Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: CETY Signs Non-Binding Offer with a European Solar and Wind Development Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, CA., May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: CETY) (the “Company” or “CETY”), a turnkey energy solutions provider leveraging advanced technologies to deliver cost-effective, eco-friendly green energy solutions, clean energy fuels, and alternative electricity for a sustainable future is pleased to announce signing a Non-Binding Offer (the “NBO”) with a European Solar and Wind development company (whose identity is currently undisclosed due to confidentiality reasons).

    In connection with the proposed transaction contemplated by the NBO, CETY has secured an initial $4,400,000 in equity investment that is expected to form a portion of the funds that would be deployed by the Company in connection with the NBO transactions. The total deal size is estimated to be approximately $85,000,000, with investments in the development company based on scheduled milestones.

    This transaction is expected to expand CETY’s operations to Europe and allow CETY to gain a foothold in the scalable and lucrative market of solar and wind power generation. CETY also believes that Europe has strong and stable government policies that support long-term growth of renewable energy.

    About Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. (CETY)

    Headquartered in Irvine, California, Clean Energy Technologies, Inc. (CETY) is a rising leader in the zero-emission revolution by offering eco-friendly green energy solutions, clean energy fuels and alternative electric power for small and mid-sized projects in North America, Europe, and Asia. We deliver power from heat and biomass with zero emission and low cost. The Company’s principal products are Waste Heat Recovery Solutions using our patented Clean CycleTM generator to create electricity. CETY Waste to Energy Solutions convert waste products created in manufacturing, agriculture, wastewater treatment plants and other industries to electricity and BioChar. CETY Engineering, Consulting and Project Management Solutions provide expertise and experience in developing clean energy projects for municipal and industrial customers and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) companies.

    CETY’s common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “CETY.” For more information, visit www.cetyinc.com.

    Follow CETY on our social media channels: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook

    This summary should be read in conjunction with the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024 and other periodic filings made pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which contain, among other matters, risk factors and financial footnotes as well as a discussions of our business, operations and financial matters located on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This news release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to achieving corporate objectives, developing additional project interests, the Company’s analysis of opportunities in the acquisition and development of various project interests and certain other matters. These statements are made under the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained herein. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on the Company’s current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of CETY’s business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Company’s control. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Clean Energy Technologies, Inc.

    Investor and Investment Media inquiries:
    949-273-4990
    ir@cetyinc.com

    Source: Clean Energy Technologies, Inc.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas Adds 334 New Immigration Cases This Week

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

    SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 334 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 16 through May 22.

    Among the new cases, Salvadoran felon Erick Douglas Serrano-Aleman was arrested by Van Horn Border Patrol agents for being an illegal alien present in the U.S. A criminal complaint indicates Serrano-Aleman was previously convicted of transporting and selling a controlled substance as well as accessory. In 2004, he was convicted for illegal re-entry in Nogales, Arizona. Serrano-Aleman has been deported twice and allegedly claims to be a member of the Sureño 13 gang.

    In El Paso, multiple alleged human smugglers were arrested, including U.S. citizen Ernesto Covarrubias and Tanya Joselyn De La Paz-Nunez, a Mexican national in possession of a legal B1/B2 Visa Border Crossing Card. Covarrubias, as the vehicle driver, and De La Paz-Nunez allegedly picked up five illegal aliens inside a pecan orchard near the Tornillo Port of Entry, intending to transport them to a stash house.

    U.S. citizen Gabriela Ivon Trejo-Gonzalez was arrested after U.S. Border Patrol agents allegedly observed six individuals crawl through a breach in the border fence near the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry and board Trejo-Gonzalez’s vehicle. The defendant allegedly drove away at a high rate of speed and continued in an attempt to evade law enforcement before becoming inoperable. Trejo-Gonzalez allegedly claimed she would be paid $500 per alien. She was convicted for alien smuggling in New Mexico in June 2023 and probation violation in October 2023.

    Juan Pedro Carmona-Cerritos, a Mexican felon, was arrested in El Paso and charged with illegal re-entry. Carmona-Cerritos was last removed from the U.S. in April 2009. He was previously convicted of child abuse in 2004 and second degree reckless homicide in 2005 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, for which he was sentenced to a total of approximately three years in prison. Guatemalan national Ramon Cortes-Velasquez was also arrested for illegal re-entry in El Paso, having been convicted of assault causing bodily injury to a family member in February and removed from the U.S. to Guatemala in March.

    Mexican nationals Jose Rolando Arenas-Aleman and J Angel Nava-Sanchez were arrested near Del Rio. According to court documents, Arenas-Aleman was arrested May 14 by U.S. Border Patrol agents for being an illegal alien present in the United States. He had previously been removed to Mexico for the second time through Laredo on Sept. 6, 2024 following his second conviction for Driving While Intoxicated. Nava-Sanchez was arrested May 15 after allegedly crossing the Rio Grande River near Del Rio. Nava-Sanchez was convicted twice in Tarrant County. He was found sentenced to 45 days in jail for a DWI in July 2022 and 29 days in jail in August 2018, for assault causing bodily injury to a family member.

    A U.S. citizen was arrested May 19 during a traffic stop on Highway 85 near Dilley. A criminal complaint alleges that Alex Guadalupe Nieto was the driver of a vehicle transporting six illegal aliens. The complaint alleges that Nieto stated he and another individual drove from Houston, picking up the six illegal aliens on the side of the road, and that he had expected to be paid $500.00 to transport the aliens.

    In Austin, Mexican national Juan Robledo-Trevino aka Octavio Garcia-Sanchez was taken into federal custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after being arrested and sentenced to 10 days in the Travis County Jail for failure to identify. Robledo-Trevino has two prior convictions for illegal re-entry, and four previous DWI convictions. He’s been removed from the U.S. to Mexico four times, most recently in November 2016, and voluntarily returned to Mexico twice.

    Mexican national Jose Hernandez-Martinez was taken into ICE custody in Austin where he had been arrested for his second DWI and spent 20 days in the Travis County Jail. Hernandez-Martinez has a prior illegal entry conviction along with convictions for theft and assault causing bodily injury to a family member. He voluntarily returned to Mexico in 2006, and has been twice removed from the U.S.

    Edgar Aguilar-Mejia, a Guatemalan national, was also taken into ICE custody in Austin. Aguilar-Mejia was convicted twice in 2023 for illegal re-entry and has been removed from the U.S. three times before, as recent as April 2024.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

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

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs Laws to Fully Fund Colorado Schools, Expand Resources for Students, and Foster a Stronger Workforce, Economy & Colorado for All, Takes Action on Bills

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis attended a preschool graduation at Stevens Elementary School to celebrate the successful second year of the Colorado Universal Preschool Program, which is strengthening early childhood education and saving Colorado families more than $6,100 every year. The Governor also signed new laws to fully fund Colorado schools, strengthen our K-12 accountability system, and foster a strong workforce by creating more avenues for Coloradans to gain relevant skills that will help them succeed in the workforce. 

    “Congratulations, preschool class of 2025! I am so excited to be joining in on the celebrations and highlighting the second consecutive year of the successful Universal Preschool Program. Since day one, it has been my goal to expand access to early childhood education, helping students and families to find the best fit for their child, and ensuring that our early learners are ready for the next step in their academic journey,” said Governor Polis. 

    Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program (UPK) is seeing record enrollment numbers in its second year, serving more than 50,000 students and saving families an average $6,100 a year. 

    Later in the morning, Governor Polis signed HB25-1320 – School Finance Act, sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Lukens, and Senators Lundeen and Bridges, fully funding K-12 education under Amendment 23, to support students and educators. 

    “With this bill, Colorado has made good on our promise to fully fund K-12 education and meet students where they are and bolster educational outcomes across our state. I appreciate the sponsors of this bill for working to increase school funding and turning on the new, student-focused school finance formula in a sustainable way,” said Governor Polis 

    Governor Polis additionally signed: 

    • HB25-1278 – Education Accountability System, sponsored by Representatives Bird and Lukens, and Senators Kirkmeyer and Michaelson Jenet
    • SB25-200 – Dyslexia Screening and READ Act Requirements, sponsored by Senators Kolker and Mullica, and Representatives Soper and Hamrick 

    “Every student should have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom, and today is another step forward in making sure that students, regardless of learning ability, have the correct resources to reach their fullest potential. Thank you to the sponsors for working diligently to ensure all Colorado students and educators have the tools to make a difference,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis also signed HB25-1192 – Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement, sponsored by Representatives Anthony Hartsook and Jennifer Bacon, and Senators Jeff Bridges and Lisa Frizell.

    “Increasing financial literacy helps young adults gain financial knowledge and make informed decisions about their personal finances. Thank you to the sponsors for recognizing the importance of education around money management and financial planning for young adults,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis concluded the day by signing bills into law, fostering a strong workforce by creating more avenues for Colordans to gain relevant skills that will help them succeed in the workforce. 

    • SB25-315 – Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness Programs, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer and Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota
    • HB25-1105 – Public Employees’ Retirement Association True-up of Denver Public Schools Division Employer Contribution, sponsored by Representatives Sean Camacho and Jennifer Bacon, and Senators Julie Gonzales and Jeff Bridges 

    “Colorado is a national leader in connecting Coloradans to the skills needed to fill in-demand jobs, earn a good wage, and drive our state’s economic success. These laws build upon our work to create a more robust workforce in Colorado and help Coloradans save and plan for retirement,” said Governor Polis. 

    Earlier this week, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order building on Colorado’s success in strengthening the workforce by directing Colorado’s state agencies, including the Department of Education, to work together to help more post-high school learners access needed credentials. 

    As Chair of the National Governors Association, Governor Polis launched Let’s Get Ready, a yearlong initiative designed to support the nation’s Governors in driving innovative education policies. Let’s Get Ready aims to help Governors form policies that better evaluate outcomes for state investments in education and improve outcomes for learners at all stages of their education journey. The initiative also focuses on the ways states can meet the future needs of the workforce by preparing students for success in and outside of the classroom.

     Governor Polis also signed HB25-1309 – Protect Access to Gender-Affirming Health Care, sponsored by Representatives Brown and Titone, and Senators Cutter and Gonzales. 

    “Building a Colorado for All means ensuring that everyone can thrive no matter who you are or how you identify. This legislation takes another step toward making this vision a reality for everyone,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    The Governor signed the following bills administratively: 

    • SB25-276 – Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status, sponsored by Senators Gonzales and Weissman, and Representatives Velasco and Garcia
    • HB25-1314 – Peace Officer Status for Certain Department of Revenue Employees, sponsored by Representatives Lindstedt and Sirota, and Senator Kipp 

    The Governor also vetoed the following bills: 

    • HB25-1291 – Transportation Network Company Consumer Protection, sponsored by Representatives Willford and Froelich, and Senators Winter and Danielson
    • HB25-1220 – Regulation of Medical Nutrition Therapy, sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Anthony Hartsook, and Senators Byron Pelton and Kyle Mullica.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Promoting Alberta on the world stage

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fresh funding for Exeter research hub creating new medical sensors and healthier soft drinks

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Fresh funding for Exeter research hub creating new medical sensors and healthier soft drinks

    Researchers in Exeter have today (Saturday 24 May) been selected to host a state-of-the-art facility developing new materials designed at microscopic scale.

    • From new medical sensors to components for next-generation computers that could boost cyber security or discover new medicines, Exeter experts are bringing state-of-the-art new materials to life with £19.6 million backing 

    • Exeter University’s MetaHub will design materials with specially engineered properties, not found in nature, at microscopic scale

    • MetaHub has already attracted £4.5 million of private investment, boosting to the high-growth technologies and sectors that will drive our Plan for Change in the South West and beyond

    Researchers in Exeter have today (Saturday 24 May) been selected to host a state-of-the-art facility developing new materials designed at microscopic scale – paving the way for new jobs and businesses in everything from medical sensors to healthier food colourings in soft drinks. 

    The University of Exeter’s MetaHub will be supported by £19.6 million in public and private backing, announced by Science Minister Lord Vallance at the University.

    The MetaHub is focused on ‘nanoscale metamaterials’ – a new class of advanced materials, designed at the tiniest, molecular level, so that they have new and useful properties that cannot be found in the natural world. This could enable components to be created that are much smaller than current technology allows, or that can perform new functions that aren’t possible with existing materials.

    These new materials could be used to make the next generation of computer components and radio transmitters for defence systems, diagnostic tools for healthcare, and healthier food colourings for soft drinks. Their work is being backed by businesses ranging from defence and security firms QinetiQ and Leonardo to multinational drinks manufacturer PepsiCo. 

    This is a growing field, emerging from just a handful of groups doing such research, with the UK already leading the way. Investing now in the UK’s metamaterials expertise paves the way for the products of the future to be discovered and commercialised in Britain – with new jobs, businesses and even entire industries to potentially flow from them. 

    Delivering this growth in partnership with the private sector, £10.5 million of the total funding comes from UK Research and Innovation, with a further £4.5 million in private investment crowded in – showing the value of cutting-edge research as a driver of investment into all corners of the country, in support of the Plan for Change. A further £4.65 million comes from the University of Exeter and other higher education institutions. 

    Speaking at the University of Exeter, Science Minister Lord Vallance said: 

    The work happening here in Exeter is a prime example of how cutting-edge research can attract private investment and drive economic growth, in every corner of the UK, which will be critical to our economic mission at the core of the Plan for Change. 

    Our backing for the MetaHub is an investment, for both today and for tomorrow. We are securing the UK’s leadership in the high-potential field of metamaterials, a new class of materials specially engineered to have new and useful properties. This work is paving the way for future products and innovations that will deliver jobs and growth, in the years ahead.

    At the University yesterday, Lord Vallance met researchers leading major new initiatives across climate change, critical minerals and human genomics which together with MetaHub represent £80 million of new public and private sector investment into Cornwall and Devon. 

    University of Exeter Deputy Vice-Chancellor Stuart Brocklehurst said: 

    Our world leading research across many of the hottest areas of science will both help address profound global challenges and create opportunity across the South West. It’s been great to welcome Lord Vallance to the University of Exeter to celebrate the work of our researchers and the investment which their work is attracting from public and private sources alike.

    Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair at EPSRC said:

    We’ve nurtured metamaterials research for many years and it’s fantastic to see it grow from a few individual research groups in the 1990s to a rapidly expanding and thriving research community today.

    By harnessing the control of light, energy and information, the MetaHub has the potential to benefit both civil and defence sectors. From more efficient, effective and secure computing and communication to advanced sensing and energy generation, this research will take curiosity-led research to tangible outcomes.

    Whilst in Exeter, Lord Vallance also visited another hub for world-leading science and research which is based there: the Met Office. As the UK’s national weather forecasting service, the Met Office’s work is critical to the safe and routine operation of transport, energy, businesses and even national security – efforts bolstered by the switchover to the world’s first cloud-based supercomputer dedicated to weather and climate science, which went online last month. Lord

    Vallance also saw how the Met Office is using technologies like AI, to overhaul how we study and understand weather and climate change. 

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Hickenlooper Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Capital for Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) introduced the Investing in All of America Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation designed to expand access to capital for small businesses in rural and low-income communities, as well as those in the manufacturing and critical technology sectors.
    The bill focuses on enhancing the role of Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs), privately managed firms licensed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), that raise private capital and leverage it with SBA-backed funds to invest in American small businesses. Currently, SBICs are subject to a leverage cap, which limits the amount of SBA-backed capital they can access based on how much private capital the firm has.
    The Investing in All of America Act would exempt investments in rural or low-income areas, as well as those in the manufacturing and critical technology sectors, from the leverage cap. In turn, this move would enable more capital to flow to areas with limited access and support the growth of manufacturing and critical technology industries vital to U.S. competitiveness.
    “Access to capital is essential for small businesses to grow and thrive, but far too often, rural and low-income communities across Kansas are left behind,” said Senator Marshall. “By excluding investments in these communities from the leverage that SBICs can access, we’re encouraging targeted investment where it’s needed most, all without costing taxpayers a dime.”
    “Small businesses are the engine of our economy,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “But they often struggle to get the capital they need to create jobs. Our bipartisan bill will help small businesses in rural and low-income communities flourish.”
    The legislation is supported by the Small Business Investor Alliance (SBIA).
    “This legislation is a practical step toward revitalizing American manufacturing and ensuring small businesses have the capital they need to grow,” said SBIA President Brett Palmer. “By unlocking and incentivizing additional private investment in manufacturing, rural and low-income areas, and sectors critical to national security, this bill strengthens America’s economic competitiveness.  This is a no-cost, high-impact policy that supports job creation, economic resilience, and our national security.”
    The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.
    Background:

    SBIC-backed businesses have helped create over 3 million new jobs over the last two decades.
    In 2024, SBICs provided more than $8 billion in investment to small businesses nationwide.
    However, less than 20% of SBIC investments are aimed towards low to middle-income communities.  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two People Charged in Robbery and Attempted Robbery of Postal Carriers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Brisa Sierra-Silva, 25, and Christopher Johnson, 35, have been indicted in connection with the March 4, 2024, attempted robbery of a postal carrier and the subsequent robbery of a different postal carrier on the same day. Sierra-Silva is charged with one count each of robbery and attempted robbery.  Johnson is charged with one count of attempted robbery.

    Sierra-Silva was arrested and made her initial appearance in federal court on April 25, 2025.  Johnson was arrested and made his initial appearance on May 21, 2025.

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

    The investigation is being conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Al Buchman.

    CASE NUMBER:                 25-cr-00132-CNS             

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Charged in Connection With CARES Act Loan Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Joseph Ronald Trenkle, 54, formerly of Cherry Hills Village, Colorado and currently of Dorado, Puerto Rico, has been charged in a criminal information with one count each of wire fraud and money laundering.

    According to the information, between April 30, 2020, and February 25, 2022, Trenkle applied for and received $1,850,000 in COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and $2,999,995 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds from an SBA-approved lender.  The information alleges that after first obtaining an EIDL loan in March 2020, Trenkle made two requests to increase the amount of his EIDL and made false representations as part of each of request.  The information further alleges that Trenkle submitted two fraudulent PPP loan applications, and also submitted fraudulent applications for PPP loan forgiveness for each PPP loan.

    The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans dealing with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The CARES Act created the PPP, a program administered by the SBA that provided loans to small businesses to retain workers, maintain payroll, and certain other expenses consistent with PPP rules.  Additionally, the CARES Act authorized the SBA to provide EIDLs to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The defendant made his initial appearance on May 22, 2025, in Denver in front of Magistrate Judge Cyrus Y. Chung.

    The charges contained in the information are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig Fansler.

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

    Case Number:                    25-cr-00150-RMR             

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: China allocates disaster relief funds for landslide-hit Guizhou

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

    BEIJING, May 23 — China’s Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Emergency Management on Friday allocated 30 million yuan (about 4.17 million U.S. dollars) of disaster relief funds from central government funding for southwest China’s Guizhou Province.

    The funds will be used to support search and rescue operations, relocate affected residents, eliminate risks, and carry out hidden danger investigations to minimize casualties and reduce losses, according to the Ministry of Finance.

    On Thursday, a landslide struck Guowa township in Dafang County under the city of Bijie in Guizhou, trapping 19.

    The Ministry of Finance instructed local authorities to ensure the timely disbursement of the funds to affected areas, strengthen fund oversight, and ensure the effective use of relief funds to protect people’s lives and property.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Thanks to 600 open bank branches, the reunited regions are dynamically integrating into the single economic space of Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The financial system of Donbass and Novorossiya is being actively integrated into the Russian economy, creating a basis for their sustainable development and improving the quality of life of the population. The presence of banks in the regions ensures the realization of economic potential, said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “The financial sector is one of the key areas of integration of the reunited regions into a single all-Russian space. Financial and credit organizations have opened 600 offices and installed more than 4 thousand ATMs. This ensures access to a wide range of banking services and operational procedures: there is an opportunity to place capital, open deposit accounts, apply for credit products, including preferential mortgages at 2% for the purchase of housing and preferential loans for participants in the free economic zone under the Territorial Development Fund program. This has become a factor in strengthening the investment potential and sustainable development of the economy of Donbass and Novorossiya,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    In all four regions, there are branches of PAO Promsvyazbank, PAO Sberbank, as well as CMRBank, OOO KB RostFinance, VTB Bank and AO KB IS Bank. The organizations’ offices provide a full range of services.

    “The financial sector is demonstrating unprecedented dynamics, becoming the main driver of economic growth. The volume of the loan portfolio in the regions has increased sevenfold compared to the previous year. Particular attention is paid to housing programs. In the historical regions, there is a preferential mortgage at 2%. In order to support investment projects in housing construction, a decision was made to insure war risks in the reunited territories. These measures have a double effect: citizens improve their living conditions, and businesses expand their development opportunities,” added Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Almaz Khusainov.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police assault – Wadeye

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police are calling for information following a large disturbance in Wadeye yesterday afternoon, which resulted in damage to property and an assault on police.

    Around 4:15pm, police received reports of a disturbance occurring outside a childcare centre in the community. As officers left the police station to respond, they were allegedly approached by a group of approximately 30 people armed with bows and arrows, rebars and window louvres.

    It is alleged two unknown males threw rebars at the police vehicle, one piercing the windscreen and another lodging in the bonnet. Officers disengaged and returned to the police station, where the group allegedly began throwing projectiles at the building and rioting outside.

    No officers were physically injured during the incident.

    Additional resources were deployed, with six members of the Territory Response Group attending to assist. The crowd later dispersed.

    This morning, police are engaging with Elders, local family groups and clinic staff to support community safety and prevent further escalation.

    Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25140179. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Security: District of Arizona Charges 314 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from May 17, 2025, through May 23, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 314 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 117 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 176 aliens for illegally entering the United States.  In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 20 cases against 21 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Recent matters of interest include:

    United States v. Angel Said Ojeda-Figueroa: On May 17, 2025, a Bureau of Land Management Ranger initiated a vehicle stop on Angel Said Ojeda-Figueroa. Ojeda-Figueroa initially failed to stop, but when the vehicle entered a neighborhood, Ojeda-Figueroa pulled over and all four occupants exited and tried to flee. Ojeda-Figueroa and the three passengers were apprehended and determined to be citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Ojeda-Figueroa was charged by complaint with transportation of aliens for profit. [Case Number: MJ-25-5992]

    United States v. Tomas Ortiz-Lopez: On May 19, 2025, Tomas Ortiz-Lopez, was charged with Re-entry of a Removed Alien. Tomas Ortiz-Lopez was previously removed from the United States in 2000 after being convicted of a felony drug conviction, in the United States District Court, District of New Mexico. [Case Number: MJ-25-0543]

    United States v. Gabriel Jimenez-Diaz: On May 20, 2025, Border Patrol Agents attempted to initiate a vehicle stop on Gabriel Jimenez-Diaz, who failed to yield. Agents deployed a Vehicle Immobilization Device, and four subjects absconded from the vehicle. After a search, agents located and apprehended Jimenez-Diaz and three passengers from the vehicle. Agents determined that all four individuals were citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Jimenez-Diaz was charged by complaint with transportation of aliens for profit. [Case Number: MJ-25-6199]

    United States v. Juan Carlos Carmona-Maya: On May 20, 2025, Juan Carlos Carmona-Maya, was charged with Re-entry of a Removed Alien. Juan Carlos Carmona-Maya was previously removed from the United States in 2014 after being convicted of Theft of Means of Transportation, a felony offense, in the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County. [Case Number: MJ-25-05251]

    United States v. Luis Fernando Ibarra, Jr.: On May 21, 2025, Border Patrol Agents received a report of two subjects hiding in the backyard of a residence near the border in Nogales, Arizona. Luis Fernando Ibarra Jr. drove to the residence, stopped, and two subjects ran toward his vehicle. Before they reached the vehicle, one subject was apprehended by the Nogales Police Department and the other successfully fled the area. Later in the day, Agents observed the same vehicle return to the area and a subject got into the vehicle. Agents tried to initiate a vehicle stop, but Ibarra Jr. ran a red light and fled at a high rate of speed, maneuvering recklessly and driving on the wrong side of the road. Ibarra Jr. then sped through several parking lots before driving into the Santa Cruz River where his vehicle became stuck in the sand. At that point, officers apprehended Ibarra Jr. and the passenger, who was determined to be a citizen of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Ibarra Jr. was charged by complaint with transportation of aliens for profit. [Case Number: MJ-25-6247]

    A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-083_May 23 Immigration Enforcement

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Campaign Treasurer for Candidate for Brooklyn Borough President Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Defraud New York City’s Campaign Finance Board

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Used Straw Donors and Submitted Forged Documents in Attempt to Steal $400,000 in Matching Funds From New York City

    Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Erlene King pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with her attempt to steal funds from New York City’s Campaign Finance Board (CFB).  Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon.  When sentenced, King faces up to 20 years in prison.

    Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.

    “Instead of playing by the rules New York City established for free and fair elections, the defendant attempted to use the city’s matching funds program to give the campaign an unfair advantage,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “My Office and our law enforcement partners are focused on rooting out corruption in our electoral system to ensure that all candidates are operating on a level playing field.”

    Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to the CFB for its cooperation and assistance during the investigation. 

    “Erlene King deprived New York City residents of a fair election by attempting to manipulate hundreds of thousands of dollars in donor contributions to unlawfully favor her candidate,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.  “King abused her position as a campaign treasurer and attempted to profit from exploiting a system designed to represent the voices of the city.  The FBI remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate any source of corruption polluting our city’s democratic processes.”

    CFB Overview

    The CFB oversees and administers a publicly funded campaign finance system in connection with municipal elections in New York City.  This includes a “matching funds program” that provides eligible candidates with public funds based on the number and amount of certain donor contributions. According to the CFB, the program “empowers New Yorkers in every neighborhood to make their voices heard in city elections.”  In addition, the CFB maintains that “by encouraging candidates to raise small-dollar contributions from average New Yorkers, the program increases engagement between voters and those who seek to represent them.”

    Candidates running for the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President in the 2021 election cycle were eligible to participate in the CFB’s matching funds program if they met certain criteria.  Among other things, to be eligible to receive public funds, candidates were required to meet a two-part fundraising threshold. Specifically, a candidate had to collect a minimum number of donations and raise a minimum amount of money from New York City residents before the CFB paid any matching funds.

    For candidates who ran for the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President during the 2021 election cycle, candidates received up to $8 in matching funds for each $1 of eligible contributions, up to $175 per contributor.  If a candidate received an eligible contribution of $175, then that candidate could collect up to $1,400 in matching funds.  In total, the matching funds program provided up to $1,457,777 in public matching funds to a candidate for the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President.  Because campaigns for Brooklyn Borough President during the 2021 election cycle needed to raise at least $50,000 in eligible contributions to receive any matching funds, any candidate who was eligible to receive matching funds necessarily received at least $400,000 in matching funds from the CFB.

    The Scheme

    King served as the campaign treasurer for a candidate who ran in a primary for the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President during the 2021 election cycle (Candidate #1).  King admitted that she obtained fraudulent donations for the purpose of inducing the CFB to provide matching funds to Candidate #1’s campaign. A number of those contributions, which were obtained at King’s direction, were fraudulent nominee contributions made in the names of individuals who either did not personally fund the contributions or were later reimbursed for their contributions (i.e., straw donors).  For example, King used CashApp to send money to intermediaries and instructed them to distribute the money to fund contributions from straw donors to Candidate #1.  Other fraudulent contributions were made in the names of individuals whose identities were stolen and who had not personally contributed to Candidate #1. The CFB ultimately determined that the campaign submitted fictitious records and did not pay any public matching funds to the campaign.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States  Attorneys Philip Pilmar and Eric Silverberg are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Rachel Friedman.

    The Defendant:

    ERLENE KING
    Age: 71
    Brooklyn, NY
    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-374 (CBA)

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mount Vernon Police Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Depriving an Individual of His Constitutional Rights

    Source: US FBI

    During a Call for Assistance, Sgt. Mario Stewart Tased a Handcuffed, Restrained Individual Seven Times in Two Minutes

    Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MARIO STEWART, a Sergeant with the Mount Vernon Police Department (“MVPD”), pled guilty today to using excessive force against an individual (the “Victim”) while in Mount Vernon, New York, in violation of the Victim’s rights under the U.S. Constitution.  STEWART pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: “Mario Stewart betrayed his duty as a Sergeant with the Mount Vernon Police Department.  Stewart was called to the scene to aid a person in emotional distress.  But instead of rendering aid, he deployed his taser on the individual seven times in the span of roughly two minutes, while the individual was helpless, and while several other MVPD officers were on scene to assist.  This Office will fiercely protect constitutional rights and hold accountable those who abuse their authority to violate those rights.”

    According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and statements made in court:

    On or about March 26, 2019, STEWART was employed as a Sergeant with the Mount Vernon Police Department.  STEWART was assigned to the MVPD’s Emergency Services Unit, which is responsible for, among other things, responding to individuals who are experiencing mental health crises.  On that day, STEWART and six other MVPD officers received a call to assist the Victim in Mount Vernon, New York, as the Victim was experiencing a mental health crisis. 

    At the scene, STEWART and the other MVPD officers restrained the Victim, handcuffing his hands behind his back and securing his legs in a restraint bag in preparation to transport the Victim for medical assistance.  When the MVPD officers were unable to pull the restraint bag over the Victim’s chest because the Victim was holding onto one of the bag’s straps, STEWART directed the Victim to release the strap.  While STEWART deployed his taser all seven times, the Victim remained laying on the ground, handcuffed with his hands behind his back and his legs secured in the restraint bag.  STEWART’s actions caused bodily injury to the Victim, including extreme pain.

    *               *                *

    STEWART, 46, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

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

    Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and the Mount Vernon Police Department for their assistance with the investigation.

    The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Jared Hoffman are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: PAC Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Multi-Year Scheme to Defraud PAC Donors

    Source: US FBI

    Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ROBERT PIARO, the treasurer of multiple political action committees (“PACs”), pled guilty today to committing telemarketing wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud donors to his PACs through false and misleading statements.  PIARO pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: “Robert Piaro deceived hundreds of thousands of donors through false statements and misrepresentations about how contributions to his PACs would be spent.  Piaro’s fraudulent actions not only undermined the trust of donors but also exploited their interest in supporting certain causes for his own personal gain.  Today’s plea highlights this Office’s dedication to holding accountable those who misuse political organizations to defraud and mislead the public.”

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

    PACs are entities registered with the Federal Election Commission that may be tax-exempt and collect money to advocate on behalf of or against certain causes and political candidates. 

    From at least in or about 2017 up to and including at least in or about December 2022, PIARO was the treasurer and operator of four PACs: Americans for the Cure of Breast Cancer, the Association for Emergency Responders & Firefighters, the US Veterans Assistance Foundation, and Standing By Veterans (the “PIARO PACs”).  PIARO raised millions of dollars from hundreds of thousands of donors nationwide through false statements and misrepresentations about how contributions to the PIARO PACs would be spent.  For example, at PIARO’s direction, the PIARO PACs misrepresented to donors that donations would be used to advance specific legislation, educate lawmakers, and conduct and fund research, when PIARO did not and did not intend to follow through on those representations.    

    If you believe you are a victim of fraud perpetrated by PIARO, please contact USANYS.PACFraud@usdoj.gov or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov, and find more information here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/united-states-v-robert-piaro.

    *                *                *

    PIARO, 74, of Fredonia, Wisconsin, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

    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.  PIARO is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Subramanian on April 14, 2025.

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

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca T. Dell and Jane Kim are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Trader Arrested for Stealing Trade Secrets From Global Quantitative Trading Firm

    Source: US FBI

    Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging CHEUK FUNG RICHARD HO with theft and attempted theft of trade secrets.  The charges in the Indictment arise from HO’s alleged scheme to steal trade secrets from his former employer (“Firm-1”), a global quantitative trading firm.  HO was arrested this morning in Los Angeles, California, and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. District Court for the Middle District of California, Magistrate Judge the Honorable Joel Richlin.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Kim said: “As alleged, Cheuk Fung Richard Ho abused the trust his former employer placed in him and stole trade secrets to use at his own quantitative trading firm.  Ho allegedly tried to cover his tracks by lying to his former employer repeatedly and asking his employees to delete evidence.  Thanks to the FBI, Ho is now in custody.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “Cheuk Fung Richard Ho allegedly stole and unlawfully shared private proprietary information to clandestinely develop his own firm in collaboration with his employer’s competitors.  The defendant allegedly abused his trusted position by breaching company confidentiality agreements to the detriment of his former firm.  The FBI will continue to apprehend any individual who attempts to garner success through manipulative and dishonest business strategies.”

    As alleged in the Indictment:[1]

    From approximately July 2019 to approximately August 2021, HO was a research developer and quantitative trader at Firm-1, a global, quantitative trading firm, which trades in equities and other securities on exchanges located in the U.S. and abroad.  Firm-1’s proprietary source code (“Firm-1’s Source Code”), the development of which took years and cost Firm-1 more than one billion dollars, has been the linchpin of Firm-1’s success in these markets.  During the period of HO’s employment at Firm-1, Firm-1 took substantial measures to protect the confidentiality of its Source Code.  Among other things, Firm-1 limited access to Firm-1’s Source Code to only those individuals, like HO, who needed access to it in connection with the duties of their employment.  Employees with access to Firm-1’s Source Code were required to enter into agreements with Firm-1 in which they acknowledged the importance of keeping Firm-1’s Source Code secret and promised to protect the confidentiality of that Source Code throughout their employment—and after their employment concluded.  Firm-1 also implemented numerous physical and network security protocols to prohibit unauthorized access to Firm-1’s Source Code.

    In or about the spring of 2021, HO secretly started his own quantitative trading firm (“Firm-2”), which partnered with one of Firm-1’s competitors (“Firm-3”). While still employed at Firm-1, and while taking advantage of the nearly complete access to Firm-1’s Source Code afforded to him as a result of that employment, HO stole valuable trade secrets from Firm-1 (the “Stolen Trade Secrets”) for use in developing the source code for Firm-2 (“Firm-2’s Source Code”). The Stolen Trade Secrets included, among other things, some of the very building blocks of Firm-1’s Source Code, known as “Atoms,” as well as some of its predictive formulas, known as “Alphas.” By stealing these trade secrets, HO was able to quickly launch Firm-2 and begin trading successfully.

    Aware that he had misappropriated Firm-1’s trade secrets—and knowing that this theft would injure Firm-1—HO repeatedly lied to Firm-1 about his plans after his employment with Firm-1 concluded.  For example, when Firm-1 asked HO about his post-Firm-1 employment plans, HO omitted any mention of the fact that he had started Firm-2 and he misrepresented his affiliation with Firm-3.  And once Firm-1 learned that HO had started Firm-2, HO sought to destroy evidence.  He directed his employees to delete their internal communications and further directed them to delete the source code history for Firm-2’s Source Code, a direction that HO’s employees did not follow.

    *               *                *

    HO, 36, of Los Aneles, California, is charged with one count of theft and attempted theft of trade secrets, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

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

    Mr. Kim praised the investigative work of the FBI.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rushmi Bhaskaran and Ni Qian are in charge of the prosecution.

    The allegations in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Conspiracy and Fraud Charges Added Against Operator of Central California Bio-Lab and His Partner in Connection with Sale of Millions of Dollars in COVID-19 Test Kits

    Source: US FBI

    FRESNO, Calif. — The operator of a Reedley lab, who was indicted in November 2023, faces additional charges of conspiracy and wire fraud after a federal grand jury returned a 12-count superseding indictment today, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    Jia Bei Zhu, 62, a citizen of China, was previously indicted for distributing adulterated and misbranded COVID-19 test kits in violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and making false statements to authorities about his identity and involvement with the biolabs. The superseding indictment also charges Zhu’s romantic and business partner, Zhaoyan Wang, 38, a citizen of China, who operated the biolabs Universal Meditech Inc. (UMI) and Prestige Biotech Inc. (PBI) in Fresno and Reedley along with Zhu. UMI and PBI distributed COVID-19, pregnancy, and other types of test kits.

    According to court documents, from August 2020 through March 2023, Zhu and Wang conspired to defraud buyers of UMI and PBI’s COVID-19 test kits. They imported hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 test kits from Ai De Ltd., which was a company in China that they controlled, and falsely represented to the buyers that the test kits were made in the United States. They illegally imported the COVID-19 test kits, which they were not approved to import, by falsely declaring them as pregnancy test kits, which they were approved to import.

    Zhu and Wang also falsely represented to the buyers that UMI and PBI could make up to 100,000 COVID-19 test kits per week in the United States and that the test kits were made in connection with other labs that were certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Finally, they falsely represented to the buyers that the test kits were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Zhu and Wang made over $1.7 million through their fraud.

    When buyers requested to inspect UMI and PBI’s facilities in Fresno and Reedley, Zhu and Wang denied them access and fabricated reasons for the denial. The fabricated reasons included that the facilities were undergoing construction and renovation, and that proprietary and confidential information and technology was inside. In reality, however, they did not want the buyers to know that UMI and PBI were obtaining the COVID-19 test kits from China.

    Zhu is currently detained in custody pending his federal trial. His next status conference is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2024. Wang is not in custody.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arelis Clemente, Joseph Barton, and Henry Carbajal III are prosecuting the case.

    If convicted, Zhu and Wang each face maximum statutory penalties of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy and wire fraud charges, and an additional three years in prison for the distribution of adulterated and misbranded medical device charges. Zhu also faces another five years in prison for the false statements charge. Any sentences, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations. Zhu and Wang are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento County Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking

    Source: US FBI

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Michael Jameson Chand, 32, of Sacramento County, pleaded guilty today to cyberstalking, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, Chand intentionally engaged in a course of conduct to harass or intimidate the victim, Jane Doe, and used a cellphone and the internet to do so. This course of conduct caused Jane Doe substantial emotional distress, in part, because Chand had previously committed crimes against her. In 2017, Chand was convicted in California for offenses that included eliciting child sexual exploitation material from Jane Doe, who was 15 years old at the time. Chand was sentenced to two years in jail for that conviction.

    On Dec. 23, 2019, while on parole, Chand posted a public Facebook post under an alias, including Jane Doe’s full name, falsely claimed that she was dating a murderer, and asking, “please everybody help me get her into a mental hospital if you want her contact info let me know please.” Then, between June and October of 2020, he called her approximately 176 times and left 63 voicemail messages. Many of the voicemail messages contained insults and threats against Jane Doe and her family.

    Additionally, Chand created multiple social media accounts, some under aliases, to contact and harass Jane Doe. Using such accounts, he made posts publicly naming Jane Doe, and saying things that were designed to harass and intimidate Jane Doe. For example, in a public Facebook post made on August 5, Chand listed Jane Doe’s full name, her city and state of birth, and included a photo from her social media account, and falsely stated that “she killed her ex [boyfriend].” He also falsely claimed that Jane Doe had planned to move in with and would expose her “baby” to a “rapist,” and wrote, “Please help me find a way to get the poor kid away from her.”

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrian T. Kinsella and Christina McCall are prosecuting the case.

    Chand is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Jan. 7, 2025. Chand faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gastonia Man is Indicted for Laundering Over $380,000 in Wire Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned a criminal indictment this week, charging Matias Alexander Vinces Aguayo, 24, formerly of Gastonia, N.C., with conspiring with others to launder over $380,000 in illegal proceeds from a wire fraud scheme, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

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

    According to allegations in the indictment, during the scheme, Aguayo owned and operated Keys ‘N Go, a North Carolina company located in Gastonia, which maintained online payment processing accounts with Stripe and Square. In addition, the indictment further alleges that Aguayo owned and controlled personal and business bank accounts with a financial institution, including in the name of Keys ‘N Go, and a cryptocurrency exchange account at Binance.US.

    According to allegations in the indictment, Aguayo’s co-conspirators used fraudulently obtained personally identifying information (PII) to open bank accounts online in order to receive promotional money and other fraudulently obtained funds, which was then deposited into the bank accounts. A co-conspirator of Aguayo then allegedly sent the bank account information to Aguayo, who used it to withdraw the money from the accounts via the Keys ‘N Go accounts at Stripe and Square. It is further alleged that, after receiving the Stripe and Square deposits into the Keys ‘N Go bank account at the financial institution, a co-conspirator provided Aguayo with directions to transfer the proceeds from the accounts Aguayo controlled to overseas bank accounts in Pakistan and to cryptocurrency addresses. In total, Aguayo allegedly transferred at least $240,000 to cryptocurrency addresses and via wire transfers. Aguayo earned compensation for his role in the scheme, including keeping a percentage of the money initially deposited into the accounts he controlled.  

    The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction.

    The charges against Aguayo are allegations and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI for their investigation of the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Urine Drug Testing Laboratory and Owner Agree to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Dena J. King announced today that LabXperior Corporation (LabXperior) and owner Tina Ball (Ball) have paid $235,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the Federal False Claims Act and North Carolina False Claims Act by knowingly billing North Carolina Medicaid (Medicaid) for urine drug tests that were medically unnecessary and resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.

    The United States and State of North Carolina alleged that from September 28, 2016, through December 20, 2017, LabXperior submitted claims to Medicaid for urine drug tests that were false. The claims were false because they were the result of an illegal kickback arrangement between LabXperior and BPolloni Consulting, LLC (BPolloni), an entity that referred urine drug tests to LabXperior. Under the arrangement, LabXperior paid BPolloni a percentage of the revenue or profit from the Medicaid reimbursement for each urine drug test that BPolloni arranged for another entity, Do It 4 the Hood Corporation (D4H), to send to LabXperior. The Chief Executive Officer of BPolloni and other individuals who operated D4H previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and Anti-Kickback Statute violations arising from D4H’s illegal kickback arrangements with urine drug testing laboratories.

    In addition to being tainted by illegal kickbacks, the United States and State of North Carolina alleged that claims for drug tests that LabXperior submitted to Medicaid were false because the tests were medically unnecessary. Specifically, the orders for the tests were not patient-specific and did not reflect a qualified medical provider’s determination of the patient’s need for the testing.

    The civil settlement and resolution of claims obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI in Charlotte, with assistance from the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.

    Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Heads of G7 Export Credit Agencies – Meeting Communiqué – 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Heads of G7 Export Credit Agencies – Meeting Communiqué – 2025

    The meeting of the heads of G7 Export Credit Agencies met in London, United Kingdom to discuss international trade.

    The leaders of official export credit agencies (ECAs) of the G7 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America) met in London on 19-20 May, hosted by UK Export Finance, to discuss recent business trends and challenges.

    Serving national customers was at the heart of the meeting. Discussions took place on strengthening supply chains with a focus on critical and raw materials, enhancing domestic support programmes, and adapting to evolving economic and policy landscapes.

    The group also talked about the evolving ECA landscape, the challenges arising from increasing overlap of trade and development, the increasing need to focus on support in emerging markets and mobilise private finance.

    There was a constructive discussion on G7 ECA business under the Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits and the Group recognised the need to maintain the level playing field; transparency, relevancy and energy were key issues explored.

    We discussed how best to leverage digital innovation to improve efficiency and better meet customers’ needs. There was agreement that there is a need for investment in AI and digitalisation in order to keep pace with business.

    Acknowledging that we are operating in shifting political times, we agreed that our strength lies in our collaboration. By working together, sharing risks, and trying to resolve challenges together, we can enhance our resilience as ECAs and expand our global outreach, and in doing so we will help support economic growth and stability at home.

    A parallel Growing Professionals programme, now in its fourth year, explored practical innovations in export finance. The initiative brought together seven Growing Professionals from each organisation and aims to foster the next generation of international trade professionals.

    The next meeting is scheduled to be held in Spring 2026 and hosted by US EXIM in Washington.

    Agreed by the Heads of the G7 ECAs/Guardian Authorities.

    Atsuo Kuroda (NEXI, Japan), Bastian Kern (Export Credit Guarantees Germany), Tim Reid (UKEF), Alison Nankivell (EDC, Canada), Armel Castets (Export Finance and Trade Promotion Division, France), James C. Cruse (US EXIM), Paola Valerio (SACE, Italy).

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation Crimes

    Source: US FBI

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 33 years in prison followed by lifetime supervised release for committing multiple child sexual exploitation crimes.

    Stephen Thomas Parshall, aka “Kiwi,” (38) pleaded guilty in October 2022, to two counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of coercion and enticement, and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Parshall is required to register as a sex offender.

    According to court documents, law enforcement learned of Parshall’s alleged participation in a conspiracy to cause destruction during protests on May 30, 2020, and of Parshall’s alleged membership in the “Boogaloo” movement. Parshall was arrested and search warrants were executed on Parshall’s electronic devices. Law enforcement officers located 10 images of child sexual abuse material, and numerous images of child erotica, on Parshall’s cellular phone. Investigators identified Victim 1, a child under the age of 18 years old, in two of the child sexual abuse images located on Parshall’s phone. Parshall forced Victim 1 to perform sex acts upon him while he photographed it.

    Investigators also located social media conversations on a second cell phone owned by Parshall, under account names “cptkiwi1”, “nopictoobad”, and “pervysage”. In some of those social media conversations, Parshall messaged with Victim 2, another child under 18 years old, and convinced Victim 2 to take sexually explicit pictures. Victim 2 sent the requested child sexual abuse material to Parshall.

    Additionally, in separate social media conversations, Parshall traded child pornography material with other users.

    “As part of our Project Safe Childhood initiative, together with law enforcement partners, we will use all available resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute predators who exploit children,” said United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “Thanks to the hard work by the prosecution team and law enforcement, the defendant is no longer a threat to children and the community.”

    “The FBI is committed to stopping and holding accountable anyone who engages in the sexual exploitation of children,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “Every time child pornography is viewed on the internet it re-victimizes a child. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to investigating and bringing federal charges against those who commit these heinous crimes.”

    The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bianca Pucci and former Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Portz prosecuted the case.

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

    Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Indicts Two Central Ohio Women in $2.8 Million in COVID-Relief Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged two Central Ohio women with crimes related to fraudulently receiving more than $2.8 million total in covid-relief funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

    Lorie A. Schaefer, 62, of Westerville, allegedly received nearly $1.9 million in covid-relief funds by fraudulently claiming an affiliation with an Ohio pizza company.

    According to the indictment, Schaefer opened new bank accounts in December 2020 prior to registering a fictitious business name with the State of Ohio in March 2021.

    It is alleged that Schaefer fraudulently claimed affiliation with the Flying Pizza restaurants in Dayton, Centerville and Fairborn. When notified that a PPP loan for nearly $1.9 million had been filed in the name of Flying Pizza, individuals at the family-owned business said their restaurants could not justify such a large loan.

    Schaefer claimed to have 98 employees and allegedly submitted altered bank records as part of her application. Schaefer also claimed the business was established in March 2021, even though the original Flying Pizza was established in 1984. Additionally, she claimed not to be under indictment despite having pending theft charges in Meigs County. Schaefer allegedly attached multiple fraudulent documents to her PPP application, including a bank statement, tax records, and a letter from the IRS.

    Bank records indicate Schaefer improperly used PPP funds for personal expenses, for example, nearly $26,000 on liposuction, a $10,000 check for a “newborn baby gift,” and more than $900,000 to purchase and renovate a condominium in Westerville. Schaefer also allegedly made purchases at Wayfair, Lamps Plus, Kroger, KFC, Burger King, Arby’s, McDonald’s and Olive Garden. Evidence also suggests Schaefer used the fraud proceeds to purchase vehicles in Ohio and property in Australia for her personal use.

    Schaefer allegedly assisted co-defendant Latisha C. Holloway, 42, of Reynoldsburg, in fraudulently receiving more than $980,000 in PPP loans.

    Holloway allegedly claimed to own a business called Jaguar Logistics, LLC. Holloway stated on loan application documents that she had 76 employees and had a total gross income of $4.9 million. Her loan application was submitted within a month of Schaefer receiving PPP loans and records indicate Holloway wired Schaefer $180,000 after receiving her own loan money. According to court records, Holloway similarly attached fraudulent documents to her PPP loan, including a bank statement and tax records.

    Both defendants allegedly collected unemployment benefits after receiving federal covid-relief funds.

    Finally, it is alleged that Schaefer used another individual’s Social Security Number to apply for and receive an additional $20,800 in PPP funds for “LS Associates,” a corporation established by Schaefer.

    The indictment charges each woman with two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and money laundering carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

    Schaefer and Holloway were arrested in August 2023 and originally charged at that time by criminal complaint.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division. Assistant United States Attorney David J. Twombly is representing the United States in this case.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southwest Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for $8.6 Million Investment Fraud Scheme That Defrauded Pike County Investors

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Southwest Ohio man was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 24 months in prison for orchestrating an investment fraud scheme in Pike County and for failing to remit money withheld from employee paychecks to employee retirement funds.

    Robert W. Walton, Jr., 55, of Loveland, Ohio, was also ordered to pay more than $8.6 million in restitution.

    According to court documents, Walton committed two distinct financial crimes that resulted in a total loss of $8,657,603. He defrauded investors in a company he co-founded and stole retirement funds of its employees.

    Walton engaged in a scheme to defraud investors of Hadsell Chemical Processing, LLC (HCP) and related entities. Walton was the president of HCP and fraudulently sought investments in the form of promissory notes from dozens of victim investors.

    Walton claimed the notes were personally guaranteed by a prominent local business owner when in fact they were not. Walton repeatedly forged the business owner’s signature from 2012 through 2015 without the business owner’s authority on several loan documents and promissory notes.

    Walton falsely represented his company’s future revenues from another business to be in the millions by creating fake invoices. The actual total legitimate business revenue HCP had with that other business was approximately $50,000. He provided the fake invoices to investors. Walton also provided investors with falsified profit and loss statements, including one that changed HCP’s net income from a loss of approximately $800,000 to a profit of nearly $395,000.

    Walton also engaged in Ponzi-type activity by paying earlier investors with money received from new investors.

    During part of his employment at HCP, Walton was responsible for approving the remittance of employee retirement funds to an employee benefit plan sponsored by HCP. Walton failed to remit approximately $53,000 withheld from employees’ paychecks, failing to transfer the funds into employee retirement funds.

    Walton pleaded guilty in March 2023 to wire fraud and embezzling from employee benefit plans.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Cheryl Mimura, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cincinnati Division; and L. Joe Rivers, Regional Director, United States Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, Cincinnati Regional Office, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Health Care Staffing Executive Indicted for Fixing Wages of Nurses

    Source: US FBI

    A federal grand jury in Las Vegas returned an indictment yesterday charging a health care staffing executive with conspiring to fix the wages of Las Vegas nurses, in violation of the Sherman Act.

    According to the one-count felony indictment, Eduardo Lopez, of Las Vegas, held executive positions at three different home health agencies. For each company, Lopez oversaw recruitment, hiring, retention and assignments of nurses and other health care staff. Lopez and other unnamed co-conspirators are charged with agreeing to suppress and eliminate competition for the services of nurses between March 2016 and May 2019. Specifically, Lopez and his co-conspirators are charged with participating in a series of meetings and communications to fix wages of nurses.

    “Wage fixing is a crime that deprives workers of hard-earned wages,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division will be vigilant in protecting workers.”

    “We will continue to partner with the Antitrust Division and the FBI to protect the marketplace and the rights of workers to earn fair wages,” said U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada. “We will investigate and prosecute those who engage in anticompetitive activities.”

    “The wage fixing alleged in this case harmed hardworking Americans and cheated them of fair opportunity and compensation,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI is committed to rooting out anti-competitive activity and corruption.”

    A violation of the Sherman Act carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals and a maximum penalty of a $100 million fine for corporations. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by victims if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum.

    Today’s announcement is the result of a federal investigation being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the International Corruption Unit of the FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.

    The charges in this case were brought in connection with the Antitrust Division’s ongoing commitment to prosecute anticompetitive conduct affecting American labor markets. Anyone with information on market allocation or price fixing by employers should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.

    An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Indicts Butler County Man for Sexually Exploiting Toddler on Snapchat

    Source: US FBI

    Officials ask anyone with information about potential additional victims to call FBI tip line

    CINCINNATI – A Middletown man has been indicted for sexually exploiting a toddler. The defendant shared the alleged sexually explicit conduct on Snapchat.

    A federal grand jury returned the indictment against Daveion Wright, 31, on March 20.

    According to the indictment, on at least five instances in January 2024, Wright sexually exploited a 2-year-old victim and shared the explicit conduct on Snapchat.

    Law enforcement officials ask members of the public to call the FBI at 513-979-8821 if you believe you have information related to victimization of other minors by Wright.

    Sexually exploiting a minor is a federal crime punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison.

    Wright has also been charged locally and those charges remain pending.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Cheryl Mimura, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division and Middletown Acting Police Chief Eric Crank announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Bilibili Inc. Announces Completion of US$690 Million Convertible Senior Notes and Offering of Class Z Ordinary Shares in Connection with Hedging Transactions of Certain Convertible Notes Investors and Terms of Concurrent Repurchase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bilibili Inc. (“Bilibili” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BILI and HKEX: 9626), an iconic brand and a leading video community for young generations in China, today announced (i) the completion of its offering (the “Notes Offering”) of US$690 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “Notes”), including the initial purchasers’ full exercise of option to purchase an additional US$90 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, and (ii) the completion of the previously announced concurrent offering of its 10,281,240 Class Z ordinary shares that have been borrowed from non-affiliate third parties and offered in a separate underwritten offering.

    Notes Offering

    The Notes have been offered to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

    The Notes constitute senior, unsecured obligations of the Company. The Notes will mature on June 1, 2030, unless repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Holders may convert their Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the seventh scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The initial conversion rate of the Notes is 42.1747 Class Z ordinary shares per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately HK$185.63 per Class Z ordinary share and represents a conversion premium of approximately 27.1% above the closing price HK$146.00 per Class Z ordinary share of the Company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on May 21, 2025) and a premium of approximately 32.5% to the clearing share price of the Concurrent Delta Offering of HK$140.10 per Class Z ordinary share of the Company, and is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. Upon conversion, subject to certain procedures and conditions set forth in the terms of the Notes, the Company will cause to be delivered the Company’s Class Z ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share. Holders may elect to receive the Company’s American depositary shares (“ADS”), each representing one Class Z ordinary share, in lieu of Class Z ordinary shares deliverable upon conversion.

    The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 0.625% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2025.

    The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering to enhance its content ecosystem to facilitate user growth, facilitate IP asset creation, and unleash its inherent potential. The Company also plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering to improve its overall monetization efficiency, fund the Concurrent Repurchase (as defined below), fund future repurchases (from time to time) under its share repurchase program, and for other general corporate purposes.

    The Notes, the Class Z ordinary shares deliverable upon conversion of the Notes or the ADSs deliverable in lieu thereof have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws. They may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons, except in reliance on the exemption from registration under the Securities Act.

    Concurrent Delta Offering

    The Company also completed the concurrent offering of its 10,281,240 Class Z ordinary shares that have been borrowed from non-affiliate third parties and offered in a separate underwritten offering by Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. and Morgan Stanley Asia Limited (the “Underwriters” and the “Concurrent Delta Offering”, respectively), each acting severally on behalf of itself and/or its respective affiliates, at HK$140.10 per Class Z ordinary share. The Underwriters used the resulting short position to facilitate hedging transactions by certain investors subscribing for the Notes, who employ a convertible arbitrage strategy (the “Convertible Arbitrage Investors”). The Company has been advised that each Underwriter has concurrently entered into off-market privately negotiated derivative transactions relating to the Class Z ordinary shares, which enabled Convertible Arbitrage Investors to establish their initial short positions in the Class Z ordinary shares to hedge market risk in the Notes. The number of Class Z ordinary shares subject to the Concurrent Delta Offering generally corresponds to such initial short positions of the Convertible Arbitrage Investors. No new Class Z ordinary shares have been issued in the Concurrent Delta Offering.

    The Company has filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (including a prospectus) with the SEC. The Concurrent Delta Offering has been made only by means of a prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You may obtain these documents by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, a copy of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282, Attention: Prospectus Department, Email: Prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com, Telephone: 1 (866) 471-2526; or Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, c/o Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, 180 Varick Street, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department, Email: prospectus@morganstanley.com, Telephone: 1 (866) 718-1649.

    The Company has subscribed for and been allocated 5,588,140 of its Class Z ordinary shares offered in the Concurrent Delta Offering for an aggregate amount of approximately HK$782.9 million at the offering price (the “Concurrent Repurchase”). The Concurrent Repurchase is being made pursuant to the Company’s existing share repurchase program. The Company used part of the proceeds from the Notes Offering for the Concurrent Repurchase. The Concurrent Repurchase enables investors to establish some of their initial short positions in the Class Z ordinary shares to hedge market risk in the Notes and reflects the Company’s confidence in its long-term strategy and growth. The repurchased shares will be cancelled.

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

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar expressions. Bilibili may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Bilibili’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: results of operations, financial condition, and stock price; Bilibili’s strategies; Bilibili’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Bilibili’s ability to retain and increase the number of users, members and advertising customers, provide quality content, products and services, and expand its product and service offerings; competition in the online entertainment industry; Bilibili’s ability to maintain its culture and brand image within its addressable user communities; Bilibili’s ability to manage its costs and expenses; PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to the online entertainment industry, general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of the announcement, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    About Bilibili Inc.

    Bilibili is an iconic brand and a leading video community with a mission to enrich the everyday lives of young generations in China. Bilibili offers a wide array of video-based content with All the Videos You Like as its value proposition. Bilibili builds its community around aspiring users, high-quality content, talented content creators and the strong emotional bonds among them. Bilibili pioneered the “bullet chatting” feature, a live comment function that has transformed our users’ viewing experience by displaying the thoughts and feelings of audience members viewing the same video. The Company has now become the welcoming home of diverse interests among young generations in China and the frontier for promoting Chinese culture across the world.

    For more information, please visit: http://ir.bilibili.com.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China:

    Bilibili Inc.
    Juliet Yang
    Tel: -86-21-2509-9255 Ext. 8523
    Email: ir@bilibili.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Helen Wu
    Tel: -86-10-6508-0677
    Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com

    In the United States:

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: -1-212-481-2050
    Email: bilibili@tpg-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government’s response to Fitch’s affirmation of Hong Kong’s “AA-“credit rating and “stable” outlook

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    In response to the report from Fitch today (May 23) on maintaining Hong Kong’s “AA-“credit rating and “stable” outlook, a Government spokesman made the following response:

    We noted Fitch’s decision to maintain Hong Kong’s credit rating at “AA-” with a “stable” outlook. Fitch recognised Hong Kong’s strong credit fundamentals, including large fiscal buffers, robust external finances, and a low level of fiscal debt. It also pointed out that our banking sector is resilient, with solid funding and liquidity.

    Hong Kong’s financial system remains robust, with a consistently healthy level of overall asset quality in the banking sector according to international standards. Bank deposits have continued to grow. As of the end of March this year, the total amount of bank deposits in Hong Kong was near $18 trillion, marking an 11 per cent year-on-year increase.

    Data have demonstrated the continuous reinforcement and enhancement of Hong Kong’s status and functions as an international financial centre. The confidence of global investors in Hong Kong is strengthening. The capital markets are active. For the stock market, the Hang Seng Index rose by 18 per cent last year, and has increased by over 15 per cent since the beginning of this year. The total market capitalisation of Hong Kong stocks has exceeded $41 trillion. The average daily turnover in the first four months of 2025 surpassed $250 billion, representing a 144 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The initial public offering (IPO) market is also thriving, with cumulative funds raised exceeding $60 billion. This week, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited welcomed the world’s largest IPO activity so far this year.

    The fiscal situation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has remained robust. In the 2025-26 Budget, reinforced fiscal consolidation was set out. It focuses primarily on containing expenditure growth, supplemented by revenue increase. It will gradually restore balance to government accounts. According to the Government’s medium-range forecast, the Operating Account (i.e. the Government’s daily income and expenses) is expected to be largely balanced in this financial year, and will return to surplus in the next financial year (2026-27). The Capital Account mainly involves capital works expenditure, which represents investments for the future, such as the development of the Northern Metropolis. Therefore, the Government will make flexible use of market resources, including increasing the scale of bond issuance, to fast-track the related projects. Even if so, the level of deficit in the Capital Account will gradually decrease starting from the 2026-27 financial year. Overall, after counting the proceeds from bond issuance, the Consolidated Accounts will return to surplus in the 2028-29 financial year.

    The tariff war has increased global economic uncertainty, and the world economy is facing broad challenges. However, international trade tensions have recently eased to a certain extent, and the Mainland’s economy has continued to grow steadily, supported by more proactive fiscal policies and moderate expansionary monetary policies. These will benefit the trade performance in Hong Kong and the region. Meanwhile, the Mainland’s high-level two-way opening up, as well as its pursuit of green transition, innovation and technology, and digital economy, will continue to create business and investment opportunities for Hong Kong. 

    Leveraging its unique advantages of connecting with both the Mainland and the rest of the world under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, Hong Kong will aptly adjust to the global trade realignment and seize opportunities. In fact, more Mainland and international companies are establishing international headquarters, research and development centres and regional offices in Hong Kong to expand their global business. For example, in 2024, the number of companies in Hong Kong with parent companies located outside Hong Kong increased by about 10 per cent to nearly 10 000, reaching a new historical high. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and Invest Hong Kong have also achieved good results in attracting businesses and investments.

    As a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, Hong Kong will continue to actively link the Mainland with the world. While reinforcing connections with traditional markets, we will also forge more economic and investment networks with new markets, particularly those in the Global South. Furthermore, Hong Kong will deepen integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. These will allow us to open up new growth points and inject greater impetus into our economy.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fatal traffic accident in Tsing Yi

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tsing Yi in the small hours today (May 23) in which a man died.

    At 0.40am, a private car driven by a 40-year-old man was travelling along Tsing Sha Highway towards Kowloon. When approaching the entrance of Nam Wan Tunnel, the private car reportedly knocked down a 61-year-old male tunnel staff.

    Sustaining serious leg injuries, the man was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 2.17am.

    The driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

    Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories South is underway.

    Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 1446.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Poland: EIB extends €700 million for development of two major new offshore wind farms

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • European Investment Bank is the largest lender by far to Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms developed by Norway’s Equinor and Poland’s Polenergia.
    • The two large-scale farms in the Baltic Sea will produce enough energy to power two million homes.
    • Third major renewables investment in Poland this year highlights the EU climate bank’s leading role in driving energy transition.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an agreement to provide €700 million for the construction of two large-scale offshore wind farms developed by Norway’s Equinor and Poland’s Polenergia off the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea. The twin Bałtyk 2 and Baltyk 3 wind farms will have a shared capacity of 1.44 GW and are expected to go online fully in 2028.

    “Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 are important projects for Poland’s decarbonisation plans as they will produce enough clean electricity to meet annual demand of two million households. The European Investment Bank has provided €350 million for each wind farm, which makes us the biggest lender by far among some 30 financial institutions involved,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska. “This is the EIB’s third major renewables investment in Poland only this year and our third financing for Polish offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea in general, which highlights our dedication to developing green energy in Poland as a prerequisite for both economic competitiveness and security.”

    Located some 30 kilometres off the Polish coastal towns of Ustka and Łeba, the two fixed-bottom wind farms will consist of a hundred wind turbines of 14.4 MW each. Primarily supplied by European companies, the joint venture between Equinor, a leading international player in the offshore wind sector, and Poland’s largest private energy group Polenergia will also contribute to modern development of the EU’s cohesion regions.

    Background information  

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

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security. In Poland, the EIB Group invested €5.7 billion euros last year, nearly half of which went to climate and environment projects, including energy transition.

    A trusted partner of the multifaceted energy transition in Poland, the EIB made a leading contribution earlier this year to the development of another offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea, Baltica 2, the EU’s largest such wind park to date. In 2023, the EIB also financed Poland’s first offshore wind farm.

    InvestEU
    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps mobilise private investment for EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments available to support investment in the European Union, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners that invest in projects, leveraging on the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of the implementing partners, increasing their risk-bearing capacity and mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment.

    MIL OSI Europe News