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Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Cassidy Introduce Legislation to Improve Customer Service for Taxpayers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) have introduced legislation to improve customer service at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Specifically, the Improving IRS Customer Service Act would expand information regarding refunds available to taxpayers online and require the IRS to inform taxpayers applying for installment agreements about available collection alternatives if they appear to have an economic hardship.

    “The IRS has been the source of massive headaches for taxpayers for years,” Sen. Warner said. “I am glad to introduce legislation that will ease some of this frustration by increasing clear communication and making IRS resources more readily available.”

    “It should be easy for taxpayers to get the information they need from the IRS. Not every interaction with them has to be miserable,” Dr. Cassidy said. “We can streamline the process and give Americans the transparency they expect.”

    Specifically, the legislation would:

    • Establish a dashboard to inform taxpayers of backlogs and wait times; 
    • Expand electronic access to information and refunds;
    • Expand callback technology and online accounts;
    • Inform individuals facing economic hardship of collection alternatives.

    Sen. Warner has been a tireless advocate for improving IRS customer service and accelerating return times. Sen. Warner strongly supported the Inflation Reduction Act — legislation that provides funding to modernize IRS systems and improve customer service when paying taxes. Investments from the IRA have ensured the IRS has the resources it needs to process tax returns quickly, get rebates to taxpayers faster, and address challenges Virginians have when filing taxes. With additional resources, IRS response rates this tax season have improved from answering two out of every 10 calls to answering nine out of every 10 calls.

    “By introducing the Improving IRS Customer Service Act, Senator Warner and Senator Cassidy have earned the gratitude of every taxpayer who’s ever had to contend with the IRS’s notoriously inconsistent customer service,” said Pete Sepp, President, National Taxpayers Union. “The sensible reforms in this bill, which include a wait-time dashboard, better access to refund information, customer callback technologies, and fairer measurement of IRS service levels, will all make a big difference in solving some of the more frustrating problems that taxpayers have encountered for years. More complete information on tax collection alternatives for taxpayers facing financial hardships will likewise give hope for many struggling families. This legislation is exactly the kind of guidance Congress needs to provide the IRS for a successful transformation of our entire system of tax administration. National Taxpayers Union is proud to endorse this innovative legislation, and we urge every lawmaker to actively work toward its passage in the remaining days of this Congress.”

    “The Virginia Society of CPAs is pleased to support this bipartisan legislation to aid with tax administration. Our members and their clients greatly appreciate the emphasis on streamlining the taxpayer and tax practitioner experience with the IRS,” said Virginia Society of CPAs President & CEO Stephanie Peters, CAE.

    “The AICPA strongly supports the legislative proposals outlined in S. 5280, which provide taxpayers and their tax advisors with clear and detailed information from the IRS in an intuitive and interactive format. Additionally, S. 5280 strives to protect the most economically vulnerable taxpayers by doing away with installment agreement fees and offering collection alternatives to those facing economic hardships. Collectively, these proposals will strengthen the public’s confidence in the tax administration system, and we thank Senators Warner and Cassidy for their leadership on this bipartisan bill,” said Melanie Lauridsen, Vice President of Tax Policy & Advocacy for the American Institute of CPAs.

    A copy of the bill text can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini SE: Neutralization of the 2024 ESOP dilutive impact

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Media relations:
    Victoire Grux
    Tel.: +33 6 04 52 16 55
    victoire.grux@capgemini.com

    Investor relations:
    Vincent Biraud
    Tel.: +33 1 47 54 50 87
    vincent.biraud@capgemini.com

    Capgemini’s eleventh Employee Share Ownership Plan:
    share buyback to neutralize dilution

    Paris, October 8, 2024 – As part of its eleventh Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP), Capgemini is announcing the launch of a share buyback to neutralize the shareholder dilution associated with this plan.

    Capgemini will allocate in advance the proceeds of this eleventh ESOP plan – which takes the form of a capital increase reserved for employees – to the repurchase of existing shares. This share buyback operation is designed to neutralize the shareholder dilution resulting from the capital increase and will take place before December 19, 2024, the date on which the capital increase will become effective. On this date, employee shareholding will be increased by a maximum of 2.7 million shares (representing 1.56% of existing share capital), with no material impact on the Group’s cash position and no significant dilution of existing shareholders.

    On October 8, 2024, Capgemini SE entered into a share buyback agreement with an investment services provider, which is also the institution structuring the employee share ownership plan. Capgemini has thus undertaken to buy back its own shares, up to a limit of 2.7 million shares and 675 million euros, for the purpose of cancellation. The main terms and conditions of the share buyback agreement are detailed in the appendix to this press release.

    As a reminder, this share buyback transaction follows the announcement on September 11, 2024 of the launch of the eleventh ESOP plan and the decision by Capgemini SE’s Board of Directors to authorize a dedicated share buyback program. The terms of these two transactions fall within the scope of authorizations granted by the Shareholders’ Meeting of May 16, 2024.

    DISCLAIMER
    This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such statements may include projections, estimates, assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and/or expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations and services and product development, as well as statements, regarding future performance or events. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “may”, “would”, “should” or the negatives of these terms and similar expressions. Although Capgemini’s management currently believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties (including, without limitation, risks identified in Capgemini’s Universal Registration Document available on Capgemini’s website), because they relate to future events and depend on future circumstances that may or may not occur and may be different from those anticipated, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Capgemini. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those expressed in, implied by or projected by forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not intended to and do not give any assurances or comfort as to future events or results. Other than as required by applicable law, Capgemini does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

    This press release does not contain or constitute an offer of securities for sale or an invitation or inducement to invest in securities in France, the United States or any other jurisdiction.

    ABOUT CAPGEMINI
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.

    Get the Future You Want | http://www.capgemini.com

    * *

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    APPENDIX

    Main terms and conditions of the share buyback agreement

    Capgemini SE undertakes to buy back its own shares up to a limit of 2,700,000 shares and 675 000 000 euros, with a view to cancelling them. The price per share to be paid will be calculated based on the volume-weighted average daily share prices over a maximum period of 20 trading days starting on October 10, 2024, and corresponding to the period for setting the reference price of the shares to be issued under the new ESOP plan.

    Share buyback transactions by the investment services provider under this agreement will cease no later than November 6, 2024.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell Applauds Final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today applauded the Biden Administration’s final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI).

    “Clean and safe drinking water is a basic human right, and the science is clear – no amount of lead in drinking water is safe. There are millions of people across the country that don’t even know if they are drinking lead, and I’ve had parents come up to me with tears in their eyes, worried for the wellbeing of their children because of the lead in school water,” Dingell said. “I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their continued commitment to replacing every lead service line in our country to guarantee access to safe water for every community and finally give peace of mind to families.”

    The final rule requires drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to take action on lead in drinking water to protect people from lead exposure. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them. This final rule delivers on President Biden’s clear vision to replace every lead pipe in the country within a decade, making sure that all communities can turn on the tap and drink clean water.  

    Earlier this year, Dingell joined colleagues in writing to the Biden-Harris Administration urging them to strengthen their initial Lead and Copper Rule proposal, and to promptly issue a final rule. Dingell championed the inclusion of $15 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to replace lead service lines and provide cleaner drinking water. She also led the Water Access Act that would direct $500 million to the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) for Fiscal Year 2024. LIHWAP provides critical funding for low-income households with their water and wastewater bills. 

    Alongside the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, EPA is announcing $2.6 billion in newly available drinking water infrastructure funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding will flow through the drinking water state revolving funds (SRFs) and is available to support lead-related activities, including lead pipe replacement projects. Additionally, 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities as grants or other investments that do not have to be repaid. EPA is also announcing the availability of $35 million in competitive grant funding for reducing lead in drinking water. Communities are invited to apply directly for grant funding through this program.

    Lead in drinking water irreparably harms the health of children and adults and disproportionately impacts lower-income communities and communities of color. Legacy lead pipes, which have delivered drinking water to homes for decades, have exposed generations of Americans to toxic lead and will continue to do so until they are removed. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and funding programs like the Drinking Water State Revolving fund (DWSRF) and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) have made historic federal investment available to remove lead pipes. To complement this historic opportunity, EPA’s technical assistance programs are helping disadvantaged communities access funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lakeland Man Charged with 10 Counts of Bank Fraud

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

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Abraham Othman Yacoub (26, Lakeland) with 10 counts of bank fraud. Yacoub faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Yacoub that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $181,540.51, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.

    According to the indictment, from at least January 2021 until approximately February 2023, Yacoub made dozens of fraudulent deposits and withdrawals on behalf of his companies, Visionary Auto Body LLC, and Visionary Auto Care LLC, at financial institutions throughout the Middle District of Florida. Yacoub opened and maintained business bank accounts in the name of his companies and executed two primary fraud schemes.

    In the first scheme, Yacoub deposited the same previously deposited checks into various business banking accounts that he controlled at different financial institutions, knowing that the checks had previously been deposited and paid, causing the victim banks to credit his accounts for the amount of the check.

    In the second scheme, Yacoub drafted fraudulent business checks from closed business bank accounts and then deposit these checks into other active business banking accounts that he controlled, causing the banks to credit him with the amount of the fraudulent business check.

    Under both schemes Yacoub attempted to withdraw, transfer, or otherwise spend the funds credited to his accounts before the financial institution realized that the checks were fraudulent.

    Yacoub is currently in federal custody. On July 31, 2024, he was sentenced to three years and six months in federal prison for violating airport security requirements and attempted possession of a dangerous weapon on an aircraft after bringing a Glock 19 and assorted ammunition into Tampa International Airport.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lakeland Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 Years

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

    Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Donnell Leeman Moore, Jr. (37, Lakeland) to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and distributing methamphetamine and cocaine. The court also ordered Moore to forfeit a firearm, which was used in the conspiracy. Moore entered a guilty plea on July 17, 2024.

    According to court documents, between June 2021 and September 2023, Moore conspired with several co-conspirators to distribute narcotics from Moore’s industrial garage in Lakeland. Moore distributed cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other narcotics. As part of the investigation, agents identified the co-conspirators and seized hundreds of grams of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Agents also recovered a firearm and packaging materials in Moore’s garage. 

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Lakeland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha E. Beckman.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. 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 http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Assaulting Law Enforcement and Other Charges During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

               WASHINGTON— A New Jersey man was sentenced to prison today after he was previously convicted of felony and misdemeanor charges, including for assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

               Michael Oliveras, 51, of Lindenwold, New Jersey, was sentenced to five years – or 60 months – in prison, 36 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell.

               A federal jury convicted Oliveras of three felonies in November of 2023, including civil disorder; obstruction of an official proceeding; and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. In addition to the felonies, Oliveras was convicted of misdemeanor offenses of entering or remaining in a restricted building; disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building; disorderly or disruptive conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

               Judge Howell sentenced Oliveras on two felonies, including civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, and the misdemeanor offenses.

               According to the government’s evidence, Oliveras traveled to Washington, D.C. prepared for “war on January 6” because he wanted to stop the certification of the Presidential election. At the Capitol, he swarmed and helped attack a unit of police officers on the West front, engaged in a brawl with officers on the West Terrace, and entered the U.S. Capitol twice—and attempted to enter a third time—during the riot, all while repeatedly calling for the execution of “traitors,” i.e., lawmakers, and encouraging rioters to drag members of Congress out “by their hair.” Oliveras documented many of his actions videos he took himself.

               Oliveras posted to his Parler social media account that he booked a hotel room close to the Capitol building to scope out the area ahead of time. On Jan. 6, 2021, Oliveras posted to his Parler social media account, “Nothing can stop [wh]at is coming.”

               After attending the ‘Stop the Steal” rally, Oliveras marched to the Capitol at 1:00 p.m. where he spent more than five hours on the grounds and inside the building. Carrying a flagpole with an American flag, he began on the West front, where he joined rioters swarming and attacking police officers. At about 2:22 p.m. – less than 10 minutes after the Senate Wing Door initially was breached – Oliveras entered the Capitol building and marched towards the Crypt. While marching through the Capitol building, he recorded himself in video footage in several areas of the building repeatedly yelling things like, “WHERE ARE THEY? WHERE ARE THE F—-ING TRAITORS? DRAG THEM OUT BY THEIR F—-ING HAIR!”

               At 2:24 p.m., Oliveras boasted on Parler “I am inside the capital.”

               Officers temporarily drove Oliveras out of the Capitol, but he reentered the building minutes later through the Senate Wing Door. Once inside the second time, Oliveras encouraged the other rioters who were pouring into the building.

               After police ejected him a second time, Oliveras attempted a third entry, during which he stood in a doorway and shouted to rioters to “PUSH” and exclaimed, “WE WANT THOSE F—ING TRAITORS!” Oliveras, still wielding his flagpole, then joined a group resisting the officers who were trying to clear the upper Northwest terrace. As Oliveras shot video, an altercation broke out between the mob and police. Oliveras refused repeated commands from officers to “back up!” Instead, Oliveras stepped forward and forcefully pushed into officers. The fighting continued as rioters pulled officers to the ground.

               Only after officers deployed chemical irritant did Oliveras turn and move away. Still, Oliveras was not done. He stood nearby as police forced additional rioters North, shouting, “EVERYTHING AROUND HERE CHANGES FROM THIS DAY F—ING FORWARD!”

               Officers eventually cleared the area, but Oliveras did not leave the Capitol grounds. Instead, he marched to the opposite side of the building and encouraged other rioters as they destroyed media equipment. Oliveras remained at the Capitol until into the evening hours, and only left when officers finally gained control of the area and pushed the last remaining rioters, Oliveras included, off the grounds.

               After returning to New Jersey, Oliveras posted on social media about his trip to Washington, D.C.: “Did we want to get our bare hands on the flesh of those who have committed treason? Yes. Would I, as one of those red blooded americans, if the opportunity presented itself, grasped and removed one of those traitors? Yes.”

               On Jan. 8, 2021, Oliveras posted, “Patriots. Are any of you discouraged. What you saw in the senate. Was precisely what we want. Insurrection acts in motion.”

               The FBI arrested Oliveras on Dec. 9, 2021, in New Jersey.

               Since his arrest, Oliveras has repeatedly joined YouTube airings and exclaimed that he is not sorry for his actions and he would “do it again.”

               This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

                This case was investigated by the FBI’s Philadelphia and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security.

               In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

               Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Charges Filed Against Alleged Stalker Who Distributed Revenge Porn, Threatened, and Fired Shots at Ex-Girlfriend

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

                WASHINGTON – A U.S. District Court grand jury returned a 27-count superseding indictment today charging Nahvarj Mills, 31, of Brandywine, MD, with stalking, disseminating non-consensual pornography, and numerous firearms charges related to three shootings. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division; and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Mills is charged with cyberstalking in violation of a protective order; cyberstalking; interstate stalking in violation of a protection order; interstate stalking in violation of a protection order – emotional distress, use of a dangerous weapon; two counts of interstate stalking in violation of a protection order – bodily injury, emotional distress, use of a dangerous weapon; interstate violation of a protection order; three counts of interstate violation of a protection, use of a dangerous weapon; three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; interstate communications with intent to extort; assault with intent to kill while armed; three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon; three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence; and four counts of first degree unlawful publication.

                Mills has been detained since February 2024.

                According to court documents, Mills and the alleged victim, his former significant other, began dating in approximately December 2022. Mills physically abused the victim on multiple occasions. In approximately the summer of 2023, the victim ended the relationship with Mills. Angry about the breakup, Mills began contacting the victim by phone. He appeared uninvited at her workplace in Maryland and at her home in the District. Mills threatened to distribute sexually explicit images of the victim and then he made good on his threat.

                On November 23, 2023, the victim received text messages stating in part, “Got no job, got no kids, got no family. I have nothing to do. But what I do have, is the money to keep bothering you.”

                Around December 31, 2023, the victim received 30 phone calls from “No Caller ID.” The calls followed an attempt by the victim to meet up with Mills in an effort to make amends. Those efforts ended when Mills pulled out a gun and pointed it at the victim’s head.

                On January 2, 2024, the victim reported Mills’ conduct to the MPD and filed a petition for a Civil Protection Order (CPO). The victim’s mother subsequently electronically served Mills with a Temporary Protection Order at his known phone number. In the same conversation, Mills sent the mother numerous sexually explicit photos and videos of the victim. Mills also wrote, “I can easily pull this .40 trigger,” followed by photos of a firearm and ammunition that appear consistent with the .40 caliber firearm and ammunition later recovered from Mills’ home pursuant to a residential search warrant.

                Also in early January, Mills allegedly created a fake Instagram account in the victim’s name. The victim then received several messages from the account threatening to disseminate sexually explicit images and videos of her. Mills later made good on his threat and sent out the images and videos to several individuals who knew the victim. On January 6, 2024, Ring camera footage captured footage of a man believed to be Mills outside the victim’s home. The man spread typed-out paragraphs containing threatening messages along with explicit images. A few days later, on January 11, 2024, the victim found more sexually explicit photos on her lawn.

                On January 19, 2024, a D.C. Superior Court Judge granted a CPO, which ordered Mills to stay away from the victim, her home, her workplace, her vehicle, and her family.

                On January 20, 2024, Mills again spread sexually explicit images outside the victim’s home. On this occasion, the victim personally observed Mills in her front yard and saw him return to a vehicle along with another individual.

                Also on January 20, 2024, Mills allegedly spread sexually explicit images outside another victim’s home. He also reportedly sent numerous unwanted and threatening text messages and made unwanted calls to this victim. Mills is now charged with one count of cyberstalking in connection with this victim.

                The campaign of stalking and violence against the first victim escalated further in late January 2024. Three separate shootings targeted the victim’s bedroom on January 21, 22, and 23. The third shooting occurred after Mills called the victim and threatened to kill her.

                On January 26, 2024, Mills returned to the victim’s home where police arrested him and charged him with violating the protection order. Once again, the court ordered Mills to stay away from the victim and not contact her. Nonetheless, Mills made continued efforts to contact the victim.

                On February 7, 2024, Mills was arrested pursuant to a warrant issued by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Mills has been detained since his arrest on February 7, 2024.On July 18, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned an initial seven-count indictment, and Mills was transferred to federal custody.

                This case is being investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Washington D.C., the FBI’s Washington Field Office Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Metropolitan Police Department. 

               This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen Houck, Marco Crocetti and Caroline Burrell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Scheme to Defraud Distressed Homeowners Out of $15 Million Nets Virginia Man 60 Months

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

                WASHINGTON –Terrylle Blackstone, 37, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 60 months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy that fraudulently promised thousands of homeowners across the U.S. legal help in avoiding foreclosure. The scheme generated at least $15 million for the conspirators but never provided any legal services to the client-victims.

                The sentence was announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, Special Agent in Charge David Geist of the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. Field Office.

                Blackstone pleaded guilty on June 6, 2024, to a count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud before U.S District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss. In addition to the prison term, Judge Moss ordered Blackstone to serve three years of supervised release and pay $159,145.35 in restitution.

                According to court documents, from January 2018 until February 2021, Blackstone worked with attorneys David Maresca of Virginia, Scott Marinelli of New Jersey, and Sam Babbs of Florida. The co-conspirators told homeowners that they operated a “national law firm” based in Washington, D.C.; that attorneys would review the homeowner’s file and provide legal representation to the homeowners; that an attorney in the homeowner’s local area would be assigned to assist them; that the homeowner could meet and consult with those attorneys about the case; and that attorneys in their law firm could help the homeowner, if necessary, file for bankruptcy.

                From 2016 until 2019, the conspirators marketed Synergy Law with telephone, television, and internet advertising which told homeowners that attorneys at Maresca and Marinelli’s Synergy Law (Synergy) in Manassas could help them avoid foreclosure. During 2018 and 2019, bankruptcy judges, Synergy clients, and the U.S. Trustee’s Program raised concerns about Synergy’s practices in bankruptcy matters. Blackstone attended court hearings on behalf of Synergy where he made false statements to the court about the firm’s operations. In early 2019, Marinelli was incarcerated in Pennsylvania. Yet Blackstone, Maresca, Marinelli, and others continued to operate Synergy and collect monthly payments purportedly for legal services. During this time, there was no attorney who was a member of Synergy who could practice law. Synergy never had attorneys review all homeowner files and Synergy never had attorneys contact a client’s lender to discuss a mortgage resolution. They also continued to use the interstate wires to operate their “law firm” in ways that were essential to the scheme, such as soliciting clients by telephone.

                From 2019 until at least 2022, the conspirators marketed another firm, Themis Law, with television and website advertising which told homeowners that attorneys with Themis could help them avoid foreclosure. Themis operated a call center at an office in Manassas, Virginia. Call center workers used scripts during their phone calls with homeowners in which Themis falsely promised that an attorney would review the homeowner’s case file; that this attorney knew their lender’s “internal guidelines” for a “mortgage resolution”; and that an assigned “legal team” would contact the homeowner’s lender to negotiate a resolution. Themis required homeowner-clients to pay an initial retainer amount followed by a monthly recurring amount for as long as the firm represented the homeowner. When Themis clients faced imminent foreclosure, Themis advised those clients to consider filing for bankruptcy to save their home and referred the clients to Babbs at the Babbs Law Firm. Those clients then signed a new retainer agreement and paid additional fees to Babbs.

                During his dates of employment at Synergy Law and Themis Law, Blackstone received no less than $159,145.35 in direct payments from the companies. Judge Moss ordered that Blackstone pay a forfeiture money judgment in that amount.

                This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and the Washington, D.C. Field Office of IRS-CI.

                It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Borchert.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Defendants Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Illegal Weapons Possession Charges

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

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Three co-defendants, Martin Cervantes Vasquez, 49, of Stockton; Alberto Gonzalez Salgado, 45, of Sacramento; and Isaiah Alberto Salgado, 25, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to various drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession charges, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    Cervantes and Alberto Salgado pleaded guilty to a fentanyl pill trafficking conspiracy. Cervantes also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and Alberto Salgado also pleaded guilty to two counts of heroin distribution, to cultivating more than 100 marijuana plants, and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Isaiah Salgado pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle.

    According to court documents, Alberto Salgado sold heroin and fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills to a confidential source on multiple occasions in 2019 and 2020. Cervantes supplied fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills to Alberto Salgado and also possessed more than a kilogram of heroin and 500 grams of methamphetamine on the day of his arrest on Oct. 8, 2020. Alberto and Isaiah Salgado sold an illegal short-barreled rifle to the same confidential source in August 2020. Alberto Salgado also maintained a stash house in Sacramento where he grew more than 100 marijuana plants and also kept a firearm to protect his drug trafficking operation.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; the Sacramento Area Intelligence/Narcotics Task Force; and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.

    Cervantes is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2025, Alberto Salgado on Feb. 13, 2025, and Isaiah Salgado on Jan. 9, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta. Cervantes and Alberto Salgado face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. Isaiah Salgado faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. The actual sentences, 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.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Treasurer of Kern County Political Organization Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud

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

    FRESNO, Calif. — Bryan M. Williams, 41, of Atascadero, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, between 2013 and 2019, Williams served as the treasurer of a Kern County political organization. During that time period, he stole between $230,000 and $435,000 from the organization, and used those funds for his personal use.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak is prosecuting the case.

    Williams is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Jan. 27, 2025. Williams faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Long Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Traveling with 14-Year-Old Girl Across State Lines While Intending to Engage in Sexual Activity

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

    LOS ANGELES – A Long Beach man pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for traveling with a 14-year-old runaway from Arizona – whom he met in a Reddit internet forum – across state lines to his apartment, where he engaged in criminal sexual activity with her.

    Trevon Nathaniel Langstaff, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

    “Every day, sexual predators use the internet’s relative anonymity to prey on vulnerable youth,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Would-be predators should be aware that my office will use all of its tools to bring them to justice, and, as today’s sentence shows, the consequences will be severe.” 

    According to his plea agreement, in late March 2024, Langstaff drove from his Long Beach home to Peoria, Arizona, to pick up the victim, a 14-year-old girl. Langstaff knew the victim was 14 and instructed her to pretend to be 18 years old. 

    Intending to have sexual intercourse with the victim, Langstaff transported her from Arizona to his home in Long Beach, where he engaged in sexual intercourse with her.

    On Langstaff’s cellphone, which was seized on March 26, law enforcement found an image that appeared to portray two children engaged in sexually explicit activity.

    United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha scheduled a March 7, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Langstaff will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. Langstaff has been in federal custody since March 27.

    The FBI and the Long Beach Police Department investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kathrynne N. Seiden of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy That Corrupted City Real Estate Projects

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

    LOS ANGELES – A former deputy mayor and long-time Los Angeles city official was sentenced today to 144 months in federal prison for soliciting and accepting more than $750,000 in bribe money for himself and facilitating over $1 million in bribes from property developers to then-Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar as part of a long-running pay-to-play racketeering conspiracy at the highest levels of government in Los Angeles.

    Raymond She Wah Chan, 68, of Monterey Park, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered him to pay $752,457 in restitution to the City of Los Angeles. 

    At the conclusion of a 12-day trial, a jury on March 27 found Chan guilty of all 12 felony counts for which he was charged: one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, seven counts of honest services wire fraud, three counts of federal program bribery, and one count of making false statements to a federal government agency.

    “Chan abused his public office and sought to deepen the corruption of city politics for the benefit of his own business interests,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Today’s sentence sends a message to the public and City Hall alike that our government should not be for sale and those that undermine our democracy through pay-to-play schemes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Today’s sentence serves as a reminder that there are consequences for robbing communities of the honest government services they deserve” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “The harm of public corruption manifests itself not only in financial loss, but also the loss of faith in government and public officials. The FBI will remain laser focused on those who seek to use their personal wealth and influence to facilitate relationships between those willing to pay or accept bribes.”

    Chan served for years as the General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and, later, as the Deputy Mayor of Economic Development from 2016 to 2017. Chan abused both of these high offices and the influence they carried to enrich himself, Huizar, and other public officials within the city.

    Huizar, 56, of Boyle Heights, represented Council District 14 (CD-14) on the Los Angeles City Council from 2005 until his resignation in October 2020. CD-14 encompassed downtown Los Angeles and some of its surrounding areas. When downtown Los Angeles was experiencing a huge real estate development boom, Huizar chaired the Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee, which oversaw all major commercial and residential development projects in the city.

    Along with Huizar, Chan helped conceive, lead, and operate the “CD-14 Enterprise,” a criminal racketeering enterprise that exploited the city approval process for large real estate development projects to exact bribes from developers. Chan played a critical role in guiding and ensuring the CD-14 Enterprise’s success, managing the conspiracy through both the powerful public offices he occupied and the private relationships he held with wealthy foreign developers seeking to build in the city.  Capitalizing on this unique position, Chan steered nearly $2 million in financial benefits to himself, Huizar, and other public officials as part of the pay-to-play bribery scheme.

    In furtherance of the conspiracy, while he was General Manager of LADBS and then Deputy Mayor, Chan established and directed a secret business partnership with real estate development consultant George Chiang, securing a lucrative real estate consulting agreement with Chinese real estate developer Shenzhen Hazens. As part of that agreement, Chan solicited and accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to advise and pressure other city officials, including Huizar, in favor of Hazens’ Luxe Hotel redevelopment project in downtown Los Angeles. When he left city employment, Chan used the consulting business that he had secretly built to direct bribes to other public officials for the benefit of his private consulting clients. 

    To help prolong the pay-to-play bribery scheme, Chan also facilitated a $100,000 campaign contribution commitment from Hazens for Huizar’s wife’s candidacy to succeed Huizar as CD-14 Councilmember in exchange for Huizar’s votes to approve the Luxe Hotel project. Chan also helped facilitate numerous other bribes from Hazens to Huizar, including tens of thousands of dollars in sham real estate consulting fees, concert tickets, China travel expenses, and contributions to Huizar’s 2015 campaign debt and alma mater high school. 

    Chan also facilitated payment of nearly $1 million in bribes to Huizar from billionaire developer Wei Huang, 58, of Shenzhen, China, including $600,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit, nearly $200,000 in casino chips, and luxury-laden gambling trips to Las Vegas. Chan similarly facilitated bribes from Huang to George Esparza, Huizar’s special assistant and key associate in the pay-to-play bribery scheme, through casino chips and lavish Las Vegas trips. When Huang provided these bribes, his company, Shen Zhen New World I LLC, was planning to redevelop the downtown L.A. Grand Hotel into the tallest tower west of the Mississippi, which would require city approvals and Huizar’s official assistance.

    Chan played a crucial role in facilitating Huang’s payment of $600,000 for Huizar to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former CD-14 staffer, which threatened Huizar’s 2015 re-election campaign and the continued operation of the CD-14 Enterprise. Chan conceived of and helped carry out an elaborate plan involving a foreign shell company, intermediaries, and fraudulent corporate documents to arrange a sham private loan that shielded the fact of Huang’s involvement in the payment. Chan later lied to FBI agents that he was not involved in the settlement, that Huang had no projects in Huizar’s district needing Huizar’s support, and that Huang had never asked Huizar for help with anything – all of which Chan knew to be false.

    Huizar was sentenced on January 26 to 13 years in federal prison and also was ordered to pay $443,905 in restitution to the City of Los Angeles and $38,792 in restitution to the IRS. He pleaded guilty in January 2023 to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of tax evasion. Huizar has been ordered to begin serving his prison sentence no later than October 7.

    Hazens’ U.S. subsidiary, Jia Yuan USA Co. Inc., which was seeking to redevelop the Luxe Hotel, has paid $1.05 million to resolve the government’s investigation into its conduct related to this case, which included bribery and illegal campaign contributions.

    Huang, who is charged with several felonies for his bribes to Huizar with Chan’s assistance, fled the United States shortly after the execution of numerous federal search warrants in this case and is considered a fugitive from justice. Huang’s downtown Los Angeles-based company Shen Zhen New World I LLC was convicted in 2022 of eight felonies for – through Huang’s actions as its owner – paying more than $1 million in bribes to Huizar for his critical support for the L.A. Grand Hotel redevelopment project. The company was sentenced to five years of probation, fined $4 million, and ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.

    Relatedly, real estate developer Dae Yong Lee, a.k.a. “David Lee,” 60, of Bel Air, and one of his companies, 940 Hill LLC, were convicted in 2022 of providing $500,000 in cash to Huizar and Esparza in exchange for their help in resolving a labor organization’s appeal of a downtown Los Angeles development project. Lee is serving a six-year federal prison sentence and was fined $750,000. 940 Hill LLC was sentenced to five years’ probation, fined over $1 million, and ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.

    Prosecutors also have secured guilty pleas from Chiang; Esparza; lobbyist Morrie Goldman; and political fundraiser Justin Jangwoo Kim. Each of these defendants cooperated with the government and testified during at least one trial in this case and will be sentenced at upcoming hearings in November.

    The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Mack E. Jenkins, Chief of the Criminal Division, and Assistant United States Attorneys Cassie D. Palmer, Susan S. Har, and Brian R. Faerstein of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.

    Any member of the public who has information related to this or any other public corruption matter in the City of Los Angeles is encouraged to send information to the FBI’s email tip line at https://tips.fbi.gov or to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Improving Access to Small Business Funding: OEDIT Announces Partner Outreach Program

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and the Business Support division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the Partner Outreach Program (POP) to connect Colorado entrepreneurs and small business owners to OEDIT programs. A network of partners with expertise in serving rural, minority-owned, and immigrant-owned businesses has been established to work with businesses across the state to access loans and funding that can help them take steps to grow their businesses.

    “Helping small businesses across the state with access to funding and technical assistance will help small businesses thrive and strengthen Colorado’s economy. Small businesses drive our economy and with access to these experienced partners and their resources, Colorado will continue to be the best place in the country for anyone to start and grow a business,” said Governor Polis.

    Several OEDIT programs specialize in serving businesses that have had trouble securing a loan, need a smaller-than-average loan to get up and running, or have not borrowed money before.

    “Small businesses make up 99.5% of Colorado’s economy. When small businesses have access to financing that meets their needs, they can take important steps to grow their revenues and create new jobs. The Partner Outreach Program is an innovative program that responds to community needs and will expand our outreach efforts across the vast majority of the state. That means new opportunities for Colorado’s small businesses, including those that have historically encountered barriers to funding and support,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.

    To establish the POP network, six partners have been selected for their ability to serve diverse Colorado businesses, with a special emphasis on serving business owners who have historically encountered barriers to business capital and loans. All partners have a demonstrated history as a trusted community organization committed to community outreach, community development, and/or experience with supporting small businesses to access capital.

    Collectively, these partners offer support for a wide range of demographic groups and reach at least 90% of the state, from the Western Slope to the rural Eastern Plains and southern Colorado.

    • Black Business Initiative – Specializes in serving indigenous and Black communities in the Denver Metro area and San Luis Valley.
    • Community Enterprise Development Services – Serves business owners in the Denver Metro, Fort Collins, Weld County and Morgan County. Experienced working with Ethiopian, Islamic, Korean, Somali and underserved communities with an additional focus on communities speaking a language other than English.
    • Overwrite – Specializes in serving immigrant, migrant, Hispanic, Asian and Southeast Asian, African and Black communities in the Denver Metro area and Colorado Springs.
    • Prairie Rose – Has a demonstrated history of serving Spanish speaking communities in the Western Slope, Eastern Plains, and Durango communities.
    • Startup Colorado – Serves the Eastern Plains and the San Luis Valley, with experience serving business owners in all rural communities.
    • Wezesha Dada Center – Active in the Denver, Pueblo, Eastern Plains, Aurora, and Colorado Springs, with experience serving immigrant, migrant, diaspora, refugee and Black communities.

    About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Cannabis Business Office; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; Employee Ownership Office; and Rural Opportunity Office. Learn more at oedit.colorado.gov

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Moody’s Wins Top Ranking in ChartisRiskTech100 for Third Consecutive Year

    Source: Moody’s

    Headline: Moody’s Wins Top Ranking in ChartisRiskTech100 for Third Consecutive Year

    NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) has been awarded the number-one overall ranking in the Chartis RiskTech100® 2025 report, marking Moody’s third consecutive year in the top position.

    The Chartis RiskTech100 is the most comprehensive study of the world’s leading providers of risk and compliance technology. The top ranking recognizes Moody’s unmatched ability to provide its customers with a holistic view of their risks through research, data, and analytics.

    “Winning the top award from Chartis for a third year in a row is a strong testament to how Moody’s stays on the cutting edge of developments in risk management technology,” said Rob Fauber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Moody’s. “We seek to constantly innovate across our suite of products and solutions and put new technologies and insights into the hands of our customers as quickly as possible.”

    In addition to earning the highest overall position, Moody’s won in 12 individual categories:

    • Market Presence (new)
    • Strategy
    • Functionality
    • Banking
    • Insurance
    • Climate Risk
    • Credit Portfolio Management (new)
    • Financial Crime – Data
    • Credit Data – Wholesale
    • Credit Data – Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO)
    • Credit Risk for the Banking Book
    • Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL)

    “In maintaining its position at the top of the RiskTech100, Moody’s has demonstrated its effective and strategic use of the latest technology to enable its data and analytics to be efficiently accessed, distributed, and consumed,” said Sid Dash, Chief Researcher at Chartis. “Moreover, Moody’s continues to expand and develop its analytical tools and functionality across a variety of business lines, from banking to insurance and securitization to compliance.”

    The 2025 winners of RiskTech100 were selected through a nearly year-long process involving vendor briefings and discussions with risk technology buyers and end-users. The research directors and lead analysts at Chartis Research then made the final decisions.

    Chartis Research is the leading provider of research and analysis on the global market for risk technology. Their goal is to support enterprises that drive business performance through improved risk management, corporate governance, and compliance. Chartis strives to help clients make informed technology and business decisions by providing in-depth analysis and actionable advice on virtually all aspects of risk technology.

    For more information on Moody’s innovation and technology, visit Moodys.com/Innovation.

    ABOUT MOODY’S CORPORATION

    In a world shaped by increasingly interconnected risks, Moody’s (NYSE: MCO) data, insights, and innovative technologies help customers develop a holistic view of their world and unlock opportunities. With a rich history of experience in global markets and a diverse workforce of approximately 15,000 across more than 40 countries, Moody’s gives customers the comprehensive perspective needed to act with confidence and thrive. Learn more at moodys.com.

    Source: Moody’s Corporation Investor Relations

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – Digitalbox PLC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Downing LLP
    LEI: 213800G3X76VBG9SB504
    08 October 2024
    Form 8.3 re. Digitalbox Plc

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Downing LLP
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): Downing Strategic Micro-Cap Investment Trust Plc
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Digitalbox Plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: n/a
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken: 07 October 2024
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? No

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: Ordinary shares 1p
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 22,589,795 19.16    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 22,589,795 19.16    

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
           

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description Nature of dealing Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
             

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing Details Price per unit (if applicable)
           

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

    None

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 08 October 2024
    Contact name:  
    Telephone number*: 0207 416 7780

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Renasant Announces 2024 Third Quarter Webcast and Conference Call Information

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TUPELO, Miss., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Renasant Corporation (NYSE: RNST) (the “Company”) will announce 2024 third quarter results following the NYSE’s closing on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. The Company will hold executive management’s quarterly webcast and conference call with analysts on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time (9:00 AM Central Time).

    The webcast is accessible through Renasant’s investor relations website at http://www.renasant.com or https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=YvWBKrUB. To access the conference via telephone, dial 1-877-513-1143 in the United States and request the Renasant Corporation 2024 Third Quarter Earnings Webcast and Conference Call. International participants should dial 1-412-902-4145 to access the conference call.

    The webcast will be archived on http://www.renasant.com and will remain accessible for one year. A replay can be accessed via telephone by dialing 1-877-344-7529 in the United States and entering conference number 8626805 or by dialing 1-412-317-0088 internationally and entering the same conference number. Telephone replay access is available until November 6, 2024.

    About Renasant Corporation:

    Renasant Corporation is the parent of Renasant Bank, a 120-year-old financial services institution. Renasant has assets of approximately $17.5 billion and operates 185 banking, lending, mortgage, and wealth management offices throughout the Southeast as well as offering factoring and asset-based lending on a nationwide basis.

    Note to Investors:

    This news release may contain, or incorporate by reference, statements which may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements usually include words such as “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “plan,” “potential,” “possible” and other similar expressions.

    Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include significant fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, economic recession, significant changes in the federal and state legal and regulatory environment, significant underperformance in our portfolio of outstanding loans, and competition in our markets. Management believes that the assumptions underlying the Company’s forward-looking statements are reasonable, but any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Investors are urged to carefully consider the risks described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) from time to time, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are available at http://www.renasant.com and the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time.

    Contacts For Media:         
    John S. Oxford
    Senior Vice President         
    Chief Marketing Officer
    (662) 680-1219
    joxford@renasant.com      		 For Financials:         
    James C. Mabry IV
    Executive Vice President         
    Chief Financial Officer
    (662) 680-1281
    jim.mabry@renasant.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey to Launch Enhanced WISePhone.CH 2025 Edition with Advanced Capabilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey to Launch Enhanced WISePhone.CH 2025 Edition with Advanced Capabilities

    Launch Slated for Q2 2025

    Video PoC of WISePhone.CH is Available at https://lnkd.in/e97fwkuD

    Additional Information Available at http://www.WISePhone.CH

    Geneva, Switzerland – October 8, 2024: WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leader in cybersecurity, AI, Blockchain, and IoT operating as a holding company, today announced the upcoming launch of its enhanced WISePhone.CH 2025 Edition. Building upon its 2017 introduction, WISePhone.CH was the first secure blockchain phone aimed at providing enterprise-grade protection for digital communications. This new edition, slated for release in Q2 2025, promises significant advancements in security and performance.

    WISePhone.CH 2025 Edition will introduce a comprehensive suite of new features, designed to protect both individual and IoT device data using cutting-edge blockchain technology. As an all-in-one secure platform, it offers superior privacy and security for both personal and business use, emphasizing data protection through advanced encryption and secure storage.

    New Features and Enhanced Security

    The WISePhone.CH 2025 edition is designed to be an affordable, versatile tool that enhances mobility while ensuring the confidentiality of intellectual property and sensitive communications. With the ability to transform public networks and mobile devices into ultra-secure communication channels, it is an ideal solution for enterprises seeking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

    Powered by WISeKey’s proprietary security technology and operating on an optimized Android OS, WISePhone.CH supports secure communications via encrypted email and voice services, secure digital identity management, and cloud-based data protection. The integrated Personal Cybersecurity Hub offers complete control over application permissions, providing separate, secure environments for personal and business data.

    Pre-Loaded with WISeKey’s Suite of Secure Applications

    WISePhone.CH 2025 Edition will come pre-installed with WISeKey’s suite of security solutions, including WISeID and WISeTalk. These applications provide encrypted voice calls, conference calls, secure texting, and file transfer capabilities, ensuring end-to-end security. In a major development, WISePhone.CH will be the first smartphone to be powered by SEALCOIN, WISeKey’s proprietary cryptocurrency and blockchain platform, enabling users to engage in secure transactions on-the-go.

    Cutting-Edge Hardware and Cryptocurrency Integration

    The phone will feature an integrated crypto wallet and a Hardware Security Module (HSM), delivering an unmatched level of security for data storage and financial transactions. It will also support SuisseID Digital Identity, enabling qualified cloud-based digital signatures in compliance with Swiss government regulations and GDPR standards.

    Reinforced Protection through WISeID and WISeAccess

    The WISeID feature secures users’ digital assets and personal data in an encrypted enclave, backed by WISeKey’s secure Swiss cloud. The WISeAccess multi-factor authentication system further enhances security, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the full suite of WISePhone.CH applications.

    WISeKey continues to push the boundaries of cybersecurity technology, ensuring that businesses and individuals worldwide remain safe from ever-evolving digital threats.

    About WISeKey 

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a Swiss-based computer infrastructure company specializing in cybersecurity, digital identity, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and post-quantum semiconductors. As a computer infrastructure company, WISeKey provides secure platforms for data and device management across industries like finance, healthcare, and government. It leverages its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to ensure encrypted communications and authentication, while also focusing on next-generation security through post-quantum cryptography.

    WISeKey’s work with post-quantum semiconductors is aimed at future-proofing its security solutions against the threats posed by quantum computing. These advanced semiconductors support encryption that can withstand the computational power of quantum computers, ensuring the long-term security of connected devices and critical infrastructure. Combined with its expertise in blockchain and IoT, WISeKey’s post-quantum technologies provide a robust foundation for secure digital ecosystems at the hardware, software, and network levels.

    WISeKey operates as a holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd 
    Company Contact:  Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com    		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611 / lcati@equityny.com
    Katie Murphy
    Tel: +1 212 836-9612 / kmurphy@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Proportfoliopartners Unveils Revolutionary Trading Platform: Experience 3x Faster Trades

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a groundbreaking advancement for the crypto trading industry, Proportfoliopartners has introduced a next-generation platform that allows users to trade at speeds up to 3x faster than traditional systems. This revolutionary platform now stands as the most advanced and swiftest crypto trading solution globally, giving investors a significant advantage in today’s fast-moving markets.

    Unlocking 3x Faster Trades
    In a world where speed and precision are critical in the crypto markets, Proportfoliopartners’ platform offers a cutting-edge solution for traders of all experience levels. Engineered to execute trades at speeds far beyond most platforms, it maximizes profit potential in a fraction of the time. Powered by AI-driven algorithms, the platform identifies lucrative opportunities in the market with pinpoint accuracy, helping users consistently achieve competitive returns faster than before.

    “Proportfoliopartners has always been a leader in innovation. With this new platform, we’re empowering traders to stay ahead of real-time market movements,” said the CEO of Proportfoliopartners. “With the world’s fastest trading algorithms, we’re proud to offer investors a way to achieve accelerated returns with unmatched execution speed.”

    Meeting the Demands of a Fast-Paced Market
    The crypto trading landscape is notorious for its volatility and rapid pace, making it essential for traders to react quickly. Traditional platforms often suffer from slow execution speeds, resulting in missed opportunities. Proportfoliopartners’ new platform eliminates these issues, offering ultra-fast trade execution, real-time market insights, and adaptive AI-driven strategies that react within milliseconds.

    “Our platform doesn’t just keep pace with the market—it anticipates it,” the CEO explained. “By analyzing data at lightning speed, traders can capitalize on opportunities before they fully emerge, giving our users a crucial advantage.”

    A Game-Changer for Traders of All Levels
    Whether you’re an experienced trader or just starting, Proportfoliopartners’ platform is designed to cater to all needs. Its user-friendly interface ensures ease of use, while the advanced technology behind the scenes offers powerful tools for both novices and pros. New traders benefit from automated strategies that simplify trading, while seasoned traders can customize and implement their own algorithms for tailored strategies.

    “Our vision was to create a platform that democratizes crypto trading,” the CEO added. “From professionals seeking advanced tools to newcomers looking for confidence, this platform offers everything needed to aim for faster trades and better results, powered by the world’s most sophisticated AI.”

    The Future of Crypto Trading
    As the demand for faster, more efficient crypto trading solutions grows, Proportfoliopartners’ platform arrives at a perfect time. Traders are now looking for platforms that offer not only speed and high returns but also security and transparency. Proportfoliopartners addresses these concerns by integrating state-of-the-art security measures and maintaining regulatory compliance, allowing users to trade with confidence in a secure environment.

    With additional features like advanced risk management tools to safeguard investments and round-the-clock customer support, Proportfoliopartners is committed to providing users with the resources they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving crypto market.

    Call to Action
    Proportfoliopartners’ fast-trading platform is reshaping the crypto trading landscape. Investors are encouraged to explore its full potential and unlock powerful tools designed to enhance trading performance. To celebrate the launch, the company is offering a limited-time promotion, giving new users access to premium features at no extra cost.

    For more information and to experience the future of crypto trading with 3x faster performance, visit Proportfoliopartners today. The future of crypto trading is faster—don’t miss out!

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Pieridae Announces Closing of Equity Rights Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR
    DISSEMINATION IN UNITED STATES

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pieridae Energy Limited (“Pieridae” or the “Company”) (TSX: PEA) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its previously announced equity rights offering (the “Rights Offering”) to eligible holders of its common shares (the “Common Shares”) of record at the close of business on September 9, 2024. The Rights Offering expired at 3:00 p.m. MDT on October 2, 2024, with the rights trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “PEA.RT” and having been de-listed on that date.

    At closing, Pieridae issued an aggregate of 118,476,306 Common Shares pursuant to the Rights Offering and the Standby Commitment (as described below) at a price of $0.2448 per Common Share (the “Subscription Price”) for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $29 million. Following closing, Pieridae has 290,387,642 Common Shares issued and outstanding.

    The Rights Offering resulted in 37,818,913 Common Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of rights under the basic subscription privilege and 61,251,034 Common Shares issued under the additional subscription privilege, for a total of 99,069,947 Common Shares issued to shareholders pursuant to the Rights Offering.

    As previously announced, in connection with the Rights Offering, the Company entered into a standby purchase agreement (the “Standby Purchase Agreement”) with Alberta Investment Management Corporation (“AIMCo”), an existing shareholder of Pieridae, pursuant to which AIMCo agreed to fully exercise its basic subscription privilege under the Rights Offering and to purchase up to an additional 77,625,434 Common Shares not otherwise subscribed for under the Rights Offering (the “Standby Commitment”). In addition to fully exercising its basic subscription privilege for 24,498,749 Common Shares and its additional subscription privilege for 58,219,075 Common Shares, AIMCo acquired 19,406,359 Common Shares pursuant to the Standby Commitment. Following closing of the Rights Offering, AIMCo owns approximately 47% of Pieridae’s issued and outstanding Common Shares. Shareholder approval was not required in respect of AIMCo becoming a control person of Pieridae because it acquired Common Shares in accordance with the rights offering exemption under Section 2.1 of National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions, and because the Subscription Price was at a “significant discount” to the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on August 26, 2024, being the last trading day prior to the announcement of the Rights Offering.

    To the knowledge of the Company after reasonable inquiry, insiders of Pieridae, including AIMCo, acquired 25,900,176 Common Shares under the basic subscription privilege and 59,879,790 Common Shares under the additional subscription privilege. To the knowledge of the Company after reasonable inquiry, no person that was not an insider of the Company before the Rights Offering became an insider as a result of the Rights Offering.

    Pieridae intends to use the aggregate net proceeds from the Rights Offering and Standby Commitment to repay indebtedness, for working capital and general corporate purposes, and to fund certain value-accretive optimization projects.

    “We are very pleased with the results of the Rights Offering and the Standby Commitment, which resulted in approximately $29 million equity proceeds for the Company. This is a strong endorsement by participating Pieridae shareholders in favour of our E&P and midstream strategy”, commented Darcy Reding, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

    Pursuant to the terms of the Standby Purchase Agreement, Pieridae has also entered into an investor rights agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”) and a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with AIMCo, each effective as of the date hereof. Copies of the Investor Rights Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement will be made available under Pieridae’s profile on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

    Details of the Rights Offering and the Standby Commitment are set out in Pieridae’s Rights Offering notice and Rights Offering circular (the “Circular”), which are available under Pieridae’s profile on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

    There are no selling fees or commissions payable in connection with the Rights Offering. There is no fee payable to AIMCo in respect of the Standby Commitment; however, the Company has agreed to pay the reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by AIMCo in connection with the Standby Purchase Agreement and the Rights Offering.

    The Common Shares issued upon exercise of the rights have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the “United States” or to “U.S. persons” (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended). This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction. There shall be no sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a sale would be unlawful.

    ADVISORS

    Peters & Co. Limited acted as exclusive financial advisor to Pieridae with respect to the Rights Offering. Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP acted as Pieridae’s legal advisor.

    ABOUT PIERIDAE

    Pieridae is a Canadian energy company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The Company is a significant upstream producer and midstream custom processor of natural gas, natural gas liquids, condensate, and sulphur from the Canadian Foothills and adjacent areas in Alberta and in northeast British Columbia. Pieridae’s vision is to provide responsible, affordable natural gas and derived products to meet society’s energy security needs. Pieridae’s Common Shares trade on the TSX under the symbol “PEA”.

    For further information, visit http://www.pieridaeenergy.com, or please contact:

    Darcy Reding, President & Chief Executive Officer  Adam Gray, Chief Financial Officer
    Telephone: (403) 261-5900 Telephone: (403) 261-5900
       
    Investor Relations  
    investors@pieridaeenergy.com  
       

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain of the statements contained herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively “forward-looking statements”). Words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “intend”, “future”, “vision”, “strategy”, “prospect” and other similar words and expressions may be used to identify the forward-looking statements contained herein. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: the intended use of proceeds from the Rights Offering and the Standby Commitment; the anticipated benefits of the Rights Offering and the Standby Commitment; the Company’s E&P and midstream strategy; and the Company’s vision to provide responsible, affordable natural gas and derived products.

    Forward-looking statements involve significant risk and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the risks associated with oil and gas exploration, development, exploitation, production, processing, marketing and transportation, loss of markets, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, imprecision of resources estimates, environmental risks, competition from other producers, incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions, failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, delays resulting from or inability to obtain required regulatory approvals, and ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. These and other risk factors are discussed in more detail under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in Pieridae’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023 and under “Risk Factors” in the Circular, copies of which are available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca.

    Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such forward-looking statements, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Pieridae believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because Pieridae can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified in this document, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the impact of increasing competition; the general stability of the economic and political environment in which Pieridae operates; the ability of Pieridae to obtain and retain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner; the ability of the operator of the projects which Pieridae has an interest in to operate the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of Pieridae to obtain financing on acceptable terms; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas resources through acquisition, development and exploration; the timing and costs of pipeline, storage and facility construction and expansion and the ability of Pieridae to secure adequate product transportation; future oil and natural gas prices; currency, exchange and interest rates; the regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which Pieridae operates; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future sources of funding; production levels; weather conditions; success of exploration and development activities; access to gathering, processing and pipeline systems; advancing technologies; and the ability of Pieridae to successfully market its oil and natural gas products.

    Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Pieridae’s operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca), and at Pieridae’s website (www.pieridaeenergy.com).

    Although the forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, management cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Pieridae assumes no obligation to update or review them to reflect new events or circumstances except as required by applicable securities laws.

    Forward-looking statements contained herein concerning the oil and gas industry and Pieridae’s general expectations concerning this industry are based on estimates prepared by management using data from publicly available industry sources as well as from reserve reports, market research and industry analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of this industry which Pieridae believes to be reasonable. However, this data is inherently imprecise, although generally indicative of relative market positions, market shares and performance characteristics. While Pieridae is not aware of any misstatements regarding any industry data presented herein, the industry involves risks and uncertainties and is subject to change based on various factors.

    Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Pleads Guilty to Role in International Money Laundering Conspiracy

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

    BOSTON – A New York man pleaded guilty yesterday to his involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering and drug trafficking organization.

    Yanbing Chen, 30, of Brooklyn, N.Y., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Jan. 21, 2025.

    In May 2023, a federal grand jury in Boston returned a superseding indictment charging 12 individuals from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and California for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering and drug trafficking organization. Jin Hua Zhang, based in Staten Island, was identified as the leader of the organization along with a number of his criminal associates. The investigation revealed that, for a fee, Zhang laundered bulk cash for drug dealers and laundered profits from other illegal businesses. In less than one year, Zhang and his organization laundered at least $25 million worth of drug proceeds and funds from other illegal businesses through undercover agents.

    In July 2022, on Zhang’s behalf, Chen delivered $50,000 in drug funds to undercover agents to be laundered. Those funds were converted to Tether, a type of cryptocurrency, and transferred to Zhang, the organization’s leader, minus a fee. Funds were eventually traced from the Zhang organization to Hong Kong and elsewhere in China, India, Cambodia and Brazil, among other locations. Cash and cryptocurrency in accounts tied to Zhang were seized at the conclusion of the investigation.

    In addition, in two separate meetings in August and September 2022, Zhang sent Chen to meet with cooperating witnesses near South Station in Boston. Chen was recorded by the undercover agents as he delivered a total of five kilograms of cocaine at Zhang’s direction.

    Zhang pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 15, 2024.

    The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms of cocaine calls for a sentence of up to life in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release, and a $10 million fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Quincy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl, Brian A. Fogerty and Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Arrested for Threatening Massachusetts Companies

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

    BOSTON – A California man was arrested yesterday and charged with leaving a series of violent and threatening voicemails at companies in Massachusetts.  

    Daniel Nguyen, 34, was charged by complaint with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.  Nguyen will have an initial appearance today in federal court in San Francisco and will appear in Boston and a later date.   

    According to the charging documents, from January through February 2024, Nguyen made a series of five phone calls to companies based in Massachusetts, and left voicemails in which he threatened to “shoot up” the offices with an AK-47. In the voicemails, Nguyen allegedly said the employees were “all going to be [expletive] dead. It’s going to be a [expletive] bloodbath.”    

    The charging document also describes threatening emails that Nguyen allegedly sent to individuals in Nevada and California. Those emails allegedly contained race-based threats, stating “I will … shoot all you [expletive] [expletive]s dead and burn al[l] you [expletive] piece of [expletive] [expletive]s in the dump and ditches where all you [expletive]s belong,” and “the only good [expletive] is a dead [expletive] that is shot and killed.”   

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

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vicksburg Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

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

    Jackson, Miss. – A Vicksburg man pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

    According to court documents, Marquette Cornell McCroy, 42, was found in possession of a firearm in Vicksburg following a traffic stop. McCroy, who was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, had previously been convicted of a felony and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.

    McCroy threw the firearm on the ground as he attempted to flee the vehicle on foot.

    McCroy is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years 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 Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.

    The Vicksburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mississippi Man Charged in Sextortion Scheme Involving More Than 40 Victims

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

    Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was arrested today in Jackson on federal charges relating to an alleged “sextortion” scheme that targeted multiple victims, including minors.

    According to a nine-count indictment unsealed this week, Marquez Cameron Jones Weston, 22, allegedly operated a “sextortion” scheme in which he engaged in cyberstalking, interstate threats, extortion, attempted production of child pornography, and transportation of child pornography over the internet. As part of the scheme charged in the indictment, Weston attempted to and did extort money and nude and sexually explicit photographic images from at least 47 different identified female individuals over the internet, with more unidentified. Several of these females were minors.  The indictment alleges Weston committed these crimes from July 2023 through February 2024.

    “We are seeing a troubling increase throughout the nation of ‘sextortion’ as criminals, like this defendant, use information they gain through on-line communications, hacking, or other means to blackmail juveniles and other victims into giving them pornography,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee. “I encourage parents to be aware of who their children are communicating with on-line, and all internet users to be cautious about sharing their personal information on-line.”

    “Today’s arrest demonstrates the steadfast commitment of the FBI, USAO and our law enforcement partners in protecting our communities from being victimized by sextortion,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff.  “Marquez Cameron Jones Weston’s deliberate actions in targeting the innocence of our youth will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate and bring predatory individuals, like Mr. Weston, to justice.”

    Weston made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew S. Harris of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.

    In February, a federal grand jury named Weston in a separate indictment charging him with possession of child pornography. If convicted of that charge, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

    U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.

    The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the Sam Houston State University Police Department. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.

    The FBI provides the following six tips on how people can protect themselves from sextortion schemes:

    • Be selective about what you share online. If your social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about you.
    • Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online. Block or ignore messages from strangers.
    • Be aware that people can pretend to be anything or anyone online. Videos and photos are not proof that people are who they claim to be. Images can be altered or stolen. In some cases, predators have even taken over the social media accounts of their victims.
    • Be suspicious if you meet someone on one game or app and this person asks you to start talking on a different platform.
    • Be in the know. Any content you create online—whether it is a text message, photo, or video—can be made public. And nothing actually “disappears” online. Once you send something, you don’t have any control over where it goes next.
    • Be willing to ask for help. If you are getting messages or requests online that don’t seem right, block the sender, report the behavior to the site administrator, or go to an adult. If you have been victimized online, tell someone.

    If you, your child, or someone you know is being exploited via sextortion, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or report it online at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Additional resources can found at Sextortion and Financially Motivated Sextortion — FBI.  If you believe you are a victim in this particular case, please also contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi.

    U.S. Attorney Todd Gee recently recorded an Internet Safety PSA warning about the dangers of online predators. 

    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: New Orleans Couple Sentenced for Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts Violations

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

    NEW ORLEANS – JAVAN ROBINSON a/k/a “Diddy” (“ROBINSON”), age 61, and MICHELE COLEMAN (“COLEMAN”), age 57, both of New Orleans, were sentenced on October 1, 2024, by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 846, and 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(1), 924(a)(2), 924(e)(1), and 924(c)(1)(A)(i) respectively.  Specifically, ROBINSON was sentenced to 280 months of imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $700 mandatory special assessment fee. COLEMAN was sentenced to 97 months of imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to court documents, ROBINSON and COLEMAN conspired to distribute a quantity of cocaine within the Eastern District of Louisiana.  After receiving information that both defendants were conducting narcotics transactions within Orleans Parish, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF) members conducted surveillance, set up pole cameras, conducted controlled purchases, and executed search warrants on two residences associated with both defendants.  Agents located multiple firearms, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, paraphernalia, and a large amount of money between those residences.     

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Arrested, Accused of Targeting Elderly Victims in Tech Support Scam

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

    ST. LOUIS – Five people have been arrested on an indictment that accuses them of stealing at least $8 million from elderly victims in at least ten states via a tech support scam involving gold bars.

    Dariona Lambert, 22, Zhamoniq Stevens, 23, Chintankumar Parekh, 51, Mehul Darji, 41, and Sital Singh, 42, were each charged in a October 4 superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Lambert, Stevens and Parekh were originally indicted on that charge in June.

    Singh surrendered Monday in Newark, in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Parekh and Darji were both arrested last week in the Eastern District of Michigan. Lambert and Stevens were arrested on the initial indictment and have pleaded not guilty.

    The indictment accuses the conspirators of contacting elderly victims via telephone calls and electronic messages, falsely claiming that the victims’ savings and retirement accounts had been compromised. They told their victims to transfer funds to the conspirators to keep their accounts secure, the indictment says. Sometimes, the transfers came via gold bars that had been bought by victims and then picked up by couriers working for the fraudsters, the indictment says. Couriers worked with a “handler,” who arranged transportation for the couriers and shipped the gold bars to others, the indictment says.

    An 82-year-old St. Louis woman was one of the victims, having been told by scammers pretending to be from a computer software support team that her financial accounts had been compromised, the indictment says. They said she needed to pay money to prevent her funds from being stolen, the indictment says. The scammers had the victim open new bank accounts, transfer her money into those accounts and wire money overseas, in addition to buying about $250,000 worth of gold bars, the indictment says. On May 1, 2024, Lambert flew from Gainesville, Florida to St. Louis, the indictment says. Parekh rented a car and drove Lambert to a parking lot near the victim’s home, it says. Lambert then took an Uber to the victim’s home to retrieve the gold bars, but was intercepted by law enforcement agents, the indictment says. Lambert sent a warning message via WhatsApp to her conspirators, saying “police,” it says.

    Lambert and Stevens were couriers, and were paid in cash, the indictment says. Parekh, Darji and Singh were handlers and travelled to victims’ residences in order to pick up gold bars, it says. Parekh worked as a handler in gold bar pickups from victims in Yuma and Scottsdale in Arizona; Placentia and La Jolla in California; Largo, Florida; Chapel Hill, N.C.; and Pittsburgh, Penn., the indictment says. Singh worked a handler in gold bar pickups from victims in Collierville, Tenn.; Universal City, Texas; and Greendale, Wisc., it says. Darji worked as a handler in gold bar pickups from the Scottsdale victims and received three separate FedEx packages containing gold bars obtained from the Largo victim, it says. Lambert worked as a courier in Scottsdale; Placentia; La Jolla; Largo; Universal City; Hanover, Mass.; and Erie, Penn., it says. Stevens worked as a courier in gold bar pickups from victims in Yuma; La Jolla; Collier; Largo; Greendale; Oxnard, Calif.; Long Island, N.Y.; and Cincinnati, Ohio, the indictment says.

    “This case is another example of the FBI being able to stop the scam before a victim gets robbed out of his or her life savings,” said Special Agent in Charge Ashley T. Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. “We’ve been successful in protecting victims when family members, friends or businesses become suspicious and immediately notify the FBI in time for us to intervene.”

    A motion seeking to have Parekh and Darji held in jail until trial says both are in the United States unlawfully, Parekh having overstayed his work visa and Darji having been removed from the country in 2014. When Parekh was alerted by Lambert that she had been apprehended by the police, he fled Missouri for Pittsburgh, Penn., it says.

    Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both prison and a fine.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa, Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.

    If someone you know is a victim of a cyber scam, report it to the FBI. You can file the complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov or use 1-800-CALL-FBI.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

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

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CYRUS ROLLINS (“ROLLINS”), age 41, of New Orleans, was sentenced om October 2, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter after previously pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  ROLLINS was sentenced to 97 months of imprisonment, three (3) years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.

    According to court documents, in August 2023, ROLLINS was arrested by  New Orleans Police Department officers for distributing narcotics and carrying firearms in and around the Low Barrier Shelter, a homeless shelter in New Orleans.  ROLLINS was found in possession of four firearms, as well as methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crimes Unit.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: CISA and FBI Warn of Iranian-Backed Cyber Activity to Undermine U.S. Democratic Institutions

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Fact sheet provides information on actors’ techniques and recommended mitigations for individuals and organizations associated with national political campaigns

    WASHINGTON – The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) published a fact sheet today, How to Protect against Iranian Targeting of Accounts Associated with National Political Organizations. Actors affiliated with the Iranian Government’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are using social engineering techniques across email and chat applications probably to stoke discord and undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions. This fact sheet provides recommended actions to protect against this malicious activity.

    IRGC actors target and compromise the personal and business accounts of Americans, in particular. individuals associated with national political organizations. They also target individuals and organizations working or have worked on issues related to Iranian and Middle Eastern affairs.

    CISA and the FBI recommend mitigations and best practices that will help organizations and individuals strengthen their security and resilience, including keeping applications and operating systems updated, training staff to only use official accounts for business, and implementing phishing-resistant multifactor authentication (MFA).  

    “With FBI, CISA works to provide timely, actionable information that helps our partners reduce their risk from myriad threats,” said CISA Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity, Jeff Greene. “IRGC cyber actors pose an ongoing and escalating risk. We urge individuals and organizations associated with national political organizations or campaigns to review and implement actions in this joint fact sheet.”

    The FBI and CISA continue to work closely to provide services and information to safeguard public and private sector and individuals.

    For more information, please visit CISA’s Iran Cyber Threat and #Protect2024 webpages.

    ###

    About CISA 

    As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

    Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Evansville Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling More Than $550,000 From Her Employer Over 15 Years

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

    FBI Marks One Year Since October 7, 2023, Hamas Attack

    The United States continues to be in a heightened threat environment, and the FBI is fully engaged to detect and stop any potential threats to the American people. As we mark one year since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East calls for vigilance by the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and members of the public.

    ALEKSANDR RYZHENKOV

    Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Computers; Intentional Damage to a Protected Computer; Transmitting a Demand in Relation to Damaging a Protected Computer; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

    Capitol Violence

    The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Randolph Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Schemes Involving Sober Home Client, Mass Save Program, and Mortgage Fraud

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

    BOSTON – A Randolph man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his involvement in numerous fraud schemes involving sober homes in the Greater Boston area, the Mass Save Program and mortgage fraud. 

    Nicholas Espinosa, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud conspiracy; one count of conspiracy to make false statements to a mortgage lending business (mortgage fraud conspiracy); 16 counts of wire fraud; six counts of unlawful monetary transactions (money laundering); and one count of making false statements to a mortgage lending business. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for March 11, 2025. Espinosa was arrested and charged in March 2023 along with alleged co-conspirator Daniel Cleggett.

    According to the charging documents, Cleggett was the founder of the sober home business, A Vision From God LLC (AVFG), with locations in in Boston, Wakefield, Quincy and Weymouth under trade names including Brady’s Place, Lakeshore Retreat and Lambert House. Espinosa managed the day-to-day affairs of Cleggett’s business. 

    Espinosa, and allegedly Cleggett, along with a sober home client entered into a conspiracy to defraud a New York-based family trust that was paying for the client’s room and board at Brady’s Place in Quincy. Specifically, Espinosa, and allegedly Cleggett, overcharged the family trust for room and board by up to $12,500 per month by submitting false and fraudulent invoices to the family trust. Espinosa, and allegedly Cleggett, would then issue “refund” checks to the client in furtherance of the fraud scheme. 

    According to the charging documents, from approximately October 2019 to December 2021, Cleggett personally, and through straw purchasers including Espinosa, purchased the three residential properties in Weymouth and Boston to use as sober homes. Espinosa falsely represented that one of these properties was intended to be purchased as a primary residence for himself when, in reality, it was intended to be a sober home. 

    In addition to the sober home business, Cleggett operated numerous insulation contracting companies that participated in the Mass Save Program: Green Save Energy Corporation; Environmental Construction Objective Inc. (ECO); Green Giants, LLC; and Insulation Situation, LLC. Mass Save is a Massachusetts public/private partnership sponsored by gas and electric utility companies that funds energy conservation projects and improvements via energy efficiency funds charged to Massachusetts residents’ utility bills. 

    Specifically, Green Save and ECO received millions of dollars for residential insulation work from a lead vendor company under the Mass Save program. It is alleged that, from 2018 through mid-2021, Green Save and ECO fraudulently billed the vendor company for required permits that were not actually obtained. Green Save and ECO were ultimately terminated from participating in the company’s program in June 2021, and Cleggett was banned from participating in the Mass Save program. In response to this, Espinosa, and allegedly Cleggett and others, formed Green Giants as a new lead vendor with the same company under a straw owner. As a result, Espinosa, and allegedly Cleggett, obtained a total of $509,326 in payments from the company to Green Giants, despite a ban from participating in the Mass Save program.

    The charges of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of making false statements to a mortgage lending business provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Kingston, Randolph and Quincy Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy and Dustin Chao of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Maui Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Explosive Device and Powders

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

    HONOLULU – United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that Robert Francis Dumaran, 47, of Kahului, Maui, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to possessing explosive powders as a convicted felon and possessing an unregistered destructive device. Dumaran’s sentencing is set for February 2, 2025, before United States District Judge Jill A. Otake.

    According to court documents and information presented in court, Dumaran admitted he attempted to detonate a homemade firework at the intersection of Lono Avenue and Hina Avenue on Maui, Hawaii, during either the late evening of July 22, 2024, or the early morning of July 23, 2024. Dumaran’s homemade firework contained black powder (gunpowder) and flash powder. As a convicted felon, Dumaran was prohibited from possessing explosives. The Maui Police Department (“MPD”) discovered and rendered safe Dumaran’s homemade firework in the morning of July 23, as reported in a prior press release.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) later searched Dumaran’s residence and discovered an improvised hand grenade. Dumaran admitted he crafted and possessed that grenade for use as a defensive weapon capable of causing destruction and death.

    Dumaran is not charged in connection with improvised explosive devices recovered on August 7, 2024, in Kula, Maui or the August 8, 2024 explosion in Pukalani, Maui.

    The case was investigated by the FBI and MPD. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Slack and Wayne A. Myers are prosecuting the case.

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