Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements for Lunar New Year fireworks display

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police will implement crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements on both sides of Victoria Harbour on January 30 (Thursday) to facilitate the public to watch the Lunar New Year fireworks display.
     
    Kowloon
    ——-
     
    Crowd safety management measures in Tsim Sha Tsui
    ————————————————-
     
         Police will implement crowd safety management measures in Yau Tsim District and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade, including pedestrianising roads at Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade in phases.
     
         Depending on the prevailing crowd situation, Police will implement safety measures within the pedestrianised area including the closure of pedestrian subways and putting up barriers. One-way flow will be applied on overcrowded footbridges and in the vicinity of the waterfront promenade. If necessary, restrictions on access to MTR stations will be put into force by the MTR Corporation.
     
         The Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the vicinity of the Clock Tower, and the Avenue of Stars are known to be popular gathering and vantage points. If these areas are saturated, the crowd will be diverted to other areas.
     
         At present, there are some construction works at West Kowloon Cultural District. The contractors have erected hoardings and barriers to seal off the area concerned with relevant notices displayed. Members of the public are urged not to enter these construction sites nor climb or lean against the barriers.
     
         Members of the public should follow the instructions given by Police officers and take heed of Police signage and broadcasts at scene.
     
    Special traffic arrangements
    —————————-
     
         The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented by phases, until the crowd has dispersed and the roads are safe for re-opening:
     
    A. Road closure
     
         The following roads will be closed, except for vehicles with permit:
     
    Phase I (from 5pm onwards)
     
    – Salisbury Road and Salisbury Road Underpass between Cheong Wan Road and Kowloon Park Drive;
    – Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Metropolis Drive;
    – Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Road;
    – Chatham Road South between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;
    – Southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Granville Road, except for franchised buses and green minibuses (GMBs);
    – Granville Road between Chatham Road South and Science Museum Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;
    – Canton Road between Gateway Boulevard and Salisbury Road;
    – Southbound Kowloon Park Drive between Gateway Boulevard and Salisbury Road;
    – Northbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Salisbury Road;
    – Southbound Nathan Road between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;
    – Carnarvon Road between Granville Road and Nathan Road;
    – Hong Wan Path;
    – Mody Lane;
    – Mody Road;
    – Mody Square;
    – Granville Square;
    – Minden Row;
    – Hanoi Road;
    – Bristol Avenue;
    – Minden Avenue;
    – Blenheim Avenue;
    – Hart Avenue;
    – Prat Avenue;
    – Humphreys Avenue;
    – Cameron Road;
    – Cameron Lane;
    – Hau Fuk Street;
    – Middle Road;
    – Peking Road;
    – Lock Road;
    – Hankow Road;
    – Ashley Road;
    – Ichang Street; and
    – Haiphong Road.
     
         During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Road will be directed from Hung Hom Bypass to Cheong Tung Road South roundabout;
    – Traffic along eastbound Metropolis Drive cannot turn right to southbound Hung Hom Bypass;
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Bypass must turn right to westbound Metropolis Drive;
    – Traffic along westbound Cheong Wan Road leading to Chatham Road South must turn right to northbound Chatham Road South or go straight to westbound Austin Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;
    – Franchised buses and GMBs along southbound Chatham Road South must turn left to eastbound Granville Road;
    – Franchised buses along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Public Square Street or westbound Jordan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Canton Road must make a U-turn to northbound Canton Road outside China Hong Kong City;
    – Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Salisbury Road must turn left to northbound Kowloon Park Drive;
    – Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn right to Peking Road;
    – Granville Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road will be re-routed to one-way eastbound, while traffic along southbound Nathan Road will be instructed to turn left to eastbound Granville Road;
    – Traffic along Science Museum Road cannot turn to Mody Road and Granville Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Salisbury Road near Hong Chong Road will be diverted to Tsim Sha Tsui East; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Granville Road near Chatham Road South must turn left to northbound Chatham Road South.
     
    Phase II (from 5.30pm onwards)
     
    – Northbound Kowloon Park Drive between Salisbury Road and Gateway Boulevard; and
    – Salisbury Road between Canton Road and Kowloon Park Drive.
     
    Phase III (from 6pm onwards)
     
    – Museum Drive;
    – Cultural Drive;
    – The slip road of eastbound Austin Road West at-grade leading to westbound Austin Road West near The Harbourside;
    – The slip road of westbound Austin Road West at-grade leading to eastbound Austin Road West near Xiqu Centre; and
    – The left lane of westbound Austin Road West leading to Austin Road West roundabout.
     
         During the above road closure period, traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road cannot enter Museum Drive.
     
    Phase IV (from 7.45pm onwards)
     
    – Nga Cheung Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road West;
    – Canton Road between Austin Road West and Kowloon Park Drive;
    – Nathan Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road;
    – Eastbound Bowring Street between Pilkem Street and Nathan Road;
    – Tak Shing Street between Tak Hing Street and Nathan Road;
    – Southbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Granville Road;
    – Pine Tree Hill Road;
    – Hillwood Road;
    – Carnarvon Road between Kimberley Road and Granville Road;
    – Shun Yee Street;
    – Granville Circuit;
    – Northbound Chatham Road South between Observatory Road and Granville Road;
    – Kimberley Road between Nathan Road and Observatory Road;
    – Kimberley Street; and
    – Granville Road between Nathan Road and Chatham Road South.
     
         During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
    – Traffic along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Jordan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Nathan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Austin Road and southbound Cox’s Road cannot turn to Pine Tree Hill Road;
    – Traffic along Observatory Road cannot turn left to westbound Kimberley Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Pilkem Street cannot turn right to eastbound Bowring Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Bowring Street will be diverted via northbound Pilkem Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Canton Road will be directed to eastbound Austin Road or westbound Austin Road West;
    – Traffic along eastbound Austin Road West cannot turn right to southbound Canton Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Jordan Road heading for Nga Cheung Road will be directed to Kowloon Station Public Transport Interchange;
    – Traffic along westbound Austin Road West will be diverted to northbound Nga Cheung Road elevated road; and
    – Traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road will be directed to eastbound Austin Road West.
     
    Contingency plan
     
         If necessary, the following roads will be closed:
     
    – Hung Luen Road between Wa Shun Street and Hung Lok Road;
    – Oi King Street; and
    – Kin Wan Street.
     
         During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to eastbound Wa Shun Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Wa Shun Street must turn right to eastbound Hung Luen Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Hung Lok Road cannot turn left to eastbound Hung Luen Road; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to northbound Hung Lok Road.
     
    B. Suspension of bus termini
     
         The Tsim Sha Tsui East (Mody Road) Bus Terminus will be suspended from 5pm.
     
         The Star Ferry Bus Terminus will be suspended from 5.30pm.

         The China Hong Kong City Bus Terminus will be suspended from 7pm.
     
    C. Suspension of parking spaces
     
         All on-street parking spaces, metered parking spaces and motorcycle parking spaces within the closed areas will be suspended from noon to 3am of the following day.
     
    D. Suspension of car parks
     
         During the implementation of the special traffic arrangements, vehicles cannot enter or leave the car parks within the closed road area in Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon Cultural District from 5pm and 6pm respectively, until the roads are safe for re-opening.
     
    Hong Kong Island
    —————-
     
    A. Road closure
     
         Expo Drive East at the north of Expo Drive outside Golden Bauhinia Square, including the pick-up and drop-off areas, will be closed from 3pm.
     
         The following roads will be closed from 5.30pm:
     
    Central District
    —————-
    – Man Kwong Street;
    – Man Fai Street;
    – Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and Man Po Street; and
    – Unnamed Road near Lung Wo Road outside General Post Office metered parking spaces.
     
    Central – Wan Chai Bypass
    ————————-
    – The slip road linking eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Expo Drive;
    – The slip road linking Lung Wo Road to eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass; and
    – The slip road linking westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass to Lung Wo Road.
     
    Wan Chai
    ——–
    – Eastbound Fenwick Pier Street;
    – Lung King Street;
    – Eastbound Harbour Road;
    – Expo Drive;
    – Expo Drive Central;
    – Expo Drive East;
    – Lung Wo Road between Lung Hop Street and Fleming Road;
    – Lung Tat Path;
    – Convention Avenue;
    – Fleming Road flyover;
    – Fleming Road between Expo Drive East and Harbour Road;
    – Northbound Tonnochy Road between Harbour Road and Hung Hing Road;
    – Southbound Tonnochy Road between Hung Hing Road and Gloucester Road;
    – Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Hung Hing Road;
    – Marsh Road flyover;
    – Hung Hing Road;
    – Hung Hing Road flyover;
    – Wan Shing Street;
    – Wan Ying Street; and
    – The slip road leading from eastbound Victoria Park Road to Causeway Bay Promenade.
     
         The following roads will be closed from 6.45pm:
     
    Central District
    —————-
    – Yiu Sing Street;
    – Lung Wo Road between Man Yiu Street and Lung Hop Street;
    – Tim Wa Avenue;
    – Legislative Council Road;
    – Tim Mei Avenue;
    – Lung Wui Road;
    – Lung Hop Street;
    – Unnamed road between Harcourt Road and Performing Arts Avenue;
    – Performing Arts Avenue; and
    – Edinburgh Place.
     
    Wan Chai
    ——–
    – Tonnochy Road flyover;
    – Northbound Tonnochy Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road;
    – Harbour Drive;
    – Westbound Harbour Road;
    – Northbound Fleming Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road;
    – Fenwick Pier Street flyover;
    – Westbound Fenwick Pier Street; and
    – Fenwick Street between Harbour Road and Gloucester Road.
     
    Eastern District
    —————-
    – Watson Road;
    – King Ming Road;
    – Hing Fat Street northward of Whitfield Road;
    – Whitfield Road; and
    – Electric Road between Watson Road and Gordon Road.
     
         The following roads will be closed from 7.45pm:
     
    Central District
    —————-
    – Man Yiu Street between Man Cheung Street and Man Po Street;
    – Man Po Street; and
    – Finance Street between Man Yiu Street and Man Po Street.
     
    Wan Chai
    ——–
    – Lockhart Road and Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Luard Road;
    – Southbound Luard Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road;
    – O’Brien Road;
    – Fleming Road between Jaffe Road and Hennessy Road; and
    – Stewart Road, Tonnochy Road, Marsh Road, Canal Road West and Canal Road East between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road.
     
    Eastern District (except for franchised buses)
    ———————————————-
    – Westbound Island Eastern Corridor (IEC) between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street;
    – The slip roads leading from Healthy Street Central and Tong Shui Road to westbound IEC;
    – The entrance of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel from IEC.
     
    B. Traffic diversions
     
         In connection with the road closure as mentioned above, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
     
         From 5.30pm:
     
         Rumsey Street between Chung Kong Road and Connaught Road Central will be re-routed to one-way southbound.
     
         From 7.45pm:
     
    – Traffic along westbound IEC will be diverted via Man Hong Street;
    – Traffic along slip road of Tong Shui Road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Wharf Road; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road West flyover will be diverted via Finance Street.
     
    C. Suspension of parking spaces
     
         All on-street parking spaces, metered parking spaces and motorcycle parking spaces within the above closed areas will be suspended from 10am, until the roads are safe for re-opening.
     
    D. Suspension of bus termini and public transport interchange
     
         Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange and Central Ferry Piers Bus Terminus will be suspended from 4.30pm.
     
         Causeway Bay (Whitfield Road) Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6pm.
     
    E. Suspension of car parks
     
         Vehicles parked in car parks within the above closed areas in North Point, Wan Chai and Central District will not be permitted to enter or leave during the road closure period.
     
         If necessary, the car parks on westbound Gloucester Road between Paterson Street and Percival Street will be closed without prior notice.
     
         Police will continue to enforce traffic regulations during the Lunar New Year period. All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing. 
     
         Actual implementation of traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience, and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Announces 2025 Guidance and Operations Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • 2025 Capital Expenditure Budget of $240-280 Million and Expected 2025 Cash Flow1of $260-300 Million
    • 2025 Capital Program Includes 10-14 Development Wells and 6-8 High Impact Exploration Wells
    • Forecast 2025 Production of 47,000-53,000 BOEPD, Representing at the Midpoint, an Increase of 44% from 2024
    • Forecast 2025 Free Cash Flow2of $90 Million Before Exploration, $20 Million After Exploration in Base Case
    • Plan to Allocate Up To 50% of After Exploration Free Cash Flow to Share Buybacks
    • Achieved Total Company Production for 2024 of 34,710 BOEPD, an Increase of 6% from 2023

    CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (“Gran Tierra” or the “Company”) (NYSE American:GTE)(TSX:GTE)(LSE:GTE) today announced its 2025 capital budget, production guidance and operational update. All dollar amounts are in United States dollars and all production volumes are on a working interest before royalties basis and are expressed in barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) per day (“BOEPD”), unless otherwise stated.

    Message to Shareholders

    Gary Guidry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra, commented: “Following up on a strong 2024, which included a very successful exploration campaign and a new country entry into Canada, we are looking forward to our 2025 development and exploration program. Our 2025 budget, which is expected to be fully funded by Cash Flow1, takes a balanced, returns-focused approach to capital allocation while focusing on portfolio longevity. At the midpoint of the Base Case, our production guidance of 50,000 BOEPD represents an increase of 44% from the 34,710 BOEPD 2024 total company production achieved in 2024.

    We plan to focus on profitably growing reserves and production across our Colombian, Ecuadorian and Canadian assets, pursue high impact exploration throughout our portfolio, and invest in facility and infrastructure projects to maximize the long-term value of our assets. This year’s budget would fulfil our exploration commitments in Ecuador which were a result of obtaining the lands back in 2019. Since 2021 we have drilled 10 exploration wells, had 9 discoveries and shot 238 kilometers of 3D seismic in Ecuador. This year, we expect to drill four exploration wells in Ecuador and two to three wells to further appraise our exciting discoveries. We have also planned a very active capital program in the Suroriente block including drilling 5-7 wells, investing in a gas-to-power project, and significant facility investment to increase fluid handling due to increased production and water injection. We forecast spending approximately $60-$80 million in Suroriente, which would fulfil a material component of our $123 million commitment associated with obtaining the 20-year extension. In addition, we plan on drilling a further two to four high impact exploration wells in Colombia. The exploration program and Suroriente capital program represent approximately $135 million of this year’s capital program. After the fulfilment of commitments in 2025, we expect 2026 and beyond to be focused on exploiting our extensive asset base, including anticipated development of our recent discoveries, drilling on our extensive Canadian landholdings and optimizing our assets under waterflood.

    We believe Gran Tierra is strongly positioned with a low base decline, a robust portfolio of conventional and unconventional oil and gas assets, and a high-impact exploration program. As we continue to profitably advance our operational and financial goals, we remain deeply committed to the well-being of our employees and the communities where we operate, recognizing their essential role in our success.”

    Key Highlights:

    2025 Guidance:

    • Gran Tierra is forecasting the following ranges for the Company’s 2025 budget:
     2025 Budget Low Case Base Case High Case
     Brent Oil Price ($/bbl) 65.00 75.00 85.00
     WTI Oil Price ($/bbl) 61.00 71.00 81.00
     AECO Natural Gas Price ($CAD/thousand cubic feet) 2.00 2.50 3.50
     Production (BOEPD) 47,000-53,000 47,000-53,000 47,000-53,000
     Operating Netback3 ($ million) 330-370 430-470 510-550
     EBITDA4 ($ million) 300-340 380-420 460-500
     Cash Flow1 ($ million) 200-240 260-300 300-340
     Capital Expenditures ($ million) 200-240 240-280 240-280
     Free Cash Flow2 ($ million) 20 60
     Number of Development Wells (gross) 8-12 10-14 10-14
     Number of Exploration Wells (gross) 6 6-8 6-8
     Budgeted Costs Costs per BOE ($/boe)
     Lifting 12.00-14.00
     Workovers 1.50-2.50
     Transportation 1.00-2.00
     General and Administration 2.00-3.00
     Interest 4.00-4.50
     Current Tax 2.00-3.00

    * Budgeted royalties as a percentage of total revenue were approximately 19% in the base case

    • 2025 Base Capital Program: Building on a successful capital campaign in 2024, Gran Tierra plans to continue to execute on its strategy of delivering value by seeking to add new reserves, investing in facility and infrastructure projects to maximize recovery and minimize cost, and providing future growth through exploration. Gran Tierra forecasts spending approximately 55% of its capital program in Colombia, 30% in Ecuador, and 15% in Canada, respectively.
    Category Capital ($ million) Key Activities
    Colombia Development 105-120 Suroriente (47% W.I.): Drill 5-7 gross development wells;
    facility expansion, gas-to-power generation upgrades and
    social investment in the area
    Acordionero (100% W.I.): Investment facility expansion
    activities, gas-to-power generation upgrades and injector
    conversions
    Ecuador Development 35-45 Chanangue/Charapa (100% W.I.): Drill 2-3 appraisal wells
    Canada Development 35-45 Simonette (50% W.I.): Drill 5 gross development wells
    Nisku (100% W.I.): Drill 1 development well
    Exploration 65-70 Ecuador: Drill 4 exploration wells
    Colombia: Drill 2 to 4 exploration wells
     
    • Development: Gran Tierra expects to drill a total of 10 to 14 net development wells in its 2025 capital program, including: 
      • Suroriente: The Company plans to drill 5-7 gross development wells in the Cohembi oil field located in the Southern Putumayo Basin of Colombia. In addition to development drilling, Gran Tierra is also planning facility expansion, gas-to-power generation upgrades, and continued social investment in the area. With the planned investments in 2025, production and reserves are expected to significantly increase in 2026 and beyond.
      • Acordionero: The Company plans to focus on the optimization of the field through continued waterflood expansion activities, including facility expansions, workovers (ESP upsizes and injector conversions) and gas-to-power generation upgrades. These expenditures are expected to reduce unit costs while maintaining production by offsetting natural declines and increasing overall recovery. The Company is planning an active development drilling program in 2026.
      • Chanangue: The Company plans to continue its appraisal program on the highly prospective Arawana/Zabaleta productive trend in Ecuador by drilling 2-3 appraisal wells.
      • Simonette: Gran Tierra plans to drill 2.5 net wells at Simonette targeting two-layer co-development of the Lower and Middle Montney offering improved capital efficiency and lower proportionate infrastructure spending.
    • Exploration: Approximately 20-30% of the Company’s 2025 capital program is expected to be allocated to high impact exploration activities and the drilling of 6 to 8 exploration wells in Colombia and Ecuador in the Base and High Case. Gran Tierra’s 2025 exploration drilling is planned to follow up on the encouraging results from the Company’s 2024 exploration program while meeting all its Ecuador exploration commitments. The Company continues to focus its exploration program on short-cycle time, near-field prospects in proven basins with access to transportation infrastructure.
    • Fully Funded Capital Program Generating Free Cash Flow2: Gran Tierra’s mid-point Base Case 2025 capital budget of $260 million is expected to be fully funded from the Base Case 2025 mid-point Cash Flow1 forecast of $280 million, based on an assumed average $75.00/bbl Brent oil price, $71.00/bbl WTI oil price, and CAD$2.50/thousand cubic feet AECO natural gas price. Gran Tierra remains focused on generating Free Cash Flow2, ongoing net debt5 reduction and shareholder returns via share buybacks.
    • Share Buybacks: During 2025, Gran Tierra plans to allocate up to approximately 50% of its Free Cash Flow after exploration to share buybacks in the Base Case. During 2024, the Company repurchased approximately 6.7% of its outstanding shares.

    Gran Tierra’s Commitment to Go “Beyond Compliance” with Safe and Sustainable Operations

    • 2024 was the Company’s safest year in company history, with a total of 27.8 million person-hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI), and a Total Recordable Case Frequency (TRCF) of 0.03, which places Gran Tierra within the top quartile in safety performance in the Americas.

    Operations Update

    • 2024 Production
      • Gran Tierra achieved total company average production in 2024 of approximately 34,710 BOEPD, an increase of 6% from 2023 and 13% from 2022.
    • Ecuador
      • Chanangue Block: Gran Tierra has completed its first horizontal well drilled in Ecuador, the Zabaleta Oeste well. The well drilled through 700 feet of pay in the Basal Tena formation and has yielded promising results, confirming the area’s potential for horizontal development. The well continues to clean-up and we anticipate the clean-up will take longer than what is expected for a vertical well. Encouragingly, the well encountered good porosity sands, validating our geologic and reservoir models and confirming the extent of the Basal Tena sands within the Chanangue Block.
      • Iguana Block: Following the drilling of the Zabaleta Oeste well, the rig is currently being mobilized over to the Iguana Block to drill the first exploration well of 2025.
    • Canada
      • Simonette: The development plan with our new Joint Venture partner, Logan Energy, has commenced with the first two wells being drilled. Both wells are planned to be stimulated by the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of 2025.
      • Central: Gran Tierra has drilled a well in the Nisku play with a horizontal lateral length of over 3,000 meters; testing is planned to commence in February 2025.
      • Clearwater: Gran Tierra has drilled 5 new wells in the Clearwater at East Dawson and Walrus. The Clearwater program has confirmed the quality of our acreage in the Clearwater play. These wells are expected to come onstream in late January 2025.
    • Colombia
      • Suroriente Block: A rig is currently being mobilized to the Cohembi North pad, with first production expected by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

    1“Cash Flow” refers to line item “net cash provided by operating activities” under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
    2“Free Cash Flow” is a non-GAAP measure and does not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Free Cash Flow is defined as “net cash provided by operating activities” less capital expenditures. Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this press release. Forecast 2025 free cash flow of $80 million “before exploration” is equal to the Base Case midpoint cash flow of $280 million less the Base Case midpoint total capital of $260 million, with Base Case midpoint exploration-only capital of approximately $70 million added back. Forecast 2025 Free Cash Flow of $20 million “after exploration” is equal to the Base Case midpoint cash flow of $280 million less the Base Case midpoint total capital of $260 million. Free Cash Flows in the table above are the midpoints of the ranges of cash flows less the midpoints of the ranges of total capital expenditures for each oil price scenario.
    3“Operating netback” is a non-GAAP measures and does not have standardized meaning under GAAP. Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this press release.
    4Earnings before interest, taxes and depletion, depreciation and accretion (“EBITDA”) is a non-GAAP measure and does not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this press release.
    5Net debt is defined as GAAP total debt before deferred financing fees less cash.

    Contact Information

    For investor and media inquiries please contact:

    Gary Guidry
    President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ryan Ellson
    Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    +1-403-265-3221

    info@grantierra.com

    About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

    Gran Tierra Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional new growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Company’s portfolio. The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Except to the extent expressly stated otherwise, information on the Company’s website or accessible from our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into and should not be considered part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221.

    Gran Tierra’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

    Forward-Looking Statements and Advisories

    This press release contains opinions, forecasts, projections, and other statements about future events or results that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and financial outlook and forward looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements, which can be identified by such terms as “expect”, “plan”, “can,” “will,” “should,” “guidance,” “forecast,” “signal,” “measures taken to” and “believes”, derivations thereof and similar terms identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company’s capital budget amount and uses; the Company’s strategies related to exploration, drilling and operation activities; expectations regarding reservoir prospects and production amounts; future well results (including initial oil and natural gas production rates and productive capacity based on past performance); expected future net cash provided by operating activities (described in this press release as “cash flow”), free cash flow, operating netback, EBITDA and certain associated metrics; anticipated capital expenditures, including the location and impact of capital expenditures; operating and general and administrative costs; production guidance for 2025; and the Company’s expectations as to debt repayment, share repurchases and its positioning for 2025 and beyond. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of Gran Tierra including, without limitation, that Gran Tierra will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with its current expectations, the ability of Gran Tierra to successfully integrate the assets and operations of i3 Energy or realize the anticipated benefits and operating synergies expected from the acquisition of i3 Energy, the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates), and the general continuance of current or, where applicable, assumed operational, regulatory and industry conditions in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and areas of potential expansion, and the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business and operational plans in the manner currently planned. Gran Tierra believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time, but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct. 

    Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements in this press release are: certain of Gran Tierra’s operations are located in South America and unexpected problems can arise due to guerilla activity, strikes, local blockades or protests; technical difficulties and operational difficulties may arise which impact the production, transport or sale of Gran Tierra’s products; other disruptions to local operations; global and regional changes in the demand, supply, prices, differentials or other market conditions affecting oil and gas, including inflation and changes resulting from a global health crisis, geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza region, or from the imposition or lifting of crude oil production quotas or other actions that might be imposed by OPEC and other producing countries and resulting company or third-party actions in response to such changes; changes in commodity prices, including volatility or a prolonged decline in these prices relative to historical or future expected levels; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact oil and natural gas prices and oil and natural gas consumption more than Gran Tierra currently predicts, which could cause Gran Tierra to further modify its strategy and capital spending program; prices and markets for oil and natural gas are unpredictable and volatile; the effect of hedges; the accuracy of productive capacity of any particular field; geographic, political and weather conditions can impact the production, transport or sale of Gran Tierra’s products; the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business plan, which may include acquisitions, and realize expected benefits from current or future initiatives; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the ability to replace reserves and production and develop and manage reserves on an economically viable basis; the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates); the risk profile of planned exploration activities; the effects of drilling down-dip; the effects of waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations; the extent and effect of delivery disruptions, equipment performance and costs; actions by third parties; the timely receipt of regulatory or other required approvals for Gran Tierra’s operating activities; the failure of exploratory drilling to result in commercial wells; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; volatility or declines in the trading price of Gran Tierra’s common stock or bonds; the risk that Gran Tierra does not receive the anticipated benefits of government programs, including government tax refunds; Gran Tierra’s ability to comply with financial covenants in its credit agreement and indentures and make borrowings under its credit agreement; and the risk factors detailed from time to time in Gran Tierra’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, without limitation, under the caption “Risk Factors” in Gran Tierra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed on February 20, 2024 and its other filings with the SEC. These filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Guidance is uncertain, particularly when given over extended periods of time, and results may be materially different. Although the current capital spending program and long term strategy of Gran Tierra is based upon the current expectations of the management of Gran Tierra, should any one of a number of issues arise, Gran Tierra may find it necessary to alter its business strategy and/or capital spending program and there can be no assurance as at the date of this press release as to how those funds may be reallocated or strategy changed and how that would impact Gran Tierra’s results of operations and financing position. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by Gran Tierra that Gran Tierra believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Actual results may vary materially from the expected results expressed in forward-looking statements. Gran Tierra disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. Gran Tierra’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    The estimates of future production, EBITDA, net cash provided by operating activities (described in this press release as “Cash Flow”), Free Cash Flow and operating netback may be considered to be future-oriented financial information or a financial outlook for the purposes of applicable Canadian securities laws. Financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained in this press release about prospective financial performance, financial position or cash flows are provided to give the reader a better understanding of the potential future performance of the Company in certain areas and are based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and to become available in the future. In particular, this press release contains projected operational and financial information for 2025. These projections contain forward-looking statements and are based on a number of material assumptions and factors set out above. Actual results may differ significantly from the projections presented herein. The actual results of Gran Tierra’s operations for any period could vary from the amounts set forth in these projections, and such variations may be material. See above for a discussion of the risks that could cause actual results to vary. The future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks contained in this press release have been approved by management as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned that any such financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained herein should not be used for purposes other than those for which it is disclosed herein. The Company and its management believe that the prospective financial information has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments, and represent, to the best of management’s knowledge and opinion, the Company’s expected course of action. However, because this information is highly subjective, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results.

    Presentation of Oil and Gas Information

    This press release contains certain oil and gas metrics, including operating netback, which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be used to make comparisons. Such metrics are calculated as described in this press release and have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

    References to a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume. Gran Tierra’s reported production is a mix of light crude oil and medium, heavy crude oil, tight oil, conventional natural gas, shale gas and natural gas liquids for which there is no precise breakdown since the Company’s sales volumes typically represent blends of more than one product type. Well test results should be considered as preliminary and not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Well log interpretations indicating oil and gas accumulations are not necessarily indicative of future production or ultimate recovery. If it is indicated that a pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out, any data disclosed in that respect should be considered preliminary until such analysis has been completed. References to thickness of “oil pay” or of a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume.

    Boe’s have been converted on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) natural gas to 1 bbl of oil. Boe’s may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of oil as compared with natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalent of six to one, utilizing a boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl would be misleading as an indication of value.

    Non-GAAP Measures

    This press release includes forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures as further described herein. These non-GAAP measures do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. Gran Tierra’s method of calculating these measures may differ from other companies and, accordingly, it may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures are presented along with the corresponding GAAP measure so as to not imply that more emphasis should be placed on the non-GAAP measure.

    Gran Tierra is unable to provide forward-looking net income, net cash provided by operating activities, and oil and gas sales, the GAAP measures most directly comparable to the non-GAAP measures EBITDA, free cash flow and operating netback, respectively, due to the impracticality of quantifying certain components required by GAAP as a result of the inherent volatility in the value of certain financial instruments held by the Company and the inability to quantify the effectiveness of commodity price derivatives used to manage the variability in cash flows associated with the forecasted sale of its oil and natural gas production and changes in commodity prices.

    Operating netback as presented is defined as projected 2025 oil and gas sales less projected 2025 operating and transportation expenses. The most directly comparable GAAP measures are oil and gas sales and oil and gas sales price, respectively. Management believes that operating netback is useful supplemental measures for management and investors to analyze financial performance and provides an indication of the results generated by our principal business activities prior to the consideration of other income and expenses. Gran Tierra is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of either forward-looking operating netback to its most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure because management cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measures.

    EBITDA as presented is defined as projected 2025 net income adjusted for DD&A expenses, interest expense and income tax expense or recovery. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is net income. Management uses this financial measure to analyze performance and income or loss generated by our principal business activities prior to the consideration of how non-cash items affect that income, and believes that this financial measure is also useful supplemental information for investors to analyze performance and our financial results. Gran Tierra is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking EBITDA to its most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure because management cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measure.

    Free cash flow as presented is defined as GAAP projected “net cash provided by operating activities” less projected 2025 capital spending. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is net cash provided by operating activities. Management believes that free cash flow is a useful supplemental measure for management and investors to in order to evaluate the financial sustainability of the Company’s business. Gran Tierra is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking free cash flow to its most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure because management cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measure.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Ulster County Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 156 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joshua Atkinson, age 27, of Ellenville, New York, was sentenced last week to serve 156 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.

    The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York; and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, whose office leads the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT).

    Atkinson was one of 11 defendants charged in the case. These defendants have pled guilty and have been sentenced or are pending sentencing: 

    • Christopher Baez was sentenced to 71 months in prison, to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release;
    • Michael Herry was sentenced to 27 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release;
    • Joshua Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on February 19, 2025;
    • Joseph Logan is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2025;
    • Timothy Hutcherson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9, 2025; and
    • Daryl Livingston is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2025. 

    As part of his guilty plea, Atkinson admitted that during the conspiracy he distributed and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 3.2 kilograms of cocaine and 600 grams of fentanyl. Atkinson also admitted to using violence to obtain payments from his drug redistributors, including threatening a co-conspirator with a hammer. In January 2023, a search warrant was executed at Atkinson’s Ellenville residence and a .22 caliber pistol was recovered by law enforcement.

    Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Atkinson is released from prison.

    This case is being investigated by HSI; the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with URGENT (the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement and Narcotics Team), an inter-agency taskforce targeting drug dealers and gang members in Ulster County; the New York State Police; the Village of Ellenville Police Department; and the White Plains Police Department, with assistance from the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda is prosecuting this case.

    This case 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

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Employee Of Real Estate Investment Firm Indicted For Investment Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – The former Vice President of Project Management for National Realty Investment Advisors (“NRIA”) has been indicted for his role in an investment fraud scheme and for misappropriating approximately $2.3 million from victim investors, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced today.

    Ivel Turner, 51, of Newark, Delaware, was indicted by a federal grand jury with eight counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon A. King in Camden federal court and was released on a $100,000 unsecured appearance bond and other conditions.  His arraignment is scheduled for February 4, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton.

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

    Turner was previously employed as Vice President of Project Management for NRIA, which held itself out as a real estate investment management fund with over $1.25 billion in assets under management. NRIA promised investors guaranteed returns of at least 12 percent per year for a period of five years, a full return of their investments, and monthly distributions of between six and ten percent of their original investments.  Turner had access to NRIA’s PPM, which made many such representations pertaining to NRIA’s purported returns on investment and distributions.

    In April 2020, while still employed at NRIA, Turner incorporated Oasis Realty Investment Group (“ORIG”).  Turner, through ORIG, solicited real estate investors to purchase, finance, and co-develop residential units in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.  Turner used NRIA as a model for ORIG.

    To induce investors to invest and continue to invest in ORIG, Turner made material misrepresentations and omissions related to, among other things: (a) ORIG’s financial position; (b) the manner in which Turner used investor money; and (c) Turner’s role at ORIG.  Turner also falsely represented to the victim investors that substantially all of ORIG’s proceeds would be used for real estate investment purposes, but instead, Turner misused hundreds of thousands of dollars of investor money on personal expenses, including luxury retail purchases, several vehicles, international travel, and a down payment on his residence.

    The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.  The securities fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $5,000,000.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Terence G. Reilly, with the investigation leading to the indictment.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    ###

    Defense counsel: Rubin M. Sinins, Esq., Springfield, New Jersey

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Spokane Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Spokane, Washington – On January 22, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Johnathan Freeman Hunt, 56, of Spokane, Washington, to 12 years in federal prison for Receipt of Child Pornography. Judge Dimke also imposed 10 years of supervised release. 

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, Hunt came to the attention of law enforcement agents in July 2022, when Hunt distributed several child pornography files to another person via the internet.

    On November 30, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Hunt’s Spokane residence and seized several electronic devices. Forensic analysis of these devices revealed 11,149 files of child sexual abuse material involving children younger than 12 years old.

    In an interview with law enforcement, Hunt admitted to downloading child sexual abuse material and making that material available to others using peer-to-peer software. Hunt was previously convicted of Third-Degree Child Molestation in 2017.

    “Protecting children from harm remains a priority in my office and is critical to building a safe and strong Eastern Washington community,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “I am deeply grateful for the prosecutors and investigators who take on these difficult cases and hold individuals accountable who use technology to exploit our children.”

    “The sentence handed down today reflects the severity of the crime and underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting children from exploitation,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “The defendant’s actions of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material are not only illegal, but they also perpetuate the suffering of innocent victims. Our commitment to protecting children remains steadfast, and we will continue to work relentlessly to ensure those responsible face the full weight of the law.”

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick.

    Case 2:23-cr-00096-MKD

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Amassing Another Cache of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Joseph Gallo, 80, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Juan R. Sanchez to 10 years in prison, five years of supervised release, $12,750 in restitution, and $10,000 in additional special assessments, for possessing thousands of images and videos of child pornography.

    In March of last year, the defendant was charged by information with possession of child pornography as a second-time child sex offender. He pleaded guilty in July, admitting that, over a period of more than three years, he had amassed a collection of more than 18,000 images depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

    At the time Gallo committed these crimes, he was already a registered sex offender under Megan’s Law, attending court-ordered sex offender treatment, and serving a sentence of supervised county probation, following his 2015 prosecution in Bucks County for similar offenses.

    “Gallo learned nothing from his first conviction and again started seeking out those abhorrent images,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Consumers of child pornography like him perpetuate the exploitation and trauma of innocent victims, which my office, HSI, and our partners simply won’t abide. We’ll continue to hold accountable collectors of child sexual abuse material, because protecting kids everywhere is paramount.”

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

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: India- And New Jersey-Based Jeweler Sentenced To 30 Months Incarceration For Multimillion Dollar International Trade Fraud Scheme And Unlicensed Money Transmitting

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, NJ. –  An India- and New Jersey-based man who operated jewelry companies in New York City’s Diamond District was sentenced to 30 months incarceration for spearheading a scheme to illegally evade customs duties for more than $13.5 million of jewelry imports into the United States and for illegally processing more than $10.3 million through an unlicensed money transmitting business, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced.

    Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah, a/k/a “Monish Doshi Shah” (Shah), 40, of Mumbai, India and Jersey City, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to a two-count Information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and operating and aiding and abetting the operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business. Judge Salas imposed the sentence in Newark federal court and remanded Shah to begin serving his sentence.

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

    From in or around December 2019 through in or around April 2022, Shah engaged in a scheme to evade duties for shipments of jewelry from Turkey and India to the United States. Shah would ship and/or instruct his co-conspirators to ship goods from Turkey or India—which would have been subject to an approximately 5.5% duty if shipped directly to the United States—to one of Shah’s companies in South Korea. Shah’s co-conspirators in South Korea would change the labels on the jewelry to state that they were from South Korea instead of Turkey or India, and then ship them to Shah or his customers in the United States, thereby unlawfully evading the duty. Shah would also make and instruct his customers to make fake invoices and packing lists to make it look like Shah’s South Korean companies were actually ordering jewelry from Turkey or India. Shah also instructed a third-party shipping company to provide false information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) concerning the origin of the jewelry. During the scheme, Shah shipped approximately $13.5 million of jewelry from South Korea to the United States without paying the appropriate duty.

    In addition, from in or around July 2020 through in or around November 2021, Shah owned and/or operated numerous jewelry companies in New York City’s Diamond District, including MKore LLC, MKore USA Inc, and Vruman Corp. Shah used these entities to conduct more than $10.3 million in illegal financial transactions for customers—including converting cash to checks or wire transfers. Shah would also collect cash from customers and use other individuals’ jewelry companies to convert the cash into wires or checks. At times, Shah and other members of the money transmitting business moved hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day. In exchange for their services, certain members of the money transmitting business charged a fee. None of Shah’s or his associates’ companies were registered as money transmitting businesses with New York, New Jersey, or the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Salas ordered restitution in the amount of $742,500 for the wire fraud scheme and forfeiture in the amount of $11,126,982.33 for the wire fraud and unlicensed money transmitting schemes.  In addition, the Court imposed a two-year term of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents and task force officers of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan in Newark; special agents with Homeland Security Investigations New York, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; special agents with Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas; and special agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of New York/Newark, under the direction of Acting Port Director Jeffrey R. Greene, with the investigation leading to today’s sentence. He also thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New York; Homeland Security Investigations in Seoul, South Korea; the Korea Customs Service in South Korea; the Seoul Customs Special Investigation Office in South Korea; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Paterson; the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department; the Morristown Police Department; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General; and the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) for their assistance in the investigation.

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

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri of the Economic Crimes Unit and Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark.

                                                     ###

    Defense Attorney: Rahul Agarwal, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wichita man pleads guilty to child pornography distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to distributing child sexual abuse materials over the internet.

    According to court documents, Sebastian Grattan, 28, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.

    Grattan admits to creating an account on a messaging app and using it to distribute child sex abuse materials in November 2023.

    The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Wichita Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Gordon is prosecuting the case.

    Project Safe Childhood
    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Reports Robust Reserves Replacement and Record High Reserves

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Sixth Consecutive Year of 1P Total Reserves Growth Resulting in Highest Total Reserves in Company History
    • Delivered 702% 1P and 1,249% 2P Reserves Replacement Including Recent Acquisition
    • Total Liquids 1P and 2P Reserves Increased to 128 and 217 Million Barrels of Oil Equivalent with 1P and 2P Reserve Life Index increasing to 10 and 17 Years, Respectively
    • Added Total Reserves of 89 MMBOE 1P, 159 MMBOE 2P and 191 MMBOE 3P
    • Net Present Value Before Tax Discounted at 10% of $2.0 Billion (1P), $3.2 Billion (2P), and $4.5 Billion (3P)
    • Net Asset Value per Share of $35.24 Before Tax and $19.53 After Tax (1P), and $71.16 Before Tax and $41.05 After Tax (2P)
    • Strong Finding, Development & Acquisition Costs of $4.49 (1P), $2.52 (2P) and $2.10 (3P), Excluding Changes in Future Development Costs

    CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (“Gran Tierra” or the “Company”) (NYSE American:GTE)(TSX:GTE)(LSE:GTE), an independent international energy company focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador, today announced the Company’s 2024 year-end reserves as evaluated by the Company’s independent qualified reserves evaluator McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel”) in a report with an effective date of December 31, 2024 (the “GTE McDaniel Reserves Report”).

    All dollar amounts are in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and all reserves and production volumes are on a working interest before royalties (“WI”) basis (net). Reserves are expressed in barrels (“bbl”), bbl of oil equivalent (“boe”) or million boe (“MMBOE”), while production is expressed in boe per day (“BOEPD”), unless otherwise indicated. The following reserves categories are discussed in this press release: Proved Developed Producing (“PDP”), Proved (“1P”), 1P plus Probable (“2P”) and 2P plus Possible (“3P”).

    Gary Guidry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra, commented: “2024 was another strong year underpinned by multiple exploration discoveries in Ecuador, continued success in managing our Colombian assets, and our new country entry into Canada. The organic and inorganic portfolio growth creates a future runway of highly economic development opportunities in proven plays with access to infrastructure. Gran Tierra’s entry into Canada fits our corporate strategy of focusing on proven hydrocarbon basins which have access to established infrastructure and competitive fiscal regimes. Furthermore, with the addition of Canada, Gran Tierra is well positioned for long-term commodity cycles with approximately 20% of its production, 23% 1P reserves and 26% 2P reserves now attributed to conventional natural gas and shale gas.

    We continue to generate shareholder value through focusing on portfolio longevity and executing on our mandate of growing cash flow and reserves, while maintaining low decline rates through production, development and enhanced oil recovery techniques. Gran Tierra has assembled a diversified, high-quality asset base across multiple attractive jurisdictions and combined with our management team’s strong track record of accretive acquisitions and value creation, we look forward to a successful 2025.

    The success of 2024 is reflected in yet another year of over 100% reserve replacement on a Proved basis. Gran Tierra achieved strong 702% (1P), 1,249% (2P) and 1,500% (3P) reserves replacement through exploration success in Colombia and Ecuador and our entry into Canada. This success resulted in record highs for the Company’s year-end 1P, 2P and 3P oil and gas reserves.”

    *See the below tables for the definitions of net asset values per share.

    Highlights

    2024 Year-End Reserves and Values

    Before Tax (as of December 31, 2024) Units 1P 2P 3P
    Reserves MMBOE 167   293   385  
    Net Present Value at 10% Discount (“NPV10”) $ million 1,950   3,242   4,517  
    Net Debt1 $ million (682 ) (682 ) (682 )
    Net Asset Value (NPV10 less Net Debt) (“NAV”) $ million 1,268   2,560   3,835  
    Outstanding Shares million 35.97   35.97   35.97  
    NAV per Share $/share 35.24   71.16   106.62  
    After Tax (as of December 31, 2024) Units 1P 2P 3P
    Reserves MMBOE 167   293   385  
    NPV10 $ million 1,385   2,159   2,930  
    Net Debt1 $ million (682 ) (682 ) (682 )
    NAV $ million 703   1,477   2,248  
    Outstanding Shares million 35.97   35.97   35.97  
    NAV per Share $/share 19.53   41.05   62.48  

    1Based on estimated unaudited 2024 year-end Net Debt of $682 million comprised of Senior Notes of $787 million (gross) less cash and cash equivalents of $104 million, prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    • As of December 31, 2024, Gran Tierra achieved:
      • Before Tax NAV of $1.3 billion (1P), $2.6 billion (2P), and $3.8 billion (3P)
      • After Tax NAV of $0.7 billion (1P), $1.5 billion (2P), and $2.2 billion (3P)
      • Strong reserves replacement ratios* of:
        • 702% 1P, with 1P reserves additions of 89 MMBOE
        • 1,249% 2P, with 2P reserves additions of 159 MMBOE
        • 1,500% 3P, with 3P reserves additions of 191 MMBOE
      • Finding, development and acquisition costs (“FD&A”), including change in future development costs (“FDC”), on a per boe basis of $9.74 (1P), $8.11 (2P) and $6.92 (3P).
      • FD&A costs excluding change in FDC, on a per boe basis of $4.49 (1P), $2.52 (2P) and $2.10 (3P).
    • Canada now represents 46% of 1P and 51% of 2P reserves compared to Gran Tierra’s total reserves.
    • FDC are forecast by McDaniel to be $1,029 million for 1P reserves and $1,809 million for 2P reserves. Gran Tierra’s 2025 base case mid-point guidance for cash flow** of $280 million is equivalent to 27% of such 1P FDC and 15% of 2P FDC, which highlights the Company’s potential ability to fund future development capital. Increases in FDC relative to 2023 year-end reflect that the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report now assigns Gran Tierra 227 Proved Undeveloped future drilling locations (up from 95 at 2023 year-end) and 441 Proved plus Probable Undeveloped future drilling locations (up from 147 at 2023 year-end).

    *The reserve replacement ratios were calculated based on an annualized production figure based on November and December for Canada plus Colombia and Ecuador actual production, in each case, for the fourth quarter of 2024. The total production rate was 46,619 BOEPD.
    ** “Cash flow” refers to GAAP line item “net cash provided by operating activities”. Gran Tierra’s 2025 base case guidance is based on a forecast 2025 average Brent oil price of $75/bbl. See Gran Tierra’s press release dated January 23, 2025 for additional information regarding cash flow guidance referred to herein. This forecast price used in Gran Tierra’s forecast is lower than the 2025 McDaniel Brent price forecast.

    GTE McDaniel Reserves Report

    All reserves values, future net revenue and ancillary information contained in this press release have been prepared by McDaniel and calculated in compliance with Canadian National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”) and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“COGEH”) and derived from the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report, unless otherwise expressly stated.

    Future Net Revenue

    Future net revenue reflects McDaniel’s forecast of revenue estimated using forecast prices and costs, arising from the anticipated development and production of reserves, after the deduction of royalties, operating costs, development costs and abandonment and reclamation costs but before consideration of indirect costs such as administrative, overhead and other miscellaneous expenses. The estimate of future net revenue below does not necessarily represent fair market value.

    Consolidated Properties at December 31, 2024
    Proved (1P) Total Future Net Revenue ($ million)
    Forecast Prices and Costs
      Sales Revenue Total Royalties Operating Costs Future Development Capital Abandonment and Reclamation Costs Future Net Revenue Before Future Taxes Future Taxes Future Net Revenue After Future Taxes*
    2025-2029
    (5 Years)
    5,139 (981 ) (1,385 ) (1,025 ) (27 ) 1,721 (491 ) 1,230
    Remainder 3,617 (578 ) (1,549 ) (4 ) (377 ) 1,109 (370 ) 739
    Total (Undiscounted) 8,756 (1,559 ) (2,934 ) (1,029 ) (404 ) 2,830 (861 ) 1,969
    Total (Discounted @ 10%)           1,950 (565 ) 1,385
    Consolidated Properties at December 31, 2024
    Proved Plus Probable (2P) Total Future Net Revenue ($ million)
    Forecast Prices and Costs
    Years Sales Revenue Total Royalties Operating Costs Future Development Capital Abandonment and Reclamation Costs Future Net Revenue Before Future Taxes Future Taxes Future Net Revenue After Future Taxes*
    2025-2029
    (5 Years)
    6,620 (1,297 ) (1,583 ) (1,438 ) (25 ) 2,277 (791 ) 1,486
    Remainder 8,685 (1,529 ) (2,967 ) (371 ) (420 ) 3,398 (1,082 ) 2,316
    Total (Undiscounted) 15,305 (2,826 ) (4,550 ) (1,809 ) (445 ) 5,675 (1,873 ) 3,802
    Total (Discounted @ 10%)           3,242 (1,083 ) 2,159
    Consolidated Properties at December 31, 2024
    Proved Plus Probable Plus Possible (3P) Total Future Net Revenue ($ million)
    Forecast Prices and Costs
    Years Sales Revenue Total Royalties Operating Costs Future Development Capital Abandonment and Reclamation Costs Future Net Revenue Before Future Taxes Future Taxes Future Net Revenue After Future Taxes*
    2025-2029
    (5 Years)
    7,490 (1,467 ) (1,672 ) (1,563 ) (25 ) 2,763 (1,015 ) 1,748
    Remainder 13,422 (2,598 ) (4,106 ) (519 ) (439 ) 5,760 (1,907 ) 3,853
    Total (Undiscounted) 20,912 (4,065 ) (5,778 ) (2,082 ) (464 ) 8,523 (2,922 ) 5,601
    Total (Discounted @ 10%)           4,517 (1,587 ) 2,930

    *The after-tax future net revenue of the Company’s oil and gas properties reflects the tax burden on the properties on a stand-alone basis. It does not consider the corporate tax situation, or tax planning. It does not provide an estimate of the value at the Company level which may be significantly different. The Company’s financial statements, when available for the year ended December 31, 2024, should be consulted for information at the Company level.

    Total Company WI Reserves

    The following table summarizes Gran Tierra’s NI 51-101 and COGEH compliant reserves in aggregate for Colombia, Ecuador and Canada derived from the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report calculated using forecast oil and gas prices and costs.

      Light and Medium Crude Oil Heavy Crude Oil Tight Oil Conventional Natural Gas Shale Gas Natural Gas Liquids 2024 Year-End
    Reserves Category Mbbl* Mbbl* Mbbl* MMcf** MMcf** Mbbl* Mboe***
    Proved Developed Producing 25,539 20,631 329 123,192 2,302 14,464 81,877
    Proved Developed Non-Producing 1,864 1,256 18 5,769 47 746 4,852
    Proved Undeveloped 26,529 22,491 3,040 81,541 16,785 11,476 79,923
    Total Proved 53,932 44,378 3,387 210,502 19,134 26,686 166,652
    Total Probable 30,480 27,532 6,092 196,621 32,869 24,036 126,388
    Total Proved plus Probable 84,412 71,910 9,479 407,123 52,003 50,722 293,040
    Total Possible 27,606 29,916 2,848 99,333 14,506 12,317 91,659
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible 112,018 101,826 12,327 506,456 66,509 63,039 384,699

    *Mbbl (thousand bbl of oil).
    **MMcf (million cubic feet).
    ***Mboe (thousand boe).

    Net Present Value Summary

    Gran Tierra’s reserves were evaluated using the average of three independent qualified reserves evaluators’ commodity price forecasts at January 1, 2025 (McDaniel, Sproule and GLJ). See “Forecast Prices” for more information. It should not be assumed that the net present value of cash flow estimated by McDaniel represents the fair market value of Gran Tierra’s reserves.

    Total Company Discount Rate
    ($ millions) 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
    Before Tax          
    Proved Developed Producing 1,288,263 1,269,021 1,143,703 1,032,260 941,153
    Proved Developed Non-Producing 119,025 98,908 84,070 72,745 63,864
    Proved Undeveloped 1,422,638 1,002,220 722,242 527,670 387,664
    Total Proved 2,829,926 2,370,149 1,950,015 1,632,675 1,392,681
    Total Probable 2,842,656 1,852,742 1,292,189 945,677 717,447
    Total Proved plus Probable 5,672,582 4,222,891 3,242,204 2,578,352 2,110,128
    Total Possible 2,848,360 1,835,802 1,274,763 931,210 706,630
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible 8,520,942 6,058,693 4,516,967 3,509,562 2,816,758
    After Tax          
    Proved Developed Producing 984,109 1,012,837 921,809 835,838 764,272
    Proved Developed Non-Producing 82,049 67,860 57,418 49,460 43,223
    Proved Undeveloped 902,725 603,616 405,947 269,984 173,307
    Total Proved 1,968,883 1,684,313 1,385,174 1,155,282 980,802
    Total Probable 1,831,204 1,148,223 773,804 548,846 404,333
    Total Proved plus Probable 3,800,087 2,832,536 2,158,978 1,704,128 1,385,135
    Total Possible 1,799,304 1,130,855 770,970 554,619 415,175
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible 5,599,391 3,963,391 2,929,948 2,258,747 1,800,310

    Reserve Life Index (Years)

      December 31, 2024*    
    Total Proved 10    
    Total Proved plus Probable 17    
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible 23    

    * Calculated using an annualized WI production figure based on November and December 2024 for Canada plus Colombia and Ecuador actual average WI production, in each case, for the fourth quarter of 2024. The total production rate was 46,619 BOEPD.

    Future Development Costs

    FDC reflects McDaniel’s best estimate of what it will cost to bring the Proved Undeveloped and Probable Undeveloped reserves on production. Changes in forecast FDC occur annually as a result of development activities, acquisition and disposition activities, and changes in capital cost estimates based on improvements in well design and performance, as well as changes in service costs. FDC for 2P reserves increased to $1,809 million at year-end 2024 from $923 million at year-end 2023. The increase in FDC in 2024 was predominantly attributed to the acquisition of i3 Energy plc in 2024.

    ($ millions) Total Proved Total Proved Plus Probable Total Proved Plus Probable Plus Possible
    2025 141 147 153
    2026 343 379 387
    2027 291 380 388
    2028 135 311 358
    2029 115 221 277
    Remainder 4 371 519
    Total (undiscounted) 1,029 1,809 2,082
    ($ millions) Proved Proved plus Probable Proved plus Probable plus Possible
    Acordionero 175 175 175
    Chaza Block (Costayaco & Moqueta) 138 163 163
    Suroriente 130 213 292
    Ecuador 212 331 428
    Canada – Central 179 378 378
    Canada – Simonette 106 238 238
    Other 89 311 408
    Total FDC Costs (undiscounted) 1,029 1,809 2,082

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs

    Reserves (Mboe)   Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Proved Developed Producing 81,877
    Total Proved   166,653
    Total Proved plus Probable   293,041
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible   384,700
    Capital Expenditures ($000s)  
    – including acquired properties 400,532

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Excluding FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Proved Developed Producing    
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   50,933
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   7.87

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Including FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Proved Developed Producing    
    Change in FDC ($000s)   18,319
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   50,933
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   8.23

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Excluding FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved    
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   89,210
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   4.49

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Including FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved    
    Change in FDC ($000s)   468,518
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   89,210
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   9.74

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Excluding FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved plus Probable    
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   158,662
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   2.52

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Including FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved plus Probable    
    Change in FDC ($000s)   886,720
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   158,662
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   8.11

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Excluding FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible  
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   190,562
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   2.10

    Finding, Development and Acquisition Costs, Including FDC*

    Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible  
    Change in FDC ($000s)   917,617
    Reserve Additions (Mboe)   190,562
    FD&A Costs ($/boe)   6.92

    *In all cases, the FD&A number is calculated by dividing the identified capital expenditures by the applicable reserves additions both before and after changes in FDC costs. Both FD&A costs take into account reserves revisions during the year on a per boe basis. The aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the financial year and the changes during that year in estimated future development costs may not reflect the total FD&A costs related to reserves additions for that year.

    Forecast Prices

    The pricing assumptions used in estimating NI 51-101 and COGEH compliant reserves data disclosed above with respect to net present values of future net revenue are set forth below. The price forecasts are based on an average of three independent qualified reserves evaluators’ commodity price forecasts at January 1, 2025 (McDaniel, Sproule and GLJ). All three of these companies are independent qualified reserves evaluators and auditors pursuant to NI 51-101.

      Brent Crude Oil WTI Crude Oil Alberta AECO Gas Foreign Exchange Rate
    Year $US/bbl $US/bbl $CAD/MMBtu $US/$CAD
      January 1, 2025 January 1, 2025 January 1, 2025 January 1, 2025
    2025 $75.58 $71.58 $2.36 0.712
    2026 $78.51 $74.48 $3.33 0.728
    2027 $79.89 $75.81 $3.48 0.743
    2028 $81.82 $77.66 $3.69 0.743
    2029 $83.46 $79.22 $3.76 0.743

    Contact Information

    For investor and media inquiries please contact:

    Gary Guidry, Chief Executive Officer
    Ryan Ellson, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
    +1-403-265-3221
    info@grantierra.com

    About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

    Gran Tierra Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional new growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Company’s portfolio. The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Except to the extent expressly stated otherwise, information on the Company’s website or accessible from our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into and should not be considered part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221.

    Gran Tierra’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. Gran Tierra’s Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS ADVISORY

    This press release contains opinions, forecasts, projections, and other statements about future events or results that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and financial outlook and forward looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which can be identified by such terms as “expect,” “plan,” “can,” “will,” “should,” “guidance,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “signal,” “progress” and “believes,” derivations thereof and similar terms identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expectations regarding its anticipated benefits of its recent acquisition of i3 Energy plc (“i3 Energy”), estimated quantities and net present values of reserves, capital program, and ability to fund the Company’s exploration program over a period of time, statements about the Company’s financial and performance targets and other forecasts or expectations regarding, or dependent on, the Company’s business outlook for 2025 and beyond, capital spending plans and any benefits of the changes in our capital program or expenditures, well performance, production, the restart of production and workover activity, future development costs, infrastructure schedules, waterflood impacts and plans, growth of referenced reserves, forecast prices, five-year expected oil sales and cash flow and net revenue, estimated recovery factors, liquidity and access to capital, the Company’s strategies and results thereof, the Company’s expectations regarding organic and inorganic growth opportunities, the Company’s operations including planned operations and developments, disruptions to operations and the decline in industry conditions, and expectations regarding environmental commitments.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of Gran Tierra including, without limitation, that Gran Tierra will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with its current expectations, the ability of Gran Tierra to successfully integrate the assets and operations of i3 Energy or realize the anticipated benefits and operating synergies expected from the acquisition of i3 Energy, the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates), rig availability, the effects of drilling down-dip, the effects of waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations, the extent and effect of delivery disruptions, and the general continuance of current or, where applicable, assumed operational, regulatory and industry conditions in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and areas of potential expansion, and the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business and operational plans in the manner currently planned. Gran Tierra believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time, but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct.

    Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements in this press release are: certain of Gran Tierra’s operations are located in South America and unexpected problems can arise due to guerilla activity, strikes, local blockades or protests; technical difficulties and operational difficulties may arise which impact the production, transport or sale of Gran Tierra’s products; other disruptions to local operations; global and regional changes in the demand, supply, prices, differentials or other market conditions affecting oil and natural gas, including inflation and changes resulting from a global health crisis, geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza region, or from the imposition or lifting of crude oil production quotas or other actions that might be imposed by OPEC and other producing countries and resulting company or third-party actions in response to such changes; changes in commodity prices, including volatility or a prolonged decline in these prices relative to historical or future expected levels; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact oil and natural prices and oil and natural gas consumption more than Gran Tierra currently predicts, which could cause Gran Tierra to further modify its strategy and capital spending program; prices and markets for oil and natural gas are unpredictable and volatile; the effect of hedges, the accuracy of productive capacity of any particular field; geographic, political and weather conditions can impact the production, transport or sale of Gran Tierra’s products; the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business plan, which may include acquisitions, and realize expected benefits from current or future initiatives; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the ability to replace reserves and production and develop and manage reserves on an economically viable basis; the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates); the risk profile of planned exploration activities; the effects of drilling down-dip; the effects of waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations; the extent and effect of delivery disruptions, equipment performance and costs; actions by third parties; the timely receipt of regulatory or other required approvals for Gran Tierra’s operating activities; the failure of exploratory drilling to result in commercial wells; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; volatility or declines in the trading price of Gran Tierra’s common stock or bonds; the risk that Gran Tierra does not receive the anticipated benefits of government programs, including government tax refunds; Gran Tierra’s ability to comply with financial covenants in its credit agreement and indentures and make borrowings under its credit agreement; and the risk factors detailed from time to time in Gran Tierra’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, without limitation, under the caption “Risk Factors” in Gran Tierra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed on February 20, 2024 and its other filings with the SEC. These filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

    Statements relating to “reserves” are also deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, including that the reserves described can be profitably produced in the future.

    Guidance is uncertain, particularly when given over extended periods of time, and results may be materially different. Although the current capital spending program and long term strategy of Gran Tierra is based upon the current expectations of the management of Gran Tierra, should any one of a number of issues arise, Gran Tierra may find it necessary to alter its business strategy and/or capital spending program and there can be no assurance as at the date of this press release as to how those funds may be reallocated or strategy changed and how that would impact Gran Tierra’s results of operations and financing position. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by Gran Tierra that Gran Tierra believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Actual results may vary materially from the expected results expressed in forward-looking statements. Gran Tierra disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. Gran Tierra’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    The estimates of future net revenue, cash flow and certain expenses may be considered to be future-oriented financial information or a financial outlook for the purposes of applicable Canadian securities laws. Financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained in this press release about prospective financial performance, financial position or cash flows are provided to give the reader a better understanding of the potential future performance of the Company in certain areas and are based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and to become available in the future. In particular, this press release contains projected operational and financial information for 2025 2025 and for the next five years to allow readers to assess the Company’s ability to fund its programs. These projections contain forward-looking statements and are based on a number of material assumptions and factors set out above. Actual results may differ significantly from the projections presented herein. The actual results of Gran Tierra’s operations for any period could vary from the amounts set forth in these projections, and such variations may be material. See above for a discussion of the risks that could cause actual results to vary. The future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks contained in this press release have been approved by management as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned that any such financial outlook and future-oriented financial information contained herein should not be used for purposes other than those for which it is disclosed herein. The Company and its management believe that the prospective financial information has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments, and represent, to the best of management’s knowledge and opinion, the Company’s expected course of action. However, because this information is highly subjective, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. See Gran Tierra’s press release dated January 23, 2025 for additional information regarding cash flow guidance referred to herein.

    Non-GAAP Measures

    This press release includes non-GAAP measures which do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as alternatives to oil and natural gas sales, net income or loss or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. Gran Tierra’s method of calculating these measures may differ from other companies and, accordingly, they may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies.

    Net Debt as presented as at December 31, 2024 is comprised of $787 million (gross) of senior notes outstanding less cash and cash equivalents of $104 million, prepared in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that Net Debt is a useful supplemental measure for management and investors to in order to evaluate the financial sustainability of the Company’s business and leverage. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is total debt.

    Unaudited Financial Information

    Certain financial and operating results included in this press release, including debt, cash equivalents, capital expenditures, and production information, are based on unaudited estimated results. These estimated results are subject to change upon completion of the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, and changes could be material. Gran Tierra anticipates filing its audited financial statements and related management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 on or before February 26, 2025.

    DISCLOSURE OF OIL AND GAS INFORMATION

    Boe’s have been converted on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) natural gas to 1 bbl of oil. Boe’s may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of oil as compared with natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalent of six to one, utilizing a boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl would be misleading as an indication of value.

    All reserves values, future net revenue and ancillary information contained in this press release have been prepared by McDaniel and are derived from the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report, unless otherwise expressly stated. Any reserves values or related information contained in this press release as of a date other than December 31, 2024 has an effective date of December 31 of the applicable year and is derived from a report prepared by Gran Tierra’s independent qualified reserves evaluator as of such date, and additional information regarding such estimate or information can be found in Gran Tierra’s applicable Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information on Form 51-101F1 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

    Estimates of net present value and future net revenue contained herein do not necessarily represent fair market value. Estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same level of confidence as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effect of aggregation. There is no assurance that the forecast price and cost assumptions applied by McDaniel in evaluating Gran Tierra’s reserves and future net revenue will be attained and variances could be material.

    All evaluations of future net revenue contained in the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report are after the deduction of royalties, operating costs, development costs, production costs and abandonment and reclamation costs but before consideration of indirect costs such as administrative, overhead and other miscellaneous expenses. It should not be assumed that the estimates of future net revenues presented in this press release represent the fair market value of the reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of crude oil reserves and the future cash flows attributed to such reserves. The reserve and associated cash flow information set forth in the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided therein.

    References to a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume. Gran Tierra’s reported production is a mix of light crude oil and medium, heavy crude oil, tight oil, conventional natural gas, shale gas and natural gas liquids for which there is no precise breakdown since the Company’s sales volumes typically represent blends of more than one product type. Drilling locations disclosed herein are derived from the GTE McDaniel Reserves Report and account for drilling locations that have associated Proved Undeveloped and Proved plus Probable Undeveloped reserves, as applicable. Well test results should be considered as preliminary and not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Well log interpretations indicating oil and gas accumulations are not necessarily indicative of future production or ultimate recovery. If it is indicated that a pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out, any data disclosed in that respect should be considered preliminary until such analysis has been completed. References to thickness of “oil pay” or of a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume.

    Definitions

    Proved reserves are those reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves.

    Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable reserves.

    Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than Probable reserves. It is unlikely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable plus possible reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of Proved plus Probable plus Possible reserves.

    Developed producing reserves are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals open at the time of the estimate. These reserves may be currently producing or, if shut-in, they must have previously been on production, and the date of resumption of production must be known with reasonable certainty.

    Developed non-producing reserves are those reserves that either have not been on production or have previously been on production but are shut-in and the date of resumption of production is unknown.

    Undeveloped reserves are those reserves expected to be recovered from known accumulations where a significant expenditure (e.g., when compared to the cost of drilling a well) is required to render them capable of production. They must fully meet the requirements of the reserves category (proved, probable, possible) to which they are assigned.

    Certain terms used in this press release but not defined are defined in NI 51-101, CSA Staff Notice 51-324 – Revised Glossary to NI 51-101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“CSA Staff Notice 51-324”) and/or the COGEH and, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the same meanings herein as in NI 51-101, CSA Staff Notice 51-324 and the COGEH, as the case may be.

    Oil and Gas Metrics

    This press release contains a number of oil and gas metrics, including NAV per share, FD&A costs, reserve life index and reserves replacement, which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be used to make comparisons. Such metrics have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

    • NAV per share is calculated as NPV10 (before or after tax, as applicable) of the applicable reserves category minus estimated Net Debt, divided by the number of shares of Gran Tierra’s common stock issued and outstanding. Management uses NAV per share as a measure of the relative change of Gran Tierra’s net asset value over its outstanding common stock over a period of time.
    • FD&A costs are calculated as estimated exploration and development capital expenditures, including acquisitions and dispositions, divided by the applicable reserves additions both before and after changes in FDC costs. The calculation of FD&A costs incorporates the change in FDC required to bring proved undeveloped and developed reserves into production. The aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the financial year and the changes during that year in estimated FDC may not reflect the total FD&A costs related to reserves additions for that year. Management uses FD&A costs per boe as a measure of its ability to execute its capital program and of its asset quality.
    • Reserve life index is calculated as reserves in the referenced category divided by the referenced estimated production. Management uses this measure to determine how long the booked reserves will last at current production rates if no further reserves were added.
    • Reserves replacement is calculated as reserves in the referenced category divided by estimated referenced production. Management uses this measure to determine the relative change of its reserve base over a period of time.

    Disclosure of Reserve Information and Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors

    Unless expressly stated otherwise, all estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves and related future net revenue disclosed in this press release have been prepared in accordance with NI 51-101. Estimates of reserves and future net revenue made in accordance with NI 51-101 will differ from corresponding estimates prepared in accordance with applicable SEC rules and disclosure requirements of the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and those differences may be material. NI 51-101, for example, requires disclosure of reserves and related future net revenue estimates based on forecast prices and costs, whereas SEC and FASB standards require that reserves and related future net revenue be estimated using average prices for the previous 12 months. In addition, NI 51-101 permits the presentation of reserves estimates on a “company gross” basis, representing Gran Tierra’s working interest share before deduction of royalties, whereas SEC and FASB standards require the presentation of net reserve estimates after the deduction of royalties and similar payments. There are also differences in the technical reserves estimation standards applicable under NI 51-101 and, pursuant thereto, the COGEH, and those applicable under SEC and FASB requirements.

    In addition to being a reporting issuer in certain Canadian jurisdictions, Gran Tierra is a registrant with the SEC and subject to domestic issuer reporting requirements under U.S. federal securities law, including with respect to the disclosure of reserves and other oil and gas information in accordance with U.S. federal securities law and applicable SEC rules and regulations (collectively, “SEC requirements”). Disclosure of such information in accordance with SEC requirements is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other reports and materials filed with or furnished to the SEC and, as applicable, Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The SEC permits oil and gas companies that are subject to domestic issuer reporting requirements under U.S. federal securities law, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only estimated proved, probable and possible reserves that meet the SEC’s definitions of such terms. Gran Tierra has disclosed estimated proved, probable and possible reserves in its filings with the SEC. In addition, Gran Tierra prepares its financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, which require that the notes to its annual financial statements include supplementary disclosure in respect of the Company’s oil and gas activities, including estimates of its proved oil and gas reserves and a standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserve quantities. This supplementary financial statement disclosure is presented in accordance with FASB requirements, which align with corresponding SEC requirements concerning reserves estimation and reporting.

    Proved reserves are reserves which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward from known reservoirs under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expires, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain. Probable reserves are reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered. Estimates of probable reserves which may potentially be recoverable through additional drilling or recovery techniques are by nature more uncertain than estimates of proved reserves and accordingly are subject to substantially greater risk of not actually being realized by us. Possible reserves are reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. Estimates of possible reserves are also inherently imprecise. Estimates of probable and possible reserves are also continually subject to revisions based on production history, results of additional exploration and development, price changes, and other factors.

    The Company believes that the presentation of NPV10 is useful to investors because it presents (i) relative monetary significance of its oil and natural gas properties regardless of tax structure and (ii) relative size and value of its reserves to other companies. The Company also uses this measure when assessing the potential return on investment related to its oil and natural gas properties. NPV10 and the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows do not purport to present the fair value of the Company’s oil and gas reserves. The Company has not provided a reconciliation of NPV10 to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows because it is impracticable to do so.

    Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosures and risk factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in the other reports and filings with the SEC, available from the Company’s offices or website. These reports can also be obtained from the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Cornyn Applauds Nominees Tasked with Enacting Pres. Trump’s Economic Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) expressed his support for President Trump’s nominees chosen to help implement his economic agenda, including Scott Bessent at the Department of the Treasury, Howard Lutnick for Secretary of Commerce, and Russ Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
    “These three gentlemen bring a wealth of experience and expertise, and I have no doubt that America will be better off with them at the helm, assisting President Trump during his administration.”
    “We all remember the tragic story of 9/11, what happened that day. More than two-thirds of Cantor Fitzgerald’s employees—Howard Lutnick’s company—including his own brother, were killed that day.”
    “In the midst of this personal tragedy and with the future uncertain, Howard picked up the pieces and rebuilt Cantor Fitzgerald. This is a man unlike most men, a person of heroic character.”
    “Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Scott Bessent in the Senate Finance Committee on which I serve.”
    “Mr. Bessent rightly noted last week that China has one of the most unbalanced economies in the history of the world, and they’re using their surpluses to fund their military machine to modernize and threaten the peace.”
    “Mr. Bessent is going to be a great partner because he understands how the economy works and how it’s intertwined with our national security.”
    “Finally, I had the pleasure of speaking once again to Russ Vought, who was formerly the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, a job he held previously under President Trump during his first administration. Mr. Vought led the OMB then, and so he’s had extensive experience to build on in President Trump’s second term.” 
    “It’s no secret that the American people were profoundly disappointed at the Biden administration’s handling of the U.S. economy, but I have no doubt that with President Trump, Howard Lutnick, Scott Bessent, and Russ Vought on President Trump’s team, we will be in good shape to get the economy and our national security back on track.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Meets with SBA Nominee Kelly Loeffler

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) met today with former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), whom President Trump has nominated to lead the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Please see photo below.

    This image is in the public domain, but those wishing to do so may credit the Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn.
    Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Relations, and Budget Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Launch Congressional Investigation into Deadly New Year’s Day Attacks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) called for answers in the aftermath of the tragic New Year’s Day attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas. 
    Sens. Johnson and Grassley are demanding the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provide further information on the backgrounds and motives of the ISIS-inspired New Orleans attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and Las Vegas perpetrator, Matthew Alan Livelsberger. 
    Additionally, the chairmen are requesting records from Meta regarding Jabbar’s Facebook activity leading up to his deadly assault in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Jabbar posted five videos to his Facebook page in the hours before the attack describing his ISIS allegiance and harmful intent.
    “The public deserves complete transparency and the truth regarding the New Orleans terrorist attack and the Las Vegas car explosion,” the chairmen wrote. “While we understand the investigation into both of these incidents is ongoing, we expect your agencies to be forthcoming and responsive to oversight requests from Congress on this very serious matter.”
    The senators are also following up on legally protected whistleblower disclosures that the FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the New Orleans field office was on vacation during the New Year’s attack. Since receiving the senators’ letters, the FBI has confirmed the New Orleans SAC was on vacation at the time and did not return to New Orleans until January 2.
    “These are major public events that a SAC should be present for. The FBI failed to note this in any of the joint briefings it provided to Congress and must provide more information,” the chairmen noted.
    Sens. Johnson and Grassley’s letters are linked below:

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Joaquin County Man Pleads Guilty for his Role in Murder-for-Hire Plot

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jagninder Singh Boparai, 48, of Manteca, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Boparai conspired with Ramesh Kumar Birla Jr., 45, of Dublin, and Shaminderjit Singh Sandhu, 51, of Tracy, to murder Victim 2. In February 2023, Boparai met with a person he believed to be a hitman at a Starbucks in Manteca. Unbeknownst to Boparai and his co-defendants throughout their interactions, the hitman was a confidential informant working for the FBI. Boparai told the supposed hitman that the first job involved the assault of Victim 1, and once he proved his trustworthiness, he would be given another job. The following day, Boparai met the confidential informant again and offered to pay $6,000 for the assault of Victim 1. In March 2023, in the presence of Birla and another individual, Boparai met with the confidential informant, and Boparai gave the confidential informant $1,000 as a down payment for the assault. According to court documents, after more time had passed, the confidential informant showed Boparai a staged photo of Victim 1 laying on the ground covered in bruises, dirt, and blood to indicate the assault had occurred. Boparai said he liked the photo and told the confidential informant that he had two other “jobs,” one of which involved robbing a business, and the other involved making a person “disappear.”

    According to court documents, in March 2023, Boparai met with the confidential informant to pay the confidential informant $10,000 as a down payment for the murder of Victim 2. Sandhu provided Victim 2’s address, and Boparai instructed the confidential informant that Victim 2 must disappear without any evidence remaining. Boparai then made two calls to Birla asking for Victim 2’s Facebook profile. Boparai subsequently received a Facebook profile picture of Victim 2, which he showed to the confidential informant. On March 24, 2023, Sandhu and Birla met with the confidential informant in a parking lot in Manteca. Sandhu and Birla claimed that Boparai was out of town, but Boparai was observed by surveillance remaining in a car in the same parking lot. Sandhu and Birla instructed the confidential informant to kill Victim 2 and take Victim 2’s remains to Mexico in a suitcase.

    All three defendants were arrested on March 31, 2023, and are currently in federal custody.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Highway Patrol, the Ceres Police Department, the Dublin Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Lathrop Police Department, the Modesto Police Department, the San Joaquin County Probation Office, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, the Stockton Police Department, the Tracy Police Department, the Turlock Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case.

    Boparai is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    The remaining two defendants are scheduled for a further status conference on April 10, 2025. If convicted, they each face the same penalties as Boparai. As to these two co-defendants, the charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Kodiak residents indicted for drug trafficking related to 2022 fatal fentanyl overdose

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment this week charging three Kodiak residents with drug trafficking crimes in Alaska, including distributing fentanyl which resulted in a fatal overdose.

    According to court documents, between February 2022 and July 2023, Ashley Katelnikoff, 37 and Gerry Pugal, 37, allegedly conspired together to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and over 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine.
    Court documents further allege that on or about Aug. 25-26, 2022, Katelnikoff distributed fentanyl as part of the conspiracy, which resulted in the death of a victim.

    The indictment also alleges that between Nov. 21-29, 2022, Pugal and Kalani Coyle, 32, attempted to possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of a fentanyl mixture and over 50 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine.

    Katelnikoff is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances resulting in death and one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Pugal is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances resulting in death and one count attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Coyle is charged with one count of attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The defendants will make their initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, Katelnikoff and Pugal face between 20 years to life in prison, and Coyle faces 10 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge David Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Division Office made the announcement.

    The DEA Seattle Division Office and Anchorage District Office, with significant assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile, IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office, Alaska State Troopers and the Kodiak Police Department, are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alana Weber, Chris Schroeder and Stephan Collins are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Leader Extradited from Mexico, Appears in Court

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Alleged Sinaloa Cartel cell leader Octavio Leal-Hernandez, aka Chapito Leal, who is believed responsible for trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana into the United States from Mexico, appeared in federal court today following his extradition from Mexico yesterday.

    Leal-Hernandez was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of California in May 2020 for International Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.

    At today’s hearing, Leal-Hernandez was arraigned and entered a not-guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major. The judge granted the government’s request that the defendant be held without bond pending trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 10, 2025, for a motion hearing/trial setting in front of U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin J. Cheeks.

    The government filed a memorandum today in support of its request for detention that describes Leal-Hernandez as a cell leader who rose through the ranks of the Sinaloa Cartel. The memo said Leal-Hernandez was aligned with the Beltran-Leyva faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, specifically with Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, aka Chapo Isidro. Meza Flores is the co-leader of the Beltran-Leyva faction of the Sinaloa Cartel and was designated by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control as a Foreign Narcotics Kingpin.

    Between January 2012 and April 2012, law enforcement authorities lawfully intercepted wire and electronic communications between Leal-Hernandez and several of his drug trafficking associates. The wiretap intercepts confirmed that Leal-Hernandez was a leader/organizer of the Beltran-Leyva faction of the Sinaloa Cartel in Tijuana, Mexico and was responsible for supplying drug distributors in Southern California and other destinations within the United States. The wiretap intercepts also confirmed that Leal-Hernandez has committed acts of violence to facilitate his drug trafficking activities.

    Further investigation after 2012 until his arrest in 2020 confirmed that Leal-Hernandez remained one of the organization’s leaders, responsible for directing, managing, and overseeing the organization’s drug trafficking in Tijuana.

    According to the government’s detention memorandum, Leal-Hernandez oversaw the collection and preparation of large shipments of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana from Tijuana, Mexico into the United States. He then directed organization members to coordinate the logistics of storing the drugs in the organization’s stash houses and transporting them to the organization’s distributors and customers throughout California and elsewhere in the United States.

    “This appearance in an American court is the result of our unwavering pursuit of those who perpetuate violence and push narcotics into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “We will hold traffickers accountable, no matter how long it takes.”

    “The arrest and extradition of Leal-Hernandez marks a significant victory in our relentless fight against the deadly scourge of narcotics trafficking. This joint Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was made possible due to the dedication, expertise, and extensive investigative work of our special agents and our invaluable federal law enforcement partners,” said Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “We extend our deepest gratitude to all involved for their unwavering hard work, commitment, and collaboration.”

    “Drug traffickers are predators that must be held accountable for the harm they cause,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark. “The capture and extradition of Leal-Hernandez is a reminder to any cartel member that there is nowhere to hide; we will use every tool at our disposal to hold you accountable because no one is beyond the grasp of the DEA and our law enforcement partners.”

    “International drug cartels cause immeasurable harm to the American public by importing lethal narcotics and committing acts of violence which terrorize our community,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “The serious and sustained actions of international drug traffickers will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to keep our communities safe.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Mellor. The U.S. Marshals Service completed the removal of Leal-Hernandez from Mexico to the Southern District of California.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 20cr1224                                               

    Octavio Leal-Hernandez                                Age: 44           Tijuana

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    International Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 959, 960, and 963

    Maximum Penalty: Life, Mandatory Minimum: Ten years

    Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846.

    Maximum penalty: Life, Mandatory Minimum: Ten years

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Homeland Security Investigations

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    U.S. Coast Guard

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Leal-Hernandez.

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

                                                                                   

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Victoria’s new Critical Minerals Roadmap: a positive step towards the development of local industry

    Source: Allens Insights

    A positive step towards the development of local industry 6 min read

    In early December, the Victorian Government announced a series of measures designed to reinvigorate Victoria’s economy and encourage business investment in the state. Among these announcements was the release of the new Victorian Critical Minerals Roadmap (the Roadmap), targeting further development of the industry in Victoria to take advantage of the state’s critical minerals deposits.

    The Roadmap is an encouraging sign of Government support for the development of critical minerals projects and a recognition of some of the challenges proponents face including, in particular, a slow and uncertain approvals process. It also highlights the Government’s vision of Victoria as a leading supplier of ‘ethically-sourced’ critical minerals through equitable sharing of benefits between local communities, Traditional Owners and proponents, and the maintenance of high environmental standards.

    This Insight provides an overview of the Roadmap and some of its key initiatives.

    Key takeaways

    • The Roadmap sets out an ambitious vision for developing the critical minerals industry in Victoria, centred around four guiding themes: mapping the opportunities; a modernised regulatory regime; production and processing; and sharing the benefits.
    • It includes several concrete initiatives that the Government proposes to implement over the next 12 months across these four themes as well as possible longer-term initiatives. The Roadmap is intended to be a live document that will be reviewed and adapted to changing circumstances.
    • Importantly, the Roadmap outlines several actions that the Government is already taking or will implement in the short term to streamline and reduce uncertainty in the approvals process for critical minerals projects.
    • It also contemplates developing a community benefit sharing model, and inviting Traditional Owners to co-design a benefit sharing model, in the short term.
    • There is some uncertainty about how the Government plans to balance sometimes competing objectives in the Roadmap – for example, encouraging investment while ensuring equitable sharing of benefits between proponents, local communities and Traditional Owners. However, overall, the indication of support from the Government is a positive step in the industry’s further development in Victoria.

    Background

    Victoria is the latest Australian jurisdiction to recognise the importance of facilitating the development of local critical minerals and strategic materials resources to support the transition to a carbon net-zero economy and, in the case of critical minerals, secure diversified supply.

    Although it garners little public awareness, Victoria holds significant deposits of critical minerals and strategic materials (in particular, in the northwestern and central regions). The Victorian Government estimates the value of Victoria’s critical minerals endowment to be approximately $200 billion and that a local critical minerals industry could support up to 7,000 jobs.1

    Overview of the Roadmap

    The Roadmap sets out the Government’s vision for a ‘strategically and economically important critical minerals industry’ in the state. In particular, the Government envisages a ‘world-leading ethical critical minerals sector’ that:

    • has timely approvals for development;
    • delivers significant economic benefits for regional communities;
    • is environmentally responsible;
    • creates opportunities for future downstream industries; and
    • forms strong and lasting partnerships with local communities and Traditional Owners.

    As the Roadmap is intended to be a live document that is reviewed and updated at regular intervals, it focuses on concrete actions to be undertaken in the short term while outlining possible future initiatives to be considered at a later date.

    Deep dive – four core themes

    The actions that the Government proposes to undertake over the next 12 months and possible future initiatives are centred across four themes, which are explored below.

    Mapping the opportunities

    The first theme promises to modernise geoscience data and to use geological mapping to assist in identifying new critical minerals opportunities, with land use assessments identifying future areas for development, referred to as ‘Critical Minerals Priority Development Zones’ (Priority Zones). The Victorian Government has established a whole-of-government critical minerals taskforce, led by Resources Victoria, to coordinate the Government’s actions in Priority Zones, including approvals facilitation and community consultation to drive faster development. A strategic land use assessment pilot program is currently underway in north-west Victoria to define mineral sands Priority Zones. The Roadmap flags that, based on this first pilot, in the short term, the Government will also commence a strategic land use assessment potential to identify a Priority Zone for antimony projects in central Victoria.

    In addition, within the next 12 months, the Government intends to develop a policy regarding when the Minister will exercise their powers under section 7 of the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (Vic) (MRSD Act) to designate areas as exempt from minerals exploration and development. The powers granted under section 7 are broad and entitle the Minister to exempt land for any reasons they decide to be appropriate. However, in making such a decision, the Minister must take into account the known or potential value of the resources, the impact that the proposed exemption may have on that value, and the social and economic implications of the decision. We expect that this policy will be of interest to those assessing the viability of potential development opportunities, as it will provide greater certainty regarding when the Minister is likely to exercise these powers.

    Modernised regulatory regime

    The Roadmap outlines several key initiatives and reforms aimed at streamlining and improving the approvals process for mineral exploration and mining projects. This is a welcome development, as approval timeframes for exploration activities in Victoria lag those in other mining jurisdictions and a lack of transparency in the approval process has been cited as a key deterrent for investment.2

    This will primarily be delivered through the implementation of reforms in the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Amendment Act 2023 (Vic) (MRSD Amendment Act), which will commence by 1 July 2027. These reforms introduce a duty-based model for regulation, which imposes a duty on a licence or work authority holder to eliminate or minimise, as far as reasonably practicable, the risk of harm to the environment, the public, land, property or infrastructure by its exploration, extractive industry, mining or rehabilitation of land or related activities (the breach of which will be an offence). The licence or work authority holder will not be able to commence work until the department head has determined whether the risk level for the licence or authority is lower, moderate or higher which, in turn, determines the obligations with which the holder must comply. The existing requirement to lodge work plans will no longer apply, however rehabilitation plans will continue to be required for moderate or higher-risk operations. Rehabilitation for lower-risk operations will need to be undertaken in accordance with a compliance code made under the Act. Although these reforms are intended to reduce the time and administrative burden of the existing approvals processes, largely by removing the work plan approval process, whether they are effective in doing so will depend on the details of their implementation.

    Importantly, the Roadmap also indicates that the Government has committed to reforming the Victorian Environment Effects Statement process to facilitate accelerated approvals, with a targeted timeframe of no longer than 18 months for assessment under that process as a result of sharper assessment scopes and the provision of extra support to proponents.

    Further, the Government has extended Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination (RVAC), a division of Resources Victoria, until 2027 so that it can continue, through its case management role, to assist with reducing the uncertainty associated with earth resources development approvals. It is not clear whether RVAC will continue to focus, in the mining workstream, on critical minerals and gold given the Roadmap also provides for the establishment of a new Critical Minerals Coordination Office (CMC) within Resources Victoria within the next 12 months with responsibility for all critical minerals project approvals. It may be that the CMC assumes responsibility for critical minerals projects while RVAC continues to be responsible for gold resources. The Roadmap does not include any further detail regarding the division of responsibility between the two offices.

    Overall, these initiatives are designed to provide clearer regulatory pathways, reduce administrative burdens, ensure timely project approvals and maintain high environmental standards while fostering responsible investment in Victoria’s critical minerals sector.

    Local production and processing

    Across Australia, industry participants and governments have sought to explore opportunities to develop downstream critical minerals processing and end-use manufacturing capabilities. If done right, there are clear economic, security and environmental benefits that can be achieved through this. The Roadmap promises to continue to investigate these opportunities. This is a promising show of support, and industry participants will keenly await the announcement of any initiatives to navigate the challenges that Australia faces in competing with other jurisdictions for future investment in production and processing, including relatively higher labour costs and more stringent environmental regulation.

    Sharing benefits

    The Victorian Government has also indicated its intention to design ‘benefit sharing models’ involving regional communities and Traditional Owners. These benefits are stated to be both financial and non-financial. The Roadmap sets out key principles underpinning these proposed models, including that the benefits of Victoria’s mineral wealth should be shared equitably, and that these benefits include tangible and non-tangible opportunities. These models may, for example, encompass environmental protection, the building of a local workforce to support the development of the industry, and other means of enriching local areas. Investment in projects located in regional areas will undoubtedly contribute to local communities through employment and training opportunities and increased economic activity. It remains to be seen how the Government intends to balance these potentially competing benefit sharing objectives with the desire to create an attractive investment environment for proponents.

    Continuing a trend of government support

    This latest announcement continues the trend we have observed in recent times of increasing government support across Australia and globally for the development of the critical minerals industry, including:

    This is a promising trend that we expect to see continue given the challenges the volatility inherent in the markets for critical minerals present in developing projects and obtaining funding sources.

    Next steps

    The Victorian Government’s Roadmap is a step in the right direction to encourage investment in critical minerals projects in the state. Stakeholders at all stages of the critical minerals value chain – be they explorers, producers, financiers or otherwise – are likely to benefit from these initiatives.

    However, given the significant regulatory changes to be implemented under the MRSD Amendment Act and the need to balance the potentially competing interests of proponents, local communities and Traditional Owners, time will tell how effective the Government’s proposed policy changes are at attracting investment in the exploration and development of the state’s critical minerals resources.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: 5 ways that AI modernization is transforming trade financing

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: 5 ways that AI modernization is transforming trade financing

    The newest wave of business and operating model transformation in corporate banking is underway in one of the oldest domains of international commerce: trade finance. Underpinning the great majority of global commerce, trade finance provides the financial instruments and products for importers and exporters to conduct business reliability and with minimum risk. Long underinvested in, trade finance is now undergoing rapid and fundamental change, thanks to the advent of cloud and AI technologies. 

    Helping banks and other financial institutions modernize and take full advantage of cloud and AI technologies is central to our work at Microsoft Cloud for Financial Services. We offer a secure, compliant, scalable infrastructure tailored to support financial services and unlock new benefits and opportunities. 

    Microsoft Cloud for Financial Services

    Unlock business value and deepen customer relationships

    How data became the third leg of bank business models 

    From its inception, banking has always been a business of data—its movement and processing, and the insights derived therefrom.  

    As financial intermediaries, banks survived for centuries based on data at the heart of a two-sided business model: taking deposits (liability ledger) and making loans (risk assets). Profit was the lucrative spread between these two pillars. Business cycles and financial crises have come and gone but this fundamental model has not changed. 

    Technology has been integral to data management since the rudiments of data processing automation and Management Information System (MIS) dashboards. The rise of the modern real-time data economy, however, completely alters the environment in which banks operate.  

    Retail banking was first to transform by monetizing fragmented data in correlation with context and other factors. That beginning marked a signpost to a new space where the value of insights became the third important leg of bank business models. With the power of AI and the simplicity of natural language copilots, we are at the start of a new epoch which marks a profound transformation in banking. 

    Developing this trajectory, it is clear that Business-to-Business (B2B) flows contain much richer datasets to be monetized across a broader spectrum of economic activity, from local Main Street to global supply chains. Corporate banking is the epicenter of this next wave of B2B value creation through its main business lines: working capital management, payments and transaction banking, and, in particular, trade finance.  

    Unlocking B2B data insights is driving banking transformation 

    Trade finance is a natural starting place for bank modernization. It is unusually rich in untapped B2B details, it is super relevant to a bank’s overall commercial banking proposition, and it offers the most easily addressed “low hanging fruit” for return on investment (ROI) due to the prevalence of so many manual processes. 

    Note that this near-term upside should not be confused with the industry’s longer-term policy agenda on “trade digitization,” which focuses on transitioning from traditional, paper-based processes to digital formats. Global bodies such as the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT), the International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA), and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) will, in due course, develop legal frameworks that facilitate this transition. But before that, there is a clear business case within banks to adopt currently available new technologies in a race to transform client experience, improve operating efficiency, and gain marketplace advantage from B2B data insights. 

    Banks are naturally rich in B2B data as a consequence of their existing franchises and the daily flow of transactions through their processing systems. Yet, insights from the graph of these non-linear B2B relationships languish trapped and untapped in legacy silos. With this in mind, Microsoft has been leading the development of new AI-focused technologies for knowledge workers in today’s modern banking environment. These include natural language copilots, starting with Microsoft 365 Copilot, custom copilots built with Microsoft Copilot Studio, and Agentic AI for more complex tasks. Concurrently, solutions like Microsoft Fabric can unify data for analysis and action from disparate sources irrespective of the technical environments in which they sit.  

    Microsoft’s data tools unlock data insights and help make trade finance processes more efficient and accessible. Importantly, they are all designed with the same security, compliance, and content entitlements that are already established within banks, so getting started is easier. 

    A benefits-driven roadmap for trade finance modernization 

    The roadmap that banks are adopting for trade finance modernization follows five simple steps, starting with the basics of helping colleagues do their work better: 

    1. Generative AI copilots can transform operations and drive new efficiencies in many powerful ways. For example, copilots can help front-office trade sales and relationship managers identify new financing opportunities when advising clients. Natural language queries can convert a daunting amount of manual research into simple and repeatable investigative questions. A client’s Annual Report, 10-K filings, and other sources can be analyzed in real time with opportunities summarized for action.
      Microsoft’s Financial Meeting Prep on Microsoft Teams, launched with LSEG, shows the simplicity of how this could work in trade finance. Financial Meeting Prep helps organize more effective meetings through a single view of all relevant content. It drives better meeting outcomes and improves engagement, job satisfaction, and revenue growth. By the same token, trade finance product managers can transform how they conduct research in developing and managing new products with Copilot for project. Mundane tasks, like generating monthly product performance reports, can be automated with conversational copilots that are embedded in familiar tools like Copilot in Excel and Copilot for Power BI. This provides all users with proactive drilldown capabilities to discover desired insights without reversion to a lot of manual rework.
    2. Improved internal collaboration can be achieved with modern office tools. Many banks have legacy processes designed for linear workflows—for example, sending credit applications as email attachments to multiple stakeholders for approval. This process is cumbersome, often involving a lot of back and forth to reconcile a “golden truth” of client exposure sourced from multiple systems. Redesigning these team workflows with modern technology like Copilot Pages provides a single, persistently updated canvas that allows for multiparty interactive collaboration that integrates all relevant data.  
    3. Operational efficiencies can be greatly enhanced with AI. Consider Letters of Credit processing, a mainstay of classical trade finance which remains paper-based to this day, with literally billions of pieces of paper circulating between parties at any given time. Banks must examine all these documents for compliance—a costly effort requiring a skilled workforce. To ease this burden, Microsoft partners leverage Azure technologies to automate much of the work, freeing bank staff to deal with exceptions rather than the bulk of mundane examination. Microsoft Document Intelligence Read Optical Character Recognition (OCR) dematerializes trade documents while AI algorithms spot compliance issues, detect signs of trade-based money laundering (TBML), and meet other requirements to complete a transaction before payment. The result is improved quality and profitability, as well as new data insight APIs from digitized trade documentation. The next wave of this process will apply semi-autonomous Agentic AI that further understands context and can complete multiple assignments digitally. 
    4. Knowledge Management tools using natural language can advance the effectiveness of staff and banking operations. Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) technology will reason over a bank’s broad SharePoint catalogue of material and surface only relevant information for a given request. This will be especially useful in training bank staff who are not familiar with the day-to-day technicalities of trade finance. For example, legal documentation can be surfaced as needed for each appropriate use case. In certain circumstances, this could be extended as curated material directly to clients. Using natural language copilots can simplify how staff and clients learn and understand trade finance, which historically has been a specialized field.  
    5. Customer service tools can enhance the customer experience. One of the greatest areas for improvement with natural language processing and copilots is client service problem resolution. Agent-first workflow tools, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Contact Center, immeasurably improve efficiency by putting all the facts at an agent’s fingertips. Accessing a bank’s catalogue of products, an agent can also upsell solutions while reducing time spent on “swivel chairing” between different systems. These tools can also be designed to enable client self-help functions that reduce mundane repetitive calls to the bank, like status of a shipment or payment. Client queries with an agent can be in written form, spoken through Interactive Voice Response (IVR), or conversed with an avatar.  

    Get started on your modernization journey 

    Trade finance AI is not just for big banks that finance global supply chains. In fact, the impact of AI automation could be greater for regional and smaller banks where skilled staff are fewer and transactions are less frequent, but where client needs require receivables discounting, performance bonds, or other working capital assistance. Moreover, increasing demand for trade financing by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing nations is a significant driver of market growth.  

    The benefits of modernization impact banks of every size and geography. To help understand how your organization can explore the new opportunities, begin by engaging with your Microsoft representative. They can help develop strategies and solutions that deliver immediate and long-term benefits to meet your bank’s unique needs.

    Empower your organization with Microsoft Cloud for Financial Services

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-Evening Report: China has invested billions in ports around the world. This is why the West is so concerned

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claudio Bozzi, Lecturer in Law, Deakin University

    Shutterstock

    On his way to the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte to officially open a new US$3.6 billion (A$5.8 billion) deepwater mega-port in Peru called Chancay.

    China’s state-owned Cosco shipping giant had purchased a 60% stake in the port for US$1.6 billion (A$2.6 billion), which gave the company exclusive use of the port for 60 years.

    Days later, the first ship departed for Shanghai loaded with blueberries, avocados and minerals.

    Chancay is part of China’s vision of a 21st century maritime Silk Road that will better connect China’s manufacturing hubs with its trading partners around the world. This has involved a heavy investment in ports in many countries, which has the West concerned about China’s expanding influence over global shipping routes.

    Newly re-elected US President Donald Trump made clear these concerns when he claimed China was “operating” the Panama Canal and the US intended to take it back.

    China does not operate the canal, though. Rather, a Hong Kong company operates two ports on either side of it.

    A booming port expansion

    The scale and scope of the maritime Silk Road is impressive. China has invested in 129 ports in dozens of countries through its state-owned enterprises, mostly in the Global South. Seventeen of these ports have majority-Chinese ownership.

    According to one estimate, Chinese companies invested US$11 billion (A$17.7 billion) in overseas port development from 2010–19. More than 27% of global container trade now passes through terminals where leading Chinese firms hold direct stakes.

    China has entered Latin America aggressively, becoming the region’s top trading partner. Its port strategy has clearly signalled a long-term goal to access the exports essential to its food and energy security: soybeans, corn, beef, iron ore, copper and battery-grade lithium.

    Last year, for example, Portos do Paraná, the Brazilian state-owned enterprise that acts as the port authority in the state of Paraná, signed a letter of intent with China Merchants Port Holdings to expand Paranaguá Container Terminal, the second-largest terminal in South America. China may invest in even more Brazilian ports, as 22 terminals are scheduled to be auctioned before the end of 2025.

    In Africa, Chinese investment grew from two ports in 2000 to 61 facilities in 30 countries by 2022.

    And in Europe, Chinese enterprises have complete or majority ownership of two key ports in Belgium and Greece – the so-called “dragon’s head” of the Belt and Road Initiative in Europe.

    What’s driving this port strategy?

    China’s emergence as a maritime and shipping power is central to Xi’s ambition for global economic dominance.

    For one, China requires stable access to key trading routes to continue meeting the demand for Chinese exports globally, as well as the imports Beijing needs to keep its economy humming.

    Controlling ports also enables China to create economic zones in other countries that give port owners and operators privileged access to commodities and products. Some fear this could allow China to disrupt supplies of certain goods or even exert influence over other countries’ politics or economies.

    Another key driver of this strategy is the metals and minerals needed to fuel China’s rise as a tech superpower. Beijing has concentrated its port investment in regions where these critical resources are located.

    For example, China is the world’s largest importer of copper ore, mainly from Chile, Peru and Mexico. It is also one of the world’s major lithium carbonate importers.), mainly from Chile and Argentina. And its port deals in Africa give it access to rare earths and other minerals.

    In addition, tapping into Latin America counteracts the trade tensions China has experienced recently with Europe. It also preempts concerns about possible US tariffs imposed on Chinese goods by Trump.

    Military concerns

    These moves have prompted concern in Washington that China is challenging US influence in its own backyard.

    China maintains that its seaport diplomacy is market oriented. However, it has established one naval base in the strategically located African nation of Djibouti. And it is believed to be building another naval base in Equatorial Guinea.

    According to a recent report by the Asia Society Policy Institute, strategy analysts believe China is seeking to “weaponise” the Belt and Road Initiative.

    One way it is doing this is by requiring the commercial ports it invests in to be equally capable of acting as naval bases. So far, 14 of the 17 ports in which it has a majority stake have the potential to be used for naval purposes. These ports can then serve a dual function and support the Chinese military’s logistics network and allow Chinese naval vessels to operate further away from home.

    US officials are also concerned China could leverage its influence over private companies to disrupt trade during a time of war.

    How is the West responding?

    While China’s investments are raising suspicions, the West’s willingness to invest in ports at this scale is limited. The US International Development Finance Corporation, for instance, has a much slower, rigorous process for its investments, which generally leads to fairer outcomes for both investors and host nations.

    However, some Western companies are acquiring stakes in established and newly built ports in other countries, albeit not to the extent of Chinese enterprises.

    The French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM’s global port development strategy, for example, includes investments in 60 terminals worldwide. In 2024, it acquired control over South America’s largest container terminal in the Port of Santos, Brazil.

    Trump has threatened tariffs as one way of countering China’s global sea power. An advisor on his transition team has proposed a 60% tariff on any product transiting through the Chancay port in Peru or any other Chinese-owned or controlled port in South America.

    Rather than making nations reluctant to sign port deals with Beijing, however, this kind of action just erodes Washington’s regional influence. And China is likely to take retaliatory measures, like banning the export of critical minerals to the US.

    Host nations like Peru and Brazil, meanwhile, are using the competition for port investment to their advantage. Attracting interest from both the West and China, they are increasingly asserting their autonomy and adopting a strategy of using ports to “play everywhere” on the global stage.

    Claudio Bozzi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. China has invested billions in ports around the world. This is why the West is so concerned – https://theconversation.com/china-has-invested-billions-in-ports-around-the-world-this-is-why-the-west-is-so-concerned-244733

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Grassley Introduce Bill To Crack Down On Prescription Drug Advertisements, Boost Price Transparency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 23, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, today introduced the bipartisan Drug-price Transparency for Consumers (DTC) Act, a bill that would require price disclosures on advertisements for prescription drugs in order to empower patients and reduce Americans’ colossal spending on medications.  The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that prescription drugs advertised directly to consumers accounted for 58 percent of Medicare’s spending on drugs between 2016 and 2018, while a 2023 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that two-thirds of advertised drugs offered “low therapeutic value.”  By requiring direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements for prescription drugs to include a disclosure of the list price, patients can make informed choices when inundated with drug commercials and pharmaceutical companies may reconsider their pricing and advertising tactics.  In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has sued to keep the prices of their drugs out of their TV advertisements.
    “Pharmaceutical advertising is a uniquely American phenomenon that contributes to the astronomical cost of prescription drugs. With billions of dollars in targeted spending, patients are bombarded with commercials for the latest ‘wonder-drug’ but kept in the dark about one crucial factor—price.  This practice of pushing patients toward the most expensive drugs drives up the cost of health care while undermining the role of doctors.  A healthy dose of transparency is the prescription Big Pharma needs,” Durbin said.  “Senator Grassley and I have introduced the DTC Act to shine light on the real costs of medications in these outrageous commercials.”
    “Knowing what something costs before buying it is just common sense,” Grassley said.  “Disclosing the list price of prescription drugs in advertisements is a no-nonsense way to empower health care consumers to make informed decisions about their care.  It also spurs competition, which leads to lower prescription drug costs.”
    Each year, the pharmaceutical industry spends $6 billion in DTC drug advertising to fill the airwaves with ads, resulting in the average American seeing nine DTC ads each day.  Studies show that these activities steer patients to more expensive drugs, even when a patient may not need the medication or a lower-cost generic is available.  Studies show that patients are more likely to ask their doctor, and ultimately receive a prescription, for a specific drug when they have seen ads for it.  For these reasons, most countries have banned DTC prescription drug advertising—the United States and New Zealand are the only industrialized nations to permit this practice.
    Additionally, a Kaiser survey found that 88 percent of Americans support this price disclosure policy for advertisements.
    Below are some key findings from the GAO report:
    Two-thirds of pharma’s spending between 2016 and 2018 on DTC ads ($12 billion out of $18 billion total) was concentrated on just 39 drugs.  During this period, these advertised drugs accounted for 58 percent of Medicare’s spending on drugs ($320 billion out of $560 billion). 
    In 2019, Humira had $500 million in DTC advertising, contributing to $2.4 billion in Medicare costs.
    Among the top 10 drugs with the highest cost to Medicare, four were also in the top 10 for advertising spending (Humira, Eliquis, Keytruda, Lyrica).
    Cosponsors of the DTC Act include U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).
    The DTC Act is endorsed by AARP, American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, American Academy of Neurology, American College of Physicians, Patients for Affordable Drugs Now, and Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing.
    For years, Durbin and Grassley have advanced legislative proposals to require pharmaceutical companies to disclose the list prices of their prescription drugs when choosing to run DTC advertisements, including passing a bipartisan amendment through the Senate in 2018. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Former Congressman Sean Duffy, President Trump’s Nominee For Secretary Of Transportation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 23, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with former U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as the Secretary of Transportation.  During their meeting, Durbin asked Duffy about President Trump’s recent executive order directing agencies to immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and what that means for the future of transportation and infrastructure projects already underway.  Durbin also advocated for ongoing infrastructure projects in Illinois, including the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension and the Chicago Hub Improvement Project to modernize Chicago Union Station and its surrounding infrastructure. 
    Durbin also raised the importance of Amtrak funding, and emphasized how many freight railroads run through Chicago as the rail hub of North America.  Projects across the state, including the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program in Chicago and the Springfield Rail Improvements Project in Springfield have sought to alleviate congested rail corridors and chokepoints.  Both projects received additional federal grant awards this past fall. 
    “Today, I had a productive meeting with former Congressman Sean Duffy, who has been nominated to serve as Secretary of Transportation,” Durbin said.  “I shared the importance of funding ongoing infrastructure projects in Illinois like the CTA’s Red Line Extension Project and the Chicago Hub Improvement Project.  If confirmed, I hope he will build upon the work started by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and ensure none of these projects are unnecessarily delayed.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Enabling communities to thrive

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding for regeneration.

    A scheme helping pupils to learn in a football environment is one of a range of regeneration projects set to share £62 million from the 2025-26 draft Scottish Budget.    

    The funding would help Spartans Community Foundation in Pilton, Edinburgh, complete construction of a permanent classroom. This would replace temporary cabins where students who may struggle in school receive lessons in literacy, numeracy, entrepreneurship, art and physical education. The project also assists young people to access jobs, apprenticeships and college placements as they leave school.

    Other regeneration schemes earmarked for support in the draft Budget include:

    • clearing three derelict sites in the Lochee area of Dundee to make way for affordable homes
    • restoring Arbroath’s Courthouse as a centre offering careers advice and skills training
    • redeveloping Glen Urquhart Public Hall into a community hub

    Visiting Spartans to hear about the organisation’s work within the local community, Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur said:

    “Regeneration is a key priority for the Scottish Government – as it contributes to growing the economy and creating jobs.

    “This inspiring scheme run by Spartans illustrates how local people can identify the issues they want tackled and then come up with the solution, at which point the Scottish Government is able step in with support.

    “The new classroom will help more young people leave school with qualifications, find jobs and further education opportunities, as well as enjoy free football sessions. It is an example of delivering economic growth and tackling poverty at the grassroots.

    Background

    Recent projects to regenerate northern Edinburgh include the transformation of derelict industrial units at Granton Waterfront into communal spaces and the ongoing development of a community hub with an early years centre, library and space for North Edinburgh Arts on Pennywell Road.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS attends thematic meetings at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    FS attends thematic meetings at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (with photos/video)
    FS attends thematic meetings at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (with photos/video)
    ***************************************************************************************

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, concluded his visit to Davos, Switzerland, yesterday (January 23, Davos time). He attended thematic meetings at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting and met with political, business and financial leaders from around the globe.     In the morning, Mr Chan participated in a discussion session titled “Stemming Financial Fragmentation” and served as one of the panelist’s. The session focused on addressing the risks of financial fragmentation amid rising geopolitical tensions.     Mr Chan noted that while geopolitics may subject regional and global financial markets to greater volatility, Hong Kong boasts a robust financial system and strong buffer, maintains a free and open business environment, and steadfastly upholds the linked exchange rate system. A recent survey conducted by a foreign chamber of commerce in Hong Kong revealed that international investors and companies remain optimistic about the city’s business prospects. He emphasised that Hong Kong’s financial markets have undergone remarkable transformation on various fronts, including the stock market and asset and wealth management business which have achieved significant growth since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is actively embracing financial innovation, including the development of digital assets, with appropriate regulations in place to promote the responsible and sustainable growth. In response to questions, Mr Chan stated that China’s economy is steadily advancing, with solid progress towards high-quality development. The country is also committed to accelerating high-level openness and mutually beneficial cooperation as its national policy.     Later, Mr Chan participated in a thematic meeting organised by the Giving to Amplify Earth Action launched by the WEF, where he spoke on promoting investment in climate projects. He noted that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, plays to its strengths as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”: on one hand, Hong Kong provides financial support for green and transition projects through its comprehensive financial services; on the other hand, it actively seeks to facilitate cooperation among the public, private and philanthropic sectors. Examples include hosting international conferences such as “Wealth for Good in Hong Kong”, which brings together decision-makers from global funds (including family funds) to promote synergies between global wealth and climate projects, thereby fostering impact investments. Through these efforts, Hong Kong seeks to make greater contributions to regional and global sustainable development.     Mr Chan also continued his meetings with various political and business leaders yesterday. He held bilateral discussions with the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Mr Khalid Al-Falih, and the Minister of Finance of Egypt, Mr Ahmed Kouchouk, respectively. During these meetings, they exchanged views on international and regional landscapes, and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral investment and trade relations. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong actively seeks to develop trade relations with “Global South” countries, and extended invitations to the Ministers to lead business delegations to Hong Kong to explore mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities.     In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with the President and the Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton, Ms Jenny Johnson, to discuss the business expansion plans of the international fund group in the region. They also exchanged views on the current global economic and financial market landscapes.     Mr Chan is scheduled to depart from Switzerland today (January 24, Davos time) and will return to Hong Kong on Saturday morning (January 25, Hong Kong time).

     
    Ends/Friday, January 24, 2025Issued at HKT 9:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense Contractor Executive Pleads Guilty to Bribery Scheme Involving $100 Million in Government Contracts

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Russell Thurston, a former executive vice president at Cambridge International Systems, Inc., a defense contractor headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he participated in a bribery scheme with other Cambridge employees and former Naval Information Warfare Center employee James Soriano.

    According to Thurston’s plea agreement, Cambridge – acting through Thurston and multiple other Cambridge employees – gave various things of value to Soriano, including expensive meals at restaurants in San Diego; a ticket to the 2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game held at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.; and a job at Cambridge for Soriano’s friend, Liberty Gutierrez. According to Gutierrez’s plea agreement, Gutierrez did minimal work at Cambridge and gave Soriano $2,000 a month from her Cambridge salary.

    In return, Soriano, acting in his position as a contracting officer’s representative at Naval Information Warfare Center, influenced the procurement process to ensure that Cambridge was awarded two large task orders. Soriano further ensured that Cambridge was able to capture a steady stream of government funds by influencing a series of projects on those task orders to be approved. According to Cambridge’s plea agreement, as a result of the conspiracy, the government obligated more than $32 million on one of the task orders and over $100 million on the other.

    Soriano also allowed Cambridge employees to draft various procurement documents for him, even when Cambridge was competing for contracts against other bidders. Thurston and Soriano also worked together to remove document properties so that other government employees would not know of Cambridge’s involvement in drafting the documents.

    According to Thurston’s plea agreement, Thurston received periodic pay bonuses from Cambridge – which totaled between $150,000 and $250,000 – based on the profits Cambridge received from the bribery conspiracy.

    Thurston is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson for sentencing on April 11, 2025.

    “The integrity of our nation’s procurement system relies upon the honest dealing of government contractors,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “This guilty plea shows a commitment to that principle by holding accountable a defendant who repeatedly bribed a government employee to benefit himself at the expense of others.”

    “This investigation clearly established Mr. Thurston’s guilt and his plea is a positive step toward accountability for his role in the crime,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Western Field Office. “DCIS remains committed to working jointly with the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to investigate and deter public corruption within the Department of Defense.”

    “Mr. Thurston’s actions directly undermined the Department of Defense contracting process that ensures our warfighters get the best gear for their missions while ensuring our taxpayer dollars are responsibly allocated,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “Our men and women in uniform volunteer to put their lives on the line in defense of the United States and they deserve better than to be put at unnecessary risk. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to partnering with fellow law enforcement agencies to protect our servicemembers from this sort of corruption.”

    “Using a position of public trust as a means to inequitably grant access to federal programs for personal gain will not be tolerated,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge, Weston King. “Our Office will remain relentless in the pursuit of those who seek to exploit SBA’s vital economic programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”

    Cambridge was separately charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in 24-cr-00759-TWR. Cambridge was ordered to forfeit the $1,672,102.23 in profits it obtained from the bribery conspiracy and pay a $2.25 million fine.

    Soriano was charged as a co-defendant and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and fraud and false statement in filing a tax return in 24-cr-0341-TWR. Soriano was also separately charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in 23-cr-2282-TWR. Soriano is next scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson for sentencing on May 9, 2025.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Swan, Katherine E.A. McGrath, and Carling E. Donovan.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24-cr-0341-TWR-2                         

    Russell Thurston                                             Age: 52                                   Mt. Pleasant, SC

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Commit Bribery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371

    Maximum penalty: Five years in prison; maximum $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Defense Criminal Investigative Service

    Naval Criminal Investigative Service

    Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General

    Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation

    Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General

    If you have information regarding fraud, waste, or abuse relating to Department of Defense personnel or operations, please contact the DoD Hotline at 800-424-9098. 

                                                                                   

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Owner of San Diego Surrogacy Consulting Businesses Admits to Stealing Client Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Lillian Arielle Markowitz, former owner of three San Diego-based surrogacy consulting businesses, pleaded guilty in federal court today to fraud charges, admitting that she stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in client funds from escrow accounts set up to pay for surrogacy-related services.

    According to her plea agreement, Markowitz admitted that she owned three businesses — My Donor Cycle, Surrogacy Beyond Borders, and Expecting Surrogacy — through which she marketed herself as a surrogacy consultant to those seeking to realize their dreams of becoming surrogate parents. Beginning around 2018, when Markowitz and her businesses began to experience financial distress, she devised a scheme to steal money from her surrogacy clients by, among other things, submitting fraudulent requests to the escrow company where her clients’ funds were maintained.

    Markowitz admitted to submitting four fraudulent escrow disbursement requests from the escrow accounts of two couples. One included what Markowitz knew to be a forged client signature, and each one resulted in her obtaining a check from the escrow company without the knowledge or consent of her clients.

    In addition, Markowitz admitted that beginning in January 2019 and continuing through May 2021, she defrauded nine additional clients by falsely promising their funds would be deposited into an escrow account and that they would be accessed only to pay for expenses related to their respective surrogacy journey. In fact, Markowitz deposited these clients’ funds into a business checking account and immediately accessed those funds to cover general business expenses, expenses related to other clients’ surrogacy journeys, and her personal expenses. As a condition of her plea, Markowitz has agreed to make restitution of at least $389,142.00 to her former clients.

    “The path to parenthood through surrogacy can be fraught with emotional and financial challenges,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “This defendant selfishly exploited vulnerable clients who were striving to fulfill their dream of becoming parents.”

    “Instead of aiding her hopeful clients on their path to parenthood, the defendant took advantage of their vulnerability, betrayed their trust, and stole their money,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “FBI will continue to investigate these unique fraud schemes to protect the public against those who employ empty promises and prey upon vulnerable individuals.”

    Markowitz is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., by District Judge Todd W. Robinson.

    If you believe that you may be a victim in this case, please contact the FBI San Diego field office at (858) 320-1800.

    This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey D. Hill and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark W. Pletcher.

    DEFENDANT                                                           Case Number 24-CR-0904-TWR

    Lillian Arielle Markowitz (aka Lillian Frost)             Age: 40                                   Portland, OR

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation         

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: Geely launches EV model Geely EX5 in Indonesia

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s automotive company Geely Auto introduced the Geely EX5 as its first model for the Indonesian market.

    “We firmly believe that Indonesia has great potential to become a hub for smart and sustainable mobility. Geely is here to offer mobility solutions that prioritize technology, sustainability, and an exceptional driving experience,” said Evin Ye, vice president of Geely Auto International Corporation, during the Geely EX5 launching in Jakarta on Wednesday.

    According to him, the company plans to establish a knock-down factory for local vehicle production in the archipelagic country and begin manufacturing in the third quarter of 2025.

    Cahyo Purnomo, investment promotion director for East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa at the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry, said that Chinese investment continues to grow and is an important part of Indonesia’s industrial development, particularly in the field of electric vehicles.

    Geely Auto’s presence is more than just business, according to Cahyo, it also brings the newest electric car technology, which adds to the domestic automotive ecosystem and supports the archipelagic country’s economic progress.

    Geely Auto is a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, an automotive manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China, that has operated in over 100 countries.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Mainland official visits Taiwan business people, compatriots ahead of Spring Festival

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Chinese mainland’s top Taiwan affairs official has extended festive greetings to representatives of the Taiwan business community ahead of the Spring Festival, and reaffirmed the mainland’s commitment to deepening cross-Strait integrated development and delivering benefits to Taiwan compatriots.
    Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks during his visit to Taiwan enterprises and cross-Strait exchange events with nearly 400 Taiwan businesspeople and compatriots in Shenzhen, a technology hub in southern China, and Xiamen, a coastal city located near Taiwan, from Tuesday to Thursday.
    Song learned about the business operations and development of Taiwan enterprises and listened to their opinions and suggestions. He emphasized that the mainland will continue to refine policies and mechanisms to promote cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, while further advancing cross-Strait integrated development.
    The shared values of peace, harmony and the pursuit of a better life among people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait remain the foundation of the development of cross-Strait relations, Song said.
    He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, firmly oppose “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference, and work together to expand cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and achieve integrated development.
    “The warm atmosphere of Spring Festival brings a sense of comfort. The mainland’s support for Taiwan enterprises and compatriots has given those from Taiwan and Taiwan-funded businesses in Fujian greater confidence to continue their investments and support the cross-Strait integrated development,” said Wu Chia-ying, executive vice president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland. Wu attended a cross-Strait exchange event celebrating Spring Festival in Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province, on Thursday.
    Designated as a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integrated development, Fujian saw 920,000 trips by Taiwan compatriots in the past year, and 8,817 trips were operated on direct routes between Fujian’s coastal areas and Kinmen and Mazu, transporting over 1.37 million passengers, marking year-on-year increases of 67.2 percent and 78.8 percent, respectively.
    In 2024, the mainland achieved its primary goals for economic and social development, shaping new advantages for cross-strait economic cooperation and providing new opportunities for Taiwan compatriots and businesses to deepen their engagement in the mainland, Song said.
    Last year, 7,941 Taiwan-funded companies were newly opened on the mainland, and the trade volume across the Strait reached 292 billion U.S. dollars, up 9.4 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs.
    Guangdong Province, where Shenzhen is located, serves as the front line of China’s reform and opening up and is geographically close to Taiwan. It has become one of the first destinations for Taiwan compatriots and businesses venturing into the mainland.
    “Most of the Taiwan businesses in Guangdong were engaged in manufacturing in the past. But now they can leverage their advantages to make forays in the service industry, semi-conductors and artificial intelligence here,” said Jeff Chen, president of the Dongguan Taiwanese Business Association.
    Guangdong is a representative example of Taiwan businesses seeking success on the mainland. Official statistics reveal that by the end of 2024, Guangdong had introduced nearly 35,000 Taiwan enterprises, involving more than 94 billion U.S. dollars of investment.
    Hsu Fu-hsien, president of the Taiwanese association in Shenzhen, who also manages a manufacturing company, has been settled in Shenzhen for 35 years. “I benefited a lot from the reform and opening up in the 1990s. We are now keeping in pace with the times to invest more in automation and innovation,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Domestic violence and firearms offences – Johnson

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested a 30-year-old male in relation to domestic violence offences on Thursday afternoon.

    Around 10am Thursday, police received intelligence that a male who was allegedly involved in a domestic violence assault the previous day, Wednesday 22 January 2025, was in possession of a firearm and driving through the Palmerston area.

    Territory Safety Division (TSD) members attended the male’s residence on Tarakan Court, established a cordon, and the 30-year-old male was arrested. During a lawful search of the unit, officers located and seized a quantity of illicit substances.

    A subsequent search of the offender’s vehicle located a firearm and ammunition, which were also seized.

    The firearm was not used during either incident.

    The offender remains in police custody, with charges expected to follow. Investigations are ongoing.

    If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out on 131 444 or, in an emergency, call 000. You can also anonymously report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Domestic violence and firearm offences – Johnson

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested a 30-year-old male in relation to domestic violence offences on Thursday afternoon.

    Around 10am Thursday, police received intelligence that a male who was allegedly involved in a domestic violence assault the previous day, Wednesday 22 January 2025, was in possession of a firearm and driving through the Palmerston area.

    Territory Safety Division (TSD) members attended the male’s residence on Tarakan Court, established a cordon, and the 30-year-old male was arrested. During a lawful search of the unit, officers located and seized a quantity of illicit substances.

    A subsequent search of the offender’s vehicle located a firearm and ammunition, which were also seized.

    The firearm was not used during either incident.

    The offender remains in police custody, with charges expected to follow. Investigations are ongoing.

    If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out on 131 444 or, in an emergency, call 000. You can also anonymously report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Luxon goes all out for growth in mining and tourism – we should be careful what he wishes for

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Glenn Banks, Professor of Geography, School of People, Environment and Planning, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    Getty Images

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s state-of-the-nation address yesterday focused on growth above all else. We shouldn’t rush to judgement, but at least one prominent financial commentator has concluded the maths behind the goals “just doesn’t add up”.

    Luxon specified mining and tourism among a number of sectors where the government was anticipating and facilitating growth. Having researched these sectors across the Pacific and Aotearoa New Zealand for more than 30 years, we would echo a cautionary approach.

    There is certainly scope for more activity in both sectors. But there also needs to be a dose of realism about what they can deliver, and recognition of the significant risks associated with focusing solely on growth.

    NZ is not Australia

    Luxon wants to see mining “play a much bigger role in the New Zealand economy”, comparing the local sector with the “much higher incomes” generated in places such as Australia. If we wanted these, he suggested, we need to be aware it is “mining that pays” them.

    But it is simplistic to compare domestic mining’s potential to the industry in Australia, which exports more than 400 times as much mineral wealth as New Zealand.

    In addition, mineral wealth does not necessarily translate into significant increases in local or even national wealth. This is especially relevant when the local sector is dependent on foreign investment, high levels of imports and offshore expertise for construction and operations, highly volatile commodity prices and generous taxation regimes.

    Luxon cited Taranaki and the West Coast as potential areas where mining could deliver “higher incomes, support for local business and families, and more investment in local infrastructure”.

    This echoes Regional Development Minister Shane Jones’ linking of mining and regional development. But it flies in the face of historical trends and empirical evidence.

    The West Coast has seen the longest continuous presence of large- and small-scale gold and coal mining (for well over a century). And yet the region consistently scores among the worst for socioeconomic deprivation. Mining itself does not create regional development.

    The ‘critical minerals’ cloak

    The prime minister also gave a nod to the minerals “critical for our climate transition”.

    While it’s true that “EVs, solar panels and data centres aren’t made out of thin air”, they are also not made in any significant way with the minerals we currently or might potentially mine (aside from some antimony, possibly).

    The “critical minerals” argument risks being a cloak for justifying more mining of coal and gold.

    So, even leaving aside the very real (though unacknowledged by Luxon) environmental risks, mining will not be the panacea the government suggests, and certainly not in the short term.

    New Zealand does need mining, of course. Aggregates for roads and construction are the most obvious “critical mineral”. But the country also deserves a 21st-century sector that is environmentally responsible and transparent, and which generates real returns for communities and the national economy.

    The tourist trap

    Echoing Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ speech earlier in the week, Luxon also said “tourism has a massive role to play in our growth story”.

    Willis said, “We want all tourists.” But this broad focus on high-volume tourism goes against international best practice in tourism development.

    The negative impacts of a high-growth tourism model have been well documented in New Zealand. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s 2019 report – titled “Pristine, popular … imperilled?” – warned of the environmental damage that would be caused by pursuing this approach.

    Mayors and tourism industry officials have responded to the Willis and Luxon speeches this week by expressing concern that boosting tourism numbers will only work if there is more government funding.

    This is needed to manage growth and provide infrastructure, particularly in areas with low numbers of ratepayers. The need stretches from providing public toilets for busloads of tourists flowing through MacKenzie District, to maintaining popular tracks such as the West Coast Wilderness Trail.

    A 2024 report from Tourism New Zealand showed 68% of residents experienced negative impacts from tourism, including increased traffic congestion and rubbish.

    Further expansion could see tourism losing its social licence – a dire outcome when international tourists particularly value the “warm and welcoming” nature of locals.

    High value vs high volume

    Luxon and Willis point to major employment wins from tourism growth. But tourism is notorious for creating low-income, insecure jobs. This is not the basis for strong and sustainable economic development.

    While we agree with Luxon that our tourism industry is “world class”, we risk seriously damaging that reputation if we compromise the quality of experience for visitors.

    Post-COVID, there have been significant efforts by the tourism industry to support and implement a regenerative approach. This aligns with a high-value – or “high values” – approach, rather than being fixated on high volume.

    We are not arguing against mining or tourism per se. Rather, we are sounding a caution: they are sectors that need careful assessment and regulation, and reputable operators, to deliver sustainable and equitable growth, regionally and nationally.

    Simply generating profits for foreign investors and leaving local communities to deal with the costs cannot be a sustainable model.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Luxon goes all out for growth in mining and tourism – we should be careful what he wishes for – https://theconversation.com/luxon-goes-all-out-for-growth-in-mining-and-tourism-we-should-be-careful-what-he-wishes-for-248131

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Finds Hopkinsville, Kentucky Man Guilty of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy and Money Laundering

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

    Paducah, KY – Today, following a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted a Hopkinsville, Kentucky, man of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as seven counts of money laundering.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison, of the USPIS Pittsburgh Division, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Cincinnati Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow of the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Louisville Field Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between May 20, 2020, and January 22, 2022, Robert Blaine, 46, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky conspired with Roderick Tutt and Jessica Ochoa to possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and over 400 grams of a fentanyl mixture. During that time frame, Blaine wired money to Ochoa as payment for the drugs and in furtherance of the overall conspiracy. Blaine also mailed a box containing $36,960 in U.S. currency to Ochoa that he obtained from proceeds of illegal drug sales. On January 21, 2022, Blaine arranged for Tutt to travel to Arizona to pick up fentanyl and methamphetamine from OchoaTutt was supposed to bring the drugs back to Blaine in Hopkinsville. Tutt was arrested on the way back to Hopkinsville with 2,059 fentanyl pills and approximately 8 kilograms of methamphetamine.     Blaine has numerous prior drug trafficking convictions.

    On July 20, 2023, Roderick Tutt, 36, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Jessica Ochoa, 40, of Phoenix, Arizona pled guilty to conspiring with Blaine to possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Ochoa also pled guilty to seven counts of money laundering. Tutt and Ochoa are scheduled for sentencing on March 25, 2025, before a United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky.

    Blaine is scheduled for sentencing on May 5, 2025, and remains in federal custody pending sentencing. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division, ATF – Louisville Division, and the Hopkinsville Police Department, with assistance from the FBI Louisville Field Division, the Tonto Apache Police Department, and the DEA – Phoenix Division.  

    Assistant United States Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Cristy Crockett.

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

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    MIL Security OSI