NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chinle Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Kidnapping and Assault

    Source: US FBI

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jared Josh John, 32, of Chinle, was sentenced on September 11, 2024, by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 25 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. After a jury trial in May 2023, John was convicted of Carjacking, Kidnapping, Robbery, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

    In July 2020, the victim was passing through the Navajo Nation on a road trip when John and a co-defendant broke into his car while he was resting for the night. Led by John, the two co-defendants drove the victim into the desert, where John slit the victim’s throat three times and left him to die. The victim survived by playing dead until the defendants left, and then used his clothes to fashion a tourniquet for his neck before going to find help.

    John’s co-defendant, Everickk Matthew Begay, 55, of Chinle, pleaded guilty to Kidnapping, Robbery, and Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony on March 20, 2023. Begay was sentenced on August 14, 2023, to 97 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Division of Public Safety conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alanna R. Kennedy and Tracy Van Buskirk, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handed the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:            CR-21-08113-PCT-DJH
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-134_Begay et al.

    # # #

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

    2024-134_Begay et al.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Prisoner Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Second-Degree Murder

    Source: US FBI

    TUCSON, Ariz. – Romeo Santino Giovanni, 46, was sentenced last week by Senior U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to 45 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Giovanni pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder on May 23, 2024.

    On July 5, 2016, Giovanni, who was then a federal prisoner at a United States Penitentiary, used a cloth makeshift clothesline to strangle his cellmate to death. Giovanni left pieces of paper on his cellmate’s body, including one that read “lights out.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew C. Cassell, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-17-1428-TUC-JAS
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-143_Giovanni

    # # #

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CEO of CardReady LLC Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for $19 Million Credit Card Laundering Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Created Phony Merchant Accounts to Obtain Credit Card Processing for Fraudulent Telemarketing Scheme

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that BRANDON BECKER, the former CEO of CardReady, LLC (“CardReady”), was sentenced today to seven years in prison for operating a credit card laundering scheme in which BECKER and his co-conspirators stole over $19 million based on false promises that they could reduce thousands of customers’ debt burdens. As part of this scheme, BECKER and his co-conspirators created dozens of sham merchant accounts and false merchant applications, defrauding a credit card processing company and federally insured bank into processing victim payments. BECKER previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, who also imposed today’s sentence.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Over a two-year period, Brandon Becker and his co-conspirators preyed on nearly 20,000 victims who were trying to reduce their debt burdens. Becker tasked co-conspirators at CardReady to recruit straw owners for shell companies, and deceived credit card payment processors into fraudulently processing more than $19 million in stolen funds. With today’s sentence, Becker faces the consequences of this massive fraud, sending the clear message that corporate executives who facilitate fraud will be held accountable for their crimes.”

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

    BECKER was the CEO of CardReady, a Los-Angeles based company acting as a sales agent in the credit card processing industry.  As part of its business as a sales agent, CardReady found merchants who wanted credit card processing services, and submitted merchant applications on behalf of those merchants to an Independent Sales Organization (“ISO”), referred to in the Indictment as the “New York ISO.”  The New York ISO then evaluated the merchant applications, and referred acceptable merchant accounts for processing up the chain to Payment Processor-1 and to Bank-1.  Bank-1 and Payment Processor-1, in turn, processed payments to merchants for purchases by customers who had used credit cards.

    In or about 2012, BECKER negotiated a deal with co-defendant STEVEN SHORT, the former head of Florida-based E.M. Systems & Services LLC and affiliated companies (collectively, “E.M. Systems”).  Under this deal, CardReady would retain approximately one-third of E.M. Systems’ credit card sale transactions in exchange for providing E.M. Systems access to the credit card processing network.  For roughly the next two years, SHORT and telemarketers working in boiler rooms for E.M. Systems cold-called customers and offered services, including debt consolidation and interest-rate reduction, which were prohibited by the applicable guidelines from Bank-1 and other associated processing entities (the “Guidelines”), and which – as BECKER knew – would produce chargebacks from dissatisfied customers far in excess of the number and rate of chargebacks permitted under the Guidelines.

    In securing payment card processing for E.M. Systems, BECKER concealed that E.M. Systems was the true underlying merchant.  Instead, BECKER and his subordinates and co-conspirators, created approximately 26 sham merchant companies, each headed by a “signer” (the “Sham Merchants” and the “Sham Merchant Accounts”).  The 26 signers for the 26 Sham Merchants typically had no business of their own, and lacked knowledge of E.M. Systems’ business.  In return for signing the paperwork provided to them, the signers were paid a nominal fee from CardReady. 

    BECKER and his co-conspirators prepared and coordinated fraudulent merchant applications for each of the Sham Merchants, through merchant applications that falsely described the Sham Merchants to make them look like legitimate independent businesses and to make it more likely that the associated Sham Merchant Account would be approved for processing by the New York ISO, Payment Processor-1, and Bank-1.  The merchant application for each Sham Merchant also concealed the Sham Merchant’s true association with E.M. Systems.

    By steering E.M. Systems’s payment processing through these Sham Merchant Accounts, BECKER accomplished a number of fraudulent purposes.  First, the use of these Sham Merchant Accounts made it possible for E.M. Systems and other high-risk merchants to conceal their identities from Payment Processor-1 and Bank-1 and to maintain payment card processing.  This was particularly relevant, as Payment Processor-1 repeatedly required CardReady to close individual Sham Merchant Accounts because of excessive chargebacks and reports of sales of prohibited services.  BECKER then caused CardReady to quickly replace the closed Sham Merchant Accounts with new Sham Merchant Accounts, precluding Payment Processor-1 from shutting down its processing of E.M. Systems and other high-risk merchants.  Second, the fraudulent processing scheme enabled E.M. Systems and other high-risk merchants to spread out their charges, refunds, and chargebacks across multiple Sham Merchant Accounts.  This enabled them to evade chargeback monitoring programs operated by Bank-1, Payment Processor-1, and the New York ISO.

    BECKER’s use of signers to deceive payment processors was not limited to the E.M. Systems scheme. BECKER and his agents and employees at CardReady systematized the recruitment of over 270 signers and the creation of over 800 Sham Merchant Accounts to be used by more than 30 high risk clients other than E.M. Systems between approximately 2012 and 2016, both before and after the E.M. Systems scheme.

    *                *                *

    BECKER, 53, of Los Angeles, California, pled guilty on August 30, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.  In addition to the prison sentence, BECKER was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,910,600.05, and forfeiture of $11,405,964.00.

    STEVEN SHORT, 48, of Tampa, Florida, pled guilty on August 16, 2022, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.  On May 2, 2023, SHORT was sentenced to 78 months in prison and three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,910,600.05 and forfeiture of $8,833,889.69.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and thanked the Federal Trade Commission for its assistance.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vladislav Vainberg and Timothy Capozzi are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former High-Ranking FDNY Official Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Role in Bribery Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that BRIAN CORDASCO was sentenced to 20 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to solicit and receive bribes in his role as a Chief of the New York City Fire Department (“FDNY”) Bureau of Fire Prevention (“BFP”).  CORDASCO previously pled guilty on October 8, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who also imposed today’s sentence.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As a chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Brian Cordasco was entrusted to protect the people of New York City and to fairly represent their interests.  Instead, he repeatedly abused his position of power by expediting fire inspection services for those who paid him thousands of dollars in bribes.  The sentence imposed today sends a clear message that government officials who betray the public trust to line their own pockets will be met with just punishment.”

    According to the Indictment, plea agreement, and statements made in court:

    From 2021 to 2023, CORDASCO repeatedly abused his position as a Chief of the BFP by participating in a scheme to solicit and receive $190,000 in total bribe payments from a former FDNY firefighter named Henry Santiago, Jr.  In exchange for those bribe payments, CORDASCO used his authority within the BFP to improperly “expedite” BFP inspections and plan reviews for Santiago’s customers.  CORDASCO personally profited $57,000 as part of this scheme.  To carry out this conspiracy, CORDASCO lied to his BFP subordinates to justify otherwise improper expediting requests.  CORDASCO also lied to law enforcement when interviewed about his involvement in the scheme. 

    If you believe you have information related to bribery, fraud, or any other illegal conduct by FDNY or BFP employees, please contact squad6complaint@doi.nyc.gov or (212) 825-2402. If you were involved in such conduct, please consider self-disclosing through the SDNY Whistleblower Pilot Program at USANYS.WBP@usdoj.gov.

    *               *                *

    In addition to the prison term, CORDASCO, 49, of Staten Island, New York, was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $57,000 and a fine of $100,000.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Department of Investigation.

    The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Greenwood, Matthew King, and Daniel H. Wolf are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sextortion: A Growing Threat Targeting Minors

    Source: US FBI

    Offenders Deceive and Manipulate Victims to Create Sexually Explicit Material for Extortion Purposes

    LITTLE ROCK, AR—The FBI wants to warn parents, educators, caregivers, and children about the dangers of online activity that may lead to the solicitation and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual acts.

    Sextortion involves an offender coercing a minor to create and send sexually explicit images or video. An offender gets sexually explicit material from the child and then threatens to release that compromising material unless the victim produces more. These offenders are seeking sexual gratification.

    Financially motivated sextortion is a criminal act that involves an offender coercing a minor to create and send sexually explicit material. Offenders threaten to release that compromising material unless they receive payment, which is often requested in gift cards, mobile payment services, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These offenders are motivated by financial gain, not necessarily just sexual gratification.

    Victims are typically males between the ages of 14 to 17, but any child can become a victim. For financially motivated sextortion, offenders are usually located outside the United States and primarily in West African countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast, or Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines.

    These crimes can lead victims to self-harm and have led to suicide. From October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors. The sextortion involved at least 12,600 victims—primarily boys—and led to at least 20 suicides.

    In the six-month period from October 2022 to March 2023, the FBI observed at least a 20% increase in reporting of financially motivated sextortion incidents involving minor victims compared to the same time period the previous year.

    “The exploitation of children is a reprehensible crime and will not be tolerated by the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Alicia Corder of the FBI’s Little Rock Field Office. “Our office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect Arkansas children from sextortion and hold these predators accountable.”

    If you or someone you know believes that they are a victim of sextortion or financially motivated sextortion, immediately report the activity to law enforcement. You can report it to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting tips.fbi.gov.

    For more information on sextortion and financial sextortion, visit the FBI’s resources on the threats at: https://www.fbi.gov/sextortion and https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/sextortion/financially-motivated-sextortion.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Yellville Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Online Sexual Enticement of a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    Fayetteville – Isaac James Melder, age 42, of Yellville was sentenced on February 13, 2024, to 360 months in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of communicating with a minor through the internet to entice the minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.  The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville.

    According to court documents, in May of 2022, a fourteen-year-old female was reported missing after failing to get on the afternoon school bus.  An extensive search involving multiple law enforcement agencies began, during which officers discovered that Melder and the victim had communicated via the internet using an Xbox.  The messages revealed the two had planned to run away and live in a cave in the Marion County wilderness. The investigation further revealed that Melder had groomed both the victim and her family by providing groceries, money, alcohol, and marijuana and referred to the victim as his wife.

    On June 22, 2022, an informant led law enforcement to the cave where Melder and the victim had lived since their May disappearance.  Melder was immediately taken into state custody.

    Melder was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District in April of 2023 and entered a plea of guilty in July 2023.

    U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

    Mountain Home Police Department, Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, Flippin Police Department, Arkansas Department of Correction, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Harrison Police Department, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas State Parks, the 14th Judicial District Drug Task Force, investigated or assisted in the search in the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still prosecuted the case for the United States.

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

    Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lancaster, Texas, Man Found Guilty of Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—After a two-day trial, a Texas man has been convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On Tuesday, a federal jury found Kaeron Washington, 33, Lancaster, Texas, guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm, the sole count in the Indictment. Washington has previous convictions for aggravated robbery and drug possession.

          After deliberating less than two hours, the jury returned a verdict of guilty. United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky presided over the trial and will sentence Washington at a later date. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment.

          On February 18, 2022, physical surveillance was conducted at 7212 Geyer Springs Road, Little Rock, Arkansas. Law enforcement observed a group of individuals parked in front of a closed business on Geyer Springs at approximately 9:00 p.m. The occupants of the vehicle were observed smoking and passing items back and forth between vehicles for approximately 30 minutes. As investigators approached the vehicle, they activated their emergency lights and could smell an overwhelming odor of marijuana coming from the vehicles.

          Contact was made with Kaeron Washington, the driver of a white Mercedes. As investigators approached the vehicle, Washington was observed opening the driver’s door of the vehicle and throwing an item towards the rear of the vehicle. A bag of suspected marijuana was later located in the area. The passenger in Washington’s vehicle advised law enforcement officials that he had a gun at his feet. After the passenger was taken out of Washington’s vehicle, law enforcement seized the gun that was observed on the floorboard. An officer observed a small bag of suspected marijuana in the seat when the passenger exited the vehicle. During a further search of Washington’s vehicle, officers located a Glock pistol in the center console next to the driver’s seat.

          The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Little Rock Police Department, and the GET Rock Task Force.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Little Rock Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison After Fleeing Police, Illegal Possession of Fentanyl

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK—Andre Pride will spend the next 151 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker.

          Chief Judge Baker sentenced Pride to 151 months imprisonment and three years’ supervised release to follow his prison sentence. Pride faced a maximum sentence of not more than 20 years imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

          On July 19, 2022, Pride, 36, of Little Rock, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. On May 5, 2023, Pride pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

          On June 13, 2019, Pride was driving a Can-Am motorcycle and while law enforcement officers were attempting to make contact with him, Pride rammed their vehicle and fled. While fleeing, Pride observed two marked law enforcement vehicles and quickly turned around. After turning around, Pride rammed another law enforcement vehicle and fled on foot. While fleeing, Pride removed a baggie of fentanyl from his pocket tore open the bag and attempted to spread the fentanyl in the yard of an unknown residence. Following the arrest of Pride, law enforcement officers retrieved 30 grams of fentanyl from the yard.

          The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Trafficking Results in Over a Dozen People Arrested on Federal Charges

    Source: US FBI

    Several Defendants Face Federal Drug, Gun, and Money Laundering Charges In Large Scale Drug Operation

          JONESBORO—Fifteen people were arrested Tuesday morning as part of a sweeping law enforcement operation that targeted associates of a drug organization responsible for the distribution of methamphetamine in the Northeast Arkansas area. Law enforcement officers previously arrested one person on Monday and served arrest warrants on an additional three people already in custody.

          The investigation began in August 2022 to combat a significant drug distribution organization operating in the Northeast Arkansas area. Numerous indictments, which were returned by a Grand Jury on April 2, 2024, and unsealed today, named several defendants who are charged with various drug, money laundering, and firearm offenses. Law enforcement officers arrested 15 individuals and served an arrest warrant Tuesday on two defendants already in federal custody and one in state custody.

          Prior to today’s arrests, the investigation had resulted in the seizure of 45 pounds of methamphetamine, 10 pounds of marijuana, one pound of cocaine, six firearms, various ammunition, and $125,000 in drug proceeds. During arrest operations on Tuesday, agents recovered additional methamphetamine, three firearms (one of which was defaced), ammunition, and approximately an additional $28,000 in suspected drug proceeds.

          “So many lives and communities have been destroyed by drugs and with today’s arrests, fifteen drug dealers have been taken off the streets,” said Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “Where drugs are present, so are firearms and violence. Working with our federal, state, and local partners to keep our citizens safe from the violence that too often accompanies drug trafficking, will help to create safer communities for citizens in the Eastern District of Arkansas.”

          “Today’s arrests demonstrate how the FBI has zero tolerance for criminals who pollute our communities with dangerous narcotics,” Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Little Rock Field Office. “This was a collaborative effort between the FBI, Jonesboro Police Department, Craighead County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, and several others. We will continue to work together to keep Arkansans safe and bring dangerous criminals to justice.”

          The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, 2nd Judicial District Drug Task Force, Jonesboro Police Department, Craighead County Sheriff’s Office, Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

          The charges in today’s unsealed indictments include conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to money launder, money laundering, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

          The minimum penalty for the drug charges is not less than 10 years’ imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine. The minimum penalty for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime is not less than five years in prison and up to life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

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

          The defendants arrested today will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Benecia B. Moore on April 18, 2024, for plea and arraignment. Defendants who were already in custody will have arraignments scheduled later. Trial dates will be announced at plea and arraignment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary. The defendants charged and in custody include:

    Cesar Cortez-Rocha, 51, Misson, Texas

    Amado Barranco, Jr. aka “Myo”, 55, McAllen, Texas

    Bobby Franklin Barber, 60, Jonesboro

    Misty Dawn Barber, 38, Jonesboro

    Jamie Lynn Patterson, 40, Jonesboro

    *Amie Dawn Eggers, 39, Jonesboro (already in federal custody on other charges)

    Carey Wayne Peden, 46, Little Rock

    Vance Allen Brown, 56, Hot Springs

    *Sir Edward Lee Qualls aka “Buddy”, 35, Earle (already in federal custody on related charges)

    Reginald Bogan aka “Smooth”, 37, Jonesboro

    **Melissa Bradley, 33, Jonesboro (already in custody on state charges)

    Jerry Crump, 55, Jonesboro

    Sandi Stanfill, 59, Paragould

    Delisha Pugh, 25, Earle

    Jennifer Jones, 37, Brookland

    William Jones, 28, Harrisburg

    Marcus McIntyre, 42, Memphis, Tennessee

    Harthoner Goforth, 38, Paragould

    Shauna Rutledge, 37, Hughes

    * already in federal custody

    ** in state custody

          An indictment contains only allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    # # #

    This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Charges Cincinnati Man with Crimes Related to $6.5 Million Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    CINCINNATI – A local man was indicted on charges alleging he defrauded victims out of more than $6.5 million through an online laundry and dry-cleaning pickup and delivery business.

    Benjamin Cantey, 41, of Cincinnati, was charged in a six-count indictment that was unsealed yesterday.

    According to the indictment, in 2019, Cantey started Carbon IQ Inc., doing business as Rumby, as a Delaware corporation that he operated out of Cincinnati. Rumby was a venture-backed startup that purported to provide an e-commerce platform for pickup and delivery of laundry and dry cleaning. Cantey sought to raise investment money as the founder and CEO of the company.

    It is alleged that from 2020 through 2022, Cantey defrauded investors and potential investors of money and property. Cantey allegedly lied about his business experience and prior business success to recruit investors. He also allegedly communicated false information that overstated Rumby’s revenue, profits, bank balance, growth and potential growth. He allegedly sent false presentation decks to victims.

    For example, Cantey claimed that Rumby ended May 2022 with a $1.5 million bank balance when in reality the account had a negative balance of approximately -$53,000.

    The defendant allegedly spent $850,000 in investor money to help purchase a 5,000-square-feet, $1.7 million home on Garden Place in Cincinnati.

    Cantey is charged with four counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Singer is representing the United States in this case.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Former Arkansas Sheriff’s Deputies Plead Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Violations for Violently Assaulting a Man They Arrested

    Source: US FBI

    Two former Crawford County, Arkansas, sheriff’s deputies, Levi White, 34, and Zackary King, 28, pleaded guilty to federal civil rights offenses for using unlawful force on a man they arrested.

    “The defendants swore an oath to uphold the law, then violated that oath and abused their power by assaulting a person who was pinned to the ground and not resisting,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “These defendants will now face the serious consequences that result from their unlawful actions. The Justice Department will continue to protect the right of every person in this country to be free of excessive force by law enforcement officers.”  

    “The videos from this incident are a shocking display of the violent deprivation of civil rights committed by these officers,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes for the Western District of Arkansas. “No person in police custody should ever feel threatened or should ever experience violence at the hands of those who are sworn to protect the public. We will continue to vigorously pursue justice in cases involving the violation of civil rights in the Western District of Arkansas.”

    “The violent and abusive actions of these two men, who were sworn to serve and protect our community, are unacceptable,” said Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Law enforcement officers hold positions with significant authority and influence, and their credibility in the eyes of the American people depends on their ability to maintain integrity. These guilty pleas serve as a reminder that the FBI will continue to hold accountable those who take advantage of their positions and will always fight to protect the civil rights of all Americans.”

    “Disgraceful actions, like those of the two Crawford County sheriff’s deputies, negatively impact all members of Arkansas law enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder of the FBI Little Rock Field Office. “A gun and a badge do not give someone the right to ignore the Constitution. The FBI’s ArkTrust Task Force will continue to work to restore the public’s trust in law enforcement by investigating officers who violate the civil rights of citizens in our community.”

    According to court documents, White, King and a third officer approached a man identified as R.W. in a gas station parking lot on Aug. 21, 2022, during their investigation into a person threatening a store attendant. R.W. lunged at White and tackled him, then all three officers quickly subdued R.W. and pinned him to the ground. After R.W. was pinned to the ground and no longer fighting the officers, King kicked R.W. in the back and struck R.W. once in the midsection with his fist. At approximately the same time, White punched R.W. at least nine times in the head, then lifted R.W.’s head and slammed it into the pavement. The third officer did not strike R.W. R.W. suffered head injuries from the assault.

    Sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date. White faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. King faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Little Rock Field Office and ARKTrust Task Force investigated the case.

    Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer and Trial Attorneys Lia Rettammel and Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Roberts and Devon Still for the Western District of Arkansas are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Indicts Local Doctor on False Statements, Writings Charges Related to 1989 Rape

    Source: US FBI

    Court documents detail 2 additional alleged victims; law enforcement continues to seek information in Ohio, Colorado & Kansas

    DAYTON, Ohio – A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment today against a Sycamore Township man whose DNA implicated him in a 1989 rape.

    Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, is charged with four counts of making false statements to an agency or officer of the United States and two counts of making or using a false document or writing. Each count is punishable by up to five years in prison. These federal crimes are prosecutable even if an underlying offense has passed the statute of limitations.

    Tanzer has been in custody since his arrest on Dec. 11 and will remain in custody pending trial.

    According to court documents, Tanzer’s DNA was confirmed by a forensic laboratory as a match to the DNA the rapist had left at the 1989 crime scene, where the victim was violently raped over the course of five and a half hours in her condominium on Creighton Place in Cincinnati after arriving home from work.

    It is alleged that Tanzer made several materially false statements to federal investigators when approached about the rape last week, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date she was raped.

    Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Ohio, Kansas and Colorado.

    According to a recent filing relating to detention, during a search warrant executed on Dec. 11 at Tanzer’s home, investigators located restraints, a gag, a black hat and zip ties together in Tanzer’s dresser.

    The same filing also detailed that two additional victims have been identified who were repeatedly drugged and raped by Tanzer, including as recently as two and a half years ago in Kansas. The document includes information about Tanzer drugging the women in order to have sex with them without their consent and about Tanzer using a burner phone to engage with sex workers when he traveled for work for weeks or months at a time.

    Federal law enforcement officials ask the public to consider the circumstances of the rapes, and the locations where Tanzer has lived, and to contact the FBI with any similar information at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Division; and Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge announced the arrest. The IRS-Criminal Investigation Cincinnati Field Office assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly K. Rossi and Julie D. Garcia are representing the United States in this case.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woman Pleads Guilty to Transporting Stolen Human Body Parts Out of the State of Arkansas

    Source: US FBI

          LITTLE ROCK— Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced today that a former employee of a mortuary services provider has pleaded guilty to transporting stolen body parts across state lines and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Candace Chapman Scott, 37, of Little Rock, entered this guilty plea today before United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.

          Judge Miller will sentence Scott at a later date. Transporting stolen property across state lines is punishable by not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, not less than three years’ supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000. The maximum penalty faced by Scott for mail fraud is not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, not less than three years’ supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000.

          The investigation revealed that Scott, while an employee at a mortuary services provider between October 2021 through approximately July 15, 2022, stole human body parts and fetal remains. Scott would then sell the stolen human body parts and fetal remains, arranging for them to be transported across a state line to the purchaser.

          Scott was indicted on April 5, 2023, and charged with six counts of wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, and two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property.   In exchange for her guilty plea, the remaining charges were dismissed.

          The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

          If you have information relating to this case or think you may have been impacted by this case, you may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by email at USAARE-SubmitInfo@usdoj.gov.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbus Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Robbing Postal Carrier at Gunpoint

    Source: US FBI

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Anthony J. “A.J.” Williams, 20, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 84 months and one day in prison for crimes related to armed robberies of United States postal carriers. 

    “Today’s sentencing shows our continued commitment to holding accountable individuals who break the law in relation to mail theft,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “Our investigations and prosecutions will be vigorous, and the end results will be significant. Williams’s seven-year prison sentence is just one example of that.”

    According to court documents, on Nov. 9, 2022, Williams committed an armed robbery of a USPS letter carrier who was delivering mail on Michigan Ave. in Columbus. The postal carrier was delivering mail to an apartment complex’s “cluster box” at the time.

    After borrowing a Glock19 from one co-conspirator and being driven by another co-conspirator, Williams approached the mail carrier and brandished the handgun directly at the victim. Williams demanded the victim’s postal keys and then yanked the postal keys off of the carrier’s belt.

    Williams sent photos of the stolen key to another co-conspirator who was orchestrating the robbery.

    The defendant also worked with that same co-conspirator to plan a postal robbery for Christmas Eve 2022 and repeatedly “fished” for stolen mail with stolen postal keys.

    Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury and arrested in January 2024. He pleaded guilty in July 2024 to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, committing aggravated robbery of United States property and conspiring to commit an offense against the United States.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division; announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Seeks Information Related to 1989 Rape

    Source: US FBI

    DAYTON, Ohio – A Sycamore Township man was arrested by federal agents today and charged with making false statements related to a 1989 rape. Officials ask anyone with information regarding this or any other similar rape to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    It is alleged that Frederick Louis Tanzer, 66, knowingly made a false statement to FBI agents. His home on Kenwood Road and vehicles were searched today, and Tanzer appeared in federal court in Dayton following his arrest.

    According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Tanzer was recently identified as the prime suspect in the cold-case rape. In recent months, agents collected DNA evidence from a Starbucks cup that Tanzer discarded at a local BMV. The DNA extracted from Tanzer’s coffee cup was confirmed by a forensic laboratory as a match to the DNA the rapist had left at the 1989 crime scene.

    It is alleged that Tanzer made several materially false statements to federal investigators when approached today, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date she was raped.

    Tanzer is a medical doctor who has lived and practiced medicine in Ohio, Kansas and Colorado.

    The affidavit details that on Aug. 1, 1989, the victim was violently raped in her condominium on Creighton Place in Cincinnati after arriving home from work.

    Federal law enforcement officials ask the public to consider these circumstances of the rape and to contact the FBI with any similar information:

    • When the victim arrived home, she noticed an odor that smelled to her like brewed tea or burnt marijuana.
    • The rapist was dressed from head to toe in black Lycra, including black gloves and a face mask. He had a black gym bag with him.
    • The assailant held a knife to the victim’s throat.
    • The rapist used white surgical tape from the gym bag to wrap around the victim’s eyes and head. He used stockings and panty hose from the victim’s dresser to bind her hands and feet to the headboard and footboard of her bed.
    • The rapist cut or tore the victim’s clothing and used Vaseline.
    • The rapist assaulted the victim vaginally, orally and anally. In between bouts of sexual conduct, the assailant used a cloth to wipe the victim’s mouth and genital areas.
    • The rapist said nothing during the entire encounter. He occasionally took breaks from sexually assaulting the victim while the victim remained tied to her bed.
    • The rapist listened to and erased answering machine messages. He looked through papers in the victim’s living room and rummaged through her purse. He unplugged and/or disconnected telephones.
    • On the handset of the telephone in the bedroom, the rapist taped a piece of newspaper that had been cut from the paper on the couch in the victim’s living room and wrote, “No police or I’ll be back Mis [sic] [name of victim’s employer]”
    • The victim described the rapist as white, with dark brown hair, approximately six feet tall with a thin or athletic build.
    • The assault took place over the course of more than five and a half hours.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Division; and Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge announced the arrest. The IRS-Criminal Investigation Cincinnati Field Office assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly K. Rossi and Julie D. Garcia are representing the United States in this case.

    A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eugene Man Pleads Guilty to Three Federal Hate Crimes for Defacing Synagogue

    Source: US FBI

    EUGENE, Ore.—A Eugene man pleaded guilty to three federal hate crimes today for intentionally defacing a Eugene synagogue on multiple occasions.

    Adam Edward Braun, 34, pleaded guilty to two counts of intentionally defacing a synagogue and one count of attempting to deface religious property because it was a place of religious worship for Jewish people.

    According to court documents, between September 2023 and January 2024, Braun intentionally defaced Temple Beth Israel, a Jewish synagogue in Eugene, by repeatedly targeting the synagogue with graffiti, some of which used antisemitic symbols and phrases. Braun’s pattern of behavior culminated in the early morning hours of January 14, 2024, when he traveled to Temple Beth Israel with a hammer and prepared to swing at the glass doors of the synagogue. Braun stopped when he saw he was being recorded by a surveillance camera, and then moved to a different area of the property and used spray paint to write “White Power” in large letters on the building’s exterior.

    On January 31, 2024, officers from the Eugene Police Department, with assistance from the FBI, executed a state search warrant on Braun’s Eugene residence. Investigators located multiple pieces of evidence connecting Braun to the attacks on Temple Beth Israel, along with several items and writings belonging to Braun that were consistent with antisemitic beliefs and biases.

    Braun was initially charged by criminal complaint on March 4, 2024. Later, on May 9, 2024, Braun was charged by criminal information with five counts of defacing and attempting to deface religious property because it was a place of religious worship for Jewish people.

    Braun faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for each count. He will be sentenced on February 18, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.

    As part of the plea agreement, Braun has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victim.

    This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron A. Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division Criminal Section, are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Sacramento Celebrates 2024 Graduates of the FBI National Academy

    Source: US FBI

    Did you know that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began providing standardized, professional training to law enforcement professionals in 1935? Since its founding, the FBI National Academy has trained 55,797 law enforcement professionals from across the globe. This training aims to enhance the administration of justice in police departments and agencies both domestically and abroad, raising law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.

    The FBI Sacramento Field Office referred 16 law enforcement professionals to this program in 2024. They represent law enforcement agencies based within the 34-county region the FBI Sacramento Field Office serves. FBI National Academy graduates in 2024 include:

    • Deputy Division Chief Luke Blehm
      California Alcoholic Beverage Control
    • Captain Andrew Beasley
      California Highway Patrol
    • Lieutenant Noah Hawkins
      California Highway Patrol
    • Captain Anthony Horner
      California Highway Patrol
    • Lieutenant Lou Wright
      Folsom Police Department
    • Captain Brandon Pursell, Jr.
      Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
    • Lieutenant Jerardo “Charlie” Chamalbide
      Fresno Police Department.
    • Chief Deputy Erik Levig
      Kern County Sheriff’s Office
    • Captain Ray Reyna
      Modesto Police Department
    • Chief Brandon Gillespie
      Modesto Police Department
    • Chief Investigator Mary Green
      Placer County District Attorney’s Office
    • Lieutenant Mark Lopez
      Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
    • Captain Vance Chandler
      Sacramento Police Department
    • Chief Rudolfo Alcaraz
      Selma Police Department
    • Lieutenant Craig Collins
      Solano County Sheriff’s Office
    • Octavio Lopez
      Tracy Police Department.

    Following graduation, each officer may join the FBI National Academy Associates, Inc., a dynamic organization of more than 14,000 law enforcement professionals who continue improving the level of competency, cooperation, and integrity among the global law enforcement community.

    Courses during the rigorous, 10-week program include intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science. Students and their respective law enforcement agencies receive tuition, books, equipment, meals, lodging, or travel to and from the training facility at no cost.

    The FBI National Academy program was originally launched as the “FBI Police Training School” in response to the 1930 Wickersham Commission report recommending standardization and professionalization of law enforcement in the United States through centralized training. At the time, courses included scientific aids in crime detection, preparation of reports, and criminal investigation techniques as well as administration and organization. To learn more about the FBI National Academy, visit https://www.fbi.gov/services/training-academy/national-academy.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Participating in International Money Laundering Scheme Involving More Than $3 Million in Fraud Proceeds

    Source: US FBI

    NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 9, 2024

    SAN DIEGO – Juan Pablo Prada Bernal of Colombia was sentenced in federal court today to 40 months in prison for participating in an international money laundering conspiracy involving more than $3 million in proceeds obtained through phone scams.

    At today’s hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew G. Schopler also ordered Bernal to pay $327,040.72 in restitution to 27 victims of the offense.

    According to his plea agreement, between June 2018 and March 2020, Bernal was a member of an international conspiracy that laundered large amounts of money. The conspiracy involved two sides: Those responsible for contacting victims by phone and tricking them into sending thousands of dollars to U.S.-based bank accounts, and those responsible for laundering the proceeds through those bank accounts. The money launderers received and transferred the ill-gotten gains to their co-conspirators in Colombia and the United States, and in the process concealed the nature, source, location, ownership and control of the proceeds.

    The money launderers opened bank accounts at various financial institutions using false mailing addresses. Shortly after the accounts were opened, the phone scammers – many of whom lived in Colombia – made unsolicited phone calls to victims in the United States using spoofed phone numbers. This allowed callers to conceal their identity and make it appear as if the calls originated from locations in the United States, such as a police station where the victim lived or had lived in the past.

    During calls with victims, the scammers impersonated federal and local law enforcement officers and made the victims believe they were implicated in a crime. Using this as leverage, the conspirators coerced victims to make large wire transfers or other payments to purportedly resolve their criminal liability. The scammers instructed victims to wire funds to the various bank accounts opened by the money launderers. Once the money was deposited into the accounts, the money launderers quickly moved to withdraw the funds, purchase cashier’s checks to send to other conspirators, and drain the balance of the accounts before the funds could be frozen.

    According to the United States’ sentencing memorandum, Bernal opened bank accounts at 10 different financial institutions to carry out the money laundering scheme. In many instances, Bernal received the fraud proceeds shortly after he opened the bank accounts and drained the balance of the accounts in a matter of days. After banks stopped allowing Bernal to open new accounts, he began to receive and launder cashier’s checks sent from his co-conspirators that were purchased with fraud proceeds obtained from other victims. To carry out this new role, Bernal and his co-conspirators traveled to multiple Moneytree locations in the same day for the purpose of laundering large amounts of fraud proceeds over a short period of time.

    Over the course of approximately two years, Bernal received and laundered fraud proceeds more than 30 times from 27 different victims, including varying amounts of cashier’s checks from 14 of his co-conspirators, totaling an amount of $327,040.72.

    “These scammers are sophisticated and will prey on emotion and fear,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “This defendant turned deceit into profit, so we turned his profit into a conviction.”

    “FBI Los Angeles works closely with our law enforcement partners to combat money laundering in our communities. Mr. Bernal’s sentence should serve as a deterrent to those who seek to prey on innocent victims” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI reminds the public to be vigilant and never send money, gift cards, or share personal identifying information with a caller and to verify that the caller is a legitimate business or organization. The public is urged to report these calls to 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.”

    “The U.S. Border Patrol is an all-threats agency, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our citizens from any and all threats,” said Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. “I couldn’t be prouder of the work done by these agents to secure a significant and successful prosecution.”

    This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Swan.

    DEFENDANT                                   Case Number             23-cr-1483-AGS

    Juan Pablo Prada Bernal                     Age: 24                       Columbia

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)

    Maximum Penalties: Twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection

    U.S. Border Patrol

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force

    U.S. Secret Service

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Post-Budget speech to Auckland Business Chamber

    Source: New Zealand Government

    It’s a pleasure to be invited here today by the Auckland Chamber for my first post-Budget speech.

    The Chamber is the peak body for the Auckland business sector, where so many of our country’s businesses are based.

    Our Government backs business-friendly policies because, ultimately, business success underpins our success as a nation. 

    I am going to talk to you today about the Budget’s business growth measures. 

    Thriving businesses deliver the growth, jobs and incomes that New Zealanders need to get ahead.

    One of those thriving businesses is hosting us right here. 

    If you’ll pardon the pun, I reckon that Recorp is the can manufacturing company with the can-do attitude.

    I admire the scale of your ambition to eliminate the use of single use plastic bottles in New Zealand by 2030.

    My congratulations to you Bruce Parton and your team, and also to Rob Fyfe whose vision and commitment helped get this company up and running.

    One of Recorp’s critical points of difference is the quality of its manufacturing equipment.

    You invested heavily at the outset in the technology that enables you to accurately tailor orders to match customer requirements, regardless of size.

    You have set an example for other new Kiwi businesses. Many are following it, but it’s a challenge for others.

    We know that capital investment is a key to business success. So often, it’s the piece that gives companies the edge over competitors at home and overseas.

    One of the things I hear from business leaders is the difficulty many Kiwi businesses face raising capital to invest in the equipment and other assets they need to succeed.

    Lack of good quality capital has become a barrier to growth.

    This Government has acted to lower that barrier.

    The Investment Boost tax incentive announced in the Budget gives businesses an adrenalin boost to invest in the new productive assets they need to succeed.

    I’m really proud that we’ve managed to incorporate this exciting new initiative in the Budget.

    I expect almost all of you will have heard something about Investment Boost in recent days. 

    You may even have heard our critics say in the media that it won’t make much difference.

    Well, our MPs have been out since the Budget was delivered and what they’ve heard is that Investment Boost will be a game-changer for many Kiwi businesses.

    Like the manufacturer now planning a $70 million capital expansion over the next two years to install a fully automated plant.

    Like the chicken farmer now planning to raise his investment in upgrades and new assets from $12 million to $18 million over the next 12 months. He said this was the “best news for our sector in a long time”.

    Like the caterer with a new kitchen to fit out, who says they will be “thousands and thousands better off”.

    Like Robbie Smith, owner of Stevenson and Taylor, the large Hawke’s Bay agricultural machinery business. He has already seen a jump in sales since the announcement, with one customer purchasing two tractors. He said: “This initiative is great news for local businesses.”

    Like Pic’s Peanut Butter Chief Executive Aimee McCammon, who thinks Investment Boost will be “super helpful” for the many small to medium-sized businesses like hers that are running on old kit.

    Or like Chartered Accountants New Zealand country head Peter Vial who says  the announcement was more generous than expected and will significantly increase productivity and growth 

    He says: “New Zealand’s poor productivity is not due to poor work ethic or laziness, but rather a lack of capital investment in equipment, machinery and technology. The Investment Boost tax incentive strikes at the heart of this.”

    I couldn’t agree more.

    Then there’s the semi-retired accountant who was inundated with calls on the Friday morning after the Budget from clients looking to take advantage of Investment Boost. 

    He said: “It is a long time since I have seen a reaction like this to the Budget.”

    I’m going to talk more about Investment Boost soon – how it works, with some examples of the savings it offers. 

    But I’d like to start by putting a bit of context around the Budget, and why we’ve taken the approach we have.

    The Budget is a responsible Budget for uncertain times.

    I’ve been calling it the no-BS Budget.

    We’ve levelled with Kiwis about the challenges we face as a nation. 

    No rainbows or unicorns. No lolly scrambles. Just straight talk, and responsible actions.

    We inherited a country with its bank account run down and the credit card maxed out.

    Thanks to the previous Government’s refusal to turn off the spending tap after Covid, public debt ballooned from just 18.6 per cent of GDP in 2019 to 41.7 per cent in 2024, just five years later.

    We’ve slipped back to the bad old days of the eighties and nineties, when debt servicing was among the biggest government spending items.

    Today, about one dollar in every 15 of the Government’s operating spending goes to paying the interest bill on our borrowings.

    Our political opponents say that’s all good. Other countries have higher debt, so we can just borrow and spend more to get ourselves out of trouble.

    That kind of talk ignores the reality that New Zealand’s economy is different to many of those other more highly indebted economies. 

    We are small, isolated and heavily reliant on overseas trade. We have very limited ability to influence the global financial and trading conditions that affect our livelihood.

    This audience needs no reminding of how unstable and unpredictable the world trading environment is right now. 

    Further, we are a country that’s vulnerable to sudden, costly shocks. 

    One day another big earthquake, cyclone, pandemic or biosecurity breach is going to hit us. Recovering from events like those is even harder if there’s nothing left in the kitty to pay for it. 

    The good news is that the economic recovery is under way. 

    Inflation is down and is forecast to stay within the 1 to 3 per cent target band.

    Interest rates are down, and forecast to fall further. 

    The Budget forecasts GDP to rise to healthy rates of around 3 per cent in each of the next two years.

    Wages are forecast to grow faster than the inflation rate, making wage earners better off, on average, in real terms.

    The Budget also forecasts that 240,000 more people will be in work over the forecast period to mid-2029.

    Many New Zealanders may not be feeling better off now, but over time they will – provided we stay the course.

    The recovery remains fragile. Global uncertainty has caused Treasury to peg back its forecasts, especially in the near term.

    The recovery isn’t in danger, but it is likely to be slower than previously forecast.

    As a government, we’re talking straight with New Zealanders about the way ahead. 

    About getting public debt under control and nurturing the economic recovery now under way.

    About carefully managing the public purse. Making sure we’re using taxpayer dollars to pay for the must-haves, rather than the nice to haves.

    About doing nothing to put the economic recovery at risk – because a growing economy is the route to higher living standards for everyone.

    But we’re also clear that the no-BS Budget doesn’t mean penny-pinching across the board.

    We get that New Zealanders are struggling with the cost of living. The Budget responds with some carefully targeted help, including rates relief for more SuperGold Card holders, 12-month prescriptions to save the cost of repeats, better targeting Working for Families to low and middle-income earners, and continuing funding for food banks.

    We’re also investing more in health, education, law and order and other frontline public services.

    We’ve done that while also finding room to invest in business success.

    The Budget demonstrates that we truly can walk and chew gum at the same time.

    It’s about hope grounded in reality.

    That we can continue to invest in the things that matter, while staying on a debt reduction and economic growth track.

    That we can reduce government spending as a share of the economy and return the government’s books to balance.

    We’ve done it despite reducing our operating allowance from $2.4 billion to $1.3 billion a year.

    That’s the lowest allowance in a decade. The adjustment was made to keep government spending on a tight track, recognising changing forecasts due to the uncertain economic conditions.

    Despite the smaller discretionary kitty, we’ve still been able to deliver $5 billion in new spending and $1.7 billion for the Investment Boost tax incentive that I talked about earlier.

    That’s because most of the spending increase is funded by savings.

    We’ve been able to find $5.3 billion in savings through reprioritising and cost reductions across government.

    Half the savings come from changes to the pay equity regime. 

    To be clear, I am absolutely committed to pay equity. But we have to be sure that future settlements stick to fixing pay discrepancies between occupations that are based only on sex-based discrimination, and not for other reasons. 

    Otherwise, pay equity negotiations simply become a surrogate for a normal wage bargaining round.

    Even our political opponents are starting to realise that the previous pay equity regime was simply out of control. The scale of settlements coming at us would have limited our ability to invest in health, education and the other public services that the women – and men – of New Zealand rely on.

    We’ve also put another $1.8 billion towards investment in health and education infrastructure like hospitals and schools.

    And we’re putting $1.7 billion into what I believe is the single most important policy in this year’s Budget – the Investment Boost tax incentive that I talked about earlier.

    Investment Boost is available right now to every business represented in this room.

    Businesses large and small – manufacturers like Recorp, farmers, tradies, whoever.

    It’s for all those businesses that are keeping their heads above water but need a bit of help to get beyond that, by getting their hands on the productive assets they need to grow.

    Assets like machinery, tools, equipment, technology, vehicles and industrial buildings.

    Investment Boost applies to new assets purchased by New Zealand businesses. It can also apply to second-hand assets imported from overseas.

    It excludes land, residential buildings, and assets already in use in New Zealand.

    There’s no cap on the value of new investments. All businesses, regardless of size, are eligible.

    It allows you to immediately deduct 20 per cent of the cost of a new asset from your taxable income, on top of depreciation.

    That means a much lower tax bill in the year of purchase. The remaining book value is depreciated at normal rates.

    Since a dollar now is more valuable than a dollar in future, the cashflow from investments is more attractive and the after-tax returns are better.

    It means that more investment opportunities stack up financially, so more investments will be made.

    Let’s look at an example.

    A manufacturer – let’s call it Green Kiwi – wants to invest in a new environmental test chamber, at a cost of $200,000.

    Before Investment Boost, the company could claim an annual depreciation deduction of 10.5 per cent. That would reduce Green Kiwi’s taxable income by $21,000 a year over its useful life.

    With Investment Boost, it can now also claim 20 per cent of the value of the asset – that’s $40,000 – in the year of purchase, as well as the standard depreciation on the remaining 80 per cent of its value

    Together, these deductions reduce the company’s taxable income in that year by $56,800.

    This translates to an additional $10,000 off the company’s tax bill that year.

    That’s $10,000 more that Green Kiwi has to reinvest in the assets it needs to grow.

    Another example. Farmer Brown gets a woolshed built for $150,000. The extra deductions he gets under Investment Boost mean his tax bill will be $8,274 less than it would otherwise have been, meaning more to invest in shearing equipment in his new shed.

    And another one. Pam the plumber buys a ute for $60,000. Investment Boost gives her $2906 more than she would otherwise have had to buy new tools.

    Over the next 20 years, Investment Boost is expected to lift New Zealand’s capital stock by 1.6 per cent, leading to wages rising by 1.5 per cent and GDP by 1 per cent.

    These are estimates, not precise values. But officials estimate that roughly half those benefits will be achieved in the first five years.

    The Government did consider reducing the company tax rate as an alternative to Investment Boost. But dollar for dollar, Investment Boost raises investment more than a company tax rate reduction as it only applies to new investments, not those made in the past.

    The other advantage of Investment Boost is that the benefits are expected to flow to workers.

    Inland Revenue’s Regulatory Impact Statement states that “the majority of the increase in national income from Investment Boost would flow to workers. This increase would come from a combination of higher wages and higher employment. We therefore expect that the benefits of Investment Boost will be spread broadly across a wide range of New Zealanders.”

    There you have it. Ultimately, all workers benefit from Investment Boost.

    There’s a number of other business growth initiatives in this Budget.

    We’re setting up a new agency, Invest New Zealand, to attract global capital, business and talent to this country. An experienced advisory group chaired by Rob Morrison, has been appointed to support its establishment. 

    We’re changing our thin capitalisation tax rules to encourage foreign investment in our infrastructure. We’re consulting now on the details of that.

    We’re allowing employee share schemes to defer their tax liability, to help start-ups and unlisted companies to compete for and retain talent.

    We’re re-prioritising our science and technology funding towards growth-promoting investment in areas like gene technology. We want our researchers to focus on real-world problems and innovations that can be commercialised.

    And we’re supporting our highly successful film and television sector by increasing the screen production rebate to just over a billion dollars across this year and the next four years.

    We don’t subsidise business as a rule, but when it comes to the screen industry, a rebate is the price of entry to the game.

    Over the last decade overseas production companies have invested $7.5 billion in New Zealand. We simply wouldn’t get that kind of investment in future without continuing the rebate.

    We’re also replacing the much-maligned Resource Management Act to unlock investment and growth across the country. You’ll be hearing more about that in the months ahead.

    No doubt you have heard about the changes to KiwiSaver, which the media has focused pretty heavily on.

    Essentially, we are raising the default employee and matching employer contribution rate from 3 to 4 per cent over the next three years. To ensure the scheme’s sustainability, we are also reducing the government contribution by half, to just over $260 a year. 

    We’re also extending the government contribution to 16- and 17-year-olds, to foster the savings habit, but removing it altogether for people earning more than $180,000 a year, because they don’t need it.

    I acknowledge that change impacts on employers. But to allow time to adjust, we are phasing it in over the next three years, and we are not making the new rate compulsory – employees can choose to opt back down to a three per cent contribution if they wish.

    The changes are designed to lift our retirement savings rates which, frankly, are too low, especially when compared with other countries like Australia. 

    Higher retirement savings deliver big benefits for individuals and for the country. Our financial institutions have a larger pool of capital to invest back in the economy, and the pressure on Government to financially support retired New Zealanders is eased.

    To finish, I want to touch on where this Budget takes us.

    Our decisions mean we are on track to bend the debt curve downwards without applying a blowtorch to public services.

    We are taking a deliberate, medium-term approach to fiscal consolidation.

    This is far from austerity, as some commentators have claimed. In fact, it is what you do to avoid austerity.

    There’s no doubt that balancing the books is challenging.

    Some would do it with higher taxes; we are doing it by controlling growth in spending.

    We’re saying to New Zealanders: we’re about no BS, just straight talk about the choices we face as a country.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister Burke and Minister Donohoe welcome latest figures showing further employment growth in first quarter of 2025

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    22nd May 2025

    The Q1 2025 Labour Force Survey and latest Monthly Unemployment Release show:

    • Employment continues to grow, with 90,800 jobs created in the year to Q1 2025
    • Total employment now stands at 2.81 million
    • Employment growth has been widespread throughout the regions – Employment outside of Dublin increased by 65,700 in the year to Q1 2025 (+3.5 percent)
    • Full time employment was up 71,400 (+3.3 percent) year on year in the first quarter, while part time employment was up 20,100 (+3.5 percent) year on year
    • In April 2025, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, down from the revised rate of 4.4 in March 2025 and from a rate of 4.4 percent in April 2024

    Labour Force Survey (LFS) results published today by the Central Statistics Office show continued growth in Ireland’s labour market, with 90,800 jobs created in the year to Q1 2025.

    Employment now stands at 2.81 million, an increase of approximately 3.3 percent over Q1 2024. 

    This is a positive step towards the Programme for Government’s target to create 300,000 extra jobs by 2030, supported by strategic investments, supportive enterprise policies, and a focus on fostering a vibrant economy. This commitment to continued employment growth builds upon the Government’s White Paper on Enterprise, published in December 2022, which sets out the strategic direction for job creation in the years ahead. 

    Commenting on the figures, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said:

    “The Irish labour market has shown strong resilience and growth, with low unemployment rates and increasing job opportunities across sectors such as technology, healthcare, and finance. Today’s release from the CSO shows an exceptionally strong start to 2025, as the workforce continues to expand, driving the nation’s economic resilience and ensuring a brighter future for job seekers across the regions.

    Female participation rates in the labour market in particular have been trending upwards and reached a new historic high in the first quarter of 2025, with more women now availing of opportunities for employment. My Department will continue to support workers throughout their careers, with initiatives to improve work-life balance and flexible working arrangements which encourages greater participation, resulting in greater diversity and inclusion within the workforce.”

    The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, said:

    “Today’s results highlight the continued strength of the Irish labour market, with around 90,000 jobs added in the year to Q1 2025. On a seasonally adjusted basis, we now have over 2.8 million people employed in our country, while the unemployment rate stood at 4.0 per cent in the first quarter. It is particularly welcome to see the continued rise in female labour force participation – increasing by over 1 percentage point on an annual basis. 

    While I am encouraged by the resilience of the labour market in the face of increased economic uncertainty, it is important to stress that today’s figures are backward looking. It is crucial that the strength of the economy in recent years does not lead to complacency.

    As we begin preparations for Budget 2026 this summer, starting with the National Economic Dialogue in June, it is imperative that we continue to pursue a balanced and sensible budgetary policy as we navigate this period of uncertainty.”

    CSO release here

    Back to Department News

    Back to Top

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colchester County / Fall River — RCMP Southeast Traffic Services and Colchester County District RCMP investigations lead to arrest

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Multiple RCMP investigations from two regions of the province have led to charges against a Dartmouth man.

    On May 5, Colchester County District RCMP responded to a report of a theft from a business in Onslow. Investigators learned that a lawn tractor had been stolen from the yard in the early morning of May 4. Review of surveillance video showed a vehicle of interest, believed to be a black Ford Ranger, accessing the yard.

    On May 10, Colchester County District RCMP responded to a report of a theft from a business in Stewiacke where a lawn tractor was stolen from an enclosed yard overnight.

    On May 15, a third similar incident was reported to Colchester County District RCMP from a business in Brookfield. In this third incident there was damage to gates and locks in the business’s enclosed yard, but no items taken. Based on items left behind at the scene and surveillance video, officers identified a person of interest from Dartmouth.

    Later that day at approximately 10:30 a.m., officers with RCMP Southeast Traffic Services in Fall River were approached by a member of the public who reported a suspected impaired driver. Officers located the vehicle, a black Ford Ranger, on Hwy. 2 at Fletchers Lake and attempted a traffic stop. Due to significant safety concerns, officers used their police vehicles to direct the truck into the ditch when the driver attempted to flee the traffic stop.

    The driver, Ryan Fleet, 40, of Dartmouth, was safely arrested at the scene and is facing nine charges related to the Colchester County investigations, including Theft Over $5000 (two counts) and Break and Enter (two counts). He is charged with Flight from Peace Officer, Dangerous Operation, Failure to Comply with Probation Order, and Forcible Confinement associated to his arrest in Fletchers Lake. In addition, he was issued summary offence tickets for offences under the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act and Revenue Act. Fleet had a first court appearance on May 16 at Dartmouth Provincial Court and remains in custody.

    Fleet was assessed for impairment and passed the tests for alcohol and drugs administered by officers.

    A passenger who was in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop was arrested and released without charges.

    Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Colchester County District RCMP at 902-893-6820 or police of jurisdiction in your area. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Harvard Morgue Manager Pleads Guilty To Trafficking Stolen Human Remains

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cedric Lodge, age 57, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, pled guilty yesterday before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to interstate transport of stolen human remains. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Lodge admitted that, from 2018 through at least March 2020, he participated in the sale and interstate transport of human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School morgue, located in Boston, Massachusetts.  Lodge, who was then employed as the manager of the Harvard Medical School Morgue, removed human remains, including organs, brains, skin, hands, faces, dissected heads, and other parts, from donated cadavers after they had been used for research and teaching purposes but before they could be disposed of according to the anatomical gift donation agreement between the donor and the school. Lodge took the remains without the knowledge or permission of his employer, the donor, or the donor’s family, and transport the remains to his home in New Hampshire.  After he and his wife Denise Lodge sold the remains, they would ship the remains to the buyers in other states or the buyer would take possession directly and transport the remains themselves.  Remains stolen and sold by Lodge were transported from the morgue in Boston to locations in Salem, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.

    Lodge admitted to having sold remains to Joshua Taylor and Andrew Ensanian, among others.  Many of the remains purchased from Lodge were resold for a profit, including to Jeremy Pauley, who previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen human remains.

    Several other defendants have previously entered guilty pleas in related cases, including Lodge’s wife, Denise Lodge, Joshua Taylor, Andrew Ensanian, Matthew Lampi, and Angelo Pereyra.  Lampi was sentenced to 15 months in prison and Pereyra was sentenced to 18 months.  Denise Lodge and Joshua Taylor are still awaiting sentencing.  Additionally, Candace Chapman-Scott, who stole remains from an Arkansas crematorium where she was employed and sold them to Pauley in Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty in Arkansas federal court and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the East Pennsboro Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan Martin is prosecuting the case. 

    The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Minneapolis Woman Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Role in Feeding Our Future $250 Million Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – Sahra Nur of Minneapolis has been sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release for her role in a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. Nur was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,000,240.

    According to court documents, from December 2020 through January 2022, Sahra Mohamed Nur, 63, knowingly and willfully conspired with others in a fraudulent scheme to obtain and misappropriate millions in federal child nutrition funds. As the owner and operator of S & S Catering Inc., Nur initially enrolled in the Federal Child Nutrition Program as a food distribution site under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. As the fraud scheme progressed, S & S Catering operated as a vendor for other food distribution sites affiliated with Feeding Our Future.

    Between September 2020 and April 2021, Nur claimed to have served over 1.2 million meals to children from S & S Catering alone. Between December 2020 and December 2021, sites who used S & S Catering as a vendor reported serving more than eight million meals through the food program. Based on their fraudulent claims, S & S Catering received more than $10 million in payment from these companies they purportedly served food to, and over $16 million in reimbursements from Feeding Our Future. Rather feed children during the pandemic, Nur misappropriated the funds for her own personal benefit, such as commercial real estate.

    Nur was one of eight defendants charged in a 23-count indictment in September 2022. On September 7, 2023, Nur pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. She was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Nancy E. Brasel.  In imposing sentence, Judge Brasel called the loss amount “staggering” and explained that “public trust in government programs has significant decreased” as a result of the defendant’s fraud.  Judge Brasel noted that it was “tragic” how the fraud scheme has damaged the reputation of Somali-American community.

    The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson, Harry M. Jacobs, Matthew S. Ebert, and Daniel W. Bobier prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mann, Colleagues Invest in Land Grant Universities and Agriculture Innovation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Kim Schrier (WA-08), alongside Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral AuGmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act. The Ag Research Act bolsters federal investments in land-grant universities, institutions, and facilities like Kansas State University and Haskell University that conduct food and agricultural research.

    “Over the years, land-grant universities have surpassed their original vision of agricultural education and now conduct cutting-edge agricultural research that supports food security around the globe,” said Rep. Mann. “The U.S. sees a $20 return on every dollar we invest in agricultural research, yet funding for these institutions has declined in real dollars over the past two decades and handcuffed their ability to maintain up-to-date facilities. Our bill supports agricultural research, development, and innovation at these land grant universities and puts taxpayer dollars in places with a guaranteed return on investment. When we make strong investments in food and agricultural research, we invest in the next generation of America, and in our food security and national security.” 

    “Our agriculture industry employs thousands of hardworking Washingtonians and is vital to our nation’s long-term strength, security, and prosperity. In the face of a changing climate, tariffs, input costs, and increased pressure on our food supply, we must support our farmers in any way we can,” said Rep. Schrier, M.D. “Research institutions are essential for our farmers’ success – they discover solutions to agriculture’s most pressing challenges and are fundamental to successful food production and soil health. For far too long, these institutions have been underfunded, putting us at risk of falling behind the rest of the world. My bill will put the necessary investment into these institutions and provide much-needed assistance for our farmers.”

    “For American farmers and ranchers to continue producing the best food, fuel and fiber in the world, we must maintain the best research institutions in the world,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation will support the work at institutions like Kansas State University by allowing them to modernize their facilities and continue a long history of innovation and supporting the agricultural industry.”

    “Agriculture research institutions are crucial in supporting farming communities and driving innovation in the agriculture industry,” said Sen. Hirono. “Decades of underinvestment have left many of these institutions across our country with significant maintenance backlogs, and this legislation will provide much-needed financial support to enable agriculture schools and research facilities to make the critical upgrades and updates they need. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing the AG RESEARCH Act to support these institutions and strengthen our agricultural communities.”

    A 2015 study reported that there was an estimated total of $8.4 billion in deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture. A 2021 reportconfirmed the effects of the insufficient funding to address maintenance backlogs at these facilities, reporting that 69% of these agricultural school buildings were at the end of their useful lives and that the cost of addressing deferred maintenance grew to $11.5 billion.

    To address the deferred maintenance of these facilities, the AG RESEARCH Act will do the following:

    Provide $500 million in mandatory funding per fiscal year over five years in grants;

    • Require a 1-to-1 match of grant funds unless waived by the Secretary of Agriculture;
    • Direct that grants be distributed equitably to the maximum extent practicable; and
    • Limit grant funds awarded to any one state to no more than 20 percent

    The AG RESEARCH Act is endorsed by Kansas State University, Haskell University, and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU). 

    “The AG RESEARCH Act is an investment in America’s agricultural competitiveness,” said Kansas State University President Linton. “As our research infrastructure ages, we risk falling behind global competitors. Modern facilities at land-grant universities drive economic growth across the nation, from rural farms to urban agribusiness, while developing solutions that keep American agriculture at the forefront of innovation. This legislation will help transform outdated labs into economic engines that attract talent, create jobs and maintain our nation’s leadership in the global food system.”

    “Investment in the Research Facilities Act will be transformative, and we applaud Senators Moran and Hirono, as well as Representatives Mann and Schrier, for their commitment to ensuring our agricultural scientists have the tools they need to spur the next generation of agricultural innovation,” said Dr. Doug Steele, Vice President of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at APLU. 

    ###

     

    For more information about Representative Mann, visit: www.mann.house.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Votes to Restore Fiscal Sanity in the Federal Government

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Votes to Restore Fiscal Sanity in the Federal Government

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of H.R. 1, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act. 

    “House Republicans have delivered on our commitment to permanently extend tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses while eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government.  

    One of my top priorities throughout this process has been maintaining investments in nuclear energy to keep energy prices low throughout our region. Central Washington is home to a rich nuclear history, and I am proud to have led the fight to ensure our tax code allows for continued investments in our nuclear fleet, including the small modular reactor project in the Tri-Cities. 

    We have made real, common-sense reforms to strengthen the integrity of Medicaid, protecting the program for low-income families, seniors, and those with disabilities. By implementing work requirements for able bodied adults without dependents, and preventing those here illegally from accessing the program, we are protecting Medicaid for those who truly need it most. 

    As a Member of the House Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to support meaningful reforms to SNAP while investing in the farm safety net to deliver much needed assistance to rural America. This package more than doubles our trade promotion programs to allow Washington state agriculture exports to reach new markets around the globe.   

    This legislation supports families and businesses across Central Washington by delivering over $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction to get our fiscal house in order. There is still work to be done, and as this legislation moves to the Senate, I will continue to advocate for the people of Washington’s Fourth District, protect essential services for those who truly need them, and keep taxes low for the middle class and small businesses in our region.” 

    Background:  

    House Republicans passed a budget resolution in April with instructions for committees to produce legislation that provides tax relief for working families and small businesses, reins in reckless federal spending, unleashes energy dominance, and makes America safe again.

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers on those priorities in a fiscally responsible manner, with the final net deficit reduction number above $1.5 trillion, marking the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years. These savings will begin immediately, with $111.8 billion in net deficit reduction in the first year after enactment. The legislation: 

    Delivers an economy that is pro-growth, pro-worker, pro-family, and pro-business: 

    • Makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent, preventing the average taxpayer from seeing a 22% tax hike.
    • Removes taxes on tips, overtime pay, car loan interest, and provides additional tax relief for seniors.
    • Supports small businesses and Made-in-America investments through immediate 100 percent expensing, incentives for new manufacturing facilities, research and development immediate amortization, and interest expense deductions.

    Provides over $140 billion – the largest border security investment in history – to secure our borders and keep Americans safe: 

    • Allows for the completion of 701 miles of primary wall and construction of 900 miles of river barriers.
    • Funds at least one million annual removals, 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, and detention capacity sufficient to maintain an average daily population of at least 100,000 aliens.
    • Supports the hiring and training of 3,000 new Border Patrol agents, 5,000 new Office of Field Operations customs officers, and other urgently needed personnel.

    Restores integrity to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by requiring states to shoulder a share of the benefit costs, preventing states from manipulating SNAP eligibility and benefit calculations, and restoring SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without young dependents.

    Strengthens Medicaid for Americans who truly need it, while rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse: 

    • Establishes commonsense work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and stops new money laundering gimmicks like provider taxes and State Directed Payments.
    • Strengthens program integrity measures that protect Medicaid resources for the most vulnerable.
    • Closes loopholes that let illegal immigrants enroll in Medicaid and reduces funding to states that prioritize Medicaid coverage of illegal immigrants. 

    Unleashes American energy dominance, ensuring affordable energy for families and creating jobs across the country: 

    • Allows advanced nuclear facilities to utilize the Production Tax Credit (45Y) and Investment Tax Credit (48E) while phasing out the credits for wind and solar and maintains the Nuclear Production Tax Credit (45U) through 2028.
    • Reinstates quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales and mandates at least 30 lease sales in the Gulf of America over the next 15 years and six in the Cook Inlet in south-central Alaska.
    • Resumes leasing for energy production in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and coal leasing on federal lands.
    • Streamlines the permitting process for energy infrastructure.

    Makes major reforms to streamline student loan options, support student success, and save taxpayer money.

    Invests nearly $144 billion to modernize our military and strengthen national defense. 

    ###  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £530 million investment prospectus launched

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Presented to a high-profile audience of government representatives, private investors, developers, and funding bodies, the prospectus outlines eight transformative projects that collectively support Perth & Kinross’s ambitions to lead in sustainability and clean economic growth.

    Spanning a 15-year period from 2025 to 2040, the portfolio covers market-ready opportunities, and longer-term investor-led partnerships in energy and net zero, the circular economy, food and drink, light industrial, travel and logistics, leisure and retail, accommodation in tourism and residential. 

    Featured investments include:

    • Eco Innovation Park at Perth West
    • Perth City Heat Network
    • Strategic Energy Partnership
    • Advanced Plastics Sorting and Upcycling Facility
    • Binn Eco Park
    • Northfield Business Park
    • Cultural Quarter (Perth City Centre) Regeneration Project
    • Mill Quarter (Perth City Centre) Regeneration Project

    Perth & Kinross Council Leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “Over the past six years, Perth and Kinross has demonstrated its commitment to building a modern, resilient, and inclusive economy through an impressive £600 million public investment programme. This has supported essential infrastructure, cultural development, and growth in key economic sectors.

    “Now, the Investment Prospectus sets out a clear intention to build on these strong foundations, by providing an exciting platform for investor and developer-led partnerships, both domestically and internationally.

    “I believe the diversity and ambition of the projects on offer present a compelling case for doing business in Perth and Kinross. Alongside transformative, clean growth opportunities directly impacting our net zero ambitions, there are also traditional, property-based propositions designed to encourage and support existing business relocation into the area.”

    The £530 million proposition complements the Council’s existing £600 million+ investment in infrastructure, key sectors, and the arts, creating a powerful springboard for future growth.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Silvercrest Asset Management Group Appoints Van Martin as Head of U.S. Consultant Relations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silvercrest Asset Management Group (NASDAQ: SAMG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Van Martin as Head of U.S. Consultant Relations. In this role, Mr. Martin will oversee the firm’s initiatives to strengthen its partnerships with new and existing institutional investors, deepen consultant relationships, and expand the growth of Silvercrest’s institutional business in the U.S.

    Since joining Silvercrest in 2014, Mr. Martin has been instrumental in expanding the firm’s intermediary and institutional client base, building relationships with broker-dealers, consulting firms, and key U.S.-based institutional investors. As a Partner and Managing Director at Silvercrest, Mr. Martin brings over a decade of experience and a deep understanding of the firm’s U.S.-based investment capabilities.

    Allen Gray, Global Head of Silvercrest’s Institutional Business, remarked, “We are immensely proud of Van’s contributions and his longstanding collaboration with our U.S.-focused equity investment teams over the past 11 years. We are very pleased to have Van leading our Consultant Relations efforts in the U.S. Marketplace.”

    Mr. Martin is based in the firm’s headquarters in New York City and will report to Allen Gray, Global Head of Silvercrest’s Institutional Business. The team will leverage their combined experience and market knowledge to optimize consultant and client activities, ensuring the best outcomes for institutional clients both in the U.S. and around the globe.

    “I am thrilled to lead Silvercrest’s U.S. institutional consultant relations efforts,” Mr. Martin commented. “I look forward to working with our clients and partners to strengthen our relationships and build upon Silvercrest’s legacy of delivering an exceptional client experience through the high-quality expertise of our talented investment teams.”

    About Van Martin

    Van Martin is a Managing Director and Head of U.S. Consultant & Client Relations, focusing on Silvercrest’s Institutional Asset Management business. Prior to joining Silvercrest in 2014, Mr. Martin held various roles in the Equity Capital Markets division of Sterne Agee & Leach (now Stifel Nicolaus), where he served as an Associate on the Institutional Equity Sales & Trading desk and later as the Associate Director of the newly formed Equity Product Management desk. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Martin attended the University of Mississippi, where he graduated with a B.A. in Managerial Finance, a B.A. in Banking & Commerce, and a Minor in Real Estate Finance.

    About Silvercrest Asset Management

    Silvercrest was founded in April 2002 as an independent, employee-owned registered investment adviser. With offices in New York, Boston, Virginia, Atlanta, New Jersey, California, Wisconsin, and Singapore, Silvercrest provides traditional and alternative investment advisory and family office services to wealthy families and select institutional investors. As of March 31, 2025, the firm reported assets under management of $34.3 billion.

    Contact:
    J. Allen Gray
    Managing Director, Head of Institutional Business
    212-649-0765
    agray@silvercrestgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Infini Introduces Lowest Fees in Platform History for Stablecoin Transactions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Infini slashes card fees to 0.1%, edges closer to a 0% stablecoin payment future

    HONG KONG, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Infini, the next-generation Pay-Fi platform for stablecoin-based payments and financial services, today announced that its flagship Infini Global Card now offers a reduced transaction fee of just 0.1%, applicable to all users worldwide. This milestone marks the lowest fee tier in the platform’s history and brings it significantly closer to its long-term mission: making stablecoin payments feel free.

    Full compensation delivered within hours

    Earlier this year, Infini faced a significant security incident — an event that could have shattered user confidence.

    Instead, the founding team responded with unprecedented speed and transparency, publicly committing to and delivering full compensation to affected users within hours.

    “True trust is forged in crisis,” said Christian Li, Founder of Infini, “We didn’t wait to react — we chose to act. And our users stood by us because we stood by them.”

    Since then, Infini has implemented multi-layered upgrades to its custody architecture, partnered with leading security auditors, and established a resilient compliance and risk control system. The result? Continued growth, stronger infrastructure, and a community that believes more than ever.

    Card volume growth drives lower fees

    This foundational trust has enabled Infini to accelerate its roadmap.

    “This is exactly why we built the Infini Flywheel,” said Christian Li, Founder of Infini. “As an active node within the Visa and Mastercard networks, the more transaction volume we drive, the more cashback and network incentives we unlock. But instead of keeping those margins, we pass them directly back to users — by lowering fees. That engine is now accelerating.”

    Infini’s model has seen rapid growth across emerging markets like Latin America and Southeast Asia, where users are increasingly seeking low-cost, globally usable crypto payment tools amid rising inflation. As user spending continues to rise, Infini expects platform-level earnings to further improve, making a true 0% fee structure achievable in the near future.

    “No one should be penalized for using their own money,” said Christine, Co-founder of Infini, “That’s why we’re building a future where payments are fair, global, and practically free.”

    Daily yield automatically accrued

    In addition to lower fees, Infini also offers users effortless earnings on stablecoin balances. Funds held in Infini accounts accrue daily yield automatically — no action required.

    Earnings are calculated and distributed every day, creating a seamless blend of saving and spending in one place.

    Spend anywhere

    Since its launch, the Infini Global Card has allowed users to spend stablecoins like USDT and USDC globally via Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Alipay, and other major wallets. All transactions benefit from zero conversion fees, real-time FX settlement, and automatic daily yield generation — transforming stablecoin balances into productive capital, even while spending.

    In markets with high FX volatility, Infini has even observed what users call a “negative fee effect” — where the USD equivalent deducted during a transaction was lower than the local fiat equivalent at spot rate. This unexpected bonus reflects the real-world advantage of Infini’s 0% conversion fee and instant-settlement architecture over traditional payment rails.

    About Infini

    Infini is a next-generation Pay-Fi platform connecting stablecoin savings with real-world payments. Users can deposit stablecoins like USDT and USDC to earn daily yield and spend them directly via Infini’s virtual or physical cards, accepted globally through Visa and Mastercard networks. With full support for Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Alipay, Infini offers a seamless bridge between DeFi earnings and everyday life.

    With over 50,000 active users and growing rapidly, Infini is expanding into new markets while continuing to lower costs, improve security, and introduce support for more currencies and payment scenarios.

    Website: https://infini.money
    Twitter / X: https://x.com/0xInfini

    Media Contact
    Valerio Li
    Head of Marketing
    media@infini.money

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Infini. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4e2c2d0-69d9-46d9-81f1-9dd1681536d3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP Whales Focus Attention to Nimanode’s $NMA Token Presale – No Code AI Agents on XRP Ledger

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nimanode, the pioneering platform merging artificial intelligence and the XRP Ledger is pleased to announce the kick off of their $NMA token presale which commenced on 22nd May 2025, 3pm UTC and is slated to run for a 30 day window.

    As interest in XRP grows, recently fueled by its inclusion in the U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve and rising institutional adoption projects building on XRPL are in the spotlight.

    JOIN $NMA PRESALE

    Nimanode is positioning itself at the intersection of artificial intelligence and decentralized technology. While much of the Web3 space remains focused on static smart contracts, Nimanode introduces something radically different: autonomous AI agents that users can build, deploy, and monetize — with zero coding required.

    What’s so Special about Nimanode?

    They boast of a suite of AI agents that can be deployed all from a no-code interface

    Web3 Customer Support Agents – Deployment AI agents 24/7 Web3-based customer support

    DeFi Autopilot Agent – AI Agents that not only trade but research, analyse and present optimal APY for its users

    Risk Assessment Agent – Designed to safeguard users by analyzing every dApp or token address a user interacts with.

    Why Whale’s are Scooping $NMA

    With a deliberately limited supply of just 200 million tokens, $NMA’s tokenomics are designed to reward early adopters and its ecosystem participants. Positioned at the core of Nimanode’s decentralized infrastructure, the token offers holders access to staking rewards, governance participation, and revenue-sharing opportunities.

    Holding the $NMA Token unlocks the full potential of the ecosystem, including:

    Agent Deployment – Reduced fees for launching agents when holding a minimum $NMA balance

    Agent Marketplace – Use $NMA to access premium agents or receive exclusive discounts

    Staking Benefits – Stake $NMA to earn passive income through the platform’s reward pool

    Governance Access – Participate in protocol decisions and vote on proposals that shape Nimanode’s future

    Buy $NMA Token

    How To Join The Nimanode Presale

    Here’s how you can participate:

    1. Buy XRP from reputable exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Bybit
    2. Send them to an XRP Compatible Wallet (Xaman recommended) to hold your purchased XRP.
    3. Go to Nimanode’s presale page, copy the deposit address, and send your XRP to it.
    4. Receive your tokens via airdrop 24 hours after the presale concludes.

    Act Now, Don’t Miss Out

    The market is heating up. BTC is hitting new highs. But the smartest investors aren’t just riding waves, they’re positioning for what powers the next one.

    AI isn’t coming — it’s already here, and Nimanode gives you the keys to deploy it.

    Get your $NMA while it’s still early.

    JOIN THE PRESALE | TWITTER | TELEGRAM | WHITEPAPER

    Contact:
    Nick Lambert
    contact@nimanode.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f14cb92-88e8-4539-8a6e-2c5e55cf6723

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: XenDex Presale Ends in 6 Days, Buy $XDX And Don’t Miss Out on XRP’s Fastest-Growing Decentralized Exchange With Lending & Borrowing Feature

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the crypto world continues to turn its attention toward the XRP Ledger, one project is rising fast, XenDex. With only 6 days remaining in its presale, time is running out for investors to buy $XDX tokens at pre-launch pricing before the token is listed on major exchanges like Binance, Gate.io, MEXC, BitMart, FirstLedger, and MagneticX.

    Read on to learn why XenDex is creating so much excitement across the XRP community.

    What is XenDex On XRP Blockchain?

    Purchase $XDX At A low Price & Earn Rewards

    XenDex is the first all-in-one decentralized exchange (DEX) built specifically for the XRP Ledger. It combines fast, secure trading with advanced features previously missing from XRPL, all within a user-friendly interface. It’s built to be scalable, efficient, and inclusive for both beginners and professional traders.

    Features and Problems XenDex Aims to Solve on XRP Ledger

    Until now, XRPL lacked key DeFi tools such as:

    • Lending & borrowing
    • AI copy trading
    • Cross-chain interoperability
    • DAO governance

    XenDex is solving these limitations with its feature-rich platform, designed to empower the XRP community with the full functionality expected in modern DeFi.

    Advantages of $XDX

    Holding $XDX, the native utility token of XenDex, comes with powerful benefits:

    • Governance and voting rights
    • Staking rewards and yield farming
    • Discounted fees on the platform
    • Early access opportunities, exclusive to XDX holders

    Where Can I Trade $XDX?

    After the presale, $XDX will be listed and traded on top exchanges including Binance, Gate.io, BitMart, MEXC, MagneticX, and FirstLedger. The project team assures a good increment in $XDX price upon listing.

    Buy $XDX Now Before Listing On Binance

    Is XenDex a Legit Project on XRP?

    Yes. XenDex is built transparently with a passionate, crypto-native team. The platform is undergoing smart contract audits to ensure security and reliability before its launch. It is an XRP based crypto project that aims to bring various features live on the Ripple ledger, and aims to become the best DEX on Ripple blockchain.

    How Do I Buy $XDX?

    Visit https://xendex.net/presale, connect your XRP-compatible wallet (e.g., Xaman), and contribute a minimum of 150 XRP. Current rate: 1.25 XRP = 10 XDX. For more information on how to buy $XDX, please visit https://tinyurl.com/k3e75va9

    XenDex Presale Details

    • Soft Cap: Filled
    • Hard Cap: Almost Filled
    • Presale Ends: In 6 days
    • Presale Rate: 150 XRP = 1200 $XDX

    Join XenDex Community

    Stay connected and informed:

    Website: xendex.net
    Presale: xendex.net/presale
    Telegram: t.me/xendexcommunity
    Twitter/X: x.com/xendex_xrp
    Docs: xdxdocs.gitbook.io

    Contact:
    Frank Richards
    Frank@xendex.net

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d9a647a2-6389-46e2-9cf6-0df4a01213bb

    The MIL Network –