Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: Turtle Beach Corporation to Participate in Fireside Chat Hosted by Maxim Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: TBCH), a leading gaming accessories brand, today announced that Cris Keirn, Chief Executive Officer, and Mark Weinswig, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in a fireside chat at the Maxim Group 2025 Virtual Tech Conference, on Wednesday, June 4 at 2:00p.m. ET.

    A live webcast of the event will be available through the “Events & Presentations” section of TBCH’s website at corp.turtlebeach.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on the investor relations website for two weeks.

    About Turtle Beach Corporation
    Turtle Beach Corporation (the “Company”) (corp.turtlebeach.com) is one of the world’s leading gaming accessory providers. The Company’s namesake Turtle Beach brand (www.turtlebeach.com) is known for designing best-selling gaming headsets, top-rated game controllers, award-winning PC gaming peripherals, and groundbreaking gaming simulation accessories. Innovation, first-to-market features, a broad range of products for all types of gamers, and top-rated customer support have made Turtle Beach a fan-favorite brand and the market leader in console gaming audio for over a decade. Turtle Beach Corporation acquired Performance Designed Products LLC (www.pdp.com) in 2024. Turtle Beach’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Exchange under the symbol: TBCH.

    Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Except for historical information contained in this release, statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements regarding assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions, or beliefs about future events. Statements containing the words “may”, “could”, “would”, “should”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “estimate”, “target”, “goal”, “project”, “intend” and similar expressions, or the negatives thereof, constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and are not guarantees of performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any person, that the objectives of the Company will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management.

    While the Company believes that its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurances that its goals and strategy will be realized. Numerous factors, including risks and uncertainties, may affect actual results and may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by the Company or on its behalf. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs on imported goods and other trade restrictions, the release and availability of successful game titles, macroeconomic conditions affecting the demand for our products, logistic and supply chain challenges and costs, dependence on the success and availability of third-parties to manufacture and manage the logistics of transporting and distributing our products, the substantial uncertainties inherent in the acceptance of existing and future products, the difficulty of commercializing and protecting new technology, the impact of competitive products and pricing, general business and economic conditions, risks associated with the expansion of our business including the integration of any businesses we acquire and the integration of such businesses within our internal control over financial reporting and operations, our indebtedness, liquidity, and other factors discussed in our public filings, including the risk factors included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the Company’s other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company is under no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement after the date of this release whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    CONTACTS

    Investors:
    tbch@icrinc.com

    Public Relations & Media:
    MacLean Marshall
    Sr. Director, Global Communications
    Turtle Beach Corporation
    (858) 914-5093
    maclean.marshall@turtlebeach.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust Declares its Monthly Common Shares Distribution of $0.070 per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust (the “Trust”) has declared its regular monthly distribution of $0.070 per share on the Trust’s common shares (NYSE: XFLT), payable on July 1, 2025, to common shareholders of record as of June 16, 2025, as noted below. The amount of the distribution represents a 9.09% decrease from the previous month’s distribution amount of $0.077 per share.

    The Trust’s investment objective is to seek attractive total return with an emphasis on income generation across multiple stages of the credit cycle. Due to recent market volatility, the loan and CLO asset classes have experienced drastic interest rate spread compression, which has negatively impacted asset class yields. In the most recent quarter, market conditions were marked by heightened volatility stemming from tariff developments and ongoing trade tensions. With the new distribution amount of $0.070 per share, the Trust’s annualized distribution rate on market price was 14.51% and the annualized distribution rate on NAV is 13.86% as of market close on May 30, 2025.

    The following dates apply to the declaration:

         
    Ex-Dividend Date   June 16, 2025
       
    Record Date   June 16, 2025
       
    Payable Date   July 1, 2025
       
    Amount   $0.070 per common share
       
    Change from Previous Month   9.09% decrease
         

    Common share distributions may be paid from net investment income (regular interest and dividends), capital gains and/or a return of capital. The specific tax characteristics of the distributions will be reported to the Trust’s common shareholders on Form 1099 after the end of the 2025 calendar year. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Trust is net income or profit. For further information regarding the Trust’s distributions, please visit www.xainvestments.com.

    XFLT Q1 Webinar

    The Trust plans to host its Quarterly Webinar on June 4, 2025, at 12:00 pm (Eastern Time). Kevin Davis, Managing Director at XA Investments will moderate the Q&A style webinar with Kimberly Flynn, President at XA Investments, and Lauren Law, Senior Portfolio Manager at Octagon Credit Investors.

    TO JOIN VIA WEB: Please go to the Knowledge Bank section of xainvestments.com or click here to find the online registration link.

    TO USE YOUR TELEPHONE: After joining via web, if you prefer to use your phone for audio, you must select that option and call in using a number below, based on your current location.

    Dial: (312) 626-6799 or (646) 558-8656 or (267) 831-0333 or (213) 338-8477 or (720) 928-9299

    Webinar ID: 817 1030 7383

    REPLAY: A replay of the webinar will be available in the Knowledge Bank section of xainvestments.com.

    The Trust’s net investment income and capital gain can vary significantly over time; however, the Trust seeks to maintain more stable common share monthly distributions over time. The Trust’s investments in CLOs are subject to complex tax rules and the calculation of taxable income attributed to an investment in CLO subordinated notes can be dramatically different from the calculation of income for financial reporting purposes under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), and, as a result, there may be significant differences between the Trust’s GAAP income and its taxable income. The Trust’s final taxable income for the current fiscal year will not be known until the Trust’s tax returns are filed.

    As a registered investment company, the Trust is subject to a 4% excise tax that is imposed if the Trust does not distribute to common shareholders by the end of any calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gain or loss) for the calendar year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain in excess of its capital loss (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Trust’s fiscal year). In certain circumstances, the Trust may elect to retain income or capital gain to the extent that the Board of Trustees, in consultation with Trust management, determines it to be in the interest of shareholders to do so.

    The common share distributions paid by the Trust for any particular period may be more than the amount of net investment income from that period. As a result, all or a portion of a distribution may be a return of capital, which is in effect a partial return of the amount a common shareholder invested in the Trust, up to the amount of the common shareholder’s tax basis in their common shares, which would reduce such tax basis. Although a return of capital may not be taxable, it will generally increase the common shareholder’s potential gain, or reduce the common shareholder’s potential loss, on any subsequent sale or other disposition of common shares.

    The distribution shall be paid on the Payment Date unless the payment of such distribution is deferred by the Board of Trustees upon a determination that such deferral is required in order to comply with applicable law to ensure that the Trust remains solvent and able to pay its debts as they become due and continue as a going concern, or to comply with the applicable terms or financial covenants of the Trust’s senior securities.

    Future common share distributions will be made if and when declared by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, based on a consideration of a number of factors, including the Trust’s continued compliance with terms and financial covenants of its senior securities, the Trust’s net investment income, financial performance and available cash. There can be no assurance that the amount or timing of common share distributions in the future will be equal or similar to that described herein or that the Board of Trustees will not decide to suspend or discontinue the payment of common share distributions in the future.

    The investment objective of the Trust is to seek attractive total return with an emphasis on income generation across multiple stages of the credit cycle. The Trust seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a dynamically managed portfolio of opportunities primarily within the private credit markets. Under normal market conditions, the Trust will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in floating rate credit instruments and other structured credit investments. There can be no assurance that the Trust will achieve its investment objective.

    The Trust’s common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “XFLT,” and the Trust’s 6.50% Series 2026 Term Preferred Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “XFLTPRA”.

    About XA Investments

    XA Investments LLC (“XAI”) serves as the Trust’s investment adviser. XAI is a Chicago-based firm founded by XMS Capital Partners in 2016. XAI serves as the investment adviser for two listed closed-end funds and an interval closed-end fund. The listed closed-end funds, the XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust and XAI Madison Equity Premium Income Fund both trade on the New York Stock Exchange and the interval fund, Octagon XAI CLO Income Fund is available via direct subscription and through select broker/dealers and wealth management platforms.

    In addition to investment advisory services, the firm also provides investment fund structuring and consulting services focused on registered closed-end funds to meet institutional client needs. XAI offers custom product build and consulting services, including development and market research, sales, marketing, fund management.

    XAI believes that the investing public can benefit from new vehicles to access a broad range of alternative investment strategies and managers. XAI provides individual investors with access to institutional-caliber alternative managers. For more information, please visit www.xainvestments.com.

    About XMS Capital Partners
    XMS Capital Partners, LLC, established in 2006, is a global, independent, financial services firm providing M&A, corporate advisory and asset management services to clients. It has offices in Chicago, Boston and London. For more information, please visit www.xmscapital.com.

    About Octagon Credit Investors
    Octagon Credit Investors, LLC (“Octagon”) serves as the Trust’s investment sub-adviser. Octagon is a 25+ year old, $32.1B below-investment grade corporate credit investment adviser focused on leveraged loan, high yield bond and structured credit (CLO debt and equity) investments. Through fundamental credit analysis and active portfolio management, Octagon’s investment team identifies attractive relative value opportunities across below-investment grade asset classes, sectors and issuers. Octagon’s investment philosophy and methodology encourage and rely upon dynamic internal communication to manage portfolio risk. Over its history, the firm has applied a disciplined, repeatable and scalable approach in its effort to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its investors. For more information, please visit www.octagoncredit.com.

    XAI does not provide tax advice; please consult a professional tax advisor regarding your specific tax situation. Income may be subject to state and local taxes, as well as the federal alternative minimum tax.

    Investors should consider the investment objectives and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of the Trust carefully before investing. For more information on the Trust, please visit the Trust’s webpage at www.xainvestments.com.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    NOT FDIC INSURED        NO BANK GUARANTEE    MAY LOSE VALUE
             

    Paralel Distributors, LLC – Distributor

    Media Contact:

    Kimberly Flynn, President
    XA Investments LLC
    Phone: 888-903-3358
    Email: KFlynn@XAInvestments.com
    www.xainvestments.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Dime Announces Receipt of Federal Reserve and NYDFS Approvals for Lakewood, NJ Branch Location

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: DCOM) (the “Company” or “Dime”), the parent company of Dime Community Bank (the “Bank”), announced it has received approvals from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the New York State Department of Financial Services to open a branch location in Lakewood, New Jersey.

    The branch will be located at 500 Boulevard of the Americas, Lakewood, New Jersey, pending approval from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. As previously announced, construction of the branch is expected to start in the second half of 2025, with the branch opening planned for early 2026.

    ABOUT DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for Dime Community Bank, a New York State-chartered trust company with over $14 billion in assets and the number one deposit market share among community banks on Greater Long Island (1).

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.
    Investor Relations Contact:
    Avinash Reddy
    Senior Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
    Phone: 718-782-6200; Ext. 5909
    Email: avinash.reddy@dime.com

    ¹ Aggregate deposit market share for Kings, Queens, Nassau & Suffolk counties for community banks with less than $20 billion in assets.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Eos Energy Enterprises Announces Participation in Upcoming Investor Event

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EDISON, N.J., June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: EOSE) (“Eos” or the “Company”), America’s leading innovator in designing, manufacturing, and providing zinc-based long duration energy storage systems sourced and manufactured in the United States, today announced its participation in an upcoming investor event.

    Stifel 2025 Boston Cross Sector 1×1 Conference

    Chief Executive Officer Joe Mastrangelo will attend the Stifel 2025 Boston Cross Sector 1×1 Conference on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The event will include 1×1 investor meetings.

    Investors seeking to meet with management should reach out directly to their representatives at Stifel.

    About Eos

    Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. is accelerating the shift to American energy independence with positively ingenious solutions that transform how the world stores power. Our breakthrough Znyth™ aqueous zinc battery was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional lithium-ion technology. It is safe, scalable, efficient, sustainable, manufactured in the U.S., and the core of our innovative systems that today provides utility, industrial, and commercial customers with a proven, reliable energy storage alternative for 3 to 12-hour applications. Eos was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey. For more information about Eos (NASDAQ: EOSE), visit eose.com.

           
                
                     

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Oxbridge / SurancePlus to Attend Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: OXBR) (“Oxbridge Re”), together with its subsidiary SurancePlus, is engaged in the tokenization of Real-World Assets (“RWAs”), initially with tokenized reinsurance securities and in providing reinsurance solutions to property and casualty insurers in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. The company today announced its participation in Money20/20 Europe 2025, taking place June 3–5, 2025, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

    Money20/20 Europe 2025

    Recognized as one of the world’s most important gatherings in blockchain, digital assets, and Web3 innovation, Money20/20 Europe brings together leading builders, capital allocators, protocol teams, tokenization platforms, and infrastructure providers to define the future of decentralized finance.

    With over 2,000 participating companies, 370+ sponsors, and 340+ expert speakers, the event offers a high-density environment for strategic meetings, deal-making, and ecosystem advancement.

    While at Money20/20 Europe, Oxbridge and SurancePlus will be advancing conversations with both long-standing partners and new ecosystem players – supporting our long-term vision of democratizing access to high-yield institutional-grade reinsurance investment opportunities.

    Oxbridge / SurancePlus 2025 Offering:

    Learn more at SurancePlus.com/invest

    Jay Madhu, CEO of Oxbridge, commented, “Money20/20 Europe brings together many of the leaders shaping the future of digital finance. The conference offers an ideal setting to advance conversations with partners and ecosystem players as we pursue our mission to democratize access to high-yield, institutional-grade reinsurance investments.”

    Meet Oxbridge / SurancePlus at Money20/20 Europe – Amsterdam

    Investors and potential partners interested in Oxbridge and SurancePlus’ tokenized reinsurance offerings are encouraged to connect with the team during the event. Contact details are provided below.

    Disclaimer: This press release does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the EtaCat Re or ZetaCat Re tokenized reinsurance securities (the “Securities”). The Securities are not required to be, and have not been, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance on the exemptions provided by Regulation S and SEC Rule 506(c) thereunder. Offers and sales of the Securities are made only by, and pursuant to, the terms set forth in the Confidential Private Placement Memorandum relating to the Securities. The offering of the Securities is not being made to persons in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky, or other laws of such jurisdiction.

    About Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited 

    Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: OXBR, OXBRW) (“Oxbridge”) is headquartered in the Cayman Islands. The company offers tokenized Real-World Assets (“RWAs”) as tokenized reinsurance securities and reinsurance business solutions to property and casualty insurers, through its wholly owned subsidiaries SurancePlus Inc., Oxbridge Re NS, and Oxbridge Reinsurance Limited.

    Insurance businesses in the Gulf Coast region of the United States purchase property and casualty reinsurance through our licensed reinsurers Oxbridge Reinsurance Limited and Oxbridge Re NS.

    Our Web3-focused subsidiary, SurancePlus Inc. (“SurancePlus”), has developed the first “on-chain” reinsurance RWA of its kind to be sponsored by a subsidiary of a publicly traded company. By digitizing interests in reinsurance contracts as on-chain RWAs, SurancePlus has democratized the availability of reinsurance as an alternative investment to both U.S. and non-U.S. investors. 

    Company Contact:
    Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited
    Jay Madhu, CEO
    +1 345-749-7570
    jmadhu@oxbridgere.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and other similar words and expressions are intended to signify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions but rather are subject to various risks and uncertainties. A detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on 26th March 2024. The occurrence of any of these risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Any forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this press release, even if the Company’s expectations or any related events, conditions or circumstances change.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Arbor Realty Trust Closes Landmark $802 Million Collateralized Loan Obligation Securitization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    UNIONDALE, N.Y., June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ABR) today announced the closing of a unique build-to-rent loan securitization totaling approximately $802 million (the “Securitization”) on May 30, 2025. An aggregate of approximately $683 million of investment grade-rated notes were issued (the “Notes”) and Arbor retained subordinate interests in the issuing vehicle of approximately $119 million and approximately $41 million of the investment grade Notes. The funding structure includes approximately $50 million of capacity to acquire additional loans for a period of up to 180 days from the closing date of the Securitization.

    The Securitization is unique in including loans secured by build-to-rent properties in various stages of horizontal and vertical construction. Construction loan advances will be funded, in part, by the issuing entity and, in part, by an Arbor affiliated holder of participation interests in the mortgage loans. The Securitization includes a $200 million senior revolving note, proceeds of which will be used by the issuer to fund construction and other loan advances, to acquire collateral interests on the closing date or to acquire replacement collateral assets during the replenishment period. Approximately $50 million was drawn on the revolving note at closing.

    The investment grade Notes placed with investors have an initial weighted average spread of 2.48% over Term SOFR, excluding fees and transaction costs. The facility has a two year replenishment period that allows principal proceeds from repayments of the portfolio assets and the revolving note fundings to be reinvested in qualifying replacement assets, subject to certain conditions.

    The offering of the investment grade-rated Notes was made pursuant to a private placement. The investment grade-rated Notes were issued under an indenture and secured initially by a portfolio of real estate related assets and cash with a face value of $652 million, with such real estate related assets consisting primarily of first mortgage construction and bridge loans.

    Arbor intends to own the portfolio of real estate related assets through the vehicle until its maturity and expects to account for the Securitization on its balance sheet as a financing. Arbor will use the proceeds of this Securitization to repay borrowings under its current credit facilities, pay transaction expenses and fund future loans and investments.

    Certain of the Notes were rated by Fitch Ratings, Inc. and all of the Notes were rated by DBRS, Inc.

    The Notes are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    About Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

    Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ABR) is a nationwide real estate investment trust and direct lender, providing loan origination and servicing for multifamily, single-family rental (SFR) portfolios, and other diverse commercial real estate assets. Headquartered in New York, Arbor manages a multibillion-dollar servicing portfolio, specializing in government-sponsored enterprise products. Arbor is a leading Fannie Mae DUS® lender and Freddie Mac Optigo® Seller/Servicer, and an approved FHA Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) lender. Arbor’s product platform also includes bridge, CMBS, mezzanine and preferred equity loans. Rated by Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Ratings, Arbor is committed to building on its reputation for service, quality, and customized solutions with an unparalleled dedication to providing our clients excellence over the entire life of a loan.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Certain items in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Arbor can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Arbor’s expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in economic conditions generally, and the real estate markets specifically, continued ability to source new investments, changes in interest rates and/or credit spreads, and other risks detailed in Arbor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and its other reports filed with the SEC. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Arbor expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Arbor’s expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Contact: Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.
    Investor Relations
    516-506-4200
    InvestorRelations@arbor.com
       

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Romanian Citizen Pleads Guilty to ‘Swatting’ Numerous Members of Congress, Churches, and Former U.S. President

    Source: US State of California

    Leader of Online Swatting Ring Admits to Targeting over 75 Public Officials, Four Religious Institutions, and Multiple Journalists in Nationwide Bomb Threat Spree

    Thomasz Szabo, also known as Plank, Jonah, and Cypher, 26, of Romania, pleaded guilty today to being the leader of a years-long conspiracy that targeted victims across the United States with “swatting” and bomb threats. Szabo and his co-conspirators falsely reported ongoing violent emergencies at government buildings, houses of worship, and private residences, including the homes of senior government officials.

    “This defendant led a dangerous swatting criminal conspiracy, deliberately threatening dozens of government officials with violent hoaxes and targeting our nation’s security infrastructure from behind a screen overseas,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This case reflects our continued focus on protecting the American people and working with international partners to stop these threats at their source.”

    “Today, Szabo pleaded guilty to a years-long conspiracy that targeted victims with swatting and bomb threats, including to government buildings, houses of worship and homes of government officials,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Swatting endangers lives and will not be tolerated by the FBI. We are fully committed to working with our partners to bring to justice those criminals hiding behind keyboards and threatening violence.”

    “This defendant’s targeted and ruthless behavior put countless people in danger, including law enforcement, public officials, and ordinary citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia. “Swatting attacks, that is, falsely reporting an ongoing threat of violence at a victims’ home address for the purpose of provoking a police response there, drain precious resources and can result in major injury or even death. Anyone who hijacks police resources for senseless crimes like these will have to answer for their actions.”  

    According to court documents, Szabo was the founder and leader of an online community that, starting in late 2020, engaged in a pattern of bomb threats and “swatting” — that is, falsely reporting an ongoing threat of violence at a victims’ home address for the purpose of provoking a police response there.

    As leader of the group, Szabo made false reports to U.S. law enforcement including a threat in December 2020 to commit a mass-shooting at New York City synagogues, and a threat in January 2021 to detonate explosives at the U.S. Capitol and kill the President-elect. Szabo publicized his “swatting” activity to his followers and encouraged them to engage in similar behavior.

    Beginning on Dec. 24, 2023, and continuing through early January 2024, subordinate members of Szabo’s group perpetrated a spree of swatting and bomb threats that included, as its victims, at least 25 Members of Congress or family members of Members of Congress; at least six then-current or former senior U.S. Executive Branch officials, including multiple cabinet-level officials; at least 13 then-current or former senior federal law enforcement officials, including the heads of multiple federal law enforcement agencies; multiple members of the federal judiciary; at least 27 then-current or former state government officials or family members of such officials; at least four religious institutions; and multiple members of the media.

    During that time period, one of those subordinates bragged to Szabo: “I did 25+ swattings today,” and “creating massive havoc in [A]merica. $500,000+ in taxpayers wasted in just two days.”

    Szabo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and one count of threats involving explosives, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Szabo was extradited from Romania in November 2024.

    The U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office and Criminal Investigative Division, the FBI’s Washington and Minneapolis Field Offices, and the U.S. Capitol Police are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing Szabo’s arrest and extradition and assisted with securing evidence from abroad, including through mutual legal assistance requests. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Secret Service’s Bucharest Resident Office, Miami Field Office, Syracuse Resident Office, Springfield Resident Office; the FBI’s Legat Office in Bucharest; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Washington, the District of South Dakota, the Middle District of Florida, the Southern District of Florida, the Southern District of Illinois, and the Northern District of New York. The Romanian authorities’ assistance was critical to the successful investigation of the case and extradition of Szabo.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor Mulroe for the District of Columbia is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Men Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Two men were sentenced in federal court for transporting 8 kilograms of methamphetamine from Dallas, Tx., to the Joplin, Mo., area.

    Juan Alvarado-Alvarado, 45, a Mexican national, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 192 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Alvarado-Alvarado pleaded guilty on Sept. 23, 2024. Alvarado-Alvarado has two prior felony convictions for illegal reentry into the United States after removal.

    Jesus Sanchez, 34, Joplin, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 132 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Sanchez pleaded guilty on Nov. 21, 2024.

    Alvarado-Alvarado and Sanchez were charged in an indictment returned on June 6, 2022, for possessing, with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

    On May 25, 2022, during a traffic stop, deputies with the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office seized approximately 8 kilograms of methamphetamine from Alvarado-Alvarado and Sanchez. Later that day, during a post-Miranda interview, Sanchez admitted that he and Alvarado-Alvarado had traveled to Dallas, Tx., to purchase the methamphetamine.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine I. Schlegl. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team, and the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office.

    Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Raleigh County Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BECKLEY, W.Va. – Ross Jay Bailey, 50, of Cool Ridge, pleaded guilty today to theft of government money. Bailey obtained a $2 million loan through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for his business and instead converted at least $1.4 million of the proceeds for his personal enrichment.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about June 30, 2020, Bailey obtained an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) of $150,000 on behalf of his business, R&R Delivery Service Inc. The CARES Act authorized the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide EIDL program loans of up to $2 million to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Bailey successfully applied to increase the loan amount in August 2021 to $500,000 and in February 2022 to the $2 million maximum. Bailey certified that he would use all loans proceeds solely as working capital to alleviate economic injury caused by the pandemic.

    As part of his guilty plea, Bailey admitted that he transferred at least $1.4 million of the EIDL proceeds from his business’s bank account to his personal bank account from on or about March 1, 2022, through on or about May 31, 2022. Bailey further admitted that he converted these funds into purchases of stock and cryptocurrency for his personal enrichment.

    Bailey is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Bailey also owes at least $1,518,013.58 in restitution, with a final amount to be determined by the Court.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General (NASA OIG), the United States Secret Service, the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU).

    NASA OIG is an active member of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. The PRAC was established to promote transparency and facilitate coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending, including spending via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This case was also supported by the PRAC’s Pandemic Analytics Center of Excellence, which applies the latest advances in analytic and forensic technologies to help OIGs and law enforcement pursue data-driven pandemic relief fraud investigations.

    United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is prosecuting the case.

    Bailey’s brother, Ryan Keith Bailey, 47, of Beaver, pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025 to theft of government money. Ryan Keith Bailey obtained $2,166,517.40 in loans through the CARES Act for his business and instead converted nearly all of the proceeds for his personal use. Ryan Keith Bailey is scheduled to be sentenced on September 12, 2025.

    Mark William Bailey, 52, of Beckley and a cousin of Ross Jay Bailey and Ryan Keith Bailey, pleaded guilty on September 8, 2023, to theft of government monies, admitting he stole approximately $451,237.51 in SBA loans he obtained through the CARES Act. On October 25, 2024, Mark William Bailey was sentenced to five years of federal probation, including one year on home detention, and paid $451,237.51 in restitution and an additional $451,237.98 as a civil penalty to settle False Claims Act allegations.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 5:24-cr-105.

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    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard terminates 10 vessel voyages, including 8 illegal passenger-for-hire operations in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    06/02/2025 03:35 PM EDT

    Coast Guard Sector San Juan, Customs and Border Protection and Puerto Rico Police units and personnel terminated the voyage of 10 vessels with marine safety deficiencies, eight of which were conducting illegal passenger-for-hire operations, Saturday and Sunday, in Fajardo. “Over the past year, Coast Guard enforcement efforts resulted in voyage terminations for 30 illegal passenger-for-hire operations,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response. “We value the joint collaboration between Coast Guard Station San Juan, Sector San Juan Marine Investigators, Coast Guard Miami Marine Investigators, Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action in this effort to ensure vessels are operating legally in a commercial capacity and in compliance with federal marine safety regulations.” Vessels El Lindo, Hibiki, The Ivy, Mama Juana, Ohana 2, Master Blaster, Avante and Serenity were found conducting illegal passenger-for-hire operations, two of which were found operating in violation of previous federal Captain of the Port (COTP) Orders. Vessels Tobias and Four Points were only cited for their respective marine safety deficiencies. 

    For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian Citizen Pleads Guilty to ‘Swatting’ Numerous Members of Congress, Churches, and Former U.S. President

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Leader of Online Swatting Ring Admits to Targeting over 75 Public Officials, Four Religious Institutions, and Multiple Journalists in Nationwide Bomb Threat Spree

    Thomasz Szabo, also known as Plank, Jonah, and Cypher, 26, of Romania, pleaded guilty today to being the leader of a years-long conspiracy that targeted victims across the United States with “swatting” and bomb threats. Szabo and his co-conspirators falsely reported ongoing violent emergencies at government buildings, houses of worship, and private residences, including the homes of senior government officials.

    “This defendant led a dangerous swatting criminal conspiracy, deliberately threatening dozens of government officials with violent hoaxes and targeting our nation’s security infrastructure from behind a screen overseas,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This case reflects our continued focus on protecting the American people and working with international partners to stop these threats at their source.”

    “Today, Szabo pleaded guilty to a years-long conspiracy that targeted victims with swatting and bomb threats, including to government buildings, houses of worship and homes of government officials,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Swatting endangers lives and will not be tolerated by the FBI. We are fully committed to working with our partners to bring to justice those criminals hiding behind keyboards and threatening violence.”

    “This defendant’s targeted and ruthless behavior put countless people in danger, including law enforcement, public officials, and ordinary citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia. “Swatting attacks, that is, falsely reporting an ongoing threat of violence at a victims’ home address for the purpose of provoking a police response there, drain precious resources and can result in major injury or even death. Anyone who hijacks police resources for senseless crimes like these will have to answer for their actions.”  

    According to court documents, Szabo was the founder and leader of an online community that, starting in late 2020, engaged in a pattern of bomb threats and “swatting” — that is, falsely reporting an ongoing threat of violence at a victims’ home address for the purpose of provoking a police response there.

    As leader of the group, Szabo made false reports to U.S. law enforcement including a threat in December 2020 to commit a mass-shooting at New York City synagogues, and a threat in January 2021 to detonate explosives at the U.S. Capitol and kill the President-elect. Szabo publicized his “swatting” activity to his followers and encouraged them to engage in similar behavior.

    Beginning on Dec. 24, 2023, and continuing through early January 2024, subordinate members of Szabo’s group perpetrated a spree of swatting and bomb threats that included, as its victims, at least 25 Members of Congress or family members of Members of Congress; at least six then-current or former senior U.S. Executive Branch officials, including multiple cabinet-level officials; at least 13 then-current or former senior federal law enforcement officials, including the heads of multiple federal law enforcement agencies; multiple members of the federal judiciary; at least 27 then-current or former state government officials or family members of such officials; at least four religious institutions; and multiple members of the media.

    During that time period, one of those subordinates bragged to Szabo: “I did 25+ swattings today,” and “creating massive havoc in [A]merica. $500,000+ in taxpayers wasted in just two days.”

    Szabo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and one count of threats involving explosives, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Szabo was extradited from Romania in November 2024.

    The U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office and Criminal Investigative Division, the FBI’s Washington and Minneapolis Field Offices, and the U.S. Capitol Police are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing Szabo’s arrest and extradition and assisted with securing evidence from abroad, including through mutual legal assistance requests. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Secret Service’s Bucharest Resident Office, Miami Field Office, Syracuse Resident Office, Springfield Resident Office; the FBI’s Legat Office in Bucharest; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Washington, the District of South Dakota, the Middle District of Florida, the Southern District of Florida, the Southern District of Illinois, and the Northern District of New York. The Romanian authorities’ assistance was critical to the successful investigation of the case and extradition of Szabo.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor Mulroe for the District of Columbia is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Harder Condemns House Passage of Devastating Medicaid Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    Cuts health care for 42,000 residents, lays off 3,000 health care workers in San Joaquin County

    Finances trillions in tax cuts for billionaires like Elon Musk

    WASHINGTON – Today, following the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the federal budget reconciliation bill, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) released the following statement condemning the devastating health care cuts:

    “Today, politicians voted to strip health care from 14 million people to fund tax breaks for billionaires like Elon Musk. This isn’t an exaggeration. Right here in San Joaquin County, 42,000 people are set to lose their health coverage. That means tens of thousands of families won’t be able to take their kids to the doctor, fill a prescription, or access emergency care. Because of this bill, medical centers will shut down, ER wait times will spike, and thousands of health care workers will lose their jobs. 

    “At a time when families are already stretched thin, this bill puts billionaire tax cuts ahead of working people’s lives. It’s shameful, it’s dangerous, and I’m enraged. I voted no on this cruel bill, and I’ll do everything in my power to stop this nightmare from becoming reality.”

    San Joaquin County impacts by the numbers:

    • Cuts health care for 42,000 residents.
    • Lays off 3,000 health care workers.
    • Raises premiums for thousands of Medicaid and Affordable Care Act enrollees.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Learn About FBI Sacramento’s Citizen’s Academy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    The FBI Citizen’s Academy is a 6-to-8-week program with business and community leaders to share the great work the men and women do every day to keep out communities safe.
    —————————————————
    Subscribe to Inside the FBI wherever you get your podcasts:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H2d3cg…
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast…
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0…
    More ways to follow us: https://inside-the-fbi.transistor.fm/…

    Follow us on social media:
    X: https://twitter.com/fbi
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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcTKBbOVvA8

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ensuring New Yorkers Keep Cool during Extreme Heat

    Source: US State of New York

    n Global Heat Action Day, Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted new and enhanced resources available to protect New York communities from extreme heat this summer. Measures will help New Yorkers access affordable cooling at home and at cooling centers, provide additional support for cool and resilient buildings, help keep kids cool at schools, and offer new tools and expanded funding for communities to prepare for and adapt to extreme heat and mitigate urban heat islands. The New York State Department of Health also launched its interactive New York State Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard that will allow the public and county health care officials to determine the forecasted level of heat-related health risks in their areas and raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure.

    “Scorching summer temperatures and increasing extreme weather events threaten the lives and well-being of New Yorkers across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why I’m directing State agencies to take action and ensure all New Yorkers can afford and access relief from the full spectrum of heat risks.”

    Heat waves and other extreme heat events are likely to happen again this summer and New York State agencies are working to implement initiatives recommended by the State’s Extreme Heat Action Plan to help New Yorkers prepare for heat’s negative health and environmental impacts. A range of new and enhanced resources are available for individuals, local governments, and community-based organizations, including:

    • New support for cooling at home: With the new Essential Plan Cooling program, NY State of Health will provide eligible Essential Plan members a free air conditioner to help keep their homes cool. This will complement assistance available in 2025 through the HEAP Cooling program which served more than 23,000 households in 2024.
    • Better access to cooling centers: New resources are available to help connect New Yorkers with safe spaces for cooling. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) will continue to coordinate with local health departments and emergency managers to update the Cooling Center Finder throughout summer 2025. DOH offers new resources to provide information about best practices for setting up cooling centers and how these locations could serve as clean air centers. Round 8 of the Climate Smart Communities grant program is now open, making $22 million available to fund GHG mitigation and climate adaptation projects, including establishing cooling centers.
    • Additional support for cool buildings: Funding available through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) supports weatherization and clean and efficient heating and cooling that can improve extreme heat resilience at homes, community anchor institutions, schools, and more. The Office of General Services’ new “Decarbonization and Climate Resiliency Design Guide” was released for new and majorly renovated State building projects to assess and reduce climate risk (including extreme heat and Urban Heat Islands) through proactive design.
    • New investments in cool schools: The Education Law newly requires public school districts and BOCES to develop an extreme heat policy, which establishes certain temperature thresholds. NYSERDA offers additional funding to install clean cooling and heating at schools, for example through funding as part of the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
    • Enhanced tools and funding for cool communities: Preliminary extreme heat exposure maps and DOH’s Heat Vulnerability Index help communities understand exposure and vulnerabilities. Programs such as Climate Smart Communities fund communities in planning, designing, and implementation solutions. New and expanded funding supports nature-based solutions such as urban forests, urban farms, and community gardens to cool neighborhoods and mitigate heat islands. Governor Hochul’s New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative expanded outdoor swimming through the Connect Kids to Swimming Instruction Transportation grant program and advanced capital projects for swimming facilities in underserved communities through the NY SWIMS Round One competitive grant program.

    Implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan

    New York State also marks significant progress on the first year of implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan (EHAP) with the first readiness update now available. In June 2024, Governor Hochul, the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and the EHAP Work Group released the plan with nearly 50 actions by State agencies to address extreme heat impacts across four tracks (local planning and capacity building, community preparedness and workers’ safety, resilient buildings and access to cooling, and advancing ecosystem-based adaptations). DEC is coordinating the implementation of the plan in partnership with NYSERDA and the members of the Work Group, including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and the State Department of Health (DOH).

    During the first year implementing the plan, State agencies made significant progress in developing new resources that help communities address impacts of extreme heat. The full update on implementation progress is available here.

    Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Extreme heat driven by our changing climate is contributing to serious public health consequences and threats to New Yorkers, particularly New Yorkers in communities of color and communities historically overburdened by pollution. DEC and our agency partners released the Extreme Heat Action Plan last year under Governor Hochul’s directive and applaud the significant programs and efforts underway to protect lives and advance efforts to ensure our communities are better prepared to respond to severe weather.”

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “On Global Heat Action Day, New York State is strengthening its commitment to providing access to reliable, efficient, and affordable cooling solutions in communities across the state. The resources announced today show tremendous progress in implementing the Extreme Heat Action Plan, assuring all New Yorkers – including the most vulnerable – that relief will be available during the hottest months of the year.”

    Staying Safe During Extreme Heat

    The dangers of extreme heat can affect everyone, regardless of age, physical shape, or existing health conditions. The body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature during extreme heat and, without taking proper measures, this can lead to heat-related illness or even death.

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Extreme heat can be deadly, so it’s important that New Yorkers take it seriously. Governor Hochul has made addressing extreme heat a priority as multiple days of high temperatures are becoming more common here in New York. Our state agencies have worked together to make resources available for communities and residents, including free air conditioners to help those eligible keep their homes cool and a comprehensive online tool to assist individuals looking for cooling centers. I urge everyone to prepare now for the extreme temperatures coming our way this summer.”

    State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “As extreme heat becomes more frequent and severe due to climate change, it’s critical that we equip New Yorkers with the tools and resources they need to stay safe and healthy. These new initiatives will not only expand access to cooling centers and protect vulnerable populations, but also help build healthier, more resilient communities. We’re proud to work alongside Governor Hochul and our state partners to ensure that every New Yorker, especially those most at risk, can find relief from extreme heat.”

    Information about what the public can do during hot weather and how to locate cooling centers can be found on DOH’s Extreme Heat website.

    The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can also provide an air conditioning unit to income-eligible households that include someone with a documented medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat, or households with young children or older adults. Applications will continue to be accepted until funding runs out. For more information, visit the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website or contact your local office for the aging at 1-800-342-9871.

    Groups most at risk are:

    • People who work outdoors or indoors without air conditioning
    • Adults aged 60 years and older
    • Infants, children, and those who are pregnant
    • People with chronic health conditions
    • Those with physical and cognitive disabilities
    • Those with no access to air conditioning
    • Individuals who live alone or are unhoused
    • Athletes
    • Pets and service animals
    • People living in cities because asphalt and concrete store heat longer and release heat more slowly at night. This produces higher nighttime temperatures and is known as the “urban heat island effect.”

    Another important heat safety tip is to never leave children or pets unsupervised in hot cars. There is a real and severe danger when leaving children or pets unsupervised in a car even when temperatures don’t “feel” hot. At 60 degrees outside, after just one hour a closed car can get as hot as 105 degrees.

    Supporting Local Extreme Heat Action

    New York State continues to make investments in programs to help mitigate extreme heat and other climate impacts. Currently, $22 million is available through the Climate Smart Communities grant program to fund climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, including for projects that help communities plan for and adapt to extreme heat. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2025. More information is available on DEC’s website.

    New York State’s Climate Agenda

    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barnwell County man arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material* chargesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Steven Jeffrey Lynch, 62, of Blackville, S.C., on three charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Office, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.

     

    Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led them to Lynch. Investigators state Lynch possessed files of child sexual abuse material.

     

    Lynch was arrested on May 28, 2025. He is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree (§16-15-410), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

     

    This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

     

    Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

     

     

     

    * Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant.  Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Timberlea — RCMP charges a man following armed and barricaded incident

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has charged a man following an armed and barricaded incident that occurred in Timberlea.

    Shortly after midnight on June 1, RCMP officers responded to a disturbance at a residence on Lakehigh Cres.

    Investigators learned that a man armed with a knife had gained entry into the home through the front door and threatened to harm himself. When a female occupant, who was known to the man, asked him to leave, he refused and barricaded himself inside.

    After approximately three hours of communicating with the RCMP Crisis Negotiation Team, the man exited the home and was safely arrested.

    The 33-year-old woman and three children who were inside the home at the time of the incident were unharmed.

    The man has been charged with two counts of Failure to Comply with a Probation Order and Mischief. He was remanded in custody yesterday and is scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial court today.

    File #: 25-76875

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Spokane Dermatologist Agrees to Pay $1.4 Million to Resolve Claims of Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Funds

    Source: US FBI

    Spokane, Washington – The United States Attorney’s Office announced William Philip Werschler, age 66, of Spokane, Washington, along with his businesses Spokane Dermatology Clinic, Premier Clinical Research L.L.C., and 3rd and Sherman Plaza L.L.C., have agreed to pay $1,400,000 to resolve claims under the False Claims Act related to alleged mis-spending of funds intended to benefit struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic.  EIDL funds were to be used solely as working capital to alleviate economic injury to a business caused by the COVID-19 disaster, such as paying payroll, health insurance premiums, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.  EIDL funds were not to be used for personal purposes or to obtain real property or to refinance indebtedness which was incurred prior to the disaster event is a prohibited use of EIDL funding.

    According to the settlement agreement, beginning no later than April 2020 and continuing until at least July 2022, Werschler applied for EIDL loans for his businesses: Spokane Dermatology Clinic, Premier Clinical Research, and 3rd and Sherman Plaza L.L.C. 

    Shortly after receiving EIDL funds, Werschler made personal purchases of a 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 and a 1997 Porsche Carrera for a total of $252,375.00.  Werschler also used $553,143 to purchase two properties across from his Spokane Dermatology Clinic.  The purchase of personal automobiles and real property are both contrary to the proper use of EIDL funds.  The global resolution entered into by Werschler and his companies also resolved related criminal charges.

    This case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations, the FBI, and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. 

    The settlement agreement can be viewed at the link below.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Cyprus

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 2, 2025

    • Growth is expected to decelerate to 2.5 percent in 2025 and stabilize at 3 percent in the medium term as Cyprus shifts towards more investment-driven growth.
    • The fiscal surplus reached an impressive 4.3 percent of GDP in 2024, while public debt declined to 65 percent of GDP. Fiscal policy should continue to prioritize debt reduction to further build buffers against potential shocks.
    • The banking sector boasts substantial capital and liquidity buffers, with financial risks appearing well-contained. The recent tightening of the macroprudential policy stance, will further enhance these financial buffers.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV Consultation for Cyprus and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting.[1] The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]

    In 2024, Cyprus’s growth accelerated to 3.4 percent—one of the highest rates in the euro area (EA)—driven by a strong tourism season, continued Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector expansion, and robust public and private consumption. While inflation has remained volatile, it has generally decreased, with headline inflation falling to 2.1 percent by March 2025. Fiscal performance continues to be very strong, with the fiscal surplus increasing to 4.3 percent of GDP in 2024, supported by robust tax revenues. As a result, public debt has declined to 65 percent of GDP by the end of 2024, while cash buffers remain large. Financial conditions remain tight, accompanied by subdued credit growth. Nevertheless, the banking sector possesses sizable capital and liquidity buffers, and overall banking sector risks appear contained.

    Growth is expected to moderate to 2.5 percent in 2025 before reaching 3 percent in the medium term, driven by higher investment and structural reforms. Inflation is anticipated to hit the 2 percent target later this year, supported by moderating growth and lower oil prices. Near-term risks are tilted to the downside, including from elevated uncertainty from global trade tensions. In contrast, longer-term risks are more balanced, with risks on insufficient progress on structural reforms acting against the upside potential of Cyprus’s evolving business model.

    Executive Board Assessment

    In concluding the 2025 Article IV consultation with Cyprus, Executive Directors endorsed staff’s appraisal, as follows:

    Cyprus has demonstrated remarkable economic resilience, with growth among the highest in the EA. This strong performance is underpinned by robust service exports and domestic consumption. The labor market remains tight, characterized by a declining unemployment rate and elevated job vacancy levels. While uncertainties persist, there are indications of potential overheating in the economy. This, along with tariff-related trade disruption, will lead growth to moderate this year. While volatile, inflation is projected to stabilize around 2 percent by the end of the year. The current account deficit is estimated to have moderated in 2024, but the external position is assessed to be weaker than the level implied by fundamentals.

    The immediate outlook presents downside risks, while longer-term risks appear more balanced. An escalation of trade conflicts—particularly if this broadened to include services trade and FDI—poses an important downside risk. An escalation of regional tensions, and possible new energy price shocks, could affect FDI, tourism, and inflation. Domestically, there are concerns about further overheating, which may arise from a more accommodative fiscal policy. In the medium-to-long term, investment-driven growth will rely on continuous progress in structural reforms. On the upside, Cyprus’s agile and dynamic economy offers substantial potential for growth.

    Cyprus’s strong fiscal position has reduced vulnerabilities. In 2024, the primary fiscal surplus reached 5.6 percent, fueled by significant revenue growth that more than compensated for increased public wages and social transfers. As a result, public debt decreased to 65 percent of GDP by the end of 2024, with substantial cash reserves supporting liquidity. This further increased resilience, built policy space for future shocks, and improved investor sentiment.

    Fiscal policy should continue to prioritize debt reduction. Given overheating risks, it is crucial to avoid new discretionary measures that would ease fiscal policy and add to inflationary pressures. Instead, efforts should focus on reducing debt well below 60 percent of GDP, thereby ensuring a robust buffer against potential shocks. The authorities’ commitment to maintaining fiscal surpluses through 2028, as specified in the MTFSP under the new EU economic governance framework, supports this goal.

    As spending pressures increase, careful management of fiscal space is essential. The financial commitments required for achieving climate and digital transitions will persist beyond the end of EU RRP funding. Additionally, an aging population will necessitate higher expenditures on pensions and healthcare, alongside other long-term expenditures. As a result, the scope for fiscal loosening in the medium term is constrained.

    Public spending should emphasize investment while retaining flexibility in response to economic shocks. Capital expenditures should take precedence to enhance potential growth and facilitate the climate transition. At the same time, expanding current spending—such as increasing public wages, broadening subsidies, or introducing untargeted social programs—should be avoided. Specifically, the authorities should resist further increases to the COLA indexation or new ad-hoc salary increases to contain the existing substantial public-private wage gap and prevent additional pressure on real wage growth.

    The banking sector boasts substantial capital and liquidity buffers, with financial risks appearing well-contained. Profitability metrics have reached record highs for the second consecutive year, and capitalization levels are now among the highest in Europe. Despite elevated interest rates, asset quality continues to improve, supported by strong economic growth. Nonetheless, ongoing vigilance is essential, particularly concerning the real estate sector.

    Recent tightening of the macroprudential policy stance will enhance financial buffers further. The announced increase in the CCyB will bolster resilience by securing already high capital buffers without adversely affecting credit availability or economic growth. In the future, careful calibration of macroprudential policies should continue to strike a balance between financial stability and effective credit intermediation.

    Although legacy NPLs continue to decrease, they remain at elevated levels. Most NPLs have been successfully transitioned away from the banking sector and do not pose a significant issue for financial stability. The ongoing resolution of legacy NPLs is expected to accelerate, given the full operationalization of the foreclosure framework and a strong uptake of the mortgage-to-rent scheme. Resolving legacy NPLs is expected to help mobilize domestic capital.

    Structural reforms aimed at enhancing judicial efficiency and boosting labor productivity are vital for fostering long-term growth. With employment levels already high, capital deepening will increasingly drive growth. Consequently, policies must create a stable and streamlined business environment conducive to investment. Additional efforts are required in the judicial sector to strengthen the institutional framework for insolvency and creditor rights and to improve court efficiency. Labor policies should focus on addressing skill gaps and mismatches and engaging remaining segments of the labor force, particularly among youth and the long-term unemployed.

    Key energy projects and reforms must be expedited to reduce energy costs, enhance energy security, and fulfill climate commitments. Completing the LNG terminal and improving electricity interconnectedness would represent significant progress toward these objectives. Additionally, increasing competition in the electricity market would help lower costs and emissions through market forces. The planned introduction of green taxation would further facilitate the energy transition.

    Maintaining a strong AML framework is vital for mitigating reputational risks and business uncertainty. Ongoing efforts to broaden the definition of obliged entities for AML supervision are commendable. Furthermore, the proposed establishment of the National Sanctions Implementation Unit at the Ministry of Finance will enhance clarity for reporting entities regarding compliance with sanctions.

    Table 1. Cyprus: Selected Economic Indicators, 2021–2030

     

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

     

     

     

     

     

    Projections

    Real Economy

    (Percent change, unless otherwise indicated)

       Real GDP

    11.4

    7.2

    2.8

    3.4

    2.5

    2.7

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

     Domestic demand

    5.6

    8.5

    5.2

    0.7

    4.6

    3.6

    3.6

    3.5

    3.4

    3.2

       Consumption

    5.7

    8.5

    4.8

    3.3

    3.2

    2.6

    2.8

    2.9

    2.8

    2.8

         Private consumption

    4.7

    9.8

    5.9

    3.8

    2.8

    2.9

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    3.1

         Public consumption

    8.9

    4.7

    1.2

    1.5

    4.4

    1.4

    1.2

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    Gross capital formation

    5.0

    8.5

    6.6

    -9.5

    10.5

    7.8

    7.0

    6.0

    5.5

    4.5

     Foreign balance 1/

    5.8

    -1.1

    -2.3

    3.0

    -1.9

    -0.9

    -0.7

    -0.5

    -0.4

    -0.3

       Exports of goods and services

    27.2

    27.1

    -2.8

    5.3

    4.0

    4.1

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

       Imports of goods and services

    19.6

    29.7

    -0.7

    2.4

    6.1

    5.1

    4.6

    4.5

    4.4

    4.2

    Potential GDP growth

    5.5

    6.1

    4.4

    3.3

    3.0

    2.9

    2.9

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    Output gap (percent of potential GDP)

    0.9

    2.0

    0.4

    0.6

    0.2

    -0.1

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    HICP (period average, seasonally-adjusted)

    2.3

    8.1

    3.9

    2.3

    2.2

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    HICP (end of period, seasonally-adjusted)

    4.8

    7.6

    1.9

    3.1

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    GDP deflator

    3.0

    6.7

    3.8

    3.5

    4.7

    1.6

    1.5

    1.5

    1.5

    1.6

    Unemployment rate (percent, period average)

    7.2

    6.3

    5.8

    4.9

    4.8

    5.0

    5.0

    5.0

    5.0

    5.0

    Employment growth (percent, period average)

    3.5

    5.0

    2.8

    1.5

    0.9

    0.8

    0.9

    0.8

    0.8

    0.8

    Labor force

    3.0

    4.0

    2.3

    0.4

    0.8

    1.0

    0.9

    0.8

    0.8

    0.8

    Public Finance

    (Percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

       General government balance

    -1.6

    2.7

    1.7

    4.3

    3.8

    3.5

    2.4

    2.1

    1.9

    1.6

          Revenue

    41.0

    40.6

    43.7

    44.3

    44.7

    44.3

    43.3

    43.2

    43.2

    43.2

          Expenditure

    42.6

    38.0

    42.0

    40.0

    40.9

    40.8

    40.8

    41.1

    41.4

    41.6

       Primary Fiscal Balance

    0.1

    4.0

    3.0

    5.6

    5.2

    4.8

    3.8

    3.4

    3.1

    2.9

       General government debt

    96.5

    81.1

    73.6

    65.1

    60.2

    54.9

    49.7

    44.5

    41.2

    38.3

    Balance of Payments

       Current account balance

    -5.4

    -5.4

    -9.7

    -6.1

    -7.1

    -7.7

    -8.2

    -8.7

    -9.1

    -9.4

          Trade Balance (goods and services)

    4.7

    3.6

    1.0

    3.6

    2.5

    1.8

    1.1

    0.5

    0.2

    0.0

             Exports of goods and services

    90.8

    105.6

    97.2

    96.7

    95.8

    97.4

    98.4

    99.5

    100.5

    101.5

             Imports of goods and services

    86.1

    102.0

    96.1

    93.1

    93.2

    95.6

    97.3

    98.9

    100.3

    101.6

          Goods balance

    -16.9

    -19.7

    -23.7

    -20.4

    -20.4

    -21.4

    -22.4

    -23.3

    -24.2

    -24.9

          Services balance

    21.6

    23.3

    24.7

    24.0

    22.9

    23.2

    23.5

    23.9

    24.4

    24.9

          Primary income, net

    -8.9

    -7.9

    -9.6

    -8.9

    -8.6

    -8.5

    -8.4

    -8.3

    -8.3

    -8.3

          Secondary income, net

    -1.2

    -0.7

    -1.1

    -0.8

    -1.0

    -1.0

    -1.0

    -1.0

    -1.0

    -1.0

    Capital account, net

    0.2

    0.1

    -0.1

    0.2

    0.2

    0.2

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    Financial account, net

    -7.6

    -6.2

    -8.7

    -5.9

    -6.9

    -7.5

    -8.2

    -8.6

    -9.1

    -9.3

       Direct investment

    -3.3

    -27.2

    -21.0

    -18.0

    -18.0

    -18.1

    -18.3

    -18.3

    -18.5

    -18.6

       Portfolio investment

    3.9

    3.9

    11.0

    4.9

    5.8

    3.6

    4.2

    3.5

    1.5

    2.6

       Other investment and financial derivatives

    -9.6

    16.8

    1.2

    7.2

    5.3

    7.0

    5.9

    6.2

    7.9

    6.7

       Reserves ( + accumulation)

    1.4

    0.3

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Program financing 2/

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    -1.0

    -2.7

    -2.5

    -2.4

    -2.4

    -2.0

    Errors and omissions

    -2.5

    -0.9

    1.1

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Saving-Investment Balance

    National saving

    13.8

    14.9

    11.8

    14.4

    13.7

    13.6

    13.4

    13.3

    13.2

    13.1

      Government

    1.8

    5.8

    6.7

    7.9

    7.8

    7.3

    6.3

    6.1

    6.1

    5.8

      Non-government

    12.0

    9.0

    5.1

    6.5

    5.9

    6.3

    7.1

    7.2

    7.1

    7.3

    Gross capital formation

    19.2

    20.3

    21.4

    20.5

    20.8

    21.3

    21.7

    22.1

    22.4

    22.5

      Government

    3.5

    3.2

    5.0

    3.6

    3.9

    3.8

    3.9

    4.1

    4.2

    4.2

      Private

    15.8

    17.1

    16.4

    16.9

    16.9

    17.4

    17.7

    18.0

    18.1

    18.2

    Foreign saving

    -5.4

    -5.4

    -9.7

    -6.1

    -7.1

    -7.7

    -8.2

    -8.7

    -9.1

    -9.4

    Memorandum Item:

       Nominal GDP (billions of euros)

    25.7

    29.4

    31.3

    33.6

    36.0

    37.6

    39.3

    41.1

    42.9

    44.9

       Structural primary balance

    -0.4

    3.3

    2.6

    5.3

    5.2

    4.8

    3.8

    3.4

    3.1

    2.9

    External debt

    994.1

    879.7

    828.3

    767.6

    706.8

    669.0

    631.4

    595.8

    564.1

    534.0

    Net IIP

    -105.7

    -95.2

    -92.7

    -98.5

    -99.3

    -102.6

    -106.9

    -111.7

    -114.6

    -118.8

    Sources: Cystat, Eurostat, Central Bank of Cyprus, and IMF staff estimates.

    1/ Contribution to real GDP growth

    2/  Program financing (+ purchases, – repurchases) is included under the Financial Account, with consistent sign conversion

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board. The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/cyprus page.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Boris Balabanov

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/02/pr-25171-cyprus-imf-concludes-2025-art-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plymouth means business at UKREiiF 2025

    Source: City of Plymouth

    By Cllr Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council

    This May, I had the privilege of leading Plymouth’s delegation to the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds – and what a week it was.

    We went to UKREiiF with a clear purpose: to shout loud and proud about Plymouth’s ambition, our potential, and our readiness for growth. We weren’t just there to attend – we were there to lead, to connect, and to inspire. Because for Plymouth, growth isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a necessity. It’s about jobs, homes, innovation, and opportunity. It’s about building a city that works for everyone.

    From the moment we arrived, the energy was electric. Day one kicked off with a bang – our stand was buzzing with interest, and we hit the ground running with meetings, networking, and a strong presence across the event. We were there alongside major cities and regions, but we made sure Plymouth’s voice was heard. We’re not just a coastal city – we’re a city of ideas, of resilience, and of bold ambition.

    One of the highlights was our panel session, where we brought together key voices to talk about the future of cities like ours. We spoke about the power of place, the importance of sustainable development, and the need for long-term investment in infrastructure and skills. I was proud to see Plymouth leading that conversation – not just reacting to change, but shaping it.

    Throughout the week, we met with investors, developers, government officials, and partners from across the UK. We showcased our major regeneration opportunities – from the Freeport and Oceansgate to the city centre and waterfront. We talked about our strengths in marine, defence, digital, and clean energy. And we made it clear: Plymouth is open for business.But UKREiiF wasn’t just about promotion – it was about connection.

    It was about building relationships that will unlock real benefits for our city. We had meaningful conversations that we’re already following up on – conversations that could lead to new investment, new jobs, and new opportunities for our residents.

    For example, we had a fantastic conversation with Homes England. Earlier this year, we launched a bold new plan together to deliver up to 10,000 new homes in the heart of Plymouth. This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about creating a vibrant, liveable city centre that supports our growing workforce and attracts new talent. At UKREiiF, we built on this momentum with strategic conversations about other key sites.

    Marcus Ralling from Homes England was clear: Plymouth offers one of the most compelling investment stories in the country. With the right partners, we can deliver high-quality homes, strong returns, and transformational change. This partnership is already bearing fruit – and it’s only just beginning.

    What struck me most was the shared sense of purpose in all our conversations. Across the country, councils are grappling with similar challenges – housing, climate change, economic resilience. But there was also a shared optimism. A belief that with the right partnerships, the right vision, and the right leadership, we can build better places. And Plymouth is absolutely part of that story.

    So what do we hope to get out of it? Tangible outcomes. We want to see investment flow into our city. We want to accelerate delivery of key projects. We want to bring partners on board who share our vision for inclusive, sustainable growth. And we want to keep raising Plymouth’s profile – nationally and internationally – as a city that’s going places.

    UKREiiF 2025 was a milestone for us. It showed that Plymouth belongs on the national stage. It showed that we have the ambition, the assets, and the leadership to drive real change. And it reminded me – once again – why I’m so proud to lead this city.

    Growth matters. Not for its own sake, but because of what it means for people. For families looking for a decent home. For young people seeking opportunity. For businesses ready to expand. For communities that deserve investment and pride in place.

    Plymouth is ready. And we’re just getting started.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Carolina Duo Plead Guilty To Conspiracy To Commit Cyberstalking For Scheme That Resulted In A Victim’s Death

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. –Trysten Anthony Cullon, 26, of South Carolina, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan C. Rodriguez and pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking for a scheme targeting a vulnerable victim and his immediate family members using extortive and threatening text messages, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Previously, on April 10, 2025, Jade Ashlynn Stone, 25, of South Carolina, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking.

    James C. Barnacle, Jr., Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    According to the indictment, filed plea documents, and the court hearings, from September 5 to September 8, 2024, the defendants conspired to engage in a cyberstalking conspiracy that targeted a victim identified in court documents as C.T. C.T. had an intellectual disability and was classified as Educable Mentally Disabled. Because of his disability, C.T. was extensively supported by his immediate family and did not live on his own. C.T. was also employed at a fast-food restaurant chain in Charlotte.

    As Cullon and Stone admitted in court, they used a stolen phone to send C.T.’s family members multiple harassing and intimidating text messages demanding money and threatened to provide derogatory and embarrassing information to C.T.’s employer unless they were paid, including salacious claims that C.T. was a pervert, that he harassed girls, and that he paid girls for sexual pictures. As a result of the substantial emotional distress caused by the extortive and threatening text messages sent by the defendants, C.T. died by suicide.

    Cullon and Stone pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Cullon and Stone are both in custody. A sentencing date has not been set.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI for the investigation of this case and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for its substantial assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Crimes Related to a Scheme to Prepare False Tax Returns for Clients

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Two Florida men pleaded guilty last week just before jury selection began for their June 2 trial. The two pled before Magistrate Judge David Baker to tax crimes related to a scheme to prepare false tax returns for clients. Specifically, Franklin Carter Jr., of Sanford, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and not filing tax returns, and Jonathan Carrillo, of St. Cloud pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. The plea must be accepted by a U.S. district court judge.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2016 to 2020 Carter and Carrillo owned and operated Neighborhood Advance Tax (NAT), a return preparation business with a dozen offices throughout Florida. Carter, Carrillo and their co-conspirators fraudulently inflated client tax refunds by fabricating deductions on their returns. They also held periodic training sessions at which they taught other NAT employees how to prepare fraudulent tax returns.

    In 2021, Carter, Carrillo and the co-conspirators started another tax return preparation business. The new business, Taxmates, operated out of the same offices that NAT had previously used. As with NAT, Carter, Carrillo and the others used Taxmates to prepare false tax returns for clients. Many of those returns included false deductions. As before, Carter, Carrillo and their co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients.

    In addition, Carter did not file personal tax returns for 2019 through 2021, despite being legally required to do so.

    In total, both men caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $12 million.

    Several of their co-conspirators have pleaded guilty. Diandre Mentor, Abryle de la Cruz and Emmanuel Almonor pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States as part of the same scheme. Adon Hemley pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and helping others file false returns. Isaiah Hayes pleaded guilty to helping others file false returns.

    Carter and Carrillo will be sentenced at a later date. Both face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge. Carter faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison for each failure to file a tax return charge and Carillo faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison for each charge of assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Both men also face a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Interim U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Michael L. Jones of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Florida Men Plead Guilty to Crimes Related to a Scheme to Prepare False Tax Returns for Clients

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Two Florida men pleaded guilty last week just before jury selection began for their June 2 trial. The two pled before Magistrate Judge David Baker to tax crimes related to a scheme to prepare false tax returns for clients. Specifically, Franklin Carter Jr., of Sanford, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and not filing tax returns, and Jonathan Carrillo, of St. Cloud pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. The plea must be accepted by a U.S. district court judge.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2016 to 2020 Carter and Carrillo owned and operated Neighborhood Advance Tax (NAT), a return preparation business with a dozen offices throughout Florida. Carter, Carrillo and their co-conspirators fraudulently inflated client tax refunds by fabricating deductions on their returns. They also held periodic training sessions at which they taught other NAT employees how to prepare fraudulent tax returns.

    In 2021, Carter, Carrillo and the co-conspirators started another tax return preparation business. The new business, Taxmates, operated out of the same offices that NAT had previously used. As with NAT, Carter, Carrillo and the others used Taxmates to prepare false tax returns for clients. Many of those returns included false deductions. As before, Carter, Carrillo and their co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients.

    In addition, Carter did not file personal tax returns for 2019 through 2021, despite being legally required to do so.

    In total, both men caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $12 million.

    Several of their co-conspirators have pleaded guilty. Diandre Mentor, Abryle de la Cruz and Emmanuel Almonor pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States as part of the same scheme. Adon Hemley pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and helping others file false returns. Isaiah Hayes pleaded guilty to helping others file false returns.

    Carter and Carrillo will be sentenced at a later date. Both face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge. Carter faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison for each failure to file a tax return charge and Carillo faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison for each charge of assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Both men also face a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Interim U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Michael L. Jones of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Quantum eMotion Closes Brokered LIFE Financing of $12,000,000

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    MONTREAL, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quantum eMotion Corp. (“QeM” or the “Corporation”) (TSX.V: QNC; OTCQB: QNCCF; F: 34Q0) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced best efforts brokered private placement for total gross proceeds of $12,000,000 (the “Offering”), consisting of the issuance of 8,000,000 units of the Corporation (each a “Unit”) at a price of $1.50 per Unit (the “Offering Price”), pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption (the “LIFE Exemption”) under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions (“NI 45-106”). A.G.P. Canada Investments ULC (the “Agent”) acted as sole bookrunner for the Offering and A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners acted as the sole U.S. agent to the Corporation in connection with the Offering.

    Each Unit consists of (i) one common share in the capital of the Corporation (a “Share”), and (ii) one common share purchase warrant (a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles its holder to acquire one additional common share (a “Warrant Share”) of the Corporation at a price of $1.82 for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance.

    The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds raised from the Offering to accelerate the pace of its research and development (“R&D”) efforts, expand the R&D team, hire staff for the commercialization initiatives underway and for general working capital purposes.

    Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with NI 45-106, the securities issued pursuant to the LIFE Exemption are expected to be immediately freely tradeable and will not be subject to a hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws.

    There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Corporation’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Corporation website at https://www.quantumemotion.com/.

    As consideration for their services, the Agent has received an aggregate cash fee equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering. In addition, the Corporation issued to the Agent non-transferable warrants (the “Agent Warrants”) representing 4.0% of the aggregate number of Units issued pursuant to the Offering. Each Agent Warrant entitles its holder to purchase one common share of the Corporation at price of $1.66 for a 30-month period from the date of issuance.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

    About QeM

    The Corporation’s mission is to address the growing demand for affordable hardware and software security for connected devices. QeM has become a pioneering force in classical and quantum cybersecurity solutions thanks to its patented Quantum Random Number Generator, a security solution that exploits the built-in unpredictability of quantum mechanics and promises to provide enhanced protection for high-value assets and critical systems.

    The Corporation intends to target highly valued Financial Services, Healthcare, Blockchain Applications, Cloud-Based IT Security Infrastructure, Classified Government Networks and Communication Systems, Secure Device Keying (IOT, Automotive, Consumer Electronics) and Quantum Cryptography.

    For further information, please visit our website at https://www.quantumemotion.com/ or contact us at: info@quantumemotion.com

    Marc Rousseau, Chief Financial Officer
    Tel: (514) 886-0045
    Email: info@quantumemotion.com
    Website: www.quantumemotion.com

    Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which is based upon the Corporation’s current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Corporation’s expectations with respect to the use of proceeds and the use of the available funds following completion of the Offering, and the completion of the Corporation’s business objectives, and the timing, costs, and benefits thereof. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Corporation. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating risks inherent to the cybersecurity industry, the value of the Corporation’s intangible assets, completing proof of concept studies, protecting intangible assets rights, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms or at all, the possibility that future results will not be consistent with the Corporation’s expectations, increases in costs, changes in legislation and regulation, changes in economic and political conditions and other risks involved in the cybersecurity industry and inherent to new technologies, such as risk of obsolescence, slow adoption and competing technological advances; and those risks set out in the Corporation’s public documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that could cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on the Corporation and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Corporation’s annual filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. The Corporation provides no assurance that forward-looking statements or forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Corporation disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Snail Games Celebrates ARK Franchise’s 10-Year Anniversary with New Content and Global Community Events

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CULVER CITY, Calif., June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or the “Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, is proud to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of ARK: Survival Evolved (“ASE”), its flagship title and a pillar of its long-term success. Since its debut in Early Access in 2015, ARK has evolved into what we believe to be a world-renowned franchise with a massive player base, strong commercial performance, and an enduring presence in the sandbox survival gaming ecosystem.

    With an install base of over 92.1 million for ARK: Survival Evolved and more than 3.7 billion hours of total playtime logged on Steam, the original title remains one of the most enduring and beloved survival games in the genre. ASE recorded 1.1 million Steam peak daily active users (DAU), a reflection of its global reach and dedicated community.

    The next-generation remake, ARK: Survival Ascended (“ASA”), continues this legacy with a 4.2 million install base since launch in 2023 and more than 275 million hours played to date on Steam. ASA’s peak DAU of 308,000 illustrates the strong adoption of the UE5-powered game, with more content, performance enhancements, and cross-platform innovations planned for future growth.

    In December 2024, ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition launched globally. The mobile mode effectively reduces hardware barriers and extends the reach of the ARK franchise to a broader international and mobile-first audience. Since its release, the mobile title has exceeded 6.1 million downloads across iOS and Android platforms. With additional premium expansion maps slated for the rest of 2025, Snail Games continues to enhance the mobile experience and reinforce its commitment to growing the ARK franchise on mobile platforms.

    IGN Live 2025

    As part of ARK’s 10th anniversary campaign, Snail Games will also be exhibiting at IGN Live, which will be held from June 6th through June 8th. ARK will be featured both through an interactive booth experience and a dedicated developer panel, providing a platform to engage directly with fans and highlight one of ARK’s next chapters ARK: Aquatica. At the booth Snail will be hosting a contest with a $10,000 prize pool, stop by for more details!

    Upcoming Content Releases

    To mark the 10-year milestone, Snail Games is launching a series of content and community activations across platforms:

    • ARK: Survival Ascended Anniversary Event – Scheduled to span across June 2nd – June 12th; Includes an Egg Incubator, Birthday Suit cosmetics, Surprise Cake item, new event skins, emotes, and additional celebratory in game content.
    • ASA: Astraeos Update – The first major update of Astraeos introduces Lemnokis, a vast new island featuring diverse biomes from snowy and warm redwoods to valleys, forests, and glacier caves, the game’s first duo-minibosses Kalydonios and Erymanthian (two colossal boars wielding fire and poisonous gas), as well as new deep-sea zones rich in resources and a mysterious oceanic location known as The Maelstrom.
    • ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition – Genesis Part 1 is becoming available for mobile players on June 3rd.
    • ARK: Lost Colony pre-orders start June 18, 2025 – a full-sized canonical expansion pack that continues the ARK saga with a massive, danger-filled city, new creatures, items, structures, exotic tames, advanced building systems, unique gear, powerful character abilities, and a storyline that bridges ARK: Extinction, ARK: Genesis, and ARK 2.
    • ARK: Ragnorak – The fan favorite ancient battleground of beasts and myth awakens again June 18th, fully remastered in ARK Survival: Ascended.
    • ARK: Aquatica DLC – Luminati Suns’ track “On My Way” sets the tone for underwater playground DLC ARK: Aquatica.
      Listen to “On My Way” on Steam!
      Watch the Luminati Suns “On My Way” Behind the Scenes Video

    For creators interested in collaborative opportunities reach out to creatordirect@noiz.gg.

    About Snail, Inc.
    Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. For more information, please visit: https://snail.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding certain of the Company’s upcoming plans to celebrate and commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the Company’s flagship title and a pillar of its long-term success: ARK: Survival Evolved, which includes a proposed exhibition at IGN Live, which will be held from June 6th through June 8th, 2025. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed by the Company with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Forms 10-Q filed with the SEC. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Investor Contact:
    John Yi and Steven Shinmachi
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860
    SNAL@gateway-grp.com

    The MIL Network

  • NCERT intensifies crackdown on pirated textbook racket, seizes over 5 lakh copies nationwide

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), in collaboration with police authorities, has escalated its efforts to combat the illegal manufacture, distribution, and sale of pirated NCERT textbooks, a serious offense under the Copyright Act, 1957. Over the past 14 months, NCERT has seized more than 5 lakh pirated textbooks, along with printing paper and machinery valued at over ₹20 crore, while filing 29 FIRs against printers, warehouse owners, and retailers engaged in the illicit trade.

    In a recent operation, NCERT, working with the Uttar Pradesh Police, conducted a raid on a warehouse in Muzaffarnagar, confiscating over 1.5 lakh pirated NCERT textbooks worth more than ₹2 crore. The raid also resulted in the seizure of one truck, two cars loaded with pirated books, and numerous printing plates, with eight individuals arrested on the spot. In a follow-up action, authorities raided a printing press in Samalkha, Haryana, seizing additional pirated textbooks, printing plates, and machinery. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the masterminds behind this piracy racket.

    Pirated textbooks not only cause significant revenue losses to NCERT and the government but also pose health risks to students due to the use of substandard paper and ink. To address this issue, NCERT has enhanced the quality of paper and printing for its textbooks, ensured timely printing and sufficient market availability, and made textbooks accessible on major e-commerce platforms at the maximum retail price without delivery charges. Additionally, NCERT has taken action against a paper mill in Kashipur producing illegal NCERT watermarked paper. To further strengthen its anti-piracy measures, NCERT has introduced a technology-based solution developed by IIT Kanpur, piloted on 10 lakh copies of one textbook title, with plans to expand this to all titles in the next academic year, replacing the outdated watermarked paper system that pirates have easily replicated.

  • MIL-OSI Security: Controller Of Law Enforcement Union Pleads Guilty To Filing False Tax Return

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (“IRS-CI”), announced today that DENNIS OSTERMANN, a former Sergeant with the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), pled guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent U.S. income tax return.  OSTERMANN pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate District Judge Ona T. Wang.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield. 

    “At the direction of a senior union official, Ostermann reported payments as ‘legal fees’ when they were not,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “We all share the responsibility for reporting income and expenses accurately on our tax returns, and no rank or position exempts any person or organization from these obligations.”

    IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. said: “Ostermann misrepresented the movement of funds, lied on his taxes and betrayed the confidence of union members.  He violated the trust of his position as controller for a law enforcement union and as a return preparer.  With today’s guilty plea, Ostermann is now taking responsibility for his criminal acts, and he will now face the consequences.”

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

    OSTERMANN served as Controller of a union that represents all current and former sergeants of the NYPD (the “Union”).  OSTERMANN also served as a partner of HB Consultants Inc. (“HBC”).

    In 2018 and 2019, OSTERMANN paid $150,000 from HBC’s bank account to a third party on behalf of the former President of the Union.  OSTERMANN then prepared HBC’s U.S. income tax returns, and falsely reported that the $150,000 payment was for legal fees.  This false information not only disguised that OSTERMANN had used HBC-funds to make payments on behalf of the former President of the Union, but also fraudulently reduced the tax liability of HBC and its partners, including OSTERMANN.

    *               *                *

    OSTERMANN, 68, of East Rockaway, New York, pled guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent U.S. income tax return, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.  OSTERMANN is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Schofield on August 29, 2025.

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

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the IRS-CI and Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

    The case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Rothman is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oconee County Man Indicted for Failing to Report $1M Income on Taxes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREENVILLE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Greenville returned a four-count indictment against Marion Keith Sheriff, 60, of Seneca, for filing false tax returns.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Sheriff operated a landscaping business in the Upstate and allegedly failed to report cashed business checks as income to the IRS from 2019 to 2022. Sheriff failed to report approximately $1,006,633.00 in income.

    Sheriff faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release to follow any term of imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Jacquelyn D Austin will preside over the case.

    The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins is prosecuting the case.

    All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Physician at VA Medical Center Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Child Pornography Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – A physician employed at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Bedford, Mass. has been indicted by a federal grand jury for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    Sven Knudsen Ljaamo, 70, was indicted on one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on April 23, 2025.on April 23, 2025 He was subsequently released on conditions following a detention hearing.

    According to the charging documents, law enforcement received a CyberTip reporting that over 100 files of suspected CSAM files had allegedly been uploaded to Ljaamo’s Google account. When Ljaamo spoke to investigators, he allegedly admitted to viewing, downloading and saving pornographic material involving female minors. It is further alleged that several CSAM files, along with tens of thousands of pornography files, were found during a review of Ljaamo’s devices, including on a cell phone Ljaamo kept in his office at the VA Medical Center.

    The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Billerica, Lowell and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Gonzalez Sanchez of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plymouth commissions strategic economic research to prepare for once-in-a-generation investment

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth City Council, working as part of Growth Alliance Plymouth (GAP), has commissioned a major economic study to help the city prepare for the opportunities and challenges arising from an investment programme worth in excess of £4.4 billion at HM Naval Base Devonport and Babcock’s Devonport Royal Dockyard.

    The research will provide critical insight into shaping Plymouth’s economic future and maximising the impact of MOD investment over the next decade and beyond. Babcock’s pivotal role in delivering the next phase of the Royal Navy’s submarine programme and the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) with support extending through to at least 2070 represents one of the most sustained and significant long-term financial commitments ever made to the city and wider region.

    To help ensure Plymouth best manages this opportunity, the Council has appointed one of the UK’s leading economic and labour market research consultancies, Stantec, to deliver a detailed economic forecast and skills gap analysis from 2025 – 2035. Working with major city employers including Babcock and Growth Alliance Plymouth (GAP), this research will address two key questions: What will Plymouth’s economy look like as a result of this investment? And what skills and workforce capacity will be needed to support it?

    This work builds on earlier research commissioned in partnership with Homes England, elevated by Growth Alliance Plymouth (GAP) to support the development of the Plymouth City Centre Housing Vision. It forms a key part of the Council’s evidence base for strategic planning, inward investment, and future funding bids. It also directly supports the delivery of the Plymouth Plan, the city’s long-term strategy that sets out how Plymouth will grow in a sustainable way, covering areas such as housing, jobs, transport and the environment.

    Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:

    ‘This investment is unlike anything Plymouth has seen before—not just in scale, but in its long-term significance. It will shape the future of our economy and our communities, and we need to be ready. This research will give us the hard evidence we need to make good decisions now, so that the benefits are felt across the whole city for decades to come’.

    The commissioning of the study reflects the coordinated approach being taken through Growth Alliance Plymouth (GAP), a strategic partnership between Plymouth City Council, Devonport Naval Base, and Babcock International Group, established to align local and national priorities in support of long-term, sustainable growth. The commissioning of this study was fully endorsed at a city-wide skills roundtable in April, which was attended by a large cross-section of industry, academic and other leaders from the city and wider region.

    The research will also play a critical role in helping to attract further investment into Plymouth, supporting bids for additional Government funding and giving confidence to both public and private sector partners looking to invest in the city’s future.

    Brigadier, Mike Tanner OBE, Commander HMNB Devonport, said:

    ‘This study marks another significant step forward for the growth and prosperity of the city. When I arrived in post three years ago, I was able to reassure the city leaders that the Royal Navy and the Naval Base were here to stay. Over the last couple of years, we’ve shown that not only are we staying, we’re modernising and upgrading our capabilities, focused around our submarine maintenance role.  This opens up massive opportunities for highly paid, high skills work inside the Base and together with the City and Babcock our work in the GAP alliance is centred around ensuring Plymouth and the region create those skilled people locally’.

    John Gane, Managing Director for Babcock’s Devonport site, said:

    “Babcock is proud to be deeply rooted in Plymouth, where we’re not just creating jobs – we’re building careers for life. Our investment in people and skills is central to supporting a critical national endeavour, and we remain committed to developing a highly skilled workforce that will sustain both our community and the UK’s defence capability for generations to come.”

    Gareth Brown, Development Economics Director at Stantec, said:

    “Sustainable economic growth requires a comprehensive understanding of the local labour market, and how this needs to evolve strategically over time. Our teams will be supporting Plymouth City Council with a range of insight to identify immediate and long-term focus areas, create job opportunities across different sectors, and unleash the full potential of this investment.”

    The study is expected to conclude by Autumn and will inform both immediate planning priorities and longer-term strategy across skills, housing, infrastructure, and regeneration.

    Notes to Editors

    Growth Alliance Plymouth (GAP)

    In September 2024 the Ministry of Defence announced an additional £4.4bn investment over 10 years into HMNB and Babcock’s Devonport Royal Dockyard to support the next phase of the Royal Navy’s submarine works and the continuous at sea deterrent (CASD). The requirement to maintain the Royal Navy’s fleet in Plymouth extends beyond 2070 and therefore creates an extremely rare, long-term financial commitment to Plymouth and its wider region.

    Devonport and the broader defence industry’s local impact is vast. The sector currently contributes 14 per cent of the city’s economic output, with HM Naval Base Devonport and Babcock’s Devonport Royal Dockyard employing 11,600 workers and this number is set to rise significantly as a result of the MoD announcement. Investment in Plymouth is nationally significant and links to similar investments in Barrow-in-Furness and Derby. Nationally, The UK’s Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills has forecasted an additional nuclear skills requirement of 40,000 new roles by 2030.

    Babcock, Plymouth City Council and the Royal Navy have established Growth Alliance Plymouth (GAP) as a partnership to ensure the vital defence outputs are delivered into the future whilst supporting the region’s growth. Through working together in partnership, GAP aims to maximise the opportunities that the MOD investment can drive into local communities.

    Find out more about Growth Alliance Plymouth (GAP) here: Growth Alliance Plymouth | Invest Plymouth

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamaal Antwan Pimms Sentenced to Federal Prison for His Role in the Murder of Rosenda Strong

    Source: US FBI

    Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Jamaal Antwan Pimms, age 44, to 26 months in prison for Misprision of a Felony related to his role in the 2018 murder of Rosenda Strong. Chief Judge Bastian also imposed 1 year of supervised release.

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, Jedidah Iesha Moreno shot and killed Rosenda Strong on or about October 5, 2018, following an argument at a residence, known as the House of Souls in Wapato, Washington. Following the murder, Moreno asked for help disposing of Strong’s body.  Pimms and Andrew Norris Zack assisted Moreno by rolling Strong’s body into a freezer.  The freezer, and other appliances, were loaded onto the back of a truck. The body, still inside the freezer, was then dumped near M&R Towing, which is off Highway 97 in Toppenish, Washington.

    On July 4, 2019, approximately nine months after Strong’s tragic death, a citizen discovered human remains, which later were identified through dental records as belonging to Strong. Pimms did not report the crime to Federal law enforcement, even when interviewed by FBI Special Agents in July, 2019.

    “Jamaal Pimms had the opportunity – and even the obligation – to come forward with the truth about Rosenda Strong’s death when the FBI interviewed him in 2019,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rich Barker. “Instead, Mr. Pimms chose silence, compounding the harm to Ms. Strong’s family and delaying justice for years. His failure to speak denied a grieving family and community the answers they deserved, and allowed uncertainty and anguish to linger far too long.”

    “Coping with the loss of a loved one is always a painful process. It can be even more so when, as in this instance, she is the victim of a crime about which so much remained unknown for so long,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Not only did Mr. Pimms help dispose of the victim’s body, but he also actively concealed vital information that unfairly deprived a grieving community of answers for nearly six years. I commend the investigators and our partners from Yakama Nation for their steadfast work in seeking justice in this case, as we are committed to do for all others like it on our state’s reservations.”

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Yakama Nation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Hanlon and Michael D. Murphy.

    Defendant Andrew Norris Zack, pleaded guilty to charges in this case. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 21, 2025.

    23-CR-02037-SAB

    MIL Security OSI