NewzIntel.com

Category: Intelligence Agencies

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE San Antonio, federal partner investigation results in the sentencing of an illegal alien from Honduras for his role in an alien smuggling conspiracy

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAN ANTONIO – A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the U.S. was sentenced July 9 for his leadership role in a massive alien smuggling conspiracy that spanned three years and involved thousands of aliens from over 11 different countries. The investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Del Rio, with the assistance of various federal and state law enforcement agencies in South Texas.

    Enil Edil Mejia-Zuniga, also known as Chino, 34, of Olancho, Honduras, was sentenced July 9 by a federal judge to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in smuggling thousands of aliens into the United States for financial gain. He was also ordered to pay a $4,500 fine. Mejia-Zuniga pleaded guilty to three counts of bringing an alien to the U.S. for financial gain and aiding and abetting.

    Co-defendants Monica Hernandez-Palma, 33, of Mexico, and Allyson Elsires Alvarez-Zuniga, 26, of Honduras, entered guilty pleas on April 7, and Aug. 21, 2023, respectively, and are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Genyi Arguenta-Flores, 32, of Comayagua, Honduras was sentenced to five years in prison on May 12. A final co-defendant is in custody in Mexico pending an extradition request from the U.S.

    “Mejia-Zuniga and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars off the backs of thousands of people whom they smuggled into the U.S,” said Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti “This case represents the epitome of the ruthless and sophisticated criminal organizations that exploit our borders for personal financial gain. The Criminal Division will not stop investigating these cases until all human smuggling organizations are eradicated and the criminals who operate them are prosecuted.”

    “In an effort to satisfy his greed, Mejia-Zuniga facilitated the illegal movement of thousands of Middle Easterners into the U.S,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “His actions put our national security at risk. However, thanks to our many federal law enforcement partners, Mejia-Zuniga will no longer be allowed to enrich himself to the detriment of this country.”

    “This sentence sends a clear message to those who exploit our immigration system for personal profit,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “For more than three years, these individuals operated a transnational smuggling ring driven by greed, moving illegal aliens from 11 countries in blatant disregard of the law. The sentencing in this case is a testament to HSI’s commitment to upholding national security. Human smuggling undermines the security of our borders and disrupts lawful immigration processes. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to protect our national security.”

    “U.S Border Patrol’s Intelligence and Information Task Force played a critical role in supporting Operation Red Tide through extensive research and analysis,” said Chief of USBP Law Enforcement Operations Directorate Scott Good. “Our team’s exploitation of subpoena returns, and identification of key financial patterns helped bring these smugglers to justice. The USBP will continue working with law enforcement agencies at home and abroad to dismantle criminal networks and secure our nation’s borders.”

    According to court documents, from November 2020 through March 2023, the Mejia-Zuniga alien smuggling organization smuggled aliens from Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Colombia, through Eagle Pass, Texas. Aliens primarily contracted with a Pakistani smuggler based in Brazil to be transported to the U.S. In turn, the Brazilian-based smuggler worked with Mejia-Zuniga, who was based in San Antonio, Texas, to facilitate travel of the aliens from South America to the U.S. Mejia-Zuniga directed operations of the ASO and paid drivers, armed “coyotes,” and stash house operators.

    Mejia-Zuniga admitted to smuggling between 2,500 to 3,000 aliens into the U.S in just two years. The organization charged between $6,500 to $12,000 per alien. Mejia-Zuniga admitted that he made $30,000 for every 10 illegal aliens who made it to the Rio Grande River and another $30,000 if those 10 illegal aliens made it to San Antonio.

    One of the smuggled aliens reported paying the organization $20,000 to be brought illegally into the U.S along with his brother. The Mejia-Zuniga ASO directed that alien to a stash house in Monterrey, Mexico, where it housed him with 10 other aliens. The ASO later moved the same alien to a stash house in Piedras Negras, Mexico, with another 20 to 25 aliens. Ultimately, an armed coyote guided the group of aliens across the Rio Grande River. Once across the Rio Grande, the Mejia-Zuniga ASO transported the aliens to a hotel in San Antonio.

    In addition to witness statements, other evidence gathered during the investigation included wire transfers, customer ledgers, foreign identification documents, and photographs of members of the Mejia-Zuniga ASO with firearms.

    HSI Del Rio engaged in an extensive, years-long investigation in Operation Red Tide, which led to the development of this case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector, HSI Monterrey, HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

    Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The investigation and arrests of the defendants in Operation Red Tide were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

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

    For more information about HSI San Antonio and its public safety efforts in Central and South Texas, follow HSI San Antonio on X at @HSI_SanAntonio.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Air Force Employee Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Disclose Unlawfully Classified National Defense Information

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    A civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force assigned to the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base pleaded guilty today to conspiring to transmit classified information relating to the national defense (National Defense Information) on a foreign online dating platform beginning in or around February 2022 until in or around April 2022.

    “The defendant, an employee of the United States Air Force with access to some of our Nation’s most closely held secrets, shared classified information with someone claiming to be a foreigner on an online dating platform,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The Department of Justice stands ready to hold accountable those who violate their obligation to protect sensitive national security information entrusted to them.”

    “Access to classified information comes with great responsibility. David Slater failed in his duty to protect this information by willingly sharing National Defense Information with an unknown online personality despite having years of military experience that should have caused him to be suspicious of that person’s motives,” said U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods for the District of Nebraska.

    “Mr. Slater betrayed an oath he made to safeguard our nation’s intelligence,” said Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the FBI Omaha Field Office. “Leveraging his access to sensitive information, Mr. Slater chose to transmit material that put our country at risk. The FBI is extremely thankful for the work of our partners in this case. We will continue to partner together to defend the homeland by aggressively investigating and apprehending criminals and adversaries who pose a threat to our nation’s security.”

    According to court documents, David Franklin Slater, 64, of Nebraska, after retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army, worked in a classified space at USSTRATCOM and held a Top Secret security clearance from in or around August 2021 until in or around April 2022. Slater pleaded guilty to willfully, improperly, and unlawfully conspiring to transmit National Defense Information classified as “SECRET,” which he had reason to believe could be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of a foreign nation, on a foreign online dating platform to a person not authorized to receive such information.

    According to court documents, Slater attended USSTRATCOM briefings regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine that were classified up to TOP SECRET//SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS//SCI). Slater then conspired to transmit classified National Defense Information that he learned from those briefings via the foreign online dating website’s messaging platform to his co-conspirator, who claimed to be a female living in Ukraine on the foreign dating website. The co-conspirator regularly asked Slater to provide her with sensitive, non-public, closely held, and classified National Defense Information and called Slater in their messages her “secret informant love” and her “secret agent.” In furtherance of that conspiracy, Slater did, in fact, transmit classified National Defense Information to her, including regarding military targets and Russian military capabilities relating to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    The charge of conspiracy to transmit national defense information provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Slater is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 8. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Omaha Field Office and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations are investigating this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Kleine for the District of Nebraska and Trial Attorney Emma Dinan Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strong Votes to Fully Fund Veterans, Bolster Military Readiness

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Dale Strong, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted today in support of H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. The vital legislation championing veterans, supporting military families, and prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, passed the House of Representatives on a 218-206 vote.

    Once enacted, this bill will provide essential funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) to support critical investments in military infrastructure, readiness, and the well-being of service members, veterans, and their families.  

    “I’m proud to support this bill, which delivers on our promises to America’s veterans by fully funding their health care and benefits,” said Rep. Strong. “It will help improve the lives of our troops and their families with better access to childcare, safer housing, and stronger base infrastructure. This funding bill also makes an effort to fund key construction projects to support readiness and our national security, expands mental health services, combats veteran homelessness, and makes smart investments in the Indo-Pacific to push back against China’s growing threat.”

    NORTH ALABAMA WINS

    Representative Strong successfully secured pivotal provisions directly benefiting North Alabama:  

    Advancing U.S. Space Command Headquarters Plans  

    One provision advances the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) Headquarters process and requires a detailed funding plan and report for the necessary facilities investments.  

    “During the entire USSPACECOM basing process, Redstone Arsenal ranked as the #1 location for the headquarters. Four subsequent DoD Inspector General and GAO reports confirmed that the Air Force made the right choice — Redstone is what is best for national security, the taxpayer, the personnel, and their families,” said Strong.

    Ensuring Fair Veteran Cemetery Placement  

    Strong was also successful advancing a provision directing the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to conduct a report evaluating its veteran population data collection methodology. A 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office report indicated that if U.S. Census Bureau data were used rather than NCA’s current methodology, North Alabama would rank 2nd in need for a VA cemetery.

    “Nearly 60,000 veterans call Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District home. Those veterans and their families deserve the opportunity to choose a final resting place closer to home. Currently, the closest VA cemeteries are in Corinth, MS, Montevallo, AL, and Chattanooga, TN. I firmly believe that a more accurate data evaluation would make North Alabama a top candidate for a National or VA-grant funded state cemetery,” said Strong.  

    Other wins that will benefit North Alabama include a provision that expresses Congressional support for DoD range operations and supporting facilities, such as Redstone Test Center at Redstone Arsenal, and language directing the Veterans Health Administration to submit a report and recommended legislative changes to improve reimbursement rates, locality adjustments, prescription drug prices for veterans living in VA State Veteran Homes, like the Floyd E “Tut” Fann Home in Huntsville, AL.  
     

    KEY TAKEAWAYS  

    Champions our veterans by:  

    • Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.  
    • Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs.  
    • Supporting President Trump’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness by investing in the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program.  
    • Maintaining funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans.  

    Supports the Trump Administration and the mandate of the American people by:  

    • Protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans by preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.  
    • Syncing up with President Trump’s Executive Orders on no funds for DEI, gender affirming care, and protecting Hyde-like language at the VA.  
    • Prohibiting the VA from processing medical care claims for illegal aliens.  

    Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:  

    • Providing robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region, and infrastructure necessary to support advanced weapons systems.  
    • Maintaining the prohibitions on the closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the use of military construction funds to build facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.  
    • Prohibiting the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly from the People’s Republic of China.  

    DETAILED FUNDING SUMMARY  

    Department of Defense (Military Construction and Family Housing)  

    Provides $18 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) military construction and family housing for the following:

    • Planning and design of future barracks to address barrack deficiencies identified by the Government Accountability Office.  
    • Demolition of excess and obsolete infrastructure, saving taxpayers money and lowering long-term facility maintenance costs at DoD.  
    • Guard and Reserve facility construction.  
    • Military Family Housing.  
    • Child development centers to improve the quality of life of military families.  

    Department of Veterans Affairs  

    Provides $452.64 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the following:  

    • Fully funds veterans’ medical care  
    • Fully funds veterans’ benefits and toxic exposures-related needs for the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF).  
    • Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program, an innovative effort to end veteran homelessness.  

    The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 is the first of 12 annual Appropriations bills to pass the House of Representatives.  

    “I want to thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, as well as the MilCon-VA subcommittee Chairman Judge John Carter and Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman-Schultz for their hard work on this critical funding bill,” said Strong.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 71-Year-Old Repeat Felon Sentenced to 15 Months for Defrauding Taxpayer-Funded Program

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

                WASHINGTON DC –Geary Simon, 71, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for defrauding the STAY DC rental housing assistance program out of more than $38,500 and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                Simon, aka “Robert Sutton,” pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2024, to one count of wire fraud in connection with a presidentially declared disaster or emergency and to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. In addition to the 15-month prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Simon to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the D.C. government of $38,560.

                According to court documents, Simon obtained $38,560 from the city government program called Stronger Together by Assisting You D.C., known as STAY DC. The program was intended to provide financial assistance during the Covid pandemic to help tenants cover housing and utility expenses due to a loss of income. In April 2021, the District allocated $352 million in federal relief funds for the program. Applicants applied for funds from the STAY DC program via an online portal operated by the D.C. Department of Human Services

                Simon applied to the program on June 22, 2021. In his application, Simon claimed that he was a tenant who rented a property in the District at 2433 H Street, NW; that his landlord was “Robert Sutton;” and that Simon owed “Robert Sutton” $72,000 in past due rent. All of the statements were false. Simon was not a tenant at that address; “Robert Sutton” was not Simon’s landlord; Simon did not owe “Robert Sutton” the sum of $72,000 in unpaid rent; and the phone number and email address that Simon provided for “Robert Sutton” were for a phone number and email account that Simon created and controlled.

                Unaware of the fraud, DC-DHS granted Simon’s application and issued Simon a check for $38,560 that DC-DHS would not otherwise have approved. Simon deposited the check into an account in the name of “The Geary Stephen Simon 2016 Irrevocable Trust.”

                Simon used the taxpayer-backed relief funds to pay private school tuition and to satisfy his court-ordered child support obligations.

                On March 14, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Simon’s home. Officers recovered two firearms. Simon has two prior felony convictions, including a conviction for carrying a pistol without a license. By virtue of the prior felonies, Simon was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law.

                This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Borchert.

     

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 71-Year-Old Repeat Felon Sentenced to 15 Months for Defrauding Taxpayer-Funded Program

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

                WASHINGTON DC –Geary Simon, 71, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for defrauding the STAY DC rental housing assistance program out of more than $38,500 and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                Simon, aka “Robert Sutton,” pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2024, to one count of wire fraud in connection with a presidentially declared disaster or emergency and to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. In addition to the 15-month prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Simon to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the D.C. government of $38,560.

                According to court documents, Simon obtained $38,560 from the city government program called Stronger Together by Assisting You D.C., known as STAY DC. The program was intended to provide financial assistance during the Covid pandemic to help tenants cover housing and utility expenses due to a loss of income. In April 2021, the District allocated $352 million in federal relief funds for the program. Applicants applied for funds from the STAY DC program via an online portal operated by the D.C. Department of Human Services

                Simon applied to the program on June 22, 2021. In his application, Simon claimed that he was a tenant who rented a property in the District at 2433 H Street, NW; that his landlord was “Robert Sutton;” and that Simon owed “Robert Sutton” $72,000 in past due rent. All of the statements were false. Simon was not a tenant at that address; “Robert Sutton” was not Simon’s landlord; Simon did not owe “Robert Sutton” the sum of $72,000 in unpaid rent; and the phone number and email address that Simon provided for “Robert Sutton” were for a phone number and email account that Simon created and controlled.

                Unaware of the fraud, DC-DHS granted Simon’s application and issued Simon a check for $38,560 that DC-DHS would not otherwise have approved. Simon deposited the check into an account in the name of “The Geary Stephen Simon 2016 Irrevocable Trust.”

                Simon used the taxpayer-backed relief funds to pay private school tuition and to satisfy his court-ordered child support obligations.

                On March 14, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Simon’s home. Officers recovered two firearms. Simon has two prior felony convictions, including a conviction for carrying a pistol without a license. By virtue of the prior felonies, Simon was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law.

                This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Borchert.

     

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Justice Department efforts to strip citizenship from naturalized Americans likely violate constitutional rights

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Cassandra Burke Robertson, Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Professional Ethics, Case Western Reserve University

    New American citizens recite the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony in Miami on Aug. 17, 2018. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

    The Trump administration wants to take away citizenship from naturalized Americans on a massive scale.

    While a recent Justice Department memo prioritizes national security cases, it directs the department to “maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence” across 10 broad priority categories.

    Denaturalization is different from deportation, which removes noncitizens from the country. With civil denaturalization, the government files a lawsuit to strip people’s U.S. citizenship after they have become citizens, turning them back into noncitizens who can then be deported.

    The government can only do this in specific situations. It must prove someone “illegally procured” citizenship by not meeting the requirements, or that they lied or hid important facts during the citizenship process.

    The Trump administration’s “maximal enforcement” approach means pursuing any case where evidence might support taking away citizenship, regardless of priority level or strength of evidence. As our earlier research documented, this has already led to cases like that of Baljinder Singh, whose citizenship was revoked based on a name discrepancy that could easily have resulted from a translator’s error rather than intentional fraud.

    A brief history

    For most of American history, taking away citizenship has been rare. But it increased dramatically during the 1940s and 1950s during the Red Scare period characterized by intense suspicion of communism. The United States government targeted people it thought were communists or Nazi supporters. Between 1907 and 1967, over 22,000 Americans lost their citizenship this way.

    Everything changed in 1967 when the Supreme Court decided Afroyim v. Rusk. The court said the government usually cannot take away citizenship without the person’s consent. It left open only cases involving fraud during the citizenship process.

    After this decision, denaturalization became extremely rare. From 1968 to 2013, fewer than 150 people lost their citizenship, mostly war criminals who had hidden their past.

    Sen. Joseph McCarthy appears at a March 1950 hearing on his charges of communist infiltration at the State Department.
    AP Photo/Herbert K. White

    How the process works

    In criminal lawsuits, defendants get free lawyers if they can’t afford one. They get jury trials. The government must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt” – the highest standard of proof.

    But in most denaturalization cases, the government files a civil suit, where none of these protections exist.

    People facing denaturalization get no free lawyer, meaning poor defendants often face the government alone. There’s no jury trial – just a judge deciding whether someone deserves to remain American. The burden of proof is lower – “clear and convincing evidence” instead of “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Most important, there’s no time limit, so the government can go back decades to build cases.

    As law professors who study citizenship, we believe this system violates basic constitutional rights.

    The Supreme Court has called citizenship a fundamental right. Chief Justice Earl Warren in 1958 described it as the “right to have rights.”

    In our reading of the law, taking away such a fundamental right through civil procedures that lack basic constitutional protection – no right to counsel for those who can’t afford it, no jury trial, and a lower burden of proof – seems to violate the due process of law required by the Constitution when the government seeks to deprive someone of their rights.

    The bigger problem is what citizenship-stripping policy does to democracy.

    When the government can strip citizenship from naturalized Americans for decades-old conduct through civil procedures with minimal due process protection – pursuing cases based on evidence that might not meet criminal standards – it undermines the security and permanence that citizenship is supposed to provide. This creates a system where naturalized citizens face ongoing vulnerability that can last their entire lives, potentially chilling their full participation in American democracy.

    The Justice Department memo establishes 10 priority categories for denaturalization cases. They range from national security threats and war crimes to various forms of fraud, financial crimes and, most importantly, any other cases it deems “sufficiently important to pursue.” This “maximal enforcement” approach means pursuing not just clear cases of fraud, but also any case where evidence might support taking away citizenship, no matter how weak or old the evidence is.

    This creates fear throughout immigrant communities.

    About 20 million naturalized Americans now must worry that any mistake in their decades-old immigration paperwork could cost them their citizenship.

    A two-tier system

    This policy effectively creates two different types of American citizens. Native-born Americans never have to worry about losing their citizenship, no matter what they do. But naturalized Americans face ongoing vulnerability that can last their entire lives.

    This has already happened. A woman who became a naturalized citizen in 2007 helped her boss with paperwork that was later used in fraud. She cooperated with the FBI investigation, was characterized by prosecutors as only a “minimal participant,” completed her sentence, and still faced losing her citizenship decades later because she didn’t report the crime on her citizenship application – even though she hadn’t been charged at the time.

    A woman receives a U.S. flag after passing her citizenship interview in Newark, N.J., on May 25, 2016.
    AP Photo/Julio Cortez

    The Justice Department’s directive to “maximally pursue” cases across 10 broad categories – combined with the first Trump administration’s efforts to review over 700,000 naturalization files – represents an unprecedented expansion of denaturalization efforts.

    The policy will almost certainly face legal challenges on constitutional grounds, but the damage may already be done. When naturalized citizens fear their status could be revoked, it undermines the security and permanence that citizenship is supposed to provide.

    The Supreme Court, in Afroyim v. Rusk, was focused on protecting existing citizens from losing their citizenship. The constitutional principle behind that decision – that citizenship is a fundamental right which can’t be arbitrarily taken away by whoever happens to be in power – applies equally to how the government handles denaturalization cases today.

    The Trump administration’s directive, combined with court procedures that lack basic constitutional protections, risks creating a system that the Afroyim v. Rusk decision sought to prevent – one where, as the Supreme Court said, “A group of citizens temporarily in office can deprive another group of citizens of their citizenship.”

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

    – ref. Justice Department efforts to strip citizenship from naturalized Americans likely violate constitutional rights – https://theconversation.com/justice-department-efforts-to-strip-citizenship-from-naturalized-americans-likely-violate-constitutional-rights-260353

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Former West Virginia Correctional Officers Sentenced to Prison for Federal Civil Rights Crimes in Connection with Death of Inmate

    Source: US FBI

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two former correctional officers from the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, were sentenced today for their roles in an assault that resulted in the death of a pretrial detainee, identified by the initials Q.B., on March 1, 2022. Mark Holdren, 41, of Beckley, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and Johnathan Walters, 33, of Rainelle, was sentenced to 21 years in prison, with each prison sentence to be followed by three years of supervised release.

    Holdren and Walters each pleaded guilty to conspiring with other officers to violate inmate Q.B.’s civil rights, resulting in Q.B.’s death. According to court documents filed in connection with the guilty pleas, Holdren responded to a call for officer assistance after Q.B. tried to push past another correctional officer and leave his assigned pod. When Holdren arrived, officers were engaged in restraining Q.B. Holdren began using force against Q.B., including multiple knee-strikes that he knew were unreasonable.

    Holdren and other officers then conspired to violate Q.B.’s civil rights by unlawfully assaulting him as punishment for his attempt to leave the pod. As a part of the conspiracy, Holdren and other officers brought Q.B. to an interview room, where Walters joined them. In the interview room, Holdren and other officers used unreasonable force against Q.B., including striking Q.B. in the head multiple times, kicking, knee-striking him, pulling and twisting his fingers, and using pepper spray, all while Q.B. was restrained, handcuffed and posed no threat to anyone.

    After assaulting Q.B. in the interview room, officers transported him to another pod. During the transport, Q.B. became limp and was unable to walk on his own. Walters and other officers then carried Q.B. by his arms and legs to the pod’s entryway door, where Walters admitted he used unreasonable force to swing Q.B.’s head into the metal door to open the door. Walters and other officers then carried Q.B. into a cell, where they dropped the unresponsive and handcuffed Q.B. onto the concrete floor. Shortly thereafter, responding emergency medical personnel declared that Q.B. was deceased.

    With their guilty pleas, Holdren and Walters each further admitted knowing that the interview room to which officers brought Q.B. was a “blind spot” – meaning, there were no surveillance cameras to record what happened there. Holdren and Walters were aware that, prior to the assault of Q.B. on March 1, 2022, officers would bring inmates, including pretrial detainees, who had engaged in misconduct to “blind spots” in the jail, so that officers could use unreasonable force without being captured on video, thereby avoiding accountability for their actions. Holdren and Walters each further admitted knowing that officers could not use unreasonable force to punish inmates, including pretrial detainees such as Q.B.  

    United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed today’s sentences.

    Holdren and Walters are two of six correctional officers who were indicted in this case. In November 2024, defendant Corey Snyder pleaded guilty in connection with the use of unreasonable force against Q.B., resulting in his death. Jacob Boothe pleaded guilty in August 2024 to failing to intervene to protect Q.B. from the officers’ assault. Snyder and Boothe are scheduled for sentencing before Judge Goodwin on July 10, 2025.

    Ashley Toney pleaded guilty on August 8, 2024, to failing to intervene to protect Q.B. from the officers’ assault. Judge Goodwin sentenced Toney, 25, of Fairdale, to six years and six months in prison on June 9, 2025.

    On January 27, 2025, a federal jury returned guilty verdict at trial for the sixth indicted defendant, Chad Lester, a former lieutenant at the Southern Regional Jail, finding him guilty on three obstruction of justice charges for his role in conspiring to cover up the death of Q.B. Judge Goodwin sentenced Lester, 35, of Odd, to 17 years and six months in prison on May 15, 2025.

    Prior to the indictment of the six defendants, former correctional officers Steven Nicholas Wimmer and Andrew Fleshman each pleaded guilty to conspiring to use unreasonable force against Burks. Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk sentenced Wimmer, 26, of Bluefield, to nine years in prison on May 7, 2025. Fleshman, 23, of Shady Spring, is scheduled for sentencing before Chief Judge Volk on July 14, 2025.

    Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston for the Southern District of West Virginia made today’s announcement.

    The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case.

    Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti and Trial Attorney Tenette Smith of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    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. 5:23-cr-188.

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Tallahassee Man of Attempting to Entice a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity

    Source: US FBI

    TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jelani Amari Petersen, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday of attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am proud of the great work by my office and our state and federal law enforcement partners to take this sex offender off our streets. This case exemplifies the mission set forth by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pamela Bondi: protect America’s children against predators like this defendant. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute such offenses to keep our most vulnerable members of the community safe from the predations of these sick individuals.”

    Trial testimony demonstrated that in September 2024, federal, state, and local law enforcement executed Operation Lifeguard, an undercover operation designed to apprehend individuals who use the Internet to sexually exploit children online. During the operation, Petersen communicated with an undercover officer who he believed to be a minor female, and expressed interest in engaging in sexual activity with the child in exchange for money. When Petersen arrived at a pre-arranged meeting location, law enforcement arrested him and searched his car. A subsequent search of his cellular phone, confirmed his communication with the undercover officers.

    Petersen faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life imprisonment, followed by a term of five years to life of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

    The case involved a joint investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin M. Keen and Meredith Steer.

    Sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2025, at 11:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former School Custodian Sentenced for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Wednesday sentenced a former high school custodian who bought child sexual abuse material to 63 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

    Bernard Ray Mennemeier uploaded five videos containing child sexual abuse material to Dropbox, triggering an FBI investigation. The FBI conducted a court-approved search of Mennemeier’s Dropbox account, and then Mennemeier’s home. Mennemeier was in possession of both child pornography and child erotica. He admitted messaging someone on Twitter who sold him child sexual abuse material “numerous” times, his plea agreement says.

    “This case was especially concerning given that Bernard Mennemeier was working in a high school at the time he possessed child sexual abuse material,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “In addition to spending 63 months in federal prison, Mennemeier will never be allowed to work around children again because he will have to register as a sex offender.”

    Mennemeier, 58, of O’Fallon, Missouri, pleaded guilty in April to one count of possession of child pornography.

    The FBI investigated the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former School Custodian Sentenced for Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Wednesday sentenced a former high school custodian who bought child sexual abuse material to 63 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

    Bernard Ray Mennemeier uploaded five videos containing child sexual abuse material to Dropbox, triggering an FBI investigation. The FBI conducted a court-approved search of Mennemeier’s Dropbox account, and then Mennemeier’s home. Mennemeier was in possession of both child pornography and child erotica. He admitted messaging someone on Twitter who sold him child sexual abuse material “numerous” times, his plea agreement says.

    “This case was especially concerning given that Bernard Mennemeier was working in a high school at the time he possessed child sexual abuse material,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “In addition to spending 63 months in federal prison, Mennemeier will never be allowed to work around children again because he will have to register as a sex offender.”

    Mennemeier, 58, of O’Fallon, Missouri, pleaded guilty in April to one count of possession of child pornography.

    The FBI investigated the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: ETHRANSACTION Introduces Scalable Cloud Mining Model for Everyday Crypto Enthusiasts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin surpasses the $110,000 mark and the global cryptocurrency market reaches new milestones, ETHRANSACTION is making digital asset participation more inclusive with its fully automated, AI-driven cloud mining platform. Designed for ease, security, and global accessibility, ETHRANSACTION is changing the way people approach crypto income, without hardware, trading stress, or technical know-how.

    Founded with the mission of making mining accessible to all users, ETHRANSACTION operates as a cloud-based AI mining pool and data center. With over 63% of the crypto market dominated by Bitcoin alone, ETHRANSACTION enables everyday users to participate in mining leading assets like BTC, LTC, and DOGE—all with just a few clicks from a smartphone or browser.

    Why ETHRANSACTION Resonates with Global Users

    What makes ETHRANSACTION stand out in a crowded field is its combination of simplicity, automation, and transparency:

    • No Hardware Required: Users do not need to purchase or manage any mining equipment.
    • One-Click Setup: Easy onboarding from any device—ideal for users of all skill levels.
    • Round-the-Clock Mining: AI optimises performance and selects the most efficient cryptocurrencies to mine in real time.
    • Real-Time Monitoring: Users can track mining output and platform performance via intuitive dashboards.
    • Global Reach: Open to users across all regions, designed to scale with increasing adoption.

    “We believe crypto mining should be inclusive, effortless, and sustainable,” said a company spokesperson. “Our AI-backed infrastructure and clean user experience are built to support both beginners and experienced crypto users looking for a steady, low-friction alternative to trading.”

    Commitment to Security and Reliability

    ETHRANSACTION emphasises safety as a core part of its user experience. All user data is secured with SSL encryption, and the platform maintains a long-standing partnership with Legal & General Insurance Company to provide additional reliability through insurance-backed support.

    The platform also allows users to monitor plan performance and data integrity in real time, supporting full transparency in all operations.

    Built for Flexibility and Everyday Use

    Unlike traditional mining operations or speculative trading platforms, ETHRANSACTION is built to fit into everyday life. Its cloud-first, mobile-compatible approach allows users to activate cloud mining and track progress in just minutes—no complex installations or energy bills involved.

    ETHRANSACTION continues to develop user-centric features, including

    • Seamless mobile integration
    • Scalable participation models
    • Multilingual support for global accessibility
      Enhanced educational tools for new users

    About ETHRANSACTION

    ETHRANSACTION is a global cloud mining platform combining artificial intelligence, automation, and accessibility to provide a secure and intuitive way to mine popular cryptocurrencies. Based on a commitment to transparency and scalability, ETHRANSACTION aims to empower users with low-barrier entry to passive crypto participation, without the volatility or complexities of traditional crypto investments.

    To learn more, visit: https://ethransaction.vip

    Media Contact
    Name: Georgina Godfrey
    Email: info@ethransaction.vip
    Website: https://ethransaction.vip
    Location: London, United Kingdom

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ETHRANSACTION Introduces Scalable Cloud Mining Model for Everyday Crypto Enthusiasts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin surpasses the $110,000 mark and the global cryptocurrency market reaches new milestones, ETHRANSACTION is making digital asset participation more inclusive with its fully automated, AI-driven cloud mining platform. Designed for ease, security, and global accessibility, ETHRANSACTION is changing the way people approach crypto income, without hardware, trading stress, or technical know-how.

    Founded with the mission of making mining accessible to all users, ETHRANSACTION operates as a cloud-based AI mining pool and data center. With over 63% of the crypto market dominated by Bitcoin alone, ETHRANSACTION enables everyday users to participate in mining leading assets like BTC, LTC, and DOGE—all with just a few clicks from a smartphone or browser.

    Why ETHRANSACTION Resonates with Global Users

    What makes ETHRANSACTION stand out in a crowded field is its combination of simplicity, automation, and transparency:

    • No Hardware Required: Users do not need to purchase or manage any mining equipment.
    • One-Click Setup: Easy onboarding from any device—ideal for users of all skill levels.
    • Round-the-Clock Mining: AI optimises performance and selects the most efficient cryptocurrencies to mine in real time.
    • Real-Time Monitoring: Users can track mining output and platform performance via intuitive dashboards.
    • Global Reach: Open to users across all regions, designed to scale with increasing adoption.

    “We believe crypto mining should be inclusive, effortless, and sustainable,” said a company spokesperson. “Our AI-backed infrastructure and clean user experience are built to support both beginners and experienced crypto users looking for a steady, low-friction alternative to trading.”

    Commitment to Security and Reliability

    ETHRANSACTION emphasises safety as a core part of its user experience. All user data is secured with SSL encryption, and the platform maintains a long-standing partnership with Legal & General Insurance Company to provide additional reliability through insurance-backed support.

    The platform also allows users to monitor plan performance and data integrity in real time, supporting full transparency in all operations.

    Built for Flexibility and Everyday Use

    Unlike traditional mining operations or speculative trading platforms, ETHRANSACTION is built to fit into everyday life. Its cloud-first, mobile-compatible approach allows users to activate cloud mining and track progress in just minutes—no complex installations or energy bills involved.

    ETHRANSACTION continues to develop user-centric features, including

    • Seamless mobile integration
    • Scalable participation models
    • Multilingual support for global accessibility
      Enhanced educational tools for new users

    About ETHRANSACTION

    ETHRANSACTION is a global cloud mining platform combining artificial intelligence, automation, and accessibility to provide a secure and intuitive way to mine popular cryptocurrencies. Based on a commitment to transparency and scalability, ETHRANSACTION aims to empower users with low-barrier entry to passive crypto participation, without the volatility or complexities of traditional crypto investments.

    To learn more, visit: https://ethransaction.vip

    Media Contact
    Name: Georgina Godfrey
    Email: info@ethransaction.vip
    Website: https://ethransaction.vip
    Location: London, United Kingdom

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Five Star Bancorp Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Date and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Five Star Bancorp (Nasdaq: FSBC) (“Five Star” or the “Company”), a holding company that operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank (the “Bank”), expects to report its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, after the stock market closes on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

    Management will host a live webcast for analysts and investors to review this information at 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) on July 24, 2025.

    The live webcast will be accessible from the “News & Events” section of the Company’s website under “Events” at https://investors.fivestarbank.com/news-events/events. Please pre-register for the event using this link. The webcast will be archived on the Company’s website for a period of 90 days.

    About Five Star Bancorp
    Five Star is a bank holding company headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California. Five Star operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank. The Bank has eight branches in Northern California. For more information, visit https://www.fivestarbank.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Heather C. Luck, Chief Financial Officer
    Five Star Bancorp
    (916) 626-5008
    hluck@fivestarbank.com

    Media Contact:
    Shelley R. Wetton, Chief Marketing Officer
    Five Star Bancorp
    (916) 284-7827
    swetton@fivestarbank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Five Star Bancorp Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Date and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Five Star Bancorp (Nasdaq: FSBC) (“Five Star” or the “Company”), a holding company that operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank (the “Bank”), expects to report its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, after the stock market closes on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

    Management will host a live webcast for analysts and investors to review this information at 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) on July 24, 2025.

    The live webcast will be accessible from the “News & Events” section of the Company’s website under “Events” at https://investors.fivestarbank.com/news-events/events. Please pre-register for the event using this link. The webcast will be archived on the Company’s website for a period of 90 days.

    About Five Star Bancorp
    Five Star is a bank holding company headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California. Five Star operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank. The Bank has eight branches in Northern California. For more information, visit https://www.fivestarbank.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Heather C. Luck, Chief Financial Officer
    Five Star Bancorp
    (916) 626-5008
    hluck@fivestarbank.com

    Media Contact:
    Shelley R. Wetton, Chief Marketing Officer
    Five Star Bancorp
    (916) 284-7827
    swetton@fivestarbank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Opening Remarks at Full Committee Mark Up of CJS, Ag-FDA, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s opening remarks***

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following opening remarks as the committee meets to consider draft fiscal year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; and Legislative Branch appropriations acts.

    Senator Murray’s opening remarks, as delivered, are below:

    “Thank you very much Chair Collins, and congratulations to you on your first markup as Chair. I really appreciate the opportunity to work with you on this committee. I also want to thank Senators Moran and Van Hollen—our CJS subcommittee leaders; Senators Hoeven and Shaheen—our Ag Subcommittee leaders; and Senators Mullin and Heinrich for your work on the Leg branch—and for all the work that went into these bills today.

    “We have an important job here today, to come together and work through our differences, so we can fund the government, help our families, and make our country safer and stronger. Help people, solve problems. That’s the job that I’ve been here for, for a long time.  

    “And over the past few years, we have—together in this committee, as Chair Collins alluded to—established a strong track record on this Committee of coming together, despite serious disagreements, to do just that with strong bipartisan bills.

    “Now, the challenges we face—and the threats to this very process—are greater than ever before with a president and an administration intent on ignoring the laws that we write and seizing more power for themselves.

    “And of course, for the first time ever, we are operating now on a partisan, full-year continuing resolution for all twelve of our funding bills, which turned over more say on how our constituents’ taxpayer dollars get spent to unelected bureaucrats than any of us should be comfortable with.

    “In the face of these immense challenges and threats, I believe it’s more important than ever that we ensure our constituents’ voices are heard, by passing these bipartisan, full-year spending bills. We cannot afford another disastrous slush fund CR that lets political appointees and bureaucrats—who have never been to any of our states—call the shots.

    “So, I’m glad we are here today taking an important step to do the hard work of finding common ground and advancing three funding bills that provide crucial investments to our country.

    “These are not the bills I would have written my own. I’d like to do a lot more to help our struggling families and rural communities, and develop cutting-edge technologies and science here in America. And I will obviously keep pushing to do as much as I can, at every opportunity.

    “But I also want to say that it is important that we do understand that we work together on this committee, do compromise, and pass our bills together.

    “I also want to say at the top that I share Ranking Member Van Hollen’s outrage that this administration has—on a dime—attempted to reprogram funding secured for the FBI headquarters after this committee provided funds and a competitive selection process was run.

    “It is emphatically not how things should work. But, yet again, we are seeing this President thumb his nose at Congress and do what he wants. This is really something that we should have been able to address in this bill—along with a lot else—and I am really disappointed that we could not.

    “So, while I will be voting yes to advance this bill and keep the conversation going, and support this bipartisan process, it is an issue that I will continue to press on with Ranking Member Van Hollen.

    “And I just say, I would caution this committee—if my Republican colleagues simply stand by and watch this, it doesn’t take a lot of imagination to envision a future Democratic President who decides we don’t need to fund an FBI agency or building in another state and change the funding around, so I hope none of us want to help set that precedent for future presidents or generations.

    “But at the end of the day, I do believe these bills are all a good compromise starting point—delivering critical resources to continue key programs and make targeted new investments, rejecting some of the truly harmful proposed cuts by the President, and steering clear of the extreme partisan policies he’s requested and that we’ve seen in some of the House bills over the last few years.

    “At the end of the day, there is no question in my mind: these compromise bills offer a far better outcome for families back home than the alternatives of either the House, or another disastrous CR.

    “The three bills before us reject efforts to slash meals for hundreds of thousands of seniors, funding to keep people safe, investments in cutting-edge scientific research, and a whole lot more.

    “And more than that—these bills make essential investments to keep our country strong: from funding that keeps our families fed, food supply secure, and farms flourishing to funding that drives cutting-edge scientific research that is happening in our states, or fuels growing industries and small businesses.

    “There is also funding for our communities to keep our families safe.

    “There is funding to help each of us serve the folks who sent us here—investments in staff who help with constituent services, experts who provide crucial insights into legislation, Capitol operations and security that protect everyone who works here and comes to visit, and important investments in member security, as well.

    “In light of the tragic assassination and attack on lawmakers in Minnesota recently, it is painfully clear we must do more to address the threat of political violence that really tears at the heart of this democracy. So I’m pleased to see some progress and new investments there—it is clear we’ve got to do more, I will make sure we continue that conversation.

    “Bottom line, what we are doing here today is how the process should work: members coming together, writing bills with bipartisan input—and I hope we can continue this process with all of our bills.

    “The challenges that we face are really immense, and it is so important that we do the job that we were sent here to do.

    “But for us to be able to work in a bipartisan way effectively, that requires us to work with each other. To not just write bipartisan funding bills—but to defend them from partisan cuts sought by the President and the OMB director.

    “We need to make sure decisions about what to fund—and yes, what to rescind—are made here in Congress, on a bipartisan basis, and within our annual funding process.

    “We cannot allow bipartisan funding bills with partisan rescission packages. It will not work.

    “And that is why I will repeat my commitment to all of my colleagues: my colleagues and I on this side of the dais, we stand ready to discuss rescissions as part of these bipartisan spending bills—as part of these bills. And just as this committee has always done. Working together across the aisle to look where it makes sense to cut, or rescind, or reform. I believe that is the path to our collective success, and I hope my colleagues work with us on this offer and reject the rescissions package next week. 

    “So as we mark up this legislation today, I hope we all keep our eye on what comes next. We have nine more bills to get across the finish line, and these are decisions that will help us get there. And there are decisions that will make that task a lot harder—if not impossible.

    “I spoke about this last week at the hearing with Director Vought.

    “This mark up, these bills—they show the potential of this Committee when it works best.

    “We have a powerful role here, where we can do a lot of good for the communities we represent.

    “But I will warn everyone again, this Committee is not powerful just ‘because.’ It is powerful because we are able to work together to secure investments that actually become law.

    “But if we choose to ignore that, this Committee can, and will, lose its power.

    “If we start passing partisan cuts to bipartisan deals—how are we ever supposed to work together?

    “That is not hypothetical—that is a real question that will be posed by any party-line rescissions package.

    “There are two roads before us right now: there is the road we peered down at the last hearing. The road where this becomes the Rescissions Committee—looking at package after package of cuts, fighting over how much of the last deal that we will unravel, fighting over whose projects gets canceled, whose community gets robbed. 

    “And there is the road that we are taking a step down today—the bipartisan road. Where we actually work together—where we stand together—and get investments back home to the people who sent us here. I know where I want us to go.

    “And so, as we vote on these compromise bills today, I hope all of my colleagues will not just join me in advancing these bills, but also join me in reflecting on how we got here, and how we can best move forward.

    “We cannot take for granted the spirit of trust—the spirit of trust—that makes it possible for us to write bills together. It’s easy to damage, pretty hard to repair.

    “Thank you, Madam Chair.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Houston Man Guilty of Defrauding Individuals with False Promises of Legal Status

    Source: US FBI

    HOUSTON – A 58-year-old Houston resident has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    From March 2022 through December 2024, Jesus Carlos Silva pretended to be an immigration attorney affiliated with a Houston-based law firm. He made false promises that he could help people obtain U.S. citizenship and/or other legal immigration status. Silva charged thousands of dollars per person for his “assistance,” collecting payments through checks and money orders. He never provided legitimate immigration help and instead offered excuses for delays before ultimately cutting off communication.

    Silva instructed several individuals to travel to Houston for fake appointments with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. When they arrived, there were no appointments. He admitted to stealing more than $1,450,555 from over 100 people, most of whom lived in Houston and Chicago. Others were from Texas, Illinois, Louisiana and Florida.

    U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks will impose sentencing Sept. 22. At that time, Silva faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine or a fine of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss that resulted from the offense.

    Silva was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

    The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray and Rodolfo Ramirez are prosecuting the case.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement of the Coalition of the Willing meeting by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Ukraine: 10 July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Statement of the Coalition of the Willing meeting by the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Ukraine: 10 July 2025

    Today the leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing gathered in London, Rome and virtually to discuss strengthening support to Ukraine and further pressure on Russia.

    Today the leaders of member states and international organisations of the Coalition of the Willing gathered in London, Rome and virtually to discuss strengthening support to Ukraine and further pressure on Russia. They welcomed the participation of United States Special Presidential Envoy, General Keith Kellogg, and Senators Graham and Blumenthal – the first time representatives of the United States have joined in the Coalition of the Willing meeting. 

    The leaders congratulated Prime Minister Meloni of Italy on hosting the Ukraine Recovery Conference, from where President Zelenskyy and fellow leaders joined the meeting.

    The Leaders reiterated that President Putin’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and a threat to their security interests. They underlined their unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. 

    They commended President Zelenskyy’s sincere support for US-led efforts to reach peace. Four months have passed since Ukraine agreed to a full, unconditional ceasefire. In this time, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population, killing more than 700 and injuring over 3,500 in the most intense air strikes of the invasion to date. The Leaders called on Russia to end attacks against civilians, and to commit to a full and unconditional ceasefire in order to negotiate a just and lasting settlement.

    The Leaders supported further peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, praising efforts by President Trump on establishing a peace process backed by the United States and other close partners. This should make progress towards a meeting of leaders.  

    Leaders also agreed to step up action against Russia’s war economy. They agreed to develop further restrictive measures, in coordination with all relevant actors, against Russia’s energy and financial sectors, including Russian oil and gas exports, the ‘shadow fleet’, and third country supply to Russia’s war machine.

    The Leaders reiterated that strong Ukrainian armed forces are the primary guarantee of the country’s sovereignty and security. They agreed that, while Russia’s aggression continues, this group would prioritise making sure that Ukraine gets the military and financial support it needs to defend itself in the fight now. Furthermore, they reaffirmed agreement to provide at least €40bn in military support to Ukraine in 2025 to bolster the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine – matching the commitment made by the NATO Alliance in 2024. They agreed to work through the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and the Capability Coalitions to accelerate support for Ukraine’s future forces. 

    A primary priority for support is the strengthening of Ukraine’s integrated air-defence capabilities. Leaders also agreed on further support to deter Russian massive drone attacks, and to increase financing for the production of drone interceptors. 

    They reiterated their commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security and to building Ukraine’s ability to deter and defend against future armed attack by Russia. They welcomed the development of mature operational plans to deploy a reassurance force  – the ‘Multinational Force Ukraine’ – once hostilities have ceased, and to help secure Ukraine’s skies and seas and regenerate Ukraine’s armed forces. They welcomed the establishment of a UK/French led operational headquarters to support planning activity, the commitments made by partners to contribute to the force, as well as Ukraine’s readiness to issue an invitation to the force and enter into formal agreements with participating countries where necessary.

    Leaders also underlined the importance of ensuring fiscal and economic support for Ukraine. They agreed to draw up a collective plan to support Ukrainian public finances in 2026. They also recognised that free and safe navigation in the Black Sea will strengthen Ukraine’s economy and restore food security, and reiterated their commitment to support demining efforts in the Black Sea. The Leaders also agreed to continue to explore all lawful routes to ensure that Russia pays for the damage that it has done to Ukraine, including looking at further options for the use of revenues stemming from Russian immobilised sovereign assets.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Announcement of the decision made at the bondholders’ meeting of UAB “Orkela” on 10 July 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    At the initiative of UAB “Orkela” (the Company) and the decision of UAB “AUDIFINA” (the Trustee), a meeting of the bondholders of the Company’s bond issue, ISIN code LT0000405961 (the Bonds), was held on 10 July 2025 (the Meeting).

    Meeting draft decision and voting results:

    Regarding the extension of the Bonds’ redemption date to 19 October 2025. A vote was held in the Meeting to approve the change of the redemption date specified in the Bond documents to 19 October 2025, with the Company paying higher annual interest of 9% for the final interest period from 19 July 2025 (inclusive) to 19 October 2025 (exclusive).

     

    The decision of the Meeting was adopted.

     In accordance with the Meeting’s decision, the Bonds’ redemption date is extended and changed to 19 October 2025, with the Company paying higher annual interest of 9% for the final interest period from 19 July 2025 (inclusive) to 19 October 2025 (exclusive).

    The Meeting minutes are attached to this announcement and are published on the Company’s website at https://lordslb.lt/orkela_bonds/, as well as on the Trustee’s website at https://www.audifina.lt/paslaugos/konsultacines-paslaugos/obligaciju-savininku-interesu-gynimas-atstovavimas/#viesi-pranesimai.

    The presentation delivered by the Company during the meeting is attached hereto

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Multi-Billion Virtual Healthcare Industry Witnessing Substantial Growth with Rapid Expansion Expected

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The global telehealth market has been substantially growing over the past years and is expected to continue this growth well into the future. A report from Grand View Research said that: “The global telehealth market size was estimated at USD 123.26 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 455.27 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 24.68% from 2025 to 2030. North America dominated the telehealth market with the revenue share of 46.58% in 2024. The market is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of digital health & smartphones, rising investments, improved internet connectivity, and growing technological advancements… the growing adoption and acceptance of telehealth services are expected to boost the market’s growth over the forecast period.” The report continued: “Moreover, smartphones have evolved from devices of communication & entertainment to devices that can monitor health and fitness. Some market players are developing Chatbot services for basic medical inquiries and one-time consultations… Moreover, the market is propelled by favorable government initiatives to expand telehealth by making healthcare services more accessible and convenient for patients. The focus on cost-effective and efficient healthcare solutions further propels the adoption of telehealth services. The rising adoption of telehealth facilities by patients, physicians, and government authorities is boosting the market. Access to healthcare through specific applications and video consultations enables communication between patients and doctors in remote locations, eliminating the need to visit hospitals or clinics. Market players such as Apple, Google, and IBM focus on improving the mobile health experience by providing numerous solutions through different subscription plans and emphasizing data security. These factors are expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period.”   Active tech companies in the markets this week include Treatment AI, Inc. (OTCQB: TREIF) (CSE: TRUE), CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS), Teladoc Health, Inc. (NYSE: TDOC), Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE: HIMS).

    Grand View Research concluded: “Telehealth services are rapidly expanding, particularly in cardiology, behavioral health, radiology, and online consultations. This growth is fueled by a surge in startup funding and the introduction of new solutions and services, especially those designed for virtual consultations. Furthermore, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms enhances the personalization of healthcare services. In addition, favorable government initiatives promoting telehealth adoption drive the market. The telehealth market in the U.S. accounted for the largest market revenue share in North America in 2024, owing to innovative software development, advanced healthcare management, and the presence of several market players operating across segments, such as mobile and network operations. Increasing awareness regarding the availability of digital health solutions, such as mHealth and telehealth, is driving their adoption rate.”

    Treatment AI Inc. (OTCQB: TREIF) (CSE: TRUE) News: EngageWell, Rocket Doctor, and CVS Health Foundation Launch Virtual Healthy Aging Program for Adults over 60 –

    Backed by $1 million in funding from the CVS Health Foundation, the pilot initiative offers free, virtual health screenings to support aging with confidence, care, and convenience

    • Health checks include assessments for heart health, memory, cognitive function, and mental health
    • No travel required — all appointments are virtual and confidential
    • Community Health Workers provide personalized follow-up support and connect patients to local resources
    • The program is now available in New York City, with plans to expand throughout 2025
    • Free for patients on Medicaid, covered by insurance for patients on Medicare

    Treatment.com AI Inc. (Frankfurt: 939) (the “Company” or “Treatment”) is pleased to announce that building off their successful graduation from AARPs AgeTech Accelerator, its subsidiary, Rocket Doctor Inc., has partnered with EngageWell IPA in a program funded by CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) Foundation to launch the Healthy Aging Program — a new pilot initiative offering virtual health screenings for adults aged 60 and older across New York City.

    Funded through a 5-year, $1M grant from the CVS Health® Foundation, EngageWell and Rocket Doctor’s program is designed to support older adults in maintaining their health and independence. It offers confidential virtual assessments that screen for common health concerns related to aging, including heart health, memory and brain function, and mental well-being. Board-certified physicians conduct consultations via phone or video and develop personalized follow-up care plans. Community Health Workers are also available to help patients connect with the telehealth provider and with necessary follow-up care.

    “Aging shouldn’t mean losing access to care, it should mean getting the support you need, wherever you are,” said Dr. William Cherniak, Founder and CEO of Rocket Doctor. “We’re proud to again partner with EngageWell to bring high-quality, proactive care directly into the homes of older adults across New York City. We’re equally thrilled that the CVS Health Foundation is funding EngageWell to implement this important program.”

    Participants who complete their screenings receive valuable health information, a physician consultation, and can receive up to $45 in gift cards. No insurance is required for patients on Medicaid, and is accepted for patients on Medicare. The entire process is designed to be simple, supportive, and stress-free.

    “Too often, older adults who face language barriers, low health or digital literacy, or systemic inequities are left to navigate fragmented healthcare systems on their own,” said Christopher Joseph, Executive Director of EngageWell IPA. “Through the Healthy Aging Program, we’re not just delivering services – we’re building a care model rooted in dignity, cultural relevance, and trust. By combining community-based outreach with user-friendly technology, we’re bridging gaps and creating lasting pathways to better health for aging New Yorkers.”

    The program is now live and being offered in partnership with community-based organizations and care navigators throughout New York City. By combining technology, human connection, and wrap-around support, the Healthy Aging Program helps ensure older adults stay healthy, informed, and in control of their care, without ever needing to leave home. CONTINUED… Read this full press release and more news for Treatment.com AI at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-true/.

    Other recent developments in the healthcare industry of note include:

    CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) has recently announced the opening of its new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center (WITC) in Chicago. The center, situated at the Chicago Baptist Institute, will improve the community’s access to workforce training services and provide every participant who completes the program an opportunity to apply for a position at CVS Health.

    The WITC will transform lives in the Chicago community, like that of Catrina Malone. Her journey began when she attended an informational session while pursuing a film career. Now, as a pharmacy technician at CVS Health, Catrina shares her story: “Growing up in an unstable home environment, I faced many barriers. My mother struggled with substance abuse, and there were times when I didn’t know where my next meal would come from. With the support of my legal guardian, I stayed determined to forge my own path and build a career despite the odds being against me. This new role as a pharmacy technician for CVS Pharmacy has given me just that. Through this center and the kindness of everyone here, I’ve felt truly encouraged and supported — and for that, I am extremely thankful.”

    Teladoc Health, Inc. (NYSE: TDOC), the global leader in virtual care, recently announced earlier this year it has acquired UpLift, an innovative and tech-enabled provider of virtual mental health therapy, psychiatry and medication management services.

    The acquisition supports the company’s strategy to further enhance its leadership position in virtual mental health, including the ability for consumers served by its BetterHelp segment to access benefits coverage for mental health services. UpLift serves the health plan market and has arrangements covering over 100 million lives, a network of over 1,500 mental health professionals, important capabilities and a talented team.

    Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), a technology company leading the adoption of AI to advance precision medicine and patient care, recently announced the expansion of its care pathway intelligence platform, Tempus Next, into breast cancer. Since its launch in 2024, Tempus Next has screened thousands of patients across its network of provider sites, helping close critical care gaps for patients with lung cancer. Now, the platform will support five different biomarker testing gaps specific to breast cancer with the goal of helping physicians deliver guideline-directed medical care to eligible patients.

    Tempus Next supports physicians administering guideline-based care by surfacing care gaps and identifying patients who may benefit from these guideline-based suggestions. The platform integrates multimodal data available in the patient’s electronic medical record (EMR) with up-to-date clinical guidelines to support providers in delivering guideline-based care. As with lung cancer, clinical guidelines around breast cancer are continually evolving, and Tempus is working to help providers keep pace, starting at Mercy, which has already integrated Tempus Next for both breast and lung cancer into its EMR system to support patient care. Mercy has over 1,000 physician practice locations and outpatient facilities, more than 5,000 physicians and advanced practitioners serving patients across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

    Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE: HIMS) the leading digital health and wellness platform, recently announced its plans to bring its affordable, holistic weight loss program to Canada, timed with the anticipated first-ever availability of generic semaglutide anywhere in the world. This move follows the recent closing of the company’s acquisition of ZAVA, the pioneering digital health platform in Europe.

    Almost two thirds of adults in Canada are overweight or living with obesity, yet access to proven treatments remains limited due to high costs and availability. With branded semaglutide often priced out of reach, the introduction of generics marks a pivotal moment for access to care. Hims & Hers plans to offer access to lower-cost treatment options through its digital platform, paired with 24/7 access to licensed providers and personalized, clinically backed care plans. In Canada, branded semaglutide with no surrounding clinical support currently costs more than C$200 a month. The price for generic semaglutide is expected to be available at a significant discount to the branded versions, with the prices expected to lower over time.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies.

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM was compensated forty two hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Treatment.com AI Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757 

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear to Participate in Fireside Chat at H.C. Wainwright’s Powering the Future: Advancing Innovation Through Nuclear Virtual Conference on July 15th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, N.Y., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced that Chief Executive Officer James Walker will participate in a fireside chat at H.C. Wainwright’s Powering the Future: Advancing Innovation Through Nuclear Virtual Conference hosted by Sameer Joshi, Senior Cleantech Analyst at H.C. Wainwright, on July 15, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., Eastern time.

    Figure 1 – Rendering of NANO Nuclear Energy’s High Technology Readiness Level and Patented KRONOS MMR™ Microreactor Energy System at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Mr. Walker is expected to discuss recent business developments, highlighting progress in advancing its lead microreactor project, the patented KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, toward construction, testing and licensing with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, as well as key upcoming regulatory milestones necessary for deployment of the KRONOS reactor prototype at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

    NANO Nuclear is highly focused on expediting its advanced reactor technology to meet expected growth in energy demands across multiple sectors, including data centers powering artificial intelligence. The stationary KRONOS reactor is designed to be completely modular, mass manufactured with a production line, rapidly installed, safer than traditional reactors, co-located at customer sites, a provider of high-capacity factor baseload carbon free power, and a known technology offering the potential to reduce licensing timeframes. NANO Nuclear views KRONOS as a next generation source of reliable, safe, and clean nuclear energy ideal to meet expected future growth in domestic and international energy consumption. 

    Fireside Chat Details:

    Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
    Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
    Speaker: James Walker, CEO
    Moderator: Sameer Joshi, H.C. Wainwright Senior Cleantech Analyst
    Webcast: https://journey.ct.events/view/d216b343-edae-4f3e-8627-d19c29340b11

    A replay of the fireside chat webcast will be available for approximately 30 days on NANO Nuclear’s investor relations website at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/news-events/events.

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

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

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:
    NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN
    NANO Nuclear Energy YOUTUBE
    NANO Nuclear Energy X PLATFORM

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release, the fireside chat referred to herein and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release and such fireside chat contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. Specifically, forward-looking statements include those related to NANO Nuclear’s development plans for the KRONOS MMR™ Energy System and NANO Nuclear’s other future plans and intentions. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 Executive Orders seeking to streamline nuclear regulation, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdu Launches Largest-Ever Global Trading Challenge with Over $50 Million in Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdu, a next-generation global cryptocurrency exchange, has officially announced the launch of its most ambitious event to date: the “Battle of the Peak” Global Trading Challenge. With a total prize pool exceeding $50 million in cash and platform tokens, the competition marks the largest trading event in Bitdu’s history and one of the most lucrative challenges in the digital asset industry.

    The competition will run from July 10 to August 10, 2025 (UTC), and is open to verified traders worldwide. With a participation cap of 10,000 users, the event requires a minimum entry fund of $10,000 and supports major assets including USDT, USDC, BTC, and ETH. Traders can compete using spot trading only, and withdrawals during the contest will be treated as a forfeit.

    Participants will be ranked by net profit, calculated as the difference between final account value and total funds invested (including any top-ups). Rankings will be updated daily, with the top 100 traders published publicly and the top 10 receiving high-visibility visual leaderboards.

    The event will be strictly monitored by Bitdu’s dual-layered compliance system, combining AI-based behavioral tracking and manual reviews. The top 100 winners will undergo deep audits post-competition. Any form of market manipulation, multi-accounting, or abnormal transfers will result in disqualification and profit reset.

    “Bitdu is committed to creating a competitive yet fair environment where the best traders can rise to the top,” said a Bitdu spokesperson. “This event is not only about the size of the prize pool, but about setting a new standard in transparent, compliant, and rewarding trading competitions.”

    About Bitdu
    Bitdu is a globally regulated cryptocurrency exchange offering spot, futures, and staking services to millions of users. The platform holds MSB licenses in the U.S. and Canada, is registered as a VASP in the EU, and operates with DCE approval in Australia. Bitdu is committed to building a secure, compliant, and high-performance trading ecosystem.

    Company: Bitdu UAB
    Contact Person: Yvonne Bennett, Global Communications Manager
    Email: bitdu@bitdu.com
    Website: www.bitdu.com
    Telephone: 447933919784
    City: London

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97510e64-9885-4182-b98d-0112eb1ee59c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36bd0d00-3168-4e0e-a3cd-71e735388e4a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0446bcce-6dc6-4c9d-96d1-393d2aa2daeb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdu Launches Largest-Ever Global Trading Challenge with Over $50 Million in Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdu, a next-generation global cryptocurrency exchange, has officially announced the launch of its most ambitious event to date: the “Battle of the Peak” Global Trading Challenge. With a total prize pool exceeding $50 million in cash and platform tokens, the competition marks the largest trading event in Bitdu’s history and one of the most lucrative challenges in the digital asset industry.

    The competition will run from July 10 to August 10, 2025 (UTC), and is open to verified traders worldwide. With a participation cap of 10,000 users, the event requires a minimum entry fund of $10,000 and supports major assets including USDT, USDC, BTC, and ETH. Traders can compete using spot trading only, and withdrawals during the contest will be treated as a forfeit.

    Participants will be ranked by net profit, calculated as the difference between final account value and total funds invested (including any top-ups). Rankings will be updated daily, with the top 100 traders published publicly and the top 10 receiving high-visibility visual leaderboards.

    The event will be strictly monitored by Bitdu’s dual-layered compliance system, combining AI-based behavioral tracking and manual reviews. The top 100 winners will undergo deep audits post-competition. Any form of market manipulation, multi-accounting, or abnormal transfers will result in disqualification and profit reset.

    “Bitdu is committed to creating a competitive yet fair environment where the best traders can rise to the top,” said a Bitdu spokesperson. “This event is not only about the size of the prize pool, but about setting a new standard in transparent, compliant, and rewarding trading competitions.”

    About Bitdu
    Bitdu is a globally regulated cryptocurrency exchange offering spot, futures, and staking services to millions of users. The platform holds MSB licenses in the U.S. and Canada, is registered as a VASP in the EU, and operates with DCE approval in Australia. Bitdu is committed to building a secure, compliant, and high-performance trading ecosystem.

    Company: Bitdu UAB
    Contact Person: Yvonne Bennett, Global Communications Manager
    Email: bitdu@bitdu.com
    Website: www.bitdu.com
    Telephone: 447933919784
    City: London

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97510e64-9885-4182-b98d-0112eb1ee59c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36bd0d00-3168-4e0e-a3cd-71e735388e4a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0446bcce-6dc6-4c9d-96d1-393d2aa2daeb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New backing for small businesses to protect their intellectual property from security threats

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New backing for small businesses to protect their intellectual property from security threats

    Up to 500 small or medium-sized companies could benefit from new reviews involving approved experts giving tailored advice to teams on risks they face.

    • Up to 500 small and medium sized UK firms backed by government funding to strengthen their security.
    • Security review scheme includes expert advice to protect ideas and innovations from powerful competitors including state actors.
    • Open to range of sectors from AI to life sciences to help businesses grow securely while boosting our economy and supporting our Plan for Change.

    Hundreds of UK tech start-ups and other innovative businesses can now apply for government support to protect their intellectual property from powerful competitors, including threats from other states and hostile actors, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has announced today (Thursday 10 July).

    Up to 500 small or medium-sized companies will potentially benefit from new Secure Innovation Security Reviews, which involve approved experts giving tailored advice to teams on risks they face, so they can build thriving businesses which create jobs and support the economy.

    This could include advice on strengthening checks on prospective employees to reduce insider threats and ensure their suitability for handling sensitive information, and key cyber security measures to guard against common cyber-attacks.

    A range of technology sectors operating throughout the UK will be able to apply, from artificial intelligence to life sciences, advanced materials like semiconductors to renewable energy systems and beyond – backing businesses at the forefront of boosting economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    Support can help combat the efforts of certain states to steal technological, economic, or military insight, to enhance their own capabilities rather than engaging in fair international competition.

    While threats of hostile actors recruiting an insider to exploit their physical access are not new, such threats are becoming more advanced, underlining the importance of integrating personnel, physical, and cyber security to protect start-ups.

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    The UK economy is built on the courage, ambition and hard work of small businesses which ultimately benefits us all, creating new technologies and jobs that grow our economy under our Plan for Change.

    By supporting firms to protect their innovations, this government-backed scheme will help those who put the hours in to reap the rewards while keeping key companies and sectors safe from malicious larger competitors, including state actors.

    Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

    Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and they need security to thrive. 

    With 98% of businesses reporting a lack of knowledge to identify security threats, it is crucial they are equipped with the tools necessary to protect themselves against increasingly volatile threats.

    This initiative, spearheaded by the National Protective Security Authority and the National Cyber Security Centre, supports businesses to build the skills and the confidence they need to grow.

    To take part in the scheme, companies will need to apply through Innovate UK and contribute £500, with £2,500 covered by the government.

    National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) figures show 39% of companies have only one protective security or cyber measure in place and 55% do not conduct pre-employment screening of new personnel. By helping businesses to integrate protective security into their wider business strategy, the work can also help to boost customer and investor confidence.

    The reviews involve a professional conducting a site visit of the company to carry out a security health check, against a framework developed by the UK’s national technical authorities, NPSA – part of MI5 – and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – part of Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).

    They will then provide the company with a bespoke report with recommendations for improvement. The professional will conduct a follow up with the company after 6 months to gauge improvements made since the site visit.

    It builds on a pilot scheme in 2023, where 98% fed back that they now have sufficient knowledge to identify the security threats to their business, with the same figure committing to further action strengthen their security.

    NCSC CEO Richard Horne said:

    Small and medium-sized businesses power the UK’s innovation engine – but where ideas thrive, threats are never far behind.

    States, state-backed competitors, and cyber criminals target cutting-edge ideas and valuable data, exploiting gaps in cyber and protective security defences to launch attacks that can cripple organisations and steal their most sensitive innovations.

    That’s why building resilience is no longer optional – it’s essential for business growth and survival. I encourage SMEs across the UK to take advantage of the NCSC and NPSA-backed Secure Innovation Security Reviews scheme.

    Executive Director of Strategy and Performance at Innovate UK Robert Shaw said:

    Innovate UK is proud to be a partner in delivering Security Reviews for spinouts and start-ups in such critical sectors.

    If these innovators can protect valuable intellectual property and their competitive edge and demonstrate their commitment to security to investors and customers, they will be better placed to realise their growth potential in the UK, and globally.

    Notes to editors

    The funding call is now live

    Eligible organisations must be small or medium sized enterprises which employ under 250 people.

    Organisations must be working in one of the 17 sensitive areas of the economy set out in the National Security and Investment Act (2021), or one of the selected sectors in Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy.

    The scheme is delivered through and in partnership with Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 10, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 100600

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0100 AM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

    Valid 111200Z – 121200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM NORTHEAST
    KANSAS TO NORTHWEST ILLINOIS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible, mainly late afternoon
    and evening on Friday, from northeast Kansas to eastern Iowa and
    northwest Illinois.

    … Central Great Plains to Midwest …

    A positive-tilt trough will be moving across the northern Plains
    through the forecast period. To the south, a low-amplitude
    short-wave trough will be moving through the central Great Plains.
    At the same time, a diffuse/weak surface cold front will push
    east/southeast through the Plains.

    At the start of the forecast period one or more decaying MCSs should
    be ongoing across portions of Iowa perhaps into northern Illinois to
    perhaps as far east as lower Michigan. These MCSs could pose a
    residual risk for at least isolated wind damage through the morning.

    During the mid-to-late afternoon, additional thunderstorms are
    expected to develop in the wake of the morning convection. At this
    time guidance supports multiple initiation points across the area,
    the precise locations of which will be strongly influenced by the
    evolution of the morning convection.

    At this time, the most likely scenario is for initial thunderstorms
    to develop across southeast Iowa or northern Missouri along the
    residual outflow boundary from the morning convection. A second area
    of initiation is likely farther to the west along the diffuse
    surface cold front in Nebraska or northeast Kansas, perhaps
    extending northward into Minnesota. In both areas, strong
    instability may result in rapid thunderstorm development capable of
    producing strong wind and large hail. Given the degree of
    instability and an existing boundary, a tornado or two may also be
    possible, especially with initial thunderstorm development.

    With time, expectation is that these convective clusters will grow
    upscale as they move east and the primary severe threat should
    transition to severe wind gusts.

    … High Plains …

    Thunderstorms are expected to develop in the late afternoon. These
    storms will eventually grow upscale and move southeast toward the
    Great Plains. An isolated severe wind threat will be possible with
    any of these storms.

    … Eastern US …

    A warm, moist, weakly capped airmass will be in place across much of
    the east. Despite the absence of pronounced foci for initiation,
    widely scattered to scattered thunderstorms should develop during
    the late morning into the afternoon hours. Deep-layer shear should
    remain weak and precipitable water values will be lower than in
    preceding days. However, the potential will exist for scattered
    water-loaded downbursts capable of producing isolated wind damage.

    ..Marsh.. 07/10/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 10, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 100553

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1253 AM CDT Thu Jul 10 2025

    Valid 101200Z – 111200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS LATE THIS
    AFTERNOON INTO TONIGHT ACROSS PARTS OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL
    KANSAS…CENTRAL AND EASTERN NEBRASKA…WESTERN IOWA AND PARTS OF
    SOUTHEASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA…

    …SUMMARY…
    Strong thunderstorms posing a risk for severe hail, damaging wind
    gusts and perhaps a couple of tornadoes are possible late this
    afternoon into tonight across parts of the central Great Plains into
    mid Missouri Valley.

    …Discussion…
    Stronger westerlies will remain confined to the higher latitudes
    through this period, with one significant short wave perturbation
    forecast to accelerate from eastern portions of the Canadian
    Northwest Territories through areas northeast of Hudson Bay,
    accompanied by a deepening surface cyclone. It appears that the
    leading edge of cooler, drier air in the wake of this cyclone will
    advance south of the international border into the northern Rockies
    and through adjacent portions of the northern U.S. Great Plains,
    trailed by another notable mid-level short wave impulse, which
    models indicate will dig near/east of the Canadian through northern
    U.S. Rockies. As this occurs, mid-level troughing within weaker
    flow in lower latitudes is forecast to slowly dig from the northern
    Great Basin toward the central Great Plains, suppressing stronger
    ridging in the subtropical to southern mid-latitudes, initially
    centered over the Southwest.

    This will be preceded by a couple of convectively generated or
    augmented perturbations migrating across the mid Missouri Valley and
    Upper Midwest, a modest mid-level trough slowly turning
    east-northeast of the lower Great Lakes vicinity, and several weak
    perturbations progressing through broad, weak cyclonic flow across
    the Southeast through southern Atlantic Seaboard.

    …Great Plains into Midwest…
    Uncertainties remain concerning potential convective evolution
    through this period. Models suggest that surface boundaries may
    remain relatively diffuse, but residual seasonably moist
    boundary-layer air may become characterized by sizable CAPE with
    daytime heating, beneath steep lower/mid-tropospheric lapse rates,
    including warm elevated mixed layer air.

    There does appear at least a somewhat consistent signal within
    various convection allowing guidance that an MCV associated with
    ongoing convection across parts of the middle Missouri Valley could
    provide a focus for strong thunderstorm development later today
    across parts of the Upper Midwest. Otherwise, in advance of the
    digging upstream troughing, models indicate that a modest belt of
    southwesterly low-level flow (including 20-30+ kt in the 850-700 mb
    layer) will generally persist through the day east of the lee
    surface trough, from the Texas Panhandle/South Plains into the
    middle Missouri Valley. It appears that this will coincide with a
    corridor of stronger heating/deeper boundary-layer mixing across the
    higher plains, where thunderstorm activity initiating during the
    late afternoon may pose a risk for damaging wind gusts.

    Within the more moist low-level environment across eastern Nebraska
    into western Iowa, the wind fields, aided by veering with height,
    might become at least marginally conducive to a couple of
    supercells, in the presence of sizable CAPE, before forcing for
    ascent associated with the approaching mid-level trough tends to
    support upscale growing clusters this evening.

    …Upper Ohio Valley into portions of New England…
    Near the southern periphery of the mid-level troughing shifting east
    or east-northeast of the lower Great Lakes region, models indicate
    that scattered thunderstorm development is probable during peak
    afternoon heating, in the presence of moderate CAPE (1000-2000+
    J/kg) and shear enhanced at least somewhat by a belt of 20-30 kt
    westerly mid-level flow. This environment may become conducive to
    small hail and potentially damaging wind gusts, before activity
    weakens this evening.

    …Southeast/Southern Atlantic Seaboard…
    Aided by forcing for ascent associated with the mid-level
    perturbations, in the presence of weak mid-level inhibition, one or
    two upscale growing clusters of storms may overspread the southern
    Atlantic Piedmont and coastal plain late this afternoon and evening.
    Forecast soundings indicate that a seasonably moist environment may
    become characterized by moderate CAPE, with perhaps a sufficient
    degree of sub-saturation to allow for evaporative cooling in
    downdrafts to contribute to modest surface cold pool development.
    In the presence of weak deep-layer southwesterly mean flow on the
    order of 10-15 kt, the potential for development of sufficiently
    strong rear inflow to support surface gusts in excess of 50 kt
    appears low, but even with peak gusts generally on the order of
    35-50 kt, sporadic damage will still be possible.

    ..Kerr/Weinman.. 07/10/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1300Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: McCreery Aviation finance director admits to $1.2 million mail fraud scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 57-year-old Mission resident has pleaded guilty to mail fraud and diverting company funds for her own benefit, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Elizabeth Batten was the director of financing at McCreery Aviation in the Rio Grande Valley from 2019 to 2023. As part of her plea, she admitted that during her tenure, she diverted company funds to pay for her personal expenses. She used signed blank company checks, intended for legitimate business purposes, to settle her personal credit card accounts.

    She also used the U.S. Postal Service to conceal her behavior and actions by mailing her fraudulent payments to multiple credit card companies in different states.

    The investigation into Batten began after a McCreery Aviation employee noticed irregularities in the handling of company checks in late 2023.

    It revealed she had fraudulently diverted a total of $1.2 million as part of her scheme.

    U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing Oct. 7. At that time, Batten faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    As a part of the plea, Batten agreed to pay $1.191 million in restitution to McCreery Aviation.

    She was permitted to remain on bond pending her sentencing hearing.

    The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: McCreery Aviation finance director admits to $1.2 million mail fraud scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 57-year-old Mission resident has pleaded guilty to mail fraud and diverting company funds for her own benefit, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Elizabeth Batten was the director of financing at McCreery Aviation in the Rio Grande Valley from 2019 to 2023. As part of her plea, she admitted that during her tenure, she diverted company funds to pay for her personal expenses. She used signed blank company checks, intended for legitimate business purposes, to settle her personal credit card accounts.

    She also used the U.S. Postal Service to conceal her behavior and actions by mailing her fraudulent payments to multiple credit card companies in different states.

    The investigation into Batten began after a McCreery Aviation employee noticed irregularities in the handling of company checks in late 2023.

    It revealed she had fraudulently diverted a total of $1.2 million as part of her scheme.

    U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing Oct. 7. At that time, Batten faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    As a part of the plea, Batten agreed to pay $1.191 million in restitution to McCreery Aviation.

    She was permitted to remain on bond pending her sentencing hearing.

    The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Who Ran $7-Million-Dollar Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme Sentenced To Four Years In Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – Douglas Jae Woo Kim was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison for his scheme to defraud investors of over $7 million in cryptocurrency and other funds.  Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer handed down the sentence.

    At the conclusion of a three-week trial in February 2025, a federal jury convicted Kim, 32, of New York, New York, on 14 counts of wire fraud, international money laundering, and money laundering, and acquitted him on one count of international money laundering.  At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Breyer dismissed one count of laundering of monetary instruments, one of the 14 counts on which Kim had been found guilty, on venue grounds.  

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between October 2017 and June 2020, after moving to San Francisco, Kim engaged in a scheme to defraud investors, many of whom were friends and acquaintances, of over $7 million in money and cryptocurrency by holding himself out as a legitimate trader of cryptocurrency.  Kim falsely represented that he was seeking short-term liquidity in the form of loans or investments for cryptocurrency trading or other legitimate business purposes, told victims that the loans carried no risk or very low risk, promised high rates of return on their loans, and claimed that he had sufficient funds to personally guarantee the loans.  

    In October 2017, Kim contacted a victim by text message and said he was looking for investors interested in making what he called a short-term loan for a “fairly modest operation.”  Kim represented that he was investing in a cryptocurrency operation in which he would make a profit from fees charged to a peer-to-peer network and from exchange transactions, and informed the victim that the operation “isn’t very risky to me.”  Kim obtained over a million dollars’ worth of funds from this victim over the course of the scheme, the majority of which went to offshore sports betting sites.

    In November 2017, Kim contacted another victim by email and said he was looking for cryptocurrency for a trading strategy.  Kim assured that the victim that “my activities are fairly low risk.”  In total, Kim obtained over $500,000 in funds from this victim, most of which he sent to offshore sports betting sites.

    In an agreement dated Jan. 1, 2018, Kim set out the terms of a similar investment with a third victim.  The agreement called for the victim to provide cryptocurrency valued at approximately $200,000 at the time.  The same day, Kim converted more than half of the funds to bitcoin and, in the following days, transferred substantially all the converted cryptocurrency to his account with an offshore casino.  Kim went on to obtain over $4 million in funds from this victim.

    Kim defrauded numerous other victims, including nine who testified at trial, until at least July 2020, when he was charged by federal complaint.

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Breyer sentenced Kim to a three-year period of supervised release.  A hearing will be scheduled to determine issues regarding restitution.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah Stern and Maya Karwande are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Veronica Hernandez, Maryam Beros, Andy Ding, Lynette Dixon, and Christine Tian. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Who Ran $7-Million-Dollar Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme Sentenced To Four Years In Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – Douglas Jae Woo Kim was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison for his scheme to defraud investors of over $7 million in cryptocurrency and other funds.  Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer handed down the sentence.

    At the conclusion of a three-week trial in February 2025, a federal jury convicted Kim, 32, of New York, New York, on 14 counts of wire fraud, international money laundering, and money laundering, and acquitted him on one count of international money laundering.  At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Breyer dismissed one count of laundering of monetary instruments, one of the 14 counts on which Kim had been found guilty, on venue grounds.  

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between October 2017 and June 2020, after moving to San Francisco, Kim engaged in a scheme to defraud investors, many of whom were friends and acquaintances, of over $7 million in money and cryptocurrency by holding himself out as a legitimate trader of cryptocurrency.  Kim falsely represented that he was seeking short-term liquidity in the form of loans or investments for cryptocurrency trading or other legitimate business purposes, told victims that the loans carried no risk or very low risk, promised high rates of return on their loans, and claimed that he had sufficient funds to personally guarantee the loans.  

    In October 2017, Kim contacted a victim by text message and said he was looking for investors interested in making what he called a short-term loan for a “fairly modest operation.”  Kim represented that he was investing in a cryptocurrency operation in which he would make a profit from fees charged to a peer-to-peer network and from exchange transactions, and informed the victim that the operation “isn’t very risky to me.”  Kim obtained over a million dollars’ worth of funds from this victim over the course of the scheme, the majority of which went to offshore sports betting sites.

    In November 2017, Kim contacted another victim by email and said he was looking for cryptocurrency for a trading strategy.  Kim assured that the victim that “my activities are fairly low risk.”  In total, Kim obtained over $500,000 in funds from this victim, most of which he sent to offshore sports betting sites.

    In an agreement dated Jan. 1, 2018, Kim set out the terms of a similar investment with a third victim.  The agreement called for the victim to provide cryptocurrency valued at approximately $200,000 at the time.  The same day, Kim converted more than half of the funds to bitcoin and, in the following days, transferred substantially all the converted cryptocurrency to his account with an offshore casino.  Kim went on to obtain over $4 million in funds from this victim.

    Kim defrauded numerous other victims, including nine who testified at trial, until at least July 2020, when he was charged by federal complaint.

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Breyer sentenced Kim to a three-year period of supervised release.  A hearing will be scheduled to determine issues regarding restitution.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah Stern and Maya Karwande are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Veronica Hernandez, Maryam Beros, Andy Ding, Lynette Dixon, and Christine Tian. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Announces Staff Additions, Trump Admin Appointments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) announced 6 additions to his staff in Tennessee and Washington, D.C. Hagerty’s team continues to be fully operational and serving the great state of Tennessee.
    Brian McCormack will soon assume the role of Chief of Staff. McCormack is currently serving as the Chief of Staff for the National Security Council at the White House. Previously, he served at the White House Office of Management and Budget responsible for nearly a dozen agencies and as the Chief of Staff at the Department of Energy. The current Chief of Staff, Adam Telle, was nominated in March by President Trump to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works where he will oversee the Corps of Engineers.
    “I’m glad to have someone of Brian’s caliber and experience to lead this exceptional team. He brings a set of highly-relevant perspectives to the role where the paramount focus is to serve the people of Tennessee and the interests of our nation,” said Senator Bill Hagerty. “Brian’s background and relationships within the Trump Administration will support my objective of making the federal government work for the American people.”
    “I’m thankful for the many years of service Adam has put in leading our team from day one in the Senate, which has helped me build a strong foundation for success here in the U.S. Senate going forward,” said Senator Bill Hagerty. “I’m so proud of the opportunity he’s been given to once again serve as an outstanding member of President Trump’s administration, and his management of the Corps of Engineers will bring the responses we’ve seen in my Senate office to bear on an organization central to Tennessee and our nation.”
    Robert Donachie is now serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications. Donachie served as Vice President of a Washington, DC-based public relations and literary agency. He spent several years working in the House of Representatives. He also served as the White House correspondent for The Washington Examiner and as a political reporter for The Daily Caller. Donachie has appeared on Fox News Channel, nationally syndicated radio programs, and provided commentary for The New York Times, POLITICO, Newsweek, The Hill, and other outlets.
    Tiffany Delgado recently joined as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, replacing Jim Durrett.  Delgado served as Senior Vice President of a Washington, DC-based marketing agency specializing in custom targeted voter contact, fundraising and issue advocacy programs, where she was recognized with the Rising Star Award from Campaigns and Elections.  Previously she worked at the National Republican Senatorial Committee as the Director of Direct Response.  Tiffany holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia, and is currently pursuing her MBA from Georgetown University.
    Michael Sullivan will become Senior Advisor to Senator Hagerty, where he will continue to be involved in state operations while also providing strategic advice on the Senator’s larger operation, leveraging Sullivan’s experience to benefit Hagerty’s broader mandate.
    Alec Richardson will become the State Director for Senator Hagerty. Currently, he serves as Senior Advisor to Governor Bill Lee and Director of External Affairs at the State of Tennessee. In this role, Richardson is responsible for overseeing strategic operations, managing federal relations, and advising on key legislative issues. He formerly served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Personal Aide to the Governor. He resides in Nashville with his wife and their one-year-old son.
    Kalleigh Ahern is now serving as Press & Digital Assistant in the office of U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty. Prior to joining the Senate, she worked as a Public Relations and Communications Intern at a national PR agency, where she contributed to strategic campaign planning, media monitoring and cross-sector client research. Ahern also gained firsthand experience in federal outreach and constituent services while working in her home congressional district in Tennessee. She graduated summa cum laude from The University of Alabama with a focus in public relations and political science.
    Serving in the Trump Administration
    Adam Telle has been advanced out of the Armed Services Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee to lead the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Telle has served as Hagerty’s Chief of Staff over the last four years and will continue to serve Hagerty while his nomination is pending before the Senate. Telle served during the first Trump Administration as the White House’s Senate lead in its Office of Legislative Affairs.  Prior to that role, Telle served as the top staff member on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security and as the top policy advisor to the late Senator Thad Cochran. Telle holds degrees in computer science and journalism from Mississippi State University.
    Jim Durrett is now the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice President and Deputy Assistant to the President. Previously, he served as Deputy Chief of Operations for Senator Hagerty. Durrett is a native of Clarksville, Tennessee.
    Luke Pettit has been advanced out of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Institutions. Pettit has served as Senator Hagerty’s Senior Policy Advisor and will continue to serve Hagerty while his nomination is pending before the Senate. Previously, he worked at the Senate Banking Committee, Bridgewater Associates, and the Federal Reserve. Luke holds a B.A from the University of Pennsylvania, and graduate degrees from the London School of Economics and Johns Hopkins University.
    Jonathan Greenstein is nominated to be Deputy Undersecretary of the Treasury for International Finance. Previously, he served as Senator Hagerty’s Senior Policy Advisor. Greenstein is a graduate of Harvard Business School and Yale Law School.
    Daniel Zimmerman has been confirmed to be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. Zimmerman previously served in a Congressional Executive Fellowship in the office of Senator Hagerty. He previously has held many roles in the agency realm, and holds both a bachelor’s degree from Asbury University and a master’s degree from the Patterson School of Diplomacy at the University of Kentucky.
    Julia Hahn is serving as the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Department for the Office of Public Affairs. Hahn joins the Department after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications for Senator Hagerty. Prior to the Senate, Hahn served in the first Trump White House over all four years, most recently as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy White House Communications Director. Before that, she served as Special Assistant to the President and Director of Rapid Response and Surrogate Operations. Hahn has also worked in media as the Executive Producer of The Laura Ingraham Show and a reporter at Breitbart News. She also worked on Capitol Hill as Press Secretary to former Congressman Dave Brat. Hahn graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA in Philosophy.
    Clark Milner is serving as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Policy, focusing primarily on domestic policy. Milner formerly served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Chief Counsel to Senator Bill Hagerty. Milner previously served as Deputy Counsel to Governor Bill Lee.
    Natalie McIntyre currently serves as a Special Assistant to the President for the Office of Legislative Affairs where she handles the Healthcare, Education, Labor, Banking, and Agriculture portfolio. Previously, she was Senator Hagerty’s Legislative Director overseeing the legislative team and managing the Health, Education, Labor, Pension, and Veterans portfolio. Prior to her role in Hagerty’s office, she was part of the legislative office at OMB where she managed the Senate offices. She also served as a Senior Policy Advisor and White House liaison at ONDCP.
    Jason Hoffman is currently the Executive Secretary at the White House Office of Management and Budget. Hoffman formerly served as a Policy Advisor for Senator Hagerty, focusing on homeland security and judiciary issues. Previously, he worked at the Office of Management and Budget during President Trump’s first term and as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives.Nels Nordquist is serving as Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Policy and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council. Nordquist was Senior Fellow for Economic Policy in the office of Senator Hagerty. In addition, his prior service includes as Staff Director for the National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. From 2018-2021, Nordquist worked in the National Security Council and National Economic Council, first as Director for Trade & Investment and later as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for International Economic Policy. Nordquist graduated from Stanford and earned an MBA from the University of Virginia.
    Joel Rayburn is the Trump Administration’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. He is a historian, former diplomat, and retired military officer who previously served as special advisor for Middle East affairs in the office of Senator Hagerty. Rayburn is currently a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. In the first Trump Administration, he served as a senior director on the National Security Council staff and, from July 2018 to January 2021, as the U.S. special envoy for Syria. Before joining the State Department, Rayburn served 26 years as a US Army officer and co-authored the Army’s official history of the Iraq War. He holds an MA in history from Texas A&M University and an MS in strategic studies from the National War College.
    Kevin Kim serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the State Department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He previously worked as a National Security Fellow for Senator Hagerty. Kim was also the Senior Advisor to the Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea as part of the U.S. delegation to the 2020 U.S.-Russia arms control negotiations.  From 2018 to 2020, he served as the Chief of Staff to the Special Representative for North Korea and the Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun and worked closely with then-U.S. Ambassador to Japan Hagerty as he participated in various rounds of U.S.-DPRK nuclear negotiations. Kim received a BA from the Johns Hopkins University, MA from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.
    Daniel Tirosh now serves on the National Security Council. Tirosh previously served as Deputy National Security Advisor and Counsel for Senator Hagerty. He holds a bachelor’s degree from University of California, Santa Cruz, and graduated from Stanford Law School.
    Walton Stivender Mears has taken on a new role as scheduler for Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner. Mears joined HUD earlier this year after serving as Director of Scheduling for Senator Hagerty. She previously handled scheduling and assisted the chief of staff for Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and as a Staff Assistant for Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL). Mears is a graduate of Auburn University.
    J. Cal Mitchell is serving as Special Advisor for the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Treasury. He joins the Treasury Department after serving as Personal Aide to Senator Hagerty. Mitchell is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College.
    Nick Checker, a former national security fellow for Senator Hagerty, currently serves as Deputy Executive Secretary on the National Security Council. In that role, Checker provides senior-level review of NSC products for substance, policy relevance, and appropriateness for the President and senior White House officials. Checker has spent the last decade prior to his service on Senator Hagerty’s staff at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a military analyst covering conflicts in the greater Middle East. Most recently, Checker worked in CIA’s office of Congressional Affairs, where he supported the confirmation process for Director John Ratcliffe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University.
    Nicholas Elliot is the Confidential Assistant and Policy Advisor to the President’s Council of Advisors on Digital Assets. Previously, Elliot worked on Senator Hagerty’s 2020 campaign team and spent nearly four years working for Senator Hagerty on the Senator’s financial services and banking portfolio, where he advanced the Senator’s work on the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Elliot is a graduate of Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business where he received a BS in Business Administration with a major in Finance and a minor in Mandarin.
    Taylor Asher serves as Senior Policy Advisor to Chairman Paul Atkins. From April 2023 to January 2025, Asher served as Policy Advisor and Confidential Assistant to Commissioner Uyeda. Prior to his time at the SEC, Asher was Personal Aide to Senator Hagerty. His tenure in public service began with Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s Office, where he served as Staff Assistant and Intern Manager. Asher is currently pursuing a Master of Economics at George Mason University. He holds a Master of Finance with an Energy Specialization as well as a Bachelor of Science in Management from Tulane University. He is originally from Nashville, Tennessee.
    Cole Bornefeld will be serving as Director of Correspondence for the Office of the Vice President. He previously served as a Legislative Aide to Hagerty, assisting in the Judiciary, Homeland Security, Commerce, and Rules portfolio. Bornefeld previously served as a Legislative Correspondent, Staff Assistant, and Intern in Senator Hagerty’s office. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and public relations.

    MIL OSI USA News –