NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEP attends seminar by Ministry of Ecology and Environment in Beijing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, began his visit in Beijing on April 10 and called on the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) yesterday (April 11). 

    Dr Chui was invited to attend the first session of the 2025 “Science, Culture, and Literacy” Lecture Series organised by the MEE to deliver a keynote presentation. The Minister of MEE, Mr Huang Runqiu, also attended the seminar.

    The presentation, titled “Smart Environmental Governance Strategies and Practices of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government,” highlighted the successful application of sewage surveillance and real-time forecasting models to assist in pandemic control efforts, practice cases of Hong Kong’s innovation in pollution control by utilising smart technologies, and the two latest developed technological applications by the Environmental Protection Department, the biological water quality indicator “Phytoplankton Community Integrity Index” and the risk-based composite index for evaluating overall air quality status.

    Participants unanimously agreed that the successful scientific pollution control practices introduced during the seminar provided valuable references for kick-starting ecological and environmental protection efforts. They should study and learn from these practices to further enhance the awareness and capacity of applying scientific thinking and methods to improve environmental quality, better promoting pollution control in a precise, scientific, and law-based manner.

    The seminar was held in a hybrid format, combining online and offline participation. The Vice Minister of MEE, Mr Yu Huiwen; the Chief Inspector of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Inspector’s Office, Mr Liao Xiyuan; and Vice Minister of MEE, Mr Dong Baotong also attended the event.

    The Chief Engineer of MEE, Mr Ren Yong, chaired the seminar. Key personnel and administration of State Committee of Supervisory (SSC) Supervisor’s Office, Ministry’s various departments, the Environmental Emergency and Accident Investigation Center and Agency Service Center attended the event in person at the main venue. Other staff from the SSC Supervisor’s Office, Ministry’s various departments and the affiliated institutes joined from sub-venues or virtually.

    During his visit to Beijing, Dr Chui also attended the 23rd China International Environmental Protection Exhibition and Conference. He met with representatives from the BRI International Green Development Coalition and the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to explore collaboration on environmental technologies, aiming to jointly achieve the goal of high-quality green and sustainable development under the Belt and Road Initiative.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary hands over Rs. 515.31 crore to Asset Disposal Committee Chairman Justice D.K. Seth (Retd.) for restitution of properties to legitimate investors in Rose Valley Ponzi scam

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary hands over Rs. 515.31 crore to Asset Disposal Committee Chairman Justice D.K. Seth (Retd.) for restitution of properties to legitimate investors in Rose Valley Ponzi scam

    Restitution of Rs. 515.31 crore to approximately 7.5 lakh victims out of total claims of 31 lakh registered with Asset Disposal Committee; Rs. 22 crore has already been restored to 32,319 lawful investors by the ADC

    Rs. 515.31 crore was attached by ED in the years 2015-17 by investigating money trail and tracing 2,987 different bank accounts

    Posted On: 12 APR 2025 1:20PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary handed over a Demand Draft of Rs. 515.31 crore today to Justice D.K. Seth (Retd.), Chairman of the Asset Disposal Committee formed for the purpose of restitution of properties to legitimate investors in Rose Valley Ponzi scam.

    Shri Rahul Navin, Director, ED and other senior officials of the government were also present on the occasion.

     

    It is estimated that this amount will be used to restitute money to approximately 7.5 lakh victims out of the total claims of 31 lakh lodged so far with Asset Disposal Committee. Earlier, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) had handed over an amount of Rs. 22 crore to the ADC which was used to restitute money to 32,319 lawful investors.

    The amount of Rs. 515.31 crore was attached by ED in the years 2015-17 by investigating money trail and tracing 2,987 different bank accounts where the money collected from innocent victims had traversed. The said bank accounts were then seized/ attached following due process of law and converted into more than 700 Fixed Deposits (FDs) after confirmation of attachment by the Adjudicating Authority. It may be mentioned that ED has also attached other movable and immovable assets of Rs. 1,172 crore (present market value of the assets is estimated to be more than Rs. 2,000 crore), which is also in process of liquidation and refund to the victims.

    ED is investigating five (5) Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases against the Rose Valley Group in the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Tripura. ED has filed prosecution complaints in all these cases before the Special Courts under PMLA.

    Investigation under PMLA revealed that Rose Valley Group companies, had collected funds of Rs. 17,520 crore by luring people mostly from the lowest strata of society with promises of providing land parcels or time sharing in hotels and in the event of inability to deliver the land/time sharing, refund with high rate of interest was promised on maturity of investments. Investigation has revealed that out of the above, an amount of Rs. 6,666 crore, which constitutes the proceeds of crime, remained unpaid to the investors.

    This is one of the single largest investigation of this type undertaken by the ED, and an order passed by the Special court (PMLA) at Khurda, Bhubaneswar, on 29.03.2025 has paved the way for the return of investors’ money all over the country through the Asset Disposal Committee (ADC).

    It is pertinent to mention that on the direction of the Hon’ble High Court of Calcutta, an Asset Disposal Committee (ADC) was constituted under the Chairmanship of Justice Dillip Kr. Seth (Retd.), High Court of Calcutta with ED and others as members for restitution of properties to the lawful investors of Rose Valley Group Ponzi Scam.

     

    ED has played a crucial role in attachment, possession and disbursement of assets of the Rose Valley Group thereby smoothening and expediting the restitution of properties to the lakhs of victims of the States of West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura etc. Till now, around 31 Lakh investors of Rose Valley Group have registered their claim on the website www.rosevalleyadc.com. ED is also providing assistance to the ADC in conducting survey and valuation of confirmed attached properties and facilitating expeditious monetisation of the assets for timely disbursal of the same to the investors/victims of Rose Valley Group of Companies.

    Further, the restitution process is expected to continue in full swing over the coming months as more claims are being scrutinised and validated by the ADC.

    The instant restitution is in line with the commitment of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to return the money looted from poor people. The Prime Minister of India has consistently emphasised the urgent need to recover and return funds misappropriated from the poor and innocent citizens of the country, and has repeatedly stressed that money siphoned off through fraudulent means must be rightfully restored to those who have been cheated in Ponzi schemes.

    The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs has also reiterated that the Government’s commitment for restitution of assets attached by ED to the victims/ rightful owners and made a statement in Parliament to this effect.

    The ED is actively pursuing investigations in cases of financial fraud, with a firm commitment to ensure that the proceeds of crime are not only traced and confiscated but also put immediately to productive use for the economy by being restored to the victims who have suffered financial loss. The ED continues to act decisively in such matters, reinforcing public trust and contributing to the larger goal of a corruption-free and transparent financial system.

    ****

    NB/KMN

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £121 million boost for quantum technology set to tackle fraud, prevent money laundering and drive growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    £121 million boost for quantum technology set to tackle fraud, prevent money laundering and drive growth

    The UK government is investing £121 million in quantum technology to tackle crime, fraud, and money laundering, while reinforcing its global leadership in the field and driving economic savings.

    • A new £121 million investment in quantum, a novel technology with huge potential, will bolster the UK’s world-leading research programmes.
    • Developing and rolling out quantum will bring a range of benefits to working people, including improved healthcare systems and boosted energy efficiency in the grid.
    • Areas such as crimefighting, tackling fraud and preventing money laundering will also benefit, putting more money in working people’s pockets and driving economic growth.
    • Investment will see more opportunities to create the next generation of quantum researchers through talent and skills schemes, supporting the government’s Plan for Change.

    Cutting-edge quantum technology is being put to work to deliver the government’s Plan for Change, with a new £121 million investment to help tackle challenges including crimefighting, spotting the first signs of fraud and halting money laundering which could save billions for the economy.

    To coincide with World Quantum Day (Monday 14 April), the funding is being made available over the next year to expand the use of the technology, which uses the properties of the universe’s smallest particles to build ultra-powerful computers and sensors. This will further secure the UK’s position as a world-leader in quantum as part of the government’s long-term commitment to the sector.

    Today’s investment is also giving the next generation of researchers to the opportunity to bring their ideas for health, cybersecurity and beyond to life. Their innovations, like quantum technologies for tackling fraud, could birth thousands of jobs and the businesses of tomorrow – supporting the Government’s economic mission and the Plan for Change.

    This is the latest part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme: which sets out the long-term effort to back early-stage research, and support getting quantum technologies out of the lab and onto the marketplace. It sets the UK on the pathway to deliver its ambitious National Quantum Missions – our plan to make this tech deliver for the private and public sectors. 

    Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Peter Kyle said:  

    Quantum – manipulating the universe at its smallest scale – has the potential to save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs and improve businesses across the country – stopping fraudsters in their tracks, protecting our bank accounts and more.

    Backing our world-class quantum researchers and businesses is an important part of our Plan for Change.  

    The UK is home to the second largest community of quantum businesses in the world and this investment means they can go further paving the way for new quantum tools and products that make our lives easier, fuel growth, and help us tackle the great challenges of our era.

    Examples of use

    The technology is already being harnessed, by using quantum computing’s unique ability to analyse complex data and detect subtle patterns, to tackle fraud, one of the biggest challenges facing society, which currently costs the economy £2.6 billion each year.  

    Quantum specialists at HSBC bank have been working with government backed partners like the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)to find ways quantum can be used to identify the indicators of anti-money laundering. The support for the NQCC and other cutting edge facilities across the UK, that we are announcing today, is making this research possible.

    This project is proof that, with strong support from the government, researchers can harness quantum technologies to benefit working people, nationwide – in this case, protecting their bank accounts from would-be fraudsters and sparing them the lost time and heartache this crime can cause.

    The UK quantum sector is world-leading and home to the second largest community of quantum companies globally, behind only the US.This investment is the latest drive to deliver the government’s goal to unleash economic growth across the country as part of the Plan for Change, by leveraging the potential for breakthrough technologies like quantum to deliver new products, create new businesses, and support high-skill jobs. It builds on commitments such as the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which will also benefit the UK’s quantum innovators.

    Notes to editors: 

    Full breakdown of today’s investment:

    • £46.1 million through Innovate UK to accelerate the deployment of quantum technology across a range of sectors, including computing, networking, PNT (position, navigation and timing) and sensing.  

    • £21.1 million to further the work of the National Quantum Computing Centre, including their testbed programme with Innovate UK, with support from the Quantum Software Lab to accelerate the discovery of more ways that quantum can overhaul how we work and solve problems.  

    • £10.9 million for the National Physical Laboratory’s (NPL) quantum measurement programme to encourage more businesses to make full use of the technology 

    We’re also backing the next generation of leaders in quantum research to maintain the UK’s position as a pioneering nation in quantum technologies with:  

    £24.6 million in funding from EPSRC for the five research hubs announced last year, including a £3 million investment into training and skills programmes.  

    • £15.1 million being awarded to 11 Quantum Technology Career Acceleration Fellowships, by UKRI EPSRC, to find more real-world applications for quantum, from drug discovery to disease diagnostics  

    • £4.3 million from Science and Technology Facilities Council to back early- career researchers and Quantum- enabled apprenticeships. 

    Today’s announcement includes a round up of earlier investments from ESPRC and Innovate UK, including support for the five research hubs and the Quantum Missions Pilot competition, bringing the total commitment from the UK Government over the next 12 months to £121 million.  

    This announcement comes as the government marks World Quantum Day, an international initiative promoting awareness of the vast capabilities of quantum science and technology. 53 countries are hosting events, from research programmes to conferences.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious Two Vehicle Crash, East Derwent Highway, Geilston Bay

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Serious Two Vehicle Crash, East Derwent Highway, Geilston Bay

    Sunday, 13 April 2025 – 5:44 am.

    At approximately 10:48pm on Saturday 12th April 2025, emergency services responded to a two-vehicle crash on the East Derwent Highway Geilston Bay, at the intersection of Sugarloaf Rd.
    A silver Opal sedan, driven by a 19-year-old man from Warrane, had been travelling south on the East Derwent Highway, when it collided with a north bound white Toyota Camry at the intersection of Sugarloaf Rd.  The Toyota was being driven by a 32-year-old man from Berriedale.
    There were a combined total of 7 occupants in both vehicles, all of which were transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital for medical treatment or assessment.  A 17-year-old woman who was travelling in the Opal sedan at the time of the crash has suffered serious injuries.
    Investigations in relation to this crash are ongoing, however initial investigations suggest that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor in this crash.
    Police would like to ask anyone with information about this crash or those who may have observed the manner of driving of the vehicles prior to the crash, to contact police on 131 444 or crime stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting ESCAD number 531-12042025.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN congratulates Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Week at World Expo 2025

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, congratulated Malaysia Pavilion on the successful launch of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry Week at the World Expo 2025 this afternoon. The event, led by Mr. Dato Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary-General, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia.

    In his remark, SG Dr. Kao commended Malaysia’s leadership in driving key regional initiatives that will further enhance economic integration and in turn, advance ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ in line with its ASEAN chairmanship theme this year. 2025 symbolises Malaysia’s sixth participation in the World Expo.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN congratulates Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Week at World Expo 2025 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Humanity depends on the ocean — Here is what we need to prioritize for immediate ocean science research

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Brad deYoung, Robert Bartlett Professor of Oceanography, Memorial University of Newfoundland

    Humankind is inextricably dependent on the ocean. Many of our greatest civilizations have thrived on the rim of the ocean. Today, we are more reliant than ever on the ocean for our economic, social and physical well-being.

    Maritime activities, from global trade to tourism, exceed US$3 trillion annually. The “ocean economy” is the fourth largest in the world. Furthermore, our global economic vitality is largely due to the cost-effective nature of ocean transportation, which contributes to the reduced price per ton of shipped goods.

    From submarine cables to shipping, fisheries and aquaculture, we are increasingly reliant on the blue economy. Roughly 20 per cent of the animal protein that we eat comes from marine fish.

    The ocean has changed dramatically in the past century, and we expect more change to come. Collapses of fisheries, coral reefs, shark populations and other species — along with increased dead zones, red tide blooms and invasive species — have followed increased human development, industrial use of the sea, climate change and pollution.

    Humanity is at a social, political, environmental and scientific nexus point.

    We are a group of researchers and experts who served on a committee of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to advise the National Science Foundation on forward-looking approaches to investing in ocean science research, infrastructure and workforce development.

    We considered the question: What vital research must we pursue now, and what investments must we make to achieve ambitious research goals?

    Our scientific efforts must focus on the key gaps in our predictive knowledge, and on the critical pathways and thresholds for ocean change. We should support ocean science to prepare for the future.

    Readying ocean science

    Given limited resources and rapid changes, we need to consider how to set priorities. Our committee offered a distinction between urgent and vital research: urgent research is time-sensitive, with immediate relevance to emerging regional and global issues, while vital research transforms our ability to grapple with rapid changes in the ocean and the Earth system.

    Our ability to observe, model and understand the ocean has greatly increased in recent years.

    For example, Argo — an ocean weather observing system — provides a global view of water properties around the planet. Argo has expanded our understanding of the global ocean and has significantly improved weather forecasts.

    In addition, research on the impact of climate shifts on ocean species is more accurate, helping us to understand the impact of these shifts on carbon sequestration, shoreline protection from storms and tipping points in interconnected ocean systems.

    The growing focus on links between the chemical, physical, geological and biological states of the ocean, and planetary climate states, provides a much-improved structure for forecasting the state of the ocean.

    Healthy oceans, healthy people

    A focus on human well-being and its dependence on ocean processes can provide an important connection that places ocean sciences in key conversations related to human health.

    When it comes to understanding the importance of ocean and climate, we need to determine how the ocean’s ability to absorb heat and carbon dioxide will change. While the ocean presently absorbs 90 per cent of global heat and roughly 30 per cent of carbon dioxide, changes in the physical and biological ocean will likely slow these rates, leading to accelerated atmospheric warming.

    Related to this climate question, how will marine ecosystems respond to changes in the Earth system? Declining ecosystem resilience will likely have strong negative impacts on food supplies and livelihoods.

    Can we develop new understanding that will support model forecasts to determine the effects of warming, acidification and de-oxygenation on marine life?

    Another challenge is to improve our ability to forecast extreme events driven by ocean and seafloor processes. Marine earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and storm surges are natural processes that pose serious risks to human well-being. Societal vulnerability to these extreme events can be profound.

    As our built coastal infrastructure expands, and climate change shifts patterns of such extreme events, it is critical to improve our ability to observe, understand and forecast extreme events.

    Investing in ocean futures

    Ocean research depends on continued funding of basic studies and investment in key ocean science infrastructure. We must integrate emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and expanded use of existing ocean infrastructure such as globally ranging research vessels, global drifters that float on the ocean surface and gather information, underwater communication cables and coastal marine laboratories.

    International co-operation is needed since few of these challenges are truly local. A move towards more collaborative, transdisciplinary research is necessary, alongside an expanded ocean science workforce with training and knowledge well beyond those of traditional disciplines.

    Our assessment of the state of ocean science in the United States identified key infrastructure required to address these challenges.

    For example, while advances in autonomous vehicle technology offer many opportunities, there will remain a need for specialized research ships that can operate in coastal and deep-sea waters and ice-covered regions to drill for** seafloor samples. Globally, there has been a decline in available ships to support ocean research.

    Likewise, nearly 100 marine laboratories dot U.S. coastlines, providing training, access and research for thousands of students each year. The development of this infrastructure offers opportunities for international collaboration and cooperation with private sector partners. It may also be that some of the existing infrastructure, such as the Ocean Observatories Initiative, needs to be reconsidered in light of shifting priorities and developing technologies.

    An ocean glider deployed at sea.
    (B. DeYoung), CC BY-ND

    Collective action

    We differentiate between urgent and vital ocean science research priorities.

    While the urgent will continue to demand our attention — the next coral bleaching event, the latest fisheries collapse — it is our commitment to the vital research priorities identified in the report that will ultimately determine our ability to steward rather than merely react to complex changes in the oceans.

    Our work offers a compass, but navigation requires collective action. Research institutions must transform their approach: restructuring tenure and promotion criteria to reward transdisciplinary investigations, supporting reskilling and upskilling of faculty, and preparing an innovative, adept workforce.

    Policymakers must create frameworks that value long-term investigation. And citizens must advocate for sustained investments in ocean science that transcend political cycles. The ocean’s future — and our own — depends on our willingness to pursue what is vital.

    Kristen St John receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation. She is the author of a lab book Reconstructing Earth’s Climate History: Inquiry-Based Exercises for the Lab and Class, and an in press textbook Earth’s Climate: A Geoscience Perspective.

    Mona Behl receives funding from U.S. National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautic and Space Agency, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. She is affiliated with the American Meteorological Society, and the Oceanography Society.

    Peter Girguis receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation, Schmidt Sciences, the National Aeronautic and Space Administration, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. He is affiliated with Harvard University, Schmidt Sciences, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution .

    Richard W Murray has received funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and other U.S. federal agencies.

    Stephen Palumbi receives funding from NSF, The Pew Charitable Trusts among other sources. He is affiliated with The Ocean Conservancy as a Board member, and is a member of the National Academies of Sciences. He has been vocal about the value and fun of bringing ocean science to the general public in book like The Extreme Life of the Sea and the upcoming book Born Predators.

    Brad deYoung does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Humanity depends on the ocean — Here is what we need to prioritize for immediate ocean science research – https://theconversation.com/humanity-depends-on-the-ocean-here-is-what-we-need-to-prioritize-for-immediate-ocean-science-research-252247

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Increasing investment and trade

    Source: Scottish Government

    Trade mission to UAE to deliver new opportunities for Scottish businesses.

    Scotland will respond to the ongoing global economic uncertainty by highlighting its economic strengths and making clear it is open for business, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has said.

    Speaking ahead of a trade and investment visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ms Forbes promised the Scottish Government would do everything it could to promote trade and attract jobs and investment.  

    The Deputy First Minister is undertaking a three-day programme of engagements designed to build relations with the UAE Government and position Scotland as an investment destination.

    She will meet the UAE’s Minister for Investments and Minister of State for Foreign Trade. Alongside Scottish Enterprise, the Deputy First Minister is aiming to help a range of Scottish businesses to secure new export and investment opportunities.

    The visit coincides with the UAE’s first Scotland Week, a programme of business activity developed to showcase Scotland’s innovation and expertise across science and technology, the energy transition and food and drink.

    The Deputy First Minister said:

    “The global economic uncertainty we currently face makes it an imperative to send a message to the world that Scotland is open for business and to highlight our remarkable economic strengths.

    “While all the economic levers are not in our hands, what the Scottish Government can and will do is stand square behind Scottish business and help open the doors that will deliver jobs and increased investment.

    “That is why I will be in the UAE promoting Scottish companies and encouraging greater collaboration. Scotland’s unique strengths, expertise and innovation are recognised around the world, including in the UAE. This is an opportunity to build on that reputation and secure trade and investment opportunities to help the Scottish economy to prosper.”

    Background

    The Deputy First Minister will undertake a series of engagements in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 April. They will include:

    • Speaking at a Scotland Week reception hosted by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce
    • Meeting senior representatives of Mubadala, one of the world’s largest Sovereign Investment Funds
    • Speaking at a Scottish Food and Drink showcasing reception in Dubai (around £125 million of Scottish food and drink products are exported to UAE each year)
    • Taking part in a business roundtable with Scottish businesses and the UAE Ministry of Economy

    Scotland Week in the UAE was developed by the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International and the UAE Ministry of Economy. The programme will focus on science and technology, energy transition, food and drink, and investment

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: SCO dialogue partners eye deeper cooperation with China at investment event

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

    TIANJIN, April 12 — At a recent investment promotion event in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, Turkish businessman Mehmet Sahin was seen exchanging business cards with entrepreneurs from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries.

    “I really appreciate attending this event,” said Sahin, vice president of global purchasing and logistics at Hattat Holding A.S., a Turkish company engaged in energy, automotive, agricultural and real estate development. He noted his assurance that the event would help him meet with potential Chinese and Russian investors and cooperation partners.

    The China-SCO Sustainable Development Industrial Investment Promotion Event, which concluded on Friday, saw Sahin’s company engage in negotiations with the China Coal Technology & Engineering Group to explore investment opportunities in potential coal-cleaning projects.

    Broader cooperation with Chinese enterprises is also underway in sectors such as engine assembly, production and sales, as well as wind power generation, according to Sahin.

    “This event has been a good start, and the upcoming SCO summit will further promote mutual understanding and future planning among all participating countries,” he said.

    China will host an SCO summit in Tianjin this autumn. Among the summit’s advance events, the promotional event Sahin attended has brought fresh momentum to economic and trade cooperation between China and SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners.

    Türkiye, Sri Lanka, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia were among the participating SCO dialogue partners.

    During the event, the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone disclosed significant progress.

    The Tianjin TEDA Electric Power Company announced a partnership with SCZone Utilities S.A.E., and revealed that the China-Africa TEDA Investment Co., Ltd., which developed the cooperation zone, will build a 200-megawatt substation.

    This critical infrastructure project aims to resolve power supply constraints for major projects in the cooperation zone, lower business costs for enterprises while drawing in premium investors, and accelerate industrial clustering in the zone, according to Wang Weihua, general manager of the Tianjin TEDA Electric Power Company.

    Established in 2008, the zone has become Egypt’s most competitive industrial hub, serving as a benchmark of China-Egypt cooperation.

    “Tianjin TEDA is one of our best partners,” said Ahmed Salaheldin Abdelfattah Elhomosani, general manager of SCZone Utilities S.A.E., noting that the cooperation zone has attracted a significant amount of investment.

    Trade between China and SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners came in at a record high of 890 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, accounting for approximately 14.4 percent of China’s total foreign trade that year, according to official statistics.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Only 9 Days Left as XploraDEX $XPL Presale Enters Countdown Phase – Last Chance to Join XRP’s Smartest DeFi Launch

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, Switzerland, April 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The clock is ticking, and the window is closing. With just 9 days left before the XploraDEX $XPL presale officially ends, crypto investors across the XRP ecosystem are making their final moves to lock in what could be the most promising DeFi launch of 2025.

    XploraDEX isn’t just another decentralized exchange, it’s the first AI-powered trading platform on XRPL, designed to give every trader the advantage of predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and precision execution. With over 44% of the presale already sold and momentum accelerating, this is the final opportunity to secure $XPL at presale prices before listings go live.

    Buy $XPL Tokens

    What’s the Buzz About?

    XploraDEX is turning heads for a reason. The platform combines lightning-fast XRPL infrastructure with cutting-edge AI tools. Traders can predict market trends in real time, execute automated strategies, receive adaptive risk alerts, and monitor personalized dashboards that adjust to their trading behavior. This isn’t just a place to swap tokens—it’s an intelligent platform that helps users trade smarter with every move.

    Participate in $XPL Presale

    Why You Need to Act Now

    With only 9 days remaining, the $XPL presale is entering its most critical and competitive phase. Investors who miss out now will not only lose access to the lowest token prices—they’ll miss the chance to gain higher staking yields, VIP access to the beta version of the AI dashboard, and a seat at the table when major governance decisions are made. XploraDEX is also granting early adopters front-row access to launchpad token sales and exclusive trading modules available only to $XPL holders.

    The Final Phase Is Here

    Once the $XPL PreSale ends, $XPL will be listed on major XRPL-based decentralized exchanges at a higher price point. Platform rollouts, staking programs, and AI feature deployments will follow immediately—giving early investors a clear edge. This is your last chance to be part of the protocol’s foundation and share in the upside as adoption accelerates.

    If you’ve been watching XploraDEX rise from concept to presale success, this is your final call to join the ranks of first movers. There are just 9 days left before this door closes—and based on current momentum, the final allocation won’t last that long.

    Join the $XPL Presale Now: https://xploradex.io

    Stay connected and Join the XploraDEX AI Revolution

    Website | $XPL Token Presale | X | Telegram

    Contact:
    Oliver Muller
    oliver@xploradex.io
    contact@xploradex.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. 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.

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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c86b1831-8dd5-4a26-a70e-33ad01e0af0a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Child Pornography Offenses

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jobie Patterson, age 53, of Syracuse, pled guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to traffic firearms and possession of child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea, Patterson admitted that between approximately December 2022 and January 2023, he conspired with others to unlawfully transfer firearms. Patterson admitted that a coconspirator acquired firearms using a straw purchaser in Georgia, then sent photographs and videos of those firearms to Patterson in Syracuse. Patterson then sold those firearms to a customer in Syracuse. Patterson further admitted that he knew that the customer had previously been convicted of a felony, and that the use, carrying, or possession of the firearms by the customer would constitute a felony. Patterson acknowledged that at a meeting in Syracuse, he sold the customer 4 handguns.

    Patterson further admitted, as part of his guilty plea, that he committed the separate offense of possession of child pornography. Patterson admitted that in May 2023, the defendant knowingly possessed sexually explicit images and videos of a 16-year-old female child. Patterson admitted that in a series of messages he exchanged with the child, the defendant directed the child to produce and transmit specific sexually explicit images to him, which she did. Patterson acknowledged that he then knowingly possessed those images in his personal cloud storage account.

    At sentencing, currently set for August 13, 2025, on the firearms-trafficking conspiracy, Patterson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Patterson may be required to forfeit the firearms involved in the crime. On the child pornography offense, Patterson faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Patterson also faces a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life, to follow any term of imprisonment. Patterson may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense and must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tech CEO Charged in Artificial Intelligence Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Former CEO of Nate, Inc. Charged with Making False Claims About His Company’s Artificial Intelligence Technology

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today an Indictment charging ALBERT SANIGER, the former Chief Executive Officer of Nate, Inc. (“nate”), with engaging in a scheme to defraud investors and prospective investors of nate by making false and misleading statements about nate’s use of proprietary AI technology and its operational capabilities. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As alleged, Albert Saniger misled investors by exploiting the promise and allure of AI technology to build a false narrative about innovation that never existed. This type of deception not only victimizes innocent investors, it diverts capital from legitimate startups, makes investors skeptical of real breakthroughs, and ultimately impedes the progress of AI development. This Office and our partners at the FBI will continue to pursue those who seek to harm investors by touting false innovation.” 

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Albert Saniger allegedly defrauded investors with fabrications of his company’s purported artificial intelligence capabilities while covertly employing personnel to satisfy the illusion of technological automation. Saniger allegedly abused the integrity associated with his former position as the CEO to perpetuate a scheme filled with smoke and mirrors. The FBI will continue to investigate any business owner who withholds material information to encourage additional investments.” 

    According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:[1]

    In or about 2018, SANIGER founded nate, an e-commerce company that launched the nate app. SANIGER marketed the nate app as a universal shopping cart app that simplified online shopping by enabling users to “skip the checkout” on retail website by reducing the checkout process to a “single tap.” For example, if a consumer found a pair of sneakers that they wanted to purchase on a particular e-commerce site, the user could buy the sneakers by opening the nate app and clicking “buy.” The nate app purported to take care of the remainder of the checkout process through AI: selecting the appropriate size, entering billing and shipping information, and confirming the purchase.

    Nate distinguished itself from other e-commerce companies and apps through a single defining feature: the ability to intelligently and quickly complete retail transactions across all e-commerce sites through the use of AI technology. SANIGER repeatedly told investors and the public that the company’s app used proprietary AI technology to autonomously complete online purchases on behalf of users.

    Based on representations about nate’s use of AI, SANIGER solicited investments from venture capital firms. In pitch materials transmitted to investors, SANIGER touted the company’s use of AI and represented that nate was “able to transact online without human intervention.” As prospective investors conducted due diligence, SANIGER repeatedly represented that—except for certain “edge cases” in which the AI failed to complete a customer transaction—the nate app was fully automated based on AI.

    In reality, nate did not use AI to autonomously navigate the checkout process of e-commerce websites and complete purchases on behalf of users. While SANIGER had acquired AI technology from a third party and hired a team of data scientists to develop it, nate’s AI never achieved the ability to consistently complete e-commerce purchases. As SANIGER knew, at the time nate was claiming to use AI to automate online purchases, the app’s actual automation rate was effectively zero percent. SANIGER concealed that reality from investors and most nate employees: he told employees to keep nate’s automation rate secret; he restricted access to nate’s “automation rate dashboard,” which displayed automation metrics; and he provided false explanations for his secrecy, such as the automation data was a “trade secret.”

    In truth, nate relied heavily on teams of human workers—primarily located overseas—to manually process transactions in secret, mimicking what users believed was being done by automation. SANIGER used hundreds of contractors, or “purchasing assistants,” in a call center located in the Philippines to manually complete purchases occurring over the nate app. In or about the fall of 2021, with the busy holiday shopping approaching, and despite his numerous prior representations that nate did not use bots (or “dumb bots”, as he referred to them), SANIGER directed nate’s engineering team to develop “bots” to automate some transactions on the nate app.  After creating the bots, nate used bots in addition to the manual teams to complete purchases that were purportedly being completed by AI technology.

    SANIGER raised more than $40 million from multiple investors based in part on his representations to investors about nate’s development and deployment of AI.

    *                      *                      *

    SANIGER, 35, of Barcelona, Spain, is charged with one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of wire fraud, which also carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

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

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents from the FBI.  Mr. Podolsky also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a parallel civil action. 

    The case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force and the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas W. Chiuchiolo, Alexandra Messiter, and Sarah Mortazavi are in charge of the prosecution.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Woman Found Guilty of Kidnapping Elderly Victim

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A federal jury in Asheville returned a guilty verdict late yesterday against Stephanie Miranda Neace, 32, of Blairsville, Georgia, for the 2023 kidnapping and robbery of an elderly victim, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Neace’s co-defendant, Jordan Nathaniel Hedden, 31, of Murphy, N.C., pleaded guilty to kidnapping and will be sentenced on April 14.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    “This was a frightening crime against an elderly victim who was just trying to help out of the kindness of her heart,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson.  “People who commit crimes like this affect how we treat one another, and we are committed to bringing them to justice.”

    According to court documents, trial evidence, and witness testimony, on November 30, 2023, the victim, a 71-year-old female, was driving from Georgia to North Carolina, when she saw the defendants walking. The victim offered the defendants a ride because it was cold outside. The defendants accepted the ride, and soon after they entered North Carolina, Hedden instructed the victim to drive to his car. When they arrived at the location, a car was not there. Hedden then ordered the victim to stop the vehicle, and when the victim refused, Hedden forced the victim to stop the car and get in the back seat. Hedden then took over driving.

    According to evidence presented at trial, the victim began to cry and Hedden yelled at her and told her to shut up. Trial evidence showed that Hedden appeared to be high and agitated and became paranoid that the victim had a tracking device. At one point, Hedden stopped the vehicle, and he and Neace searched the car and the victim herself for tracking devices. Then, they took the victim’s phone and disabled it. Hedden also demanded money from the victim, but the victim only had $2. Fearing for her safety, the victim told the defendants to take her to an ATM and the defendants agreed. During the drive into Tennessee, Hedden made the victim promise that she would not identify them to the police.

    During the drive to the ATM, the victim convinced Hedden to let her withdraw money from a gas station ATM instead of a bank. The victim also told Hedden that she would give the defendants the money if they let her stay behind safely at the gas station. When they arrived at the gas station, the victim took her purse and her car key fob. She told Hedden to turn off the car so the headlights could not be seen from the people inside the gas station, and Hedden complied. As the victim and Hedden were walking toward the gas station, the victim began to run to the door and scream for help. Hedden ran back to the car, attempted to use it to flee but was unable to start the car without the key fob. Hedden and Neace then fled on foot and escaped into the woods but were apprehended days later.

    Neace was convicted of kidnapping which carries a maximum prison sentence of up to life imprisonment. On November 13, 2024, Hedden pleaded guilty to kidnapping. Both Hedden and Neace are currently in custody awaiting sentencing.

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

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Don Gast and Alexis Solheim of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville are prosecuting the case.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches New Promotional Packages: 100x Leverage, $50 Bonus, and No KYC for Crypto Traders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin continues to trade below $85,000 and analysts predict that the crypto market will remain volatile, holding spot positions may not generate short-term profits. Recent economic shifts, including policy announcements such as President Trump’s tariff decisions, have brought some stabilization, but the volatility remains. For investors seeking to maximize returns in these uncertain times, BexBack Exchange offers a powerful solution. With 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users, BexBack empowers traders to seize market opportunities. And with no KYC requirements, it provides a seamless and efficient way to trade.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $60,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $63,000, your profit will be (63,000 – 60,000) * 100 BTC / 60,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and more than 50 other major altcoins. Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, BexBack holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by over 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, and offers no deposit fees, along with exceptional customer service, including 24/7 support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack 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. 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. 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. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. 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.

    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 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.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/29ad5549-25cd-4fa8-b2d2-4d3efcb6706e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a2149fa-fed5-43dd-8c42-87c12b1d02c0

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a4231dec-3cbd-4169-98ac-18c6e57e5a26

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5b9d1109-efe3-44d9-8d19-9bf66cbbc3fc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Alumni Ventures Launches AV Syndicate, Empowering Investors to Select Individual Venture Deals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MANCHESTER, N.H., April 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alumni Ventures (AV), one of the most active venture capital firms in the world, today announced the launch of the AV Syndicate, a new investment platform that allows accredited investors to participate in individual venture deals. This innovative platform further democratizes access to venture capital opportunities, which have remained largely inaccessible to many investors.

    “We’re thrilled to provide investors even greater flexibility and choice,” said Mike Collins, Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures. “For over 10 years, we’ve offered investors a broad menu of venture fund options. Now with the AV Syndicate, investors can directly select deals from our carefully vetted opportunities, giving them the ability to create their own venture portfolio.”

    Celebrating over a decade of growth and innovation, Alumni Ventures has established itself as a leader in the venture ecosystem. With $1.4 billion in committed capital from over 11,000 customers and a current and historical portfolio of 1,600+ companies, AV is the largest venture firm dedicated to individual investors. AV is also recognized for investing excellence, including top-quartile and decile rankings in distributions to paid-in capital (DPI) and a ranking by CB Insights as one of the top 20 venture capitalists in North America, as of December 31, 2024.

    The AV Syndicate builds on Collins’ original vision to democratize access to venture capital. It significantly lowers the entry barriers for new customers, requiring a minimum investment of only $10,000. AV and its team of ~40 venture investing professionals also ensure that AV investors have access to the firm’s diligence materials and opportunities to discuss the deal in live deal discussions prior to making an investment decision. Collins explains, “One week you might see a seed company that’s offering AI-powered visual inspection to manufacturers. The next might be a Series B company that’s developed a rapid test for sepsis, a leading cause of hospital deaths.”

    Collins added. “We’ve always believed in empowering investors. The AV Syndicate is just the next evolution in delivering on that promise.”

    Investors interested in learning more about the AV Syndicate and exploring investment opportunities are invited to visit av.vc/syndications.

    About Alumni Ventures  
    Founded in 2014, Alumni Ventures (AV) is one of the world’s most active venture capital firms. With more than $1.4 billion in committed capital from over 11,000 accredited investors, AV is democratizing venture capital by expanding access to professional, high-quality venture investment opportunities. AV’s extensive portfolio spans over 1,600 companies across diverse sectors and stages. Learn more at av.vc.

    Media Contact:  
    Luke Antal 
    press@av.vc
    www.av.vc

    Not an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to purchase, any security. Venture capital investing involves substantial risk, including risk of loss of all capital invested. See important disclosures here.

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Alumni Ventures (AV). 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. 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. 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. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. 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.

    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 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/edfebbc8-8580-448c-b4d7-93be4f1c4780

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Secretary of State for Transport’s vision for transport

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Secretary of State for Transport’s vision for transport

    The Secretary of State for Transport talks about her vision for a transport system that works for everyone.

    Thank you, David, for that introduction.  

    Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the National Railway Museum in York. 

    I’m tempted to say we’re in the country’s finest transport museum, but as a Swindon MP and a former Deputy Mayor for Transport in London, I feel I should tread carefully.

    So welcome to ONE of the VERY BEST transport museums in the country!

    It feels fitting for me to do my first big transport speech here.

    The history of our transport network — the stories of the men and women who designed it, built it, operated and used it — are woven into the fabric of our communities in 21st century Britain.

    And it’s you — the people in THIS room — who are adding to that rich tapestry every day.

    You keep life moving.  

    You get children to school, commuters to work, and families to their holidays.  

    You move the goods that stock our shelves, fuel our industries, and keep businesses thriving.  

    You don’t just connect places — you connect people with the things that they need to get on in life.  

    And it’s in the spirit of connection that I’d like to tell you a story.   

    I hope you won’t be disappointed to learn that I haven’t invited you here for a big policy announcement or news headline, but rather to share a little bit about who I am and what I believe.

    I want to tell you a story about the people and places who have shaped my thinking.

    I grew up in Swindon.

    A proud railway town on the M4 corridor – a place with much to be proud of. 

    It’s also a humble football town – and I can tell you, that as a Swindon Town supporter, I have learnt the lessons of humility all too well.

    By fate and circumstance, that’s where my journey began.  

    Outside our semi detached house, I remember my dad’s first van parked up — ‘Malcolm Alexander Electrical Services’.

    I remember the first bike I was given – blue with a basket on the front — a bit like the blue crate I’ve got on my bike now.

    And I remember learning to drive around the town’s infamous Magic Roundabout. 

    And the car factories that punctuate the town’s history – Rover, Honda and now, BMW.

    It’s fair to say that in 1980s Swindon, the car was king.  

    It still is.

    The proliferation of out of town shopping centres, urban expansions and a minimal public transport network shaped the transport destiny of my town.

    Now, I won’t pretend that urban planning preoccupied my teenage mind too much. 

    Back then, I was much more concerned about whether Wham! were going to make it to Number 1. 

    But when I moved away and got my first job, I began to see the bigger picture… 

    … that a poor transport network will limit choices.  

    … that it can block the aspirations of young people.   

    And, most important of all, a good transport network can do precisely the opposite. 

    I was the first person in my family to go to university. 

    And like so many, I found work and opportunities in the capital.  

    And so it was, at the age of 29, I walked into Lewisham Town Hall as a newly elected councillor – becoming the cabinet member for regeneration just two years later.

    I loved that job, and I fell in love with transport.  

    Now, I’ll admit …

    It wasn’t the language of highways management that enthralled me: “There’s no such thing as a speed hump Cllr Alexander, only speed tables and speed cushions.” 

    But it was the extension of the East London Line, the creation of new brownfield sites around major railway stations, the improvements to walking and cycling links that really got me hooked.

    I learnt quickly that transport shapes a lot more than roads and railways. 

    And equally important, I learnt that it takes a lot of people to shape transport itself.  

    At Lewisham, I saw first-hand how transport investment could make a dramatic difference to people’s lives.  

    Take Brockley Railway Station.

    For years, it was an uninspiring, inaccessible place. 

    Uninviting, a bit run down.   

    Not somewhere you’d instinctively love as you rocked up for your morning commute.  

    But working with local campaigners, we delivered step-free access, a stunning landscaped ramp and better connectivity along the London Overground. 

    Today, Brockley is thriving. 

    It’s a place where the old and the new coexist. 

    The Wetherspoons on the corner and fried chicken shops sit side-by-side with bakeries, breweries and a pedestrianised square.  

    It was a transport scheme that built a stronger, more connected community. 

    And, it was transport that made the difference down the road in Lewisham too.  

    We transformed it — relocating and improving a bus station, moving a roundabout, redesigning the roads, creating land for new homes, new public spaces and new opportunity. 

    And when I say “we”, I mean the hundreds of people from different organisations who made it happen — people like you. 

    When a few years later I became the Member of Parliament for Lewisham East, transport was always right at the top of the list of my constituents’ concerns.  

    The longer train station platforms that were worse than useless without the longer trains to stop at them.

    The toxic air being pumped into homes around the South Circular.

    And when I later became Deputy Mayor for Transport in London, I had the privilege of working on those concerns more closely than I had ever done before.  

    Look, London is big. 

    So yes, naturally, I’m proud of the big stuff: 

    Straining to keep the capital moving through Covid. 

    Working on the Elizabeth line to deliver the jewel in the crown of the UK’s rail network. 

    Sticking to my guns on the Silvertown Tunnel, a new river crossing that enables London’s red double-deckers to go under the Thames to the east of Tower Bridge for the first time.

    But honestly, big doesn’t always mean beautiful. 

    Transport isn’t just about the price tag on the project. 

    It’s about delivering a better everyday experience – buses that come on time, accessible stations, well managed road works. 

    I’m just as proud of the smaller projects that made a big difference — many delivered in London by my good friend and then colleague Will Norman — segregated cycle lanes on Jamaica Road and Evelyn St, more secure cycle parking, slower speeds on roads with high KSIs, a direct vision scheme to improve visibility from the cabs of HGVs.

    These were transport interventions which ultimately delivered better public health, as well as better public realm.

    So when I moved back to Swindon a couple of years ago, I wasn’t just carrying a dream about becoming the MP for my home town.

    I arrived with baggage — determined to deliver for Swindon in a similar way to London. 

    Not the same solutions — as every place is different, but to give people options and opportunity.

    There isn’t something in the water that makes Swindonians love their cars more than Londoners.  

    Just a reality that public transport is better in London.  

    And I think it’s a failure of imagination, as much as a failure of policy, that young people in Swindon don’t have better options than I had decades ago. 

    Because change is possible.  

    Across the country — from Swindon to Shrewsbury,  Rotherham to Peterborough — we have underused transport assets. 

    Unloved railway buildings — land surplus to requirements or land that could be made so. 

    Neglected stations, like Brockley.  

    Potential that shouldn’t go to waste, but we know that, too often, it does.  

    And with vision, funding and collaboration, these could become hubs of regeneration, places that don’t just usher people through — but bring people together. 

    We talk about delivering “London style” transport to other places.   

    But I think we should talk more about “Swindon style” transport for Swindon, or “York style” transport for York. 

    And I want to support the capability and capacity within councils and combined authorities to deliver regeneration, investment and tangible improvements.  

    We have great mayors.  

    We have great local leaders.  

    We have great organisations working nationally and regionally.  

    We have a lot of talent in this room and beyond.  

    So, the question for me, is how do we best harness that?  

    Obviously, this is a question that has vexed me particularly since I took a call from the Prime Minister at the tail end of November, asking me to serve as his Transport Secretary.  

    And as someone who has skin in the game as a local MP and a passion to build on the work started by the force of nature, Lou Haigh, I naturally said yes.  

    And here I am.  

    Full-circle in some ways, and trying to shape a new path in another.   

    And the task is to build a better decade for transport. 

    Towards a better railway… 

    Laying the foundations for reform — establishing Shadow Great British Railways and launching a consultation on the upcoming Railways Bill to unify track and train. 

    Towards public ownership… 

    Passing the Passenger Railway Services Act, with the first operators — Southwestern and c2c — moving into public hands in the coming months. 

    Towards better buses…  

    Introducing the Bus Services Bill, giving local authorities greater control over routes, timetables, and fares — backed by over £1 billion in investment to improve reliability and frequency. 

    Towards better roads… 

    Investing £1.6 billion in local highways, an uplift of £500 million on last year — enough to fill an extra 7 million potholes. 

    Towards fairer work… 

    Enshrining greater protections for seafarers in law. 

    Towards cleaner skies… 

    Introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate and launching a consultation on the revenue certainty mechanism. 

    Towards a fossil-free future… 

    Supporting the installation of thousands of new EV charge points—helping to drive record electric car sales, with 31% of new cars sold in December last year being electric. 

    And towards a transport system that supports the aspirations of everyone in this country… 

    It’s why I am so proud to work with the ministerial team at the Department for Transport.

    Like me — and like all of us — they’ve seen the difference that good services make… 

    …Whether it’s the tap-and-go trams and buses in Mike Kane’s patch, with fares capped at £2 on Greater Manchester’s Bee Network. 

    …Or in Simon Lightwood’s patch, where the mass transit system will improve integrated travel options in West Yorkshire, improving access to opportunities for people in Leeds and Bradford.

    …Or, in Nottingham, where one of the local bus operators, Nottingham City Transport, has been voted UK operator of the year a record six times, with passenger satisfaction amongst the highest in the country. I hear Lilian Greenwood is a pretty good local MP too …

    And as for Peter Hendy, who is his own walking museum of transport knowledge, he has a phrase that I would like to steal.  

    He talks about transport needing to be “boringly reliable”.

    And he’s right.  

    If public transport options are boringly reliable, then it means day-to-day life is easier for everyone. 

    So, by 2035, I want public transport to play a greater role in national life, becoming the easiest, most attractive choice… brilliantly and boringly reliable.  

    Enrique Peñalosa, a former mayor of Bogotá, once said:

    “An advanced city is not one where the poor have to own a car, but one where the rich choose to use public transport.” 

    That’s a vision I believe in.  

    But I can picture the headlines now — so let me counter the column inches before they emerge: there is no such thing as a war on motorists.  

    I drive. I own a car and I love it — a racing green Mini Cooper convertible.

    I walk. I cycle.  

    I take buses, trains, and taxis.  

    And I’ll bet most of you do too.  

    No serious person is proposing to ask people like my dad, a self employed electrician, to swap their van for a bus, forcing them to lug all their kit around — I certainly am not.   

    Through his career, my dad was a professional problem solver, and I hope I’ll carry the torch for that family tradition.   

    But I’ll be focussing on solving the real problems, not wasting time on the invented ones.   

    Because I’m sure everybody in this room would agree that where you live shouldn’t determine what you can achieve…  

    …that your hometown, no matter how big or how small, should provide the transport options to meet your aspirations… 

    … and that — if transport doesn’t nurture young people with the opportunities they deserve, then our entire economy misses out on the talent it needs to grow. 

    That’s why we’re here today. 

    To have the conversations that bring us closer together.  

    I want to harness your talents, your expertise and your drive to solve real problems.  

    Because, no matter where people are travelling to, they should be proud of where they’re coming from. 

    Thank you, and have a lovely evening.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Infini Revives Infini Earn with New Security Architecture and Global Access

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, April 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Infini, the innovative crypto payment and earning platform, is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated feature, Infini Earn. Designed to seamlessly merge crypto payments with asset growth, Infini Earn empowers users to earn automatic daily interest on stablecoin deposits while enjoying convenient, global payments—reinforcing Infini’s mission of making crypto yields accessible and secure for everyone.

    Innovation Meets Trust and Security

    In response to recent security challenges in the crypto space, Infini has significantly upgraded its Earn feature’s security framework, partnering with Cobo to establish an even more robust defense layer.

    Key improvements to the Infini Earn architecture include:

    • Transition from a legacy contract-based asset management system to a mature, multi-signature control model
    • Deployment of a layered wallet infrastructure separating cold and hot wallets to diversify fund allocation and reduce centralization risk
    • Integration of Cobo’s Safe{Wallet} Co-Signer, enabling independent transaction parsing and off-chain verification

    The strength of Cobo’s Co-Signer lies in combining Infini’s autonomous fund control with external validation. This hybrid structure enhances asset protection with multiple layers of security, marking a new chapter where safety and transparency go hand in hand.

    In addition, Infini is actively establishing long-term collaborations with several leading blockchain security teams. Through a combination of autonomous control, external collaboration, layered protection, and community-driven incentives, Infini is building a high-availability, high-resilience, multi-layered security system designed to meet the evolving needs of next-generation finance.

    Christian, Founder of Infini, commented:
    “At Infini, user asset safety is paramount. After recent events, we responded decisively, strengthening our security framework to safeguard our community. Infini Earn returns stronger and safer than ever.”

    Christine, Co-founder of Infini, added:
    “The return of Infini Earn marks not only the expansion of our innovative financial services but also our unwavering commitment to security and user trust. Our collaboration with Cobo and SlowMist underscore our dedication to providing users with peace of mind.”

    Transparent and Sustainable Earnings

    Infini Earn offers users a clearly defined, transparent mechanism for yield generation. Users deposit stablecoins into rigorously vetted, compliant decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, enabling asset growth through stable, well-managed strategies. Infini applies stringent risk management practices, including real-time monitoring and robust risk isolation protocols, to ensure safe and consistent earnings of up to 10% APY.

    Customized Flexibility & Global Reach

    Infini Earn provides flexible, user-centric options to enhance financial freedom:

    • Multiple Card Choices – Select from tailored Visa and Mastercard options matching diverse spending habits
    • Simple, Fast Onboarding – Register within 2 minutes through a user-friendly interface
    • Multi-Chain Support – Deposit, transfer, and pay seamlessly with stablecoins across Ethereum, Arbitrum, BSC, Solana, and Tron
    • Cross-Platform Convenience – Easily manage earnings and payments across desktop and mobile devices

    Rapid Community Growth and Recognition

    The Infini platform has rapidly grown, surpassing 50,000 users. These milestones underscore the community’s strong support, trust, and engagement.

    Commitment to User Safety & Transparency

    Infini remains committed to proactive security, transparency, and responsive user engagement, continually striving to create the most secure environment possible for asset growth and payments. With Infini Earn’s return, users can enjoy confidence and peace of mind knowing that Infini’s top priority remains the safety and prosperity of its global community.

    About Infini

    Infini is a next-generation crypto payment and earning platform enabling secure, convenient global transactions with stablecoins. Integrated seamlessly with Visa and Mastercard networks, Infini facilitates effortless crypto payments and daily asset earnings worldwide, supporting millions of merchants both online and offline.

    Learn more at Infini.money

    Media Contact:
    Email: Media@infini.money
    Contact Name: Alice Li

    Disclaimer: This press release 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. 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. 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.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.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.

    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 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.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: MAGA Minute, April 11, 2025

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    WEEK OF VICTORIES at the White House!

    145% Tariffs on China
    Bilateral with Netanyahu
    L.A. Dodgers & Racing Champions
    Gas and Energy Prices Down
    Real Wages UP, Inflation DOWN
    Companies Invest Billions
    U.S. Coal EO
    4 SCOTUS Wins

    Watch Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s MAGA Minute!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSgxwLcGnNE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Cosponsors Bipartisan, Bicameral Invest to Protect Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced he is once again cosponsoring the bipartisan, bicameral Invest to Protect Act, reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05),John Rutherford (FL-05), and Steven Horsford (NV-04) this week. This critical legislation would make targeted investments in small and midsize departments with fewer than 175 sworn police officers, providing vital funds for recruitment, retention, training, and officer support.

    During the 117th Congress, the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act overwhelmingly passed the House with 360 votes. Other versions of the legislation have also passed the Senate. Despite broad support, a final agreed-upon bill has not yet fully passed out of Congress. This reintroduction renews the effort to deliver critical support to law enforcement officers serving communities across the country.

    “New Hampshire’s local law enforcement does critical work to keep our communities and our families safe, and this bipartisan legislation will ensure they have the resources and training needed to do their jobs,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “By making increased funding available to our local departments, this legislation will improve recruitment, retention, mental health support for officers and ensure they have the support to keep our communities safe. Whether they are keeping deadly fentanyl and other illegal drugs off our streets, protecting individuals from violent crime, or acting as first responders to physical and mental health emergencies, our local police departments do lifesaving work each and every day, and this legislation will help support their work and keep Granite Staters safe.”

    The bipartisan, bicameral Invest to Protect Act of 2025 would:

    • Invest in officer safety, de-escalation, and domestic violence response training, allowing officers to receive critical training that will make them more effective at their jobs;
    • Create grants for small departments to recruit new officers to bolster their departments;
    • Provide retention bonuses to keep existing officers as a part of their communities;
    • Fund officers’ tuition for graduate studies in mental health, public health, and social work up to $10,000; and
    • Allow departments to provide mental health resources for their officers.

    The critical need to support small and midsized police departments: 

    • The vast majority of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. are smaller than 200 full-time sworn officers.
    • More than 94% of local U.S. police departments have fewer than 100 sworn officers.
    • Small law enforcement agencies protect and serve our communities with strained resources and growing needs for additional support, training, and funding. 

    Read the full bill text here.

    The bipartisan Invest to Protect Act is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Troopers Coalition,the National Sheriffs’ Association, Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA).

    “The Fraternal Order of Police applauds the recent reintroduction of the ‘Invest to Protect Act’ in the House. This crucial piece of legislation would establish a program within the U.S. Department of Justice to provide grants to small departments for their training, recruitment and retention, college tuition, and social services like therapy and treatment. Year after year, this bill has remained a priority of the FOP. We owe it to our smaller departments to better equip them with the tools they need to carry out their duties to the best of their ability as they work tirelessly to protect our communities. We appreciate the leadership of Representatives Gottheimer and Rutherford to introduce this bill in the House. We look forward to working closely with Congress to ensure this gets across the finish line,” said the Fraternal Order of Police. 

    “On behalf of the National Tactical Officers Association and its over 40,000 members nationwide, I am proud to support the Invest to Protect Act,” said Thor Eells, Executive Director of the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA). “This bipartisan legislation is a needed step in providing critical training and equipment to smaller and rural police departments to help ensure the health, security, and safety of both law enforcement and the citizenry that they are sworn to protect.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller, Schneider Introduce the RESILIENCE Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced the Repair Expenditures Support Infrastructure, Labor Investment, Energy Needs, and Creates Equity Act of 2025 (RESILIENCE Act of 2025). This bipartisan legislation will allow utilities to deduct repair costs from the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax and will ensure that these companies are treated fairly.

     

    Click here for bill text.

     

    “The Inflation Reduction Act picked winners and losers in energy production, and hard-working Americans suffered the most by having to pay more for everything, including utilities. The Resilience Act of 2025 would fix the unfair tax treatment of utilities under the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax by allowing regulated utilities to fully deduct repair expenditures. This bill would increase energy affordability for consumers and ensures tax fairness, ultimately creating a more resilient and reliable energy grid,” said Congresswoman Miller. 

     

    “EEI’s member electric companies make significant investments each year to maintain the energy grid and to make it stronger and more secure,” said EEI Interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “The current process for taxing these critical investments under the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax needlessly raises costs for electricity customers, threatens job creation, and undermines ongoing efforts to strengthen America’s energy security. We greatly appreciate Representatives Miller and Schneider’s leadership in developing this common-sense solution, which will help keep customer costs as low as possible while enhancing the reliability and resilience of the grid.”

     

    “America’s natural gas utilities invest $37 billion each year in enhancing the safety and efficiency of natural gas distribution and transmission systems – these investments help us to deliver affordable, reliable, safe and cleaner natural gas and have lowered emissions from the natural gas distribution system by 70% since 1990. This bill from Reps. Miller and Schneider will help to remove an important barrier for this type of strategic investment in America’s energy future and will help our industry to maintain affordability for American families and businesses while fueling innovation and growth for a stronger future,”said George Lowe, AGA Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Public Policy. 

     

    “Storms can wreak havoc on our facilities and repairs are necessary to ensure reliable service. AEP spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year on storm repairs and maintenance activities. Allowing these critical expenditures to be deducted from the minimum tax lowers rates for customers and frees up capital that we can invest in other areas of our operations,” said American Electric Power.

     

    “We commend Representatives Miller and Schneider for introducing bipartisan legislation that will lower energy costs and create jobs for customers and communities nationwide, in addition to supporting grid upgrades to address growing energy demand for generations to come, putting regulated utilities on equal footing with non-regulated businesses. We look forward to engaging with Congress as this bill advances through the legislative process,” said Exelon.

     

    “At FirstEnergy, we are committed to providing reliable electric service at the lowest price possible for the six million customers across our footprint, including 556,000 in West Virginia. Repair and maintenance are critical investments that ensure a reliable and resilient grid. We applaud U.S. Reps. Carol Miller and Brad Schneider’s bipartisan efforts to create a practical solution that allows electric companies to account for these expenses more efficiently, reducing base rates and strengthening our energy infrastructure,” said FirstEnergy. 

    “Nearly 250,000 IBEW members work for regulated utilities, and a repair adjustment protects their jobs and allows them to help build a strong economy. Without the inclusion of a repair’s adjustment, IBEW members who currently perform repairs and maintenance work at our nation’s utilities could be in real danger of losing their mission-critical jobs,” said IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Putin meets with US special envoy for Ukraine talks

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday met with Steve Witkoff, a special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, in St. Petersburg for talks on the Ukraine conflict.

    The Kremlin said the meeting focused on “various aspects of the Ukrainian settlement,” without elaborating.

    The talks were held behind closed doors, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier. He said the two sides would exchange views on the Ukraine issue but no breakthrough was expected in the talks.

    Before meeting with Putin, Witkoff held talks with Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Russian special presidential envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries. Dmitriev later said that talks with Witkoff were “productive.”

    According to Russian news agency TASS, Witkoff arrived in Russia on a business visit Friday morning and departed St. Petersburg late in the evening.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Parrish Man Indicted For Arson Of A Vehicle

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

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Kendarius Devonta Stitten (25, Parrish) with a violation of the federal Anti-Arson Act. If convicted, Stitten faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Stitten that the United States intends to forfeit assets that are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

    According to the indictment, on March 20, 2025, Stitten set fire to a rental van that was parked at a motel in Bradenton.

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

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations, and Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: IDEX Biometrics ASA: Mandatory notification of trades

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IDEX Biometrics ASA informs of primary insider transactions as listed in the attached notifications.

    For further information contact:

    Marianne Bøe, Head of Investor Relations, Tel: +47 91800186

    Kristian Flaten, CFO, Tel: +47 95092322

    E-mail: ir@idexbiometrics.com

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Article 19 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation and Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Seattle Releases New Seeking Information Poster and Digital Tip Line for Tesla Charging Station Arson in Lacey, Washington

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    his individual may have injuries consistent with being in close proximity to an explosion or intense heat, such as a concussion, burns, or shrapnel injuries. The suspect is a white male, approximately 5’10” to 6’2”. He was wearing a dark jacket with a hood, gray pants, and a face covering. The suspect walks with a unique gait, including a slight limp with his right leg kicking out and, at times, his right hand held behind his back. He was carrying a white bag, which may have been plastic.

    Anyone in the surrounding area of the Target and Kohl’s stores in the South Sound Center, also to include along the Chehalis Western and Woodland Creek trails, is requested to review any doorbell and security camera footage which may show this person walking or accessing a vehicle from the late evening of April 7 to the early morning of April 8.

    Anyone who may recognize this person, possess video footage of the suspect, or have information related to the arson at the Tesla supercharger station is asked to contact the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. You may also contact the Lacey Police Department at (360) 459-4333, or contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

    FBI Seattle is one of the 55 FBI field offices located in the United States. The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. For more information, visit fbi.gov or fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/seattle.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges 261 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct in Arizona this Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – During this week of enforcement operations from April 5, 2025, through April 11, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 261 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 103 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 140 aliens for illegally entering the United States.  In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States also filed 14 cases against 18 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.

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

    Recent matters of interest include:

    United States v. Sanchez-Marcial: On April 8, 2025, Ofricino Sanchez-Marcial was arrested and charged for Harboring Illegal Aliens. The criminal complaint alleges that Sanchez-Marcial held a Guatemalan citizen, who was illegally present in the United States, against his will and sent threatening messages to his family members demanding a ransom of $135,000.

    United States v. Renteria-Cruz: On April 8, 2025, Bonifacio Renteria-Cruz, 48, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested on Illegal Re-Entry charges during an HSI operation led by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan. In January 2025, HSI learned that Reinteria-Cruz had illegally returned to the United States after being deported following a 2006 Aggravated Assault conviction. After his deportation, Mexican authorities charged Renteria-Cruz with homicide for events that occurred on July 20, 2009, in Mexico. He was a fugitive until his arrest on Tuesday by HSI.

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

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    CASE NUMBERS:         25-3144MJ
                                          25-3128MJ                                                         

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-055_April 11 Immigration Enforcement

    # # #

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Difference between private money loans and traditional loans by Flexi-View Lending

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — When it comes to financing a real estate investment, choosing the right type of loan can be just as important as choosing the right property. At Flexi-View Lending, we understand that no two deals are alike—whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, knowing the difference between private money loans and traditional loans can empower you to make smarter, faster decisions. Let’s break down the essentials.

    What Are Traditional Loans?

    Traditional loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and other institutional lenders. These loans are ideal for borrowers with strong credit histories, stable income, and properties that meet strict underwriting criteria.

    Key Features:

    Lower interest rates (typically 5%–10%)

    Longer repayment terms (15–30 years)

    Strict underwriting (credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio)

    Slower approval process (30–60 days)

    Best For:

    – Owner-occupied purchases

    – Long-term investment properties

    – Buyers with excellent credit and documented income

    What Are Private Money Loans?

    Private money loans, often called “hard money loans,” are funded by private investors or lending firms like Flexi-View Lending. These loans focus more on the value of the asset than the borrower’s credit profile.

    Key Features:

    – Faster approval and funding (often in 14–20 days)

    – Flexible terms tailored to the project

    – Higher interest rates (typically 8%–15%)

    – Shorter durations (6 months to 60 months)

    Best For:

    – Fix-and-flip projects

    – Bridge loans and quick acquisitions

    – Investors with non-traditional income or credit challenges

    – Properties that don’t qualify for bank financing

    When to Use Private Money Over Traditional Loans

    There are scenarios where speed, flexibility, or the nature of the property make private lending a better fit:

    1. Tight Deadlines: Private lenders can close deals quickly ideal for auction purchases or time-sensitive opportunities.

    2. Property Condition Issues: Distressed or uninhabitable properties often don’t qualify for traditional financing.

    3. Credit or Income Hurdles: Investors with fluctuating or non-traditional income streams may benefit from private lending’s relaxed underwriting.

    4. Creative Deals: Need a loan structure tailored to a unique exit strategy or renovation timeline? Private money offers more creativity.

    How Flexi-View Lending Can Help

    At Flexi-View Lending, we bridge the gap between opportunity and capital. Whether you need fast funding for a flip or long-term financing for a rental portfolio, our team is here to help you choose the right loan for your needs. We specialize in:

    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Condos & Multifamily Properties
    • Retail & Mixed-Use Developments
    • Manufactured Housing & Senior Living
    • Office Buildings & Self-Storage Facilities
    • Hospitality & Industrial Projects
    • Vacant Land

    Final Thoughts

    Private money and traditional loans each serve a vital role in the real estate financing ecosystem. The best loan depends on your specific situation, timeline, and goals. Understanding these differences is the first step toward making the most of your next investment opportunity.

    Have questions or ready to discuss your next deal? Contact Flexi-View Lending today for a free consultation—we’re here to fund your vision.

    Media Contact:

    James McDonough

    Flexi-View Lending

    (209) 782-8062

    info@flexiviewlending.com

    www.flexiviewlending.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Restaurant Owner Sentenced for COVID-19 and Tax Fraud Schemes

    Source: US State of California

    A San Diego restaurant owner was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for schemes to defraud COVID-19 relief programs and filing false tax returns.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Leronce Suel was the majority owner of Rockstar Dough LLC and Chicken Feed LLC, both of which operated restaurants in the San Diego area, including Streetcar Merchants in the North Park neighborhood. He conspired with others to underreport over $1.7 million in gross receipts on Rockstar Dough’s 2020 corporate tax return and COVID-19 relief applications. Suel’s businesses fraudulently received $1,773,245 in COVID-related Paycheck Protection Program loans and Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants, two programs created to provide financial assistance to American suffering economic harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Suel and his co-conspirator misappropriated COVID-19 relief program funds by making substantial cash withdrawals from their business bank accounts, purchasing a home in Arkansas, and keeping more than $2.4 million in cash in Suel’s bedroom.

    Suel did not file timely tax returns for 2018 and 2019, despite being legally required to do so. On his 2020 through 2023 tax returns, Suel also did not report the income from his businesses including millions of dollars in cash he withdrew. Finally, in 2023, Suel filed false original and amended tax returns for multiple years, including personal tax returns for 2016 and 2017 that included false depreciable assets and business losses.

    In September 2024, Suel was convicted by a federal jury of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, tax evasion, conspiracy to defraud the United States, filing false tax returns, and failing to file tax returns. Following the convictions, Suel agreed to forfeit $1,466,918 in U.S. currency.

    In addition to this prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro for the Southern District of California ordered Suel to pay approximately $1,773,245 in restitution to the Small Business Administration and forfeit $1,466,918. Restitution to IRS will be heard on June 6.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Julia Rugg of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Beeler for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Restaurant Owner Sentenced for COVID-19 and Tax Fraud Schemes

    Source: United States Attorneys General 8

    A San Diego restaurant owner was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for schemes to defraud COVID-19 relief programs and filing false tax returns.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Leronce Suel was the majority owner of Rockstar Dough LLC and Chicken Feed LLC, both of which operated restaurants in the San Diego area, including Streetcar Merchants in the North Park neighborhood. He conspired with others to underreport over $1.7 million in gross receipts on Rockstar Dough’s 2020 corporate tax return and COVID-19 relief applications. Suel’s businesses fraudulently received $1,773,245 in COVID-related Paycheck Protection Program loans and Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants, two programs created to provide financial assistance to American suffering economic harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Suel and his co-conspirator misappropriated COVID-19 relief program funds by making substantial cash withdrawals from their business bank accounts, purchasing a home in Arkansas, and keeping more than $2.4 million in cash in Suel’s bedroom.

    Suel did not file timely tax returns for 2018 and 2019, despite being legally required to do so. On his 2020 through 2023 tax returns, Suel also did not report the income from his businesses including millions of dollars in cash he withdrew. Finally, in 2023, Suel filed false original and amended tax returns for multiple years, including personal tax returns for 2016 and 2017 that included false depreciable assets and business losses.

    In September 2024, Suel was convicted by a federal jury of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, tax evasion, conspiracy to defraud the United States, filing false tax returns, and failing to file tax returns. Following the convictions, Suel agreed to forfeit $1,466,918 in U.S. currency.

    In addition to this prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro for the Southern District of California ordered Suel to pay approximately $1,773,245 in restitution to the Small Business Administration and forfeit $1,466,918. Restitution to IRS will be heard on June 6.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Julia Rugg of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Beeler for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: More human-centered retail with AI

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: More human-centered retail with AI

    Retail has always been about people and processes coming together to deliver unique and relevant shopping experiences. Now with AI, retailers can enhance engagement, delight customers, and empower employees to solve problems like never before. Imagine the potential for significant gains from AI investments across retail operations—from increased productivity and faster employee onboarding to improved skills development and streamlined store processes. These improvements lead to happier associates and more satisfied customers.

    By using more intuitive, natural interfaces to knowledge and information, retailers can start addressing some of retail’s age-old challenges—like finding and retaining the best talent, getting them up to speed quickly, and simplifying store operations so associates can focus on delighting and assisting shoppers.

    Accelerate retail growth with Microsoft Cloud for Retail

    No matter the size of the retailer, choosing which AI technologies to prioritize and where to start can be challenging. However, there are many ways retailers are now using AI to deliver measurable value and real return on investment (ROI). Research shows that for every $1 a company invests in generative AI, the ROI is 3.7 times across industries and regions (compared to 3.5 times in 2024).1 Top leaders using generative AI are realizing significantly higher returns, with an average ROI of $10.30—nearly three times more.1

    To build a foundation for AI success, focus on your business strategy—how AI supports your business goals. Start by identifying the business outcomes you’re aiming for and how AI can help you achieve them.

    Here’s a glimpse into how you can start making gains with your AI investments today by focusing on store operations and the frontline.

    The frontline is first in line with AI

    As the face of retail, frontline workers play a crucial role in the shopper experience. According to recent research by McKinsey, there is a strong relationship between the employee and customer experience, as empowered employees are more likely to deliver superior customer service.2 Yet many frontline workers spend too much time searching for information, and this is one of the top five reported obstacles to their productivity.3

    Generative AI offers significant potential for enhancing frontline productivity and wellbeing, with evidence that most frontline workers think it could help, and they would be comfortable using AI for administrative tasks.3 Generative AI can automate routine tasks, allowing associates to engage more with customers. This shift can lead to a more stimulating work environment, which leads to higher job satisfaction and can help retailers combat ongoing challenges with employee turnover, seasonal hiring, and training.

    At a more macro level, generative AI can also allow retailers to continuously learn and feed insights back into their business processes and to grow their products, services, and competitive differentiation. Retailers can do that by identifying patterns in recurring employee questions so they can get to the root cause of operational challenges and address key gaps in training and store processes.

    Here are some other ways retailers are using generative AI today:

    • Swedish retailer Lindex created Lindex Copilot to offer tailored support to store associates and better understand store needs. Generative AI facilitates this bidirectional learning.
    • MediaMarktSaturn lets associates to have voice conversations with generative AI, accessing details for every product, service, and warranty while staying engaged with the in-store customer, maximizing conversion and increasing customer satisfaction—all while wearing an earbud.
    • Store associates at gourmet chocolatier Venchi use detailed product knowledge and customer insights to address the diverse chocolate preferences of shoppers, achieving a customer satisfaction score of 4.9 out of 5.

    While generative AI technologies are still relatively new, these examples offer a glimpse of what’s possible, and help retailers build an AI foundation for more powerful capabilities emerging with agentic AI.

    Agents are revolutionizing retail operations

    Investing in generative AI is crucial for retailers looking to reinvent customer engagement, empower store leadership and employees, and stay competitive—and now that opportunity has skyrocketed with agents.

    Agents use AI to automate and execute business processes, working alongside or on behalf of a person, team, or organization. Now retailers can leverage agents to help their teams work more efficiently and effectively by giving them faster access to information so they can better support customers and be more productive.

    Agents vary in levels of complexity and capabilities depending on the need. Agents can help frontline workers with a variety of time-saving tasks—from quickly surfacing real-time product information or details about store policies and procedures to support Q&A or troubleshooting. In addition to helping speed information retrieval, agents can help frontline workers with more advanced features like automated task creation or even advising and summarizing information—such as listing open tasks for a shift handover or flagging missed communications. Agents can also operate independently to dynamically plan, orchestrate other agents, and learn to improve over time. For example, an automated stock transfer agent might scan sales velocity across multiple stores and automatically transfer goods between locations if one store is oversupplied while another is understocked, minimizing manual intervention.

    Find in-the-moment answers fast

    One important way to get business value from agents is to help store associates find information about company policies or procedures when a customer is waiting for an answer.

    SharePoint agents can help store associates find quick answers from internal company sources in seconds. Using the power of natural language, associates simply ask what they’re looking for on their tablet or mobile device and the agent responds in natural language with a link to the policy documentation for reference.

    These agents go beyond information retrieval to also generate step-by-step instructions, synthesize product information, and support frontline managers to create and smart-assign shifts, and auto-validate task completion.

    Agents can help associates reduce customer wait time, increase information accuracy, and possibly facilitate sales.

    Simplify store processes

    Complex business processes are another ongoing operational challenge and opportunity for custom agents to help improve productivity.

    Custom-built agents can help retailers connect to external data sources and systems so store associates can find information such as product inventory availability in or near their store, shipping status, or how to initiate a return.

    Frontline workers simply ask, “Help me initiate a return,” and the agent guides them through the process by clarifying the worker’s intent and providing them with next steps, all through a chat interface.

    Custom agents are best suited to also streamline complex workflows like task management, that often involves multiple steps. Using custom agents built with Microsoft Copilot Studio, frontline workers can easily create a task and send it through a task management system that sends automatic alerts as needed, all from a single pane of glass.

    Meeting you where you are on your AI journey

    Microsoft offers AI solutions that you can customize to meet your unique needs and scale. There are several ways agents can be deployed, from no code to low code and pro code. Here are a couple options available today.

    Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is a new offering that adds pay-as-you-go agents to our existing free chat experience for Microsoft 365 commercial customers. Copilot Chat empowers retailers to get started on their AI journey today and includes querying the public web (such as a retailer’s website) for free. To enhance Copilot Chat, retailers can also build custom agents using Copilot Studio and SharePoint agents that enable access to retail systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and product information management (PIM), and to documents on SharePoint. These paid agents are available on a metered basis, so you only pay for what you use.

    Store Operations Agent is a pre-built agent available on Copilot Studio enabling retailers to get started fast with a prebuilt solution that acts as an “associate” to your store associate. With this agent, retail employees can:

    • Access data from LOB systems: Look up product inventory, check order status, find customer information and compare products.
    • Access store policies and procedures: Quickly find answers to questions from knowledge bases such as SharePoint, websites, and across select internet portals.
    • Raise incidents for quick resolution: Connect to incident management tools by using more than 1,000 connectors in Power Platform to raise incidents and alert store teams.

    Using Store Operations Agent, employees at leading Nordic retailer Kappahl can quickly and securely surface product information, store policies and procedures, and more, increasing store associate productivity and upleveling the shopping experience for customers.

    A new era of retail fueled by AI, powered by people

    The range of potential gains with AI extends across retail operations—from people to processes to customers, helping make retail more human at every step of the way. From delighting shoppers to helping associates feel more supported and productive, AI can boost store operations efficiency, creating an environment where both shoppers and workers thrive.

    Savings achieved using AI can be reinvested to create a better employee experience, fostering a work environment where employees are enthusiastic ambassadors of the brand, bringing the life of the store to customers every day.

    Microsoft is the proven leader for AI transformation with the full technology stack and portfolio to help retail and consumer goods organizations power their business with AI. We can help you assess your agent environment, ideate on agent use cases, and establish success criteria for evaluating ROI so you can decide what agent is best for you.

    Learn more

    Learn more about how these forward-thinking companies are driving ROI with Microsoft 365 Copilot and agents—and illuminating the path ahead for every organization.

    Microsoft Cloud for Retail

    Connect your customers and your data

    1 Generative AI delivering substantial ROI to businesses integrating the technology across operations: Microsoft-sponsored IDC report – Middle East & Africa News Center.

    2How retailers can build and retain a strong frontline workforce in 2024.

    3Work Trend Index: Will AI Fix Work?

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The ultimate guide to Microsoft Security at upcoming RSAC 2025 event

    So you just finished watching Microsoft Secure. That means by now, you’ve heard about our new protections for AI and Microsoft Security Copilot agents. These innovations will be the focus of Microsoft Security’s sessions and activities at RSACTM 2025 Conference (RSAC 2025).  

    The can’t-miss conference is just around the corner. Microsoft Security is bringing an exciting lineup of sessions, expert panels, and exclusive networking opportunities to empower security professionals in the era of AI. Our entire presence at RSAC 2025 is designed to help you boost your AI skills so you can stay ahead of threats and manage security more effectively.  

    Whether you’re interested in protecting all your AI investments, AI-driven security, threat intelligence, or securing cloud environments, we’ve got something for you. To help you plan your time from Sunday, April 27 to Thursday, May 1, 2025, in San Francisco, here’s a quick and easy guide to all the key Microsoft Security moments at RSAC 2025.

    Microsoft Pre-Day | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Palace Hotel 

    For the fourth year in a row, Microsoft Pre-Day kicks off the full lineup of Microsoft events and activities throughout RSAC 2025. We will host these at the Microsoft Security Hub at Palace Hotel, just a short walk from Moscone Center.  

    Hear directly from Microsoft Security leaders as they share reporting on emerging cyberthreat trends and the product innovations designed to protect against them. See the lineup below:  

    • Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Business 
    • Charlie Bell, Executive Vice President, Microsoft Security 
    • Sherrod DeGrippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy 
    • Dorothy Li, Corporate Vice President (CVP), Microsoft Security Copilot 
    • Ann Johnson, Corporate Vice President (CVP) and Deputy CISO 
    • And more.  

    Register for Pre-Day today.  

    Networking Reception | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Microsoft Security Hub, Palace Hotel, Second Floor 

    Stick around after Microsoft Pre-Day to attend the Networking Reception—a lively evening designed to connect with the security community, engage with Microsoft leaders, and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to kick off an inspiring week at RSAC 2025. 

    On Monday we ease into things by focusing on what’s new all around. We’ll share lots of goodness about agents and our new innovations announced in March. 

    Security Demo Experience at the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 | All day, every day | Moscone Center North Expo Hall  

    Monday is the first day to explore the show floor. Stop by the Microsoft Security Booth #5744 in Moscone Center North Expo Hall to explore live demos, meet Microsoft Security experts, and get hands-on with the latest tools. 

    Become a defender against cyber threats in a fast-paced, interactive game. You’ll be a part of a mission, navigating realistic incident response scenarios using Microsoft Security solutions, including our new AI Agents. Engage in quick skill challenges and wrap up with expert insights. Are you ready to beat the bad actors? 

    Keynote: Security in the Age of Agentic AI | 4:40 PM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    Agentic workflows will dramatically reshape what is possible in security. By enabling more complex problem-solving, agent collaboration, and iterative learning, agentic AI will empower a new paradigm for security that was once the domain of science fiction. Vasu Jakkal will take an imaginative look at the future of security AI agents, and the very human-driven way they will change the game. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    Our top Microsoft Security experts were chosen by RSAC to share their insights and best practices to help you level up your own security strategy. These sessions are designed for learning, not selling. So, you’ll hear more about what’s happening in the security space and less about products. 

    • Practical Strategies for Security Architecture in a Changing World​ @ 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM 

    This session will delve into the core pillars of security architecture and share practical strategies that uphold foundational principles. Will discuss holistic system thinking and provide a practical playbook for navigating the complexities of security architecture while maintaining a focus on the fundamentals and essential considerations for a secure digital environment. 

    Speaker: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft 

     

    • RSAC Innovation Sandbox @ 9:30 AM – 12:40 PM ​ 

    Ten of cybersecurity’s boldest new innovators compete in Innovation Sandbox for the title of “Most Innovative Startup.” ISB celebrates 20 years & spotlights startups with potentially game-changing ideas. The Finalists have 3 minutes to share groundbreaking products & solutions with a panel of judges. Interact first-hand with these companies as the judges deliberate before the winner is crowned. 

    Speakers: Christopher Young, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Strategy and Ventures, Microsoft; David Chan, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley; Dorit Dor, Chief Technology Officer, Check Point Software Technologies; Niloofar Razi Howe, Operating Partner, Capitol Meridian Partners; Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman & RSAC Conference Program Committee Chair, RSAC; Paul Kocher, Researcher, Independent Researcher; and Nasrin Rezai, SVP & CISO, Verizon 

     

    • AI Era Authentication: Securing the Future with Inclusive Identity @ 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM 

    This session explores the security and usability risks of authentication techniques for users with diverse needs. Emergence of AI agents, a new user identity acting on our behalf, also necessitates a rethink of authentication methods. Discover AI-era authentication using sensors like location and behavior and learn about the shift from active to passive authentication with prototypes in action.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft and Aditi Shah, Senior Data & Applied Scientist, Microsoft 

     

    • DPRK Remote IT Workers – Have You Hired One and Are You at Risk? @ 2:20 PM – 3:10 PM 

    The DPRK actively deploys remote IT workers to generate revenue for the regime while circumventing sanctions. DPRK IT workers pose risks to companies, including insider access, potential intellectual property theft, and exposure to other malicious cyber activity. This panel will discuss best practices for identifying and preventing the hiring of DPRK IT workers. 

    Speakers: Greg Schloemer, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst, Microsoft; Elizabeth Pelker, Special Agent, FBI; Chris Horne, Director, Trust & Safety Intelligence & Investigations, Upwork; Adam Meyers, SVP Intelligence, CrowdStrike; and Bryan Vorndran, Assistant Director, FBI 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss our deep-dive sessions happening at the Microsoft Security Hub. Build your AI cybersecurity skills as Microsoft Security experts will share what they’ve learned and provide insights you can apply in your own organization. 

    • Harnessing Diversity – Strengthening the Cybersecurity Workforce in the Age of AI ​@ 10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Amanda Minnich, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft; Nicole Ford VP, Customer Security Officer, Microsoft; Kyla Guru, Founder/CEO, Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education; Tanell Ford, Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft; and Sherrod Degrippo, Directory of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft 

     

    • Reshaping SecOps for the Cloud AI Era @ 10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Scott Woodbridge, General Manager, Product Marketing, Microsoft and Corina Feuerstein, Principal Product Manager for Copilot in Defender and Sentinel 

     

    • Practical use of CoPilot AutoFix to address Security Backlog @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub and Marcelo Oliveira, VP, Product Management, GitHub 

     

    • Executive Lunch: Scaling Compliance for Global Regulations @ ​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, CVP, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft  

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Here’s where we talk products. These 15-20 minute informal, come-and-go sessions run all day at the Microsoft Security booth. They’re demo-heavy product showcases to help you learn how to better use the tools you’ve got now. 

    • Identity Security in the Era of AI with Security Copilot @ 5:35PM – 5:55 PM 
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 6:05PM – 6:25 PM 
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security @ 6:35 PM– 6:55PM 

    MISA Awards| Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s time to suit up in heroic attire for an epic celebration at the 6th annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards! Just like the Avengers, assembling to save the world, we’re coming together to honor the extraordinary achievements of our MISA members who work so diligently to protect customers from external threats!  Congratulations to the incredible finalists for the sixth annual Microsoft Security Excellence Awards presented by MISA! 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with Microsoft Security experts and enhance your cybersecurity knowledge. From April 28 to April 30, 2025 customers and CISOs can schedule one-on-one meetings at the Palace Hotel to discuss your most pressing security product and threat intelligence questions. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.  

    Tuesday is the busiest day of the conference, with lots of choices in front of you, so plan ahead. 

    Keynote: AI Safety: Where Do We Go From Here? | 8:30 AM | Moscone Center (West Stage) 

    During this keynote session, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and the UK AI Safety Institute leaders come together for this blockbuster panel to explain the evolving landscape of AI safety. Attendees will gain insights into key developments in AI safety that should matter to organizations, its intersection with existing security initiatives, and time-tested approaches to translate AI safety to practice.  

    Speakers: Ram Shankar Siva Kumar, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; Jade Leung, Data Cowboy, Microsoft; and Daniel Rohrer, VP Software Product Security, Architecture & Research, NVIDIA 

     

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | All day | Moscone Center 

    RSAC has chosen top Microsoft Security experts to share insights and best practices, letting you learn about the latest in security without the sales pitch. 

    • Incident Response Dilemmas: Sharing Intel Across Sectors in Critical Times​ @ 9:40 – 10:30 AM ​ 

    An incident may be a singular event affecting one entity. What happens when it affects our critical infrastructure and has the possibility of sector-wide impact and cascading effects? How do companies share information and meet regulatory expectations? The session will dive into the work that financial services companies, the government, and cloud service providers are taking to mature IR. 

    Speakers: Ann Johnson, CVP & Deputy CISO, Customer Security Managment Office, Microsoft; Ted Conklin, Chief AI Officer & Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Treasury; Heather Hogsett, Senior Vice President, Deputy Head of BITS, Bank Policy Institute; and Erez Liebermann, Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 

     

    • XPIA Attacks – Rethinking Defense in Depth for an AI-Powered World @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    As adversaries rapidly develop sophisticated AI attacks, the solutions also need to evolve rapidly. This panel will explore Cross/Indirect Prompt Injection Attacks (XPIA) and the need to rethink traditional defense in depth strategies. Gain insights into XPIA trends, risk analysis, and innovative solutions to protect critical infrastructure. Join for practical strategies and expert insights.  

    Speakers: Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel, Partner Security Architect, Microsoft; Aanchal Gupta, CVP, Microsoft; John Leo, Jr, Managing Director – Threat and Vulnerability Management Leader, EY; and Stefano Zanero, Professor, Politecnico di Milano 

     

    • A Year(ish) of Countering Malicious Actors’ Use of AI: What Have We Learned? @ 2:25 –3:15 PM​ 

    Artificial Intelligence has changed the game when it comes to how cyber adversaries operate, and how defenders respond. This panel will explore lessons learned from the past year of countering malicious cyber actors’ use of AI, challenges and limitations of legal actions involving AI, and what roadblocks might appear going forward as AI, and the actors who use it, continues to evolve. 

    Speakers: Sherrod DeGrippo, Director, Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Morgan Adamski, Executive Director, US Cyber Command; Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director, FBI; and Sean Newell, Chief, National Security Cyber Section, National Security Division, Department of Justice 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day | Monday – Wednesday Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Join Microsoft Security product leaders as they share their learnings and how you can apply them in your organization.  

    • Defending Against Modern Threats: Enhancing Endpoint Security and IT Resilience @ 8:00AM – 9:30AM 

    Speakers: Archana Devi Sunder Rajan, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft and Peter M. Thompson, Principal PM Manager, Microsoft   

    • Secure and Govern AI to safeguard your data, reduce risks, and support compliance @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speakers: Herain Oberoi, GM, Data & AI Security, Microsoft; Rudra Mitra, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Purview; and Neta Haiby, Director of AI Security, Microsoft 

    • Microsoft Security Copilot @ 12:00PM – 1:30PM 

    Speaker:  Dorothy Li, CVP, Microsoft Security Copilot

    • Secure your data in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    Speakers: Talhah Mir, Principal Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview and Maithili Dandige, Partner Group Product Manager, Microsoft Purview 

    • ​AI and Automation Panel: The Startup Innovation for Enterprise Resilience – moderated by FC @ 2:30PM – 3:30PM 

    **Attendees will have the opportunity to receive a copy of FC’s book, How I Rob Banks, and the chance to have it signed by the author at the end of the session.

    Speakers: Kevin Magee, Director Cybersecurity Startups, Microsoft for Startups; FC, Co-founder & CEO, Cygenta; Shane Coleman, Chief Data Security Evangelist; Christ “Tito” Sestito, CEO, HiddenLayer; Ravid Circus, Co-founder & CPO, Seemplicity; and Jeremy Vaughan, CEO, Start Left Security 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Stop by the Microsoft Security booth to catch a short demo of your favorite product. 

    • See Beyond Silos and Protect Better with Microsoft Security Exposure Management 11:00 AM –11:20 AM              
    • Accelerate your Zero Trust journey with the Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM 
    • Automating Vulnerability Management: The Power of “Endpoint Vulnerability Remediation Agent” in Microsoft Intune 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM  
    • From Risk to Resilience: The Next Evolution in Multicloud Security 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Accelerating post-breach deep content analysis and mitigation with Microsoft Purview @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM  
    • Microsoft Sentinel Uncovered: Advanced Capabilities to Transform the SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Protect AI Workloads from Code to Runtime with Microsoft Defender for Cloud @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM    
    • Security Copilot Agents: Autonomous, adaptive, with you in control @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Unified SecOps: Defending Critical Infrastructure with Microsoft Defender @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM  
    • Be Fast as Lighting: Automate Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Sentinel Service Delivery @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM  
    • Mastering Cloud Threats: Detect, Investigate, and Respond in real-time with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Defender XDR integration @ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM  
    • Practical Strategies for Securing AI-Driven Data: Enhancing Cyber Resilience and Insider Risk Management @ 4:30 PM – 4:50PM  
    • Secure and govern access to GenAI apps with the Microsoft Entra Suite @5:00 PM – 5:20 PM  
    • Bolster your SOC with Microsoft’s Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) @ 5:30 PM – 5:50PM  

    Networking and Fun | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    • Secure & Sip: DevOps Edition @ 4:30PM – 6:30PM  

    Speaker: Alexis Wales, CISO, GitHub 

    Gather with GitHub’s security leaders and experts for meaningful conversations, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and a custom ramen bar to round out your day at RSAC. 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Day 2 of meetings with Microsoft Security experts continues. Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page.  https://MicrosoftSecurityEvents.eventbuilder.com/MicrosoftRSAC2025events?source=blog_techcomm 

    As the conference starts to wrap up, don’t miss your chance to get hands-on with Microsoft Security solutions and ask questions at the Hub and booth and in 1:1 meetings. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC 2025 | Location: Moscone Center 

    • Guardians of the Cyber Galaxy: Allies Against AI-Powered Cybercrime​ @ 8:30 – 9:20 AM  

    ​AI is revolutionizing cybercrime, putting traditional defenses to the test. Expert panelists unite to detail innovative public-private strategies and real-world case studies from their experience in INTERPOL, the FBI, Microsoft, and the Privacy & Cybersecurity Group of an international law firm. Gain actionable insights to protect the global community and fortify cybersecurity defenses.  

    Speakers: Sean Farrell, Lead Counsel, AI Strategy, Digital Crimes Unit, Microsoft Corporation; Garylene Javier, Privacy & Cybersecurity Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP; Craig Jones, Immediate Past Director Cybercrime, INTERPOL; and Andrew Sczygielski, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation 

     

    • Green and Sustainable AI for Cybersecurity​ @1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    The session will consider the carbon cost of AI and analytics. It will focus on the estimated energy and carbon costs of many cybersecurity use cases and approaches that can be taken to build more sustainable solutions. This will be illustrated through the use of a threat hunting and detection analytical solution and how that could be designed to be most power efficient.  

    Speakers: Lesley Kipling, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft and Sian John, CTO, NCC Group 

     

    • Scaling AppSec With an SDLC for Citizen Development​ @ 1:15 – 2:05 PM​ 

    AppSec programs are difficult. Filled to the brim with vulnerabilities. Overloaded staff and inadequate budget. The common “solution” is to narrow scope and focus on crown jewels and their devs. Increasing the scope to 100x devs and 1000x apps surprisingly worked, resulting in program remediation of >50K vulnerabilities in 3 months. 18K of them in a single night. This session will show how. 

    Speakers: Ryan McDonald, Principal Program Manager, Microsoft and Michael Bargury, Co-Founder & CTO, Zenity 

     

    Microsoft Expert Sessions | All day Monday – Wednesday | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    Don’t miss the final few Microsoft Security focused sessions at our Hub. 

    • Threat intelligence trends and insights panel: Exclusive briefing from Microsoft Threat Intelligence @10:30AM – 11:30AM​  

    Speakers: Sherrod De Grippo, Director of Threat Intelligence Strategy, Microsoft; Jeremy Dallman, Senior Director of Security Research in Microsoft Threat Intelligence; and Steven Masada, Assistant General Counsel, DCU 

    • Secure access for your employees with Entra Suite @ ​10:30AM – 11:30AM​ 

    Speaker:  Irina Nechaeva, General Manager, Identity and Network Access 

    • Securing the AI Powered Enterprise Executive Panel Lunch @​12:00PM – 1:30PM​ 

    Speakers: Bret Arsenault, Chief Cybersecurity Advisor, Microsoft; Brandon Dixon, Partner Product Manager, Security AI Strategy, Microsoft; Manny Sahota, Director, Global Cloud Privacy, Microsoft; Herain Oberoi, General Manager, Data Security, Governance, Compliance, Privacy Business and Marketing, Microsoft; and Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Don’t miss your chance to see demos and ask questions casually at the booth. 

    • Make Windows endpoints more secure and prevent downtime 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM            
    • Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Partnering with Microsoft 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM            
    • EY Security Copilot Empowered Solutions 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Microsoft Security Copilot: Protect at the speed and scale of AI 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM           
    • Phishing-Resistant Authentication, Trusted Onboarding & Recovery @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 
    • Building a multi-layered approach to data security SOC @ 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM     
    • Secure your email and collaboration tools against sophisticated cyber attacks @ 2:00 PM – 2:20 PM  
    • The latest intelligence on North Korean remote IT workers @ 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM 
    • Secure and govern M365 Copilot with Microsoft Purview @ 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM 
    • Proactively Mitigate Risks with Microsoft Security Exposure Management @ 3:30 PM – 3:50 PM 
    • Windows 365: The security of Windows, the scale of the cloud@ 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM 
    • Shift your SOC from manual incident response to automatic attack disruption @ 4:30 PM –4:50PM  
    • A Look Inside Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative: Progress, Innovations, and Best Practices @ 5:00 PM – 5:20 PM 
    • Simplifying Data Security for the Modern Network with Microsoft Purview and Netskope One @ 5:30 PM – 5:50 PM 

    Customer Meetings | Location: Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel (Second Floor) 

    It’s your final chance to ask your questions and give your suggestions directly to Microsoft Security experts. Book your meeting here: Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

    Microsoft Sessions at RSAC | Location: Moscone Center 

    Last but certainly not least. 

    • Shaping Cybersecurity: How Regulation Shapes Operational Cyber Defense​ @ 10:50 – 11:40AM​  

    In 2024, elections and growing cyberthreats pushed cybersecurity to the forefront of government priorities. The panel will explore governments’ efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience through regulation, the impact on operational cyber defense, and discuss where greater alignment is possible. Attendees will gain an understanding of the quickly evolving global regulatory landscape.  

    Speakers: Ted Maurer, Senior Director, Global Cybersecurity Policy, Microsoft; Christiane Kirketerp de Viron, Director for Digital Society, Trust & Cybersecurity, DG Connect, European Commission; Ari Schwartz, Managing Director, Cybersecurity Services, Venable LLP; Josephine Wolff, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Policy, Tufts University, The Fletcher School; and Florian Schütz, Director, NCSC – National Cybersecurity Centre 

     

    • Taking the Fight Upstream: Pursuing Systemic Defense Against Phishing​ 12:20 – 11:10 PM​  

    Three decades into the public internet, cybercrime is booming and phishing remains a key vector. With AI-enhanced attacks rising, common users are increasingly ill-equipped to defend themselves. What can be done upstream to protect society? This session explores systemic defense strategies across the ICT ecosystem that hold the potential for significant ecosystem-wide impact.

    Speakers: Kelly Bissell, CVP Security & Fraud, Microsoft; Tal Goldstein, Head of Strategy, World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity; Steven Kelly, Chief Trust Officer, Institute for Security and Technology; and Kemba Walden, President, Paladin Global Institute, Paladin Capital Group  

     

    • Fraud, Risk, Hollywood & Government—A Strategy for AI Across Industry 12:20 – 11:10 PM 

    ​Dive into the high-stakes world of AI as the experts in this session unravel AI’s game-changing roles in Hollywood, government, and finance. Experience firsthand revolutionary strategies, ethical showdowns, and futuristic trends set to redefine industry landscapes. Get ready for a session that’s as dynamic and ambitious as a Hollywood blockbuster! 

    Speakers: Vishal Amin, GM, National Security Group, Security; Gurpreet Bhatia, Acting Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, Acting CISO, DOD; David Mahdi, CIO, Transmit Security; and Scott Mann, Film Director & Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Flawless 

    • Generative AI Meets Identity Governance: Automating the Overlooked​ @ 1:30 – 2:20 PM​ 

    Identity governance is often the last thing to be implemented and rarely gets the attention it deserves due to its complexity. This session will explore how Generative AI agents can help overcome this by automating critical but often deprioritized tasks like role mining and identity lifecycle management, particularly addressing the challenges of managing ‘movers’ within organizations.  

    Speakers: Angelica Faber, Sr Security Architect, Microsoft and Wesley Kuzma, Architect Manager, Microsoft 

     

    Theatre Sessions | Location: Microsoft Security Booth #5744 

    Catch the last day of theater sessions. 

    • How Enterprises will Continue to Learn from Open Source 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM  
    • Creating Bespoke Identity Governance Solutions with Microsoft Entra Suite 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM  
    • Identity-first security: Using an event-based approach for threat remediation @ 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM 
    • Securing and governing Agents built-in Microsoft Copilot Studio @ 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM 
    • Azure Platform Security in an Evolving Threat Landscape @ 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM 

    How to Make the Most of Microsoft Security at RSAC 2025 

    Plan Ahead: Bookmark this blog to easily find the things that interest you the most. 

    Visit the Booth: Engage with our security experts and experience live demos.

    Follow Along Online: Stay updated by following Microsoft Security on LinkedIn and X. 

    Book a Meeting: Want to connect 1:1 with a Microsoft Security expert? Secure your spot by visiting the Microsoft Security Experiences at RSAC 2025 Home Page. 

     

    See you at RSAC 2025! 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: More human-centered retail with AI

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: More human-centered retail with AI

    Retail has always been about people and processes coming together to deliver unique and relevant shopping experiences. Now with AI, retailers can enhance engagement, delight customers, and empower employees to solve problems like never before. Imagine the potential for significant gains from AI investments across retail operations—from increased productivity and faster employee onboarding to improved skills development and streamlined store processes. These improvements lead to happier associates and more satisfied customers.

    By using more intuitive, natural interfaces to knowledge and information, retailers can start addressing some of retail’s age-old challenges—like finding and retaining the best talent, getting them up to speed quickly, and simplifying store operations so associates can focus on delighting and assisting shoppers.

    Accelerate retail growth with Microsoft Cloud for Retail

    No matter the size of the retailer, choosing which AI technologies to prioritize and where to start can be challenging. However, there are many ways retailers are now using AI to deliver measurable value and real return on investment (ROI). Research shows that for every $1 a company invests in generative AI, the ROI is 3.7 times across industries and regions (compared to 3.5 times in 2024).1 Top leaders using generative AI are realizing significantly higher returns, with an average ROI of $10.30—nearly three times more.1

    To build a foundation for AI success, focus on your business strategy—how AI supports your business goals. Start by identifying the business outcomes you’re aiming for and how AI can help you achieve them.

    Here’s a glimpse into how you can start making gains with your AI investments today by focusing on store operations and the frontline.

    The frontline is first in line with AI

    As the face of retail, frontline workers play a crucial role in the shopper experience. According to recent research by McKinsey, there is a strong relationship between the employee and customer experience, as empowered employees are more likely to deliver superior customer service.2 Yet many frontline workers spend too much time searching for information, and this is one of the top five reported obstacles to their productivity.3

    Generative AI offers significant potential for enhancing frontline productivity and wellbeing, with evidence that most frontline workers think it could help, and they would be comfortable using AI for administrative tasks.3 Generative AI can automate routine tasks, allowing associates to engage more with customers. This shift can lead to a more stimulating work environment, which leads to higher job satisfaction and can help retailers combat ongoing challenges with employee turnover, seasonal hiring, and training.

    At a more macro level, generative AI can also allow retailers to continuously learn and feed insights back into their business processes and to grow their products, services, and competitive differentiation. Retailers can do that by identifying patterns in recurring employee questions so they can get to the root cause of operational challenges and address key gaps in training and store processes.

    Here are some other ways retailers are using generative AI today:

    • Swedish retailer Lindex created Lindex Copilot to offer tailored support to store associates and better understand store needs. Generative AI facilitates this bidirectional learning.
    • MediaMarktSaturn lets associates to have voice conversations with generative AI, accessing details for every product, service, and warranty while staying engaged with the in-store customer, maximizing conversion and increasing customer satisfaction—all while wearing an earbud.
    • Store associates at gourmet chocolatier Venchi use detailed product knowledge and customer insights to address the diverse chocolate preferences of shoppers, achieving a customer satisfaction score of 4.9 out of 5.

    While generative AI technologies are still relatively new, these examples offer a glimpse of what’s possible, and help retailers build an AI foundation for more powerful capabilities emerging with agentic AI.

    Agents are revolutionizing retail operations

    Investing in generative AI is crucial for retailers looking to reinvent customer engagement, empower store leadership and employees, and stay competitive—and now that opportunity has skyrocketed with agents.

    Agents use AI to automate and execute business processes, working alongside or on behalf of a person, team, or organization. Now retailers can leverage agents to help their teams work more efficiently and effectively by giving them faster access to information so they can better support customers and be more productive.

    Agents vary in levels of complexity and capabilities depending on the need. Agents can help frontline workers with a variety of time-saving tasks—from quickly surfacing real-time product information or details about store policies and procedures to support Q&A or troubleshooting. In addition to helping speed information retrieval, agents can help frontline workers with more advanced features like automated task creation or even advising and summarizing information—such as listing open tasks for a shift handover or flagging missed communications. Agents can also operate independently to dynamically plan, orchestrate other agents, and learn to improve over time. For example, an automated stock transfer agent might scan sales velocity across multiple stores and automatically transfer goods between locations if one store is oversupplied while another is understocked, minimizing manual intervention.

    Find in-the-moment answers fast

    One important way to get business value from agents is to help store associates find information about company policies or procedures when a customer is waiting for an answer.

    SharePoint agents can help store associates find quick answers from internal company sources in seconds. Using the power of natural language, associates simply ask what they’re looking for on their tablet or mobile device and the agent responds in natural language with a link to the policy documentation for reference.

    These agents go beyond information retrieval to also generate step-by-step instructions, synthesize product information, and support frontline managers to create and smart-assign shifts, and auto-validate task completion.

    Agents can help associates reduce customer wait time, increase information accuracy, and possibly facilitate sales.

    Simplify store processes

    Complex business processes are another ongoing operational challenge and opportunity for custom agents to help improve productivity.

    Custom-built agents can help retailers connect to external data sources and systems so store associates can find information such as product inventory availability in or near their store, shipping status, or how to initiate a return.

    Frontline workers simply ask, “Help me initiate a return,” and the agent guides them through the process by clarifying the worker’s intent and providing them with next steps, all through a chat interface.

    Custom agents are best suited to also streamline complex workflows like task management, that often involves multiple steps. Using custom agents built with Microsoft Copilot Studio, frontline workers can easily create a task and send it through a task management system that sends automatic alerts as needed, all from a single pane of glass.

    Meeting you where you are on your AI journey

    Microsoft offers AI solutions that you can customize to meet your unique needs and scale. There are several ways agents can be deployed, from no code to low code and pro code. Here are a couple options available today.

    Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is a new offering that adds pay-as-you-go agents to our existing free chat experience for Microsoft 365 commercial customers. Copilot Chat empowers retailers to get started on their AI journey today and includes querying the public web (such as a retailer’s website) for free. To enhance Copilot Chat, retailers can also build custom agents using Copilot Studio and SharePoint agents that enable access to retail systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and product information management (PIM), and to documents on SharePoint. These paid agents are available on a metered basis, so you only pay for what you use.

    Store Operations Agent is a pre-built agent available on Copilot Studio enabling retailers to get started fast with a prebuilt solution that acts as an “associate” to your store associate. With this agent, retail employees can:

    • Access data from LOB systems: Look up product inventory, check order status, find customer information and compare products.
    • Access store policies and procedures: Quickly find answers to questions from knowledge bases such as SharePoint, websites, and across select internet portals.
    • Raise incidents for quick resolution: Connect to incident management tools by using more than 1,000 connectors in Power Platform to raise incidents and alert store teams.

    Using Store Operations Agent, employees at leading Nordic retailer Kappahl can quickly and securely surface product information, store policies and procedures, and more, increasing store associate productivity and upleveling the shopping experience for customers.

    A new era of retail fueled by AI, powered by people

    The range of potential gains with AI extends across retail operations—from people to processes to customers, helping make retail more human at every step of the way. From delighting shoppers to helping associates feel more supported and productive, AI can boost store operations efficiency, creating an environment where both shoppers and workers thrive.

    Savings achieved using AI can be reinvested to create a better employee experience, fostering a work environment where employees are enthusiastic ambassadors of the brand, bringing the life of the store to customers every day.

    Microsoft is the proven leader for AI transformation with the full technology stack and portfolio to help retail and consumer goods organizations power their business with AI. We can help you assess your agent environment, ideate on agent use cases, and establish success criteria for evaluating ROI so you can decide what agent is best for you.

    Learn more

    Learn more about how these forward-thinking companies are driving ROI with Microsoft 365 Copilot and agents—and illuminating the path ahead for every organization.

    Microsoft Cloud for Retail

    Connect your customers and your data

    1 Generative AI delivering substantial ROI to businesses integrating the technology across operations: Microsoft-sponsored IDC report – Middle East & Africa News Center.

    2How retailers can build and retain a strong frontline workforce in 2024.

    3Work Trend Index: Will AI Fix Work?

    MIL OSI Economics –