NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 26th, 2025 Heinrich, Schatz, Wyden Slam Republicans’ Tax Bill for Gutting Tribal Energy Program and Energy Tax Credits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    More than 100 Tribes have signed onto letters calling on the Senate to protect the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and the Clean Energy Tax Credits

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement on Republicans’ Big, Beautiful Betrayal that harms Tribal communities:

    “As extreme heat strains the grid and leaves thousands without power, Senate Republicans are pushing a bill that would hike costs and worsen energy shortages. Their plan slashes investments in the new energy sources we need to meet demand and keep prices down.

    “The bill is particularly harmful to Tribal Nations, pulling the rug out from under projects that would strengthen their energy sovereignty and power local communities. Together, the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and our Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits have cleared pathways and removed significant barriers for Tribes to finance and build their own resilient energy infrastructure. More than 100 Tribes have advocated to protect these programs, which are already creating high-quality jobs, increasing energy security, and building economic opportunity in Indian Country and across the nation. We are also committed to taking additional steps to level the playing field for Tribal communities and cut the red tape that has limited their access to these energy programs. 

    “The Big, Beautiful Betrayal isn’t about energy dominance or making life affordable for working families. It’s about cutting essential programs that benefit people from all walks of life to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.”

    More than 100 Tribes have signed onto letters written to Ranking Member Heinrich, Ranking Member Wyden, and Vice Chairman Schatz expressing the importance of the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and the clean energy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act to empowering Tribal energy development.

    The letters are available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councillors endorse partnership commitment for new North Coast Care Facility

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Highland Councillors have restated their commitment to a partnership between the Council, NHS Highland and WildLand to see a new North Coast Care Facility developed in Tongue in Sutherland at today’s meeting of The Highland Council.

    The development which compliments WildLand’s creation of new housing in the area is underpinned by the Council’s partnership with NHS Highland, who have developed a full business case for a future health and care facility in Tongue.

    At the meeting in Council headquarters today Members agreed that the partnership with WildLand remains the most economically advantageous option for the delivery of the North Coast Care Facility; and agreed that The Highland Council will complete a legal agreement with WildLand and NHS Highland to formalise their joint commitment to the project.

    Chair of Highland Council’s Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, Cllr David Fraser said: “A lot of work has been done over recent years to bring us to this point where Council can confirm and restate its agreement to progress this project.  I would like to pay tribute to current and previous local members and community representatives for their unwavering commitment to seeing this project through to this point and beyond.

    “With partners, this development aligns well with the Council’s work in relation to establishing Community Points of Delivery (PODs) which are part of the Council’s Highland Investment Plan.

    “I am very pleased that the decisions made today bring us closer to providing much needed health and social care facilities and new housing for the Sutherland communities.”

    David Park, NHS Highland’s Deputy Chief Executive said: “We welcome the agreed commitment by The Highland Council and we will continue to work together and with the local community members to progress this important integrated redesign of local care services.”

    Tim Kirkwood, Chief Executive of WildLand Limited, said “With the unstinting backing of our founders Anne and Anders Holch Povlsen, our team at WildLand has been committed to this for a number years and welcome the decision made by The Highland Council, a significant milestone in a vital project for the North Coast.  We look forward to concluding the legal agreements in the near future with an aim to breaking ground next year.”

    26 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thurso masterplan and community POD progress update

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    A new generation of community facilities is being planned for the Highlands.

    At today’s meeting of The Highland Council (Thursday 26 June), elected members approved the work to date in progressing the Highland Investment Plan workstreams – masterplan for Thurso and agreed to nominate the current Thurso High School site as the preferred location for the new Thurso Community Point of Delivery (POD). The plans represent £100 million investment in the town.

    Thurso has been selected as one of the priority locations for a Community POD and a public drop-in event will be held after the summer holiday period to allow the Thurso community to consider POD proposals and provide feedback.

    Council Leader, Councillor Raymond Bremner said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to not only redevelop Thurso High School but also regenerate Thurso with a wider Community Point of Delivery. We are talking about £100m investment in the town by the Council, which will in turn encourage other partners to contribute. I am delighted that plans are progressing and urge people to find out more when engagement takes place soon after the summer break. At a time of economic challenge this is really positive news not just for Thurso but for the whole of Caithness.”

    Cllr Bremner added: “Points of Delivery are a new way of co-locating and delivering services so that they are easier for people to access, so that partner agencies can work better together, and so that organisations can share facilities where they have similar needs. This is a key driver for our future operating model, and part of our wider strategy to devolve and decentralise Council operations over time. This is essential to help sustain communities and populations throughout the Highlands.”

    Other projects in phase one include improvement to Council depots in Caithness and the re-surfacing of the all-weather pitch in Wick.

    A further update on the development of the masterplan will be provided at the Council meeting in October 2025.

    The full report can be accessed here (Item 6).

    26 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement at the Executive Compensation Roundtable

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Good afternoon. I’m sorry that I can’t be with you for today’s roundtables, which I’m certain will generate some thought-provoking ideas and conversations.

    Executive compensation never fails to be a hot topic. It is an issue consistently and prominently invoked in discussions of corporate responsibility and governance. And, it stands out among those topics that marry capital formation to shareholder rights and engagement.

    A Brief History

    The legal history on executive compensation runs deep. Indeed, disclosure of director and officer compensation was first required of issuers in the Securities Act of 1933.[1] Fast forward to more modern times . . . as Chairman Atkins highlighted in his public statement calling for today’s roundtable, in 1992, the Commission issued a new compensation disclosure rule, which sought to institute digestible and tabular formats. The Commission made further amendments to refine those tables in 2006. Recognizing the “widespread support for enhanced disclosures,” then-Commissioner Atkins noted that “[s]tockholders as the owners of the corporation ought to have a window into the compensation decisions made by the boards of directors that represent their interests.”[2]

    Congress has also, in more recent times, weighed in on the discourse relating to executive compensation. In the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008,[3] and again in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Report and Consumer Protection Act,[4] Congress observed that executive compensation practices encouraged risk taking in a manner that exacerbated many of the problems underlying the 2008 financial crisis, and called for comprehensive reform.[5] In particular, legislation required (among other things):

    • Shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation and golden parachutes (“say-on-pay”);
    • Enhanced independence for board compensation committees and their advisers;
    • Disclosures about the compensation actually paid to executives compared to the issuer’s financial performance, and pay ratios between the median annual total compensation of all employees to the annual total compensation of the CEO; and
    • Policies regarding the recovery by the issuer of erroneously awarded compensation.[6]

    Since that time, the Commission has promulgated rules aimed at effectively implementing these provisions. For example, in 2022 the Commission implemented “pay versus performance” rules,[7] and rules controlling listing standards for clawback policies.[8]

    The disclosure regime set up by both rule and statute is multi-faceted. It is each principles-based and prescriptive. For example, the CD&A discussion encourages companies to a provide meaningful narrative to shareholders about the objectives and philosophy driving their compensation decisions as to all named executive officers. Issuers also have the ability to include non-financial metrics that the company has deemed important in setting incentive-based pay in its pay-versus-performance tables. On the other hand, more prescriptively, issuers must disclose specific quantitative data in the Summary Compensation and other tables about both base and incentive compensation, calculated in a manner consistent with our rules.

    Principles

    Throughout this long history, again and again, certain deeply rooted principles reveal themselves.

    It is a fundamental shareholder right – as the owner of a company’s equity – to obtain full and fair disclosure around the compensation of corporate executives. That disclosure should be easy to understand and analyze; and it should be granular and consistent to allow for comparability across peer companies and filings. It should provide critical information to shareholders, not only for proxy say-on-pay and director votes, but also in capital allocation decisions.[9] Good disclosures will drive capital formation.

    Shareholders are further entitled to a fulsome, detailed and fair picture of the process of how executive compensation is set:

    • Who is involved in the decision-making?
    • What information do those decision-makers utilize, and what factors go into their process?
    • What level of independence do they bring to bear?
    • What are their relative incentives, and are incentives to simply “go-along” with management’s demands sufficiently mitigated?[10]

    Disclosures should further allow investors to understand and evaluate the corporate incentives at play:

    • Do compensation packages foster long term business strategies and economic growth as opposed to “short-termism”?
    • Are the fates of corporate executives sufficiently aligned with relevant performance metrics? Is compensation tied to both “upsides” and “downsides”?
    • Do compensation packages promote corporate investments in operations, human capital, innovation, or other areas that shareholders may feel are critical to a company’s success?[11] What targets are being used in incentive-based calculations and are those targets aligned with shareholder goals?
    • Are companies sufficiently responsive to shareholder feedback?

    These are lofty principles to keep in mind during today’s session.

    Questions for Discussion

    Compensation Trends.The Chairman has posed a number of questions in advance of these roundtables. Many focus on how compensation is set today. I’m also interested in hearing about compensation trends. Long-term data on executive compensation can be both decision-useful for shareholders writ large and can help us evaluate potential weaknesses in the market. For example, we’re just starting to realize the data from our pay versus performance rulemaking in 2022. And, the figures on “compensation actually paid” metrics are potentially revealing. The data show that the highest paid CEO in 2024, using compensation actually paid metrics, made over $6.9 billion.[12] The ratio of CEO to median employee pay at S&P 500 companies rose to approximately 192:1, and at the companies of the 100 highest paid CEOs, that ratio is 348:1.[13] Do larger data sets reveal compensation trends or practices that may foretell problems down the road?[14]

    Material Information. Looking further into the roundtables, the Chair has posed a number of questions on what information is material to shareholders. Feedback from investors on the materiality of executive compensation disclosures has been consistently strong, from comment files in our rulemakings, to everyday conversations, to testimony in the leadup to the seminal Dodd-Frank legislation.

    I nonetheless encourage all shareholders to continue to comment on what is the most decision-useful information in response to the questions posed in connection with this forum. In addition, I hope commenters will discuss how data quality can be improved and made more comparable, for example, potentially by reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to comparable GAAP measures.[15] I hope we see shareholder and issuer input alike, which goes not only for the preeminent panelists on the dais today, but also market participants of all stripes. Please use the opportunity to make your voices heard in the comment file.

    Additionally, staff (at the behest the Commission) has recently taken steps to limit shareholder engagement with management, in the executive compensation and other contexts, by amending staff guidance on 13D and 13G filings.[16] This may put more pressure on the proxy process. How can we strengthen transparency and the quality of disclosures, both in general and specifically in light of these regulatory changes that tend to discourage shareholder communications?

    Cost. The Chairman has also posed questions relating to cost. I would encourage panelists to consider all costs in their comments, and not just those incurred by issuers (which, of course, are ultimately borne by the shareholders). Oftentimes, shareholders expend substantial sums analyzing compensation data disclosed in filings. Are there ways to use technology to lower the costs of the entire ecosystem, without sacrificing the quality of data provided to shareholders – and perhaps even improving data quality?[17]

    Conclusion

    Thank you to all of the participants involved in today’s roundtables, and to the SEC staff who undoubtedly put many hours into the preparation and operations behind today’s event.

    [1] Section 7(a) [15 U.S.C. 77g(a)] and Schedule A, Paragraph 14 [15 U.S.C. 77aa(14)].

    [3] 110th Congress, Pub. Law 110-343 (Oct. 3, 2008).

    [4] 111th Congress, Pub. Law 111-203 (July 21, 2010) (“Dodd-Frank”).

    [6] See Dodd Frank Sections 951-955.

    [7] Final Release, Pay Versus Performance, Rel. No. 34-95607 (Aug. 25, 2022).

    [8] Final Release, Listing Standards for Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation (Oct. 26, 2022); see also Final Release, Pay Ratio Disclosure, Rel. Nos. 33-9877, 34-75610 (Aug. 5, 2015).

    [9] See, e.g., Florida’s State Board of Administration – Corporate Governance: Core Beliefs (“Executive compensation is performance-based using leading pay-for-performance metrics, with all compensation plans subject to shareowner approval; [f]ull disclosure to shareowners of all assumptions used to value the awards of options or other compensation plan items; [d]irectors and senior management own significant amounts of company stock, and the company has adopted detailed stock ownership guidelines.”).

    [10] See Lucien Babchek and Jesse Fried, Executive Compensation as an Agency Problem, 3 (2003) (discussing how agency problems pervade in the public issuer context, not only between managers and shareholders, but also between directors and shareholders; “Because a CEO’s influence over the board gives her significant influence over the nomination process, directors have an incentive to ‘go along’ with a CEO’s pay arrangement.”).

    [14] I agree with certain of my colleagues who have pointed out that our regime is a disclosure-based one, not intended to mandate compensation practices. Nonetheless, the disclosures themselves—individually and taken in a broader context—have proven material to investors, legislators and rule-makers alike.

    [15] See, e.g., June 25, 2025 Letter from the Council of Institutional Investors to Vanessa Countryman, File No. 4-855, at 6-7.

    [16] See SEC Division of Corporation Finance, Exchange Act Sections 13(d) and 13(g) and Regulation 13D-G Beneficial Ownership Reporting, Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations Question 103.12 (updated Feb 11, 2025) (“Shareholders filing a Schedule 13G in reliance on Rule 13d-1(b) or Rule 13d-1(c) must certify that the subject securities were not acquired and are not held ‘for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer.’. . . A shareholder who exerts pressure on management to implement specific measures or changes to a policy may be ‘influencing’ control over the issuer. For example, Schedule 13G may be unavailable to a shareholder who recommends that the issuer . . . change its executive compensation practices.”).

    [17] See, e.g., June 25, 2025 Letter from the Council of Institutional Investors to Vanessa Countryman, File No. 4-855, at 5; June 25, 2025 Letter from xBRL US to Vanessa Countryman, File No. 4-855.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Leader Schumer, Wyden Urge Republicans to Halt Health Care Cuts, Spare Small Businesses from Skyrocketing Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Lawmakers raise concerns with Republican health care and food security cuts
    Letter Text (PDF)
    Washington (June 26, 2025) – Small Business Committee Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today wrote to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) with concerns that the proposed cuts in the Republican budget reconciliation bill to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or allowing the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits to expire for 3 million small businesses, including more than 34,000 Massachusetts small businesses, would be a disaster for families and small businesses across the country.
    More than 40 percent of small business owners surveyed by Small Business For America’s Future (SBAF) are concerned that health care cuts would make it harder to compete with large companies, hurt local economies, and result in higher employee turnover and lower productivity. Small business owners are working entrepreneurs who fuel local economies and create jobs. Gutting these lifelines to give more tax breaks to billionaires is an insult to the workers and business owners who keep our communities going.
    The lawmakers write, “It is no surprise that small business owners across the country do not support Republicans’ health care and nutrition cuts: 7 in 10 small business owners oppose cutting healthcare programs while extending tax breaks for the wealthy. As a small business owner in Pennsylvania stated, ‘These cuts don’t solve problems – they shift costs from government programs onto the businesses least able to absorb them, all while extending tax breaks for corporations that already pay lower effective rates than the corner store.’ Small businesses succeed when their owners and employees are healthy, secure, and financially stable. Policies that strip away basic support systems in favor of giveaways for the ultra-wealthy don’t just hurt families, they stifle entrepreneurship and economic growth. The Senate reconciliation bill should recognize this and support America’s small business owners and employees. If this bill is enacted, small businesses would lose while big corporations and the ultra-wealthy win.”
    “Small businesses cannot afford to be shut out of access to affordable healthcare. Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and enhanced ACA premium tax credits are lifelines for small business owners, their families, and their workers. If Republicans gut these programs or allow them to expire, health care costs for small businesses and their families will skyrocket, employees will lose coverage, and entrepreneurs will be stifled,” said Senator Markey. “We must expand access to health coverage for all, especially small businesses.”
    “The GOP plan will destroy Main Street just to give more tax cuts to Wall Street. Republicans’ healthcare cuts will cripple the ability of small businesses to provide affordable health insurance for their employees and raise costs to make it even harder for small businesses to stay afloat, especially when so many are already being crushed by the higher prices of Trump’s tariffs,” said Leader Schumer. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of this country and the staggering healthcare cuts could cause Main Street businesses to shutter in every corner of the country. Republicans are dead set on continuing their billionaire tax giveaway, but Senate Democrats will not stop fighting to expose the cruelty at the heart of this legislation.”
    “The Republican prescription to cut lifeline health care programs will clobber small businesses making every ounce of effort to keep their lights on,” said Senator Wyden. “I’ve heard firsthand from Oregonians in red and blue communities alike that losing health care coverage will mean one more extra cost that’s hard to afford. As ranking member of the Finance Committee, I am fighting tooth and nail so working families in Oregon and across our country have the coverage they need to put food on the table and care for their loved ones.”
    “We can’t compete with the benefits that large companies offer, and losing good employees because they need healthcare elsewhere would crush us. Small businesses are the heart of our communities—we deserve better than being forced to choose between our workers and our survival,” said Shaundell Newsome, Co-chair of Small Business for America’s Future and owner of Sumnu Marketing, Las Vegas, Nevada.
    “The only reason my three sons have healthcare is Medicaid. It’s literally our lifeline. Now Congress wants to gut these programs to pay for tax cuts for wealthy corporations. The proposed work requirements? They’re a disaster waiting to happen for businesses like mine,” said Dr. Alexia McClerkin, Owner of The Wellness Doc, Houston, Texas.
    “Instead of cutting programs that Main Street depends on, we need policies that help small businesses provide health plan options, support expanding the ACA premium tax credits or quite simply protect Medicaid. Taking away Medicaid will create a snowball effect of other resources such as affordable housing and most recently, the snatching of grant funding opportunities that supported my Tutoring School with a Clean ‘INNERGY’ Program,” said Dr. Latoya Parker, Owner of INNERGY Educational Consulting Company, Fayetteville, North Carolina.
    “What’s particularly frustrating is that we’re talking about cutting programs that work to fund tax breaks for large corporations that are already our competitors for talent and contracts. These big companies have advantages we simply can’t match. Cutting healthcare programs just widens that gap,” said Doug Scheffel, President of ETM Manufacturing, Littleton, Massachusetts.
    “The enhanced premium tax credits are an essential tool that helps my employees afford coverage. Without these credits, many of my 35 workers would face an impossible financial situation. But those enhanced premium tax credits expire this year, and HR 1 fails to extend them while cutting other healthcare programs to fund tax breaks for large corporations,” said Walt Rowen, Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair, President of Susquehanna Glass Company, Columbia, Pennsylvania.
    Small businesses owners surveyed by SBAF expressed fears that the Republican tax scam will impact their ability to compete and retain employees, squeeze their bottom lines, and ultimately threaten the survival of their businesses and their access to essential health care. The SBAF survey also found that:
    Over half of small businesses surveyed have owners, employees, or family members who rely on Medicaid, CHIP coverage, or use the ACA premium tax credits.
    A majority of those surveyed stated that small businesses would face financial pressure if health care program cuts were enacted.
    55 percent of surveyed businesses have owners, employees, or families who rely on premium tax credits offered on the ACA Marketplace to afford coverage
    70 percent oppose cutting vital health care programs to pay for tax breaks for wealthy

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks at the Executive Compensation Roundtable

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Good afternoon. Welcome to all of you attending in person or watching and listening online to today’s roundtable on executive compensation. I thank the very distinguished group of moderators and panelists who have assembled here today for volunteering their time to contribute their thoughts on this important topic.

    As one of the enumerated disclosure items in Schedule A to the Securities Act of 1933,[1] the requirement to provide executive compensation information is as old as the federal securities laws themselves. Over the past ninety years, the Commission has adopted numerous rules requiring more and more information about executive compensation. Some of these rules have come about from Congressional mandates, while others have not. I have been at the SEC in one role or another for a couple of these changes, including the 1992 rulemaking initiated by Chairman Richard Breeden that created the “summary compensation table”[2] and the 2006 rulemaking that introduced “compensation discussion and analysis” and added other compensation tables.[3]

    Today, one might describe the Commission’s current disclosure requirements as a Frankenstein patchwork of rules. The volume and complexity of these rules may be just as scary to a law firm associate performing a “form check” of a proxy statement, as the monster was to Dr. Frankenstein himself when the monster opened its eyes. 

    The Commission amended Item 402 of Regulation S-K in 1992 to state specifically that “This Item [402] requires clear, concise and understandable disclosure of…compensation…”[4] However, one could say that this well-intentioned, three-decade-old statement has become facetious with the passage of time in light of the lengthy narrative disclosure and numerous tables and charts that appear in today’s proxy statements.

    Our rules must be grounded in achieving the Commission’s three-part mission: investor protection, fair, orderly and efficient markets, and capital formation. These rules should be cost-effective for companies to comply with and provide material information to investors in plain English. Most importantly, the information required to be disclosed should be material to the company and understandable to the Supreme Court’s objective reasonable investor.[5]  The outcome of our rules is not effective when companies require highly specialized lawyers and compensation consultants to prepare disclosure that the reasonable investor struggles to understand.

    Today’s roundtable is one of the first steps in considering whether the current executive compensation disclosure requirements achieve these objectives, and if not, how the rules should be amended. In connection with this process, I previously asked the Commission staff to consider several questions in this area and for the public to provide their views on those questions.[6] Thank you to those who have already submitted comment letters. For others who intend to submit a letter, please do so as soon as possible over the next several weeks, to provide the staff time to consider and incorporate your views into any potential rulemaking proposal.

    Thank you to the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance, the Office of Support Operations, the Office of Information Technology, and the Office of Public Affairs for organizing this roundtable. I very much look forward to this afternoon’s discussion.

     

    [1] Item (14) of Schedule A to the Securities Act of 1933.

    [4] 1992 Release. See also 17 CFR 229.402(a)(2).

    [5] See TSC Industries, Inc. v. Northway, Inc., 426 U.S. 438, 445 (1976) (“The question of materiality, it is universally agreed, is an objective one, involving the significance of an omitted or misrepresented fact to a reasonable investor.”).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Topeka man indicted for alleged assault on Tribal land

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

    TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with committing an assault on Tribal land.

    According to court documents, Wesley Reel Bennett, 23, of Topeka was indicted on one count of assaults within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. 

    In June 2025, Bennett is accused of assaulting and seriously injuring a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation within the confines of its Tribal territory. 

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police Department are investigating the case. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting is prosecuting the case.

    OTHER INDICTMENTS

    Hector Alvarado, 55, of Topeka was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting is prosecuting the case. 

    Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, of Baxter Springs was indicted on one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI: BAY Miner Redefines Cloud Mining in 2025 with AI and Mobile-First Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Salt Lake City, Utah, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cryptocurrency market recovers, the threshold of traditional mining machines is increasing, and investors are turning to cloud solutions. BAY Miner has become a leading choice with its AI computing power scheduling and equipment-free mining model.

    Salt Lake City is rapidly emerging as a key hub for cryptocurrency development in the western United States. With the influx of tech-savvy populations and the booming growth of decentralized finance (DeFi), local acceptance of digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP continues to rise. At the same time, due to high energy consumption and the complexity of hardware equipment, many investors are turning to more efficient and accessible participation methods. Cloud mining platforms like BAY Miner, leveraging AI-powered computing power allocation and convenient mobile operations, are becoming an important gateway for local users to enter the crypto economy, avoiding the investment costs and regulatory pressures associated with traditional mining rigs.

    BAY Miner Cloud Mining Core and Advantages
    Why Do Cryptocurrency Investors in Salt Lake City Favor Cloud Mining?
    · AI intelligent computing power scheduling system
    Use artificial intelligence algorithms to optimize cloud computing power resource allocation and maximize revenue efficiency and stability.
    ·No physical mining machine required, 0 maintenance cost
    Users can start mining with one click without purchasing expensive equipment, deployment, cooling or power maintenance.
    ·Mobile-first experience
    Provide full-featured mobile app support, users can monitor contracts and revenue anytime, anywhere, and truly realize the “mining farm on the palm of your hand”.
    ·Flexible contract mechanism
    Diverse mining contracts (including short-term/medium-term/revenue types) are available to meet the risk preferences and revenue goals of different investors.
    ·Comprehensive coverage of popular currencies
    Support mainstream crypto assets such as BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, DOGE, LTC, etc., and easily deploy multi-currency asset configuration.
    ·Automatic profit distribution mechanism
    Daily income is automatically settled to the account balance every day, and cash withdrawal is supported at any time, with strong capital liquidity.
    ·Powerful risk control system
    Multiple risk control models identify suspicious operations, protect user asset security, and cooperate with compliant capital flow paths.

    How BAY Miner Works – A Technology-Driven Mining Model
    BAY Miner, built on a cloud architecture, utilizes AI algorithms to dynamically allocate computing resources. Users bypass the need for traditional mining rigs or local configurations; instead, they simply select the desired smart contract via their device to participate in cloud mining of major cryptocurrencies such as BTC, ETH, XRP, and DOGE. The platform automatically handles task allocation and profit settlement, ensuring complete transparency while minimizing the need for equipment intervention and maintenance. This represents a highly efficient and convenient technological solution for cryptocurrency mining.

    Start BAY Miner cloud mining in three easy steps

    1. Visit the official website to register – go to www.bayminer.com, fill in your email and username, and complete the account creation.
    2. Automatically get $15 to use for trial contracts – new users can immediately get free cloud contracts for BTC, XRP or DOGE.
    3. Choose a mining plan – browse the contract portfolio and start the smart cloud mining experience on mobile or web.

    User Case Examples

    Plan Type Coins Investment Contract Features
    Free Trial DOGE $0 No deposit needed. Try the platform’s mining interface.
    Mid Plan ETH + SOL $3,000 For moderate investors focused on long-term growth.
    AI Pro XRP + BTC + DOGE $30,000 AI-driven multi-coin strategy for optimized performance.


    From Trial to Scaled Mining Participation

    John from Texas began with a $15 trial contract, using it to explore BAY Miner’s cloud mining interface. After validating platform performance and smart contract reliability, he expanded to a diversified portfolio including XRP, BTC, and DOGE—now benefiting from a streamlined crypto mining experience with no hardware setup.

    Click here for full contract details

    BAY Miner Cloud Mining Development Plan
    BAY Miner is building a global intelligent cloud mining platform, relying on AI computing power scheduling technology to achieve efficient multi-currency mining and flexible income management. The platform will soon launch a dedicated token BMT, access the DeFi protocol, and expand the application of cloud computing power in Web3, GameFi and other scenarios to promote the construction of a decentralized digital asset ecosystem.
    Contact Information

    Website: www.bayminer.com
    Email: info@bayminer.com
    App: Download Now

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks. There is a possibility of financial loss. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Expanding Indigenous employment supports

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador and Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott Announces 30-Year Sentence for Burley Man Who Produced Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador and Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott Announces 30-Year Sentence for Burley Man Who Produced Child Sexual Abuse Material

    POCATELLO – Michael Allen Montoya, 40, of Burley, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador and Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today.
    According to court records, the investigation began when the FBI became aware that a person, later identified as Montoya, was distributing child sexual abuse material through an online social media platform. The FBI also learned that during online chat conversations, Montoya had discussed his sexual interest in children and had exchanged child sexual abuse material with other offenders. The FBI referred the investigation to the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). ICAC obtained a federal search warrant for Montoya’s Burley residence. During a forensic examination of Montoya’s electronic devices, ICAC located numerous files of child sexual abuse material. ICAC also discovered that Montoya had produced explicit images and videos of himself sexually abusing an infant and an 8-year-old child in his care.
    “Our commitment to protecting children from abuse is unwavering,” said Idaho Attorney General Labrador. “I am grateful for our ICAC Task Force and the partnership we have with Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott’s office. By working together, we can continue making Idaho safer by investigating, arresting, and prosecuting one bad guy at a time.”
    “Law enforcement in Idaho has zero tolerance for those that target children for abuse and exploitation,” Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott said. “As this case illustrates, images of child sexual abuse material are not just images – they are evidence of sexual abuse committed by predators like this defendant. I am thankful that we have outstanding professionals in the ICAC, the FBI, and our office that are dedicated to protecting Idaho’s children and ensuring this type of abhorrent conduct results in significant prison sentences.”
    Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Montoya to lifetime supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution to his victims. Montoya will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of the conviction.
    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the cooperative efforts of the Idaho ICAC Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rupert Police Department, the Idaho State Police, the Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, which led to the charge. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kassandra McGrady and Erin Blackadar.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second Owner of Fuel Truck Supply Company Incarcerated for Bid Rigging, Market Allocation, and Wire Fraud Conspiracies

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The owner of a fuel truck supply company, Kris Bird, 62, was sentenced today in Boise, Idaho, to three months in prison and a $24,000 fine for his role in schemes to rig bids, allocate territories, and commit wire fraud over an eight-year period. Further, Bird was ordered to forfeit to the federal government $1,542,387 as proceeds of his wire fraud offenses. The conspiracies Bird participated in related to contracts to provide fuel trucks that assist the U.S. Forest Service’s efforts to battle wildfires in Idaho and the mountain west.

    Bird pleaded guilty in March 2025 — two weeks before his trial was set to begin — to the seven-count indictment. The plea followed an investigation that involved evidence from a judicially authorized wiretap and led to charges against two executives in December 2023. Earlier this month on June 5, Bird’s co-defendant, Ike Tomlinson, 61, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and a $20,000 fine for his leadership role in the criminal conduct.

    “Mr. Bird stole taxpayer funds allocated for critical wildfire-fighting efforts protecting the American people to line his own pockets,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Trump Antitrust Division’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force and its law enforcement partners will continue the fight to ensure that the fraudulent use of taxpayer money results in incarceration.”

    “Today’s sentencing underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our markets,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Antitrust violations are not just corporate misconduct, they’re federal crimes that distort competition, drive up costs for consumers and erode public trust. We will continue to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to hold accountable those who rig the system for personal gain.”

    “Bid rigging is not a victimless crime. It cheats taxpayers and the honest contractors who play by the rules,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Jason Suffredini of the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG). “GSA OIG and our partners remain committed to pursuing those who engage in procurement fraud.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated their bids to inflate prices and to determine who would have priority to receive business from the U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies in the event of a wildfire in a specific geographic area. The co-conspirators further coordinated to exclude and punish potential competitors to further maintain the success of their conspiracy. During the conspiracies, from March 2015 to March 2023, Bird annually submitted false SAM certifications to the federal government covering up his bid-rigging conspiracy and committing wire fraud. 

    The Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency, and General Services Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant Chief Christopher J. Carlberg and Trial Attorneys Elena A. Goldstein, Daniel B. Twomey, and Matthew Chou of the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Mazorol for the District of Idaho have been prosecuting the case.

    In addition to today’s criminal sentence, in May 2025, the United States, on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, entered into a civil settlement with Kris Bird and other related entities and individuals who agreed to pay $781,186 to resolve civil claims after admitting to allegations that they obtained government contracts through bid-rigging and the submission of false SAM Certifications, as well as wrongly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program loan.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General investigated the civil case. Assistant United States Attorney Robert B. Firpo and Civil Chief James Schaefer are handling the case.

    In November 2019, the Justice Department created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF), a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government—federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation can contact the PCSF at the link listed above. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second Owner of Fuel Truck Supply Company Incarcerated for Bid Rigging, Market Allocation, and Wire Fraud Conspiracies

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The owner of a fuel truck supply company, Kris Bird, 62, was sentenced today in Boise, Idaho, to three months in prison and a $24,000 fine for his role in schemes to rig bids, allocate territories, and commit wire fraud over an eight-year period. Further, Bird was ordered to forfeit to the federal government $1,542,387 as proceeds of his wire fraud offenses. The conspiracies Bird participated in related to contracts to provide fuel trucks that assist the U.S. Forest Service’s efforts to battle wildfires in Idaho and the mountain west.

    Bird pleaded guilty in March 2025 — two weeks before his trial was set to begin — to the seven-count indictment. The plea followed an investigation that involved evidence from a judicially authorized wiretap and led to charges against two executives in December 2023. Earlier this month on June 5, Bird’s co-defendant, Ike Tomlinson, 61, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and a $20,000 fine for his leadership role in the criminal conduct.

    “Mr. Bird stole taxpayer funds allocated for critical wildfire-fighting efforts protecting the American people to line his own pockets,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Trump Antitrust Division’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force and its law enforcement partners will continue the fight to ensure that the fraudulent use of taxpayer money results in incarceration.”

    “Today’s sentencing underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our markets,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Antitrust violations are not just corporate misconduct, they’re federal crimes that distort competition, drive up costs for consumers and erode public trust. We will continue to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to hold accountable those who rig the system for personal gain.”

    “Bid rigging is not a victimless crime. It cheats taxpayers and the honest contractors who play by the rules,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Jason Suffredini of the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG). “GSA OIG and our partners remain committed to pursuing those who engage in procurement fraud.”

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated their bids to inflate prices and to determine who would have priority to receive business from the U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies in the event of a wildfire in a specific geographic area. The co-conspirators further coordinated to exclude and punish potential competitors to further maintain the success of their conspiracy. During the conspiracies, from March 2015 to March 2023, Bird annually submitted false SAM certifications to the federal government covering up his bid-rigging conspiracy and committing wire fraud. 

    The Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency, and General Services Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant Chief Christopher J. Carlberg and Trial Attorneys Elena A. Goldstein, Daniel B. Twomey, and Matthew Chou of the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Mazorol for the District of Idaho have been prosecuting the case.

    In addition to today’s criminal sentence, in May 2025, the United States, on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, entered into a civil settlement with Kris Bird and other related entities and individuals who agreed to pay $781,186 to resolve civil claims after admitting to allegations that they obtained government contracts through bid-rigging and the submission of false SAM Certifications, as well as wrongly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program loan.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General investigated the civil case. Assistant United States Attorney Robert B. Firpo and Civil Chief James Schaefer are handling the case.

    In November 2019, the Justice Department created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF), a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government—federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation can contact the PCSF at the link listed above. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alford Introduces STRONG Act to Support Small Businesses with Greater Access to SBA-Backed Lending

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)

    Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), the Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations, introduced the Supporting Trade and Rebuilding Opportunity for National Growth (STRONG) Act.

    The STRONG Act will give American small businesses greater access to financing to create jobs, support existing workers, and invest in their communities by increasing the maximum value threshold of SBA 7(a) and 504 loans.

    “We’re proud to introduce the STRONG Act to ensure American small businesses not only survive but thrive,” said Congressman Alford. “After four years of being crushed by inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, and overregulation under the Biden Administration, our small businesses are on the brink. Job creators and entrepreneurs desperately need support, including greater access to SBA lending, to help them make ends meet and stay in business. This critical legislation will work in concert with the One Big, Beautiful Bill and other initiatives from the Small Business Committee to finally put Main Street before Wall Street.”

    Read the text of the legislation here.

    Background:

    • The STRONG Act raises the maximum value threshold of 7(a) and 504 loans from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000.
    • The upper limit for 7(a) and 504 was last updated in 2010 and has not been adjusted for inflation since then.
    • The bill also provides an increase on the total limit of 504 loans SBA is able to issue, allowing more small businesses to access long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets.

    What are 7(a) and 504 loans?

    • SBA 7(a) loans offer flexible, government-backed financing up to $5 million for small businesses, which can be used for a wide range of purposes including working capital, equipment, or buying a business, with terms and rates negotiated between the borrower and lender.
    • 504 loans provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for small businesses to purchase major fixed assets like real estate or equipment, typically with a 50-40-10 structure (50% from a private lender, 40% from a Certified Development Company backed by the SBA, and 10% from the borrower).
    • The programs are subsidy free and are paid for by fees on SBA partnered lenders.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Celebrates 3 Years of Gun Violence Reduction Under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 25, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday celebrated the third anniversary of his landmark Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), the first comprehensive gun safety legislation passed in three decades. The bill made significant investments in our background check system, boosted prosecutors’ enforcement capabilities, supported domestic violence victims by preventing abusers from purchasing guns, and invested billions of dollars into schools, mental health, and community-based violence intervention programs. 

    “Three years ago, after the horrific tragedies in Uvalde and Buffalo, Democrats and Republicans came together to address a gun violence epidemic that has devastated families and communities across the country. The gun violence prevention movement beat the gun lobby, and we found compromise on common sense solutions supported by the American people. And it worked. In the last two years, this country has seen significant drops in violent crime, gun deaths and injuries, and mass shootings. Now, President Trump is trying to gut the very mental health and violence prevention programs that have helped save countless lives. But our movement is stronger than this President and the congressional Republicans who enable him, and we will keep fighting to make all of our communities safer,” said Murphy.  

    Since BSCA’s passage, there has been a historic decrease in gun violence, including a 24% drop in mass shootings and a 12% reduction in gun violence-related deaths.

    BSCA’s accomplishments include:

    • Expanding background checks and cracking down on loopholes that allowed domestic abusers to buy guns.
    • Creating stiff penalties for “straw purchase” gunrunners that buy weapons on behalf of criminals.
    • Investing over half a billion dollars towards increasing the number of mental health personnel in schools.
    • Providing millions in grants to community-based nonprofits that directly provided counseling and support to at-risk youth and families traumatized by gun violence.
    • Expanding mental health service for thousands of students in rural communities.
    • Supporting implementation of the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

    On day one of his presidency, President Trump shut down the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention responsible for coordinating efforts across the federal government and working with states and local governments to identify available resources for impacted communities. On April 30th, the Department of Education (ED) notified grant recipients of the School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Grant Programs, which BSCA funded, that their funding would not be continued after this fiscal year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamestown, New York, Man Going to Prison for Assisting in the Burial of a Murder Victim

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Matthew Rudy, 43, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of accessory after the fact, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that on May 27, 2014, Anthony Neubauer kidnapped Joseph Anthony and traveled from Jamestown to property in Pennsylvania owned by Matthew Rudy. Neubauer tricked Anthony into traveling by offering him cocaine. After arriving in Pennsylvania, Neubauer and Rudy told Anthony they did not have any cocaine, before shooting and killing him, and then burying him on Rudy’s property. Neubauer and Rudy took Anthony to Pennsylvania because they believed he was a cooperator.

    Anthony Neubauer was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm. Additional assistance was provided by the Warren County, PA, District Attorney’s Office.

    # # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Ethereum ETF Momentum Drives Whale Interest in Meme Coin Little Pepe (LILPEPE) Ahead of Stage 4 Presale Jump

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As excitement builds around the Ethereum ETF buzz, smart money is pouring into promising altcoins—and Little Pepe (LILPEPE) is catching the attention of whale wallets. With Stage 3 of its presale nearly 93% complete and over $2.33 million raised, LILPEPE is quickly emerging as a top contender in the meme coin space. Backed by an Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 blockchain, the project offers real utility beyond the hype, positioning itself for a strong price surge as it heads into Stage 4.

    While most meme tokens are still chasing whatever’s trending, LILPEPE is putting down real roots. It’s creating the kind of infrastructure that could actually shift the direction of the space, and somehow, it’s still trading for less than $0.002 in its presale.

    A Meme Coin That’s Actually Building Something

    What sets LILPEPE apart is that it’s not just living on someone else’s chain. It’s gone a step further and built its own custom Layer-2 blockchain—something rarely seen in the meme coin scene. Most projects just stick their token on Solana or BNB Chain and call it a day. But LILPEPE actually went for the tough stuff—like fixing insane gas fees, slow transactions, and the fact that a lot of communities have zero real protection.

    A Meme Coin with Real Tech

    The Little Pepe chain’s fully EVM-compatible, so it works straight out of the box with usual wallets, dApps, and tools. No weird steps, no messing around—just a meme coin that actually took the time to build something smoother and way more user-friendly.

    The chain’s actually built with meme projects in mind—it’s not just some repurposed tech. It comes with zero trading taxes, sniper bot protection, and lightning-fast transactions, which is a huge deal if ever been rugged or stuck waiting forever on a slow chain. This isn’t just some surface-level hype or flashy graphics—it’s actual tech built with meme culture at the core.

    One of the best parts is a launchpad made to give new meme tokens a safe space to launch—just a cleaner way to get started. And they’re just getting started—staking, community voting through a DAO, and even NFT integration are all lined up next. It’s turning into a full ecosystem, not just another hype token.

    Presale Picking Up Serious Steam

    LILPEPE’s presale is heating up fast. The early stages have sold out rapidly, raising $500,000 in Stage 1 (at $0.001 per token) and $1.325 million in Stage 2 (at $0.0011). Now in Stage 3, tokens are priced at $0.0012, and over $2.33 million has already been raised, with more than 93% of this stage completed. The presale follows a tiered pricing model meaning early buyers lock in lower prices while supporting the ongoing development of LILPEPE’s Ethereum-compatible Layer-2 network. The next stage will increase the token price to $0.0013, continuing the momentum ahead of its public launch.

    Getting in on the presale is super simple. LILPEPE tokens can be purchased using ETH or USDT (ERC-20) directly from supported wallets such as MetaMask or Trust Wallet. For those new to crypto, there’s also an option to buy using a credit or debit card. It’s important to note that USDT transactions still require a small amount of ETH in the wallet to cover gas fees.

    A Token Setup Built to Last

    LILPEPE’s token supply is actually thought out, not just thrown together. There’s a hard cap of 100 billion tokens, with 26.5 billion set aside for the presale. The rest is split across different parts of the project—13.5 billion for staking rewards, 10 billion for liquidity, 30 billion held in reserve for the chain, and 20 billion saved for marketing and future listings on decentralized exchanges. And here’s a big plus—there are zero buy or sell taxes, so it’s clean and fair whether holding or trading.

    The tokenomics are crafted not only to reward early holders but also to ensure sustainable growth through community incentives, ecosystem scaling, and utility integrations planned on the roadmap.

    What makes it even better is that Little Pepe’s chain is fully EVM-compatible. That means it works seamlessly with popular wallets, dApps, and crypto tools—no complicated setups or extra steps. It’s designed specifically for meme projects and the roadmap includes upcoming features like DAO governance, an NFT marketplace and creator tools that support community-driven development.

    About Little Pepe:

    Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) is a next-generation meme coin built for the community, by the community. Inspired by crypto culture’s favorite frog, Little Pepe combines viral meme energy with real utility, launching on a fast, secure Layer 2 blockchain to ensure low fees and high scalability. With over $2.3 million raised in its presale, a growing army of holders, and a transparent roadmap, Little Pepe is more than just a meme—it’s a movement.

    For more information about Little Pepe, visit the links below:

    Website: https://littlepepe.com/
    Twitter/X: https://x.com/littlepepetoken
    Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken

    Contact Details:
    COO – James Stephen
    media@littlepepe.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Little Pepe. 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/d9f7c50a-36f4-494c-b0e1-ef1e438807e9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ethereum ETF Momentum Drives Whale Interest in Meme Coin Little Pepe (LILPEPE) Ahead of Stage 4 Presale Jump

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As excitement builds around the Ethereum ETF buzz, smart money is pouring into promising altcoins—and Little Pepe (LILPEPE) is catching the attention of whale wallets. With Stage 3 of its presale nearly 93% complete and over $2.33 million raised, LILPEPE is quickly emerging as a top contender in the meme coin space. Backed by an Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 blockchain, the project offers real utility beyond the hype, positioning itself for a strong price surge as it heads into Stage 4.

    While most meme tokens are still chasing whatever’s trending, LILPEPE is putting down real roots. It’s creating the kind of infrastructure that could actually shift the direction of the space, and somehow, it’s still trading for less than $0.002 in its presale.

    A Meme Coin That’s Actually Building Something

    What sets LILPEPE apart is that it’s not just living on someone else’s chain. It’s gone a step further and built its own custom Layer-2 blockchain—something rarely seen in the meme coin scene. Most projects just stick their token on Solana or BNB Chain and call it a day. But LILPEPE actually went for the tough stuff—like fixing insane gas fees, slow transactions, and the fact that a lot of communities have zero real protection.

    A Meme Coin with Real Tech

    The Little Pepe chain’s fully EVM-compatible, so it works straight out of the box with usual wallets, dApps, and tools. No weird steps, no messing around—just a meme coin that actually took the time to build something smoother and way more user-friendly.

    The chain’s actually built with meme projects in mind—it’s not just some repurposed tech. It comes with zero trading taxes, sniper bot protection, and lightning-fast transactions, which is a huge deal if ever been rugged or stuck waiting forever on a slow chain. This isn’t just some surface-level hype or flashy graphics—it’s actual tech built with meme culture at the core.

    One of the best parts is a launchpad made to give new meme tokens a safe space to launch—just a cleaner way to get started. And they’re just getting started—staking, community voting through a DAO, and even NFT integration are all lined up next. It’s turning into a full ecosystem, not just another hype token.

    Presale Picking Up Serious Steam

    LILPEPE’s presale is heating up fast. The early stages have sold out rapidly, raising $500,000 in Stage 1 (at $0.001 per token) and $1.325 million in Stage 2 (at $0.0011). Now in Stage 3, tokens are priced at $0.0012, and over $2.33 million has already been raised, with more than 93% of this stage completed. The presale follows a tiered pricing model meaning early buyers lock in lower prices while supporting the ongoing development of LILPEPE’s Ethereum-compatible Layer-2 network. The next stage will increase the token price to $0.0013, continuing the momentum ahead of its public launch.

    Getting in on the presale is super simple. LILPEPE tokens can be purchased using ETH or USDT (ERC-20) directly from supported wallets such as MetaMask or Trust Wallet. For those new to crypto, there’s also an option to buy using a credit or debit card. It’s important to note that USDT transactions still require a small amount of ETH in the wallet to cover gas fees.

    A Token Setup Built to Last

    LILPEPE’s token supply is actually thought out, not just thrown together. There’s a hard cap of 100 billion tokens, with 26.5 billion set aside for the presale. The rest is split across different parts of the project—13.5 billion for staking rewards, 10 billion for liquidity, 30 billion held in reserve for the chain, and 20 billion saved for marketing and future listings on decentralized exchanges. And here’s a big plus—there are zero buy or sell taxes, so it’s clean and fair whether holding or trading.

    The tokenomics are crafted not only to reward early holders but also to ensure sustainable growth through community incentives, ecosystem scaling, and utility integrations planned on the roadmap.

    What makes it even better is that Little Pepe’s chain is fully EVM-compatible. That means it works seamlessly with popular wallets, dApps, and crypto tools—no complicated setups or extra steps. It’s designed specifically for meme projects and the roadmap includes upcoming features like DAO governance, an NFT marketplace and creator tools that support community-driven development.

    About Little Pepe:

    Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) is a next-generation meme coin built for the community, by the community. Inspired by crypto culture’s favorite frog, Little Pepe combines viral meme energy with real utility, launching on a fast, secure Layer 2 blockchain to ensure low fees and high scalability. With over $2.3 million raised in its presale, a growing army of holders, and a transparent roadmap, Little Pepe is more than just a meme—it’s a movement.

    For more information about Little Pepe, visit the links below:

    Website: https://littlepepe.com/
    Twitter/X: https://x.com/littlepepetoken
    Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken

    Contact Details:
    COO – James Stephen
    media@littlepepe.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Little Pepe. 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/d9f7c50a-36f4-494c-b0e1-ef1e438807e9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aetherium Acquisition Corp. Announces Additional Change of Special Meeting Date

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aetherium Acquisition (the “SPAC” or the “Company”), a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company, today announced that its Special Meeting (“Meeting”), previously scheduled at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on June 27, 2025, has been postponed to 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on July 7, 2025, and the redemption right deadline has been postponed to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 2, 2025.

    The record date for the Meeting remains May 9, 2025. No changes have been made to the proposals to be voted on by shareholders at the Meeting. Shareholders of the Company who have previously submitted their proxy and who do not want to change their vote do not need to take any action.

    On May 23, 2025, the Company filed a definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), on June 3, 2025 the Company filed a revised definitive proxy statement with the SEC and on June 13, 2025 and the Company issued a press release postponing the Meeting from 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on June 13, 2025 to 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on June 27, 2025, each in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the Meeting. Before making any voting decision, investors and shareholders of the company are urged to read the definitive proxy statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto) and other documents the company files with the sec carefully in their entirety when they become available as they will contain important information. Investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the definitive proxy statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto) and other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

    About Aetherium Acquisition Corp.

    Aetherium Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company formed to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Efforts to identify a prospective target business will not be limited to a particular business, industry sector, or geographical region. However, it intends to focus on companies in Asia (excluding China).

    Forward-looking Statements

    This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to Aetherium’s pursuit of an alternative business combination. No assurance can be given that Aetherium will successfully seek and consummate such an alternative business combination. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of Aetherium, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of Aetherium’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Aetherium undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release except as required by law.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    The Company and its directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of the Company in connection with the Meeting. Investors and shareholders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of the Company’s directors and officers in the Proxy Statement, which may be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Meeting proposals. This communication shall also not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

    Contact:

    For investors:

    Crocker Coulson, CEO, AUM Media
    +1 (646) 652-7185
    crocker.coulson@aummedia.org;
    Info@aetheriumcapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Read More (Steube and Hill Introduce RISE Act)

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

    June 26, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON —  U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and French Hill (R-Ark.) this week introduced the Revitalizing Investment, Savings, and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Act to reduce risk on capital investments in American industries by establishing a 15% cap on federal capital gains.“American businesses rely on investment to grow and thrive. Yet, our current tax code burdens entrepreneurs and start-ups by taxing federal long-term capital gains at nearly 24%, creating a costly barrier to investment,” said Rep. Steube. “Investing in America should never be a high-risk, expensive gamble. True long-term prosperity and economic security start when Washington unlocks more capital for U.S. industries. Our bill will cap the federal long-term capital gains tax rate at 15%, empowering investors to fuel economic growth and create good-paying American jobs.”“To build a stronger, more prosperous future, we need policies that unlock capital, reward risk-taking, and drive real growth for all Americans. That is exactly what the RISE Act delivers,” said Rep. Hill. “My bill restores the proven, bipartisan capital gains tax rate that encourages long-term investment in Main Street businesses and drives innovation across our country. With greater access to capital, startups can turn ideas into reality, small businesses will expand and hire, and hardworking Americans will have more opportunity and higher wages.”The RISE Act has the support of the National Taxpayers Union, National Venture Capital Association, and Americans for Tax Reform. Background:

    The RISE Act will establish a 15% cap on the federal long-term capital gains tax rate. Under current law, American investors pay nearly 24% in federal capital gains taxes—almost 5% more than the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development average. This includes the 3.8% Medicare surtax on estates, individuals, and trusts.
    Both Republicans and Democrats have endorsed lower tax rates on capital gains. Three successive administrations, two Democrat and one Republican, approved reduced top capital gains tax rates in 1997, 2003, and 2010.
    In 2012, the Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation recognized that reducing taxes on capital gains provides investors with the resources necessary for “starting, building, and selling new businesses.” 

    Read the full bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former HUD Employee, Who Moonlighted for Two Other Federal Agencies, Admits Making False Claims

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Caused an Estimated Loss to the U.S. Government of $225,866

               WASHINGTON – Crissy Monique Baker, 45, a federal employee from Fairfax, Virginia, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to making false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims in connection with claiming to work more hours for the government than she actually did.

               The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Acting Inspector General Stephen Ravas of AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge Michael Smith with Office of the Inpsector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

               Between October 2021 and May 2025, Baker worked as a management and program analyst for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. According to court documents, from October 2021 through July 2024, Baker held multiple full-time government contractor positions to perform human resources services for other federal agencies but did not seek approval from HUD to engage in this outside employment. Through this years-long scheme, Baker billed the government more than 24 hours in a single day between her employment with the federal government and contractors. The estimated loss to the government was $225,866.

               Between September 2021 through April 2023, Contractor-A employed Baker to perform full-time work as a human resources assistant for AmeriCorps. From May 16, 2022, until Dec. 2, 2022, Contractor-B employed Baker to work fulltime as a human resources specialist for the National Institutes of Health. 

               Because of her scheme, Baker willfully caused the contractors to submit false claims to the U.S. Government for hours that she did not actually work. In addition, Baker submitted timesheets to HUD certifying that she worked hours for the government agency that she never actually did. For example, in June 2022, Baker certified through timesheets to HUD, Contractor-A, and Contractor-B, that she worked 26 hours per day on 13 workdays out of a total of 21 workdays that month.   

               Baker teleworked in all three positions, so she was able to conceal her employment with HUD and the two contarctors from each other.

    U.S. District Court Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan scheduled sentencing for Sept. 30, 2025.

               This case was investigated by the Offices of the Inspector General for the following agencies:  AmeriCorps; Housing and Urban Development; the Department of Energy; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; the Department of Homeland Security; the General Services Administration; the Department of Health and Human Services; and the Department of Treasury (Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration), the Department of Defense (Defense Criminal Investigate Service), and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

               The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Will Hart and Kondi Kleinman.

    25cr172

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Serial Armed Robber Sentenced to Over 26 Years Imprisonment for String of Commercial Armed Robberies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    STATESBORO, GA:  A Waynesboro resident was sentenced to federal prison for 10 commercial armed robberies that he committed in Bulloch, Burke, Chatham, Emanuel, Glascock, Jenkins, and Ware Counties.

    Cordell Cobb, 24, of Waynesboro, was sentenced to 318 months in prison after pleading guilty to ten counts of Interference With Commerce by Robbery and two counts of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Cobb to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term and to pay $12,081 in restitution to the various victimized businesses.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    As described in court documents and testimony, on ten different occasions from January 2023 through June 2023, Cobb entered commercial establishments throughout the Southern District of Georgia and brandished weapons before demanding money. Employees in all ten locations provided United States currency to Cobb to avoid physical harm and Cobb left the locations with his ill-gotten proceeds. Following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Chatham County Police Department (CCPD), Glascock County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Waycross Police Department (WPD), Burke County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO), Cobb was apprehended and ultimately admitted to committing all ten robberies.

    “This sentencing reflects the serious consequences of violent crime and the strength of coordinated law enforcement” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Communities across Georgia are safer today because of the tireless work of our local, state, and federal partner agencies in bringing this armed robber to justice.”

    “We applaud the collaborative efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation. Together, we have sent a strong message that armed robbery will not be tolerated, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” said Thomas Crawford, ATF Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge.

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

    This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer.

    The case was being investigated by the ATF, GBI, CCPD, GCSO, JCSO, WPD, BCSO, ECSO and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley R. Thompson and Henry W. Syms, Jr.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Gang Member Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Drug Conspiracies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A member of the violent Boston-based gang, H-Block, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for drug conspiracy charges.

    Avery Lewis, a/k/a “Wave,” 33, of Dorchester was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to 46 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In January 2025, Lewis pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

    Lewis was one of 10 H-Block gang members and associates charged in August 2024 following a multi-year investigation that began in 2021 in response to an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings and violence. Over 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl, as well as over 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper were seized during the investigation.

    According to the charging documents, the H-Block street gang is one of the most feared and influential city-wide gangs in Boston. Originally formed in the 1980s as the Humboldt Raiders in the Roxbury section of Boston, the gang re-emerged in the 2000s as H-Block. Current members of H-Block have a history of violent confrontation with law enforcement, including an incident in 2015 when a member shot a Boston Police officer at point blank range without warning or provocation.

    Lewis was a long-time H-Block gang member and daily street-level dealer with a regular roster of customers. Over the course of the investigation, Lewis sold cocaine to an undercover officer on several occasions and coordinated other drug trafficking criminal activities with H-Block gang members.

    On April 5, 2023, Lewis was arrested with approximately 250 grams of cocaine in his vehicle. In addition, in March 2024, Lewis was involved in an altercation with a Boston Police Department officer, leading to the officer being struck by a bullet fired by a concealed gun in Lewis’s possession resulting in state charges. Lewis was sentenced to seven to nine years in state prison in that matter.

    According to court records, Lewis’ criminal history includes a 2017 cocaine conviction for possessing 86 bags of cocaine inside his apartment as well as a 2013 conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.  

    Lewis is the first defendant to be sentenced in the case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Randy Maloney, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement. The investigation was supported by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; and the Braintree, Quincy, Randolph and Watertown Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Jeremy Franker of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section are prosecuting the cases.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Sentenced in Rhode Island for Bank Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE   A Bronx, NY, man who participated in a conspiracy that intended to defraud banks in at least ten states of approximately $143,000 was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Paul Keenan, 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnel, Jr., to    24 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release. Keenan, charged and arrested in this matter in August 2024, pleaded guilty in February to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

    According to court documents, Keenan, working alongside other members of a conspiracy, to facilitate their scheme, recruited and organized individuals and obtained their photographs and personal identifying information (PII). Keenan and his co-conspirators used the information to create fraudulent IDs that contained their own photographs and the PII of some of the recruits.

    Keenan and others then obtained the PII of at least 28 victim individuals, including their names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, and bank account information. They also obtained information of at least 20 business entities, including business names and banking information. The information collected was used to create fraudulent IDs and checks. Members of the conspiracy then traveled with recruits to banks in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and at least eight other states to cash bogus checks.

    Through the scheme, Keenan and others attempted to defraud banks of a total of approximately $143,000, successfully defrauding twenty-two banks of a total of approximately $93,200.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christine Lowell with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney Sandra Hebert.

    The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the East Providence Police Department, with the assistance of the Portsmouth Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Massachusetts Resident Living in California Pleads Guilty to PPP Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Los Angeles man who formerly resided in Randolph, Mass. has pleaded guilty to submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of multiple companies he owns and controls.  

    Rindal Pierre-Canel, 30, pleaded guilty on June 24, 2025 to three counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Oct. 1, 2025. The defendant was arrested and charged in January 2025.  

    Between March 2021 and May 2021, Pierre-Canel submitted three fraudulent applications seeking and receiving over $50,000 in PPP funds. Two of the applications were submitted in Pierre-Canel’s own name and the third application was submitted using the stolen personal identifying information of a victim. The submissions included false representations about the existence and income of businesses and included false tax documents in support of these false representations. Pierre-Canel used the funds he received from the fraudulent PPP loan applications on personal expenses, including flights to California and purchases of designer clothing.

    The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Cambridge and Hermosa Beach (Calif.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at: Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Global Logistics Advances Landmark Port Expansion Projects

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Freight forwarding service Africa Global Logistics (AGL) recently secured €230 million in financing to expand the container terminal at the Port of Pointe Noire in the Republic of Congo, marking a major milestone in regional infrastructure development. The new 750-meter quay – scheduled for completion by 2027 – will double the terminal’s capacity to 2.3 million containers annually and support the country’s growing oil and LNG exports.  

    The Pointe Noire project is being executed by AGL’s subsidiary Congo Terminal in collaboration with engineering firm China Road and Bridge Corporation. Backed by both international and Congolese banks, the €400 million platform will include 26 hectares of quayside, a dredged 17-meter-deep basin, and the installation of 16 gantries. It forms a key part of Congo’s strategy to boost hydrocarbon production to 500,000 barrels of oil per day and LNG output to 3 million tons per annum within five years. AGL will participate as a Diamond Sponsor at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. 

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

    In Angola, AGL also launched operations at its Lobito Terminal in March last year. The terminal – Angola’s second-largest port hub – handles over one million tons of bulk cargo and more than 100,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit containers annually, with 730 employees operating deepwater berths and modern equipment. With €100 million in planned investment, the terminal connects to the 1,300-km Benguela railway and aims to become a vital gateway for copper, cobalt and agricultural exports from the Copperbelt region in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project comes at a pivotal time for Angola, which is preparing to bring several major energy developments online between 2025 and 2028. These include the Cabinda Oil Refinery in 2025, the Agogo Integrated West Hub development in late-2025, the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields in 2026 and the Kaminho Deepwater Development in 2028. 

    Meanwhile, in Ivory Coast, AGL is playing a vital role in Phase 2 of the Baleine offshore development – West Africa’s first net-zero emissions project. In partnership with engineering firm Saipem, AGL began manufacturing critical subsea structures for the Baleine field in April 2024 at its Carena shipyard in Abidjan. The works include anchoring systems and underwater fixtures totaling over 200 tons, to be deployed in ultra-deep waters. AGL has mobilized 100 skilled local workers – including certified welders, painters and crane operators – reinforcing its commitment to local content, capacity building and sustainable energy infrastructure in Ivory Coast’s rapidly growing oil and gas sector.  

    AGL’s recent activities in Africa align with its broader vision to support the continent’s energy infrastructure. In addition to the Republic of Congo, Angola and Ivory Coast, the company is currently modernizing the Walvis Bay terminal in Namibia while playing a key role in major energy logistics across Mauritania, Senegal and Mozambique. AGL’s Diamond Sponsorship at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 underscores its commitment to building robust, multimodal logistics systems that enable energy development and economic transformation across Africa. 

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: IAFI4.0 by SWIA and François Delacroix Marks a New Era in AI-Driven Investment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, France, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SWIA, a global leader in intelligent investment solutions, officially unveiled IAFI4.0, its next-generation AI investment system. Designed under the leadership of renowned financial strategist and SWIA founder François Delacroix, the system aims to redefine how investors approach market complexity through automation, precision, and adaptive intelligence.

    A Strategic Leap in Financial Technology

    IAFI4.0 combines real-time market analytics, multi-factor modeling, and AI-driven decision support to deliver investment strategies that are both responsive and replicable. It is engineered to assist investors in identifying opportunities, managing risk exposure, and optimizing portfolio allocations across various asset classes.

    “Modern markets demand modern thinking,” said François Delacroix at the launch event in Paris. “IAFI4.0 is not just a system—it’s a transformation in how we understand and act on financial data. It empowers investors to navigate uncertainty with confidence, speed, and structure.”

    Practical Tools for a Global Investor Base

    IAFI4.0 has already been tested across multiple real-market environments, delivering strong results in performance stability and strategy adaptability. SWIA plans to expand global access to the system through phased onboarding, localized support tools, and educational programs aligned with the platform’s strategic intelligence model.

    Beyond Technology: An Educational Vision

    SWIA integrates its technological advances with a deep commitment to investor education. With a community of over 30,000 learners worldwide, the institution supports clients not only with intelligent systems but also with the training necessary to use them effectively. IAFI4.0 reflects this synergy—where technology meets practical skill.

    Looking Forward

    Following the launch of IAFI4.0, SWIA will focus on scaling its intelligent investment ecosystem across Europe, Asia, and beyond. By enhancing the system with new modules and collaborative research, SWIA reaffirms its mission: to make intelligent investing the global standard.

    About SWIA

    SWIA is a leading international firm specializing in intelligent finance and AI-powered investment systems. Founded by François Delacroix, SWIA is known for its integration of advanced technology with hands-on investor education. The IAFI4.0 system represents its latest milestone in reshaping the future of financial decision-making.

    https://www.swia-fr.com/

    Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice or an investment recommendation. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investment decisions should be made based on personal evaluation or professional counsel.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Notice of Early Redemption – Amended (ISIN code: FR0000584377)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (SEE “DISCLAIMER” BELOW).

    Paris, June 26th 2025

    Notice of Early Redemption (amended)

    To : (i)      The Noteholders of the below mentioned Notes;
    (ii)      Euronext Paris;
    (iii)      Fiscal Agent.

    Dear Sirs,

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A.,
    Issuance of F 500 000 000 (€76 224 508),
    Undated Subordinatede Notes
    With the Isin code: FR0000584377 (the ‘’Notes’’)

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A., (formerly “Compagnie Financière de Crédit Industriel et Commercial’’) is the issuer (the “Issuer’’) of the Notes.

    In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes (the ‘’Conditions’’), the Issuer hereby gives notice that it is exercising in whole its right to redeem the Notes pursuant to the provision Redemption (‘’Remboursement’’) of the Listing Particulars (“Issuer Call Option”) of the Notes.

    The Issuer instructs the Fiscal Agent to authorise the French Central Securities Depository to cancel the Notes redeemed on 21 July, 2025 (“Early Redemption Date”).

    For the purposes of the Issuer Call:

    (i) the Issuer Call Date will be 21 July, 2025; and

    (ii) the Optional Redemption Amount(s) or Early Redemption Amount excluding accrued interest is: 1.01 euros per Denomination.

    Notwithstanding the information provided in the Conditions of the Notes, Law No. 98-546 of July 2, 1998, implementing various economic and financial provisions, provided for the conversion of negotiable securities denominated in Francs into securities with a nominal value of one euro. Therefore, the Early Redemption amount is carried out based on a nominal value of one euro per Notes, and the accrued interest will be adjusted accordingly.

    Unless otherwise defined in this notice, capitalised terms used in this notice shall have the meaning given to them in the Listing Particulars (‘’Note d’Information’’) dated June, 1987, as applicable, relating to the Notes.

    Yours faithfully,

    For and on behalf of

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A.,

    By Eric CUZZUCOLI

    Duly authorized

    DISCLAIMER
    This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, the Instruments in the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan or in any other jurisdiction, including France. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves and observe any such restrictions. No communication may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction in which registration or approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction where such action would be required; CIC disclaims any liability for any violation by any person of such restrictions.

    Contacts
    Corporate Communications and Press Relations Department: +33 (0)1 53 48 26 00 – compresse@cic.fr
    Investor Relations: bfcm-web@creditmutuel.fr

    About CIC
    CIC is a leading bank in France and internationally, and the bank of one in three businesses in France. It provides nearly 5.5 million customers with a French network of nearly 1,800 branches and 20,000 employees, as well as international branches in 37 countries. In order to meet the needs of all economic players and to build up a constantly efficient offer on a daily basis, it combines financial, insurance, telephony and cutting-edge technological services with a high level of financial solidity backed by that of its parent company, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. For more information, visit cic.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Notice of Early Redemption – Amended (ISIN code: FR0000584377)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (SEE “DISCLAIMER” BELOW).

    Paris, June 26th 2025

    Notice of Early Redemption (amended)

    To : (i)      The Noteholders of the below mentioned Notes;
    (ii)      Euronext Paris;
    (iii)      Fiscal Agent.

    Dear Sirs,

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A.,
    Issuance of F 500 000 000 (€76 224 508),
    Undated Subordinatede Notes
    With the Isin code: FR0000584377 (the ‘’Notes’’)

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A., (formerly “Compagnie Financière de Crédit Industriel et Commercial’’) is the issuer (the “Issuer’’) of the Notes.

    In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes (the ‘’Conditions’’), the Issuer hereby gives notice that it is exercising in whole its right to redeem the Notes pursuant to the provision Redemption (‘’Remboursement’’) of the Listing Particulars (“Issuer Call Option”) of the Notes.

    The Issuer instructs the Fiscal Agent to authorise the French Central Securities Depository to cancel the Notes redeemed on 21 July, 2025 (“Early Redemption Date”).

    For the purposes of the Issuer Call:

    (i) the Issuer Call Date will be 21 July, 2025; and

    (ii) the Optional Redemption Amount(s) or Early Redemption Amount excluding accrued interest is: 1.01 euros per Denomination.

    Notwithstanding the information provided in the Conditions of the Notes, Law No. 98-546 of July 2, 1998, implementing various economic and financial provisions, provided for the conversion of negotiable securities denominated in Francs into securities with a nominal value of one euro. Therefore, the Early Redemption amount is carried out based on a nominal value of one euro per Notes, and the accrued interest will be adjusted accordingly.

    Unless otherwise defined in this notice, capitalised terms used in this notice shall have the meaning given to them in the Listing Particulars (‘’Note d’Information’’) dated June, 1987, as applicable, relating to the Notes.

    Yours faithfully,

    For and on behalf of

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A.,

    By Eric CUZZUCOLI

    Duly authorized

    DISCLAIMER
    This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, the Instruments in the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan or in any other jurisdiction, including France. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves and observe any such restrictions. No communication may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction in which registration or approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction where such action would be required; CIC disclaims any liability for any violation by any person of such restrictions.

    Contacts
    Corporate Communications and Press Relations Department: +33 (0)1 53 48 26 00 – compresse@cic.fr
    Investor Relations: bfcm-web@creditmutuel.fr

    About CIC
    CIC is a leading bank in France and internationally, and the bank of one in three businesses in France. It provides nearly 5.5 million customers with a French network of nearly 1,800 branches and 20,000 employees, as well as international branches in 37 countries. In order to meet the needs of all economic players and to build up a constantly efficient offer on a daily basis, it combines financial, insurance, telephony and cutting-edge technological services with a high level of financial solidity backed by that of its parent company, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. For more information, visit cic.fr

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nimanode Presale Skyrockets, over 28% Allocation Scooped as Major Investors Flock to the Potential 10X on XRP

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The highly anticipated Nimanode (NMA) Presale has so far surpassed expectations, rapidly filling its presale allocation with 28% already scooped so far from its softcap which has fuelled intense investor FOMO.

    Nimanode, is drawing serious attention from early adopters seeking exposure to the next phase of Web3 automation.

    Analysts have predicted $NMA could deliver high returns with anticipation of a major breakout post-launch, early participants are moving quickly to secure $NMA tokens at presale pricing.

    $NMA Presale

    Presale Participation Surges as Investor Demands Intensifies

    FOMO is already set in place as the Nimanode Presale momentum already indicates strong confidence from early investors citing a belief in the project.

    Demand for the NMA token has also surged as tokens are set to be listed at an upward 25% price from presale prices at top XRPL exchanges like Magnetic, so instant returns for early investors are expected.

    The platform’s unique value lies in its accessibility. Anyone regardless of coding ability can create and monetize autonomous AI agents, all powered by the speed and cost-efficiency of the XRPL.

    Unlike static automation or off-chain bots, Nimanode agents operate on-chain, interact with smart contracts, and generate on-chain earnings; creating a new form of programmable, decentralized labor.

    Pioneering the AI x Blockchain Wave on XRP Ledger

    Nimanode is capturing attention for good reason: it’s pioneering zero-code, on-chain AI agents that can automate complex blockchain tasks from deploying smart contracts and managing DeFi strategies to running real-time compliance checks and providing intelligent customer support.

    Though independent from Ripple’s official roadmap, Nimanode leverages XRP Ledger’s speed, low fees, and increasing developer adoption to help reignite the bullish energy seen in previous cycles.

    To put it in perspective, XRP once saw an explosive 137,000% surge during the 2017–2018 bull market. Now, as the XRP ecosystem rebounds with the token retracing back to $2.20

    Nimanode’s emergence offers a timely opportunity to capture investor interest around intelligent automation, agent-powered DeFi, and tokenized real-world utilities built directly on XRPL.

    Don’t Miss Out Nimanode Presale

    With early interest accelerating and a powerful utility-driven token model, investor excitement around Nimanode is building fast. As more participants secure their share of $NMA, the window for getting in at the most favorable entry point is narrowing quickly.

    Joining in the NimaNode Presale is quite straightforward

    Purchase XRP: Acquire XRP from reputable exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Bybit

    Send to an XRP-Compatible Wallet: Ensure you have a non-custodial wallet capable of receiving XRP native tokens Xaman recommended.

    Participate in the Presale: Visit the NimaNode presale page (https://nimanode.com/presale), send your XRP to the provided presale address, and secure your $NMA tokens.

    As Nimanode Presale gains momentum, now is a perfect opportunity to position at the next wave of Blockchain innovation poised for massive gains through the integration of Web3 and AI.

    Connect with Nimanode

    Website: https://nimanode.com

    Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai

    Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI

    Documentation: https://docs.nimanode.com

    Contact:
    Nick Lambert
    contact@nimanode.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. 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/4e265477-34bd-41dd-a088-88b80c5fc989

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Landmark report spotlights Switzerland’s rise as a global leader in Deep Tech where startups are driving $100B in value

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While global attention has often centered on innovation hubs such as Silicon Valley, Berlin, or Paris, today, fresh data from Dealroom.co and Startupticker in a new report spotlights how Switzerland has quietly become one of the world’s most advanced and efficient Deep Tech ecosystems. 

    The Swiss Deep Tech Report 2025, a Deep Tech Nation Switzerland initiative, offers a comprehensive new dataset and analysis on the Swiss Deep Tech ecosystem. It was curated in close collaboration with Dealroom.co, Startupticker and venture capital firms Founderful and Kickfund. The report is the first of its kind to map the full scope of Switzerland’s Deep Tech performance – from research institutions and patents to venture activity and late-stage outcomes. 

    The report’s findings are striking: 

    • Swiss Deep Tech companies have created more than $100 billion in combined enterprise value.
    • From 2019 to 2025, Switzerland allocated 60% of its total venture capital into Deep Tech – more than any other country globally. 
    • Over the same period, Switzerland ranked first in Europe and third worldwide for Deep Tech VC funding per capita, backed by both a strong domestic research base and increasing levels of international capital. 
    • Nearly 96% of late-stage Deep Tech rounds in Switzerland were led by global investors, with US and EU firms now accounting for the majority of capital inflow. 
    • Behind Oxford and Cambridge, 2 of the top 4 universities creating Deep Tech spinouts in Europe are Swiss: ETH Zurich and  EPFL 

    The report establishes a definitive benchmark for the ecosystem’s strength and signals its global potential. With over 1500 Swiss Deep Tech startups analyzed and data spanning more than five years, the report positions Switzerland not just as a center of academic excellence, but as a global-scale producer of science-based innovation and venture outcomes.

    “Switzerland has long excelled in fundamental research, but we believe the next decade belongs to the scientists and engineers who turn that research into global companies,” said Alex Stöckl, Founding Partner at Founderful. “This report is about making that transformation visible – about telling the story of Swiss Deep Tech in hard data and positioning it clearly on the world stage. Founderful is proud to lead that effort.”

    The report also highlights a new generation of Swiss startups driving that shift. AI/ML already accounts for 23 percent of companies founded since 2021, almost double its previous share. Climate & Energy, Robotics and TechBio have each expanded at speed.. The strength of this cohort reflects a deeper pipeline forming at the intersection of academic excellence, local entrepreneurial talent, and increasing support from sector-focused investors. The international visibility of these startups is growing rapidly, but local capital – particularly at the later stages – remains limited, creating both a challenge and an investment opportunity.

    Geraldine Naja, Director for Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness at the European Space Agency, commented: ‘‘With the launch of the European Space Deep Tech Innovation Centre in Villigen, Switzerland is proving how precision science, agile industry and open collaboration can propel space technologies from lab to orbit. This new hub is more than a facility—it’s a testbed where European autonomy meets global opportunity. At ESA, we see Switzerland’s deep tech strengths as a catalyst for advancing Europe’s technological sovereignty, commercial competitiveness and innovation resilience.’’ While, Severin Schwan, Chairman of Roche, added: “Switzerland has long been a global hotspot for biotech innovation. The exceptional concentration of pharma expertise around Basel, combined with academic excellence and access to capital, continues to make it one of the world’s most fertile grounds for breakthrough biomedical innovation.”

    Investors are reallocating capital toward the next wave of AI-powered verticals. In 2024 almost one-third of all Swiss deep-tech funding went to AI-first startups, from generative protein design and industrial autonomy to foundation-model safety, tripling the share recorded in 2020. This funding surge is matched by a rising cohort of growth-stage companies such as Scandit, Distalmotion and Climeworks, underscoring Switzerland’s ability to turn lab breakthroughs into mission-critical products for Fortune 500 customers.

    Chris Keller, Managing Director Central Europe at AWS, added: “Switzerland stands at the forefront of global AI innovation, leading with the highest AI patents per capita and one of the most dynamic startup ecosystems.”

    As Switzerland’s Deep Tech ecosystem matures, the report authors plan to deepen the dataset and track sector performance across key hubs including Zurich, Lausanne, Geneva, and Basel. As more Swiss Deep Tech startups reach scale, the goal is to give founders, investors, and policymakers a reliable view of progress – and a strong case for the country’s leadership in Deep Tech.

    The full report is available for download here: https://deeptechnation.ch/resources/swiss-deep-tech-report-2025

    Media images can be founder here. 

    About Deep Tech Nation Switzerland
    Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation is a private, not-for-profit initiative backed by leading companies, foundations, associations, and universities. Our mission is to position Switzerland as the world’s leading deep tech nation. We work independently and systemically to strengthen the Swiss innovation ecosystem for the long term. Acting as a neutral catalyst, we shape the future  for Switzerland – so that others can invest, create, and scale.

    About Dealroom.co 
    Dealroom.co is is the source of record on startups, innovation, high-growth companies, venture capital and tech ecosystems globally. Its European Deep Tech Report is the reference study for investors and policymakers.

    About Startupticker
    Deeply rooted in the Swiss start-up ecosystem and supported by leading initiatives, organisations and companies, Startupticker.ch is the trusted provider of daily news and analysis including the annual Swiss Venture Capital Report. 

    About Kickfund
    Kickfund is a Swiss venture capital fund investing at the earliest stages in high-tech startups emerging from Switzerland’s top academic institutions. Kickfund systematically backs winners of Venture Kick, Switzerland’s leading accelerator, which has supported over 1,000 startups to date – including many of the globally leading deep tech companies that have come out of Switzerland, such as Climeworks, Scandit, and Kandou.

    About Founderful
    Founderful is Switzerland’s leading pre-seed fund, backing founder teams building tech companies with the potential to become global market leaders. Founderful has a track record of supporting exceptional founders in creating breakthrough companies and has the passionate conviction that the Swiss startup ecosystem is just starting to write its best success stories.

    The MIL Network –