NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: $TRUMP Meme Coin to be Accepted as Crypto Payment in Social Casino of Bitnile.com, a Hyperscale Data Subsidiary

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that, on or about June 15, 2025, the $TRUMP meme coin will become an accepted payment method on Bitnile.com, the sweepstakes-based social-casino platform operated by Bitnile.com, Inc. (“Bitnile.com”), an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of Hyperscale Data.

    Players will be able to use Solana-based $TRUMP to purchase a package (the “Nile Package”) of Bitnile.com’s virtual in-game currency, Nile tokens (the “Tokens”). The Tokens are used to enter a wide range of casino-style social games on BitNile.com, including slots, poker and blackjack. The Tokens cannot be redeemed for cash or prizes. In addition to the Tokens, purchases of the Nile Package receive Nile sweeps coins (the “Coins”). The Coins, which cannot be purchased, give the holder sweepstakes entries, the winners of which can receive prizes or cryptocurrency (in the form of currency used to purchase the Nile Package that gifted the Coins).

    “We love the idea that a meme coin can have real purpose and functionality in today’s digital world. With more than 750,000 wallets holding $TRUMP, we believe there is a market for those holders who want to engage in social gaming,” said Milton “Todd” Ault III, Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data. “Starting mid-June, $TRUMP holders will be able to enjoy BitNile.com in a whole new way.”

    Special Package Promotion

    For one month after $TRUMP becomes an accepted payment method, BitNile.com will offer a limited-time promotion: players who use $TRUMP to purchase Nile Packages will receive three times the number of Tokens and Coins. For example, a $20.00 package that normally includes 50,000 Tokens and 21 Coins will be upgraded to 150,000 Tokens and 63 Coins during the promotional period.

    “This is more than just gaming,” Milton “Todd” Ault III added. “By tripling the Nile Package size, we’re amplifying the experience—users get to experience more of the social casino games while receiving additional chances to win cryptocurrency and exciting prizes.”

    Additional Cryptocurrencies to be Accepted

    Additionally, BitNile.com is actively evaluating additional cryptocurrencies for future payment options and expects to announce more supported digital assets in the coming months.

    For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

    About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

    Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging artificial intelligence (“AI”) ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

    Hyperscale Data expects to divest itself of ACG on or about December 31, 2025 (the “Divestiture”). Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would solely be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, though it may at that time continue to mine Bitcoin. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

    On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be stockholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

    Hyperscale Data Investor Contact:
    IR@hyperscaledata.com or 1-888-753-2235

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coordinated action to take down the most dangerous malware variants

    Source: Eurojust

    This week’s actions follow the largest ever operation against botnets from May 2024, Operation Endgame. This year during Endgame 2.0, the measures targeted the successor groups of malware taken down by the authorities and other relevant variants: Bumblebee, Lactrodectus, Qakbot, DanaBot, HijackLoader, Trickbot, and WarmCookie. As these variants are at the beginning of the cyberattack chain, disrupting them damages the entire ‘cybercrime as a service’ ecosystem. 

    The malware taken down this week is known as ‘initial access malware’. It is used for initial infection, helping cybercriminals to enter victims’ systems unnoticed and load more malware onto their devices, such as ransomware. 

    Due to the global nature of cybercrime, cross-border investigations are key for taking action against disruptive cybercrimes. Since 2024, Eurojust has provided essential support to ensure effective judicial cooperation. Coordination by Eurojust ensured that authorities could exchange information and align their investigative efforts. Europol supported the operation from the outset, providing coordination, operational and analytical support, cryptocurrency tracing, and facilitating the real-time exchange of information between the various partners involved.

    ©BKA, Germany, 2024.

    German, French, Dutch, Danish, British, American and Canadian authorities joined forces from 19 to 22 May to take action against the world’s most dangerous malware variants and the perpetrators behind them. In total 37 suspects were identified and international arrest warrants were obtained against 20 individuals criminally charged. Over 300 servers worldwide were taken down and 650 domains were neutralised. During the action week, EUR 3.5 million in cryptocurrency was seized making the total cryptocurrency seized during Endgame EUR 21.2 million. 

    Operation EndGame will now continue with follow up actions announced on the dedicated website from the international coalition. Several key suspects behind the malware operations are now subject to international and public appeals. The German authorities will publish eighteen of them on the EU Most Wanted list as of 23 May.

    The following authorities carried out the operation:

    • Germany: German Federal Criminal Police Office; Public Prosecutor; General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cybercrime Office; German Federal Office for Information Security
    • France: PPO Paris section J3 (Cybercrime Unit); BL2C (Cybercrime unit Préfecture de Police); OFAC (National Office against Cybercriminality)
    • Netherlands: Netherlands Public Prosecution Service (National Office); Netherlands Police
    • Denmark: National Special Crime Unit – NSK; NC3 | High Tech Crime
    • United Kingdom: National Crime Agency
    • United States: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); U.S Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California
    • Canada: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Newark Businessman Admits Bribing Former Newark Deputy Mayor and Director of Newark Department of Economic and Housing Development

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark business owner today admitted bribing a former city official in exchange for that official’s assistance in acquiring and redeveloping Newark-owned properties, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

    Irwin Sablosky, 64, of Springfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to two counts of an indictment charging him with honest services fraud and bribery.

    “As he admitted in court, Irwin Sablosky provided cash and jewelry to Carmelo Garcia, a former Newark deputy mayor and director of the Newark Department of Economic and Housing Development in exchange for Garcia’s use of his influence to assist Sablosky’s acquisition of  various Newark-owned properties for redevelopment, defrauding the people of Newark of their right to the official’s honest services. He corrupted the public official’s independent judgment and violated the public trust for his own financial gain. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make sure that the people of New Jersey are protected from public officials whose greed overrides their sworn duty to serve the people and from the individuals who bribe those officials.”

    U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger

    “By bribing a government official, Mr. Sablosky undermined the best interests of his community and threatened the confidence its citizens have in those that take an oath to serve the public,” Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “IRS-CI is committed to fostering trust in the legal system and holding bad actors accountable.”

    “Irwin Sablosky’s selfish actions and severe abuse of power violated the public trust and risked jeopardizing the integrity of the federal process for fair and honest acquisitions of government owned properties to further his own self interests,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Vicky Vazquez with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General.  “HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our prosecutorial, law enforcement, and oversight partners to aggressively pursue individuals who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”

    According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

    Sablosky admitted bribing Garcia – who was also executive vice president and chief real estate officer of the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation (NCEDC) – in exchange for Garcia’s assistance with the acquisition and redevelopment of city-owned property.

    According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

    From 2017 through April 2019, Sablosky, Frank Valvano Jr., and others provided significant monetary payments and other benefits to Garcia while he was serving as a high-level Newark official, and prior to that, as an executive officer of the NCEDC (now known as Invest Newark), in exchange for Garcia’s use of his official positions and influence within the city of Newark and the NCEDC to advance real estate development matters of interest to Sablosky and Valvano. These matters included obtaining preliminary designation letters for Sablosky and Valvano and securing Newark-approved redevelopment agreements (RDAs) that allowed them to purchase and acquire various Newark-owned properties for redevelopment, and to ensure that Garcia did not use his influence and authority to act against their interests.In addition to cash, Sablosky and Valvano also gifted Garcia jewelry, including multiple high-end watches and chains, from their pawnbroker and jewelry business.

    Phone records and text messages obtained by law enforcement show extensive communication between Garcia, Valvano, Sablosky, and others throughout this period of time, including text messages in which Garcia arranged to personally collect cash provided by  Sablosky and Valvano. In one instance, in June 2018, Sablosky and Valvano, through an intermediary, supplied Garcia, then the city’s acting deputy mayor and director of the city’s DEHD, $25,000 in cash as part of the stream of bribes provided to Garcia.

    The honest services fraud charge in Count 18 of the indictment carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The bribery charge in Count 26 carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. All charges are punishable by a fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of the pecuniary gain from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2025.

    Sablosky originally was charged by indictment in October 2021 with Valvano, 56, of Florham Park, New Jersey, and Garcia, 59, of Hoboken, New Jersey. Garcia previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the city of Newark and the NCEDC of Garcia’s honest services, honest services wire fraud, and receiving bribes in connection with the business of a federally funded local government and organization and awaiting sentencing. Valvano’s case is pending before Judge Arleo, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Piovesan, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Vicky Vazquez, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

    The government is represented by Elaine K. Lou, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, and Katherine J. Calle and Edeli Rivera of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Charge Nageezi Man with Sexual Abuse

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Nageezi man has been charged with sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact in Indian Country.

    Patrick Wayne Platero, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge and will remain in the third-party custody of La Pasada halfway house pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

    According to the indictment, between on or about January 1, 2024, and on or about April 30, 2024, Platero allegedly sexually abused and engaged in abusive sexual contact with Jane Doe.

    If convicted, Platero faces up to life in prison followed by not less than five years and up to life on supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Hampshire Man Sentenced for Northeast Kingdom Drug Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 24, 2024, Jeremy Allin, 54, of Lancaster, New Hampshire was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 14 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Allin previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base pursuant to a plea agreement with the United States.

    According to court records, Allin became associated with his codefendant Juan Carlos “JC” Ortiz in late 2021 while Ortiz was staying at multiple residences in and around Orleans County, Vermont, for the purpose of distributing drugs. Allin initially purchased controlled substances from Ortiz for his own consumption, but he eventually began working with Ortiz to complete drug transactions and to provide transportation for the drug activities. Following the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Westfield, Vermont in February 2022, Ortiz began staying with other conspirators at their residences throughout the Northeast Kingdom, including with Allin. At the time, Allin was living in Lunenburg, Vermont. Allin continued his drug interactions with Ortiz until Ortiz was arrested in August 2022. Earlier in this case, Judge Reiss sentenced Ortiz to 95 months’ imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy.

    The sentencing hearing followed a long-term investigation conducted by multiple local, county, state and federal agencies that was led by the Northeastern Vermont Drug Task Force (NEVDTF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). NEVDTF and ATF were assisted in this investigation by agents with Homeland Security Investigations, detectives and troopers from the Vermont State Police; members of the Orleans and Essex County Sheriff’s Departments, the Newport Police Department; aviators with the Air & Marine Operations component of United States Customs & Border Protection; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaboration of federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies during the investigation and prosecution of the case.

    The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher. Kevin Henry, Esq. represented Jeremy Allin.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Northfield Man Sentenced to 27 Months for Embezzling $558,625 From ValleyNet

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 27, 2024, John Van Vught, 73, of Northfield, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 27 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Van Vught was also ordered to pay $558,625 of restitution to ValleyNet. Van Vught previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud on February 22, 2024.

    According to court records, from 2010 through July 2022, Van Vught was employed as an accountant for ValleyNet, a non-profit operator of fiber-to-the-home internet networks in east-central Vermont. As part of this work, Van Vught provided accounting services, including managing company bank accounts, which allowed him to execute electronic funds transfers and pay bills from ValleyNet accounts. Between approximately 2013 until July 2022, Van Vught embezzled approximately $558,625 from ValleyNet’s accounts by conducting electronic transfers. After Van Vught’s embezzlement was suspected in the summer of 2022, Van Vught provided intentionally erroneous documentation to ValleyNet leadership in an attempt to further obfuscate his theft. After being confronted with evidence of his crime by ValleyNet leadership, Van Vught fled Vermont, initially traveling west to New Mexico, then back east to Brunswick, Georgia, where he was apprehended by the FBI.

    United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Van Vught was represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Northeast Kingdom Man Sentenced in Drug Conspiracy Case

    Source: US FBI

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 28, 2024, Clair Deslandes, 65, of Island Pond, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 30 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Deslandes previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base pursuant to a plea agreement with the United States.

    According to court records, Deslandes became associated with his codefendant Juan Carlos “JC” Ortiz in late 2021 while Ortiz was staying at multiple residences in and around Orleans County, Vermont, for the purpose of distributing drugs. Deslandes purchased controlled substances from Ortiz, both for his own consumption and for distribution to others in the Northeast Kingdom. Witnesses explained that Deslandes allowed Ortiz and other drug dealers to periodically stay at his Island Pond residence, which was used to store and distribute controlled substances to customers. Deslandes appears to have continued his drug interactions with Ortiz until Ortiz was arrested in August 2022. Earlier in this case, Judge Reiss sentenced Ortiz to 95 months’ imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy.

    The sentencing hearing followed a long-term investigation conducted by multiple local, county, state and federal agencies that was led by the Northeastern Vermont Drug Task Force (NEVDTF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). NEVDTF and ATF were assisted in this investigation by agents with Homeland Security Investigations, detectives and troopers from the Vermont State Police; members of the Orleans and Essex County Sheriff’s Departments, the Newport Police Department; aviators with the Air & Marine Operations component of United States Customs & Border Protection; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaboration of federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies during the investigation and prosecution of the case.

    The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher. William Kraham, Esq. represented Clair Deslandes.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Plattsburgh Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK –Jason Miller, age 33, of Plattsburgh, New York, was sentenced today to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea, Miller admitted that on March 17, 2021, he possessed images on his cell phone of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The defendant’s conduct was uncovered during a joint law enforcement investigation into an online group sharing images of child pornography on Kik, a social media messaging application. The defendant admitted to receiving, distributing, and possessing child pornography on Kik.

    United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a term of 15 years of supervised release, which will start after Miller is released from prison. Miller will also be required to register as a sex offender.

    Miller was previously convicted on May 16, 2016, in Clinton County Court of disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree. Following multiple violations of probation, he was sentenced to 16 months to 4 years’ imprisonment.

    The FBI investigated this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham prosecuted the case.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Niskayuna Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aaron Griesche, age 41, of Niskayuna, New York, was sentenced today to 135 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of his prior guilty plea, Griesche admitted that on July 11, 2021, he possessed child pornography on a USB flash memory stick found in his residence.  Griesche admitted that he had purchased the memory stick from an online retailer and transferred numerous videos of child pornography from the Internet to the device.

    In addition to the imprisonment and supervised release terms, Griesche was ordered to pay a total of $18,000 in restitution to child victims depicted in the files he possessed.

    The FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force investigated this case.  The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Dustin C. Segovia prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).  Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locates, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Buying Stolen Data From Genesis Market

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Wul Isaac Chol, 27, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that Genesis Market is an online marketplace whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin. Between June 2019, and January 2021, Chol deposited approximately $105.08 worth of bitcoin in a Genesis account that he had created. Chol used the funds he deposited in his Genesis account to purchase 21 packages of unauthorized access devices. Those packages contained, in total, approximately 778 unauthorized access devices. In addition, Chol admits that he obtained, without authorization, $25,164.00 from the New York State Department of Labor.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

    Sentencing is scheduled for September 13, 2024, before Judge Sinatra.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cheektowaga Man Going to Prison for Possessing 200,000 Images of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael P. Daly, 49, of Cheektowaga, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison, and 25 years supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Daly was also ordered to pay $23,000 in victim-related assessments.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in June 2019, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report from Microsoft Bing that one of their users uploaded an image of child pornography. Subsequent investigation traced the image to Daly. On October 22, 2020, investigators  executed a search warrant at Daly’s residence in Cheektowaga, seizing a laptop computer, a flash drive, and an iPhone. A forensic search of all three items recovered over 200,000 images and 95 videos of child pornography. Some of the images include prepubescent minors and depictions of violence.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Miraglia, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards, III, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge

    Source: US FBI

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Arcides Castillo-Dieguez, 59, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who is handling the case, stated that over the course of a long-term narcotics investigation, law enforcement identified Castillo-Dieguez as a bulk supply source of fentanyl for other Rochester drug dealers. Investigators identified several locations from which Castillo-Dieguez either sold or stashed fentanyl for future distribution. In May 2023, multiple search warrants were executed at three of these locations on Avenue A, East Main Street, and Durnan Street. One of the locations was used as a day care facility. Investigators seized over four kilograms of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and heroin. Drug paraphernalia was also seized during the searches. This is Castillo-Dieguez’s sixth felony conviction for an offense involving the illegal distribution of controlled substances.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, III, New York Field Division, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, and the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET).                         

    Sentencing is scheduled for September 18, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Who Traveled From Florida to Western New York to Have Sex with a Minor Arrested on Multiple Child Pornography Charges

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jose Francisco Cardoso Tehovnik, 21, of Orlando, Florida, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with enticement of a minor, and production, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in February 2024, Tehovnik began communicating with a minor female (victim) in the Western District of New York on the social media application Instagram, before moving the conversation to Snapchat. During these conversations, Tehovnik and the victim exchanged naked images, which included child pornography of the victim, and Tehovnik made plans to travel to the Western District of New York. In April 2024, Tehovnik flew from Florida to New York to engage in sexual activity with the victim, before returning to Florida. On June 4, 2024, Tehovnik came back to the Western District of New York, picked up the victim, and traveled to New Jersey, where law enforcement located him with the victim. Tehovnik was arrested and taken into custody. 

    Tehovnik made an initial appearance this morning in the District of New Jersey and will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to New Child Pornography Charges

    Source: US FBI

    Rochester, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Gregory Pum, 48, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson to possession of child pornography by an individual with a prior sex offense conviction, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas M. Testani and Meghan K. McGuire, who are handling the case, stated that in January 2014, Pum was convicted in Monroe County Court of Possessing Sexual Performance by a Child Less than 16, and sentenced to serve six months in jail, followed by 10 years’ probation. Pum violated his probation terms and was resentenced to prison. He was discharged from parole on May 31, 2016.

    In May 2022, law enforcement received two cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), that a user of an email account, later determined to belong to Pum, had uploaded 29 images and a video of child pornography to a file sharing site. Investigators later received seven additional  cybertips related to the same email account. In June 2022, a search warrant was executed at Pum’s residence, during which electronic devices that contained images of child pornography were seized. On March 11, 2024, while Pum was on pretrial release, law enforcement executed another  search warrant at his residence after receiving two additional NCMEC cybertips. An iPhone was seized and found to contain 19 images and one video of child pornography.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei III, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

    Sentencing is scheduled for September 20, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. 

    # # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Alon Alexander, Oren Alexander, and Tal Alexander Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Sex Trafficking Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, announced the return today of a three-count Indictment charging ALON ALEXANDER, OREN ALEXANDER, and TAL ALEXANDER (the “ALEXANDER BROTHERS”), with sex trafficking offenses. The defendants were arrested this morning in the Southern District of Florida and will be presented in federal court in Miami, Florida.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni. 

    U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged in the Indictment, for more than a decade, the Alexander Brothers, alone and together, repeatedly and violently sexually assaulted and raped dozens of female victims. Today, the defendants are charged with multiple sex trafficking offenses.  Our investigation is far from over.  If you have been a victim of the alleged sexual violence perpetrated by Alon Alexander, Oren Alexander, or Tal Alexander – or if you know anything about their alleged crimes – we urge you to come forward.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “The Alexander brothers allegedly conspired using their wealth and status to prey on innocent women, coercing them into engaging in sexual acts.  We will not allow this type of alleged behavior to go unimpeded. Predators forcefully coercing victims into sexual acts cannot and will not be tolerated.  The FBI’s investigations into these types of cases are only possible because of the bravery victims show in coming forward.  The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to investigating sex trafficking and ensuring anyone attempting to engage in it is held accountable in the criminal justice system.”

    NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “The charges outlined in this indictment reflect some of the most heinous and dehumanizing crimes of sexual exploitation that our NYPD detectives investigate.  I applaud all the members of our joint FBI-NYPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force for their unwavering dedication to identifying, investigating, and holding accountable those who allegedly prey on vulnerable individuals in such despicable ways.”

    According to the Indictment, Superseding Indictment, and other documents and statements in the public record:

    From at least in or about 2010, up to and including at least in or about 2021, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS worked together and with others to engage in sex trafficking, including by repeatedly drugging, sexually assaulting, and raping dozens of female victims.  The ALEXANDER BROTHERS, who reside primarily in New York and Miami, Florida, have considerable social and financial connections, including through OREN ALEXANDER and TAL ALEXANDER’s positions as prominent real estate agents focused on ultra-luxury markets.  The ALEXANDER BROTHERS used their wealth and prominent positions in real estate to create and facilitate opportunities to sexually assault women.  

    To carry out and facilitate their sex trafficking scheme, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS used deception, fraud, and coercion to cause victims to travel with them or meet them in private locations for various trips and events.  The ALEXANDER BROTHERS and others identified women to invite to these events through, among other things, social media, dating applications, in person encounters, or through the use of party promoters who would recruit women for these events.

    The ALEXANDER BROTHERS used the promise of luxury experiences, travel, and accommodations to lure and entice women to these events, and then—on multiple occasions—forcibly raped and sexually assaulted women who attended.  At times, multiple men, including one or more of the ALEXANDER BROTHERS, participated in these assaults.  In some instances, the defendants physically restrained and held down their victims during the rapes and sexual assaults and ignored screams and explicit requests to stop.

    In advance of the events, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS and others procured drugs that they agreed to provide to the women, including, among other things, cocaine, mushrooms, and GHB.  On multiple occasions during these events and trips, the ALEXANDER BROTHERS and others surreptitiously drugged women’s drinks.  Some of the victims experienced symptoms of impaired physical and mental capacity, including limitations of movement and speech and incomplete memories of events.  This prevented the victims from being able to fight back or escape during the rapes and sexual assaults.

    The agreement between the ALEXANDER BROTHERS encompassed numerous other acts of sexual violence in addition to the sexual assaults during planned trips and events.  On numerous occasions, one or more of the ALEXANDER BROTHERS drugged and raped or sexually assaulted women they encountered by chance, including women they met at bars and nightclubs, social events, and on dating applications.

    If you have been victimized by the ALEXANDER BROTHERS in any way or have any additional information about their alleged illegal behavior, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or reach out to us at alexander-case@fbi.gov.

    *                *                *

    ALON ALEXANDER, 37, OREN ALEXANDER, 37, and TAL ALEXANDER, 38, all of Miami, Florida, are each charged with one count of engaging in a sex trafficking conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.  TAL ALEXANDER is additionally charged with a second count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.

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

    Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI-NYPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in New York, as well as the assistance of FBI Miami, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office, and the Miami Beach Police Department.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaiya Arroyo, Elizabeth A. Espinosa, and Andrew W. Jones are in charge of the prosecution.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Telemarketing Call Center Sentenced to 121 Months in Prison for Multi-Year Scheme to Defraud PAC Donors

    Source: US FBI

    Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that RICHARD ZEITLIN, the owner of a telemarketing call center business, was sentenced to 121 months in prison for his leadership role in a scheme to defraud donors of certain political action committees (“PACs”) through false and misleading fundraising calls.  The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan following the defendant’s guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on September 10, 2024. 

    U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Richard Zeitlin’s actions represent a profound breach of trust, as represented by today’s sentencing.  The integrity of donor contributions is essential, and this Office will continue to pursue justice against those who undermine it.”

    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.  By contrast, charities, unlike PACs, typically provide direct services to communities or causes. 

    From at least in or about 2017 up to and including in or about 2020, ZEITLIN used his telemarketing call center business and various associated entities to defraud numerous donors of millions of dollars by providing misleading and false information about how the donors’ money would be spent and the nature of the organizations to which they were giving.  Specifically, ZEITLIN directed his employees to alter the call scripts used when calling potential donors on behalf of certain PACs in order to mislead potential donors into believing that they would be giving to a direct-services organization (i.e., a charity), rather than to a political advocacy organization (i.e., a PAC).  ZEITLIN directed that these lies, misleading statements, and misrepresentations be made so that donors would be more likely to give money, thereby increasing the funds raised and profits for his businesses – which typically received approximately 90% of the funds donated.  In some instances, ZEITLIN’s businesses retained 100% of the funds donated with none of the money going to the causes described in telemarketing calls to donors. When one PAC treasurer confronted ZEITLIN with complaints from donors that solicitation calls falsely represented a PAC as a charity, ZEITLIN falsely denied that the calls were being made, acknowledged that such calls would be inappropriate, and refused to give the treasurer any call recordings that would have revealed his fraud. 

    ZEITLIN lied under oath to conceal his fraud.  In December 2020, while testifying under oath during a deposition in connection with a federal civil matter, ZEITLIN falsely stated, in substance and in part, that neither he nor his employees provided input as to the call scripts used by ZEITLIN’s telemarketing call centers when making fundraising calls on behalf of PACs.  In truth and in fact, ZEITLIN and his employees frequently provided input on and changed call scripts, including by adding false and misleading statements into the call scripts.  In March 2022, in a declaration filed under penalty of perjury to a federal judge, ZEITLIN falsely stated that, among other things, he was not associated with and did not direct, supervise, or control certain business entities relating to ZEITLIN’s telemarketing business when, in truth and in fact, ZEITLIN controlled all of the entities by exercising ultimate authority over managerial, operational, and financial decisions, including at the time he signed this declaration. 

    In or about May 2022, after ZEITLIN learned that he and his businesses were under federal investigation, ZEITLIN directed his employees to delete electronic messages relating to his businesses. 

    *                *                *

    In addition to the prison sentence, ZEITLIN, 54, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $8,906,760.00, which represents ZEITLIN’s proceeds from the crime, and restitution in the amount of $8,906,760.00.

    Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.   

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Liberty Soldier Charged with Unlawful Firearms Trafficking and Lying About His Involvement in Insurrectionist Groups

    Source: US FBI

    RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Aug. 14, charging Kai Liam Nix, also known as Kai Brazelton, 20, with unlawful firearms trafficking, including the sale of two stolen firearms. Nix was also charged with making a false statement to the government. Nix is an active-duty U.S. Army soldier, stationed at Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was arrested on Aug. 15 and made his initial appearance in court today.

    According to the court documents, Nix made a false statement on his Security Clearance Application Standard Form (SF) 86 when he claimed he had never been a member of a group dedicated to the use of violence or force to overthrow the U.S. Government.

    Nix was also charged with one count of dealing in firearms without a license and two counts of selling a stolen firearm. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch and Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

    The FBI, ATF and U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Department are investigating the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

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

    ###

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Investment Fraud Disrupted by Seizure of $5 Million in Cryptocurrency

    Source: US FBI

    RALEIGH, N.C. – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced the seizure of nearly $5 million worth of Tether, a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar. These seized funds were traced to cryptocurrency addresses allegedly associated with the laundering of criminally derived proceeds stolen from victims of cryptocurrency investment scams, commonly known as “pig butchering.”

    “Americans are losing their life’s savings to investment frauds as funds are being rapidly transferred to cryptocurrency accounts overseas,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “In this case one victim lost his entire individual retirement account to a scam. We are clawing back every dollar we can, even when criminals are located abroad. We are determined to seize their illegal proceeds and return money to the victims.

    According to court filings, criminal actors approached and recruited victims through the guise of a romantic relationship to develop their trust.  Once the relationship was established, the scammer would claim to have a technique to quickly make large profits trading cryptocurrency and introduce their victim to a fictitious cryptocurrency trading platform that bore a similar name and appearance to a legitimate cryptocurrency trading platform.  These fake investment platforms display a fictitious investment portfolio with abnormally large investment returns, which is designed to induce the victim to invest more.  When the victims do attempt to withdraw funds, they are unable to do so and are often met with various excuses, including being told that they must pay a “tax” or “penalties” to release their funds, which is just a technique for the scammers to elicit even more money out of their victims.

    Once the victims’ funds have been transferred to a cryptocurrency wallet under the scammers’ control, the funds are quickly moved through many other wallets to obfuscate the nature, source, control, and ownership of those fraud proceeds.  In this case, agents, and analysts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were able to trace those victim funds into and through various cryptocurrency wallets allegedly used in furtherance of the fraud and money laundering scheme, some of which still contained large amounts of funds subject to seizure and forfeiture.

    “As criminal actors continue to evolve in the world of cyber-enabled fraud, the FBI and its law enforcement partners must also evolve,” said FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt. “This cryptocurrency seizure serves as an example of the FBI adapting to the changing criminal landscape and fighting for victims of cyber-enabled fraud schemes.”

    The Department would like to acknowledge Tether for its assistance in effectuating the transfer of these assets.

    If you are a victim of a cryptocurrency scam, or other scam involving the use of the Internet, please file a report with the IC3 at ic3.gov and with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.

    Related court documents and information from the seizure warrant are on PACER by searching for Case No.5:24-MJ-1976.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Dunn Man on Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

    Source: US FBI

    ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Harnett County man on drug trafficking and firearm charges after he led police on a high-speed chase and then abandoned his still running vehicle. Demarkee Rayheem Midgette, age 28, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Midgette faces up to life in prison when sentenced.

    “This armed drug trafficker fled from police in a high-speed chase at great risk to the public and his juvenile passenger,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “Guns, drugs, and kids don’t mix.  The potential sentence this drug trafficker faces is evidence of that.”

    “I want to commend the officers of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department for their vigilance and professionalism in handling this incident, demonstrating exceptional police work from start to finish. I also extend my gratitude to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office for their outstanding partnership in this case. Our successful collaboration sends a strong message that criminal activity will not be tolerated,” said Chief Tim Smith of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, a Fuquay Varina Police officer noticed a car that appeared to be missing a headlight traveling on US-401. The officer followed the vehicle for a period of time and smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. At that time, the officer initiated his emergency lights and siren, however the vehicle failed to pull over. Instead, the vehicle continued to travel at high speeds, running a stop sign and leaving its lane multiple times. As the vehicle reached a subdivision, it slowed down and the driver and passenger fled the vehicle on foot while leaving the vehicle running. The driver was observed to be wearing a red jacket and black shorts and the officer continued his pursuit on foot and notified other responding officers of the driver’s location. The driver, later identified as Midgette, was arrested. Another juvenile male, identified as the passenger, approached officers, and volunteered that the vehicle belonged to his uncle.

    A search of the vehicle found marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, mushrooms, drug paraphernalia, and two guns, including a Taurus 1911 and a Glock Model 17, 9 mm pistol. The Glock was later determined to be stolen. Ammunition matching the Taurus 1911 was found in the passenger’s pocket. Midgette was found with cocaine and nearly $1,000 in cash in his jacket. Midgette has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon and drug possession.

    Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the verdict. The Fuquay Varina Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaren Kelly and Kimberly Dixon are prosecuting the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:24-CR-00079-BO-KS.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Secret North Carolina Fentanyl Lab Gets Armed Trafficker 27 Years

    Source: US FBI

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – Quavion Maurice Pickett, a/k/a “Q,” a 30-year-old resident of Rock Hill, South Carolina has been sentenced to 324 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release, and a forfeiture of over $72,000, for trafficking fentanyl pills in the Fayetteville area which he manufactured in a makeshift lab in a laundry room.  Pickett pled guilty on April 24, 2024.

    “Counterfeit pills made with deadly fentanyl in filthy makeshift labs are turning up everywhere.  This trafficker was caught with three kilos of fentanyl, a high-capacity pill press, cash, and tens of thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley.  “These pills are made with zero quality-control, with narcotics being mixed in plastic bins and store-bought blenders by reckless, money-hungry narcotics dealers who care only about money and care nothing for human life.  Never, ever, take a pill bought on the street or online that isn’t prescribed by a real doctor.  You are gambling with your life.”

    “The Fayetteville Police Department continues to work collaboratively with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we continue to aggressively combat narcotic trafficking affecting our community,” said Kemberle Braden, Fayetteville Chief of Police.

    According to the court documents and other information presented in court, in April 2022, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department became aware of the drug distribution activities of Pickett through information provided by a confidential informant.  Ultimately, law enforcement conducted surveillance on Pickett’s residence in Fayetteville and observed what appeared to be drug transactions conducted by Pickett on multiple occasions. Law enforcement searched a residence where Pickett was living.  While executing the search warrant, law enforcement discovered a counterfeit pill making operation in the laundry room of the residence complete with a pill press, large plastic tote containers covered in light blue powder residue, multiple digital scales, multiple knotted plastic baggies containing pressed tablets, plastic baggies, a blender covered in powder residue, various full and empty bags containing different colored cutting agents, a money counter covered in powder residue, various metal hand tools, a funnel, pill press die molds, loose blue tablets, and a baggie containing yellow, white, and blue tablets.

    In Pickett’s bedroom law enforcement located and seized baggies containing 157 pressed pills, over $70,000 in cash in a shoe box, a loaded .45 caliber handgun, and a jar and baggie containing an unspecified amount of marijuana.  Additionally, officers recovered an additional $1,760 in cash on Pickett.  The amount of fentanyl seized from the residence totaled 3.1 kilos of fentanyl. The fentanyl pills seized had pressed markings of “A215,” designed to appear to be oxycodone hydrochloride 30 milligram pills.

    Following his arrest by state officials, investigators received reliable information that he had purchased the pill press used in this operation about eight months prior to his arrest and was responsible for purchasing multiple kilograms of fentanyl used for making these pills.

    Pickett was subsequently indicted by the Eastern District of North Carolina after which federal arrest warrants were issued for Pickett’s arrest.  Law enforcement arrested Pickett on October 26, 2022, in South Carolina where he was residing at the time.  During the arrest law enforcement located and seized a duffle bag with 11 baggies containing a total of 19,016 pressed fentanyl pills inside, as well as two baggies of fentanyl powder weighing approximately 294.85 grams, a sifter, a grinding bowl, three plastic containers with powder residue, and drug packaging materials.  A digital scale, marijuana, two cellphones, and $5,525 in cash were also seized.

    Between September 30, 2021, until October 26, 2022, Pickett was found to be responsible for possession with intent to distribute 8,706.98 grams of fentanyl and 10.50 grams of marijuana.  Pickett also maintained a premises for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing a controlled substance, as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.  Furthermore, based upon Pickett’s imprinting the pills with specific numbers associated with prescription pills for distribution, as well as text messages seized from Pickett’s cellphone the Court found that Pickett knowingly misrepresented a substance containing fentanyl as something other than fentanyl. 

    Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief District Judge Richard E. Myers II.  The Fayetteville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:22-CR-00259-M-RJ.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tennessee Man Convicted of Armed Bank Robbery is Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Paul Gordon Day, 37, of Brentwood, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 147 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for the armed robbery of a bank in Asheville, 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) in North Carolina and Chief Michael Lamb of the Asheville Police Department, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

    According to filed court documents and evidence presented at Day’s trial, on November 9, 2022, at approximately 4:20 p.m., Day rode a bicycle to the PNC Bank branch

    located at 8 O’Henry Avenue, in Asheville, which is across the street from the federal courthouse. Day parked the bicycle and entered the bank wearing a blue cap, sunglasses, a blue surgical mask, a grey sweatshirt, and gloves. Upon entering the bank, Day drew from his waistband a firearm wrapped in a black plastic bag secured to the barrel with rubber bands and approached the bank tellers. Day held up a firearm, ordered a customer who was in the bank to the ground, and demanded money from tellers. The tellers complied and gave Day the cash, including a GPS tracking device concealed within the money. Day then fled the scene on the bicycle.

    Court documents show that law enforcement tracked the GPS device and determined it was located inside a vehicle traveling on Interstate 26 toward Weaverville, North Carolina. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and arrested Day, who was alone in the vehicle. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and recovered the firearm Day used during the robbery, the stolen cash and the GPS tracking device, the bicycle, and numerous articles of clothing worn by Day during the commission of the robbery.

    On January 10, 2024, a federal jury found Day guilty of bank robbery using a dangerous weapon, and possessing and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Day remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI, the Asheville Police Department, and the Weaverville Police Department for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Local Internet Café Murders Shooter, Getaway Drivers Sentenced to 40 Years and 30 Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two Columbus men involved in the murder of a husband and wife in a local Internet café were sentenced in U.S. District Court this week to decades in prison.

    Chris A. King, 28, was sentenced yesterday to 480 months in prison. King shot and murdered both the husband and wife while they were working.

    Justice B. Stringer, 29, was sentenced today to 360 months in prison. Stringer drove co-defendants to and from the robbery resulting in murder.

    Five total defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2019 for crimes related to a string of robberies of Internet gaming businesses, including the robbery at Players Paradise on East Broad Street that resulted in murder on Jan. 20, 2019.

    According to court documents, King and a co-defendant robbed Players Paradise at gunpoint and allegedly murdered security guard Joseph Arrington and then his wife, employee Karen Arrington. Stringer then drove the men away from the Internet café.

    Defendants were also responsible for a prior café robbery at Players Paradise on Dec. 10, 2018, stealing $30,000 in cash. Stringer also admitted to his involvement in a Jan. 7, 2019, robbery of Planet Jackpot café on Alum Creek Drive.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced the sentences imposed by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin W. Kelley and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Additional Defendant Pleads Guilty in $50 Million Ponzi Scheme Involving Off-the-Road Tires

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A New Jersey man who is alleged to have fled to Turkey has returned to the United States and pleaded guilty to his role in a nationwide, off-the-road tire sale fraud scheme that resulted in tens of millions of dollars of losses.

    Ahmet Neidik, 64, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit wire fraud.

    Neidik was the co-owner of, and ran the daily operations for, transportation, logistics and importing/exporting businesses. Some of the proceeds of the scheme were sent to businesses controlled by Neidik. Neidik would then wire money to the bank accounts of co-conspirators.

    It is alleged that John K. Eckerd, Jr., 58, of Dallas, is the leader of the multi-state conspiracy.

    Conspiring with previously convicted and sentenced defendant Jason E. Adkins, 46, of Jackson, Ohio, Eckerd and others orchestrated a $50 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 50 investors.

    According to Eckerd’s indictment, from 2012 until at least in or around late 2018, Eckerd represented himself to potential investors as an entrepreneur and businessman with expertise in the market for off-the-road tires. Off-the-road tires are over-sized tires that are used on earth moving equipment and/or mining equipment. Eckerd had control of or access to many corporations allegedly used as part of the scheme.

    Co-conspirators allegedly solicited millions of dollars from investor-victims under false pretenses. Investors were told their money would be used to buy off-the-road tires at a steep discount, and that the tires would then be re-sold to a buyer at a much higher rate. Investors were promised a high percent rate of return on investment, generally within 180 days.

    It is alleged defendants rarely bought or sold tires, and when they did, they used the same tires as the basis for multiple deals, promising multiple investors that they each owned the same tires.

    Defendants corresponded with the potential investors face-to-face, as well as through a combination of phone calls, text messages, and, on occasion, emails. It is alleged they used private planes to showcase their inventory and appear wealthy and successful. Defendants also allegedly provided investors with elaborate, fraudulent paperwork regarding the purported deals. The co-conspirators requested large investments and loans, most to be funded through wire transfers.

    With his guilty plea, Neidik admitted to participating in the scheme. To give potential investors confidence in the tire deals, Eckerd and Adkins offered the services of a purportedly neutral third party to arrange shipment of the tires and/or hold investment funds in escrow until certain conditions were met in completing the deal. Neidik allowed Eckerd and Adkins to represent to investors that he was the neutral third party, and on some occasions, entered into escrow agreements with the investors.

    As part of his plea, Neidik has agreed to pay $370,000 in restitution for his part of the scheme.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation; and J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered today before Chief U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorneys S. Courter Shimeall, Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairfield County Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Prison for Armed Bank Robberies in Athens, Marietta

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A career bank robber was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 162 months in prison for armed robberies he committed in Athens and Marietta in 2020.

    William E. Johnson, 58, of Lancaster, committed armed robberies in August 2020 in Athens and October 2020 in Marietta. As part of his sentence, he will pay more than $50,000 in restitution.

    According to court documents, on Aug. 17, 2020, Johnson brandished a firearm at Hocking Valley Bank on East State Street in Athens. Johnson wore a prosthetic forehead and nose, skin-toned arm sleeves/gloves, makeup and a COVID mask, all designed to disguise his appearance.

    Johnson ordered employees to get on the floor and then emptied several drawers of cash. In total, he took more than $25,000. After stealing the cash, he tied the employees’ hands with zip ties. Johnson ordered the bank manager to give him the keys to the bank manager’s car and the manager complied. Johnson fled the bank in the stolen vehicle.

    On Oct. 22, 2020, Johnson robbed the Citizens Bank on North Second Street in Marietta. Johnson was wearing a full-length Halloween-style mask that made him appear to be an old man and wore a red hood pulled up around his face.

    Johnson possessed a gun and forced his way behind the tellers’ counter. He emptied several drawers, stealing $11,390.

    At the time, Johnson had a warrant out for his arrest for a pending indictment for a bank robbery in Williamstown, West Virginia.

    Law enforcement officers spotted Johnson driving in West Virginia on the evening of the Marietta bank robbery and pulled him over. Johnson attempted to flee on foot, telling officers they would have to kill him to take him into custody again. Officers tased Johnson and placed him under arrest.

    Officers searched Johnson’s vehicle and located more than $9,000 in cash, a loaded handgun, zip ties and his disguises.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cincinnati Division; the Athens, Marietta, Williamstown, W.Va. and Parkersburg, W.Va. police departments; the Washington County and Wood County, W.Va. sheriff’s offices; and the West Virginia State Police announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Noah R. Litton and S. Courter Shimeall are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former High School Teacher Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Exploiting Minors by Taking ‘Upskirt’ Videos at School and in Other Public Places

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former local high school teacher was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 240 months in prison for crimes related to secretly recording explicit videos of his students at school and possessing child sexual abuse material.

    Justin Foley, 48, of Delaware, Ohio, pleaded guilty in May 2023 to sexually exploiting a minor and possessing child pornography.

    Foley was employed as a chemistry teacher at Columbus Alternative High School at the time of his offenses. He used his cell phone and other digital media devices in a hidden manner to capture the genitalia of his female students under their skirts and shorts during the school day.

    According to court documents, in August 2022, the Delaware Police Department received CyberTip reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding numerous images of apparent child sexual abuse material that were uploaded via Google email accounts. Investigators tracked the IP addresses for the reported email accounts to Foley. During the investigation into Foley, officers discovered a second CyberTip report. Five of the IP addresses in the second report belonged to Columbus Public Schools.

    Delaware County law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Foley’s residence on Sept. 20, 2022. Court documents detail that Foley admitted to creating videos in the classroom and hallways of the school at which he taught and that he had created some of these videos as recently as the previous week.

    A review of Foley’s devices by the FBI revealed they contained numerous videos that were voyeuristic in nature and appear to have been self-produced. The videos were recorded at the high school Foley worked at, local department stores in central Ohio, public areas of downtown Delaware, Ohio, and various dressing rooms at different unidentified locations. It is apparent from the videos that the victims depicted in them did not know they were being recorded.

    Foley created numerous videos of female students in the hallways of Columbus Alternative High School or of females that were students in his classroom.  In the videos he secretly recorded, Foley would hide his phone camera or place it beside or behind the victims in attempt to record up their skirts or shorts. Foley then took screenshots from the content he filmed of his victims and created still images of the victim’s nude genitalia, zooming in and “lightening” some of the screenshots to enhance the images.

    In addition to the videos he created himself, more than 1,000 images of child sexual abuse material were recovered from Foley’s devices that depicted a series of images of prepubescent females in various stages of nudity or fully nude exposing their genitals or anus to the camera.

    Foley was arrested and charged locally in Delaware County in September 2022. He was charged federally in November 2022. 

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; J. William Rivers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Westerville Police Chief Charles Chandler; Delaware Police Chief Adam Moore; Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa A. Schiffel; and other members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer M. Rausch and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Birmingham Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Kidnapping

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man was sentenced today for kidnapping and collecting ransom money, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis. 

    U.S. District Judge Abdul K. Kallon sentenced Matthew Amos Burke, 35, to 204 months in prison for kidnapping, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.  Burke pleaded guilty to the charges in April.

    According to the plea agreement, on September 11, 2020, Burke unlawfully entered the home of the victim. Burke then abducted the victim and transported him to Burke’s residence, where the victim was forced to transfer $250,000 from his bank account  into another bank account as directed by Burke.  Once $250,000 was transferred, Burke drove the victim back to his residence and released him. The victim then contacted the Birmingham Police Department and the Mountain Brook Police Department.

    The FBI and Secret Service investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department and the Mountain Brook Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys John Camp and William Simpson prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Stock markets rally nearly 1% backed by strong domestic indicators

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian equity markets ended the week on a positive note, with key indices registering sharp gains on Friday amid firm global cues and robust domestic macroeconomic indicators.

    The BSE Sensex surged 769.09 points, or 0.95 per cent, to close at 81,721.08. The index touched an intraday high of 81,905.17 and a low of 80,897.00 during the session. The NSE Nifty also saw notable gains, climbing 243.45 points, or 0.99 per cent, to settle at 24,853.15.

    Market analysts attributed the uptrend to buying in IT, FMCG, banking and financial stocks, as well as renewed optimism over India’s fiscal outlook.

    “The index has moved higher after finding support at the 21-day exponential moving average (EMA). Broadly, the Nifty appears to be consolidating within the 24,700 to 25,000 range,” said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities. He added that the short-term trend remains positive and momentum could pick up further if the index crosses the 25,000 mark.

    The broader markets also mirrored the upbeat sentiment. The Nifty Midcap100 rose by 0.64 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap100 gained 0.80 per cent—indicating strength across the board.

    On the Sensex, 29 of the 30 constituents ended in the green. Sun Pharma was the sole laggard, falling 2.14 per cent after the company reported a dip in net profit for the fourth quarter.

    Among the top gainers were shares of Eternal, Power Grid, ITC, Bajaj Finserv, and Nestle India, which advanced between 1.83 per cent and 3.6 per cent.

    Sector-wise, Nifty FMCG and Nifty Private Bank led the gains, rising 1.63 per cent and 1.08 per cent, respectively. Other sectors including IT, financial services, metal, PSU bank, oil & gas, and realty also closed in positive territory with gains of up to 0.95 per cent.

    On the other hand, Nifty Pharma and Nifty Healthcare were the only two indices that ended in the red, with marginal declines of 0.41 per cent and 0.01 per cent, respectively.

    Experts said investor sentiment was supported by optimism over ongoing US-India trade negotiations and expectations of a record-high dividend payout by the Reserve Bank of India, which could aid fiscal consolidation efforts.

    “Investor attention is revolving around US-India trade talks and the strength of domestic economic indicators,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE San Antonio, federal partners lead to Treasury sanctions of high-ranking members of Cartel del Noreste, a foreign terrorist organization

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON — The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned two high-ranking members of the Mexico-based Cartel del Noreste, formerly known as Los Zetas, May 21. CDN, one of Mexico’s most violent drug trafficking organizations and a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, has significant influence over the border region, particularly near the Laredo/Nuevo Laredo entry point. These sanctions emphasize the commitment to targeting CDN and other violent cartels involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking, and other crimes that endanger the American people. The investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s San Antonio office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ San Antonio office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Division. The action was closely coordinated with Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit, Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera. The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 14059, which targets the proliferation of illicit drugs and their production, and Executive Order 13224, as amended, which targets terrorists and their supporters.

    “In working toward the total elimination of cartels to Make America Safe Again, the Trump Administration will hold these terrorists accountable for their criminal activities and abhorrent acts of violence,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “CDN and its leaders have carried out a violent campaign of intimidation, kidnapping, and terrorism, threatening communities on both sides of our southern border. We will continue to cut off the cartels’ ability to obtain the drugs, money, and guns that enable their violent activities.”

    Cartel del Noreste

    CDN is a terrorist organization primarily based in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon. The group has been involved in narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking, money laundering, vehicle theft, and oil theft. They have also engaged in terrorist activities to intimidate American citizens and local communities in Mexico, including extortion, kidnapping, and murder.

    In March 2022, CDN fired guns and threw grenades at the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo following the arrest of a CDN member wanted in Mexico for terrorism, homicide, and extortion. The consulate was closed for nearly a month due to the attack, which was seen as a retaliatory act aimed at intimidating American diplomats serving abroad.

    On Feb. 20, the U.S. Department of State identified CDN as an FTO and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Prior to this designation, CDN, then known as Los Zetas, was labeled by the United States as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker on April 15, 2009, under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act for its involvement in international narcotics trafficking. On July 24, 2011, Los Zetas was named a transnational criminal organization in the annex to Executive Order 13581. On Dec. 15, 2021, the Office of Foreign Assets Control designated CDN under Executive Order 14059.

    Sanctioning key members of Cartel del Noreste

    Firearms acquired by CDN affiliates have been smuggled into Mexico. Miguel Angel de Anda Ledezma (De Anda), a high-ranking member of CDN residing in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, oversees the procurement of guns and ammunition for the group. In this role, De Anda has facilitated payments to U.S. straw purchasers and organized firearm deliveries to Nuevo Laredo. Some of these weapons were used in terrorist activities, including one recovered after CDN attacked Mexico’s army during a patrol in March 2024.

    Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda, who lived in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, was the second-in-command of CDN until his February 2025 arrest by Mexican authorities. He led an armed enforcement wing of the group and benefited from trafficked firearms in attacks on Mexican police and military, as well as drug trafficking activities. Gonzalez was arrested on Feb. 3, in connection with a CDN attack on the Mexican military in August 2024, which killed two soldiers and injured five. At the time of his arrest, Gonzalez was in possession of a rifle, a handgun, 300 grams of methamphetamine, and 1,500 fentanyl pills.

    The designations of De Anda and Gonzalez resulted from strong coordination between ICE Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, and DEA.

    Both De Anda and Gonzalez are sanctioned under Executive Orders 14059 and 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by CDN or acting on its behalf.

    Santions Implications

    As a result of this sanction, all property, and interests in property of the designated individuals listed above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Additionally, any entities owned 50 percent or more, directly or indirectly, by one or more blocked individuals are also blocked.

    Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the U.S. that involve property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

    Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in civil or criminal penalties for U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding its enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. Financial institutions and other individuals may also risk sanctions for engaging in certain transactions with designated or blocked persons.

    Engaging in certain transactions with the individuals designated May 21 also poses a risk of secondary sanctions under Executive Order 13224, as amended. Under this authority, OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on the opening or maintenance of a correspondent or payable-through account in the U.S. for any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitated significant transactions on behalf of a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

    Exports, reexports, or transfers of items subject to U.S. export controls involving individuals on the SDN List under Executive Order 13224, as amended, may face additional restrictions from the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. See 15 C.F.R. section 744.8 for more details.

    The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions come not only from its ability to designate and add individuals to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove individuals from the list in accordance with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to encourage positive changes in behavior. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BYDFi Lists SOON/USDT Trading Pair, Launches $5,000 Reward Campaign

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The global crypto exchange BYDFi has officially listed the SOON token and opened spot trading for the SOON/USDT pair. To celebrate the listing, BYDFi has launched a $5,000 prize pool campaign for all eligible traders.

    SOON: Pioneering Scalable Web3 Infrastructure

    $SOON powers the Solana Optimistic Network, a high-performance Layer 2 Rollup solution built on the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), delivering scalable, cost-efficient infrastructure for Ethereum, BNB Chain, and other Layer 1 ecosystems.

    • Leverages Decoupled SVM technology for seamless transaction processing and cross-chain interoperability.
    • Allocates 51% of token supply to the community via COMMing SOON NFT minting and BigBang Program, emphasizing a fair launch.
    • Integrates with data availability layers like Celestia and EigenDA for secure, low-cost asset transfers.
    • Supports Web3 application growth with a community-driven ecosystem.

    $SOON has attracted attention in the Web3 space, amplified by a social media mention from Binance founder CZ. Supported by venture capital, SOON is gaining traction for its focus on blockchain scalability and community engagement.

    Exclusive Rewards for BYDFi Traders

    BYDFi is celebrating the $SOON listing with a limited-time trading campaign. New users can also explore the platform’s welcome rewards:

    Full details are available on the official announcement page or download the BYDFi app.

    About BYDFi

    Established in 2020, BYDFi has grown to serve over 1,000,000 users across 190+ countries and regions. The platform has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Crypto Exchanges & Apps for Beginners of 2025, and offers a full suite of trading products—including spot, perpetual contracts, copy trading, trading bots, and on-chain tools—designed to support both beginners and experienced crypto users.

    BYDFi is committed to providing a world-class crypto trading experience for every user.

    BUIDL Your Dream Finance.

    • Website: https://www.bydfi.com
    • Support email: cs@bydfi.com
    • Business partnerships: bd@bydfi.com
    • Media inquiries: media@bydfi.com

    Twitter( X ) | LinkedIn | Telegram | YouTube | How to Buy on BYDFi

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Phunware Showcases Next-Gen Guest Experience Technology at HITEC 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Phunware to Debut Hospitality AI Features to Streamline Mobile Interactions; Joins Industry Leaders in Discussing How Next-Gen Apps Are Redefining Guest Engagement

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Phunware, Inc. (NASDAQ: PHUN), a leading provider of mobile-first engagement solutions for the hospitality industry, today announced its participation in the 2025 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), taking place June 16–19 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

    At Booth #2233, Phunware will showcase its mobile hospitality solution and unveil its newest AI features. Executives and product experts will be on-site to demonstrate how Phunware’s solution is transforming guest experiences while unlocking new revenue opportunities for hospitality leaders.

    Phunware’s team will also join a discussion about next-generation mobile apps at the Exhibit Hall on Tutorial Stage A on Wednesday, June 18. Phunware will demonstrate how intuitive UX, in-app services, real-time wayfinding, and AI-driven features enhance guest discovery across the resort experience—driving deeper engagement, increased revenue, and greater adoption of ancillary services. More details to follow.

    Phunware’s mobile hospitality solution empowers hoteliers to deliver seamless, intuitive, and personalized guest experiences. With features like property-wide navigation, real-time offers, and targeted messaging, it helps brands boost operational efficiency and drive ancillary revenue, all while staying aligned with brand standards and existing systems.

    Attendees can explore Phunware’s hospitality solution, test-drive the new AI features, and learn how top properties are transforming mobile engagement into revenue-generating, 5-star experiences.

    Book a meeting here to connect with Phunware’s team during the event.

    For additional information on HITEC program, visit here.

    About Phunware

    Phunware Inc. (NASDAQ: PHUN) envisions a world where every organization can deliver immersive, personalized mobile experiences that drive real-world action, loyalty, and growth. We aim to be the leading provider of integrated software solutions enabling smarter engagement through data-driven insights and seamless mobile platforms. We are bridging digital and physical touchpoints to shape the future of mobile engagement.

    Phunware’s mission is to achieve unparalleled connectivity and monetization through the widespread adoption of Phunware mobile technologies, leveraging brands, consumers, partners, digital asset holders, and market participants. Phunware is poised to expand its software products and services audience so customers can drive deeper engagement, automate key functions, and deliver compelling, on-brand experiences.

    For more information on Phunware, please visit www.phunware.com.

    Safe Harbor / Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, Phunware is using forward-looking statements when it discusses the adoption and impact of emerging technologies and their use across mobile engagement platforms.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Chris Tyson, Executive Vice President
    MZ Group – MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    PHUN@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    Phunware Media Contact:

    Joe McGurk, Managing Director
    917-259-6895
    PHUN@mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network –