NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Defence Secretary highlights role of integrated financial advisors in driving transparency; Lauds Defence Accounts Department’s tech-driven reforms

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 8:25PM by PIB Delhi

    Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh lauded the role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFA) as crucial enablers of transparency, accountability and responsiveness in defence financial system, while addressing a two day Integrated Financial Advisors Conference 2025, organised by Defence Accounts Department (DAD), Ministry of Defence (MoD), from April 03-04, 2025, in Hampi, Karnataka. He highlighted Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh’s directive for DAD to become a Centre of Excellence in Defence Finance & Economics, calling for research-based policy inputs, cost-benefit analysis in procurement, and AI-driven financial analytics.  

    The Defence Secretary emphasized strengthening outcome-oriented mechanisms, promoting emerging technologies, and foster collaboration across the departments to enhance operational efficiency. He noted that DAD achieved 100% capital budget utilization in 2024–25, which was a first in the last five years. He also highlighted the importance of Project SAMPURNA (System Automation for Procurement, Payment and Uniform Raksha Accounting), which integrates AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science into financial management ushering in a new era of automation and efficiency.

    The conference featured six focused business sessions under which the role of financial advisors was highlighted to enhance capital acquisition outcomes, multifaceted challenges confronting the recently implemented IFA system in Military Engineer Services and the prospective pathways for their resolution, complexities associated with the Army Commander Special Financial Powers & merits and potential challenges of outsourcing in the defence sector.

    Shri S.G. Dastidar, Financial Advisor (Defence Services), in his inaugural address highlighted the expansion of the IFA system amid growing defence capabilities and greater delegation of financial powers to Service Headquarters and lower levels. Emphasizing Aatmanirbharta, he called for standardized procedures, better data systems, and stronger coordination between IFAs and CDAs to enhance financial efficiency. Dr. Mayank Sharma, CGDA, talked about the changing role of financial advisors and highlighted Project SAMPURNA.

    Senior officials from the MoD and DAD, along with Principal Integrated Financial Advisors and Integrated Financial Advisors from across the country, participated in the conference.

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    VK/SR/SS

    (Release ID: 2120203) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening remarks by SHYA at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following are the opening remarks (English translation) by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, at the special meeting of the Legislative Council Finance Committee today (April 8):

    Chairman,
     
    I would like to brief Members on the key areas of work of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) in 2025-26.

    On youth development, since the launch of the Youth Development Blueprint, the HYAB has been co-ordinating with various bureaux to implement at full steam some 160 measures as set out therein. To ensure that the Blueprint measures are progressing with the times, the bureaux have also introduced around 90 new measures subsequently.
     
    We will continue to take forward various exchange and internship programmes outside Hong Kong, helping young people broaden their horizons and explore our country and the world. Moreover, a new round of funded projects under two funding schemes on youth entrepreneurship will be rolled out gradually in 2025 to support aspiring youth entrepreneurs.

    Following the success last year, we will organise the second Youth Development Summit in the second half of 2025 to facilitate exchange among youths from different regions.
     
    To expand spaces and network for the youth, as announced in the 2024 Policy Address, the HYAB will set up, for “Youth Link” members, a physical platform for interaction in the Nam Cheong District Community Centre and the adjacent Tung Chau Street Temporary Market, and we will also establish a new interactive space and set up a video studio at the Youth Square, for rolling out the “Good Stories of Hong Kong Youth” Programme. The Government will also convert the Kai Tak Community Isolation Facility into a youth development facility, which includes setting up a “Youth Post” hostel and creating spaces for youth cultural, arts and sports exchanges. The HYAB has promptly enhanced our speed and efficiency in pressing ahead with these projects, in particular that we have completed the tender exercise and selected the operator of “Youth Post”. The operator will not only set up a youth hostel but also organise youth activities and international exchange programmes encompassing cultural, art and sports elements in accordance with a detailed five-year conceptual plan.
     
    As regards civic and national education, we will continue to work closely with the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education in 2025-26 to promote civic and national education through various channels and diverse means, such as seminars, thematic exhibitions and interactive dramas, with a view to helping the general public develop positive values, civic awareness and sense of patriotism, as well as enhancing their awareness of the rule of law.
     
    On family and women’s development, to promote women’s workplace development, the HYAB will launch the “She Inspires” two-year pilot mentorship programme in the second quarter of this year, pairing local female university students who aspire to pursue a career in the professional or business sectors with women leader mentors, and provide related training and activities. The preparatory work is under way, and we have received enthusiastic responses and support from outstanding local women. We have successfully recruited about 50 mentors.
     
    On improving district governance, the achievements of the seventh-term District Councils in its first year are there for all to see. All the District Council members have focused on livelihood issues, liaised closely with members of the public, reflected public views inside and outside the District Councils, and assisted in boosting the local economy, improving the living environment as well as resolving problems people faced. I hope that District Council members will continue to carry out solid district work, serve people in innovative ways and build a better and harmonious community together.
     
    The 452 District Services and Community Care Teams in the 18 districts have been fully operational for a year and a half. As of end-January 2025, they have visited around 390 000 households in need, and provided about 43 000 times of support services. In addition to provision of caring services, Care Teams also assist in handling incidents and emergencies. The Government will increase the funding for Care Teams in their next term of service, with the estimated provision for 2025-26 amounting to $319.1 million, so that Care Teams can provide more in-depth and extensive caring services.
     
    As regards ethnic minorities (EMs), to further strengthen the support for EMs to integrate into the community, the Home Affairs Department will invite one more existing support service centre for EMs to provide interpretation and translation services for EMs to alleviate the inconvenience they face due to language barriers. The service is targeted to commence in 2025.
     
    The Government is committed to promoting good building management. We will launch, this June at the earliest, a one-year Pilot Scheme on Joint Property Management in the districts of Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon City and Tsuen Wan to help owners of “three-nil” buildings and aged single-block buildings engage the same property management company to jointly manage their buildings. The Government has earmarked $7 million for running the Pilot Scheme.
     
    On combating illegal betting, as stated in the Budget Speech in recent years, quite some members of the public have expressed concerns about the problem of illegal basketball betting in Hong Kong. According to the latest information provided by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the illegal market turnover for basketball betting in 2024 was estimated to be at around $70 billion to $90 billion. To combat illegal betting activities in an effective manner, we launched a one-month public consultation last Wednesday (April 2) on the proposed regulation of basketball betting activities. We will decide the way forward having regard to public views.
     
    My colleagues and I are happy to answer questions from Members. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST’s opening remarks on public finance at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the English translation of the opening remarks by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, on public finance at the special meeting of the Legislative Council Finance Committee today (April 8):

    Chairman and Honourable Members,

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Final sentence imposed in multimillion-dollar money laundering conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A 49-year-old naturalized citizen from Arlington has been ordered to prison for unlicensed money transmitting and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Nhiem Thi Dan “Sam” Nguyen entered a guilty plea Oct. 5, 2021. 

    U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison has now sentenced Nguyen to serve 40 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. She will also forfeit $76,848 in cash seized at the time of her arrest and another $17,801.52 in seized accounts. Judge Ellison found Nguyen managed others in the conspiracy and did not commit the crimes inadvertently.

    “Money transmitters are regulated specifically to avoid the type of criminal facilitation that took place here,” said Ganjei. “Drug trafficking organizations spread misery, addiction, and violence, but they are fueled by cash. Money laundering schemes allow criminals to convert their ill-gotten gains into spendable currency, and so it’s always a win for the public when we can put one of these launderers out of operation.”

    “In any scheme, criminals have to get the money distanced from the crime to avoid detection, which is the criminal business Nguyen and her accomplices ran. They were big players in the deception and lies that allowed drug money and other cash to be moved almost undetected. I say ‘almost’, because we caught them,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan, of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “These conspirators set up various accounts, some even moved cash themselves. When you touch money, cash or virtual currency, you leave a trail for us to follow and that’s the expertise of IRS-CI special agents.”

    Nguyen was the top lieutenant in an unlicensed money transmitting business that Vinh and Diana Phan and others ran. The illegal business transmitted funds received in the form of bulk U.S. currency. During the course of the approximately 21-month conspiracy, the unlicensed money transmitting business received and transmitted more than $33 million in cash. 

    At least some of this cash had been earned from the trafficking, distribution and sale of controlled substances, including approximately $9 million received from Branden Denver Richards, Douglas Paul Michael Davis and Michael Dean Richards. All were members of a Dallas-area drug trafficking organization.

    The Phans and Nguyen introduced this bulk cash into the banking system through more than nine “money mules.” The Phans then used the funds to buy virtual currency which was sold for cash in California – the state where the controlled substances originated. The Phans used virtual currency to eliminate the risk of driving cash across the country.

    The Phans and Nguyen did not register their money transmitting business with the Department of the Treasury nor did the state of Texas license them to engage in money transmission.

    Nguyen was the last of six to be sentenced. Vinh Quang Phan and Diana Le Phan, 59, and 47, a Houston-area married couple, received prison terms of 10 years and were ordered to pay $80,000 in fines and forfeit their home and more than $486,000 in cash and seized accounts.

    Branden Richards, 33, Little Elm, was ordered to serve five years in prison, while Davis, 31, Keller, and Michael Richards, 36, Frisco, were both ordered to serve two years.

    Nguyen was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    IRS Criminal Investigation-led South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Financial Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation with assistance from Drug Enforcement Administration, Houston Police Department and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman and Eun Kate Suh prosecuted the case with assistance from Deputy Chief Brandon Fyffe of the Asset Recovery Section.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston City Councilor Agrees to Plead Guilty to Federal Public Corruption Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    City Councilor for Boston’s District 7, Tania Fernandes Anderson, allegedly pocketed $7,000 cash from staff member’s city-funded bonus

    BOSTON – Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson has agreed to plead guilty to federal public corruption charges in connection with an alleged kickback scheme to obtain thousands of dollars in cash from a staff member in exchange for a large bonus.

    Tania Fernandes Anderson, 46, of Boston, has agreed to plead guilty to count one of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. In December 2024, Fernandes Anderson was indicted by a federal grand jury. Per the plea agreement, the government is recommending a sentence of one year and one day in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and restitution in the amount of $13,000.

    Fernandes Anderson currently serves as City Councilor for Boston’s District 7, which includes Roxbury, Dorchester, Fenway and part of the South End. She was first elected to a two-year term in November 2021 and won re-election in November 2023.

    According to the charging documents, in or about 2022, Fernandes Anderson hired two members of her immediate family as salaried employees of her City Councilor Staff. Because City Councilors are prohibited by law from hiring immediate family members to their paid staff, Fernandes Anderson was required to terminate their salaried employment in or about August 2022. Additionally, from in or about March 2023 to May 2023, the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission notified Fernandes Anderson of its findings and that it would be seeking a $5,000 civil penalty payment from her.

    It is alleged that, in or about November 2022, Fernandes Anderson allegedly emailed a City of Boston employee regarding her hiring of Staff Member A – a relative of Fernandes Anderson who was not an immediate family member – as a salaried employee. In her email to the City of Boston employee, it is alleged that Fernandes Anderson falsely represented that she and Staff Member A were not related:

    From in or about early to mid-2023, Fernandes Anderson was allegedly facing personal financial difficulty, which included the outstanding $5,000 civil penalty payment to the Ethics Commission. It is further alleged that, in or about early May 2023, Fernandes Anderson told Staff Member A that she would give them extra pay in the form of a large bonus, but that Staff Member A would have to give a portion of the bonus back to Fernandes Anderson. Staff Member A agreed to the arrangement with Fernandes Anderson.  

    On or about May 3, 2023, Fernandes Anderson allegedly sent an email to a City of Boston employee to process bonus payments for her City Councilor Staff. In the email, Fernandes Anderson instructed the City of Boston employee to process a bonus payment of $13,000 to Staff Member A – more than double the total bonuses paid to all other Fernandes Anderson staff combined. Fernandes Anderson allegedly did not disclose the bonus kickback arrangement she had made with Staff Member A to the City of Boston employee.

    Staff Member A deposited the bonus check on or about May 26, 2023 into their account at Santander Bank. It is alleged that, at Fernandes Anderson’s direction, Staff Member A then made separate cash withdrawals of the payment on three separate dates: $3,000 on May 31, 2023; $3,000 on June 5, 2023; and $4,000 on June 9, 2023.

    It is alleged that, on June 9, 2023, immediately following the final cash withdrawal, Fernandes Anderson and Staff Member A arranged to meet in a bathroom at Boston City Hall. There, Staff Member A allegedly provided Fernandes Anderson with $7,000 in cash:

    According to the signed plea agreement, for tax years 2021, 2022 and 2023, Fernandes Anderson filed fraudulent federal income tax returns with the IRS. Specifically, it is alleged that Fernandes Anderson willfully omitted: approximately $11,000 in income that she earned from a Massachusetts-based corporation from her 2021 tax return; campaign funds that she used for her own personal enrichment from her 2022 and 2023 tax returns; and the $7,000 kickback that she received from Staff Member A from her 2023 tax return.

    The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy and Dustin Chao of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Liquid Gas Association Joins Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025, Driving Africa’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Market Growth

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, April 8, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Michael Kelly, Chief Advocacy Officer, World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA) will speak at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris next month. As a key leader in global energy advocacy, Kelly’s participation will provide valuable insights into the growing role of liquid gas in the global energy transition, particularly within the African context.

    The WLGA is dedicated to promoting the use of liquid gas as a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels, advocating for policy reforms that support the global expansion of this energy source. In Africa, the association’s efforts focus on helping governments and businesses explore liquid gas solutions as part of the broader energy mix, driving both energy access and economic development across the continent. In December 2024, the WLGA launched a new roadmap aimed at expanding access to clean cooking solutions across Africa, specifically through increased availability and uptake of LPG. This comprehensive roadmap not only emphasizes the establishment of a clear regulatory framework to scale the LPG market, but also calls for the implementation of consumer financing and payment plans to address economic barriers and highlights the need for investment in infrastructure and roads.

    IAE 2025 (Invest-Africa-Energy.com) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Africa’s LPG sector is experiencing significant growth, with several large-scale projects focused on expanding production, storage and distribution capabilities. Last month, Nigeria commissioned its first modular LPG extraction plant and a 20 MW gas-to-power project, both of which are set to boost domestic gas utilization and enhance energy access. Sahara Group is developing a 12,000-ton LPG storage facility in Ivory Coast, which will increase the country’s LPG storage capacity by 60% and significantly improve imports and distribution for neighboring countries in the region. The company is also in talks with Kenya to construct a 30,000-ton facility for handling and storing LPG.

    Meanwhile, Petredec and South Africa’s state-owned Transnet announced a rail freight project in September 2024, featuring a dedicated train system and a modern LPG intermodal hub and storage facility. This hub will receive bulk LPG via rail, introducing the country’s first scheduled LPG train system. Other high-profile projects include the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, a $20 billion initiative designed to meet the country’s fuel demands while reducing dependency on imports and introducing LPG into the Nigerian market. These projects reflect Africa’s growing commitment to leveraging its natural gas resources to enhance energy infrastructure, drive economic development and improve access to cleaner, more affordable energy across the continent.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington Man Indicted on 11 Counts of Sex Trafficking Children, Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material, and Forced Labor

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Richland, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on April 2, 2025, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Jonathan Michael Atkinson, age 34, with 11 criminal counts including Sex Trafficking Children, Production and Attempted Production of Child Pornography, Online Enticement of a Minor, and Forced Labor. The criminal charges against Atkinson carry a maximum sentence of up to a lifetime in prison.

    Atkinson was arrested on April 8, 2025, by the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, consisting of Homeland Security Investigations, Richland Police Department, Kennewick Police Department, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by Pasco Police Department, ATF and DEA. Atkinson will be arraigned in federal court on April 10, 2025.

    “The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Washington will continue to aggressively prosecute all versions of human trafficking,” stated Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker. “We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to seek justice for the most vulnerable among us.”

    “Human trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable members of our communities and the most effective way we can dismantle these criminal networks is through strong partnerships,” said Matthew Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle. “HSI is proud to work alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect victims, bring traffickers to justice, and put an end to this exploitation.”

    If members of the public have any information regarding this case, please contact the Pasco Police Department.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Holland and Stephanie A. Van Marter.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Hearing on President’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing entitled, “The President’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda.” 

    As prepared for delivery:

    “Members and the public have questions and concerns about the recent tariff actions.  That’s ok.  We should think about tariff impacts and ask questions.  Thoughtful and respectful debate on the issues is good and why we call hearings, like this one, with the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer. 

    “We need to think strategically about tariff policy, including how to minimize unnecessary costs on American families.  I also recognize that although it is easy to see the costs arising from tariffs, it is far more difficult to assess the cost of denied market access opportunities. 

    “Tariffs can advance American interests in market access.  In the first Trump Administration, we used tariff threats to stop France from imposing discriminatory digital services taxes. 

    “Tariffs also forced China to discuss the systemic challenges between our two nations.  Frankly, every enforcement action—whether it is a WTO dispute, a Section 301 investigation or a preference program review—ultimately relies on the threat of tariffs to secure objectives.

    “Accordingly, it is important to contextualize the tariffs in the design of the larger policy.  The real headline then becomes the fundamental shift in trade policy since President Trump’s inauguration—where the United States actually plans to do trade again. 

    “My colleagues and I in Congress want to pursue a real trade policy.  That was put on hold during the Biden years.   We now have a President who will partner with us in that effort.  Together, we will enforce our rights; we will negotiate again; and we will expand opportunities for Americans. 

    “This Administration is not deliberating endlessly over whether ‘trade can be a force for good,’ like the past Administration.  Trade today is the centerpiece of our international economic engagement and we have plenty of substantive trade ideas to discuss. 

    “Businesses want certainty from good policies that will continue so they can invest confidently in prospects that create jobs and wealth. 

    “That is one of the primary reasons that I am working so hard to make the Trump Tax Cuts permanent—to provide businesses with the certainty they need to make long-term investments, to drive growth and to increase prosperity across all segments of the economy.

    “Contrast this kind of certainty and forward thinking on trade with that of the last four years, where the only ‘certainty’ was that you were going to lose ground because your government fundamentally rejected free markets, free enterprise and free trade. 

    “The last Administration turned to industrial policy because it was certain that the free market failed in delivering what government planners believed necessary for climate and social agendas. 

    “Indeed, China’s central planners saw their own strategic thinking in the Inflation Reduction Act’s approach of bestowing massive subsidies to stimulate investments that the market would not.

    “We can restore faith in free markets by making it easier than ever to do business in America.  The President’s Executive Order last week to assist major investors to navigate our regulatory system efficiently is a good start.  We plan to do more.

    “The Biden Administration provided us with only the “certainty” that in the face of a foreign government’s discriminatory policies, like digital services taxes, data localization or other non-tariff barriers, it would not stand up for its citizens because it believed that the so-called ‘right to regulate’ trumped the principle of free enterprise. 

    “Respectfully, democratic governments do not have rights—they exist to secure them for their citizens.

    “One immediately welcome change, under the Trump Administration, appeared last week in USTR’s National Trade Estimate.

    “Last year, the Biden Administration deliberately cut from the Estimate a number of discriminatory measures imposed by foreign governments on American businesses because it sided with those governments over our citizens.  This year’s Estimate is exhaustive because the Administration carefully identified all of the ways Americans lose out in the global marketplace.

    “Finally, the validity of free trade will be seen again.  The last Administration did not pursue market access in its negotiations.  Instead, it demanded governments to undertake a number of social and environmental commitments, even ones Congress did not approve domestically.  Not surprisingly, our partners did not put their trust in such negotiations. 

    “While tariffs inherently may be seen at odds with free trade, we must also acknowledge that many of our trading partners deploy barriers that have gone unchallenged for too long.  Free trade, by definition, must be reciprocal.  We do not have it if others can impose barriers on us unchallenged.

    “Our failure to enforce our rights over the last four years lost a lot of ground for us.  This cannot continue because what I am certain about is American goods and services are innovative, high quality and globally competitive. 

    “Senior Administration officials say that a number of countries are ‘coming to the table’ to engage with USTR.  We look forward to hearing about this engagement and the steps toward better opportunities for Americans.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada announces entry into force of countermeasures against auto imports from the United States

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    April 8, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

    The Minister of Finance, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, today confirmed that Canada’s new countermeasures announced last week in response to the unjustified tariffs imposed by the United States on the Canadian auto industry will come into force at 12:01 a.m. EDT on April 9.

    As the Prime Minister indicated on  April 3, this includes:

    • Twenty-five per cent tariffs on non- Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States.
    • Twenty-five per cent tariffs on non-Canadian and non-Mexican content of CUSMA compliant fully assembled vehicles imported into Canada from the United States.

    A remission framework for auto producers that incentivizes production and investment in Canada, and helps maintain Canadian jobs, will also be implemented. Further details of this framework will be announced shortly.

    Minister Champagne also announced that the government has granted a special exemption from previous tariff countermeasures on U.S. consumer and household products to the residents of Campobello Island, New Brunswick. This special exemption is in recognition of the island’s unique situation, which is only accessible by road via the United States year-round.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Schumer, and Wyden Demand House Vote on Senate-Passed Tariff Legislation Ending Trade War with Canada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson demanding that he schedule a vote in the House of Representatives on Senate Joint Resolution 37, legislation led by Kaine to reverse President Trump’s tariffs on Canada, which amount to a 25 percent tax on imported goods. S.J. Res. 37 passed in the Senate last week by a 51-48 vote.

    “Plain and simple, the Trump Trade War is a Trump Tax on families, raising their costs by nearly $4,000 per year and devastating small businesses, forcing them to raise prices or lay off staff. It is a dangerous, foolish exercise that is wreaking havoc on the American economy and could tee up a recession,” wrote the senators.

    The senators continued, “Now that the Senate has weighed in, members of the House should have the opportunity to vote on whether to continue President Trump’s wrongheaded tariffs on Canada.”

    “Canada is the United States’ second largest trading partner and longtime ally,” the senators wrote. “This absurd and dangerous trade war has needlessly fractured the relationship between our two countries, thrown integrated manufacturing supply chains into disarray, and raised costs for American families and small businesses. The Senate has acted. The House should follow and schedule a vote without delay.”

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Speaker Johnson:

    We call on you to move without delay to schedule a vote in the House of Representatives on Senate Joint Resolution 37, which would terminate President Trump’s foolish and misguided trade war with our ally, Canada.

    Plain and simple, the Trump Trade War is a Trump Tax on families, raising their costs by nearly $4,000 per year and devastating small businesses, forcing them to raise prices or lay off staff. It is a dangerous, foolish exercise that is wreaking havoc on the American economy and could tee up a recession. If the president doesn’t back off, Congress must take action – the Senate has already taken action to provide relief from tariffs on Canada, and the House should follow immediately.

    On February 2, President Trump declared a so-called emergency with regard to the flow of illicit drugs from Canada, despite evidence from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that less 0.2 percent of fentanyl comes from our northern ally.

    This was clearly a pretext to abuse the emergency authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to start a trade war with one of our closest allies and biggest trading partners. Situations like this are exactly why Congress created a privileged process to rescind emergencies under IEEPA.

    Last week, the Senate exercised this authority and voted on a bipartisan basis to rescind the president’s emergency and end this ridiculous trade war. The House of Representatives already sidestepped this responsibility once in March, taking extraordinary steps to avoid the question of the legitimacy of the president’s declared emergency. Now that the Senate has weighed in, members of the House should have the opportunity to vote on whether to continue President Trump’s wrongheaded tariffs on Canada.

    Canada is the United States’ second largest trading partner and longtime ally. This absurd and dangerous trade war has needlessly fractured the relationship between our two countries, thrown integrated manufacturing supply chains into disarray, and raised costs for American families and small businesses.

    The Senate has acted. The House should follow and schedule a vote without delay.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Wyden Launch Investigation into Google, Microsoft Partnerships with AI Developers Anthropic, OpenAI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 08, 2025

    “We are concerned that corporate partnerships within the AI sector discourage competition, circumvent our antitrust laws, and result in fewer choices and higher prices for businesses and consumers using AI tools.” 

    Text of Letter to Google/Anthropic (PDF) | Text of Letter to Microsoft/OpenAI (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote to cloud service providers Google and Microsoft with concerns that their respective partnerships with AI developers Anthropic and OpenAI may violate antitrust laws, leading to fewer choices and higher prices for businesses and consumers using AI tools. 

    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned in a January 2025 report that these types of partnerships might pose “risks to competition and consumers, such as ‘. . . locking in the market dominance of large incumbent technology firms.” The FTC and the Department of Justice have also raised concerns about these partnerships, warning that they can act as de facto mergers and allow companies to consolidate talent, information, and resources, while bypassing the traditional scrutiny associated with mergers and acquisitions. 

    These partnerships can involve minority stakes and significant investment from cloud service providers (CSPs), like Google and Microsoft, giving them access to AI developers’ talent, computing capacity, intellectual property, or business information. 

    In some cases, CSPs hire the top AI talent away from the AI developer and obtain exclusive licensing of the developer’s technology, “effectively swallowing the start-up and its main assets — without becoming the owner of the firm.” An agreement may also give the CSP a high level of control over, and stake in, the AI developer’s business decisions. In the most egregious case, individuals have held concurrent board positions with both the CSP and the AI developer, in a blatant violation of U.S. antitrust law. Partnership agreements can also lock AI developers in with particular CSPs because of the high contractual and technical cost of starting an agreement with a new CSP, limiting innovation in cases where there are better partnerships available. 

    “Partnerships between CSPs and AI developers, if left unchecked, may accelerate consolidation of the AI sector, ultimately driving up prices and choking off innovation,” wrote the senators. 

    In order to better understand the potential anticompetitive risks of these agreements, the senators requested the companies provide more information about their partnerships, including on the consolidation of computing resources, talent, and intellectual property, by April 21, 2025.  

    Senator Warren has long fought to crack down on corporate consolidation that threatens consumers and raises prices, including in the technology sector: 

    • In February 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Omeed Assefi, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the United States Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division, calling on the agency to closely scrutinize Disney’s proposed acquisition of FuboTV (Fubo).
    • In December 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced the bipartisan Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act to ensure that the Department of Defense (DoD)’s procurement of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing tools prioritizes resiliency and competition. The bill offers meaningful regulation to limit Big Tech monopolies from elbowing out competitors in the AI and cloud computing markets.
    • In November 2024, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sent two letters regarding the impact of private equity and large corporations in veterinary care, to JAB Holding Company (JAB) and to Mars Petcare (Mars), a subsidiary of Mars, Inc., respectively.
    • In October 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren led the reintroduction of the Stop Wall Street Looting Act, comprehensive legislation to fundamentally reform the private equity industry and level the playing field by forcing private investment firms to take responsibility for the outcomes of companies they take over, empowering workers and protecting investors. 
    • In August 2024, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), joined by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), wrote to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC), calling on the agencies to closely scrutinize the proposed joint venture between FOX, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Disney subsidiary ESPN that would create a new streaming service named Venu Sports (Venu). 
    • In July 2024, Senators Warren, Klobuchar, Murphy, Sanders, Booker, and Blumenthal wrote a letter to the Department of Justice and Federal Communications Commission, urging them to scrutinize T-Mobile’s proposed acquisition of UScellular.
    • In July 2024, Senator Warren and Representatives Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and John Garamendi (D-Calif.) urged the Department of Defense (DoD), FTC, and DOJ to review TransDigm Group Inc.’s acquisitions of two specialized aerospace contractors to prevent price gouging.
    • In June 2024, Senator Warren wrote to DOJ, FTC, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), calling out high health care costs due to vertically integrated insurers, private equity companies, and pharmaceutical companies that are driving health care consolidation.
    • In June 2024, Senators Warren and Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the Corporate Crimes Against Health Care Act of 2024 to root out corporate greed and private equity abuse in the health care system.
    • In May 2024, chairing a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Economic Policy, Senator Warren highlighted the impact of concentration in the food industry and its impact on prices, product, and consumer choice.
    • In May 2024, Senator Warren and Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the bipartisan Airport Gate Competition Act, which would increase competition in the airline industry and lower prices for consumers by increasing the number of common-use gates in airports.
    • In March 2024, Senator Warren and Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Penn.) led a group of 14 lawmakers in urging the FTC to revive enforcement of the Robinson Patman Act, a critical tool to promote fair competition in the food industry.
    • In March 2024, Senators Warren and Klobuchar led 26 lawmakers in urging the leadership of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to strike parts of the Commerce, Science, and Justice (CJS) appropriations bill that undercut DOJ’s ability to block anticompetitive mergers.
    • In February 2024, Senator Warren urged FTC to closely scrutinize Choice Hotels’ attempted hostile takeover of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which would further consolidate the hotel market and create the largest branded hotel chain in the United States.
    • In February 2024, Senator Warren delivered the keynote address at RemedyFest, where she called out Big Tech for their anti-competitive tactics that have led to market consolidation and record profits.
    • In February 2024, Senator Warren and 12 other lawmakers called on regulators to block the Capital One-Discover Merger.
    • In December 2023, Senator Warren led 6 senators in a letter to Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu, calling on OCC to allow states to move forward with their efforts to protect consumers from harmful bank practices. The senators criticized the OCC for overstepping its preemption authority under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which the agency is abusing to block tough, state-level consumer protections.
    • In November 2023, Senators Warren and Blumenthal called out U.S. Anesthesia Partners’ (USAP) monopolistic business model and use of restrictive non-compete agreements that have reduced patients’ quality of care, increased prices, and suppressed workers’ wages.
    • In October 2023, Senator Warren and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) urged DOJ and FTC to carefully scrutinize UnitedHealth Group’s pending acquisition of Amedisys; and urged the agencies to scrutinize similar deals, reject behavioral or structural remedies, and oppose any health care acquisition that would threaten competition, increase prices, and reduce quality of care.
    • In September 2023, Senator Warren and Representative Becca Balint (D-Vt.), along with a bicameral group of lawmakers, submitted a public comment to the FTC and DOJ in support of the agencies’ proposed merger guidelines, endorsing the agencies’ reading of antitrust law, praising the guidelines as necessary to prevent harm to workers, consumers, and small businesses.
    • In August 2023, chairing a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Economic Policy, Senator Warren highlighted the need for regulators to implement the strongest version of bank merger review guidelines in order to ensure stability in the financial system. 
    • In July 2023, Senators Warren and Lindsey Graham unveiled comprehensive legislation that would rein in Big Tech by establishing a new commission to regulate online platforms. The commission would have concurrent jurisdiction with FTC and DOJ, and would be responsible for overseeing and enforcing the new statutory provisions in the bill and implementing rules to promote competition, protect privacy, protect consumers, and strengthen our national security.
    • In June 2023, Senator Warren sent a letter to Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter, Federal Deposit Investment Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Gruenberg, Acting Comptroller of the Currency Hsu, Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging regulators to promote greater competition in the banking sector by toughening their stances on bank mergers and strengthening bank merger review guidelines.
    • In May 2023, at a hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, Senator Warren questioned Acting Comptroller Hsu on his decision to approve JPMorgan Chase’s purchase of First Republic Bank after its collapse. This merger allowed a large, poorly supervised bank to be swallowed by America’s largest bank, making it $200 billion larger than it was before.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Wyden, Kelly Demand Answers on Reported Social Security Benefit Disruptions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 08, 2025

    “These beneficiaries are some of the most vulnerable in the nation—low-income seniors and children and adults with disabilities—and face extraordinary hardship if their benefits are delayed or disrupted.”

    “[W]e are concerned that these efforts are a precursor to attempts to make further cuts to Social Security, or privatize it entirely.” 

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senate Finance Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) pressed Acting Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Leland Dudek for answers after reports of recent disruptions to Americans’ Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The new letter marks the first investigation from Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to protect Americans’ Social Security from Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s efforts to gut the agency. 

    SSI supports the most vulnerable Americans by providing monthly payments to children and adults with disabilities as well as seniors experiencing economic insecurity, and has strict income and asset restrictions for beneficiaries. This means even brief disruptions in benefits could have devastating impacts for these families. 

    “These beneficiaries are some of the most vulnerable in the nation—low-income seniors and children and adults with disabilities—and face extraordinary hardship if their benefits are delayed or disrupted,” wrote the senators. 

    In March, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) forced its way into SSA, improperly accessed taxpayers’ sensitive data, announced closures of Social Security field offices, and implemented policies making it more difficult for citizens to claim their benefits or address problems. Now, constituents have submitted disturbing reports that their SSI accounts or accounts they manage for a disabled family member display the message “currently not receiving payments,” and that payment history and data have disappeared. 

    These issues are just the latest, including increased wait times and website crashes, in the chaos caused by DOGE’s attacks meant to hollow out the agency by slashing the workforce, closing offices across the country, and cutting critical phone services.

    “This alarming episode raises fresh questions about operations at SSA and the effects of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s attacks on the agency, which you have helped facilitate…Indeed, we are concerned that these efforts are a precursor to attempts to make further cuts to Social Security, or privatize it entirely,” said the lawmakers. 

    To better understand the source of these benefit disruptions, the senators demanded Dudek explain why recipients’ accounts were marked as “currently not receiving benefits,” how many recipients’ benefits were interrupted, whether these interruptions were related to DOGE’s actions at the agency, and more, by April 12, 2025. 

    Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Combatting Housing Discrimination Across New York

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced substantial progress in combatting housing discrimination across the state. Over the past year, the New York State Division of Human Rights has awarded more than $320,000 in financial compensation to victims of housing discrimination who filed complaints with the agency. In addition to financial compensation, case resolutions also resulted in changes to policies and procedures that will curb future discriminatory actions by housing providers and their agents. Additionally, Governor Hochul announced that New York State landmarks will be lit blue today, April 8, to commemorate Fair Housing Month and celebrate the upcoming 57th anniversary of the landmark federal Fair Housing Act, which outlawed discriminatory housing practices and required localities around the country to advance fair housing policies.

    “My top priority since taking office has always been to keep New Yorkers safe and that includes protecting them from unfair housing practices and discrimination, ”Governor Hochul said. “Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live without having to worry about any prejudices, and New York continues to combat discrimination across all areas.”

    New York State Division of Human Rights Acting Commissioner Denise M. Miranda said, “New York State has always led in the fight to defend residents from discrimination. The Division of Human Rights remains committed to protecting and enforcing the laws that safeguard those looking to find their next home, or to stay in the home they love. I am proud of the work that The Division’s Housing Investigations Unit takes on to ensure no New Yorker is discriminated against while attempting to rent or buy a home.”

    The New York State Human Rights Law, which meets and exceeds the protections included in the federal Fair Housing Act, prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, immigration or citizenship status, favorably resolved arrest record, sealed conviction or youthful offender adjudication, military status, lawful source of income, status as a victim of domestic violence, disability, marital status, or familial status. New Yorkers who experience unlawful discrimination in housing can file a complaint with DHR online at dhr.ny.gov/complaint.

    The New York State Division of Human Rights receives, investigates, and adjudicates thousands of complaints of discrimination each year. The Division’s Housing Investigations Unit is tasked with investigating all complaints relating to housing discrimination filed with the Division across the State. The Division’s Prosecutions Unit and Housing Litigations Unit then negotiate settlements and present discrimination complaints on behalf of the State at administrative hearings or in State Supreme Court.

    Over the past year, DHR has awarded $321,000 in financial compensation to victims of housing discrimination who filed complaints with the agency. So far in 2025, the total amount awarded by the Division in these cases is $137,000.

    In addition to the monetary awards highlighted today, remedies in housing discrimination cases resolved by DHR over the past year also include agreements by housing providers and their agents, including brokers, to complete fair housing training, create anti-discrimination and reasonable accommodations policies, publicly post fair housing information, and more. In addition to resolving the immediate case at hand, these elements of complaint resolutions help prevent similar discrimination from taking place again in the future. Filing a complaint with DHR does not guarantee a financial award or other remedy. All complaints are investigated based on their individual circumstances and remedies are secured through the agency’s complaint adjudication process.

    Examples of housing discrimination complaints resolved by DHR over the past year include:

    • A housing services organization filed a complaint against a housing provider alleging that the housing provider discriminated against several prospective tenants who planned to pay rent using rental subsidies. As part of the settlement agreement, the respondent housing provider agreed to pay the complainant $7,000 and to provide free brokerage services to several of the complainant’s clients to help them search for and secure housing. The respondent housing provider also agreed to adopt an anti-discrimination policy, complete fair housing training, and update their website to reflect acceptance of tenants with all lawful sources of income.
    • An individual filed a complaint against a co-op residence, alleging that the co-op’s leadership discriminated against him and his family based on his age and his national origin. As part of the settlement of the complaint, the co-op residence agreed to pay the complainant $15,000. The respondent also agreed to create an anti-discrimination policy and post information about fair housing rights in the building, so all tenants know of their rights under the State Human Rights Law.
    • An individual who uses a wheelchair filed a complaint against a property management company and its agents, alleging that the respondent failed to accommodate individuals living with disabilities. As part of the settlement of the complaint, the respondents’ property management company agreed to install a ramp at the front entrance of the complainant’s residential building. The respondents further agreed to adopt a reasonable accommodation policy and to complete fair housing training.

    As part of Fair Housing Month, the Division of Human Rights will host an all-day conference titled “We All Belong Here” on April 9 in the Bronx to celebrate the agency’s 80-year anniversary and its continued work of advancing equity and justice for all New Yorkers. During the conference, several panel events and workshops will focus on various topics relating to the fight for fair housing practices across the State.

    To commemorate Fair Housing Month, the following New York State landmarks will be lit blue tonight:

    • One World Trade Center
    • Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
    • Kosciuszko Bridge
    • The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
    • State Education Building
    • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
    • Empire State Plaza
    • State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
    • Niagara Falls
    • The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
    • Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
    • Albany International Airport Gateway
    • MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
    • Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
    • Moynihan Train Hall

    In June 2024, Governor Hochul announced new guidance informing insurers that they are prohibited from inquiring about or making coverage decisions based on a property’s status as an affordable housing development or on the level or source of a tenant’s income within the building, such as government assistance. The guidance from the New York State Department of Financial Services follows legislation secured by Governor Hochul as part of the FY 2025 Budget to prohibit discrimination in insurance based on tenants’ source of income or the existence of affordable dwelling units within the building.

    Additionally, in 2023, the Governor signed legislation to extend the statute of limitations for New Yorkers to file a complaint with DHR, allowing unlawful housing discrimination claims for incidents occurring on or after February 15, 2024 to be filed within three years of the alleged discrimination. The Governor also signed a package of nine fair housing bills designed to combat discriminatory housing practices that persist around the State, including legislation to increase penalties for unlawful housing discrimination; create a fund to support fair housing testing; and expand required trainings for real estate professionals on subjects such as legacy of segregation, unequal treatment, and historic lack of access to housing opportunities.

    About the New York State Division of Human Rights
    The New York State Division of Human Rights is dedicated to eliminating discrimination, remedying injustice, and promoting equal opportunity, access, and dignity.

    The Division of Human Rights is empowered by law to investigate and prosecute systematic patterns of discrimination through its Division Initiated Action Unit (DIAU). The DIAU can, upon its own motion, initiate investigations and file complaints alleging violations of the State anti-discrimination law. Individuals can report systemic issues of discrimination by emailing the Division at [email protected].

    New Yorkers experiencing harassment or discrimination are encouraged to file a complaint with the Division. If you experience any form of hate or bias in NYS, please call 844-NO-2-HATE or use our online submission form for assistance. For more information about the law or to file a complaint, please visit dhr.ny.gov, and follow the Division of Human Rights on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, X — formerly known as Twitter — and YouTube.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: How the FBI’s Victim Services Division Supports Survivors of Crime

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

    Child-adolescent forensic interviewers (CAFIs)  

    Sloane, who’s worked as an FBI CAFI for just under two decades—most recently, in a supervisory role—said an average day on the job is hard to encapsulate. “It’s hard to describe a day in the life of a CAFI because it varies, and that’s one of the beauties but also the challenges,” she said, adding that the job comprises far more than just conducting interviews.

    It can also include: 

    • Consultation 
    • Court testimony 
    • Trainings 
    • Presentations 
    • Working Groups 
    • Working on multidisciplinary teams 

    And, Sloane stressed, CAFIs don’t work in a bubble. CAFIs are neutral fact-finders, but to accomplish that mission, they collaborate with FBI agents, task force officers, victim specialists, and prosecutors. “That’s the importance of working as a team to provide victims the best support possible to maneuver and survive this process,” she said. 

    Sloane and other supervisory CAFIs, in particular, also help resolve conflicts that might arise during the course of an investigation. Their job, in these situations, is to balance the best interest of the victim or witness in question with that of the case. SCAFIs also strategically divvy up resources to CAFIs scattered throughout the field to ensure they’re equipped to do their jobs. 

    “We don’t heal or succeed in isolation—that’s why there are really kind, authentic people to guide and support you,” Sloane said. “Your suffering matters, and we want to be here to assist in any way that we can.” 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cary Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years for Access Device Fraud and Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW BERN, N.C. – A Cary man was sentenced today to 61 months in prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.  Ibrahim Abiodun Aderounmu, 27, pled guilty to the charges on November 4, 2024.  The court also ordered Aderounmu to pay $536,782 in restitution to the victims.  

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, between approximately 2020 and 2022, Aderounmu engaged in multiple access device fraud schemes involving the theft and misuse of personal identifying information (PII) of victims across the United States.  The schemes resulted in attempted losses of more than $650,000.

    As part of one scheme, victim PII was used to submit hundreds of applications for Chase Bank business credit card accounts.  If the application was successful, the physical credit card was mailed to Aderounmu’s apartment in Cary.  Aderounmu then used the credit cards to make online and in-store purchases.

    The investigation into the Chase Bank scheme resulted in a search warrant of Aderounmu’s apartment.  During the search, officers recovered, among other things, more than 400 access devices, including debit cards for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. According to the investigation, victim PII was fraudulently used to apply for and initiate UI benefits from multiple state workforce agencies, including in North Carolina, California, Nevada, and Arizona.  If approved, the benefits were loaded onto debit cards and mailed to addresses under the control of Aderounmu and others.  Aderounmu was captured on surveillance footage withdrawing the UI benefits from the debit cards at ATMs in Raleigh, Cary, and other locations in the Eastern District of North Carolina.   

    The seized access devices also included multiple USAA debit cards in the names of victims.  The investigation found that victim PII was used to open USAA accounts with addresses linked to Aderounmu.  The fraudulent accounts, in turn, were funded with fraudulent check deposits, the proceeds of which were withdrawn from ATMs in Raleigh, Cary, and elsewhere.   

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case for the government.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-222-FL.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Tax preparer indicted for filing false tax returns resulting in tens of thousands in fraudulent claims

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A Needville tax preparer has been taken into custody on charges that she willfully helped clients file false tax returns with the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  

    Monica Green is set to make her initial appearance in Houston federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan at 2 p.m.

    A federal grand jury returned the six-count indictment April 2, which was unsealed upon her arrest.  

    Green ran a tax preparation business in Needville from at least 2017 to 2021, according to the charges. At times during those years, she allegedly added false credits or deductions on tax returns to fraudulently lower her clients’ overall tax liability.  

    The indictment alleges Green utilized false Schedule A deductions, false Schedule C losses for businesses that did not even exist and false education credits showing expenses for colleges her clients did not attend. The fraudulent amounts claimed on these returns would, at times, exceed tens of thousands of dollars, according to the charges. 

    Green allegedly earned money from the scheme by charging her clients preparation fees of hundreds of dollars per return.  

    If convicted, she faces up to three years in prison for each count of aiding in the preparation and filing of false tax returns as well as potential fines of up to $250,000. 

    IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.   

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud Involving A Paycheck Protection Program Loan

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Larry E. Denson, Jr. (31, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud involving COVID relief fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  Denson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the United State government. Denson has also agreed to forfeit $18,190, the proceeds of the charged criminal offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, in April 2021, Denson submitted a PPP loan application to a lender authorized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to lend funds for approved PPP loan applications. The PPP loan application falsely claimed that Denson operated his own janitorial services business with a gross income of $87,312. Throughout the loan application, Denson made false statements regarding his purported payroll and operating expenses. In support of his PPP loan application, Denson submitted a fraudulent IRS form that contained false statements about expenses and income for his purported business. Upon reliance of the false statements in his PPP loan application and supporting documentation, Denson received a PPP loan for $18,190. 

    After receiving the PPP loan proceeds into his bank account, Denson began making withdrawals and spending the funds on personal expenses, including meals at restaurants, retail purchases, and cash withdrawals. In July 2022, Denson filed a PPP Loan Forgiveness Application, falsely stating that he had spent the $18,190 on payroll. Relying on his false statements, the SBA forgave the entire loan amount.

    This case was investigated by Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Superseding Indictment Charges Massachusetts Man with Attempted Enticement, Interstate Travel, Child Pornography Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A Massachusetts man is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Rhode Island on Wednesday on attempted enticement, interstate travel, and child pornography charges contained in a superseding indictment, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    The superseding indictment, returned by a grand jury on April 2, 2025, charges Robert Consorti, 51, of Wilmington, MA, with two counts of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, interstate travel for the purpose of illicit sexual activity, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

    The government sought a superseding indictment following an extended investigation into Consorti’s alleged criminal conduct after his arrest in October 2024.  Consorti was arrested in October 2024 when he arrived at a Warwick hotel allegedly expecting to meet with and engage in illicit sexual contact with a fourteen-year-old girl. Unbeknownst to him at the time, Consorti was communicating with a law enforcement officer posing as the girl with whom he allegedly made the arrangements. A grand jury returned an indictment on November 13, 2024, charging him with one count each of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and interstate travel for the purpose of illicit sexual activity.

    According to recently filed court documents, it is alleged that a subsequent investigation, including a review of Consorti’s electronic devices, revealed that he was in communication with dozens of minors and allegedly grooming them for sexual activity. It is alleged that in many instances, Consorti transmitted child sexual abuse material (CSAM), requested minors send him CSAM, and/or sent the minors sexually explicit images of himself.

    It is further alleged that Consorti began communicating with a victim who was 12 years old at the time the communications began. Over a six-month period, Consorti allegedly traveled out of state on multiple occasions to meet with the victim and provided the victim with vapes and edible marijuana. It is alleged that Consorti repeatedly attempted to get the victim to engage in sexual activity in return for the items Consorti was providing, rather than pay in cash. Consorti allegedly persuaded the then 13-year-old to meet Consorti and to go to a local hotel to engage in sexual contact, but the defendant’s arrest prevented the meeting from occurring.

    A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This case has been 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.

    The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police ICAC Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.

    The ICAC Task Force is comprised of members of the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit along with detectives from the Warwick Police Department, Cranston Police Department, East Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Bristol Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat sex offender sentenced to 25 years in prison for coercing minors online

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAYTON, Ohio – A repeat sex offender was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 300 months in prison for coercing two minor victims and producing child pornography. 

    Christopher Jewett, 26, of Dayton, met adolescent and teenage girls on an online, virtual world and social networking site.

    According to court documents, in summer 2023 and spring 2024, while on supervised release for similar prior sex offenses, Jewett communicated with minor victims online. The defendant sent the victims explicit videos and asked for explicit content in return.

    Jewett lied regarding his registered address and possessed cell phones, violating the terms of his probation. Jewett’s prior sex offenses included local convictions for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

    The defendant was charged federally in July 2024 and pleaded guilty in October 2024.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; announced the sentence imposed on April 7 by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorneys Jahan S. Karamali and Christina Mahy are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal agents arrest man who allegedly fraudulently received $32 million business tax refund check

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAYTON, Ohio – An Atlanta-area man was arrested this morning by IRS Criminal Investigation special agents on federal charges alleging he fraudulently converted two businesses’ IRS accounts to his name and address. The defendant received tax refund checks – including one for more than $32 million – that were to be paid out to these two businesses.

    Christopher Dowtin, 48, of Jonesboro, Georgia, will appear in federal court in Atlanta today. He is charged with wire fraud and theft of public money.

    According to charging documents, Dowtin fraudulently submitted IRS forms claiming to be the responsible party for two separate companies.

    In December 2024, the IRS processed eight Change of Address or Responsible Party-Business forms associated with Dowtin. Dowtin’s requests for changes were completed and accepted. He ultimately received two tax refund checks for those companies: one in the amount of $32,495,888.58 and one in the amount of $26,156.50.

    Dowtin allegedly traveled from Georgia to Ohio with the two checks to open an account in the Southern District of Ohio.

    On Feb. 13, Dowtin allegedly took the checks to a Morgan Stanley office in Beavercreek, Ohio, and attempted to negotiate the funds into a brokerage account in a trust in his name. The affidavit details that Dowtin told the Morgan Stanley financial advisor that the two companies were paying him for illegally using his “personhood.” He said the payments owed to him had been transferred to him from the IRS. The financial advisor verified that the checks were valid U.S. Treasury checks.

    On Feb. 19, an executive director at Morgan Stanley contacted the United States Secret Service and IRS Criminal Investigation regarding the suspicious nature of the checks and Dowtin’s supporting paperwork. The checks were seized by law enforcement.

    Wire fraud is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Theft of public funds carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and Yvonne DiCristoforo, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service; announced the arrest and charges. Assistant United States Attorney Amy M. Smith is representing the United States in this case.

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

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Annapolis Murder Suspect in DC

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Washington, DC – The U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) April 7 arrested a man wanted by the Annapolis Police Department (APD) for a murder and related offenses.

    Roscoe Jerome Jones, 31, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, was identified as a suspect in a March 19 homicide in the 100 block of Clay Street after APD officers responding to reported gunshots found the victim with apparent gunshot wounds.  

    The homicide occurred at a school bus stop with numerous children present, and one child was struck by a bullet and injured.

    The CARFTF received the warrant on March 19 and initiated the fugitive investigation to determine Jones’ whereabouts.

    Investigators discovered Jones was residing in an apartment in the 1400 block of 1st St SW, in Washington, D.C., and on April 7, in the early morning hours, members of the CARFTF conducted an enforcement operation to arrest Jones at that address.  Jones failed to comply with law enforcement commands initially but was eventually taken into custody without further incident.

    Subsequent to a search conducted at the same address, two firearms were located and seized. 

    The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force began operations in June of 2004 and was among the first regional fugitive task forces to become fully operational following the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. The CARFTF has partnership agreements with over 100 federal, state, and local agencies and has eight fully operational offices. 

    The CARFTF has successfully apprehended over 102,700 fugitives since its inception and has made an extraordinary impact on the apprehension of the region’s most dangerous and violent fugitives, always striving to make their communities safer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: AI-Powered PlanPros Hits Worldwide Use, Transforming How Entrepreneurs Create Business Plans

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  PlanPros, the cutting-edge AI-driven business planning platform, is proud to announce that it has officially reached worldwide use, with users now leveraging its powerful capabilities across every continent—except Antarctica. The platform, designed to simplify the process of creating professional business plans, has quickly gained traction among entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses worldwide, enabling them to craft detailed, high-quality business plans in just minutes.

    PlanPros AI business plan generator

    PlanPros’ AI business plan generator allows users to bypass the traditionally daunting and time- consuming task of business planning. In just under 12 minutes, the platform generates a comprehensive, investor-ready business plan by guiding users through 30 targeted questions that cover every key aspect of their business. With built-in financial projections (that users can quickly customize), market analysis, and strategic insights, PlanPros ensures that entrepreneurs can articulate their vision with clarity and confidence.

    “The response from entrepreneurs around the world has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Dave Lavinsky, founder and President of PlanPros. “In less than the time it takes to enjoy a lunch break, users can have a fully customized business plan that meets professional standards and sets them on a clear path for growth. Whether you’re raising funding, refining your strategy, or charting your course for success, PlanPros is here to make that process faster and easier than ever.”

    Since its inception, PlanPros has become an essential tool for entrepreneurs across diverse industries, offering a streamlined approach to business planning that traditionally required hours upon hours of research and drafting. The platform’s intuitive interface and real-time AI-powered assistance allow users to generate plans that exceed professional expectations without needing prior experience in business development.

    Key Features of PlanPros Include:

    • AI-Powered Business Plan Generation: Instantly creates professional business plans using advanced AI technology.
    • Rapid Development: Generates a complete business plan in about 12 minutes.
    • Financial Projections: Provides automated 5-year financial forecasts, including income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements.
    • User-Friendly Interface: Features a simple step-by-step process for easy plan creation.
    • Customization Options: Allows full editing and personalization of business plans to suit specific needs.
    • Investor & Lender Database: Offers access to over 80,000 funding sources, aiding in securing necessary capital.
    • Educational Resources: Includes courses on funding strategies and entrepreneurship to enhance business acumen.
    • Multi-Device Accessibility: Accessible from any device with internet access, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
    • Export Functionality: Enables downloading of plans in various formats, including PDF, Word, or Google Docs.
    • Risk-Free Trial: Offers a 60-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind.

    PlanPros’ worldwide adoption highlights the growing demand for accessible, professional tools that empower entrepreneurs at all stages of business development. The platform’s ability to rapidly scale and meet the needs of global users showcases the power of AI to break down barriers and democratize access to essential business resources.

    As entrepreneurs continue to seek efficient ways to turn their ideas into successful ventures, PlanPros remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering not just a tool, but a strategic partner in every entrepreneur’s journey.

    For a one-time fee of $97, users gain 12 months of access to PlanPros, including additional resources and support.

    PlanPros AI Business Plan Easy To Use

    About PlanPros

    PlanPros is a powerful AI business plan generator designed to help startups, business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs create professional, investor-ready business plans effortlessly. PlanPros automates complex tasks such as creating business plans, financial forecasting, market research, and competitive analysis. In just 12 minutes, users can generate a comprehensive business plan tailored for securing funding and scaling their ventures.

    Whether you’re searching for the best AI business plan generator or a fast, reliable way to craft a data-driven business strategy, PlanPros streamlines the entire process with cutting- edge AI technology.

    Press inquiries

    PlanPros
    https://planpros.ai/
    Dave Lavinsky
    davel@planpros.ai
    12130 Millennium Dr #300, Los Angeles, CA 90094, United States

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2955c994-a8f5-4cab-8dfe-f4b41c9e2a0d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f3f1dd6-e8fb-486f-8058-4f4a1f72f120

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/945adf9b-acd2-4891-b9f5-12a80a667dfe

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Visa holder arrested for facilitating prostitution across international border

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican woman has been charged for facilitating the transportation of two females from Mexico into the United States for the purpose of engaging in prostitution, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jaqueline Rios Garcia De La Cadena is set for a detention hearing at 1 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Hacker. 

    The charges allege that on April 2, Garcia De La Cadena and two females presented themselves individually for admission into the United States at the Hidalgo International port of entry. All three are allegedly citizens and nationals of Mexico who possessed B1/B2 visitor visas and were referred for secondary inspections. 

    The charges allege Garcia De La Cadena organized a trip for the women to travel to Houston to engage in prostitution. She allegedly paid for transportation from Mexico and made further travel arrangements from McAllen to Houston for the women to meet unknown persons and engage in sexual activity for which they would be paid. 

    According to the complaint, Garcia De La Cadena instructed them to enter the United States through different pedestrian lanes at the port of entry to avoid suspicion. 

    Garcia De La Cadena had allegedly facilitated a similar trip to Houston for one of the women on a previous occasion. 

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Cuban Nationals Plead Guilty to Alien Smuggling Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – Two Cuban nationals have been adjudicated guilty on alien smuggling charges by a federal district judge in Miami.  

    According to court documents and statements made in court hearings, on Oct. 24, 2024, Yordany Capote-Leon, 31 and Yuniel Cabrera Piloto 44, departed from the United States to Bahamian waters on a cuddy cabin style boat. While in Bahamian waters, Capote-Leon and Piloto loaded 18 individuals onto the boat and proceeded back toward the United States. The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Manowar observed the suspicious activity and followed the boat back to the United States. 

    Once the boat crossed back into United States waters, off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers onboard a CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) vessel approached the go-fast boat and ordered the drivers to stop. Capote-Leon and Piloto ignored the orders and kept going. The boat finally stopped after warning shots were deployed.  All the individuals encountered aboard the boat were transferred to the USCG Cutter Manowar.  Once aboard the cutter, law enforcement determined that the 18 individuals onboard, besides Capote-Leon and Piloto, were Ecuadorian nationals who did not have authorization to enter the United States. Law enforcement also determined that three of the illegal aliens encountered, Jorge Fabian Albarrasin Cabrera, Marcelo Patricio Pesantez-Merchan and Juan Carlos Villa Arpi, had been previously removed from the United States.

    Capote-Leon, Piloto, Cabrera, Merchan and Arpi were transferred ashore to face charges. All defendants have pleaded guilty. The rest of the aliens were repatriated to the Bahamas. 

    On March 4, U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore sentenced Capote-Leon to 37 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    On March 6, Piloto entered a guilty plea before magistrate judge Ellen F. D’Angelo, who issued a report recommending that the plea be accepted. On April 4, U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore adopted the report and recommendations and adjudicated defendant guilty.

    Piloto is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8 at 2:00 p.m. in Miami. He faces up to 10 years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

    HSI Miami investigated the case with assistance from CBP and USCG, 7th Coast Guard District. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl is prosecuting the case.

    You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-10027.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Individuals Charged with Illegal Re-Entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Two individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury in separate cases this week for illegally re-entering the United States after they were previously deported.

    Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Reentry

    According to an indictment returned this week, Fernando Herrera-Cruz, who was previously removed from the United States on March 30, 2022, was charged with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien.  He has never applied to the Attorney General of the United States and/or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for permission to reenter the United States.  On March 18, 2025, he was found voluntarily back in the United States in Camden County, Missouri, when he was arrest for driving without a valid driver’s license following a single vehicle accident.

    El Salvadoran National Charged in Indictment

    In addition, Guadalupe De Jesus Aldana Sandoval a/k/a “Edgar Navarro Melendez”, who was previously removed from the United States on November 13. 2009, was charged with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. He has never applied to the Attorney General of the United States and/or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for permission to reenter the United States.  On March 25, 2025, he was found voluntarily back in the United States when he was located in Pettis County, Missouri.

    The charges contained in these indictments are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

    These cases were investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations.

    Operation Take Back America

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Creating Jobs and Saving People Money: Polis Administration Announces New Recycling Facility in Mesa County

    Source: US State of Colorado

    GRAND JUNCTION – Today, Governor Polis, the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) announced that Bruin Waste Management will expand in Grand Junction, Colorado, with support from the state’s Rural Jump-Start Program. Bruin Waste Management will launch a new, independent division focused on advancing recycling and materials sortation to better serve Western Colorado’s waste management and sustainability needs. 

    “Colorado is proud to support businesses like Bruin Waste that are leaders in recycling and provide reliable services to Coloradans on the Western Slope. Investing in our local businesses is an investment in our communities, and by creating sustainable pathways through the Rural Jumpstart initiative, we are helping businesses grow, create new jobs, and contribute to Colorado’s economy,” said Governor Jared Polis. I

    n Grand Junction, Bruin Waste’s new division will provide services previously available to the region only in Utah, reducing transportation costs for western Colorado communities. The new facility is expected to create up to 30 new primary jobs, offering wages near the county’s average, currently at $56,524. This facility will introduce state-of-the-art sortation technology, including AI-driven systems, to improve recycling efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and shorten regional supply chain costs. Plans for the facility also include an on-site community viewing room to educate students, residents, and stakeholders about modern recycling practices and environmental responsibility. 

    “We are thrilled to partner with the City of Grand Junction to bring this critical infrastructure to the Western Slope. The lack of recycling infrastructure in the region has really constrained the recycling rates over the last few years and is preventing communities from meeting their sustainability goals. The support we are getting from the Rural Jump-Start program will support this mission, and we are grateful for the partnership of OEDIT and GJEP,” stated Jeff Kendall, President and CEO of Bruin Waste. 

    The new division will be headquartered in Grand Junction on a 10.5-acre parcel located at 365 32 Road, part of a city-led initiative to develop a modern materials recovery facility (MRF) on the former Haliburton property. The Grand Junction City Council approved a $5.6 million land purchase to support the facility, which is expected to cost between $18 and $19 million and serve as critical infrastructure for the region’s growing recycling needs. 

    “We’re proud to partner with Bruin Waste and expand recycling efforts across the Western Slope. Grand Junction’s commitment to sustainability and resilience directly reflects the work of City Council and staff as one of our strategic priorities, developed from the direction provided by our community’s comprehensive plan,” said Grand Junction Mayor Abram Herman. “The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) will expand access to recycling services not only for Grand Junction residents but surrounding communities as well, with Grand Junction as a central hub and innovative leader in this area. By expanding recycling services, we divert more waste from landfills, save taxpayer money, reduce environmental impacts, and create lasting change for our community.” 

    Bruin Waste Management’s new division will be managed separately from its existing waste services and is designed to operate independently, qualifying it for the Rural Jump-Start Program. Through the program, the new division will be eligible for significant financial incentives and tax relief, including exemption from state and local income taxes for up to eight years. The company will be eligible to receive up to $20,000 in grant funding to offset startup costs. Through the program, the company will also collaborate with Colorado Mesa University to access its talent pipeline for internships, recent graduates, and alumni. 

    “We are thrilled to see the Rural Jump-Start Program support Bruin Waste Management as it launches a new division in Western Colorado. By providing a much-needed service, the company will improve recycling and waste management while providing as many as 30 new jobs and career advancement opportunities for students at Colorado Mesa University. That is a win for Grand Junction and for Colorado,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director. 

    Bruin Waste worked closely with the Grand Junction Economic Partnership throughout the expansion, receiving assistance with key connections to state and local leadership and facilitating the application for the Rural Jump-Start Program. 

    “Bruin Waste’s expansion and new recycling facility aligns with our community’s goals for economic diversification and sustainability,” said Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. “It is great to see Bruin Waste partner with the City of Grand Junction and take the lead on building out regional recycling infrastructure, growing its presence here in Grand Junction. We are thrilled to support this project through the Rural Jump-Start Program and look forward to the long-term benefits it will bring to our community.” 

    About the Grand Junction Economic Partnership 

    The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) works to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the Grand Junction area by supporting high-impact capital investment and job creation. GJEP is a single stop for businesses looking to relocate or expand in the cities of Grand Junction and Fruita, the Town of Palisade, and surrounding communities in Mesa County. Operating as a 501(c)3, GJEP offers free services that help businesses navigate incentives and opportunity zones and connect with realtors and developers, the workforce, local leadership, and more. Visit www.gjep.org for more information. 

    About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade 

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kansas Doctor Admits Accepting Kickbacks to Commit Health Care Fraud

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

    ST. LOUIS – A medical doctor from the Kansas City, Kansas area on Friday admitted accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to order medically unnecessary health care for thousands of patients.

    Dr. Scott Taggart Roethle, 47, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of health care fraud. He admitted that from 2017 until 2020, he conspired with health care companies and others to order medically unnecessary durable medical equipment, pain creams and genetic tests for thousands of patients in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks.

    Dr. Roethle contracted with multiple health care companies as a telemedicine doctor. Using electronic portals to review patient information and documents, Dr. Roethle ordered health care services for patients without evaluating them or their actual medical needs. He did not have a prior doctor-patient relationship with the telemedicine patients and admitted providing no follow-up care after ordering the health care services.

    Dr. Roethle was typically paid about $30 for each of his fraudulent orders. He admitted receiving payments of $674,000 from five companies. He also admitted that Medicare paid out at least $1.5 million while relying on his fraudulent orders. At the time of Dr. Roethle’s sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will argue that the total loss due to the health care fraud is between $7 million and $9.5 million.

    Dr. Roethle was licensed to practice in 22 states during the time of his crime and worked primarily as an anesthesiologist.

    The trial of Dr. Roethle, of Leawood, was scheduled to begin Monday. His sentencing is set for July 17.

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman and Justin Ladendorf are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale announces results of the offer to purchase certain of its debt securities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOCIETE GENERALE ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE CERTAIN OF ITS DEBT SECURITIES 

    Press release

    Paris, April 8, 2025

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE OR TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

    Further to the announcement on April 1, 2025 of the launch of an offer to purchase for cash (the “Offer”) any and all of its outstanding Undated Deeply Subordinated Resettable Interest Rate Notes referred to below (the “Notes”), Societe Generale today announces the results of the Offer.

    The expiration time for the Offer was 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on April 7, 2025.

    According to information provided by the Tender and Information Agent for the Offer, $710,342,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes were validly tendered at or prior to the expiration time and not withdrawn.

    The following table sets forth the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn in the Offer at or prior to the expiration time:

    CUSIP No. ISIN Title of Security Tender Offer Consideration Aggregate Principal Amount Tendered Aggregate principal amount accepted Aggregate principal amount reflected in Notices of Guaranteed Delivery
    83368J FA3
    F43628 B41    		 US83368JFA34
    USF43628B413    		 Undated Deeply Subordinated Resettable Interest Rate Notes $1,007.00(1) $710,342,000 $710,342,000 $0

    (1)        The amount to be paid for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn and accepted for purchase, excluding accrued and unpaid interest.

    In total, $710,342,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes have been accepted for purchase (no Notes were delivered using the guaranteed delivery procedures).

    Societe Generale expects to pay on the settlement date the Tender Offer Consideration plus accrued and unpaid interest from the last interest payment date up to, but not including, the settlement date, for Notes validly tendered prior to the expiration time and accepted purchase pursuant to the Offer. The settlement date is expected to be on or about April 10, 2025.

    Societe Generale intends to cancel the repurchased Notes. Notes that have not been validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer will remain outstanding. Following the settlement date, Notes in a principal amount of $539,658,000 will remain outstanding.

    Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this announcement have the meaning given to them in the offer to purchase dated April 1, 2025 (the “Offer to Purchase”) and the related notice of guaranteed delivery (the “Notice of Guaranteed Delivery” and, together with the Offer to Purchase, the “Offer Documents”).

    Questions regarding the Offer may be directed to the Dealer Managers and the Tender and Information Agent at the contact details set forth below.

    D.F. King Ltd.
    Email: SGCIB@dfkingltd.com
    Offer Website: https://clients.dfkingltd.com/sgcib

    In New York

    48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor
    New York, New York 10005
    United States of America

    Banks and Brokers, Call Collect: (212) 269 5550

    All others, Call Toll-Free: (800) 848-2998

    		 In London

    51 Lime Street
    London EC3M 7DQ
    United Kingdom

    Tel: +44 20 7920 9700

    		  
    Societe Generale

    17, cours Valmy

    BP 18236

    92987 Paris la Défense Cedex

    France

    Tel: +33 (0)1 42 13 32 40

    Email: liability.management@sgcib.com

    		 SG Americas Securities, LLC

    245 Park Avenue

    New York, New York 10167

    United States

    Tel: + 1 (212) 278-7631

    Toll-Free: 1 (855) 881 2108

    Press contacts:
    Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com
    Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document’s legitimacy directly on the web page.

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

    DISCLAIMER

    This announcement must be read in conjunction with the Offer to Purchase. This announcement and the Offer to Purchase contain important information which should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Offer. If any qualifying holder is in any doubt as to the contents of this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own financial, legal, regulatory and tax advice, including in respect of any tax consequences, immediately from its broker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent financial, tax or legal adviser.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Her Finances Launches AI-Driven Platform to Empower HNW Women Navigating Divorce and Widowhood

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Her Finances today announced the launch of its groundbreaking financial platform designed to empower high-net-worth women as they navigate significant life changes—particularly divorce or widowhood—and take full control of their financial futures. Combining cutting-edge technology with expert financial coaching, the platform provides a comprehensive, women-focused solution to managing personal wealth with clarity and confidence.

    “Women experiencing a divorce or the loss of a spouse often face sudden and complex financial decisions, from reorganizing assets to navigating estate planning and long-term financial security,” said Stephen Bouri, Founder and CEO of Her Finances. “We created this platform so that they don’t have to face these transitions alone. Our mission is to provide women with the education, tools, and expert guidance they need to make informed financial decisions and reclaim control of their wealth.”

    Her Finances integrates AI-driven financial tracking, intuitive budgeting tools, and estate planning resources into a secure, user-friendly platform tailored for women. Users can consolidate bank accounts, investment portfolios, and retirement plans into a dynamic financial dashboard that adapts in real time to changing circumstances. An extensive on-demand learning library provides expert insights on essential topics such as budgeting after divorce, rebuilding credit, rebalancing investments, and estate planning, ensuring women have a step-by-step roadmap to financial independence. In addition, one-on-one financial coaching offers personalized guidance, allowing users to consult certified divorce financial planners, estate specialists, and investment professionals who understand the unique financial challenges women face.

    “We’ve seen firsthand how critical clear, empathetic financial guidance is during life’s most stressful moments,” noted Bouri. “By integrating advanced technology with expert financial coaching, we’re ensuring that women don’t just manage financial transitions—they thrive through them. This is about more than wealth preservation; it’s about giving women the confidence and control they deserve over their financial future.”

    Looking ahead, Her Finances plans to expand its offerings to include specialized retirement planning tools, philanthropic giving strategies, and community-driven financial support services. As women continue to take the lead in managing household and generational wealth, the platform aims to be the go-to financial resource for women seeking a modern, tailored approach to wealth management—whether they are navigating a major life change or proactively planning for long-term financial security.

    To learn more or get started, visit HerFinances.com. For press inquiries, please contact Stephen Bouri at stephen@herfinances.com.

    Her Finances is a pioneering fintech company dedicated to helping high-net-worth women take control of their financial future with confidence. Unlike traditional financial advisory firms, Her Finances combines intuitive digital tools, AI-driven financial insights, expert coaching, and personalized financial education to ensure that women have the knowledge, support, and resources they need to rebuild and secure their finances. The company’s mission is to empower women through financial literacy, strategic planning, and smart wealth management, providing a clear and structured path to financial independence.

    Media Contact:

    Company Name: Her Finances

    Contact Person: Rachel Morgan

    Mail: info@herfinances.com

    Website: herfinances.com

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ireland’s Offshore Wind Strategy Powers Ahead: Major Actions Achieved in Progress Report

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

    8th April 2025

    Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, has announced the publication of the Powering Prosperity Implementation Progress Report for April 2025, which highlights significant milestones in Ireland’s journey towards becoming a global leader in offshore renewable energy.

    Ireland has set ambitious targets to deliver at least 37GW of offshore renewable energy by 2050. The availability of abundant, reliable green energy will drive clean, sustainable growth in energy-intensive sectors, together with numerous opportunities for economic growth and job creation.  

    The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment launched Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy in March 2024, setting out to capture the value of the country’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) supply chain and maximise the economic impact of Ireland’s renewable energy goals. Over the past 12 months, substantial progress has been made, with 38 of the 40 actions outlined in the strategy either completed or underway.

    The Implementation Progress Report, which was launched at WindEurope in Copenhagen, a major event in the wind energy industry attracting around 16,000 delegates each year, provided status updates on Powering Prosperity actions such delivering long-term funding options to support the scaling of Irish offshore wind supply chain companies. Notably, two significant projects received funding packages of over €1 million and €2 million, respectively.

    It also highlighted how the development of an Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence (OWCE) is well underway, with initial funding allocated and a steering group formed to drive the project. An annual joint offshore renewable energy event has been established with Scotland, with the inaugural event “Advancing the Offshore Wind Opportunity: Bridging Irish and Scottish Perspectives” held in Dublin and Cork in June 2024. 

    Another key action was the Offshore RD&I Showcase and Access to Finance Event, which highlighted supports available to organisations along the offshore wind supply chain, promoting participation in research, development, and innovation programmes.

    Highlighting the significant progress made and work underway to deliver Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions, Minister Burke said 

    “Powering Prosperity’s first Implementation Progress Report is a strong signal of the momentum that is gathering behind Ireland’s offshore wind sector. Considerable progress has been made over the last year in Irish offshore wind, and our strong enterprise base in this sector is continuing to grow. It is vital that this work continues at pace across Government to ensure that we are well positioned to capture the full economic, environmental and regional development benefits offered by this significant opportunity, and that we overcome any remaining challenges that might impede our continued progress. This Government will continue to work alongside industry and the research community towards our shared goal of a successful, resilient Irish offshore wind sector.”

    Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien said:

    ‘‘Developing an offshore wind sector requires an all-of-Government approach and a whole-of-economy mobilisation. By implementing an offshore wind industrial strategy, our colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are ensuring that Ireland will be in strong position to build a successful and resilient supply chain for offshore wind. Ahead of expected growth in the offshore sector in the coming years, it’s vital that expertise in areas such as research and development extend to the offshore wind sector, so we can take advantage of Ireland’s offshore wind potential.

    ‘‘It’s clear that the implementation of actions in this progress report, along with the implementation of actions from the ‘Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy Policy’, published by my own department last year, will help Ireland deliver its ambitious long-term targets for offshore wind.’’

    Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, who will be attending the WindEurope Annual Event later this week, said:

    ‘‘Ireland is already a global leader for installed onshore wind power capacity and for the integration of variable renewable electricity onto the grid. The publication of this progress report comes on the back of a number of significant milestones achieved in Ireland’s offshore wind sector, including; the publication of Ireland’s first spatial plan for offshore wind – the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan; and the agreed terms and conditions of Ireland’s second offshore wind auction, which will take place later this year. In the coming weeks, we will also publish a ‘Roadmap for Future Designated Maritime Area Plans’, which will provide additional certainty for the offshore renewable sector.”

    Work will continue on implementing the remaining actions by the end of this year, as set out in Powering Prosperity.

    For more information and to access the report visit Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy Implementation Progress Report

    ENDS

    Notes for Editors

    Background

    Ireland has one of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world, providing a strong and consistent wind supply. To fully harness the vast potential for clean, renewable energy from our seas, a suite of policies across Government have been, or are in the process of being developed, to ensure offshore renewable energy (ORE) projects are delivered in line with the target to deliver at least 37GW of ORE capacity by 2050. A key enabler of these targets is the work of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT) chaired by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. DETE, in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, leads on the work of Workstream 7 under the OWDT, which is focused on the supply chain, and also participates in a number of the other Workstreams, feeding into their work and the overall work of the OWDT. 

    Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy

    Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy was published in March 2024 to ensure that Ireland maximises the economic benefits associated with Government ambitions to deliver its 2030, 2040 and 2050 offshore wind targets.

    Powering Prosperity aims to build a successful, vibrant and impactful offshore wind energy industry in Ireland, ensuring that the sector creates as much value as possible throughout Ireland. Powering Prosperity includes 40 actions to be implemented by the end of this year.

    The strategy is anchored on 4 core pillars:

    1. Offshore wind supply chains: to build capacity and capability to develop the offshore wind farms that deliver on the 37GW target and give Ireland an edge in exporting products and services related to offshore wind energy; 
    2. Research, development and innovation: to give Ireland a competitive cutting edge in new technology and know-how for the sector;
    3. Balanced regional economic development opportunities: to drive growth from offshore wind energy in line with the Programme for Government priority of enabling all parts of Ireland to thrive so that Ireland as a whole can prosper; and
    4. Future demand and end uses for offshore renewable energy: for example, to develop new Green Energy Industrial Parks, which can attract major foreign direct investment, establish new indigenous green businesses and serve as test beds for green technological innovation to power the Irish economy of the future.

    Powering Prosperity sets out an intention to publish progress reports, beginning in 2025. A first implementation progress update report was published in April 2025. This report outlines the status of each of the Industrial Strategy’s 40 actions, providing detail on progress made by April 2025.

    Of the 40 actions, 38, or 95%, are complete or in progress. Of these, 11 have been delivered as set out in the Strategy, with a further 3 completed by alternative means, or insofar as possible. A further 24 are currently in progress, though 5 of these are delayed. Of the final 2 actions, 1 is not yet initiated, and 1 will not be completed due to external circumstances. 

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