NewzIntel.com

Category: Intelligence Agencies

  • MIL-OSI Security: 2022 St. Louis Murder-For-Hire Results in Life Term in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Thursday sentenced a St. Louis County, Missouri man to life in prison for the murder of a New Jersey man in 2022.

    Moreion Lindsey, 35, was found guilty at a trial in January in U.S. District Court in St. Louis of one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and one count of murder-for-hire. Evidence and testimony showed that Lindsey fatally shot Titus Armstead on April 21, 2022, in Penrose Park in St. Louis.

    Lindsey had been hired for the murder by Jerome Williams, at the request of a Seattle man, Ray Bradley, who trafficked cocaine and marijuana to St. Louis and other cities. Bradley falsely blamed Armstead for the theft of drugs and millions of dollars from a Bradley “stash” house in New Jersey. Bradley had Armstead fly to St. Louis, purportedly to protect him from possible harm. Bradley’s real goal was to have him killed in St. Louis because Williams said he knew someone who could do the job, evidence and testimony showed. Lindsey met Armstead at the airport and drove him to Penrose Park, where he fatally shot Armstead with a .45-caliber handgun, evidence showed. He then took a photo of the body using a prepaid “burner” phone to provide proof of the death to Williams and Bradley.

    Lindsey was later paid $15,000 by Williams. Williams disposed of evidence, including the burner phone, Armstead’s Social Security card and other belongings. Lindsey had the SUV that he used to drive Armstead to the park reported stolen and then used $5,000 to buy another SUV.

    In a victim impact letter to the court, Armstead’s sister wrote, “In a world full of limitless opportunities—where every day offers a chance to grow, create, and build a meaningful life—why choose a path of destruction and harm? It is deeply saddening that amidst all the gifts and possibilities life offers, some would resign themselves to a life of drugs and violence.”

    “Moreion Lindsey, you threw away your life for $15,000—an amount you could have earned in six months of full-time work at minimum wage,” she added. “Instead, you chose a path that has deprived your children of a father and your mother of her son. You will spend the rest of your life without freedom—unable to enjoy a warm shower, a comfortable bed, or even the simple joys of being with your family.”

    Williams, 52, pleaded guilty in December to a charge of destruction of evidence to obstruct a federal investigation. He was sentenced April 23 to 138 months in prison.

    Bradley, 46, pleaded guilty in June to one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced in September to 25 years in prison.

    The case was investigated by the FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Atlanta Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three North Carolina Men Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Material–Related Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – A Wilmington man and a Bolivia man were arrested Tuesday on separate charges of child sex trafficking and producing child sexual abuse material. A Louisburg man, William Justin Lewis, was arrested today on child sexual abuse material charges.

    John Matthew Miller, 35, is charged with sex trafficking of a minor; enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct; and producing, distributing, receiving, and possessing child sexual abuse material. Miller was previously convicted of sexual battery and was a registered sex offender at the time of the offense. Miller faces at least 25 years and up to life in prison if convicted on all counts.

    Jesse Lonzo Teal, 72, also known as “Lonnie” and “Mark,” is charged with sex trafficking of a minor, enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct, producing child sexual abuse material, and using the internet to promote an illegal prostitution business enterprise. He faces at least ten years and up to life imprisonment if convicted on all counts.

    William Justin Lewis, 54, is charged with distributing child sexual abuse material and possessing child sexual abuse material. He faces at least five years’ imprisonment and up to twenty years’ imprisonment on each distribution count and up to twenty years’ imprisonment on the possession count.

    “These important cases reflect the unwavering commitment of our office and our justice system to protect the most vulnerable members of our community—our children. Wewill continue to work closely with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “There is no place in our community for those who prey on children, and we will do everything we can to not only seek justice for the victims, but to prevent additional child exploitation crimes.”

    “Producing and exchanging child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is a sickening reality in our world and it’s not just happening on the dark web. Pedophiles use the same platforms your family and friends use. No matter where this crime is occurring the FBI will find you. The Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program is uniquely positioned to work complex global and multijurisdictional crimes against children with he capacity to counter threats of abuse and exploitation of children,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and Robert M. DeWitt, FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge, made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Hanover County Sherriff’s Office, Brunswick County Sherriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department, Onslow County Sherriff’s Office, the Franklin County Sherriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the cases and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charity L. Wilson and Erin C. Blondel are prosecuting the cases.

    Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case Nos.7:25-CR-46-D-RN, 7:25-CR-47-UA-RJ, and 5:25-CR-94-D-KS.

    An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Donald Eugene Griffin, Jr., age 43, to 144 months in prison on charges of distributing child sexual abuse material. Judge Rice also imposed a lifetime of supervised release. Griffin will also be required to register as a sex offender.

    According to court documents and information presented in the sentencing hearing, in November 2019, the FBI developed information that Griffin was in possession of images of children being sexually abused.

    In March 2020, the FBI executed a warrant at Griffin’s home and seized Griffin’s electronic devices. Investigators found multiple images of child sexual abuse material on those devices, and Griffin admitted to using online platforms to access and obtain child sexual abuse material. Griffin also admitted to discussing having sex with a child and to distributing and receiving images of children being sexually abused.

    Agents investigated Griffin’s online accounts and uncovered chats between Griffin and individuals who appeared younger than 18. On several occasions, Griffin sent child sexual abuse material or solicited it, from those individuals. Griffin also consistently spoke to others about having sex with minors.

    In early 2024, a civilian contacted investigators and said they had been posing as an 11-year-old girl on Instagram and chatting with Griffin. Griffin sent naked photos of himself to this person he believed was a child and discussed having sex with her.

    “Mr. Griffin’s conduct was predatory and depraved. He not only trafficked in images of children being sexually abused – he actively sought out opportunities to engage with minors online in ways that were both explicit and dangerous,” said Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker. “I’m grateful to the FBI and AUSA Rebecca Perez for their outstanding work on this case and for bringing Mr. Griffin to justice.”

    “Not only did Mr. Griffin possess and distribute disturbing images depicting child sexual assault, but he was even engaging in sexually explicit chats with someone he believed to be a minor.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “It is apt this sentence is being handed down on the final day of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Protecting and finding justice for child victims remains a priority of the FBI, both in the State of Washington and nationwide.”

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez.

    2:24-cr-00065-TOR

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Elizabeth Man Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Spree of Armed Robberies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, N.J. – An Elizabeth, New Jersey man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for committing a series of three armed robberies, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Dayshawn Brimfield, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi to a five-count Information, charging him with one count of bank robbery, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle. Judge Quraishi imposed sentence in Trenton federal court.

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

    On April 2, 2021, Brimfield robbed a bank in Hazlet, New Jersey. Brimfield entered the bank and handed a teller a note, which stated, among other things “This is a Robbery I have a Gun I will Kill Someone if you do not follow these instructions.” On April 17, 2021, Brimfield stole a motor vehicle in Elizabeth, New Jersey, which he used as the getaway car in his later robberies. On April 20, 2021, Brimfield robbed a convenience store in Aberdeen, New Jersey. Brimfield entered the store and displayed the handgun that he was carrying to the cashier before taking money from the store’s register and fleeing the scene. On April 20, 2021, Brimfield robbed another convenience store in South Plainfield, New Jersey. Brimfield entered the store and pointed a handgun at the cashier. Brimfield took the cashier’s wallet and cellular phone before emptying the store’s registers and fleeing the scene. Brimfield fled New Jersey in the stolen vehicle, but was ultimately apprehended by law enforcement in Lancaster County, Nebraska. Brimfield led officers on a brief, high-speed chase before crashing into a fence on the side of the highway.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Brimfield to 5 years of supervised release and ordered restitution to the victims of Brimfield’s offenses.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly; detectives of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago; as well as officers of the Hazlet Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Mulligan; the South Plainfield Police Department, under the direction of Chief Peter J. Papa; and the Nebraska State Patrol with the investigations leading to this sentencing.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

                                                               ###

    Defense Counsel:        Teri S. Lodge, Esq. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Agents Arrest San Antonio Man for Alleged Child Pornography Charges

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

    SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was arrested Tuesday in San Antonio on criminal charges related to his alleged possession of child pornography.

    According to court documents, Zaid Mashhour Haddad allegedly streamed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from his computer to a TV mounted on the bedroom wall of his apartment. One of the videos that allegedly depicted child pornography was displayed on Haddad’s TV as the FBI executed a search warrant on his apartment. The video was allegedly being streamed from a link Haddad received through Telegram. Agents reviewed and documented the contents of the link, which allegedly contained 181 different videos.

    The complaint alleges that the investigation into Haddad’s activity showed Haddad received links containing CSAM from direct message threads on Telegram, which were stored in the Telegram application on his phone. Details in the complaint allege that the links often led to virtual Zoom meetings where CSAM would be live streamed using content from a separate file sharing application.

    Haddad is charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of knowingly accessing with intent to view any material that contained an image of child pornography. If convicted, Haddad faces up to 20 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, an additional restitution amount, and the requirement to register as a sex offender. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    The FBI is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson is prosecuting the case.

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

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Largest joint immigration operation in Florida history leads to 1,120 criminal alien arrests during weeklong operation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    MIAMI — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with law enforcement partners from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the state of Florida, led a first-of-its-kind statewide operation April 21 to April 26 that netted 1,120 criminal illegal alien arrests — the largest number in a single state in one week in ICE’s history. Sixty-three percent of those arrested had existing criminal arrests or convictions.

    Arrests included 378 criminal illegal aliens with final orders of removal issued by an immigration judge. Officers arrested various violent offenders, gang members, sex offenders, fugitives from justice and those who pose significant public safety threats. Arrests include members of several different notoriously violent foreign terrorist organizations such as MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Brown Pride Aztecas, Barrio Azteca, Surenos (sur-13) and 18th Street Gang.

    The countries of origin of those arrested include the following: 

    • 437 from Guatemala
    • 280 from Mexico
    • 153 from Honduras
    • 48 from Venezuela
    • 24 from El Salvador
    • 178 from elsewhere

    Those arrested who have final orders of removal or returned to the United States illegally after being deported are subject to immediate removal from the country. The remaining aliens are in ICE custody awaiting due process before an immigration judge or pending travel arrangements for removal.

    “Last week’s operational success of arresting more than 1,100 criminal illegal aliens was truly a collaborative whole-of-government effort by our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in Florida,” said ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan. “Every day, our officers take to the streets and put their lives on the line to apprehend and remove dangerous criminal aliens, transnational gang members and foreign fugitives who have illegally entered the U.S. We are united in our determination to restore integrity to our nation’s immigration system and enhance public safety for all Americans.”

    The state of Florida leads the nation with 287(g) partnerships. This force-multiplying program is named for Section 287(g)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes ICE to delegate specified immigration officer functions to state and local law enforcement officials under the agency’s direction and supervision.

    “I’ve insisted that Florida be the tip of the spear when it comes to state support of federal immigration enforcement. The success of Operation Tidal Wave is proof of our commitment,” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. “Florida is proud to work closely with the Trump administration and help deliver on the 2024 mandate from America that our borders be secured and our immigration laws be followed. We will continue to engage in broad interior enforcement efforts. Thank you to DHS, ICE, CBP, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, and Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida National Guard, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, and everyone involved for your contributions to this effort.”

    “Dangerous criminals have no place in our country. We will apply CBP’s collective intelligence and operational capabilities to target those here illegally who endanger our citizens and the American way of life,” said Miami Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Dinise. “Collaborative enforcement efforts such as Operation Tidal Wave, with our DHS and state of Florida law enforcement partners, leverages each of our unique authorities to protect against threats. We look forward to continuing the vital partnership with the State of Florida as we all work toward our shared goal of keeping our communities safe and our nation secure.”

    During the operation, federal, state and local partners helped arrest criminal illegal aliens around Florida. ICE used field office resources, alongside federal partners, to identify priority targets for enforcement action. Law enforcement partners included ICE Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, the DEA, the ATF and the U.S. Marshals Service.

    The state of Florida, under DeSantis’ direction, provided significant assistance during the statewide operation from multiple agencies.

    In addition, the following sheriff’s offices also provided significant assistance to ICE during the operation: 

    • Alachua County.
    • Baker County.
    • Brandford County.
    • Brevard County.
    • Clay County.
    • Hernando County.
    • Hillsborough County.
    • Indian River County.
    • Orange County.
    • Pinellas County.
    • St. John’s County.
    • Sumter County.
    • Volusia County.

    Many of the criminal aliens arrested during the operation have illegally entered and been removed from the U.S. numerous times and been convicted of multiple criminal offenses. A few of the most egregious examples include:

    • Ciro Ramon Castaneda Perez, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela, and known member of the violent gang Tren de Aragua, was arrested at his residence in Holly Hill. On April 12, the Port Orange Police Department pulled over Castaneda-Perez for a traffic violation and found cocaine residue and paraphernalia in his vehicle. Castaneda-Perez has a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge.
    • Carlos Eduardo Perez Perez, a criminal illegal alien and suspected associate of the gang Tren de Aragua, was arrested April 25 at the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Tampa field office. On July 19, 2024, Perez was first encountered and arrested by U.S. Border Patrol at a checkpoint near Sierra Blanca, Texas, after he illegally entered the U.S. without parole or inspection. An immigration judge ordered Perez removed to Venezuela Aug. 26, 2024.
    • Rafael Juarez Cabrera, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala and documented MS-13 gang member, was arrested after being convicted of illegal reentry by a previously removed alien. He has been removed three times prior. He will remain in custody pending prosecution for illegal reentry after deportation
    • Luis Melito Gonzalez Arrellanno, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and active member of the Brown Pride Aztecas gang, was arrested with a criminal history that includes armed carjacking, firing a weapon, fraud and a conviction for illegal reentry after deportation. He has a final order of removal.
    • Aron Isaak Morazan Izaguirre, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, is an active known or suspected terrorist as a member of the 18th Street Gang. Izaguirre is a two-time illegal reentry and will remain in custody pending removal.
    • Miguel Rodriguez Gonzalez, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, is an active member of the Barrio Azteca gang. His criminal history includes assault, burglary, possession of marijuana, fraud and a conviction of illegal reentry after deportation. He will be held in custody pending his removal from the country.

    For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and bolster public safety, national security and border security in Florida, follow us on X at @EROMiami.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Video b-roll of immigration enforcement action can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FIVE PEOPLE SENTENCED FOR FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT TARGETING ELDERLY RETIRED FLORIDA SCHOOL DISTRICT EMPLOYEES

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Five defendants who were convicted of a conspiracy scheme to defraud the retirement accounts of elderly and retired Florida school district employees have been sentenced after three defendants pleaded guilty and two defendants were found guilty by a federal jury. Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentences of the following defendants:

    • Lambert Aguebor, 33, of Miramar, Florida, has been sentenced to 71 months in federal prison after previously being found guilty by a federal jury of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    • Floyd Bostic, 42, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after previously being found guilty by a federal jury of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, three counts of Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, 16 counts of Money Laundering, and Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business.
    • Grace Aguebor, 36, of Miramar, Florida, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.
    • Ronald Vargas, 38, of Osteen, Florida, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
    • Sarina Levy, 34, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, has been sentenced to 6 months and 1 day in federal prison, to be followed by 6 months of home detention, after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.

    “Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly,” said Acting United States Attorney Spaven. “With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and aggressively prosecuting those who seek to steal the hard-earned savings of our senior citizens.”

    Evidence presented at trial and court records show that Vargas worked as a Retirement Specialist at a Tallahassee-based company that administers a retirement 401(k) savings program whose participants are comprised largely of Florida school district employees or prior employees. Between January 2022, and March 2022, Vargas conspired with siblings Grace Aguebor and Lambert Aguebor to steal the retirement funds from the accounts of elderly retired school district employees—some of whom were deceased. Through his position, Vargas had access to the retired employees’ personally identifiable information (“PII”) and oversaw the processing of withdrawal requests from the 401(k) accounts. Vargas provided Grace and Lambert with PII of elderly 401(k) participants whose retirement accounts appeared to be dormant so the PII could be used to prepare fraudulent withdrawal request forms for these accounts.

    The fraudulent withdrawal request forms were then faxed to the company where Vargas worked so he could process them. Grace and Bostic personally faxed some of the fraudulent withdrawal request forms; in other cases, the fraudulent forms were given to other conspirators, including Levy, to fax. Once Vargas processed the forms, the stolen retirement funds were transferred to bank accounts controlled by Grace, Bostic, and other conspirators. In total, the conspirators withdrew and attempted to withdraw retirement funds from 25 different 401(k) accounts, resulting in a net total of $1.1 million actually being stolen.

    Evidence presented to the jury showed that Bostic also served as a money launderer who received over half of the stolen funds into his personal bank accounts and those of his Tallahassee-based music promotion businesses. Bostic then transferred some of the stolen funds between his various bank accounts in an effort to conceal or disguise its nature, location, source, or ownership. Evidence also showed that Bostic used some of the stolen funds to purchase a residence and pay for his personal and business expenses. Bostic also withdrew over $400,000 worth of stolen funds in cash at various banks and ATMs in Tallahassee and central Florida. The jury also saw evidence which showed that Bostic communicated and coordinated with Lambert Aguebor about the transfer of the stolen funds and to arrange meetings in central Florida.

    In addition to their prison sentences, the defendants were ordered to pay restitution totaling approximately $1,000,000 to the victims. The defendants’ imprisonment will be followed by three years of supervised release.

    This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.

    “Motivated by sheer greed, these individuals conspired to take advantage of Florida’s public servants, and their punishments mark an important step in holding these fraudsters accountable,” said FBI Jacksonville Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Carley. “Fraud and corruption pose a fundamental threat to our national security and our way of life, and the FBI and our partners will continue to identify and bring to justice anyone who takes advantage of hardworking Americans, and especially educators who dedicate their lives to supporting our children.”

    “As law enforcement professionals, it is our duty to protect our community, especially our most vulnerable members, from those who seek to exploit them for personal gain,” said Chief Lawrence Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department. “This case is a clear example of how greed can drive individuals to harm others, and we remain committed to working alongside our federal partners to ensure those who commit such crimes are held accountable.”

    If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.

    More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, at www.ovc.gov.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Charges Newburgh Man For Using Discord Platform To Extort Sexually Explicit Material From A Minor Victim

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging CARSEN MANSFIELD with extortionate interstate communications.  MANSFIELD was arrested on Tuesday, April 29 in Newburgh, New York, and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court.

    U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said: “As alleged Carsen Mansfield used Discord to track down and exploit the minor female victim.  Protecting our children is central to our mission, and we will prosecute those who victimize them to the fullest extent of the law.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Carsen Mansfield allegedly extorted and threatened a minor in another state to provide sexually explicit images.  Mansfield’s alleged actions violated a vulnerable victim’s privacy to satiate his personal disturbing desires.  The FBI remains committed to protecting any minor from those who wish to inflict sexual harm, regardless of where they are located.”

    As alleged in the Complaint:[1] 

    On or about August 4, 2024, MANSFIELD, using the communication platform Discord, contacted a minor female victim (“Victim-1”) and sent her a series of photographs that Victim-1 recognized as nude photographs of her that she had taken previously.  MANSFIELD proceeded to threaten to send the nude photographs of Victim-1 to her friends and family if she did not send him more nude or otherwise sexually explicit materials, writing “Well I have these pictures and if you don’t send me more I’m going to send them to your friends and family . . . Your [sic] my slut now Andy [sic] failure to make me happy will end up exposed to your friends and family.” 

    Any individuals with information concerning CARSEN MANSFIELD and any individuals who may have encountered someone using the Discord username “noname45.#0” or the X (formerly Twitter) username “expogirlsss” please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov.

    *                *                *

    MANSFIELD, 23, of Newburgh, New York, is charged with one count of extortionate interstate communications, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of two years in prison.

    The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. 

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and Detroit Field Office, as well as the Town of Newburgh Police Department.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret N. Vasu is in charge of the prosecution.

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

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Billings Man Arraigned on Child Pornography Charges

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

    BILLINGS – A Billings man accused of distributing child pornography appeared today for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    The defendant, Kole David Kuntz, 41, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with 2 counts of distribution of child pornography.  If convicted of the charges contained in the indictment, Kuntz faces a mandatory minimum 5 years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years to lifetime of supervised release.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Tim Cavan presided. Kuntz was released pending further proceedings.

    The indictment alleges that in November 2024, the defendant knowingly distributed a visual depiction using any means or facility of interstate commerce, including by computer and the internet, the production of such visual depiction involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and the visual depiction was of such conduct.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.

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

    The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    PACER case reference. 25-40.

    The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wolf Point Residents Arraigned on Murder Charge

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

    GREAT FALLS – Two individuals accused of murdering a man on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation were arraigned today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Abrianne Lillian Deserly, 24, and Calvin Florin Lester, 35, both of Wolf Point, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging both defendants with second degree murder. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, the defendants each face a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge John Johnston presided. Both defendants were detained pending further proceedings.

    The indictment alleges that on February 26, 2025, near Wolf Point, the defendants unlawfully and with malice aforethought, that is recklessly with extreme disregard for human life, killed John Doe, and aided and abetted the same.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case. The FBI, BIA, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law & Justice, and Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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

    The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    PACER case reference. 25-45.

    The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lame Deer Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation

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

    BILLINGS – A Lame Deer man who distributed methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 24 months in prison to be followed by 6 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Shannon Tyrone Seminole, 50, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

    U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that in the spring of 2022, law enforcement received reports that Shannon Seminole was selling methamphetamine on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Agents arranged two controlled purchases from Seminole, one in December 2022 and the other in September 2023. Following the second buy, agents executed a search of Seminole’s residence. During the search, agents seized an airsoft pistol and an AR-15 upper receiver and bolt.

    In an interview, Seminole admitted to providing methamphetamine to the many drug users that helped him with his work. He admitted selling methamphetamine starting when he was released from jail three years prior. His source provided him with a regular supply of meth that he would sell. Seminole also admitted he carried firearms when selling drugs.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case, and the investigation was conducted by the FBI.

    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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Kansas City Health Care Company Sentenced for Bankruptcy Fraud

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

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Stillwell, Ks., man was sentenced in federal court on April 29, 2025, for bankruptcy fraud related to his healthcare company.

    William L. Said, 62, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 21 months in prison without parole.  The court also ordered Said to pay $85,000 in restitution, which was paid at the time of sentencing.

    On Oct. 1, 2024, Said plead guilty to one count of bankruptcy fraud.  Said admitted that he fraudulently transferred and concealed assets in a bankruptcy case.

    Said was the owner, president, and officer in charge of Restorative Brain Clinic, Inc., which provided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation services.  Restorative Brain Clinic, Inc. filed a voluntary bankruptcy case in July 2021.  A debtor-in-possession account was established as part of the bankruptcy.  Restorative Brain Clinic’s operating funds were stored in the debtor-in-possession account and Said was the only authorized person who had access to the account.

    In Sept. 2021, the United States Trustee for Region 13, which includes the Western District of Missouri, filed a motion to convert Restorative Brain Clinic’s bankruptcy to a Chapter 7 liquidation case based on gross mismanagement of the estate and a continuing loss or diminution of assets of the estate.  On Oct. 14, 2021, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis R. Dow presided over an evidentiary hearing on the conversion motion.  At the conclusion of evidence, Judge Dow granted the motion to convert the case to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and found there was mismanagement of assets, self-dealing, and inadequate corporate controls, among other issues.  Judge Dow ordered the United States Trustee to appoint a Chapter 7 trustee to identify assets to pursue for unsecured creditors. The hearing concluded at 4:12 p.m.

    Minutes after the conversion hearing, where Said was displaced as the fiduciary of the bankruptcy estate and the Bankruptcy Court ordered that Said no longer had control over Restorative Brain Clinic’s assets, Said initiated several wire transfers of money from the debtor-in-possession account. At 4:16 p.m., Said wired $5,000 to his own bank account from the debtor-in-possession account.  At 4:25 p.m., Said initiated a wire transfer for $12,400 from the debtor-in-possession account to the bank account of a shareholder in Restorative Brain Clinic.  Said also wired $16,300 to a medical staffing company and attempted to wire $5,760 to Restorative Brain Clinic’s landlord.  The debtor-in-possession account was frozen before the funds to pay the landlord left the account.

    Said also admitted to selling leased medical equipment. Restorative Brain Clinic leased medical equipment manufactured by AB Sciex, LLC in 2018.  Said was also the owner of Cox Scientific, which sold medical equipment.  In 2019, Cox Scientific agreed to sell AB Sciex medical equipment to a California company.  Said sent an electronic invoice to the owner of the California company.  The invoice contained a description of the equipment Said was selling along with an itemized list of the equipment’s components, which included a unique serial number for each component.  The list of components Said sent to the California company were the same components leased by Restorative Brain Clinic.  Said admitted that he scratched out and altered serial numbers on the AB Sciex equipment to conceal he was selling equipment through Cox Scientific that was being rented by Restorative Brain Clinic, Said.  Then, Said used the altered serial numbers on the invoice to the California company.

    The California company paid $85,000 for the AB Sciex equipment that Said sold to them and which Said did not own.

    This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley Cooper and Adam Miller. It was investigated by the FBI and the United States Trustee for Region 13. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kentucky man sentenced to 10+ years in federal prison for attempted sex offenses against a child in southern Illinois

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Paducah, Kentucky, man to 121 months’ imprisonment for attempting to entice a minor in southern Illinois to engage in illegal sexual activity.

    In October, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts for Robert R. Rodriguez, 41, on one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of soliciting an obscene visual depiction of a minor.

    “Those who target children for sex crimes sicken us all. The federal justice system will relentlessly pursue and prosecute these offenders to ensure they face severe consequences for their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

    According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Rodriguez initiated conversation with an undercover federal agent on an online social media platform in May 2023. In the messages, Rodriguez discussed meeting with a purported 9-year-old child to engage in sexual activity and requested child sexual abuse material.

    On May 10, 2023, law enforcement arrested Rodriguez in Marion, Illinois, when he tried to meet with the purported 9-year-old child. 

    “This sentencing makes one thing clear: the FBI Springfield Field Office is taking decisive action to protect the children of Illinois. We will use every tool at our disposal to stop those who seek to do them harm, and with our partners at the Department of Justice, we will pursue the highest penalties for these crimes.”

    Following imprisonment, Rodriguez will serve seven years of supervised release.

    FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Leggans and David Sanders prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jemez Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Minors

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

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Jemez man pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor.

    According to court documents, Tyler Chinana, 35, an enrolled member of the Jemez Pueblo, admitted that in 2012, he engaged in unlawful sexual contact with a minor victim who was under the age of 12 at the time. In a separate incident, Chinana also admitted that in November 2022, he engaged in similar unlawful sexual contact with a second minor victim who was also under the age of 12.

    At sentencing, Chinana faces up to life in prison followed by no less than five years and up to life of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Jemez Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meg Tomlinson and Timothy Trembley are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Zuni Couple Sentenced for Violent Assault

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

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni Pueblo couple has been sentenced for a brutal assault in which they attacked a man in his home, prevented him from seeking help, and continued the assault in the presence of a witness and two minor children.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, on September 3, 2023, Shannon Concho, 47, and LouAnn Johnson, 29, both enrolled members of the Pueblo of Zuni, assaulted John Doe at his residence on the Zuni Pueblo. The incident began as a verbal dispute and rapidly escalated when Johnson repeatedly slapped the victim. Concho and Johnson then prevented the victim from calling for help by seizing his phones and attempting to access a bedroom where a witness and two minor children were present.

    Concho continued the assault on John Doe by striking him over the head with a chair, nearly rendering him unconscious. Concho then instructed Johnson, who was wearing boots, to kick John Doe in the head. After Johnson complied, Concho continued the attack until Johnson alerted him that a witness had contacted law enforcement. Concho and Johnson fled the scene and remained at large until their subsequent apprehension in Arizona.

    Concho was sentenced to 57 months in prison, and Johnson was sentenced to 24 months in prison. Upon their release, Concho and Johnson will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shiprock Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violent Assault

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

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 4 years in prison for a brutal attack that left the victim with life-threatening injuries.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on January 1, 2024, Tyrell Jordan Benally, 26, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe at a residence in Shiprock, New Mexico. Benally repeatedly struck Jane Doe with a closed fist and strangled her until she lost consciousness. As a result, Jane Doe suffered serious bodily injury, including life-threatening injuries from the strangulation.

    Upon his release from prison, Benally will be subject to three years of supervised release.

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

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: NOTICE OF VIRTUAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF COINSHARES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ON 30 MAY 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of CoinShares International Limited (the “Company”) will take place on Friday, 30 May 2025 at 14:00 BST in the form of a hybrid virtual event at 2 Hill Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 4UA.

    The entire Annual General Meeting will be broadcast live online (audio and video) via Wavecast.io and will be open for all shareholders who are entered in the Company’s stock register on the record day of the Annual General Meeting. The exercise of shareholder rights, in particular the exercise of voting rights, requires registration for the meeting in due time and in the proper form and will be performed by poll during the meeting or by granting power of attorney to Company proxies. The location of the Annual General Meeting for the purposes of the minutes is the Company’s registered office, 2 Hill Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 4UA. 


     RIGHT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND NOTICE

    Shareholders wishing to attend the Annual General Meeting must:

    1. on the record date, which is 16 May 2025, be registered in the Company’s share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB. Shareholders, whose shares are registered in the name of a nominee, must temporarily register the shares in their own name at Euroclear Sweden AB. Shareholders whose shares are registered in the name of a nominee must, no later than 15 May 2025, via their nominee, temporarily register the shares in their own name in order to be entitled to participate at the general meeting. In order to re-register shares in time, shareholders should make the request via their nominee in good time before this date.
    2. notify the Company of any intended participation at the general meeting no later than 15 May 2025. Notice of participation at the general meeting may be given by following the registration instructions detailed on the Reports Portal on the Company’s website or here. Upon notification, the shareholder must state their full name, personal identification number (date of birth for non-Swedish investors) or corporate registration number, postal and email address, as well as the number of shares held.

    PROPOSED AGENDA

    1. Opening of the Annual General Meeting
    2. Election of the Chairman of the Annual General Meeting
    3. Preparation and approval of voting list
    4. Approval of the agenda
    5. Determination of whether the general meeting has been duly convened
    6. Election of one person to certify the minutes
    7. Presentation of the Annual Report, consolidated financial statements and the audit report
    8. Resolution regarding the adoption of the group income statement and group balance sheet
    9. Determination of the number of members of the Board of Directors and the number of Auditors
    10. Determination of remuneration to the Board of Directors and the Auditor
    11. Election of the Board of Directors and the Auditor
    12. Resolution on the approval of the Board of Director’s Remuneration Report
    13. Resolution regarding authorising the Board of Directors to decide on repurchase and transfer of own shares
    14. Resolution regarding amendments to the Company’s articles of association
    15. Closing of the Annual General Meeting

    PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTIONS

    ITEM 2: OPENING OF THE MEETING AND ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN OF THE GENERAL MEETING

    The Nomination Committee, appointed in accordance with the instruction for the Nomination Committee as resolved by the Annual General Meeting on 20 June 2022 and comprising of the Chairman of Nomination Committee, Michael Carlton (appointed by Daniel Masters), Jean-Frédéric Mognetti (appointed by Mognetti Partners Limited),  Paul Davison (appointed by Russell Newton) and Johan Lundberg (representative of the Board of CoinShares International Limited), proposes that Daniel Masters, Chairman, be appointed as the Chair of the Annual General Meeting 2025.

    ITEM 3: PREPARATION AND APPROVAL OF THE VOTING LIST

    The voting list proposed for approval is the voting list drawn up by the Company Secretary, based on the register of shareholders provided by Euroclear Sweden AB, shareholders having given notice of participation and being present at the Meeting, and postal votes received.

    ITEMS 9-11: DETERMINATION OF REMUNERATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE AUDITORS, ELECTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE AUDITORS AND ELECTION OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    The Nomination Committee proposes that:

    Item 9

    The Board of Directors shall consist of 6 directors and that the Company should have one registered public auditor’s firm as auditor. 

    Item 10

    To increase the remuneration of the Board of Directors to the amount of GBP 70,000 per annum to each of the non-employed Directors, which includes all committee membership and committee chair positions. The proposed increase in the remuneration reflects the increased responsibilities associated with the move to the regulated segment of Nasdaq Stockholm in 2022, as well as ensuring that the Company can continue to attract and retain the right candidates for the Board of Directors. It is proposed that remuneration to the Chairman remain unchanged at GBP 125,000 per annum, provided that the Chairman is not an employee.

    Remuneration to the Auditor be paid in accordance with approved invoices.

    Item 11

    For the period up to the end of the Annual General Meeting in 2026, Jean-Marie Mognetti, Carsten Køppen, Johan Lundberg, Viktor Fritzén and Christine Rankin be re-elected as members of the Board of Directors and that Daniel Masters be re-elected as the Chairman of the Board.

    Baker Tilly International (including any of its affiliates or member firms) (collectively, “Baker Tilly”) be elected to serve as the Company’s auditor for the period ending at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in 2026, unless the Board elects to appoint another audit firm that, at the time of appointment, audits an equal or greater number of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registrants than Baker Tilly, based on the most recent data published by a recognized and independent provider of audit industry data, such as Audit Analytics or a comparable organization that tracks and reports on the number of SEC registrants audited by accounting firms. Information regarding the candidates nominated by the Nomination Committee for re-election to the Board of Directors is available on the Company’s website under the Investor Relations section.

    ITEM 12: RESOLUTION ON APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S REMUNERATION REPORT 

    Under the Swedish Corporate Governance Code, the Board of Director’s is required to prepare a report for each financial year regarding paid and outstanding remuneration to Board members, the CEO and the deputy CEO who are covered by the guidelines. As the Company has no deputy CEO and the Board members do not receive any remuneration other than that decided by the Annual General Meeting, the report for the financial year 2024 only covers the Company’s CEO. According to the Swedish Corporate Governance Board’s rules on remuneration to senior executives and on incentive programs, the report must contain an overview of each of the outstanding and concluded incentive programs completed during the year.

    The Board of Directors suggests that the Annual General Meeting approve the remuneration report for the financial year 2024.

    ITEM 13: RESOLUTION REGARDING AUTHORISING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO DECIDE ON REPURCHASE AND TRANSFER OF OWN SHARES 

    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to authorise the Board of Directors to decide on purchases of the Company’s own shares in accordance with the following, main terms:

    1. Share repurchases may be made on Nasdaq Stockholm or any other regulated market.
    2. The authorisation may be exercised on one or more occasions before the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
    3. The maximum number of own shares that may be repurchased so that the Company’s holding of shares at any given time does not exceed 15% of the total number of shares in the Company.
    4. Repurchases of the Company’s own shares on Nasdaq Stockholm (or any other regulated market) may only be made at a price of no more than 5% above the average trading price of the 5 business days prior to the repurchase.
    5. Payment for the shares shall be made in cash.

    In addition, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to authorise the Board of Directors to decide on transfer of own shares, with or without deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights, in accordance with the following, main terms:

    1. Transfers may be made on (i) Nasdaq Stockholm or (ii) outside of Nasdaq Stockholm in connection with the acquisition of companies, operations, or assets.
    2. The authorisation may be exercised on one or more occasions before the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
    3. The maximum number of shares that may be transferred corresponds to the number of shares held by the Company at the point in time of the Board of Directors’ decision on transfer.
    4. Transfers of shares on Nasdaq Stockholm (or any other regulated market)  may only be made at a price of no more than 5% above the average trading price of the shares 5 business days prior to the transfer. For transfers outside of Nasdaq Stockholm, the price shall be set so that the transfer is made at market terms, except for delivery of shares in connection with employee stock option programs.
    5. Payment for transferred shares may be made in cash, through in-kind payment, or through set-off against claims with the Company.

    The purpose of the authorisations is to give the Board of Directors greater scope to act and the opportunity to adapt and improve the Company’s capital structure and thereby create further shareholder value, and/or capitalise on or take advantage of any attractive acquisition, investment or related opportunities. The authorisation may also be used in order to enable delivery of shares in connection with employee stock option programs.

    The Board of Directors shall have the right to decide on other terms for repurchases and transfers of own shares in accordance with its authorisation. The Board of Directors also has the right to authorise the Chairman, the CEO, or the person designated by the Board to make such minor adjustments that may be necessary in connection with the execution of the Board’s decision to repurchase or transfer shares.

    A valid resolution in favour of the Board’s proposal requires the approval of shareholders with at least sixty-seven percent (67%) of the votes and shares represented at the Annual General Meeting.

    ITEM 14: RESOLUTION REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPANY’S ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

    The Board of Directors proposes that the Company’s Articles of Association be amended by deletion of the existing articles 3.6.2, 17.2.7 and 24.12 and the insertion of new articles 3.6.2, 17.2.7 and 24.12 as follows:

    “3.6.2            the Directors may, by unanimous consent only, during any period of two consecutive calendar years, resolve to allot and issue in one or more tranches such number of ordinary shares (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any shares issued pursuant to, in connection with or upon conversion of any subsequently issued convertible bonds) as does not in the aggregate exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the total number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding any ordinary shares held in treasury) at 9am on 1st January of such year (rounded down to the nearest whole share), without the offer, issue  or allotment of such shares or the issue or conversion of any subsequently issued convertible bonds being subject to the provisions of Article 3.2 provided always that any such allotment, issue, or conversion is effected solely in connection with bona fide transactions for business purposes only (and for the avoidance of doubt the terms of this Article 3.6.2 shall not include the issuance of shares or convertible securities as consideration or compensation  for services rendered by employees, consultants, directors, or any other individuals in a personal capacity) and provided further that any issuance or allotment to any natural person pursuant to this Article 3.6.2 shall be subject to the unanimous approval of the remuneration committee as required by and in accordance with the terms of reference for such remuneration committee and shall not in aggregate in any calendar year exceed five percent (5%) of the total number of ordinary shares in issue at the time of such offer;” 

    “17.2.7          the creation of any charge or other security over any assets or property of a Group Company to secure borrowings, or indebtedness in the nature of borrowings, of that Group Company which, when aggregated with all other such borrowings or indebtedness, would exceed £200,000,000 (OTHER THAN in the ordinary course of its Business, and, DISREGARDING any amounts borrowed from other Group Companies) provided always that, subject to applicable law, nothing in these Articles (including without limitation this provision) shall restrict or prevent or be deemed to restrict or prevent the issuance by the Company of any corporate or convertible bonds or other debt instruments on an unsecured basis.”

    “24.12           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary within these Articles, meetings of the Board shall be held at such locations and in such manner, and resolutions of Directors passed in writing shall be signed, so as to cause the Company to:

                         24.12.1    be resident for taxation purposes in Jersey; and

                         24.12.2   comply with the Taxation (Companies – Economic Substance) (Jersey) Law 2019.”,

    (such proposed amendments together, the “Board Proposals”).

    A valid resolution in favour of the Board Proposals requires the approval of shareholders with at least sixty-seven percent (67%) of the votes and shares represented at the Annual General Meeting.

    NUMBER OF SHARES AND VOTES

    The total number of shares in the Company as of the date hereof amounts to 66,678,210 shares, with a corresponding number of votes. The Company holds 883,259 own shares.

    FURTHER INFORMATION

    Copies of accounts, audit report, remuneration report, proxy form, complete proposals and all other relevant documents are available on the Company’s website.

    The shareholders are hereby notified regarding the right to, at the annual general meeting, request information from the Board of Directors and the CEO.

    Jersey, 1 May 2025
     CoinShares International Limited
    The Board of Directors

    About CoinShares

    CoinShares is Europe’s largest and leading digital asset investment and trading group by AuM, managing billions of assets on behalf of a global client base. Our mission is to expand investing into digital assets with our trusted, regulated, best-in-class product suite that provides investors with trust and transparency when accessing cryptocurrencies. We believe that Bitcoin and blockchain networks are landmark innovations that will fundamentally reshape the global financial system and the way we interact digitally, and investors should be able to participate in this transformation. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF. CoinShares has multiple touchpoints with financial regulatory bodies around the world, including the AMF, JFSC and FINRA.

    For more information on CoinShares, please visit: https://coinshares.com
    Company | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com
    Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lloyds Bank PLC: 2025 Q1 Interim Management Statement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Lloyds Bank plc
    Q1 2025 Interim Management Statement
    1 May 2025

    Member of the Lloyds Banking Group

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the business, strategy, plans and/or results of Lloyds Bank plc together with its subsidiaries (the Lloyds Bank Group) and its current goals and expectations. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about the Lloyds Bank Group’s or its directors’ and/or management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Words such as, without limitation, ‘believes’, ‘achieves’, ‘anticipates’, ‘estimates’, ‘expects’, ‘targets’, ‘should’, ‘intends’, ‘aims’, ‘projects’, ‘plans’, ‘potential’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘considered’, ‘likely’, ‘may’, ‘seek’, ‘estimate’, ‘probability’, ‘goal’, ‘objective’, ‘deliver’, ‘endeavour’, ‘prospects’, ‘optimistic’ and similar expressions or variations on these expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements concern or may affect future matters, including but not limited to: projections or expectations of the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial position, including profit attributable to shareholders, provisions, economic profit, dividends, capital structure, portfolios, net interest margin, capital ratios, liquidity, risk-weighted assets (RWAs), expenditures or any other financial items or ratios; litigation, regulatory and governmental investigations; the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial performance; the level and extent of future impairments and write-downs; the Lloyds Bank Group’s ESG targets and/or commitments; statements of plans, objectives or goals of the Lloyds Bank Group or its management and other statements that are not historical fact and statements of assumptions underlying such statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will or may occur in the future. Factors that could cause actual business, strategy, targets, plans and/or results (including but not limited to the payment of dividends) to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general economic and business conditions in the UK and internationally (including in relation to tariffs); imposed and threatened tariffs and changes to global trade policies; acts of hostility or terrorism and responses to those acts, or other such events; geopolitical unpredictability; the war between Russia and Ukraine; the conflicts in the Middle East; the tensions between China and Taiwan; political instability including as a result of any UK general election; market related risks, trends and developments; changes in client and consumer behaviour and demand; exposure to counterparty risk; the ability to access sufficient sources of capital, liquidity and funding when required; changes to the Lloyds Bank Group’s or Lloyds Banking Group plc’s credit ratings; fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, stock markets and currencies; volatility in credit markets; volatility in the price of the Lloyds Bank Group’s securities; natural pandemic and other disasters; risks concerning borrower and counterparty credit quality; risks affecting defined benefit pension schemes; changes in laws, regulations, practices and accounting standards or taxation; changes to regulatory capital or liquidity requirements and similar contingencies; the policies and actions of governmental or regulatory authorities or courts together with any resulting impact on the future structure of the Lloyds Bank Group; risks associated with the Lloyds Bank Group’s compliance with a wide range of laws and regulations; assessment related to resolution planning requirements; risks related to regulatory actions which may be taken in the event of a bank or Lloyds Bank Group or Lloyds Banking Group failure; exposure to legal, regulatory or competition proceedings, investigations or complaints; failure to comply with anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing, anti-bribery and sanctions regulations; failure to prevent or detect any illegal or improper activities; operational risks including risks as a result of the failure of third party suppliers; conduct risk; technological changes and risks to the security of IT and operational infrastructure, systems, data and information resulting from increased threat of cyber and other attacks; technological failure; inadequate or failed internal or external processes or systems; risks relating to ESG matters, such as climate change (and achieving climate change ambitions) and decarbonisation, including the Lloyds Bank Group’s or the Lloyds Banking Group’s ability along with the government and other stakeholders to measure, manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change effectively, and human rights issues; the impact of competitive conditions; failure to attract, retain and develop high calibre talent; the ability to achieve strategic objectives; the ability to derive cost savings and other benefits including, but without limitation, as a result of any acquisitions, disposals and other strategic transactions; inability to capture accurately the expected value from acquisitions; and assumptions and estimates that form the basis of the Lloyds Bank Group’s financial statements. A number of these influences and factors are beyond the Lloyds Bank Group’s control. Please refer to the latest Annual Report on Form 20-F filed by Lloyds Bank plc with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, for a discussion of certain factors and risks. Lloyds Bank plc may also make or disclose written and/or oral forward-looking statements in other written materials and in oral statements made by the directors, officers or employees of Lloyds Bank plc to third parties, including financial analysts. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of today’s date, and the Lloyds Bank Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The information, statements and opinions contained in this document do not constitute a public offer under any applicable law or an offer to sell any securities or financial instruments or any advice or recommendation with respect to such securities or financial instruments.

    FINANCIAL REVIEW

    Income statement

    The Group’s profit before tax for the first three months of 2025 was £1,177 million, 26% lower than the same period in 2024. This was driven by higher operating expenses and a higher impairment charge. Profit after tax was £881 million (three months to 31 March 2024: £1,159 million).

    Total income for the first three months of 2025 was £4,371 million, broadly in line with the same period in 2024 (three months to 31 March 2024: £4,385 million). Net interest income of £3,244 million was up 4% on the prior year (three months to 31 March 2024: £3,127 million), driven by a higher margin and higher average interest-earning assets. Other income decreased by 10% to £1,127 million (three months to 31 March 2024: £1,258 million). The decrease in other income reflected improved performance in UK Motor Finance, with fleet growth and higher average vehicle rental values, which was more than offset by negative market volatility and a reduction in income from fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings.

    Total operating expenses of £2,884 million were 6% higher than in the prior year. This reflects higher costs, combining inflationary pressures, timing of strategic investment including planned higher severance front-loaded into the first quarter of 2025 and business growth costs, partly offset by cost savings and continued cost discipline. This is alongside higher operating lease depreciation, as a result of fleet growth, the depreciation of higher value vehicles and declines in used electric car prices over 2024.

    No net remediation charge was recognised by the Group in the first three months of 2025 (three months to 31 March 2024: £25 million). There have been no further charges relating to motor finance commission arrangements. The Supreme Court heard the appeal of the Wrench, Johnson and Hopcraft decision in early April and has stated that it is likely to produce its judgment in July. The FCA has indicated that the decision will inform its next steps in the discretionary commission arrangements (DCA) review and that it will confirm within six weeks of the decision if it is proposing a redress scheme and if so, how it will take that forward. The FCA has also noted that its next steps on non-DCA complaints will be informed by the decision.

    The impairment charge was £310 million, up from £70 million in the three months to 31 March 2024. Asset quality remained resilient in the quarter. The charge included strong portfolio performance in Retail, more than offset by a higher charge in Commercial Banking, partly due to the non-recurrence of a release from loss rates used in the model in 2024. The charge also included a £100 million central adjustment to address downside risks to the base case related to the potential impact from US tariff policies announced at the start of April. These were becoming apparent around the balance sheet date and were determined to not be fully captured within the modelled divisional ECL allowances. This is partially offset by benefits to the MES from small increases to house price and wage growth expectations.

    FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

    Balance sheet

    Total assets were £5,143 million, or 1%, higher at £616,356 million at 31 March 2025 (31 December 2024: £611,213 million).

    Financial assets at amortised cost were £3,135 million higher at £508,032 million (31 December 2024: £504,897 million) with increases in loans and advances to customers. This included growth of £4,807 million in UK mortgages and growth across UK Retail unsecured loans, credit cards, UK Motor Finance and the European retail business. Lending balances reduced in Commercial Banking as a result of repayments of government-backed lending. The growth in loans and advances to customers was partly offset by a £908 million reduction in reverse repurchase agreements, a £302 million reduction in loans and advances to banks and a £1,474 million reduction in debt securities.

    Cash and balances at central banks decreased 1% to £42,000 million. Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss increased by £733 million, due to increased reverse repurchase agreements. Derivative financial assets were £520 million lower at £3,715 million (31 December 2024: £4,235 million), driven by interest rate and currency movements in the period. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income were stable in the period at £30,682 million. Other assets were £1,853 million higher, primarily reflecting increased settlement balances.

    Total liabilities were £3,230 million higher at £574,696 million (31 December 2024: £571,466 million). Customer deposits of £456,574 million increased in the period by £4,780 million. Retail deposits increased by £2,637 million in the period, driven by net inflows to limited withdrawal and fixed term deposits alongside higher current account balances. Commercial Banking deposits were up in the quarter, aided by short term balances.

    Other liabilities increased by £1,034 million reflecting increased settlement balances, while debt securities in issue decreased by £2,789 million, with higher levels of maturities in the period.

    Total equity increased to £41,660 million at 31 March 2025 (31 December 2024: £39,747 million). The increase primarily reflected profit attributable to ordinary shareholders alongside unwind of the cash flow hedge reserve and issuance of an AT1 capital instrument in February 2025 to Lloyds Banking Group plc.

    Capital

    The Group’s common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio reduced to 13.6% at 31 March 2025 from 13.7% at 31 December 2024. Profit for the first three months of the year was offset by the accrual for foreseeable ordinary dividends and an increase in risk-weighted assets.

    The Group’s total capital ratio at 31 March 2025 remained at 19.9% (31 December 2024: 19.9%). The increase in CET1 capital and the issuance of a new AT1 capital instrument were offset by the increase in risk-weighted assets and a reduction in tier 2 capital reflecting an instrument call and other movements.

    Risk-weighted assets increased by £3,955 million to £190,951 million at 31 March 2025 from £186,996 million at 31 December 2024. This reflects the impact of lending growth, but also includes a temporary c.£2.5 billion increase primarily due to hedging activity that is expected to reverse by the third quarter. The growth in risk-weighted assets was partly offset by continued optimisation activity and other movements.

    The Group’s UK leverage ratio increased to 5.5% at 31 March 2025 from 5.4% at 31 December 2024, reflecting an increase in the total tier 1 capital position, partially offset by an increase in the leverage exposure measure. The latter reflects increases across loans and advances and other assets, due in part to lending growth, partially offset by a reduction in the measure for securities financing transactions.

     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)
               
      Three
    months
    ended
    31 Mar
    2025
    £m    		     Three
    months
    ended
    31 Mar
    2024
    £m    		  
           
    Net interest income 3,244     3,127  
    Other income 1,127     1,258  
    Total income 4,371     4,385  
    Operating expenses (2,884 )   (2,728 )
    Impairment (310 )   (70 )
    Profit before tax 1,177     1,587  
    Tax expense (296 )   (428 )
    Profit after tax 881     1,159  
           
    Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 774     1,069  
    Profit attributable to other equity holders 98     86  
    Profit attributable to equity holders 872     1,155  
    Profit attributable to non-controlling interests 9     4  
    Profit after tax 881     1,159  
               
     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
               
      At 31 Mar
    2025
    £m    		     At 31 Dec
    2024
    £m    		  
               
    Assets          
    Cash and balances at central banks 42,000     42,396  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 3,054     2,321  
    Derivative financial instruments 3,715     4,235  
    Financial assets at amortised cost 508,032     504,897  
    Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 30,682     30,344  
    Other assets 28,873     27,020  
    Total assets 616,356     611,213  
    Liabilities          
    Deposits from banks 3,899     3,144  
    Customer deposits 456,574     451,794  
    Repurchase agreements 38,474     37,760  
    Due to fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings 3,981     4,049  
    Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 4,538     4,630  
    Derivative financial instruments 5,327     5,787  
    Debt securities in issue at amortised cost 42,492     45,281  
    Other liabilities 12,844     11,810  
    Subordinated liabilities 6,567     7,211  
    Total liabilities 574,696     571,466  
    Total equity 41,660     39,747  
    Total equity and liabilities 616,356     611,213  
               

    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    1.  Basis of presentation

    This release covers the results of Lloyds Bank plc together with its subsidiaries (the Group) for the three months ended 31 March 2025.

    The Group’s Q1 2025 Interim Pillar 3 Disclosures can be found at: www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/investors/financial-downloads.html.

    Accounting policies

    The accounting policies are consistent with those applied by the Group in its 2024 Annual Report and Accounts.

    2.  Loans and advances to customers and expected credit loss allowance

    At 31 March 2025 Stage 1
    £m    		     Stage 2
    £m    		   Stage 3
    £m    		   POCI
    £m    		   Total
    £m    		     Stage 2
    as % of
    total    		   Stage 3
    as % of
    total
    Loans and advances to customers                          
    UK mortgages 275,816     31,912   4,137   6,016   317,881     10.0   1.3
    Credit cards 13,875     2,327   261   –   16,463     14.1   1.6
    UK unsecured loans and overdrafts 9,660     1,325   171   –   11,156     11.9   1.5
    UK Motor Finance 14,197     2,491   131   –   16,819     14.8   0.8
    Other 18,462     471   151   –   19,084     2.5   0.8
    Retail 332,010     38,526   4,851   6,016   381,403     10.1   1.3
    Business and Commercial Banking 25,778     2,946   1,160   –   29,884     9.9   3.9
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 36,705     2,528   1,007   –   40,240     6.3   2.5
    Commercial Banking 62,483     5,474   2,167   –   70,124     7.8   3.1
    Other1 (414 )   –   –   –   (414 )        
    Total gross lending 394,079     44,000   7,018   6,016   451,113     9.8   1.6
                               
    Customer related ECL allowance (drawn and undrawn)
    UK mortgages 52     245   322   179   798          
    Credit cards 199     308   130   –   637          
    UK unsecured loans and overdrafts 167     240   114   –   521          
    UK Motor Finance2 170     118   75   –   363          
    Other 14     14   38   –   66          
    Retail 602     925   679   179   2,385          
    Business and Commercial Banking 133     183   172   –   488          
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 108     149   323   –   580          
    Commercial Banking 241     332   495   –   1,068          
    Other3 50     50   –   –   100          
    Total 893     1,307   1,174   179   3,553          
                               
    Customer related ECL allowance (drawn and undrawn) as a percentage of loans and advances to customers
      Stage 1
    %    		     Stage 2
    %    		   Stage 3
    %    		   POCI
    %    		   Total
    %    		          
    UK mortgages –     0.8   7.8   3.0   0.3          
    Credit cards 1.4     13.2   49.8   –   3.9          
    UK unsecured loans and overdrafts 1.7     18.1   66.7   –   4.7          
    UK Motor Finance 1.2     4.7   57.3   –   2.2          
    Other 0.1     3.0   25.2   –   0.3          
    Retail 0.2     2.4   14.0   3.0   0.6          
    Business and Commercial Banking 0.5     6.2   14.8   –   1.6          
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 0.3     5.9   32.1   –   1.4          
    Commercial Banking 0.4     6.1   22.8   –   1.5          
    Other         –   –            
    Total 0.2     3.0   16.7   3.0   0.8          
                                   

    1 Contains central fair value hedge accounting adjustments.
    2 UK Motor Finance includes £178 million relating to provisions against residual values of vehicles subject to finance leases.
    3 Other includes a £100 million central adjustment that has not been allocated to specific portfolios.

    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

    3.  UK economic assumptions

    Base case and MES economic assumptions

    The Group’s base case scenario is for a slow expansion in gross domestic product (GDP) and a modest rise in the unemployment rate alongside small gains in residential and commercial property prices. Inflationary pressures remain persistent, but gradual cuts in UK Bank Rate are expected to continue during 2025. Risks around this base case economic view lie in both directions and are largely captured by the generation of alternative economic scenarios.

    The Group has taken into account the latest available information at the reporting date in defining its base case scenario and generating alternative economic scenarios. The scenarios include forecasts for key variables as of the first quarter of 2025. Actuals for this period, or restatements of past data, may have since emerged prior to publication and have not been included. The Group’s approach to generating alternative economic scenarios is set out in detail in note 19 to the financial statements of the Group’s 2024 annual report and accounts.

    The Group had included assumptions for expected tariffs and potential responses in its quarter-end base case conditioning assumptions prior to announcements at the start of April. Initial non-UK tariffs announced in the first few days of April and the immediate market response were larger than expected. Accordingly, the Group has adopted a £100 million central adjustment to reflect the potential ECL impact, informed by high level sensitivity to key UK economic metrics based on tariff scenarios. Subsequent developments through April were judged to relate to conditions after the balance sheet date and will be reflected in the second quarter reporting period.

    UK economic assumptions – base case scenario by quarter

    Key quarterly assumptions made by the Group in the base case scenario are shown below. GDP growth is presented quarter-on-quarter. House price growth, commercial real estate price growth and CPI inflation are presented year-on-year, i.e. from the equivalent quarter in the previous year. Unemployment rate and UK Bank Rate are presented as at the end of each quarter.

    At 31 March 2025 First
    quarter
    2025
    %    		 Second
    quarter
    2025
    %    		 Third
    quarter
    2025
    %    		 Fourth
    quarter
    2025
    %    		 First
    quarter
    2026
    %    		 Second
    quarter
    2026
    %    		 Third
    quarter
    2026
    %    		 Fourth
    quarter
    2026
    %
                     
    Gross domestic product growth 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
    Unemployment rate 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8
    House price growth 3.8 3.8 2.4 1.7 1.3 1.7 1.9 1.8
    Commercial real estate price growth 2.6 2.8 2.7 1.3 0.9 0.7 0.8 1.1
    UK Bank Rate 4.50 4.25 4.00 4.00 3.75 3.75 3.50 3.50
    CPI inflation 2.8 3.6 3.6 3.5 3.0 2.8 2.6 2.7
                     

    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

    3.  UK economic assumptions (continued)

    UK economic assumptions – scenarios by year

    Key annual assumptions made by the Group are shown below. GDP growth and CPI inflation are presented as an annual change, house price growth and commercial real estate price growth are presented as the growth in the respective indices within the period. Unemployment rate and UK Bank Rate are averages for the period.

    At 31 March 2025 2025
    %    		   2026
    %    		   2027
    %    		   2028
    %    		   2029
    %    		   2025-2029
    average
    %    		  
                 
    Upside            
    Gross domestic product growth 1.3   2.2   1.6   1.5   1.4   1.6  
    Unemployment rate 4.1   3.2   3.1   3.1   3.2   3.3  
    House price growth 2.9   5.9   6.8   5.4   4.3   5.1  
    Commercial real estate price growth 6.1   5.7   2.6   1.0   0.4   3.2  
    UK Bank Rate 4.43   4.72   4.86   5.06   5.20   4.85  
    CPI inflation 3.3   2.8   2.8   3.1   3.0   3.0  
                 
    Base case            
    Gross domestic product growth 0.8   1.4   1.6   1.6   1.5   1.3  
    Unemployment rate 4.7   4.8   4.6   4.5   4.5   4.6  
    House price growth 1.7   1.8   1.9   2.5   2.9   2.1  
    Commercial real estate price growth 1.3   1.1   1.2   0.6   0.3   0.9  
    UK Bank Rate 4.19   3.63   3.50   3.50   3.50   3.66  
    CPI inflation 3.4   2.8   2.5   2.5   2.4   2.7  
                 
    Downside            
    Gross domestic product growth (0.2 ) (0.9 ) 0.9   1.5   1.5   0.6  
    Unemployment rate 5.6   7.4   7.6   7.3   7.0   7.0  
    House price growth 0.5   (3.4 ) (6.7 ) (4.2 ) (1.1 ) (3.0 )
    Commercial real estate price growth (4.7 ) (5.7 ) (1.7 ) (2.2 ) (2.3 ) (3.4 )
    UK Bank Rate 3.83   1.67   0.96   0.65   0.42   1.51  
    CPI inflation 3.4   2.8   2.0   1.5   1.0   2.1  
                 
    Severe downside            
    Gross domestic product growth (1.1 ) (2.3 ) 0.7   1.4   1.5   0.0  
    Unemployment rate 6.8   10.0   10.2   9.7   9.3   9.2  
    House price growth (0.6 ) (8.4 ) (13.8 ) (9.6 ) (5.0 ) (7.6 )
    Commercial real estate price growth (12.5 ) (13.3 ) (7.1 ) (5.7 ) (4.9 ) (8.8 )
    UK Bank Rate – modelled 3.38   0.39   0.09   0.03   0.01   0.78  
    UK Bank Rate – adjusted1 4.25   2.94   2.80   2.76   2.75   3.10  
    CPI inflation – modelled 3.4   2.5   1.3   0.4   (0.2 ) 1.5  
    CPI inflation – adjusted1 3.8   3.8   3.2   2.7   2.4   3.2  
                 
    Probability-weighted            
    Gross domestic product growth 0.5   0.6   1.3   1.5   1.5   1.1  
    Unemployment rate 5.0   5.6   5.6   5.4   5.4   5.4  
    House price growth 1.4   0.5   (0.8 ) 0.1   1.3   0.5  
    Commercial real estate price growth (0.4 ) (1.0 ) (0.1 ) (0.7 ) (1.0 ) (0.6 )
    UK Bank Rate – modelled 4.07   3.04   2.81   2.76   2.74   3.08  
    UK Bank Rate – adjusted1 4.16   3.30   3.08   3.04   3.01   3.32  
    CPI inflation – modelled 3.4   2.7   2.3   2.1   1.9   2.5  
    CPI inflation – adjusted1 3.4   2.9   2.5   2.4   2.2   2.7  
                             
    1 The adjustment to UK Bank Rate and CPI inflation in the severe downside is considered to better reflect the risks to the Group’s base case view in an economic environment where the risks of supply and demand shocks are seen as more balanced.
                             

    CONTACTS

    For further information please contact:

    INVESTORS AND ANALYSTS
    Douglas Radcliffe
    Group Investor Relations Director
    020 7356 1571
    douglas.radcliffe@lloydsbanking.com

    Rohith Chandra-Rajan
    Director of Investor Relations
    07786 988936
    rohith.chandra-rajan@lloydsbanking.com

    Nora Thoden
    Director of Investor Relations – ESG
    020 7356 2334
    nora.thoden@lloydsbanking.com

    Tom Grantham
    Investor Relations Senior Manager
    07851 440 091
    thomas.grantham@lloydsbanking.com

    Sarah Robson
    Investor Relations Senior Manager
    07494 513 983
    sarah.robson2@lloydsbanking.com

    CORPORATE AFFAIRS
    Matt Smith
    Head of Media Relations
    07788 352 487
    matt.smith@lloydsbanking.com

    Emma Fairhurst
    Media Relations Senior Manager
    07814 395 855
    emma.fairhurst@lloydsbanking.com

    Copies of this Interim Management Statement may be obtained from:
    Investor Relations, Lloyds Banking Group plc, 33 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HZ
    The statement can also be found on the Group’s website – www.lloydsbankinggroup.com

    Registered office: Lloyds Bank plc, 25 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7HN
    Registered in England No. 2065

    This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Announces Opening Keynote Presentation and Platinum Sponsorship at the Upcoming Reuters Events: SMR & Advanced Reactor 2025 Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, N.Y., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced that it is the Platinum Sponsor of the upcoming Reuters Events: SMR & Advanced Reactor 2025, to be held in Nashville, Tennessee on 12-13, May 2025.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Chief Executive Officer James Walker will lead the opening keynote presentation titled, “The Growth of U.S. Advanced Reactors — Wall Street’s Success Story” at 9:00am on May 12th. In the presentation, he will explore how U.S. policy shifts, global energy demand, and the availability of clean energy focused investment capital are hastening the commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors, including small nuclear reactors (known as SMRs) like those being developed by NANO Nuclear, and how NANO Nuclear capitalized on these trends to become the best performing initial public offering in the U.S. of 2024.

    “Reuters Events offer a valuable opportunity to engage with stakeholders and leading innovators in the SMR and advanced reactor field,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “I’m excited for NANO Nuclear to be the leading sponsor and to personally participate in this year’s conference to discuss NANO Nuclear’s journey and mission, and gain insights from the broader community shaping the future of nuclear technology.”

    Reuters Events: SMR & Advanced Reactor 2025 is the only senior-level meeting point for the SMR community, where 600+ leaders from utilities, financiers, reactor developers, technology providers and regulators unite to create meaningful connections, share trusted insights, and obtain lessons-learned to inform your multi-billion-dollar strategy at pace.

    “This conference unites some of the most forward-thinking innovators in the advanced reactor space,” said Professor Massimiliano Fratoni, Senior Director and Head of Reactor Design of NANO Nuclear. “It’s an excellent forum to learn about the direction of the nuclear industry and exchange ideas with those driving progress. I’m looking forward to the informative sessions on offer.”

    “NANO Nuclear is executing on schedule, and we expect the next 12 months to include several important regulatory and operational milestones that will help secure our leadership in the U.S. microreactor race,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. “The achievement of these milestones would be key as we advance toward construction, demonstration, regulatory licensing and eventual commercialization and deployment for our cutting-edge reactors. I look forward to discussing our progress with investors and industry peers at the upcoming Reuters SMR & Advanced Reactor Conference.”

    A replay of Mr. Walker’s presentation if produced by Reuters Events: SMR & Advanced Reactor 2025 will be available on NANO Nuclear’s website for at least 30 days following the presentation at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/news-events/events.

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

    NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN
    NANO Nuclear Energy YOUTUBE
    NANO Nuclear Energy X PLATFORM

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release, the conference presentation referred to herein, and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release and such presentation contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release and the related presentation, forward-looking statements may include those related to NANO Nuclear’s development, demonstration and regulatory licensing plans and goals, as well as the anticipated future benefits to NANO Nuclear of being a publicly traded company. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE investigation leads to indictment of Maryland man for supporting armed separatist groups in Cameroon

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BALTIMORE – An investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with the FBI and the Diplomatic Security Service led to the federal indictment of Cameroonian national, Eric Tano Tataw, 38, of Gaithersburg, Maryland. Tataw, also known as “the Garri Master,” is charged with conspiring to provide material support to armed separatist groups in Cameroon and making threatening communications to injure or kidnap Cameroonian civilians.

    “The indictment of Eric Tataw reflects the unwavering commitment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations to combat transnational crime and pursue justice for victims around the world,” said ICE HSI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. “Although residing in Maryland, Tataw is alleged to have played a significant role in promoting violence and human rights violations in Cameroon by supporting a separatist movement. These groups have been linked to heinous crimes against civilians, and this case highlights how such atrocities can be financed and directed from afar. HSI will continue to pursue those who facilitate violence—no matter where they are located—and I commend the dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on this case. Together, we continue to uphold the rule of law — at home and abroad.”

    According to court documents, multiple armed and violent secessionist groups in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon are fighting to form a new country called “Ambazonia.” The armed separatist groups sought to achieve secession by not only attacking the Cameroonian military, but also intentionally attacking the civilian population in Cameroon to coerce and intimidate the Cameroonian government into allowing these regions to secede. These separatist fighters are frequently referred to as “Amba Boys.”

    As alleged in the indictment, Tataw was a citizen of Cameroon living in Maryland and was a member of the Cameroonian diaspora with a large social media following. Beginning no later than April 2018, Tataw conspired to provide material support and resources — including money, weapons, and personnel — to Amba Boys in Cameroon, and called for the murder, kidnapping, and maiming of Cameroonian civilians. Tataw and his co-conspirators directed the maiming of Cameroonian civilians by severing their limbs, a practice Tataw called “Garriing.” Tataw used the phrase “small Garri” to refer to removing fingers or other small appendages and the phrase “large Garri” to refer to removing large limbs or killing people. Additionally, Tataw referred to himself as the “Garri Master,” or master of mutilation.

    Tataw and his co-conspirators targeted those believed to be working for or collaborating with the government, including municipal officials, traditional chiefs, and employees of the Cameroon Development Corporation, a government-owned company that grew, processed, and sold bananas, palm oil, and rubber. As alleged, Tataw personally wrote hundreds of social media posts on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter calling for attacks against Cameroonian civilians, seeking to raise funds to arm Amba Boys, and threatening those he viewed as cooperating with the Cameroonian government. These social media posts were regularly viewed by tens of thousands of people, including Amba Boys and their leaders, and were often further disseminated by third parties allegedly acting at Tataw’s direction or encouragement.

    Tataw and his co-conspirators solicited and raised funds to supply Amba Boys with firearms, ammunition, explosive materials, and other equipment for enforcing lockdown or “ghost-town” orders and carrying out violent attacks. A fundraising campaign, known as the “National AK Campaign,” was designed to arm each Amba Boy in Cameroon with an AK-47 rifle. From September 2018 through December 2020, Tataw and his co-conspirators raised more than $110,000. Tataw and co-conspirators transferred portions of these funds — either directly or through intermediaries — to Amba Boys located in Cameroon and neighboring Nigeria. Additionally, Tataw communicated directly with Amba Boy leaders on the ground in Cameroon. Tataw also, on multiple occasions, personally took credit for Amba Boys murdering, kidnapping, and maiming civilians in connection with the separatists’ cause.

    McCarthy announced the indictment with Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Sue J. Bai, Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

    Members of the public with information about criminal activity in your community are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE.

    Learn more about HSI Baltimore’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X at @HSIBaltimore.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – “Flow” wins 2025 LUX Audience Award

    Source: European Parliament

    The film “Flow”, directed by Latvian Gints Zilbalodis, was awarded the 2025 LUX Audience Award at a ceremony on Tuesday in the European Parliament in Brussels.

    “Flow“, a Latvian, French and Belgian co-production, tells the story of Cat, a solitary animal whose home is devastated by a great flood. In his efforts to adapt to a new world, Cat finds refuge on a boat populated by other animals. The film deals with issues that are central in the European Parliament’s work: climate change, migration, displacement, and resilience.

    “The LUX Audience Award is more than just a prize. It is a testament to the European Parliament’s commitment to democracy, freedom of expression and the role of cinema in reflecting and shaping our societies. It brings European stories closer to people and brings people closer to the work of the European Parliament. This year’s five nominated films represent some of the most urgent and compelling issues of our time, issues that are at the core of the European Parliament’s agenda,” European Parliament Vice-President Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE) said in a video message shown during the ceremony in the European Parliament hemicycle in Brussels.

    “We have had five compelling narratives and five very different LUX Audience Award nominees: they are an inspiration to filmmakers and the public, not only for celebrating the extraordinary variety of European cinema but also for demonstrating its ability to entertain and elevate at the same time. The cinematic art in Europe is a perfect example of how culture can make a significant contribution to society and advocate for compassion, empathy and change in an otherwise divided world,” Mike Downey, honorary president of the LUX Selection Committee and chair of the European Film Academy, said following the announcement of the winner.

    The four other films shortlisted for the award were: “Animal” by Greek director Sofia Exarchou, “Dahomey” by French director Mati Diop, “Intercepted” by Ukranian director Oksana Karpovych, and “Julie keeps quiet” by Belgian director Leonardo van Dijl.

    The winning film was chosen by combining a public vote and a vote by MEPs, each weighted at 50%.

    Press point

    After the ceremony, a press point with the chair of Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education, Nela Riehl (Greens, DE), representatives of the winning film, and Mike Downey, will take place in front of room SPAAK 03C050. The press point will be webstreamed via the European Parliament Multimedia Centre.


    LUX Audience Award

    Through the LUX Audience Award, a unique pan-European audience film prize, Parliament has supported the distribution of European films since 2007, by providing subtitles in 24 EU languages for shortlisted films. The LUX Audience Award has garnered a reputation for quality by selecting European co-productions that engage with topical political and social issues and encourage debate about European values.

    The European Parliament works with the European Film Academy, the European Commission, and the Europa Cinemas network to reach a wider audience and to continue to strengthen the links between people and politics.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Organic Regulation’s run provisions – E-001177/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As stated in the Commission’s Communication ‘A Vision for Agriculture and Food Shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations’[1], continuous support for organic farming remains essential for the Commission.

    Organic farming is a voluntary scheme[2] based on precise legal standards set in Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products[3] and its associated secondary legislation. Organic farming has been increasingly successful over the last decade as EU consumers choose to support a model that is based on ambitious environmental and animal welfare rules.

    Regulation (EU) 2018/848 generally requires poultry to have access to open air areas and herbivores to have access to pastures and provides only time-limited exemptions to these requirements related in particular to weather conditions, state of the grounds or animal health diseases[4].

    • [1] COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS A Vision for Agriculture and Food Shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations, Brussels, 19.2.2025 COM(2025) 75 final.
    • [2] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/organic-farming_en
    • [3] Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2008, OJ L 150 14.6.2018, p. 1.
      ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/848/2024-12-01
    • [4] Frequently asked questions ON ORGANIC RULES , replies to questions 12 and 14.
      https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/e5b18da2-e7a7-4535-8425-db81ebe7e5ba_en
    Last updated: 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 1, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 1, 2025.

    What’s the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shawna Mastro Campbell, Assistant Professor Clinical Psychology, Bond University Volurol/Shutterstock If you live with young children, there’s a good chance you’ve been on the receiving end of a child yelling, screaming, crying, throwing or hitting things. But how do parents know what is typical and age-related boundary

    Is WA Health having final say over edits of Paramedics ‘censorship’? Yes. But it’s necessary
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jan Cattoni, Lecturer, Screen Production, CQUniversity Australia Australian reality TV debuted in 2006 with Bondi Rescue. The show featured a winning formula of sun, surf, heroes and danger. It sparked many similar programs featuring police, helicopter crews and paramedics. Paramedics (2018–), as the title suggests, follows Australian

    Savvy athletes and new technology are flipping traditional sports marketing on its head
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Cairney, Professor and Head of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences; Director, The Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies, The University of Queensland Not so long ago, life was pretty simple for sports leagues and teams when it came to connecting with fans: the contests and

    3 years on from the ‘integrity’ election, how is Australia tracking on corruption reforms?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Griffiths, Democracy Deputy Program Director, Grattan Institute Taras Vyshnya/Shutterstock At the last federal election, the then opposition leader Anthony Albanese pledged to “change the way politics operates in this country”. Integrity was a key issue in 2022, and Australians voted for a change of government and

    Are side hustles really a way to escape the rat race, or just passion projects for a privileged few?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Farrugia, ARC Future Fellow, School of Education, Deakin University PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Is a “side hustle” really the only thing separating you from the life you desire? Listening to some influencers on social media could certainly have you thinking so. Side hustles encompass a range

    Feuding mob families, mind control and a murder at the White House: what to watch in May
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexa Scarlata, Lecturer, Digital Communication, RMIT University Disney+/Prime/Netflix/Paramount+/The Conversation It’s May! Where did the year go? It must be all the amazing TV we’re watching that’s making the time whiz by. This month’s lineup of expert picks is packed with standout shows across all genres. Whether you’re

    How does consciousness work? Duelling scientists tested two big theories but found no winner
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Bayne, Professor of Philosophy, Monash University cdd20 / Unsplash “Theories are like toothbrushes,” it’s sometimes said. “Everybody has their own and nobody wants to use anybody else’s.” It’s a joke, but when it comes to the study of consciousness – the question of how we have

    Australians are warming to minority governments – but they still prefer majority rule
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicholas Biddle, Professor of Economics and Public Policy, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University Minority governments have been part of Australia’s political history since Federation. In the country’s early decades, Prime Ministers Edmund Barton, Alfred Deakin, Chris Watson, George Reid and Andrew Fisher

    Donald Trump has cast a long shadow over the Australian election. Will it prove decisive?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University Donald Trump is everywhere, inescapable. His return to power in the United States was always going to have some impact on the Australian federal election. The question was how disruptive he would be.

    Playing politics with AI: why NZ needs rules on the use of ‘fake’ images in election campaigns
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn Isaacs, Lecturer, Anthropology, University of Waikato Laurence Dutton/Getty Images Seeing is no longer believing in the age of images and videos generated by artificial intelligence (AI), and this is having an impact on elections in New Zealand and elsewhere. Ahead of the 2025 local body elections,

    When it comes to health information, who should you trust? 4 ways to spot a dodgy ‘expert’
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University Surface/Unsplash When it comes to our health, we’re constantly being warned about being taken in by misinformation. Yet for most of us what we believe ultimately comes down to who we trust, including which “experts” we trust. The problem is

    What is a downburst? These winds can be as destructive as tornadoes − we recreate them to test building designs
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amal Elawady, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida International University A downburst blasts Bangkok, Thailand, in 2017. Natapat Ariyamongkol/iStock/Getty Images Plus From a distance, a downburst can look like a torrent of heavy rain. But at ground level, its behavior can be far more destructive.

    Confirmed: Australian weapons sold to Israel, reveals Declassified Australia
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – SPECIAL REPORT: By Michelle Fahy The Australian counter-drone weapons system seen at a weapons demonstration in Israel recently is actually just one of a few that were sold by the Canberra-based company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and sent through its wholly-owned US subsidiary to Israel, Declassified

    Amid Dutton’s ‘hate media’ and Trump’s despotism, press freedom is more vital than ever
    COMMENTARY: By Alexandra Wake Despite all the political machinations and hate towards the media coming from the president of the United States, I always thought the majority of Australian politicians supported the role of the press in safeguarding democracy. And I certainly did not expect Peter Dutton — amid an election campaign, one with citizens

    Election Diary: post-election rate cut and phone call from Trump in the pipeline
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra It used to be de rigueur for the prime minister and opposition leader to turn up to the National Press Club in the final week of the election campaign. But now Liberal leaders are not so keen. Scott Morrison gave

    Inaccurate 1News reporting on football violence breached broadcasting standards, rules BSA
    Broadcasting Standards Authority New Zealand’s Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) has upheld complaints about two 1News reports relating to violence around a football match in Amsterdam between local team Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv. The authority found an item on “antisemitic violence” surrounding the match, and another on heightened security in Paris the following week,

    People’s mental health goes downhill after repeated climate disasters – it’s an issue of social equity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ang Li, ARC DECRA and Senior Research Fellow, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Healthy Housing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne Across Australia, communities are grappling with climate disasters that are striking more frequently and with greater intensity. Bushfires, floods and

    Older Australians are also hurting from the housing crisis. Where are the election policies to help them?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Victoria Cornell, Research Fellow, Flinders University shutterstock beeboys/Shutterstock It would be impossible at this stage in the election campaign to be unaware that housing is a critical, potentially vote-changing, issue. But the suite of policies being proposed by the major parties largely focus on young, first home

    Inflation is easing, boosting the case for another interest rate cut in May
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra Daria Nipot/Shutterstock Australia’s headline inflation rate held steady at a four-year low of 2.4% in the March quarter, according to official data, adding to the case for a cut in interest rates at

    Is your child anxious about going on school camp? Here are 4 ways to prepare
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Micah Boerma, Researcher, School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland Nitinai Thabthong/Shutterstock One of the highlights of the school year is an overnight excursion or school camp. These can happen as early as Year 3. While many students are very excited about the chance to

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Moves to Declassify FBI Analysis of Nellie Ohr’s Criminal Referral

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today requested Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel declassify the FBI’s analysis of a congressional criminal referral issued for Nellie Ohr following her false statements to Congress in 2018.

    Grassley transmitted the mostly unclassified FBI analysis document to Patel, along with an accompanying cover letter. The public letter outlines Ohr’s obstructive conduct and makes the case for declassification.

    “As you are aware, Nellie Ohr played a key role in the genesis of Crossfire Hurricane while working for Fusion GPS and coordinating with her husband, Bruce Ohr, who was a Justice Department official at that time,” Grassley wrote. “The [FBI’s] document provides background with respect to Crossfire Hurricane’s origins as well as the criminal case against Nellie Ohr.”

    “I request that a full declassification be done immediately for the following reasons,” Grassley continued: “(1) the document is largely unclassified and the portions that are classified are at a very low level of classification; (2) the information that is classified is similar to the information subject to declassification Executive Orders for Crossfire Hurricane records issued by President Trump in 2020 and 2025 and, at this point, may already be declassified; (3) other Crossfire Hurricane document declassifications separate from those Executive Orders occurred in the first Trump term; (4) the overriding public interest.”

    “Declassification of the document in full would be consistent with past practices and to the benefit of public transparency and accountability. There is no legitimate basis to keep the document from the public,” Grassley concluded.

    Read the full cover letter HERE.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mesa Man Indicted for Torching Tesla Property

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Today, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a five-count indictment against Ian William Moses, 35, of Mesa, Arizona for Maliciously Damaging Property and Vehicles in Interstate Commerce by Means of Fire.

    The charging documents filed in the case allege that Moses was at the Tesla dealership in Mesa shortly before 2 a.m. on Monday, April 28, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, tan ballcap, grey pants, black boots, and a black mask. He also carried a red plastic gas can and a black backpack. While in the Tesla parking lot, Moses was captured on video as he placed fire starter logs next to the dealership building. Moses then poured gasoline onto the starter logs, the building, and three Tesla vehicles. At around 1:38 a.m., Moses ignited the starter logs, causing a fire that destroyed a silver Tesla Cybertruck. Video shows Moses leaving the dealership on a dark colored bicycle shortly thereafter.

    Mesa police officers arrested Moses approximately a quarter mile from the Tesla dealership at around 3 a.m., still dressed in the same clothes as he was seen wearing at the scene. After his arrest, officers found a hand drawn map of the area in Moses’ pocket, which included a box with the letter “T” marking the dealership’s location.

    “If you engage in domestic terrorism, this Department of Justice will find you, follow the facts, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “No negotiating.”

    “ATF’s Special Agents and forensic investigators, working with the FBI and local partners, quickly recovered and analyzed critical evidence following this deliberate attack,” said ATF Acting Director Dan Driscoll. “This attack poses a serious threat to public safety and the ATF remains committed to aggressively pursuing anyone who endangers our communities through violence or destruction.”

    “There is nothing American about burning down someone else’s business because you disagree with them politically,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona. “These ongoing attacks against Tesla are not protests, they are acts of violence that have no place in Arizona or anywhere else. If someone targets Tesla with violence, they will be found and confronted with the full force of the law.”

    “I would like to recognize the dedicated work of the Mesa Police and Mesa Fire Departments on this case,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber. “Cooperation with our law enforcement partners acts as a multiplier in our efforts to remove violent criminals from the streets and make our communities safer. The professionalism and extensive investigative knowledge of the police and fire investigators within our arson taskforce cannot be overstated.”

    “My office will be engaged in this investigation, and I’m pleased to be able to share our expertise,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “We have a high level of success in prosecuting these types of crimes. My office stands ready to assist our federal law enforcement partners in the prosecution of this individual.”

    “I would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Superstition District Patrol officers who played a crucial role in this investigation. Their swift action in identifying and monitoring the suspicious van parked near the dealership was critical to the success of this operation. I am truly grateful for their diligent police work,” said Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost. “Special thanks also go to the Mesa Police specialty units and the partnering agencies involved. Your collaboration was instrumental in bringing this suspect to justice and enhancing the safety of our community.”

    Each count of conviction for Malicious Damage to Property in Interstate Commerce carries a minimum penalty of five years and up to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

    The investigation in this case is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, Mesa Police Department, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond K. Woo, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aimfinity Investment Corp. I Announces Transition from Nasdaq to OTC Markets and New Monthly Extension for Business Combination

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Wilmington, DE, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aimfinity Investment Corp. I (the “AIMA”) (Nasdaq: AIMAU), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced that, as anticipated, AIMA received a notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq” or the “Exchange”), stating that in accordance with Nasdaq rules, its securities will be delisted from the Exchange. At the open of trading on Monday, May 5, 2025, AIMA’s securities will be suspended on Nasdaq and are expected to begin trading on the OTC Markets under the tickers “AIMAU,” “AIMBU,” and “AIMAW”, for its units, new units and warrants, respectively.

    AIMA’s previously announced business combination (the “Business Combination”) with Docter Inc. (“Docter”), a Taiwanese health technology company, which received shareholder approval on March 27, 2025, will not be materially affected by the venue change, as AIMA and Docter remain committed to working closely to secure Nasdaq listing approval for the post-combined entity and to close the Business Combination as soon as practicable.

    In addition, in order to extend the date by which AIMA must complete the Business Combination from April 28, 2025 to May 28, 2025, on April 28, 2025, I-Fa Chang, manager of the sponsor of AIMA, deposited into AIMA’s trust account (the “Trust Account”) an aggregate of $55,823.80, or $0.05 per Class A ordinary share held by public shareholders of AIMA (the “Monthly Extension Payment”).

    Pursuant to AIMA’s fourth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (“Current Charter”), effective January 9, 2025, AIMA may extend the date by which AIMA must complete the Business Combination on a monthly basis from January 28, 2025 until October 28, 2025 or such earlier date as may be determined by its board of directors by depositing the Monthly Extension Payment for each month into the Trust Account. This is the fourth of nine monthly extensions available under the Current Charter of AIMA.  

    About Aimfinity Investment Corp. I

    Aimfinity Investment Corp. I is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) focused on merging with high-growth potential businesses and facilitating their entry into the capital markets.

    About Docter Inc.

    Docter Inc. is a leading health technology company dedicated to developing innovative health monitoring solutions that enhance the accessibility and efficiency of global healthcare services.
      

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    As previously disclosed, on October 13, 2023, AIMA entered into that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”), by and between AIMA, Docter, Aimfinity Investment Merger Sub I, a Cayman Islands exempted company and wholly-owned subsidiary of AIMA (“Purchaser”), and Aimfinity Investment Merger Sub II, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Purchaser (“Merger Sub”), pursuant to which AIMA is proposing to enter into a business combination with Docter involving an reincorporation merger and an acquisition merger. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the business combination. AIMA’s shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the proxy statement/prospectus and the amendments thereto and other documents filed in connection with the proposed business combination, as these materials will contain important information about AIMA, Purchaser or Docter, and the proposed business combination. The proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials for the proposed business combination have been mailed to shareholders of AIMA as of the record date of February 25, 2025, established for voting on the proposed business combination. Such shareholders will also be able to obtain copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to AIMA’s principal office at 221 W 9th St, PMB 235 Wilmington, Delaware 19801.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the proposed transactions described herein, and the parties’ perspectives and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed transaction, including the anticipated initial enterprise value and post-closing equity value, the benefits of the proposed transaction, integration plans, expected synergies and revenue opportunities, anticipated future financial and operating performance and results, including estimates for growth, the expected management and governance of the combined company, and the expected timing of the proposed transactions. The words “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, assumptions (including assumptions about general economic, market, industry and operational factors), known or unknown, which could cause the actual results to vary materially from those indicated or anticipated.

    Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) risks related to the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed business combination, including the risk that the transaction may not close due to one or more closing conditions to the transaction not being satisfied or waived, such as regulatory approvals not being obtained, on a timely basis or otherwise, or that a governmental entity prohibited, delayed or refused to grant approval for the consummation of the transaction or required certain conditions, limitations or restrictions in connection with such approvals; (ii) risks related to the ability of AIMA and Docter to successfully integrate the businesses; (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the applicable transaction agreements; (iv) the risk that there may be a material adverse change with respect to the financial position, performance, operations or prospects of AIMA or Docter; (v) risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; (vi) the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of AIMA’s securities; (vii) the risk that the proposed transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of Docter to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers and on their operating results and businesses generally; (viii) risks relating to the medical device industry, including but not limited to governmental regulatory and enforcement changes, market competitions, competitive product and pricing activity; and (ix) risks relating to the combined company’s ability to enhance its products and services, execute its business strategy, expand its customer base and maintain stable relationship with its business partners.
       
    A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in the prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 26, 2022 relating to AIMA’s initial public offering (File No. 333-263874), the annual report of AIMA on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2025, and in the final prospectus/proxy statement filed with the SEC on March 6, 2025 relating to the proposed transactions (File No. 333-284658) (the “Final Prospectus”), and other documents that the parties may file or furnish with the SEC, which you are encouraged to read. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and AIMA, Docter, and their subsidiaries or affiliates undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made except as required by law or applicable regulation.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the proposed transactions described herein, Purchaser filed the Final Prospectus with the SEC on March 6, 2025. The proxy statement and a proxy card has been mailed to AIMA’s shareholders of record as of February 25, 2025. Shareholders of AIMA will also be able to obtain a copy of the Final Prospectus without charge from AIMA. The Final Prospectus may also be obtained without charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF AIMA ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS THAT AIMA WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AIMA, DOCTER AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS. 

    Participants in the Solicitation

    AIMA, Docter, and their respective directors, executive officers, other members of management, and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of AIMA’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transactions described herein. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of AIMA’s shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination is set forth in the Final Prospectus.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of any potential transaction and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of AIMA, Purchaser or Docter, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom.

    Contact Information:

    Aimfinity Investment Corp. I
    I-Fa Chang
    Chief Executive Officer
    221 W 9th St, PMB 235
    Wilmington, Delaware 19801
    ceo@aimfinityspac.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mesa Man Indicted for Torching Tesla Property

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Today, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a five-count indictment against Ian William Moses, 35, of Mesa, Arizona for Maliciously Damaging Property and Vehicles in Interstate Commerce by Means of Fire.

    The charging documents filed in the case allege that Moses was at the Tesla dealership in Mesa shortly before 2 a.m. on Monday, April 28, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, tan ballcap, grey pants, black boots, and a black mask. He also carried a red plastic gas can and a black backpack. While in the Tesla parking lot, Moses was captured on video as he placed fire starter logs next to the dealership building. Moses then poured gasoline onto the starter logs, the building, and three Tesla vehicles. At around 1:38 a.m., Moses ignited the starter logs, causing a fire that destroyed a silver Tesla Cybertruck. Video shows Moses leaving the dealership on a dark colored bicycle shortly thereafter.

    Mesa police officers arrested Moses approximately a quarter mile from the Tesla dealership at around 3 a.m., still dressed in the same clothes as he was seen wearing at the scene. After his arrest, officers found a hand drawn map of the area in Moses’ pocket, which included a box with the letter “T” marking the dealership’s location.

    “If you engage in domestic terrorism, this Department of Justice will find you, follow the facts, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “No negotiating.”

    “ATF’s Special Agents and forensic investigators, working with the FBI and local partners, quickly recovered and analyzed critical evidence following this deliberate attack,” said ATF Acting Director Dan Driscoll. “This attack poses a serious threat to public safety and the ATF remains committed to aggressively pursuing anyone who endangers our communities through violence or destruction.”

    “There is nothing American about burning down someone else’s business because you disagree with them politically,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona. “These ongoing attacks against Tesla are not protests, they are acts of violence that have no place in Arizona or anywhere else. If someone targets Tesla with violence, they will be found and confronted with the full force of the law.”

    “I would like to recognize the dedicated work of the Mesa Police and Mesa Fire Departments on this case,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber. “Cooperation with our law enforcement partners acts as a multiplier in our efforts to remove violent criminals from the streets and make our communities safer. The professionalism and extensive investigative knowledge of the police and fire investigators within our arson taskforce cannot be overstated.”

    “My office will be engaged in this investigation, and I’m pleased to be able to share our expertise,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “We have a high level of success in prosecuting these types of crimes. My office stands ready to assist our federal law enforcement partners in the prosecution of this individual.”

    “I would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Superstition District Patrol officers who played a crucial role in this investigation. Their swift action in identifying and monitoring the suspicious van parked near the dealership was critical to the success of this operation. I am truly grateful for their diligent police work,” said Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost. “Special thanks also go to the Mesa Police specialty units and the partnering agencies involved. Your collaboration was instrumental in bringing this suspect to justice and enhancing the safety of our community.”

    Each count of conviction for Malicious Damage to Property in Interstate Commerce carries a minimum penalty of five years and up to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

    The investigation in this case is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, Mesa Police Department, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond K. Woo, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Mesa Man Indicted for Torching Tesla Property

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    Today, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a five-count indictment against Ian William Moses, 35, of Mesa, Arizona for Maliciously Damaging Property and Vehicles in Interstate Commerce by Means of Fire.

    The charging documents filed in the case allege that Moses was at the Tesla dealership in Mesa shortly before 2 a.m. on Monday, April 28, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, tan ballcap, grey pants, black boots, and a black mask. He also carried a red plastic gas can and a black backpack. While in the Tesla parking lot, Moses was captured on video as he placed fire starter logs next to the dealership building. Moses then poured gasoline onto the starter logs, the building, and three Tesla vehicles. At around 1:38 a.m., Moses ignited the starter logs, causing a fire that destroyed a silver Tesla Cybertruck. Video shows Moses leaving the dealership on a dark colored bicycle shortly thereafter.

    Mesa police officers arrested Moses approximately a quarter mile from the Tesla dealership at around 3 a.m., still dressed in the same clothes as he was seen wearing at the scene. After his arrest, officers found a hand drawn map of the area in Moses’ pocket, which included a box with the letter “T” marking the dealership’s location.

    “If you engage in domestic terrorism, this Department of Justice will find you, follow the facts, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “No negotiating.”

    “ATF’s Special Agents and forensic investigators, working with the FBI and local partners, quickly recovered and analyzed critical evidence following this deliberate attack,” said ATF Acting Director Dan Driscoll. “This attack poses a serious threat to public safety and the ATF remains committed to aggressively pursuing anyone who endangers our communities through violence or destruction.”

    “There is nothing American about burning down someone else’s business because you disagree with them politically,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona. “These ongoing attacks against Tesla are not protests, they are acts of violence that have no place in Arizona or anywhere else. If someone targets Tesla with violence, they will be found and confronted with the full force of the law.”

    “I would like to recognize the dedicated work of the Mesa Police and Mesa Fire Departments on this case,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber. “Cooperation with our law enforcement partners acts as a multiplier in our efforts to remove violent criminals from the streets and make our communities safer. The professionalism and extensive investigative knowledge of the police and fire investigators within our arson taskforce cannot be overstated.”

    “My office will be engaged in this investigation, and I’m pleased to be able to share our expertise,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “We have a high level of success in prosecuting these types of crimes. My office stands ready to assist our federal law enforcement partners in the prosecution of this individual.”

    “I would like to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Superstition District Patrol officers who played a crucial role in this investigation. Their swift action in identifying and monitoring the suspicious van parked near the dealership was critical to the success of this operation. I am truly grateful for their diligent police work,” said Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost. “Special thanks also go to the Mesa Police specialty units and the partnering agencies involved. Your collaboration was instrumental in bringing this suspect to justice and enhancing the safety of our community.”

    Each count of conviction for Malicious Damage to Property in Interstate Commerce carries a minimum penalty of five years and up to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

    The investigation in this case is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, Mesa Police Department, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond K. Woo, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Antioch Police Officer Found Guilty Of Conspiracy To Distribute Anabolic Steroids And Obstruction Of Justice

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OAKLAND – A federal jury today convicted former Antioch police officer Devon Wenger of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids and one count of obstruction of justice. The jury’s verdict follows a three-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White.

    Wenger, 33, was previously employed as a police officer with the Antioch Police Department. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Wenger conspired with Daniel Harris, who was at the time also a police officer with the Antioch Police Department, to distribute anabolic steroids to a third individual, and then deleted evidence of this conspiracy from his cellular phone.

    “Instead of upholding the law, as he swore an oath to do, Devon Wenger conspired with a fellow officer to sell illegal anabolic steroids.  When the FBI arrived at his home to investigate him, he then doubled down by destroying evidence of his crime. Crimes like these by a police officer have a corrosive effect on the public’s trust in law enforcement.  Thanks to today’s jury conviction, Mr. Wenger will now face sentencing for his violations of law,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins.

    “When Devon Wenger broke the law and then tried to cover his tracks, he didn’t just commit a crime — he betrayed the trust of the community he was sworn to serve. After learning the FBI was outside his home with a search warrant, he chose to delete evidence rather than come clean. That kind of misconduct corrodes public confidence in law enforcement,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “Today’s guilty verdict makes clear that the FBI will hold accountable anyone who abuses the authority and responsibility of public service.”

    According to the evidence presented at trial, in February 2022, Wenger set up the sale of anabolic steroids, a Schedule III controlled substance, between Harris and a third individual. Harris was also charged in this case and pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy on Sept. 17, 2024. Law enforcement officials seized the package of anabolic steroids destined for Harris before they arrived, although Wenger continued to communicate with Harris about supplying the third individual with anabolic steroids, including offering to give this individual some of Wenger’s own while they waited for the delayed package.

    On March 23, 2022, at 8:03 a.m., the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began calling and sending text messages to Wenger telling him that they were outside of his residence with a warrant. It was not until 9:00 a.m. that Wenger appeared for the FBI to seize Wenger’s cellular phone. Later forensic examination of that device showed that specific entries related to the anabolic steroid distribution conspiracy had been deleted: specifically, all text messages between Wenger and Harris, all text messages between Wenger and the third individual he was trying to supply with steroids, the contacts for both Harris and the third individual, and recent call log entries for Wenger’s most recent phone calls with the third individual.

    The jury convicted Wenger of all counts charged in this case: one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) and one count of destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations (obstruction of justice) in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1519.

    Wenger is scheduled to appear on May 6, 2025, for a hearing on whether to remand him to custody pending sentencing. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on the conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids count and 20 years in prison on the obstruction of justice count. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    The case is being prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney.

    * * *

    Separately, Wenger is scheduled to appear before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White on May 6, 2025, for a status conference in United States v. Wenger, 23-cr-00269, which charges Wenger with one count of conspiracy against rights in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 241 and one count of deprivation of rights under color of law in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. The United States v. Wenger, 23-cr-00269 case is set for trial on July 21, 2025.

    These charges against Wenger were brought as part of an investigation into the Antioch and Pittsburgh police departments that resulted in multiple charges against 10 current and former officers and employees of these two police departments for various crimes ranging from the use of excessive force to fraud. The status of these cases, all of which are before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, is below:

    Case Name and Number Statute(s)

    Defendant

    (Bold: multiple case numbers)

    		 Status

    Fraud

    23-cr-00264

    		 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; 1343 (Wire Fraud) Patrick Berhan Sentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 24-cr-157 on 9/5/24
    Morteza Amiri Convicted at trial 8/8/24, remanded to custody pending sentencing, which is set for 6/3/25
    Amanda Theodosy a/k/a Nash Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release 11/15/24
    Samantha Peterson Sentenced to time served, 3 years supervised release 4/24/24
    Ernesto Mejia-Orozco Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 9/19/24
    Brauli Jalapa Rodriguez Sentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 10/25/24

    Obstruction

    23-cr-00267

    		 18 U.S.C. §§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations); 1512(c)(2) (Obstruction of Official Proceedings); 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) Timothy Manly Williams Pleaded guilty 11/28/23, status conference 8/19/25

    Anabolic Steroid Distribution

    23-cr-00268

    		 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids), 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids) Daniel Harris Pleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 8/19/25

    21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids);

    18 U.S.C.§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)

    		 Devon Wenger Convicted at trial 4/30/25, sentencing pending

    Civil Rights

    23-cr-00269

    		 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law); § 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations) Morteza Amiri Convicted at trial 3/14/25 on counts 2 and 5, remanded to custody pending sentencing, which is set for 6/3/25
    18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) Eric Rombough Pleaded guilty 1/14/25, status conference 8/19/25
    18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law) Devon Wenger Trial 7/21/25

    Anabolic Steroid Distribution

    24-cr-00157

    		 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids) Patrick Berhan Sentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 9/5/24

    Bank Fraud

    24-cr-00502

    		 18 U.S.C. § 1344(1), (2) (Bank fraud) Daniel Harris Pleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 8/19/25

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anaheim Man Found Guilty of Producing, Distributing, and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material of 13-Year-Old Victim

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man was found guilty by a jury today of federal child sexual exploitation crimes for befriending a 13-year-old girl, providing her with alcohol, and sexually assaulting her, taking photographs and making videos of the attack.

    Jonathan Gonzalez-Reyes, 38, of Anaheim, was found guilty of one count of production of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. He has been in federal custody since June 2024.

    According to evidence presented at a three-day trial, in February 2021, Gonzalez-Reyes and a co-defendant, Nanci Jasmin Castillo, 32, of Anaheim, befriended the victim, a 13-year-old girl identified in court documents as “Minor Victim 1.” 

    At Castillo’s home, Castillo and Gonzalez-Reyes sexually assaulted the victim – to whom Castillo had given an alcoholic beverage after the victim previously had taken Xanax anti-anxiety medication – while the victim was going in and out of consciousness. Gonzalez-Reyes and Castillo photographed and made videos of the attack.

    A search of Gonzalez-Reyes’ phone and Castillo’s iCloud account by law enforcement revealed the existence of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the victim and the defendants. Additionally, law enforcement found evidence that Gonzalez-Reyes sent copies of the CSAM to Castillo.

    In September 2021, Gonzalez-Reyes used a cellphone to knowingly possess and distribute images of the same victim, knowing the images showed a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

    United States District Judge David O. Carter scheduled a July 28 sentencing hearing, at which time Gonzalez-Reyes will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. 

    Castillo, who also has been in federal custody since June 2024, pleaded guilty on February 5 to one count of production of child pornography. She too will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison at her sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for July 28.

    The FBI investigated this matter with assistance from the Anaheim Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Norell of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Blake Hannah of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –