Category: Finance

MIL-OSI Security: Bristol Man Who Made Interstate Threats is Sentenced

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DENNIS JOHN HERNANDEZ, also known as “DJ Hernandez” and “Jonathan Hernandez,” 38, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to approximately 18 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release for making interstate threats.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 6 and 7, 2023, Hernandez communicated with an individual via Facebook Messenger and made multiple statements threatening to carry out a shooting incident at UConn. The statements included “I would recommend remaining away from there because when I go I’m taking down everything And don’t give a f— who gets caught in the crossfire. I’ve died for years now and now it’s others people turn. I’m prepared to give my life. So if I don’t get to see you on the outside know I love you always Not all shootings are bad I’m realizing. Some are necessary for change to happen.”

Court documents allege that Hernandez’s vehicle was identified on UConn’s campus on July 7.

On July 18 and 19, 2023, Hernandez made multiple Facebook posts threatening to harm or kill three individuals who reside out of state, including a state court judge. In addition, on July 19, in a conversation via text message with one of the victims, Hernandez stated “We’re taking lives if s— isn’t paid up. It’s been years in planning just taking notes, names and locations. They talked their way into this and it’s almost point game. I know we don’t play in my family. If we have to take lives or buildings we will. So just letting you know so you can be prepared for a media circus one way or another.”

Hernandez has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on July 19, 2023. On December 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty to transmitting interstate communications containing a threat to injure.

While on supervised release, Hernandez must continue mental health and substance abuse treatment and allow his electronic devices to be monitored by the U.S. Probation Office, and he is prohibited from visiting UConn and other locations that he targeted in his threats.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bristol Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Offender Sentenced To 10 Years For Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing images of child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

Jonathan Lattif, 46, of Jersey City, New Jersey previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an Information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On March 18, 2022, Lattif possessed videos depicting sexual abuse of minors, including prepubescent children, on his mobile device. He possessed over 500 videos files and 1 photograph of child sexual abuse material.

Lattif also has a prior state conviction for possession of child pornography.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Lattif to 10 years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark; and Customs and Border Protection Officers from the Port of New York/Newark, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations New York Field Office, under the direction of Acting Port Director Jeffrey Greene, with the investigation leading to the charge.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Fatime Meka Cano of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE Homeland Security Investigations supports seizure of Venezuelan aircraft involved in violations of US export control and sanctions laws

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations played a key role, alongside the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security and other partners, in an announcement Feb. 6 by the Justice Department that Dominican Republic authorities, working in coordination with U.S. federal law enforcement and based on violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws, seized a Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft used by Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the sanctioned Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural gas company.

“This seizure demonstrates HSI’s unwavering commitment to enforcing U.S. export control and sanctions laws around the globe,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Santo Domingo Country Attaché Edwin F. Lopez. “By working closely with our partners in the Dominican Republic and across the U.S. government, we successfully prevented the violation of U.S. laws designed to protect national security and foreign policy interests. HSI will continue to collaborate with domestic and international law enforcement partners to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.”

The Bureau of Industry and Security Miami Field Office is investigating the case with assistance from ICE HSI Santo Domingo.

The Justice Department previously announced in September 2024 the seizure of a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft in the Dominican Republic that was owned and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros and persons affiliated with him in Venezuela.

“The seizure of the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft provides yet another example of this office’s commitment to enforcing America’s export control laws against Venezuelan-owned PdVSA and other sanctioned entities,” said Southern District of Florida U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne. “Asset forfeiture is a powerful law enforcement tool, which we will continue to use aggressively to deter, disrupt, and otherwise combat criminal activity.”

“The use of American-made parts to service and maintain aircraft operated by sanctioned entities like PdVSA is intolerable,” said Devin DeBacker, head of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department, along with its federal law enforcement partners, will continue to safeguard our national security by identifying, disrupting, and dismantling schemes aimed at procuring American goods in violation of our sanctions and export control laws.”

“Today’s announcement — the seizure of a sanctioned aircraft used by the Maduro regime — clearly shows that sanctions and export control laws have teeth,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Kevin J. Kurland of the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security. “BIS will continue to aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who violate our regulations.”

According to the U.S. investigation, in July 2017, PdVSA purchased the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft from the United States and exported it to Venezuela, where it was registered under tail number YV-3360. Following the imposition of sanctions on PdVSA and identification of the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft as blocked property of PdVSA, the aircraft was serviced and maintained on multiple occasions using parts from the United States. The servicing

included a brake assembly, electronic flight displays, and flight management computers — all in violation of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

President Trump issued Executive Order 13884 in August 2019, which, among other things, prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with persons who have acted or purported to act directly or indirectly for or on behalf of PdVSA. Pursuant to the EO, on Jan. 21, 2020, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control identified 15 aircraft as blocked property under U.S. law, which generally prohibits transactions by U.S. persons within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in blocked property.

According to a public statement issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, since at least January 2019, the Dassault Falcon 2000EX aircraft has transported Venezuelan Oil Minister Manuel Salvador Quevedo Fernandez, who is also sanctioned by the U.S. government, to an Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting in the United Arab Emirates and has been used to transport senior members of the Maduro regime in a continuation of the regime’s misappropriation of PdVSA assets.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and ICE HSI El Dorado Task Force Miami provided significant assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jorge Delgado and Joshua Paster for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Stratton and Ajay J. Alexander for the Southern District of Florida also assisted.

The burden to prove forfeitability in a forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Amherst Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Offenses

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Defendant sent undercover federal agent 345 CSAM files depicting children as young as one year old

BOSTON – An Amherst man pleaded guilty on Feb. 5, 2025 in federal court in Boston to distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Bradley Driscoll, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for May 13, 2025. Driscoll was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2023.

The investigation determined that on or about Aug. 29, 2022, Driscoll knowingly distributed and possessed CSAM. Specifically, Driscoll engaged in a Kik on-line chat conversation with an undercover agent, where he expressed an interest in obtaining CSAM materials. Driscoll also distributed a link to the undercover agent which contained approximately 345 CSAM files depicting minor children, some as young as one year old, being sexually penetrated by adult males.

In September 2023, Driscoll told federal agents that he was the owner of the Kik username and that he located the link containing CSAM files through other Kik messenger chat groups. He acknowledged asking the undercover agent to send him sexual material related to child pornography and acknowledged that the Mega link he shared contained sexual materials involving young children.

The distribution charge provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison, supervised release of no less than five years and a maximum of life and a $250,000 fine. The possession charge provides for up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations; and Gabriel Ting, Chief of the Amherst Police Department made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: February 7th, 2025 Heinrich HALT All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act Passes U.S. House of Representatives

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

Heinrich introduced the legislation last week to permanently place fentanyl-related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, help law enforcement combat fentanyl trafficking, and advance scientific and medical research

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced that his Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, under the Controlled Substances Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This permanent scheduling will give law enforcement the tools they need to keep extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets and ensure scientists can research and better understand these substances.

Last week, Heinrich, with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act in the Senate. The bill now awaits Senate passage, before heading to the President’s desk.

“I’m pleased that my HALT Fentanyl Act is one step closer to becoming law,” said Heinrich. “I urge my Senate colleagues to swiftly bring the legislation to the floor for passage. It is urgently needed to help our law enforcement personnel crack down on illegal trafficking, get deadly fentanyl out of our communities, and save lives.”

The HALT Fentanyl Act is endorsed by the Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Directors Association, the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and the National District Attorneys Association, as well as state and local law enforcement across New Mexico.

“Fentanyl has negatively impacted the city of Las Cruces in significant ways. In the past five years, we have experienced a substantial increase in crime, homelessness, and quality of life issues. I firmly believe fentanyl has been the biggest driver of these issues. It is time to take meaningful action to reverse the harm caused by this illicit substance,” said Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department.

“Like any illegal substance, whether it be opioids or fentanyl use, there are no easy or quick solutions and often combatting their abuse requires a multi-layered approach. The HALT Fentanyl Act is just that, which is why I fully support it. We may be inclined to not concern ourselves with research, for example, but those trafficking in this market do concern themselves with research. Let us endorse this bigger picture approach to help combat fentanyl use in our country,” said Kim Stewart, Doña Ana County Sheriff.

“The HALT Fentanyl Act is another tool to go after transnational gangs and help make our community safer. Legislation is key for law enforcement to do their job,” said John Allen, Bernalillo County Sheriff.

Background:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were 107,543 overdose deaths in the United States in 2023. Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances accounted for nearly 75,000 of those deaths. Since 1999, the overdose crisis has increasingly been characterized by deaths involving these illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl-related substances (FRS), which are commonly sold through illicit drug markets for their fentanyl-like effect, and are often mixed with heroin or other drugs, such as cocaine, or pressed in to counterfeit prescription pills. During this same period, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (excluding methadone) increased 103-fold. By comparison, overdose deaths involving heroin and prescription opioids increased 2.5-fold and 4.1-fold, respectively.

Traffickers are continually altering the chemical structure of fentanyl to evade regulation and prosecution, sometimes with tragic results. Since 2013, China has been the principal source of fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances, and the precursor chemicals from which they are produced. Chinese product is commonly shipped to Mexico and smuggled into the U.S’s illicit drug market. Traffickers have favored fentanyl-related substances to skirt around committing the crime of trafficking fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized nearly 12,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl, including fentanyl powder and more than 78 million pills laced with illicit fentanyl. The 2023 seizures were equivalent to more than 388.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

In 2018, as an initial response to this unprecedented crisis, the DEA issued a temporary scheduling order that placed FRS in Schedule I, under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), after classifying it as an imminent hazard to public safety. Previously, Congress has only closed this loophole temporarily by designating fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. Congress has extended the FRS temporary scheduling order several times, most recently on December 21, 2024, with a measure that expires on March 31, 2025.

Heinrich’s HALT Fentanyl Act would finally make permanent the scheduling of illicitly produced fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs and streamline the regulatory process for scientists seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to research Schedule I substances.

Clear and Enforceable Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking:

A permanent scheduling of FRS is necessary to make penalties for criminals clear and enforceable under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), reducing the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured FRS. The HALT Fentanyl Act places the strongest controls and penalties on FRS, which have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential.

Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will permanently impose the following quantity-based federal trafficking penalties on FRS:

Mandatory minimum penalties: 5 years for 10 grams or more (10 years for second offense); and 10 years for 100 grams or more (20 years for second offense).

Discretionary maximum penalties: 40 years for 10 grams or more (life for second offense); and life for 100 grams or more.

Expanded Scientific and Medical Research

More closely aligning the research and registration process for schedule I substances, including FRS, with Schedule II substances will facilitate increased FRS research. By accommodating more medical research into fentanyl-related substances, the bill would establish a new, streamlined registration process for research funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or under an Investigative New Drug (IND) exemption from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will enhance our understanding of these illicitly manufactured substances by:

Allowing researchers in the same institution to participate in multiple scientific studies.

Permitting researchers with ongoing studies to examine newly added schedule I substances.

Allowing researchers to manufacture small quantities of FRS without a separate registration.

Full text of the HALT Fentanyl Act can be found here.

A section-by-section summary of the HALT Fentanyl Act can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Q&A: Tax Season Underway

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

Q: What should taxpayers keep in mind during tax season?

A: The IRS officially kicked off tax season and started accepting and processing federal individual tax returns for the 2024 tax year. The federal tax-collecting agency this year expects more than 140 million individual tax returns. Don’t procrastinate, the tax filing deadline is April 15.

At kitchen tables across the country, taxpayers will gather necessary documents to file their tax returns, including income information from paycheck stubs, W-2’s and 1099 forms. Whether you file on your own or have tax preparation assistance, be sure to gather all records and receipts, including for expenses required for credits and deductions, such as education and dependent care expenses, clean energy credits, retirement contributions and charitable donations. The IRS anticipates more than half of all tax returns will be filed with the help of a tax professional.

As a former chairman of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, I encourage taxpayers to be mindful of scams and schemes. Choose a reputable tax professional to protect your personal and financial information. Keep in mind, even if you use a tax preparer, you are legally responsible for the information provided on the tax return. You can search an online directory of different types of federal tax preparers in your local area. Ask in advance about service fees. Avoid choosing tax preparers who base their fees on a percentage of your tax refund. Any refund should go directly to the taxpayer, not the tax preparer. Take care to double check the routing and bank account number on the completed return for accuracy. The IRS advises taxpayers to take precautions for fraud and liability. Specifically, if a paid preparer does not sign the tax return, either on paper or digitally, that’s a red flag for unscrupulous behavior. More importantly, never sign a blank or incomplete tax return. Anyone paid to prepare a federal tax return must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. By law, paid preparers must sign and include their tax identification number on any tax return they prepare.

The IRS offers free electronic filing for taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less. IRS Free File allows eligible taxpayers to use guided tax preparation software free of charge to file a federal tax return. You can choose from IRS partner tax software companies here. The Free File Alliance is a nonprofit coalition serving 100 million American taxpayers. Taxpayers above that income threshold may use the free fillable forms– electronic federal tax forms – to fill out and file on your own.

Q: What other programs are available in local communities for tax preparation assistance?

A: The IRS coordinates services with local volunteers in communities across the country to help eligible taxpayers prepare their tax returns for free. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs support residents with participating partner organizations. These programs are designed to reach low-to-moderate income individuals, persons with disabilities, elderly and limited English speakers. VITA tax preparation services are available for individuals and families earning $67,000 or less. Find participating organizations in your local area here, https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/. Be sure to bring the required documents to your appointment. If you would like to volunteer in your local community as a tax preparer, greeter, interpreter or computer specialist, learn more at irs.gov/volunteers.

Q: What assistance can your Senate office provide?

A: My Senate office may not help you file taxes. However, my office may help Iowans resolve issues and get answers from the IRS through the Taxpayer Advocate Service. For assistance, Iowans first need to complete a request form to allow my staff to get involved on your behalf with federal agencies. Print and sign the form and return via email at caseworker_grassley@grassley.senate.gov. Or mail to my Des Moines office at 721 Federal Building, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.

As a taxpayer watchdog, I keep a tight leash on the IRS to protect sensitive taxpayer information and fight for taxpayer rights. For decades, I’ve led a crusade to secure tax fairness, strengthen taxpayer rights, improve customer service and strengthen our system of voluntary tax compliance. As the co-author of the first-ever Taxpayer Bill of Rights in 1988 and one of four members who served on the National Commission on Restructuring the IRS during the Clinton administration, I’ve kept my nose to the grindstone to strengthen our system of voluntary compliance, as well as strengthen the IRS whistleblower program that’s helped recover more than $6 billion. The best way to narrow the tax gap is to help taxpayers do the right thing and improve taxpayer service. Tax cheats ought to be held accountable; honest taxpayers ought to pay every dime owed, not a penny more.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Kennedy Fight to Protect Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Judiciary Committee member John Kennedy (R-La.) and 15 Republican colleagues in introducing the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act. This bill would permanently end onerous reporting requirements that cause veterans who receive help managing their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to be stripped of their Second Amendment rights without due process. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, leads companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“I take the constitutional right to bear arms very seriously. Our bill would preserve due process for veterans and put a stop to unelected bureaucrats unjustifiably stripping away the Second Amendment rights of those who’ve served,” Grassley said.

“Our veterans should not receive less due process rights than other Americans just because they served our country and asked the federal government for a helping hand. Under the VA’s interpretation of the law, however, unelected bureaucrats punish Louisiana and America’s veterans by forcing them to choose between their Second Amendment rights and getting the help they need as they manage their financial affairs. I’m proud to introduce the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to stand up for veterans’ constitutional rights by ending this unfair practice,” Kennedy said.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act is endorsed by the National Rifle Association, the Gun Owners of America, AMAC Action, Vietnam Veterans of America, the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Black Veterans Empowerment Council, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Turning Point Action, the Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, the National Disability Rights Network and the National Association for Gun Rights.

Find bill text HERE.

Background:

Under current law, any veteran who appoints a fiduciary to help manage their VA benefits is immediately reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), restricting their Second Amendment right to legally purchase and own a firearm. The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act would end this practice by prohibiting the VA from transmitting veterans’ personal information to NICS unless there is a judicial determination that the individual is a danger to themselves or others.

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MIL OSI USA News –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Newton Man Arrested for Abusive Sexual Contact of Minor Aboard Flight to Boston

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BOSTON – A Newton man has been arrested and charged for allegedly making repeated sexual contact with a 17-year-old female passenger (minor victim) seated directly in front of him onboard a flight from Puerto Rico to Boston in August 2024.

Jonathan Alan Lefman, 46, is charged with one count of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Lefman was arrested today and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 2:30 p.m. today.

According to the charging documents, on Aug. 30, 2024, Lefman was a passenger onboard a JetBlue flight flying from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Boston with his wife and four children. On multiple occasions during the flight and while on the ground waiting to deplane in Boston, Lefman allegedly engaged in abusive sexual contact with the minor victim. Specifically, it is alleged that Lefman intentionally worked his hand in between and through the area between the back and bottom of the seat directly in front of him, where the minor victim was seated, and touched the minor victim’s buttocks without her permission. On at least one occasion when he did so, the minor victim saw his reflection leaning between the seats in the seatback monitor in front of her. On the last occasion when he allegedly touched or attempted to touch her buttocks, the minor victim was able to use her cell phone camera to take a video of Lefman’s fingers protruding between the back and bottom of the minor victim’s seat. According to court documents, after she exited the aircraft, while still on the jet bridge, the minor victim took a video of Lefman as he got off the aircraft.

It is alleged that, after deplaning, the minor victim’s adult female family member who had been traveling in a different row reported Lefman’s alleged conduct to a JetBlue supervisor and confronted Lefman, showing the video of his fingers to support her statement.

The charge of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Criminal Division 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 –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Stoneham Auxiliary Police Officer Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Bribery Charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Defendant defrauded a company to obtain tens of millions of dollars of Mass Save funds through paying bribes and kickbacks to company employees

BOSTON – A former Stoneham Auxiliary Police Officer was sentenced in federal court in Boston for a bribery and kickback scheme that netted millions of dollars in Mass Save contracts.

Christopher Ponzo, 50, of North Reading, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 27 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Ponzo was also ordered to pay a $300,000 fine. In November 2024, Christopher Ponzo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, 24 counts of honest services wire fraud and one count of making false statements to government officials. Christopher Ponzo was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2023 along with his brother Joseph Ponzo.

Christopher Ponzo, along with his brother and co-conspirator, Joseph Ponzo, conspired to pay, and did pay, tens of thousands of dollars in cash bribes, kickbacks and other in-kind benefits, including a John Deere tractor, a computer, home bathroom fixtures and free electrical work, among other things, to Company A employees (Associates 1 and 2) in exchange for the Associates’ assistance in getting the defendants millions of dollars in Mass Save contracts.

Massachusetts law requires utility companies to collect an energy efficiency surcharge on all Massachusetts energy consumers. These funds, which amount to hundreds of millions of dollars each year, are to be disbursed by the utility companies to fund energy efficiency programs and initiatives in Massachusetts. Under the Mass Save program, the utility companies select lead vendors, like Company A, to approve and select contractors to perform energy improvement work for residential customers. This contracting work – performed by contractors at no-cost or reduced cost to the customer – is then paid for by Company A with Mass Save funds.

On a weekly basis, from 2013 to 2017, Christopher Ponzo paid Associate 1 $1,000 in cash. At times, Christopher Ponzo paid Associate 1 $5,000 to $10,000 in cash, telling Associate 1 that the extra money was from Joseph Ponzo for his part in the bribery scheme. In return for these payments, Associate 1, among other things, helped Joseph Ponzo set up a shell company, Air Tight, to do insulation work and get approved as a Company A contractor under the Mass Save program. Joseph Ponzo put his spouse’s name on Air Tight incorporation documents and contracting licenses in order to conceal his involvement in his corrupt side business. Despite having no professional experience in residential insulation work, Joseph Ponzo collected over $7 million under the Mass Save program.

After Associate 1 left Company A in 2017, Christopher Ponzo and Joseph Ponzo recruited Associate 2 to the bribery-kickback scheme from approximately 2018 to 2022, paying Associate 2 thousands of dollars in cash and hiring a relative of Associate 2 as part of the ongoing scheme.

In April 2022, both Joseph Ponzo and Christopher Ponzo falsely denied making bribe payments to any Company A employees when interviewed by federal agents.

Joseph Ponzo pleaded guilty in November 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 28, 2025.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston; and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Maynard and Dustin Chao of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: State of Washington challenges unconstitutional presidential order criminalizing, and ending funding for gender-affirming care

Source: Washington State News

SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown filed a multi-state federal lawsuit today to halt a presidential order that threatens to end federal funding to medical institutions providing gender-affirming care.

President Trump’s executive order – which Brown called clearly illegal and unusually cruel – also directs unconstitutional criminal enforcement against medical professionals and patients involved in such care. The lawsuit seeks to block federal agencies from acting on this order.

“This order is part of a larger political effort to strip away civil rights from entire communities. The president’s cruelty is on full display with this dehumanizing executive order, along with his disdain for the Constitution,” Brown said. “His actions are harming Washington’s youth, parents, and health care providers.”

The state is joined in the suit by the attorneys general of Minnesota and Oregon. Three individual doctors are joining as plaintiffs in the case, representing themselves as well as their minor patients for whom they care. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

“President Trump’s attempt to withhold federal funds from states that offer health care to transgender Washingtonians is unlawful and cruel,” said Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson. “Washington is a place that supports every resident’s civil rights. My team is working closely with the Attorney General to ensure Washingtonians are protected from illegal federal actions.”

The states argue this order violates the 5^th Amendment’s equal protection guarantee by singling out transgender individuals for mistreatment and discrimination. Additionally, Congress has already authorized research and education funding for medical institutions in Washington state, and the president cannot unilaterally overrule congressional intent.

The states also note the president cannot unilaterally regulate or criminalize medical practices in Washington state, which are protected by the 10^th Amendment.

The executive order, issued on Jan. 28, directs agencies to cut off federal research and education grants to medical institutions, including hospitals and medical schools, that provide gender-affirming care to anyone under the age of 19. This would prevent hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants from flowing to state medical schools and hospitals.

Providers tell the Attorney General’s Office they fear for the safety of patients and their families. One of the providers joining as a plaintiff wrote that if minors lose access to gender-affirming care, “I have no doubt that transgender adolescents will die. I am certain of it. There are going to be young people who are going to take their lives if they can no longer receive this care.”

In the motion for an emergency court order to block the executive action, Brown included examples of the harm that youth, parents, and medical providers are already enduring. A total of more than 100 witnesses provided declarations in support of the motion.

This action comes on the heels of an order by a federal court in Rhode Island that prohibits Trump from cutting off any funding to a group of 22 states, including Washington. Yet Trump continues to issue orders that cut off federal funding to a host of programs, including to institutions that provide gender affirming care.

Attorneys Cindy Alexander, Todd Bowers, May Che, Spencer Coates, Alexia Diorio, Lauryn Fraas, Teri Healy, Tera Heintz, Andrew Hughes, Neal Luna, William McGinty, Colleen Melody, Emily Nelson, Mitchell Riese, Cristina Sepe, Sarah Smith-Levy, Raina Wagner, Lucy Wolf; Paralegals Jessica Buswell, Ali Hollenbeck, Diane Hoosier, Connor Hopkins, Victoria Johnson, Tally Locke, Alicia Nicole Stensland, Christine Truong, Jennah Williams, Jamie Wuco, Logan Young; and Investigators Rebecca Pawul, Tony Perkins, Alma Poletti, Jennifer Sievert, and Jennifer Treppa assisted in bringing this case for Washington.

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Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the State of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Media Contact:

Email: press@atg.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 753-2727

General contacts: Click here

Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

MIL OSI USA News –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Improves Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Care for People Involved in the Justice System

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: NCDHHS Improves Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Care for People Involved in the Justice System

NCDHHS Improves Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Care for People Involved in the Justice System
hejones1
Fri, 02/07/2025 – 10:36

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced more than $11 million in funding to community-based diversion programs and reentry services that strengthen support for people involved in the justice system. Providing alternatives to incarceration when appropriate and supporting people upon their release with things like housing and employment are critical to stop the cycle of justice system involvement, which improves health outcomes for people and efficiency across our health and justice systems.

“More than 50% of people in prisons and jails in North Carolina identify as having a mental health need and 75% identify as having a substance use disorder. Many of these individuals could have avoided entering or remaining in the justice system had they received the services and supports they need in their communities,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We want to help people avoid incarceration when what they actually need is treatment, and that means improving access to services for people involved in or at risk of entering the justice system.”

Specifically, North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition and Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. will be receiving funds to expand their Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program and referrals to community-based services and supports, with an emphasis on regions or localities that have historically lacked the resources to operate these programs. Additionally, Hope Mission, Jubilee Home, Vaya Health, Alamance Academy, and Hope Restorations, Inc. are receiving funds to ensure people involved in the justice system, including those reentering their communities, have access to housing and supported employment services tailored to their needs.

“Within the first two weeks following incarceration, formerly incarcerated people are 40 times more likely to die from an opioid overdose than the general population. And the lasting effects of incarceration for individuals returning to their communities includes post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and chronic health conditions,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “These investments support systems of care that help people recover, strengthen pathways to community services and prioritize treatment services so that detention is a last resort.”

Diversion programs provide dedicated resources to give law enforcement alternatives to punitive action for addressing low-level non-violent crimes through referrals to treatment or community services. Approaches vary, but it is common for law enforcement to partner with community agencies to support the referral process. Diversion programs provide appropriate safety nets along the way to reduce the chance of a return to jail or prison.

Reentry programs provide dedicated resources before or immediately after release from incarceration to support people who are making the transition back into their communities. Reentry programs include guidance and case management support as well as non-medical needs like transportation, housing and employment that are key social drivers of health. The goal of reentry programs is to reduce the number of people who cycle back into the justice system.

This $11 million funding announcement is part of NCDHHS’ historic $835 million investment to transform behavioral health in North Carolina, which dedicates $99 million to supporting people involved in the justice system by increasing services related to diversion, reentry and capacity restoration.

Looking ahead, the department plans to leverage the $835 million investment to further expand services and continue to build toward an integrated behavioral health system that works for all North Carolinians. For more information on North Carolina’s investments in behavioral health please see the report: Transforming North Carolina’s Behavioral Health System: Investing in a System That Delivers Whole-Person Care When and Where People Need It. Additionally, information can also be found in the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services Strategic Plan for 2024-2029.

El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy más de $ 11 millones en fondos para programas de derivación basados en la comunidad y servicios de reingreso que fortalecen el apoyo a las personas involucradas en el sistema de justicia. Proporcionar alternativas al encarcelamiento cuando sea apropiado y apoyar a las personas después de su liberación con cosas como vivienda y empleo son fundamentales para detener el ciclo que los involucra en el sistema de justicia, lo que mejora los resultados de salud para las personas y la eficiencia en nuestros sistemas de salud y justicia.

“Más del 50 % de las personas en prisiones y cárceles de Carolina del Norte se identifican con una necesidad de salud mental y el 75% se identifican con un trastorno por consumo de sustancias. Muchas de estas personas podrían haber evitado ingresar o permanecer en el sistema de justicia si hubieran recibido los servicios y apoyos que necesitan en sus comunidades”, dijo Dev Sangvai, secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte. “Queremos ayudar a las personas a evitar el encarcelamiento cuando lo que realmente necesitan es tratamiento, y eso significa mejorar el acceso a los servicios para las personas involucradas o en riesgo de ingresar al sistema de justicia”.

Específicamente, North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition y Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. recibirán fondos para ampliar su programa LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion o Derivación Asistida por la Policía) y las remisiones a servicios y ayudas comunitarios, haciendo hincapié en las regiones o localidades que históricamente han carecido de recursos para poner en marcha estos programas. Además, Hope Mission, Jubilee Home, Vaya Health, Alamance Academy y Hope Restorations, Inc. están recibiendo fondos para garantizar que las personas involucradas en el sistema de justicia, incluidas las que regresan a sus comunidades, tengan acceso a viviendas y servicios de empleo con apoyo adaptados a sus necesidades.

“Dentro de las primeras dos semanas después del encarcelamiento, las personas anteriormente encarceladas tienen 40 veces más probabilidades de morir por una sobredosis de opioides que la población general. Los efectos duraderos del encarcelamiento para las personas que regresan a sus comunidades incluyen estrés postraumático, ansiedad y afecciones de salud crónicas”, dijo Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, directora de la División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios de Uso de Sustancias del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés). “Estas inversiones apoyan los sistemas de atención que ayudan a las personas a recuperarse, fortalecen los caminos hacia los servicios comunitarios y priorizan los servicios de tratamiento para que la detención sea el último recurso”.

Los programas de derivación proporcionan recursos dedicados a brindar alternativas de aplicación de la ley a la acción punitiva para abordar delitos no violentos de bajo nivel a través de remisiones a tratamiento o servicios comunitarios. Los enfoques varían, pero es común que las fuerzas policiales se asocien con agencias comunitarias para apoyar el proceso de remisión. Los programas de derivación proporcionan redes de seguridad apropiadas en el camino para reducir la posibilidad de un regreso a la cárcel o prisión.

Los programas de reingreso proporcionan recursos dedicados antes o inmediatamente después de la liberación del encarcelamiento para apoyar a las personas que están haciendo la transición de regreso a sus comunidades. Los programas de reingreso incluyen orientación y apoyo en el manejo de casos, así como necesidades no médicas como transporte, vivienda y empleo, que son impulsores sociales clave de la salud. El objetivo de los programas de reingreso es reducir el número de personas que vuelven al sistema de justicia.

Este anuncio de financiamiento de $ 11 millones es parte de la inversión histórica de 835 millones de dólares del NCDHHS para transformar la salud del comportamiento en Carolina del Norte, que dedica $ 99 millones a apoyar a las personas involucradas en el sistema de justicia mediante el aumento de los servicios relacionados con la derivación, el reingreso y la restauración de la capacidad.

Mirando hacia el futuro, el departamento planea aprovechar la inversión de 835 millones de dólares para expandir aún más los servicios y continuar avanzando hacia un sistema integrado de salud conductual que funcione para todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte. Para obtener más información sobre las inversiones de Carolina del Norte en salud conductual, consulte el informe: Transforming North Carolina’s Behavioral Health System: Investing in a System That Delivery Whole-Person Care When and Where People Need It (Transformando el Sistema de Salud Mental de Carolina del Norte: Invirtiendo en un sistema que ofrezca atención integral cuando y donde la gente la necesite). Además, también se puede encontrar información en el Plan Estratégico para 2024-2029 de la División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios de Uso de Sustancias del NCDHHS.

Feb 7, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Summerville man arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material* chargesRead More

Source: US State of South Carolina

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Richard Vincent Willis, Jr., 54, of Summerville, S.C., on 19 charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Office, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.

Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led them to Willis. Investigators state Willis possessed files of child sexual abuse material.

Willis was arrested on February 6, 2025. He is charged with 19 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree (§16-15-410), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.

This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

* Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant. Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Three Men Believed to be Part of South American Theft Group Indicted for Federal Crimes Related to Burglary of NFL Player’s Cincinnati Home

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

CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury in Cincinnati has charged defendants believed to be operating as part of a South American Theft Group with transporting stolen goods interstate and falsifying records in a federal investigation. The three men allegedly committed the Dec. 9, 2024, burglary at the home of a local NFL player.

A federal complaint was filed on Feb. 3 and the indictment was returned today, charging Jordan Francisco Quiroga Sanchez, 22, Bastian Alejandro Orellana Morales, 23, and Sergio Andres Ortega Cabello, 38, all of Chile.

“Our investigation remains ongoing as these individuals seem to be the alleged tip of the iceberg of South American Theft Groups committing crimes throughout our district and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “We owe it to the victims, whether they are or are not professional athletes, to follow the evidence into these alleged criminal networks and hold the law-breakers accountable. I cannot thank our law enforcement partners enough for their commitment to working together to track down these perpetrators. Today is a day that law enforcement scored and spiked the ball.”

“South American Theft Groups have been a major concern in the Cincinnati area,” said FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “We appreciate the partnerships of all the agencies involved in the Southwest Ohio South American Theft Group Task Force for their hard work on this investigation.”

“The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission was created for – and excels at – these types of complex, multi-jurisdictional cases,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “I’m proud of the work done so far, and look forward to more results as our task force continues its work.”

According to charging documents, law enforcement responded to the NFL player’s home around 8:14pm on Dec. 9, 2024, in reference to a reported burglary. An associate of the homeowner had been dropped off at the residence shortly after 8pm and discovered rooms were unusually messy and a primary bedroom window on the back side of the home had been broken.

It is believed the burglary likely occurred between 6pm and 8pm. The homeowner was away from his residence playing in an NFL game in Dallas. During a security detail shift change at the home at approximately 6pm, security personnel walked the perimeter of the house and no windows appeared to be broken at that time.

Continued investigation at the Cincinnati home led investigators to discover a trail camera image of a man carrying luggage and walking through the wooded area behind the home.

Law enforcement tracked the subjects in various states following the burglary, and subsequently located the vehicle at the La Quinta hotel on University Boulevard in Fairborn. The Ohio State Highway Patrol later stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation.

Phone analysis shows Cabello allegedly deleted photographs of the stolen goods and the back of the victim’s home during the traffic stop with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, thus falsifying records in a federal investigation. Additional cell phone analysis revealed other photos of the defendants in southeast Florida days after the burglary with luxury luggage and wearing the stolen jewelry.

Also in the car with the defendants were punch tools to break glass, as well as an old Louisiana State University shirt and a Cincinnati Bengals hat believed to be taken from the victim’s home.

The men were taken into local custody at the time of the traffic stop.

Interstate transportation of stolen property is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Falsification of records in a federal investigation carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The three men were previously charged locally and those state charges remain pending.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission’s Southwest Ohio Burglary Task Force; Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey; Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles A. Jones; Clark County Sheriff Christopher D. Clark; and Angie M. Salazar, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Detroit; announced the charges.

Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Springer is representing the United States in this case.

Charging documents merely contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Year Starts Off Strong with the Lowest Unemployment Rate Among Provinces and 9,900 New Jobs

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on February 7, 2025

According to the latest labour force survey numbers from Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan started off 2025 tied for the lowest unemployment rate among provinces at 5.4 per cent, below the national average of 6.6 per cent. The province also added 9,900 new jobs year-over-year for the month of January.

“Saskatchewan continues to regularly have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation as our economy continues to create more jobs and more opportunities,” Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. “Our government is committed to ensuring that Saskatchewan continues to grow and that is why we are focused on growing access to health care and educational spaces while taking action to make life more affordable for Saskatchewan people.”

Year-over-year full-time employment increased by 3,000, an increase of 0.6 per cent. Female employment is up 4,300, an increase of 1.5 per cent, and male employment is up 5,400, an increase of 1.7 per cent.

Major year-over-year job gains were reported for construction, up 6,300 (+16.6 per cent), health care & social assistance, up 5,900 (+6.5 per cent), and agriculture, up 3,500 (+15.3 per cent).

Saskatchewan’s two biggest cities also saw year-over-year growth. Compared to January 2024, Saskatoon’s employment was up 10,400, an increase of 5.4 per cent, and Regina’s employment was up 1,200, an increase of 0.8 per cent.

Saskatchewan also saw strong growth across other economic indicators. The province ranked second in year-over-year retail trade growth with a 5.1 per cent increase from November 2023 to November 2024. Saskatchewan ranked second in the nation for month-over-month growth in building construction investment with an increase of 5.7 per cent. The province also saw an 11.8 per cent increase in year-over-year construction investment from November 2023 to November 2024.

This economic growth is backed by the Government of Saskatchewan’s recently released Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: The Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, a roadmap to build the workforce needed to support Saskatchewan’s strong and growing economy, and Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy, a plan to increase investment in the province and to furth advancing Saskatchewan’s Growth plan goal of $16 billion in private capital investment annually.

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For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: FBI Announces Nationwide Crackdown on South American Theft Groups

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

Through the coordinated efforts of the FBI Cincinnati, Newark and New York field offices, the FBI arrested Dimitriy “Russo” Nezhinskiy, owner and manager of Big Apple General Buyers, and Juan Villar, an employee, in Manhattan’s Diamond District. They are accused in the Eastern District of New York of running the largest east coast “fence”, which is a hub to resell stolen goods. Additionally, a federal grand jury in Cincinnati indicted three defendants believed to be operating as part of the organized group and charged them with transporting stolen goods interstate and falsifying records in a federal investigation. The three men allegedly committed a burglary at the home of an NFL player last year.

In addition to high-end residential burglaries, SATGs are known to target traveling jewelry salesmen as they transport their inventory from location to location. They usually use facilitators, known as “fences,” to liquidate stolen merchandise. A fence is an individual or business who knowingly purchases stolen property and then resells it to others. In some scenarios, they send the stolen goods to Chile or Colombia. This week, a Chilean man, believed to be part of the South American Theft Group, was also charged for his involvement in a conspiracy to break into a jewelry store in New Jersey and then cross state lines with the stolen property.

Crimes committed by South American Theft Groups can victimize anyone, not just professional athletes. The FBI has an initiative targeting SATGs, which involves individuals from Chile and other South American countries exploiting illegal entry or tourist visas to travel in and out of the U.S. to facilitate theft and transportation of stolen goods internationally. This initiative dedicates resources through various active investigations and major theft task forces, which include our state and local partners, throughout the country and shares intelligence with law enforcement partners around the world.

You can visit tips.fbi.gov to report suspected South American Theft Group activity to the Bureau. Tips may be submitted anonymously.

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: BitconeMine Launches AI-Powered Cloud Mining Platform to Maximize Investor Returns
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LONDON, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BitconeMine, a leading cloud mining provider, announces the official launch of its AI-powered cloud mining platform, designed to help investors achieve stronger wealth potential with minimal effort. This innovation marks a significant breakthrough in crypto mining, making Bitcoin mining more accessible, cost-effective, and profitable for users worldwide.

AI-Driven Mining for Higher Efficiency

Traditional Bitcoin mining requires substantial investment in high-end hardware, energy costs, and technical expertise. BitconeMine’s newly launched AI-powered cloud mining platform eliminates these barriers, allowing users to participate in cryptocurrency mining without the need for expensive equipment or specialized knowledge.

Through advanced AI-driven optimization, BitconeMine enhances mining efficiency by reducing energy consumption, dynamically managing hardware performance, and minimizing downtime. This cutting-edge technology ensures higher returns while maintaining an environmentally friendly approach.

Key Benefits of BitconeMine’s Cloud Mining Service
1. Instant Mining Access with Flexible Contracts – Users can choose from various mining contract packages, providing fixed daily income based on their investment preferences.
2. Zero Equipment & Maintenance Costs – No need to purchase or maintain mining rigs; BitconeMine handles all operational expenses.
3. Global Accessibility with Mobile Monitoring – Investors can mine Bitcoin from anywhere in the world using just a smartphone. The BitconeMine app provides real-time income tracking.
4. Enhanced Security & Insurance Protection – All user data is safeguarded by SSL encryption, and mining investments are protected through L&G insurance policies.
5. Multiple Cryptocurrency Support – Users can settle earnings in USDT-TRC20, BTC, ETH, LTC, USDC, USDT-ERC20, BCH, DOGE, SOL, and XRP.
6. Exclusive Welcome Bonus – New users receive a $10 registration bonus and can earn a daily passive income of $0.6 through the mining experience program.
7. 24/7 Customer Support – BitconeMine offers round-the-clock assistance to resolve any user inquiries or technical issues.
Shaping the Future of Cloud Mining

BitconeMine’s AI-powered platform aims to revolutionize the crypto mining industry by diversifying revenue sources and reducing dependence on Bitcoin price fluctuations. By leveraging artificial intelligence, miners can optimize their operations, ensuring long-term stability and enhanced profitability.

For more details on how to start mining effortlessly and earn passive income, visit https://bitconemine.com today.

Contact:
Lily Tanoria
info@bitconemine.com

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by BitconeMine. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in cloud mining and related opportunities involves significant risks, including potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly advised to conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decision.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3b6d823-ff7e-4ffc-9d43-aad1d6e22296

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1dc56c40-d3ca-4017-a01f-e700bb10673a

The MIL Network –
February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Bucks County Man Sentenced To 30 Months In Prison For Possession Of Unregistered Firearm

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Joseph Weikel, age 50, a resident of Quakertown, Pennsylvania was sentenced on February 6, 2025, to 30 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Julia K. Munley, for possession of an unregistered firearm.

According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on or about June 28, 2021, Weikel possessed two improvised explosive devices inside his former residence in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. After manufacturing the devices, Weikel concealed them behind the ceiling tiles in his apartment, abandoning them when he was evicted. The devices were discovered on May 31, 2023, by maintenance workers. Following their discovery, law enforcement agents disassembled the devices. They were subsequently analyzed at the FBI Laboratory and identified improvised explosive devices. Under federal law, it is illegal to manufacture or possess a destructive device without proper authority.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—Allentown Field Office and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case.

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges Over 500 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct in Arizona

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PHOENIX, Ariz. – During two weeks of enforcement operations from January 21, 2025, through February 3, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona has brought immigration-related criminal charges against over 500 defendants. Specifically, the Office charged 565 defendants with immigration-related crimes. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Apart from interdiction efforts at the border, Federal law enforcement has been prioritizing immigration enforcement operations and prosecutions of aliens unlawfully in the interior of the country who have connections to criminal activity in the United States, including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, who have active warrants for their arrest, or who have outstanding final orders of removal from the United States issued by an immigration judge. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearms, and alien smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect us all.

Recent matters of interest include:

United States v. Edwin Santiago Marquez Flores: On January 27, 2025, Edwin Santiago Marquez Flores was under surveillance by HSI special agents on suspicion of engaging in human smuggling activity via social media. During a traffic stop, Marquez was found to be illegally in possession of two Century Arms AK47-style rifles, along with over $1,400 in U.S. currency. He was charged by criminal complaint with being an Alien in Possession of a Firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(5). Marquez admitted to being in the United States without legal status and admitted that he picked up the rifles with the intention that they be smuggled into Mexico. Marquez further admitted that he had sold approximately 50 firearms, including 40 to one specific individual who smuggles them to Mexico. He also admitted to transporting and selling cocaine in the United States and to coordinating approximately 300 drivers to smuggle approximately 800-1,000 illegal aliens within the United States. In total, Marquez said he was paid over $1.2 million for his smuggling activities. Case No. 25-3007 MJ.

United States v. Jason Kyle Dunn: On January 31, 2025, Jason Kyle Dunn, a U.S. Citizen, was charged with smuggling aliens in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324. Dunn was encountered at a U.S. Border Patrol immigration checkpoint on Interstate 19, driving a Ford F-550. After a human-detecting canine alerted to the vehicle, aliens were found concealed inside toolboxes in the bed of the truck. Specifically, Border Patrol found one subject locked in the driver’s side toolbox, two locked in the passenger side toolbox, and three locked in the main toolbox. The smuggled aliens reported they had no way of opening the toolboxes from the inside and that they had been locked inside the toolboxes for up to two hours before being rescued by Border Patrol. Case No. 25-8428 MJ.

United States v. Alfonso Garcia Vega: On February 2, 2025, ICE ERO Phoenix arrested Alfonso Garcia Vega, a Mexican citizen and criminal alien, who had previously been removed after a federal felony conviction and had unlawfully returned to the United States. Vega was charged by criminal complaint for illegal reentry after deportation in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a), as enhanced by 8 U.S.C. § 1326(b) because of his prior felony convictions in the United States. Court papers in that prior case reflect that Garcia Vega’s criminal history includes DUIs, assault, illegal reentry, a drug trafficking offense, and misconduct involving weapons. See United States v. Alfonso Garcia-Vega, No. CR-19-00198-PHX-DLR. ICE ERO began its investigation in this matter based on a referral from ATF that Garcia Vega had previously attempted to illegally buy a firearm in the United States, and which purchase had been denied. Garcia Vega had been deported from the United States in 2020 pursuant to a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge after his 2019 federal felony conviction, for which he was sentenced to two years in custody. ICE officers attempted to consensually encounter and arrest Garcia Vega while he was on the sidewalk in front of his residence, but he fled into his residence in an attempt to avoid arrest. ICE ERO then obtained an arrest warrant to enter the residence. Case No. 25-3078 MJ.

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

CASE NUMBER:          25-3007 MJ
25-8428 MJ
25-3078 MJ
RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-014_Immmigration Enforcement

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: Quadient SA: Monthly information on number of shares and voting rights

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Monthly information on number of shares and voting rights
of Quadient S.A.

In accordance with article 223.11 of Autorité des Marchés Financiers’
(French Securities and Investment board) General Regulations

Ordinary shares – ISIN: FR0000120560

As at 31 January 2025

Total number of shares 34,468,912

Theoretical total number of voting rights 34,468,912

Net total number of voting rights 33,729,765

For more information, please contact:

Or visit our website: https://invest.quadient.com/

Attachment

The MIL Network –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Beechview Resident Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on February 6, 2025, to a charge of child exploitation, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Michael J. Close Jr., 53, of the Beechview neighborhood of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on at least four occasions from May 16, 2022, through July 6, 2022, Close purchased and received from an online Russian vendor compressed and encrypted video and still image collections depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were prepubescent. Close created a cryptocurrency account and, using a cryptocurrency exchange platform, transferred payment to the vendor in bitcoin. Once payment was received, the vendor provided Close with a password to access and view the encrypted videos and still images.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the Court remanded Close to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations in Pittsburgh and Portland, Maine, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Close.

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

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Crack Cocaine and Violating Supervised Release

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on February 6, 2025, to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Daniel Culmer, 57, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to Count One of the Superseding Indictment and to violating conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around April 2021 to July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Culmer conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack. Culmer was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drug that he distributed to others. At the time of the offense, Culmer was on supervised release from a prior federal conviction in 2018 in the Western District of Pennsylvania for distributing heroin.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Culmer. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Returns $328,573 to Victim of Computer Support Scam

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has returned approximately $328,573 to the victim of a computer support scam.

A computer support scam is a type of fraud scheme where an alert appears on the victim’s computer imitating a customer support alert, tricking the victim into contacting the bad actors. When the victim contacts the scammers, the scammers then take remote control of the computer and either directly transfer money from the victim to the scammers or trick the victim into sending money to the scammers.

According to the complaint (3:24cv840), in February 2024, an elderly woman who was tricked by a computer support scheme that mimicked Microsoft customer support transferred approximately $550,000 to the scammers in two wire transfers. Within two days of the transfers, the victim and a family member reported the incident to the Simsbury Police Department, who then partnered with HSI to investigate the crime. Fortunately, one of the wire transfers, in the amount of $221,000, was reversed by the bank and returned to the victim. HSI traced the remaining money, totaling approximately $328,573, and seized it. The U.S. Attorney’s Office then filed a civil asset forfeiture action to forfeit the money to the government, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and HSI then worked with the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) to return the money to the victim. MLARS initiated the return of the money on February 4, 2025.

Generally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office first forfeits the money, then returns it to the crime victims, so that the crime victims have clear title to the property without risk of further litigation.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to helping victims of crime, and civil asset forfeiture is a powerful tool that allows the government to return money to victims of fraud schemes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman. “As we continue to pursue criminal prosecution of the individuals responsible for this and other computer crimes, it is equally important to ensure that the government uses all of its tools to minimize, and in this case, undo, the financial impact these crimes have on victims. This case represents the best case scenario, where nearly every dollar taken from the victim was returned to her. While it can be difficult to come forward and admit that you have been victimized by online scammers, know that federal law enforcement and our state and local partners stand ready to help you to the fullest extent possible.”

“Cyber scams run by foreign malign actors are becoming more common and more sophisticated every day,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Krol. “The victim in this case contacted authorities quickly resulting in the recovery of most of her money by the bank and by HSI – a best case scenario and rare result. It is essential for victims of these kinds of cybercrimes to come forward as soon as possible. We want the public to know that help is available and to reach out immediately if they’ve been victimized by international scammers.”

If you think you have been a victim of a computer support scam, immediately contact your bank or financial institution to request a recall or reversal as well as a Hold Harmless Letter or Letter of Indemnity, and contact local law enforcement. Additionally, file a detailed complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. The Internet Crime Complaint Center is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime. Visit www.ic3.gov for updated information regarding cyber fraud schemes.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Nelson.

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Admits To Trafficking Cocaine After Illegally Re-Entering The United States After Multiple Previous Deportations

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Mexican national admitted on Tuesday to trafficking cocaine and illegally re-entering the United States after previously sustaining an aggravated felony conviction, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

Anastacio Santiago Chaparro, aka Arnoldo Urquidez, 41 of Mexico pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and illegal reentry by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel in Camden federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On November 6, 2023, Santiago Chaparro was caught by law enforcement transporting a backpack that contained over 10 kilograms of cocaine. Santiago Chaparro admitted that the cocaine was intended for distribution. Additionally, Santiago Chaparro had been deported from the United States to Mexico three times and previously sustained a conviction for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, an aggravated felony.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The charge of illegal reentry by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel, and from the Drug Enforcement Administration New York, under the direction of Frank A. Tarentino, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chana Y. Zuckier of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering and Recovery Unit in Newark. Sentencing is scheduled for June 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

###

Defense counsel: Victor A. Afanador

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Roanoke, Alabama Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison Following Federal Drug Conviction

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Montgomery, Ala. – On February 6. 2025, a federal judge ordered 41-year-old Clifford Lane Brown, from Roanoke, Alabama, to serve 228 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the illegal drug, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. The judge also ordered that Brown remain on supervised release for five years following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to Brown’s plea agreement and other court records, on June 3, 2021, deputies with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office went to a home in Roanoke to make contact with an individual residing there concerning an investigation unrelated to Brown. When deputies arrived, they observed a vehicle parked near the home’s front porch. There were two occupants inside the vehicle — one was a female, the other was Brown. As officers approached the vehicle, deputies saw that Brown was holding a handgun. Deputies ordered Brown to put the firearm down, and Brown complied. Investigators searched the vehicle and found a backpack containing six plastic bags of methamphetamine, a small glass jar of marijuana, a hypodermic needle, and multiple rounds of ammunition. Brown has previous felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) analyzed and weighed the methamphetamine. The DEA lab determined that there was a total of 76 grams of methamphetamine seized with a purity level of 98 percent. On October 28, 2024, Brown pleaded guilty to possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the illegal drug.

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case, with assistance from DEA. Assistant United States Attorney Justin L. Jones prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: Canoe Financial wins three 2024 FundGrade A+ Awards for outstanding performance

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canoe Financial LP (“Canoe Financial”) is recognized with three 2024 FundGrade A+^® Awards for outstanding performance.

Canoe Financial 2024 FundGrade A+ Award winning funds:

FundGrade calculation date 12/31/2024.

The FundGrade A+^® rating recognizes the best performing funds that deliver the most consistent risk-adjusted returns. It is a yearly award that honours the “best of the best” among Canadian investment funds that have maintained a high FundGrade rating throughout a calendar year.

“These awards are a testament to the strength of our investment philosophy and the dedication of our team. At Canoe Financial, we’re committed to helping Canadians build lasting wealth through disciplined, active management and a focus on delivering consistent, long-term performance,” said Darcy Hulston, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canoe Financial.

About Canoe Financial
Canoe Financial is one of Canada’s fastest growing independent mutual fund companies managing $20 billion in assets across a diversified range of award-winning investment solutions. Founded in 2008, Canoe Financial is an employee-owned investment management firm focused on building financial wealth for Canadians. Canoe Financial has a significant presence across Canada, including offices in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.

About FundGrade A+ Awards
FundGrade A+^® is used with permission from Fundata Canada Inc., all rights reserved. The annual FundGrade A+® Awards are presented by Fundata Canada Inc. to recognize the “best of the best” among Canadian investment funds. The FundGrade A+^® calculation is supplemental to the monthly FundGrade ratings and is calculated at the end of each calendar year. The FundGrade rating system evaluates funds based on their risk-adjusted performance, measured by Sharpe Ratio, Sortino Ratio, and Information Ratio. The score for each ratio is calculated individually, covering all time periods from 2 to 10 years. The scores are then weighted equally in calculating a monthly FundGrade. The top 10% of funds earn an A Grade; the next 20% of funds earn a B Grade; the next 40% of funds earn a C Grade; the next 20% of funds receive a D Grade; and the lowest 10% of funds receive an E Grade. To be eligible, a fund must have received a FundGrade rating every month in the previous year. The FundGrade A+^® uses a GPA-style calculation, where each monthly FundGrade from “A” to “E” receives a score from 4 to 0, respectively. A fund’s average score for the year determines its GPA. Any fund with a GPA of 3.5 or greater is awarded a FundGrade A+^® Award. For more information, see www.FundGradeAwards.com. Although Fundata makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained herein, the accuracy is not guaranteed by Fundata.

Canoe Equity Portfolio Class Series, Canadian Focused Equity category out of a total of 70 funds: 20.20% (1 year), 9.46% (3 years), 14.48% (5 years), 10.16% (10 years) and 8.02% (since inception-February 2011); Canoe Asset Allocation Portfolio Class, Tactical Balanced category out of a total of 56 funds: 14.65% (1 year), 6.35% (3 years), 10.46% (5 years), 7.36% (10 years) and 5.85% (since inception-February 2011); Canoe North American Monthly Income Portfolio Class, Global Neutral Balanced category out of a total of 224 funds: 13.40% (1 year), 6.22% (3 years), 8.25% (5 years), 6.47% (10 years) and 7.25% (since inception- December 2012).

Further information
Investor Relations
Canoe Financial LP
1–877–434–2796
info@canoefinancial.com

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. The indicated rates of return are the historical annual compounded total returns including changes in unit value and reinvestment of all distributions and do not take into account sales, redemption, distribution or optional charges or income taxes payable by any unitholder that would have reduced returns. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

The MIL Network –

February 8, 2025

MIL-OSI: Track Group Reports 1st Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NAPERVILLE, Ill., Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Track Group, Inc. (OTCQB: TRCK), a global leader in offender tracking and monitoring services, today announced financial results for its fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024 (“Q1 FY25”). In Q1 FY25, the Company posted (i) total revenue of $8.7 Million (“M”), a decrease of approximately 3.3% over total revenue of $9.0M for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 (“Q1 FY24”); (ii) Q1 FY25 operating income of $0.1M compared to Q1 FY24 operating loss of ($0.2M); and (iii) net loss attributable to common shareholders of ($2.0M) in Q1 FY25 compared to net income attributable to common shareholders of $0.1M in Q1 FY24.

“The quarter ending December 31, 2024 showed increases in gross profit, operating income and Adjusted EBITDA. This progress reflects the increased use of our products and services in legacy programs and continued expansion through newly awarded contracts domestically and abroad. With a strong pipeline and a commitment to delivering value, we are poised for continued success in fiscal year 2025,” said Derek Cassell, Track Group’s CEO.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Total Q1 FY25 revenue of $8.7M decreased approximately 3.3% compared to Q1 FY24 revenue of $9.0M. The decrease in revenue was driven principally by a decrease in people assigned to monitoring for clients in Michigan and Virginia, and our recently sold Chilean subsidiary. This decrease was partially offset by revenue increases for clients in Illinois, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas who experienced increases in the number of people assigned to monitoring.
Gross profit of $4.4M in Q1 FY25 increased approximately 5.2% compared to Q1 FY24 gross profit of $4.2M due to a decrease in monitoring center costs, partially offset by a decrease in revenue.
Operating income in Q1 FY25 of $0.1M increased compared to the operating loss of ($0.2M) in Q1 FY24. The increase in net income in Q1 FY25 is primarily due to a decrease in cost of revenue and a decrease in operating expense.
Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 FY25 of $1.2M, increased compared to $1.1M for Q1 FY24 due to an increase in operating income and gross profit. Adjusted EBITDA in Q1 FY25 as a percentage of revenue increased to 14.4%, compared to 11.8% for Q1 FY24 for the same reasons.
Unrestricted cash balance of $3.7M for Q1 FY25 increased compared to $3.6M for Q1 FY24. The change in cash position was principally due to the sale of our Chilean subsidiary.
Net loss attributable to shareholders in FY24 was ($2,010,849) compared to net income of $461 in FY23, a change principally attributable to lower revenue and a foreign currency exchange rate loss.

Business Outlook

Growth in gross profit and operating income in Q1 FY25 reinforces our confidence in the strategic reinvestment in technology and the implementation of new programs initiated in late FY23. These endeavors position us well for sustained growth throughout FY25. As a result, the Company’s preliminary outlook for FY25 is as follows:

	Actual				Outlook
	FY 2023		FY 2024		FY 2025
Revenue:	$34.5	M	$36.9	M	$35M – $36M

Adjusted EBITDA Margin:	11.1	%	14.6	%	14% – 15%

About Track Group, Inc.
Track Group designs, manufactures, and markets location tracking devices; as well as develops and sells a variety of related software, services, and accessories, networking solutions, and monitoring applications. The Company’s products and services are designed to empower professionals in security, law enforcement, corrections, and rehabilitation organizations worldwide with single-sourced offender management solutions that integrate reliable intervention technologies to support re-socialization and monitoring initiatives.

The Company currently trades under the ticker symbol “TRCK” on the OTCQB exchange. For more information, visit www.trackgrp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “if”, “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to Track Group, Inc., and subsidiaries (“Track Group”) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and reflect Track Group’s current beliefs and expectations with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties and subject to change at any time. Track Group may from time-to-time update these publicly announced projections, but it is not obligated to do so. Any projections of future results of operations should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur. These projections are subject to change and could differ materially from final reported results. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, see “Risk Factors” in Track Group’s annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and its other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. New risks emerge from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This release includes financial measures defined as “non-GAAP financial measures” by the Securities and Exchange Commission including non-GAAP EBITDA. These measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The presentation of this financial information, which is not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles, is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures are based on the financial figures for the respective period.

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA excludes items included but not limited to interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, gains and losses, currency effects, one-time charges or benefits that are not indicative of operations, charges to consolidate, integrate or consider recently acquired businesses, costs of closing facilities, stock based or other non-cash compensation or other stated cash and non-cash charges (the “Adjustments”).

The Company believes the non-GAAP measures provide useful information to both management and investors when factoring in the Adjustments. Specific disclosure regarding the Company’s financial results, including management’s analysis of results from operations and financial condition, are contained in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are encouraged to carefully read and consider such disclosure and analysis contained in the Company’s Form 10-K and other reports, including the risk factors contained in such Form 10-K.

TRACK GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	(Unaudited)
	December 31,			September 30,
	2024			2024
Assets
Current assets:
Cash	$	3,740,043		$	3,574,215
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $525,141 and $432,904 respectively		5,319,041			4,428,535
Prepaid expense and deposits		420,680			638,293
Inventory, net of reserves of $99,041 and $82,848, respectively		811,992			582,481
Assets held for sale		–			969,481
Total current assets		10,291,756			10,193,005
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $293,419 and $430,003, respectively		351,353			317,206
Monitoring equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,145,204 and $5,982,972, respectively		4,550,033			4,598,864
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $19,954,086 and $19,699,966, respectively		13,415,776			13,959,571
Goodwill		7,913,369			7,941,190
Other assets, net		1,238,608			660,170
Total assets	$	37,760,895		$	37,670,006

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	3,336,084		$	3,082,467
Accrued liabilities		2,542,932			2,639,318
Liabilities held for sale		–			732,028
Total current liabilities		5,879,016			6,453,813
Long-term debt, net of current portion		42,659,634			42,639,197
Long-term liabilities		679,823			186,407
Total liabilities		49,218,473			49,279,417

Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Common stock, $0.0001 par value: 30,000,000 shares authorized; 11,863,758 and 11,863,758 shares outstanding, respectively		1,186			1,186
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding		–			–
Series A Convertible Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value: 1,200,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding		–			–
Paid in capital		302,600,546			302,600,546
Accumulated deficit		(315,274,178	)		(312,691,811	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		1,214,868			(1,519,332	)
Total equity (deficit)		(11,457,578	)		(11,609,411	)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)	$	37,760,895		$	37,670,006

TRACK GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2024			2023
Revenue:
Monitoring and other related services	$	8,441,307		$	8,674,485
Product sales and other		227,021			292,487
Total revenue		8,668,328			8,966,972

Cost of revenue:
Monitoring, products and other related services		3,508,762			3,973,989
Depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenue		735,224			789,463
Total cost of revenue		4,243,986			4,763,452

Gross profit		4,424,342			4,203,520

Operating expense:
General & administrative		2,431,118			2,757,887
Selling & marketing		901,189			706,531
Research & development		669,391			682,463
Depreciation & amortization		227,553			239,760
Loss on sale of subsidiary		66,483			–
Total operating expense		4,295,734			4,386,641

Operating income (loss)		128,608			(183,121	)

Other income (expense):
Interest income		2,839			48,162
Interest expense		(571,798	)		(486,084	)
Currency exchange rate gain (loss)		(1,499,262	)		538,945
Total other income (expense)		(2,068,221	)		101,023
Net income (loss) before income taxes		(1,939,613	)		(82,098	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		71,236			(82,559	)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders		(2,010,849	)		461
Release of cumulative translation adjustment for sale of subsidiary		1,390,913			–
Equity adjustment for sale of subsidiary		571,518			–
Foreign currency translation adjustments		771,769			(106,702	)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	723,351		$	(106,241	)
Net income (loss) per share – basic:
Net income (loss) per common share	$	(0.17	)	$	0.00
Weighted average common shares outstanding		11,863,758			11,863,758

Net income (loss) per share – diluted:
Net income (loss) per common share	$	(0.17	)	$	0.00
Weighted average common shares outstanding		11,863,758			11,863,758

TRACK GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NON-GAAP ADJUSTED EBITDA DECEMBER 31 (UNAUDITED) (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2024			2023

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	(2,011	)	$	–
Interest expense, net		569			438
Depreciation and amortization		963			1,029
Income taxes ⁽¹⁾		71			(83	)
Board compensation and stock-based compensation		75			53
Foreign exchange expense (gain)		1,499			(539	)
Loss on sale of subsidiary		66			–
Other charges ⁽²⁾		18			164
Total Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA	$	1,250		$	1,062
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA, percent of revenue		14.4	%		11.8	%

Non-GAAP earnings per share – basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		11,863,758			11,863,758
Non-GAAP earnings per share	$	0.11		$	0.09

Non-GAAP earnings per share – diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		11,863,758			11,863,758
Non-GAAP earnings per share	$	0.11		$	0.09

(1	)	Currently, the Company has significant U.S. tax loss carryforwards that may be used to offset future taxable income, subject to IRS limitations. However, the Company is still subject to certain state, commonwealth, and other foreign based taxes.

(2	)	Other charges are expenses related to the board of directors, severance, and other Chile monitoring center costs for our recently sold subsidiary.

James Berg
Chief Financial Officer
jim.berg@trackgrp.com

The MIL Network –

February 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Collaboration in Action: First Responders and Military Train for Crisis Situations

Source: United States Navy

NORFOLK, Va. — On February 5, 2025, a multi-agency exercise simulating an active shooter scenario and improvised explosive device (IED) threat took place in Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads Iowa Estates. The drill was designed to test the readiness and coordination of various local and federal agencies, enhancing their ability to respond to complex, high-stress situations. The exercise was a collaborative effort involving Navy Police, Norfolk Police, Norfolk Fire, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).

“Exercises like this are critical in ensuring our personnel are prepared for real-world threats. The collaboration between multiple agencies strengthens our ability to respond effectively and keep our communities safe,” said Captain Mathew Olson, NSA Hampton Roads Commanding Officer.

The exercise began with a simulated active shooter incident at Iowa Estates. The scenario unfolded when a suspect entered the area and began firing shots. Navy Police quickly responded, pursuing the suspect into the residential area. During the pursuit, officers encountered a suspected IED, adding an additional layer of urgency and complexity to the situation. The discovery prompted an immediate shift in tactics, requiring coordination with EOD specialists to assess and neutralize the threat while law enforcement continued their response.

Following a brief chase, the suspect barricaded himself in his vehicle, prompting a tactical response from the involved agencies. In response to the evolving situation, NCIS took charge of negotiations with the suspect in an attempt to resolve the standoff peacefully. The standoff lasted just under two hours, allowing participants to refine and assess their protocols for crisis management, communication, and the coordination of multiple teams.

The primary aim of the exercise was to provide participating agencies with an opportunity to experience “real-world” training, enabling them to sharpen their response times, improve tactical strategies, and ensure the safety of both law enforcement personnel and the public.

“The more we train together, the better prepared we are. These scenarios push us to refine our strategies and ensure that when a real crisis occurs, we’re ready to respond with precision and professionalism,” said Lieutenant Shawn Watkins, NSA Hampton Roads Security Officer.

The scenarios emphasized the importance of clear communication between the agencies involved, allowing for effective coordination. Fire departments were also instrumental, responding to potential hazards and ensuring the safety of all responders, while EOD teams worked swiftly to evaluate and neutralize the IED threat, preventing further escalation.

This training allowed personnel to practice both offensive and defensive tactics, developing their ability to work together under high pressure. The simulation also tested the agencies’ capacity to maintain situational awareness, handle negotiations, and defuse a dangerous situation in a timely manner.

The exercise underscored the importance of a unified approach when responding to critical incidents. With a combination of law enforcement, fire, medical, and military personnel, the agencies worked seamlessly to bring the exercise to a successful conclusion. The integration of different units—from police negotiators to fire response teams—demonstrated the value of multi-agency collaboration in safeguarding public safety during complex emergencies.

“At the end of the day, everything we do is about protecting lives. This exercise allowed us to test and improve our skills so that if the worst happens, we can respond swiftly and effectively,” said Captain Olson.

Moving forward, the lessons learned during this event will serve as a foundation for future training exercises and real-world responses, ensuring that all participants remain prepared to protect and serve with the highest level of professionalism and efficiency.

MIL Security OSI –

February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Safer streets, more homes – Westminster unveils new budget measures | Westminster City Council
Source: City of Westminster

A massive programme of investment in fighting anti-social behaviour and providing more Council owned temporary accommodation during the cost of living crisis is at the heart of Westminster City Council’s proposed budget published today.

The theme of safety on the streets and the security of a home are supported by one of the largest investments ever – doubling the number of CCTV cameras on the streets to 200 (including up to 40 new cameras in the West End as part of the Council’s upcoming Westminster After Dark initiative), action on targeting ASB hot spots and tackling the housing crisis with a £140 million investment. At the same time, the Council is proposing to invest a massive £2.6m into cushioning the cost of adult social care – meaning hundreds of adult social care users will now not pay for care while hard working care assistants will earn more.

Despite the scale of new investment, the Council Tax rise equals just 48p a week for a Band D* property, which means Westminster still has one of the lowest Council Tax rates in the country. The Westminster City Council part of the Council Tax rises by 4.99 per cent overall – 2.99 per cent for council services and 2 per cent for the portion set aside for adult social care.

Headline announcements in the proposed budget include:
- £2m for anti-social and city management measures – including doubling the number of CCTV cameras to 200, creating a new team to combat ASB and recruiting extra officers to fight noise nuisance. The installation of up to 40 new cameras in the West End – focusing on Soho and Leicester square – is the most significant council security investment in the area in nearly a decade.
- A new investment of £140m in Council owned temporary accommodation properties to curb the reliance on expensive hotels and provide a more secure home for those waiting for permanent social housing.
- An extra £1.2m to tackle rough sleeping and help people off the pavements and into safety
- An additional £1.4m to increase the pay of the personal care assistants (over 400 staff) who provide care for Westminster residents through direct payments. This will help more people who use adult social care to employ the carer they want as they will now be able to pay a competitive salary.
- An additional £1.2m to level up the threshold at which people start to pay for their social care costs so that it is the same for everyone regardless of age. This will help over 460 residents aged under 65 to keep more of their income before paying care bills.
- An extra £1m on cost of living support – for example free school meals during school holidays, supermarket food vouchers, a hardship fund and supporting specialist advice centres.
- Investing in new Community hubs such as Ernest Harris House opening this Spring and the Pimlico Community hub at site of the Old Pimlico Library opening in 2026
The Council will also deliver new savings of nearly £30m by 2028 through measures including greater efficiencies in contracts and the switch to an electric cleaning and waste fleet.

The proposed budget will go to the City Council’s cabinet before being voted on at full Council on March 5^th.

Cllr Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said:

“Safety and assurance for our residents – whether on the streets, keeping a roof over their heads or with help for the less well-off – is at the very heart of this Budget.

“Like all London councils, we are facing unprecedented demands on our services with spiralling costs for housing and care. I am proud that we have been able through careful management and savings to target money to those who need it most while keeping a rise in Council tax to the bare minimum.

“We all know everything is more expensive these days – food, rent, and looking after elderly family members. We are keeping bills down for those who can least afford it, but I am also pleased we can increase the hourly pay of those care assistants who do such a vital job but are often on the lower end of the pay scale.

“Wherever you live in Westminster, you should be able to enjoy your surroundings without fear of groups hanging around on corners, dealing drugs or other anti-social behaviour and making a noise. Our mobile cameras are already helping in court prosecutions and we will deploy them wherever residents need them most.”

You can see full details of the proposed Budget here: https://committees.westminster.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=130&MId=6438&Ver=4
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK launches flagship SPIRIT programme to drive social recovery in Ukraine
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
English

Українська

In collaboration with Government of Ukraine, UNICEF and the World Bank, £25m of UK funding will support an inclusive and sustainable social recovery in Ukraine.
The SPIRIT programme (Social Protection for Inclusion, Resilience, Innovation and Transformation) will support Ukraine to strengthen more inclusive and efficient social protection systems and revitalise community and family-based services.

SPIRIT will support the Foreign Secretary’s priority to ensure a safe and loving family for every child, improving social care services for 10,000 families across 10 regions

The programme will help Ukraine lay foundations for a recovery that meets the needs of citizens in all their diversity including people with disabilities, veterans and other war-impacted groups.

The UK will invest £25 million to strengthen Ukraine’s social protection system and services to support an inclusive and barrier-free recovery. The funding announced during the visit of the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy to Kyiv will catalyse Ukraine’s ambition for reform of the social sphere. This support will help Ukraine to meet the varied needs of the population and accelerate Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic pathway. The UK will partner with UNICEF Ukraine and the World Bank to deliver SPIRIT, working closely with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, the European Union and key partners in the social sector.

The SPIRIT programme recognises that investing in people – and the support and services they need – will be critical for Ukraine’s long-term recovery and socio-economic future.

Russia’s full-scale invasion has had an immense and devastating human impact in Ukraine. This has been disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable and war-impacted groups, including women, children and families, people with disabilities, older people, veterans, and those in frontline areas.

The programme will support Government of Ukraine in their social reform agenda, bringing together Ministries and local government, international financial organisations, donors, civil society, academia, and private sector.

Following the signing of the ‘Social Recovery and Inclusion Partnership for Ukraine’ by the UK, the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, the European Union, UNICEF and the World Bank at the Berlin Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024, SPIRIT demonstrates commitment of the UK government and partners to support Ukraine’s socio-economic future and further our collaboration.

The SPIRIT programme has three main priorities:

Improving access to high-quality community and family-based social services for at least 10,000 families with children across 10 regions. In cooperation with the Ministry of Social Policy, we will deliver small grants and capacity-building to 100 civil society and local community actors to enable them to provide social services, while building a local marketplace of accessible service providers and empowering local actors to meet the growing demand for social protection support.

Establishing a Social Recovery Office with the Ministry of Social Policy to drive reforms, improve coordination in the sector, and enhance collaboration with international financial institutions and development partners. The Social Recovery Office will help Ukraine respond to pressing demographic challenges, meet the needs of the most vulnerable, and support development of a more robust and inclusive social protection framework.

Launching a range of cross-sectoral initiatives that support social recovery and inclusion priorities in Ukraine. Projects will work across health, economic and social sectors, piloting new models of support and services to cater for the most vulnerable and war-impacted groups. This includes women, families with children, people with disabilities, older people, and veterans. These initiatives will foster human capital, enable inclusive reforms and build the institutional capacity needed for Ukraine to address the demographic, economic, and societal changes driven by the war.

The SPIRIT programme will support the Foreign Secretary’s campaign to realize family-based care for every child. Ukraine is a key partner in the Foreign Secretary’s new global alliance to progress sustainable, lasting reform of children’s social care around the world. Working with the Government of Ukraine and UNICEF, SPIRIT includes a specific focus on accelerating ‘Better Care Reform’ to strengthen families, prevent separation, and ensure a safe and loving family environment for all Ukrainian children.

The British Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris said:

I am proud that the UK is announcing critical funding for Ukraine’s social recovery. The £25m contribution will strengthen Ukraine’s social systems and services that are under overwhelming pressure from Russia’s brutal invasion. Investing in Ukraine’s social systems is an investment in Ukraine’s people – and we know that Ukraine’s people are its greatest resource.

SPIRIT is a testament to 100 Year Partnership and shared values between our two countries, including our commitment to meet the needs of women, children, people with disabilities, older people, veterans, and marginalised groups.

In the very worst of circumstances, Ukraine is pursuing an ambitious reform agenda to build a brighter, fairer and ‘barrier-free’ society. In partnership with the Government of Ukraine, UNICEF and the World Bank, the SPIRIT programme will drive forward this vision and lay the foundations for a future where the well-being, dignity and potential of every Ukrainian is ensured.

Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine outlined:

Human capital development is at the centre of Ukraine’s recovery. The SPIRIT programme represents a crucial step in building institutional capacity, strengthening the social protection system and supporting critical reforms to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and inclusion. We are grateful to our partners, the FCDO, World Bank, and UNICEF, for their support and shared commitment to fostering social cohesion, leaving no one behind.

Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine indicates:

The SPIRIT programme is a critical investment in protecting and improving the lives of the most vulnerable, especially children and families in need across Ukraine. This initiative will further strengthen national systems and community-based services to nurture and maximize the country’s most important resource, its human capital, to drive inclusive and prosperous growth.

Bob Saum, World Bank Regional Country Director for Eastern Europe added:

Addressing social cohesion and inclusion, including meeting the needs of vulnerable populations will contribute to maximizing benefits of Ukraine’s post-war recovery economic growth. The SPIRIT program will help build institutional capacity to support veterans, people with disabilities, and other at-risk groups while advancing Ukraine’s EU integration goals.

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Published 7 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Securities Lending of the Government’s Holdings of Canada Mortgage Bonds

Source: Bank of Canada

The Department of Finance and the Bank of Canada, in its role as the Government of Canada’s fiscal agent, are announcing the launch of securities lending of the government’s Canada Mortgage Bond (CMB) holdings, to support market well-functioning.

The government is making its CMB holdings available to borrow via CIBC Mellon/BNY’s pre-existing securities lending services, which uses a market-based pricing structure. CIBC Mellon/BNY was selected as agent based on a detailed evaluation of short-listed securities lending agents in the Canadian fixed-income market.

CMBs will be made available to borrow beginning Monday, February 10, 2025. The government is making its full holdings of CMBs available, and the daily average amounts on loan over the prior month for each security will be published on the Bank’s website by the fifth business day of the following month.

For further details, including terms and conditions, loan pricing, eligible collateral and to register as an eligible counterparty, please contact CIBC Mellon/BNY directly.

Note that as previously announced, the government will participate in all fixed-rate CMB syndications proposed for 2025 and will continue to target a total purchase amount of 50% of fixed-rate CMB primary issuances. The Bank of Canada will continue to conduct CMB purchases on the government’s behalf.

For further information, please contact:

Director
Funds Management Division
Department of Finance Canada
343‑549‑3651

Director
Financial Markets Department
Bank of Canada

MIL OSI Canada News –

February 8, 2025

	As at 31 January 2025
Total number of shares	34,468,912
Theoretical total number of voting rights	34,468,912
Net total number of voting rights	33,729,765

Category: Finance

The British Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris said:

Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine outlined:

Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine indicates:

Bob Saum, World Bank Regional Country Director for Eastern Europe added:

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Updates to this page