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Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Johnson Seek Explanation from FBI on Handling of Hunter Biden’s Laptop

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are demanding Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel provide all internal communications and records relating to the FBI’s handling of Hunter Biden’s laptop.

    “On April 1, 2025, Catherine Herridge and Michael Shellenberger published a report and released FBI ‘chat messages’ from October 2020, which revealed that FBI officials were ‘actively shutting down discussion of the [Hunter Biden] laptop’s credibility before the 2020 presidential election,’” the chairmen wrote.

    “While your predecessor opted to stonewall and ignore our multiple requests for information on the matter, we expect that under your leadership the FBI will be transparent with Congress. The American people deserve to see every document, along with a detailed explanation of how the FBI handled the laptop since the day they first possessed it on December 9, 2019,” the chairmen continued.

    Grassley and Johnson requested the following information:

    1. All “chat messages” referenced in Catherine Herridge and Michael Shellenberger’s report, including but not limited to all messages provided to any office or committee of the U.S. House of Representatives referring or relating to the Hunter Biden laptop.
    2. All text messages, instant messages, team chats and all other “chat messages” referring or relating to the Hunter Biden laptop, sent between and among the following individuals:
      1. Elvis Chan;
      2. Laura Dehmlow;
      3. Bradley Benavides;
      4. James Dennehy; and
      5. Any other FBI employee or detailee involved in the receipt, review or assessment of the Hunter Biden laptop.
    3. All FBI records from December 1, 2019 to the present related to Hunter Biden and his electronic devices.

    Read the full letter HERE.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Naugatuck Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for $865,000 Embezzlement Scheme

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

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JENNIFER CORMIER, 45, of Naugatuck, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 25 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for embezzling approximately $865,000 from her employer.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Cormier was employed at a family-owned business (“Company A”) offering plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services in Naugatuck, where she performed bookkeeping and other office-related tasks.  Between approximately 2017 and July 2023, Cormier stole from her employer by fraudulently creating approximately 1,000 checks made payable to her and to “cash.”  She forged the signature of Company A’s owner or used the owner’s signature stamp on the checks, and then cashed them or deposited them into her personal bank account.  After the checks were issued, she deleted the transaction in Company A’s accounting system.  Through this scheme, Cormier embezzled $865,106.17.

    Judge Oliver ordered Cormier to make full restitution.

    On September 27, 2024, Cormier pleaded guilty to bank fraud.

    Cormier, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on May 9.

    This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Naugatuck Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tampa Man Pleads Guilty To Fraudulently Spending More Than $300,000 In Covid Relief Funds

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Denys Perez (31, Tampa) has pleaded guilting to wire fraud related to COVID relief funds. Perez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. In addition, he faces a forfeiture order of $502,900, as well as a forfeiture order for the property he purchased with proceeds of his offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, between September 2021 and January 2022, Perez applied for COVID relief funds through the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Based on the information submitted by Perez, he was awarded $502,900 in EIDL funds. As part of the application process, Perez certified he would use all the EIDL proceeds solely as working capital to alleviate the economic injury caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Contrary to this certification, Perez fraudulently spent more than $300,000 of his EIDL on personal expenses, including the purchase of a house.  

    In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. 

    This case was investigated by the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn E. Hoenemeyer.

    To report a COVID-related fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Foreign Nationals Arrested for Possessing Firearm in Mayfield, Kentucky

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

    Paducah, KY – A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant was issued this week charging two illegal aliens with possession of a firearm.    

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, and Chief Nathan Kent of the Mayfield Police Department made the announcement.

    According to the complaint, Rodrigo Waldemar Caal-Caal, age 22, a citizen of Guatemala, and Rodolfo Ruiz-Hernandez, age 26, a citizen of Mexico, were charged with possessing a firearm on April 6, 2025, in Mayfield, Kentucky knowing they were aliens illegally and unlawfully in the United States. Caal-Caal and Ruiz-Hernandez admitted to possessing a firearm by removing it from the scene of a death investigation in Mayfield on April 6, 2025. The Mayfield Police Department continues to investigate the death. Both defendants are separately charged in state court with additional offenses.

    This case is being investigated by the ATF Paducah Satellite Office, HSI Paducah Office, and the Mayfield Police Department.

    Both defendants remain state custody and will make initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky at a later date. If convicted on the charges in the complaint, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Hancock, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the cases.

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

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc. Announces Rights Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc. (NYSE American: CRF) (CUSIP: 21924U300) (the “Fund”) announced today that, contingent upon final approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), it has set the close of business on April 21, 2025 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for determination of stockholders entitled to participate in the Fund’s 1-for-3 rights offering.  The Fund is issuing to its stockholders non-transferable rights entitling the holders to subscribe for an aggregate of 39,475,678 shares of common stock. Each stockholder will receive one non-transferable right for each share of the Fund held as of the Record Date. Fractional shares will not be issued upon the exercise of the rights. Accordingly, the number of rights to be issued to a stockholder on the Record Date will be rounded up to the nearest whole number of rights evenly divisible by three. For every three rights a stockholder receives, he or she will be entitled (but not required) to purchase one new share of the Fund at a subscription price equal to the greater of (i) 112% of net asset value per share as calculated at the close of trading on the expiration date of the offering or (ii) 80% of the market price per share at such time.  Fractional shares will not be issued.  In addition to the shares offered in the primary subscription, the Fund may offer a 100% over-allotment to oversubscribing stockholders.  Stockholders who fully subscribe in the primary offering will have the option to oversubscribe for additional shares, to the extent available.

    The subscription period will commence shortly after the Record Date, and will expire at 5:00 p.m., EDT, on Friday, May 16, 2025, (the “Expiration Date”) unless extended. The actual subscription price per share will be determined on the Expiration Date.

    Shares will be issued within the 15-day period immediately following the record date of the Fund’s May 2025 monthly distribution to stockholders. Stockholders exercising their rights to purchase shares pursuant to the offering will not be entitled to receive such distribution with respect to the shares issued pursuant to such exercise.

    This press release is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. The offering is subject to an effective registration statement covering the rights and shares to be issued and to other customary regulatory filings and approvals.  Any rights offering conducted by the Fund will be made only by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc. is a closed-end, diversified management investment company and is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

    Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc. is traded on the NYSE American LLC under the trading symbol “CRF”. The Fund’s investment adviser is Cornerstone Advisors, LLC, which also serves as the investment adviser to another closed-end fund, Cornerstone Strategic Investment Fund, Inc. (NYSE American: CLM). For more information regarding Cornerstone Strategic Investment Fund, Inc. or Cornerstone Total Return Fund, Inc. please visit www.cornerstonestrategicinvestmentfund.com, and www.cornerstonetotalreturnfund.com.

    Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. An investment in the Fund is subject to certain risks, including market risk. In general, shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from their net asset value and at the time of sale may be trading on the exchange at a price which is more or less than the original purchase price or the net asset value. An investor should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses. Please read the Fund’s disclosure documents before investing.

    In addition to historical information, this release contains forward-looking statements, which may concern, among other things, domestic and foreign markets, industry and economic trends and developments and government regulation and their potential impact on the Fund’s investment portfolio. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the factors set forth in the Fund’s disclosure documents, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and actual trends, developments and regulations in the future, and their impact on the Fund could be materially different from those projected, anticipated or implied. The Fund has no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enact to Host First Quarter 2025 Earnings Call May 1st

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RALEIGH, N.C., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enact Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACT) (Enact) announced it will issue its first quarter earnings release after the market closes on April 30, 2025. Enact will host a conference call to review first quarter 2025 financial results on May 1, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. (ET).

    Enact’s earnings release, summary presentation and financial supplement will be available through the company’s website, https://ir.enactmi.com/, at the time of their release to the public.

    Participants interested in joining the call’s live question and answer session are required to pre-register by clicking here to obtain a dial-in number and unique PIN. It is recommended to join at least 15 minutes in advance, although you may register ahead of the call and dial in at any time during the call. If you wish to join the call but do not plan to ask questions, a live webcast of the event will be available on our website, https://ir.enactmi.com/news-and-events/events.

    The webcast also will be archived on the company’s website for one year.

    About Enact Holdings, Inc.
    Enact (Nasdaq: ACT), operating principally through its wholly-owned subsidiary Enact Mortgage Insurance Corporation since 1981, is a leading U.S. private mortgage insurance provider committed to helping more people achieve the dream of homeownership. Building on a deep understanding of lenders’ businesses and a legacy of financial strength, we partner with lenders to bring best-in class service, leading underwriting expertise, and extensive risk and capital management to the mortgage process, helping to put more people in homes and keep them there. By empowering customers and their borrowers, Enact seeks to positively impact the lives of those in the communities in which it serves in a sustainable way. Enact is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Investor Contact
    Daniel Kohl
    EnactIR@enactmi.com

    Media Contact
    Sarah Wentz
    Sarah.Wentz@enactmi.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Cornyn Reintroduce Legislation to Expand Satellite Data Sharing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    Legislation would ensure partnerships between NASA and the private sector to boost satellite-enabled research

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and John Cornyn reintroduced their bipartisan Accessing Satellite Capabilities to Enable New Discoveries (ASCEND) Act to codify NASA’s Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) program and continue shared access to commercial small-satellite (SmallSat) datasets that prove crucial for Earth science research and applications.

    “Satellites help us study and better understand our planet,” said Hickenlooper. “Our legislation leverages public-private partnerships to advance vital scientific research.”

    “Investing in satellite data and imagery gives us a deeper understanding of everything from agricultural yields to weather forecasting and disaster response,” said Cornyn. “This legislation would create a permanent program through NASA to expand the data pool available to us and build on prior success.”

    Alongside the unprecedented growth of the commercial space industry, technological advancements have enabled the development of SmallSats with novel capabilities. There has been a sharp increase in the number of privately owned and operated satellites, including over 2,800 SmallSats launched in 2023 alone. Commercial SmallSats provide high resolution data to complement the suite of Earth observations acquired by NASA, other U.S. Government agencies, and international partners. Earth observation data supplied by satellites in orbit provide important information for a variety of purposes, including increasing agricultural crop yields, informing forest conservation, improving disaster mitigation and response, forecasting space weather, advancing science, and more.

    NASA established CSDA as a pilot program in 2017 to identify and evaluate commercial capabilities, establish new processes to onramp vendors, and enable broad sharing and use of acquired data products. The CSDA pilot program proved to be a success, with participating scientists finding the program’s datasets to be useful and reliable for a variety of research topics. Today, fifteen commercial vendors are providing 7 unique data types to federal researchers through CSDA.

    The ASCEND Act would permanently authorize CSDA within NASA to sustain and expand the program and continue to leverage the advancing capabilities in remote sensing offered by commercial vendors.

    “This act will provide data to support Earth science and applications and help meet some of the nation’s strategic goals, providing societal benefit and improving public understanding and exchange of knowledge,” said Frank Eparvier, Interim Director of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder. “We firmly believe that supporting the ASCEND Act will strengthen Colorado’s leadership in Earth science and secure long-term economic societal benefits for the state and the nation. Thank you, Senator Hickenlooper, for your leadership on the important ASCEND Act.”

    “Commercial satellite observations have a demonstrated ability to provide vital information about important Earth characteristics and processes in a cost-effective way. They serve as a powerful complement to the capabilities developed by NASA and other federal agencies, enhancing our ability to monitor and understand our surroundings and the environment,” said Waleed Abdalati, Director of the Cooperative Institute for Research In Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. “These insights contribute significantly to our safety, prosperity, and overall well-being by deepening our understanding of the world around us.”

    “NASA’s Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition (CSDA) program is an outstanding example of how commercial companies can provide data and services to the government for a fraction of the cost of government owned systems. CSF applauds the reintroduction of the ASCEND Act and encourages quick passage of this legislation to expand utilization of these important data sets,” said Dave Cavossa, President of the Commercial Space Federation.

    Specifically, this legislation will:

    • Establish CSDA as a permanent program within NASA’s Earth Science Division
    • Direct NASA to expand procurement licenses and provide federal agencies access to high-quality Earth remote sensing datasets and imagery
    • Promote the acquisition of new datasets for scientific and non-scientific applications
    • Require an annual report to Congress on the uses and impact of commercial data products and licensing agreements

    A one-pager on the bill is available HERE.

    The full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Offerings and Registrations of Securities in the Crypto Asset Markets

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    As part of an effort to provide greater clarity on the application of the federal securities laws to crypto assets,[1] the Division of Corporation Finance is providing its views[2] about the application of certain disclosure requirements under the federal securities laws to offerings and registrations of securities in the crypto asset markets. These offerings and registrations may involve equity or debt securities of issuers whose operations relate to networks, applications, and/or crypto assets. These offerings and registrations also may relate to crypto assets offered as part of or subject to an investment contract (such a crypto asset, a “subject crypto asset”).[3] The Division recognizes that Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda formed the Crypto Task Force to help the Commission develop a comprehensive and clear regulatory framework for crypto assets, including addressing applicable registration and disclosure requirements.[4] The Division is issuing this statement to provide its views during the pendency of these deliberations.

    The disclosures required in connection with offerings and registrations under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) protect investors, facilitate capital formation, and promote fair, orderly, and efficient markets. In recent years, some issuers in the crypto asset markets have registered or qualified[5] offerings of securities under the Securities Act or registered a class of securities under the Exchange Act. This statement reflects our observations regarding disclosures provided in response to existing disclosure requirements. It also addresses our views about certain specific disclosure questions that market participants have presented to the staff. While disclosures should be based on an issuer’s specific facts and circumstances, we believe that issuers may benefit from the identification of common issues we have identified during our reviews.

    This statement addresses our views about certain disclosure requirements set forth in Regulation S-K as they apply to Securities Act registration forms (such as Form S-1) and Exchange Act registration forms (such as Form 10).[6] This statement also addresses our views about certain disclosure requirements of Form 20-F when used by foreign private issuers to register classes of securities under the Exchange Act, and Form 1-A for offerings exempt from registration under Regulation A.[7] This statement does not address all material disclosure items, and the disclosure topics addressed below may not be relevant for all issuers. Each issuer should consider its own facts and circumstances when preparing its disclosures. Each issuer also should consider whether it is permitted to provide “scaled disclosure” with respect to any applicable disclosure requirements.[8] Moreover, issuers should note that disclosure is not required where a particular disclosure requirement is not applicable, or they otherwise do not have responsive information.[9]

    In this statement, we sometimes address the same or similar disclosure items in more than one place. This should not be read to suggest providing duplicative disclosure in multiple places throughout filings. Rather, issuers should use their judgment in determining the location for any relevant disclosures.

    Description of Business

    SEC rules require issuers to provide a narrative description of the material aspects of their business.[10] Issuers are required to disclose information material to an understanding of the general development of their business, and, in the case of the business done and intended to be done by the issuer, only information material to an understanding of the business taken as a whole (or with respect to each segment, if applicable).[11]

    Disclosure should be tailored to the issuer’s business and presented in clear, concise, and understandable language, without overly relying on technical terminology or jargon. For example, we have observed disclosure that:

    • Specifically relates to the material aspects of the issuer’s current or proposed business, rather than to crypto networks, crypto assets, or other technologies that are not specific or material to the issuer’s current or proposed business.
    • Addresses the current stage of development of the business and clearly delineates any forward-looking or future plans of development.
    • Is consistent with the issuer’s public statements and promotional materials (including, without limitation, white papers, and developer documentation) relating to material aspects of the business.

    We also have observed the following disclosure with respect to current or proposed business plans:

    • The issuer’s specific business activity, such as operating or developing a network or application, and the current stage of development of the business.
    • Whether the issuer intends to continue to operate the business following the launch of a network or application, and, if so, a description of the issuer’s contemplated business activities. If not, a description of how the business will be operated following launch and whether another entity will be involved in such operations.
    • To the extent the business has not been fully implemented, milestones (including technology development milestones) needed to fully implement the business.
    • How the issuer generates or expects to generate revenue or increase profitability and/or value.
    • Whether the security or crypto asset has any function(s) in the operation of the business, including whether it has any intended use or role in an associated network or application.

    Where an issuer is developing or acquiring or intending to develop or acquire a network or application, we have observed issuers tailoring their disclosure to provide a narrative description of the purpose of the network or the application, and its operation, including the following:

    • Whether the initial development team is developing a network and/or application and/or a crypto asset for the network or application.
    • The current state and timeline for the development of the network and/or application to show how and when the initial development team intends to achieve network maturity or deploy the application.
    • Milestones needed to fully develop the network, application, and/or crypto asset, including an estimated timeline, the estimated costs to reach key milestones, and the source of funds for the development of the network, application, and/or crypto asset.
    • The objectives of the network and how the technology of the network or application functions and accomplishes its objectives, including its architecture, software, cryptographic key management, and functionality.
    • Whether the technology is derived from proprietary or open-sourced software, and a description of any licenses or intellectual property rights relating to the technology.
    • The process for validating transactions, the consensus mechanism, the block size, the transaction speed, the transaction (or “gas”) fees, and reward mechanism, if any.
    • A description of any products and services that will be offered through the network and/or application.
    • The various roles that exist or are intended to exist in connection with the network and/or application, such as users, onchain[12]  and offchain[13] service providers, developers, transaction validators, and governance participants.
    • The process of how network and application upgrades and updates are disclosed, proposed, developed, reviewed, and ultimately deployed.
    • The measures, if any, taken to ensure network and/or application security.
    • A description of the network or application’s governance system, as applicable.

    Risk Factors

    SEC rules require a discussion of the material factors that make an investment in the registrant or the offering speculative or risky.[14] In the context of offerings and registrations of securities in the crypto asset markets, the content and scope of an issuer’s disclosure will depend on the nature of the security and the issuer’s business, and may include factors that address the development and implementation of the issuer’s business and the particular characteristics of the security, such as its features, price volatility, limited rights of holders, valuation and liquidity risks, technological risks, cybersecurity risks, business, operational, and network risks, and legal and regulatory risks. Disclosure should address risks relating to an associated network or application if material.

    The following are examples of risks that have been disclosed:

    • Risks relating to the issuer’s planned business operations, such as risks relating to technology and cybersecurity, and implementation of the issuer’s business, as well as reliance on another network or application.
    • Risks relating to the security, such as the risks relating to any unique characteristics of the security including its form, price volatility, the rights of holders or their lack of rights, valuation and liquidity, supply, and custody.
    • Risks related to other applicable laws and regulations, such as whether the issuer’s activities may require it to register with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network or certain state financial services agencies under money transmission laws, or to register with another regulatory authority, such as federal or state banking regulators or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

    Description of Securities

    SEC rules require an issuer to provide a materially complete description of its securities.[15] The specific disclosure depends on the particular type of security, with these rules setting forth requirements for specifically identified types of securities, such as traditional capital stock and debt securities. These rules also include a general category for securities that are not specifically identified, referring to them as “other securities” or “other kinds of securities.” In the context of offerings and registrations of securities in the crypto asset markets, we have observed disclosure where issuers have considered how this requirement applies in the context of their particular security, such as where an offering or registration involves a subject crypto asset. In these cases, issuers have provided a description of the terms, rights, and characteristics of the security in their specific context. It is important for investors to understand what the security represents.

    Examples of disclosure we have observed in the context of describing a security in the crypto asset markets include, among others, the following:

    Rights, Obligations, and Preferences

    • How the rights of holders and characteristics of the security are memorialized, how such rights and characteristics convey when the security is transferred, and whether, when and by whom such rights and characteristics can be modified.
    • The rights that holders have and do not have, such as with respect to dividends, payments, profit sharing, distributions, and voting rights, as well as the rights holders have to enforce their rights, preferences, and obligations.
    • If the holders have voting rights, how the issuer intends to comply with applicable proxy rules.
    • The rights that holders have and do not have with respect to transactions that impact the issuer or the network, such as liquidation, bankruptcy, sale, merger, network forks or other similar events.
    • The characteristics of the security, such as term, maturity, restrictions on transferability, how the security or subject crypto asset can be accessed, held and transferred, redeemed, retired, or burned, whether the security can be loaned or pledged and by whom, and whether the security will be certificated or uncertificated, and eligible for deposit at a securities depository.

    Technical Specifications

    • The network or application associated with the security or subject crypto asset, and whether the underlying code can be modified, how, when, and by whom, and what effect(s) that may have on the rights of a holder of the security or subject crypto asset.
    • The technical requirements for holding, accessing and transferring the security or subject crypto asset, such as the requirements and characteristics as to wallets and keys, whether the wallet addresses of the sender and receiver must be included in an approved list of participants, and any network transaction fees required for the transfer of the security or subject crypto asset and who is responsible for those fees.
    • Where the definitive record of ownership exists and who maintains it.
    • Whether the security or subject crypto asset is divisible, and, if so, whether there are any limits on its division.
    • Whether the security or subject crypto asset and the smart contract(s) and/or code on which it is/are based, if applicable, have been subjected to a third-party security audit (i.e., an independent assessment to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with industry standards), and if, so who conducted the audit and the results of the audit.

    Supply

    • The rules governing the total supply of the security or subject crypto asset, including the total supply, whether it is fixed at a maximum possible supply, the method for minting or generating the security or subject crypto asset, whether the supply will be created at initial generation or continuously or from time to time, whether there is a process for redeeming, retiring, freezing or burning the security or subject crypto asset, whether any of the supply is reserved for the network’s treasury, particular uses or participants, and whether any portion of the supply is subject to vesting and/or lock-ups.
    • Whether any entity or person (or group of persons) is responsible for implementing rules governing the total supply and/or has the authority or ability to change the rules.
    • Whether the issuer intends to enter into any arrangements with market makers or similar firms to distribute and/or provide liquidity for the security or a subject crypto asset and the terms of such arrangement.

    If the issuer’s business involves crypto assets that themselves are not securities, whether offered as part of or subject to an investment contract or otherwise, similar disclosures, if material, may be relevant to the section of the registration or offering statement discussing the issuer’s business.[16]

    Directors, Executive Officers, and Significant Employees

    SEC rules require disclosure of information relating to the identity and experience of those entrusted with the management of the issuer, including executive officers, directors, and certain significant employees who are (or are expected) to make a significant contribution to the issuer’s business.[17] SEC rules also require such disclosure for persons who do not hold formal titles or positions as executive officers or directors but who perform policy-making functions typically performed by executive officers or perform similar functions as directors.[18] Further, if a third party is performing the policy-making functions typically performed by executive officers and directors, we have observed disclosure addressing the third party that satisfies the applicable disclosure requirements. For example, certain trusts – such as the spot crypto exchange-traded products – have a sponsor with directors and executive officers who perform functions similar to directors or executive officers of the trust. In these cases, disclosure has been provided with respect to the directors or executive officers of the sponsor. Although disclosure regarding executive compensation of the issuer would not be applicable in this situation,[19] disclosure may be required of any fees paid to the third party for performing such functions.[20]

    Financial Statements

    SEC rules require issuers to provide financial statements that comply with applicable requirements.[21] Issuers with requests for assistance regarding the form and content of financial statements and other financial information required to be included in Commission filings should contact the Division’s Office of Chief Accountant.[22] Issuers may also consult with the SEC’s Office of the Chief Accountant on accounting and financial reporting questions, especially those involving unusual, complex, or innovative transactions.[23]

    Exhibits

    SEC rules require an issuer to file as an exhibit any instrument defining the rights of security holders.[24] In connection with offerings and registrations of securities in the crypto asset markets, to the extent that the rights, preferences, and obligations of holders of the securities are memorialized in smart contract(s) or otherwise programmed into the code of a network or application, we have observed filings include as an exhibit the code of the smart contract(s) and/or the network or application, with the issuer updating any such exhibit in response to subsequent changes in such code.[25]

    Contacting the Division

    The Division welcomes questions about the application of the SEC’s disclosure rules to offerings and registrations, as well as any ongoing reporting obligations. We also welcome requests for other assistance (including requests for interpretive or no-action letters) relating to these issues and questions. Information about how to contact the Division is available on our website.[26]

     

    [1]     For purposes of this statement, a “crypto asset” is an asset that is generated, issued, and/or transferred using a blockchain or similar distributed ledger technology network (“crypto network”), including, but not limited to, assets known as “tokens,” “digital assets,” “virtual currencies,” and “coins,” and that relies on cryptographic protocols. References in this statement to “network” refer to a crypto network, and references to “application” refer to an application running on such a crypto network.

    [2]     This statement represents the views of the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance (the “Division”). It is not a rule, regulation, guidance, or statement of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission” or “SEC”), and the Commission has neither approved nor disapproved its content. This statement, like all staff statements, has no legal force or effect: it does not alter or amend applicable law, and it creates no new or additional obligations for any person.

    [3]     Nothing in this statement is intended to suggest that registration or qualification is required in connection with an offering of a crypto asset if the crypto asset is not a security and not part of or subject to an investment contract.

    [5]     Offerings of securities in the crypto asset markets can be, and have been, qualified under Regulation A.

    [6]     See 17 C.F.R. §229.10 et seq. Form F-1 is a Securities Act registration form that can be used by foreign private issuers. Certain of the disclosure topics discussed in this statement may apply differently to foreign private issuers using Form F-1

    [7]     See 17 C.F.R. §239.90. Form 20-F is an Exchange Act form that can be used by foreign private issuers. Certain of the disclosure topics discussed in this statement may apply differently to foreign private issuers using Form 20-F and issuers conducting exempt offerings using Form 1-A.

    [8]     Scaled disclosure refers to disclosure accommodations that the federal securities laws sometimes provide for smaller or newly public companies, such as smaller reporting companies, non-accelerated filers, or emerging growth companies. These accommodations apply to a qualifying company’s registered offerings and its ongoing public company reporting. Scaled disclosure permits these companies to provide less extensive disclosure than other companies.

    [9]     See, e.g., Rule 404(c) under the Securities Act, and General Instruction II.B. of Form S-1, and General Instruction C of Form 20-F. For example, disclosure regarding dilution to stockholders, market price and dividends, and certain other stockholder matters only is required if the securities being offered are equity securities. See Items 201 and 506 of Regulation S-K, Items 8.A., 9.E., and 10 of Form 20-F, and Items 4 and 7 of Part II of Form 1-A. In addition, disclosure regarding properties only is required where issuers have material physical properties. See Item 102 of Regulation S-K, Item 4.D. of Form 20-F, and Item 8 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [10]     See Item 101 of Regulation S-K, Item 4 of Form 20-F, and Item 7 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [11]     The SEC, upon written request of the registrant and where consistent with the protection of investors, may permit the omission of any required information relating to the issuer’s business or the furnishing in substitution thereof of appropriate information of comparable character. See Instruction 3 to Item 101 of Regulation S-K.

    [12]     An “onchain” transaction occurs directly on a network and is validated in accordance with the protocol of the network, with the transaction recorded on the network’s public ledger.

    [13]     An “offchain” transaction occurs outside the network where the parties agree that a third party will validate and authenticate the transaction.

    [14]     See Item 105 of Regulation S-K, Item 3.D of Form 20-F, and Item 3 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [15]     See Item 202 of Regulation S-K, Item 12 of Form 20-F, and Item 14 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [16]     See footnote 10 above and accompanying text.

    [17]     See Item 401 of Regulation S-K, Items 1 and 6 of Form 20-F, and Item 10 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [18]     See Rule 405 under the Securities Act and Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act. As noted above, disclosure is not required where a particular disclosure requirement is not applicable, or the issuer otherwise does not have responsive information. For example, certain trusts do not have a board of directors or persons performing similar functions and, therefore, do not provide disclosure regarding members of a board of directors.

    [19]     See Item 402 of Regulation S-K, Item 6 of Form 20-F, and Item 11 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [20]     See Item 404 of Regulation S-K, Item 7 of Form 20-F, and Item 13 of Part II of Form 1-A.

    [21]     See Item 11 of Form S-1, Items 8, 17, and 18 of Form 20-F, and Part F/S of Form 1-A.

    [22]     See footnote 26 below and accompanying text.

    [24]     See Item 601 of Regulation S-K, Item 19 of Form 20-F, and Part III of Form 1-A.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Columbia, Missouri, Man Who Fled to Mexico and Faked His Own Death Sentenced to 10 Years for Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

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

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A former Columbia Missouri, man has been sentenced in federal court for receiving and possessing child pornography.

    Diego Antonio Rafael Camargo-Wasserman, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven R. Bough on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Carmargo-Wasserman to 10 years of supervised release following  his release from custody. Carmargo-Wasserman will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

    On August 8, 2024, Camargo-Wasserman pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

    The investigation began on July 1, 2010, as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of child pornography over the internet.  During a search warrant execution, Camargo-Wasserman admitted to using Limewire to download child pornography.  Multiple videos depicting child pornography were found on Camargo-Wasserman’s cell phone.  Camargo-Wasserman was previously indicted on federal charges for this offense in 2010, however in 2013, a bail bond agent provided documentation from Mexico stating Camargo-Wasserman had died on October 5, 2012.  Federal charges were dismissed.

    In July 2017, the FBI received information that Camargo-Wasserman was alive and was residing in Mexico. Federal charges were filed again in 2018 followed by extradition proceedings to return Camargo-Wasserman to the United States.  Camargo-Wasserman was brought to the United States to face charges in 2024. Camargo-Wasserman is a dual citizen of both the United States and Mexico.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Turner. It was investigated by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

    Project Safe Childhood

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Skyward Specialty to Host First Quarter 2025 Earnings Call Friday, MAY 2, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.™ (NASDAQ: SKWD) (“Skyward Specialty” or “the Company”) expects to issue its first quarter 2025 earnings results after the market closes on Thursday, May 1 which will be available on the Company website at investors.skywardinsurance.com/ under Quarterly Results.

    Skyward Specialty will host its earnings call to review the first quarter 2025 financial results on Friday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m. EST.

    Investors may access the live audio webcast via the link on the Company’s investor site at investors.skywardinsurance.com/ under Events & Presentations. Additionally, investors can access the earnings call via conference call by registering via the conference link. Users will receive dial-in information and a unique PIN to join the call upon registering.

    A webcast replay will be available two hours following the call in the same location on the Company’s investor website.

    About Skyward Specialty

    Skyward Specialty (Nasdaq: SKWD) is a rapidly growing and innovative specialty insurance company, delivering commercial property and casualty products and solutions on a non-admitted and admitted basis. The Company operates through nine underwriting divisions – Accident & Health, Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance, Captives, Construction & Energy Solutions, Global Property, Professional Lines, Programs, Surety, and Transactional E&S.

    Skyward Specialty’s subsidiary insurance companies consist of Great Midwest Insurance Company, Houston Specialty Insurance Company, Imperium Insurance Company, and Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company. These insurance companies are rated A (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best Company. For more information about Skyward Specialty, its people, and its products, please visit skywardinsurance.com.

    For investor relations information contact:

    Natalie Schoolcraft
    nschoolcraft@skywardinsurance.com
    614-494-4988

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TrustCo to Release First Quarter 2025 Results on April 21, 2025; Conference Call on April 22, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GLENVILLE, N.Y., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TrustCo Bank Corp NY (TrustCo, Nasdaq: TRST) today announced that it will release first quarter 2025 results after the market close on April 21, 2025. Results are released on the 21st of the reporting months (January, April, July and October), or on the next day that equity markets are open if the 21st falls on a Friday, weekend or holiday. A conference call to discuss the results will be held at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on April 22, 2025. Those wishing to participate in the call may dial toll-free for the United States at 1-833-470-1428, and for Canada at 1-833-950-0062, Access code 048251.  A replay of the call will be available for thirty days by dialing toll-free for the United States at 1-866-813-9403, Access code 486810.

    The call will also be audio webcast at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/647533404, and will be available for one year. The earnings press release will be posted on the Company’s Investor Relations website at: https://trustcobank.q4ir.com/corporate-overview/corporate-profile/default.aspx. Other information, including the Company’s most recent annual report, proxy statement and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission can also be found at this website.

    TrustCo Bank Corp NY is a $6.2 billion savings and loan holding company and through its subsidiary, Trustco Bank, operates 136 offices in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Florida. For more information, visit www.trustcobank.com.

    In addition, the Bank’s Wealth Management Department offers a full range of investment services, retirement planning and trust and estate administration services.

    The common shares of TrustCo are traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol TRST.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements in this news release that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future developments, results or periods. TrustCo wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and such forward-looking statements are subject to factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially for TrustCo from the views, beliefs and projections expressed in such statements. Examples of these include, but are not limited to: volatility in financial markets and the soundness of other financial institutions; U.S. government shutdowns, credit rating downgrades, or failure to increase the debt ceiling; changes in interest rates; the effects of inflation and inflationary pressures and changes in monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including changes in the Federal funds target rate by, and interest rate policies of, the Federal Reserve Board; ongoing armed conflicts (including the Russia/Ukraine conflict and the conflict in Israel and surrounding areas); the risks and uncertainties under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and, if any, in our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; the other financial, operational and legal risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in TrustCo’s cautionary statements contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and the effect of all of such items on our operations, liquidity and capital position, and on the financial condition of our borrowers and other customers. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent TrustCo management’s judgment as of the date of this news release. TrustCo disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements, either as a result of future developments, new information or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

       
    Subsidiary: Trustco Bank
       
    Contact:  Robert Leonard
      Executive Vice President
      (518) 381-3693

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Silvercrest Asset Management Group Appoints J. Allen Gray to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc. (NASDAQ:SAMG), a leading registered investment advisory firm specializing in institutional and wealth asset management services, is pleased to announce the appointment of J. Allen Gray to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

    Mr. Gray brings extensive experience in financial services and strategic leadership to Silvercrest. As head of Silvercrest’s institutional business, Mr. Gray has played a pivotal role in the success of the firm’s institutional equity business over his tenure. The institutional asset management business has grown to approximately 30% of its discretionary assets under management under Mr. Gray’s nearly 17-year tenure. He is a Silvercrest Partner and Managing Director, and has been a member of the company’s Executive Committee since 2019.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Allen Gray to our Board of Directors,” said Richard Hough, Chairman and CEO of Silvercrest Asset Management Group Inc. “Allen will provide the Board with important strategic insights with regards to our ongoing growth in the institutional asset management business as well our global initiatives. Our ambitious growth plans will greatly benefit from Allen’s careful advice and counsel. His deep industry knowledge, proven leadership, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Silvercrest’s mission to deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

    About J. Allen Gray

    J. Allen Gray is a Managing Director and Head of Institutional business. Prior to Silvercrest, Mr. Gray served as a Managing Partner and a Member of the Management Committee of Osprey Partners Investment Management, LLC and as President of the Osprey Concentrated Large Cap Value Equity Fund. Prior to Osprey Partners, Mr. Gray served as a Managing Director with Radnor Capital Management, a start-up investment firm, where he was responsible for the firm’s sales, marketing and client relations activities. Mr. Gray began his career with Kidder, Peabody & Co. as a financial advisor before accepting a position with Wheat, First Securities, Inc. as Vice President for institutional equity sales as well as continuing to work as a financial advisor to families and individuals. Mr. Gray remained with Wheat, First Securities until the founding of Radnor Capital Management. Mr. Gray received his B.A. in Political Science from Randolph-Macon College.

    About Silvercrest

    Silvercrest was founded in April 2002 as an independent, employee-owned registered investment adviser. With offices in New York, Boston, Virginia, New Jersey, California and Wisconsin, Silvercrest provides traditional and alternative investment advisory and family office services to wealthy families and select institutional investors. As of December 31, 2024, the firm reported assets under management of $36.5 billion.

    Contact: Richard R. Hough III
    Chairman & CEO
    212-649-0601
    rhough@silvercrestgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FormFactor to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on April 30th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LIVERMORE, Calif., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FormFactor, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORM) will report financial results for its 2025 fiscal first quarter on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025, at 1:25 p.m. Pacific Time. The public is invited to listen to a live webcast of FormFactor’s conference call on the Investors section of the company’s web site at www.formfactor.com.

    To Listen via Telephone: Preregistration is required. Please preregister by clicking here.

    Upon registering, you will be emailed a dial-in number, direct passcode and unique PIN.

    A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. The replay will be available on the Investors section of our website www.formfactor.com.

    About FormFactor:
    FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM) is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full IC life cycle – from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor’s products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The Company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.formfactor.com.

    Investor Contact
    Stan Finkelstein
    Investor Relations
    (925) 290-4273
    ir@formfactor.com

    FORM-F

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AppFolio, Inc. Announces Date of First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA BARBARA, Calif., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AppFolio, Inc. (NASDAQ: APPF) today announced that it will report its first quarter 2025 financial results after the close of the U.S. financial markets on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

    In conjunction with this announcement, AppFolio will host a conference call on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), to discuss the company’s financial results and business outlook. A live webcast of the call will be available at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/994jmsnj. To access the call by phone, please go to the following link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIec9db96ea67145e5b35acbb6ce94b6ad, and you will be provided with dial in details. A replay of the webcast will also be available for a limited time on AppFolio’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.appfolioinc.com/news-events/events.

    Disclosure Information
    AppFolio uses and intends to continue to use its Investor Relations website as a means of disclosing material nonpublic information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor AppFolio’s Investor Relations website in addition to following AppFolio’s SEC filings, public conference calls, press releases, and webcasts.

    About AppFolio
    AppFolio is a technology leader powering the future of the real estate industry. Our innovative platform and trusted partnership enable our customers to connect communities, increase operational efficiency, and grow their business. For more information about AppFolio, visit appfolio.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Lori Barker
    ir@appfolio.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Altus Group to Hold Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 7 and Release Q1 2025 Financial Results on May 8; Announces Other Upcoming Investor Events

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Altus Group Limited (ʺAltus Group” or “the Company”) (TSX: AIF) announced today the following investor events:

    Bell Ringing Ceremony

    Altus Group will be ringing the closing bell on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Toronto Stock Exchange in celebration of the Company’s 20-year anniversary as a public company. A live stream of the ceremony will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at: https://www.altusgroup.com/investor-relations/.

    Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

    The Company will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (ET).   More information related to the meeting is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://www.altusgroup.com/investor-relations/notice-and-access/.

    Q1 2025 Results Conference Call & Webcast

    Altus Group plans to release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 after market close on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Altus Group’s management team will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. (ET) the same day to discuss the results. Analysts who wish to ask questions during the call can participate by telephone at 1-888-660-6794 (conference ID: 8366990). A live and archived webcast of the call with be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at: https://www.altusgroup.com/investor-relations/.

    Upcoming Investor Conferences

    Members of Altus Group’s executive leadership team are scheduled to participate in the following in-person investor conferences:

    • CIBC Tech & Innovation Conference in Toronto on Thursday, May 22, 2025
    • TD Cowen TMT Conference in New York on Thursday, May 29, 2025
    • RBC Canadian TIMT Symposium in Toronto on Thursday, June 12, 2025

    Institutional investors wishing to attend the conference and schedule in-person meetings with Altus management should contact their bank representatives, as applicable, to register. If made available, a webcast replay of fireside chat presentations will be posted to the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website.

    About Altus Group

    Altus Group is a leading provider of asset and fund intelligence for commercial real estate. We deliver intelligence as a service to our global client base through a connected platform of industry-leading technology, advanced analytics, and advisory services. Trusted by the largest CRE leaders, our capabilities help commercial real estate investors, developers, lenders, and advisors manage risks and improve performance returns throughout the asset and fund lifecycle. Altus Group is a global company headquartered in Toronto with approximately 1,900 employees across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific. For more information about Altus (TSX: AIF) please visit altusgroup.com.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    Martin Miasko
    Sr. Director, Investor Relations and Strategy, Altus Group
    (647)-267-9176
    martin.miasko@altusgroup.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Varonis Announces Date of First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Varonis Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRNS), the leader in data security, announced that it will report its first quarter 2025 financial results following the close of the U.S. financial markets Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

    In conjunction with this announcement, Varonis will host a conference call Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the company’s financial results.

    To access this call, dial 877-425-9470 (domestic) or 201-389-0878 (international). The conference ID number is 13752980. A replay of this conference call will be available through May 13, 2025, at 844-512-2921 (domestic) or 412-317-6671 (international). The replay passcode is 13752980.

    A live webcast of this conference call will be available on the “Investor Relations” page of the company’s website (https://ir.varonis.com), and the replay will be archived on the website for one year.

    Additional Resources

    About Varonis

    Varonis (Nasdaq: VRNS) is the leader in data security, fighting a different battle than conventional cybersecurity companies. Our cloud-native Data Security Platform continuously discovers and classifies critical data, removes exposures, and detects advanced threats with AI-powered automation.

    Thousands of organizations worldwide trust Varonis to defend their data wherever it lives — across SaaS, IaaS, and hybrid cloud environments. Customers use Varonis to automate a wide range of security outcomes, including data security posture management (DSPM), data classification, data access governance (DAG), data detection and response (DDR), data loss prevention (DLP), AI security, and insider risk management.

    Varonis protects data first, not last. Learn more at www.varonis.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Tim Perz
    Varonis Systems, Inc.
    646-640-2112
    investors@varonis.com

    News Media Contact:
    Rachel Hunt
    Varonis Systems, Inc.
    877-292-8767 (ext. 1598)
    pr@varonis.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AvePoint to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 8

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JERSEY CITY, N.J., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AvePoint (NASDAQ: AVPT), the global leader in data security, governance, and resilience, will report its first quarter 2025 financial results after the US financial markets close on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

    The Company will host a conference call at 4:30pm ET on Thursday, May 8, 2025. CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Tianyi Jiang (TJ) and CFO Jim Caci will provide an overview of Q1 2025 results, discuss current business trends, and conduct a question-and-answer session. You may access the call and register with a live operator by dialing 1 (833) 816-1428 for US participants and 1 (412) 317-0520 for outside the US. The passcode for the call is 1630173.

    A live webcast will be available on AvePoint’s Investor Relations website. A replay of the webcast will be available for approximately 90 calendar days.

    About AvePoint

    Beyond Secure. AvePoint is the global leader in data security, governance, and resilience, going beyond traditional solutions to ensure a robust data foundation and enable organizations everywhere to collaborate with confidence. Over 25,000 customers worldwide rely on the AvePoint Confidence Platform to prepare, secure, and optimize their critical data across Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, and other collaboration environments. AvePoint’s global channel partner program includes approximately 5,000 managed service providers, value-added resellers, and systems integrators, with our solutions available in more than 100 cloud marketplaces. To learn more, visit www.avepoint.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws including statements regarding the future performance of and market opportunities for AvePoint. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which AvePoint operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting AvePoint’s business and changes in AvePoint’s ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and ability to identify and realize additional opportunities, and the risk of downturns in the market and the technology industry. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of AvePoint’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Copies of this and other documents filed by AvePoint from time to time are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. This filing identifies and addresses other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and AvePoint does not assume any obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. AvePoint does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this press release to the terms “AvePoint,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to AvePoint, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

    Disclosure Information

    AvePoint uses the https://www.avepoint.com/ir website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

    Investor Contact
    AvePoint
    Jamie Arestia
    ir@avepoint.com
    (551) 220-5654

    Media Contact
    AvePoint
    Nicole Caci
    pr@avepoint.com
    (201) 201-8143

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SPS Commerce Announces Date of First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SPS Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPSC), a leader in retail supply chain cloud services, today announced that it will issue its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, after the market close on Thursday, April 24, 2025. SPS Commerce will host a call to discuss the results at 3:30 p.m. Central Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time) on the same day.

    To access the call, please dial 1-833-816-1382, or outside the U.S. 1-412-317-0475 at least 15 minutes prior to the 3:30 p.m. CT start time. Please ask to join the SPS Commerce conference call. A live webcast of the call will also be available at http://investors.spscommerce.com under the Events and Presentations menu. The replay will also be available on our website at http://investors.spscommerce.com.

    About SPS Commerce

    SPS Commerce is the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. We support data-driven partnerships with innovative cloud technology, customer-obsessed service, and accessible experts so our customers can focus on what they do best. Over 45,000 recurring revenue customers in retail, grocery, distribution, supply, manufacturing, and logistics are using SPS as their retail network. SPS has achieved 96 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and is headquartered in Minneapolis. For additional information, contact SPS at 866-245-8100 or visit www.spscommerce.com.

    SPS COMMERCE, SPS, SPS logo and INFINITE RETAIL POWER are marks of SPS Commerce, Inc. and registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, along with other SPS marks. Such marks may also be registered or otherwise protected in other countries.

    SPS-F

    Contact:
    Investor Relations
    The Blueshirt Group
    Irmina Blaszczyk
    Lisa Laukkanen
    SPSC@blueshirtgroup.com
    415-217-4962

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province, mayors pledge stable, expanded transit services in Metro Vancouver

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Transit users in Metro Vancouver will not only see their bus service protected, but will also see more buses on the busiest routes, with new funding from the provincial government.

    The Province is providing $312 million in operating funding to TransLink for the next three years, as part of TransLink’s 2025 Investment Plan.

    “We know TransLink was facing a significant deficit as costs and demand for service increased, and had warned of drastic cuts to services,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “Our government is committed to protecting services for the people of B.C. In partnership with TransLink and the Mayors’ Council we are making sure that people continue to have safe, reliable and affordable transit services while expanding priority projects.”

    Along with TransLink’s revenue sources as part of its Investment Plan, provincial funding will help ensure stable transit service over the next three years while also enabling targeted service expansion. Along with adding service to the region’s busiest bus routes, TransLink will also advance planning and design for future Bus Rapid Transit service on priority corridors.

    “This investment plan proposal will not only fully fund TransLink services for two years, but will expand transit with the largest increase to bus service since 2018,” said Brad West, chair of Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation. “Now, more than ever, is the right time to invest in British Columbia’s future, and these investments are crucial to the region’s growth and economic strength.”

    The $312 million requires approval of the 2025 Investment Plan by the TransLink Board, with final approval by the Mayors’ Council. The Province is also committed to continue working with TransLink and the Mayors’ Council on long-term funding solutions to ensure that people in Metro Vancouver have access to the transit services they need.

    “This proposed plan allows us to get back to what we do best, which is delivering transit services that Metro Vancouver residents want and expect,” said Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink. “We appreciate the investments from our government partners which will help us to expand transit services to set up the region for growth and long-term prosperity.”

    Since 2017, the Province has committed more than $11 billion in combined operating and capital funding to support TransLink. This unprecedented level of provincial support enabled transit service to keep running through the pandemic and to rebuild ridership. It also helped with investments in new capital projects, such as the Surrey-Langley Skytrain and the Broadway Subway project, and to keep TransLink’s finances stable.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kansas Realtor Indicted for Tax Evasion and COVID-19 Loan Program Fraud

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment yesterday charging a Kansas woman with tax evasion and wire fraud.

    The indictment alleges that Michelle O’Connor, of Louisburg, owned and operated a realty company based in the Kansas City metro area. For tax years 2008 through 2015, O’Connor filed federal income tax returns, self-reporting that she owed approximately $300,000 in taxes. Despite acknowledging she owed the taxes, O’Connor did not pay them. In 2011, the IRS audited her 2008 and 2009 tax returns and concluded that O’Connor had improperly claimed tens of thousands of dollars in personal expenses as charitable deductions to the “Church of Revelation and Love,” a purported church she and her husband created and were, along with her family, its primary members. Based on that audit, the IRS assessed over $40,000 in additional taxes against O’Connor.  

    Starting in 2011, the IRS began trying to collect the outstanding taxes from O’Connor, sending her over 50 notices regarding them. From 2011 through 2023, however, Michelle O’Connor tried to stymy the IRS’s collections efforts by, among other things, filing three separate false and frivolous bankruptcy petitions, purchasing approximately $250,000 of cashier’s checks to reduce her bank account balances, and closing her personal bank accounts and using her business’ bank accounts to pay personal expenses.

    By 2020, O’Connor owed the IRS nearly $500,000 in taxes, penalties, and interest.

    In 2020, O’Connor submitted 34 fraudulent COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications on behalf of her real estate business and seven other corporate entities she created for the purpose of maximizing potential EIDL credits. Under the EIDL program, a small business could receive a loan of up to $150,000 from the Small Business Administration to cover six months of working capital. In total, O’Connor received nearly $300,000 from her fraudulent EIDLs, which she used for personal purposes, including $115,000 to purchase cryptocurrency.

    If convicted, O’Connor faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Dominick Giovanniello and Robert Kemins of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stockton Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Blow up Power Plants

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

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Justin Horton, 40, of Stockton, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conveying false information and hoaxes, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that on the evening of May 13, 2024, Horton called National Grid and stated “I’m calling to call a bomb threat into you. I’m going to blow up both of your nuclear power plants by the end of next week.” Horton specified that he was referring to nuclear power plants located in New York and Pennsylvania. The defendant did not have the means or intent to carry out the threat to bomb two nuclear facilities.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.

    Sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2025, before Judge Vilardo.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Christopher G. Raia Named Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office

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

    Director Kash Patel has named Christopher G. Raia as the assistant director in charge of the New York Field Office. He most recently served as a deputy assistant director in the Counterterrorism Terrorism Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

    Mr. Raia joined the FBI as a special agent in 2003 and reported to the Texas City Resident Agency, a satellite office of the Houston Field Office. Mr. Raia spent 10 years investigating violent crime, gangs, drugs, and white-collar crime at the resident agency and served as the coordinator of the Safe Streets Task Force.

    In 2012, Mr. Raia reported to FBI Headquarters as a supervisory special agent to serve as a program manager in the International Terrorism Operations Section of the Counterterrorism Division. Mr. Raia oversaw all international terrorism cases in the Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama, field offices.

    Mr. Raia was promoted in 2014 to senior supervisory resident agent at the Bryan/College Station Resident Agency of the Houston Field Office, where he oversaw all national security and programs. In 2020, he was named the assistant special agent in charge of the Houston Field Office’s Violent Crime Branch and then of its National Security Branch in 2021.

    In 2023, Mr. Raia was selected to serve as the chief of staff for the executive assistant director of the National Security Branch at FBI Headquarters. Mr. Raia managed strategic initiatives, supervised executive staff, and directed communications projects. In addition, he coordinated major projects for external entities, such as Congress and the White House.

    Mr. Raia was promoted to deputy assistant director in the Counterterrorism Division at Headquarters in 2024 and oversaw all international counterterrorism program-management for the FBI.

    Mr. Raia graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and served as a Coast Guard officer in Florida before joining the FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Arrested For Illegally Possessing Firearm After Shots Fired From Vehicle

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest of Elmer Gustabo Vasquez-Lopez (19, Guatemala) on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. If convicted, Vasquez-Lopez faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

    According to the complaint, on March 30, 2025, the Palmetto Police Department responded to a call for service regarding shots fired on 14th Street in Palmetto. An officer from the Palmetto Police witnessed gunshots from a vehicle, and officers arrested the vehicle’s occupants, including Vasquez-Lopez. The occupants were arrested on state charges and two firearms were seized from the vehicle. The next day, Vasquez-Lopez admitted to agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that he had shot one of the firearms recovered from the vehicle and that he was a Guatemalan national. A review of Vasquez-Lopez’s immigration history showed that the U.S. Border Patrol previously arrested Vasquez-Lopez as an inadmissible alien and that he is in removal proceedings.

    A complaint is merely a formal allegation 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 Palmetto Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas Realtor Indicted for Tax Evasion and COVID-19 Loan Program Fraud

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment yesterday charging a Kansas woman with tax evasion and wire fraud.

    The indictment alleges that Michelle O’Connor, of Louisburg, owned and operated a realty company based in the Kansas City metro area. For tax years 2008 through 2015, O’Connor filed federal income tax returns, self-reporting that she owed approximately $300,000 in taxes. Despite acknowledging she owed the taxes, O’Connor did not pay them. In 2011, the IRS audited her 2008 and 2009 tax returns and concluded that O’Connor had improperly claimed tens of thousands of dollars in personal expenses as charitable deductions to the “Church of Revelation and Love,” a purported church she and her husband created and were, along with her family, its primary members. Based on that audit, the IRS assessed over $40,000 in additional taxes against O’Connor.  

    Starting in 2011, the IRS began trying to collect the outstanding taxes from O’Connor, sending her over 50 notices regarding them. From 2011 through 2023, however, Michelle O’Connor tried to stymy the IRS’s collections efforts by, among other things, filing three separate false and frivolous bankruptcy petitions, purchasing approximately $250,000 of cashier’s checks to reduce her bank account balances, and closing her personal bank accounts and using her business’ bank accounts to pay personal expenses.

    By 2020, O’Connor owed the IRS nearly $500,000 in taxes, penalties, and interest.

    In 2020, O’Connor submitted 34 fraudulent COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications on behalf of her real estate business and seven other corporate entities she created for the purpose of maximizing potential EIDL credits. Under the EIDL program, a small business could receive a loan of up to $150,000 from the Small Business Administration to cover six months of working capital. In total, O’Connor received nearly $300,000 from her fraudulent EIDLs, which she used for personal purposes, including $115,000 to purchase cryptocurrency.

    If convicted, O’Connor faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Dominick Giovanniello and Robert Kemins of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 4 Arrested in Latest L.A. County-Based “JCODE” Operation for Allegedly Operating a Drug Distribution Network on the Darknet

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Three Glendale men and one San Fernando Valley man have been arrested on federal charges of conspiring to distribute various drugs including cocaine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and ketamine on darknet marketplaces, the Justice Department announced today.

    The Wednesday arrests are the latest in the Justice Department’s ongoing JCODE efforts (Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement) to address the growing number of illicit vendors operating on the darknet providing large quantities of harmful substances to thousands of people across the United States.

    On April 1, a federal grand jury returned a 12-count indictment which outlines 116 overt acts that were done in furtherance of the alleged conspiracy, and which charges the following defendants for their alleged roles in operating the drug distribution network which operated approximately 10 darknet vendors on 17 different markets:

    • Davit Avalyan, 35, of Glendale;
    • Hrant Gevorgyan, 35, of Glendale;
    • Hayk Grigoryan, 35, a.k.a. “Hayk Greg,” of Glendale; and
    • Gurgen Nersesyan, 43, a.k.a. “Guro Tiko,” of Sherman Oaks.

    All four defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA (Ecstasy).

    Avalyan is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine, one count of distribution of MDMA, and one count of distribution of distribution of methamphetamine. Gevorgyan is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA and one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine. Grigoryan is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Nersesyan is charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA.

    The defendants were arraigned Wednesday in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. They pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and a June 3 trial date was scheduled in this matter.

    According to the indictment, from September 2018 to February 2025, various vendors operating under the names JoyInc, LaFarmacia, WhiteDoc, JanesAddiction, DaShop, WhiteRepublic, Tomorowland, PlanetHollywood, DopeValley, and Major2Minor sold cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and ketamine to drug customers on darknet markets in exchange for cryptocurrency. The defendants then allegedly shipped the drugs throughout the United States via the United States Postal Service.

    The defendants fulfilled drug orders through the various vendor accounts by packaging the drugs into parcels and by delivering those parcels to post offices and mailboxes in Los Angeles County and elsewhere.

    JoyInc is believed to have been operating since at least 2018 and is one of the most prolific methamphetamine and cocaine distributors to ever operate on the darknet.

    An example of vendor JoyInc on the Drughub marketplace selling ketamine, MDMA, and bulk options of cocaine on September 4, 2024, is depicted below.

    In addition to Wednesday’s arrests, agents served multiple federal search warrants and found evidence to include large amounts of cash, distribution amounts of suspected drugs.

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

    If convicted of all charges, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

    The Justice Department established the FBI-led JCODE team to lead and coordinate government efforts to detect, disrupt, and dismantle major criminal enterprises reliant on the darknet for trafficking opioids and other illicit narcotics, along with identifying and dismantling their supply chains.

    This case was worked jointly with the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hawthorne Police Department, the Costa Mesa Police Department, and IRS Criminal Investigation. During yesterday’s arrests and searches, assistance was provided by the Los Angeles Police Department.

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

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

    Assistant United States Attorney James Santiago of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 4 Men Charged with Offenses Related to the Sex Trafficking of Minors in Danbury

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour today announced that the following four individuals have been charged by federal criminal complaint with offenses related to the sex trafficking of minors:

    • OSWALDO ORDONEZ-ORTEGA, 39, of Danbury
    • MARCO ROBLES, 40, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Brookfield
    • EDWIN QUILLI-TACURI, 40, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Danbury
    • BRYAN ISMAEL VASQUEZ-SALINAS, 23, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Danbury

    As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in February 2025, the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and Danbury Police began investigating a Danbury-based organization believed to be involved in the sex trafficking of minors.  On March 11, 2025, after seeing a communication on a WhatsApp messaging account advertising the sale of two 15-year-old females for sexual encounters, investigators executed a state warrant at a residence in Danbury, found a 15-year-old female victim and a 16-year-old female victim, and arrested Ordonez-Ortega, Robles, Quilli-Tacuri, Vasquez-Salinas, and a fifth individual.  Quilli-Tacuri was located in a locked bedroom with the 15-year-old victim, and the fifth individual was found in a locked bedroom with the 16-year-old victim.  Ordonez-Ortega and Vasquez-Salinas were found together in the kitchen, and Robles was stopped after attempting to leave the area in his vehicle.

    It is alleged that the minor victims were briefly interviewed by law enforcement and Connecticut Department of Children and Families investigators before being transported to a local hospital for medical care and evaluation.  The investigation, which has also included analysis of cell phones seized at the time of the defendants’ arrests, revealed that Ordonez-Ortega coordinated the transportation of the minor victims to Danbury, made appointments with Robles, Quilli-Tacuri, Vasquez-Salinas, and others to engage in sexual activity with the minors, and received payment from the men, a portion of which he returned to the minors.  Ordonez-Ortega scheduled 13 men to engage in sexual activity with the 15-year-old victim, and 11 men to engage in sexual activity with the 16-year-old victim, on March 10 and 11, 2025, in Danbury.

    It is further alleged that Robles caused physical injury to the 15-year-old victim during his sexual encounter on March 11.

    Each of the four defendants is charged with sex trafficking of children, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

    In addition, Ordonez-Ortega and Vasquez-Salinas are charged with attempted sex trafficking of children and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children.  Ordonez-Ortega is also charged with coercion and enticement of minors to engage in sexual activity, and with transportation of minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

    Robles and Quilli-Tacuri were arrested on the federal charges yesterday.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and currently are detained.  Ordonez-Ortega, who is in state custody, and Vasquez-Salinas, who is in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, will be presented in federal court at a later date.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the Danbury Police Department, with the assistance of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Brookfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Mary G. Vitale.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Cruise Line Employee Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on April 1, 2025, PANKAJ SINGH BOHRA (“BOHRA”), age 35, a foreign national of the Republic of India, was sentenced for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).

    According to court documents, BOHRA was previously employed by Carnival Cruise Lines and was arrested in July 2024 after special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, found BOHRA in possession of child pornography at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans.

    United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced BOHRA to eighteen (18) months imprisonment, five years (5) of supervised release, sex offender registration, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx Announces Closing of C$10,065,000 Second Tranche of C$32,915,000 Convertible Debenture Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

    TORONTO, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, indirect majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd. , the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, today announces that it has closed the second and final tranche (the “Second Tranche”) of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) of secured convertible debentures (the “Debentures”) for aggregate gross proceeds of C$10,065,000.

    The outstanding principal amount of the Debentures, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, will become due and payable in full on March 26, 2028 (the “Maturity Date”) and will be payable in cash. Each Debenture consists of C$1,000 principal amount of secured convertible debentures of the Company and is convertible into common shares of the Company (each, a “Debenture Share”) at the option of the holder thereof prior to the Maturity Date at a conversion price equal to $13.00 per Debenture Share (the “Conversion Price”).

    The Company has the right to redeem the Debentures at redemption price equal to 105% of the principal amount of the outstanding Debentures plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date prior to the date of redemption: (a) at any time, should the VWAP of the Company’s common shares exceed 130% of the Conversion Price for no fewer than 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days, or (b) after March 26, 2027.

    The Debentures were issued at an original issue discount equal to 2.5% of the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures and bear interest at a rate of 7.0% per annum from the date of issue, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on June 30 and December 31 of each year following the first interest payment date of September 30, 2026. The Debentures are secured against certain publicly-traded securities owned by the Company.

    The Offering is subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the final approval of Cboe Canada. The net proceeds of the Second Tranche are expected to be used for general corporate and working capital purposes. The Debentures and Debenture Shares issuable pursuant to the Second Tranche are subject to statutory hold periods of four months and one day from the date of issuance. No finder fees were issued in connection with the Second Tranche.

    In connection with the Offering, so long as the Debentures remain outstanding, the Company has agreed to not assume any additional indebtedness without the consent of a majority of the holders of Debentures as may be outstanding from time to time, other than: (a) certain permitted debt arrangements of up to C$10,000,000 for working capital or regulatory capital requirements in the normal course of business, and (b) trade indebtedness in the normal course of its business.

    The securities offered in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

    About Abaxx Technologies
    Abaxx is building Smarter Markets — markets empowered by better financial technology and market infrastructure to address our biggest challenges, including the energy transition. In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is an indirect majority-owner of subsidiaries Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, recognized by MAS as a “recognised market operator” (RMO) and “approved clearing house” (ACH), respectively.

    Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing are a Singapore-based commodity futures exchange and clearinghouse, introducing centrally cleared, physically deliverable commodities futures and derivatives to provide better price discovery and risk management tools for the commodities critical to our transition to a lower-carbon economy.

    For more information please visit abaxx.tech, abaxx.exchange and smartermarkets.media.

    For more information about this press release, please contact:

    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: +1 647-490-1590

    Media and investor inquiries:

    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 246 271 0082
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes, but is not limited to: matters related to the Offering and the conversion of the Debentures,regulatory approvals, the agreement to not assume additional indebtedness except certain permitted indebtedness, and the inability of Abaxx to apply the use of proceeds from the Offering as anticipated. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: the inability to obtain required approvals for the Offering, risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions, protection of intellectual property rights, contractual risk, third-party risk; clearinghouse risk, malicious actor risks, third-party software license risk, system failure risk, risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; and changes in the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains, and the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management’s discussion & analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Introduces Legislation to End Pushout of Students of Color

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation to end the pushout of students, especially girls of color, from schools. The Ending PUSHOUT Act invests in safe and nurturing school environments for all students to put an end to the harmful way students are overcriminalized and policed at school. U.S. Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) reintroduced companion legislation in the House.

    “Research shows that students of color, particularly girls, are often subjected to harsher and more frequent disciplinary action,” said Senator Booker. “The Ending PUSHOUT Act is critical legislation that would invest federal dollars into implementing evidence-based alternatives to suspension and expulsion while also creating a safer academic environment for all students to thrive.”

    “Classrooms should be a place for students to learn, grow, and thrive – not be overpoliced and criminalized. With Republicans gutting public education and attacking vulnerable students, our bill would help stop the pushout of Black and brown girls from schools, and invest in safe, nurturing learning environments for all students,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m grateful to Senator Booker for his ongoing partnership and for the coalition of individuals and organizations from across the country who joined us in support of the Ending PUSHOUT Act. We must affirm the right for every student to learn in a setting free from fear.”

    The Ending PUSHOUT Act would aim to create a safe academic environment for all students, especially girls of color, by:

    1. Establishing new federal grants to support local educational agencies and nonprofit organizations to:
      1. Evaluate the current discipline policies of schools under the eligible entity in partnership with students, family members of students, and the local community; 
      2. Provide training and professional development for school officials to avoid or address the overuse of discriminatory and exclusionary discipline practices;
      3. Implement and evaluate evidence-based alternatives to suspension or expulsion.
    2. Grantees would be required to ban:
      1. Out-of-school suspension or expulsion for students in preschool through grade 5 for non-violent offenses and all students in preschool through grade 12 for infractions such as insubordination, willful defiance, vulgarity, truancy, tardiness, chronic absenteeism, or violations of grooming or appearance policies; and
      2. The use of corporal punishment, seclusion, mechanical or chemical restraints, and any form of physical restraint or escort.
    3. Protecting the Civil Rights Data Collection and strengthening the Department of Education’s (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) by:
      1. Requiring the Department of Education to collect civil rights data annually to ensure all students have equal access to a high-quality education and a safe and nurturing school environment.
      2. Requiring additional reporting on the school pushout crisis to spot harmful trends in real time and help hold schools accountable for discriminating against students.
      3. Making data about pushouts and other harmful discipline practices publicly available while protecting student privacy.
      4. Investing $500 million annually for OCR to build additional capacity for monitoring and enforcing civil rights laws.
    4. Establishing a federal interagency taskforce to end school pushout and examine its disproportionate impact on girls of color

    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal Trump’s Ruinous Global Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, led Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to repeal Donald Trump’s global tariffs and reassert Congress’s trade authorities. The Senators’ resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared in order to apply tariffs of up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries. In the wake of Trump’s tariff declaration, markets have cratered, manufacturers have laid off thousands of workers and foreign countries have retaliated by imposing their own tariffs on U.S. agricultural and manufactured goods. 
    “The President’s reckless global trade war has already gone far beyond everyone’s worst predictions. In just a matter of days, President Trump has thrown the economy into chaos and wiped out Vermonters’ retirement funds–all in an apparent attempt to achieve deeply misguided foreign policy goals,” said Senator Welch. “Congress must stand up and reassert our constitutional role in setting trade policy before Trump’s tariffs ruin more lives and livelihoods.” 
    “Trump’s trade chaos has put our entire economy at the mercy of one man’s social media account – that’s not how America is supposed to work,” said Senator Wyden. “Congress can’t sit on its hands while he slaps a new 10 percent tax on everything families buy, and leaves businesses and seniors in limbo until the next tariff flip flop. Congress needs to pass our bipartisan bill, end the tariff rollercoaster, and restore Congress’ Constitutional authority over trade.” 
    “Tariffs are taxes, and the power to tax belongs to Congress—not the president. Our Founders were clear: tax policy should never rest in the hands of one person,” said Senator Paul. “Abusing emergency powers to impose blanket tariffs not only drives up costs for American families but also tramples on the Constitution. It’s time Congress reasserts its authority and restores the balance of power.” 
    “Make no mistake – the president’s ill-conceived and chaotic trade war is nothing but a tax on American families,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump is leading America headfirst into a recession, with no plans on how to right the cratering economy. The Senate has the power and authority to stop this madness and we have a duty to act in a bipartisan way to repeal these tariffs, which is why I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation. It’s time for Republicans to stand up for American families, lower costs, save seniors’ retirement funds, and prevent a global economic crisis.” 
    “No President has the authority to unilaterally impose such sweeping across-the-board tariffs without congressional approval,” said Senator Kaine. “President Trump’s tariff strategy is raising costs on American families, threatening alliances our national security depends on, and creating opportunity for China and other adversaries to take advantage of global instability. The time is now for Congress to reassert its authority in matters of international trade, and I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join us.” 
    “The administration’s ill-considered, short-sighted tariffs are a historic tax hike on American families – jacking up the price of gas, fruit, coffee and other groceries, electronics, cars and everything in between,” said Senator Shaheen. “President Trump’s chaotic trade war targets close allies like Canada and Europe even while sparing adversaries like Russia — leaving America weaker, more isolated and distrusted around the globe. I’m proud to help introduce this resolution to force the administration to end these taxes before it does irreparable harm to American families and our international leadership role.” 
    “Donald Trump’s reckless agenda will hurt American families, small businesses, and manufacturers,” said Senator Warren. “The Trump tariffs are economic sabotage, and Congress has the power to stop them. Republicans can join Democrats and end this today.” 
    Under Senate rules, the measure will receive a vote on the Senate floor shortly after the Senate returns from a state work period later this month. If enacted, the resolution would terminate the emergency that Trump declared, reverse Trump’s new taxes of 10% on all imported goods and end his threat of additional tariffs up to 49% on products Americans buy from other countries. In the wake of Trump’s tariff standoff, manufacturers have laid off thousands of workers, and foreign countries have retaliated by slapping their own tariffs on U.S. agricultural and manufactured goods.  
    Read and download the full text of the resolution. 

    MIL OSI USA News –