NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National enterprise honours for Highland school

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Budding entrepreneurs from a Highland school are celebrating following triumphs at two top enterprise events.

    In the last two weeks team Solasta, from Fortrose Academy, won the Scottish Company of the Year at the Young Enterprise Scotland Awards in Glasgow and went on to triumph in Manchester at the UK Company of the Year finals event last Wednesday (4 June).

    At both events Solasta were recognised for their expertise in designing, producing and selling their intergenerational journals which encourage families to connect and record their memories.

    The team will now go on to represent the UK at the Junior Achievement European awards in Athens, Greece on 1-3 July, known as the European “Oscars” of Youth Entrepreneurship.

    Councillor John Finlayson, chair of Highland Council’s education committee, said: “I was delighted to hear about Solasta, the team from Fortrose Academy who won the UK Young Enterprise final in Manchester on the 4th of June.

    “As someone who has always promoted the importance of including enterprise in the work of all our schools, I congratulate Fortrose staff and pupils on their success and I wish them well in the European final in Greece on 4th July.”

    The Young Enterprise Scotland Company Programme for Highland and Moray runs in partnership with local schools to encourage young people to experience the challenges of running a business.

    Over the course of a year teams from individual schools learn how to run a successful business by designing and making products, marketing them and managing the financial side.

    The scheme is aimed at 15- to 19-year-olds and teams are supported by teachers, a volunteer business adviser from the local community, and a Young Enterprise Scotland area team.

    The Solasta team involved S6 pupils Amy MacRae, Natasha Browne, Imogen Geddes, Imogen Maclarty, Roisin Beattie, Abbie Harper, Freya Campbell and Keira Chisholm.

    Their idea for producing a journal was sparked through the school’s own well established inter-generational links with community charity Black Isle Cares and the Eilean Dubh Care Home.

    Keira Lyall, Head of Business Studies at Fortrose Academy, added: “The team are still on a high after their great achievement and the tremendous experience of taking part in both finals.

     “We’d like to thank everyone who generously stepped in quickly to provide sponsorship to help us travel to Manchester and represent the Highlands on a national stage.

    “We are now making plans to get to Athens for the European finals in July and if any local business would like to get involved, please email us on keira.lyall@highland.gov.uk.” 

    Linda Thomas, Chair of Young Enterprise Highland and Moray, said: “We are absolutely delighted but not at all surprised at Solasta’s success.

    “Their hard work, tenacity and creativity have been a joy to watch and they are a true credit to the Highlands.

     “Their win at the national finals in Glasgow brings the tally of teams from the Highlands and Moray who have won the top Young Enterprise Scotland award to ten over the last 18 years – a clear demonstration that young people from this area absolutely have all it takes to succeed in the world of work.”

    Fortrose has a long tradition of supporting young enterprise in the school, having been previous UK winners in 2008.

    Press release issued by Young Enterprise Highland and Moray and The Highland Council

    Caption: Solasta at the Young Enterprise UK final with Graham Farhall, Finance Director at sponsor Delta Airline and Sarah Poretta, CEO of YE UK

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak approved the creation of a new special economic zone in Tatarstan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on the creation and development of special economic zones.

    It was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan Alexey Pesoshin, General Director of PJSC Tatneft named after V.D. Shashin Nail Maganov, Director of the Association of Clusters, Technology Parks and SEZs of Russia Mikhail Labudin, representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Federal Customs Service.

    The participants discussed the results of the work of special economic zones in Russia and approved the creation of a new special economic zone of the industrial and production type “Green Valley” in the Republic of Tatarstan on the territory of the Zainsk municipal formation for the development of a biotechnology cluster on an area of 16.5 hectares.

    “This year, the SEZ mechanism turns 20 years old. During this time, they have become one of the key drivers of development in the territories where key projects in industry, science, logistics are being implemented, growth points in tourism are being formed – conditions are being created for fulfilling the economic tasks set by the President. Over 1.3 thousand unique projects with an investment portfolio of 6.6 trillion and plans to create 177 thousand jobs are in the active implementation stage. Based on the results of 2024, we see a record demand for special zones among businesses, 230 new residents and 1.2 trillion in investments in just one year. In the previous record year of 2023, there were 188 new residents and 636 billion in investments. Serious momentum has been gained that cannot be slowed down,” said Alexander Novak, opening the meeting.

    According to the Tatarstan authorities, by 2034 the volume of investments made by residents of the new economic zone “Green Valley” will amount to over 15 billion rubles, and 444 jobs are planned to be created. The projects of the SEZ residents include processing flax and cotton into biofiber, production of sorbents and fertilizers, etc. Tatneft plans to implement two of the six SEZ projects.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Public development banks launch Clean Oceans Initiative 2.0 after original initiative delivered on its target ahead of time

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Unsplash

    • Public development banks launch Clean Oceans Initiative 2.0 at the UN Ocean Conference, setting a new €3 billion financing target for 2026–2030 to tackle ocean plastic pollution.
    • The original Clean Oceans Initiative reached its €4 billion financing target for plastic pollution reduction projects seven months ahead of schedule.
    • COI 2.0 expands the partnership’s focus beyond pollution management to include waste prevention and circular economy solutions and welcomes new regional partner ADB to strengthen efforts in Asia.

    Building on a shared commitment to marine sustainability, six public development banks today launched the Clean Oceans Initiative 2.0 (COI 2.0), a renewed and expanded partnership dedicated to drastically reducing plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. At the United Nations Ocean Conference in the city of Nice, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB), Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which joins the initiative as a new member, set a financing target of €3 billion for the years 2026 to 2030.

    Launched in 2018 and extended in 2022, the Clean Oceans Initiative is the largest multilateral effort dedicated to funding projects that reduce plastic pollution at sea. In May this year – seven months ahead of schedule – the initiative met its target of €4 billion in long-term financing for public and private sector projects aimed at reducing discharge of plastics, micro-plastics and other litter into the oceans through improved management of solid waste, wastewater and stormwater. Project examples include improved wastewater treatment in Sri Lanka, China, Egypt, and South Africa; solid waste management in Togo and Senegal; and flood protection in Benin, Morocco, and Ecuador.  

    According to the United Nations, if current trends continue the amount of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems could triple—from around 11 million tonnes in 2021 to 23–37 million tonnes per year by 2040. The new phase of the Clean Oceans Initiative is the international financial community’s response to these challenges. COI 2.0 will maintain its focus on reducing marine litter, while increasing its impact by placing a stronger emphasis on waste prevention and supporting circular economy solutions, including projects that develop alternatives to plastic.

    Some of the highest amounts of plastic enter the ocean in Asia, making it essential to join forces with local partners. The Asian Development Bank brings crucial regional expertise to the initiative and will be able to leverage projects in its area of action. Going forward, one of the objectives is to measure the impact of the enhanced initiative using scientifically robust and easy-to-apply indicators, especially in the areas of plastic pollution prevention.

    “Delivering on our initial target ahead of schedule demonstrates the power of partnership and collective action,” said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. “Through the Clean Oceans Initiative 2.0, we are expanding our collaboration with local partners to deliver innovative solutions where they are needed most. The EIB is committed to supporting projects that make a real and measurable difference, setting new benchmarks for impact as we continue our mission to keep plastics out of the world’s oceans.”

    Background information

    Oceans are vital to life on Earth, providing food, income, climate regulation, and natural resources for billions of people. They absorb about 30% of global carbon dioxide emissions, helping to buffer climate change.

    Plastic pollution threatens marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions who depend on healthy oceans. Most ocean plastics originate from mismanaged waste on land, often carried by rivers due to inadequate waste collection and water treatment, especially in rapidly growing cities. Microplastics alone account for an estimated 1.5 million tonnes entering the oceans each year.

    The Clean Oceans Initiative 2.0 focuses on projects in coastal areas that address plastic pollution entering the ocean, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where inadequate waste and water management in major river systems remains a critical challenge.

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Luxembourg and EIB Global team up to help Small Island Developing States confront climate change

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Luxembourg is tapping EIB Global expertise through the Luxembourg-EIB Climate Finance Platform (LCFP) to contribute €5 million to the Outrigger Impact Fund I.
    • The Fund has a target size of $100 million and aims to provide finance to projects in various sectors of the oceans economy.
    • Outrigger Impact Fund I will provide debt and equity financing to help Small Island Development States adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Luxembourg is joining forces with the European Investment Bank’s development arm (EIB Global) to pledge €5 million through the Luxembourg-EIB Climate Finance Platform (LCFP) to help Small Island Development States (SIDS) tackle climate change. The Government of Luxembourg is making the commitment to a new fund dedicated to the sustainable use of ocean resources – an area of activity known as the “blue economy” – and EIB Global is managing the contribution to ensure its optimal use.

    Luxembourg’s pledge will take the form of junior equity in the Outrigger Impact Fund I, which has a target size of $100 million and will be run by UK-based fund manager Outrigger Impact. The fund will operate in Small Island Development States, providing debt and equity finance to projects in various blue economy sectors such as sustainable aquaculture, ocean conservation, ecotourism and offshore renewable energy.

    “This investment reflects our ambition to drive more capital towards climate resilience where it is most urgently needed. By backing the Outrigger Impact Fund I through the provision of junior equity, we aim to de-risk innovative projects in the blue economy and mobilise private finance at scale. This is a targeted use of public capital to unlock impact where markets alone would not go,” said Luxembourg Minister of Finance Gilles Roth.  

    “Over the last decade, Luxembourg has been committed to supporting the most vulnerable countries in the fight against climate change. Small Island Development States are disproportionally affected and face a finance gap at the same time. The blue economy offers an opportunity for SIDS to help adapt to climate change, protect and restore nature, while generating sustainable income for the most vulnerable communities,” said Minister of Environment, Climate and Biodiversity Serge Wilmes.  

    EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle and Outrigger Impact Managing Director Simon Dent announced Luxembourg’s contribution at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

    “Small Island Developing States are disproportionately at risk of the impacts of climate change and receive immeasurably less financing than other developing or low-income countries. That’s why this fund is important – at the portfolio level it is expected to multiply investments with a significant leverage,” said Vice-President Fayolle.

    The involvement of Luxembourg and the EIB in the new fund advances an EU goal in its “Global Gateway Investment Agenda” to deepen worldwide cooperation on investment in areas including climate and the environment.

    The investments by the new fund will reduce greenhouse gas emissions through clean transport, contribute to conservation of protected areas and coral reefs, and reduce pollution including plastics in the ocean. The financing will also increase the resilience of local communities to climate change.

    The fund will leverage private investments and group projects across Small Island Development States to support new or small market players that are developing innovative business models backing the transition to a sustainable blue economy.

    “This new fund will provide catalytic investment in projects, small and medium-sized enterprises and nature-based solutions in Small Island Development States. These states steward over 30% of our oceans through their exclusive economic zones, meaning that their blue economies, ecosystems and sustainable marine assets are full of environmental, social and economic potential,” said Outrigger Impact Managing Director Simon Dent.

    Background information

    About EIB Global

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It finances investments that pursue EU policy objectives.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world. Photos of EIB headquarters for media use are available here.

    About the Luxembourg-EIB Climate Finance Platform (LCFP)

    The LCFP is a de-risking platform initiated by the Government of Luxembourg in collaboration with the EIB that seeks to catalyse private sector investments in high-impact climate projects in developing countries.

    About Outrigger Impact

    Outrigger Impact is a specialised blue economy platform, which is developing a dedicated financing facility to build environmental and economic resilience and drive nature-positive outcomes in Small Island Developing States, by catalysing and leveraging the blue economy and enhancing the sustainability of ocean resources. The Outrigger Impact Fund will provide investment capital for blue economy projects in a range of Small Island Developing States, and the Outrigger Technical Assistance Facility will provide grants and concessionary loans to support early-stage projects in islands, with the common aim of delivering dedicated funding of more than $100 million to catalytic projects in island states.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Men Sentenced for Illegally Transmitting More Than $15 Million Dollars Using Hawala Network

    Source: US FBI

    Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that HIRENKUMAR PATEL, the last of six defendants in a case involving an unlicensed money transmitting business that illegally sent millions of dollars in cash throughout the U.S. and between the U.S. and India, was sentenced to 21 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas.  PATEL previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and one count of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business on September 12, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik.

    “The anonymous transmission of money is a linchpin of international criminal activity, whether hacking, drug dealing, sex trafficking, or terrorism” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Unlicensed money transmission organizations, like the ‘halawa’ network operated by Patel and his cohorts, are tailor made for supporting international criminal activity.  Together with our law enforcement partners, we will seek to shut down these unlicensed networks and stop the flow of dirty money to criminals who do harm to Americans from abroad.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “These six defendants engaged in an unregulated money transferring scheme responsible for illegally transmitting $15 million in less than a year.  Illicit financial schemes like this one cause damage to our economic system that extends beyond the directly involved bad actors.  The sentencings announced today demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to ensuring those who attempt to carry out illegal financial schemes face the repercussions in the criminal justice system.”

    According to allegations contained in the Complaint, the Information, court filings, and public court proceedings:

    In or about April 2021, law enforcement identified a vendor (“Vendor”) on the dark web who was offering, in exchange for a fee, a service to convert cryptocurrency into cash.  The Vendor indicated to an undercover agent that some of his clients made money by selling drugs, his wealthiest clients were hackers, and that he had made approximately $30 million over the prior three years through the conversion of cryptocurrency to cash.

    In or about February 2023, law enforcement began working with a confidential source and learned that the Vendor was using a “hawala”[1] to obtain the cash that was ultimately exchanged for the cryptocurrency.  As part of this hawala, several of the defendants collected cash along the East Coast of the U.S., which was later delivered to an individual who mailed the cash to the Vendor’s customers.  All six defendants participated in the delivery of, and/or coordinated the delivery of, the collected cash.  The persons who supplied the cash for collection, in turn, used the hawala to have their cash converted into rupees delivered to designated individuals in India.

    Of the approximately $15 million sent through the hawala between in or about February 2023 and in or about September 2023, PATEL was responsible for participating in 42 deliveries of bags of cash totaling more than $7.7 million.  Neither PATEL nor his co-defendants were licensed or registered to operate as a money transmitting business in New York or under federal law.

    *                *                *

    A chart containing the names of the defendants, the charges they were convicted of, and the sentences they received is set forth below.

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky in connection with this investigation.

    The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Levander and Timothy Ly are in charge of the prosecution.

    Defendant

    Age

    Convictions

    Sentence
    Rajendrakumar Patel 52 Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business 27 months in prison
    Brijeshkumar Patel 32 Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business 18 months in prison
    Hirenkumar Patel 40 Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business 21 months in prison
    Naineshkumar Patel 51 Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business 12 months and one day in prison
    Nileshkumar Patel 33 Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business 3 years of probation
    Shaileshkumar Goyani 36 Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business and Operation of an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business Time served

    [1] A “hawala” is an unregulated method of transferring money—usually internationally—from one person to another without the money being physically transported from one location another. Rather, someone who seeks to have money transferred relies on brokers who use their own capital to disburse money and informal ledgers to track the receipt and disbursal of money.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Executive at Investor Relations Firm and Two Associates Plead Guilty to Insider Trading Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    Robert Yedid, Andrew Kaufman, and Mark Jacobs Admit to Illegal Trading in Several Health Care Company Clients of Investor Relations Firm

    Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that ROBERT YEDID, ANDREW KAUFMAN, and MARK JACOBS pled guilty to participating in a five-year insider trading scheme to reap illegal profits from stock and options trading based on inside information about several health care company clients of the investor relations firm where YEDID was employed.  Together, YEDID, KAUFMAN and JACOBS made more than $500,000 in illicit gains through this scheme.  JACOBS pled guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Laura Taylor Swain.  YEDID and KAUFMAN pled guilty before Chief Judge Swain on May 29, 2025.

    “Robert Yedid betrayed the trust of his employer and its clients by stealing confidential information and passing it to two friends, Andrew Kaufman and Mark Jacobs, to make unlawful, profitable trades based on inside information,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “This Office is committed to prosecuting securities fraud and ensuring that insiders and their friends can’t cheat their way to profits.  With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to police the financial markets and hold those accountable who misuse nonpublic information for personal gain.” 

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Robert Yedid abused his authority as a former investor relations director and provided his friends with material nonpublic information to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit profits.  By betraying the trust placed in his position, Yedid established an unlawful financial advantage for his insular social circle that was not afforded to all investors.  May today’s plea serve as a deterrent to any individual who exploits confidential trading information for personal benefit.”

    According to the allegations contained in the Information and statements made in public filings and in public court proceedings:

    Between 2019 and 2024, YEDID, KAUFMAN, and JACOBS engaged in a scheme to trade in stocks and options based on material nonpublic information about several publicly traded health care companies, in violation of the duties of trust and confidence that YEDID owed to his employer, an investor relations firm, and to the companies.

    YEDID was a director at an investor relations firm that provided public relations services to health care companies, including BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. (“BDSI”), CinCor Pharma (“CinCor”), Inotiv (“Inotiv”), Inspire Medical Systems (“Inspire”), Nano-X Imaging Ltd. (“Nano-X”), and OncoCyte Corp. (“OncoCyte”).  In this role, YEDID had access to the content of upcoming press releases, which often contained highly sensitive, non-public, and potentially market-moving news, such as earning reports, regulatory approvals, clinical trial results, and merger and acquisition announcements.  YEDID owed a duty of trust and confidence to his employer and its clients and was prohibited from misusing or disclosing the firm’s confidential information for personal gain or to benefit others.

    Beginning in 2019, YEDID knowingly and willfully tipped his friends, KAUFMAN and JACOBS, with valuable, nonpublic information of upcoming corporate announcements involving at least six client companies.  That confidential information included advanced notice of an upcoming merger for BDSI; clinical trial results for healthcare products being developed by OncoCyte and CinCor; and quarterly earnings announcements for Inspire, Nano-X, and Inotiv.

    YEDID understood and intended that the information he provided to KAUFMAN and JACOBS would be used to execute securities trades before the information became public.  As expected, KAUFMAN and JACOBS executed trades based on YEDID’s tips.  In many cases, KAUFMAN and JACOBS traded aggressively in the securities of the companies, often purchasing shares or options just days before major announcements were made.  Together, KAUFMAN and JACOBS traded in stocks and options on at least 17 different occasions based on YEDID’s tips.  KAUFMAN generated profits of more than $480,000, and JACOBS generated profits of more than $35,000. In exchange for the tips, KAUFMAN shared half of his illegal profits with YEDID by giving him cash in envelopes during various meetings in New York City.

    In November 2024, FBI agents approached YEDID, KAUFMAN, and JACOBS as part of this investigation.  Shortly after being contacted by the FBI, KAUFMAN intentionally deleted spreadsheets he maintained that listed the illegal profits he made through trading based on YEDID’s tips.  KAUFMAN deleted these records in order to impede and obstruct the FBI’s investigation.

    *               *                *

    YEDID, 67, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

    KAUFMAN, 68, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison; and one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

    JACOBS, 77, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

    YEDID is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 12, 2025, at 2:30 p.m; KAUFMAN is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 18, 2025, at 11 a.m; and JACOBS is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 19, 2025, at 11 a.m.

    The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. 

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its cooperation and assistance in this investigation. 

    The case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Rothman is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nigerian Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years for Hacking, Fraud, and Identity Theft Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that KINGSLEY UCHELUE UTULU was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe to 63 months in prison for his role in a broad hacking, fraud, and identity theft scheme targeting U.S.-based businesses and individuals.  UTULU previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    “Kingsley Uchelue Utulu took part in a scheme to hack into U.S. tax preparation businesses, trade in the stolen personal identifying information, and defraud the IRS and other governmental bodies,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Offshore scammers like Utulu and his co-conspirators may think they can target hard-working Americans with their hacking and fraud schemes and avoid prosecution.  The message from the Department and the FBI is clear, they cannot.  We are committed to protecting Americans from criminals operating offshore.”   

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Kingsley Utulu, a Nigerian national, was part of a scheme that targeted and infiltrated electronic systems of U.S.-based companies to steal more than two million dollars through fraudulent tax returns.  Along with his co-conspirators, this defendant’s scheme reached across the globe to exploit sensitive information for financial gain.  The FBI will never exempt any individual who seeks to unlawfully profit through deceitful practices, regardless of where they are located.”

    According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court:

    Beginning in at least in or about 2019, UTULU and other Nigeria-based conspirators took part in a scheme to hack into U.S-based tax preparation businesses.  The conspirators utilized spearphishing emails to obtain access to these business’s electronic systems.  Once they had obtained access, the conspirators stole the tax and other identifying information of the business’ customers.  The conspirators hacked into several U.S.-based tax businesses, located in New York, Texas, and other states.

    The conspirators obtained the stolen identity information of thousands of individuals.  They used this information to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities.  The conspirators sought fraudulent refunds of at least approximately $8.4 million, of which they successfully obtained at least approximately $2.5 million.

    In addition to filing fraudulent tax returns, the conspirators used the stolen identities to file fraudulent claims with the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.  The conspirators were able to obtain at least an additional approximately $819,000 in fraudulent payouts.

    UTULU was arrested for his involvement in this scheme while being present in the United Kingdom and was thereafter extradited to the U.S. to be prosecuted. 

    *                *                *

    In addition to the prison term, UTULU, 38, of Nigeria, was ordered to pay restitution in an amount of $3,683,029.39 and forfeiture in the amount of $290,250.

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI.

    The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Nessim is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Fort Gibson Resident of Second-Degree Murder in Indian Country

    Source: US FBI

    MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that David Allen Lee, age 44, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country, punishable by up to life in prison.

    The jury trial began with testimony on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and concluded, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, with the guilty verdict.

    During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on July 2, 2024, Lee stabbed a Tahlequah resident in the chest with a knife at the victim’s residence.  Lee waited to call 911 for several hours after the victim’s death and barricaded himself inside the residence before finally surrendering to police.  The crime occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

    The guilty verdict was the result of an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report.  Lee will remain in custody of the United States Marshals until sentencing.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Gross and Patrick Flanigan represented the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping a Child From Berks County in 2022

    Source: US FBI

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Duane Taylor, 50, of Brooklyn, New York, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Court Judge John M. Gallagher to charges arising from the abduction of a minor child from her home in Reading, Pennsylvania, and transportation of that child across state lines to Taylor’s residence.

    In January 2023, Taylor was charged by superseding indictment with kidnapping, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and transportation of child pornography. He pleaded guilty to all counts.

    As detailed in court filings, on the morning of August 31, 2022, City of Reading police officers responded to the victim’s home when the child’s mother reported her missing from her bedroom, where she had last seen her daughter around 10:30 p.m. the evening prior before going to bed. After searching for the child, her mother observed that the back door of their residence was wide open, and law enforcement found the chain lock on that door was broken.

    Investigators reviewed video surveillance footage from the home’s security system, which showed a person entering the living room area at approximately 2 a.m. and proceeding to the stairs leading to the second floor. A short time later, the victim is seen walking down those stairs and through the living room, followed by the person who was later identified as the defendant, whom the victim’s mother also stated was her former boyfriend.

    Reading investigators contacted the New York City Police Department, who traced the defendant to his residence in Brooklyn, but did not locate the victim there. The victim was located later that day when a citizen called 911 to report a child alone and asking for help because she had been kidnapped from Pennsylvania.

    The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on September 18 and faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.

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

    The case was investigated by the FBI, the Reading Police Department, and the New York City Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rosalynda M. Michetti and Josh A. Davison.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Monroe Michigan Man Arrested for Calling-In Hoax Bomb Threat for a Flight at Detroit Metro Airport

    Source: US FBI

    DETROIT – A Monroe, Michigan, resident was arrested on a criminal complaint for calling Spirit Airlines and reporting a fake bomb threat for a flight departing from Detroit Metropolitan Airport yesterday, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.

    Charged was John Charles Robinson, 23.

    According to the affidavit, on June 5, 2025, at approximately 6:25 am, an individual later identified as Robinson, used a cellphone to call into Spirit Airlines and conveyed false information about a bomb threat to Flight 2145 departing from Detroit Metro bound for Los Angeles. During the call, Robinson stated in part, “I was calling about 2145… because I have information about that flight,” and “there’s gonna be someone who’s gonna try to blow up the airport,” and “there’s gonna be someone that’s gonna try to blow up that flight, 2145.”  After giving a description of an individual, he then stated: “they’re going to be carrying a bomb through the TSA,” and “they’re still threatening to do it, they’re still attempted to do it, they said it’s not going to be able to be detected.  Please don’t let that flight board.”  The flight was immediately canceled, and the flight’s passengers and crew were deplaned. Bomb sniffing dogs and FBI agents were deployed to sweep the airplane. No bomb or explosives were found.

    Agents soon learned that Robinson was booked on Flight 2145 but missed the flight and was told at the gate that he needed to rebook.  FBI agents subsequently arrested Robinson when he returned to the airport to depart on another flight bound for Los Angeles.

    U.S. Attorney Gorgon said, “No American wants to hear the words ‘bomb’ and ‘airplane’ in the same sentence. Making this kind of threat undermines our collective sense of security and wastes valuable law enforcement resources.”

    “Anyone who threatens to bomb an aircraft and endanger public safety will be swiftly investigated and brought to justice,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The alleged bomb threat prompted a coordinated response by our FBI Detroit Joint Terrorism Task Force, in partnership with the Wayne County Airport Authority Police Department and the U.S. Federal Air Marshal Service, leading to the arrest of John Robinson as he attempted to board another flight at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. We remain committed to protecting the public and confronting those who seek to spread fear in our communities.”

    Robinson appeared in federal court in Detroit this afternoon and was released on bond.  His next court appearance will be June 27 for a preliminary examination.

    The charges in a complaint are merely allegations. A defendant remains innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

    This case is being investigated by special agents from the FBI.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hank Moon and Douglas Salzenstein are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Conducts 2025 Article IV Consultation and Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Fifth Review of the Extended Credit Facility with Zambia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 9, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • The Zambian authorities and the IMF team have reached a staff-level agreement on the economic policies and reforms needed to conclude the Fifth Review under the 38-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.
    • Zambia’s economy proved resilient to the drought, and growth is projected at 5.8 percent in 2025. Rising fiscal pressures and external headwinds call for decisive domestic revenue mobilization and steadfast fiscal discipline to preserve fiscal and debt sustainability.
    • Sustaining reform momentum will consolidate gains of Zambia’s homegrown reform agenda to achieving higher and more inclusive growth, promoting job creation and building resilience amid a challenging external environment and declining official support.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Ms. Mercedes Vera Martin, IMF Mission Chief for Zambia, visited Lusaka from April 29 to May 13, 2025, to conduct discussions for the 2025 Article IV Consultation and the Fifth Review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). Discussions continued virtually subsequently.

    At the end of the discussions, Ms. Vera Martin issued the following statement:

    “The Zambian authorities and the IMF team reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms for the Fifth Review under the ECF arrangement. The agreement is subject to approval by IMF management and the Executive Board in the coming weeks. Once approved by the Executive Board, Zambia will gain access to SDR 139.9 million (about US$194 million) in financing.

    “The Zambian economy demonstrated resilience in 2024, despite a severe drought and global headwinds. Real GDP growth is estimated at 4 percent in 2024—up from 1.2 percent projected at the time of the Fourth Review—driven by stronger-than-projected mining and non-mining activity, especially in ICT, financial services and construction, as well as a less severe contraction in agriculture than initially envisaged. Fiscal performance in 2024 was tighter than initially planned, with a primary surplus of 2.9 percent of GDP, driven primarily by spending compression amid tight financing conditions. Social protection spending helped cushion the impact of the drought and rising prices on vulnerable households.

    “Growth momentum is expected to continue in 2025, with real GDP growth projected at 5.8 percent. Economic activity would be supported by a rebound in agricultural output, increased copper production, and a gradual recovery in electricity generation, although electricity shortages and reliance on energy imports are expected to persist. Driven by higher food prices and kwacha depreciation, inflation averaged 15 percent y/y in 2024 and peaked at 16.8 percent y/y in February. Inflationary pressures have started to show signs of easing since then, partly reflecting hikes in the policy rate, at 14.5 percent since February 2025. The current account deficit narrowed in 2024, while gross international reserves have continued to increase, to $4.7 billion by mid-May 2025 (4.1 months of prospective imports). The medium-term outlook remains favorable, but downside risks to the outlook dominate given increasing global uncertainty. Advancing the external debt restructuring would help lower risk premia and catalyze investment.

    “The overall fiscal balance is expected to widen to 5.3 percent of GDP, with the primary balance (cash basis, program target) projected at 1.1 percent in 2025. Higher-than-initially projected debt service and new social spending needs are adding fiscal pressures. To this end, the authorities have committed to revising the 2025 Budget, to include additional revenue measures and reprioritize expenditures to partly accommodate additional spending needs. Going forward, sustained revenue mobilization and stronger expenditure controls will be critical to safeguarding priority spending and supporting fiscal and debt sustainability. Continued efforts to strengthen tax administration and expenditure efficiency, broaden the tax base, and monitoring fiscal risks will help improve fiscal policy implementation.  

    “While inflation is projected to gradually decline in 2025 as food and fuel prices ease, continued vigilance is needed given elevated uncertainty and persistent inflationary pressures. Preserving a data-driven and forward-looking monetary policy stance will be essential to steer inflation toward the target band and support macroeconomic stability. Enhancing the monetary transmission will help develop interbank money markets. Strengthening the financial legal and regulatory framework in line with international best practices, including for bank resolution, and developing an effective deposit protection scheme, will support financial stability.  

    “Accelerating reform implementation is needed to lay the foundations for higher and more inclusive growth. Continued efforts to improve the business environment and strengthen governance are critical to boosting investor confidence, reducing the state footprint, particularly in agriculture, and fostering a level-playing field for private sector-led growth. These reforms are key to unlocking investment and creating job opportunities needed for Zambia’s rapidly growing youth population. While the open access regime in the fuel sector is being somewhat implemented, renewed efforts to enhance enforcement and transparency in fuel supply will further promote fair competition.

    “The IMF team met with His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema; Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane; Governor of the Bank of Zambia, Dr. Denny Kalyalya; Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Felix Nkulukusa; Deputy Governor, Dr. Francis Chipimo; senior government officials; and representatives from the private sector, civil society, and development partners. The IMF team extends its sincere gratitude to the Zambian authorities and stakeholders for their warm hospitality and constructive engagement throughout the mission.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Wafa Amr

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/09/pr-25187-zambia-imf-conducts-2025-art-iv-consult-reaches-agreement-on-5th-rev-of-ecf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Philadelphia and law enforcement partners execute worksite enforcement operation at Wyoming Valley Pallets Inc.

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Scranton and Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia, FBI Scranton, IRS-Criminal Investigations Scranton, the U.S. Marshals Service Scranton and other law enforcement partners executed a worksite enforcement operation at Wyoming Valley Pallets Inc. in Exeter on June 5. The operation resulted in the administrative arrests of three illegal aliens from Mexico: Miguel Bruno-Vasquez, Vicente Coyotecal Matias and Jesus Gallardo-Bautista. Additionally, Geoli Perez-Santana, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was arrested. All were illegally working in the United States.

    “Today’s operation highlights the significant detriments of employing illegal workers, which undermines the integrity of our immigration system and puts lawful businesses at a disadvantage,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend those who violate immigration laws and to protect the interests of both legal workers and employers who follow the law.”

    This investigation began on or about March 14, when HSI Scranton was notified by ERO of a positive employment hit confirmation on Gallardo, who had an outstanding arrest warrant for driving under the influence. All four individuals were transported to the Pike County Jail for processing after their arrests. This enforcement action is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative.

    Gallardo last entered the U.S. on June 16, 2007, with authorization to remain until Dec. 11, 2007; however, he remained beyond that date without authorization. Gallardo was ordered removed from the U.S. on May 8, 2013, in absentia. Gallardo was previously arrested by the Scranton Police Department on April 29, 2021, for driving under the influence and driving without a license. The case is still pending.

    Coyotecal was previously arrested at the U.S. border on March 1, 1999, and June 3, 1999, and given voluntary returns.

    Bruno-Vasquez has no previous encounters with ICE.

    Perez-Santana was previously arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol on Oct. 25, 2022, near Calexico, California, after illegally crossing the U.S. border from Mexico. Perez-Santana was served a notice to appear and released on his own recognizance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests Salvadoran gang member in Massachusetts

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BROCKTON, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation apprehended a 24-year-old, illegally present Salvadoran national and documented member of the notorious MS-13 criminal gang. Officers with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston working with agents from ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England and FBI Boston arrested William Alberto Villalobos-Melendez May 14 in Brockton.

    “William Alberto Villalobos-Melendez has been illegally residing in the United States for almost nine years,” said ICE ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He is a validated member of a violent transnational street gang and poses a threat to our Massachusetts residents. ICE Boston will not tolerate any threat that a member of a nefarious gang poses to our neighbors. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting criminal alien threats to our New England communities.”

    U.S. Border Patrol arrested Villalobos Oct. 11, 2016, after he illegally entered the United States near Hidalgo, Texas. USBP determined that Villalobos had entered the U.S. without admission or inspection by an immigration official. USBP issued Villalobos a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge.

    On June 12, 2019, a DOJ immigration judge issued ordered Villalobos removed from the United States to El Salvador.

    The State Police of Middleboro, Massachusetts, charged Villalobos with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and using an electronic device while driving March 13, 2025.

    Officers with ICE ERO Boston and agents with ICE HSI New England and FBI Boston arrested Villalobos May 14, 2025, and took him into ICE custody. Villalobos will remain in ICE custody pending his removal from the United States.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X at @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Augustine Business Owner Indicted For Attempting To Produce Child Sexual Abuse Materials

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Jack Dymond Leach (43, St. Augustine) with one count of attempted production of child sexual abuse materials, two counts of receipt of child sexual abuse materials, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse materials. If convicted of the attempted production offense, Leach faces a minimum of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison. For each receipt and possession offense, Leach faces a minimum of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison.  

    According to court documents, Leach engaged in conversations on an online chat platform during which he paid money to receive child sex abuse images. An investigation into the account resulted in Leach being identified. Federal search warrants were executed at Leach’s home and business in St. Augustine where law enforcement seized numerous electronic devices. A forensic examination of the devices reveled child sexual abuse material.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. 

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alien from Wuhan, China, Charged with Making False Statements and Smuggling Biological Materials into the U.S. for Her Work at a University of Michigan Laboratory

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT –  Chengxuan HAN, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with smuggling goods into the United States and false statements, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division, Acting Director of Field Operations John Nowak, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Detroit field office.

    According to the complaint, Han is a citizen of the PRC who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from the College of Life Science and Technology in the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan, PRC. In 2024 and 2025, Han sent four packages to the United States from the PRC containing concealed biological material. These packages were addressed to individuals associated with a laboratory at the University of Michigan. On June 8, 2025, Han arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a J1 visa. Customs and Border Protection officers conducted an inspection of Han, during which Han made false statements about the packages and the biological materials she had previously shipped to the United States. CBP officers also found that the content of Han’s electronic device had been deleted three days prior to her arrival in the United States. At the conclusion of the border inspection, Han was interviewed by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During this interview, Han admitted to sending the packages, admitted that the packages contained biological material related to round worms, and admitted to making false statements to the CBP officers during her inspection.

    Han will be appearing this afternoon in federal court in Detroit.

    A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.

    United States Attorney Gorgon stated: “The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this alien from a science and technology university in Wuhan, China—to be used at a University of Michigan laboratory—is part of an alarming pattern that threatens our security. The American taxpayer should not be underwriting a PRC-based smuggling operation at one of our crucial public institutions.”   

    “The guidelines for importing biological materials into the U.S. for research purposes are stringent, but clear, and actions like this undermine the legitimate work of other visiting scholars,” said CBP Acting Director of Field Operations John Nowak. “We will not tolerate the smuggling of regulated biological materials through our ports of entry, and this interdiction is another recent example of our commitment—along with that of our law enforcement partners—to preventing potentially dangerous goods from harming the American people.”

    “ICE HSI is proud to work with our partners at the FBI and CBP to keep Americans and Michiganders safe from biological threats,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “This case should serve as a reminder that multiple law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to provide for our shared national security from malicious foreign actors.”

    The FBI, CBP and ICE HSI are investigating this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Britain Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSHUA GLAESER, 37, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for possessing and sharing child sex abuse material.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2022, a Connecticut State Police detective investigating child exploitation offenses identified an IP address at Glaeser’s New Britain residence that was being used in the distribution of child sex abuse material.  In 2012, Glaeser was convicted in state court of possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment, execution suspended after two years, followed by 10 years of probation, which Glaeser was currently serving.

    On December 9, 2022, HSI special agents executed a court authorized search warrant at Glaeser’s residence and seized his Chromebook, tablet, smartphone, and storage cards.  Analysis of the seized items revealed more 3,000 images and videos of child pornography, including images depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.  The investigation also revealed that Glaeser used a peer-to-peer file sharing network to distribute child pornography to other users.

    Glaeser has been detained since December 9, 2022.  On September 26, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.

    This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Disrupting the Stock Contract Trading Industry, Leading a New Era of Global Investment – Stockrich Launches AI Quantitative System

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Against the backdrop of rapid advancements in global financial technology, compliance intelligent financial platform Stockrich is reshaping the logic of stock contract trading through unprecedented technological innovation. With its self-developed AI quantitative system, high-frequency algorithm trading engine, and risk hedging architecture, Stockrich is ushering global investors into a new trading era characterized by “efficiency, transparency, and predictability.”

    As a strategic tool traditionally used by professional investment institutions and quantitative hedge funds, stock contract trading has not become a mainstream choice for retail investors due to its high technical barriers, heavy execution costs, and insufficient market depth. Now, Stockrich is breaking down these barriers with cutting-edge technology, allowing individual investors worldwide to compete on the same level as professional institutions.

    • · Ultra-Fast Contract Matching Engine: Based on a distributed high-performance computing architecture, it achieves millisecond-level order execution, greatly reducing slippage and latency.
    • · AI Smart Strategy Engine: Algorithms analyze global market trends and macro variables in real-time, dynamically optimizing trading paths and entry/exit timings.
    • · Cross-Market Liquidity Management System: Intelligently connects multiple markets, including US, Hong Kong, and European stock exchanges, improving order success rates and asset allocation efficiency.
    • · Quantitative Hedging Mechanism: Introduces volatility tracking models and market sentiment monitoring tools to automatically hedge systemic risks, ensuring the safety of investor assets.

    The founder and CEO of Stockrich stated at the launch: “We are redefining the concept of trading. Trading should not merely be reactive; it should combine prediction and positioning, which is the core value that data and technology can provide to investors.”

    Voices from the Investment Community: Global Experts Optimistic About Stockrich’s Transformational Potential

    Stockrich’s technological breakthroughs in contract trading have garnered high praise from several world-class investors. These endorsements not only affirm Stockrich’s leading position in technology and modeling but also indicate that its “user-system-market” closed-loop design has gained high recognition within the international capital community.

    User Experience: High-Frequency Technology + AI Strategies Empowering Global Retail Investors
    Stockrich continuously optimizes the terminal trading experience through extensive data collection and behavioral learning, addressing pain points in traditional contract trading:

    • · Faster Execution, Lower Slippage: Traditional investors often face delays in order placement and execution; Stockrich significantly enhances order matching efficiency.
    • · Lower Costs, More Stable Returns: The platform uses smart contracts and matching pool mechanisms to greatly reduce trading costs and improve capital utilization.
    • · More Accurate Strategies, More Stable Decisions: The AI system can simulate and predict various macro market scenarios, helping users maintain strategic initiative in volatile markets.

    Users are no longer passive recipients of market rhythms; instead, they actively engage through Stockrich’s intelligent collaborative system to lock in optimal return ranges.

    • Market Outlook: Building the Next Generation of Intelligent Contract Financial Ecosystem
      By 2025, Stockrich plans to fully implement its system upgrade in the contract trading market, aiming to achieve the following strategic goals within the next 12 months:
      • · Seamlessly integrate the “Sigma AI System” with stock contract modules to implement personalized strategy trading models.
      • · Launch stock contract services simultaneously in the Asian and European markets, building a global matching and liquidity pool.
      • · Localize trading strategy compliance modules for 20 major global financial markets.

    Establish strategic partnerships with third-party funds, brokerages, and asset management platforms to promote the embedded output of Stockrich’s trading system.

    The founder of Stockrich remarked: “We are not chasing a market trend; we are building the underlying structure of global intelligent finance. In the future, contract trading will no longer be a game for a few institutions but a new market paradigm shared by individuals and institutions worldwide.”

    Stockrich is leading a transformation in trading rules, moving from “being able to trade” to “being able to win at trading,” creating an intelligent investment infrastructure for the 21st century.

    Website: https://stockrich.com/

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DRML Miner Launches Limited-Time $10 Bonus for New Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY,, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DRML Miner, a next-gen AI-powered cloud mining service, is now giving new users an exclusive $10 sign-up bonus. This offer is part of DRML Miner’s initiative to make crypto mining more accessible, cost-efficient, and beginner-friendly for anyone looking to earn Bitcoin without the hassle of traditional mining setups.

    Why Cloud Mining with Renewable Energy Stands Out

    Cloud mining has become a go-to method for crypto enthusiasts due to its convenience and simplicity. Unlike conventional mining, which requires pricey hardware, electricity, and technical skills, cloud mining lets users rent mining power from remote data centers. No maintenance. No noise. Just profits. DRML Miner leverages sustainable, renewable energy sources to keep operations efficient and environmentally responsible.

    DRML Miner: Easy Earnings, No Sweat

    Designed with simplicity in mind, DRML Miner makes it incredibly easy for users of all levels to get started. It offers a plug-and-play mining experience—perfect for those who want to earn without diving into the technical side of crypto. With over 100 mining sites and more than half a million mining machines powered by green energy, DRML Miner has already attracted a global user base of 7 million+ with its reliable returns and solid platform security.

    What You Get with DRML Miner:

    – $10 instant sign-up bonus for new users (click here to register in one click)
    – High earnings potential with daily profit distributions.
    – Zero hidden fees — no service or maintenance costs.
    – Supports 9+ major cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, USDT, SOL, DOGE, and more.
    – Generous referral program — earn up to $30,000 by inviting friends.
    – Top-tier security through McAfee® and Cloudflare®, with 24/7 live customer support and a 100% uptime guarantee.

    Earn Without Investing: The DRML Miner Referral Program

    DRML Miner has rolled out a referral initiative where anyone can start earning by simply sharing the platform. No investment is needed to participate. By referring active users, you can unlock a one-time bonus of up to $30,000. There’s no cap on how many people you can invite — meaning your earnings are only limited by your reach.

    Final Thoughts:

    Looking to build a stream of passive income with minimal effort? DRML Miner offers a seamless and secure way to grow your crypto assets on autopilot. It’s a stress-free alternative to trading or setting up mining rigs, giving you more time while still generating returns.

    To get started, visit the official website: https://drmlminer.com
    Or download the mobile app from Google Play or Apple Store.

    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 and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Keir Starmer says migrants should learn English to integrate. Is he being fair?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Huw Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Politics, Aberystwyth University

    Pressmaster/Shutterstock

    The UK government’s proposed immigration reforms emphasise the need for migrants to learn English in order to integrate successfully.

    Some of the new measures announced include raising the level of English language skills required from migrants that wish to work in the UK.

    Those who wish to settle permanently will also need to demonstrate a stronger grasp of English. In the future they may also be asked to demonstrate how their command of the language has improved since they arrived.

    Since the New Labour years, successive UK governments have justified the link between learning English and integration by appealing to British values, social mobility or even national security and anti-extremism.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Yet in a press conference to launch the reforms, Keir Starmer adopted a different line. He argued that linguistic integration should be viewed as a matter of “fairness”.

    “When people come to our country, they should also commit to integration, to learning our language, and our system should actively distinguish between those that do and those that don’t,” Starmer said. “I think that’s fair.”

    In linking learning English with fairness, Starmer seems to be making a claim about the ethics of linguistic integration. However, his remarks frame this as a one-sided deal. Migrants must meet English language requirements to earn the right to stay in the UK.

    No mention is made of the possibility that fairness in this context may also entail an obligation on government, or society more broadly, to take steps to ensure that learning English is a practical option for all migrants.

    The government’s proposed reforms related to learning English adopt a similar approach. They include a series of steps that will be taken to increase the level of English competence expected from those settling in the UK.

    But aside from a vague commitment to improve access to English language classes, the government has not proposed detailed measures to help migrants to meet these language demands.

    This is despite the fact that researchers and practitioners working in the field of language education for migrants have long argued that access to learning English for speakers of other languages is highly uneven and chronically underfunded.

    It is not unreasonable for a society to set out certain broad obligations for migrants as part of the integration process, such as learning a common public language. This is now relatively common across many European democracies.

    What’s more, for those who settle in the UK from countries where English is not spoken, acquiring the language will support efforts to enter the labour market and simplify the challenge of navigating new health, social security, housing and education systems.

    Access to language learning can help people enter the job market.
    Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

    However, if Keir Starmer is concerned with fairness, then he should arguably consider how integration can be understood as a two-way process. This would mean acknowledging that there are roles and responsibilities for the government and citizens of the host society, as well as for migrants.

    This is particularly relevant when considering the role of language in integration because applied linguistic research shows that second-language acquisition can be a difficult task. Success varies according to factors that are not necessarily within the control of individual learners, such as age, level of education and wealth.

    Inclusive integration

    More nuanced understandings of linguistic integration also stress that the process should not be viewed as one where the aim is for migrants simply to not stand out linguistically.

    Rather, the aim should be to help migrants – many of whom may already be multilingual – to adjust their linguistic repertoires in a way that allows them to settle in their new communities.

    Alongside opportunities to acquire languages deemed essential for employment and engagement with public bodies, this may also entail opportunities to access other languages that play a role in the social life of the host society.

    For example, including the Welsh language as part of provision for speakers of other languages in Wales has been seen as a way to develop a distinct sense of belonging.

    Furthermore, the process of linguistic integration should acknowledge the languages that migrants bring with them. As they build a new life, they should be afforded space to reflect on what role these languages will play in their social interactions.

    This type of approach potentially offers a more inclusive route to linguistic integration. It affirms newcomers as valued members of society, not just as learners but also as contributors to the social and cultural life of their new communities.

    Huw Lewis is currently contributing to a Leverhulme-funded research project entitled The Ethics of Linguistic Integration

    Gwennan Higham is currently contributing to a Leverhulme-funded research project entitled The Ethics of Linguistic Integration

    Leigh Oakes is currently the Principal Investigator on a Leverhulme-funded research project entitled the Ethics of Linguistic Integration

    – ref. Keir Starmer says migrants should learn English to integrate. Is he being fair? – https://theconversation.com/keir-starmer-says-migrants-should-learn-english-to-integrate-is-he-being-fair-256743

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Valley National Bancorp to Announce Second Quarter 2025 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Valley National Bancorp (NASDAQ:VLY), the holding company for Valley National Bank, announced that it will release its second quarter 2025 earnings before the market opens on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

    Valley’s CEO, Ira Robbins will host a conference call on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM (ET) to discuss Valley’s second quarter 2025 earnings. Interested parties should pre-register using this link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIda64137d4a6b4cb687ae23c44d17acaa to receive the dial-in number and a personal PIN, which are required to access the conference call.

    The teleconference will also be webcast live: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/mwz7wzem and archived on Valley’s website through Monday, August 25, 2025.

    Investor presentation materials will be made available prior to the conference call at www.valley.com.

    About Valley

    As the principal subsidiary of Valley National Bancorp, Valley National Bank is a regional bank with approximately $62 billion in assets. Valley is committed to giving people and businesses the power to succeed. Valley operates many convenient branch locations and commercial banking offices across New Jersey, New York, Florida, Alabama, California, and Illinois, and is committed to providing the most convenient service, the latest innovations and an experienced and knowledgeable team dedicated to meeting customer needs. Helping communities grow and prosper is the heart of Valley’s corporate citizenship philosophy. To learn more about Valley, go to www.valley.com or call our Customer Care Center at 800-522-4100.

    Contact: Travis Lan
      Senior Executive Vice President and
      Chief Financial Officer
      973-686-5007

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks at the Crypto Task Force Roundtable on Decentralized Finance

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Thank you and good afternoon.[1] It is a great pleasure to be with you today. Let me begin by thanking Commissioner Peirce and the Crypto Task Force for their organizing today’s event, and Commissioner Crenshaw and Commissioner Uyeda for their participation.  Of course, I very much thank the roundtable panelists and our moderator, Troy Parades, for their voluntary contribution of time and talent to our endeavor.

    Today’s roundtable is titled “DeFi and the American Spirit.” This is an apt title because the American values of economic liberty, private property rights, and innovation are in the DNA of the DeFi, or Decentralized Finance, movement.

    Blockchains, of course, are a very creative and potentially revolutionary innovation that have us rethinking evidence of ownership and transfer of intellectual and economic property rights.  They are shared databases that enable ownership of a type of digital property called crypto assets without reliance on an intermediary or central party. Instead, these peer-to-peer networks incorporate an economic mechanism to encourage participants to validate and maintain the database in accordance with the network’s rules. These are free market systems where users pay demand-based fees to network participants to have their transactions included within a so-called “block” of data with finite storage capacity.

    The prior U.S. government administration discouraged Americans from participating in these market-based systems by asserting through lawsuits, speeches, regulation, and threatened regulatory action that participants and staking-as-a-service providers may be engaged in securities transactions. I am grateful to the Division of Corporation Finance staff for clarifying its view that voluntary participation in a proof-of-work or proof-of-stake network as a “miner,” “validator,” or “staking-as-a-service” provider is not within the scope of the federal securities laws.[2]  As happy as I am over that step, it is not a duly promulgated rule with the force of law, so we cannot stop there.  The Securities and Exchange Commission must adopt a regulation based on the authority that Congress has given us.

    Another core feature of blockchain technology is the ability for individuals to have self-custody of crypto assets in a personal digital wallet. The right to have self-custody of one’s private property is a foundational American value that should not disappear when one logs onto the internet. I am in favor of affording greater flexibility to market participants to self-custody crypto assets, especially where intermediation imposes unnecessary transaction costs or restricts the ability to engage in staking and other on-chain activities.

    The prior President’s administration undermined innovation in self-custodial digital wallets and other on-chain technologies by asserting through regulatory actions that the developers of such software may be conducting brokerage activity. Engineers should not be subject to the federal securities laws solely for publishing this type of software code. As one court put it, it would be irrational to hold the developer of a self-driving car liable – here, quoting from the court’s decision – “for a third-party’s use of the car to commit a traffic violation or to rob a bank. In those circumstances, one would not sue the car company for facilitating the wrongdoing; they would sue the individual who committed the wrong.”[3]

    Many entrepreneurs are developing software applications that are designed to function without administration by any operator. The idea of self-executing software code that is accessible to everyone, but controlled by no one, and that enables private, peer-to-peer transactions may sound like science fiction. But, blockchain technology makes possible an entirely new class of software that can perform these functions without an intermediary. I do not believe that we should allow century-old regulatory frameworks to stifle innovation with technologies that could upend and most importantly improve and advance our current, traditional intermediated model.  We should not automatically fear the future.

    These on-chain self-executing software systems have proven to be resilient in the face of crises. While centralized platforms waivered and failed under recent stresses, many on-chain systems continued to operate as designed pursuant to open-source code.[4]

    Most current securities rules and regulations are premised upon the regulation of issuers and intermediaries, such as broker-dealers, advisers, exchanges, and clearing agencies. The drafters of these rules and regulations likely did not contemplate that self-executing software code might displace such issuers and intermediaries. I have asked the Commission staff to explore whether further guidance or rulemaking may be helpful for enabling registrants to transact with these software systems in compliance with applicable law.

    I also am excited about the use of on-chain software systems by issuers and intermediaries to eliminate economic frictions, increase capital efficiency, enable new types of financial products, and enhance liquidity. Current securities regulations already contemplate the use of new technologies by issuers and intermediaries, but I have asked the staff to consider whether amendments to the Commission’s rules and regulations would be better suited to provide needed accommodation for issuers and intermediaries who seek to administer on-chain financial systems.

    While the Commission and its staff work to propose fit-for-purpose rules of the road for on-chain financial markets, I have directed the staff to consider a conditional exemptive relief framework or “innovation exemption” that would expeditiously allow registrants and non-registrants to bring on-chain products and services to market. An innovation exemption could help fulfill President Trump’s vision to make America the “crypto capital of the planet”[5] by encouraging developers, entrepreneurs, and other firms that are willing to comply with to certain conditions to innovate with on-chain technologies in the United States.

    Thank you for your attention. I look forward to the discussions to follow.

    [1]    These remarks reflect my individual views as Chairman of the Commission and do not necessarily reflect the views of the full Commission or my fellow Commissioners.

    [3]    Risley v. Universal Navigation Inc., 690 F. Supp. 3d 195, 217 (S.D.N.Y. 2023), aff’d in part, vacated in part, remanded, No. 23-1340-CV, 2025 WL 615185 (2d Cir. Feb. 26, 2025) (internal citations omitted).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nine Defendants Arrested for Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FARGO – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that beginning on May 15, 2025, a multi-state law enforcement operation resulted in the arrests of nine defendants following their indictment by a federal grand jury in the District of North Dakota for roles in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy with ties to the Almighty Latin King Nation criminal street gang.

    The defendants arrested are:

    Ricardo Jaquez, 46, Oakes, North Dakota

    Israel David Flores, a/k/a Izzy, 45, Audubon, Minnesota

    Michelle Lee Fuller, 38, Audubon, Minnesota

    Jose Manuel Jaquez, a/k/a Cash, 36, Oakes, North Dakota

    Jacob Edward Lambert, 37, Oakes, North Dakota

    Ashley Marie Bleecker, 40, Belcourt, North Dakota

    Alfredo Hernandez Jaquez, a/k/a Freddy, 47, Wells, Minnesota

    Wesley Wayne Tolleson, 37, Wells, Minnesota

    Jason Leonard Gulden, 44, Aberdeen, South Dakota

    All defendants have made appearances in federal court in North Dakota and face up to life in prison with a 10-year minimum mandatory if convicted.

    This case is part of Operation Crown Down, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in North Dakota and other states. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    An indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

    This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Drug Enforcement; Homeland Security Investigations; the Oakes Police Department; the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation; the Cass County Drug Task Force; the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force; the Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force; the CEE-VI Drug Task Force; the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Brown County (South Dakota) Sheriff’s Office.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew P. Kopp.

                                                                                                                                         # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Doggett and Ocasio-Cortez Urge DOJ To Investigate New Allegations That UnitedHealth is Endangering Patients to Maximize Profits from Medicare Advantage Program

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    Reporting from The Guardian alleges UnitedHealth Group is paying nursing homes to reduce hospital transfers and promote do-not-resuscitate orders to increase profits

    Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi urging the Department of Justice to expand its reported investigation into UnitedHealth Group to include reports that the company is engaging in fraud through the Medicare Advantage program. Investigative reporting from The Guardian accuses the healthcare conglomerate of trying to deliberately reduce access to care for nursing home residents in order to pocket more money from the federal government.

    “The potential harm of UnitedHealth’s business practices extends far beyond waste of taxpayer dollars and appears to be endangering enrollees and harming health outcomes. We strongly urge you to expand your ongoing investigations to include the allegations outlined in The Guardian and other appropriate lines of inquiry concerning the impact of UnitedHealth’s business practices on patients,” wrote the lawmakers.

    The full letter is available here.

    Last month, it was reported that the Department of Justice opened up a criminal investigation into UnitedHealth Group for possible Medicare fraud. The lawmakers request Attorney General Bondi expand the DOJ’s current investigation to include new allegations that UnitedHealth Group has engaged in the following business practices regarding the Medicare Advantage Program:

    • Paying nursing homes to delay or deny patients hospitalizations to increase profits.
    • Pressuring patients to establish do-not-resuscitate orders, which instruct providers to not perform CPR for patients who have stopped breathing.
    • Providing financial incentives for enrolling residents in UnitedHealth’s Medicare Advantage long-term care plans.

    Last month, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Raul Ruiz (CA-25) introduced an amendment to the Republicans’ reconciliation bill to crack down on corporate profiteering in the Medicare Advantage program and strengthen traditional Medicare. Separately, Representative Doggett led House Members in urging Republican leadership to pass legislation to rein in rampant taxpayer overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Major Mexican Narcotrafficker Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison

    Source: US State of California

    A Mexican national who operated as a high-level cocaine trafficker was sentenced today to 232 months in prison for directing an international drug trafficking conspiracy.

    According to court documents, Jorge Humberto Perez Cazares, also known as Cadete, 41, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was a leader and organizer of a transnational drug trafficking organization that was responsible for shipping multiple tons of cocaine from Central America into Mexico for further distribution into the United States, specifically Los Angeles. Perez Cazares used violence to protect his narcotics shipments and worked with a close affiliate of the co-leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.

    “Jorge Humberto Perez Cazares was a major Mexican narcotrafficker responsible for shipping multiple tons of cocaine from Central America into Mexico for distribution in Los Angeles,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Drug traffickers like Perez Cazares use violence to profit off bringing poisonous drugs into the United States with no regard for the welfare of our citizens. Today’s sentence demonstrates that the Department of Justice will not rest in bringing drug trafficking leaders to justice.”

    “This sentence marks the downfall of a trafficker who fueled violence and addiction on both sides of the border,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to target the command structure of these cartels and dismantle their operations.”

    “Jorge ‘Cadete’ Perez Cazares wasn’t just moving multi-ton quantities of cocaine — he was fueling a criminal empire. Perez Cazares funneled substantial amounts of narcotics into the United States and profited off the pain of addiction,” said Acting Administrator Robert Murphy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “The government proved he was no middleman — he was a leader. And now, justice is delivering a sentence worthy of the destruction he caused.”

    In February 2014, U.S. law enforcement targeted Perez Cazares’s Los Angeles-based distribution network, raiding three stash houses and seizing $1.4 million in cash and more than 70 kilograms of cocaine. Around the same time, Perez Cazares personally negotiated a deal with a Guatemalan drug trafficker for over $23 million in cocaine. Days later, he was arrested by Guatemalan authorities while traveling in a truck with 514 kilograms of cocaine. In June 2016, he was arrested again in Mexico pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest warrant and extradited to the United States on July 30, 2021.

    In April 2024, shortly before trial, Perez Cazares pleaded guilty to the sole count of conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. The DEA Miami Office and DEA Guatemala Country Office provided critical assistance. Perez Cazares’s capture and extradition were made possible thanks to key international coordination between the Government of Guatemala, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

    Trial Attorney Douglas Meisel of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section is prosecuting the case.

    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 other transnational criminal organizations 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 and Project Safe Neighborhoods. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Major Mexican Narcotrafficker Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison

    Source: United States Attorneys General 9

    A Mexican national who operated as a high-level cocaine trafficker was sentenced today to 232 months in prison for directing an international drug trafficking conspiracy.

    According to court documents, Jorge Humberto Perez Cazares, also known as Cadete, 41, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was a leader and organizer of a transnational drug trafficking organization that was responsible for shipping multiple tons of cocaine from Central America into Mexico for further distribution into the United States, specifically Los Angeles. Perez Cazares used violence to protect his narcotics shipments and worked with a close affiliate of the co-leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.

    “Jorge Humberto Perez Cazares was a major Mexican narcotrafficker responsible for shipping multiple tons of cocaine from Central America into Mexico for distribution in Los Angeles,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Drug traffickers like Perez Cazares use violence to profit off bringing poisonous drugs into the United States with no regard for the welfare of our citizens. Today’s sentence demonstrates that the Department of Justice will not rest in bringing drug trafficking leaders to justice.”

    “This sentence marks the downfall of a trafficker who fueled violence and addiction on both sides of the border,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to target the command structure of these cartels and dismantle their operations.”

    “Jorge ‘Cadete’ Perez Cazares wasn’t just moving multi-ton quantities of cocaine — he was fueling a criminal empire. Perez Cazares funneled substantial amounts of narcotics into the United States and profited off the pain of addiction,” said Acting Administrator Robert Murphy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “The government proved he was no middleman — he was a leader. And now, justice is delivering a sentence worthy of the destruction he caused.”

    In February 2014, U.S. law enforcement targeted Perez Cazares’s Los Angeles-based distribution network, raiding three stash houses and seizing $1.4 million in cash and more than 70 kilograms of cocaine. Around the same time, Perez Cazares personally negotiated a deal with a Guatemalan drug trafficker for over $23 million in cocaine. Days later, he was arrested by Guatemalan authorities while traveling in a truck with 514 kilograms of cocaine. In June 2016, he was arrested again in Mexico pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest warrant and extradited to the United States on July 30, 2021.

    In April 2024, shortly before trial, Perez Cazares pleaded guilty to the sole count of conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. The DEA Miami Office and DEA Guatemala Country Office provided critical assistance. Perez Cazares’s capture and extradition were made possible thanks to key international coordination between the Government of Guatemala, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

    Trial Attorney Douglas Meisel of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section is prosecuting the case.

    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 other transnational criminal organizations 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 and Project Safe Neighborhoods. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: ACPAS – Powers Device Financing for Flagship U.S. Tech Brand in South African Retail Network

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS and JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UPAY Inc. (OTCQB: UPYY), a U.S.-based fintech innovator, announced that its South African subsidiary, ACPAS, has entered into a new Service Level Agreement (SLA) with one of the country’s premier retail finance providers—responsible for enabling consumer credit on behalf of a retail group that exclusively sells products from one of the world’s most iconic US technology brands.

    The group has already deployed the ACPAS solution at an initial retail location, where sales are beginning to ramp up. A broader rollout across its national footprint is planned in the coming months.

    The agreement enables ACPAS to deploy its advanced Loan Management Software (LMS) and integrated payment technologies to support financing for smartphones, laptops, tablets, and related accessories—sold through a nationwide network of over 30 premium retail stores and a leading online platform.

    Enabling Smarter Credit for High-Demand Technology Purchases

    The retail group—recognized as the go-to destination for some of the world’s most iconic technology products—has established itself as a market leader in premium consumer experiences. The new fintech integration will power:

    • Seamless credit origination and paperless onboarding
    • Real-time account servicing and loan management
    • Scalable backend support for payments and customer queries

    “This collaboration demonstrates how ACPAS enables leading retailers to offer compliant, intelligent, and accessible credit to their customers,” said Jaco Fölscher, CEO of ACPAS. “Our technology will enhance the customer finance journey across both in-store and online channels.”

    Strengthening Compliance and Risk Controls

    UPAY’s AML-focused subsidiary, AML GO, will enhance the solution by providing automated anti-money laundering (AML) checks and integrated tools to support compliance with local regulatory frameworks. This ensures the finance journey remains secure, auditable, and compliant—meeting both consumer and institutional expectations.

    A Digital-First, Consumer-Centric Finance Strategy

    The SLA also includes:

    • Continuous performance monitoring and optimization
    • Built-in tools for compliance and risk oversight
    • Adherence to fintech best practices in data privacy and credit governance

    Together, UPAY and its subsidiaries are redefining what responsible credit delivery looks like in tech-driven retail, helping partners expand access to premium technology through smarter finance options.

    About UPAY Inc.
    UPAY Inc. is a U.S.-listed fintech holding company focused on delivering intelligent financial platforms and compliance technologies across emerging and established markets. Its solutions span automation, payments, credit, and regulatory innovation.
    www.upaytechnology.com

    About ACPAS
    ACPAS, a subsidiary of UPAY Inc., is a leading provider of Loan Management Software in South Africa. Its platform powers digital lending, risk-based decision making, and payment orchestration for a broad range of financial institutions and credit providers.
    www.acpas.co.za

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined under applicable securities laws. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements because of new information, future events, or other circumstances. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Company’s future revenues, results of operations, or stock price.

    For media inquiries, please contact: info@upaytechnology.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ZA Miner Announces New Era of Effortless Crypto Mining with High-Yield Cloud Contracts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZA Miner, a global cloud mining platform, announced the official launch of its next-generation cloud mining platform, enabling users to earn daily cryptocurrency rewards without owning hardware or having prior experience. With no complex setup, high energy costs, or technical knowledge required, ZA Miner offers mining contracts with returns of up to $12,025 per day and purchase bonuses exceeding $5,000, opening the door to passive crypto income for users worldwide. 


    What Is Cloud Mining?

    Cloud mining allows users to lease mining power from professional data centers rather than managing their own hardware. It eliminates the need for expensive setups and ongoing maintenance, offering a simplified, beginner-friendly entry into crypto earnings.

    Top Advantages of Cloud Mining:

    • No Physical Setup – No need to buy or maintain hardware.
    • Effortless Daily Earnings – Automated payouts to your wallet every 24 hours.
    • Low Barrier to Entry – Start small and scale over time.
    • Remote Access – Mine from anywhere with an internet connection.
    • Scalable Profits – Upgrade to higher-tier contracts for larger returns.


    ZA Miner: Where Simplicity Meets Daily Crypto Profits

    ZA Miner is transforming the cloud mining space in 2025 by removing barriers for everyday investors. Its intuitive platform is designed for users of all levels—no technical know-how needed. With a total investment exceeding 10 million, ZA Miner leverages a global network of energy-efficient, AI-optimized data centers to deliver consistent and sustainable returns.

    Whether you’re exploring crypto for the first time or seeking a low-maintenance way to grow your portfolio, ZA Miner offers a stable, secure, and scalable solution to earn passive income.

    A Secure, Eco-Friendly Mining Experience

    Backed by ZA FUNDINGS LTD and certified by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ZA Miner prioritizes transparency, user protection, and environmental sustainability. All mining operations are powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, ensuring profits are not only reliable—but also environmentally responsible.

    Key Features of ZA Miner

    1. Instant Setup & Welcome Bonus
      New users receive a $100 bonus upon registration and can activate their mining contracts instantly.
    2. Advanced Mining Hardware
      ZA Miner uses high-performance ASIC and GPU rigs, ensuring optimized returns and operational stability.
    3. User-Friendly Platform
      A clean, easy-to-navigate interface makes it perfect for crypto beginners and seasoned users alike.
    4. Lucrative Referral Program
      Earn 7% from direct referrals and additional 3% and 1% from subsequent levels in your network.
    5. Diverse Mining Options
      Mine major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and BNB under one roof.
    6. Flexible Investment Packages
      From entry-level $100 plans to contracts exceeding $200,000, users can choose tailored plans—some offering up to $30,000 in bonuses.

    How to Start with ZA Miner

    1. Sign Up: Register and receive your $100 mining bonus.
    2. Choose a Package: Select a contract based on your budget, timeline, and earning goals.
    3. Start Mining: Let ZA Miner’s systems go to work while you enjoy daily crypto rewards.

    ZA Miner offers a compelling, stress-free entry into crypto mining. With its mix of user-friendly tools, green energy operations, and high-yield contracts, it’s an ideal platform for passive income in 2025. Whether you’re new to digital assets or expanding your crypto investments, ZA Miner proves that earning doesn’t have to be complicated.

    To learn more or get started, visit https://www.zaminer.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Apex Finance Institute Launches Apex Mind Under Maxwell Laurence’s Vision for Intelligent Investment Education

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Los Angeles, CA, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apex Finance Institute today announced the official release of Apex Mind, a next-generation intelligent learning platform developed under the direction of founder Maxwell Laurence, marking a milestone in the evolution of investment education. With this launch, Apex Finance Institute strengthens its role in shaping the cognitive and strategic foundations of global investors amid increasingly complex financial environments.

    The Apex Mind system reflects Laurence’s long-held philosophy: strategic decision-making must be trained, not assumed. Unlike traditional curriculum models based solely on technical instruction, Apex Mind is engineered to develop the internal logic and adaptive thinking frameworks necessary for sustainable investment performance. It captures behavioral inputs, interprets strategic gaps, and dynamically adjusts user progression in real time.

    Key functional components include:

    Cognitive Profiling Engine – Analyzes user behavior to construct personalized decision maps and optimize learning flow

    Real-Time Strategy Simulator – Enables cross-asset scenario modeling and immediate response validation under simulated volatility

    Macro-to-Micro Connector – Integrates global economic variables into bottom-up investment scenarios for applied reasoning training

    Benchmark Intelligence Dashboard – Compares individual performance across anonymized peer cohorts and industry-standard patterns

    According to internal testing, participants in the Apex Mind pilot program demonstrated a 46% improvement in risk-adjusted decision-making accuracy within the first six weeks of use. The platform is now being deployed across all Apex Finance Institute programs globally, with expanded language support and enterprise integration scheduled in the next phase.

    “Apex Mind redefines how investment training is delivered,” said Maxwell Laurence, Founder of Apex Finance Institute. “It is designed not just to inform, but to transform—ensuring users internalize disciplined, high-leverage thinking in the face of uncertainty.”

    Developed in collaboration with financial cognitive scientists and strategy analysts from key global markets, Apex Mind represents a strategic response to what Laurence has identified as the “cognitive deficit” among retail and semi-professional investors. The system aligns with Apex Finance Institute’s broader mission: to provide not only tools, but mental models, enabling users to engage complex macroeconomic, sectoral, and policy variables with clarity and control.

    This launch arrives at a time when the global investment landscape is undergoing rapid transformation—characterized by fragmented liquidity regimes, data saturation, and accelerating policy shifts. Apex Finance Institute positions Apex Mind as a tactical operating system for the next generation of investors: those seeking to navigate capital markets with structure, precision, and global awareness.

    The new release is available to institutional partners, individual program enrollees, and approved educational affiliates beginning this month. Additional modules focused on behavioral finance, scenario anticipation, and geopolitical volatility modeling are expected to roll out in the final quarter of 2025.

    About Apex Finance Institute

    Apex Finance Institute is a global financial education platform founded by Maxwell Laurence.The institute is recognized for its integration of real-market intelligence, cognitive strategy training, and modular investment education systems. Apex Finance Institute is committed to advancing intelligent investor development through systemic training, technological innovation, and global perspective.

    https://apexve.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ASM share buyback update June 2 – 6, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Almere, The Netherlands
    June 9, 2025, 5:45 p.m. CET

    ASM International N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) reports the following transactions, conducted under ASM’s current share buyback program.

    Date Repurchased shares Average price Repurchased value
    June 2, 2025 11,607 € 471.98 € 5,478,314
    June 3, 2025 4,528 € 482.57 € 2,185,065
    Total 16,135 € 474.95 € 7,663,379

    These repurchases were made as part of the €150 million share buyback program which started on April 30, 2025. Of the total program, 26.1% has been repurchased. For further details including individual transaction information please visit: www.asm.com/investors/dividends-share-buybacks.

    About ASM International

    ASM International N.V., headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries design and manufacture equipment and process solutions to produce semiconductor devices for wafer processing, and have facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. ASM International’s common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: ASM). For more information, visit ASM’s website at www.asm.com.

    This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

    Contact

    Investor and media relations

    Victor Bareño
    T: +31 88 100 8500
    E: investor.relations@asm.com

    Investor relations

    Valentina Fantigrossi
    T: +31 88 100 8502
    E: investor.relations@asm.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Attracting more investment for housing

    Source: Scottish Government

    Boosting growth potential

    Proposals to build investor confidence in the housing market have been published by an independent group of experts. 

    The Housing Investment Taskforce report makes a number of recommendations to increase investment across the social, affordable and private housing sectors including:

    • Attracting other funds, in addition to public money, for affordable housing.
    • Creating conditions to support more shared home ownership
    • Supporting a more entrepreneurial approach from public bodies.

    Welcoming the taskforce report Housing Minister Paul McLennan said:

    “It is my ambition, shared by the members of the Housing Investment Taskforce, to make Scotland the best place for housing investment. The report has identified a range of actions to support more investment across all tenures of the housing system to meet Scotland’s growth potential.

    “We’re taking forward these recommendations in the Programme for Government and will work in partnership with taskforce members and other organisations to grow investor confidence to support the delivery of more homes across Scotland.”

    MODA Planning Director James Blakey said:

    “Addressing the housing emergency needs bold, imaginative and concrete actions, and we are proud to have collaborated with the Housing Minister and the taskforce over the last year to shape these. Working in partnership to create market certainty and viability is key to attracting crucial investment into Scotland so we can build the new homes people want and need.”

    Communications Director of Springfield Karen Campbell said:

    “The taskforce’s report is clear on the value in building confidence, supporting new partnerships and creating the economic opportunity to unlock new and existing investment in Scotland. Working together we can now take those actions forward to deliver more homes across all tenures.”

    HIT report

    Ken Gibb report

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –