Source: Microsoft
Headline: Microsoft invests an additional ZAR 5.4bn in South Africa, launches program for digital skills
Category: Finance
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MIL-Evening Report: US trade wars with China – and how they play out in Africa
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Johnston, Associate Professor, China Studies Centre, University of Sydney
Since taking office, US president Donald Trump has implemented policies that have been notably hostile towards China. They include trade restrictions. Most recently, a 20% tariff was added to all imports from China and new technological restrictions were imposed under the America First Investment Policy. This isn’t the first time US-China tensions have flared. Throughout history the relationship has been fraught by economic, military and ideological conflicts.
China-Africa scholar and economist Lauren Johnston provides insights into how these dynamics may also shape relations between Africa and China.
How has China responded to hostile US policies?
First, China tends to have a defiant official response. It expresses disappointment, then states that the US policy position is not helpful to any country or the world economy.
Second, China makes moves domestically to prioritise the interests of key, affected industries.
Third, China will sometimes impose retaliatory sanctions.
In 2018, for instance, China imposed a 25% tariff on US soybeans, a critical animal feed source. The US Department of Agriculture had to compensate US soybean farmers for their lost income.
Another example is how, following US tech sanctions, China took a more independent technology path. It has channelled billions into tech funds. The goal is to make financing available for Chinese entrepreneurs and to push technological boundaries in areas of US sanction, such as semiconductors. These efforts are backed up by subsidies and tax reductions. In some cases, the Chinese state will invest directly in tech companies.
More recently, China retaliated to the US trade war by
announcing tariffs on 80 US products. China is set to place 15% tariffs on certain energy exports, including coal, natural gas and petroleum. An additional 10% tariffs will be placed on 72 manufactured products including trucks, motor homes and agricultural machinery.Agricultural trade has been hard hit. The day the US announced a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, China announced “an additional 15% tariff on imported chicken, wheat, corn and cotton originating from the US”. Also, “sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables and dairy products will be subject to an additional 10% tariff”.
How have these Chinese responses affected Africa?
We can’t say for certain that China’s response to US trade tensions has explicitly affected its Africa policy, but there are some notable coincidences.
Less than one month after Trump’s return to the White House in 2025, and soon after the first tariffs were slapped on China’s exports to the US, China announced new measures to foster China-Africa trade efforts. The policy package aims to “strengthen economic and trade exchanges between China and Africa.”
This is the latest in a series of Chinese actions.
In January 2018 trade hostilities began to escalate after Trump imposed a first round of tariffs on all imported washing machines and solar panels. These had an impact on China’s exports to the US.
Later the same year, China imposed 25% tariffs on US soy bean imports and took steps to reduce dependence on US agricultural products. China also took steps to expand trade with Africa, agricultural trade in particular.
In September 2018, Beijing hosted the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation summit, a triennial head of state gathering. It was announced that China would set up a China-Africa trade expo and foster deeper agricultural cooperation. In the days after the summit, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs was already acting on this. A gathering of African agricultural ministers took place in Changsha, Hunan province.
Hunan province has since taken centre stage in China-Africa relations. It’s now the host of a permanent China-Africa trade exhibition hall and a larger biennial China-Africa economic and trade exhibition (known as CAETE).
Hunan also hosts the pilot zone for In-Depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation. The zone has numerous initiatives designed to overcome obstacles to China-Africa trade and investment, like support in areas of law, technology and currency, and vocational training.
Finally, the zone is located in a bigger free-trade zone that is better connected to Africa by air, water and land corridors. African agricultural exports to China pass through Hunan, where local industry either uses these imports or distributes them across the country to retailers.
Companies in Hunan are well placed to play a key role in supporting China-Africa trade, capitalising on the opportunities left by China-US hostilities.
Hunan’s agritech giant Longping High-Tech, for instance, is investing in Tanzanian soybean farmers.
Hunan is also home to China’s construction manufacturing and electronic transportation frontier. This includes global construction giant Sany, which produces heavy industry machinery for the construction, mining and energy sectors. China’s global electronic vehicle manufacturing BYD and its electronic railway industry are also in Hunan. They have deep and increasing interests in Africa and can also support China’s key minerals and tech race with the US.
As US-China hostility enters a new era, what are the implications for China-Africa relations?
As my new working paper sets out, African countries are, for example, responding to the new opportunities from China.
At the end of 2024, while the world waited for Trump’s second coming, various African countries made moves to strengthen economic ties with China, Hunan province especially.
In December 2024, Tanzania became the first African country to open an official investment promotion office in the China-Africa Cooperation Pilot Zone in Changaha.
In November 2024, both the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Africa and the China Engineering Technology Exhibition were held in Abuja, Nigeria. Equivalent events were hosted in Kenya.
Early in 2025 in Niamey, Niger, a joint pilot cooperation zone was inaugurated , and which is direct partner of the China-Africa Pilot zone in Hunan.
As China moves away from US agricultural produce, for instance, African agricultural producers can benefit. Substitute African products and potential exports will enjoy a price boost, and elevated Chinese support.
China’s newly elevated interest in African development and market potential will bring major prospects. The question will be whether African countries are ready to grasp them, and to use that potential to foster an independent development path of their own.
Lauren Johnston does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. US trade wars with China – and how they play out in Africa – https://theconversation.com/us-trade-wars-with-china-and-how-they-play-out-in-africa-249609
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MIL-OSI Security: Columbus Men Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Their Roles in Drug and Human Trafficking Rings, Overdose and Violent Deaths
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two Columbus men were sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 25years and 23 years in prison for drug crimes, sex trafficking crimes and their roles in the deaths of a local man and woman. The defendants are two of nearly two dozen individuals charged in a case involving large-scale drug and human trafficking rings, the overdose death of at least one individual and the violent death of a second victim.
Dustin A. Speakman, 35, of Columbus, was sentenced to 276 months in prison. He pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 of an elementary school. As part of his plea, Speakman admitted to his role in the violent death of one victim that occurred during the time he was operating a drug distribution house.
Tyler Bourdo, 31, of Columbus, was sentenced to 300 months in prison. He also pleaded guilty in March 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances within 1,000 of an elementary school, as well as distributing fentanyl and cocaine that resulted in death and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
Speakman and Bourdo are two of 23 defendants charged in a narcotics and human trafficking case that involves at least two deaths. Two of the defendants were found guilty following a jury trial last month. All 23 defendants have been convicted or pleaded guilty.
According to court documents, from 2008 until June 2022, lead defendants Patrick Saultz and Cordell Washington ran a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Columbus that included sex trafficking, labor trafficking and money laundering.
Court documents detail that the drug trafficking organization brought large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, alprazolam and marijuana into Columbus. These drugs were sold or used to coerce individuals into sexual activity for some members of the drug ring and their profit.
Speakman joined the drug trafficking organization after being released from jail in 2022, where he was housed with Saultz. Speakman was a mid-level drug distributor for the group out of residences on South Ogden and South Warren.
As part of his guilty plea, Speakman admitted to severely beating one of his drug runners in May 2022 and then providing him with free drugs to make up for the attack. Witnesses said the male was beaten by Speakman and then given cocaine and fentanyl as compensation. Shortly after, the victim began to seize and foam at the mouth and did not respond to Narcan. The victim was driven to an alley near Grant Hospital where he was found unconscious by Columbus Fire Department personnel with severe trauma to the face and head. His cause of death was ultimately determined to be blunt force trauma caused by Speakman.
Bourdo supplied and oversaw the drug distribution at one of the stash houses on North Warren. He was providing the property’s owners approximately $100 in illegal narcotics per day for use of the residence.
According to Bourdo’s plea agreement, on Oct. 14, 2021, an individual was found deceased in an alley between Bourdo’s primary residence and a drug distribution house. The woman was found with a needle in her hand and another needle in her pocket and had been dead for approximately 18 hours.
Further investigation revealed that, on Oct. 10, 2021, the woman had overdosed on crack cocaine and fentanyl at one of the organization’s drug houses that Bourdo supplied on North Warren. Witnesses on site immediately placed the woman in a bathtub and soaked her in cold water. The witnesses provided multiple rounds of Narcan, CPR and chest compressions, eventually resuscitating her. The woman left and, over the next 48 hours, met up with Bourdo on more than one occasion to get and use more drugs.
Video surveillance of the alley shows Bourdo walking to the deceased woman’s body just moments before police personnel arrived to attempt (unsuccessfully) to obtain her phone to prevent further investigation into her death.
As part of his plea, Bourdo admitted to coercing adult drug-addicted females into performing commercial sex acts by using violence as well as providing and then withholding or threatening to withhold narcotics and lodging.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Jared Murphey , Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Federal Exploitation and Sex Trafficking Crimes
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A previously convicted sex offender who sexually exploited two minor females and forced one of the girls to engage in commercial sex acts with men at hotels pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today.
Anthony Sims, 56, of Columbus, was scheduled to begin trial on March 17. He pleaded guilty today to two counts of sexually exploiting a minor and one count of sex trafficking a minor.
The guilty plea includes a sentencing recommendation of 25 to 50 years in prison.
Sims admitted that he raped a 12-year-old girl 40 to 50 times over the span of six months in 2020. Sims provided the girl marijuana and alcohol and talked her into getting high and drinking. At times, during the sexual assaults, Sims would hold down the victim’s arms or hold her in place. He also forced the girl to pose for photos in sexual positions either while nude or while wearing lingerie.
Likewise, Sims convinced another, a 13-year-old girl, to smoke marijuana with him, and once she was high, Sims raped her. He also held down this victim. Sims would take nude photos of her and made her pose with stuffed animals or pillows.
Sims also took the 13-year-old to various hotels to force her to have sex with men who paid Sims. The victim was forced to have sex with approximately 50 different men. Sims sold pornographic photos of the victim and coordinated the dates at the hotels.
At the time of his most recent crimes, Sims was a registered sex offender with two convictions out of Michigan.
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; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission’s Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI); and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Tyler J. Aagard are representing the United States in this case.
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MIL-OSI: Sheaff Brock Announces Return of Michelle Reddick as Portfolio Consultant
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
INDIANAPOLIS, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Michelle Reddick, a seasoned professional with 15-plus years of financial industry experience, has returned to Sheaff Brock as Vice President, Client Solutions and Portfolio Consultant.
Sheaff Brock is a fee-only independent investment firm specializing in wealth management for high-net-worth individuals. Selected as the #7 Financial Advisor in the U.S. on CNBC’s 2024 Financial Advisor 100 List, the firm’s first priority is building and preserving clients’ wealth over time. In her Portfolio Consultant role, Michelle works closely with Sheaff Brock clients, helping with their investment needs as they strive to meet ongoing financial goals. Prior to Sheaff Brock, Michelle was a corporate trainer at Charles Schwab where she trained hundreds of stockbrokers and guided new employees through the intricacies of the financial world. She credits her ability to build connections and relate to clients to previous work experience as a public relations specialist.
“I love talking with my clients and am passionate about helping them with their financial goals,” said Michelle of her return to Sheaff Brock. “I’m glad to reunite with Sheaff Brock and to once again partner with clients as we navigate their finances.”
Ron Brock, Managing Partner of Sheaff Brock, said, “We’re excited to have Michelle working with her clients again. She is an exceptional part of our Sheaff Brock team.”
Michelle Reddick—Vice President, Client Solutions and Portfolio Consultant, Sheaff Brock
About Sheaff Brock:
Sheaff Brock is an SEC-registered, fee-only independent investment firm striving to enhance portfolios of growth- and income-oriented investors, managing $1.4 billion in assets nationwide as of 12/31/2024. Managing Director David Gilreath contributes investment commentary to Investing.com, Think Advisor, Medical Economics, and Financial Advisor magazine.About CNBC Financial Advisor 100
The 2024 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 (ranked 7th 10/2/24), 2023 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 (ranked 10th, 9/12/23), 2022 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 (ranked 68th, 10/4/22), 2021 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 (ranked 82nd, 10/6/21) & the 2020 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 (ranked 95th, 10/6/20) list is an independent ranking. CNBC enlisted data provider AccuPoint Solutions to assist with the ranking of registered investment advisors for the CNBC FA 100 list. The analysis started with 40,896 RIA firms for 2024, 40,646, RIA firms for 2023, 39,818 RIA firms for 2022, 38,302 for 2021 and 37,369 for 2020 from the Securities and Exchange Commission regulatory database. AccuPoint screened the list down to 903 RIAs for 2024, 812 RIAs for 2023, 904 RIAs for 2022, 749 for 2021, and 750 for 2020 who were required to complete a survey to be in consideration for the CNBC FA 100 list. Sheaff Brock does not pay for applying for the award; however, Sheaff Brock does pay for use of the CNBC Financial Advisor 100 logo.Data points used by AccuPoint for the ranking included regulatory/compliance record, number of years in the business, number of certified financial planners, number of employees, number of investment advisors registered with the firm, ratio of investment advisors to total number of employees, total assets under management, percentage of discretionary assets under management, total accounts under management, number of states where the RIA is registered and country of domicile.
Third-party rankings and recognition from rating services or publications, such as the CNBC FA 100, is no guarantee of future investment success and working with a highly rated advisor does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. The ranking may not reflect a client or prospective client’s experience with the registered investment advisor. Past performance does not guarantee or indicate future results.
CONTACT: Barb Smith 317-289-8699
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/43ccc1be-c10d-40d4-ba8b-4df4dc1523a7
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MIL-OSI USA: Should We Pick Up the Slack?: Remarks before the Investor Advisory Committee
Source: Securities and Exchange Commission
Thank you, Brian [Schorr], and good morning to you all at this first Investor Advisory Committee meeting of 2025. Thank you to all the panelists joining us today. Although the Commission’s make-up has changed and we are seeing Commission priorities shift, our shared desire to ensure vibrant capital markets and informed investors will continue to unite and guide us.
Today’s first panel is set to discuss how public companies disclose the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence. I hope that one theme in the conversation will be the value of principles-based disclosure and the value of affording companies the discretion to make disclosures based on what is material to their particular circumstances. Principles-based disclosure rules do not prescribe corporate disclosure, but instead provide the framework within which companies make material disclosures to investors. Attempts to fill disclosure rulebooks with requirements specific to climate, artificial intelligence, or any other hot topic disserve investors in several ways. First, companies that do not have material things to say about these topics can be forced to spend company resources saying them. Second, even mere disclosure requirements can end up being an indirect way for a securities regulator to micromanage substantive company operations. Third, these disclosure requirements can distract corporate boards and managers from doing more important things. Fourth, corporate disclosures filled with answers to prescriptive disclosure frameworks drown out material information. Clear and comprehensive disclosure should be our goal, not homogenization for its own sake. I anticipate that the panel of experts Alvin has gathered will provide us with much to think about.
Today’s second panel will discuss retail investor fraud. Artificial intelligence will be part of the conversation here also. This technology, like any other, can improve lives, but in the hands of bad actors it can devastate lives. Our response to the now higher tech fraud menace will require creative thinking and a commitment to pursuing cross-agency coordination at all levels of government. The Commission has taken an important step in facilitating this effort through its Interagency Securities Council (“ISC”), led by Adam Anicich and Manuel Vazquez.[1] The ISC brings together financial regulators and law enforcement to discuss “emerging threats, hear from investigators conducting and supervising investigations, and explore case study examples of agencies employing innovative approaches to combat financial fraud.”[2] I look forward to hearing from Andrea and the other experts she has assembled.
The Committee also will consider a Draft Recommendation aimed at ensuring “that investors retain their ability to bring claims under Section 11 following an initial offering by establishing a required lockup period.”[3] In other words, the Committee may be asking us—pardon the pun—to pick up the slack after the Supreme Court affirmed the tracing requirement in Section 11 of the Securities Act.[4] The Draft Recommendation notes that recent changes to the IPO process have diminished plaintiffs’ ability to pursue claims under Section 11 by “taint[ing] the pool of registered shares” and thus impeding traceability.[5] How widespread are these changes? For example, although the problem may be broader than direct listings, only 11 direct listings took place from 2021 through 2023.[6] Given that many companies going public want to raise capital, why should we expect that direct listings will increase in the future? Additionally, while early lock-up releases may be on the rise, they are often bespoke and in at least some instances might accord with the Draft Recommendation.[7] Would the Draft Recommendation, if implemented, even change behavior? Shouldn’t we protect underwriters’ ability to waive a lock-up in appropriate circumstances? How large of a problem would this recommendation solve, and should the Commission expend its limited resources to solve it? Does the availability of private rights of action under Section 10(b) mitigate this problem? Given the strict liability standard of Section 11, might attempts to expand its reach do more harm than good for investors given the costs and distraction companies will bear in Section 11 litigation?
Let me conclude by thanking Brian Schorr and the other members of the Committee and today’s panelists for their dedication, as well as Cristina Martin Firvida, Marc Sharma, Andrew Sporkin, and Adam Moore for their hard work in putting together today’s meeting.
[5] Draft Recommendation at 6.
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MIL-OSI Security: Former Olympian Wanted for Running Transnational Drug Enterprise and Ordering Several Murders Added to FBI’s List of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
At present, Wedding is wanted for allegedly running a transnational drug trafficking network that routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California, to Canada and other locations in the United States, and for orchestrating multiple murders and an attempted murder in furtherance of these drug crimes.
Wedding’s placement on the top ten list marks the 535th addition to the FBI’s list of notorious fugitives. Wedding will replace Alexis Flores who is wanted by FBI Philadelphia. Although Flores is being removed from the list today, he will remain on the FBI’s website on its Most Wanted page.
“Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The alleged murders of his competitors make Wedding a very dangerous man, and his addition to the list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, coupled with a major reward offer by the State Department, will make the public our partner so that we can catch up with him before he puts anyone else in danger.”
Additionally, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs announced that it is offering a $10-million-reward for information leading to Wedding’s arrest and/or conviction. The reward was authorized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP), which supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice. This reward offering supplements the FBI’s current offering of $50,000 for information leading to Wedding’s apprehension, arrest, and extradition, and further, is jointly being offered with assistance from the Canadian and Mexican governments as part of a unified effort to bring Wedding to justice.
In June 2024, Wedding and his second-in-command Andrew Clark, 34, also Canadian, were charged in an indictment out of the Central District of California with running a continuing criminal enterprise; committing murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and assorted drug crimes; and conspiring to possess, distribute, and export cocaine. Clark, who was arrested last October by Mexican authorities, was among the 29 fugitives whom Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced had arrived in the United States from Mexico last week.
In September 2024, a federal grand jury in Los Angeles returned a superseding indictment naming 14 additional defendants and including, among other counts, an attempted murder charge against Wedding and Clark. The superseding indictment alleges that Wedding, Clark, and others conspired to ship bulk quantities of cocaine – weighing hundreds of kilograms – from Southern California to Canada through a Canada-based drug transportation network run by Hardeep Ratte, 46, of Ontario, Canada, and Gurpreet Singh, 31, of Ontario, Canada, from approximately January 2024 to August 2024. The cocaine shipments were transported from Mexico to the Los Angeles area, where the cocaine trafficking organization’s operatives stored the cocaine in stash houses, before delivering it to the transportation network couriers for delivery to Canada using long-haul semi-trucks.
“As alleged in the superseding indictment, defendant Ryan Wedding – a former Olympian – led a transnational criminal organization that murdered innocent people and put thousands of kilograms of narcotics on our streets,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “The reward offered today will help bring this defendant to justice in the United States. We urge anyone with information about Wedding to contact law enforcement and help us get Mr. Wedding into custody.”
The superseding indictment also alleges that Wedding and Clark’s organization resorted to violence – including multiple murders – to achieve its aims. Wedding and Clark allegedly directed the November 20, 2023, murders of two members of a family in Ontario, Canada, in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment that passed through Southern California. Another member of that family survived the shooting but was left with serious physical injuries. Wedding and Clark allegedly also ordered the murder of another victim on May 18, 2024, over a drug debt. In addition, Clark and Malik Damion Cunningham, 23, a dual Canadian-American citizen, are charged with the April 1, 2024, murder of another victim in Ontario, Canada.
“The RCMP is committed to working with our international partners in the fight against transnational criminals,” said Liam Price, Director General, Royal Canadian Mounted Police International program. “It’s imperative that Ryan Wedding faces justice for the charges against him. We will continue to stand with and support our US and Mexican partners in this and other investigations to protect the public.”
If convicted, Wedding and Clark would face a mandatory minimum penalty of life in federal prison on their respective continuing criminal enterprise charge. The murder and attempted murder charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The drug trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum penalties of 10 to 15 years in prison.
“The former Canadian snowboarder unleashed an avalanche of death and destruction, here and abroad,” said Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division. “He earned the name ‘El Jefe’, becoming boss of a violent transnational drug trafficking organization. Now, his face will be on ‘The Top 10 Most Wanted’ posters. He’s unremitting, callous and greed-driven. Today’s announcement beams an even brighter searchlight on him. We ask that you help us find him.”
The FBI urges anyone with information as to Wedding’s whereabouts to call the FBI via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram at +1-424 495-0614. These are neither government-operated nor government-controlled platforms. Callers may also contact their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Confidentiality will be granted to anyone who calls with information.
Investigators believe that Wedding is residing in Mexico but have not ruled out his presence in the United States, Canada, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, or elsewhere. Wedding is further described as follows:
Aliases: James Conrad King, Jesse King
DOB: September 14, 1981
Hair: Brown, may wear a beard and/or mustache
Eyes: Blue
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 240 lbs. (may vary)
Nationality: Canadian
Place of Birth: Thunder Bay, Canada
Monikers: “Giant,” “Public Enemy,” “El Jefe”Photographs and reward information about Wedding will be posted on digital billboards in key locations, as well as on fbi.gov, and on the FBI’s social media platforms. Additional information about Wedding and other Top Ten Fugitives is available at this link: Top Ten Fugitives.
The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list was established in March 1950. Since its inception, 535 fugitives have been placed on the list of “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives,” 496 of whom were apprehended or located; 163 were due to citizen cooperation.
The FBI is investigating Wedding and Clark’s drug trafficking enterprise with the Los Angeles Police Department, DEA Los Angeles, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Federal Policing. In addition, significant assistance has been provided by U.S. law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations – Detroit, and United States Customs and Border Protection – Buffalo; Canadian law enforcement partners, including Niagara Regional Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Service, and Peel Regional Police; Mexican law enforcement partners; and Colombian law enforcement partners, including Colombian National Police – Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol, Special Interagency Investigation Group (Policía Nacional de Colombia – Dirección de Investigación Criminal e Interpol, Grupo Especial de Investigación Interagenciales).
Assistant United States Attorneys Lyndsi Allsop and Maria Jhai of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Ryan Waters of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section are prosecuting this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
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MIL-OSI Security: Henderson Man Sentenced to Over Five and a Half Years on Firearm Charge After Daytime Shootout at Gas Station
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
RALEIGH, N.C. – Jaymon Gibson, of Henderson, was sentenced today to 71 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. Gibson, 26, pled guilty to the charges on October 10, 2024.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, law enforcement investigated two gang-related shooting incidents where Gibson possessed or fired guns. On May 10, 2022, at around 11:15 pm, the Henderson Police Department (HPD) responded to reports of a gunshot wound at a house on Powell Street in Henderson. The 911 caller led officers to Gibson, who was sitting in a car with gunshot wounds to his left arm. The 911 caller reported that she had seen someone shooting at Gibson from a black sedan. Officers canvassed the area and found a Glock 19 9mm handgun with an American flag pattern on it lying in the yard. They also found a 50-round drum magazine. Doorbell camera footage from the home showed Gibson walking with the Glock 9mm.
The next day, co-defendant Monica Ellis called HPD and reported that a Glock 19 and a drum magazine had been stolen from her car. Officers later confirmed with a firearms store that Ellis had purchased the firearm on March 8, 2022. Gibson was in prison in March 2022, following a state conviction for voluntary manslaughter, and officers were able to obtain jail calls between him and Ellis. These calls revealed that Gibson had directed Ellis to straw purchase the Glock 9mm for him, even placing a three-way phone call with Gibson and a gun store clerk.
On May 28, 2022, eighteen days after the Powell Street shooting, the HPD responded to a shots-fired call at the Gate City Foods gas station. Surveillance video revealed that a little after 4 p.m., a car with Gibson driving and a juvenile male in the front passenger seat pulled into a gas pump away from the store. A few minutes later, a white car with four occupants arrived and pulled up to a gas pump closer to the store. The front passenger, later identified as Jordan Turnage, walked into the store. Then a rear passenger, a juvenile, stepped out of the white car holding a long gun with a drum magazine. Gibson, who had moved to the front passenger seat, then stepped out of the car also holding a firearm. Moments later, gunfire erupted. Turnage fired a handgun from inside Gates City Foods through the window towards Gibson. At the same time, from the middle of the parking lot, the juvenile with the long gun began firing toward Gibson. The white car’s driver also stepped out with a long gun and shot several rounds, striking himself in the foot in the process. Gibson returned fire, shooting several rounds while crouching behind his car. Both groups then fled from the scene. Later investigation found that gunshots had damaged multiple nearby cars and apartments, including one gunshot that had struck a bedroom window while a resident was sleeping. Miraculously, no one was hurt in the incident. Five days later, law enforcement located and arrested Gibson at an apartment in Durham. They found a 22-caliber rifle with a high-capacity magazine that matched shell casings from where he had been parked at Gates City Foods.
“Keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals that endanger public safety remains a top priority for our office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those that are the most significant contributors to violence.”
“Our partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina has been vital in our ongoing efforts to combat gun violence in our community,” said Henderson Police Chief Marcus W. Barrow. “Throughout my tenure as Chief of Police, the ATF has maintained a steadfast presence in Henderson, demonstrating unwavering support and commitment to our shared goals. Their consistent presence is having a profound and lasting impact on our region. This case serves as yet another testament to our collective dedication in the fight against gun violence, and we remain resolute in our commitment to securing a safer future for all.”
Co-defendant Monica Ellis pled guilty to a felony offense of lying to a federal agent for statements she made related to straw-purchasing the Glock firearm. On March 14, 2024, she was sentenced to time served and two years of supervised release. Jordan Turnage, who was not a felon at the time of the shooting, was prosecuted in state court for related felony offenses and received an active sentence of 38 to 58 months.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Henderson Police Department, Durham Police Department, and N.C State Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted.
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. 5:23-cr-0043-D.
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MIL-OSI Security: 25 Metropolitan Detention Center Inmates, Their Associates and a Former Correctional Officer — Charged in a Dozen Criminal Cases at the Federal Jail in Brooklyn
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Charges Include a Range of Violent Assaults and Contraband Smuggling in Continued Effort by Law Enforcement to Combat Crime Inside the Prison
Today the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced criminal charges against 25 defendants in 12 separate cases relating to violence and contraband smuggling at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC-Brooklyn) in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. These include charges against 15 inmates for violent assaults against other inmates from May 2024 to the present; a former correctional officer for attempting to smuggle contraband into the facility on January 21, 2025; an inmate for orchestrating a contraband smuggling operation between April and June 2024; an inmate for smuggling ceramic scalpels into the facility on October 12, 2024; an inmate for possession of contraband and continuing to commit fraud while detained at MDC-Brooklyn; and an MS-13 gang associate for attempting to smuggle a large package of contraband, including 18 cellphones and marijuana, to other MS-13 gang members incarcerated at MDC-Brooklyn.
Previously, nine inmates at MDC-Brooklyn were charged by the Office in September 2024 for violence and contraband smuggling. In addition, the Office, in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (USAO-SDNY) and more than a dozen law enforcement partners, assisted in October 2024 with a week-long multi-agency operation aimed at detecting and seizing contraband from MDC-Brooklyn.
John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Kathleen Toomey, Associate Deputy Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons, announced the charges.
“The safety and security of our federal detention facilities is paramount,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “As alleged, in several separate charging instruments, inmates viciously attacked fellow detainees, a correctional officer betrayed his duty by attempting to smuggle drugs into the facility, several inmates orchestrated elaborate contraband smuggling operations and yet another inmate continued to engage in fraud schemes while detained. These actions undermine the order and security of MDC-Brooklyn and endanger everyone within its walls. My Office is working tirelessly to hold accountable those who commit violent acts or introduce contraband into the prison, whether they are inmates or staff. These charges serve as a warning to those who would engage in criminal conduct behind bars, and anyone else who facilitates those crimes: your conduct will be uncovered, and you will be held accountable.”
Mr. Durham thanked the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and the FBI New York Field Office for their investigative work in these cases, as well as the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General for their assistance.
“These 25 defendants, an array of inmates and a former correctional officer, allegedly committed numerous violent attacks against fellow inmates and orchestrated various schemes to smuggle contraband into the prison,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Backschies. “These cases reflect the alleged extreme disregard for adhering to the rules designed to protect the other inmates and correctional staff within the institution. The FBI will never tolerate any individual, regardless of their incarceration status, who engages in deviant behavior that threatens the safety and stability of our federal facilities.
“The Federal Bureau of Prisons would like to thank the FBI and the EDNY for their partnership and support to further prevent and prosecute violence and contraband in our facilities, through our unified efforts we are making our facilities safer for our employees and those in our custody,” stated Federal Bureau of Prisons Associate Deputy Director Toomey.
A summary of the cases follows:
U.S. v. Mike Josie
Mike Josie has been charged by indictment with assault in a federal detention facility in connection with his participation in an assault of another inmate at MDC-Brooklyn on May 26, 2024. As alleged, Josie brutally attacked another inmate in his housing unit who was sitting at a table in a common area of the unit. Josie approached the victim from behind and made several slashing motions towards the victim’s face. After the assault, the victim was taken to a nearby hospital to treat lacerations to his neck and face. If convicted, Josie faces up to10 years in prison. Josie is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Taryn A. Merkl. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Fern is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. v. Daryl Campbell, Ian Diez, Jonathan Guerrero, Abel Mora and Mayovanex Rodriguez
Daryl Campbell, Ian Diez, Jonathan Guerrero, Abel Mora and Mayovanex Rodriguez are charged by complaint with conspiracy to smuggle contraband into MDC-Brooklyn. As alleged, between April and June 2024, Campbell used a contraband cell phone to conspire with others to smuggle contraband into MDC-Brooklyn. In several voice recordings found on the phone, Campbell explained his method of throwing a “line” out of a window of MDC-Brooklyn for a co-conspirator on the outside to “hook” or attach contraband, which could then be pulled back inside. On June 30, 2024, Diez, Guerrero, Mora, and Rodriguez attempted to execute Campbell’s scheme by pulling a rope through the window of the recreation room in their housing area. At the other end of that rope, correctional officers found what appeared to be suboxone, marijuana, a scalpel, a phone charger, lighters, and cigarettes. If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison. Assistant United States Attorneys Russell Noble and Elizabeth D’Antonio are in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. v. Sean Smith, Rasheed Chapman and Antwan Mosley
Sean Smith, Rasheed Chapman and Antwan Mosley have been indicted by a grand jury for the June 2, 2024 assault of another inmate at MDC-Brooklyn. The defendants violently assaulted the victim, slashing him across the face and neck and causing serious lacerations. The victim was then chased through the housing unit and struck repeatedly by his assailants. If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison. Assistant United States Attorney Kamil Ammari is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. v. Adil Duran
Adil Duran has been charged in an indictment with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and possessing contraband in prison. As captured on video surveillance footage, on July 11, 2024, Duran slashed another inmate in the face and neck with a sharpened weapon, causing serious lacerations that required sutures. If convicted, Duran faces up to 20 years in prison. Assistant United States Attorney Kate Mathews is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. v. Erik Steadman and Javaughn Horton
Erik Steadman and Javaughn Horton have been charged by complaint with assault in a federal detention facility for the September 5, 2024 assault of another inmate at MDC-Brooklyn. As alleged, Horton and Steadman approached another inmate in their unit and began punching him repeatedly in the face until he fell to the ground. The defendants continued punching and kicking the victim in the face, causing a significant laceration to his face. If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison. Assistant United States Attorney Molly Delaney is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. v. Angel Villafane
Angel Villafane, a member of the gang Valentine Avenue Crew, has been indicted for possession of 21 ceramic scalpels smuggled into MDC-Brooklyn on October 12, 2024. As alleged, while sitting in the visiting room at MDC-Brooklyn, Villafane removed a ball full of ceramic scalpels from a bag of Doritos chips and placed them in his shirt. Correctional officers later discovered the scalpels during a search. If convicted, the defendant faces up to five years in prison. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Margaret P. Mortimer is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. v. Juan Lopez and Jose Rivera
Juan Lopez and Jose Rivera have been indicted for assaulting another inmate and possessing contraband weapons. As alleged, on November 11, 2024, Lopez and Rivera slashed and stabbed another inmate in their housing unit. The victim was seated at a table when Rivera snuck up behind him and slashed him multiple times in the head and neck with a sharp object. As the victim ran to seek help, Lopez tried to prevent him from reaching the correctional officers’ station by swinging his own weapon, stabbing the victim in the arm. The victim suffered three lacerations to the back of his head, one laceration to his neck and a puncture wound to his forearm. If convicted, the defendants face up to 15 years in prison. Assistant United States Attorney Russell Noble is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. v. Tyquan Robinson
Tyquan Robinson has been charged in a five-count superseding indictment with conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of contraband in prison. Robinson was originally detained at MDC-Brooklyn for his alleged role in defrauding a court-appointed criminal defense attorney by obtaining a stolen $125,000 Treasury check issued to the attorney as payment for representing indigent defendants and stealing his identity. In October 2024, officers at the MDC performed a search of Robinson’s cell. Inside his locker, the officers discovered that Robinson had hidden a contraband cellphone inside of a box of Raisin Bran cereal. An examination of this contraband cellphone revealed that even while incarcerated at the MDC, Robinson was participating in a separate fraud scheme from his original charges by discussing stealing checks issued to others, opening multiple bank accounts, and exchanging third parties’ personally identifiable information. If convicted, Robinson faces up to 30 years in prison. Assistant United States Attorney James R. Simmons is in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Special Agent Anthony Cunder.
U.S. v. Jairon Ortega-Corea
Jairon Ortega-Corea, an MS-13 gang associate, was charged by indictment with attempting to provide contraband to inmates at MDC-Brooklyn. He was arrested on March 3, 2025 in Minnesota. The charges stem from the December 2, 2024 discovery, by MDC-Brooklyn employees, of a package on the fourth-floor roof of the jail containing 18 cellular telephones, approximately 345 grams of marijuana and one liter of drinking alcohol, among other items. The prior evening, a witness had observed the attempted smuggling of the package into MDC-Brooklyn, when it was pulled up by a rope dangled out of the window of an empty cell within the unit that houses MS-13 members. An investigation subsequently revealed that the defendant, who is related to a high-ranking MS-13 member housed at MDC-Brooklyn, purchased several of the contraband items at a local Walmart the day prior to the discovery. At the time of the purchase, Ortega-Corea was communicating with MS-13 inmates at MDC-Brooklyn who were using a different contraband phone. If convicted, Ortega-Corea faces up to 20 years in prison. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan E. Farrell, Paul G. Scotti and Justina L. Geraci are in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. v. Najee Jackson
Najee Jackson, a former correctional officer at MDC-Brooklyn, has been indicted by a grand jury for attempting to smuggle contraband into the facility. On January 21, 2025, Jackson, who was employed as a correctional officer, arrived at MDC-Brooklyn to begin working a night shift. After making several failed attempts to clear the metal detector in the staff screening area, Jackson removed his Bureau of Prisons-issued protective vest, which was found to contain vacuum‑sealed bags of marijuana and cigarettes. Jackson resigned from the Bureau of Prisons two days later. If convicted, the defendant faces up to five years in prison. Assistant United States Attorneys Turner Buford and Russell Noble are in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. v. Devone Thomas
Devone Thomas, who was previously charged with the June 7, 2024 killing of Uriel Whyte inside of the MDC Brooklyn, is now additionally charged by complaint with possession of a contraband weapon. On February 28, 2025, Thomas was transported to federal court in Brooklyn for a status conference in connection with his murder case. Upon his return to MDC-Brooklyn after the court appearance, a blade was found in Thomas’s groin area. If convicted, the defendant faces up to five years in prison. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth D’Antonio is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. v. Brian Castro, Franklin Gillespie, Juan Lopez, Jowenky Nunez Jr., Hugo Rodriguez and Elvis Trejo
Brian Castro, Franklin Gillespie, Juan Lopez, Jowenky Nunez Jr., Hugo Rodriguez, and Elvis Trejo have been charged by complaint with assault in a federal detention facility for their roles in what became a unit-wide fight between inmates at MDC-Brooklyn. As alleged, on February 22, 2025, Castro, Lopez, Nunez, Rodriguez and Trejo, along with other as-yet uncharged individuals, approached another inmate in their unit, armed with weapons, and began chasing and stabbing him. The victim was stabbed 18 times and required hospitalization for his injuries. The brawl ultimately resulted in at least five inmates, including the victim, requiring transportation to a local hospital for further treatment. Gillespie, who was not a part of the initial group attacking the victim, joined the brawl after it began, and, also armed with a weapon, assaulted a fellow inmate in the course of the fight. The fight resulted in more than 20 inmates requiring medical assessments, and at least 10 inmates appeared to have wounds consistent with being stabbed or slashed. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years in prison. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Petraeus is in charge of the prosecution.
* * *
The Office’s General Crimes Section is principally responsible for handling these cases, with substantial contributions from the Public Integrity Section, the Organized Crime and Gangs Section and the Office’s Long Island Criminal Section. In addition to the Assistant United States Attorneys and Special Agent listed above, Special Agent Danielle Williams, Law Enforcement Coordinator Specialist Herbert Martin and Paralegal Specialists Matias Burdman and Erin Payne have provided substantial support on these cases.
The charges in the indictments and complaints described above are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Defendants:
MIKE JOSIE
Age: 25E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-76 (FB)
————–
DARYL CAMPBELL
Age: 39IAN DIEZ
Age: 20JONATHAN GUERRERO
Age: 34ABEL MORA
Age: 23MAYOVANEX RODRIGUEZ
Age: 30E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-72
————–
SEAN SMITH
Age: 34RASHEED CHAPMAN
Age: 21ANTWAN MOSLEY
Age: 23E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-58
————–
ADIL DURAN
Age: 23E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-9 (ARR)
————–
ERIK STEADMAN
Age: 24JAVAUGHN HORTON
Age: 30E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-70
————–
ANGEL VILLAFANE
Age: 40E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-71 (HG)
————–
JUAN LOPEZ
Age: 26JOSE RIVERA
Age: 20E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-72 (CBA)
————–
TYQUAN ROBINSON
Age: 30E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-51 (AMD)
————–
JAIRON ORTEGA-COREA
Age: 23E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-83
————–
NAJEE JACKSON
Age: 32E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-67 (OEM)
————–
DEVONE THOMAS
Age: 25E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-360 (EK)
————–
BRIAN CASTRO
Age: 24FRANKLIN GILLESPIE
Age: 34JUAN LOPEZ
Age: 68JOWENKY NUNEZ JR.
Age: 22HUGO RODRIGUEZ
Age: 29ELVIS TREJO
Age: 24E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-73
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MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Pleads Guilty, Faces 10 Years to Life in Federal Prison for Attempting to Smuggle Fentanyl and Cocaine into U.S.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national pleaded guilty in a federal court in Del Rio to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, Federico De Los Rios Rios, of Durango, Mexico, attempted to enter the U.S. from Mexico through the Eagle Pass port of entry on Oct. 26, 2024. Accompanied by his wife and child, De Los Rios Rios presented a U.S. Visa to Customs and Border Protection officers and was referred to secondary inspection. A scan of the vehicle revealed anomalies, and a canine inspection resulted in a positive alert.
CBP officers inspected the rear of the vehicle and located a trap door under a seat, which contained multiple bundles wrapped in electrical tape. One set of bundles weighed 2.14 kgs and was consistent with the properties of fentanyl. A second set of bundles weighed a total of 11.16 kgs and was consistent with the properties of cocaine. A Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory test confirmed the substances to be fentanyl and cocaine.
De Los Rios Rios admitted that he had been instructed to drive the vehicle from his home in Durango to Orlando, Florida, had been given $700 up front, and anticipated he would be paid an additional $10,000 once he arrived at the destination.
De Los Rios Rios pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. He faces 10 years to life in prison with a maximum $10 million fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass is prosecuting the case.
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MIL-OSI: Bectran Unveils a Faster Bank Verification Method with Built-in Risk Scoring
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
CHICAGO, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bectran, Inc., the industry leader in credit, collections and accounts receivable management technology, has introduced a new integration with Plaid, a data network powering the digital financial ecosystem, to provide a powerful and secure way to expedite bank verifications.
“We are excited to be working with Plaid in this capacity,” comments Louis Ifeguni, Bectran CEO. “This integration opens up a whole new avenue of efficiency in our credit applications, providing tangible value to our customers by easing a time-consuming process, and increasing confidence with a secure, real-time bank connection.”
Advanced Risk Scoring, Analysis and Fraud Security
Manual bank references are susceptible to input errors that may include inaccurate or dated information—information that, when passed unnoticed, can cause an array of operational issues stemming from simple human error. Moreover, the manual process is both time-consuming and costly, often dragging on for days or weeks with no guarantee of success in obtaining accurate information.
With this latest integration, credit managers can eliminate lengthy reference wait times and the constant need to monitor for potential entry errors associated with traditional bank referencing. Through a simple customer sign-in, Plaid securely delivers verified financial data, which is then analyzed and scored by Bectran. This integration ensures a swift, accurate and secure process by leveraging Plaid’s network of over 12,000 financial institutions.
Credit applicants simply sign into their bank accounts via Plaid’s secure APIs, authorizing the creation of a bank verification report. This report includes key insights such as account ownership information, transaction history and more, enabling credit managers to instantly evaluate the applicant’s identity, financial health and risk profile. Using advanced risk scoring algorithms, Bectran analyzes data points such as account balances, non-sufficient funds, notices, returns, and unusual activity to generate a comprehensive risk score. This eliminates manual input, minimizes errors, and empowers credit teams to make timely, data-driven decisions.
Bectran’s partnership with Plaid brings further security into the bank verification process, securing clients against a wide range of identity and payment fraud schemes. Bank data provided in verification reports include account creation date and ownership information, which Bectran automatically compares to applicant information, rooting out fraud before it can gain a foothold. Credit managers will also receive fraud alerts when suspicious or abnormal account activity is detected.
“Our Integration with Plaid is the latest addition to our comprehensive suite of risk scoring and analytics,” says Ali Kidwai, Director of Product & Implementation at Bectran. “At Bectran, we intend to be the one-stop shop in our client’s credit and AR journey, finding innovative ways to increase their operational efficiency and risk management capabilities.”
About Bectran
Bectran is the premier SaaS platform for Finance Departments, akin to CRM for Sales. Trusted by diverse organizations, from SMEs to Fortune 500 companies, we streamline credit processing by over 98%, reducing credit defaults and collection costs. Many businesses rely on Bectran for efficient Accounts Receivable and Collections management, achieving up to 95% cost savings. With rapid onboarding in days, our platform is hailed by credit professionals as the future of credit management. Visit Bectran.com to learn more about financial solutions for your industry.
Bectran Inc
(888) 791-6620
PR@Bectran.com -
MIL-OSI USA: ICE ATM/EBT fraud operation yields 15 arrests in Orange County
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
LOS ANGELES – From March 1-2, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Orange County and its Los Angeles El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, along with multiple law enforcement partners, conducted county wide operations targeting Romanian organized theft rings and other criminals responsible for conducting numerous unauthorized ATM transactions utilizing counterfeit/cloned EBT cards at various financial institutions in Orange County. During this operation, ICE and local police identified and arrested 15 individuals for the violation of federal law involving the use/manufacturing of an access device with the intent to defraud. In addition to the federal arrests, two state arrests were also made for subjects involved in EBT fraud. Approximately 42 counterfeit/cloned EBT cards and bulk U.S. currency was seized pursuant to the operation. The cases were presented to the United States Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California and District Attorney’s Office for both federal and state prosecution.
“This type of fraud that is occurring in our communities cannot be combatted alone,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “Our El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force and HSI Orange County’s collaboration with our federal, state and local partners is paramount to effectively stopping ATM and EBT fraud.”
Operational partners included the Diplomatic Security Service, Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General, Los Angeles, District Attorney’s Office, California Department of Social Services, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Westminster Police Department, Inglewood Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Garden Grove Police Department, El Monte Police Department, Orange Police Department, Huntington Beach Police Department, La Habra Police Department, Cypress Police Department and the Brea Police Department.
Indictments contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anyone with information on ATM/EBT fraud are encouraged to call the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to protect the U.S. economy in your community on X at @HSILosAngeles.
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MIL-OSI USA: Enhancing Safety and Reducing Fatalities on Roadways
Source: US State of New York
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that $90 million is now available to help local governments enhance safety and reduce fatalities on their roads, part of a comprehensive “Safe System” approach toward zero deaths being deployed by the State Department of Transportation to reduce fatalities on all highway systems across New York. The funding will support projects intended to prevent vehicles from inadvertently straying from their lanes and to lessen the severity of crashes that result from those instances. In New York State, about 40 percent of crash fatalities occur when a vehicle departs from its lane. The initiative is part of a multi-year, multi-agency action plan released last year by the New York State Department of Transportation to reduce such incidents and minimize the injuries and fatalities that result from them.
“Safe highways save lives and through the adoption of a ‘Safe System’ approach, we are holistically looking at our highway systems to see where our safety investments can make the biggest difference in reducing fatalities,” Governor Hochul said. “The funding we are making available today will help local governments design and implement projects that will enhance the safety of their roadways and make it more likely that drivers reach their destination unharmed.”
Striving to achieve a Safe System Approach toward Zero Deaths, the New York State Department of Transportation in the summer of 2024 released the Roadway Departure Safety Action Plan, which calls for comprehensive approach to be undertaken by NYSDOT and its partner agencies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries that result when vehicles inadvertently depart their lanes or the roadway. Under the plan, NYSDOT is focusing on engineering improvements, public education and awareness campaigns, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is coordinating law enforcement activities.
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “From day one, Governor Hochul has been laser focused on improving public safety, and that’s what our ‘Safe System’ approach toward zero deaths on highways is all about — reducing and preventing fatalities and serious injuries on our highways. Highway safety is a shared responsibility and the funding we are making available for local governments, combined with complementary enhancements to the state highway system, will hopefully have a major impact in reducing fatalities and serious injuries on New York’s highways.”
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said, “Investing in innovative and effective programs like New York’s ‘Safe System’ will save lives and lower costs related to crashes. I was proud to lead the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law to passage, which boosted funding for this critical road-safety program. Today Governor Hochul is ensuring local governments have the resources they need to lay the foundation for a safer future on our roads.”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Millions of New Yorkers rely on our highway system every day to get from point A to point B. It’s only right that we do everything we can to keep these drivers safe. I’m grateful for the partnership of Governor Hochul and Commissioner Dominguez in keeping our roads safe and for their commitment towards pursuing zero highway fatalities in New York.”
Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “Safety on our local roads and highways is of paramount importance. This funding made available from Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation will help local governments prioritize safety and give motorists and the public more peace of mind when they travel on their local roads and highways in New York State.”
New York State Association of Counties President Benjamin Boykin II said, “Counties are responsible for maintaining thousands of miles of roads and highways across New York State, and ensuring the safety of our residents is a top priority. This funding from Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation will help local governments make roadway improvements designed to reduce accidents and fatalities and make our roads safer for everyone.”
New York State Association of Towns Executive Director Chris Koetzle said, “Safe roads are essential to thriving communities and a priority for towns. We deeply appreciate every dollar the State invests in helping local governments build and maintain safer roadways, ensuring the well-being of all who travel them.”
New York State Conference of Mayors Executive Director Barbara Van Epps said, “Safer roads lead to safer communities. NYCOM thanks Governor Hochul for advancing this grant funding opportunity for our cities and villages. We look forward to partnering with her and the State Legislature to further enhance critical transportation funding for our local roads.”
Funding for these projects is available through the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program and may be used to support the design and construction of countermeasures intended to reduce roadway/lane departures and lessen the likelihood that departure-related crashes cause death or serious injury. Such countermeasures include, but are not limited to, enhanced striping, curve warning signs, rumble strips and median barriers. The funding compliments an additional $90 million that has also been set aside for NYSDOT to make safety enhancements on roads in the state highway system.
A portion of the funds — about $10 million — has been set aside to support local municipalities in developing Local Road Safety Plans, which identify and analyze problem areas and prioritize potential safety improvements.
Minimum available funds per local project is $250,000 and additional information about the funding and how local governments can propose projects is available here. The following entities are eligible to sponsor a project:
- Counties, towns, villages and Native Nations
- Metropolitan Planning Organizations
- Counties interested in sponsoring a project on behalf of one or more municipalities within their county are also eligible to apply.
About the Department of Transportation
It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment and supports the economic well-being of New York State.
Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit our website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.
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MIL-OSI USA: $54 Million Renovation Creates 108 Affordable Homes
Source: US State of New York
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of “62 Main” in the village of Tarrytown, Westchester County — a $54 million development that transformed the former YMCA of Tarrytown into 108 affordable and energy-efficient apartments. In the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed more than 5,000 affordable homes in Westchester. 62 Main continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“My approach to tackling the housing crisis is simple: we need all types of housing options, especially in places like Westchester County,” Governor Hochul said. “Transforming this former YMCA into affordable housing will not only revitalize the building but also provide more than 100 much-needed homes. This project ensures that seniors can remain in the community they cherish, or move to this vibrant village with an essential public transit hub.”
The development is available to households earning up to 70 percent of the Area Median Income. Eighty-eight of the apartments are reserved for seniors aged 55 and older.
The project included a rehabilitation of the interior of the original YMCA facility, transforming it into modern apartments. Extensions to the facility in the rear of the property were demolished and replaced. The historic Main Street façade of the YMCA is intact, in accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement between the developer and the New York State Historic Preservation Office. The façade of the newly constructed portion of the building utilizes classic architectural themes prevalent throughout Tarrytown.
62 Main is fully-electric with energy-efficient features including geothermal heat and air conditioning, ENERGY STAR® appliances, a rooftop solar array, a green roof courtyard and electric car charging stations. The transit-oriented development is three blocks from the Metro North train station and is within walking distance to retail stores, schools, green spaces and medical facilities.
The project is supported by HCR’s Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program that generated $19 million in equity, as well as its Housing Finance Agency, which provided $10.4 million in subsidy from its Senior Housing Program and $8.4 million in tax exempt bonds. Eight of the units will receive rental assistance through Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers issued by HCR. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s New Construction – Housing Program provided $218,000.
The project is also supported by $10.1 million in loans from the Tarrytown Housing Fund – a fund of the Housing Action Council, $5 million from Westchester County’s New Homes Land Acquisition program, a $3 million permanent loan from Community Preservation Corporation Climate Capital to help finance energy efficiency improvements in the project, and $1.5 million in geothermal and solar federal tax credits. The project obtained a 30-year Payment In Lieu of Taxes Agreement with the town of Greenburgh and village of Tarrytown.
All 23 tenants who lived in the Single Room Occupancy units at the facility prior to the construction remained in the development and will continue to pay no greater than 30 percent of their household income towards their rent. The project’s developer is WBP Development, LLC. Tax credit equity was syndicated by Raymond James Affordable Housing Investments.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “This $54 million project is transforming the historic YMCA of Tarrytown site into safe, modern homes that seniors, individuals, and families can all afford. Thanks to our partners, this development epitomizes many of our top priorities and shows New Yorkers the different ways in which the State is boosting the supply of housing.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Providing Westchester residents with the opportunity to live and enjoy clean, modern, and affordable living spaces like we see at 62 Main in Tarrytown will ensure more New Yorkers are benefitting from the State’s energy transition. NYSERDA is proud to support the development of all-electric housing that will help move communities across the state towards a healthier future.”
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said, “We are grateful to HCR for working with our office to preserve key historic features of the former YMCA of Tarrytown. The project is another great example of how the adaptive reuse of historic buildings can expand options for affordable housing, lift local economies, promote sustainability and preserve the heritage of our cities and towns.”
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “Every family in Westchester deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered $19 million to transform the former YMCA into 108 new homes at 62 Main in Tarrytown. These brand new homes will be fully-electric and offer the community a green roof courtyard and electric car charging. High housing costs are a key driver of inflation so we must build more housing for working people to bring down those high prices. I applaud Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to affordable housing in Westchester and across New York, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to ensure that every New Yorker has a roof over their heads.”
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “The completion of 62 Main in Tarrytown provides safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for seniors and families, including the 23 former residents of the Single Room Occupancy units. I commend Wilder Balter Partners Development for their commitment to ensuring that these residents were not displaced, and can now enjoy modern, energy-efficient homes that they can afford. This project required the dedication and collaboration of numerous partners, from Wilder Balter Partners to Westchester County to HCR and NYSERDA, with nearly $53 million in critical funding secured through our State Legislature’s budget allocations. As Senate Majority Leader, it remains my priority to support housing solutions that serve residents of diverse economic backgrounds while enhancing both Westchester County and New York State.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Westchester County was proud to allocate $5 million in New Homes Land Acquisition funds for 62 Main in Tarrytown, a $54 million project that has led to the creation of 108 affordable, sustainable homes for our residents. 62 Main repurposed the former YMCA of Tarrytown into modern, transit-oriented apartments, and is the kind of investment our communities need to ensure access to high quality, affordable housing. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership in bringing 62 Main to fruition.”
Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky said, “When we talk about building inclusive communities, that includes the creation of residential options for older residents who seek to stay in the area after raising their families and winding down their careers. 62 Main offers the kind of affordable housing solution our seniors need — with cost-saving energy efficiencies, amenities that include social and fitness spaces, adaptive units for hearing and vision impairment, and walkable access to public transportation and a lively downtown. I am proud that New York State has been a partner in funding this worthy project and welcome 62 Main’s new residents to the neighborhood!”
Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said, “Our community and the entire region has a severe shortage of affordable housing. I am very pleased that 108 families will be able to benefit from a beautiful, new affordable housing complex. The families will be able to enjoy living in a great village—and can walk to the theater, great restaurants, shops, the train station, supermarkets.”
Housing Action Council Executive Director Rose Noonan said, “We are pleased to serve as the non-profit partner in partnership with WB Development and to contribute to the capital stack to make this much needed housing feasible. We are particularly excited about the opportunity it afforded the individuals who lived at the YMCA residence to remain and access quality affordable housing.”
Tarrytown Mayor Karen Brown said, “This development honors Tarrytown’s past while securing its future—providing high-quality, affordable housing for seniors, incorporating cutting-edge sustainability features, and seamlessly blending into the fabric of our historic downtown. The partnership between the Village, Wilder Balter Partners, LLC, and the many agencies that made this possible is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. We are thrilled to welcome the new residents of 62 Main and celebrate this incredible milestone for Tarrytown.”
Wilder Balter Partners Development President William Balter said, “This development was born out of a collaboration among community members, the local merchants association, Village, Town, County and State stakeholders and several financial partners. We could not be happier with the results. In addition to providing new, energy-efficient affordable housing for seniors, Tarrytown’s vibrant downtown business district has a new municipal parking garage, the original 1912 YMCA building in Tarrytown’s historic district has been repurposed and has a restored façade, and the prior SRO tenants are now living in brand new apartments. It’s a true win-win.”
The Community Preservation Corporation CEO Rafael E. Cestero said, “The work to revitalize 62 Main has breathed new life into this former YMCA building, returning it to the community once again as a hub of activity and as a vital resource of new affordable housing. We are proud to help finance the electrification and energy efficient upgrades to the property that will provide a host of benefits for both the owner and tenants. My thanks to our partners at WBP Development, to HCR, the Town of Greenburgh and Village of Tarrytown, and to NYSERDA for their dedication and collaboration.”
Raymond James Affordable Housing Investments Director of Acquisitions Darryl Seavey said,“Raymond James is very proud to have partnered with Wilder Balter Partners, Inc. as the equity investor in the 62 Main Apartments senior housing development. The newly completed 62 Main Apartments is an extraordinarily well-designed project that helps bring high quality affordable housing opportunities to residents of Tarrytown, while at the same time preserving critical components of the historic former Tarrytown YMCA structure. Accordingly, the historic facade of the YMCA building continues to adorn the streetscape of this busy commercial corridor. Raymond James would like to congratulate the team at Wilder Balter Partners, Inc. on the successful completion of this remarkable new housing community.”
Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on state-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 55,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro Housing Certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. Currently, 285 communities have been certified.
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MIL-OSI: WISeKey Recruits Top Space Experts to Enhance WISeSat Collaboration with the Swiss Armed Forces
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
WISeKey Recruits Top Space Experts to Enhance WISeSat Collaboration with the Swiss Armed Forces
Geneva, Switzerland – March 6, 2025 – WISeKey International Holding (“WISeKey” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: WKEY; SIX: WIHN), a leading global cybersecurity, AI, and IoT company, alongside its subsidiaries WISeSat.Space (“WISeSat”) and SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) (“SEALSQ”), following the successful launch of the second-generation WISeSAT satellite in January, which aimed to advance real-time testing of strategic projects with the Swiss Armed Forces, today is announcing the addition of several key space experts to its team. This expansion will further strengthen the Company’s capabilities in space operations and regulatory compliance, and enhancing its collaboration with the Swiss Armed Forces.
New team members are:
- Edward Burger, Space Regulatory Operations Specialist. Mr. Burger brings extensive experience in navigating the complex landscape of telecommunications law and regulation for space operations, ensuring projects comply with national and international requirements.
- Yiorgos Lemos, Space Operations Specialist. Mr. Lemos’ knowledge in operational processes and satellite technology will enhance WISeKey’s operational efficiency and effectiveness in mission execution.
- Eric Bottlaender, Space Technology Monitoring Specialist. Mr. Bottlaender will focus on monitoring emerging technologies and trends in the space sector, enabling WISeKey to remain at the forefront of innovation.
- Philip Haemelink, Space Project Manager & Software Engineer. Mr. Haemelink brings valuable experience from the space sector and will oversee project coordination between WiseSat and clients while leading software integration efforts.
- Vlad Dancau, Space Software Engineer. Mr. Dancau brings deep expertise in applied cryptography, network security, and telecommunications, empowering WISeKey to advance secure satellite communications.
“We are thrilled to have these talented professionals join our team,” said Carlos Moreira, CEO & Founder at WISeKey. “Their expertise will not only enhance our capabilities but also strengthen our partnership with the Swiss Armed Forces as we work towards innovative solutions in the space industry.”
WISeKey continues to lead the way in secure, advanced satellite technology, and with the addition of this expert team, we are poised to take on new challenges and opportunities in collaboration with our esteemed partners.
About WISeSat.Space
WISeSat.Space AG is pioneering a transformative approach to IoT connectivity and climate change monitoring through its innovative satellite constellation. By providing cost-effective, secure, and global IoT connectivity, WISeSat is enabling a wide range of applications that support environmental monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable practices. The integration of satellite data with advanced climate models holds great promise for enhancing our understanding of climate change and developing effective strategies to combat its impacts. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like WISeSat’s IoT satellite constellation are essential for creating a more resilient and sustainable future.About WISeKey
WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.
Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.
Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.
Press and Investor Contacts
WISeKey International Holding Ltd
Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
Chairman & CEO
Tel: +41 22 594 3000
info@wisekey.com
media@wisekey.comWISeKey Investor Relations (US)
The Equity Group Inc.
Lena Cati
Tel: +1 212 836-9611
lcati@equityny.com -
MIL-OSI Canada: Stable, reliable funding for municipalities
Alberta’s population is growing rapidly, and there are more people relying on their municipality to deliver essential services such as roadwork, snow clearing and transit than ever before. Being able to meet the needs of the province’s rapidly growing population is a top priority for Alberta’s government and this work begins with ensuring municipalities are well-positioned to support their residents.
To strengthen municipalities’ position in accommodating the needs of Alberta’s rapidly growing population, Budget 2025, if passed, increases Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT) by more than $17 million in 2025. This increase in GIPOT will provide municipalities with a stable and reliable source of funding to help them deliver the essential services which their residents depend on.
“We heard clearly from municipalities that they need more stable funding to deliver local services effectively while avoiding property tax increases. Boosting GIPOT shows how our government is doing its part to help our municipal partners fund the municipal services their residents rely on.”
“Municipalities across Alberta will get more funding from the province as part of this change. It means stable and reliable funding to provide services, while their residents pay less in income taxes thanks to Budget 2025.”
As with all provinces in Canada, eligible properties belonging to provincial governments are exempt from municipal taxes. To account for this, municipalities in Alberta are paid a discretionary grant, rather than taxes, that would be applicable to provincial properties within their boundaries. These grants provide municipalities with a stable and reliable source of revenue that they can rely on while developing municipal budgets and allocating funding to municipal services and programs.
“Alberta Municipalities and its 264 member communities are pleased to see this issue has been addressed in Budget 2025. We appreciate that the provincial government heard and responded to our sustained collective call for a return to full GIPOT funding as quickly as possible.”
Through Budget 2025, funding for GIPOT is increasing from $38 million to more than $55 million, covering 75 per cent of the municipal property tax value of eligible provincial properties in 2025. In 2026, GIPOT will increase again to cover 100 per cent of the amount that would be paid if the properties were taxable, raising the total amount of funding for municipalities to be projected at over $75 million.
“The GIPOT funding increase announced in Budget 2025 is a step in the right direction for mid-sized cities across the province. As we collectively look to find ways to strengthen and foster resiliency in our municipalities, this increase helps us continue to make critical investments that support residents in growing communities.”
“The Rural Municipalities of Alberta appreciates the Government of Alberta’s increase in Grants in Place of Taxes in Budget 2025 and a commitment to fully restore funding in 2026-2027. It’s essential that the province works in partnership with all municipalities to ensure that they have the resources to deliver the essential services their residents and business communities rely on.”
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Quick facts
- GIPOT is paid to 167 municipalities across the province in urban and rural areas for provincially-owned properties such as the Alberta Legislature building, remand centres, court houses and other provincial administration buildings.
- GIPOT total funding amount:
- 2025: $55.3 million
- 2026: $75.3 million (projected)
- 2027: $79.3 million (projected)
Related information
- For more information on GIPOT, visit www.alberta.ca/grants-in-place-of-taxes-program
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MIL-OSI Security: Second Defendant Admits to Role in Bank Fraud Conspiracy Targeting Banks in Ten States
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PROVIDENCE – A second individual has admitted to a federal judge that he participated in a conspiracy to defraud banks in Rhode Island and at least nine other states of more than $140,000, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Jaymark Larios, 23, of Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty today to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
According to information presented to the court, Larios and other members of the conspiracy recruited and organized individuals and obtained their photographs and personal identifying information (PII). The information was used by conspirators to create fraudulent IDs that contained their own photographs and the PII of some of the recruits.
As part of the scheme, Larios and others obtained the PII of at least 28 victim individuals, including their names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, and bank account information. They also obtained information of at least 20 business entities, including business names and banking information. The information collected was used to create fraudulent IDs and checks. Members of the conspiracy then traveled with their recruits to banks in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, and elsewhere to cash fraudulent checks created by members of the conspiracy.
Through the scheme, conspirators attempted to defraud banks of a total of approximately $143,000, successfully defrauding twenty-two banks of a total of approximately $93,200.
On February 27, 2025, Paul Keenan, 54, of Bronx, NY, admitted to his role in the conspiracy, pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2025.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christine Lowell.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the East Providence Police Department, with the assistance of the Portsmouth Police Department.
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MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell-Led Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
03.06.25
Cantwell-Led Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate
Bill would authorize USCG “Whale Desk” for additional 2 years to help ships steer clear of Puget Sound Orcas and other whales; Legislation would establish first-ever tribal advisor to increase collaboration with WA state tribes on native issues and conservation efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United States Senate unanimously passed the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025 that would reauthorize $30.45 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. The bill was introduced last month by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Ahead of the bill’s passage, Sen. Cantwell delivered a speech on the Senate floor:
“The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 provides the tools that our Coast Guard needs now to protect our shores, keep our maritime [industry] moving,” said Sen. Cantwell. “It includes [investments] in Base Seattle, the home port to our nation’s current icebreakers, the future of our heavy icebreaker fleet […] The bill also reauthorizes the Puget Sound Whale Desk for another two years, [which] helps ship steer clear of our cherished orca and whale populations, and it also increases collaboration between Washington tribes and the Coast Guard. And the bill invests in critical safety programs.”
“Moving forward, we have more to do to support the Coast Guard. They needed our help with their assets, and they need access to shipyards,” she said.
Among many important provisions, the legislation includes historic protections for service members from sexual assault and harassment, boosts workforce development programs and availability of affordable housing, increases funding to help the U.S. Coast Guard deliver on critical priorities such as icebreakers and 52-foot heavy-weather lifeboats, raises penalties for abandoned and derelict vessels, and encourages more collaboration with tribes.
The legislation authorizes $14.93 billion for FY25 and $15.51 billion for FY26. The full bill text of the bipartisan U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is available HERE.
Sen. Cantwell secured language for programs critical to Washington state in the legislation. Among those provisions, her bipartisan legislation:
Expands Affordable Housing Opportunities: Allows the Coast Guard to acquire housing that is available both on the market and in new housing construction programs. This is particularly important in coastal areas — like Cape Disappointment, Grays Harbor, and Port Angeles — where Coast Guard families face a difficult time accessing affordable, quality housing due to competition with seasonal rentals and other challenges associated with remote units. This bill also expands the Coast Guard’s ability to enter into long-term leases for medical facilities, child development centers, and training facilities to expand access to services for Coast Guard families while reducing administrative overhead expenses and allowing for additional improvements to these facilities.
Increases Federal Funding to Deliver on Icebreakers and Heavy Weather Lifeboats: The legislation increases authorized funding by 30% compared to 2024 appropriated funding levels, which will help the Coast Guard deliver on critical priorities such as polar icebreakers, 52-foot heavy-weather lifeboats, and other priority acquisition programs.
Seattle will be home for the Coast Guard’s fleet of 3 polar icebreakers.
Sen. Cantwell recently toured U.S. Coast Guard Station Disappointment, where the future fleet of heavy-weather lifeboats will be homeported to support search and rescue missions, which is critical to safety of people working in the fishing and maritime sector in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties. In 2023, Sen. Cantwell secured a downpayment of $12 million to replace the heavy-weather boats in the 2023 Appropriations Act.
Creates the First-Ever Tribal Advisor: Creates a new senior position within the Coast Guard to advise the Commandant and other Coast Guard leaders on how the Coast Guard can work more closely with tribes. The new Special Advisor would also be charged with ensuring the Coast Guard upholds trust responsibilities to tribal governments, improving tribal engagement and consultation activities, and ensuring that tribes have a voice on Coast Guard programs that impact tribes including oil spill preparedness and response, fisheries oversight, and the protection of natural resources.
Boosts Local Tribal Partnerships to Improve Conservation: Provides the Coast Guard with new authorities to support habitat conservation and other resilience projects with state, local, and tribal governments. This important new authority would ensure tribes and other organizations can partner with the Coast Guard to protect treaty fishing rights and maintain access to cultural and natural resources.
Reauthorizes the Whale Desk: Extends the Whale Desk at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound by two years, through FY2028. Authored by Senator Cantwell in the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2022, the “Whale Desk” at Sector Puget Sound gives vessel operators and mariners near real-time data about the location of whales to reduce encounters that disturb whales, including noise pollution and ship strikes. The pilot program also includes a “hotline” where callers can report whale sightings in real time. The data collected will be valuable for researchers who track whale migration patterns.
According to the Coast Guard, 75 whale sightings have been reported to the Sector Puget Sound Whale Desk since its opening in December 2023.
Sen. Cantwell helped celebrate the launch of the Whale Desk in February 2024. Photos and videos are available HERE and HERE.
Supports the Commercial Fishing and Maritime Industries: Continues to authorize the use of a satellite tracking system to mark fishing gear locations, which ensures gear is not lost and avoids potential damage by derelict gear. It also supports fishing vessels engaging in temporary towing operations as part of salmon hatchery development in Alaska. The bill also creates new training and credentialing opportunities for qualified mariners, veterans, and the general public seeking to become mariners. It also expedites processing times for merchant mariner licensing documents to help close this critical workforce gap.
Maps Arctic Maritime Routes: The Bering Sea is expected to see increased fishing, commercial, and other vessel traffic over the coming decades. As a key international trade and maritime route, this bill requires an analysis of projected traffic in the Bering Strait, and the emergency response capabilities and infrastructure needed to support this increased vessel traffic and prevent oil spills in the Bering Sea and the Arctic.
Boosts International Pacific Cooperation: Requires the Coast Guard to develop a plan to increase international training opportunities in the Pacific, including with the Taiwan Coast Guard. This coordination will strengthen American relations, combat illegal fishing, and boost international security in the Pacific.
Cracks Down on Abandoned Vessels: Improves oversight of derelict and abandoned vessels by requiring the Coast Guard to develop and maintain an inventory list of these vessels to improve tracking, management, and coordination between federal, state, tribal, and other relevant entities. It authorizes a new federal penalty of $500 a day for abandoning vessels.
Abandoned and derelict vessels pose unique and costly threats to coastal communities and ecosystems by leaking pollutants and imperiling marine traffic. According to the WA Department of Natural Resources, DNR removed 319 derelict and abandoned boats from Washington state waterways between 2021 and 2023.
Protects Personnel from Illicit Drug/Fentanyl Exposure: As the Coast Guard carries out important drug interdiction missions to stop the flow of illegal drugs, this bill requires all installations to maintain a supply of naloxone or similar medication to treat opioid or fentanyl overdoses or exposure by Coast Guard members and the public in search and rescue or response calls.
Requires Stronger Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Prevention and Response: The bill would establish or update numerous Coast Guard and Academy authorities and programs to improve reporting, oversight, prevention, and accountability related to sexual misconduct. These provisions were drafted in response to Operation Fouled Anchor, which revealed gross mishandling of sexual assault and sexual harassment cases of U.S. Coast Guard personnel.
A full breakdown of these protections is available HERE.
Supports Coast Guard Families Stationed in Washington:
Creates the First Vice Admiral of Personnel: To support the more than 40,000 active service members, the bill establishes a new Vice Admiral leadership position solely focused on supporting the needs of personnel and their families, from housing to health care, investments in childcare, and improving recruitment and training programs.
Jump Starts Hiring of Health and Family Service Providers Across Entire Service: Provides direct hiring authority to swiftly fill more than a hundred vacancies, including behavioral and mental health professionals, medical specialists, childcare service providers, housing supervisors, criminal investigators, and other positions to protect the health and wellbeing of Coast Guard members and their families. It also adds two new telemedicine rooms at the Coast Guard Academy.
Improves College-to-Service Career Pathways: Updates the College Student Pre-Commissioning Program to allow more colleges and universities to participate and to increase recruitment of students interested in commissioning into a Coast Guard career.
Prepares Tsunami Evacuation Plans: Requires the development of tsunami evacuation and preparedness plans for Coast Guard units in tsunami zones, including across the West Coast and Pacific Northwest. It also requires the Coast Guard to consider vertical evacuation as a lifesaving option for Coast Guard members.
Bolsters National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Supports NOAA Corps Officers: To support the hundreds of NOAA’s commissioned officers, the bill makes improvements to personnel management, education assistance programs, pilot recruitment programs, and more. NOAA Corps members help manage maritime research, support disaster response, and monitor weather forecasting including hurricanes and atmospheric rivers, as well as performing other cutting-edge weather forecast and research needs.
Modernizes NOAA Vessel Fleet: Authorizes replacement and modernization of the NOAA research vessel fleet and improves oversight of the fleet, which helps maintain our nation’s weather and scientific buoy network, conducts fisheries research, maps the ocean floor including in the Arctic, and supports other important oceanographic and conservation priorities.
Removes Aging NOAA Vessels: Allows NOAA to use the proceeds of obsolete vessel sales to support the acquisition or repair of other NOAA vessels to help make the fleet more resilient in the future.
Video of Sen. Cantwell’s speech on the Senate floor today is HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE. -
MIL-OSI United Nations: FAO, IFAD and WFP Join Forces to Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025
Source: World Food Programme
Rome – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP) together marked International Women’s Day 2025 at an event today, reiterating their strong commitment to the empowerment of women and girls, particularly in the context of the fight against hunger.The three UN Rome-based agencies met under this year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” to underscore the importance of ensuring meaningful change and support that allows every person around the world to thrive.
International Women’s Day is a global day to commemorate and uphold women’s achievements and raise awareness about the challenges they face. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide.
Since 1995, the world has seen progress for women and girls, notably the establishment of legal reforms that protect women from violence and discrimination, an increase in women’s representation in political and decision-making positions, strides towards women’s financial inclusion, and improved access to education and health facilities.
However, the global prevalence of food insecurity remains consistently higher among women than among men and the world is not on track to reach any of the global nutrition targets by 2030.
The Rome-based agencies come together annually for the International Women’s Day event to demonstrate their joint commitment to promoting equality and women’s empowerment which is crucial when it comes to tackling poverty and food insecurity, and building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that benefit everyone.
“Women play a critical role in agrifood systems, yet they face persistent barriers to accessing resources, technology and opportunities. At FAO, we strongly believe that closing these gaps is not just a matter of fairness, but an economic imperative,” said FAO Assistant Director-General and Chief Scientist ad interim, Beth Crawford.
“Women’s economic empowerment is crucial for a broad array of development goals and for ensuring their own resilience, the resilience of their communities, and more sustainable food systems,” said Gérardine Mukeshimana, IFAD’s Vice-President. “Investing in women is not just the right thing to do; it is an essential element for improving food security, reducing poverty, and achieving prosperity in rural communities.”
“Women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict and disasters,” said Valerie Guarnieri, WFP Assistant Executive Director. “WFP works to ensure they have access to nutritious food and to build their resilience to withstand future shocks. When we invest in women and girls, we nurture families and communities. We can win the battle against hunger and malnutrition by supporting women to take the lead.”
Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, FAO, IFAD and WFP reaffirm their commitment to empowering women and girls worldwide with the objective of building a more resilient, and sustainable future for all.
FAO leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. FAO provides policy and technical assistance to developing countries and countries in transition to modernize and improve agriculture, forestry, and fisheries practices.
IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to enhance their livelihoods and strengthen their communities. By expanding market access, building resilience and fostering inclusive rural economies, IFAD aims to transform agriculture and food systems, enabling rural populations to overcome poverty and achieve sustainable development.
WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
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MIL-OSI USA: ICE Los Angeles, multiple agency case results in 2 Cuban nationals sentenced for fraudulent dispute scheme
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
LOS ANGELES – Two local area men were sentenced Feb. 24, in the Central District of California for their involvement in a fraudulent dispute scheme. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force conducted this investigation collaboratively with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
“This conviction highlights our agency efforts to safeguard our economy as well as take dangerous criminals off the street,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Los Angeles Al Rossi. “The El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force will work tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators who prey on innocent victims and decide to undermine our financial infrastructure are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions.”
Alejandro Munoz and Abel Pena-Garcia, who are identical twins, were involved in a fraudulent dispute scheme that targeted third party payment platforms, like PayPal and Square.
Additionally, the two were suspected of defrauding the United States Treasury Department. Munoz was sentenced to 75 months confinement for Aggravated Identity Theft, with three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $477,396.74 in restitution. Pena-Garcia was sentenced to 41 months confinement for Attempt and Conspiracy, with three years of supervised release.
Anyone with information on financial fraud are encouraged to call the Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to protect the U.S. economy in your community on X at @HSILosAngeles.
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MIL-OSI: Ezipay Coin Presale Goes Live, Starting the Next Phase in Making Digital Payments More Accessible
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ezipay Coin, a unique digital currency built on innovative blockchain technology, has officially launched its presale, offering early investors the opportunity to be part of the future of digital payments. EziPay Coin is part of the greater EziPay ecosystem, that aims to redefine the way of handling payments, rewards, and investments. With strategic partnerships and a vision to create a more connected financial ecosystem, Ezipay Coin is poised to transform the way transactions are conducted across the globe.
Speaking to the media, Sumit Sharma, CTO of EziPay Coin, said, “As a safe, flexible, and easy-to-use cryptocurrency, EziPay Coin aims to transform digital payments. EziPay Coin wants to make cryptocurrency acceptance more universal, being used in normal life while facilitating borderless, quick, safe transactions.”
Borderless Transactions
EziPay Coin makes digital currencies useful for everyone by focusing on openness, sustainability, and accessibility. By eliminating excessive costs and sluggish processing times while remaining connected with conventional cross-border payments, EziPay Coin presents a quick, safe, and reasonably priced option for trade and global remittancesSome of the key features of EziPay Coin include:
- Non-Custodial Wallet: Full control over digital assets.
- Integrated Ecosystem: Works seamlessly within the EziPay app.
- Low Transaction Costs: Ideal for microtransactions and global remittances.
- Future Blockchain Development: A scalable and feature-rich blockchain is in progress.
- User-Centric Design: Intuitive and easy to use.
- Practical Utility: Designed for everyday transactions.
- Dedicated Blockchain: Ensures security and scalability.
- Seamless Integration: Works effortlessly within the EziPay app.
- Transparent and Secure: Built on blockchain technology.
- Expanding Ecosystem: Future integrations in healthcare, fintech, and agritech.
About EziPay Ecosystem
EziPay Coin is a part of the greater EziPay Ecosystem, which ensures that cryptocurrency has a real-world utility. It aims to make digital payments accessible, borderless, quick, and safe for everyone.Some of the features of the EziPay Ecosystem include:
- Reward & Loyalty Programs: Use EziPay Coin across platforms like EziPay Global Digital Bank, EziPay Ghana, EziPay Francophone, and EziPay Sierra Leone to earn rewards and access financial services.
- Gaming Platform: Redeem EziPay Coin for free top-ups and bonuses on Ezivote, India’s fastest-growing political-based gaming app.
- Digital Learning: Get certified on Iripash using EziPay Coin.
- App Development: Use EziPay Coin to develop applications and projects in the crypto space.
By providing an all-in-one solution for payments, rewards, and investments, the EziPay Ecosystem with EziPay Coin is positioned to make digital currencies accessible to everyone.
To take part in the presale of EzPay Coin, visit: https://www.ezipaycoin.com/
About Ezipay Coin
Ezipay Coin is a next-generation cryptocurrency designed to provide secure, efficient, and borderless digital transactions. Backed by leading industry partners, it aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain-powered solutions.Join the conversation on:
X: https://x.com/EzipayCoin
Telegram: https://t.me/ezipaycoinMedia Contact
Company Name: EziPay Coin
Contact Person: Amit Gaur
Email: info@ezipaycoin.com
Website: https://www.ezipaycoin.com/Disclaimer: This press release is provided by EziPay Coin. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d74790f1-f33a-4217-9868-0f60dff3505a
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MIL-OSI: ASM International N.V. publishes Annual Report 2024
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Almere, The Netherlands
March 6, 2025, 5.45 p.m. CETASM International N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) today publishes its Annual Report 2024
ASM’s Annual Report 2024 is available in ESEF reporting package and as a PDF file on the company’s website www.asm.com.
ASM publishes the Annual Report in accordance with European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) reporting requirements with the format of the report being Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (xHTML). In line with the ESEF requirements, the primary consolidated financial statements have been labelled with XBRL tags.
ASM will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 12, 2025. The AGM agenda with all related documents will be available in due time.About ASM International
ASM International N.V., headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries design and manufacture equipment and process solutions to produce semiconductor devices for wafer processing, and have facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. ASM International’s common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol ASM). For more information, visit ASM’s website at www.asm.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: All matters discussed in this press release, except for any historical data, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, economic conditions and trends in the semiconductor industry generally and the timing of the industry cycles specifically, currency fluctuations, corporate transactions, financing and liquidity matters, the success of restructurings, the timing of significant orders, market acceptance of new products, competitive factors, litigation involving intellectual property, shareholders or other issues, commercial and economic disruption due to natural disasters, terrorist activity, armed conflict or political instability, changes in import/export regulations, epidemics and other risks indicated in the Company’s reports and financial statements. The Company assumes no obligation nor intends to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future developments or circumstances.
This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.Contact Investor and media relations
Victor Bareño
T: +31 88 100 8500
E: investor.relations@asm.comInvestor relations
Valentina Fantigrossi
T: +31 88 100 8502
E: investor.relations@asm.com -
MIL-OSI: Gevo to Delay Issuance of Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Release and Investor Conference Call
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) (“Gevo”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”), a leading developer of cost effective, renewable hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, today announced that it will delay the issuance of its fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings release and investor conference call previously scheduled for March 6, 2025.
The delay in the earnings release is required to allow additional time to finalize certain accounting treatments related to our purchase of the assets of Red Trail Energy, LLC, and the capitalization of certain other project expenses. The Company will issue a separate press release when a rescheduled date and time has been determined.
About Gevo
Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including synthetic aviation fuel (“SAF”), motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.
For more information, see www.gevo.com.
Media Contact
Heather Manuel
VP of Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
PR@gevo.comInvestor Contact
Eric Frey, PhD
Vice President of Corporate Development
IR@Gevo.com -
MIL-OSI Africa: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and Mutual Trust Bank Sign Murabaha Agreement to Boost Trade Finance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the Private Sector in Bangladesh
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
DHAKA, Bangladesh, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ —
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and Mutual Trust Bank PLC (MTB) signed a Master Murabaha Agreement to strengthen trade finance support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the private sector in Bangladesh.
The agreement will enable ITFC to provide trade financing facilities against Letters of Credit (LCs) issued by Mutual Trust Bank, enhancing the bank’s capacity to support cross-border trade and contribute to the growth of SMEs. This collaboration underscores both institutions’ commitment to fostering economic development and private sector growth in Bangladesh.
The signing ceremony was held at Dhaka and attended by senior executives from both organizations. Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of Mutual Trust Bank, and Mr. Nazeem Noordali, Officer-in-Charge, CEO of ITFC, led the signing on behalf of their respective institutions.
Mr. Nazeem Noordali emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “We are proud to partner with Mutual Trust Bank to provide trade financing facilities that will support SME growth and the import of essential commodities in Bangladesh. Private sector development is a cornerstone of the country’s economic progress, and enabling SMEs to access trade finance is central to ITFC’s strategy. This initiative will also help SMEs integrate into global value chains, fostering sustainable economic growth.”
Mr. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director and CEO of Mutual Trust Bank, expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement, saying, “The partnership with ITFC under this trade finance facility agreement is significant, especially given the current economic challenges faced by Bangladesh. This collaboration will enhance MTB’s reputation among correspondent banks globally, highlighting its resilience, commitment to best practices, and dedication to sustainable growth. Furthermore, it will provide our SME customers with greater access to financing and help facilitate the import of essential raw materials and soft commodities”.
The Master Murabaha Agreement reflects the shared vision of ITFC and Mutual Trust Bank to drive economic growth by supporting SMEs and the private sector. By facilitating access to trade finance, the partnership aims to empower businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the sustainable development of Bangladesh.
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MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for rape of 12-year-old following Metropolitan Police investigation
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A man has been jailed for 16 years for grooming and raping a child – after investigators from the Metropolitan Police Service tracked him down using only phone data and CCTV footage.
Richard Bosworth, 40 (13.07.1983), from Coalville in Leicestershire, was sentenced on Tuesday, 4 March, at Kingston Crown Court. He previously pleaded guilty on Wednesday, 23 October, 2024 to two counts of rape as well as seven other sexual offences, including sexual assault on a child under 13, engaging in sexual communication with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, meeting a child following sexual grooming, and assault by digital penetration.
Detective Inspector Kieran Curry, who led the investigation, said:
“I commend the young survivor in this case for her courage. She found the strength to confide in officers, and her account of this appalling assault proved crucial in securing Bosworth’s conviction. Her and her family’s cooperation has put this dangerous predator behind bars.
“Bosworth travelled from Leicestershire to abuse his victim in Twickenham. He is a devious offender, who ensured he left very little evidence for police to pursue.
“It is a testament to our investigative teams that they succeeded in identifying Bosworth, combing over large amounts of CCTV evidence and phone data in order to apprehend him and secure a conviction.”
On Monday, 23 September, 2024, police were contacted by the victim’s mother. She said her 12-year-old daughter had spoken to friends at school about being abused by a man who had reached out to her on the BeFriend social media platform, presenting himself as a young teenager.
Investigators spoke to the girl, who said the man picked her up in his car in the early hours of Thursday, 19 September, 2024. He used a fake profile when communicating with the victim, grooming her for a month prior to the meeting. He left little evidence of his true identity.
Officers in the case reached out to the Met’s Operation Atlas team, which specialises in digital manhunts. Having obtained the number associated with the fake BeFriend profile, investigators were able to trace the movement of a phone through London to the victim’s home, as it citied off various telecom masts. They then paired this with CCTV footage from the areas in question.
Through these enquiries, investigators were able to single out a car. This was found to belong to Bosworth. On Tuesday, 1 October, officers arrested him at his home in Coalville. On the same day, he was charged with 10 counts of rape, all relating to the same incident on Thursday, 19 September.
As well as serving 16 years in prison, Bosworth will be made to register for life as a sex offender.
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MIL-OSI Global: Europe-Nato ‘coalition of the willing’ scrambles for collective response to hostility from Trump and threat from Putin
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham
Six days after the infamous shouting match between the US president and Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president is scrambling to try and repair what looked initially like a near-total breakdown in the relationship between the US and Ukraine.
Zelensky, urged by European leaders, including the British prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and the Nato secretary general, Mark Rutte, has tried to mend his ties with Trump. The US president acknowledged as much in his first post-inauguration speech to congress on March 5, saying that he appreciated Zelensky’s readiness to work for peace under US leadership.
But that happened just 24 hours after he decided to halt all military aid to Ukraine. And since then, the new director of the CIA, John Ratcliffe, and national security adviser, Mike Waltz, have confirmed that intelligence sharing with Kyiv, which was critical to Ukraine’s ability to hit strategic targets inside Russia, has also been suspended.
Neither of these two moves will have an immediate game-changing effect on the war, but they certainly increase pressure on Ukraine to accept whatever deal Trump will ultimately make with Putin.
So far, so bad for Zelensky. Yet Trump’s manoeuvring does not only affect Ukraine. It has also had a profound impact on the relationship between the US and Europe. On Sunday March 2, in the aftermath of the White House debacle, Starmer convened an emergency meeting in London with a select number of European leaders, as well as the Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau.
This “coalition of the willing”“ has been in the making for some time now. Its members straddle the boundaries of the EU and Nato, including – apart from the UK – non-EU members Norway and Turkey. Since the relatively disappointing first-ever EU meeting solely focused on defence on February 3 – which was more notable for the absence of a European vision for the continent’s role and place in the Trumpian world order – Europe has embarked on a course of more than just rhetorical change.
The UK was first out of the blocks. Ahead of Starmer’s visit to Washington, the UK government announced on February 25 an increase of defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. This was then followed on March 2 with a pledge of additional air defence missiles for Ukraine worth £1.6 billion.
Europe responds
In a crucial boost to defence spending at the EU level, the president of the European commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the “Rearm Europe” plan on March 4. It is projected to mobilise around €800 billion (£670 million) for European defence.
This includes a “national escape clause” for EU members, exempting national defence expenditures from the EU’s deficit rules. It also offers a new loan instrument worth up to €150 billion, allows for the use of already allocated funds in the EU budget for defence projects, and proposes partnerships with the private sector through the Savings and Investment Union and the European Investment Bank.
Perhaps most significantly, in Germany, the two main parties likely to form the next coalition government announced a major shift in the country’s fiscal policy on March 5, which will allow any defence spending above 1% of GDP to be financed outside the country’s strict borrowing rules.
This marks an important point of departure for Germany. Apart from what it means in fiscal terms, it also sends an important political signal that Germany – the continent’s largest economy – will use its financial and political muscle to strengthen the emerging coalition of the willing.
Read more:
Europe will need thousands more tanks and troops to mount a credible military defence without the US
Donald Trump reads a letter from Volodymyr Zelensky during his speech to Congress, March 4. These are all important steps. Taken together, and provided that the current momentum is maintained, they are likely to accelerate Europe’s awakening to a world in which US security guarantees as no longer absolute.
The challenges that Europe faces on the way to becoming strategically independent from the US are enormous. But they are not insurmountable.
The conventional military threat posed by an aggressive and revanchist Russia is more easily manageable with the planned boost to conventional forces and air and cyber defences. Close cooperation with Ukraine will also add critical war-fighting experience which can boost the deterrent effect.
Europe for now, however, remains vulnerable in terms of its nuclear capabilities, especially if deprived of the US nuclear umbrella and faced with Russia’s regular threats to use its nuclear arsenal – the world’s largest nuclear power by warhead stockpiles.
But here, too, new strategic thinking is emerging. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has indicated his willingness to discuss a more integrated European nuclear capability. And in Germany, a country with an otherwise very complex relationship with nuclear weapons, such a European approach has been debated, increasingly positively, for some time, starting during Trump’s first term in office between 2017 and 2021.
Read more:
French nuclear deterrence for Europe: how effective could it be against Russia?
Tectonic shift
A stronger, and strategically more independent Europe, even if it will take time to emerge, is also crucial for the war in Ukraine. Increased European defence spending, including aid for Ukraine, will help Kyiv in the short term to make up for at least some of the gaps left by the suspension – and possible complete cessation – of US military support.
In the long term, however, EU accession would possibly open up the route to a security guarantee for Ukraine under article 47.2 of the Lisbon treaty on European Union.
This so-called mutual defence clause has been derided in the past for lacking any meaningful European defence capabilities. But if the current European momentum towards beefing up the continent’s defences is sustained, it would acquire more teeth than it currently has.
With the benefit of hindsight, Zelensky may have walked away less empty handed from his clash with Trump last week than it seemed initially. If nothing else, Europeans have since then demonstrated not just in words but also in deeds that they are no longer in denial about just how dangerous Trump is and how much they are now on their own.
Threatened by both Moscow and Washington, Europe is now on the cusp of a second zeitenwende, the “epochal tectonic shift” that the then German chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. They may finally even have found an answer to the question he posed at the time: “How can we, as Europeans and as the European Union, remain independent actors in an increasingly multi-polar world?”
Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.
Tetyana Malyarenko does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Europe-Nato ‘coalition of the willing’ scrambles for collective response to hostility from Trump and threat from Putin – https://theconversation.com/europe-nato-coalition-of-the-willing-scrambles-for-collective-response-to-hostility-from-trump-and-threat-from-putin-251332
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MIL-OSI: Unlock More Profits with BexBack: 100% Deposit Bonus, 100x Leverage, and $50 New User Reward
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now offers a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and up to 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading—all with No KYC requirements—providing excellent opportunities for investors.
What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?
Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:
Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.
One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.
With BexBack’s deposit bonus
BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.
Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.
How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.About BexBack?
BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and 50 other major cryptocurrencies for futures contracts.. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.
Why recommend BexBack?
No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.
100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.
High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.
Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.
Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.
Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.
Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.
Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.
Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!
If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.
Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!
Website: www.bexback.com
Contact: business@bexback.com
Contact:
Amanda
business@bexback.comDisclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/00ac4535-e3ca-4334-bdce-ac33f4a1e348
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5ce6730-6fb5-4dde-a009-9efae0b63c57
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ca93fb1-0583-4cdf-9cc3-8efc74fbcf01
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8280afdb-96a3-4c40-af77-85f38a38b58f
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MIL-OSI Security: Rhode Island Businesswoman Sentenced for Failing to Pay Over Employee Payroll Taxes to the IRS
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island businesswoman who collected but failed to pay over to the government eight years’ worth of employee federal withholding taxes and properly report her own personal income to the IRS has been sentenced to two years of probation, the first six months to be served in home detention, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Gail M. Hynson, 59, president of Hynson Electrical Services, Inc., pleaded guilty in October 2024 to ten counts of failure to account for and pay over payroll taxes and three counts of filing a false tax return. In addition to a term of probation and home detention, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., ordered Hynson to perform 100 hours of community service.
Court documents detail that from 2016 through 2024, Hynson, who also acted as the company bookkeeper, withheld employment taxes from its employees’ paychecks, to include federal income taxes, Medicare, and Social Security taxes, but failed to provide the funds to the IRS.
Much of the money deducted from her employees’ paychecks was transferred to her own personal bank accounts and used to pay for personal expenses, including her mortgage, car payments, and her daughter’s student loans.
In addition, court records provide that Gail Hynson and her husband submitted false personal tax returns to the IRS, failing to reflect their actual income, to include the employees’ withholdings she transferred to her personal bank accounts and used for personal expenses.
Between 2016 and 2024, Hyson failed to remit a total of approximately $1.22 million dollars to the IRS.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ly T. Chin and Milind M. Shah.
The matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
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MIL-OSI Canada: Affordable child care, a stronger economy
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister
Every child deserves the best start in life. But for young families, the costs of child care can add up to a second rent or mortgage payment. As a result, parents – especially moms – often face impossible choices between their careers and child care fees.
As a government, we introduced the first-of-its-kind, universal $10-a-day child care program, so that families can save thousands of dollars every year and access affordable child care. Because of our Early Learning and Child Care program, 900,000 children across Canada are getting affordable, high-quality child care, and families are saving up to $16,200 per child, per year.
We’ve made significant progress, but there is always more to do.
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, alongside the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, announced that the federal government has reached early learning and child care extension agreements with 11 out of 13 provinces and territories, ensuring families get all the supports they need so they can join the workforce or continue their career while raising their kids.
With these extensions, provinces and territories will receive $36.8 billion to move forward on progress to create new child care spaces, reduce waitlists, and hire more early childhood educators across the country. Affordable child care is good for kids and parents, and it’s good for the economy as well. With this increased and continued investment in early learning and child care, more parents – especially women – can enter the workforce and advance their careers. That means more good-paying jobs, more opportunities for early childhood educators, more economic growth across our communities, and a stronger, fairer Canada for everyone. It is estimated that for every dollar invested in child care, the economy gets $2.80 in return – a testament to the fact that affordable child care is good for families, and good for our country.
Along with extending these agreements, we are also increasing the funding that they provide by 3 per cent per year for four years, starting in 2027-28, to help make sure that federal funding keeps up with the cost of child care operations.
This means more families can continue to access child care, find savings, and get ahead. This investment will also help us reach the goal of creating 250,000 child care spaces across the country by March 2026.
This funding will support 35,000 affordable spaces across nearly 1,000 Indigenous early learning and child care sites, including more than 10 new centres in Métis communities, with additional centres planned in the next two years. It will also help improve child care access for military families on bases across Canada, so our Canadian Armed Forces members get quality care throughout their moves and deployments.
Confident countries invest in themselves and in their future. By extending child care agreements and expanding our investments, we are making life better and easier for Canadians. Alongside investing in affordable child care, we are also building more homes, creating more jobs, and standing up for Canadian interests.
Quotes
“Affordable child care is good for kids and parents, and it’s good for the economy as well. Today’s announcement will make sure more families get access to affordable, high-quality child care with lower costs and more savings, and help kids get the best start in life. Confident countries invest in themselves and in their future.”
“We didn’t come this far just to come this far. We must keep building on our progress and make $10-a-day child care a reality for every parent who wants a spot for their kid. That’s what these extension agreements are all about. Affordable child care gives parents, especially moms, options. Options to go back to work, build their careers, and save money, while ensuring their kids get the best possible start in life.”
Quick Facts
- The extensions announced today include the final year (2026-27) of the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund, which supports infrastructure projects in underserved communities to help increase inclusion in the Canada-wide early learning and child care system.
- To sustain the progress made from the existing early learning and child care agreements, including infrastructure funding, support for early childhood educators, and access to affordable child care, the federal government is investing an additional $36.8 billion over five years, starting in 2026-27. This includes a 3 per cent funding increase every year for four years, starting in 2027‑28. With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada is providing:
- $16.77 billion to Ontario
- $9.83 billion to Quebec
- $5.38 billion to British Columbia
- $1.9 billion to Manitoba
- $1.05 billion to Nova Scotia
- $876 million to New Brunswick
- $503 million to Newfoundland and Labrador
- $199 million to Prince Edward Island
- $109 million to Nunavut
- $80 million to the Northwest Territories
- $74 million to the Yukon
- This funding will help ensure continued access to $10-a-day on average child care beyond the current agreements, which were set to expire on March 31, 2026.
- The Government of Canada is committed to ongoing collaboration with Indigenous partners and official language minority communities, and expects provincial and territorial governments to do the same while developing action plans in support of these extensions.
- Eight provinces and territories are currently delivering regulated early learning and child care for an average of $10-a-day or less, while the remaining jurisdictions have reduced fees by 50 per cent or more compared to 2019 levels.
- As part of Budget 2021, the Government of Canada made a transformative investment of more than $27 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with provinces and territories. Combined with other investments, including in Indigenous early learning and child care, up to $30 billion over five years (2021-22 to 2025-26) is provided in support of early learning and child care.
- Investments will help create more spaces in rural and remote regions, high-cost and low-income urban neighbourhoods, and communities facing barriers to access. This includes supporting racialized groups, Indigenous Peoples, official language minority communities, newcomers, and families with parents, caregivers, or children with disabilities.
- These investments build on the significant progress we have already made to help kids reach their full potential and level the playing field for parents, including by:
- Giving families more money through the Canada Child Benefit, to help with the costs of raising their kids and make a real difference in the lives of children in Canada. The Canada Child Benefit, which can provide up to $7,437 per child per year, is indexed annually to keep up with the cost of living.
- Improving access to dental health care for children under 18 through the Canadian Dental Care Plan, because no one should have to choose between taking care of their kids’ teeth and putting food on the table.
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MIL-OSI Security: Pair Sentenced to More Than 27 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
FORT SMITH – A Van Buren, Arkansas woman and a Los Angeles, California man have been sentenced to more than 324 months, combined, in prison for crimes related to drug trafficking. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearings for the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court documents, in July of 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with investigators with the Fort Smith Police Department, initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in the Fort Smith division responsible for distributing methamphetamine. During their investigations, investigators identified Whitney Laxton-Claybaugh, age 34, as a member of this local group. She was subsequently charged with various drug and money laundering offenses connected to drug trafficking.
Laxton-Claybaughwas sentenced to 214 months in prison for Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments after she wired thousands of dollars in methamphetamine trafficking proceeds in an attempt to conceal the location, the source, the ownership, or the control of the funds derived from methamphetamine trafficking.
Laxton-Claybaugh’s co-defendant, Alciviades Alvarado-Juarez, age 21, was subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Alvardo-Juarez was indicted by a Grand Jury after a search warrant by the Federal Bureau of Investigations of a Fort Smith hotel showed Alvardo-Juarez to be in possession of over five hundred grams of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Fort Smith Resident Office, and the Fort Smith Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Allison prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov