Category: Intelligence Agencies

MIL-OSI: UP Fintech Holding Limited Reports Unaudited Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UP Fintech Holding Limited (NASDAQ: TIGR) (“UP Fintech” or the “Company”), a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

Mr. Wu Tianhua, Chairman and CEO of UP Fintech stated: “Both of our financial and operating performance have achieved significant growth in the fourth quarter and the full year of 2024. Total revenue in the fourth quarter reached US$124.1 million, representing a sequential increase of 22.8% and a year-over-year growth of 77.3%. The full year total revenue amounted to US$391.5 million, a 43.7% increase from 2023. Bottom line also largely increased on a GAAP and non-GAAP basis. Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech in the fourth quarter reached US$28.1 million, representing a quarter-over-quarter growth of 58.0% and compared to a net loss of US$1.8 million in the same quarter of last year. Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech in the fourth quarter amounted to US$30.5 million, a quarter-over-quarter increase of 51.7% and a year-over-year increase of 2772.5%. The full year net income and non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech in 2024 were US$60.7 million and US$70.5 million, increased 86.5% and 65.0% respectively compared to prior year. We are pleased to see that both our annual and quarterly topline and bottom line have reached an all-time high as we keep executing internationalization strategy and building a resilient business model with healthier operating leverage.

In the fourth quarter, we added 59,200 customers with deposits, an increase of 17.2% quarter over quarter and 51.4% year over year, bringing our yearly total to 187,400, exceeding our yearly guidance of 150,000. The total number of customers with deposits at the end of 2024 reached 1,092,000, a 20.7% increase compared to 2023 year-end. Additionally, asset inflows remained robust, with a net inflow of US$1.1 billion in the fourth quarter, primarily from retail investors. This was slightly offset by a mark-to-market loss. As a result, the total account balance rose by 2.4% quarter over quarter and 36.4% year over year, reaching a record US$41.7 billion. Over the past three years, the number of customers with deposits and total account balance have achieved compound annual growth rates (“CAGRs”) of 17.5% and 34.7%, respectively.

We have continued to roll out a range of localized products and features designed to enhance the user experience. In late January, our cryptocurrency platform, YAX (Hong Kong) Limited, received official approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (HKSFC), becoming a licensed virtual asset trading platform (VATP) in Hong Kong. Recently, we officially upgraded our AI investment assistant, TigerGPT to TigerAI and integrated with leading AI models, making it the first brokerage platform globally to incorporate such technology.

Our corporate business continued to perform well in the fourth quarter of 2024. During this period, we underwrote a total of 14 U.S. and Hong Kong IPOs, including “Mao Geping Company”, “Pony AI Inc.” and “WeRide Inc.”, bringing the total number of U.S. and Hong Kong IPOs underwritten for the year to 44. In our ESOP business, we added 16 new clients in the fourth quarter, bringing the total number of ESOP clients served to 613 as of December 31, 2024.”

Financial Highlights for Fourth Quarter 2024

Total revenues increased 77.3% year-over-year to US$124.1 million.
Total net revenues increased 98.9% year-over-year to US$107.4 million.
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech was US$28.1 million compared to a net loss of US$1.8 million in the same quarter of last year.
Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech was US$30.5 million, compared to a non-GAAP net income of US$1.1 million in the same quarter of last year, an increase of 2772.5%. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial metrics to the most comparable GAAP metrics is set forth below.

Financial Highlights for Fiscal Year 2024

Total revenues increased 43.7% year-over-year to US$391.5 million.
Total net revenues increased 46.6% year-over-year to US$330.7 million.
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech was US$60.7 million compared to a net income of US$32.6 million in 2023, an increase of 86.5%.
Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech was US$70.5 million, compared to a non-GAAP net income of US$42.7 million in 2023, an increase of 65.0%. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial metrics to the most comparable GAAP metrics is set forth below.

Operating Highlights as of Year End 2024

Total account balance increased 36.4% year-over-year to US$41.7 billion.
Total margin financing and securities lending balance increased 88.2% year-over-year to US$4.5 billion.
Total number of customers with deposit increased 20.7% year-over-year to 1,092,000.

Selected Operating Data for Fourth Quarter 2024

	As of and for the three months ended
	December 31,	September 30,	December 31,
	2023	2024	2024
In 000’s
Number of customer accounts	2,195.7	2,368.0	2,449.3
Number of customers with deposits	904.6	1,032.8	1,092.0
Number of options and futures contracts traded	8,044.5	15,261.2	18,926.3
In USD millions
Trading volume	81,765.2	162,990.0	198,016.9
Trading volume of stocks	19,711.6	41,406.3	55,502.6
Total account balance	30,597.5	40,763.6	41,725.2

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

REVENUES

Total revenues were US$124.1 million, an increase of 77.3% from US$70.0 million in the same quarter of last year.

Commissions were US$56.0 million, an increase of 154.9% from US$22.0 million in the same quarter of last year, due to an increase in trading volume.

Financing service fees were US$2.8 million, a decrease of 12.7% from US$3.2 million in the same quarter of last year, primarily due to a decrease in securities lending activities of our fully disclosed account customers.

Interest income was US$55.8 million, an increase of 39.6% from US$40.0 million in the same quarter of last year, primarily due to the increase in margin financing and securities lending activities of our consolidated account customers.

Other revenues were US$9.6 million, an increase of 96.2% from US$4.9 million in the same quarter of last year, primarily due to the increase in IPO subscription incomes and currency exchange incomes.

Interest expense was US$16.7 million, an increase of 4.6% from US$16.0 million in the same quarter of last year, primarily due to the increase in margin financing activities.

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

Total operating costs and expenses were US$73.1 million, an increase of 39.3% from US$52.5 million in the same quarter of last year.

Execution and clearing expenses were US$6.1 million, an increase of 171.5% from US$2.2 million in the same quarter of last year due to an increase in our trading volume.

Employee compensation and benefits expenses were US$37.2 million, an increase of 40.5% from US$26.5 million in the same quarter of last year, primarily due to an increase of global headcount to support our global expansion.

Occupancy, depreciation and amortization expenses were US$2.1 million, a slight decrease of 2.4% from US$2.2 million in the same quarter of last year.

Communication and market data expenses were US$11.8 million, an increase of 38.2% from US$8.5 million in the same quarter of last year due to increased IT-related fees.

Marketing and branding expenses were US$9.5 million, an increase of 64.2% from US$5.8 million in the same quarter of last year, primarily due to higher marketing spending this quarter.

General and administrative expenses were US$6.4 million, a decrease of 11.8% from US$7.3 million in the same quarter of last year due to a decrease in professional service fees.

NET LOSS/INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS OF UP FINTECH

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech was US$28.1 million, as compared to a net loss of US$1.8 million in the same quarter of last year. Net income per ADS – diluted was US$0.158, as compared to a net loss per ADS – diluted of US$0.012 in the same quarter of last year.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech, which excludes share-based compensation, was US$30.5 million, as compared to a US$1.1 million non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech in the same quarter of last year. Non-GAAP net income per ADS – diluted was US$0.172 as compared to a non-GAAP net income per ADS – diluted of US$0.007 in the same quarter of last year.

For the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company’s weighted average number of ADSs used in calculating non-GAAP net income per ADS – diluted was 179,173,811. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had a total of 2,640,326,072 Class A and B ordinary shares outstanding, or the equivalent of 176,021,738 ADSs.

Full Year 2024 Financial Results

REVENUES

Total revenues were US$391.5 million, an increase of 43.7% from US$272.5 million in 2023.

Commissions were US$159.0 million, an increase of 71.8% from US$92.6 million in 2023, due to an increase in trading volume.

Financing service fees were US$11.3 million, a decrease of 7.1% from US$12.2 million in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in securities lending activities of our fully disclosed account customers.

Interest income was US$191.8 million, an increase of 28.4% from US$149.3 million in 2023, primarily due to the increase in margin financing and securities lending activities of our consolidated account customers.

Other revenues were US$29.4 million, an increase of 59.6% from US$18.4 million in 2023, primarily due to the increase in IPO subscription incomes and currency exchange incomes.

Interest expense was US$60.8 million, an increase of 29.5% from US$47.0 million in 2023, primarily due to the increase in margin financing and securities lending activities.

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

Total operating costs and expenses were US$252.3 million, an increase of 30.9% from US$192.7 million in 2023.

Execution and clearing expenses were US$14.7 million, an increase of 61.3% from US$9.1 million in 2023 due to an increase in our trading volume.

Employee compensation and benefits expenses were US$122.4 million, an increase of 21.5% from US$100.8 million in 2023, primarily due to an increase of global headcount to support our global expansion.

Occupancy, depreciation and amortization expenses were US$8.6 million, a decrease of 8.9% from US$9.4 million in 2023.

Communication and market data expenses were US$38.9 million, an increase of 26.1% from US$30.8 million in 2023 due to increased IT-related fees.

Marketing and branding expenses were US$28.5 million, an increase of 36.8% from US$20.9 million in 2023, primarily due to higher marketing spending this year.

General and administrative expenses were US$39.3 million, an increase of 80.2% from US$21.8 million in 2023 due to an increase in bad debt expense.

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ORDINARY SHAREHOLDERS OF UP FINTECH

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech was US$60.7 million, as compared to a net income of US$32.6 million in 2023. Net income per ADS – diluted was US$0.366, as compared to a net income per ADS – diluted of US$0.207 in 2023.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech, which excludes share-based compensation, was US$70.5 million, as compared to a US$42.7 million non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech in 2023. Non-GAAP net income per ADS – diluted was US$0.424 as compared to a non-GAAP net income per ADS – diluted of US$0.270 in 2023.

CERTAIN OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS

As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and long-term deposits were US$396.0 million, compared to US$327.7 million as of December 31, 2023.

As of December 31, 2024, the allowance balance of receivables from customers was US$15.3 million compared to US$1.0 million as of December 31, 2023, which was due to a bad debt provision concerning the recoverability of a specific Hong Kong stock pledge business faced with extreme market situation and significant price drop, leading to a provision for the loan balance.

Conference Call Information:

UP Fintech’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM on March 18, 2025, U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 PM on March 18, 2025, Singapore/Hong Kong Time).

All participants wishing to attend the call must preregister online before they may receive the dial-in numbers. Preregistration may require a few minutes to complete.

Preregistration Information:

Please note that all participants will need to pre-register for the conference call, using the link:

https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BId5c2bd4696d14e7ba2bc391b87ede751

It will automatically lead to the registration page of “UP Fintech Holding Limited Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2024 Earnings Conference Call”, where details for RSVP are needed.

Upon registering, all participants will be provided in confirmation emails with participant dial-in numbers and personal PINs to access the conference call. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the call start time using the conference access information.

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at https://ir.itigerup.com

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In evaluating our business, we consider and use non-GAAP net loss or income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech and non-GAAP net loss or income per ADS – diluted as supplemental measures to review and assess our operating performance. The presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”). We define non-GAAP net loss or income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech as net loss or income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech excluding share-based compensation. Non-GAAP net loss or income per ADS – diluted is non-GAAP net loss or income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech divided by the weighted average number of diluted ADSs.

We present these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by our management to evaluate our operating performance and formulate business plans. Non-GAAP net loss or income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech enables our management to assess our operating results without considering the impact of share-based compensation. We also believe that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures facilitates investors’ assessment of our operating performance.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool. One of the key limitations of using these non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not reflect all items of income and expenses that affect our operations. Share-based compensation has been and may continue to be incurred in our business and are not reflected in the presentation of non-GAAP net loss or income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech. Further, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the non-GAAP financial information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as alternatives to total operating costs and expenses, net loss or income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of our operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review these historical non-GAAP financial measures in light of the most directly comparable GAAP measures. These non-GAAP financial measures presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting the usefulness of such measures when analyzing our data comparatively. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

About UP Fintech Holding Limited

UP Fintech Holding Limited is a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors. The Company’s proprietary mobile and online trading platform enables investors to trade in equities and other financial instruments on multiple exchanges around the world. The Company offers innovative products and services as well as a superior user experience to customers through its “mobile first” strategy, which enables it to better serve and retain current customers as well as attract new ones. The Company offers customers comprehensive brokerage and value-added services, including trade order placement and execution, margin financing, IPO subscription, ESOP management, investor education, community discussion and customer support. The Company’s proprietary infrastructure and advanced technology are able to support trades across multiple currencies, multiple markets, multiple products, multiple execution venues and multiple clearinghouses.

For more information on the Company, please visit: https://ir.itigerup.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward−looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward−looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “aim,” “likely to,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements or expressions. Among other statements, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, the Company’s strategic and operational plans and expectations regarding growth and expansion of its business lines, and the Company’s plans for future financing of its business contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Forms 20−F and 6−K, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties, including the earnings conference call. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward−looking statements. Forward−looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s ability to effectively implement its growth strategies; trends and competition in global financial markets; changes in the Company’s revenues and certain cost or expense accounting policies; and governmental policies and regulations affecting the Company’s industry and general economic conditions in China, Singapore and other countries. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 22, 2024. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

For investor and media inquiries please contact:

Investor Relations Contact

UP Fintech Holding Limited

Email: ir@itiger.com

UP FINTECH HOLDING LIMITED UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in U.S. dollars (“US$”))
	As of December 31,		As of December 31,
	2023		2024
	US$		US$
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	322,599,616		393,576,874
Cash-segregated for regulatory purpose	1,617,154,185		2,464,683,625
Term deposits	896,683		1,075,260
Receivables from customers (net of allowance of US$991,286 and US$15,284,002 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024)	753,361,199		1,052,972,649
Receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations	541,876,929		2,305,740,507
Financial instruments held, at fair value	428,159,554		75,547,082
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,936,180		17,629,819
Amounts due from related parties	7,987,756		16,720,671
Total current assets	3,689,972,102		6,327,946,487
Non-current assets:
Long-term deposits	4,225,412		1,369,994
Right-of-use assets	9,067,885		10,880,673
Property, equipment and intangible assets, net	16,429,543		15,358,528
Goodwill	2,492,668		2,492,668
Long-term investments	7,586,483		7,658,809
Equity method investment	—		10,203,622
Other non-current assets	5,282,012		6,828,553
Deferred tax assets	10,990,998		8,573,135
Total non-current assets	56,075,001		63,365,982
Total assets	3,746,047,103		6,391,312,469
Current liabilities:
Payables to customers	2,913,306,558		3,574,651,125
Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations	114,771,931		1,914,769,701
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	42,381,946		67,263,254
Deferred income-current	819,809		—
Lease liabilities-current	4,133,883		4,153,928
Amounts due to related parties	10,148,142		874,331
Total current liabilities	3,085,562,269		5,561,712,339
Convertible bonds	156,887,691		159,505,397
Lease liabilities-non-current	4,777,134		5,902,323
Deferred tax liabilities	3,397,831		2,068,661
Total liabilities	3,250,624,925		5,729,188,720
Mezzanine equity
Redeemable non-controlling interest	6,706,660		7,177,668
Total Mezzanine equity	6,706,660		7,177,668
Shareholders’ equity:
Class A ordinary shares	22,528		25,427
Class B ordinary shares	976		976
Additional paid-in capital	505,448,080		619,030,730
Statutory reserve	8,511,039		12,425,463
(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings	(19,600,434	)	37,843,547
Treasury Stock	(2,172,819	)	(2,172,819	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,232,993	)	(11,919,310	)
Total UP Fintech shareholders’ equity	488,976,377		655,234,014
Non-controlling interests	(260,859	)	(287,933	)
Total equity	488,715,518		654,946,081
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and equity	3,746,047,103		6,391,312,469

UP FINTECH HOLDING LIMITED
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(All amounts in U.S. dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares (or ADSs) and per share (or ADS) data)

	For the three months ended						For the years ended
	December 31,		September 30,		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
	2023		2024		2024		2023		2024
	US$		US$		US$		US$		US$
Revenues:
Commissions	21,954,587		41,207,882		55,964,174		92,593,458		159,045,052
Interest related income
Financing service fees	3,174,949		2,803,878		2,770,419		12,178,838		11,311,560
Interest income	39,956,315		47,957,486		55,762,091		149,291,006		191,754,746
Other revenues	4,895,109		9,084,834		9,605,165		18,444,293		29,430,071
Total revenues	69,980,960		101,054,080		124,101,849		272,507,595		391,541,429
Interest expense	(15,995,738	)	(15,700,359	)	(16,731,341	)	(46,957,657	)	(60,803,516	)
Total Net Revenues	53,985,222		85,353,721		107,370,508		225,549,938		330,737,913
Operating costs and expenses:
Execution and clearing	(2,244,785	)	(3,518,611	)	(6,095,132	)	(9,084,089	)	(14,651,612	)
Employee compensation and benefits	(26,458,931	)	(28,769,980	)	(37,163,110	)	(100,750,644	)	(122,365,537	)
Occupancy, depreciation and amortization	(2,190,610	)	(2,162,704	)	(2,137,586	)	(9,387,056	)	(8,554,315	)
Communication and market data	(8,532,128	)	(9,730,680	)	(11,787,814	)	(30,831,488	)	(38,893,381	)
Marketing and branding	(5,790,739	)	(8,223,404	)	(9,507,918	)	(20,859,834	)	(28,530,053	)
General and administrative	(7,293,530	)	(6,932,672	)	(6,432,737	)	(21,791,263	)	(39,278,674	)
Total operating costs and expenses	(52,510,723	)	(59,338,051	)	(73,124,297	)	(192,704,374	)	(252,273,572	)
Other (loss) income:
Others, net	(1,664,053	)	(5,189,945	)	3,469,021		13,148,173		3,299,308
(Loss) income before income tax	(189,554	)	20,825,725		37,715,232		45,993,737		81,763,649
Income tax expenses	(1,498,639	)	(2,907,080	)	(9,488,084	)	(12,986,310	)	(20,409,721	)
Net (loss) income	(1,688,193	)	17,918,645		28,227,148		33,007,427		61,353,928
Less: net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests	(1,293	)	3,353		12,563		(98,285	)	(4,477	)
Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value	(148,624	)	(160,998	)	(164,328	)	(542,187	)	(630,485	)
Net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech	(1,835,524	)	17,754,294		28,050,257		32,563,525		60,727,920
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments	(450,325	)	—		343,892		(450,325	)	343,892
Changes in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	7,261,631		16,119,046		(17,440,809	)	(545,498	)	(9,022,611	)
Total Comprehensive income (loss)	5,123,113		34,037,691		11,130,231		32,011,604		52,675,209
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests	(8,222	)	(7,023	)	24,226		(92,526	)	3,121
Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value	(148,624	)	(160,998	)	(164,328	)	(542,187	)	(630,485	)
Total Comprehensive income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech	4,982,711		33,883,716		10,941,677		31,561,943		52,041,603
Net (loss) income per ordinary share:
Basic	(0.001	)	0.008		0.011		0.014		0.025
Diluted	(0.001	)	0.007		0.011		0.014		0.024
Net (loss) income per ADS (1 ADS represents 15 Class A ordinary shares):
Basic	(0.012	)	0.113		0.164		0.210		0.379
Diluted	(0.012	)	0.110		0.158		0.207		0.366
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating net (loss) income per ordinary share:
Basic	2,336,018,747		2,362,528,627		2,557,911,677		2,325,338,439		2,404,640,854
Diluted	2,336,018,747		2,467,241,917		2,687,607,158		2,427,268,831		2,534,097,315

Reconciliations of Unaudited Non-GAAP Results of Operations Measures to the Nearest Comparable GAAP Measures
(All amounts in U.S. dollars (“US$”), except for number of ADSs and per ADS data)

For the three months ended December 31,
2023

For the three months ended September 30,
2024

For the three months ended December 31,
2024

non-GAAP

GAAP

Adjustment

non-GAAP

GAAP

Adjustment

non-GAAP

GAAP

Adjustment

non-GAAP

US$

Unaudited

2,896,312

(1)

2,331,274

(1)

2,421,342

(1)

Net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech

(1,835,524

)

2,896,312

1,060,788

17,754,294

2,331,274

20,085,568

28,050,257

2,421,342

30,471,599

Net (loss) income per ADS – diluted

(0.012

)

0.007

0.110

0.124

0.158

0.172

Weighted average number of ADSs used in calculating diluted net (loss) income per ADS

155,734,583

157,931,785

164,482,794

179,173,811

(1) Share-based compensation.

Reconciliations of Unaudited Non-GAAP Results of Operations Measures to the Nearest Comparable GAAP Measures
(All amounts in U.S. dollars (“US$”), except for number of ADSs and per ADS data)

For the year ended December 31,
2023

For the year ended December 31,
2024

non-GAAP

GAAP

Adjustment

non-GAAP

GAAP

Adjustment

non-GAAP

US$

Unaudited

10,147,362

(1)

9,736,901

(1)

Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of UP Fintech

32,563,525

10,147,362

42,710,887

60,727,920

9,736,901

70,464,821

Net income per ADS – diluted

0.207

0.270

0.366

0.424

Weighted average number of ADSs used in calculating diluted net income per ADS

161,817,922

162,607,678

168,939,821

(1) Share-based compensation.

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth doorstop interview at the Derwent Valley Community House in New Norfolk, Tasmania

Source: Ministers for Social Services

18 March 2025

E&OE TRANSCRIPT

Topics: Investment in Australia’s neighbourhood houses and community centres; ABC Four Corners child care investigation.

AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: I’m so pleased to be here at Derwent Valley Community House to make a really important announcement that the Commonwealth Government will partner with neighbourhood houses and community centres across Australia to deliver funding for their priorities. This announcement will be close to a $1 million and deliver small grants to up to 50 projects delivered by neighbourhood houses and community centres through the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association. This is a really good partnership. We have been investing through our Strong and Resilient Communities grants in neighbourhood houses directly. But this is the first time that we’ll partner with the national association to deliver small grants across the country. Of course, here in Tasmania, there is a very strong network of neighbourhood houses and community centres, and they’ve demonstrated that they do a lot with a small amount of money. So, I’m really pleased to be announcing this partnership today, and happy to take any questions.

JOURNALIST: So, what’s the value of these individual grants?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Individual grants will be up to $15,000 to do a variety of things under the SARC (Strong and Resilient Communities) grant guidelines. It’s really about building community connections, particularly for those people that may be isolated, disengaged, disconnected. There’s often a focus on youth or newly arrived migrants. But ultimately, the types of ideas will come from the centres themselves, and they’ll be able to put an application into the association to get that funding.

JOURNALIST: You spoke about a lack of volunteers before over the past few years. Can you go into a little bit of that?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: COVID, in particular, disrupted volunteering across the country. We have been working hard with Volunteering Australia to build that back up. So we have put in place a National Strategy for Volunteering, along with an action plan. I’ve also been working with the peak associations in all states and territories to make sure that we’re providing funding for them to look at groups that may have been excluded from volunteering in the past. And we’re actually also running a new national campaign encouraging young people to look at volunteering. It’s called Hanging Out to Help Out. So these are really important elements to encourage volunteering. But I would say that we are seeing some green shoots of this investment. We are seeing, anecdotally, volunteers coming back and wanting to play a role, and speaking with the volunteers at this neighbourhood centre, hearing that they want to give back to the community is really heartening. And we’ve also heard, of course, the connections that are made through volunteering and being part of a community.

JOURNALIST: Of those 50 community houses that you mentioned before. Are they predetermined or are applications open?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: We are providing the funding to the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association to take applications and deliver that money. They are best placed and have the experience to do this. They have run a similar program with philanthropic money so they know how to do this. So we’re partnering with the national association to administer those ones.

JOURNALIST: And is there a state by state allocation or is it first in best dressed?

KEIR PATERSON, CEO OF NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES VICTORIA: We will assess all the applications, and they will be granted on the merit of the application. But we also look at the geographical spread to make sure it’s equitable state by state.

JOURNALIST: Do you know how many are based in Tasmania compared to other states?

MICHELLE EWINGTON, PRESIDENT OF NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES TASMANIA: So here in Tasmania, we have 35 neighbourhood houses that are funded through a variety of means. We’re very lucky to have state government funding and a commitment to such valuable and vital services.

JOURNALIST: Is there a part of Tasmania that really takes up a lot of those 35 services, or how are they spread out?

MICHELLE EWINGTON: They are dispersed right around the state. Each of them have their own diverse communities that they work with. They listen to the needs of communities. They fill the gaps for vital services that are required across the state, and each of those will have a great interest in applying for specific project funding as a result of this grant.

JOURNALIST: You really rely on this funding. This 15K – is it enough?

MICHELLE EWINGTON: Funding is essential to keep our services alive. We have such loyal staff in these organisations that stretch themselves immensely to actually deliver on the much-needed services for each community. So whilst these grants are going to be very useful and of interest, the continued funding for such important services, having been here today listening to the stories of this great house itself, the experiences of the volunteers here, the more funding that can be provided to houses right across the country, but particularly here in Tasmania, it’s essential.

JOURNALIST: What types of programs are being offered?

MICHELLE EWINGTON: Across the state there’s a diverse range of programs, from supporting people with learning to drive and mentor programs to offering social inclusion activities. Here we have a program called Happy Hookers Crochet Club. We offer cooking classes across the state. We bring services in so that they can meet the community where the community is. Community connectors is an important role that actually allows those that are vulnerable, those who may not have the skills, those who might not have the confidence, to approach the relevant services and get the referrals they need.

JOURNALIST: So for people coming through the door, what are some of the challenges that they’re facing?

MICHELLE EWINGTON: The challenges that communities face again are complex. The cost of living – we see that every day. Things like our food relief programs, the increased need for those. When we think about isolation and loneliness and the impact on communities, again, another important need addressed by our houses. There are a number of other skill building programs which might not be accessible to people through other means, and so neighbourhood houses fill a vital space in our communities and in amongst government services.

JOURNALIST: Have you seen a change in the community needs post COVID?

MICHELLE EWINGTON: I think the change is pretty evident in in terms of the common themes that have come through – cost of living, impacts on mental health, loneliness, concerns about health access, housing. All of the things that we know are big ticket items. At a grassroots level, the neighborhood houses are the places where we hear this, where we learn this, and where we support this.

JOURNALIST: There are calls for an urgent inquiry into the childcare sector, following a Four Corners expose into abuse, sexual misconduct and neglect. Would you support an inquiry, and in what form?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: First, I would say that our Government has taken the safety and quality of early learning and care incredibly seriously. In fact, it was Labor that introduced the National Quality Framework, which has done really important work in ensuring that we’re lifting the quality and safety of our early learning sector. But in addition, Minister Clare and Minister Aly commissioned an important report around child safety requirements under the National Quality Framework, and all Education Ministers have agreed to implement those recommendations. So the work really is working across the board with all states and territories to implement these recommendations. I would say that the majority of early childhood education settings and the workers that work in there do the right thing. For those that are not doing the right thing, there needs to be swift action.

JOURNALIST: And do you think there is swift action at the moment?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well as I said, predominantly the regulatory enforcement does come down to states and territories. However, as I said, Minister Clare and Minister Aly have worked and commissioned a review into child safety. There are now recommendations that all Education Ministers have agreed to. It’s important that those recommendations are implemented.

JOURNALIST: The sector’s propped up by $14 billion in Federal funding, and there have been increased incidents and breaches in every state. What are you doing to prevent money for educators’ pay rises just going to the profits of centres?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, let’s be really clear if, if educators and centres sign up for the pay increases, they have to deliver those through pay increases. The program that involves funding educators’ wages must be given to educators. That’s first and foremost. Secondly, we are driving improvement in this sector. It was neglected under the previous Government, who, in fact, opposed the introduction of the National Quality Framework. So it is important that we continue to work with our state and territory colleagues who are responsible for implementing it, but I want to see, importantly, action taken where we see quality improving and safety being lifted.

JOURNALIST: Given the systemic failures and serious breaches in childcare uncovered by Four Corners, does the Federal Government need to take over regulation to ensure children’s safety?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, we think that there is an important role to be played by both state and territory governments and the Commonwealth. It is a joint responsibility around the National Quality Framework. We have been working hard, as I said, through the Education Ministers, to do a review through the National Quality Framework to ensure that child safety is reviewed, and it’s a responsibility for states and territories, along with the Commonwealth, to deliver this.

JOURNALIST: I guess, circling back to that first point, on calls for inquiry. Should there be one? Have you seen the reports from Monday on Four Corners?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Of course, child safety has to be at the forefront at all times. And as I said, this has been something that Minister Aly and Minister Clare have had as a real focus. That’s why they commissioned the review. That’s why they’ve taken the recommendations to the Education Ministers, and that’s why they are focused on implementation. We need to ensure that the implementation of these recommendations are made. That’s critically important, and we’ll keep working with states and territories to ensure that happens.

JOURNALIST: But no fresh inquiry?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: There was a review done in 2003 after a decade of neglect by the previous Government. There are recommendations made. It is now down to implementing them.

MIL OSI News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Prison Inmates Sentenced for Gang-Motivated Stabbing

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SAN DIEGO – Jonathan Barba and Abraham Gomez-Rodriguez were sentenced in federal court today to 51 months and 37 months, respectively, for assaulting and stabbing a fellow inmate at the federal jail downtown on orders from a Mexican Mafia gang associate.

According to the publicly-filed documents in the case, Barba, Gomez-Rodriguez and the victim in the case were all inmates at the Metropolitan Correction Center. On March 27, 2024, Barba came up from behind the victim and stabbed him repeatedly with a metal shank while Gomez-Rodriguez held the victim’s arms so he could not escape or defend himself. When the victim broke free and ran away, Gomez-Rodriguez chased and struck him numerous times.

The victim was stabbed in the abdomen, neck, head and eye area. One of the stab wounds was dangerously close to the victim’s eyeball. The victim was left lacerated, bloodied, bruised and had to be taken to the hospital.

After the assault, Barba and Gomez-Rodriguez admitted to the victim that they assaulted him to please another inmate named “Alex,” who was a “shot caller” for the Mexican Mafia. Below is a photo of the shank that was used to repeatedly stab the victim:

Barba has a criminal history that involves domestic violence and drug importation. In 2014, he was convicted of first-degree domestic battery in Nevada and was sentenced to 60 days in jail and community service. In 2022, he was convicted of importation of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Southern District of California. For that offense, Barba was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison. He was serving his federal drug trafficking sentence when he violently assaulted and stabbed the victim-inmate.

Gomez-Rodriguez was convicted in 2022 of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin in the Southern District of California. He was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison. While he was serving his federal sentence, Gomez-Rodriguez, along with Barba, violently attacked the victim-inmate. The judge ordered that the sentences handed down be served consecutive to their existing sentences.

“Violence has no place in our correctional facilities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “We are fully committed to taking every legal action available to protect the safety and well-being of all inmates and to hold violent criminals accountable.”

“I want to applaud the FBI San Diego Violent Crime Task Force and MCC Special Investigations Unit’s commitment and dedication to hold the defendants accountable for their role in the violent and coordinated attack,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “We remain steadfast in working with our partners to protect the integrity of our correctional institutions.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Sherwood and Shital Thakkar.

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 24cr843-AJB

Jonathan Barba                                               Age: 32                                   Victorville, CA

Abraham Gomez-Rodriguez   Age: 26 Imperial Beach, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Assault With a Dangerous Weapon within Special Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction– Title 18, U.S.C., Section 113(a) and (7)(3)

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

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Federal Bureau of Prisons

MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Schenectady County Man Arrested for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gregory Magin, age 44, of Glenville, New York, was arrested on Friday on a criminal complaint charging him with distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

The criminal complaint alleges that from on or about July 18 through July 20, 2024, Magin distributed CSAM videos over the internet. Magin sent CSAM videos to other users on an online chat application in order to get access to certain groups. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Magin initially appeared Friday in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday, March 18.

The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as Part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, and led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Scott Highlights Historic Ten-Week Voting Streak in Senate

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

The Senate concludes a historic commencement of the 119th Congress following ten consecutive weeks of voting, representing the longest continuous stretch in more than 15 years.

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) marked the completion of the Senate’s historic ten-week voting streak, the longest continuous stretch in over 15 years. The productive and intense work period has set a tone for the 119th Congress, with Senate Republicans working hard to advance President Trump’s agenda. Senator Scott reaffirmed his commitment to building on this progress and continuing to advocate for South Carolinians and the American people.

“This work period has been dynamic, exciting, and extremely productive. I have loved seeing so many South Carolinians in DC over the last three months,” said Senator Scott. “Senate Republicans have taken monumental steps in getting President Trump the cabinet he deserves, passing critical legislation and rolling back burdensome regulations. While the work is far from over, I remain committed to building on these efforts and delivering results for folks back home and across the country! America will be the shining city on a hill once again!”

Since January, Senator Scott has introduced 16 pieces of legislation and resolutions including his Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act, Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025, Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025, Securing our Border Act, Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act, and the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act.

On the Senate’s duty of advice and consent…

President Trump has selected various nominees to serve in critical positions throughout this new administration. Senator Scott has met with and voted to confirm the following nominees, now Cabinet-level positions, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Defense, Homeland Security, Education, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, SBA Administrator, and the Directors of the FBI, USTR, National Intelligence, and National Institutes of Health. Each cabinet appointee is critical to delivering on the promise to secure our borders, unleash American energy, and promote economic freedom. Senate Republicans are working hard to swiftly confirm President Trump’s nominees and bring safety and prosperity back to the American people!

On creating greater access to educational opportunities…

Senator Scott celebrated the impact education freedom has on the lives of so many students and families during National School Choice Week. He also highlighted a quality education is still out of reach to countless children who desperately need it during Secretary McMahon’s confirmation hearing.

As co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus and member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Scott led his colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution recognizing January 26 – February 1 as National School Choice Week. The Senator continues to champion parental rights so families can choose the education that best fits their child’s individual talents and needs.

On disaster recovery and SBA reform efforts…

After hearing from hundreds of South Carolina businesses in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Senator Scott introduced the SBA Disaster Transparency Act, which requires the Small Business Administration to make its monthly reporting requirements for the Disaster Loan Account available to the public. During the 10-week work period, the bill successfully moved out of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, marking a significant step forward in providing essential resources to communities in need. By introducing this legislation, Senator Scott is committed to ensuring that those affected by natural disasters have the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

On unlocking economic freedom…

Senator Scott has been actively laying the groundwork to advance pro-growth tax policies that strengthen the economy and protect hard working Americans. That includes preventing a $5 trillion tax hike on the middle-class by pushing to extend theTax Cuts and Jobs Act that would ensure small businesses and families aren’t burdened with higher taxes.

As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and as a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Scott is focused on advancing solutions to support pro-growth policies and economic opportunity across the country – with the goal of unlocking up to $1 trillion in investments for underserved communities. Senator Scott’s effort is about building a future where every American has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. To that end, Senator Scott joined Walter Davis, founding member of Peachtree Providence partners, for an important conversation as part of Senator Scott’s Opportunity Summit series. The Opportunity Summit is designed to establish an ecosystem that drives economic growth in underserved communities, building on the success of his Opportunity Zones from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Senator Scott’s goal is to create lasting economic opportunities that will continue to empower communities for generations to come, ensuring that all Americans have the chance to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

On the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Scott is leading Senate Republican efforts to address the un-American practice of debanking, holding hearings, meeting with industry leaders, and introducing legislation. In his committee’s first legislative markup of the 119th Congress, Senator Scott successfully advanced his debanking legislation, as well as a bipartisan bill that establishes a clear regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. Senator Scott will continue using his position as Chairman to prioritize serious solutions to support hardworking Americans and rein in burdensome regulations.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Continues To Investigate The Merger – NHHS, KVAC, AMPS, AVTE
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:
- NorthStar Healthcare Income, Inc. (OTC: NHHS), relating to the proposed merger with Welltower Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, NorthStar Healthcare’s stockholders will receive $3.03 per share in cash.
Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/northstar-healthcare-income-inc-nhhs/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.
- Keen Vision Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: KVAC), relating to its proposed merger with Madera Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Keen Vision common stock will be canceled and converted into the right to receive a number of Madera common stock.
Click here for more information: https://monteverdelaw.com/case/keen-vision-acquisition-corp/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.
- Altus Power, Inc. (NYSE: AMPS), relating to the proposed merger with TPG. Under the terms of the agreement, Altus Power will be acquired by TPG for $5.00 per share of its Class A common stock in an all-cash transaction.
ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for April 9, 2025.

Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/altus-power-inc-amps/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.
- Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVTE), relating to a proposed merger with Jade Biosciences. Under the terms of the agreement, pre-merger Aerovate stockholders are expected to own approximately 1.6% of the combined company, while pre-merger Jade stockholders are expected to own approximately 98.4% of the combined entity.
ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for April 16, 2025.

Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/aerovate-therapeutics-inc-avte/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

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Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

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Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

The MIL Network –
March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Oversight Sweeps Nearly Every Corner of Taxpayer-Funded Government Agencies

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Amid Sunshine Week, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), is highlighting the historic scale of his recent oversight work, which secured victories for national security, government transparency, health care and more.
Grassley in the 118th Congress sent over 600 oversight letters to federal, state and private sector entities, as well as all 74 Offices of the Inspector General and the Office of Special Counsel – sending more oversight letters over the past two years than in any Congress prior. Grassley’s oversight – a hallmark of his time in public service – inspired bipartisan laws and prompted action from numerous federal agencies to address government waste, fraud and abuse.
“The Framers of our Constitution tasked Congress with conducting oversight as part of our system of checks and balances. I take this constitutional responsibility very seriously, and always have,” Grassley said. “My oversight and investigations help ensure the government is a service to the people of Iowa and the American taxpayer. I’m proud of the work I’ve done to safeguard our national security, improve health care outcomes, protect patriotic whistleblowers and hold agencies’ feet to the fire. I’m keeping my nose to the grindstone this Congress as I continue fighting for a more transparent and accountable government.”
Grassley gave an overview of his oversight achievements in a speech on the Senate floor. He noted: “We’re [now] in the 119th Congress. As this Congress gets underway, I have become Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. My oversight is already full-speed-ahead, and I look forward to what the next couple of years produce.”
Highlights of Grassley Oversight in the 118th Congress
Digging into agency mismanagement | Grassley:
Unveiled the “most detailed picture” of the Secret Service’s communication failures leading up to the first assassination attempt against President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General opened a formal review into the Secret Service just hours after receiving a request from Grassley to do so. Grassley’s request ultimately resulted in five ongoing reviews into the Secret Service’s protection processes.

Shone light on inappropriate expenditures billed to the Environmental Protection Agency under the guise of “environmental justice.”
Revealed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) misclassified employees as law enforcement, an illegal practice that cost taxpayers billions.
Demanded the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) come clean on its failure to investigate child sex crimes and crack down on sexual misconduct among its workforce, including questionable disciplinary patterns allowing wrongdoers to evade accountability.
Spearheaded efforts to root out partisan bias at the FBI, stop the weaponization of government against law-abiding Americans for their religious faith and expose bureaucratic sabotage of congressional oversight.
Built on his yearslong oversight of the Pentagon by crafting a bipartisan measure to ensure the U.S. Armed Forces identify items the Defense Department (DOD) could produce itself through reverse engineering. Grassley’s bill, introduced with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), was signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.
Exposed U.S. Attorney David Weiss for lacking the authorities then-Attorney General Merrick Garland publicly asserted Weiss had to fully prosecute the Hunter Biden case. Grassley further exposed, through legally protected whistleblower disclosures, that the FBI had dozens of sources who provided potentially criminal information relating to the Biden family.
Protecting whistleblowers | Grassley:
Forced the ATF, Executive Office of Immigration Review and Internal Revenue Service to update its nondisclosure agreements with language informing whistleblowers of their rights.
Demanded all Offices of Inspectors General review their parent agency’s whistleblower protection measures to ensure federal agencies maintain lawful anti-gag provisions.
Unanimously passed a resolution and delivered remarks celebrating National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.
Supporting crime victims | Grassley:
Shone a light on Credit Suisse’s failure to disclose Nazi-linked accounts the bank historically serviced. Credit Suisse reinitiated an internal investigation of the accounts thanks to Grassley’s probing.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a global Jewish human rights organization, recognized Grassley for his work to right historic wrongs.
At Grassley’s request, Argentinian President Javier Milei has agreed to cooperate with the investigation to provide Argentine-based records related to Credit Suisse’s use of Nazi “ratlines.”

Secured a Government Accountability Office study of the Justice Department (DOJ)’s Crime Victims Fund to ensure DOJ doesn’t squander money intended to support victims of crime. The DOJ Office of Inspector General opened its own audit following Grassley’s oversight.
Cracking down on Biden border chaos | Grassley:
Spurred a federal investigation into potential trafficking of unaccompanied migrant children. Homeland Security Investigations followed up on 102 investigative targets Grassley identified.
Brought Health and Human Services (HHS) whistleblowers before a congressional panel to expose the abuse they witnessed in HHS’ Unaccompanied Children program.
Earned recognition as “the only person in a position of power” who exhibited consistent dedication to addressing government-funded migrant child trafficking.
Called on dozens of federal contractors and grantees to account for what actions they’ve taken to safeguard unaccompanied migrant children in their care.
Brought Customs and Border Protection whistleblowers before a congressional panel to discuss the government’s unlawful refusal to collect DNA from all individuals encountered at the border.
Advancing life-saving health care reforms | Grassley:
Championed a bipartisan law to reform the U.S. organ transplant system for the first time in four decades. The Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act ensures the best-qualified contractors manage and operate nationwide organ donations and placements, providing patients with the highest-quality care and ensuring generous donations are used to save lives.
The nonpartisan Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy recognized Grassley and his bipartisan colleagues for their work to “[achieve] the best outcome for the American people.”

Spearheaded a bipartisan investigation with then-Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) into private equity ownership of hospital systems that operate across the country, including in Iowa. Grassley and Whitehouse pulled back the curtain on access and quality changes that had occurred at hospital systems purchased by private equity.
Cutting off resources to Mexican drug cartels | Grassley:
Published a detailed report revealing federal agencies’ decades-long failure to conduct oversight of U.S. resources sent to Mexico, allowing taxpayer dollars to fall into the hands of cartels and fuel drug trafficking operations.
Informed by his report, Grassley authored bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve intercountry drug destruction efforts. The bill passed the House of Representatives last Congress.

Exposed how Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) loopholes enable drug cartels to transport illicit drugs on U.S. registered planes. Grassley’s bipartisan bill to close FAA’s loopholes was signed into law as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Airman Stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base Charged with Murder of Missing Woman

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged an airman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, with Second Degree Murder.

Quinterius Charles Chappelle, age 24, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 17, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to a federal Criminal Complaint.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.

The complaint charges Chappelle with killing Sahela Toka Win Sangrait on Ellsworth Air Force Base in August 2024. Sangrait’s body was found earlier this month in a wooded area near Hill City, South Dakota.

“This charge, filed just ten days after the victim’s remains were discovered, reflects the dogged work of federal, state, and local law enforcement professionals who seamlessly collaborated to run down every lead with absolute expediency and care,” said Alison Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. “Under the criminal justice system, this charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty; the facts and evidence in this case will be litigated before a federal judge and jury. At this time, our hearts are with the victim’s family and friends, who after many agonizing months of searching for answers, are now grieving the tragic death of their loved one.”

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Petersen and Benjamin Schroeder are prosecuting the case.

Chappelle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Durbin Lead Push to Save Task Force Combating Threats to Election Officials

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla, Durbin Lead Push to Save Task Force Combating Threats to Election Officials

Senators to Attorney General: “In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on [DOJ] to uphold the law”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led 29 Democratic Senators in urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to continue the essential work of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Election Threats Task Force, which directs the Department’s efforts to protect election officials from rising threats and acts of violence.
The Senators’ letter comes as the Trump Administration has significantly rolled back the federal government’s capacity to fight against foreign and domestic election security threats. On Attorney General Bondi’s first day in office, she disbanded the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Foreign Influence Task Force, hindering efforts to address secret influence campaigns waged by China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries. Additionally, the Administration has fired or put on leave dozens of officials responsible for combating foreign election interference at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and has reportedly frozen all of CISA’s ongoing election security work. The Administration has also defunded CISA’s nationwide program to train local officials and monitor threats through the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.
“Given the recent disturbing personnel and policy decisions at the Department and the lack of transparency about the future of the Task Force, we request an immediate update on the status and activities of the Task Force, as well as what resources will be provided to ensure its important work continues so that election officials of both parties can safely administer our elections,” wrote the Senators.
“Recent surveys have found that one in three election officials reported facing threats, harassment, and abuse. Similarly, 48 percent of local election officials know of someone who has left their job because of fear for their safety—a troubling loss of institutional knowledge needed for the smooth running of elections. Election workers continue to fear for their safety, so it is critical that the work of the Task Force continues to deter and counter these threats. In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on the Department to uphold the law,” continued the Senators.
In addition to Senators Padilla and Durbin, the letter was also signed by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
As Ranking Member of the Rules Committee, which has oversight over federal elections, Senator Padilla has fought against President Trump’s unprecedented attacks against election security. Last month, he pressed senior officials at CISA for answers after they fired employees who have worked to combat election misinformation. During his first business meeting as Rules Committee Ranking Member, Padilla highlighted threats to election security and the importance of free and fair elections. Additionally, Padilla expressed serious concerns about the dangerous implications for elections following President Trump’s executive order purporting to bring independent regulatory agencies under total control of the White House. Padilla previously denounced the illegal firing of Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chair Ellen Weintraub and led 10 Democratic Senators to demand President Trump rescind his attempt.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear Attorney General Bondi:
We write to strongly urge you to continue the critical law enforcement work of the Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force, which protects election officials from ongoing threats and acts of violence. Given the recent disturbing personnel and policy decisions at the Department and the lack of transparency about the future of the Task Force, we request an immediate update on the status and activities of the Task Force, as well as what resources will be provided to ensure its important work continues so that election officials of both parties can safely administer our elections.
The Task Force was established in the wake of the 2020 election cycle when election officials across the political spectrum began facing unprecedented threats of violence intended to thwart the peaceful transfer of power that is the hallmark of our democracy. In close collaboration with state and local law enforcement, the Task Force has assessed thousands of complaints of suspected threats of violence and investigated and prosecuted violent offenders. Over the years, these threats have not only continued but escalated. The Task Force has investigated fentanyl-laced letters, bomb threats, and swatting incidents—serving as a legacy of the 2020 election and impacting the ways election officials interact with voters in their communities.
Recent surveys have found that one in three election officials reported facing threats, harassment, and abuse. Similarly, 48 percent of local election officials know of someone who has left their job because of fear for their safety—a troubling loss of institutional knowledge needed for the smooth running of elections. Election workers continue to fear for their safety, so it is critical that the work of the Task Force continues to deter and counter these threats. In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on the Department to uphold the law.
Moreover, the federal government’s ability to fight election interference has been greatly hampered in the early weeks of this Administration. Dozens of officials at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), who are responsible for combatting foreign election interference, have been fired or put on leave. CISA has also reportedly frozen all of its ongoing election security work, including defunding its nationwide program to train local officials and monitor threats through the “Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.” Additionally, on your first day in office, you signed a directive disbanding the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, which was aimed at responding to secret influence campaigns waged by China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries.
We request a response on the status and future plans of the Election Threats Task Force, the extent of resources and personnel dedicated to its work, and how it plans to incorporate related work previously led by CISA and the Foreign Influence Task Force by March 31, 2025.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Utah Man Admits to Defrauding his Employer of Approximately $1.7M

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Davis County man pleaded guilty in court today to embezzling approximately $1.7 million from his employer for his own benefit.

Timothy Sean Edgar, 44, of Farmington, Utah, was charged by felony information March 11, 2025, for wire fraud and money laundering.

According to court documents and admissions made at the change of plea hearing, beginning in 2021 and continuing until October 2024, Edgar defrauded his employer to obtain money and property by stealing and lying. As part of Edgar’s scheme, he fraudulently opened a sales channel through a popular online marketplace and used his employment credentials to access the vendor portal and redirect Automated Clearing House payments to his personal bank account. Edgar then made payments back to his employer using his personal credit card. Edgar embezzled approximately $1,778,251 from his employer.

Edgar is scheduled to be sentenced August 7, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.

The case is being investigated jointly by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, and the North Salt Lake City Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Woolf and Jacob J. Strain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: New Britain Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDDIE LIMAS, 35, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force received information that Limas and others were receiving kilogram quantities of fentanyl from sources in the Dominican Republic, storing the drug at a stash house in the Bronx, New York, and distributing it in central Connecticut. Between January and April 2022, investigators made five controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Limas.

On May 13, 2022, Connecticut State Police stopped a vehicle driven by Limas’ uncle, Hector Limas, on I-84 in Danbury after investigators suspected that he had delivered narcotics to Eddie Limas’ residence on Chapman Street in New Britain. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 700 grams of fentanyl and approximately $19,000 in cash.

Also on May 13, 2022, law enforcement attempted to arrest Eddie Limas in Hartford, but he crashed his vehicle into a Hartford police cruiser and fled at a high rate of speed. At the same time, investigators maintaining surveillance at Eddie Limas’ residence saw a neighbor remove bags and boxes from the residence, lock them in a car that was parked in front, and give the key fob to Carmen Hernandez, who had also exited the residence. A search of the car revealed more than two kilograms of fentanyl, more than 300 grams of cocaine, approximately one kilogram of marijuana, items used to process and package narcotics, and a .380 caliber pistol. Hernandez also possessed a quantity of fentanyl, and a search of Limas’ residence revealed a loaded .40 caliber pistol and additional narcotics.

Eddie Limas eluded capture until May 9, 2023, when he was arrested in New Britain after conducting additional drug sales. He has been detained since his arrest. On September 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

Hector Limas, 59, of the Bronx, and Hernandez, 61, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to related charges. On November 8, 2023, Hector Limas was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment, and on January 14, 2025, Hernandez was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, the Hartford Police Department, the East Hartford Police Department, the New Britain Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.

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March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Release Records Showing FBI Obtained Trump, Pence Cell Phones, Conducted Sweeping Interviews to Advance Anti-Trump Arctic Frost Investigation

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, to make public legally protected whistleblower disclosures showing the FBI, as part of its Arctic Frost investigation, acquired the government cell phones of President Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, among other government officials. FBI agents used taxpayer dollars to crisscross the country and conduct dozens of interviews in support of the political probe.
Unclassified FBI records released by Chairmen Johnson and Grassley convey the alarming scope and speed of the FBI’s 2022 investigation of President Donald Trump, dubbed “Operation Arctic Frost.” The investigation – launched in April 2022 by anti-Trump FBI agent Timothy Thibault in a breach of FBI protocol – formed the basis of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s elector case against Trump. Upon opening the investigation, Thibault vowed it would be “prioritized over all others in the Branch” and commented that “it frankly took too long for us to open this [investigation].”
“Sunshine is the best disinfectant,” the chairmen wrote to Bondi and Patel. “The American people deserve to know the complete extent of the corruption within the DOJ and FBI that led to the investigation into President Trump. We are making this information public for purposes of public accountability and to provide specific examples of past behavior at your institutions that must not be repeated. Quite simply, the public has a right to know what happened in Arctic Frost and, based on what we’ve exposed to date, the American public deserves better from its law enforcement agencies. It is important that every individual at your agencies maintains the highest level of professionalism, and does not allow political bias to motivate or guide their investigative work.”
Within weeks of opening Arctic Frost on April 13, 2022, FBI agents began taking aggressive action to build out their case. The following is a summary of some Arctic Frost investigatory updates, based on unclassified internal FBI records:
Update 1 (April 22-25, 2022):
FBI begins scheduling over a dozen interviews in coordination with 13 FBI field offices.
DOJ and FBI begin the process of acquiring Trump and Pence’s government phones, which were in the Biden White House’s possession.
Update 2 (May 2-3, 2022):
FBI begins analyzing communications between Trump team members and Republican electors.
FBI meets with Justice Department (DOJ) officials to discuss possible search warrants for the Trump and Pence cell phones.
Update 3 (May 10, 2022):
FBI attempts to contact individuals in states throughout the country to schedule interviews.
Update 4 (May 13-17, 2022):
FBI obtains Trump and Pence’s government phones and enters them into evidence for the case.
FBI interviews the first Trump administration’s Deputy White House Counsel.
Additional interviews are planned with Trump administration officials, including employees from the Offices of the President and Vice President, DOJ and former Director of National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe.
DOJ and FBI begin discussing the possibility of merging the DOJ Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigation, which included former Acting Assistant Attorney General (AAG) for the Civil Division, Jeffrey Clark, with the FBI’s Arctic Frost investigation.
DOJ OIG makes plans to seek search warrants for phones associated with former AAG Jeffrey Clark, John Eastman, Mark Meadows and Ken Klukowski.
Update 5 (May 21-24, 2022)
FBI makes the decision to add former AAG Jeffrey Clark to the Arctic Frost investigation.
FBI drafts a search warrant for the Trump and Pence cell phones in its possession.
Plans continue for additional interviews with former Trump administration officials.
Update 6 (May 27, 2022):
FBI plans to conduct approximately 50 interviews, coupled with subpoenas, across at least seven states during the week of June 20, 2022. Interviews are set to take place with those who “signed and/or mailed the certificates in each state, as well as the Trump Campaign’s Directors of Election Day Operations for the relevant states, and certain GOP officials who are believed to have facilitated the scheme by communicating with individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the ‘fraudulent’ or ‘alternate’ electors.”
The DOJ OIG investigation that includes Jeffrey Clark is formally merged with the FBI Arctic Frost investigation, providing FBI access to phones and email accounts from a variety of DOJ officials, including former Attorney General Bill Barr.
Resources and Staffing
Over the course of just four days in June 2022, the FBI Arctic Frost team spent approximately $16,000 in taxpayer-funded travel to “conduct more than 40 interviews, serve subpoenas and execute several cellular device search warrants.”
Read more about Chairmen Johnson and Grassley’s letter on Fox News.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Brown Brotherhood Gang Members Indicted for Drug and Firearms Trafficking

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On March 13, 2025, a federal grand jury returned four separate indictments against Brown Brotherhood Gang Members Leo Alphonzo Alonso-Medina, 32, of Vallejo; Jeremiah I’amafana Salanoa, 22, of Vallejo; Doroteo Suastegui, 47, of Vallejo; and Carlos Osvaldo Higuera-Aldana, 22, of Dixon, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

According to court documents, the Brown Brotherhood gang is a subset of the Sureño gang and has been a frequent target of investigations of the Vallejo Police Department and the Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. The primary criminal activities of this gang have included murder, robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, burglary, and stolen vehicles. The current investigation began in February 2024 and led to searches and arrests on Feb. 27, 2025. FBI agents and task force officers arrested these four members of the Brown Brotherhood gang on that day for federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.

Contraband seized from search warrants executed on Feb. 27, 2025.

The indictment against Leo Alphonzo Alonso-Medina charges counts of distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, unlawful dealing in firearms, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Alonso-Medina faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

The indictment against Jeremiah I’amafana Salanoa charges three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted, Salanoa faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

The indictment against Doroteo Suastegui charges counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and unlawful dealing in firearms. If convicted, Suastegui faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

Finally, the indictment against Carlos Osvaldo Higuera-Aldana charges three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted, Higuera-Aldana faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

These cases are the product of investigations by the FBI Violent Crime Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fairfield Police Department, the Vacaville Police Department, the Vallejo Police Department, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, and the Solano County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt, R. Alex Cárdenas, and Adrian Kinsella are prosecuting these four federal cases.

Any sentence imposed would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

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March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Baltimore Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Maryland Unemployment Insurance Scheme

Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

Defendant obtained people’s personal information to file false and fraudulent unemployment insurance claims.

Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Devante Smith, 30, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, in connection with his role in an unemployment insurance fraud scheme. Through the conspiracy, victims lost at least $298,685.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Baltimore Field Office.

According to the guilty plea, beginning in June of 2020, and continuing through at least May 2021, Smith engaged in a conspiracy to defraud and obtain money under fraudulent pretenses in connection with an unemployment insurance scheme. Smith obtained personal identifiable information of identity victims to fraudulently file claims for unemployment insurance with the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL).

Smith and his co-conspirators used the unemployment insurance benefits, which were designated to assist persons who were unemployed or underemployed due to the COVID-19 national emergency, for their own personal use. Additionally, Smith and co-defendant Tiia Woods, 47, of Jacksonville, Florida, stole identification cards, social security cards, and/or birth certificates from identity victims, to submit with fraudulent UI applications to MD-DOL.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — a federal law enacted in March 2020 — provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized increased unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits. UI benefits have historically been a state and federal program that provided monetary benefits to eligible workers. The CARES Act expanded states’ ability to provide UI benefits for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including self-employed workers or independent contractors, who would not normally be eligible for UI benefits.

The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the CARES Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.

For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOL-OIG and FBI, along with Bank of America – Detection and Complex Investigations Fraud Rings and Analytics, for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evelyn Lombardo Cusson and Harry M. Gruber who prosecuted the federal case

For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE Newark arrests Brazilian national wanted overseas to serve time for drug charges

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

March 17, 2025Newark, NJ, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

ICE, with assistance from @FBINewark, arrested Douglas De Souza Gontijo, a native and citizen of Brazil, wanted by Brazilian authorities for drug trafficking related crimes.

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with assistance from the FBI, arrested Douglas De Souza Gontijo, 34, a native and citizen of Brazil wanted by Brazilian authorities for drug trafficking related crimes, March 13. De Souza remains in ICE custody following his arrest.

“ICE arrests of criminal aliens not only assist our international partners in making sure justice is served for those wanted overseas, but also ensure our American neighborhoods remain safe,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris.

De Souza was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol March 31, 2023, near San Luis, Arizona, who served him with a notice to appear and released him on an order of release on recognizance pending removal proceedings.

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

Learn more about ICE ERO Newark’s mission to increase public safety in our New Jersey communities on X at @ERONewark.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: ‘Bearded Bandit’ Bank Robber Sentenced for New Year’s Eve 2019 Robbery

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

PROVIDENCE, RI – A Cranston man, previously referred to as the “Bearded Bandit,” and who served more than six years in federal prison for robbing nine banks in 2012, was sentenced on Friday to time served (62 months) for robbing an East Providence bank on New Year’s Eve in December 2019, and for violating the terms of his supervised release related to his previous convictions, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

Justin Worley, 44, was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Court Senior Judge William E. Smith. In addition to the imposition of a sentence of times served, Worley is ordered to serve a term of three years of supervised release, the first six months in a residential reentry center. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $11,569.

Worley pleaded guilty on October 30, 2024, to charges of conspiracy to commit bank robbery and bank robbery. He has been detained since his arrest on January 21, 2020.

In pleading guilty, Worley admitted to the court that on New Year’s Eve Day in December 2019, he and a co-defendant approached bank tellers inside an East Providence bank branch and demanded that they empty their money drawers. The second man, Nicholas Lage, 39, brandished a knife during the robbery. Between them, the two men fled the bank with approximately $11,569. They were located and arrested later that evening at Twin River casino.

The court found that Worley violated the terms of his federal supervised release imposed at sentencing related to his conviction for robbing nine banks in 2012.

Nicholas Lage pleaded guilty on April 1, 2021, to charges of conspiracy to commit bank robbery and bank robbery. He was sentenced on August 6, 2021, to 36 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release.

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.

The matter was investigated by the East Providence Police Department and the FBI.

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March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Man Convicted of Armed Bank Robbery

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted BRIAN KEITH MAYS, 58, of Arkansas, of committing armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On January 21, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Superseding Indictment, charging Mays with armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. On March 13, 2025, after a three-day trial, a federal jury found Mays guilty of both counts.

According to evidence presented at trial, on July 5, 2024, Mays brandished a pistol at the FNB Community Bank in Harrah, Oklahoma, and demanded money from the tellers. The tellers complied, and Mays left the bank with $12,123.00. Agents with the FBI reviewed surveillance footage from the bank and an adjoining store, where they viewed Mays flee the scene. An eyewitness was able to obtain the tag number of the get-away vehicle, and an investigation into that car led authorities to Mays. Location data from Mays’s cell phone showed that Mays was in the area of the bank at the time of the robbery and visited a Walmart shortly after the robbery. While at Walmart, Mays transferred approximately $3,000.00 dollars to a person in Arkansas and could be seen on surveillance video pulling a large amount of cash from his pocket to pay for an item.

At sentencing, Mays faces up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $500,000.00.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City and Fort Smith Field Offices, Harrah Police Department, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley and Drew E. Davis are prosecuting the case.

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).

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

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March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Four Chinese Nationals Sentenced to Federal Prison in Scheme Targeting Hundreds of U.S. Consumers and Multiple U.S. Retailers
Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LOS ANGELES – Four Chinese nationals were sentenced to federal prison today for their participation in a complex scheme that involved the theft of hundreds of identities to defraud multiple domestic retailers out of at least $1.2 million.

A fifth co-conspirator was previously sentenced to more than four years in prison, and a sixth is awaiting sentencing following a guilty plea.

As part of the scheme, these six defendants stole the victims’ identities – including their Social Security numbers, dates of birth and home addresses – and used that information to make fake driver’s licenses that were used to access credit in the victims’ names at large national retailers, including Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Williams-Sonoma, Dillard’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The four defendants, all Chinese nationals who entered the country under false pretenses, were sentenced today by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson. All four pleaded guilty on January 6. They are:
- Kar Kee “Steven” Cheung, 36, of Chino Hills, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of visa fraud, one count of possession of equipment used to manufacture false identification documents, and one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud;
- Qian Guo, 37, of Chino Hills, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for one count of possession of equipment used to manufacture false identification documents and one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud;
- Chongming “Ming” Wang, 28, of Temple City, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of aiding and abetting access device fraud in excess of $1,000; and
- Jiaozhu “Yanny” Yan, 30, of Alhambra, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for one count of visa fraud.
Previously in this case, Sizhen “Rachel” Liu, 35, also a Chinese national and a resident of Chino Hills, was sentenced on January 6 to 50 months in federal prison for one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of access device fraud in excess of $1,000.

The sixth defendant in the case, Hyun Woo “Scott” Jung, 30, of Ontario, pleaded guilty on February 10 to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and one count of possession with intent to use unlawfully five or more false identification documents. Jung is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Wilson on May 5.

The ongoing investigation in this matter is being conducted by the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. The DSS Los Angeles Field Office has created a tipline to solicit information confidentially from sources with information about this scheme. Security and loss prevention personnel from large national retailers, particularly those identified above, are encouraged to contact the DSS LA Retail Fraud Tipline if they have information about Los Angeles-area transactions closely matching this scheme. Suspects using fake driver’s licenses as part of this scheme may also be opening retail-branded credit accounts in the victims’ names.

During this investigation, DSS has received substantial assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, with additional support coming from the Alhambra Police Department, the Arcadia Police Department, and the Bel Air, Maryland Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Kim Meyer of the Violent and Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.

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March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Davidson and Davie County Men Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

GREENSBORO, NC – Two North Carolina man have recently been sentenced to more than ten years in prison each for possession of child pornography by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC) in unrelated cases, announced Randall S. Galyon, Acting United States Attorney for the MDNC.

DAVID ARNOLD SHARPE, 41, of Davidson County, was sentenced today to 228 months in prison plus 20 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. The sentence will run consecutive to a 24-month sentence for the revocation of supervised release in a prior case.

According to court documents, SHARPE, a registered sex offender, was on federal supervised release when he admitted to his probation officer that he possessed an unauthorized device and child pornography. United States Probation Officers searched SHARPE’s residence where they located a cell phone that contained child pornography. Less than three weeks later, SHARPE was identified by investigators from the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) after a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) tip revealed that a Facebook user in Davidson County was suspected of uploading images of suspected child pornography to the platform. After going to Sharpe’s residence, investigators discovered SHARPE’s unauthorized phone had already been seized and they contacted the United States Probation Office and took over the investigation. Further investigation revealed SHARPE had been trading child pornography in groups online.

On March 14, 2025, LUIGI CARCIATI, age 49, of Davie County, was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment followed by 15 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography in October 2023. He was also ordered to pay $74,000 in restitution. According to court documents, multiple tips from NCMEC led to the execution of a search warrant at CARCIATI’s Mocksville residence where investigators located a tablet and cell phone containing child pornography. A review of the devices also revealed CARCIATI had secretly recorded minors in the bathroom at La Vita e Bella, a Mocksville restaurant CARCIATI owned and operated. During execution of a search warrant at the restaurant, investigators located two hidden cameras in the women’s restroom, and a third one in a drawer under the cash register.

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), the United States Probation Office, and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) assisted with the SHARPE investigation. The Davie County Sheriff’s Office, NCSBI, and HSI assisted in the CARCIATI investigation. Both cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kennedy Gates and Karla Painter.

The cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and focuses on coordinating federal, state, and local resources to better identify and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Beckley Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in Beckley Drug Trafficking Organization

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Kimberly Rosetta Logan, 48, of Beckley, was sentenced today to two years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl. Logan admitted to her role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in Beckley and elsewhere within the Southern District of West Virginia.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 10, 2024, Logan sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant at her residence in Beckley. Logan admitted to the transaction and to distributing additional amounts of fentanyl and cocaine to other individuals while using some herself throughout May 2024. Logan ordered an average of 8 grams of fentanyl and 4 grams of cocaine per week from her Beckley-based supplier by phone during that time period, receiving the controlled substances at her residence.

Logan has a long criminal history that includes prior convictions including for battery, obstruction of an officer, numerous shoplifting offenses, and controlled substances offenses.

Logan is among 12 individuals indicted on charges alleging the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine base within the Southern District of West Virginia from in or about June 2023 to in or about May 2024. All 12 have pleaded guilty, including two defendants who pleaded guilty to separate charges in lieu of the offenses alleged in the indictment.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.

Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.

The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-90.

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MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two Executives of Louisiana Compounding Pharmacy Convicted of Defrauding TRICARE and New Jersey State Health Benefits Programs, Identity Theft, and Money Laundering

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

CAMDEN, N.J. – Two former executives of a Louisiana compounding pharmacy were found guilty of conspiring to use the pharmacy to defraud New Jersey and military health benefits programs of approximately $100 million, conspiring to commit identity theft in connection with the fraud, and conspiring to transact in the criminal proceeds, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.

Christopher Kyle Johnston, 46, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Trent Brockmeier, 62, of The Villages, Florida, were convicted on March 10, 2025 of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, one count of conspiring to commit identity theft by fraudulently using a means of identification, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering by transacting in criminal proceeds following a six-week trial before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

Central Rexall Drugs was a pharmacy in Louisiana that prepared compounded medications, which are specialty medications mixed by a pharmacist to meet the specific medical needs of an individual patient. In 2013, Johnston and Brockmeier entered into an agreement to take over the management of the pharmacy and expand the compounding business in exchange for 90 percent of the profits. Brockmeier became chief operating officer of Central Rexall and Johnston became general counsel.

Johnston and Brockmeier learned that certain insurance plans would reimburse thousands of dollars for a one-month supply of certain compounded medications – including pain, scar, and antifungal creams, as well as vitamin combinations. The health plans for New Jersey state and local government and education employees, including teachers, firefighters, municipal police officers, and state troopers, covered these medications, as did TRICARE, which insures current and former members of the U.S. military and their families.

Johnston and Brockmeier designed compounded medications and manipulated the ingredients in the medications in order to obtain high insurance reimbursements rather than serve the medical needs of patients. To determine which ingredients and combinations resulted in high insurance reimbursements, Johnston and Brockmeier directed Central Rexall employees to submit false prescription claims to test out different combinations of ingredients, but they did not have a valid prescription signed by a doctor for these formulas. Central Rexall submitted these false claims using, without their consent, individuals’ names, dates of birth, and identifying information (including insurance information) from pre-existing Central Rexall prescriptions.

By use of these false claims, Johnston and Brockmeier designed compounded medications with combinations of ingredients that were chosen solely based on the amount of money that insurance would pay rather than on the medications’ ability to serve the medical needs of patients.

Johnston and Brockmeier retained and directed an outside sales force that used various methods to get doctors to prescribe these medications and patients to accept them, including having prescriptions signed without the patient seeing a doctor or knowing about the medications, having medications or refills ordered without the patients’ knowledge, paying patients to accept the medications, and paying doctors to prescribe them.

Johnston and Brockmeier caused approximately $100 million in fraudulent insurance claims for compounded medications that were not medically necessary. Johnston received approximately $34 million and Brockmeier received approximately $5 million in illicit profits.

50 people have been convicted or pled guilty in the overarching conspiracy.

The health care fraud and wire fraud conspiracy count carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense. The conspiracy to commit identity theft count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The conspiracy to commit money laundering charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense or not more than twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transactions. Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2025.

U.S. Attorney John Giordano credited special agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark; special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to today’s conviction.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. David Walk, Jr. and Daniel A. Friedman of the Criminal Division.

###

Defense counsel:

Johnston: Lawrence S. Lustberg, Anne Collart, and Andrew Marino, Esqs. (Newark, NJ)

Brockmeier: Marc Agnifilo and David Gelfand, Esqs. (New York, NY)

MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Miami Inspector Pleads Guilty in a Scheme to Obstruct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Oversight of the Medicare Program

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

MIAMI – Manuel Delgado, 64, has pleaded guilty to accepting cash bribes and self-dealing as part of a conspiracy to impede and obstruct the lawful functions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) in their administration and oversight of the Medicare program.

According to court documents, Manuel Delgado was a contractor for the Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (“BOC”), who performed inspections of durable medical equipment (“DME”) companies to determine if they complied with CMS quality standards. BOC accreditation was required before CMS would approve a company to bill Medicare for supplying durable medical equipment to Medicare patients.

Delgado accepted cash bribes from numerous owners of DME companies to facilitate and expedite the accreditation process so those companies could be enrolled with and bill Medicare. Delgado also formed DME companies in the names of family members in order to conceal his own personal interest in the companies. Delgado himself inspected these companies and obtained BOC accreditation and CMS approval for the companies. Delgado then sold the companies to others, having made them valuable as Medicare-enrolled suppliers of durable medical equipment. The estimated value of the fraudulently accredited DME companies that Delgado inspected was over $1.4 million.

Delgado entered his guilty plea during a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ellen D’ Angelo, who will prepare a report and recommendation pursuant to a referral and instructions from U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore.

Delgado faces up to five years in prison. Any further proceedings will be set by the court.

U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan P. Lynch of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

FBI Miami and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aimee C. Jimenez and Trial Attorney Jacqueline DerOvanesian of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daren Grove is handling the asset forfeiture.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20006.

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MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Expands Multi-Chain MEV Protection for Safer Transactions and Stable Pricing

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, has upgraded its multi-chain MEV Protection, now enabled by default across Solana, BNB Chain, Ethereum, Base, Polygon, Arbitrum, and other mainstream blockchains. This enhancement safeguards users from transaction manipulation, including front-running, sandwich attacks, and excessive gas fees, ensuring a more secure and equitable trading experience.

Integrated directly into Bitget Wallet’s Swap feature, MEV Protection requires no additional setup, allowing users to trade seamlessly with built-in security. Users can confirm that MEV Protection is active by checking for the “MEV” logo on the Swap page or within the transaction signature page. With this upgrade, every transaction executed through Bitget Wallet benefits from automated safeguards, reducing the risk of exploitative tactics used by MEV bots.

Bitget Wallet’s enhanced MEV Protection introduces several advanced mechanisms to prevent unfair trading practices. MEV bots frequently manipulate liquidity pool prices, creating toxic spreads that impact trade execution. Bitget Wallet’s system blocks these false price fluctuations, ensuring users receive fair market prices. Additionally, gas price manipulation is a common MEV tactic, where bots inflate gas fees during high-demand trades. By intelligently predicting reasonable gas ranges and preventing artificial bidding wars, Bitget Wallet helps users avoid excessive transaction costs while ensuring trade stability.

Looking ahead, Bitget Wallet plans to further enhance its security features and expand its services to support more blockchain networks. Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet, stated, “As MEV threats evolve, strengthening protection mechanisms remains essential for ensuring a stable and reliable trading environment. By continuously improving our platform, we aim to contribute to a more transparent and efficient DeFi ecosystem.”

MEV has become a growing challenge in DeFi, as validators and bots exploit transaction ordering for profit at the expense of regular traders. Recently, users have reported major losses due to unchecked MEV manipulation, underscoring the urgency for effective countermeasures. These tactics not only distort market fairness but also contribute to failed transactions and increased costs. With the latest MEV Protection upgrade, Bitget Wallet aims to eliminate these vulnerabilities and create a more equitable trading ecosystem.

For more details, please visit Bitget Wallet blog.

About Bitget Wallet
Bitget Wallet is the home of Web3, uniting endless possibilities in one non-custodial wallet. With over 60 million users, it offers comprehensive onchain services, including asset management, instant swaps, rewards, staking, trading tools, live market data, a DApp browser, an NFT marketplace and crypto payment. Supporting over 100 blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and 500,000+ tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges, along with a $300+ million protection fund to ensure safety of users’ assets. Experience Bitget Wallet Lite to start a Web3 journey.
For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bce84f28-d7c0-415e-829e-6d6c52890df7

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Phoenix Man Sentenced to Prison for Alien Smuggling Resulting in Death

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

TUCSON, Ariz. – Steven Beltran-Lugo, 19, of Glendale, was sentenced on March 11, 2025, by United States District Judge Angela M. Martinez to 38 months in prison for his role in transporting two illegal aliens in March 2024, one of whom suffered fatal injuries after jumping out of the vehicle while it was moving. Beltran-Lugo pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit Placing in Jeopardy the Life of Any Person and Resulting in Death on October 1, 2024.

On March 6, 2024, Beltran-Lugo and his co-defendant, Cesar Velazquez-Munoz, picked up two illegal aliens near the border to transport them further into the United States. Beltran-Lugo was riding as a passenger in the front seat of the vehicle, and he was on the phone with a Phoenix-based smuggling coordinator throughout the event. When law enforcement began to follow the vehicle, the victim aliens were told to get out of the vehicle. One of the victims then jumped out of the vehicle while it was still moving at about 45 miles per hour. The driver accelerated as the second victim exited the moving vehicle and hit the pavement, causing a brain hemorrhage and internal bleeding. The victim eventually succumbed to these injuries and passed away at the hospital two days later. Cesar Velazquez-Munoz is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2025.

The sentencing is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with DHS, has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 250 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

CASE NUMBER: CR-24-01674-TUC-AMM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-035_Beltran-Lugo

# # #

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Shiprock Duo Sentenced for Violent Carjacking and High-Speed Chase

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBUQUERQUE – Two individuals from Shiprock have been sentenced for their roles in a violent carjacking and high-speed police chase that occurred on the Navajo Nation in 2022.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on the afternoon of May 9, 2022, Jane Doe was driving on the Navajo Nation in the area of Nenahnezad, NM. As Jane Doe approached the area, Lindsey Yazzie, 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, threw a large rock at her windshield, forcing her to stop. Brandon Barber, 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, then attacked the vehicle with a machete and hatchet, shattering windows. Yazzie attempted to pull Jane Doe out of the vehicle by her hair, and Barber then held the sharp edge of a machete against the back of Doe’s head. Barber then tried to strike Jane Doe with a hatchet.

After forcibly removing Jane Doe from her Jeep, Yazzie and Barber fled the scene in the stolen vehicle, nearly hitting Doe as they drove away. They led Navajo Nation police on a high-speed chase before abandoning the vehicle. Yazzie was found hiding nearby, while Barber was apprehended later.

Yazzie was sentenced to 46 months in prison and Barber was sentenced to 90 months in prison. Upon their release, both Barber and Yazzie will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI 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 Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Robert James Booth II is prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Slingerlands Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Victim Reported Abuse After Attending Elementary School Presentation on Inappropriate Touching

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Daniel Fuino, age 75, of Slingerlands, New York, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a child who was 6 years old during the abuse. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

Last year, Fuino pled guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor and admitted that between the summer of 2022 and April 2023, he babysat a female child born in 2016 and used the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. According to statements previously made in court, the victim reported the abuse in May 2023 after attending an elementary school presentation on inappropriate touching and sexual contact. During the execution of a federal search warrant at Fuino’s residence in Slingerlands shortly after the child’s report, Fuino admitted having touched the victim’s genitals. Fuino has been incarcerated in pretrial detention since that time.

Today, United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentenced Fuino to 15 years’ incarceration, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Judge D’Agostino also ordered Fuino to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $36,962.25 and imposed special assessments totaling $5,100. Fuino will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

The FBI investigated this case, with assistance from the New York State Police and the Colonie Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Inside the FBI Podcast: 75th Anniversary of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

On this episode of the Inside the FBI Podcast, we highlight the 75th anniversary of our Ten Most Wanted Fugitives program—commonly known as the Top Ten list. For a full transcript and additional resources, visit fbi.gov/news/podcasts.

You can view the current iteration of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List at fbi.gov/wanted/topten. You can also visit fbi.gov/mostwantedfaqs to learn more about the list and see the most recent statistics.
—————————————————
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DGhwMcHu7A

MIL OSI Video –

March 18, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Stop waiting for a foreign hero: NZ’s supermarket sector needs competition from within

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Katerina Asher, Retail Academic Researcher, PhD Candidate & Sessional Academic, University of Sydney

non c/Shutterstock

New Zealand’s concentrated supermarket sector is back in the spotlight after Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she was open to offering “VIP treatment” to a third international player willing to create competition.

However, New Zealanders hoping for a foreign hero to break up the current supermarket concentration will be waiting a long time.

It could take five years or more for an international brand such as Aldi to enter New Zealand and establish a nationwide chain. It is a risky bet. So far, no foreign operator has expressed interest publicly in setting up shop here on a national scale.

To create more competition in the supermarket sector, the New Zealand government needs go back to where the issues began: allowing multiple companies to merge until there were few alternatives for shoppers.

Breaking up two of the major entities in the sector would be a relatively quick way to reintroduce competition and improve affordability for everyone.

The rise in concentration

The current state of New Zealand’s supermarket sector – dominated by Woolworths (formerly Countdown), Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island – is a result of successive mergers and acquisitions along two tracks.

The first was Progressive Enterprises’ (owner of Foodtown, Countdown and Five Guys banners) purchase of Woolworths New Zealand (which also owned Big Fresh and Price Chopper) in 2001.

Progressive Enterprises was sold to Woolworths Australia, its’ current owner, in 2005. In less than 25 years, six brands owned by multiple companies were whittled down to a single brand, Woolworths.

The second was the concentration of the “Foodstuffs cooperatives” network. This network once included four regional cooperatives and multiple banners including Mark’n Pak and Cut Price, as well as New World, PAK’nSave and Four Square.

The decision of the four legally separate cooperatives to include “Foodstuffs” in their company name blurred the lines between them. The companies looked similar but remained legally separate.

As a result of mergers, these four separate companies have now become Foodstuffs North Island – franchise limited share company, operating according to “cooperative principlies” and Foodstuffs South Island, a legal cooperative.

In a recent failed application to merge into one company, Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island admitted to sharing information between the two legally separate companies. They are also not meaningfully competing with each other as they operate in regions which do not overlap.

Breaking up the current players to compete

While the Commerce Commission declined the clearance for Foodstuffs North Island Limited and Foodstuffs South Island to merge into one single national grocery entity, more can be done to drive competition in the supermarket sector.

The fastest option would be to break up the “Foodstuffs” companies into smaller entities, with the breakaway and re-branding of PAK’nSave across both islands.

But to do this the government would need to update legislation to allow parliament to force divestiture, consistent with the United Kingdom and the United States.

This would allow New Zealand to go from three supermarket companies to five or more in a short period of time.

Reducing the power dependency of suppliers and customers on the current companies would also reduce barriers to entry for overseas brands.

Global players will take too long

Breaking up the local dominant supermarket players is simply faster, and more straightforward, than waiting for a foreign company to enter New Zealand. It takes time and is expensive to build scale with stores. It can also be risky, as recent history in Australia shows.

Aldi Australia, a favourite of New Zealand consumers hoping for a global alternative, took 20 years to reach scale as a third major player in that country. Originally from Germany, Aldi entered Australia as a declining brand – Franklins – left the market.

In 2017, another German company, Kaufland, announced ambitious plans to enter the Australian market, starting with 20 stores. It purchased its first site in 2018 and hired 200 staff. However, the company abandoned launch plans in 2020 and divested completely from the market.

Additionally, it took US-based bulk retail store Costco three years – and NZ$100 million – to go from announcing its plans for one New Zealand store to open. The retailer has hinted at opening a second location but this has not yet happened.

In the end, the solution to New Zealand’s concentrated supermarket sector needs to come from within. Breaking up the power held by the dominant supermarket companies will allow prices to come down more quickly than waiting for a foreign supermarket to arrive.

The government allowed the market to become concentrated, so it can now fix it. An international brand is not the hero – local, New Zealand-owned competition is.

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

– ref. Stop waiting for a foreign hero: NZ’s supermarket sector needs competition from within – https://theconversation.com/stop-waiting-for-a-foreign-hero-nzs-supermarket-sector-needs-competition-from-within-251910

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Launch of Joint Task Force October 7

Source: United States Attorneys General

The Justice Department today announced the leadership team and membership of Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7), an initiative that will seek justice for the victims of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel and address the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and its affiliates.

“The barbaric Hamas terrorists will not win—and there will be consequences,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “As Attorney General, I have had the solemn honor of meeting with several families of U.S. citizens whose loved ones were kidnapped by Hamas on that dark day. This task force will strengthen the Department’s resolve to achieve justice for these families and their loved ones as we continue to fight antisemitism in all its forms.”

The Attorney General established JTF 10-7 on her first day in office, demonstrating the high priority the Justice Department is placing on honoring the memories of the approximately 1,200 people murdered by Hamas in the attack, including 47 U.S. citizens, and supporting the approximately 250 additional people that Hamas abducted, including 8 U.S. citizens.

JTF 10-7 will focus on targeting, charging, and securing for prosecution in the United States the direct perpetrators of the October 7 attack — the terrorists on the ground that day who murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians. JTF 10-7 will also assume responsibility for the pending charges against Hamas leadership relating to the October 7 attack and other acts of terrorism, and to bring those criminals to the United States to face justice for their reprehensible role in these atrocities. Finally, JTF 10-7 will investigate acts of terrorism and civil rights violations by individuals and entities providing support and financing to Hamas, related Iran proxies, and their affiliates, as well as acts of antisemitism by these groups.

“The victims of Hamas’s decades-long violent campaign of terrorism against Israel will always have the support of the U.S. government, and the Department will no longer permit illegal support of Hamas on our campuses and elsewhere in the homeland,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Antisemitic acts of terrorism – whether here or abroad – will never go unpunished. This task force represents our unyielding commitment to those who have suffered at the hands of these brutal terrorists.”

“The FBI is committed to establishing the Joint Task Force October 7 to continue the FBI’s investigative and victim assistance efforts related to the horrific acts of terror committed by Hamas,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Working with our federal and international partners, this task force is a collaborative initiative between agencies, and together we will work to accomplish our vital counterterrorism mission.”

JTF 10-7 will be led by a senior counterterrorism prosecutor from the Justice Department’s National Security Division (NSD), a senior FBI Special Agent as the Task Force Commander, and an FBI Intelligence Analyst as Deputy Task Force Commander, all under the supervision of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. JTF 10-7 will also include trial attorneys from NSD, the Civil Rights Division, the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, and other detailees, with additional dedicated support from the Department’s Office of International Affairs.

JTF 10-7 will be supported by dedicated FBI agents, analysts, forensic accountants, data scientists, and linguists who are mostly co-located in Virginia. These professionals will contribute to JTF 10‑7’s expertise in investigating and prosecuting domestic and extraterritorial terrorism cases, including terrorism-financing matters, and serve as points of contact with the FBI’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell and Victim Services Division.

The FBI will coordinate with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies on JTF 10-7 activities, as well as foreign counterparts through the FBI’s Legal Attaché office in Israel. FBI agents will be embedded with Israel’s National Bureau of Counter Terror Finance, which has already been a tremendous partner in the ongoing investigations.

These efforts will build on the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations into the perpetrators of these heinous acts and demonstrate the Department’s commitment to degrading and dismantling Hamas, holding Hamas supporters accountable, achieving justice for victims, and fighting terrorist-led antisemitism.

MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Delivers Justice to Terrorists, Security for Americans

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
This weekend, the Trump Administration deported ruthless terrorist gang members — illegal immigrants who invaded our country and brought unspeakable devastation to our communities — as part of President Donald J. Trump’s utilization of every possible tool to protect the safety and security of the American people and reverse the damage done by years of feckless Democrat leadership. This bold, necessary action was immediately heralded by administration officials, members of Congress, and the American people: Vice President JD Vance: “There were violent criminals and rapists in our country. Democrats fought to keep them here. President Trump deported them.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “We have sent 2 dangerous top MS-13 leaders plus 21 of its most wanted back to face justice in El Salvador. Also, as promised by @POTUS, we sent over 250 alien enemy members of Tren de Aragua which El Salvador has agreed to hold in their very good jails at a fair price that will also save our taxpayer dollars. President @nayibbukele is not only the strongest security leader in our region, he’s also a great friend of the U.S. Thank you!” Border Czar Tom Homan: “The Biden Administration released thousands of Venezuelan Tren de Aragua criminals into the US. They have committed armed robberies, sex trafficked young girls, attacked US citizens, assaulted our police and raped and murdered young women and children. But now, thanks to the American people, we have President Trump! Last night, 238 Tren de Aragua members along with 21 MS13 gang members, were deported from this country adding to the thousands of criminal aliens already deported. Under President Trump’s leadership, this country is becoming safer every day. With each criminal illegal alien being deported, neighborhoods are becoming safer. Criminal illegal aliens, gang members and national security threats can try to hide with the help of sanctuary cities, however, know this, ICE will not stop until they are found and deported. This important work, that ICE is doing will continue while Attorney General Pam Bondi takes the sanctuary jurisdictions to court. We have much more to do AND IT WILL BE DONE!!!” Sen. John Barrasso: “Deporting violent criminals, rapists, terrorists, and drug dealers who came to America illegally is commonsense. Thank you President Trump for making America safer.” Sen. Tom Cotton: “President Trump campaigned and won on making Americans safer. The deportation of depraved Tren de Aragua savages is the first step towards repairing our country after years of open border policies.” Sen. Chuck Grassley: “Another day, another judge unilaterally deciding policy for the whole country. This time to benefit foreign gang members If the Supreme Court or Congress doesn’t fix, we’re headed towards a constitutional crisis. Senate Judiciary Cmte taking action” Sen. Mike Lee: “Do you miss the foreign terrorists now that Trump has deported them? I don’t” Sen. Markwayne Mullin: “You’d think everyone would believe this, but we’re facing another 80/20 issue… I 100% support the Trump admin’s effort to deport violent illegal aliens from the United States of America. This includes Venezuelan gang members.” Sen. Eric Schmitt: “While you slept, your government sent three planes full of Tren de Aragua and MS-13 thugs to the beautiful prisons of El Salvador. Thanks to the leadership of this administration—and our friend @nayibbukele—America is safer today than it was yesterday.” Rep. Brian Babin: “Judge Boasberg is endangering Americans! He blocked the deportation of violent Tren de Aragua gang members—rapists, murderers, and thugs. No judge should have the power to override @POTUS’ national security decisions.” Rep. Lauren Boebert: “Democrats in Colorado called the threat of Tren De Aragua a ‘figment of imagination.’ Thank you @POTUS and President @NayibBukele for doing what’s necessary to keep Americans safe!” Rep. Andrew Clyde: “Let me get this straight… Joe Biden could blatantly violate our immigration laws to flood our country with criminal illegal aliens—but President Trump can’t deport them?” Rep. Mike Collins: “It’s ridiculous that a Democratic president can import violent gang members, but a Republican president can’t deport them.” Rep. Eli Crane: “The activist judges were suspiciously quiet when Joe Biden enacted all the policies that led to gang members ENTERING America. How’s that work? Only vocal when President Trump DEPORTS them?” Rep. Byron Donalds: “These are criminal aliens to our nation. These are gang members, murderers, and rapists. Under President Trump, they are rightly being arrested and deported, but the left wants them to stay. We are Making America Safe Again” Rep. Lance Gooden: “Democrats gave illegal criminals luxury hotels. President Trump gave illegal gang members a one-way ticket to the world’s most feared prison. Thank you, President @nayibbukele and El Salvador!” Rep. Wesley Hunt: “It is incredible to see Democrats defend Tren De Aragua and MS-13 members. Tom Homan says these flights will continue. The Trump administration will NOT stop until every last criminal alien is out of this country!” Rep. Darrell Issa: “The day @realDonaldTrump returned to the White House, America started sending criminal illegals out of our country.” Rep. Nick Langworthy: “Radical Left Democrats put our country in danger every single day and made every state a border state. That ended the day President Trump took his oath. He is cleaning up our country and making America safe again.” Rep. Nicole Malliotakis: “Thank you to President Trump & El Salvador President Bukele for getting these dangerous gang members removed from the United States. Shame on ACLU for working to shield these foreign gangs who have wreaked havoc & committed heinous crimes in our country from deportation.” Rep. Addison McDowell: “Yesterday, an Obama-appointed judge ruled that two flights carrying rapists and murderers from the Tren de Aragua gang be turned around & brought back to the U.S. This is flat out disgusting and I’m glad @realdonaldtrump is moving full steam ahead.” Rep. Mary Miller: “The government’s first duty is to protect its people. President Trump stands in sharp contrast to the Biden regime and the entire Democrat Clan—they’ve completely failed America. Now, they’re watching what real leadership looks like. This is how it’s done” Rep. Ralph Norman: “These are gang leaders, rapists, and murderers who thought they could find refuge in America. NOT ANYMORE!!” Rep. Scott Perry: “Why did an activist judge try to stop the deportation of illegal, criminal migrants – hardcore rapists, gang members, and cartel / drug traffickers – who not only broke laws in their own country before invading our Nation, but came here to break ours as well?” Rep. Chip Roy: “Judge Boasberg should be on a plane to Houston to sit with Alexis Nungaray & explain why we must keep TDA gang members who killed her daughter. Radical progressive Dems endangered us by fueling an invasion of our communities. Trump is right to take quick action to reverse it.” Rep. María Elvira Salazar: “BRAVO @nayibbukele and President Trump! Bukele is an expert at LOCKING UP every gang member, murderer and criminal. It’s great to see us working with our allies in the hemisphere again to get the thugs out of the USA.” Rep. Keith Self: “Incredible. All we needed was a new President.” Rep. Greg Steube: “Thank you, President Trump and President Bukele, for taking a zero-tolerance approach to criminal illegal immigrants and terrorists. The Trump administration secured a deal with El Salvador to extradite and imprison Tren de Aragua gang members who exploited Biden’s open-border disaster. No country should tolerate terrorists and criminals roaming free. This is how you lead with strength.” Rep. Marlin Stutzman: “Cartel members who engaged in kidnapping, sexual abuse of children, robbery, and aggravated assault on a police officers belong in prison. Anyone standing in the way of their deportation and jailing is no friend of our country. Glad these criminals are off of our streets.” Rep. Tom Tiffany: “First, Democrats allowed Tren de Aragua members into our country. Now, a rogue judge and Democrats are fighting to keep them here. Why are they protecting illegal gang members instead of U.S. citizens?” Rep. Derrick Van Orden: “I am not sure Americans understand how amazingly terrible this rogue judge’s ruling was. He wanted to keep violent criminal illegal aliens, including rapist, in the United States. @realDonaldTrump & @JDVance are protecting Americans.” Rep. Randy Weber: “The only words Democrats should be saying right now are: ‘Thank you, President Trump, for taking action to get terrorists out of our country.’ These are dangerous thugs who despise everything America stands for. God bless President Trump.” Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares: “Radicals want you to believe Trump is acting illegally by deporting Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. These aren’t U.S. citizens—they’re violent criminals who exploited Biden’s border failures to terrorize Americans. I’ll always fight for the rule of law.” America First Legal: “President Trump has deported 238 criminals in the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador to be imprisoned in CECOT, the country’s maximum-security prison. Tren de Aragua is a real and present danger, and President Trump’s decisive action will protect Americans.” Retired CIA Senior Operations Officer Rick de la Torre: “President Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to expel Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang members from U.S. soil is not only the right move—it’s a long-overdue strike against a growing national security threat.” Attorney Mike Davis: “Amen. For 4 years, Democrats pretended grandmas trespassing into the Capitol were a graver threat than foreign terrorists invading America. Robbers, rapists, and murderers. President Trump is fulfilling his constitutional duty, as commander-in-chief, to repel foreign invasion.” Commentator Joe Pagliarulo: “The Trump Administration is sending back violent gang members … Everybody in the United States, no matter which side you are on politically, should agree that they should go back.” Discovery Institute Senior Journalism Fellow Jonathan Choe: “This is what awaits violent criminal illegals in America. Look at this recent batch of Tren De Aragua gang members deported to an El Salvadoran prison.” The Conservative Caucus’s Jim Pfaff: “Trump took action. While a judge blocked the deportation of Tren de Aragua criminals to Venezuela, Nayib Bukele agreed to take them into his Salvadoran prisons which are much worse for them than anything they faced In Venezuela.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025

Category: Intelligence Agencies

The rise in concentration

Breaking up the current players to compete

Global players will take too long