processes to find and purge those with extremist ideas.

    But law enforcement isn’t enough. For one, it could be seen as biased, which could lead to more radicalization. Bottom-up methods are just as important for long-term prevention.

    We need programs that provide teachers, social workers, community leaders and families with the tools they need to spot early signs of radicalization and do something about it in a positive way.



    Read more:
    How not to counter the radical right

    Dialogue, education

    It’s important to teach people how to think critically, read the news to fight false information and learn about civic duties that stress democratic principles and diversity. This is especially critical to fight against rising hate-motivated crimes.

    I am involved in a one such project. It’s called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM). We strive to build resilient communities by creating awareness and early detection of radicalism.

    Dialogue and education are paramount.

    Canada can’t afford to wait for a disaster to happen before acting. It can’t let its soldiers — those tasked with protecting Canadians and Canada’s security — get caught up in right-wing extremism. They are a source of national pride and should remain so.

    Kawser Ahmed has led a Public Safety project called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM)

    – ref. Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism – https://theconversation.com/charges-against-canadian-army-members-in-anti-government-terror-plot-raise-alarms-about-right-wing-extremism-260778

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kawser Ahmed, Adjunct Professor at the Political Science department, University of Winnipeg

    This week, the RCMP arrested four men in Québec, alleging they were attempting to create an anti-government militia.

    The RCMP used the umbrella term “Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism” to categorize the suspects. Essentially, this means the RCMP alleges they share violent right-wing ideologies. Their arrests raise questions about whether Canada’s problem with right-wing extremism is getting worse.

    The group is accused of storing explosive devices, dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The RCMP seized all of it, and the four suspects are due to appear in Québec City court next week. Three are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, along with weapon-possession offences.

    The suspects include active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to the RCMP. Given the allegations that they were planning terrorist attacks for an extremist militia, the inclusion of army personnel might not be surprising.

    But it could represent a stark manifestation of a deeply troubling and accelerating trend: the rise of violent right-wing extremism and anti-government or anti-authority radicalization within western democracies. This is a shift dramatically exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as many seized the opportunity to spread anti-government ideas based on restricted freedoms.

    Raphaël Lagacé, one of the suspects charged by the RCMP.
    (Instagram)

    Canada not immune to violent movements

    Canada often thinks it’s safe from violent movements, but it’s becoming more vulnerable. This is especially evident in places like Québec, where there has been ideological conflict in the past, including the massacre at a Québec mosque in January 2017.

    However, the threat is also clear on a national level.

    According to a Canadian intelligence report, far-right extremist groups actively recruit past and present members of the military and police.

    There’s also a long-running pattern of militia activity in North America. Activities in the United States show how dangerous it is when violent ideologies spread.

    This includes the nihilistic doctrine of accelerationism, which is a white-supremacist belief that the current state of society cannot be fixed and that the only way to repair it is to destroy and collapse the “system”.

    There are versions of accelerationism on both the right and left.

    The rise in right-wing extremism globally

    The charges in Québec shine a spotlight on the global trend of rising right-wing extremism that has been worsening since 2016.

    In the past decade, white supremacist, anti-government and militia groups have gained traction. That’s due in part to online echo chambers, growing political and social divisions and the rise and rapid spread of conspiracy theories.

    The U.S. is the best and most immediate example. Groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys are well-known, playing a significant role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. These groups are keen to recruit current and former military and law enforcement officers because they know how to handle weapons and use explosives.

    In 2023, the FBI repeatedly said domestic violent extremism continues to pose a threat, especially racially or ethnically motivated extremists and anti-government groups.

    Accelerationism is behind a lot of this violence. It underpins efforts to speed up the disintegration of society through targeted violence and technology, with the goal of starting a racial war or civil war to bring down liberal democratic institutions.

    The Base is an example of this trend. It’s a multinational, trans-border white supremacist network that supports violence to create chaos.

    But this is not just a North American problem. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, far-right members of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment reportedly drew western extremists to their cause, many of whom were looking for paramilitary training, possibly to use against their own governments.

    Canada: The Base, the ‘freedom convoy’

    This global tide doesn’t leave Canada out. The arrests in Québec are the most recent and concerning example.

    Patrik Mathews, a former Canadian Army reservist from Winnipeg, was involved in a well-known Canadian case that involved recruiting for The Base, as well as a plot to harm a journalist, Canadian investigative journalist Ryan Thorpe. His reports in the Winnipeg Free Press exposed Mathew’s membership in the The Base.

    Mathew fled to the U.S. in 2019. The FBI subsequently arrested him and charged him with gun-related crimes and taking part in a riot at a Virginia protest. Mathew is now serving a long prison sentence for his part in what the FBI called a “neo-Nazi plot to instigate a race war in the United States.”

    These examples clearly show how extremists work within national military systems to learn tactical capabilities.

    The so-called “freedom convoy” occupation of Ottawa in 2022 also showed troubling connections between radicalism and some parts of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Investigations found numerous active and former Army members were either actively involved with the convoy or donated a lot of money. Some were found to have posted extreme anti-government views online. Some Army members are also vulnerable to the right-wing ideologies of a “white-ethnostate” fuelled by political rhetoric and hate.

    All of this paints a bleak picture: extremist ideas are slowly taking hold in Canada as adherents aim to leverage military training to spread cynicism in democratic institutions. Previous studies back this up.

    Countering the threat

    To deal with this complicated and changing threat, we need a whole society, integrated approach that includes reliable top-down enforcement and monitoring and proactive, bottom-up societal resilience.

    To quickly disrupt and deter extremist groups, top-down actions are very important. To properly monitor, penetrate and break up violent extremist networks, law enforcement and security services like CSIS and the RCMP need more resources, updated laws and better co-ordination.

    It’s also important for the Canadian Armed Forces and other security-sensitive organizations to have better screening processes to find and purge those with extremist ideas.

    But law enforcement isn’t enough. For one, it could be seen as biased, which could lead to more radicalization. Bottom-up methods are just as important for long-term prevention.

    We need programs that provide teachers, social workers, community leaders and families with the tools they need to spot early signs of radicalization and do something about it in a positive way.



    Read more:
    How not to counter the radical right

    Dialogue, education

    It’s important to teach people how to think critically, read the news to fight false information and learn about civic duties that stress democratic principles and diversity. This is especially critical to fight against rising hate-motivated crimes.

    I am involved in a one such project. It’s called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM). We strive to build resilient communities by creating awareness and early detection of radicalism.

    Dialogue and education are paramount.

    Canada can’t afford to wait for a disaster to happen before acting. It can’t let its soldiers — those tasked with protecting Canadians and Canada’s security — get caught up in right-wing extremism. They are a source of national pride and should remain so.

    Kawser Ahmed has led a Public Safety project called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM)

    – ref. Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism – https://theconversation.com/charges-against-canadian-army-members-in-anti-government-terror-plot-raise-alarms-about-right-wing-extremism-260778

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Waterstone Financial Announces Election of New Board Members

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WAUWATOSA, Wis., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waterstone Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBF) announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Molly Mulroy and Laura Piotrowski to serve on the Board of Directors of both WaterStone Bank and Waterstone Financial, effective July 22, 2025.

    “We are honored to have Molly and Laura join the Board of Directors of WaterStone Bank and Waterstone Financial and help guide our organization,” said Pat Lawton, Chair of the Board. “Each brings a wealth of experience, proven strategic leadership skills, and a shared commitment to delivering value to our customers, employees, shareholders, and the communities we serve. We are excited to welcome their respective talents to the Waterstone family.”

    Molly Mulroy currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of WEC Energy Group, one of the nation’s largest electric generation and natural gas delivery holding companies with utility subsidiaries serving 4.7 million customers. Since 2021, she has overseen Administrative Services, Facility Management, Human Resources, IT Services, Supply Chain, IT System Strategy, and Development.

    Previously, Mulroy served as Vice President and Chief Information Officer, leading enterprise-wide information technology, including cybersecurity and infrastructure. Since joining WEC Energy Group in 1999, she has held leadership positions in Customer Service, Finance, Wholesale Energy and Fuels, Regulatory Affairs, and State Government Affairs.

    She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Mulroy is active in the Milwaukee community and currently serves on the board of Milwaukee Ballet and Milwaukee Women, Inc., and chairs the boards of Milwaukee Tech Hub and Next Door Foundation.

    “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Waterstone Financial Board and excited about the opportunities ahead,” said Mulroy. “I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to further the company’s mission, value, and impact.”

    Laura Piotrowski is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Cavendish Vernal, a strategic advisory firm she founded in 2017. Cavendish Vernal provides strategic business planning, executive advising, succession planning, finance and human resource advising, executive coaching, and leadership development services.

    Previously, she was Executive Vice President of The Benefit Companies, where she provided strategic and executional leadership for the organization. Piotrowski has also held senior finance roles, including Chief Financial Officer of Stein’s Garden & Home and Managing Director of Finance for Robert W. Baird & Co.

    She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an Executive MBA from Marquette University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Piotrowski also serves on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southeastern Wisconsin.

    “I am honored to join the WaterStone Board of Directors and excited to contribute to this great organization,” said Piotrowski. “As a business owner, I understand the critical role community-focused banks play in our community.”

    About Waterstone Financial, Inc.
    Waterstone Financial, Inc. is the savings and loan holding company for WaterStone Bank, a community-focused financial institution established in 1921. WaterStone Bank offers a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking products and operates 14 branch locations across southeastern Wisconsin. WaterStone Bank is also the parent company of WaterStone Mortgage Corporation, a national lender licensed in 48 states.

    With a long-standing commitment to innovation, integrity, and community service, Waterstone Financial, Inc. supports the financial and homeownership goals of customers nationwide. For more information about WaterStone Bank, visit wsbonline.com.

    Contact:
    Mark R. Gerke
    Chief Financial Officer
    414-459-4012
    markgerke@wsbonline.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Waterstone Financial Announces Election of New Board Members

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WAUWATOSA, Wis., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waterstone Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBF) announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Molly Mulroy and Laura Piotrowski to serve on the Board of Directors of both WaterStone Bank and Waterstone Financial, effective July 22, 2025.

    “We are honored to have Molly and Laura join the Board of Directors of WaterStone Bank and Waterstone Financial and help guide our organization,” said Pat Lawton, Chair of the Board. “Each brings a wealth of experience, proven strategic leadership skills, and a shared commitment to delivering value to our customers, employees, shareholders, and the communities we serve. We are excited to welcome their respective talents to the Waterstone family.”

    Molly Mulroy currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of WEC Energy Group, one of the nation’s largest electric generation and natural gas delivery holding companies with utility subsidiaries serving 4.7 million customers. Since 2021, she has overseen Administrative Services, Facility Management, Human Resources, IT Services, Supply Chain, IT System Strategy, and Development.

    Previously, Mulroy served as Vice President and Chief Information Officer, leading enterprise-wide information technology, including cybersecurity and infrastructure. Since joining WEC Energy Group in 1999, she has held leadership positions in Customer Service, Finance, Wholesale Energy and Fuels, Regulatory Affairs, and State Government Affairs.

    She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Mulroy is active in the Milwaukee community and currently serves on the board of Milwaukee Ballet and Milwaukee Women, Inc., and chairs the boards of Milwaukee Tech Hub and Next Door Foundation.

    “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Waterstone Financial Board and excited about the opportunities ahead,” said Mulroy. “I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to further the company’s mission, value, and impact.”

    Laura Piotrowski is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Cavendish Vernal, a strategic advisory firm she founded in 2017. Cavendish Vernal provides strategic business planning, executive advising, succession planning, finance and human resource advising, executive coaching, and leadership development services.

    Previously, she was Executive Vice President of The Benefit Companies, where she provided strategic and executional leadership for the organization. Piotrowski has also held senior finance roles, including Chief Financial Officer of Stein’s Garden & Home and Managing Director of Finance for Robert W. Baird & Co.

    She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an Executive MBA from Marquette University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Piotrowski also serves on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southeastern Wisconsin.

    “I am honored to join the WaterStone Board of Directors and excited to contribute to this great organization,” said Piotrowski. “As a business owner, I understand the critical role community-focused banks play in our community.”

    About Waterstone Financial, Inc.
    Waterstone Financial, Inc. is the savings and loan holding company for WaterStone Bank, a community-focused financial institution established in 1921. WaterStone Bank offers a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking products and operates 14 branch locations across southeastern Wisconsin. WaterStone Bank is also the parent company of WaterStone Mortgage Corporation, a national lender licensed in 48 states.

    With a long-standing commitment to innovation, integrity, and community service, Waterstone Financial, Inc. supports the financial and homeownership goals of customers nationwide. For more information about WaterStone Bank, visit wsbonline.com.

    Contact:
    Mark R. Gerke
    Chief Financial Officer
    414-459-4012
    markgerke@wsbonline.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FormFactor to Announce Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on July 30th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LIVERMORE, Calif., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FormFactor, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORM) will report financial results for its 2025 fiscal second quarter on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, at 1:25 p.m. Pacific Time. The public is invited to listen to a live webcast of FormFactor’s conference call on the Investors section of the company’s web site at www.formfactor.com.

    To Listen via Telephone: Preregistration is required.  Please preregister by clicking here.

    Upon registering, you will be emailed a dial-in number, direct passcode and unique PIN.

    A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. The replay will be available on the Investors section of our website www.formfactor.com.

    About FormFactor:
    FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM) is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full IC life cycle – from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor’s products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The Company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.formfactor.com.

    FORM-F

    Investor Contact
    Stan Finkelstein
    Investor Relations
    (925) 290-4273
    ir@formfactor.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FormFactor to Announce Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on July 30th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LIVERMORE, Calif., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FormFactor, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORM) will report financial results for its 2025 fiscal second quarter on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, at 1:25 p.m. Pacific Time. The public is invited to listen to a live webcast of FormFactor’s conference call on the Investors section of the company’s web site at www.formfactor.com.

    To Listen via Telephone: Preregistration is required.  Please preregister by clicking here.

    Upon registering, you will be emailed a dial-in number, direct passcode and unique PIN.

    A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. The replay will be available on the Investors section of our website www.formfactor.com.

    About FormFactor:
    FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM) is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full IC life cycle – from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor’s products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The Company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.formfactor.com.

    FORM-F

    Investor Contact
    Stan Finkelstein
    Investor Relations
    (925) 290-4273
    ir@formfactor.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lexington Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Meth, Repeat Gun Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Curtis Hill, III, 36, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on three different occasions, Hill sold methamphetamine to confidential sources. On one of these occasions, Hill was in possession of firearms. In a separate incident, following these drug buys, Hill ran from officers following traffic stop, where he tossed methamphetamine during the chase. These drugs were ultimately recovered by law enforcement and a firearm was found in his vehicle.

    At the time of these offenses, Hill was on federal supervised release. Hill has previous convictions for assault and battery, common law robbery, assault battery of a high and aggravated nature, and a federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Hill to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Judge Lydon further sentenced him to 24 months imprisonment for violation of his supervised release, which is to run concurrent with his 15-year sentence.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the West Columbia Police Department, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dedham Man Pleads Guilty to Submitting Multiple Fraudulent Bank Loan Applications

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Dedham man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to bank fraud and money laundering.

    Wyoming Killingbarrows, 30, who was born with the name Patricio Junio Brito Pontes Barros, pleaded guilty to four counts of bank fraud and one count of money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Oct. 2, 2025. Killingbarrows was charged by Information in April 2025.

    Between June 2, 2021 and July 17, 2021, Killingbarrows submitted 18 fraudulent bank loan applications. In the various loan applications, Killingbarrows used his birth name of Patricio Barros, misrepresented his income, and submitted fraudulent paystubs from a company in support of his applications. Based on these misrepresentations, various banks issued loans to Killingbarrows totaling $329,002. Killingbarrows failed to pay back any of the loans and used the money for various personal expenses, including investments.

    The charges of bank fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The money laundering charge provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transaction. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.  

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Randy Maloney, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owings Mills Couple Sentenced for Roles in $20-Million Insurance Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced James William Wilson, Jr., 78, and his wife, Maureen Ann Wilson, 77, both of Owings Mills, Maryland, to federal prison for their roles in connection with an insurance fraud scheme.

    James Wilson received 12 years for 13 counts of fraud, three counts of money laundering, two counts of filing false tax returns, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Maureen Wilson was sentenced to four years for one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, one count of money laundering, and two counts of filing a false return.  Both were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $18,705,520.30 and the Court entered a forfeiture order including over $14.8 million in seized funds.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation – Washington, D.C. Field Office.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the Wilsons conspired to defraud life-insurance companies by securing more than 40 life-insurance policies. The scheme included mispresenting policy applicants’ health, wealth, and existing life-insurance coverage. Total death benefits from these policies exceeded $20 million.

    Additionally, James Wilson, a former Maryland life insurance broker, defrauded individual investors to receive funds that he used to pay premiums on the fraudulently obtained life-insurance policies. The Wilsons concealed the fraud by transferring the proceeds to multiple bank accounts, including accounts in the name of trusts. Then the Wilsons filed false individual income-tax returns for 2018 and 2019, which concealed the fraudulent proceeds from each year, approximately $5.7 million and $2 million, respectively.

    After obtaining the policies, the Wilsons used forged signatures to make themselves, and other nominees they controlled, the owners and beneficiaries of the life insurance policies.  Maureen Wilson also impersonated other people when speaking with the life insurance companies.

    The IRS-CI investigated the case, with assistance from the Maryland Insurance Administration and the Maryland Office of The Attorney General.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew P. Phelps and Philip Motsay and Trial Attorneys Shawn Noud and Richard Kelley, who prosecuted the federal case.  Ms. Hayes also thanks Trial Attorney Stephanie Williamson, from the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, who assisted with the forfeiture proceedings.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multi-State Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOISE – Rito Salazar, 59, of Nampa, was sentenced to 182 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Salazar to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    According to court records, Salazar was sending a courier to California monthly to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine and transporting them to Idaho. He would then redistribute the methamphetamine to local street dealers in Idaho for further distribution. Salazar has an extensive criminal history and has previously been convicted of drug trafficking crimes at the state level.

    “This investigation is an excellent example of the success achieved when local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office partner to disrupt multi-state drug traffickers.” said Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott. “As our population grows, so does drug traffickers’ access to larger supplies of drugs. Ensuring drug traffickers are held accountable for bringing these dangerous drugs to Idaho is among the highest priorities of Idaho’s local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.”  

    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the collaborative investigation efforts of the Boise Police Department’s Boise Area Narcotic Drug Interdiction Team (BANDIT), the Canyon County City and County Narcotics Unit (CCNU), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Sacramento Field Office’s Fresno Resident Agency, which led to the charges. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey A. Manweiler prosecuted the case.

    This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Announces Airport Improvement Program Grants for Local NY-23 Airports

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a series of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to local NY-23 airports: $731,951 to the Corning-Painted Post Airport, $394,724 to the Akron Jesson Field Airport, $386,272 to the Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport, and $201,400 to the Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport.

     

    Specifically, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded an AIP grant to the Town of Erwin Industrial Development Agency to fund the final phase of construction at Corning-Painted Post Airport. This project will rehabilitate 3,269 feet of an existing paved runway to maintain the structural integrity.

     

    At Akron Jesson Field Airport, an AIP grant was awarded to Christian Airmen Inc. to conduct an initial pavement survey and develop a new pavement management plan.

     

    At Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport, an AIP grant was awarded to Lancaster Airport Inc. to conduct an initial pavement study and develop a new pavement management plan.

     

    At Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport, an AIP grant was awarded to the County of Chautauqua to reconstruct the existing Terminal Apron lighting and to reconstruct 13,900 square yards of existing Terminal Apron pavement.

     

    “Investing in our local airports is essential to strengthening our regional infrastructure and economy,”said Congressman Langworthy.“I’m proud to support these FAA grants, which will make necessary upgrades that improve safety, access, and future growth opportunities for our communities.”

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Secures Massive Win for Central New York in the One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today highlighted the historic investment she championed for Central New York through the One Big Beautiful Bill, which delivers critical support for America’s semiconductor industry and advanced manufacturing sector.

    The enhancement of the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit, included in the One Big Beautiful Bill, is a key provision designed to expand domestic semiconductor manufacturing and restore America’s leadership in this vital strategic sector. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Tenney led more than 20 of her colleagues in introducing the Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit (BASIC) Act, which aimed to extend and increase this critical tax credit.

    The One Big Beautiful Bill represents the most significant tax and investment package in a generation, designed to strengthen American industry, secure supply chains, and bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States.

    “Preserving and increasing the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit in the One Big Beautiful Bill sends a clear message that the United States is committed to long-term technological leadership and competitiveness. This will level the playing field for American companies, create good-paying jobs, and ensure that Micron and other major employers continue to invest and grow here in New York. I was honored to lead on this effort in the House and look forward to the positive impact this legislation will have on Central New York and our national economy,” said Congresswoman Tenney. 

    “We thank Congresswoman Tenney for her leadership on the BASIC Act, which increased the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit – a key provision included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Micron strongly supported this legislation, which strengthens U.S. manufacturing, drives innovation, and helps develop Upstate New York’s burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem as well as other hubs across America,” said Sanjay Mehrotra, Micron Chairman, President, and CEO.

    “Reshoring the advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industries is critical for both economic and national security. Thanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Tenney to preserve and increase the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit, Onondaga County and Central New York are even closer to becoming the national epicenter for memory technology semiconductor manufacturing,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon.

    “Congresswoman Tenney’s BASIC Act was the foundation for the inclusion and expansion of the semiconductor advanced manufacturing tax credit in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This provision is vital to maintain U.S. global competitiveness as we reshore critical semiconductor manufacturing. We thank the Congresswoman for her leadership and for being a champion of our industry,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, Executive Chairman of GlobalFoundries

    “Increasing the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit advances Syracuse’s emergence as a leader in domestic chip production,” said Ben Sio, acting president and CEO at CenterState CEO. “This support cements the region’s role as a vital hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation, while also bolstering our national defense and economic resilience.”

    “Securing the increase of the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit through the One Big Beautiful Bill is a significant win for New York and its goal of being the leader in semiconductor manufacturing. We applaud Congresswoman Tenney for leading the fight on this legislation that will undoubtedly create jobs and grow New York’s economy for years to come,” said Heather Mulligan, President and CEO, The Business Council of New York State.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Convicted Child Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Accessing Child Sexual Abuse Materials Using the Internet

    Source: US FBI

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Sean-Michael Smith (36, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using the internet to access child sexual abuse materials. Smith faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. Smith is a registered child sex offender who was convicted in federal court in 2014 of distributing videos and photos of children being sexually abused. Smith was arrested on December 18, 2024, and remains in federal custody pending his sentencing hearing scheduled for September 29, 2025.

    According to court records, after serving his federal prison sentence and while on supervised release, Smith admitted to his probation officer that he had drawn sketches depicting nude children and had also accessed the internet several times. On December 10, 2024, U.S. Probation Officers conducted a search of Smith’s residence for contraband evidence. During an interview, Smith admitted that he had accessed child sexual abuse materials online during August, September, and December 2024. He advised that he used a particular device to access these materials. Probation Officers seized this device and turned it over to the FBI for further investigation.

    On February 18, 2025, an FBI agent extracted the contents of the device’s computer chip and found approximately 35 photos depicting young children being sexually abused. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

    It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raises alarms about right-wing extremism

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kawser Ahmed, Adjunct Professor at the Political Science department, University of Winnipeg

    This week, the RCMP arrested four men in Québec, alleging they were attempting to create an anti-government militia.

    The RCMP used the umbrella term “Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism” to categorize the suspects. Essentially, this means the RCMP alleges they share violent right-wing ideologies. Their arrests raise questions about whether Canada’s problem with right-wing extremism is getting worse.

    The group is accused of storing explosive devices, dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The RCMP seized all of it, and the four suspects are due to appear in Québec City court next week. Three are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, along with weapon-possession offences.

    The suspects include active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to the RCMP. Given the allegations that they were planning terrorist attacks for an extremist militia, the inclusion of army personnel might not be surprising.

    But it could represent a stark manifestation of a deeply troubling and accelerating trend: the rise of violent right-wing extremism and anti-government or anti-authority radicalization within western democracies. This is a shift dramatically exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as many seized the opportunity to spread anti-government ideas based on restricted freedoms.

    Raphaël Lagacé, one of the suspects charged by the RCMP.
    (Instagram)

    Canada not immune to violent movements

    Canada often thinks it’s safe from violent movements, but it’s becoming more vulnerable. This is especially evident in places like Québec, where there has been ideological conflict in the past, including the massacre at a Québec mosque in January 2017.

    However, the threat is also clear on a national level.

    According to a Canadian intelligence report, far-right extremist groups actively recruit past and present members of the military and police.

    There’s also a long-running pattern of militia activity in North America. Activities in the United States show how dangerous it is when violent ideologies spread.

    This includes the nihilistic doctrine of accelerationism, which is a white-supremacist belief that the current state of society cannot be fixed and that the only way to repair it is to destroy and collapse the “system”.

    There are versions of accelerationism on both the right and left.

    The rise in right-wing extremism globally

    The charges in Québec shine a spotlight on the global trend of rising right-wing extremism that has been worsening since 2016.

    In the past decade, white supremacist, anti-government and militia groups have gained traction. That’s due in part to online echo chambers, growing political and social divisions and the rise and rapid spread of conspiracy theories.

    The U.S. is the best and most immediate example. Groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys are well-known, playing a significant role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. These groups are keen to recruit current and former military and law enforcement officers because they know how to handle weapons and use explosives.

    In 2023, the FBI repeatedly said domestic violent extremism continues to pose a threat, especially racially or ethnically motivated extremists and anti-government groups.

    Accelerationism is behind a lot of this violence. It underpins efforts to speed up the disintegration of society through targeted violence and technology, with the goal of starting a racial war or civil war to bring down liberal democratic institutions.

    The Base is an example of this trend. It’s a multinational, trans-border white supremacist network that supports violence to create chaos.

    But this is not just a North American problem. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, far-right members of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment reportedly drew western extremists to their cause, many of whom were looking for paramilitary training, possibly to use against their own governments.

    Canada: The Base, the ‘freedom convoy’

    This global tide doesn’t leave Canada out. The arrests in Québec are the most recent and concerning example.

    Patrik Mathews, a former Canadian Army reservist from Winnipeg, was involved in a well-known Canadian case that involved recruiting for The Base, as well as a plot to harm a journalist, Canadian investigative journalist Ryan Thorpe. His reports in the Winnipeg Free Press exposed Mathew’s membership in the The Base.

    Mathew fled to the U.S. in 2019. The FBI subsequently arrested him and charged him with gun-related crimes and taking part in a riot at a Virginia protest. Mathew is now serving a long prison sentence for his part in what the FBI called a “neo-Nazi plot to instigate a race war in the United States.”

    These examples clearly show how extremists work within national military systems to learn tactical capabilities.

    The so-called “freedom convoy” occupation of Ottawa in 2022 also showed troubling connections between radicalism and some parts of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Investigations found numerous active and former Army members were either actively involved with the convoy or donated a lot of money. Some were found to have posted extreme anti-government views online. Some Army members are also vulnerable to the right-wing ideologies of a “white-ethnostate” fuelled by political rhetoric and hate.

    All of this paints a bleak picture: extremist ideas are slowly taking hold in Canada as adherents aim to leverage military training to spread cynicism in democratic institutions. Previous studies back this up.

    Countering the threat

    To deal with this complicated and changing threat, we need a whole society, integrated approach that includes reliable top-down enforcement and monitoring and proactive, bottom-up societal resilience.

    To quickly disrupt and deter extremist groups, top-down actions are very important. To properly monitor, penetrate and break up violent extremist networks, law enforcement and security services like CSIS and the RCMP need more resources, updated laws and better co-ordination.

    It’s also important for the Canadian Armed Forces and other security-sensitive organizations to have better screening processes to find and purge those with extremist ideas.

    But law enforcement isn’t enough. For one, it could be seen as biased, which could lead to more radicalization. Bottom-up methods are just as important for long-term prevention.

    We need programs that provide teachers, social workers, community leaders and families with the tools they need to spot early signs of radicalization and do something about it in a positive way.



    Read more:
    How not to counter the radical right

    Dialogue, education

    It’s important to teach people how to think critically, read the news to fight false information and learn about civic duties that stress democratic principles and diversity. This is especially critical to fight against rising hate-motivated crimes.

    I am involved in a one such project. It’s called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM). We strive to build resilient communities by creating awareness and early detection of radicalism.

    Dialogue and education are paramount.

    Canada can’t afford to wait for a disaster to happen before acting. It can’t let its soldiers — those tasked with protecting Canadians and Canada’s security — get caught up in right-wing extremism. They are a source of national pride and should remain so.

    Kawser Ahmed has led a Public Safety project called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM)

    – ref. Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raises alarms about right-wing extremism – https://theconversation.com/charges-against-canadian-army-members-in-anti-government-terror-plot-raises-alarms-about-right-wing-extremism-260778

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus man sentenced to life in prison for drug, firearm, sex trafficking crimes

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant used violence & drug withdrawals to sex traffic women, caused overdose death

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – David Price, 56, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to life plus a consecutive 65 years in prison for his role in a narcotics distribution ring involving bulk amounts of fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine and other narcotics. The defendant purposefully provided a narcotics mix to cause the overdose death of an adult female because she was talking to the police about his drug trafficking. Price also sex-trafficked victims through drug withdrawals and violence.

    A federal jury found Price guilty on all counts following a trial in January and February before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.

    As part of this case, which charged 25 total defendants, the government seized more than $1.7 million, 50 firearms and nine vehicles, including a motorcycle.

    A multi-agency law enforcement task force initially announced the case in July 2022 after a federal grand jury initially indicted 11 defendants for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine in central Ohio within 1,000 feet of a Columbus elementary school.

    A superseding indictment returned in October 2022 charged additional co-conspirators with distributing those same drugs in addition to methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, Xanax and Oxycodone.

    Price, who is also known as “DP,” was charged in a third superseding indictment in December 2024 with 11 drug, firearm and sex trafficking crimes.

    According to court documents and trial testimony, Price was part of a conspiracy to distribute and possess to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 280 grams or more of “crack” cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin, as well as marijuana, oxycodone and alprazolam. The drug trafficking organization operated from January 2008 until it was dismantled by law enforcement in 2022.

    Drug offenses took place at residences on Burgess and Harris avenues, which are within 1,000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School.

    In July 2021, Price distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine that resulted in the overdose death of an adult female. The testimony at trial indicated he purposefully killed her because she was talking to the police about his drug business.

    The government also proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that Price conspired to commit sex trafficking. From 2016 until 2022, Price and other members of the conspiracy would force and/or coerce adult female drug addicts into performing commercial sex acts by providing, withholding, or threatening to withhold controlled substances and lodging. Investigation showed that various women would be allowed to stay at a drug residence associated with Price, receive a front of drugs so they were not in active withdrawal, go to Sullivant Avenue and have sex for money, pay the debt from the front drugs, and then be allowed to remain at the house.

    Price was also found guilty of three counts of sex trafficking related to his violence and coercion of three adult females. The testimony at trial indicated that he would lock the females inside his residence for days or weeks at a time and refuse to let them leave, forcing them to engage in sex acts. One victim was locked in a dog cage, shot and stabbed by Price. Another was restrained. A third was beaten and choked and left with a black eye. Price would refuse to provide them drugs unless or until they engaged in the sex acts, forcing them into withdrawal if they did not comply.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission task force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kenner Man Guilty of Violating Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that TEVIN BORNES (“BORNES”), age 31, a resident of Kenner, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 2, 2025, to violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.

    According to court documents, in response to a complaint, law enforcement searched BORNES’ apartment on July 31, 2023 and seized 12.5 grams of marijuana, 47.74 grams of pure crystal methamphetamine, 9.75 grams of cocaine base, 137.22 grams of methamphetamine, 14.5 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and 4 firearms, including: a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, equipped with a machinegun conversion device, a Pioneer Arms Model Sporter, 7.62 millimeter caliber semi-automatic rifle, a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Del-Ton DTI-15, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

    BORNES pled guilty to Counts 1 through 4 of the indictment. Count 1 of the indictment charged BORNES with possession, with intent to distribute, 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and quantities of cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).  For this offense, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

    Count 2 charged BORNES with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  For this offense, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years supervised release.

    Count 3 charged BORNES with possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o).  For this offense, he faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release.

    Count 4 charged BORNES with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).  For this offense, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For each of the charged counts, BORNES also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Kenner Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit oversees the prosecution.

    *   *   *

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Public hearing with Dominique Laboureix, Chair of the Single Resolution Board – 09-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This briefing has been prepared for the public hearing with the Chair of the Single Resolution Board (SRB), Dominique Laboureix, scheduled for 15 July 2025 in the ECON Committee. Content: 1. SRB’s 2024 Annual Report 2. Regular reporting on MREL (Q4 2024) 3. End 2024 resolvability assessment 4. New external expertise on (1) banks’ competitiveness and (2) real estate risks 5. Consultation on valuation capabilities 6. Consultation on resolvability testing for banks 7. Updated guidance on trading books 8. Deal reached in trilogues on CMDI 9. Investment funds and bail-in instruments: structural vulnerabilities in the EU resolution framework

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Northridge Insurance Agent Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for $3.7 Million Fine Art Insurance Policy Scam

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A Nevada woman was sentenced today to 50 months in federal prison for defrauding a lender out of $3.7 million by submitting bogus applications for fine art insurance policies for commercial clients, but instead using the money for herself.

    Tonja Van Roy, 59, of Las Vegas, but who formerly operated a Northridge-based insurance agency, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson, who also ordered her to pay $1,880,237 in restitution.

    Van Roy pleaded guilty on January 6 to one count of wire fraud.

    According to court documents, Van Roy owned and ran Pegasus Insurance, a Northridge company that specialized in insurance policies covering art collections. From January 2021 to December 2023, Van Roy created and submitted dozens of fraudulent finance agreements to AFCO Credit Corp., a Lake Forest, Illinois-based provider of insurance premium finance, purportedly to finance insurance policies she claimed to have sold to art galleries.

    Van Roy made up the insurance policy numbers she used and forged the electronic signatures for fictitious insureds. She used the borrowed money to fund her lifestyle, which included payments on dozens of credit cards. When the loans from AFCO came due, Van Roy submitted additional fraudulent finance agreements to AFCO, and used the proceeds from the new loans to make it appear as though the old loans had been repaid.

    “[Van Roy] embarked on a sophisticated, multiyear scheme to borrow fraudulently over $3.7 million dollars using her insider’s knowledge of the insurance industry,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[She] has more than 25 years of experience working as an insurance agent, during which time she sold countless insurance policies and worked for many different insurance agencies before founding her own; she had an expert’s understanding of the industry, which allowed her to manipulate her victims and avoid detection for years.”

    Homeland Security Investigations and the California Department of Insurance investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former bank employee arrested, charged with illegally accessing customer accounts and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Damani Brown, 28, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud and conspiracy to commit access device fraud, computer fraud and conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in August 2024, a Rochester area bank reported to the FBI that, over a couple of weeks in July and August, someone accessed the online accounts of approximately 12 customers and transferred funds out of those accounts. Following an internal review, the bank determined that Brown, a bank employee, used his employee credentials to look up each of the victim accounts around the time that the accounts were unlawfully accessed. Brown was able to see whether the victim customers had ever registered their online accounts, their bank member number and social security number. Shortly after Brown performed a lookup, a co-conspirator registered the victim customer’s online account.

    In total, Brown and/or his co-conspirator transferred approximately $477,000 from the 12 accounts without the knowledge or consent of the customers. The money was transferred to other, third-party accounts at the bank, and ultimately, approximately $327,000 was withdrawn as cash from various local branches or funds were transferred through CashApp. Within a few days of these fraudulent transfers, a number of the victims contacted the bank to report the unauthorized activity on their accounts.

    In January 2025, the FBI obtained a warrant to search Google Accounts associated with the thefts. Investigators recovered verification emails sent from the bank containing one-time password codes and notification emails sent from the bank with updates regarding the online accounts, including email updates, password resets, and account freezes.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.

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

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DEVE Committee 15 July – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Development will meet on 15 July to discuss the following files:

    • Presentation and exchange of views with Mr Louis Marechal, Senior Advisor Minerals & Extractives at OECD and Mr Alex Kopp, Senior Campaigner at Global Witness on Traceability of Critical Raw Materials with a focus on Africa;
    • Exchange of views on the General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2026;
    • Debriefing from delegation to the 4th Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla, June 2025;
    • Public Hearing on Interlinkage between Migration and Development Cooperation;
    • Presentation of the Danish Presidency Priorities;
    • Vote: EU political strategy on Latin America (Rapporteur for the opinion: Leire Pajín);

    The next Committee meeting will take place on 1 September 2025 15.00-18.30

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ripple is about to obtain a banking license, FIND MINING helps XRP holders easily earn high returns

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recently, the cryptocurrency industry has received another big news: Ripple is about to obtain a banking license. The successful application for a banking license will mark the further recognition and acceptance of Ripple in the traditional financial system.

    For XRP holders, this milestone event not only enhances the credibility of XRP, but also provides greater space for token liquidity and expansion of usage scenarios. In the long run, it is expected to drive the steady growth of XRP prices. FIND MINING has also launched a new XRP mining and income solution to help XRP holders easily realize asset appreciation under this favorable background and earn millions of dollars in potential income.

    How does FIND MINING help XRP holders maximize their returns?

    As Ripple is about to enter the compliant banking system, the market demand and enthusiasm for holding XRP is growing rapidly. FIND MINING seizes this trend and launches diversified mining for XRP holders to help users gain additional income while holding coins.

    Core advantages include:

    AI computing power scheduling system: intelligently optimizes mining strategies in real time based on market difficulty and currency price fluctuations

    Multi-node global deployment: Distributed servers cover the world to ensure efficient and stable operation of mining

    Green energy drive: Use clean energy to reduce operating costs and make users more profitable

    Referral reward mechanism: Invite friends to enjoy up to 4.5% extra rebate, multiple benefits

    Transparent and traceable income – all mining income and dividends can be viewed in real time, withdrawn at any time, and viewed on the dashboard at any time

    How XRP Holders Can Generate Income Through FIND MINING

    1.Log in to https://findmining.com/ to register an account. You will receive a $15 reward after successful registration.

    2. Choose a cloud computing power contract that suits your investment strategy. Users have the following options (minimum 50XRP to participate)

    • DOGE basic computing power: Investment amount: 100 USD, Contract period: 2 days, Daily income: $8, Expiration income: $100 + $8
    • DOGE stable computing power: investment amount: $500, contract period: 5 days, daily income $6.5, maturity income: $500+$32.5
    • BTC Elite Hashrate: Investment amount: $2,600, Contract period: 13 days, Daily income: $36.4 USD, Expiration income: $2,600+$473.2
    • BTC Advanced Computing Power: Investment amount: $5,000, Contract period: 20 days, Daily income $79, Expiration income: $5,000+$1,580
    • BTC high-quality computing power: investment amount: $12,800, contract period: 30 days, daily income: $218.88, maturity income: $12,800 + $6,566.4

    (One click to view more contract details of efficient and profitable contracts)

    3. Automatically obtain income every day and withdraw funds at any time

    By using XRP to participate in mining, you can continuously “empower” your assets.

    Although XRP itself does not support mining, the FIND MINING platform innovatively supports users to use XRP to activate contracts, purchase computing power, and participate in cloud mining of other mainstream currencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), etc. This model not only broadens the asset appreciation channels for XRP holders, but also provides users with a new option of legal, compliant and stable appreciation.

    Millions of dollars in passive income are within reach

    According to official data from FIND MINING, taking an investor holding 20,000 XRP as an example, if he chooses a long-term mining plan and reinvests, the potential income in the next few months can easily reach millions of dollars.

    After Ripple successfully obtained a banking license, this low-risk, high-liquidity income opportunity will undoubtedly attract more investors to join the XRP ecosystem, further promoting the stability and growth of its network.

    Final Thoughts

    Ripple’s banking license is not only an affirmation of blockchain financial innovation, but also brings new value dividends to XRP holders. FIND MINING follows the trend and, with its strong and transparent security guarantee and innovative mining mechanism, is helping global XRP holders to easily tap into the new blue ocean of passive income.

    If you also hold XRP, you might as well seize this historic opportunity and let the crypto assets in your hands truly “work for you” instead of just lying quietly in your wallet.

    Official website: https://findmining.com/

    Official Email: info@findmining.com

    Official APP Google Store one-click download

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is for reference only and does not constitute an investment invitation, financial advice, or trade recommendation. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and may result in financial losses. We strongly recommend conducting thorough due diligence and consulting professional financial advisors before engaging in cryptocurrency or securities investments and trades.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PaladinMining Releases Public Statement on Emerging Tech Policy’s Impact on Global Cloud Mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PaladinMining, a global provider of sustainable cloud mining infrastructure, has released a public statement commenting on the broader implications of recent international digital policy initiatives—particularly those centered around renewable energy integration and high-performance computing infrastructure.

    The company’s leadership highlights how such initiatives, including discussions surrounding the proposed “Global Digital Infrastructure Act” (formerly referenced in internal communications as the “Great and Beautiful Act”), may unintentionally influence decentralized industries such as cryptocurrency mining.

    The statement outlines how certain provisions—such as public funding for green data centers and updated guidance on cross-border digital energy usage—could have second-order effects on how infrastructure-based blockchain technologies evolve globally.

    “The Great and Beautiful Act wasn’t written for crypto mining, but its support for green computation and data decentralization has definitely impacted our sector,” said a spokesperson from PaladinMining. “We see this as a rare moment where infrastructure policy is inadvertently accelerating decentralized finance participation.”

    Green Infrastructure Meets Decentralized Participation

    PaladinMining has begun expanding its network of renewable-energy-powered data centers in response to the policy environment. Its platform offers users the ability to lease computing power and remotely manage mining activity across multiple assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and XRP.

    The company has emphasized that its system is designed to reduce the technical and financial barriers commonly associated with cryptocurrency mining. Users can access the platform via web or mobile interfaces, with tools that help streamline configuration and monitor activity in real-time.

    PaladinMining’s efficient services not only upgrade the mining process, but also redefine industry rules with innovative technology and unique models, providing users with the following core functions:

    · Register to enjoy cloud mining.
    · Users can get income 24 hours a day without purchasing expensive cryptocurrency mining equipment or signing contracts.
    · Provide deposits and withdrawals of multiple cryptocurrencies: Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), SOL, Ripple (XRP), USDC, Litecoin (LTC), USDT-TRC20, USDT-ERC20, etc.
    · Intuitive interface design, suitable for both novice and experienced miners.
    · The affiliate program allows users to receive up to 3% + 2% referral rewards and up to $100,000 in bonuses.
    · No additional fees: transparent prices, no hidden service fees or management fees.
    · Green mining technology, environmentally friendly and efficient

    Stable income contract:
    ⦁【New User Experience Contract】: Investment amount: $100, total net profit: $100 + $7
    ⦁【ETC Miner E9 Pro】: Investment amount: $1,500, total net profit: $1,500 + $180.
    ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 Pro】: Investment amount: $4,300, total net profit: $4,300 + $1,100.8.
    ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 XP】: Investment amount: $7,900, total net profit: $7,900 + $3,128.4.
    ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21 XP】: Investment amount: $12,000, total net profit: $12,000 + $7,560.
    ⦁【Avalon Air Box – 40 feet】: Investment amount: $28,000, total net profit: $28,000 + $22,400.

    The full statement, titled “Sustainable Infrastructure Policy: Ripple Effects on Cloud Mining Innovation”, is now available on PaladinMining’s official website for public access.

    How to Access:

    Readers can review the full commentary by visiting:
    www.paladinmining.com/statement-policy-impact

    About PaladinMining

    PaladinMining is a global cloud mining infrastructure provider focused on enabling environmentally conscious participation in blockchain networks. The company operates distributed, renewable-powered mining centers across multiple continents, supporting decentralized computing and innovation in the digital asset sector.

    Website: www.PaladinMining.com

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China allocates 150 million yuan to eliminate consequences of natural disasters

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese authorities have allocated 150 million yuan (about 20.97 million U.S. dollars) from the central disaster relief fund to support flood, typhoon and geological disaster relief efforts in affected regions, the Ministry of Finance said Wednesday.

    The emergency aid funds, jointly provided by the Ministry of Emergency Management, have been distributed among six regions, including Zhejiang, Fujian, Sichuan, Gansu provinces, Xizang Autonomous Region and Chongqing Municipality, the department said.

    China has entered its main flood season, with floods and geological disasters increasing in some regions. In addition, Typhoon Danas, the fourth typhoon of the year, has hit several southeastern coastal regions, causing secondary disasters. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Local man who trafficked, exploited & raped minor girls sentenced to 50 years in prison

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A previously convicted sex offender was sentenced in federal court to 600 months in prison. The defendant sexually exploited two minor females and forced one of the girls to engage in commercial sex acts with men at hotels. 

    Anthony Sims, 56, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in March – less than two weeks before he was scheduled to begin trial – to two counts of sexually exploiting a minor and one count of sex trafficking a minor.

    Sims raped a 12-year-old girl 40 to 50 times throughout six months in 2020. Sims provided the girl marijuana and alcohol and talked her into getting high and drinking. At times, during the sexual assaults, Sims would hold down the victim’s arms or hold her in place.  During these encounters, he forced the girl to pose for photos in sexual positions while nude or while wearing lingerie.

    Sims convinced another victim, a 13-year-old girl, to smoke marijuana with him and once she was high, Sims raped her. He routinely held this victim down to facilitate these acts. Sims would also take nude photos of her, and he made her pose with stuffed animals or pillows.

    Sims also took the 13-year-old to various hotels and forced her to have sex with men who paid Sims. The victim was forced to have sex with approximately 50 different men. Sims also sold pornographic photos of the victim.

    At the time of his most recent crimes, Sims was a registered sex offender with two convictions out of Michigan.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission’s Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI); and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the sentence imposed on July 8 by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Tyler J. Aagard are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada announces support for over 9,700 leading researchers and projects nationwide

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Empowering Canada’s brightest minds to solve tomorrow’s challenges

    July 9, 2025 – Vancouver, British Columbia

    Investing in Canadian research is critical to building a strong Canada and driving our success in the 21st century.

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced over $1.3 billion in funding to support over 9,700 researchers and research projects across Canada.

    The Government of Canada is committed to building a more innovative, inclusive and resilient future. At a time when global challenges are becoming increasingly complex, this funding will empower the next generation of Canadian researchers—those whose work will drive the scientific and technological breakthroughs that underpin our national response to critical issues such as public health, artificial intelligence, climate change and social equity.

    By supporting the development of life-saving treatments, advancing clean technology and generating critical evidence to shape informed public policy, these investments will not only improve the lives of Canadians but also reaffirm Canada’s standing as a global leader in science and innovation.

    The funding is distributed across the country through:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Matrixport Establishes Strategy XAUm Reserve, Remains Bullish on the Future of Tokenized Real-World Assets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matrixport, the world’s leading all-in-one hub for crypto financial services, announced that Matrixport Ventures, the investment arm of Matrixport, has completed a strategic reserve of XAUm equivalent to US$3 million, and plans to continue to increase its holdings of XAUm in stages. Matrixport will strengthen the stability of its financial reserves through the strategic reserve of XAUm, expand the depth of gold’s application in the on-chain financial ecosystem, and comprehensively improve its product and service capabilities.

    XAUm is a tokenized gold issued by Matrixdock, a RWA tokenization platform under Matrixport, at the end of 2024. It is 1:1 anchored to 99.99% pure physical gold certified by LBMA, hosted by the world’s top gold vaults, Brink’s and Malca-Amit. XAUm supports offline redemption of physical gold in Singapore and Hong Kong. With high-standard casting, strict auditing, and leading multi-chain deployment (compatibility support for Ethereum, BNB Chain, Plume, HashKey, etc.), XAUm has reached cooperation with well-known protocols such as UniSwap, PancakeSwap, Kinza Finance, and is ranked among the Top 3 gold tokens on-chain adoption rates.

    “Against the backdrop of intensifying global macro uncertainties and rising demand for risk aversion, XAUm, as the cornerstone asset of on-chain gold, possesses the long-term strategic value of hedging against cyclical fluctuations and inflation risks, and becomes an indispensable high-quality asset anchor for on-chain finance. Strategic holding of XAUm has become an important allocation for institutions to optimize their financial reserves and enhance their risk resistance.” John Ge, CEO of Matrixport, stated, “Matrixport will focus on expanding on-chain applications for XAUm to build a tokenized gold financial system covering the whole ecosystem of trading, lending, and investing, enhance the liquidity and availability of on-chain assets, and help global investors efficiently allocate high-quality assets. ”

    Tokenized Gold, as a cross-cycle and cross-market stateless asset, has become the preferred choice for global risk avoidance. Following the international spot gold prices rise, institutions continue to increase their gold holdings, and global central banks have purchased more than 1,000 tons of gold for the third consecutive year. XAUm, as a deep fusion of blockchain and physical gold, breaks through the geographic and liquidity limitations of traditional gold, reshapes its financial attributes and trading paradigm, and is an important choice for on-chain financial asset allocation. With the continuous increase of XAUm’s financial use scenarios, XAUm will further broaden the boundaries of tokenized gold’s stable income, unleash the capital efficiency of RWA, and help global investors rebuild their asset security and sovereignty in the new era of digital finance. Matrixport’s strategic reserve of XAUm may pave the way for institutional allocations in XAUm, allowing for effective hedging against cyclical risks and optimizing debt management.

    About Matrixport

    Founded in 2019, Matrixport is the world’s leading all-in-one hub for crypto financial services. The platform is committed to providing every user with a personalized Super Account that integrates crypto trading, investment, loan, custody, RWA, research, and more. With $6 billion in AUM (assets under management), Matrixport offers global users diverse crypto-financial solutions designed for optimal capital efficiency and sustainable returns.

    Matrixport official website:：https://www.matrixport.com

    About Matrixdock

    Matrixdock is a premier platform under Matrixport Group that offers access to high-quality Real World Assets (RWA) through advanced tokenization technology. As the first in Asia to introduce a tokenized short-term treasury bill product, STBT, Matrixdock earned the Ecosystem Excellence TADS Award in 2023 for Trading & Liquidity Solutions.In 2024, Matrixdock launched XAUm, a tokenized gold asset fully backed by 99.99% purity gold, providing investors with a trusted and transparent digital asset linked to LBMA-accredited gold.

    With a steadfast focus on building a trusted and secure RWA ecosystem for on-chain finance, Matrixdock aims to provide diversified investment opportunities while setting new standards for trust and governance in the digital asset space.

    Matrixdock official website: https://www.matrixdock.com/

    Media Contact: pr@matrixport.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Matrixport. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d45144f9-c42e-45d2-ab99-b7865f7c9196

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £2 million boost to fix and future-proof Plymouth’s public buildings

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth City Council has approved a £2 million capital programme to carry out urgent and essential repairs across its estate — a major step forward in improving the safety, condition, and long-term sustainability of the city’s public buildings.

    The Council’s estate includes more than 240 buildings across 135 sites — from civic offices and libraries to depots, public toilets, and heritage buildings. Many of these are ageing and complex to maintain, with some dating back hundreds of years.

    The new Facilities Management (FM) Capital Programme means the Council can get on with urgent repairs more quickly, with a single pot of funding that allows the team to prioritise the most important work and speed up the procurement process. It also helps the Council plan better, buy smarter, and make the most of every pound spent.

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “This investment is about making sure our buildings are safe, functional, and fit for the future. We know there have been challenges in how we’ve managed our estate, and this is a clear sign of our commitment to doing better — for our staff, our residents, and our city.”

    The investment comes at a time when local authorities across the country are facing significant financial pressures. Reduced government funding and rising costs in the construction and maintenance sectors have made it increasingly difficult to keep up with the demands of a large and ageing estate.

    Despite these challenges, the Council has already begun delivering a wide-ranging improvement programme in FM. This includes:
    • Investment in better systems and data collection and management to support planned maintenance.
    • Recruitment plan for a new leadership team, including a permanent Head of FM, Hard FM Operational Manager, Fire Safety Advisor, Building Asset Manager, Contracts Manager
    • FM Service Structure that supports the delivery of the service.
    • Compliance audit across the estate

    The £2 million programme will be overseen by a new FM Governance Board, with clear criteria for prioritising works and ensuring transparency.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Live Entertainment CEO Indicted for Orchestrating Conspiracy to Rig Bidding Process for Public University Arena

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against Timothy J. Leiweke, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oak View Group (OVG), for orchestrating a conspiracy to rig the bidding process for an arena at a public university in Austin, Texas, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division announced today. OVG develops and provides a variety of services to live entertainment venues.

    The indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, alleges that, from approximately February 2018 through at least June 2024, Leiweke conspired with the Chief Executive Officer of a competitor to rig the bidding for the development, management, and use of a multi-purpose arena that was to be located on the campus of a public university in Austin, Texas (the “Arena Project”).  

    “As outline in the indictment, the Defendant rigged a bidding process to benefit his own company and deprived a public university and taxpayers of the benefits of competitive bidding,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to hold executives who cheat to avoid competition accountable.”

    “Unfair business practices, like those employed here, make it very difficult for the American people to pursue prosperity like our founders intended,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “In the Western District of Texas, we’re proud to work with our colleagues in the Antitrust Division on these types of cases, and we will do all we can to ensure those who engage in the type of conduct described in this case are held to account.”

    “Timothy Leiweke allegedly led a scheme designed to steer the contract for entertainment services at a public university’s arena to his company. Public contracts are subject to laws requiring an open and competitive bid process to ensure a level playing field,” said Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia of the FBI New York Field Office. “The FBI is determined to ensure that those who disregard fair competition principles do not benefit from a rigged bidding process targeting our communities and public institutions.”

    “An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of corruption and illegal influence in the American workplace,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan R. Mellone of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast region. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations.”

    According to the indictment, in September 2017, Leiweke informed colleagues that he had learned another venue-services company was “bidding against us” for the Arena Project and wanted to “find a way to get [the competitor] some of the business” and “get them to back down.”  In November 2017, Leiweke informed others that he was “[m]ore than happy talking to [the competitor] about not bidding and [receiving certain subcontracts]” but had “no interest in working with them if they intend on putting in a bid.” In February of 2018, Leiweke ultimately reached an agreement with the competitor’s CEO, pursuant to which the competitor agreed that it would stand down and neither submit nor join an independent competing bid for the Arena Project. In exchange for the competitor’s agreement to stand down, Leiweke represented that the competitor would receive Arena Project’s subcontracts. Consistent with the bid-rigging agreement, the competitor did not submit a competing bid for the Arena Project. OVG ultimately submitted the sole qualified bid and won the Arena Project.  The arena opened to the public in April 2022, and OVG continues to receive significant revenues from the project to date.

    OVG and Legends Hospitality have agreed to pay $15 million and $1.5 million in penalties, respectively, in connection with the conduct alleged in the indictment against Leiweke.

    Leiweke is charged with a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The maximum penalty for individuals is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Field Office are investigating the case.

    The Antitrust Division’s New York Office is prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Live Entertainment CEO Indicted for Orchestrating Conspiracy to Rig Bidding Process for Public University Arena

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against Timothy J. Leiweke, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oak View Group (OVG), for orchestrating a conspiracy to rig the bidding process for an arena at a public university in Austin, Texas, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division announced today. OVG develops and provides a variety of services to live entertainment venues.

    The indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, alleges that, from approximately February 2018 through at least June 2024, Leiweke conspired with the Chief Executive Officer of a competitor to rig the bidding for the development, management, and use of a multi-purpose arena that was to be located on the campus of a public university in Austin, Texas (the “Arena Project”).  

    “As outline in the indictment, the Defendant rigged a bidding process to benefit his own company and deprived a public university and taxpayers of the benefits of competitive bidding,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its law enforcement partners will continue to hold executives who cheat to avoid competition accountable.”

    “Unfair business practices, like those employed here, make it very difficult for the American people to pursue prosperity like our founders intended,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “In the Western District of Texas, we’re proud to work with our colleagues in the Antitrust Division on these types of cases, and we will do all we can to ensure those who engage in the type of conduct described in this case are held to account.”

    “Timothy Leiweke allegedly led a scheme designed to steer the contract for entertainment services at a public university’s arena to his company. Public contracts are subject to laws requiring an open and competitive bid process to ensure a level playing field,” said Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia of the FBI New York Field Office. “The FBI is determined to ensure that those who disregard fair competition principles do not benefit from a rigged bidding process targeting our communities and public institutions.”

    “An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of corruption and illegal influence in the American workplace,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan R. Mellone of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast region. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations.”

    According to the indictment, in September 2017, Leiweke informed colleagues that he had learned another venue-services company was “bidding against us” for the Arena Project and wanted to “find a way to get [the competitor] some of the business” and “get them to back down.”  In November 2017, Leiweke informed others that he was “[m]ore than happy talking to [the competitor] about not bidding and [receiving certain subcontracts]” but had “no interest in working with them if they intend on putting in a bid.” In February of 2018, Leiweke ultimately reached an agreement with the competitor’s CEO, pursuant to which the competitor agreed that it would stand down and neither submit nor join an independent competing bid for the Arena Project. In exchange for the competitor’s agreement to stand down, Leiweke represented that the competitor would receive Arena Project’s subcontracts. Consistent with the bid-rigging agreement, the competitor did not submit a competing bid for the Arena Project. OVG ultimately submitted the sole qualified bid and won the Arena Project.  The arena opened to the public in April 2022, and OVG continues to receive significant revenues from the project to date.

    OVG and Legends Hospitality have agreed to pay $15 million and $1.5 million in penalties, respectively, in connection with the conduct alleged in the indictment against Leiweke.

    Leiweke is charged with a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The maximum penalty for individuals is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Field Office are investigating the case.

    The Antitrust Division’s New York Office is prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.

    Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –