NewzIntel.com

Category: Internet

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Canyon County Men Arrested for Enticing of Children

    Source: US State of Idaho

    [BOISE] – Attorney General Raúl Labrador has announced investigators with his Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, arrested two (2) men in Canyon County. On Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, Jesse Elam (42) and on Thursday, February 27th, 2025, Garrett Vinni (37) were arrested and charged with (1) count each of enticing a child through use of the internet or other communication device.
    Both men were arrested as part of a coordinated undercover operation by law enforcement.  The operation targeted offenders communicating with children via text, social media, and other chat platforms to meet for sexual activity. During the two-night operation, officers worked undercover to expose adults seeking to sexually abuse children and share child sexual abuse material. Both suspects are incarcerated in the Canyon County Jail.
    “I’m grateful to each one of our participating agencies and partners in this ongoing effort to keep kids safe from exploitation,” said Attorney General Labrador. “The ICAC Task Force and our growing statewide network have a singular focus – to remove threats to children from our streets. We will not stop this pursuit.”
    This operation was a cooperative effort that included officers, attorneys, and support personnel from across the State of Idaho. Agencies included the Idaho Office of the Attorney General, Canyon County Sheriff Office, Idaho State Police, Canyon County Prosecutors Office, United States Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), and the Idaho ICAC Unit including affiliate Investigators from the Boise Police Department, Pocatello Police Department, Idaho Falls Police Department, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Rupert Police Department, Moscow Police Department, Coeur d’Alene Police Department and Nampa Police Department.
    “This case is a testament to the power of law enforcement agencies working in unison to take down criminals,” said Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue. “Thanks to the relentless efforts of those involved, child predators have been removed from our streets, making Canyon County a safer place. We will not stop pursuing justice. Parents, you must remain aware—these predators are out there, and your children are at risk.”
    The Idaho Office of the Attorney General would like to convey appreciation to all who participated and to the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office for hosting the operation.Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact local police, the Idaho Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
    To learn more about the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force please visit: icactaskforce.org or ICACIdaho.org.
    The charges listed above are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    (L to R) Canyon County Prosecutor Chris Boyd, Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue, Attorney General Raúl Labrador, and Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: The Tech Forecaster Who Called the Biggest Trends Now Says This is the Next Big Shift

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — James Altucher, technology forecaster known for his early predictions on major tech disruptions, is now turning his attention to what he calls the next great technological transformation: Elon Musk’s Starlink. According to Altucher, all indicators point to Musk making a historic announcement as soon as March 13, 2025, unveiling what he believes will be the largest internet transformation of the modern era.

    A Revolution in Global Connectivity

    Starlink, a division of SpaceX, has already upended traditional internet service providers by deploying an advanced satellite-based network. Unlike conventional broadband and 5G systems that rely on physical infrastructure, Starlink operates through a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, providing high-speed, uninterrupted internet access to even the most remote regions.

    Altucher explains that Starlink could be the key to eliminating the world’s connectivity gaps, enhancing global communications, and potentially rendering legacy telecom companies obsolete. With over 2.6 million active users and growing demand, Starlink is rapidly establishing itself as the definitive internet provider of the future.

    Why March 13, 2025, Could Be a Defining Moment

    Altucher highlights several key factors fueling speculation about an upcoming major announcement:

    Altucher’s Take on the Future of Internet Technology

    James Altucher has built a reputation for spotting emerging tech trends before they go mainstream, and he is convinced that Starlink represents the biggest internet breakthrough of the 21st century.

    “This isn’t just another telecom company; this is a full-scale reinvention of how the world connects. Mark my words: Starlink will reshape the entire global communications industry.”

    Altucher further explains, “Every time a massive shift like this happens, those who see it early are in a rare position to benefit. This is a once-in-a-generation technological shift, and it’s happening now.”

    About James Altucher

    James Altucher is a technology forecaster, entrepreneur, and bestselling author recognized for his ability to identify industry-defining trends before they go mainstream. With a background spanning finance, technology, and media, Altucher has founded multiple successful companies, contributed to leading financial and tech publications, and has been a sought-after expert on platforms such as The Wall Street Journal, CNBC.

    Media Contact:

    Derek Warren
    Public Relations Manager
    Paradigm Press Group
    Email: dwarren@paradigmpressgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint Statement: Second Meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, New Delhi (February 28, 2025)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The second meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) took place in New Delhi on 28 February 2025. It was co-chaired on the Indian side by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar; Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal; and Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw. Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Ms. Henna Virkkunen, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency Mr. Maros Šefčovič and Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ms Ekaterina Zaharieva co-chaired on the EU side.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had established the India-EU TTC in April 2022 as a key bilateral platform to address challenges at the confluence of trade, trusted technology and security. India and the European Union, as two large and vibrant democracies with open market economies, shared values and pluralistic societies, are natural partners in a multipolar world.

    The deepening of bilateral relations and the growing strategic convergence between the EU and India respond to the shifting dynamics of the global geopolitical landscape and a common interest in promoting global stability, economic security, and sustainable and inclusive growth. In that respect, both sides emphasized again the importance of the rules-based international order and the full respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, transparency, and peaceful resolution of disputes. The TTC reflects a shared acknowledgement between the EU and India of the increasingly critical links between trade and technology, the potential of cooperation on these issues to enhance the economies of both partners, and the need to work together on the related security challenges. Both sides note the potential of their partnership to increase resilience, strengthen connectivity and drive forward the development of green and clean technologies.

    The first meeting of the India-EU TTC was held in Brussels on 16 May 2023. The TTC Ministerial Meeting provided political guidance for the way forward. Subsequently on 24 November 2023, a stock-taking meeting in virtual mode reviewed the progress made by the three TTC working groups.

    Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity

    India and the European Union reaffirmed the importance of deepening their digital cooperation in line with their shared values through the Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity. Both sides committed to leverage their respective strengths to accelerate a human-centric digital transformation and the development of advanced and trustworthy digital technologies such as AI, semiconductors, High-Performance Computing and 6G, which will benefit both economies and societies. Both sides committed to work jointly to strengthen EU-India research and innovation for this purpose to further enhance competitiveness, while increasing their economic security. Both sides committed to promoting global connectivity in a cyber-secure digital ecosystem.

    Recognizing the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the development of open and inclusive digital economies and digital societies, India and the European Union agreed to collaborate on working towards interoperability of their respective DPIs that respect human rights and protect personal data, privacy, and intellectual property rights. Both sides further committed to jointly promote DPIs solutions to third countries and further emphasized the need of mutual recognition of e-signatures to enhance cross-border digital transactions and foster mutual economic growth.

    Both sides emphasized their commitment to further strengthen the resilience of semiconductor supply chains and promote collaboration in the field of semiconductors. To that end, they agreed to explore joint R&D in the field of chip design, heterogeneous integration, sustainable semiconductor technologies, technology development for advanced processes for process design kit (PDK), among others. Both sides shall promote the strengthening of the EU and Indian semiconductor ecosystems to enhance technological capabilities and ensure supply chain resilience by developing sustainable, secure and diversified semiconductor production capacities. Furthermore, they committed to developing a dedicated programme that will facilitate talent exchanges and foster semiconductor skills among students and young professionals.

    The two sides reiterated their commitment to safe, secure, trustworthy, human-centric, sustainable and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to promote this vision on the international level. In addition, with a view to ensuring continued and impactful cooperation on AI, the European AI Office and India AI Mission agreed to deepen cooperation, encouraging an ecosystem of innovation and fostering information exchange on common open research questions for developing trustworthy AI. They also agreed to enhance cooperation on large language models, and to harness the potential of AI for human development and common good, including through joint projects such as developing tools and frameworks for ethical and responsible AI. These will build on the progress made under R&D collaboration on high-performance computing applications in the areas of natural hazards, climate change, and bioinformatics.

    India and the EU welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association for aligning research and development priorities and creating secured and trusted telecommunications and resilient supply chains. Both sides will also enhance cooperation on IT and telecoms standardisation with a particular focus on promoting interoperable global standards.

    Furthermore, the two sides agreed to work towards bridging the digital skills gap, explore mutual recognition of certifications, and promote legal pathways of skilled professionals and exchange of talent.

    Both sides agreed to collaborate on the implementation of the Global Digital Compact, agreed by consensus at the UN General Assembly in September 2024, as a key instrument for delivering on their shared objectives. They noted the need to ensure that the forthcoming World Summit on Information Society +20 maintains global support for and enhances the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance.

    Working Group 2 on Clean and Green Technologies

    India and the European Union recalled the importance of the priority workstreams identified under Working Group 2 on Clean and Green Technologies for achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and 2050 for India and the European Union, respectively. Achieving these targets will require significant investment in new clean technologies and standards. An emphasis on research and innovation (R&I) will foster technological collaboration and exchange of best practices between the EU and India. In parallel, supporting technological innovations for market uptake will enhance access to the respective markets by Indian and EU enterprises and facilitate wide adoption of innovative technologies. This opens perspectives for cooperation between Indian and EU incubators, SMEs and start-ups and building human resource capability and capacity in such technologies.

    In this regard, both sides agreed on joint research cooperation through exceptional coordinated calls on recycling of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), marine plastic litter, and waste-to-hydrogen. The estimated total joint budget will be about EUR 60 million from the Horizon Europe programme and from matching Indian contributions. On recycling of batteries for EVs, the focus will be on battery circularity through different kinds of flexible/low cost/easy to recycle batteries. In marine plastic litter, the focus will be on developing technologies for detection, measurement and analysis of aquatic litter and for mitigation of the cumulative impact of pollution on the marine environment. On waste-to-hydrogen, the focus will be on developing technologies with greater efficiency to produce hydrogen from biogenic wastes.

    The two sides recalled the importance of the substantive exchanges between experts in the identified areas of cooperation as the basis for future action. Indian experts have participated in a training and mutual learning exercise on EV interoperability and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) E-Mobility Lab in Ispra, Italy in January 2024. Furthermore, a joint hybrid workshop on EV Charging Technologies (Standardisation and Testing) was organised at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, India and online, to deepen the EU-Indian dialogue and the industry’s engagement in charging infrastructure standardisation processes with India. The two sides also concluded a Matchmaking Event to identify, support and organise exchanges between Indian and EU startups in technology for recycling of batteries for EVs. Experts also jointly discussed assessment and monitoring tools for marine plastic litter. Finally, an “Ideathon” fostering EU-India collaboration to co-create practical solutions involving all stakeholders for addressing marine plastic pollution effectively is in preparation.

    Both sides agreed to explore cooperation on harmonising standards for EV charging infrastructure, including cooperative, pre-normative research for harmonised testing solutions and knowledge exchange in the domain of e-mobility. They also agreed to explore how to enhance collaboration in the field of hydrogen-related safety standards, the science of standards as well as the market uptake of wastewater treatment technologies as outcomes of previous jointly conducted research projects.

    Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains

    India and the European Union noted productive discussions under Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains with a view to building a closer economic partnership between India and the European Union. In an increasingly challenging geopolitical context, both sides committed to work together for creating wealth and shared prosperity. The work under Working Group 3 complements the ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) and a Geographical Indications Agreement which are proceeding on separate tracks.

    Both sides committed to fostering resilient and future-ready value chains by prioritizing transparency, predictability, diversification, security and sustainability. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made on Agri-food, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Clean Technologies sectors and agreed on work plans in these three fields with the aim of promoting value chains that can withstand global challenges.

    In agriculture, India and the EU intend to collaborate on contingency planning for food security and welcomed common efforts on shared research and innovations needs regarding climate-resilient practices, crop diversification and infrastructure improvements as promoted for cooperation through the G20 framework. In the pharmaceutical sector, both sides aim to enhance transparency and security in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) supply chains by mapping vulnerabilities, promoting sustainable manufacturing, and establishing early warning systems to prevent disruptions. Clean technology cooperation centers on strengthening supply chains for solar energy, offshore wind, and clean hydrogen by exchanging information on sectoral capabilities and investment incentives and Research, Development and Innovation priorities as well as on methodologies to assess vulnerabilities, discussing approaches to minimize trade barriers and exploring possible synergies of the supply chains. Across these sectors, India and the EU are working to foster investment, exchange best practices, and mitigate risks through regular dialogues, research collaborations, and business-to-business engagements, ensuring supply chain resilience and sustainable economic growth.

    Both sides acknowledged that relevant priority market access issues are being addressed through cooperation within the TTC framework. The EU side appreciated the Indian initiatives to approve the marketing of several EU plant products while the Indian side appreciated the listing of a number of Indian aquaculture establishments and taking up the issue of equivalence for agricultural organic products. Both sides agreed to pursue their efforts on these topics, under the TTC review mechanism, and to continue their engagement on remaining issues flagged by each other.

    The two sides noted the exchanges regarding best practices in the screening of Foreign Direct Investments, which is an area of growing importance to foster economic security.

    India and the EU strengthened their commitment towards the multilateral trading system as an anchor in the current challenging geopolitical context. At the same time, they recognized the need to bring necessary reform to the WTO so that it is able to address efficiently and effectively issues of interest to Members. Both sides also recognized the importance of a functioning dispute settlement system. For this purpose, they agreed to deepen their dialogue and engagement to help the WTO deliver concrete outcomes, including at MC14.

    Both sides have held in-depth discussions on trade and decarbonization through several bilateral channels and have engaged jointly with stakeholders, especially on the implementation of the EU’s carbon border mechanism (CBAM). Both sides discussed the challenges arising out of CBAM implementation, in particular for the small and medium enterprises and agreed to continue addressing them.

    The co-chairs reaffirmed their commitment to expanding and deepening their engagement under the TTC and to working together to fulfill the goals laid out in this successful second meeting of the TTC. They agreed to meet again for the third meeting of TTC within one year from now.

     

    ***

    MJPS/ST

    (Release ID: 2107026) Visitor Counter : 74

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Johnson County Man Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Debord, Ky., man, Dustin Newsome, 35, was sentenced on Friday to 35 years in prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for production of child pornography. 

    According to his plea agreement, in August 2023, the parent of the minor victim called law enforcement and reported that she had located THC vape cartridges in her child’s room.  The minor victim stated that he received the cartridges and a cellphone from a mail carrier, later identified as Newsome, in exchange for nude images and sexually explicit videos.  Law enforcement discovered nine minor victims that reported having produced sexually explicit images and videos at Newsome’s request.

    A search of Newsome’s residence revealed devices that contained numerous sexually explicit images, videos, and recordings of live chats between Newsome and at least four of the minor victims. In addition to the images and videos he produced, there were several hundred images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that Newsome had obtained from the internet and stored on his electronic devices.  These images and videos were obtained over many years beginning in 2013. 

    Under federal law, Newsome must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years. Newsome was also ordered to pay $105,000 in restitution. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by FBI and KSP.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

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

    – END –

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Committing International Child Exploitation Pleads Guilty in Miami Federal Court

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – An Italian national living in Miami who used social media and money to entice minors, including four United Kingdom girls ages 14 to 16, to make and send him sexually explicit images of themselves has pled guilty to producing child sexual abuse material and committing international promotional money laundering in furtherance of his child exploitation crimes.

    During a court hearing in the Southern District of Florida, Marco Pagano, 41, admitted the following: From about March 2023 to April 2024, Pagano engaged in illegal online exchanges with minors, including four girls living in the United Kingdom. As to those four minors, Pagano used his online payment system accounts more than 180 times to send thousands of dollars from the United States to the girls abroad. In exchange, Pagano demanded that the four minors produce illegal pornographic photographs and videos and send those to him through a social media application. These included images of the minor girls performing sexual acts on one another.

    Sentencing is set for June 9, at 9:00 a.m., in Miami before United States District Court Judge Robert N. Scola. Pagano faces up to life in prison.

    United States Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of FBI Miami made the announcement.

    FBI Miami investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller is prosecuting it.

    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 Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    Anyone with information relating to child sexual exploitation or abuse is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-20360.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: ALR Miner Provides Free Mining Contracts to Increase Passive Income

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ALR Miner, a leading cloud mining platform founded in 2018 and headquartered in the UK, today shared insights on how cloud mining can help investors earn passive income without incurring the costs associated with traditional mining.

    ALR Miner has deployed more than 60 large-scale mining data centers in many countries around the world, relying on renewable energy such as solar and wind power to carry out clean energy cloud mining business, which also greatly reduces the cost of mining. The company serves more than 6 million users in 180 countries and regions.

    Advantages of Cloud Mining
    Traditional mining requires a large investment in high-performance hardware and other resources, and users need to spend thousands of dollars to start mining, which is difficult for ordinary investors to accept. In contrast, cloud mining allows users to rent mining power from providers without a large upfront investment, and it is easier for individuals to participate in cryptocurrency mining without financial pressure. The advantages of cloud mining include:

    Accessibility: People around the world can access cloud mining services through the Internet.
    Cost-effectiveness: No hardware equipment needs to be purchased, and no electricity bills need to be paid.
    Technical expertise: No need to assemble equipment, optimize its performance, or solve technical problems.
    Scalability: Flexible contract plans, choose according to your own financial budget.
    Energy efficiency: Use renewable clean energy as mining power to protect the environment.
    Quick returns: The profit will be settled within 24 hours after the contract takes effect, and the principal will be returned when the contract expires.

    Get started with ALR Miner

    Step 1: Create an account and get a $12 bonus instantly

    ALR Miner has a simple registration process. You only need an email address to create an account. After registration, you can participate in cloud mining for free, and you can get a $0.6 bonus for daily check-ins.

    Step 2: Activate your account and choose a contract

    Choose a mining contract that suits your budget and goals. ALR Miner offers a variety of contracts with different terms and different returns. Whether you are a novice or an experienced investor, the platform can meet your needs.
    Basic Cloud Computing Power: $100 investment, 2-day cycle, $6.6 total profit
    Basic Cloud Computing Power: $1,200 investment, 14-day cycle, $225 total profit
    Smart Cloud Computing Power: $3,200 investment, 21-day cycle, $974 total profit
    Classic Cloud Computing Power: $5,100 investment, 30-day cycle, $2,295 total profit
    Classic Cloud Computing Power: $8,200 investment, 40-day cycle, $5,379 total profit
    Advanced Cloud Computing Power: $30,000 investment, 50-day cycle, $26,400 total profit
    For more new contracts, please visit the official website: https://www.alrminer.com.

    Step 3: Activate your account and wait for your earnings to arrive

    As your mining activities progress, you will begin to see profits accumulating in your account. Track your performance through the platform’s dashboard and withdraw your earnings when you are ready.
    Advantages of ALR Miner

    Global accessibility: People around the world can access cloud mining services through the internet, eliminating geographical barriers.
    Intuitive and simple interface: The platform’s user-friendly interface ensures that even cryptocurrency novices can easily navigate.
    Professional and experienced team: Provide a 24/7 online manual customer service team to ensure that users can solve problems in a timely manner.
    Own cutting-edge equipment: Use mining equipment provided by top mining machine manufacturers such as Bitmain, Shenma Miner, Canaan Creative, etc. to ensure stable operation and efficient production capacity of Bitcoin mining machines.
    Eliminate hardware maintenance: Take care of all hardware, maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting, allowing users to focus on receiving the cryptocurrencies they mine.
    Clean energy efficiency: Each mine is equipped with solar and wind power infrastructure.
    Support for multiple popular cryptocurrencies: ALR Miner supports DOGE, BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT, BCH, LTC, XRP, SOL, etc. for settlement.
    Alliance reward program: As long as the users you invite purchase platform contracts, you will receive a generous referral reward of up to 3–5%; becoming a professional alliance partner can also receive an additional monthly salary reward of up to $15,000.

    The benefits of ALR Miner are significant and varied, providing an attractive entry point into cryptocurrency mining through cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Whether you are new to mining or an experienced investor, ALR Miner’s platform makes it easy for you to maximize your profits.

    For more information, please visit the official website: https://www.alrminer.com

    About ALR Miner
    Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Monmouthshire, ALR Miner is a leading cryptocurrency mining platform, mining equipment distributor and complete mining solution provider. We have advanced cryptocurrency mining equipment, sites, maintenance facilities and cheap clean electricity. For more information, please visit https://www.alrminer.com or email info@alrminer.com.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation to invest and is not intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks. There is a possibility of loss of funds. You are strongly advised to perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    Olivia Miller 
    Marketing Manager
    Alr Miner
    +44 7514 226545
    info@alrminer.com
    WhatsApp+44 7514 226545

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More than 70 projects will strengthen wildfire prevention, support forestry

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    VICTORIA – Workers and communities throughout B.C. are benefiting from Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) supported projects that reduce wildfire risk and increase fibre supply, keeping local mills and energy plants running in the face of U.S. tariff threats and unjustified softwood lumber duties.

    With $28 million from the Province, FESBC is supporting 43 new and expanded fibre-recovery projects and 31 new and expanded wildfire-mitigation projects.

    “In tough times, I want workers in our forest sector to know I’ve got their back,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Whether it’s better utilizing existing sources of fibre or helping protect communities from wildfire, the projects are supporting workers and companies as they develop new and innovative forest practices.”

    Projects are taking place in all eight of the Province’s natural resource regions, helping create jobs, reducing wildfire risk and supporting B.C.’s pulp and biomass sector. They will be complete by the end of March 2025, in advance of wildfire season.

    Fibre-recovery projects take wood fibre that would otherwise be burned or abandoned and put it in the hands of mills and forestry companies that can use it, helping keep forestry workers on the job. Through the Province’s continued investment in FESBC, the projects they support have delivered 44,000 logging truckloads worth of fibre out of the bush since April 2024. That fibre would once have been burned in slash piles and is instead creating jobs and revenue for local businesses.

    “These projects are putting local businesses and people to work reducing wildfire risk and recovering fibre for local pulp mills, and pellet and energy plants,” said Jason Fisher, executive director, FESBC. “FESBC received strong proposals from across the province and we are pleased to support this strong group of proponents in their forest-management activities.” 

    Government continues to take action to support the forest sector in the face of U.S. softwood lumber duties and tariff threats, including through the recently formed Softwood Lumber Advisory Council, streamlining the permitting process and continuing to advocate to the federal government.

    Quick Facts:

    • Founded in 2016, FESBC is fully funded by the Province to support forestry projects at the community level.
    • As part of Budget 2024, B.C. announced FESBC would get an additional $60 million over three years to continue community-focused wildfire risk-reduction and fuel-management projects, as well as improving utilization of biomass from harvested timber.
    • Since 2016, $79.6 million has been invested in 201 community wildfire risk-reduction projects through FESBC.

    Learn More:

    For information about fibre-supply and wildfire-mitigation projects, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/FESBCNewExpandedFunding.pdf

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fraudster Receives Prison Sentence in Illegal Paycheck Protection Program Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Jerry Baptiste, the last of 20 defendants charged in a wide-ranging criminal scheme to steal Paycheck Protection Program funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been sentenced for his role in the scheme.

    “This defendant and his co-conspirators used an unprecedented global crisis to defraud the government and the American people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Today’s tough, but fair, sentence sends the message that stealing from the government does not pay.” 

    “This sentencing wraps up an exhaustive investigation into a fraud scheme that stole emergency funds from businesses and individuals that desperately needed them during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.  “The FBI will make every effort to ensure federal funds are used as intended and punish anyone who would steal from our government.”

    “The sentencings of the 20 defendants serves as a reminder to those who committed PPP fraud that investigations into their criminal acts have not ended,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue their diligent search for those who defrauded the American people during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the third superseding indictment, and other information presented in court: from April 2020 through May 2020, Jerry Baptiste conspired with Darrell Thomas, Denesseria Slaton, Amanda Christian, Charles Petty, Bern Benoit, and others to submit a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan application for Transportation Management Services Inc. (“Transportation Management”), a company that Benoit purported to own. The PPP loan application for Transportation Management falsely represented that it maintained 66 employees and an average monthly payroll of $332,167, and that it would use the PPP funds for payroll, lease payments or mortgage interest, and utilities.

    To support its payroll figures, Transportation Management submitted with its PPP loan application false IRS Form 941s, which are the Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return, for each quarter of 2019. Transportation Management also included with its PPP loan application a fraudulent bank statement. Through the Transportation Management PPP loan application, Baptiste and his co-conspirators fraudulently obtained $830,417. Baptiste also participated in preparing other fraudulent PPP loans.

    Jerry Baptiste, 47, of Miami, Florida was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. P. Boulee to six and a half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of$830,417. On October 29, 2024, Baptiste pleaded guilty to money laundering pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement.

    All the defendants in Baptiste’s case have now been convicted and sentenced, with punishments ranging from probation to 15 years’ imprisonment:

    • Darrell Thomas. On June 16, 2021, Thomas pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and money laundering. On May 9, 2022, Thomas was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $13,206,752.10 in restitution.
    • Andre Lee Gaines. On June 17, 2021, Gaines pleaded guilty to the charge of making a false statement. On October 5, 2021, Gaines was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $806,710 in restitution.
    • Kahlil Gibran Green. On September 1, 2020, Green pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. On January 14, 2021, Green was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $830,000 in restitution.
    • Bern Benoit. On March 11, 2021, Benoit pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. On September 8, 2021, Benoit was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,105,217 in restitution.
    • Carla Jackson. On February 15, 2024, Jackson was found guilty of money laundering by jury verdict. On May 16, 2024, Jackson was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $335,238.22 in restitution.
    • Ricky Dixon. On August 1, 2022, Dixon pleaded guilty to the charges of aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit money laundering. On January 25, 2023, Dixon was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,320,928.31 in restitution.
    • Meghan Thomas. On July 27, 2022, Thomas pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On May 23, 2023, Thomas was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,381,760.35 in restitution.
    • Jesika Blakely. On March 15, 2022, Blakely pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering. On February 8, 2023, Blakely was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $5,348,498.89 in restitution.
    • Amanda Christian. On March 5, 2022, Christian pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On September 13, 2022, Christian was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $835,542 in restitution.
    • Dwan Ashong. On June 29, 2022, Ashong pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering. On October 31, 2022, Ashong was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $3,604,807 in restitution.
    • John Gaines. On January 31, 2024, Gaines pleaded guilty to the charge of money laundering. On June 26, 2024, Gaines was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $806,710 in restitution.
    • Charles Petty. On November 2, 2021, Petty pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. On February 25, 2022, Petty was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $830,417 in restitution.
    • Derek Parker. On April 14, 2022, Parker pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On August 31, 2022, Parker was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $163,620.40 in restitution.
    • David Belgrave II. On May 25, 2022, Belgrave pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. On August 25, 2022, Belgrave was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, with 18 months on home detention, and ordered to pay $877,000 in restitution.
    • Charles Hill IV. On September 29, 2021, Hill pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On January 12, 2022, Hill was sentenced to five years’ probation, with 27 months on home detention, and ordered to pay $1,004,805 in restitution.
    • Ryan Whittley. On May 25, 2022, Whittley pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On August 29, 2022, Whittley was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $797,275 in restitution.
    • El Hadj Sall. On August 24, 2022, Sall pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On November 29, 2022, Sall was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $973,585 in restitution.
    • Rick McDuffie. On April 27, 2022, McDuffie pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On August 23, 2022, McDuffie was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay $5,125 in restitution.
    • Teldrin Foster. On February 15, 2024, Foster was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, making a false statement to a federally insured bank, and money laundering by jury verdict. On June 25, 2024, Foster was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $9,606,627.35 in restitution. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samir Kaushal and Nathan Kitchens, and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tal Chaiken and Norman Barnett, of the Northern District of Georgia, and Trial Attorney Siji Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, prosecuted the case.

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

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Spreads Kindness This Ramadan by Providing 100,000 Meals to Those in Need

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, is partnering with world-renowned humanitarian organizations, including the UN Refugee Agency, UN World Food Programme, ShareTheMeal, and the One Billion Meals Endowment, to distribute up to 100,000 meals to individuals in need during Ramadan. This initiative targets vulnerable communities in regions facing significant challenges, aiming to alleviate hunger during the holy month.

    Each meal will support families and individuals during the holy month. The effort is strengthened by contributions from the Bitget community, emphasizing collective action and compassion. To achieve the fundraising target, Bitget has introduced initiatives encouraging participation from users, VIP clients, and influencer partners.

    Bitget will first pledge 10,000 meals to the people in need, followed by a series of Iftar dinners in key locations, including Dubai and Istanbul, fostering unity and philanthropy. Attendees can contribute through donations, with Bitget matching each dollar raised. Exclusive auctions featuring memorabilia from partnerships with La Liga will also contribute to the fundraising, and Bitget will direct all proceeds toward the cause. 100% of the proceeds will go towards the fundraiser.

    “Ramadan is a time for generosity and unity,” said Vugar Usi Zade, COO of Bitget. “By leveraging our global network, we aim to create a meaningful impact in communities facing adversity. This initiative demonstrates kindness from the crypto space and aligns with our mission to drive positive change through collaborative efforts.”

    The campaign, featuring the 10,000-meal pledge from Bitget, donation matching, and exclusive auctions, will be supported by local teams organizing community engagement events. It is set to launch on the first day of Ramadan, in alignment with the Islamic calendar.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a48343fc-044d-45ce-afe2-a4ff26395657

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Piero Cipollone: The role of the digital euro in digital payments and finance

    Source: European Central Bank

    Contribution to Bancaria by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, based on remarks at the Crypto Asset Lab Conference on 17 January 2025

    28 February 2025

    Being a key player in digital payments and digital finance should be a priority for Europe.

    As Mario Draghi pointed out in his recent report, the productivity gap between the United States and the European Union is mostly explained by technology and finance.[1] If we take the information and communications technology (ICT) and financial sectors out, the gap disappears.

    If we want to close the productivity gap with the United States, we need to focus on these areas. Digital payments and digital finance stand at the intersection of these two sectors. And they are developing fast, driven by changes in habits and technology. This is both an opportunity and a risk for Europe. It is an opportunity to close the gap by developing innovative and competitive European solutions. But if we do not seize that opportunity, we run the risk of weakening our competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy.

    At the European Central Bank (ECB), as guardians of our single currency, the euro, we consider this a matter of crucial importance. Ultimately, it is about the future of our currency. Today, the euro is the second most important currency in the international monetary system. Its share across a range of indicators stands at around 20%, and the euro area accounts for around 12% of global GDP.[2] If we want to prevent the euro from losing importance on the global stage, transacting and investing in euro needs to be seen as safe, easy and efficient, even as digitalisation transforms payments and finance.[3]

    Central bank money – the central pillar of the payments and financial system – has a key role to play in connecting the different parts of the financial system in a safe and risk-free way. This is particularly relevant in Europe, where payments and finance often remain fragmented along national lines, preventing us from fully reaping the benefits of the single European market. This is true for both retail and wholesale transactions.

    For retail transactions – payments made on a daily basis by consumers and businesses – our reliance on non-European solutions weakens our strategic autonomy and is a drag on productivity growth. We should ask, for example, why we don’t have a European VISA or Mastercard. A digital euro – that is, central bank money in digital form for retail transactions – would give us the chance to increase efficiency, competition, innovation and resilience while allowing European private payment solutions to scale up and protect our monetary sovereignty.[4]

    For wholesale transactions – transactions between financial institutions – we need to avoid repeating the mistake we made in the retail sector and ensure that we provide the conditions for European actors to stay ahead of their competitors. New technologies offer us the opportunity to create an integrated European market for digital assets from the outset, in other words a European capital markets union.[5]

    A digital euro for everyday payments

    For firms and households, central bank money is currently only available in the form of cash; there is currently no equivalent in digital form, which is becoming increasingly problematic because the use and acceptance of cash are declining. In the euro area, cash transactions have fallen below card transactions in value.[6] The share of companies reporting that they do not accept cash has tripled over the last three years to 12%.[7] The European Commission has put forward a legislative proposal to ensure the acceptance of cash[8], and the ECB is committed to ensuring that cash remains as widely available and accessible as possible[9]. Still, the trend towards cash being used less for daily transactions is likely to continue owing to the digitalisation of the economy in line with what has been observed in many advanced economies.

    Day-to-day payments in the euro area by payment instrument, in value terms

    (percentage of the value of all non-recurring day-to-day payments)

    Source: ECB (2024), Study on the payment attitudes of consumers in the euro area (SPACE).

    Note: The “Other” category includes bank cheques, credit transfers, direct debit, instant payments, loyalty points, vouchers and gift cards, crypto-assets, buy-now-pay-later services and other payment instruments.

    Current European digital payment solutions, such as cards issued by European payment schemes, mainly cater to national markets and specific use cases. To pay across European countries, consumers have to rely on a few non-European providers. More than two-thirds of card transactions in the euro area were settled through international payment schemes in the second half of 2023.[10] And 13 out of 20 euro area countries rely entirely on non-European solutions in the absence of their own domestic payment scheme. But even those international payment solutions are not accepted everywhere and do not cover all key use cases.

    National card schemes in the euro area

    Source: ECB.

    As a result, one of the key objectives of central bank money – to offer the public a means of payment backed by the sovereign authority that can be used for retail transactions across the entire currency area – is not being fulfilled in the digital space.

    In addition, European payments have become a prime example of the situation that Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi described in their recent reports.[11] The fragmentation of the market along national lines, the lack of European payment solutions available on a European scale and the difficulty faced by European payment service providers in keeping pace with technological advances mean that Europe is not competitive within its own market, let alone on a global scale.

    Moreover, in an unstable geopolitical environment, we are being left to rely on companies based in other countries. In future, this dependency could extend beyond traditional payment service providers. Platforms like Ant Group’s Alipay have shown they know how to bridge geographical gaps: during major events like UEFA EURO 2024 they were able to boost their payment app usage among customers in Europe.

    Merchants – and consumers, who bear the costs – are left to deal with the consequences of the international card schemes’ market dominance. To give just one example, the average net merchant service charges in the EU almost doubled between 2018 and 2022.[12] This increase occurred despite regulatory efforts to contain it. And the cost falls disproportionately on smaller retailers, who face charges that are three to four times higher than those paid by their larger counterparts.[13]

    We must move swiftly to counter the risks stemming from Europe’s current inability to secure the integration and autonomy of its retail payment system. This is one of the key reasons behind the digital euro project: to bring central bank money into the digital age. Doing so would provide firms and households with a digital equivalent to banknotes and would strengthen our monetary sovereignty.

    Benefits for consumers and merchants

    Complementing banknotes, the digital euro would give all European citizens and firms the freedom to make and receive digital payments seamlessly.[14]

    The digital euro would provide a single, easy, secure and universally accepted public solution for digital payments in stores, online and from person to person. It would be available both online and offline, and would be free for basic use.

    For merchants, the digital euro would provide seamless access to all European consumers. Moreover, it would offer an alternative that would increase competition, thereby lowering transaction costs in a more direct way than is possible through regulations and competition authorities.[15]

    Fostering competition and innovation in an integrated payments ecosystem

    The digital euro would strengthen the euro area economy by fostering competition and innovation.

    European payment service providers are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with international card schemes and mobile payment solutions. As the latter grow in popularity, banks risk falling behind not only in terms of interchange fees, but also in terms of client relationships and user data.

    By contrast, the digital euro would ensure that payment service providers would continue to play a central role, thus enabling them to maintain customer relationships and be compensated for their services, as is currently the case.[16] It would also offer an alternative to co-badging with international card schemes for cross-border payments in – and potentially beyond – the euro area, thus promoting competition.

    The digital euro would also expand the opportunities available to payment service providers while reducing the cost of offering their own services on a European scale. In addition, it would foster an environment conducive to the widespread adoption of payment innovations throughout the euro area.

    Currently, several innovations aimed at simplifying payments are emerging within specific national markets or across a few countries, driven by European payment service providers. Although these innovations are highly commendable and would enhance people’s lives, existing structural barriers are hampering their efforts to achieve pan-European scale.

    These solutions are struggling to achieve the scale needed to provide a service to everyone in the euro area. This limits their ability to compete effectively with the large international players who can fully leverage economies of scale, even on a global level.

    The European Commission’s legislative proposal[17] foresees that the digital euro would have legal tender status; this implies that it would be accepted by all merchants who currently accept electronic payments. In reality this would equate to the creation of a pan-European network which could also be used by private solutions, thus overcoming the obstacles limiting their growth.

    This would foster a more integrated European payments market. As private providers expand their geographical reach and diversify their product portfolios, they will benefit from cost efficiencies and be better positioned to compete internationally.

    In essence, the network effects generated by a digital euro would function as a public good, benefiting both public and private initiatives. This approach would be akin to creating a unified European railway network or European energy grid, where various companies could competitively operate their own services and deliver added value to customers.

    Instead of requiring significant investment to expand existing services across the euro area, the open digital euro standards would facilitate cost-effective standardisation, making it possible for private retail payment solution providers to launch new products and functionalities on a broader scale.

    Ultimately, whether through the digital euro or private solutions, this framework would unlock innovation, create new business opportunities and improve consumer access to a diverse range of goods and services.

    Making this vision a shared reality

    The design of the digital euro, as well as the key provision in the regulation proposed by the European Commission, contains all the key elements required to make this vision a reality.

    Over the past years, we have extensively engaged with a multitude of market stakeholders to establish the digital euro’s features. We have collected and discussed the input of representatives of consumers, merchants, banks and payment service providers. Furthermore, we are now looking at how the digital euro could be used to provide services currently not available on the market. To this end, we launched a call for expressions of interest, asking for collaboration from stakeholders, and we received a very strong response. Through this inclusive approach, we want to take everyone’s needs and perspectives into consideration to produce a robust payments solution.

    The role of central bank money in developing a European market for digital assets

    Currently, the ECB and the national central banks of those EU Member States whose currency is the euro (which we collectively refer to as the Eurosystem) offer central bank money in digital form to financial institutions through our TARGET Services: T2 settles more than 90% of the value of large payments between financial institutions, and T2S settles securities transactions. These services have been crucial in increasing the efficiency and integration of post-trade platforms in Europe.

    We are committed to continuing to provide state-of-the-art settlement services in central bank money, even as new technologies emerge.

    The potential of new technologies

    In this respect, we recognise the potential of new technologies, such as distributed ledger technology (DLT), to transform and improve wholesale financial markets by enabling assets to be issued or represented in digital token form.

    DLT allows market participants to handle trading, settlement and custody on the same platform, reducing credit risk, transaction failures and reconciliation needs. It can enhance efficiency by operating on a 24/7, 365 days a year basis and settling transactions instantly, which could potentially reduce annual infrastructure operational costs. A shared DLT platform could lower market entry barriers, enable small and medium-sized enterprises and new players to access capital markets and facilitate the efficient trading of financial instruments currently not covered on regulated markets.

    We have an opportunity to create an integrated European capital market for digital assets from the outset – in other words, a digital capital markets union.[18]

    In fact, we have recently seen an upsurge in DLT initiatives in Europe. Over 60% of EU banks are exploring or using DLT, with 22% already implementing DLT applications. Furthermore, on the securities side, there has been an increasing number of issuances on DLT.

    The role of central bank money and the Eurosystem’s exploratory work

    The ECB is aware that it has a role to play in this work from the very beginning.

    The availability of central bank money to settle transactions using these new technologies is important for two reasons. First, if we don’t use central bank money, other settlement assets – such as stablecoins or tokenised deposits – will be used, which would reintroduce credit risks and fragmentation in the financial system. And second, the possibility to settle in central bank money is seen by the market as a key factor in the adoption of new technologies.

    The Eurosystem has already worked with the market to test settling wholesale transactions in central bank money using DLT. In exploratory work we carried out in 2024, for example, we offered three different solutions to link our TARGET services to market DLT platforms. This allowed industry participants to either settle real transactions in central bank money or conduct experiments with mock transactions.[19]

    This exploratory work stands out at the global level in terms of its scale and scope. Overall, 60 industry participants took part, including incumbents and new entrants. More than 40 experiments and trials covered a wide range of securities and payments use cases, including the first issuance of an EU sovereign bond using DLT. A total value of €1.6 billion was settled via trials over a six-month period, exceeding values settled in comparable initiatives in other jurisdictions.

    Next steps

    In the short term, the Eurosystem will aim to make it possible to settle DLT transactions in central bank money, with a view to enabling the further development of DLT on the market.[20] The technological solution will be based on interoperability between market DLTs and the Eurosystem, but also – and this is crucial – between market platforms, based on strong and enforceable standards.

    Looking further ahead, we will investigate how DLT can be used to create a more integrated financial market. With new technology, there is the opportunity to create a new ecosystem from scratch in a more integrated and harmonised manner. One way to achieve this integrated ecosystem in the longer term would be to move towards a European shared ledger. This would bring together token versions of central bank money, commercial bank money and other digital assets on a shared, programmable platform, on which market participants could provide their services. Another option could be the coordinated development of an ecosystem of fully interoperable technical solutions, which might better serve specific use cases and enable legacy and new solutions to coexist.

    The trade-offs between the benefits of such flexibility and those of bringing everyone together on one platform need further analysis. We will reflect on these trade-offs and refine this long-term vision together with private and public sector stakeholders.

    Conclusion

    In the current fast-moving environment, Europe cannot stand still. If we do not bring central bank money into the digital age, we will hamper Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy. And we will miss out on the opportunities that digital payments and digital finance offer. Others would reap the benefits instead.

    By ensuring that central bank money keeps pace with digitalisation and new technologies, we would safeguard our monetary sovereignty. We would overcome fragmentation by offering money that can be used for any digital transactions in the euro area. We would foster competition and innovation. And we would strengthen our autonomy and resilience.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: An interview with Chris Chapman

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Chris Chapman is Amnesty International’s Advisor on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights. Working with communities around the world, he has seen how states continue to violate the rights of Indigenous Peoples, failing to involve them in decisions that affect them, most recently during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Inspired by the incredible people he’s met and interviewed, and his years working in human rights, Chris has now penned a research guide on how to assess whether people have been effectively involved in decisions that affect them and been able to influence them.

    Can you tell me about your role at Amnesty and what it involves?

    I am a researcher and advisor for Indigenous Peoples’ rights. I’m currently focusing on conservation and protected areas and how they impact Indigenous Peoples. Quite often, protected areas are established on lands claimed by Indigenous Peoples. For example, on the borders of Paraguay and Brazil, an Indigenous People has been evicted to make way for a hydroelectric dam. The company has created protected nature reserves around the new borders of the river, yet the displaced Indigenous People have no right to go into those nature reserves, due to lack of consultation by governments.

    I also support people at Amnesty who are doing research on the situations of Indigenous Peoples and provide advice.

    Is there a piece of research that has had a lasting impact on you?

    I was inspired by a joint project between Amnesty’s human rights education team and our Philippines office. They worked with communities all over the Philippines, shared lots of resources on running human rights campaigns, and now they apply these to the most important and pressing issues in their communities. It’s a great example of how Amnesty can share skills and experience and empowers others.

    Another inspiring experience was working with Elias Kimaiyo, an activist and leader for the Sengwer Indigenous People in Kenya. We worked together on a report that came out in 2018. Elias never had the opportunities many of us have had but it’s not held him back. He tells the truth about what is happening to the Sengwer whether it’s to his local MP, in Nairobi, or in Geneva or Brussels. He’s also an amazing photographer and video maker. While I was writing up the research, I learnt he had been out in the field filming the Kenya Forest Service who were evicting his people from their forest. He was shot at by one of the rangers and it permanently damaged his arm. But he continues the work.

    When governments take decisions that might impact on people’s human rights, there is an obligation to consult those people and involve them meaningfully in decision-making.

    Chris Chapman

    What’s the aim of Amnesty’s new research guidelines, Public participation in decision-making ?

    Amnesty’s new guide is for researchers on how to research processes of public participation in decision-making. When governments take decisions or implement projects that might impact on people’s human rights, there is usually an obligation to consult those people and involve them meaningfully in decision-making.

    This guide provides guidance to researchers who want to research such processes to make sure the government has fully complied with its obligations. The researchers could be from NGOs like Amnesty, or academics, or people from the affected communities themselves. It’s about seeing if things are being done as they should – whether that involves consulting the public on projects such as clearing informal settlement housing, building a dam, or passing a new law which will affect a particular group of people.

    The research guide is incredibly engaging – it’s beautifully presented and packed with photographs, so hopefully it’s appealing and useful to those who want to use it. Within it, there’s a series of practical tools for researchers, such as example lists of questions which you need to ask in a particular situation. For example, if a mine or a dam is being built, there is a checklist for what information communities should receive. I really hope researchers will pick it up and use it.

    Why is the guide needed?

    When the public aren’t consulted by the government on issues that affect them, it can affect their human rights negatively. In some cases, governments just tell people what they’re going to do without listening to them. In addition, Indigenous Peoples have the right to free, prior and informed consent, which means that they should be not only consulted, but that the proposal should not go ahead against their will.

    During the pandemic, governments were scrambling to take emergency action very quickly – they closed schools and learning went online. Many Indigenous communities who live in rural areas didn’t have sufficient access to the Internet. In some cases, there weren’t enough devices for a remote connection for schooling and materials weren’t provided in specific languages.  

    Aymara indigenous women walk their children to the Ladislao Cabrera school during their first week of face to face classes, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The children of the Machacamarca highlands town in Bolivia started face to face classes, due to the lack of means to access virtual education.

    Governments took steps to close down schools without taking into account the issues Indigenous peoples would face. They weren’t ready for these challenges and failed to adapt their policies, which led to a detrimental impact on children’s education. Their schooling effectively ended, causing a long-lasting impact.

    How does it feel to hear these stories?

    It’s really sad. Sometimes we talk about how human rights researchers get a bit blasé because they hear so many accounts and you’re exposed to human rights violations every day. But when you hear first-hand accounts, it’s obviously going to affect you and if it doesn’t, maybe it’s time to reach out for support, as it could be a sign that you’ve reached burn out.

    How could Indigenous Peoples be included in their government responses to emergencies?

    Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines have put an emergency response protocol in place, covering what the government should do when there’s an emergency. Initially designed for floods and hurricanes, it could easily be adapted for pandemics.

    The plan details what the government should do immediately after a disaster, as well as numerous initiatives that can be done immediately or staggered over time. It’s a great idea and if Indigenous Peoples have such a protocol, governments should comply with them, it would provide a starting point for knowing how to consult on pandemic responses.

    Finally, how did you get into this area of work?

    I was always interested in human rights. I was a member of a local Amnesty group in my twenties and passionate about dealing with injustices in the world. I travelled around and worked in Guatemala just as the peace accords had been signed, ending decades of civil conflict. There were people who had gone into exile and who wanted to return, or they had gone into hiding in remote places in Guatemala. They wanted to return to normal life, but they wanted international observers in their communities because they still didn’t trust the army. So I worked in a rainforest community for five months, teaching maths, and getting involved in the community’s activities – it was an incredible experience where people told me about what happened during the civil war. It was powerful and inspired me to work within the human rights field.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Three Federal Treasury deposit auctions will take place on 28.02.2025

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 02.28.2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025042
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 1,288,000
    Placement period, in days 4
    Date of deposit 02.28.2025
    Refund date 04.03.2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Fix
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum 20.05
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds –
    Minimum spread, % per annum –
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 09:30 to 09:40
    Preliminary applications: from 09:30 to 09:35
    Applications in competition mode: from 09:35 to 09:40
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 09:40 to 09:50
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 09:40 to 10:00
    Submission of an offer to credit institutions to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 10:00 to 10:50
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 10:00 to 10:50
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n
    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 02.28.2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025043
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 50,000
    Placement period, in days 182
    Date of deposit 02.28.2025
    Refund date 08/29/2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Flotting
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum –
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds Ruonmds
    Minimum spread, % per annum 0.00
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Special
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 12:00 to 12:10
    Preliminary applications: from 12:00 to 12:05
    Applications in competition mode: from 12:05 to 12:10
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 12:10 to 12:20
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 12:10 to 12:30
    Submission of an offer to credit institutions to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

    RUONmDS = RUONIA – DS, where

    RUONIA – the value of the indicative weighted rate of overnight ruble loans (deposits) RUONIA, expressed in hundredths of a percent, published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued. In the absence of a RUONIA rate value published on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued, the last of the published RUONIA rate values is taken into account.

    DS – discount – a value expressed in hundredths of a percent and rounded (according to the rules of mathematical rounding) to two decimal places, calculated by multiplying the value of the Key Rate of the Bank of Russia by the value of the required reserve ratio for other liabilities of credit institutions for banks with a universal license, non-bank credit institutions (except for long-term ones) in the currency of the Russian Federation, valid on the date for which interest is accrued, and published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet.

    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 02.28.2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025044
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 10,000
    Placement period, in days 4
    Date of deposit 02.28.2025
    Refund date 04.03.2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Fix
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum 20.05
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds –
    Minimum spread, % per annum –
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 18:30 to 18:40
    Preliminary applications: from 18:30 to 18:35
    Applications in competition mode: from 18:35 to 18:40
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 18:40 to 18:50
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 18:40 to 18:50
    Submission of an offer to credit institutions to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 18:50 to 19:30
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 18:50 to 19:30
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes White Pearl Technology Group AB to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced White Pearl Technology Group AB (Nasdaq First North Growth Market Stockholm: WPTG; OTCQX: WPTGF), a global technology company specialising in digital transformation solutions, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market.

    White Pearl Technology Group AB begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “WPTGF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Trading on the OTCQX Market offers companies efficient, cost-effective access to the U.S. capital markets. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    Marco Marangoni, CEO of White Pearl Technology Group, commented: “We are thrilled to begin trading on OTCQX, which represents an important milestone in our growth strategy. This opportunity enhances our visibility within the U.S. investment community and provides a convenient way for North American investors to trade our shares in their local market and currency. As we continue to expand our global footprint, particularly with our strategic focus on the North American market, trading on OTCQX will support our efforts to diversify our shareholder base and increase our international presence.”

    About White Pearl Technology Group AB
    White Pearl Technology Group AB (WPTG) is a global technology company specializing in digital transformation solutions. With a presence in over 30 countries and a team of more than 650 experts, WPTG helps organisations navigate the complexities of the digital age, offering services ranging from ICT and system integration to business software and digital innovation.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CEDD and HKUST sign MOU on research studies (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (February 28) to set out the framework of collaboration on research studies related to sustainable infrastructure development and land formation.
                 
         The MOU was signed by the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong, and the Vice-President for Research and Development of the HKUST, Professor Tim Cheng, and witnessed by the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, and the President of the HKUST, Professor Nancy Ip.
          
         The MOU, effective from March 1 for a duration of two years, will cover research areas in novel construction materials, innovative landslide mitigation strategies, digitalisation, artificial intelligence technology, innovative engineering and sustainable solutions.
          
         Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Fong said that the CEDD has been applying innovative technologies to facilitate the implementation of construction projects. With the CEDD’s experience in construction projects and the HKUST’s top-notch research team, the collaboration between the two parties promotes the research in sustainable infrastructure development and land formation, and would help the industry enhance productivity, quality and site safety.
          
         Professor Cheng said that the HKUST’s multidisciplinary research expertise, covering AI, the Internet of Things, digital twins, material science and civil engineering, will synergise with the CEDD’s practical experience, work data and scenario applications to create innovative and practical solutions.

         The CEDD has been collaborating closely with academic institutions and the construction industry to develop various smart and innovative technologies for application in public works projects. The CEDD has applied research deliverables in various projects to effectively facilitate their implementation, such as optimising the design of debris-resisting barriers for landslide mitigation, and advocating the recycling of construction and demolition materials.   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Piero Cipollone: The role of the digital euro in digital payments and finance

    Source: European Central Bank

    Contribution to Bancaria by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, based on remarks at the Crypto Asset Lab Conference on 17 January 2025

    28 February 2025

    Being a key player in digital payments and digital finance should be a priority for Europe.

    As Mario Draghi pointed out in his recent report, the productivity gap between the United States and the European Union is mostly explained by technology and finance.[1] If we take the information and communications technology (ICT) and financial sectors out, the gap disappears.

    If we want to close the productivity gap with the United States, we need to focus on these areas. Digital payments and digital finance stand at the intersection of these two sectors. And they are developing fast, driven by changes in habits and technology. This is both an opportunity and a risk for Europe. It is an opportunity to close the gap by developing innovative and competitive European solutions. But if we do not seize that opportunity, we run the risk of weakening our competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy.

    At the European Central Bank (ECB), as guardians of our single currency, the euro, we consider this a matter of crucial importance. Ultimately, it is about the future of our currency. Today, the euro is the second most important currency in the international monetary system. Its share across a range of indicators stands at around 20%, and the euro area accounts for around 12% of global GDP.[2] If we want to prevent the euro from losing importance on the global stage, transacting and investing in euro needs to be seen as safe, easy and efficient, even as digitalisation transforms payments and finance.[3]

    Central bank money – the central pillar of the payments and financial system – has a key role to play in connecting the different parts of the financial system in a safe and risk-free way. This is particularly relevant in Europe, where payments and finance often remain fragmented along national lines, preventing us from fully reaping the benefits of the single European market. This is true for both retail and wholesale transactions.

    For retail transactions – payments made on a daily basis by consumers and businesses – our reliance on non-European solutions weakens our strategic autonomy and is a drag on productivity growth. We should ask, for example, why we don’t have a European VISA or Mastercard. A digital euro – that is, central bank money in digital form for retail transactions – would give us the chance to increase efficiency, competition, innovation and resilience while allowing European private payment solutions to scale up and protect our monetary sovereignty.[4]

    For wholesale transactions – transactions between financial institutions – we need to avoid repeating the mistake we made in the retail sector and ensure that we provide the conditions for European actors to stay ahead of their competitors. New technologies offer us the opportunity to create an integrated European market for digital assets from the outset, in other words a European capital markets union.[5]

    A digital euro for everyday payments

    For firms and households, central bank money is currently only available in the form of cash; there is currently no equivalent in digital form, which is becoming increasingly problematic because the use and acceptance of cash are declining. In the euro area, cash transactions have fallen below card transactions in value.[6] The share of companies reporting that they do not accept cash has tripled over the last three years to 12%.[7] The European Commission has put forward a legislative proposal to ensure the acceptance of cash[8], and the ECB is committed to ensuring that cash remains as widely available and accessible as possible[9]. Still, the trend towards cash being used less for daily transactions is likely to continue owing to the digitalisation of the economy in line with what has been observed in many advanced economies.

    Day-to-day payments in the euro area by payment instrument, in value terms

    (percentage of the value of all non-recurring day-to-day payments)

    Source: ECB (2024), Study on the payment attitudes of consumers in the euro area (SPACE).

    Note: The “Other” category includes bank cheques, credit transfers, direct debit, instant payments, loyalty points, vouchers and gift cards, crypto-assets, buy-now-pay-later services and other payment instruments.

    Current European digital payment solutions, such as cards issued by European payment schemes, mainly cater to national markets and specific use cases. To pay across European countries, consumers have to rely on a few non-European providers. More than two-thirds of card transactions in the euro area were settled through international payment schemes in the second half of 2023.[10] And 13 out of 20 euro area countries rely entirely on non-European solutions in the absence of their own domestic payment scheme. But even those international payment solutions are not accepted everywhere and do not cover all key use cases.

    National card schemes in the euro area

    Source: ECB.

    As a result, one of the key objectives of central bank money – to offer the public a means of payment backed by the sovereign authority that can be used for retail transactions across the entire currency area – is not being fulfilled in the digital space.

    In addition, European payments have become a prime example of the situation that Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi described in their recent reports.[11] The fragmentation of the market along national lines, the lack of European payment solutions available on a European scale and the difficulty faced by European payment service providers in keeping pace with technological advances mean that Europe is not competitive within its own market, let alone on a global scale.

    Moreover, in an unstable geopolitical environment, we are being left to rely on companies based in other countries. In future, this dependency could extend beyond traditional payment service providers. Platforms like Ant Group’s Alipay have shown they know how to bridge geographical gaps: during major events like UEFA EURO 2024 they were able to boost their payment app usage among customers in Europe.

    Merchants – and consumers, who bear the costs – are left to deal with the consequences of the international card schemes’ market dominance. To give just one example, the average net merchant service charges in the EU almost doubled between 2018 and 2022.[12] This increase occurred despite regulatory efforts to contain it. And the cost falls disproportionately on smaller retailers, who face charges that are three to four times higher than those paid by their larger counterparts.[13]

    We must move swiftly to counter the risks stemming from Europe’s current inability to secure the integration and autonomy of its retail payment system. This is one of the key reasons behind the digital euro project: to bring central bank money into the digital age. Doing so would provide firms and households with a digital equivalent to banknotes and would strengthen our monetary sovereignty.

    Benefits for consumers and merchants

    Complementing banknotes, the digital euro would give all European citizens and firms the freedom to make and receive digital payments seamlessly.[14]

    The digital euro would provide a single, easy, secure and universally accepted public solution for digital payments in stores, online and from person to person. It would be available both online and offline, and would be free for basic use.

    For merchants, the digital euro would provide seamless access to all European consumers. Moreover, it would offer an alternative that would increase competition, thereby lowering transaction costs in a more direct way than is possible through regulations and competition authorities.[15]

    Fostering competition and innovation in an integrated payments ecosystem

    The digital euro would strengthen the euro area economy by fostering competition and innovation.

    European payment service providers are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with international card schemes and mobile payment solutions. As the latter grow in popularity, banks risk falling behind not only in terms of interchange fees, but also in terms of client relationships and user data.

    By contrast, the digital euro would ensure that payment service providers would continue to play a central role, thus enabling them to maintain customer relationships and be compensated for their services, as is currently the case.[16] It would also offer an alternative to co-badging with international card schemes for cross-border payments in – and potentially beyond – the euro area, thus promoting competition.

    The digital euro would also expand the opportunities available to payment service providers while reducing the cost of offering their own services on a European scale. In addition, it would foster an environment conducive to the widespread adoption of payment innovations throughout the euro area.

    Currently, several innovations aimed at simplifying payments are emerging within specific national markets or across a few countries, driven by European payment service providers. Although these innovations are highly commendable and would enhance people’s lives, existing structural barriers are hampering their efforts to achieve pan-European scale.

    These solutions are struggling to achieve the scale needed to provide a service to everyone in the euro area. This limits their ability to compete effectively with the large international players who can fully leverage economies of scale, even on a global level.

    The European Commission’s legislative proposal[17] foresees that the digital euro would have legal tender status; this implies that it would be accepted by all merchants who currently accept electronic payments. In reality this would equate to the creation of a pan-European network which could also be used by private solutions, thus overcoming the obstacles limiting their growth.

    This would foster a more integrated European payments market. As private providers expand their geographical reach and diversify their product portfolios, they will benefit from cost efficiencies and be better positioned to compete internationally.

    In essence, the network effects generated by a digital euro would function as a public good, benefiting both public and private initiatives. This approach would be akin to creating a unified European railway network or European energy grid, where various companies could competitively operate their own services and deliver added value to customers.

    Instead of requiring significant investment to expand existing services across the euro area, the open digital euro standards would facilitate cost-effective standardisation, making it possible for private retail payment solution providers to launch new products and functionalities on a broader scale.

    Ultimately, whether through the digital euro or private solutions, this framework would unlock innovation, create new business opportunities and improve consumer access to a diverse range of goods and services.

    Making this vision a shared reality

    The design of the digital euro, as well as the key provision in the regulation proposed by the European Commission, contains all the key elements required to make this vision a reality.

    Over the past years, we have extensively engaged with a multitude of market stakeholders to establish the digital euro’s features. We have collected and discussed the input of representatives of consumers, merchants, banks and payment service providers. Furthermore, we are now looking at how the digital euro could be used to provide services currently not available on the market. To this end, we launched a call for expressions of interest, asking for collaboration from stakeholders, and we received a very strong response. Through this inclusive approach, we want to take everyone’s needs and perspectives into consideration to produce a robust payments solution.

    The role of central bank money in developing a European market for digital assets

    Currently, the ECB and the national central banks of those EU Member States whose currency is the euro (which we collectively refer to as the Eurosystem) offer central bank money in digital form to financial institutions through our TARGET Services: T2 settles more than 90% of the value of large payments between financial institutions, and T2S settles securities transactions. These services have been crucial in increasing the efficiency and integration of post-trade platforms in Europe.

    We are committed to continuing to provide state-of-the-art settlement services in central bank money, even as new technologies emerge.

    The potential of new technologies

    In this respect, we recognise the potential of new technologies, such as distributed ledger technology (DLT), to transform and improve wholesale financial markets by enabling assets to be issued or represented in digital token form.

    DLT allows market participants to handle trading, settlement and custody on the same platform, reducing credit risk, transaction failures and reconciliation needs. It can enhance efficiency by operating on a 24/7, 365 days a year basis and settling transactions instantly, which could potentially reduce annual infrastructure operational costs. A shared DLT platform could lower market entry barriers, enable small and medium-sized enterprises and new players to access capital markets and facilitate the efficient trading of financial instruments currently not covered on regulated markets.

    We have an opportunity to create an integrated European capital market for digital assets from the outset – in other words, a digital capital markets union.[18]

    In fact, we have recently seen an upsurge in DLT initiatives in Europe. Over 60% of EU banks are exploring or using DLT, with 22% already implementing DLT applications. Furthermore, on the securities side, there has been an increasing number of issuances on DLT.

    The role of central bank money and the Eurosystem’s exploratory work

    The ECB is aware that it has a role to play in this work from the very beginning.

    The availability of central bank money to settle transactions using these new technologies is important for two reasons. First, if we don’t use central bank money, other settlement assets – such as stablecoins or tokenised deposits – will be used, which would reintroduce credit risks and fragmentation in the financial system. And second, the possibility to settle in central bank money is seen by the market as a key factor in the adoption of new technologies.

    The Eurosystem has already worked with the market to test settling wholesale transactions in central bank money using DLT. In exploratory work we carried out in 2024, for example, we offered three different solutions to link our TARGET services to market DLT platforms. This allowed industry participants to either settle real transactions in central bank money or conduct experiments with mock transactions.[19]

    This exploratory work stands out at the global level in terms of its scale and scope. Overall, 60 industry participants took part, including incumbents and new entrants. More than 40 experiments and trials covered a wide range of securities and payments use cases, including the first issuance of an EU sovereign bond using DLT. A total value of €1.6 billion was settled via trials over a six-month period, exceeding values settled in comparable initiatives in other jurisdictions.

    Next steps

    In the short term, the Eurosystem will aim to make it possible to settle DLT transactions in central bank money, with a view to enabling the further development of DLT on the market.[20] The technological solution will be based on interoperability between market DLTs and the Eurosystem, but also – and this is crucial – between market platforms, based on strong and enforceable standards.

    Looking further ahead, we will investigate how DLT can be used to create a more integrated financial market. With new technology, there is the opportunity to create a new ecosystem from scratch in a more integrated and harmonised manner. One way to achieve this integrated ecosystem in the longer term would be to move towards a European shared ledger. This would bring together token versions of central bank money, commercial bank money and other digital assets on a shared, programmable platform, on which market participants could provide their services. Another option could be the coordinated development of an ecosystem of fully interoperable technical solutions, which might better serve specific use cases and enable legacy and new solutions to coexist.

    The trade-offs between the benefits of such flexibility and those of bringing everyone together on one platform need further analysis. We will reflect on these trade-offs and refine this long-term vision together with private and public sector stakeholders.

    Conclusion

    In the current fast-moving environment, Europe cannot stand still. If we do not bring central bank money into the digital age, we will hamper Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy. And we will miss out on the opportunities that digital payments and digital finance offer. Others would reap the benefits instead.

    By ensuring that central bank money keeps pace with digitalisation and new technologies, we would safeguard our monetary sovereignty. We would overcome fragmentation by offering money that can be used for any digital transactions in the euro area. We would foster competition and innovation. And we would strengthen our autonomy and resilience.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: SIMPPLE Ltd. Announces Transition of Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Singapore, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SIMPPLE Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPPL) (“SIMPPLE” or “the Company”), a leading technology provider and innovator in the facilities management (FM) sector, today announced that Mr. Sovik Bromha has tendered his resignation as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of the Company to pursue other business opportunities, effective April 14, 2025. Mr. Gary Goh has been appointed as SIMPPLE CFO, effective January 22, 2025, succeeding Sovik Bromha. Gary will oversee SIMPPLE’s financial operations, enterprise-wide optimization, and capital allocation activities, and will play a meaningful leadership role in guiding the Company’s strategy to support its long-term growth objectives and enhance shareholder value.  

    Mr. Goh is a finance and accounting industry leader in Singapore, with over 15 years of audit and assurance, accounting and financial advisory experience serving a wide range of industries, including technology, retail, maritime, construction and manufacturing sectors. Mr. Goh founded a public accounting firm, GYSG Group, in 2014 that provides professional services including audit and assurance, accounting, tax advisory-compliance, corporate secretarial, and corporate advisory services. On that note, GYSG had provided financial advisory and corporate secretarial services to SIMPPLE in 2022. Prior to that, he spent four years at KPMG as an Engagement Manager, where he contributed to audit and assurance projects for multi-national corporations, listed companies, and government-linked companies. Gary had graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the National University of Singapore in 2008 and Bachelor of Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University in 2009. Aside from being a Chartered Accountant, he is also a Chartered Valuer and Appraiser (CVA), ISCA Financial Forensic Accounting, and Public Accountant.

    In compliance with SEC and NASDAQ regulations, SIMPPLE has updated its governance framework, finance controls, and processes to maintain compliance with respect to engagements with GYSG.

    “We are confident that Gary’s wealth of financial knowledge and keen sense of business and industry understanding will strengthen our Company’s financial operations and business strategies. Sovik and Gary will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition as we continue to build on the momentum we have already established in late-2024,” said SIMPPLE chief executive officer Norman Schroeder.

    “I am excited to be part of this fast-growing journey at SIMPPLE. SIMPPLE is a great company on a meaningful mission, to revolutionize facilities management operations through advanced technologies. I am aligned with SIMPPLE’s leadership team and will continue to build on the good work the Company has achieved to enhance shareholder value.” Gary said.

    Chairman of the Board and Executive Director, Kelvin Lee, added “All of us at SIMPPLE thank Sovik for his contribution as CFO. With Gary onboard, I am confident we are able to align our overall cost structure and setting SIMPPLE up for profitable growth.”

    About SIMPPLE LTD.

    Headquartered in Singapore, SIMPPLE LTD. is an advanced technology solution provider in the emerging PropTech space, focused on helping facilities owners and managers manage facilities autonomously. Founded in 2016, the Company has a strong foothold in the Singapore facilities management market, serving over 60 clients in both the public and private sectors and extending out of Singapore into Australia and the Middle East. The Company has developed its proprietary SIMPPLE Ecosystem, to create an automated workforce management tool for building maintenance, surveillance and cleaning comprised of a mix of software and hardware solutions such as robotics (both cleaning and security) and Internet-of-Things (“IoT”) devices. 

    For more information on SIMPPLE, please visit: https://www.simpple.ai/

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.

    Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.

    For investor and media queries, please contact:

    SIMPPLE LTD.
    Investor Relations Department
    Email: ir@simpple.ai

    Visit the Investor Relation Website: https://www.investor.simpple.ai/

    Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC
    Scott Powell, President
    1177 Avenue of the Americas, 5th Floor
    New York, NY 10036
    Tel: (646) 893-5835
    Email: info@skylineccg.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 February 2025 Joint News Release New WHO and ITU standard aims to prevent hearing loss among gamers

    Source: World Health Organisation

    “Everyone can take steps today to ensure good hearing health throughout their life,” said Dr Jérôme Salomon, WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases. “The WHO/ITU safe listening standard supports governments, manufacturers, civil society, and other stakeholders to foster safe listening environments, so that people of all ages can protect their ears and hearing, and even when playing video games, do not risk hearing loss.” 

    Video gameplay and esports are rapidly becoming one of the largest entertainment industries worldwide. About 3 billion people play video games on devices such as personal computers, video game consoles, and mobile phones, yet most devices and games lack safe listening features to protect users from harmful noise. However, gamers risk permanent hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud sounds while gaming or listening to music. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their lower sound tolerance and growing interest in gaming. 

    Through the provision of information, warnings and safe listening features, the new standard aims to inform video game players of the risk to hearing loss from loud video gameplay activities and raise awareness about how they can practice safe listening. 

    “As video gaming and esports continue to grow and gamers use a wider array of devices to access their content, safe listening standards are vital to help protect the hearing of users, especially children, from sounds which could damage their hearing,” said Seizo Onoe, Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, International Telecommunication Union. “Creating effective technical standards requires collaboration which leverages each other’s strengths. We are grateful to our partners at WHO for their insight and experience advancing safe listening, and are pleased to launch this update on World Hearing Day.” 

    Standards protect hearing for all types of video game players 

    The WHO-ITU Global standard on safe listening for video gameplay and esports is designed to protect hearing for all types of video game players, across a wide range of gameplay scenarios and equipment. The standard provides separate guidelines for video gameplay devices (video game consoles, handheld or mobile devices and personal computers, headphones and headsets), and video game software.  

    For video gameplay devices, the standard recommends: 

    • Sound allowance tracking to measure the player’s sound exposure.  
    • Safe listening messages that provide players with information on sound usage, including predictions on when their sound limit will be reached. 
    • A user-friendly volume control system that can be easily adjusted. 
    • A “headphone safety mode” that automatically adjusts the volume when a player changes between headphones and loudspeakers. 

    For video gameplay software titles, the standard recommends: 

    • Safe listening warnings and messages for players about the risk of hearing loss from loud sounds and prolonged exposure during gameplay activities.  
    • Independent volume controls for different sound categories, allowing players to adjust levels and mute various sounds within the game. 
    • Adapting the soundtrack, genre and sound design of each game with safe listening features 
    • A “headphone safety mode” within the software that is capable of detecting a switch of audio output between headphones and speakers and automatically reduces the volume.  

    The new standard was developed under WHO’s Make Listening Safe initiative which seeks to improve listening practices especially among young people, drawing on the latest evidence and consultations with a range of stakeholders including experts from WHO, government, industry, consumers, and civil society.  

    Notes to editors 

    About the World Health Organization  

    Dedicated to the health and well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. 

    About the International Telecommunication Union

    The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, it is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. Learn more: www.itu.int  

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-02-28T10:30:00.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/headquarters/teams/uhc—communicable-noncommunicable-diseases-(ucn)/noncommunicable-diseases-rehabilitation-and-disability-(ncd)/sensory-functions-disability-and-rehabilitation-(sdr)/147_who-russia.jpg?sfvrsn=4803540e_3″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-02-28T10:30:00.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/28-02-2025-new-who-and-itu-standard-aims-to-prevent-hearing-loss-among-gamers”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
    ]]>

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Officially Lists EUR on Convert with Zero Fees for Fast and Effortless Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency trading platform, has officially listed EUR on Convert with zero fees, providing users with a seamless and cost-effective way to trade. This listing coincides with Point Frenzy Season, running from February 28 to March 14, offering exciting airdrop rewards and exclusive events.

    MEXC’s introduction of EUR to Convert reinforces its commitment to lowering trading costs and enhancing market accessibility. With zero-fee EUR deposits and competitive trading conditions, users can now enjoy greater flexibility and efficiency when navigating the crypto market.

    To celebrate the listing of EUR on Convert, MEXC is introducing two exciting events from February 28, 2025, to March 14, 2025, offering users a chance to win exclusive rewards and event tickets.

    Event 1: Convert & Win Airdrops

    • Users can convert between EUR and USDT for a chance to win up to 100 USDT in airdrops.

    Event 2: Points Competition

    • Users can accumulate points through Futures trading and compete for a 6,000 USDT prize pool, which includes party funds and exclusive offline event tickets.

    MEXC continues to enhance users’ trading experience by providing deep liquidity, fast execution, and some of the lowest trading fees in the industry. With advanced security measures and a dedicated trading insurance fund, MEXC remains focused on creating a secure, transparent, and user-friendly trading environment.

    As part of this initiative, MEXC is also offering zero fees on EUR deposits via OTC and a special Zero-Fee Event on EUR Spot trading pairs, where users can enjoy 0% Maker and Taker fees starting February 26, 2025.

    About MEXC

    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 32 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    PR Manager
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ea71c9f4-5e45-4821-8c8f-50910f8edf6a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Director of the Ministry of Education and Science Department Andrey Tolmachev visited the Polytechnic and gave an interview to students

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Andrey Tolmachev, Director of the Department of Information Policy and Comprehensive Security of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, paid a working visit to the Polytechnic University.

    At a meeting with SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, the head of the Ministry of Education and Science Department discussed the details of the All-Russian conference on university security planned for the near future, one of the tracks of which will be held at the Polytechnic University. The negotiations were attended by Vice-Rector for Information Technology Andrey Lyamin, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Security Alexander Airapetyan and Head of the Public Relations Department Marianna Dyakova.

    In the research building of Technopolis Polytech, the rector of SPbPU, using a model of the university campus as an example, told Andrey Tolmachev about the university’s development prospects. Andrey Anatolyevich also visited the Polytech TV studio and gave an interview to the student media center “Polymer”.

    The guys were interested in the details of the media forum, which was held as part of the media relay race “17 Values of Russia”, for the opening of which Andrey Tolmachev came to St. Petersburg. The participants of the event were students from ten St. Petersburg universities, including the Polytechnic University. The theme of the St. Petersburg forum is the value of “Life”. Over the course of two days, representatives of student media attend lectures and master classes by experts in media, healthcare, ethics, philosophy, charity, participate in panel discussions and themselves come up with and create social videos and posters about the value of life. The authors of the best works will be determined by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia and the Institute of Internet Development. The winner will go to the student media rally.

    Answering the question from Polimer, “Do you think that student media can become a key platform for discussing traditional values among young people?”, Andrei Tolmachev emphasized that it is the young people themselves who should promote traditional values among young people.

    “The goal of the media relay is for the kids to experience the values of Russia, understand what they are, translate them into the language of their generation and broadcast their views to the masses through visual content,” Andrey Anatolyevich explained. “And our experts help them with this: some of them show how to shoot videos and write scripts, while others teach them to think about what life is and how to live it.”

    Andrey Tolmachev believes that the media relay has already achieved its goal from the day it started — hundreds of universities and thousands of students have united across the country. The first forum was held on Russian Student Day at the V. Dahl Luhansk State University. It was dedicated to the value of “Service to the Fatherland and Responsibility for Its Fate.” After St. Petersburg, Ufa will take up the baton, where the forum’s theme will be the value of “High Moral Ideals.”

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Mitigates Memecoin Volatility with Trading Rebates on BNB Chain

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, has introduced a trading rebate program for meme coin transactions on BNB Chain, responding to increased market volatility and investor participation in the sector. As BNB Chain emerges as a major hub for meme coin trading, price fluctuations remain a key concern. The initiative aims to provide risk mitigation measures to help traders navigate these highly volatile assets.

    Running from February 20 to March 5, 2025, the rebate program offers compensation of up to 250 USDT per transaction for traders whose losses exceed 50% of their principal investment when trading BNB Chain-supported tokens via Bitget Wallet Swap. The program is designed to address the risks associated with meme coin speculation by providing a temporary safety net during this period of heightened market activity.

    Beyond the rebate, Bitget Wallet provides key tools to enhance decision-making and execution in meme coin trading. MemeX helps users discover new tokens early, offering insights into emerging opportunities. Instant Swap Mode ensures fast execution, reducing slippage and failed trades during volatility. Cross-Chain Swaps enable seamless transfers from other networks such as Ethereum and Solana into BNB Chain tokens, simplifying fund movement. Limit orders let traders automate buy and sell strategies, capturing market movements without constant monitoring. Additionally, the GetGas gas account allows users to pay transaction fees with USDT, USDC, ETH, or BGB, eliminating the need to hold BNB for gas fees and streamlining the trading process.

    The surge in meme coin activity underscores a broader shift in on-chain trading dynamics, where speculative assets are driving retail engagement. However, the high volatility presents challenges for traders seeking sustainable market participation. By introducing risk-mitigation mechanisms alongside trading infrastructure, Bitget Wallet’s approach reflects a growing emphasis on risk-managed trading experiences within decentralized finance (DeFi).

    “As meme coin trading continues to evolve, balancing accessibility with risk management remains a key consideration,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to provide traders with more structured tools and protections to navigate the rapidly changing Web3 market with greater confidence.”

    For more details, please visit Bitget Wallet blog.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is the home of Web3, uniting endless possibilities in one non-custodial wallet. With over 60 million users, it offers comprehensive onchain services, including asset management, instant swaps, rewards, staking, trading tools, live market data, a DApp browser, an NFT marketplace and crypto payment. Supporting over 100 blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and 500,000+ tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges, along with a $300+ million protection fund to ensure safety of users’ assets. Experience Bitget Wallet Lite to start a Web3 journey.

    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
    For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ba64e90-5b41-4e32-bafa-baaa30b72c17

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Notice of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE, 28 FEBRUARY 2025 AT 09.20 A.M EET, NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

    Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Notice of Annual General Meeting

    NOTICE TO GENERAL MEETING

    The shareholders of Oma Savings Bank Plc are invited to the Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday 8 April 2025 at 13.00 p.m. (EEST) at Scandic Helsinki Hub, Annankatu 18, Helsinki. The reception of persons who have registered for the meeting and distribution of voting tickets will begin at 11.00 a.m. (EEST) at the Meeting venue. Refreshments will be served before the meeting starting at 11:30 a.m.

    The new CEO will be introduced before the Annual General Meeting starting at 12.15 p.m. It is possible to follow the introduction of the CEO and the General Meeting via webcast. Instructions on how to follow the webcast are available on the Company’s website at https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025. It is not possible to ask questions, make counterproposals, make other interventions, or vote via webcast. Following the meeting via webcast shall not be considered as participation in the General Meeting or as the exercise of shareholders’ rights.

    Prior to the meeting, shareholders may also submit written questions referred to in Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act on matters to be discussed at the meeting. Instructions on how to submit written questions are set out in Section C of this notice to the General Meeting.

    A. Matters to be discussed at the General Meeting 

    1. Opening the Meeting

    2. Matters of order for the Meeting

    3. Election of the persons to scrutinize the minutes and to supervise the counting of votes

    4. Recording the legal convening of the Meeting and quorum

    5. Establishment of the persons present and confirmation of the voting list

    6. Presentation of the financial statements, annual report and auditor’s report for the year 2024

    Presentation of the CEO’s review.
    As of 14 March 2025, the financial statements, the annual report and the auditor’s report are available on the Company’s website at https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025.

    7. Adoption of the financial statements

    8. Resolution on the use of the profit shown on the balance sheet and the distribution of dividend

    The Board of Directors proposes that based on the balance sheet adopted for the financial year 2024, a dividend of EUR 0.36 per share be paid, totaling approximately EUR 12.0 million, and that the remainder of the distributable assets will be left in equity.

    The dividend shall be paid to shareholders registered in the register of shareholders of the Company maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd on the record date of 10 April 2025. The Board of Directors proposes that the dividend shall be paid out on 17 April 2025 in accordance with the rules of Euroclear Finland Ltd.

    9. Resolution on the discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the President and CEO from liability

    10. Handling of the remuneration policy for governing bodies

    The Board of Directors proposes that the General Meeting approves the updated remuneration policy. In accordance with the Finnish Companies Act, the decision is advisory.

    The proposal for the Company’s remuneration policy for governing bodies is attached to this notice as Annex 1 and is available on Oma Savings Bank Plc’s website at https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025.

    11. Handling of the Remuneration Report for governing bodies

    As of 14 March 2025, the remuneration report for governing bodies will be available on the Company’s website at https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025.

    12. Resolution on the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors

    The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes that remuneration for the members of the Board of Directors to be paid as follows:

    Annual fees:

    • Chairperson of the Board EUR 85,000
    • Vice Chairperson of the Board EUR 60,000
    • Other members of the Board EUR 40,000
    • Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee EUR 6,000
    • Chairperson of the Risk Committee EUR 9,000
    • Chairperson of the Audit Committee EUR 9,000

    Meeting fees:

    • Board or Committee meeting EUR 1,000
    • Email meeting of the Board or Committee EUR 500

    The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes that 25 percent of the annual remuneration of the Board of Directors be paid from the market in Oma Savings Bank Plc’s shares acquired on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors. The shares will be acquired directly on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors at a price formed on the market in public trading when the interim report for the period from 1 January to 31 March 2025 has been published. The Company is responsible for the costs of acquiring the shares and any transfer tax. The rest of the annual fee is paid in cash to cover the taxes arising from the fee.

    In addition, Oma Savings Bank Plc pays or reimburses travel expenses and other expenses related to board work to the members of the Board of Directors.

    13. Resolution on the number of members of the Board of Directors

    The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes that seven members be elected for the Board of Directors.

    14. Election of members of the Board of Directors

    The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes that the current Board members Juhana Brotherus, Irma Gillberg-Hjelt, Aki Jaskari, Jaakko Ossa, Carl Pettersson, Kati Riikonen and Juha Volotinen having given their consent, shall be re-elected.

    1. All candidates are proposed to be elected for the period starting at the Annual General Meeting 2025 and ending at the Annual General Meeting 2026.
    2. All nominees have given their consent to the election.
    3. At the time of election, all proposed nominees are independent in their relationship with the Company and its significant shareholders.
    4. Additional information on the members of the Board of Directors is available on the Company’s website https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025.

    15. Resolution on the remuneration of the auditor

    The Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the reimbursements to the auditor are paid on the basis of reasonable invoicing approved by the Company.

    16. Election of the auditor

    The Board of Directors proposes that KPMG Oy Ab, a firm authorised public accountants, shall continue to be elected as the auditor for the term beginning at the end of the Annual General Meeting 2025 and ending at the Annual General Meeting 2026.

    KPMG Oy Ab has indicated that if it is elected as an auditor M.Sc. (Econ.), APA Tuomas Ilveskoski would continue as auditor-in-charge.

    17. Resolution on the remuneration of the sustainability reporting assurer

    The Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the reimbursements to the sustainability reporting assurer are paid on the basis of reasonable invoicing approved by the Company.

    18. Election of the sustainability reporting assurer

    The Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the audit committee, proposes that KPMG Oy Ab, Authorized Sustainability Audit Firm, be elected as the Company’s sustainability reporting assurer for the term ending upon the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting. KPMG Oy Ab has informed the Company that Authorised Public Accountant (KHT), Authorized Sustainability Auditor (KRT) Tuomas Ilveskoski would act as the principally responsible sustainability reporting assurer.

    19. Proposal by the Board of Directors to amend the Articles of Association

    The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Section 6 (Nomination Committee) of the Company’s Articles of Association be amended by removing the provision regarding the due date for the Committee’s proposals.

    The Board further proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Section 10 (Notice of the meeting) of the Company’s current Articles of Association be supplemented with a provision regarding remote meetings. According to the proposed addition, the General Meeting could, by a decision of the Board, be held without a physical meeting venue, allowing shareholders to exercise their decision-making rights in full and in real time through telecommunication and technical means (remote meeting). Shareholders would thus be able to exercise their right to ask questions and vote in the same manner as in a physical meeting.

    Additionally, the Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Section 12 (General meeting) of the Company’s current Articles of Association, concerning the General Meeting, be supplemented to include provisions on deciding the remuneration of the sustainability reporting auditor and the appointment of the sustainability reporting auditor.

    The amended Articles of Association in their entirety are attached as Annex 2 to this notice of the Annual General Meeting.

    20. Resolution on the revised Charter of the Shareholders’ Nomination Committee

    The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolve on the approval of the revised Charter of the Shareholders’ Nomination Committee.

    The proposed amendments to the Charter include, among other things, a provision requiring the Nomination Committee to submit its proposals regarding the composition and remuneration of the Board of Directors to the Company’s Board no later than the end of the calendar month preceding the Board meeting that decides on convening the Annual General Meeting.

    Additionally, the Charter is proposed to be amended to include a provision on the maximum continuous term of a Board member, ensuring alignment with the regulations, guidelines, and statements applicable to credit institutions, including the guidelines issued by the European Banking Authority (EBA).

    The proposed amendments also include certain technical revisions.

    The revised Charter in its proposed amended form is available on the Company’s website at https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025.

    21. Authorizing the Board of Directors to resolve on a share issue, the transfer of own shares and the issuance of special rights entitling to shares

    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorises the Board of Directors to resolve on the issuance of shares or transfer of the Company’s shares and the issuance of special rights entitling to shares referred to in Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Companies Act, subject to the following conditions:

    Shares and special rights can be issued or disposed of in one or more instalments, either in return for payment or free of charge.

    The total number of shares to be issued under the authorisation, including shares acquired on the basis of special rights, cannot exceed 3,000,000 shares, which corresponds to approximately 9 percent of the Company’s total number of shares on the day of the Annual General Meeting on the date of the notice of the meeting.

    The Board of Directors decides on all terms and conditions related to the issuance of shares. The authorisation concerns both the issuance of new shares and the transfer of own shares. A share issue and the issuance of special rights entitling to shares include the right to deviate from the pre-emptive right of shareholders if there is a weighty financial reason for the Company (special issue). A special share issue may be free of charge only if there is a particularly weighty financial reason from the point of view of the Company and in the interest of all its shareholders.

    The authorisation is proposed to be valid until the end of the next Annual General Meeting, but not later than 30 June 2026. The authorisation revokes previous authorisations given by the Annual General Meeting to decide on a share issue, as well as the option rights and the issuance of special rights entitling to shares.

    22. Authorizing the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of the Company’s own shares

    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorise the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of the Company’s own shares with funds belonging to the Company’s free equity under the following conditions:

    Maximum number of 1,000,000 own shares may be repurchased, representing approximately 3 percent of the Company’s total shares according to the situation on the date of the notice of the meeting, however, that the number of own shares held by the Company does not exceed 10 percent of the Company’s total shares of the Company at any time. This amount includes the own shares held by the Company itself and its subsidiaries within the meaning of Chapter 15, Section 11 (1) of the Finnish Companies Act.

    The Board of Directors is authorised to decide how to acquire own shares.

    Own shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shares held by the shareholders (directed repurchase) at the price formed in public trading organized by Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd or at a price otherwise formed on the market. Own shares may be repurchased in one or more tranches.

    Shares purchased by the Company may be held by it, cancelled or transferred. The Board of Directors decides on other matters related to the repurchasing of own shares.

    The Board of Directors proposes that the authorisation repeal previous authorisations granted by the Annual General Meeting to decide on the repurchase of own shares.

    It is proposed that the authorisation remain valid until the closing of the next Annual General Meeting, but not later than 30 June 2026.

    23. Closing the meeting

    B. Documents of the General Meeting

    This notice, which contains all proposals for resolutions on the agenda of the General Meeting is available on Oma Savings Bank Plc’s website at https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025. Oma Savings Bank Plc’s financial statements, annual report, auditor’s report and remuneration report will be available on said website by 14 March 2025. The updated remuneration policy is attached to this notice and is also available at https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025. Copies of the above-mentioned documents will be sent to shareholders on request, and they will also be available on the Annual General Meeting.

    The minutes of the General Meeting will be available on the above-mentioned website from 22 April 2025 onwards.

    C. Instructions for meeting participants

    1. Shareholders registered in the shareholders’ register

    Shareholders who are registered in the shareholders’ register of Euroclear Finland Oy on the record date of the General Meeting 27 March 2025 are entitled to participate the General Meeting. Any shareholder whose Company shares are recorded in their personal Finnish book-entry account is automatically included in the Company’s shareholders’ register. Changes in the shareholding after the record date of the General Meeting do not affect the right to participate in the General Meeting or the shareholder’s voting rights.

    The registration period for the General Meeting commences on 6 March 2025 at 9.00 a.m. (EET). A shareholder who is registered in the Company’s shareholders’ register and wishes to participate in the General Meeting must register for the Meeting no later than 1 April 2025 at 4.00 p.m. (EEST), by which time the registration must be received.

    A shareholder can register for the General Meeting:

    a)   via the Company’s website at https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025. Electronic registration requires strong identification of the shareholder or their legal representative or proxy with a Finnish, Swedish, or Danish bank ID, or a mobile certificate.
    b)   by e-mail. Shareholders registering by e-mail shall submit the registration form available on the Company’s website https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025 or equivalent information to agm@innovatics.fi.
    c)   by mail. Shareholders registering by mail shall submit the registration form available on the Company’s website https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025 or equivalent information to Innovatics Oy, General Meeting / Oma Savings Bank Plc, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, FI-00520 Helsinki
    d)   by phone to Innovatics Ltd at +358 10 2818 909 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    In connection with the registration, the shareholder must provide the requested information:

    1. his/her name and date of birth or business ID
    2. telephone number and/or email address
    3. name of the possible assistant or name, date of birth, telephone number and/or e-mail address of the representative

    The personal details that shareholders give to Oma Savings Bank Plc will only be used for purposes associated with the General Meeting and processing the relevant registrations.

    The shareholder, his/her authorised representative or proxy representative, shall on demand be able to prove his/her identity and/or right of representation.

    Further information related to the registration is available by phone during the registration period of the General Meeting at the phone number of Innovatics Ltd. +358 10 2818 909 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    2. Holders of nominee-registered shares

    A holder of nominee-registered shares is entitled to participate the General Meeting based on the shares, which would entitle them entry into the shareholders’ register held by Euroclear Finland Oy on the record date for the General Meeting 27 March 2025. Participation also requires that the shareholder is temporarily registered in the shareholders’ register held by Euroclear Finland Oy by 3 April 2025 by 10.00 a.m. (EEST) at the latest. In the case of nominee-registered shares, this is considered as registration for the General Meeting. Changes in the shareholding after the record date of the General Meeting do not affect the right to participate in the General Meeting or the shareholder’s voting rights.

    A holder of nominee-registered shares is advised to request well in advance the necessary instructions from their custodian bank regarding temporary registration in the register of shareholders, the issuing of proxy documents and voting instructions, registration, and attendance at the General Meeting. The account manager of the custodian bank shall register the holder of nominee-registered shares who wishes to participate the General Meeting temporarily in the register of shareholders of the Company by the aforementioned date and time at the latest. Further information is also available on the Company’s website at https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025.

    3. Proxy representatives and powers of attorney

    Shareholders may participate in the General Meeting and exercise their rights through a representative. Shareholder’s representative must identify himself/herself to the electronic registration service with a strong identification, after which he/she can make the registration on behalf of the shareholder he/she represents. A shareholder’s proxy representative must present a dated proxy or otherwise in a reliable manner demonstrate his/her right to represent the shareholder at the General Meeting shall present a dated power of attorney or demonstrate their right to represent the shareholder in some other reliable way. If a shareholder is represented by more than one representative at the General Meeting, each of whom represents the shareholder with shares by the shareholder in different book-entry accounts, the shares by held which each representative represents the shareholder shall be identified in connection with the registration for the General Meeting.

    Possible powers of attorney are requested to be delivered before the end of the registration period primarily as an attachment in connection with electronic registration or alternatively or by letter to Innovatics Ltd, General Meeting / Oma Savings Bank Plc, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, FI-00520 Helsinki or by email to agm@innovatics.fi. In addition to the delivery of proxy documents, the shareholder or his/her proxy representative shall arrange for registration at the General Meeting as described above in this notice.

    As an alternative to the traditional power of attorney, shareholders may use the electronic authorisation service for authorising the representative. The representative is appointed on the suomi.fi service at www.suomi.fi/e-authorizations (authorisation matter “Representation at the General Meeting”). At the General Meeting Service, the delegate must identify himself/herself with a strong electronic identification when registering, and then the electronic authorisation is automatically verified. Strong electronic identification occurs with bank IDs or mobile certificate. More information about electronic authorisation is available at www.suomi.fi/e-authorizations.

    Model proxy documents and voting instructions are available on the Company’s website https://www.omasp.fi/en/annual-general-meeting-year-2025.

    4. Other instructions/information

    The meeting language is Finnish.

    Shareholders present at the General Meeting have the right to ask questions about the matters discussed at the meeting in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act. Shareholders may submit questions referred to in Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Limited Liability Companies Act on matters to be discussed at the meeting until 1 April 2025 also by email to lakiasiat@omasp.fi or by letter to Oma Savings Bank Plc, Legal Affairs, Kluuvikatu 3, 6th floor, 00100 Helsinki. The management of the Company will respond to such questions submitted in advance in writing at the General Meeting. At the time of asking a question, the shareholder shall provide an adequate explanation of his/her shareholding.

    Changes in shareholding after the record date of the General Meeting do not affect the right to participate in the General Meeting or the shareholder’s number of votes.

    On the date of the notice to the meeting, 28 February 2025, Oma Savings Bank Plc has a total of 33,292,771 shares representing the same amount of votes. The Company holds a total of 136,647 of its own shares which are not entitled to vote at the General Meeting.

    Oma Savings Bank Plc

    Board of Directors

    For more information:

    Hanna Sirkiä, CLO, tel. +358 44 022 4604, hanna.sirkia@omasp.fi
    Minna Sillanpää, CCO, tel. +358 50 66592, minna.sillanpaa@omasp.fi

    DISTRIBUTION
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.omasp.fi

    OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 500 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

    OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: IDEX Biometrics ASA – Information about the first exercise period for warrants (Warrants A) issued in connection with the Private Placement and Subsequent Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. OTHER RESTRICTIONS ARE APPLICABLE. PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT NOTICE AT THE END OF THIS STOCK EXCHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT.

    Oslo, Norway – 28 February 2025 – Reference is made to the stock exchange announcements from IDEX Biometrics ASA (the “Company”) dated 17 September and 2 December 2024 regarding the commencement of the exercise period for Warrants A (ticker: IDEXJ), ISIN NO0013380048, issued in connection with the private placement in September 2024 and subsequent offering in December 2024.

    The exercise period for Warrants A will commence today, on 28 February 2025, and ends on 13 March 2025 at 16:30 CET. Each Warrant gives the holder a right to subscribe for one new share (“New Share”) in the Company at a subscription price of NOK 0.15. All Warrants A not exercised within this period will lapse without compensation to the holder. Warrants B may only be exercised from 31 March 2025 to 11 April 2025. Arctic Securities AS is acting as manager in connection with the exercise of Warrants A (the “Manager”).

    Exercise procedure 

    Warrants are exercised through the submission of a duly completed exercise form for the Warrants (the “Exercise Form”) to the Manager at the address or email address set out in the Prospectus and the Exercise Form and payment of the aggregate subscription price for the New Shares. The Exercise Form can be found at the websites of the Company (https://www.idexbiometrics.com/investors/), and Arctic Securities AS (www.arctic.com/secno/en/offerings). By completing and submitting an Exercise Form, the holder of the relevant Warrants irrevocably undertakes to acquire a number New Shares equal to the number of Warrants exercised at the relevant exercise price.

    For more information relating to the Warrants, please refer to the Prospectus approved and published by the Company on 13 November 2024.


    For further information contact:

    Marianne Bøe, Head of Investor Relations, +47 91800186
    Kristian Flaten, CFO, +47 95092322
    E-mail:ir@idexbiometrics.com

    For information about the Warrants please contact the Manager:
    Arctic Securities AS, tel.: + 47 21 01 30 40

     

    About IDEX Biometrics
    IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. The company’s solutions provide convenience, security, peace of mind, and seamless user experiences worldwide. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, IDEX Biometrics’ biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry enabler, the company partners with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring its solutions to market.

    For more information, please visit www.idexbiometrics.com.

        –  IMPORTANT INFORMATION – 

    This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities of the Company in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities of the Company may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”). The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act. Any sale in the United States of the securities mentioned in this communication will be made solely to “qualified institutional buyers” as defined in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act. No public offering of the securities will be made in the United States.

    This announcement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of securities in any Member State of the European Economic Area, other than Norway, which has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) (2017/1129, as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”) (each, a “Relevant Member State”) will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation, as implemented in that Relevant Member State, from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of securities. Accordingly any person making or intending to make any offer in that Relevant Member State of securities which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this announcement, may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the Company or any of the Managers to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Regulation, in each case, in relation to such offer.

    In the United Kingdom, this announcement is only addressed to and is only directed at Qualified Investors who (i) are investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) (the “Order”) or (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.) (all such persons together being referred to as “Relevant Persons”). This announcement are directed only at Relevant Persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. Persons distributing this communication must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so.

    Matters discussed in this announcement may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intends”, “may”, “should”, “will” and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in this release by such forward-looking statements. The information, opinions and forward-looking statements contained in this announcement speak only as at its date, and are subject to change without notice.

    This announcement is made by and, and is the responsibility of, the Company. The Manager is acting exclusively for the Company and no one else and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to its respective clients, or for advice in relation to the contents of this announcement or any of the matters referred to herein.

    Neither the Manager nor any of its affiliates makes any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of this announcement and none of them accepts any responsibility for the contents of this announcement or any matters referred to herein.

    This announcement is for information purposes only and is not to be relied upon in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment. It is not intended as investment advice and under no circumstances is it to be used or considered as an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities of the Company. Neither the Manager nor any of its affiliates accepts any liability arising from the use of this announcement. Any offering of the securities referred to in this announcement will be made by means of a prospectus.

    This announcement is an advertisement and is not a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation. Investors should not subscribe for any securities referred to in this announcement except on the basis of information contained in the Prospectus dated 13 November 2024 and stock exchange announcements published in connection with the private placement, subsequent offering  and the Warrants. Copies of the Prospectus is available from the Company’s registered office and, subject to certain exceptions, on the websites of the Company (www.idexbiometrics.com), Arctic Securities AS (www.arctic.com/secno/en/offerings).

    Each of the Company, the Manager and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any statement contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    The distribution of this announcement and other information may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this announcement or such other information should come are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.

    This information is published in accordance with the requirements of the Continuing Obligations.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Southern California Men Arrested on Indictment Alleging Scheme Targeting Elderly Victims and Causing $10 Million in Losses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Two men living in Southern California were arrested today for allegedly leading a complex money laundering scheme that targeted more than 100 victims, many of whom were targeted because they were elderly, and caused victims more than $10 million in losses.

    Sylas Nyuydzene Verdzekov, 38, of Chino Hills, and Lovert Che, 44, of Lomita, were taken into federal custody today. A third defendant, Mustapha Nkachiwouo Selly Yamie, 29, of Inglewood, is being sought by law enforcement. Each defendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    Verdzekov and Che are expected to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

    “As the indictment alleges, these defendants built a sophisticated fraud and money laundering scheme that targeted and preyed on our most vulnerable citizens.  They not only stole the victims’ money, but robbed them of their security and trust,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “Let this serve as a clear message: If you defraud members of our community, especially the elderly, we will hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “Financial fraud against our elder population has unfortunately lined the pockets of several transnational criminal organizations,” said HSI Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “HSI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting our most vulnerable and ensuring the public is informed of the red flag indicators of elder fraud.”

    According to the indictment, from at least November 2021 and continuing to the present, Verdzekov, Yamie, and Che, and their co-conspirators, created fake identification documents of fictitious people, including passports and driver’s licenses. Using these fake documents, the defendants and their co-conspirators created at least 36 shell companies in California, which conducted no legitimate business and were created solely to advance their crimes.

    Verdzekov, Yamie, and Che, and their co-conspirators, opened at least 145 bank accounts and at least 32 private mailboxes across Southern California using the fake identities and sham businesses.

    In one scheme specifically targeting elderly victims using phone calls and email pop-ups, the defendants and their co-conspirators posed as law enforcement personnel or employees with well-known companies attempting to help the victims maintain the security of their accounts. They then allegedly fabricated claims of victim bank accounts or payment accounts being compromised and needing to be resolved quickly.

    The defendants and their co-conspirators convinced the victims of their purported authority through pictures of fake badges and fake job titles, then requested the victims’ personally identifiable information (PII) and bank account information. Victims were told they needed to move money from their corrupted accounts quickly to ensure they kept all their money, and to move it into accounts that Verdzekov, Yamie, and Che, and their co-conspirators, fraudulently opened and controlled. Victims typically moved money via electronic bank transfers, money orders, cashier’s checks, or personal checks into these fraudulent bank accounts or mailboxes. 

    The defendants and their co-conspirators then deposited the ill-gotten gains into the bank accounts they controlled with the intent of disguising the ownership and control of the funds. Verdzekov, Yamie, Che, and their co-conspirators then withdrew large cash amounts to use the stolen funds on personal expenses, including rental payments.

    In a similar scam, the defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly posed as a real estate owner selling property. Using fake identification and credentials, the defendants deceived victims into believing that they were entering into a legitimate sale of the property and tricked the victims into wiring money or mailing a check to an account or mailbox the defendants and their co-conspirators controlled.

    In total, Verdzekov, Yamie, and Che, and their co-conspirators, laundered at least $10 million in funds taken from at least 100 victims. 

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

    If convicted, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

    Homeland Security Investigations’ Document Benefit Fraud Task Force, the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating this matter.  The investigation remains ongoing.

    If you think you have been a victim of a scam, immediately contact your bank or financial institution to request a recall or reversal as well as a Hold Harmless Letter or Letter of Indemnity and contact local law enforcement. Additionally, file a detailed complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. The Internet Crime Complaint Center is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime. 

    Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah S. Lee and Gregg E. Marmaro of the Major Frauds Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They Are Saying: Broadband Industry Leaders Applaud Introduction of the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) led the introduction of the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code to make certain that federal broadband deployment funding will not be considered taxable income. This legislation received support from businesses, universities and associations across Kansas and the nation. Statements in support of the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act can be found below:

    “We appreciate the leadership of Senators Moran and Warner for their efforts to eliminate the tax on broadband grants to ensure more investment can connect more of our citizens and communities. Their bill is as pro-consumer as it gets.” – Brandon Heiner, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at USTelecom – The Broadband Association

     

    “CTIA commends the bipartisan work of Senators Warner and Moran to reintroduce the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act in this Congress. Guaranteeing that grant funds can be optimally spent as intended will encourage the investments that reinforce and accelerate broadband deployment. This legislation will help ensure all Americans have access to world-leading wireless networks and that the United States is first globally in technology.” – Kelly Cole, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at CTIA

     

    “NTCA and its members greatly appreciate Congress’s commitment to funding broadband deployment programs that help further the mission of connecting all Americans. However, when these funds are taxed, providers are required to pay the federal government a portion of the same award that they received from the federal government, instead of using the funds to serve the hardest-to-reach communities. NTCA thanks Sens. Moran and Warner for their leadership in introducing this commonsense legislation to ensure that every dollar granted for broadband deployment is used effectively to further the mission of connecting all Americans.” – Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association

     

    “Grant funding has the potential to make sure that our rural and underserved communities receive connectivity through wireless and broadband services, but the impact that these grants can have is limited if those grants are taxed, undercutting the potential of federal broadband programs. Federal broadband grants should be free from taxation to ensure that every dollar goes towards connecting Americans. I applaud Sens. Moran (R-KS) and Warner (D-VA) for leading this bill in the Senate and urge its swift passage.” – Tim Donovan, President & CEO of The Competitive Carriers Association (CCA)

     

    “INCOMPAS members are building networks of the future with a mission to connect all Americans. Public-private partnerships are a critical component to help achieve this goal. This bill will ensure every single dollar allocated to deploying broadband goes to deploying broadband. INCOMPAS wholeheartedly supports this commonsense measure and urges Congress to act swiftly to ensure our members can continue to use critical grant resources to bridge the digital divide.” – Chip Pickering, CEO of INCOMPAS

    “ACA Connects thanks Senators Jerry Moran and Mark Warner for leading on the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act. This bipartisan legislation will ensure 100 percent of broadband grants are used to close the digital divide. America’s small and independent providers support this bill to make every dollar count as they invest in their communities, deploy infrastructure, and connect more people to high-speed internet.” – Grant Spellmeyer, President & CEO of ACA Connects

     

    “We applaud Senators Moran and Warner for reintroducing this bipartisan legislation to make sure the small, rural broadband providers we represent don’t get stuck with a major tax bill when they accept government grants to build broadband networks – Advocates for Rural Broadband. Congress has made an historic level of investment in broadband over the past several years and we want to see it pay dividends. Every dollar diverted to paying taxes on government grants is a dollar that is not invested in the network and connecting all Americans to broadband.” – Derrick Owens, Senior Vice President for Government and Industry Affairs for WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband

     

    “TIA is pleased to see the reintroduction of the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act (BGTTA) by Senators Warner and Moran. This crucial legislation addresses a significant issue affecting the deployment of high-speed broadband networks across the United States. The broadband programs established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), particularly the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Affordability, and Deployment (BEAD) program, have the potential to connect all Americans to high-speed broadband. However, the current tax treatment of all federal broadband grants, including BEAD, as taxable income significantly reduces the funds available for building these networks. This unintentional tax burden significantly limits potential applicants for larger projects and could deter small service providers from seeking broadband funding. As Congress and President Trump’s administration work on streamlining BEAD requirements, it is imperative that Congress passes the BGTTA to ensure these dollars are used for their intended purpose: Connecting Americans with high speed, secure broadband.” – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

    “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s purpose is to spur infrastructure deployment, but short-sighted tax policy currently limits the potential reach of broadband grants, undercutting our goal of enabling connectivity everywhere.  Senators Moran and Warner’s common sense Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act will ensure we can finish the job and close the digital divide.” – The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA)

    “Since the pandemic, Congress has appropriated billions of dollars to accelerate the deployment of broadband networks in unserved areas so all Americans, no matter where they live, can get online.  Significant portions of that funding are presently taxable, and every dollar returned to Washington is one less dollar available to connect unserved communities. We therefore commend Senators Warner and Moran for introducing the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act, a pragmatic solution which eliminates the tax on broadband grants so that those funds can more ably meet Congress’ important universal service goals. Connected communities are more prosperous communities, which is the ultimate goal of Internet-for-All.” – Matt Mandel, Vice President of Government Affairs at The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA)

    “The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association and our 1,000 member companies from coast to coast are proud to support the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act that was recently introduced in the 119th Congress. NATE member companies are on the front lines of deployment and will play an instrumental role in closing the digital divide. It is imperative that the entirety of federal broadband dollars allocated for these purposes go towards connectivity, rather than making their way back to the government through taxes. We thank Senators Jerry Moran and Mark Warner for bringing this legislation forward in the Senate and also applaud Representatives Mike Kelly and Jimmy Panetta for spearheading this important proposal in the House of Representatives.” – Todd Schlekeway, President & CEO of NATE – The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association

    “I would like to thank Senator Moran on his leadership in the effort to address the taxation challenge on federal broadband grants. Nex-Tech is a broadband provider committed to expanding high-speed internet access in rural Kansans, and I wholeheartedly support the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act. This legislation ensures that every dollar of federal grant funding can be fully utilized for broadband deployment, rather than being diminished by taxes. By removing this financial barrier, it will allow us to fully utilize funding for the delivery of essential internet services to underserved areas, fostering economic growth and improving quality of life for areas served by Nex-Tech.” – Jimmy Todd, CEO & General Manager of Nex-Tech

    “We are pleased to hear the about the introduction of the ‘Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act’ by Senator Moran and his colleagues. The current method of taxing grant dollars greatly limits the dollars available to build out broadband networks to these unserved parts of Kansas in need of reliable broadband. We support this legislation and appreciate the work Senator Moran has done to introduce this bill as we continue work to close the digital divide.” – Greg Reed, CEO of Wheat State Technologies

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: James Altucher: Is Elon Musk About to Announce the Biggest IPO in History?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Washington, D.C., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Renowned tech forecaster James Altucher is making a bold prediction: Elon Musk may be preparing to unveil the largest initial public offering (IPO) in history, with Starlink at the center of it all. According to Altucher, March 13, 2025, could mark a pivotal announcement in Musk’s business empire, as Starlink moves toward what he is calling a “Super-IPO.”

    A Historic Moment for the Internet and Global Markets

    Since its inception, Starlink—SpaceX’s satellite-based internet provider—has redefined connectivity by offering fast, low-latency internet to even the most remote corners of the world. Unlike traditional broadband providers that rely on costly infrastructure, Starlink’s network of low-Earth orbit satellites delivers global coverage with unparalleled reliability.

    Now, Altucher suggests that Musk may finally be preparing to take Starlink public, a move that could surpass the largest IPOs in history and forever change the broadband industry. “Mark my words: what’s coming next is a radical new internet, powered directly by President Trump’s right-hand man, Elon Musk.” says Altucher.

    Why March 13, 2025, Matters

    Several key indicators suggest that Musk is on the verge of making a historic announcement:

    ●         Operational Milestone Reached: Musk has previously stated that Starlink would only go public once it had demonstrated sustained profitability. Recent reports confirm that the company has reached this stage.

    ●         Regulatory and Strategic Moves: SpaceX has quietly made a series of corporate structuring adjustments, which Altucher believes are a precursor to an IPO.

    ●         Market Disruption Potential: Starlink has grown to over 2.6 million users, disrupting the telecom industry by offering faster speeds and global coverage at competitive prices.

    The IPO That Could Reshape the Global Economy

    If Starlink does go public, it is expected to shatter records. For context, the largest IPO to date—Saudi Aramco—raised $26 billion. Altucher suggests that Starlink’s valuation could easily exceed $100 billion on its first day of trading, dwarfing any previous market debut.

    “History shows that situations like this are when everyday folks have the rare shot at getting extraordinarily rich.” Altucher explains. “Untold amounts of wealth are made over time by folks who see it coming.”

    A Defining Moment for Musk’s Legacy

    Elon Musk has already revolutionized industries with Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink. However, the potential IPO of Starlink could cement his place as one of the most impactful entrepreneurs of the modern era. A public Starlink would not only offer investors an opportunity to participate in its growth, but it could also provide the funding needed to accelerate global expansion and next-gen space-based communications.

    With March 13, 2025, rapidly approaching, Altucher urges the world to watch closely as Musk prepares for what could be the biggest financial and technological event of the decade.

    About James Altucher

    James Altucher is a leading technology forecaster, entrepreneur, and bestselling author, known for spotting industry-shifting trends before they happen. His expertise in finance, technology, and business strategy has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC. He has built multiple successful companies, advised top investors, and remains a trusted voice in identifying the next major opportunities in tech and business.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ARB IOT Group Limited Announces Entry Into a Memorandum of Understanding to Set-Up AI Data Centre Experimental Laboratory in the Region

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARB IOT Group Limited (“ARB IOT” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ARBB) has, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, ARB IOT Group Sdn Bhd, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to set up an AI data centre experimental laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility designed for advanced research and AI application development. This initiative is in partnership with a UKM startup (the “UKM Startup”) affiliated with the Institute of Visual Informatics of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, a leading research university in Malaysia (“IVI-UKM”), and Gajah Kapitalan Sdn Bhd (“GKSB”).

    The AI data centre experimental laboratory facility aims to create a dedicated environment for advancing AI research, AI application development, testing and deployment. It provides state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources to foster innovation, collaboration and skill building in AI technologies. The AI data centre experimental lab will boast AI servers of ARB 222 and ARB 333 series and will be located at IVI, UKM, Malaysia.

    The ARB-222 and ARB-333 series are high-performance rackmount servers designed for AI, deep learning, and enterprise computing. These AI servers are optimized for AI inference and data processing while also excelling in fine-tuning AI training and handling large-scale simulations. Built for reliability and scalability, these servers offer greater energy efficiency compared to other AI products available in the market.

    This initiative aligns with the Malaysian government’s initiatives to strengthen AI capabilities at the regional and national level and to encourage and nurture more data scientists and engineers to participate in the robust AI development and data science community.

    This MOU represents a strong commitment to robust collaboration in exchanging knowledge and expertise in the AI industry.  Under the MOU, the Company will be responsible for the architecture and design of the laboratory facility.

    Bridging the gap between research and practical applications, this initiative brings together the academia and industry partners to fast-track the adoption of innovative and sustainable AI server solutions. These collaborative efforts will set new sustainability standards for AI data centre operations in the region. This is a significant milestone to drive innovation and deliver value to the customers, partners and the nation.

    By having an AI data centre experimental lab with the AI servers of ARB 222 and ARB 333 series in the region, the Company is well positioned to capture a significant growth portion of AI-driven economy in the future.

    This MOU marks a significant milestone in the Company’s growth, leveraging combined expertise in AI computing technology and promoting sustainable advanced AI server solutions to accelerate the AI revolution in the region.

    Dato’ Sri Liew Kok Leong (“Larry”), CEO of ARB IOT, said, “the AI data centre experimental laboratory brings together academia and industry partners to drive innovation in AI technologies and improve the sustainability of AI application in the region. Such industry R&D platform will accelerate the translation and commercialisation of research, and we anticipate that the lab will actively contribute to the ongoing AI-driven growth and innovation.”

    Larry also expressed that the AI servers of ARB 222 and ARB 333 series will serve as the AI data centre hardware platform to support technological growth and create a vibrant ecosystem for AI research, development and deployment. Besides, the lab will also be used for exhibiting AI applications to showcase AI capabilities and present the latest advancements in AI technology. The AI servers of ARB 222 and ARB 333 series offer cost-effective options to customers by optimising resources, reducing operational costs, and improving efficiency. These AI servers offer a balanced, cost-effective and flexible solution ideal for data centres, offering an alternative to the H100/200 solutions currently available in the market.

    Muhammad Badrun Almuhaimin Bin Baharon, Director of GKSB said, “we will be responsible for the operations of AI data centre,  operating AI servers of ARB 222 and ARB 333 series, and developing new market segments in AI industry in this region. To complement the development in the AI industry, we will also be offering the leasing services of data centre AI computing power in Malaysia. The set-up of this AI data centre experimental lab boosts our confidence in funding the set-up of AI data centres in Malaysia.”

    Associate Professor Dr. Rabiah Abdul Kadir, the director of IVI-UKM and the chairman of the UKM Startup emphasised that this AI Data Centre experimental lab can significantly elevate AI research and development to next level by developing efficient AI models with lower energy consumption and better performance. It is expected to play a crucial role in nurturing and incubating talents in the AI industry. By having the cost-effective and flexible solution from ARB 222 and ARB 333 series, she was excited that IVI-UKM will be the technology partner to initiate the AI research and development with the Company.

    About the UKM Startup and IVI-UKM

    The UKM Startup is affiliated with the IVI-UKM, a research institute under UKM, established to advance the field of visual informatics. IVI-UKM was established with objectives to integrate multidisciplinary areas encompassing areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, haptic computation, computer vision, data analytics and visualization, simulation, and image processing. The UKM Startup is committed to offering AI training programs to enables machine to learn from experience, adapt to new data, and automate tasks in a wide range of field, and integrating AI analytics dashboards into business intelligence platforms.

    About GKSB

    GKSB is dedicated to empowering Malaysian businesses through technological innovation, focusing on delivering advanced computing systems for enterprises, research institutions and developers.

    About ARB IOT Group Limited

    ARB IOT Group Limited is a provider of complete solutions to clients for the integration of Internet of Things (“IoT”) systems and devices from designing to project deployment. We offer a wide range of IoT systems as well as provide customers a substantial range of services such as system integration and system support service. We deliver holistic solutions with full turnkey deployment from designing, installation, testing, pre-commissioning, and commissioning of various IoT systems and devices as well as integration of automated systems, including installation of wire and wireless and mechatronic works.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, such as statements regarding our estimated future results of operations and financial position, our strategy and plans, and our objectives or goals, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should,” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our actual results may differ materially or perhaps significantly from those discussed herein, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including, but not limited to, those that we discussed or referred to in the Company’s disclosure documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as well as in our other reports filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

    For further information, please contact:

    ARB IOT Group Limited
    Investor Relations Department
    Email: contact@arbiotgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: El Paso Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 180 months in prison for possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material depicting a prepubescent minor.

    According to court documents, a device belonging to Victor Enrique Artalejo, 60, was identified for downloading more than 3,000 torrent files between June 17, 2022 and Sept. 18, 2023, many of which contained child sexual abuse material. Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Artalejo’s residence on March 29, 2024, seizing a laptop and several other electronic devices. A forensic review revealed that Artalejo had downloaded and possessed 1,434 photos and 111 videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The majority of the victims were determined to be under the age of 12.

    Artalejo was arrested March 29, 2024 and has remained in federal custody. He pleaded guilty Dec. 4, 2024 to one count of possession of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of receipt of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

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

    HSI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Micaela Glass prosecuted the case.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Stay In Touch with FEMA

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    If you’ve applied for FEMA assistance, staying in touch is key to getting the help you need. Keeping your information updated ensures there are no delays in processing your request. You may need to update details such as:
    Your current housing situation, phone number, or mailing address.
    The name of someone authorized to speak on your behalf.
    The number of people living in your home.
    Update details about home or property damage.
    Your payment preference.

    The easiest way to update your information is by visiting Disaster Assistance dot gov and logging into your account. No Internet? No problem. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 and speak to a FEMA specialist if you need help making updates to your case.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ux4dqp2ddQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales partners with Cubic to launch next-generation eSIM solutions for connected vehicles

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales partners with Cubic to launch next-generation eSIM solutions for connected vehicles

    • Cubic, a leading global provider of software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions integrates Thales’s eSIM technology to address the rising need for smart and efficient connectivity that matches the latest GSMA standards.
    • Thales, a worldwide eSIM management platform leader, has driven reliable successful deployments in high-volume device markets, making it ideally suited to support Cubic.

    MEUDON, France, Feb 27th, 2025 – Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, and Cubic, a leading global provider of software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions, have announced a collaboration to drive innovation and simplify connectivity management. Leveraging Thales’s eSIM management platform, Cubic will enhance its eSIM solution capabilities to align with the latest GSMA standards, ensuring seamless global connectivity across industries such as automotive, transportation, and agriculture.

    With the adoption of the GSMA SGP.32* standard for IoT, the stakes for the sector are significant. This standard outlines several important technical and business requirements for eSIM management in the IoT, including enhanced security, interoperability across devices and network operators, and scalability for high-volume deployments. This new framework is critical for enabling the large-scale deployment of eSIM technology across a variety of devices, addressing the need for smart and seamless connectivity management.

    This partnership introduces Thales’s eSIM management platform – compliant with the GSMA SGP.32 standard – to Cubic’s existing multi-network and global connectivity management ecosystem. This innovation enables the continued mass deployment of eSIMs across Cubic’s vast footprint of over 200 countries, while simplifying connectivity management across multiple devices by automating subscription activation and updates remotely. This dramatically reduces the need for manual intervention, physical SIM swaps or device recalls.

    Cubic’s customers, including Volkswagen AG, Cariad, General Motors, SEAT, IVECO and CNH could benefit from enhanced solutions such as this, to help ensure managing vehicle connectivity becomes effortless. Vehicles equipped with Cubic’s solution which now integrates Thales’s platform can automatically connect to local networks when crossing borders, eliminating the need for complex development or additional costs. This ensures a seamless global experience for automotive manufacturers and their customers as cars can be pre-configured with connectivity profiles at the factory level and activated dynamically as they are deployed in the field.

    “Thales has been a trusted partner of Cubic since 2017″, said Nick Power, CTO at Cubic. “For OEMs, adopting GSMA M2M eSIM has been anything but simple. Technical complexity, vendor lock-in, and managing multi-MNO connectivity at a global scale have all slowed adoption. Transitioning to a leaner, more efficient GSMA eSIM IoT architecture will be essential. This collaboration highlights our commitment to standardisation, interoperability and innovation ensuring Cubic customers can enjoy a more flexible, cost efficient and a future-proof approach to global connectivity.”

    “With this upgrade, Cubic aims to remain at the forefront of IoT connectivity by addressing evolving market demands. The integration of Thales’s “On-Demand Subscription Manager” platform will enable Cubic to maximize end-to-end connectivity management for OEMs, ensuring devices are seamlessly connected from factory to field,” said Eva Rudin, VP Mobile Connectivity Solutions at Thales. “This collaboration highlights our commitment to standardization, interoperability, and innovation for IoT.”

    * GSMA SGP. 32 contains the technical specifications for the remote eSIM management of Internet of things (IoT) devices and other types of mobile device deployments.

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital.

    It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

    The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

    Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

    About Cubic Telecom

    Cubic Telecom delivers advanced software-defined vehicle solutions in over 200 countries and regions around the world. Working with the world’s leading automotive, transportation and agriculture OEMs, we connect 23 million cars and vehicles globally and enable 1 billion mobile internet data transmissions daily. To compete globally, OEMs must manage the complexities of connecting with different technologies while complying with regulatory mandates in different countries. Cubic Telecom cuts through this complexity through providing a single, global solution that enables any vehicle shipped anywhere in the world to have fully compliant built-in connectivity regardless of local market requirements.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon announces new savings & VIP benefits for customers who bring together Mobile & Home

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon announces new savings & VIP benefits for customers who bring together Mobile & Home

    Only Verizon lets you bundle your mobile and home plan and get…

    • Incredible savings, with Verizon Home Internet plans for as low as $35/mo
    • Your favorite entertainment subscriptions like Netflix and Max, the Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+), Apple Music Family or YouTube Premium included on us1 (up to $10/mo) with our fastest Verizon Home Internet plans
    • Priority customer support, with benefits like faster access to expert support representatives.

    NEW YORK – Verizon today announced an industry-leading converged offer for Mobile and Home Internet customers, providing savings for myPlan mobility and myHome internet joint customers. Customers who combine their mobile and home services with Verizon can now unlock incredible savings as well as exciting entertainment options and premium customer support in a simplified experience.

    Verizon Consumer CEO Sowmynarayan Sampath shared:

    “We built the Verizon model of convergence to meet the changing habits of our customers’ lives and provide them with the most choice in the industry. Customers deserve an amazing network experience at home and on the go, and value on entertainment they cannot get anywhere else. You get more value from Verizon across our full portfolio of products and services versus anyone else in the industry.”

    Combining Verizon’s Mobile and Home Internet services gives customers $15 off home internet every month, ways to save on entertainment they love and priority customer treatment.

    Here’s how it works:

    • Simplicity and Savings: Customers with Verizon Home Internet will be eligible for a $15/mo discount when combined with any postpaid mobile phone plan. That means access to Verizon Home Internet for as low as $35/mo2. This discount can be combined with the discounts Verizon offers to Military, First Responders, Students, and Teachers to save even more, and Verizon doesn’t reduce the device offers available to these segments like some other carriers do.
    • The best of entertainment, on us: Verizon mobile customers who add a premium home internet plan3 are eligible for a perk credit on us – up to $10/mo toward great entertainment options like Netflix & Max (With Ads). That’s up to $215/year3 in savings when you are a mobile and home customer with Verizon!
    • Priority Care: Mobile + Home customers will receive premium customer care, including personalized greetings and expedited support when they contact us by phone or live messaging/chat.

    Learn more about these benefits at verizon.com/promos/mobile-and-home.

    Enjoy exclusive entertainment experiences with Verizon partners at your local Verizon store, like Max’s new season of HBO Original The White Lotus

    Beginning March 1st through April 4th, select Verizon stores across the country will feature an immersive experience where fans can explore a mini pop-up inspired by the show’s scenic resort and discover their hidden aura colors with a personality quiz.

    For more information on Mobile + Home benefits – including a perk on us (like Max!) – and to participate in the immersive retail experience–please visit your local Verizon retail store.

    Verizon Value Customers get exclusive home internet deals too

    This May, Verizon Value customers who have both an eligible Verizon Fios Home Internet plan and a mobile service plan from Verizon Value brands including Verizon Prepaid, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless, Tracfone, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family, and Visible, will receive a $15/mo discount off of their Fios bill excluding Verizon Forward.

    1 Perk On Us Credit: Availability of each perk is subject to specific terms, and age requirements. Requires one paid perk on eligible Verizon mobile phone line or eligible home internet plan. Up to $10/month credit will be applied to your mobile or Fios Internet bill as long as one paid perk remains active on either account. Perk credit canceled if paid perk removed, mobile line or home internet plan canceled, or home internet moved to ineligible plan. Perk promotional offers are not eligible for the perk discount. Credit applied in 1-2 billing cycles.

    2 Verizon Home Internet: General: Verizon Home Internet includes 5G Home, LTE Home and Fios internet services. Availability varies. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Subject to credit approval. 5G Home/LTE Home/Fios 300 Mbps: Plans start at $35/mo. when combined with postpaid Verizon mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Fios 300 Mbps: Mobile + Home Discount enrollment req’d. $99 setup and other terms apply.

    3 Versus the retail rate for $17.98/month.

    MIL OSI Economics –