NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Former Senior Costa Rican Official Has Been Charged, Arrested, and is Pending Extradition to the United States on International Drug Trafficking Charges

    Source: US FBI

    The former senior Costa Rican official has been charged, arrested, and is pending extradition to the United States on international drug trafficking charges

    A former Costa Rican government official and judge has been charged with federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Celso Manuel Gamboa Sanchez, 49, was named in a federal indictment returned by a grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with manufacturing and distributing cocaine knowing it would be unlawfully imported into the United States and conspiracy.

    The indictment alleges that Gamboa Sanchez conspired with and assisted other international drug traffickers to manufacture, distribute, and transport significant quantities of cocaine, much of which was trafficked through Costa Rica and ultimately into the United States for further distribution. Gamboa Sanchez has held several governmental positions in Costa Rica, including Minister of Public Security in 2014, a position charged with overseeing crime prevention in the country, and judge from 2016 to 2018.  

    On June 23, 2025, Gamboa Sanchez was arrested in Costa Rica, pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant issued because of similar international drug trafficking charges alleged against Gamboa Sanchez in 2024 in the Eastern District of Texas. Also on June 23, 2025, Costa Rican officials arrested another alleged Costa Rican international narcotics trafficker, Edwin Danny Lopez Vega, who was an associate of Gamboa Sanchez, and indicted in the Eastern District of Texas.

    Both remain jailed in Costa Rica and are awaiting extradition to the United States. 

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

    If convicted, Gamboa Sanchez and Lopez Vega face a minimum of ten years and a maximum of life in federal prison.

    This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the North Texas Strike Force.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wes Wynne and Christopher Eason.

    A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Federal Prison in Human Smuggling Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    TYLER, Texas –A Mexican national has been sentenced for illegally smuggling aliens through the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Octavio Hernandez-Hernandez, 50, a Mexican national illegally living in Austin, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on July 10, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, in 2022 and 2023, Hernandez-Hernandez conspired with others to transport illegal aliens from the Texas border to other locations throughout the United States. Hernandez-Hernandez provided instructions and directions to those who were transporting the illegal aliens, including some from Smith County.  Hernandez-Hernandez admitted to conspiring to smuggle at least 100 illegal aliens, including unaccompanied minors.                                                 

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

    This case was investigated by the FBI; Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Texas Department of Public Safety-Criminal Investigation Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Whole-of-Government, Whole-of-Society Approach Critical to Addressing Gender Equality, Executive Director Tells High-level Political Forum

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Nearly a decade since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 dedicated to achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls “remains the most off-track”, speakers told a United Nations high-level political forum today, calling for reinforced measures to accelerate progress against a tide of backsliding rights and opportunities.

    The first of two daily panels addressed “SDG 5 and interlinkages with other SDGs — Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”, with Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), warning that at the current pace, true gender equality in economic life, leadership and safety will remain generations away.  “That is unacceptable,” she stressed.

    With the growing erosion of rights, she called for a “push forward against the pushback” with investment in women and youth-led organizations and tackling misogyny head-on, be it online or off. Further, societies must invest in robust gender data systems that track real impact, ensure follow-up and address intersecting inequalities.  “What gets measured, gets done,” she stated.

    Offering concrete proposals, she urged stakeholders to work with Governments to advance nationally-owned development priorities.  A whole-of-Government, whole-of-society approach is needed, as gender equality cannot be the remit of one ministry or one actor.  Investment in care systems is critical, as unpaid care limits women’s full participation in economic and public life.  Further, the UN80 initiative — a unique opportunity to make the UN more effective, efficient and impactful for women and girls — can help propel gender equality forward, ensuring enhanced regional and cross-regional coordination and increasing efficiency.

    “A girl born today would see gender equality achieved in her ninety-seventh year” warned Albert Motivans, Head of Data and Insights at Equal Measures 2030 — a coalition of civil society organizations.  The backslide is being driven by numerous factors including a resource crunch, with less international financing, domestic austerity measures and declining household incomes.  He further highlighted a “democracy crunch”, as gender equality is closely linked with democracy, while its foundations worldwide are at risk due to rising economic inequality, social and political polarization, and the closing of civic space. Additionally, the “safety and security crunch” of rising conflict and militarization impacts women and girls in their choices and their personal safety.

    He called for elevating women’s and girls’ leadership, power and voices — noting the progress in parliamentary participation at 27 per cent.  Further, it is important to reform and adopt equality laws and policies to engage Governments and the wider public, and close gender-sensitive data gaps, with increased investment in public services and social infrastructure, including care.

    Further, “there is unequal access to education for women all over the world”, said Zara Khanna, Youth Ambassador for She Loves Tech, citing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered learning programmes as a “key tool to aid us in bridging the divide”.  They can approach students on an individual level, offering personalized feedback, which is especially important for those who face cultural and other barriers to gaining an education.  She spotlighted Khan Academy — a free AI-powered personalized tutor that offers a range of subjects, from English to math, or Rori, which was piloted in Ghana and is available on all mobile devices, as it operates via WhatsApp.  This is especially important, given that mobile penetration is extremely high; while 129 million girls lack access to education, 4.9 billion people worldwide have access to smartphones.

    Outlining solutions, she underscored the need to accelerate connectivity by distributing more Internet hotspots.  One single hotspot can power a village, and hundreds of girls can gain access to the wealth of knowledge available online. Additionally, more devices, such as smartphones and tablets, shall be distributed, so girls can access this knowledge.  She underscored that Governments must invest in creating culture and language-specific AI-powered programmes to cater to the job markets that these girls will be entering. Through early science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) intervention, mentorship programmes and more gender-neutral language, “we can all move together to reach SDG 5 by 2030” and “a more gender-neutral future”.

    Echoing those comments, Ms. Bahous cited the launch of the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, focused on six critical areas:  digital inclusion, freedom from poverty, zero violence, leadership, peace and security, and climate justice.  Cutting across these areas is engagement with young women and youth.  “These are not distant goals,” she stated.  “They are urgent demands from women and girls around the world”.

    Mr. Motivans also emphasized the importance of reinforcing the use of national and global gender data like those in the Equal Measures SDG Gender Index.  “But it’s not just to measure, it’s not just to count”, he said, noting the importance of evaluating not only the status of women and girls, but their impact on societies.  Data can identify blocks to progress and gaps in various Goals, unpaid care and reproductive rights.

    Recalling progress in countries implementing anti-discrimination laws, he noted that “Governments do that well” — but the next step requires ensuring that “equal opportunities for women and men” are met, as this is where countries may fall short.  He called for mobilizing a society-wide range of partners, developing value propositions to engage those working on the ground with expert knowledge of the issues faced by women and girls.

    […]

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Demand Trump Administration Release Nearly $7 Billion for K-12 Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) joined Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) in a letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon demanding answers over the Trump administration’s decision to withhold nearly $7 billion in federal funding for K-12 public schools, including more than $60 million for schools in Nevada. The Senators urged the Department to restore the funding and provide clarity for schools and educators.

    “These funds, which represent longstanding investments in K–12 education, support a wide range of priorities such as teacher recruitment, after-school programs, English learner instruction, school-based mental health services, and academic enrichment,” the Senators wrote. “Withholding funds for these important programs will disrupt essential services and undermine the support structures that students, families, and educators rely on every day.”

    On July 1, schools across the country reported they were unable to access their federal funding after the Department of Education abruptly froze nearly $7 billion in grants, even though the funds were appropriated by Congress and already factored into school budgets. The lack of clarity has left schools scrambling just weeks before the new school year begins, forcing districts to delay staffing decisions, scale back programs, and reconsider essential student support services. 

    In Nevada, affected programs include after-school programs, English-learner services, professional development, and migrant education. At least fourteen percent of Nevada students are English-Language Learners.

    “Federal education programs play a crucial role in advancing equity and expanding opportunity, especially for students from low-income and historically underserved communities,” the Senators continued. “With learning gaps widening and student needs growing more complex, limiting access to these resources risks deepening disparities and undermining progress across the education system.”

    “Congress has a constitutional responsibility to appropriate federal education funds, and it is essential that those funds are administered transparently and in accordance with federal law. We urge the Department to work with school districts to provide clarity, minimize disruption, and ensure that critical educational services remain accessible to the students who need them most,” the Senators concluded. 

    Read the full letter here.

    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have pushed multiple Departments under the Trump Administration for detailed, public information regarding the impacts of President Trump’s federal funding freeze, hiring freeze, and terminations on Nevada – including to the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, General Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, and Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. The Senators have also pushed back against cuts that hurt students and families in need across Nevada, including to Sierra Nevada Job Corps, mental health grant funding, and food and nutrition programs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Woman Charged With Leaking Grand Jury Information

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Dracut, Mass. woman has been charged with allegedly disclosing information presented to a federal grand jury to unauthorized individuals.

    Jessica M. Leslie, 34, was charged on Friday, July 11, 2025 with one count of criminal contempt. The defendant has agreed to plead guilty and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court.

    According to the charging document, on various dates between Aug. 11, 2022 and March 4, 2024, the defendant disclosed sealed information to unauthorized individuals, including the names of various witnesses appearing before a federal grand jury, the substance of witness testimony and other evidence presented to the grand jury, in violation of the Federal Rules and court order.

    The charge of criminal contempt provides for a sentence of any term of years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Chief of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly w/c July 7

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLICATION

    Thursday 10 July

    Affordable Housing Monitor

    Housing Committee

    The annual Affordable Housing Monitor tracks the Mayor’s progress against his affordable home delivery targets.

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Monday 7 July

    Internal Audit Reports

    Audit Panel – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm

    The Audit Panel will examine internal and external audit reports, as well as the Greater London Authority (GLA) Corporate Risk Register, the Draft Annual Governance Statement and expenses and taxable benefits. The guests are:

    • Mark Woodley – Group Audit Lead, MOPAC
    • Dianne Tranmer – Executive Director Corporate Resources & Business Improvement, GLA
    • Fay Hammond – Chief Finance Officer, GLA
    • Vicky Ridley-Pearson – Director of Digital, Digital Experience Unit, GLA
    • Stephen Reid – Partner & Head of UK Government and Public Sector Audit, EY
    • Jacob McHugh – Senior Manager, EY
    • David Esling – Head of Audit Assurance – Risk Management, MOPAC

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    Tuesday 8 July

    Fare evasion

    Transport Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Transport Committee will ask what Transport for London (TfL) is doing to tackle fare evasion and learn more about the impact it has on staff.  The guests are:

    Panel 1 -10am – 11.30am

    • Jared Wood – London Transport Regional Organiser, RMT
    • Michael Roberts – Chief Executive, London TravelWatch

    Panel 2 – 11.30am – 1pm

    • Siwan Hayward OBE – Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, TfL
    • Jonathan Gronow – Analysis Manager, TfL

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]

    Wednesday 9 July

    London’s place in the Government’s Devolution Reforms

    GLA Oversight Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    This third meeting of the GLA Oversight Committee investigation on devolution will aim to identify priority areas for London in any new devolution settlement and assess the opportunities available to London through the English Devolution White Paper and the proposed devolution framework in the English Devolution Bill.  The guests are:

    • Councillor Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils
    • Professor Tony Travers, Professor in Practice and Associate Dean of the LSE School of Public Policy
    • Richard Watts, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor of London

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    Thursday 10 July

    Affordable Housing Monitor

    Housing Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Housing Committee will meet with representatives from London boroughs, housing associations, and a supported housing provider to discuss the Mayor’s Affordable Homes Programme.

    These discussions will follow the release of the Affordable Housing Monitor and aim to gather feedback on the existing programme and insights into what investment partners hope to see in the next one. The guests are:

    Panel 1 – 10.00am-11.15am

    • Tom Oliver – Development Programme Director, Peabody
    • Tracey Cullen – Chief Executive & Board Member, Croydon Churches Housing Association
    • Barbara Richardson – Managing Director at Square Roots
    • Heather Thomas – Chief Executive at Sapphire Independent Housing

    Panel 2 – 11.25am-12.40pm

    • Alice Lester MBE – Director of Regeneration, Growth and Employment at the London Borough of Brent
    • Osama Shoush – Housing Strategic Lead, Southwark Council

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]
     

    Friday 11 July

    Mayor’s Question Time

    All Assembly meeting – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Mayor of London will face questions from London Assembly Members, in Mayor’s Question Time (MQT). Topics will include:

    • Manifesto Pledges
    • Counterterrorism Approach
    • Contaminated land in London
    • Disability Equality Champion

    The guest is:

    • Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: Indra Group to step up research and development of defence and space technologies with €385 million in EIB financing

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • Credit marks EIB’s largest financing operation in Spain to strengthen EU security and defence capabilities.
    • Financing to enable Indra to build a technological research and development centre, Indra Technology Hub, and push ahead in radar, electronic defence and other technologies.
    • Agreement supports technological innovation in Europe and is part of the EIB Group’s efforts to strengthen European security and defence capabilities, one of its cross-cutting priorities. It also contributes to the TechEU initiative.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €385 million financing agreement with Spanish technology company Indra Group to boost research, development and innovation of cutting-edge technologies for the defence and space sector. This is the largest EIB’s financing agreement in Spain to date to strengthen the European Union security and defence capabilities.

    The loan is aimed at spurring cutting-edge technologies in areas such as radar, electronic defence, electro-optics, command and control communications and advanced digitalisation. The EIB support will enable Indra to build an integrated technology centre in Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid region. The planned Indra Technology Hub will be equipped with laboratories and advanced manufacturing technologies to serve the defence and space sector.

    The financing agreement was signed today at the EIB headquarters in Luxembourg. EIB President Nadia Calviño and Vice-President Robert de Groot attended the event along with Indra Chaiman Angel Escribano.

    “Today we are signing a strategic agreement with Indra to boost research and development of cutting-edge technologies. In the current geopolitical context, it is more important than ever to strengthen Europe’s security capabilities, with a pan-European approach and strategic projects. Investing in innovation and technology is investing in security, and the EIB’s support is key to enabling companies to develop projects that contribute to the security of all Europeans,” said Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB Group.

    “This agreement is about turning new ideas into real capabilities across Europe’s defence and space ecosystem,” said EIB Vice-President de Groot. “Space in particular has a critical role in Europe’s security and defence. By backing Indra’s innovation and supporting the creation of its Technology Hub, we are helping Europe stay ahead of the curve in technology, in resilience and in its ability to act with greater autonomy in a fast-changing world.”

    The project will boost the competitiveness of European industry and strengthen the resilience of the EU aerospace, security and defence supply chain. It supports the EIB’s  goal of strengthening European security and defence capabilities as well as the priorities included in its Strategic Roadmap to strengthen the European security and defence industry and accelerate digitalisation and technological innovation. It also contributes to the EIB’s TechEU initiative.

    “The EIB’s financing will boost our industrial and technological development supporting our ’Leading the Future’ strategic plan and our vision of becoming a key player in Europe’s security, defence and aerospace sectors,” said Indra Chairman Ángel Escribano. “The support of this public funding will enable Indra to accelerate the deployment of our industrial and innovation capabilities as well as strengthen our leadership in the security and defence field amidst the new European sovereignty environment.”

    EIB Group support for European security and defence

    Since 2024, the EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), has significantly stepped up its support for European security and defence. This line of activities is now a permanent cross-cutting public policy goal for the Group and one of its eight strategic priorities for 2024-2027.

    The Group has updated its lending policy, broadening the eligibility criteria and the range of security and defence projects it can finance. It has also set up a Security and Defence Office to ensure a rapid and effective response to project proposals.

    The EIB Group aims to allocate 3.5% – or about €3.5 billion  – of its total planned financing for 2025 to security and defence projects.

    As a result of ongoing fruitful dialogue with industry, financial intermediaries, defence ministries and key institutions such as the European Commission, the European Defence Agency and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Group currently has a solid pipeline of 80 projects contributing to Europe’s security and defence capabilities.

    For more information on EIB support for the European security and defence sector, click here.

    Background information

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Agreement, as pledged in its Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. In France, the EIB Group signed €12.6 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the green and digital transition of both countries, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for residents.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    Indra Group

    Indra Group (www.indracompany.com) is a holding company that promotes technological progress, which includes Indra, a leading global defence, air traffic and space company; and Minsait, a leader in digital transformation and information technologies in Spain and Latin America. Indra Group drives a safer, more secure and connected future through innovative solutions, trusted relationships and the best talent. Sustainability is part of its strategy and culture, in order to respond to present and future social and environmental challenges. At year-end 2024, Indra Group had revenues of 4,843 million euros, local presence in 49 countries and commercial operations in more than 140 countries.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN urges de-escalation, protection of civilians as conflict roils Syria

    Source: United Nations 2

    On Sunday, violence erupted between Sunni Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze militias in Sweida, two days after a Druze merchant was abducted on the highway to Damascus.

    The casualty figures are unclear according to local reports, but the death toll is at least 30, and hundreds have been injured.  

    As violent unrest continued Monday, interim government security forces were deployed to restore order, which reportedly led to clashes with local armed militia.

    On the same day, Israeli forces struck tanks under the control of Syrian forces in defence of the Druze, whom it considers a loyal minority at home and in the occupied Golan area, according to news reports.

    Shortly after forces of the caretaker government in Damascus arrived in Sweida on Tuesday, Syria’s defence chief announced a ceasefire.

    Tensions have historically been high between minority groups in the city since Islamist rebels toppled former president Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December and a new caretaker government was installed which is gaining increasing international recognition.

    Guterres expresses concern

    Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, addressed the situation in Syria on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres at Tuesday’s briefing in New York.

    “The Secretary-General is deeply concerned over the continued violence we have seen in the Druze-majority area in Sweida governorate,” Mr. Dujarric said, adding that he is particularly alarmed by reports of arbitrary violence against civilians.

    Mr. Guterres condemned “all violence against civilians, especially acts that risk enflaming sectarian tensions,” and urged de-escalation, protection of civilians and a transparent investigation into those responsible for the killings and injuries.

    Israel urged to end violations within Syria

    “The Secretary-General is also concerned by Israel’s airstrikes on Syria’s territory and calls on Israel to refrain from violations of Syria’s independence, its sovereignty and its territorial integrity,” Mr. Dujarric stressed.  

    Mr. Guterres urged support for “a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria in line with the key principles of Security Council Resolution 2254.” 

    Mr. Dujarric also relayed reports from UN humanitarian partners in Sweida, noting that medical services are overstretched and that markets and essential services – including water, electricity and education – have been disrupted.

    While UN aid operations have been suspended in impacted areas due to blocked roads, the UN is mobilising to respond when conditions allow. 

    Investigators raise alarm

    Also on Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Council mandated Syria Commission of Inquiry released a statement expressing concern over the situation in Sweida and stressing the urgent need for de-escalation and the protection of human rights.

    The statement cited reports from local residents of killings, abductions, property burnings, looting and a rise in hate speech both online and in person.

    In addition to highlighting concern over sectarian violence and Israeli airstrikes, the Commission emphasized the interim government’s responsibility to uphold human rights and ensure safe passage and humanitarian aid access.

    The independent human rights investigators said they had begun an investigation into alleged human rights abuses related to the killings in Sweida in recent days.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom advances government effectiveness and efficiency with new executive order, launches task force with tech industry leaders

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 15, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom is advancing California’s efficiency strategy by connecting state agencies with tech executives to identify new opportunities for efficiency, engagement, and effectiveness throughout the state government to improve services for Californians. 

    SACRAMENTO – Continuing his strategy to make California government more efficient, engaged, and effective, Governor Gavin Newsom today is announcing a new initiative — the California Breakthrough Project — which brings together innovators and leaders from the Golden State’s top tech companies to help guide this work.

    The group will work closely with leaders and front-line employees from state agencies to identify opportunities to further streamline and improve government operations, building on the Governor’s announcement earlier this year. In addition to this effort, the Governor signed an executive order today directing every state agency to implement efficiency measures and create new initiatives to help direct and engage the entire state workforce in these efforts.

    “The Golden State continues to lead in efficiency, strategically implementing technologies and practices that make Californians’ lives better. As the birthplace of modern tech, our state is uniquely positioned to bring the best and the brightest together to advance our work. We will not shy away from progress, but embrace it for the benefit of all Californians, including our state workforce.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Artificial intelligence is already changing the world, and California will play a pivotal role in defining that future. Home to Silicon Valley and the birthplace of the tech industry, California continues to dominate as the leader in AI. The state is home to 32 of the 50 top AI companies worldwide.

    California Breakthrough Project 

    Utilizing the best and the brightest of California’s tech industry, Governor Newsom today announced that he convened tech executives and innovators to kick off the California Breakthrough Project, a group that will help advise and advance government efficiency and collaboration. The group, which first met on June 6 at the Ripple headquarters, includes leaders from companies including AME Cloud Ventures, Anduril, Coinbase, Instacart, Moonpay, Scopely, Snap Inc., Asheesh Birla (Investor), Ron Conway (Founder, SV Angel), Chris Larsen (Executive Chair, Ripple), Jeff Lawson (Co-founder and former CEO, Twilio), Jen Pahlka (author of Recording America), and Jason Wheeler (former CFO of Tesla), and will:

    • Foster collaboration between state decision-makers and experts from tech, business, and innovation sectors.
    • Bring innovation and new ideas to identify and address systemic inefficiencies in government processes, services, and technology.
    • Generate new California challenge-based efforts to catalyze modern solutions within public services.
    • Maintain public transparency, labor and civil society consultation, and ethical safeguards throughout the innovation process.

    This project continues the Governor’s work to include the voices of experts in public policy and the management of AI. In May 2024, Governor Newsom co-hosted a GenAI summit with leaders across academia, industry, civil society, and government to discuss how the state can best use this transformative technology on behalf of Californians.

    Meeting at Ripple headquarters on June 6. (Photo credit: Governor’s Office)

    Leading in government efficiency 

    Governor Newsom has made efficiency a top priority since the start of his Administration. In 2019, the Governor established the Office of Data Innovation, a group of technology experts dedicated to supporting other state agencies, departments, and employees to utilize data, technology, and principles of human-centered design common in the private sector to improve the delivery of services to Californians. 

    Prioritizing efficiency and innovation — with appropriate safeguards protecting privacy, safety, and civil liberties — Governor Newsom has:

    • Overhauled and modernized the Department of Motor Vehicles to reduce wait times, expand online services, and improve customer service.
    • Implemented new cutting-edge technologies to fight wildfires, including cameras across the state and data modeling to predict where wildfires might occur, deployment of drones, and improved incident reporting.
    • Issued an executive order directing state agencies to implement GenAI into state government operations and help support the work of front-line employees.
    • Expedited the procurement process through an innovative Request for Innovative Ideas (RFI2), which allows state agencies to quickly test technology through safe and secure environments. Through this expedited process, California has already announced three important contracts, using GenAI to reduce highway congestion, improve traffic safety, and enhance customer service.
       

    Efficiency for the benefit of Californians

    Today, the Governor is issuing a new executive order to help further integrate efficiency, engagement, and effectiveness into state operations — working with the state workforce to create new tools to improve government work.  The order will help achieve Governor Newsom’s vision of transforming state government, by ending slow and complicated bureaucratic processes and moving to an efficient, collaborative, and more productive model that effectively delivers real outcomes and value for all Californians

    The order directs the state agencies to further modernize processes around hiring, procurement, contracts, and strive for faster and better public-facing service deliveries to Californians. To increase engagement with the state workforce, the Governor is announcing that the state will begin providing California’s innovative deliberative democracy platform, Engaged California, to help the state workforce generate new ideas to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement across state agencies. Last, the order creates a new Innovative Fellows Program comprising state staff with a mission of collaborating to address unique statewide challenges through innovative ideas. 

    Leading in engagement

    Governor Newsom has implemented new technologies through the Office of Data and Innovation, including the groundbreaking Engaged California project. This first-in-the-nation digital democracy platform is currently being used as part of a pilot project to listen to those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. The pilot is entering its final recruitment phase this week after getting early ideas and feedback from Angelenos about what is most important during the rebuilding process

    Leading in innovation

    In August 2024, the state partnered with NVIDIA to launch a first-of-its-kind AI collaboration. The initiative, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and NVIDIA founder & CEO Jensen Huang, aims to train students, educators and workers; support job creation and promote innovation; and use AI to solve challenges that can improve the lives of Californians

    Staying ahead of threats 

    Last year, Governor Newsom also signed a series of bills to crack down on sexually explicit deepfakes and require AI watermarking, protect performers’ digital likenesses, and combat deepfake election content. 

    Recent news

    Jul 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed a tribal-state gaming compact with the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria.A copy of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria compact can be found…

    Jul 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:AB 78 by Assemblymember Phillip Chen (R-Yorba Linda) – Attorney’s fees: book accounts.AB 223 by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) – Jury selection: acknowledgment and…

    Jul 14, 2025

    News What you need to know: Clean energy reliably powered California to levels never seen before – 67% in 2023 – as renewable energy and clean resources continue to advance the state’s world-leading energy transition while fueling the nation’s largest clean energy…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: OmegaPro Founder and Promoter Charged for Running Global $650 Million Foreign Exchange and Crypto Investment Scam

    Source: US FBI

    An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Puerto Rico charging two men for their alleged roles in operating and promoting OmegaPro, an international investment scheme that defrauded victim investors of over $650 million.

    According to court documents, Michael Shannon Sims, 48, of Georgia and Florida, was a founder, strategic consultant, and promoter of OmegaPro, and Juan Carlos Reynoso, 57, of New Jersey and Florida, led OmegaPro’s operations in Latin America and parts of the United States, including Puerto Rico.

    “As alleged, the defendants preyed upon vulnerable individuals in the U.S. and abroad, defrauding them of over $650 million by making false promises of substantial returns and that their money was safe,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is committed to prosecuting these bad actors and pursuing justice for their many victims. Thanks to the dedicated work of our multiagency and international law enforcement partners, we are leading efforts to combat these complex and insidious digital asset investor scams.” 

    “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants operated a global fraud scheme through OmegaPro that deceived investors with false promises of extraordinary returns, only to misappropriate hundreds of millions of victim funds,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “We remain committed to dismantling international financial schemes that target U.S. victims — including here in Puerto Rico — and to recovering illicit proceeds through criminal prosecution and asset forfeiture.”

    “The FBI will not stand by while the American public is defrauded,” said Assistant Director Joe Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Through coordination with our partners, these individuals will have to defend their actions in a court of law.”

    “This case exposes the ruthless reality of modern financial crime,” said Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “OmegaPro promised financial freedom but delivered financial ruin – stealing over $650 million from everyday people and vanishing it into virtual currency. These weren’t just scams; they were precision-engineered betrayals. Our job is to stand up for those who’ve been exploited and continue our cross-agency collaboration until those responsible are brought to justice.”

    “This case highlights the critical role international partnerships play in dismantling transnational financial fraud schemes that exploit global markets and victimize unsuspecting investors,” said International Operations Assistant Director Ricardo Mayoral of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI remains committed to working with our partners worldwide to disrupt criminal networks that weaponize emerging technologies to conceal illicit profits and defraud the public.”

    Sims and co-conspirators established OmegaPro in or about January 2019, and Reynoso joined a few months later, in or about April 2019. As alleged, the defendants and others operated and promoted OmegaPro as a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme for investors to purchase “investment packages,” which the defendants and others falsely promised would generate 300% returns over 16 months through foreign exchange (forex) trading by elite traders. Investors were instructed to purchase these investment packages using virtual currency.

    According to court documents, Sims allegedly misled victims by vouching for OmegaPro’s trading performance and the skills of the hired traders and by falsely advertising the safety of investment in OmegaPro. Reynoso allegedly falsely and misleadingly represented that OmegaPro was operating pursuant to a legitimate license and, at other times, that OmegaPro was not subject to any country’s legal rules. The indictment alleges that Sims and Reynoso, together with co-conspirators, hosted lavish OmegaPro promotional events and trainings all over the world including, for example, projecting the OmegaPro logo onto the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, at an event in Dubai. The objective of these promotional events allegedly was to convince existing and prospective investors that OmegaPro was a legitimate enterprise that offered a path to wealth and a luxurious lifestyle.

    Further, Sims, Reynoso, and their co-conspirators used social media to display their expensive vacations and cars, as well as their designer clothes and watches. The indictment alleges that through the defendants’ and others’ misrepresentations, OmegaPro raised over $650 million in virtual currency from thousands of investors. After OmegaPro announced that it had suffered a network hack, Reynoso and others told victims in or about January 2023 that their investments were secure and that OmegaPro was transferring their investments to another platform called Broker Group. Despite these representations, victims were unable to withdraw money from either their OmegaPro accounts or their accounts at Broker Group, resulting in millions in victim losses.

    The more than $650 million in funds raised from victims allegedly was first sent to virtual currency wallet addresses controlled by OmegaPro executives and then allegedly transferred to OmegaPro insiders and high-ranking promoters to disperse the funds and obscure their origins. As alleged, Sims and Reynoso both profited millions from this scheme.

    Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, Sims and Reynoso each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.

    The FBI, IRS-CI, and HSI New York are investigating the case, with assistance from FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit, HSI Bangkok, HSI Bogota, HSI Frankfurt, HSI Istanbul, HSI London, HSI Miami, HSI New Delhi, HSI The Hague, the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia, and the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), an alliance between the Australian Taxation Office, the Canada Revenue Agency, the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs from the U.K., and IRS-CI.

    Trial Attorneys Ariel Glasner and Tamara Livshiz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Gottfried for the District of Puerto Rico and on detail to the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.

    If you believe you were potentially victimized by OmegaPro or have information relevant to this investigation, please visit the FBI’s Victim Witness website at forms.fbi.gov/victims/omegaprovictims or contact OmegaProVictims@fbi.gov.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Puerto Rican Man Sentenced for Role in Trafficking 25 Kilograms of Cocaine on Jet Skis

    Source: US FBI

    St. Thomas, USVI – Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Emanuel Rodriguez Rodriguez, 34, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 7, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 121 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 25 kilograms of cocaine.
     

    According to court documents, on December 11, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) air patrol detected four jet skis traveling from Culebra, PR towards St. Thomas, USVI. AMO air patrol watched the jet skis, each operated by a sole occupant, as they approached the west side of St. Thomas. Air patrol watched as the jet skis made way to the beach at Mermaid’s Chair where they were met by four individuals waiting on the beach. AMO agents saw duffle bags being loaded on to the skis, and the skis quickly leaving towards Culebra, PR. AMO agents also noticed that a red Jeep Wrangler was the only vehicle parked in the parking area above the beach while the skis were being loaded with the duffle bags.
     

    AMO law enforcement vessels pursued the four jet skis towards Culebra, PR. One driver drove his ski on to a Culebra, PR beach and fled on foot. A duffle bag was recovered near the abandoned ski. Inside the duffle bag, officers recovered 26 packages containing cocaine. Three other operators were apprehended.
     

    Meanwhile, DEA, CBP, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents responded to the Botany Bay Preserve community to investigate the red Jeep Wrangler seen by AMO air agents. As the Jeep was approaching the gated exit of the community, agents stopped it. Rodriguez-Rodriguez and five other individuals. were detained. A Glock pistol was seen in plain view inside the rear pocket of the driver’s seat where Vazquez Lopez was seated. Another Glock pistol without a serial number was in the center console.
     

    The investigation was conducted by CBP-AMO, Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Payne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
     

    This effort was 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP attracts much attention, FindMining launches a new cloud mining strategy to earn daily income

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XRP’s rise has benefited from heavy institutional capital inflows, especially closely related to the progress of cryptocurrency ETFs. Peter Brandt and Bitget analysts are bullish and expect XRP to rise to $4.47-$5 this year. Brandt particularly emphasized that XRP’s current form has a rare “compound fulcrum” technical structure, suggesting that a large-scale bull market may have started.

    In this context, more and more investors are starting to think: In addition to holding coins and waiting for them to rise, is there a more efficient way to make XRP start “working” before it rises?

    This is exactly the answer provided by Find Mining – an innovative platform that allows users to directly use XRP to start remote Bitcoin mining machines, and enjoy stable daily BTC passive income while holding XRP. With this model, XRP is no longer just a chip “waiting for appreciation”, but is transformed into an asset that generates cash flow, providing investors in the current volatile market with a more flexible strategy option.

    XRP has natural advantages: fast confirmation, low transfer fees, and strong liquidity. With these characteristics, XRP is very suitable as a start-up asset for mining. Through FindMining’s cloud mining service, users do not need to buy mining machines, do not need technical background, and do not need to check all the time, and can make the XRP in their hands generate stable passive income every day.
    FindMining Platform Core Advantages
    ● XRP direct deposit participation: Users can directly use XRP to purchase cloud computing power without currency exchange or cumbersome operations, which is more efficient and provides a better experience.
    ● Stable daily income, available for withdrawal at any time: Mining income is settled daily and automatically distributed to the account balance. Users can withdraw or reinvest at any time to maximize their income.
    ● High transparency and contract visualization: every investment and output income is transparent and traceable;
    ● Security guarantee: separation of hot and cold wallets to ensure asset security;
    How to quickly start cloud mining with XRP? Just 4 steps:
    1. Register an account
    Visit the FindMining official website and register with one click to get a $15 registration bonus for new users.
    2. Deposit XRP
    Select “Deposit XRP” in your account, and the system will generate an XRP wallet address. Copy the address and transfer it from an exchange or personal wallet. (50XRP is enough to participate, and the target label is the date of each day, for example: 20250715)
    3. Choose a contract plan
    The platform provides a variety of cloud computing power contracts, including short-term stable, long-term compound interest and high-yield types, for you to choose freely.
    ●Trial contract: Investment amount: $100, Contract period: 2 days, Daily income: $4, Expiration income: $100 + $8
    ●BTC stable computing power: investment amount: 500 USD, contract period: 5 days, daily income: 6.5 USD, maturity income: 500 USD + 32.5 USD
    ●BTC Elite Hashrate: Investment amount: $2,600, Contract period: 13 days, Daily income: $50.4, Expiration income: $3,500 + $1,209.6
    ●BTC Advanced Computing Power: Investment amount: $5,300, Contract period: 19 days, Daily income: $81.62, Expiration income: $5,300 + $1,550.78
    ●BTC high-quality computing power: investment amount: $12,800, contract period: 30 days, daily income: $218.88, maturity income: $12,800 + $6,566.4
    (Click here to view more high-yield contract details)
    4. Start earning income
    After the contract is activated, the system will distribute the mining income to you in proportion every day, and you can withdraw it to the XRP wallet address at any time, truly realizing “making money by holding coins” and easily enjoying digital passive income.
    Don’t wait for the price to rise, but create value every day
    Instead of letting XRP “lying” quietly in your wallet, it is better to let it “work” for you every day. FindMining’s XRP cloud mining brings stable daily income to users, which is also the key reason why more and more global cryptocurrency investors choose FindMining.
    FindMining combines the holding value of XRP with passive mining income through an innovative cloud computing mechanism, providing a novel “passive + speculative” hybrid income path. The price technical structure is healthy and volatile, but it is expected to rise under the support of ETFs. FindMining provides investors with a new entry point with great potential.
    In the digital economy era, the value of assets comes not only from price increases, but also from continuous cash flow. FindMining makes your XRP a real “profit tool” through smart cloud mining. Join FindMining now and let digital assets create value for you every day!
    Official website: https://findmining.com/
    Contact Email: info@findmining.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Snail, Inc. Announces Intent to Explore Proprietary USD-Backed Stablecoin

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CULVER CITY, Calif., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or the “Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, announced its intention to explore pursuing a strategic digital asset initiative that includes the evaluation and feasibility for introduction of its own proprietary stablecoin. This initiative would be subject to a range of factors, including but not limited to, regulatory approvals, market conditions, technical feasibility, cybersecurity safeguards, financial controls, and internal governance. The Company believes that exploring stablecoin infrastructure may position it as an early mover within the digital entertainment industry. While no decisions have been made to integrate such technology into the Company’s corporate strategy, it continues to evaluate and explore opportunities as part of its broader innovation roadmap.

    Recognizing the growing potential of crypto-based transactions in the digital entertainment and gaming industry, the Company is currently assessing the feasibility of developing and exploring its stablecoin with multiple external use cases, with no current timeline or commitment.

    To support this initiative, Snail Games has retained Dr. George Cao, an external consultant. Dr. Cao earned his PhD degree in Computer Science from the University of Chicago and is the Founder and the Chief Executive Officer of AscendEX, a full-stack cryptocurrency financial platform that offers simple solutions for investing, trading, and earning to global users. In addition, the Company also retained seasoned legal advisors, including a nationally recognized law firm ranked by Chambers FinTech Legal USA as a leading firm serving cryptocurrency and blockchain clients.

    “This stablecoin exploration is a natural evolution of our innovation-led strategy and will support a broader effort to evaluate how blockchain-based technologies could be aligned with the Company’s long-term goal to be at the forefront of digital transformation in the entertainment space,” said Snail, Inc. co-CEO Hai Shi. “To support this initiative, we’ve engaged a nationally recognized law firm and a seasoned strategic advisor to support and guide the successful exploration of this opportunity. We are evaluating potential future phase hiring needs for professionals with specialized experience in blockchain, stablecoins, and digital asset strategy. While our focus continues to remain on gaming across our ARK franchise, indie titles, and other up-and-coming genres, this investigation into the crypto space and evaluation of the feasibility of launching our own stablecoin would mark a key step in advancing our vision of driving innovation across digital entertainment. We’re excited to share continued updates as we reach meaningful milestones in our evaluation.”

    About Snail, Inc.
    Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. For more information, please visit: https://snail.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and in our public filings with the SEC and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding (i) the evaluation and feasibility for introduction of Snail’s own proprietary stablecoin and any future implementation, which will depend on multiple factors, including regulatory considerations, technical readiness, risk assessments and strategic alignment with Snail’s core business, (ii) Snail as a pioneer among public companies within the digital entertainment industry to integrate stablecoin infrastructure directly into its corporate strategy, (iii) Snail showcasing its ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and innovation across its global portfolio, (iv) Snail’s long-term investment in the next generation of gamers and creators, and (v) Gen Alpha projected to become the most digitally fluent and commercially influential generation to date. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed by the Company with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Forms 10-Q filed with the SEC. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Disclaimer:

    This press release does not constitute an offer, sale or solicitation of an offer to buy any digital asset or security. The Company has not committed to a specific launch timeline or use case deployment. Any future implementation will depend on multiple factors, including regulatory considerations, technical readiness, risk assessments and strategic alignment with Snail’s core business. Snail may determine at any time to abandon its current intent to explore the issuance of A proprietary US dollar-backed stablecoin.

    Investor Contact:
    John Yi and Steven Shinmachi
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860 
    SNAL@gateway-grp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dropout of White Supremacist Gang Sentenced for Drug and Firearms Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A key figure in a Sinaloa Cartel-linked drug and firearms trafficking ring tied to white supremacist gangs was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role in distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and illegal firearms in Albuquerque.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, an 18-month FBI investigation initiated in 2021 targeted a drug trafficking and firearms conspiracy linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and racially motivated violent extremist groups in Albuquerque, New Mexico. James Casady Cangro, 45, a former member of the Soldiers of Aryan Culture prison gang, was previously identified as a key figure in the white supremacist network before dropping out of the gang. The investigation revealed Cangro’s involvement in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl sourced from Arizona, as well as illegal firearms possession and trafficking.

    Cangro selfie displaying tattoos

    In September 2021, a search of Cangro’s residence in southeast Albuquerque by U.S. Probation Officers uncovered a ballistic vest, methamphetamine pipes, anabolic steroids and handcuffs. Cell phone evidence further corroborated his drug and firearms activities. In April 2022, the FBI executed multiple search warrants, seizing over 35,000 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, nine firearms, and other contraband, though Cangro evaded an initial warrant by relocating. Surveillance later tracked him to northeast Albuquerque, where he continued to offer firearms and fentanyl for sale.

    On April 19, 2022, Cangro was arrested in California, where corrections officials discovered 45 fentanyl pills and methamphetamine in his possession during a strip search. A subsequent search of his Albuquerque residence uncovered 11 firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, additional drugs, and a ballistic vest. Cangro was subsequently charged with and pled guilty to two counts of possession of body armor by a violent felon, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, two counts of possession of unregistered firearms, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

    Upon his release from prison, Cangro will be subject to five years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Mysliwiec prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Portfolio Update – PEL 79 License Extension

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI, OTCQX: SEUSF) (“Sintana” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide the following update regarding Petroleum Exploration License 79 (“PEL 79”) which governs blocks 2815 and 2915 located in Namibia’s Orange Basin.

    The joint venture partners of PEL 79 which include the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Pty) Ltd. (“NAMCOR”) and Giraffe Energy Investments (Pty) Ltd. (“Giraffe”), an entity in which Sintana maintains a 49% ownership interest, have been notified by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy for the Republic of Namibia that a 12-month extension to the second renewal exploration period has been granted extending the current license period to July 2026.

    Giraffe is the owner of a 33% interest in PEL 79 and Namcor is the operator with a 67% interest. PEL 79 sits inboard of licenses operated by BW Energy, Rhino Resources and Shell.

    PEL 79 is attractively situated to deliver significant value through an existing prospect inventory underpinned by over 4,760 km of 2D seismic, 1,137 km2 of 3D seismic and 1 well with gas shows intersecting the Kudu source rock.

    Additionally, PEL 79 sits adjacent to an emerging microregional dynamic focused on oil-weighted prospectivity.

    • Rhino Resources, operator of PEL 85 which sits directly outboard to the west of PEL 79, has drilled two wells including the Capricornus-1X discovery well which returned a flow test in excess of 11,000 barrels per day of light oil with limited associated gas from a 38-metre net oil-bearing reservoir. Additional drilling activity is expected to commence in Q3 initially targeting the Volans prospect, with up to two optional wells that could include appraisals.
    • BW Energy has acquired 4,600 square kilometers of new 3D seismic over PEL 3, located directly west of PEL 79, and has moved to initiate an exploration and appraisal campaign including drilling the Kharas well located northwest of Kudu during H2 2025.

    “We appreciate the leadership by our joint venture partner NAMCOR to secure the extension for PEL 79. Extending our exposure during a period of significant offset activity positions us to fully realize the significant geologic, commercial, and strategic value of PEL 79.” said Robert Bose, Chairman of Giraffe and Chief Executive Officer of Sintana. “The potential for high impact progress on PEL 79 adds to the prospect for significant developments across our Namibian offshore portfolio. We expect material progress on all our licenses over the coming quarters.” he added.

    ABOUT SINTANA ENERGY:

    The Company is currently engaged in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development activities on five large, highly prospective, onshore and offshore petroleum exploration licenses in Namibia, and in Colombia’s Magdalena Basin.

    On behalf of Sintana Energy Inc., “A. Robert Bose”
    Chief Executive Officer

    For additional information or to sign-up to receive periodic updates about Sintana’s projects, and corporate activities, please visit the Company’s website at www.sintanaenergy.com

    Corporate Contacts:   Investor Relations Advisor:
    Robert Bose Sean J. Austin Jonathan Paterson
    Chief Executive Officer Vice-President Founder & Managing Partner
    212-201-4125 713-825-9591 Harbor Access
        475-477-9401

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain information in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intensions for the future, and include, but not limited to, statements with respect to potential future farmout agreements on PEL 83 and/or PEL 87, and proposed future exploration and development activities on PEL 83 and/or PEL 90 and neighbouring properties, statements as to the future prospectivity of KON-16, the closing of the proposed transaction with Corcel as presently proposed or at all, the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, as well as the prospective nature of the Company’s property interests. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including, but not limited to risks relating to the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, results of exploration and development activities, the ability to source joint venture partners and fund exploration, permitting and government approvals, and other risks identified in the Company’s public disclosure documents from time to time. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update such information, except as may be required by law.

    NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8eb17490-3cee-45b5-8ff6-7e6c4d831c6b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As house prices drop, will the retirement nest egg still be such a safe bet?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Dale, Research Fellow, the Pensions and Intergenerational Equity (PIE) research hub, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    MonthiraYodtiwong/Getty Images

    Changes to KiwiSaver, global economic uncertainty and predictions house prices could drop by as much as 20% by 2030 all mean retirement is looking very different to how it once did.

    A retirement strategy based on the equity held in a house is no longer as reliable as it has been in the past. Home ownership in Aotearoa New Zealand fell from 75% in 1991 to 60% in 2023 and is projected to fall to 48% in 2048.

    The average age of a first-home buyer has also risen to 36, meaning an increasing number of New Zealanders (13%) are paying off their mortgages after they reach retirement age.

    The number of retirees renting is also on the rise. By 2048, 40% of them will rent, placing pressure on New Zealand’s housing stock.

    KiwiSaver is unlikely to replace the traditional housing nest egg. New Zealanders have, on average, NZ$37,079 in their KiwiSaver accounts, with thousands of people reaching close to retirement age with less than $10,000 saved.

    Investing at the price peak

    The prospect of retirement looks bleakest for those currently aged between 35 and 49 years old. A recent report from credit agency Centrix found this group was struggling the most financially.

    A big part of the problem is that house prices skyrocketed just as they became first-time home buyers. The average asking price for residential property rose by 60.3% over the past decade, from $556,931 at the beginning of 2015 to $892,579 at the end of 2024.

    While incomes have also increased, they have not matched housing prices. In 2000, houses cost about five times the median household income. But by 2025, the median price had risen to 7.5 times the median household income.

    Those who bought their first home around the peak in 2021 are likely to be hit hardest by the forecast drop in house values. According to data insight firm Cotality (formerly Corelogic), nominal prices are expected to pass their 2021 peak by mid-2029. But when adjusted for inflation, prices in mid-2030 would be a fifth below the peak.

    Working into retirement

    Older New Zealanders are also facing significant housing pressures.

    According to a 2022 report from Treasury, over half of superannuitants still paying off mortgages spent more than 80% of their superannuation income on housing costs. Those who are mortgage-free are spending less than 20% of their super on housing.

    Between 2019 and 2024, the percentage of overdue mortgages for the 50+ age groups ranged between 2% and 2.5%, compared to a range of 1% to 1.5% for all mortgages.

    People between the age of 55 and 64 are likely to have purchased their homes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, so are less likely to be hurt by the 2021 peak and subsequent trough.

    Despite this apparent advantage, only 38% of people between 55 and 64 are mortgage free.

    KiwiSaver issues

    The possibility of using accumulated KiwiSaver funds to clear a mortgage is also diminishing. As a result of the 2025 Budget changes to KiwiSaver, employee and employer contributions will rise from April 2026 to 3.5% and from April 2028 to 4%, offsetting the reduced annual government contribution.

    The end of employer contributions matters particularly to the 24% of those aged over 65 years who are still in the workforce. A rule change in 2021 means employers are not required to make contributions or to deduct employee contributions, unless the employee continues to make KiwiSaver contributions.

    But current global crises are affecting KiwiSaver returns. Uncertain and volatile markets, especially for actively managed funds, mean fund managers reallocate money to try to minimise losses. Not all their bets pay off.

    By 2030, Stats NZ projects that approximately 265,000 people aged 65 and over will be in the workforce.

    The Office for Seniors notes that although older workers have challenges finding and staying in paid work, a third of the workforce is aged over 50 and 50% of people aged 60 to 69 are employed.

    Importantly, as the Retirement Commission research found, a third of people over 65 were not working by choice. An increasing number, who neither own their home nor have significant retirement savings, have to continue working past 65 because they need the money to eat and pay the bills.

    As New Zealand’s population ages, and more seniors have to work to pay for the essentials, it’s clear retirement is going to look different. Betting on the value of a house to fund life after 65 is less certain than it used to be. More than ever, New Zealanders need to consider how they will live well in their later years.

    Claire Dale 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. As house prices drop, will the retirement nest egg still be such a safe bet? – https://theconversation.com/as-house-prices-drop-will-the-retirement-nest-egg-still-be-such-a-safe-bet-259380

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As house prices drop, will the retirement nest egg still be such a safe bet?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Dale, Research Fellow, the Pensions and Intergenerational Equity (PIE) research hub, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    MonthiraYodtiwong/Getty Images

    Changes to KiwiSaver, global economic uncertainty and predictions house prices could drop by as much as 20% by 2030 all mean retirement is looking very different to how it once did.

    A retirement strategy based on the equity held in a house is no longer as reliable as it has been in the past. Home ownership in Aotearoa New Zealand fell from 75% in 1991 to 60% in 2023 and is projected to fall to 48% in 2048.

    The average age of a first-home buyer has also risen to 36, meaning an increasing number of New Zealanders (13%) are paying off their mortgages after they reach retirement age.

    The number of retirees renting is also on the rise. By 2048, 40% of them will rent, placing pressure on New Zealand’s housing stock.

    KiwiSaver is unlikely to replace the traditional housing nest egg. New Zealanders have, on average, NZ$37,079 in their KiwiSaver accounts, with thousands of people reaching close to retirement age with less than $10,000 saved.

    Investing at the price peak

    The prospect of retirement looks bleakest for those currently aged between 35 and 49 years old. A recent report from credit agency Centrix found this group was struggling the most financially.

    A big part of the problem is that house prices skyrocketed just as they became first-time home buyers. The average asking price for residential property rose by 60.3% over the past decade, from $556,931 at the beginning of 2015 to $892,579 at the end of 2024.

    While incomes have also increased, they have not matched housing prices. In 2000, houses cost about five times the median household income. But by 2025, the median price had risen to 7.5 times the median household income.

    Those who bought their first home around the peak in 2021 are likely to be hit hardest by the forecast drop in house values. According to data insight firm Cotality (formerly Corelogic), nominal prices are expected to pass their 2021 peak by mid-2029. But when adjusted for inflation, prices in mid-2030 would be a fifth below the peak.

    Working into retirement

    Older New Zealanders are also facing significant housing pressures.

    According to a 2022 report from Treasury, over half of superannuitants still paying off mortgages spent more than 80% of their superannuation income on housing costs. Those who are mortgage-free are spending less than 20% of their super on housing.

    Between 2019 and 2024, the percentage of overdue mortgages for the 50+ age groups ranged between 2% and 2.5%, compared to a range of 1% to 1.5% for all mortgages.

    People between the age of 55 and 64 are likely to have purchased their homes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, so are less likely to be hurt by the 2021 peak and subsequent trough.

    Despite this apparent advantage, only 38% of people between 55 and 64 are mortgage free.

    KiwiSaver issues

    The possibility of using accumulated KiwiSaver funds to clear a mortgage is also diminishing. As a result of the 2025 Budget changes to KiwiSaver, employee and employer contributions will rise from April 2026 to 3.5% and from April 2028 to 4%, offsetting the reduced annual government contribution.

    The end of employer contributions matters particularly to the 24% of those aged over 65 years who are still in the workforce. A rule change in 2021 means employers are not required to make contributions or to deduct employee contributions, unless the employee continues to make KiwiSaver contributions.

    But current global crises are affecting KiwiSaver returns. Uncertain and volatile markets, especially for actively managed funds, mean fund managers reallocate money to try to minimise losses. Not all their bets pay off.

    By 2030, Stats NZ projects that approximately 265,000 people aged 65 and over will be in the workforce.

    The Office for Seniors notes that although older workers have challenges finding and staying in paid work, a third of the workforce is aged over 50 and 50% of people aged 60 to 69 are employed.

    Importantly, as the Retirement Commission research found, a third of people over 65 were not working by choice. An increasing number, who neither own their home nor have significant retirement savings, have to continue working past 65 because they need the money to eat and pay the bills.

    As New Zealand’s population ages, and more seniors have to work to pay for the essentials, it’s clear retirement is going to look different. Betting on the value of a house to fund life after 65 is less certain than it used to be. More than ever, New Zealanders need to consider how they will live well in their later years.

    Claire Dale 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. As house prices drop, will the retirement nest egg still be such a safe bet? – https://theconversation.com/as-house-prices-drop-will-the-retirement-nest-egg-still-be-such-a-safe-bet-259380

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As house prices drop, will the retirement nest egg still be such a safe bet?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Dale, Research Fellow, the Pensions and Intergenerational Equity (PIE) research hub, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    MonthiraYodtiwong/Getty Images

    Changes to KiwiSaver, global economic uncertainty and predictions house prices could drop by as much as 20% by 2030 all mean retirement is looking very different to how it once did.

    A retirement strategy based on the equity held in a house is no longer as reliable as it has been in the past. Home ownership in Aotearoa New Zealand fell from 75% in 1991 to 60% in 2023 and is projected to fall to 48% in 2048.

    The average age of a first-home buyer has also risen to 36, meaning an increasing number of New Zealanders (13%) are paying off their mortgages after they reach retirement age.

    The number of retirees renting is also on the rise. By 2048, 40% of them will rent, placing pressure on New Zealand’s housing stock.

    KiwiSaver is unlikely to replace the traditional housing nest egg. New Zealanders have, on average, NZ$37,079 in their KiwiSaver accounts, with thousands of people reaching close to retirement age with less than $10,000 saved.

    Investing at the price peak

    The prospect of retirement looks bleakest for those currently aged between 35 and 49 years old. A recent report from credit agency Centrix found this group was struggling the most financially.

    A big part of the problem is that house prices skyrocketed just as they became first-time home buyers. The average asking price for residential property rose by 60.3% over the past decade, from $556,931 at the beginning of 2015 to $892,579 at the end of 2024.

    While incomes have also increased, they have not matched housing prices. In 2000, houses cost about five times the median household income. But by 2025, the median price had risen to 7.5 times the median household income.

    Those who bought their first home around the peak in 2021 are likely to be hit hardest by the forecast drop in house values. According to data insight firm Cotality (formerly Corelogic), nominal prices are expected to pass their 2021 peak by mid-2029. But when adjusted for inflation, prices in mid-2030 would be a fifth below the peak.

    Working into retirement

    Older New Zealanders are also facing significant housing pressures.

    According to a 2022 report from Treasury, over half of superannuitants still paying off mortgages spent more than 80% of their superannuation income on housing costs. Those who are mortgage-free are spending less than 20% of their super on housing.

    Between 2019 and 2024, the percentage of overdue mortgages for the 50+ age groups ranged between 2% and 2.5%, compared to a range of 1% to 1.5% for all mortgages.

    People between the age of 55 and 64 are likely to have purchased their homes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, so are less likely to be hurt by the 2021 peak and subsequent trough.

    Despite this apparent advantage, only 38% of people between 55 and 64 are mortgage free.

    KiwiSaver issues

    The possibility of using accumulated KiwiSaver funds to clear a mortgage is also diminishing. As a result of the 2025 Budget changes to KiwiSaver, employee and employer contributions will rise from April 2026 to 3.5% and from April 2028 to 4%, offsetting the reduced annual government contribution.

    The end of employer contributions matters particularly to the 24% of those aged over 65 years who are still in the workforce. A rule change in 2021 means employers are not required to make contributions or to deduct employee contributions, unless the employee continues to make KiwiSaver contributions.

    But current global crises are affecting KiwiSaver returns. Uncertain and volatile markets, especially for actively managed funds, mean fund managers reallocate money to try to minimise losses. Not all their bets pay off.

    By 2030, Stats NZ projects that approximately 265,000 people aged 65 and over will be in the workforce.

    The Office for Seniors notes that although older workers have challenges finding and staying in paid work, a third of the workforce is aged over 50 and 50% of people aged 60 to 69 are employed.

    Importantly, as the Retirement Commission research found, a third of people over 65 were not working by choice. An increasing number, who neither own their home nor have significant retirement savings, have to continue working past 65 because they need the money to eat and pay the bills.

    As New Zealand’s population ages, and more seniors have to work to pay for the essentials, it’s clear retirement is going to look different. Betting on the value of a house to fund life after 65 is less certain than it used to be. More than ever, New Zealanders need to consider how they will live well in their later years.

    Claire Dale 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. As house prices drop, will the retirement nest egg still be such a safe bet? – https://theconversation.com/as-house-prices-drop-will-the-retirement-nest-egg-still-be-such-a-safe-bet-259380

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Costa Rica Resident Sentenced for Orchestrating Multimillion-Dollar International Telemarketing Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    A Costa Rica resident was sentenced today to more than 15 years in prison for carrying out a years-long telemarketing scheme that defrauded victims in the United States from a call center in Costa Rica.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Roger Roger, 41, of Costa Rica, led a fraudulent telemarketing scheme in which co-conspirators, who falsely posed as U.S. government officials, contacted victims in the United States to tell them that they had won a substantial “sweepstakes” prize. After convincing victims, many of whom were elderly, that they stood to receive a significant financial reward, the victims were told that they needed to make a series of up-front payments before collecting their supposed prize. Co-conspirators used a variety of means to conceal their true identities, including Voice Over Internet Protocol technology, which made it appear as though they were calling from Washington, D.C., and other locations in the United States. Roger recruited and taught others how to mislead victims on the phone and convince them to send money from the United States to Costa Rica for non-existent prizes. The evidence at trial showed that Roger and his co-conspirators stole over $4 million from their hundreds of victims.

    In September 2024, Roger was convicted at trial of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit international money laundering, and two counts of international money laundering. At sentencing, Roger was ordered to pay more than $3.3 million in restitution and to forfeit more than $4.2 million.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina; Inspector in Charge Rodney Hopkins of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) Atlanta Division; Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Detroit Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office made the announcement.

    The USPIS, IRS-CI, and FBI investigated the case.  

    Trial Attorneys Andrew Jaco and Amanda Lingwood of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Costa Rica to secure the arrest and February 2023 extradition of Roger.

    If you or someone you know is aged 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pakistani Leader of International Alien Smuggling Organization Extradited from Mexico

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Pakistani man made his initial appearance in court in Tucson, Arizona, today after being extradited from Mexico to face charges relating to his role in leading an international alien smuggling organization.

    In May 2024, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an indictment against Abbas Ali Haider, 48, of Sialkot, Pakistan, for conspiring to smuggle Pakistani nationals into the United States.

    Haider allegedly operated two sham film production companies, Diamond TV World Productions and Multimedia Advertising Ltd., which were fronts for his alien smuggling organization. According to court documents, Haider used those Pakistan-based companies to contract with film companies in Ecuador, Cuba, and Colombia. He then had those companies sponsor visas for Pakistani nationals purporting to work for Haider’s companies under the guise that they were working on a joint filming project in Latin America. Haider provided the Pakistani nationals with phony paperwork indicating that they worked for his companies, which they used at ports of entry in Panama, Brazil, and Colombia. Haider coached the aliens to say they worked in the film industry to deceive and thwart customs and border officials. Haider’s network of smugglers then assisted the Pakistani nationals in traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border, where they illegally crossed into California, Texas, and Arizona. Haider charged the aliens up to $40,000 for the trip.  

    Haider travelled from Pakistan to Mexico in late 2024 and was arrested in Mexico in January 2025 at the request of the U.S. government. Extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities resulted in Haider’s timely extradition.

    Haider is charged with one count of conspiracy to bring illegal aliens to the United States and four counts of bringing in illegal aliens for profit. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona, and Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego, made the announcement.

    HSI Calexico led U.S. investigative efforts, working in concert with HSI’s Brasilia, Quito, Tijuana, and Caribbean attaché offices and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol; the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Miami, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations office in Detroit provided substantial assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Haider. 

    Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Kreamer Hope and Evan Wesley for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    The indictment and extradition are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) Program. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    The ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seventeen Individuals Charged for Smuggling Kilogram Quantities of Cocaine Through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned three separate indictments charging 17 individuals with drug trafficking through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Two defendants are also charged with money laundering.

    First Indictment

    On June 26, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging three individuals with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

    As alleged in the indictment, beginning on a date unknown, but not later than in or about 2023, to the date of the indictment,

    [1] Kristian Yadiel Falcón-López

    [2] Chazz David Carter-Justiniano

    [3] Natalia Díaz-García

    knowingly and intentionally conspired and agreed with each other and with other individuals to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

    Falcón-López and Charter-Justiniano are also charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments which involved the proceeds of their drug trafficking activities.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan R. McCabe and María Cristina Semanaz-Ojeda from the Transnational Organized Crime Section are in charge of the prosecution of the case.

    Second Indictment

    The second indictment charges the following individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport:

    [1] Jonathan Ramírez-Colón, a.k.a. “Momia”

    [2] Ivelisse García-Osorio

    [3] Stephanie L. Suárez-Vélez

    [4] Francheska Muriel-Quintana

    [5] Estephanie Torres-Bosa, a.k.a. “Fany”

    [6] Charitty M. Hernández-Reyes

    The alleged period of the conspiracy is from a date unknown, but no later than in or about 2018, to the date of the indictment. Documents filed in the case also allege that Defendant Ramírez-Colón recruited couriers (commonly known as “mules”) and sent them with cocaine-filled suitcases to be checked in at the airport and transported to the continental United States where the cocaine would be delivered to other persons.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. López-Rivera from the Transnational Organized Crime Section is in charge of the prosecution of the case.

    Third Indictment

    The third indictment unsealed today charges eight individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine through the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Those defendants are:

    [1] Sandy L. Guardiola-Bermúdez, a.k.a. “Guny/Mario”

    [2] Carlos Alberto Cruz-Bonilla, a.k.a. “Huesito”

    [3] Onix Negrón-Guerrido

    [4] Jomar Maldonado-Ríos

    [5] Tanyshkaliz Archilla-Rivera, a.k.a. “Tany”

    [6] Yarauni Nieves-Rivera

    [7] Yairaliz Arzuaga-Díaz

    [8] Patricia Ayala-Otero

    According to the indictment, the conspiracy began on a date unknown, but not later than in or about 2023 and lasted through the date of the indictment. Documents filed in the case allege that the defendants were part of a drug trafficking organization comprised of a network of recruiters, coordinators, and transporters who traveled from Puerto Rico to the continental United States via commercial flights with cocaine for wholesale distribution, all for significant financial gain.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio J. López-Rivera from the Transnational Organized Crime Section is in charge of the prosecution of the case.

    “These drug trafficking organizations were using the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport to smuggle large quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico to several destinations throughout the continental United States. Today, federal agencies dismantled these organizations by arresting leaders, organizers and travelers who made their distribution network possible,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in Puerto Rico and the Continental United States to gather the evidence necessary to bring the leaders and other members of these criminal organizations to justice.”

    “These investigations demonstrate the DEA’s unwavering commitment to protecting our airports and the communities from the impact of drug trafficking. These criminal organizations believed they could operate with impunity out of Puerto Rico, but today, they are facing the swift hand of justice. I am deeply grateful for the tireless work of our agents, analysts, local and federal partners,” said Michael Miranda, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency Caribbean Division.

    If convicted on the drug conspiracy charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Those defendants charged with money laundering face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration is in charge of the investigations with the assistance of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau and their respective Airport Investigations and Tactical Teams (AirTAT). The San Juan Municipal Police, the Carolina Municipal Police and the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury also collaborated during the investigations and arrests.

    AirTAT identifies, locates, disrupts, dismantles, and prosecutes transnational crime organizations using the airports in Puerto Rico to smuggle narcotics, weapons, human cargo, counterfeit documents, illegal proceeds, and other contraband.

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

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Infrastructure: IMI CIB promotes dialogue in London on the UK’s €846 billion plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mauro Micillo, Chief of the IMI CIB Division at Intesa Sanpaolo

    LONDON, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division of Intesa Sanpaolo hosted the conference “Infrastructure and Growth Opportunities for Europe and the UK: Focus on the UK Infrastructure Strategy” in London, bringing together institutions, companies and investors to discuss the growth prospects linked to the United Kingdom’s new ten-year infrastructure plan.

    “Intesa Sanpaolo is playing a catalytic role in supporting investments alongside institutions, corporates, funds and investors to support the key projects of the United Kingdom’s new 10-year infrastructure plan. Financing sustainable infrastructure, while supporting the so-called twin transition (green and digital), will continue to be a strategic pillar of the IMI CIB Division’s strategy.”

    Mauro Micillo, Chief of the IMI CIB Division at Intesa Sanpaolo

    The United Kingdom’s Plan outlines investments of more than €846 billion between 2025 and 2035, centred on three strategic pillars:

    • infrastructure works
    • energy transition
    • enhancement of social and environmental systems.

    The Conference stems from the belief that a constructive public-private dialogue is key to accelerating projects that strengthen the competitiveness of the United Kingdom and Europe.

    In 2024 alone, global project finance volumes surpassed €300 billion, with transactions involving Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI CIB Division representing around €45 billion — nearly 15% of the global total.

    IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division’s Activities in the United Kingdom

    The London branch of Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division serves as the main hub for the UK & MEA Region, which also includes operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Istanbul.

    In 2024, total financing volumes for corporate and financial institution clients in the Region amounted to approximately €8.5 billion (as of 31/12/2024).

    Since 2023, the IMI CIB Division has participated in numerous international transactions originating in the United Kingdom, supporting transition and innovation, for a total value of approximately €11 billion.

    Key projects supported by the IMI CIB Division include:

    • CO₂ transport and storage – Liverpool Bay T&S.
    • Acquisition of National Grid Transmission by Macquarie AM.
    • Renewables and energy efficiency operations with TRIG and SEEIT.

    These initiatives confirm the Intesa Sanpaolo Group’s ongoing commitment to enabling sustainable and digital transformation, in line with the Group’s 2022–2025 Business Plan

    Contact: international.media@intesasanpaolo.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a06e75ac-8a5b-4a97-abcc-b480cb22b9de

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pakistani Leader of International Alien Smuggling Organization Extradited from Mexico

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    A Pakistani man made his initial appearance in court in Tucson, Arizona, today after being extradited from Mexico to face charges relating to his role in leading an international alien smuggling organization.

    In May 2024, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an indictment against Abbas Ali Haider, 48, of Sialkot, Pakistan, for conspiring to smuggle Pakistani nationals into the United States.

    Haider allegedly operated two sham film production companies, Diamond TV World Productions and Multimedia Advertising Ltd., which were fronts for his alien smuggling organization. According to court documents, Haider used those Pakistan-based companies to contract with film companies in Ecuador, Cuba, and Colombia. He then had those companies sponsor visas for Pakistani nationals purporting to work for Haider’s companies under the guise that they were working on a joint filming project in Latin America. Haider provided the Pakistani nationals with phony paperwork indicating that they worked for his companies, which they used at ports of entry in Panama, Brazil, and Colombia. Haider coached the aliens to say they worked in the film industry to deceive and thwart customs and border officials. Haider’s network of smugglers then assisted the Pakistani nationals in traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border, where they illegally crossed into California, Texas, and Arizona. Haider charged the aliens up to $40,000 for the trip.  

    Haider travelled from Pakistan to Mexico in late 2024 and was arrested in Mexico in January 2025 at the request of the U.S. government. Extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities resulted in Haider’s timely extradition.

    Haider is charged with one count of conspiracy to bring illegal aliens to the United States and four counts of bringing in illegal aliens for profit. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona, and Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego, made the announcement.

    HSI Calexico led U.S. investigative efforts, working in concert with HSI’s Brasilia, Quito, Tijuana, and Caribbean attaché offices and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol; the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Miami, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations office in Detroit provided substantial assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Haider. 

    Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Kreamer Hope and Evan Wesley for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

    The indictment and extradition are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) Program. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    The ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: July Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments Announced

    Source: US FBI

    United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the July Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments.

    The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

    Kennedy Antonio Ramirez Acosta. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. Ramirez Acosta, 39, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-239

    Ventura Rivera Arteaga; Ruben Amadow Meza Medina. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute (Counts 2 & 4); Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien (Count 3); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Counts 5 & 6). Rivera Arteaga, 40, a Mexican national, and Meza Medina, 20, a Mexican national, are charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl. They are separately charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and maintaining two separate residences for fentanyl distribution. Additionally, Rivera Arteaga is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2024. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-229

    Elijah Lee Chandler, Jr.  Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Chandler, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to possess more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and with possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He is further charged with maintaining a residence to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa Police Department, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-231

    Douglas Eugene Chaney.Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Chaney, 50, of Tulsa, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from April to May 2025. The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-230

    Daniel Contreras-Martinez.Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Contreras-Martinez, 46, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2008. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-244

    Ramey Joe-Don Dill. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Dill, 38, of Ochelata, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender in May 2025. The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-232

    Luis Flores-Rodriguez.Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Flores-Rodriguez, 34, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema Onias is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-245

    Franklin Francisco Gioani-Arubio. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Gioani-Arubio, 31, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Nov. 2017. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Richard is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-246

    Jarod Wade Jenkins. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Jenkins, 26, of Hominy, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-247

    Thomas William Martin.Production of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Martin, 42, of Mannford, is charged with coercing a minor child to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct. He is additionally charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. The FBI, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Heign and Ashley Robert are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-233

    Felecia Martinez. Attempted Bulk Cash Smuggling Out of the United States. Martinez, 40, of Tulsa and a member of the Potawatomi Nation Tribe, is charged with concealing $32,950 in cash and attempting to transport it to Mexico. At the time of the offense, Martinez was on pre-trial release in the Northern District of Oklahoma related to a case charging her with drug conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the U.S. Probation Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma, the Department of Homeland Security Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team, and the Laredo Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam McConney and Matthew Cyran are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-234

    Sebastain Quino-Velasco. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Quino-Velasco, 51, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2010. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case. 
    25-CR-248

    Rebecca Dawn Quintero Torres. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony. Quintero-Torres, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in June 2025. She is further charged with using the United Parcel Service and knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-240

    Dominic Rocky Torres. Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Hobbs Act Robbery; Aiding and Abetting Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Use of Minor in Crime of Violence (superseding). Torres, 22, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with conspiring with others and aiding and abetting others to obstruct commerce by robbery. Further, he knowingly aided and abetted in brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Lastly, Torres intentionally used a minor child to commit a crime of violence. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey Todd and Jessica Wright are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-112

    Luciano Vasquez, Jr. Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Varquez, 58, of Sand Springs, is charged with conspiring with others to launder more than $16 million, including depositing two fraudulent United States Treasury tax refund checks totaling more than $727,800. The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ammon Brisolara is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-242

    John Edgar Williams, IV; Jeremy Mindez Ruff; Savannah D’naisha May Gage; Nevaeh Charise Cox; Trinity Rinique Goudeau; Shavari Shantell Melton; Vanessa Lashay Bell; Ashley Elaine Charles. Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking (Count 1); Transporting an Individual for Prostitution (Counts 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, and 13); Interstate Travel to Aid Racketeering (Count 4); Distribution of Child Pornography (Count 5); Sex Trafficking (Counts 6 & 12); Sex Trafficking a Minor (Counts 8, 11, and 14) (superseding). Williams, 38, Gage, 25, Cox, 39, Goudeau, 24, Melton, 20, Bell, 20, Charles, 37, of Tulsa, and Ruff, 39, of Dallas, Texas, are charged with conspiring with each other to recruit, entice, and harbor a person by threats of force to engage in a commercial sex act for payment. Williams, Gage, Ruff, and Goudeau are charged separately for transporting people to engage in prostitution and other sexual activities. Williams, Ruff, Gage, Cox, Goudeau, Melton, and Charles are further charged with using interstate and foreign commerce to promote and manage a business enterprise involving prostitution. Ruff, Cox, Gage, Goudeau, and Melton are charged with recruiting and enticing minor children, between 14 and 18 years old, to engage in sexually explicit acts. Additionally, Williams, Gage, and Goudeau are charged with benefiting financially from recruiting, harboring, and providing transportation to an individual to engage in commercial sex acts. Lastly, Cox is further charged with knowingly distributing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. The Tulsa Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore, John Brasher, and John W. Dowdell are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-197

    Allan Ray Wright; Jamie Lynn Wright. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Allan Wright, 30, and Jamie Wright, 32, of Tulsa are charged with attempting to coerce a minor child they believed to be under 18 years old to engage in sexually explicit activity. The Homeland Security Investigations and the Owasso Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Wright and Ashley Robert are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-241

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York investigation lands leader of Mexican sex trafficking organization 188 months in prison

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation resulted in the July 10 sentencing of Hugo Hernandez-Velazquez, the leader of a Mexican sex trafficking organization, to 188 months’ imprisonment for sex trafficking multiple victims by force, fraud and coercion. The defendant was extradited from Mexico to the United States in February 2021.

    ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel and Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence.

    Hernandez-Velazquez, 48 of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking in April 2023. He will be deported after completing his sentence.

    “For nearly a decade, the defendant and his family oversaw a vicious sex trafficking campaign wrought with violence, manipulation, coercion, and outright force against women whom they lured into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support,” stated Patel. “Every day, victims are targeted for human trafficking and other vile forms of exploitation and abuse, often at the hands of their own spouses or purported caretakers. Today’s sentencing is no doubt a direct result of the bravery of each survivor who courageously spoke up. Together with our partners, HSI is unflinchingly committed to investigating and vigorously pursuing anyone, anywhere, who sexually exploits the very individuals they claim to care for.”

    Patel credited HSI New York’s Human Trafficking Task Force for leading the investigation of the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization. Additionally, he thanked the HSI Mexico City attaché office, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, Interpol, International Affairs Department of the Attorney General’s Office in Mexico, the Law Enforcement Unit of the State of Tlaxcala Attorney General’s Office, Interpol Mexico, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance; and praised the government of Mexico for its role in advancing bilateral anti-trafficking enforcement efforts. Patel also acknowledged the non-governmental victim service providers and advocates for their dedicated efforts to restore and improve the lives of survivors of trafficking and their families.

    “For years, the defendant and his siblings operated an illegal, abusive, and exploitative sex trafficking operation that stripped victims of their dignity and subjected them to inhumane violence,” stated Nocella. “It is my hope that the prosecution of their tormentors and the punishment meted out will provide a measure of closure for the brave survivors who assisted the investigation and will help them on their path to healing.”

    Between approximately 2001 and 2009, the defendant and his siblings, Ernesto, Giovanni and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, ran the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization based in Mexico. The family organization used force, fraud and coercion to cause young women in Mexico to engage in prostitution in the United States. Members of the family organization lured victims into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support. The victims were pressured to travel to the United States with promises of a better life with their trafficker. Once smuggled into the United States, the victims were forced to engage in prostitution. The family organization maintained a base in Queens, New York, where victims would reside while they were forced to work in New York and other states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The defendant subjected his victims to physical beatings, forced abortions, and threats. The defendant also threatened violence to the victims’ families to force the victims to continue prostituting on his behalf.

    A U.S. District Court judge previously sentenced Hernandez-Velazquez’s siblings, who also pleaded guilty to sex trafficking: Ernesto Hernandez-Velazquez and Giovanni Hernandez-Velazquez were each sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment; and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, who pleaded guilty to a Mann Act violation, was sentenced to time served after approximately 60 months in U.S. custody.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York investigation lands leader of Mexican sex trafficking organization 188 months in prison

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation resulted in the July 10 sentencing of Hugo Hernandez-Velazquez, the leader of a Mexican sex trafficking organization, to 188 months’ imprisonment for sex trafficking multiple victims by force, fraud and coercion. The defendant was extradited from Mexico to the United States in February 2021.

    ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel and Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence.

    Hernandez-Velazquez, 48 of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking in April 2023. He will be deported after completing his sentence.

    “For nearly a decade, the defendant and his family oversaw a vicious sex trafficking campaign wrought with violence, manipulation, coercion, and outright force against women whom they lured into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support,” stated Patel. “Every day, victims are targeted for human trafficking and other vile forms of exploitation and abuse, often at the hands of their own spouses or purported caretakers. Today’s sentencing is no doubt a direct result of the bravery of each survivor who courageously spoke up. Together with our partners, HSI is unflinchingly committed to investigating and vigorously pursuing anyone, anywhere, who sexually exploits the very individuals they claim to care for.”

    Patel credited HSI New York’s Human Trafficking Task Force for leading the investigation of the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization. Additionally, he thanked the HSI Mexico City attaché office, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, Interpol, International Affairs Department of the Attorney General’s Office in Mexico, the Law Enforcement Unit of the State of Tlaxcala Attorney General’s Office, Interpol Mexico, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance; and praised the government of Mexico for its role in advancing bilateral anti-trafficking enforcement efforts. Patel also acknowledged the non-governmental victim service providers and advocates for their dedicated efforts to restore and improve the lives of survivors of trafficking and their families.

    “For years, the defendant and his siblings operated an illegal, abusive, and exploitative sex trafficking operation that stripped victims of their dignity and subjected them to inhumane violence,” stated Nocella. “It is my hope that the prosecution of their tormentors and the punishment meted out will provide a measure of closure for the brave survivors who assisted the investigation and will help them on their path to healing.”

    Between approximately 2001 and 2009, the defendant and his siblings, Ernesto, Giovanni and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, ran the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization based in Mexico. The family organization used force, fraud and coercion to cause young women in Mexico to engage in prostitution in the United States. Members of the family organization lured victims into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support. The victims were pressured to travel to the United States with promises of a better life with their trafficker. Once smuggled into the United States, the victims were forced to engage in prostitution. The family organization maintained a base in Queens, New York, where victims would reside while they were forced to work in New York and other states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The defendant subjected his victims to physical beatings, forced abortions, and threats. The defendant also threatened violence to the victims’ families to force the victims to continue prostituting on his behalf.

    A U.S. District Court judge previously sentenced Hernandez-Velazquez’s siblings, who also pleaded guilty to sex trafficking: Ernesto Hernandez-Velazquez and Giovanni Hernandez-Velazquez were each sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment; and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, who pleaded guilty to a Mann Act violation, was sentenced to time served after approximately 60 months in U.S. custody.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York investigation lands leader of Mexican sex trafficking organization 188 months in prison

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK — A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation resulted in the July 10 sentencing of Hugo Hernandez-Velazquez, the leader of a Mexican sex trafficking organization, to 188 months’ imprisonment for sex trafficking multiple victims by force, fraud and coercion. The defendant was extradited from Mexico to the United States in February 2021.

    ICE Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel and Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentence.

    Hernandez-Velazquez, 48 of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking in April 2023. He will be deported after completing his sentence.

    “For nearly a decade, the defendant and his family oversaw a vicious sex trafficking campaign wrought with violence, manipulation, coercion, and outright force against women whom they lured into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support,” stated Patel. “Every day, victims are targeted for human trafficking and other vile forms of exploitation and abuse, often at the hands of their own spouses or purported caretakers. Today’s sentencing is no doubt a direct result of the bravery of each survivor who courageously spoke up. Together with our partners, HSI is unflinchingly committed to investigating and vigorously pursuing anyone, anywhere, who sexually exploits the very individuals they claim to care for.”

    Patel credited HSI New York’s Human Trafficking Task Force for leading the investigation of the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization. Additionally, he thanked the HSI Mexico City attaché office, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, Interpol, International Affairs Department of the Attorney General’s Office in Mexico, the Law Enforcement Unit of the State of Tlaxcala Attorney General’s Office, Interpol Mexico, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance; and praised the government of Mexico for its role in advancing bilateral anti-trafficking enforcement efforts. Patel also acknowledged the non-governmental victim service providers and advocates for their dedicated efforts to restore and improve the lives of survivors of trafficking and their families.

    “For years, the defendant and his siblings operated an illegal, abusive, and exploitative sex trafficking operation that stripped victims of their dignity and subjected them to inhumane violence,” stated Nocella. “It is my hope that the prosecution of their tormentors and the punishment meted out will provide a measure of closure for the brave survivors who assisted the investigation and will help them on their path to healing.”

    Between approximately 2001 and 2009, the defendant and his siblings, Ernesto, Giovanni and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, ran the Hernandez-Velazquez sex trafficking organization based in Mexico. The family organization used force, fraud and coercion to cause young women in Mexico to engage in prostitution in the United States. Members of the family organization lured victims into romantic relationships through false promises of love and support. The victims were pressured to travel to the United States with promises of a better life with their trafficker. Once smuggled into the United States, the victims were forced to engage in prostitution. The family organization maintained a base in Queens, New York, where victims would reside while they were forced to work in New York and other states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The defendant subjected his victims to physical beatings, forced abortions, and threats. The defendant also threatened violence to the victims’ families to force the victims to continue prostituting on his behalf.

    A U.S. District Court judge previously sentenced Hernandez-Velazquez’s siblings, who also pleaded guilty to sex trafficking: Ernesto Hernandez-Velazquez and Giovanni Hernandez-Velazquez were each sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment; and Arcelia Hernandez-Velazquez, who pleaded guilty to a Mann Act violation, was sentenced to time served after approximately 60 months in U.S. custody.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Presses Trump Administration to Provide Update on Status of Congressionally Appropriated Funding for Agency Dedicated to Growing Local Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, called on United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Dabbar to provide an update on the status of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), which the Trump administration has tried to illegally dismantle. Specifically, Senator Luján called on Deputy Secretary Dabbar to provide a detailed assessment of the status of all funding Congress appropriated to the MBDA.

    In the letter, Senator Luján highlighted previous efforts to investigate the status of the MBDA, “During your confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on May 1, 2025, I asked you to investigate and report back to the Committee on the status of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), which the Trump Administration has tried to illegally dismantle.”

    Seeking transparency, Senator Luján called for, “A detailed assessment of the status of all funding Congress appropriated to the MBDA. Please specify whether any such funds have been or ever were ‘repurposed’ to any program or activity outside MBDA.”

    In May, during the Senate Commerce hearing on the nomination of Paul Dabbar to be U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Senator Luján pressed Mr. Dabbar on the dismantling of the MBDA by the Trump administration and highlighted the successes of the MBDA.

    Senator Luján championed an amendment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make the MBDA permanent. He also secured passage of a provision to double the funding level for the MBDA’s Rural Business Development Center Program and to expand this program’s eligibility to include all Minority-Serving Institutions, which will expand opportunities for New Mexico’s colleges and universities. Additionally, in 2021, Senator Luján championed legislation to make permanent and expand the reach of the Minority Business Development Agency.

    The text of the letter can be found HERE and below:

    Deputy Secretary Dabbar:

    Congratulations on your recent confirmation as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce. 

    During your confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on May 1, 2025, I asked you to investigate and report back to the Committee on the status of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), which the Trump Administration has tried to illegally dismantle. You testified: “I will commit to follow every dollar and report back as you request…” You reiterated this commitment in response to questions for the record regarding the MBDA, stating: “If granted the privilege of confirmation, I will promptly look into this matter.”

    I appreciate your clear commitment to “promptly” investigate these matters of serious concern and report back to the Committee on your findings without delay. Accordingly, please provide the following information no later than July 28, 2025:

    1. A detailed assessment of the status of all funding Congress appropriated to the MBDA. Please specify whether any such funds have been or ever were “repurposed” 4 to any program or activity outside MBDA. If so, please specify the programs or activities to which those funds were repurposed and the Department’s legal authority for doing so.
    2. A detailed assessment of the status of all MBDA grants, including:
      1. All MBDA grants that have been terminated since January 20, 2025;
      2. All MBDA grants that have not been renewed since January 20, 2025;
      3. All funded activities that the Department determined are “consistent with the agency’s priorities” and that “serve the interests of the MBDA program.”
    3. Based on your review and assessment, please certify whether the Department is in compliance with its statutory obligations under the MBDA Act of 2021, which was enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. If you do not provide this certification, please explain why.
    4. Did Mr. Nate Cavanaugh have the legal authority to issue termination notices to MBDA grantees?  If yes, please provide a complete description of the authority under which Mr. Cavanaugh was operating, including whether acting Undersecretary Keith Sonderling expressly delegated authority to Mr. Cavanaugh to issue termination notices to MBDA grantees and whether such delegation was lawful.
    5. What steps, if any, has the Department taken to respond to the following letters from Committee Democrats requesting documents and information regarding the MBDA. Please detail the specific steps taken to respond to each letter and specify the date on which the Department anticipates providing a full and complete response to each letter:
      1. May 28, 2025, letter to Acting Deputy Secretary of Commerce for MBDA Keith Sonderling.
      2. April 30, 2025, letter to Acting Deputy Secretary of Commerce for MBDA Keith Sonderling.
      3. April 17, 2025, letter to Secretary Howard Lutnick.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: Georgia’s AAA Bond Rating Reaffirmed by Rating Agencies

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Georgia has again had the highest ratings of AAA reaffirmed with a stable outlook by each of the three main credit rating agencies: FitchRatings, Moody’s Investors Service, and S&P Global Ratings. This follows last week’s release of Moody’s reaffirmation of this coveted level of financial trustworthiness. 

    “I am proud to report that thanks to our state’s resilient economy and commitment to conservative budgeting, Georgia has once again secured the highest bond rating possible from all three main credit rating agencies,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Georgia continues to be a safe and stable bet for job creators. That’s why we continue to see record investment and economic development, and it’s one of the many reasons we are well-positioned to save Georgia taxpayers tens of millions of dollars with low interest borrowing rates in the years to come.”

    For the second year in a row, Georgia has not issued general obligation bonds and has instead funded capital projects with cash, generating a net estimated savings of about $2.81 billion over a 20-year period.

    Bond Rating Agency Report Excerpts

    Fitch Ratings: “Georgia’s affirmed ‘AAA’ IDR, GO and guaranteed revenue bond ratings reflect the state’s proven willingness and ability to maintain fiscal balance and a broad-based, growth-oriented economy that supports solid revenue gains over time.”

    Moody’s Investors Service: “Georgia’s Aaa issuer rating reflects the state’s large and diverse economy, strong population and employment growth, robust reserves and liquidity, strong fiscal governance and flexibility and low direct leverage from debt, pension and OPEB liabilities.”

    S&P Global Ratings: “The ‘AAA’ long-term rating reflects our view of Georgia’s demonstrated resilient budgetary performance across credit cycles, coupled with responsive financial management that has enabled the state to make timely adjustments to general fund expenditures.

    The rating also incorporates our view of the state’s favorable population growth trends, and ability to attract diversified business developments and expansion within Georgia’s already large and diverse economic base, and our expectation that the state’s annual growth rates will match or be slightly above that of the nation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Building Affordable Housing in East New York, Brooklyn

    Source: US State of New York

    [embedded content]

    [embedded content]

    The multi-phase program will ultimately include a total of nearly 2,000 affordable apartments in 10 buildings. It will also feature community space with childcare, senior services, workforce development, and a new performing arts center. New streets are being added as an extension of the existing neighborhood street grid to maximize walkability through interconnected pedestrian routes and three acres of publicly accessible open space.

    The City of New York approved the rezoning of the project site to accommodate the redevelopment.

    Innovative Urban Village is supported by HCR’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program which is expected to generate more than $115 million in equity and $47 million from its Housing Finance Agency. Additional support includes $47 million from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Extremely Low- and Low-Income Affordability Program. The project is also supported by the Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

    The site is participating in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s successful Brownfield Cleanup Program and, when completed, would be eligible for $28 million in tax credits administered by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Operating funding for the supportive apartments will be provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

    Today’s announcement also builds on Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams’ “City of Yes” plan to create thousands of new homes across the city and develop more family-friendly neighborhoods from Coney Island to Inwood.

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “We’re excited to be part of the holistic transformation occurring in East New York and we believe our $162 million investment in Innovative Urban Village will benefit this neighborhood and 385 households for years to come. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and the City of New York, Christian Cultural Center, Gotham Organization, Monadnock, and all our partners for their vision and dedication to making this project possible.”

    New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The permanent supportive housing that will be created at Innovative Urban Village will provide individuals and families who have experienced homelessness with a place to call home along with onsite access to essential support services that will help them remain stably housed for years to come. We are grateful to all our state and local partners on this important project and to Governor Hochul for making landmark investments to expand the supply of affordable and supportive housing across New York State.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Cleaning up environmental pollution in communities like Brooklyn unlocks investments in critical needs like affordable housing, transitional housing services, and community spaces. New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program is a vital tool that supports community revitalization across the state and the Innovative Urban Village project in East New York is a prime example of how this successful cleanup program is helping advance Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to increase affordable, sustainable housing statewide while also protecting public health and the environment.”

    “This project is helping us fight the housing affordability crisis while also prioritizing improvements that will make the neighborhood more livable for families.”

    Governor Kathy Hochul

    New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said, “Projects like Innovative Urban Village represent more than the construction of housing — they breathe life into a promise made to the people of Brooklyn and to our city: that development can be rooted in equity, shaped by community, and guided by care. Phase 1A is just one piece of a larger vision that spans multiple mixed-use buildings with community amenities and nearly 2,000 homes, including supportive housing for New Yorkers transitioning out of homelessness.”

    New York City Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick said, “Innovative Urban Village is a fantastic example of how smart planning can support families at every stage of life. Delivering income-restricted affordable housing alongside childcare, senior services, pedestrian-friendly streets, open space, and more, this future gem of East New York will serve as a model for vibrant neighborhoods across the city.”

    New York City Housing Development Corporation President Eric Enderlin said, “HDC is proud to support this dynamic, multi-phased project that will provide much-needed affordable housing for low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers. In addition to brand-new affordable homes, Innovative Urban Village will deliver commercial and community facility space that will benefit the broader East New York neighborhood for years to come. Congratulations to all our partners on reaching this latest milestone.”

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “New Yorkers deserve access to affordable, secure, and modern housing. This development will help revitalize Christian Cultural Center’s campus, deliver critical support services for our most vulnerable, and bring another much-needed grocery store to East New York. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have and will keep fighting for federal funding to expand affordable housing in our state and across the country.”

    House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “Here in America, when you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to afford the good life. At the center of that life is a safe, affordable place to live, but for far too many New Yorkers, that reality is out of reach. I’m grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, Pastor AR Bernard and their development partners for breaking ground on the Innovative Urban Village in the Christian Cultural Center’s campus, which will provide safe, sustainable and affordable housing for hundreds of Brooklyn families that I am privileged to represent.”

    State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, “The second construction phase of the Innovative Urban Village is a tremendous opportunity to provide more than four hundred affordable homes in East New York. This project not only helps address the housing deficiencies but also promotes equitable and sustainable living for our community for generations to come. I am excited for the future of our community.”

    Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “When we build affordable housing alongside essential resources like access to fresh food, we’re investing in health, dignity, and opportunity. I applaud Governor Hochul and NYS Homes and Community Renewal for making this vision a reality in East New York and for setting a powerful example of what affordable housing looks like when it is rooted in community and equity.”

    New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis said, “Since taking office, I fought to ensure that our city would meaningfully partner with our clergy to bring much-needed affordable housing capital to Central Brooklyn. I have worked in lockstep with Reverend A.R. Bernard to advocate for this vision, and I applaud Governor Hochul and her administration for advancing this transformative project across the finish line to uplift the East New York community. I believe this project will provide opportunities for the next generation, and I look forward to seeing this visionary leadership, community partnership, and shared values project create lasting change for Brooklyn and our city.”

    New York City Council Member Chris Banks said, “The Innovative Urban Village redevelopment project on the Christian Cultural Center campus is set to be a transformative investment in the 42nd Council District. I’m proud to partner on a project that delivers truly affordable housing. This is how we build and sustain neighborhoods for generations and how we begin to build Black and Brown generational wealth in real, tangible ways.”

    Christian Cultural Center Senior Pastor Rev A. R. Bernard said, “It’s incredible to stand alongside each of the partners, elected officials and community members that worked together to make Innovative Urban Village a reality. We are confident that the ripple effects of this dynamic mixed-income community will be felt far beyond East New York, setting an example for all of New York to follow.”

    Embedded Flickr Album

    Gotham Organization CEO David L. Picket said, “Today’s groundbreaking is a defining moment for Gotham and for the city my family has called home for over a century. Innovative Urban Village reflects our core values as a company—delivering high-quality housing that meets the needs of real New Yorkers while strengthening the fabric of our neighborhoods. IUV is the result of vision, partnership, and perseverance, and we’re proud to work with our partners in bringing it to life. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when the public and private sectors come together with purpose.”

    Gotham Organization President of Development Bryan Kelly said, “This moment is the result of years of dedicated collaboration with our partners, community leaders, and city agencies. We’re creating a neighborhood that prioritizes affordability, sustainability, and opportunity for all. At Gotham, we believe deeply in the power of thoughtfully planned development to uplift communities, and together with our partners and local stakeholders, have envisioned Innovative Urban Village to set a new standard for future housing developments. This is a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and equitable New York City.”

    Monadnock Development President Kirk Goodrich said, “Innovative Urban Village is about Pastor Bernard, Gotham and Monadnock deciding to see people in need rather than simply housing units. Our collective focus is on transforming lives and communities. I am proud of what we are doing and excited to see the impact the completed vision will have.”

    Urban Resource Institute CEO Nathaniel Fields said, “For over 40 years, Urban Resource Institute — the nation’s largest provider of shelter and support services — has been a leader in trauma-informed care for survivors of domestic violence and those facing housing insecurities. At the Innovative Urban Village, we are not just offering housing — we are delivering the full strength of our wraparound services to help residents heal and rebuild. From safety planning and legal advocacy to economic empowerment, we meet survivors where they are and walk with them toward lasting stability. This project is a bold step toward URI’s mission to end the cycles of violence, homelessness, and poverty — and creating a future where survivors don’t just survive but thrive.”

    Practice for Architecture and Urbanism Founder and Creative Director Vishaan Chakrabarti said, “More than a decade in the making, this project has been a true labor of love. It’s about taking an underutilized urban space and creating an inclusive community that offers dignity, stability, and a sense of home for New Yorkers across a broad range of incomes. Seeing it come to life is deeply meaningful.”

    Goldman Sachs Alternatives Urban Investment Group Chair Asahi Pompey said, “Goldman Sachs sees Innovative Urban Village as more than just bricks and mortar. Our investment is a down payment on East New York’s potential, creating thousands of high-quality, affordable homes and essential services that will fuel the economic vitality of the community.”

    J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking Executive Director Jane Silverman said, “We are honored to be part of the Innovative Urban Village Phase 1B project, a transformative development that embodies the spirit of community and collaboration. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when the public and private sectors unite. At J.P. Morgan, our commitment to Brooklyn and its residents runs deep, and we’re proud to support the creation of affordable housing that will serve as the foundation for a thriving community in East New York.”

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
    Governor Hochul is dedicated 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, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY26 Enacted Budget includes more than $1.5 billion in new State funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. These measures complement the Governor’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan, included in the FY23 Enacted Budget, 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 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

    The FY25 and FY26 Enacted Budgets also strengthened the Governor’s Pro-Housing Community Program — which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Currently, more than 300 communities have received Pro-Housing certification, including the city of New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –