NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baie Verte — Baie Verte RCMP investigates residential fire in Seal Cove, seeks public’s information

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Baie Verte RCMP is investigating a fire that occurred yesterday, February 6, 2025, in Seal Cove that damaged a number of residential structures.

    Shortly after 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Baie Verte RCMP received a report of a residential fire on Newtown Road in Seal Cove. The fire, which is believed to have started in a residential shed, spread onto a number of other structures, including two other sheds and four houses. Two of these homes and three of the sheds were destroyed by fire. The remaining two homes were damaged. No one was injured.

    The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ST. FRANCISVILLE MAN SENTENCED TO 240 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR ASSAULT OF A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE IN PERFORMANCE OF OFFICIAL DUTY

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Lionel Haile, age 31, of St. Francisville, Louisiana, to 240 months in federal prison following his conviction for assaulting a U.S. Postal employee with a dangerous weapon and inflicting bodily injury. Haile must serve three years of supervised release upon completing his term of imprisonment.

    As the evidence at trial demonstrated, on December 31, 2021, Haile attacked a U.S. Postal employee with a sharp object as she was delivering mail to an apartment complex in Zachary, Louisiana, inflicting a stab wound on her right leg. The victim fought against Haile’s repeated attempts to stab her on her upper body and legs. She escaped Haile, ran towards a vehicle as it was exiting the apartment complex, jumped inside the vehicle, and rode off with her rescuer. Haile fled the scene. Authorities arrested Haile on January 6, 2022, following the publication of his photograph on CrimeStoppers.

    This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Zachary Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy S. Johnson and Robert W. Piedrahita.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Sentenced to 34 Months In Prison for Wire Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Marquis Windsor, age 33, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced on February 5, 2025, to 34 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for wire fraud conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen goods.

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, between November 14, 2017 and October 12, 2022, Windsor and multiple co-conspirators defrauded nearly 60 businesses across 23 states and the District of Columbia via a fraudulent scheme in which they used fictious names, sham email addresses, and fake credit cards to rent sound production (or audio) equipment from businesses. Instead of returning the rented audio equipment, Windsor and his co-conspirators sold the merchandise using online marketplaces, such as eBay, Facebook, OfferUp, and Reverb. Windsor’s conduct caused a loss of $1,077,651.84. 

    Judge Wilson further ordered Windsor to pay restitution in the amount of $984,919.66.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lancaster Police, Lower Paxton Police, Cincinnati Police, Rockville (MD) Police, Detroit Police, Atlanta Police, Madison (Wisconsin) Police, and Falls Township (PA) Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney David C. Williams prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 3 ways the Trump administration could reinvest in rural America’s future

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Randolph Hubach, Professor of Public Health, Purdue University

    Rural America can be idyllic, but many communities still need support. Mint Images via Getty Images

    Rural America faces many challenges that Congress and the federal government could help alleviate under the new Trump administration.

    Rural hospitals and their obstetrics wards have been closing at a rapid pace, leaving rural residents traveling farther for health care. Affordable housing is increasingly hard to find in rural communities, where pay is often lower and poverty higher than average. Land ownership is changing, leaving more communities with outsiders wielding influence over their local resources.

    As experts in rural health and policy at the Center for Rural and Migrant Health at Purdue University, we work with people across the United States to build resilient rural communities.

    Here are some ways we believe the Trump administration could work with Congress to boost these communities’ health and economies.

    1. Rural health care access

    One of the greatest challenges to rural health care is its vulnerability to shifts in policy and funding cuts because of rural areas’ high rates of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

    About 25% of rural residents rely on Medicaid, a federal program that provides health insurance for low-income residents. A disproportionate share of Medicare beneficiaries – people over 65 who receive federal health coverage – also live in rural areas. At the same time, the average health of rural residents lags the nation as a whole.

    Rural clinics and hospitals

    Funding from those federal programs affects rural hospitals, and rural hospitals are struggling.

    Nearly half of rural hospitals operate in the red today, and over 170 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. The low population density of rural areas can make it difficult for hospitals to cover operating costs when their patient volume is low. These hospital closures have left rural residents traveling an extra 20 miles (32 km) on average to receive inpatient health care services and an extra 40 miles (64 km) for specialty care services.

    The government has created programs to try to help keep hospitals operating, but they all require funding that is at risk. For example:

    • The Low-volume Hospital Adjustment Act, first implemented in 2005, has helped numerous rural hospitals by boosting their Medicare payments per patient, but it faces regular threats of funding cuts. It and several other programs to support Medicare-dependent hospitals are set to expire on March 31, 2025, when the next federal budget is due.

    • The rural emergency hospital model, created in 2020, helps qualifying rural facilities to maintain access to essential emergency and outpatient hospital services, also by providing higher Medicare payments. Thus far, only 30 rural hospitals have transitioned to this model, in part because they would have to eliminate inpatient care services, which also limits outpatient surgery and other medical services that could require overnight care in the event of an emergency.

    Rural emergency hospitals can get extra funding, but there’s a catch: They have no inpatient beds, so people in need of longer care must go farther.
    AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

    Services for pregnant women have also gotten harder to find in rural areas.

    Between 2011 and 2021, 267 rural hospitals discontinued obstetric services, representing 25% of the United States’ rural obstetrics units. In response, the federal government has implemented various initiatives to enhance access to care, such as the Rural Hospital Stabilization Pilot Program and the Rural Maternal and Obstetric Management Strategies Program. However, these programs also require funding.

    Expanding telehealth

    Before the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth – the ability to meet with your doctor over video – wasn’t widely used. It could be difficult for doctors to ensure reimbursement, and the logistics of meeting federal requirements and privacy rules could be challenging.

    The pandemic changed that. Improving technology allowed telehealth to quickly expand, reducing people’s contact with sick patients, and the government issued waivers for Medicare and Medicaid to pay for telehealth treatment. That opened up new opportunities for rural patients to get health care and opportunities for providers to reach more patients.

    However, the Medicare and Medicaid waivers for most telehealth services were only temporary. Only payments for mental and behavioral health teleheath services continued, and those are set to expire with the federal budget in March 2025, unless they are renewed.

    One way to expand rural health care would be to make those waivers permanent.

    Increasing access to telehealth could also support people struggling with opioid addiction and other substance use disorders, which have been on the rise in rural areas.

    2. Affordable housing is a rural problem too

    Like their urban peers, rural communities face a shortage of affordable housing.

    Unemployment in rural areas today exceeds levels before the COVID-19 pandemic. Job growth and median incomes lag behind urban areas, and rural poverty rates are higher.

    Rural housing prices have been exacerbated by continued population growth over the past four years, lower incomes compared with their urban peers, limited employment opportunities and few high-quality homes available for rent or sale. Rural communities often have aging homes built upon outdated or inadequate infrastructure, such as deteriorating sewer and water lines.

    Rental homes in older towns can become run down. Community maintenance of pipes and other services also requires funding.
    LawrenceSawyer/E+ via Getty Images

    One proposal to help people looking for affordable rural housing is the bipartisan Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, which calls for creating a new federal tax credit to spur the development and renovation of family housing in distressed urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods.

    Similarly, the Section 502 Direct Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which subsidizes mortgages for low-income applicants to obtain safe housing, could be expanded with additional funding to enable more people to receive subsidized mortgages.

    3. Locally owned land benefits communities

    Seniors age 65 and older own 40% of the agricultural land in the U.S., according to the American Farmland Trust. That means that more than 360 million acres of farmland could be transferred to new owners in the next few decades. If their heirs aren’t interested in farming, that land could be sold to large operations or real estate developers.

    That affects rural communities because locally owned rural businesses tend to invest in their communities, and they are more likely to make decisions that benefit the community’s well-being.

    A farmer carries organic squash during harvest. Young farmers often struggle to find land to expand their operations.
    Thomas Barwick/Stone via Getty Images

    Congress can take some steps to help communities keep more farmland locally owned.

    The proposed Farm Transitions Act, for example, would establish a commission on farm transitions to study issues that affect locally owned farms and provide recommendations to help transition agricultural operations to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

    About 30% of farmers have been in business for less than 10 years, and many of them rent the land they farm. Programs such as USDA’s farm loan programs and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program help support local land purchases and could be improved to identify and eliminate barriers that communities face.

    We believe that by addressing these issues, Congress and the new administration can help some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens. Efforts to build resilient and strong rural communities will benefit everyone.

    Randolph Hubach receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

    Cody Mullen receives funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration. He is affiliated with the National Rural Health Association.

    – ref. 3 ways the Trump administration could reinvest in rural America’s future – https://theconversation.com/3-ways-the-trump-administration-could-reinvest-in-rural-americas-future-245451

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Raleigh County Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering

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

    BECKLEY, W.Va. – James E. Monroe Jr., 59, of Daniels, pleaded guilty today to money laundering.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 25, 2022, Monroe filed a petition for personal bankruptcy. Monroe knew he was required to submit true and correct schedules listing his assets and a statement detailing his financial affairs as part of the bankruptcy process. Monroe admitted that he sold his collection of over 10,000 sports trading cards after filing for bankruptcy and without disclosing its existence or its post-petition sale in the bankruptcy filings as required. Monroe further admitted that he sold the collection to a friend online to convert the collection into cash and disguise the nature of the resulting proceeds.

    Monroe admitted that his asset schedules and statement of financial affairs also did not disclose the December 2021 sale of his marital home in the Glade Springs residential development for $525,000, or the existence of a retirement account, two loans he obtained by using the equity associated with his whole-life insurance policy as collateral, and a storage unit he rented in the Shady Spring area that contained property belonging to the bankruptcy estate. Monroe further admitted that his schedules falsely stated that his then-minor daughter lived with him and was his dependent when neither was true.

    Monroe is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public.

    United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-121.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisiana Doctor Sentenced for Illegally Distributing Over 1.8 Million Doses of Opioids in $5.4 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

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

    A Louisiana physician was sentenced yesterday to 87 months in prison for conspiring to illegally distribute over 1.8 million doses of Schedule II controlled substances, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, and for defrauding health care benefit programs of more than $5.4 million.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Adrian Dexter Talbot M.D., 59, of Slidell, owned and operated Medex Clinical Consultants (Medex), located in Slidell. Medex was a medical clinic that accepted cash payments from individuals seeking prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances. Talbot routinely ignored signs that individuals frequenting Medex were drug-seeking or abusing the drugs prescribed. In 2015, Talbot took a full-time job in Pineville, Louisiana, and although he was no longer physically present at the Slidell clinic, he pre-signed prescriptions, including for opioids and other controlled substances, to be distributed to individuals there whom he did not see or examine. In 2016, Talbot hired another practitioner who, at Talbot’s direction, also pre-signed prescriptions to be distributed to individuals in exchange for cash deposited into a Medex bank account. The evidence also demonstrated that Talbot falsified patient records to cover up the scheme and to make it appear as though he was routinely examining the patients. With Talbot’s knowledge, these individuals filled their prescriptions using their insurance benefits, thereby causing health care benefit programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, to be fraudulently billed for controlled substances that were prescribed without an appropriate patient examination or determination of medical necessity.

    On July 22, 2024, Talbot was convicted by a jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana of one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances, four counts of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG)’s South Central Field Office, Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI New Orleans Field Office, and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill made the announcement.

    HHS-OIG, VA-OIG, FBI, and the Louisiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sara E. Porter and Gary A. Crosby II, Assistant Chief Justin Woodard, and Deputy Chief Kate Payerle of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tampa Man Indicted For Possessing Firearms As A Convicted Felon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the  return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Denzel Ingram (27, Tampa) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Ingram faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Ingram that the United States intends to forfeit a Shadow Systems firearm and a Smith & Wesson firearm, which were used in the commission of the offense.

    According to the indictment, on or about June 23, 2024, Ingram knowingly possessed a Shadow Systems firearm and a Smith & Wesson firearm. Prior to his possession, Ingram knew that he had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, throwing a deadly missile, and fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. 

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Tampa Police Department.  It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bay Roberts — Counterfeit currency seized by Bay Roberts RCMP, images shared

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following a recent seizure of counterfeit currency, Bay Roberts RCMP is sharing images of the bills seized to display some of the things to watch out for.

    Earlier this week, Bay Roberts RCMP received reports from two separate business indicating that counterfeit currency had been used. In both cases, an individual wearing baggy clothes, who is described as a tall Caucasian man with a scruffy beard, entered the store and purchased merchandise using counterfeit currency in denominations of $100 and $50 bills.

    Upon close examination, a number of discrepancies between legitimate currency and counterfeit currency are noted on these bills. The bills seized by police are smaller in size and faded in color when compared to legitimate currency. The bills have the appearance and feel of a paper bill and are without a plastic coating. The clear window of the bill is made of tape and the image contained within the clear window of the bill was printed and applied to the bill.

    Please see the attached images. The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone having information that could assist police in identifying the individual involved in using counterfeit currency is asked to contact Bay Roberts RCMP at 709-786-2118. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    If you feel you are in possession of counterfeit currency, please contact your local police. As a retailer, you have the right to refuse suspected counterfeit currency. More information on counterfeit currency can be found here: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention/

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Migration State Secretary visits Frontex to discuss return procedures

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Migration State Secretary visits Frontex to discuss return procedures – Government.se

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    Article from Ministry of Justice

    Published

    On 30–31 January, State Secretary Anders Hall took part in an informal meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) in Warsaw, Poland. In conjunction with the meeting, Mr Hall paid a visit to Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

    • State Secretary Anders Hall and Frontex’s Deputy Executive Director for Returns and Operations Lars Gerdes.

      Photo: Frontex

    • At the meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) in Warsaw, where State Secretary Anders Hall met with Poland’s Minister of the Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak.

      Photo: The Chancellery of the Prime Minister / PAP S.A

    Frontex is the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency that supports EU Member States with issues such as enforcing return decisions. Frontex provides support to EU Member States at all stages of a return procedure: everything from obtaining travel documents and contact with relevant third countries, to offering funded and chartered flights and reintegration assistance. 

    At the meeting, discussions centred on the EU Agency’s cooperation with Swedish government agencies, something that Frontex considers a success. Over the past two years, Swedish government agencies have increasingly started using Frontex’s services in their work on return procedures. This enhanced cooperation has increased the number of return operations organised by Sweden together with Frontex. 

    “The Government’s priority is to increase the returns of those who have received an expulsion order. That’s why it’s positive that Frontex is verifying that the work of the Government and its agencies is yielding results. Achieving an effective return procedure is a prerequisite for a responsible and well-functioning migration policy,” says Mr Hall. 

    At the meeting with Frontex, Mr Hall met with Frontex’s Deputy Executive Director for Returns and Operations Lars Gerdes and Head of Sector Return Operations/Head of Unit Return Operations and Voluntary Returns Mauro Petriaggi. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Byrna Technologies Reports Record Results for Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Byrna Technologies Inc. (“Byrna” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BYRN), a personal defense technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative less-lethal personal security solutions, today reported select financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter (“Q4 2024”) and full year ended November 30, 2024.

    Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2024 and Recent Operational Highlights

    • Surpassed 500,000 launchers sold since inception, just five and a half years after the sale of Byrna’s first launcher in June 2019.
    • Increased launcher production in the first fiscal quarter of 2025 by 33% to 24,000 launchers a month to meet growing market demand and support operational growth.
    • Recently opened a new U.S.-based ammunition manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as part of a re-shoring initiative, significantly expanding Byrna’s domestic production capacity and enhancing the Company’s supply chain for its payload ammunition.
    • Continued to generate a highly accretive return on ad spend (ROAS) above 5.0X through the celebrity endorsement program for the full year 2024 period, leading to a record $28.0 million of sales for the fourth quarter of 2024.
    • Added Megyn Kelly, Charlie Kirk, and Lara Trump as celebrity influencers to continue amplifying brand awareness and further support the normalization of its less-lethal solutions, while continuing to optimize marketing spend for maximum impact.
    • Partnered with the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), gaining access to nearly one million USCCA members to promote less-lethal solutions while introducing Byrna customers to USCCA’s training, education, and self-defense liability insurance offerings.
    • Opened retail stores in the Greater Nashville Area, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Salem, New Hampshire. Byrna plans to open the Fort Wayne, Indiana store in the coming months.
    • Signed a Letter of Intent to launch a pilot store-within-a-store program at eleven Sportsman’s Warehouse locations, expanding Byrna’s retail footprint.

    Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results
    Results compare Q4 2024 to the 2023 fiscal fourth quarter ended November 30, 2023 unless otherwise indicated.

    Net revenue for Q4 2024 was $28.0 million, compared to $15.6 million in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023 (“Q4 2023”). The 79% year-over-year increase was primarily due to the transformational shift in Byrna’s advertising strategy implemented in September 2023 and the resulting normalization of Byrna and the less-lethal space generally.

    Gross profit for Q4 2024 was $17.6 million (63% of net revenue), up from $9.0 million (58% of net revenue) in Q4 2023. The increase in gross profit was driven by the increase in the proportion of sales made through the high-margin direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels (Byrna.com and Amazon.com), a reduction in component costs driven through an intensive cost reduction effort focused on “design for manufacturability” spearheaded by Byrna’s engineering team, and the economies of scale resulting from increased production volumes.

    Operating expenses for Q4 2024 were $13.5 million, compared to $9.7 million for Q4 2023, an increase of 39%. The increase in operating expenses was driven by an increase in variable selling costs (such as freight and third-party processing fees), increased marketing spend tied to the Company’s celebrity endorsement strategy, and higher payroll expenses in marketing and engineering as the Company has scaled to handle increased sales and production volumes.

    Net income for Q4 2024 was $9.7 million, compared to a net loss of ($0.8) million for Q4 2023, a $10.5 million improvement. This increase was driven by higher revenue and a $5.6 million income tax benefit. The tax benefit arose from the release of tax valuation allowances related to net operating loss carryforwards incurred in earlier years and other tax assets.

    Adjusted EBITDA1, a non-GAAP metric reconciled below, for Q4 2024 totaled $5.2 million, compared to $0.4 million in Q4 2023.

    Cash and cash equivalents at November 30, 2024 totaled $16.8 million compared to $20.5 million at November 30, 2023. The change in cash and cash equivalents is primarily due to an $8.9 million investment in short-term marketable securities to earn a higher yield on Byrna’s unused cash. Adding cash and short-term marketable securities, total funds available were $25.7 million, an increase of $5.2 million compared to November 30, 2023. Inventory at November 30, 2024 totaled $20.0 million compared to $13.9 million at November 30, 2023. The Company has no current or long-term debt.

    Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results
    Results compare the 2024 fiscal year ended November 30, 2024 to the 2023 fiscal year ended November 30, 2023 unless otherwise indicated.

    Net revenue for FY 2024 was $85.8 million, a 101% increase from $42.6 million in the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023 (“FY 2023”), driven by the Company’s strategic shift in advertising, increased brand normalization, and higher DTC sales

    Gross profit for FY 2024 was $52.8 million (62% of net revenue), compared to $23.6 million (56% of net revenue) for FY 2023. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to a greater proportion of sales through high-margin DTC channels, lower component costs, and economies of scale.

    Operating expenses for FY 2024 were $46.1 million, compared to $31.4 million for FY 2023, reflecting a 47% increase to support growth. The increase was driven by higher variable selling costs, expanded marketing efforts, and additional personnel in marketing and engineering.

    Net income for FY 2024 was $12.8 million, compared to a net loss of ($8.2) million for FY 2023, a $21.0 million improvement. The increase in net income was driven by higher revenue and included a $5.7 million income tax benefit due to the full release of U.S. tax valuation allowances.

    Adjusted EBITDA1 for FY 2024 totaled $11.5 million, compared to a negative ($2.0) million for FY 2023. The increase in adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to an increase in revenue.

    Management Commentary
    Byrna CEO Bryan Ganz stated: “The fourth quarter was the culmination of a remarkable year for Byrna. We successfully generated a record $28.0 million in revenue while also expanding our gross margins to 62.8%. This success allowed us to deliver a 101% increase in revenue from the full year 2023 to 2024 and underscores the overall growth in brand recognition and normalization of the less-lethal space.

    “Our marketing strategy, anchored by the continued success of our celebrity influencer program, has continued to be instrumental in driving DTC sales and expanding brand awareness. For 2024, the program maintained a highly accretive return on ad spend (ROAS) above 5.0X, underscoring the effectiveness of this approach in normalizing less-lethal solutions. Building on this foundation, we have been adding a more robust, multi-channel marketing strategy that now includes traditional media such as cable and broadcast networks. This diversification complements our influencer program, which recently welcomed prominent voices like Megyn Kelly, Charlie Kirk, and Lara Trump.

    As we execute across multiple channels, we will continue to be disciplined in evaluating partnerships and optimizing ad spend to maximize impact and ROAS. We have prioritized celebrity endorsers who demonstrate strong ROAS and have discontinued partnerships that did not meet our minimum ROAS requirements. To date, the celebrity endorsers who were initially successful have continued to perform well, while those we discontinued never met our ROAS benchmarks. Unfortunately, we did lose one very successful celebrity endorser, Governor Mike Huckabee, due to his appointment as U.S. ambassador to Israel.

    “In addition to expanding our online DTC reach, we are making strides in building our brick-and-mortar footprint. With four company-owned stores up and running, we are optimistic that these stores will validate the company-owned store model and open the way to a rollout of Byrna company-owned stores in key markets throughout the United States. Given the high gross margins and the relatively inexpensive operating costs, we believe that these stores can contribute meaningfully to Byrna’s bottom line as they ramp up over the coming quarters. We are also pleased to announce that we have signed a letter of intent to partner with Sportsman’s Warehouse to launch a store-within-a-store model at 11 locations across the United States. Each of these Sportsman’s Warehouse locations will convert their existing archery range into a firing range for customers to experience our launchers, similar to our company-owned stores and premier dealers. If the initial pilot program is successful, Byrna expects to be in 90 more stores by the end of the year, accelerating the rate of our brick-and-mortar presence across the United States.

    “To ensure our production keeps pace with our growth initiatives, we have successfully increased launcher production to 24,000 units as of January at our Fort Wayne, Indiana launcher production facility. Additionally, we have begun producing payload ammunition at a new facility in Fort Wayne, located four miles from our launcher production facility. This state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will house eight advanced dousing and welding machines capable of producing both .68 and .61 caliber payload rounds for our existing launchers as well as our anticipated new Compact Launcher. We will also be able to produce .61 caliber fin-tail payload rounds for our Pepper and Max 12-gauge less-lethal rounds. Once fully operational later this year, these eight machines will collectively produce up to 10 million rounds per month, including 1.5 million fin-tail rounds for the 12-gauge platform. We believe the combination of Byrna Pepper and Max 12-gauge rounds, coupled with the Sportsman’s “store-within-a-store” partnership, will help spur the sale of our less-lethal 12-gauge rounds.

    The onshoring of ammunition production is part of Byrna’s larger ‘Made in America’ strategy. We remain committed to exiting China by mid-year and aim to source nearly 100% of the components for the Byrna SD, LE, and CL models from U.S. suppliers by the end of 2025. We expect that this transition will insulate us from any potential tariffs, create well-paying jobs for American workers, reduce lead times, and eliminate the risks associated with unreliable foreign suppliers. We expect it will also allow us to market the Byrna as ‘Made in America!’

    “Our momentum has carried into the new fiscal year with a strong holiday season in December, including $1.4 million in total product sales on Cyber Monday alone. International adoption has also been robust, particularly in Argentina, where the Cordoba Province committed to purchasing 1.7 million rounds of payload ammunition. This order, which will be shipped in 200,000-round monthly increments through the balance of 2025, reflects the extensive deployment of the 13,500 Byrna launchers purchased by the Cordoba Police Department to apprehend dangerous criminals and maintain the peace.

    “Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about our trajectory. The ongoing success of our marketing efforts has resulted in less-lethal becoming a much more widely accepted personal self-defense category. This is allowing us to advertise on an increasing number of cable and social media platforms. We believe that the market for less-lethal weapons among gun owners in the U.S. is in the tens of millions of consumers. This expanding market, along with our growing online presence, expanding retail presence, and increasing international opportunities, reinforces our confidence in the long-term demand for less-lethal weapons as a whole and for Byrna specifically. While the first quarter historically experiences a seasonal slowdown in consumer spending, we expect to achieve strong year-over-year growth as we continue executing our strategic initiatives. We believe that Byrna is well-positioned to generate additional cash and expand profitability in 2025 and beyond.”

    Conference Call
    The Company’s management will host a conference call today, February 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time (6:00 a.m. Pacific time) to discuss these results, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    Toll-Free Dial-In: 877-709-8150
    International Dial-In: +1 201-689-8354
    Confirmation: 13750859

    Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Gateway Group at 949-574-3860.

    The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay here and via the Investor Relations section of Byrna’s website.

    About Byrna Technologies Inc.
    Byrna is a technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative less-lethal personal security solutions. For more information on the Company, please visit the corporate website here or the Company’s investor relations site here. The Company is the manufacturer of the Byrna® SD personal security device, a state-of-the-art handheld CO2 powered launcher designed to provide a less-lethal alternative to a firearm for the consumer, private security, and law enforcement markets. To purchase Byrna products, visit the Company’s e-commerce store.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the securities laws. All statements contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, are forward-looking. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” and “believes” and statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “might,” “occur,” or “be achieved,” or “will be taken.” Forward-looking statements include descriptions of currently occurring matters which may continue in the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include but are not limited to our statements related to our expected sales during 2025, our ability to scale production lines, Byrna’s ability to remain self-sustaining, profitable and cash flow positive, Byrna’s ability to open new retail locations and realize revenue growth from them, the expected scale, timing and benefits of Byrna’s store-within-a-store partnership with Sportsman’s Warehouse, the benefits and continued success of Byrna’s celebrity endorser strategy, Byrna’s ability to re-shore production and cease purchasing parts from China on the anticipated timeline, the expected benefits of re-shoring production, the anticipated growth and potential size of the U.S. less-lethal market, and Byrna’s positioning for sustained growth in 2025 and 2026. Forward-looking statements are not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking statements are based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates, and analyses that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied.

    Any number of risk factors could affect our actual results and cause them to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this news release, including, but not limited to, disappointing market responses to current or future products or services; prolonged, new, or exacerbated disruption of our supply chain; the further or prolonged disruption of new product development; production or distribution disruption or delays in entry or penetration of sales channels due to inventory constraints, competitive factors, increased transportation costs or interruptions, including due to weather, flooding or fires; prototype, parts and material shortages, particularly of parts sourced from limited or sole source providers; determinations by third party controlled distribution channels, including Amazon, not to carry or reduce inventory of the Company’s products; determinations by advertisers or social media platforms, or legislation that prevents or limits marketing of some or all Byrna products; the loss of marketing partners; increases in marketing expenditure may not yield expected revenue increases; potential cancellations of existing or future orders including as a result of any fulfillment delays, introduction of competing products, negative publicity, or other factors; product design or manufacturing defects or recalls; litigation, enforcement proceedings or other regulatory or legal developments; changes in consumer or political sentiment affecting product demand; regulatory factors including the impact of commerce and trade laws and regulations; and future restrictions on the Company’s cash resources, increased costs and other events that could potentially reduce demand for the Company’s products or result in order cancellations. The order in which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative importance or priority. We caution that these factors may not be exhaustive; accordingly, any forward-looking statements contained herein should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Investors should carefully consider these and other relevant factors, including those risk factors in Part I, Item 1A, (“Risk Factors”) in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A (“Risk Factors”) in the Company’s most recent Form 10-Q, should understand it is impossible to predict or identify all such factors or risks, should not consider the foregoing list, or the risks identified in the Company’s SEC filings, to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties, and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

    Investor Contact:
    Tom Colton and Alec Wilson
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860
    BYRN@gateway-grp.com

    -Financial Tables to Follow-

    BYRNA TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    (Amounts in thousands except share and per share data)
    (Unaudited)    		  
                       
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Twelve Months Ended  
        November 30,   November 30,  
          2024       2023       2024       2023    
    Net revenue   $ 27,979     $ 15,640     $ 85,756     $ 42,644    
    Cost of goods sold     10,417       6,596       32,984       18,997    
    Gross profit     17,561       9,044       52,772       23,647    
    Operating expenses     13,468       9,729       46,101       31,437    
    INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS     4,094       (684 )     6,671       (7,790 )  
    OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)                  
    Foreign currency transaction loss     (195 )     (32 )     (576 )     (270 )  
    Interest income     141       168       1,024       693    
    Loss from joint venture     –       22       (42 )     (603 )  
    Other income (expense)     1       27       7       (57 )  
    INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES     4,040       (499 )     7,084       (8,027 )  
    Income tax benefit     5,634       (330 )     5,708       165    
    NET INCOME (LOSS)   $ 9,674     $ (829 )   $ 12,792     $ (8,192 )  
                       
    Foreign currency translation adjustment for the period     (133 )     205       342       (436 )  
    Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities     65       –       65       –    
    COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)   $ 9,606     $ (624 )   $ 13,199     $ (8,628 )  
                       
    Basic net income (loss) per share   $ 0.43     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.57     $ (0.37 )  
    Diluted net income (loss) per share   $ 0.41     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.55     $ (0.37 )  
                       
    Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – basic     22,514,644       21,991,313       22,504,938       21,919,624    
    Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – diluted     23,754,328       21,991,313       23,139,549       21,919,624    
                       
    BYRNA TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
               
        November 30,  
          2024       2023    
    ASSETS          
    CURRENT ASSETS          
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 16,829     $ 20,498    
    Accounts receivable, net     2,630       2,945    
    Marketable Securities     8,904       —    
    Inventory, net     19,972       13,890    
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     2,623       868    
    Total current assets     50,958       38,201    
               
    Deposits for equipment     2,665       1,163    
    Right-of-use-asset, net     2,452       1,805    
    Property and equipment, net     3,408       3,803    
    Intangible assets, net     3,337       3,583    
    Goodwill     2,258       2,258    
    Loan to joint venture   —     1,473    
    Deferred tax asset     5,837        
    Other assets     1,007       28    
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 71,922     $ 52,314    
    LIABILITIES          
    CURRENT LIABILITIES          
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 13,108     $ 6,158    
    Operating lease liabilities, current     539       644    
    Deferred revenue     1,791       1,844    
    Line of credit     —       —    
    Notes payable, current     —       —    
    Total current liabilities     15,438       8,646    
               
    Notes payable, non-current          
    Deferred revenue, non-current     17       91    
    Operating lease liabilities, non-current     2,098       1,258    
    Total Liabilities     17,553       9,995    
               
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 19)          
               
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued     —       —    
    Common stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized. 24,168,014 shares
    issued and 22,002,027 outstanding as of November 30, 2024 and, 24,018,612 shares issued and 21,852,625
    outstanding as of November 30, 2023    		     24       24    
    Additional paid-in capital     133,030       130,426    
    Treasury stock (2,165,987 shares purchased as of November 30, 2024 and 2023)     (21,253 )     (17,500 )  
    Accumulated deficit     (56,783 )     (69,575 )  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (649 )     (1,056 )  
               
    Total Stockholders’ Equity     54,369       42,319    
               
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 71,922     $ 52,314    
               

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to providing financial measurements based on generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), we provide an additional financial metric that is not prepared in accordance with GAAP (non-GAAP) with presenting non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA. Management uses this non-GAAP financial measure, in addition to GAAP financial measures, to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, for financial and operational decision making, for planning and forecasting purposes and to evaluate our financial performance. We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure helps us to identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be masked by the effect of certain expenses that we exclude in the calculations of the non-GAAP financial measure.

    Accordingly, we believe that this non-GAAP financial measure reflects our ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful comparisons and analysis of trends in the business and provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results, enhancing the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects.

    This non-GAAP financial measure does not replace the presentation of our GAAP financial results and should only be used as a supplement to, not as a substitute for, our financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations in the use of non-GAAP measures, because they do not include all the expenses that must be included under GAAP and because they involve the exercise of judgment concerning exclusions of items from the comparable non-GAAP financial measure. In addition, other companies may use other non-GAAP measures to evaluate their performance, or may calculate non-GAAP measures differently, all of which could reduce the usefulness of our non-GAAP financial measure as a tool for comparison.         

    Adjusted EBITDA

    Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net (loss) income as reported in our condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income excluding the impact of (I) depreciation and amortization; (ii) income tax provision (benefit); (iii) interest income (expense); (iv) stock-based compensation expense, (v) impairment loss, and (vi) one time, non-recurring other expenses or income. Our Adjusted EBITDA measure eliminates potential differences in performance caused by variations in capital structures (affecting finance costs), tax positions, the cost and age of tangible assets (affecting relative depreciation expense) and the extent to which intangible assets are identifiable (affecting relative amortization expense). We also exclude certain one-time and non-cash costs. Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net (loss) income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, is as follows (in thousands):

          For the Three Months Ended   For the Twelve Months Ended  
          November 30,   November 30,  
            2024       2023       2024       2023    
    Net Income (Loss)   $ 9,673     $ (829 )   $ 12,792     $ (8,192 )  
                         
    Adjustments:                  
      Interest income     (141 )     (168 )     (1,024 )     (693 )  
      Income tax benefit     (5,634 )     330       (5,708 )     165    
      Depreciation and amortization     378       341       1,491       1,262    
    Non-GAAP EBITDA   $ 4,276     $ (326 )   $ 7,551     $ (7,458 )  
                         
    Stock-based compensation expense     788       686       3,403       5,375    
    Severance/Separation/Officer recruiting     93       30       524       82    
    Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA   $ 5,157     $ 390     $ 11,478     $ (2,001 )  
                         

    1 See non-GAAP financial measures at the end of this press release for a reconciliation and a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on the future of Grenfell Tower

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Deputy Prime Minister has met bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and written to both them and residents in the immediate community, to share her decision that Grenfell Tower will be carefully taken down to the ground.

    The Deputy Prime Minister has met bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and written to both them and residents in the immediate community, to share her decision that Grenfell Tower will be carefully taken down to the ground. 

    This is a deeply personal matter for the people affected and the Deputy Prime Minister is committed to keeping their voice at the heart of this process. She recognises how difficult it is for them and her priority has been to let them know her decision first.    

    Listening to the community 

    The Deputy Prime Minister has prioritised engagement with the community since her appointment in July and has met bereaved families, survivors and residents in the immediate community. 

    In November last year, the Deputy Prime Minister explained to families that she would listen to their views and consider expert information before making a decision on the future of the Tower in February. From November she offered bereaved and survivors the opportunity to meet in-person in North Kensington and Whitehall, or online, at different times and individually when families felt more comfortable with this. She has also spent time with representative groups, residents’ associations, schools and faith leaders. She is grateful to everyone who shared their view – whether directly with her, with the Minister or officials – and especially to the bereaved and survivors.   

    The Tower was the home of the 72 innocent people who lost their lives, and of survivors whose lives were forever changed. It is clear from conversations it remains a sacred site. It is also clear that there is not a consensus about what should happen to it. 

    For some, Grenfell Tower is a symbol of all that they lost. The presence of the Tower helps to ensure the tragedy is never forgotten and can act as a reminder of the need for justice and accountability. Being able to see the Tower every day helps some people continue to feel close to those they lost. For others it is a painful reminder of what happened and is having a daily impact on some members of the community. Some have suggested that some floors of the Tower should be retained for the memorial, others have said that this would be too painful.  

    Expert advice 

    The Deputy Prime Minister has considered independent expert advice. Engineering advice says that the Tower is significantly damaged. It remains stable because of the measures put in place to protect it but even with installation of additional props, the condition of the building will continue to worsen over time. Engineers also advise it is not practicable to retain many of the floors of the building in place as part of a memorial that must last in perpetuity.

    Taking the engineering advice into account the Deputy Prime Minister concluded that it would not be fair to keep some floors of the building that are significant to some families, whilst not being able to do so for others and knowing that, for some, this would be deeply upsetting. 

    How the Tower will be taken down 

    The government is committed to taking the next steps respectfully and carefully. There will be continued support for, and engagement with, the community throughout the process. There will be no changes to the Tower before the eighth anniversary.   

    In the coming months, the government will confirm the specialist contractor that will develop a detailed plan for taking the Tower down. The work will be led by technical experts with specific health and safety responsibilities and will include a methodology that includes environmental, health and safety measures and a detailed programme of work. It will likely take around two years to sensitively take down the Tower through a process of careful and sensitive progressive deconstruction that happens behind the wrapping. 

    We continue to support the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission as the community choose a design team to work with them on designing a memorial. The Deputy Prime Minister will ensure that materials from the site, communal areas of the Tower, or parts of the Tower can be carefully removed and returned for inclusion as part of the memorial, if the community wishes. 

    Continued commitment for the community  

    The department has regularly consulted the Metropolitan Police, HM Coroner and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry to ensure decisions about the site do not interfere with their important work in pursuit of justice and accountability. The Police and HM Coroner have again recently confirmed they have everything they need.  

    The Deputy Prime Minister’s commitment to the community continues. She will ensure bereaved families, survivors and residents continue to have opportunities to speak with her and the Building Safety Minister on issues that matter to them most.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Return of 35 Malaysian Chevening scholars concludes year-long Chevening 40th anniversary celebrations

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    35 Malaysians have returned home after completing their post-graduate studies in the UK under the Chevening Awards Programme.

    Acting Deputy British High Commissioner Tom Shepherd with the 35 returning Malaysian Chevening scholars

    This cohort saw 34 scholars completing their Master’s degree and one scholar completing an Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies fellowship programme. They are the 40th batch of Malaysian Chevening alumni since the establishment of the scholarship programme in 1983, and their return also marks the conclusion of the year-long 40th anniversary of the Chevening Awards

    Acting Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Tom Shepherd, hosted a reception today to welcome home the 2023/24 cohort of scholars. In congratulating the returning scholars, Sheperd said:

    The UK’s commitment to education and fostering global talent remains steadfast and the Chevening Programme is a great example of this. Strengthening the bond between the UK and Malaysia, these alumni have returned not only equipped with invaluable knowledge and skills but empowered to make a real difference in Malaysia, contributing to its continued growth and prosperity.

    The Chevening Award is the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded and administered by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This is complemented by generous sponsorships by Malaysian corporate partners including Yayasan Khazanah, CIMB Foundation and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. British universities are also providing additional funding in support of the Chevening programme. 

    Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, KGB, AO, Founder and Chairman of the Sunway Group and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation said:

    The Chevening Scholarships Scheme has recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary and has, over the years, nurtured key talent in many countries in the world. The Scholarships have become a byword for excellence, prestige, loyalty and satisfaction. It has been JCF’s pleasure to support a Chevening Scholarship since 2018, and we look forward to doing so for many years in the future. This is a flagship programme in our links with the United Kingdom, which have seen us partner with Oxford, Cambridge, Lancaster, and the Royal College of Physicians.

    Norhidayah Aslah, Head of Scholarship, Yayasan Hasanah, said:

    Yayasan Khazanah is proud to support and celebrate the return of our Chevening scholars, who have gained invaluable global perspectives and expertise. Their experiences and insights will contribute significantly to Malaysia’s growth and development. We look forward to seeing them apply their knowledge, drive positive change, and make a lasting impact in their respective fields.

    Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Foundation said:

    CIMB Foundation is deeply committed to uplifting communities and driving positive societal impact through education, a core impact area that aligns with Chevening Scholarship. By investing in learning and development, we empower outstanding individuals with the expertise and leadership skills needed to drive meaningful change.

    The returning batch of Malaysian Chevening scholars from the 2023/24 academic year have graduated from disciplines such as Medical Ultrasound, Film Aesthetics, and Conservation and International Wildlife Trade. They attended prestigious institutions such as the University of Oxford, King’s College London and London School of Economics.

    Scholar Mandeep Singh who got a Masters in Anthropology and Development from London School of Economics and Political Science said:

    I am glad I made my voice count during my year in the LSE. While I got to contribute to various intellectual debates concerning the Global South, I did not lose sight of the everyday challenges which left economic growth precarious for the many. Through my postgraduate studies, I have urged anthropologists to play an active role in making development policies fair and just. I hope to work with public and social sectors to make this a case in Malaysia.

    Scholar Nur Ezzah, who attended SOAS, University of London and obtained a Master’s in Human Rights, Conflict and Justice, said:

    My Masters provided me with an in-depth understanding of the complexities surrounding human rights issues and equipped me with the tools to critically analyse policies and legislation through a human rights lens. My current role allows me to advocate for marginalised communities, ensuring that human rights principles are integrated into policies and legislation, fostering social justice and equality. My most memorable experience during my Chevening year was attending the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts in Hay-On-Wye, where I met some of my favourite authors and camped under the stars in that charming book town.

    Malaysia is the second largest recipient of Chevening awards in ASEAN and the 35 returning scholars are now part of the 2,000-strong Chevening Alumni in Malaysia.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Commencement) Notice gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Commencement) Notice gazetted
    Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Commencement) Notice gazetted
    ****************************************************************************

         The Government published in the Gazette today (February 7) the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Commencement) Notice (Commencement Notice). The new “no case to answer” appeal mechanism under the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Amendment Ordinance) will come into operation on April 14, 2025.      The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed by the Legislative Council (LegCo) on July 12, 2023. Sections 4, 7 and 9 of, and Part 2 of the Schedule to, the Amendment Ordinance provide for a “no case to answer” appeal mechanism, which allows the prosecution to appeal against rulings of no case to answer made by the Court of First Instance of the High Court in criminal trials with a jury. The new appeal mechanism has since awaited enactment of the Criminal Procedure (Appeal against Ruling of No Case to Answer) Rules (Rules) before it commences.       The Rules, which set out the relevant procedural matters for the new appeal mechanism to facilitate its smooth operation in practice, were made by the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee under section 9 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap. 221) on November 14, 2024. The Rules were approved by the LegCo on January 8, 2025.       With a view to bringing the new appeal mechanism into operation as soon as practicable, the Secretary for Justice, under section 1(3) of the Amendment Ordinance, has appointed April 14, 2025, as the day on which the relevant provisions come into operation. The Rules will come into operation on the same day.      A spokesman for the Department of Justice said, “The new ‘no case to answer’ appeal mechanism addresses the lacuna in the criminal appeal system due to the prosecution’s inability to appeal against erroneous rulings of no case to answer made by judges of the Court of First Instance in jury trials and prevents possible miscarriage of justice.”      The Commencement Notice will be tabled at the LegCo on February 12 for negative vetting.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 11:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Glow up for old railway line in Preston thanks to community groups

    Source: City of Preston

    Network Rail is working with community groups to clean up an area in Preston that has been blighted by fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

    It comes after several tonnes of household rubbish, a selection of old sofas, mattresses and bikes have been illegally deposited along the disused Preston to Longridge railway line near Skeffington Road in Deepdale.

    The area was once a section of railway but has been used as a dumping ground by some local residents and businesses, prompting anger and frustration from the community. But now, Network Rail is working with community groups to remove rubbish and prune back trees and brambles so it can be a more positive space.

    The work is expected to take up to a year to complete and will focus on removing waste, pruning back trees and other vegetation and working with the community to use the area in a more respectful way.

    Nationally, millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money is spent clearing up after criminal dumpers each year. And Network Rail is warning those found to be at fault could face criminal prosecutions.

    Ian Croucher, Lancashire maintenance protection coordinator from Network Rail, said:

    It has been heartbreaking to see this old railway line being targeted by waste criminals. But now, thanks to the local community we have a plan to clear up the site so it can be used in a more positive way. Unsightly waste like this near Skeffington Road is a health and environmental hazard. Anyone who sees fly-tipping happening on the railway should immediately contact the British Transport Police.

    Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet member for environment and community safety at Preston City Council, said:

    It’s sad and disappointing that we find situations at some locations where people feel it’s okay to just dump their waste. We’re grateful for the work of community groups in helping to keep Preston tidy, and the work taking place at this site is already making an impact.

    Unsightly waste like this near Skeffington Road is unpleasant for people and a hazard for wildlife. Fly-tipping and littering are ultimately criminal and anti-social acts.

    Dumping rubbish anywhere creates an eyesore and the clear-up costs could be better spent elsewhere, either for private landowners or taxpayers if it’s the Council footing the bill.

    We continue to work with Network Rail combining our many resources to prevent fly tipping and to ensure the area is nicer for everyone.

    Visit Network Rail – Litter and Fly-tipping for more information on how we’re working to keep the railway and our surrounding land tidy.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
    Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
    ******************************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited relating to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 18:07

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Odisha implements “Nirbhaya Kadhi” (Fearless Bud), “Mo Gelha Jiya” (My Dear Daughter), “Kalpana Avijan”, “Swarna Kalika” and “Veerangana Yojana” under BBBP Scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Odisha implements “Nirbhaya Kadhi” (Fearless Bud), “Mo Gelha Jiya” (My Dear Daughter), “Kalpana Avijan”, “Swarna Kalika” and “Veerangana Yojana” under BBBP Scheme

    Schemes launched for adolescent girls to prevent child marriages, to combat sex selection and female foeticide, and to boost Self-Esteem and Confidence

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 1:26PM by PIB Delhi

    “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (BBBP) scheme was launched on 22nd January, 2015 to address the alarming gender imbalance and declining child sex ratio in India. Various initiatives have been implemented by Odisha Government to achieve the aims and goals of BBBP scheme. Major scheme of Odisha Governments under BBBP are “Nirbhaya Kadhi” (Fearless Bud), “Mo Gelha Jiya” (My Dear Daughter) in Ganjam , “Kalpana Avijan” in Dhenkanal, “Swarna Kalika” in Keonjhar and “Veerangana Yojana” in Deogarh district. These schemes are launched for adolescent girls to make them say “no to child marriage”, to combat sex selection and female foeticide, to continue their study with higher education and to boost Self-Esteem and Confidence through martial arts and self-defence techniques.

    1. “Nirbhay Kadhi” (The Fearless Bud) and “Mo Gelha Jhia” (My Lovely Daughter) of Ganjam district.

    “Nirbhay Kadhi (The Fearless Bud)”, l.e., the fearless adolescents is the special initiative of the Ganjam District Administration under BBBP to attain a just order fit for girl child. 183,933 adolescent girls of nearly 3,309 villages in Ganjam district in the age group of 11-18 years are covered under Nirbhaya Kadhi Scheme through awareness meetings.

    Another satellite programme of BBBP launched in the district is Mo Gelha Jhia (My Lovely Daughter) to combat sex selection and female foeticide in Ganjam district.

    As an outcome on 3rd January 2022, the administration declared Ganjam district as child marriage free. From 2019 to October 2024, almost 20 out of 953 child marriages were successfully prevented with the help of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs), District Child Protection Units (DCPU), Child line and Police. Mostly 450,000 students from 3,614 government schools made a public declaration to say ‘No’ to child marriage. An award of 5,000 is given to those who provided first information about child marriage.

    On its 9th Foundation Day, the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) felicitated Collector, Ganjam district for taking proactive measures in prevention of child marriage and ensuring their rights.

     

    2. “Kalpana Avijan” scheme of Dhenkanal district

     

    This scheme was launched in Dhenkanal district of Odisha to track and monitor adolescent girls (10-19 years) and prevent child marriage through committees at various levels. This scheme prevented 343 child marriages between year 2019-2024.  About 1,13,515 adolescent girls identified and enrolled under the scheme. Around 4,45,000 students from 3,425 schools declared saying ‘NO’ to child marriage in the form of oath taking in a public place. Awareness programme were organized in 1,211 villages and strategic forums formed for engagement with youth and traditional leaders.

    On the Observation of International Girl Child Week 2024, felicitated by ADM, Dhenkanal for taking proactive measures in the prevention of child marriage and ensuring their rights of childcare and protection. Women Ambassador, WCD and Mission Shakti, Odisha felicitated District social welfare officer, Dhenkanal for taking proactive measures in the prevention of child marriage.  Ms Barsha Priyadarshini Sahoo of Odapada Block in Dhenkanal District awarded by the District Administration for raising voice against her early marriage and take the initiative to stop Child Marriage in their Block. The administration felicitated the Mountaineer who said no to her child marriage and was rescued by the District Administration with help from other functionaries was declared as the brand ambassador of Kalpana Abhiijan programme.

     

    3. “Swarna Kalika” scheme of Keonjhar district

     

    Through “Swarna Kalika” scheme awareness raised in villages on the harmful effects of child marriage. Over 2,000 stakeholders involved in the campaign Promoted ADVIKA app for awareness and intervention in Keonjhar district of Odisha.

    Successful district-level campaign involving adolescents and community leaders and strengthened community systems to protect children resulted in  reduction in child marriages by 50% by 2024 through awareness campaigns and community mobilization.

     

     

    4. “Veerangana” scheme of Deogarh district

    With the growing crimes against women and girls, it is important to know more than just the use of pepper spray, Different forms of Martial Arts can help a lot to defend girls in the time of need. Under BBBP scheme, the “VEERANGANA” is one such innovative and scaled-up approach of District Administration, Deogarh, with an objective to Boost Self-Esteem and Confidence in the adolescent girls through martial arts and self-defence techniques to keep protected girls from cheap comments, eve-teasing, harassment, being followed, groping, molestation, etc., facing in day-to-day affair through defending skills.

    A 30-Day Training Camp on Self-Defence and Martial Art under title VEERANGANA was organized in the Indoor Stadium; Deogarh with the technical support from State KUDO Association of Odisha, Cuttack, Apart from this, in the Training Camp Awareness and Counselling sessions by the experts was also conducted for Adolescent and their parents on legal rights and entitlements of Girls.

    More than 500 adolescents from various schools and colleges, in the age group of 14-19 years participated in the 30-day long training camp on Martial Art. About 300 guardians and teachers were also involved and imparted orientation on the legal rights and entitlements of the girts, As a way forward, 50 female master trainers as developed from this initiative, imparted short training session on the basics of martial arts in 300 schools of rural pockets extending the training to around 6,000 girl students.

    This Special Drive-VEERANGANA, won the appreciation of mass media and were institutionalized in many schools and colleges. The District Administration in the District Festival awarded VEERANGANA.

    VEERANGANA also begged the Prestigious SKOCH Award as the Semi Finalist, 50 female master trainers developed from this initiative, imparted short training session on the basics of martial arts in 300 schools of rural pockets extending the training to around 6,000 girl students.

    ***** 

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government decides to file complaint with World Trade Organization regarding US imposition of additional duty on products of Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKSAR Government decides to file complaint with World Trade Organization regarding US imposition of additional duty on products of Hong Kong
    HKSAR Government decides to file complaint with World Trade Organization regarding US imposition of additional duty on products of Hong Kong
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​In response to the United States (US)’s announcement to impose an additional 10 per cent duty on products of Hong Kong, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (February 7) said that the Government has decided to file a complaint regarding the matter with the World Trade Organization (WTO).           The spokesman said, “The US’ measures are grossly inconsistent with the relevant WTO rules and ignore our status as a separate customs territory as stipulated in Article 116 of the Basic Law and recognised by the WTO. The HKSAR Government will formally launch procedures in accordance with the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism against the US’ unreasonable measures to defend our legitimate rights.”           The spokesman reiterated that Hong Kong is a staunch supporter of the rule-based multilateral trading system. The HKSAR Government strongly opposes the US’ measures and urges the US to take immediate actions to rectify its wrongdoing.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 7, 2025Issued at HKT 16:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NITI Aayog Hosts a Conclave on ‘Towards Viksit Bharat@2047: Strengthening Economy, National Security, Global Partnerships, and Law’

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 12:12PM by PIB Delhi

    NITI Aayog organized a conclave titled “Towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Strengthening Economy, National Security, Global Partnerships, and Law” on 6th February 2025 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. The conclave saw participation of the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Members of NITI Aayog, the CEO of NITI Aayog, and keynote addresses from the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India and the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. The event featured a lineup of panel discussions, keynotes, and deliberations, addressing critical themes essential to India’s development journey over the next two decades.

    A key highlight was the panel discussion on Economic Growth and Global Competitiveness by 2047, where distinguished experts from policy, academia, and industry examined India’s trajectory toward becoming a global economic powerhouse. Discussions emphasized the importance of regulatory reforms, innovation, infrastructure expansion, and India’s strategic role in global trade. Panelists stressed the need for increased private sector investment in research and development, fiscal consolidation, and integration into global supply chains. Sovereign credit ratings, energy security, and access to critical raw materials were identified as essential for long-term economic resilience. Education, skill development, and infrastructure investments were recognized as crucial for leveraging India’s demographic advantage. The consensus was that bold reforms, sustainable energy strategies, and a leadership role in global trade would be key to achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    Another significant session, Strategic Partnerships for Development, focused on India’s diplomatic strategies in securing alliances with both the Global South and North. The discussion highlighted India’s economic resilience and its ability to navigate geopolitical trade disruptions. Experts underscored India’s leadership in renewable energy and stressed the importance of international cooperation in critical mineral resources. Trade liberalization, tariff reductions, and technological collaborations were explored as potential avenues to enhance India’s global trade standing. The session also emphasized the role of digital public infrastructure in fostering multilateral and bilateral partnerships, while legal reforms were acknowledged as pivotal in attracting investment and improving ease of doing business.

    In the session on Supply Chain Resilience and National Defence, panelists addressed practical solutions for mitigating supply chain disruptions and the role of public-private partnerships in national defence. Discussions highlighted the need for a robust logistical supply chain and its impact on both military and civilian operations. A key takeaway was the distinction between the Just in Time model in civil supply chains and the Just in Case model employed in military logistics. Experts deliberated on the role of legal frameworks in ensuring efficient procurement, stocking, and supply chain management. Proposals were made for enhancing procurement procedures, fostering public-private collaborations, and refining organizational structures to streamline defence supply chains. Cybersecurity emerged as a critical factor in safeguarding supply chain integrity and ensuring operational efficiency.

    The conclave provided valuable insights into India’s economic trajectory, strategic partnerships, and national security preparedness. The discussions reinforced the nation’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth, paving the way for the vision of the Prime Minister of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Commission for Minorities Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura Engages with Minority Leaders and District Officials in Sambhal

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 11:59AM by PIB Delhi

    The Hon’ble Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura visited Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh today. In Sambhal he visited Shahi Masjid that attracted attention after the November 24, 2024 incident of communal strife and inquired about the situation from locals.

    He met the people from minority communities and also held a significant meeting with prominent social, educational, and religious leaders of the notified minority communities that included Sikh, Jain, Christian, and Muslim. The discussions with the community leaders focused on key issues concerning religious harmony, minority welfare, education, socio-economic development, and community empowerment. The community leaders highlighted concerns and suggestions aimed at fostering religious harmony, inclusive growth and ensuring equitable opportunities for all sections of society and ensuring religious harmony for national unity and integrity.

    In addition, the Hon’ble Chairman held discussions with the District Magistrate (DM), Superintendent of Police (SP), Additional District Magistrate (ADM), and other concerned officials of Sambhal District. The meeting addressed various governance issues, implementation of welfare schemes, and measures to strengthen minority rights and security in the region. The Chairman emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between the administration and community representatives to ensure inclusive development and social harmony.

    The Hon’ble Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by minority communities and assured proactive steps in collaboration with the State government authorities. The meeting underscored the importance of dialogue in strengthening social harmony and advancing the welfare of notified minorities. 

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of EU funds for lobbying by environmental organisations – E-000417/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000417/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Paolo Borchia (PfE), Susanna Ceccardi (PfE), Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Aldo Patriciello (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Raffaele Stancanelli (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE), Roberto Vannacci (PfE)

    According to a report by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the Commission may have funded environmental organisations to promote certain Green Deal policies, giving them specific targets for lobbying MEPs and Member States. The funding, allegedly channelled through a multi-billion fund for climate and environment subsidies, may also have covered activities aimed at influencing the debate on agriculture and environmental legislation.

    Examples in the report include a campaign coordinated by a network of more than 185 associations to promote the Nature Restoration Law. The article also suggests that some organisations may have been required to provide detailed reporting on the results they achieved. Commissioner Piotr Serafin acknowledged that some agreements with NGOs actually used to include provisions that encouraged lobbying.

    In light of the above, can the Commission say whether it intends to review and/or withdraw the legislation concerned with the points mentioned?

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Serial burglars sentenced to twenty months in prison for thefts throughout Redbridge

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two thieves arrested a mere 150 metres away from a house they burgled have been sentenced to 20 months in prison, following an investigation which linked them to multiple offences in Redbridge.

    On the evening of Sunday, 15 December officers responded to a break-in on Mansted Gardens, Chadwell Heath. In just half an hour, the responding officers blocked off escape routes, forcing the offenders to flee onto the High Road. This resulted in a chase on foot which ended with the pair in handcuffs.

    Upon searching the suspects, officers found two gold rings, two gold bangles and three gold necklaces, which were missing from the property.

    Further enquiries then enabled officers to place the two men at the scene of other break-ins, including an incident at a different address on Mansted Gardens, where a safe containing £25,000 worth of gold and £3,000 cash was stolen.

    Geani Bogonos, aged 42 (18.05.1982) of Freshwell Avenue, Chadwell Health and Vasile Filip, aged 26 (31.08.1998) of Southend Road, East Ham were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 3 February after pleading guilty at their first appearance hearing.

    PC David Izard, who was the officer in charge of the investigation, said:

    “Burglaries are a huge intrusion of privacy and have a lasting impact on communities. As highlighted here, our officers responded at speed and showed real bravery to track, chase and detain the suspects.

    “The team then conducted a thorough investigation which showed Bogonos and Filip to be serial offenders – and ultimately led to them being taken off our streets.

    “This is all part of the Met’s ongoing response to burglary. Our local community policing teams continue to conduct patrols in hot spot areas to provide a high visibility presence as well as crime prevention advice. If you do have any concerns please speak to officers or contact your local team, details of which are available via our website.”

    Bogonos was convicted of two burglaries, with a further three offences taken into consideration. Filip was convicted of one burglary with three further offences taken into consideration. All offences taken into account occurred throughout Redbridge between October and November 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Choi Chang-sau mourned

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today expressed sorrow over the passing of Choi Chang-sau, a master of the “Arts of the Guqin”, and extended condolences to Mr Choi’s family.

    She explained that inheriting the craftsmanship of guqin making, Mr Choi took up the operation of his family business, the Choi Fook Kee musical instrument shop. He also founded the Choi Chang Sau Qin Making Society in 2011.

    Miss Law said: “Dedicated to the arts for many years, he shared his knowledge generously with local guqin lovers, making remarkable contributions to nurturing talent and passing on precious intangible cultural heritage. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Choi.”

    With a history dating back more than 3,000 years, guqin is one of the oldest plucked musical instruments in China. Guqin making is a traditional art that involves woodwork, lacquering, calligraphy and the actual making of music.

    The “Arts of the Guqin” was inscribed onto the fourth National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 10 February

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Monday 10 February

    Major sporting events in London

    Economy, Culture and Skills Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm

    Analysis from 2021 by London & Partners found that the total economic value generated by the 305 major sporting events held in London between 2017 and 2020 was £1.03 billion.

    The Economy, Culture and Skills Committee will meet to discuss the economic impact of major sporting events in London, looking at the role of the Mayor in bringing more sporting events to the city.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1: 2:00pm-3:30pm:

    • Nick Bitel, Chief Executive Officer, London Marathon Group
    • Mark Camley, Executive Director of Park and Venues, London Legacy Development Corporation
    • Esther Britten MBE, Head of Events and External Affairs, UK Sport
    • Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader, London Borough of Brent

    Panel 2: 3:35pm-5:00pm:

    • Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth
    • Katie Morrison, Interim Assistant Director, External Relations, Greater London Authority (GLA)
    • James Fitzgerald, Host City Programmes Director, GLA
    • Rose Wangen-Jones, Managing Director, Marketing, Destination & Commercial, London & Partners

    MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Smyth on 07763 251727 / [email protected]

    Tuesday 11 February

    Planning and tall buildings

    Planning and Regeneration Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    A lot of work looking at the experiences of residents in tall buildings originated in the 1960s and 1970s and focused on social housing. In recent decades, there has been a shift in the types of homes being delivered by tall buildings towards private accommodation.

    The Planning and Regeneration Committee will ask the Deputy Mayor for Planning, and guests from the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Boroughs about how they set policies and take decisions around the delivery of tall buildings in London.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1: 10am – 11.15am:

    • Michael Ritchie, Place Shaping Manager, London Borough of Tower Hamlets
    • Michael Forrester, Head of Development Management, London Borough of Lewisham

    Panel 2: 11.30am – 12.30pm:

    • Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service
    • Alan Smithies, Principal Strategic Planner, GLA

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252310 / [email protected]

    Wednesday 12 February

    Q&A with the Met Commissioner

    Police and Crime Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    In the Met Police Commissioner’s December report for the London Policing Board, it was highlighted that a series of “tough choices” may have to be implemented to meet the expected budget gap of £450m in the Met’s 2025-26 budget.

    The Police and Crime Committee will question the Met Police Commissioner on these “tough choices”, whether they will save the amount of money required, and how the Met will secure further funding to minimise these cuts. The Committee will also explore grooming gangs and stop and search. 

    The guests are:

    • Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police
    • Kaya Comer-Shwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime

    MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Smyth on 07763 251727 / [email protected]

    Thursday 13 February

    London Fire Brigade Plenary

    All Assembly meeting – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    What are the key priorities for the London Fire Brigade this year?

    Assembly Members will ask questions about building safety, Lithium-ion battery powered E-bikes and E-scooters, EV buses fire risk, home fire safety visits and more.

    The guests are:

    • Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service
    • Andy Roe KFSM, London Fire Brigade Commissioner

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected] 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE delivers training course on airport security and provides equipment to Moldovan border police

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE delivers training course on airport security and provides equipment to Moldovan border police

    From 3 to 7 February, the OSCE organized a training course in Chisinau, Moldova for aviation security managers from the General Inspectorate of Border Police (GIBP) and Airport Administration of the Republic of Moldova. The course, organized in co-operation with the Permanent Mission of Romania to the OSCE, was conducted by Romanian aviation security experts.
    The course enhanced the participants’ expertise in overseeing and monitoring the implementation of aviation security measures, equipping them with essential competencies aligned with international standards. Sessions covered topics critical to the role of aviation security managers, including threat and risk assessment methodologies, crisis management, duties of security managers and supervisory activities.
    “At a time when aviation security faces increasingly complex challenges, this training course underscores the importance of equipping aviation security managers with necessary skills and knowledge to address them effectively. The OSCE remains committed to supporting Moldova in strengthening its aviation security framework and fostering regional co-operation to ensure safety for all,” said Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.
    Throughout the week, the participants engaged in practical exercises, case studies and discussions focused on integrating the International Civil Aviation Organization standards and recommended practices into daily operations.
    “The knowledge gained during this course will enable us to better safeguard our airports and ensure the safety of travellers. The hands-on activities and expert guidance provided invaluable insights for our work,” said Elena Popa, an airport security manager with the GIBP.
    In parallel to this course, the OSCE donated 13 complete computer sets with uninterruptible power supply devices to the GIBP. The equipment will enhance the operational capabilities of the Moldovan Border Police by streamlining data processing, supporting border monitoring activities, and facilitating the implementation of security technologies in compliance with international standards.
    “This donation represents a vital resource for the Moldovan Border Police as we continue to enhance our capacity to address cross-border threats. The new equipment will improve our ability to monitor and analyse border activities, supporting our mission to safeguard Moldova’s borders,” said Ruslan Galușca, Head of the GIBP.
    The training course is part of the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region”. The project focuses on strengthening Moldovan law enforcement’s capacity to combat transnational organized crime both at the border and within the country, with financial support from the France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdomand the United States of America.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: BYDFi Lists Berachain Token (BERA), Supporting BERA/USDT Spot and Perpetual Contracts Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BYDFi officially listed the BERA/USDT spot trading pair and launched BERA/USDT perpetual contracts with up to 75x leverage. Users can now participate in the 8,100 USDT reward campaign – for more details, please visit the BYDFi website or refer to the official announcements.

    Berachain: The Innovative Blockchain Powering $BERA

    As the native token of the Berachain blockchain, $BERA derives its value not only from market demand but also from the strong foundational support of the Berachain ecosystem. Berachain is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain built on the Cosmos SDK. It utilizes an innovative Proof-of-Liquidity (PoL) consensus mechanism, which differs from traditional Proof-of-Stake (PoS) systems. By linking validator rewards to application demand and liquidity contributions, PoL creates a dynamic incentive structure that prevents token devaluation and liquidity depletion. This groundbreaking economic model fosters mutual value creation between the blockchain and applications built on it, ensuring sustainable growth.

    On April 20, 2023, Berachain successfully raised $42 million in a Series A funding round led by Polychain Capital. Furthermore, ahead of its mainnet launch, Berachain’s liquidity pre-deposit application, Boyco, attracted over $3 billion within one week, demonstrating strong market interest and adoption.

    $BERA: The Key Asset of Berachain

    $BERA, as the native token of Berachain, is primarily used to pay network transaction fees (gas) and can be staked to cover validator activation costs

    Market Performance:

    • Within just 24 hours of launch, $BERA’s market capitalization surged past $1.5 billion
    • As of the time of writing, $BERA is priced at $7.9191
    • 24-hour trading volume reached $2.187 billion, marking a 2,291.00% increase from the previous day

    With the continuous expansion of the Berachain ecosystem, the demand for $BERA is expected to grow, driving its market value even higher.

    How to Trade $BERA on BYDFi

    One-Click Buy & Sell
    Users can purchase BERA easily through BYDFi’s “Convert” feature, using credit/debit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or wallet balances.

    Leverage Trading

    • Supports BERA/USDT cross-margin and isolated-margin trading
    • Leverage options: 1x to 75x
    • VIP trading fee discounts—for more details, visit the BYDFi official website

    About BYDFi

    Founded in 2020, BYDFi is recognized by Forbes as a top 10 global crypto exchange, serving over 1,000,000 users. The platform holds MSB licenses in multiple regions and is a member of South Korea’s CODE VASP Alliance. Laying great stress on compliance and development, BYDFi has always guarded the legal rights of all its global users. To protect user assets, BYDFi stores all funds in offline multi-signature wallets with at least a 1:1 reserve ratio and publishes regular proof-of-reserves (PoR) reports for transparency. BYDFi offers 24/7 live customer support, providing efficient and professional assistance in every step of a trader’s journey. BUIDL Your Dream Finance.

    • Website: https://www.bydfi.com
    • Support Email: CS@bydfi.com
    • Business Partnerships: BD@bydfi.com
    • Media Inquiries: media@bydfi.com

    Twitter( X )| LinkedIn| Facebook | Telegram| YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt to file complaint with WTO

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    In response to the recent announcement by the US to impose an additional 10% duty on Hong Kong products, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has decided to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
      
    In regard to the matter, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the US’ measures are grossly inconsistent with the relevant WTO rules and ignore Hong Kong’s status as a separate customs territory as stipulated in Article 116 of the Basic Law and recognised by the WTO.
     
    The Hong Kong SAR Government added that it will formally launch procedures in accordance with the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism against the US’ unreasonable measures to defend its legitimate rights.
          
    In addition to reiterating that Hong Kong is a staunch supporter of the rule-based multilateral trading system, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it strongly opposes the US’ measures and urges it to take immediate actions to rectify its wrongdoing.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £5,000 of illegal vapes and tobacco seized

    Source: City of York

    Published Thursday, 6 February 2025

    Council and police officers visited a business in Clifton last week, where nearly £5,000 of noncompliant vapes and illicit tobacco was found and seized.

    The illegal items found and taken have an estimated retail value of £4,941.25:

    • 177 noncompliant vapes with a retail value of £2,124
    • 2,250 counterfeit and illicit cigarettes valued at £731
    • 1,450g of counterfeit and illicit hand rolling tobacco valued at £2,086.

    These products will be investigated, and appropriate legal action taken. The officers had the help of a sniffer dog, a spaniel called Mostyn.

    Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member with portfolio for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

    Tobacco kills hundreds of people in York every year, and the illicit market in tobacco and vapes makes harmful products cheaper and more easily available, especially to those below the legal age limit.

    “Illicit vapes are becoming much more prevalent and are partly responsible for the rise in young people vaping – our public health advice is that while we support e-cigarettes as effective quit aids for adults to stop smoking, people who don’t smoke shouldn’t vape.

    “This is why it is so important that you report concerns. Information from members of the public, investigation, and action by Council and police officers is essential to protect public health and enforce proper regulations.”

    Sergeant Stuart Henderson of North Yorkshire Police, said:

    This is the result of joint working with our Trading Standards colleagues at City of York Council. It is the second successful operation that we have conducted with Trading Standards in Clifton as part of our Clear, Hold Build initiative.

    “The work shows we will work with all our law enforcement partners to disrupt and deter criminality and to make Clifton and the City of York no place for criminals.”

    How to spot an illegal vape

    Check the packaging for the following tell-tale signs that a disposable vape may be illegal:

    • the health warning should have these exact words: ‘This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance’ and should cover 1/3rd of the front and rear of the packaging
    • a ‘puff count’ of over 600 – illegal vapes may have higher puff counts
    • a pod or refill should be no larger than 10ml
    • a tank should have no more than 2ml or multiple 2ml ‘pods’
    • a nicotine content above 2% (20mg or 20ml)
    • no UK address for an importer/manufacturer.

    Anyone concerned about unregulated vapes or tobacco being sold can:

    • contact City of York Council’s Trading Standards team on telephone: 08082 231133 or email: public.protection@york.gov.uk
    • call North Yorkshire Police on telephone: 101 and pass information to the Force Control Room
    • if you prefer to remain anonymous, pass information to Crimestoppers on telephone: 0800 555 111

    Find support to stop smoking online or email: cychealthtrainers@york.gov.uk for an appointment.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Arrest – Escaped prisoner – Darwin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 33-year-old man that escaped NT Corrections custody yesterday.

    Around 5.20pm this afternoon, the man was arrested without incident in Ludmilla.

    Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At EPA Headquarters, Senator Markey, Members of Congress Denied Access and Meeting with DOGE Members, Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    WATCH: Senator Markey’s Remarks at EPA Headquarters

    Washington (February 6, 2025) – Earlier today at Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) were denied a meeting with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and DOGE representatives, where the lawmakers planned to ask why funding to critical EPA programs for clean air, clean water and climate action have been unconstitutionally cut off to communities and to demand that the funding that has already been authorized and appropriated by Congress be rightfully unfrozen.

    Despite multiple court orders requiring the restart of funding, Trump administration officials have failed to release billions of dollars at the EPA that were authorized and appropriated for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and clean school bus programs as required by law—leaving communities without resources to combat the effects of dangerous pollution.

    “Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their unqualified, unelected, unwanted henchmen want to dismantle the government services that keep our communities thriving, healthy, and safe from polluters,” said Senator Markey. “I went to the headquarters of the EPA to demand answers from Administrator Zeldin and the DOGE representatives who are illegally withholding funding that would keep air and water clean and help save families save money. After being denied access and a meeting, I left with more questions than answers. I will not stop fighting on behalf of the American people—their clean air, clean water, lower energy bills, and livable future–until I get those answers and funding gets restored. No business as usual. No votes for nominees. No illegal funding freeze. And no workers left behind.”

    Congressmembers Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), and leaders and advocates from several environmental groups and unions including Climate Action Campaign, American Federation of Government Employees, Green New Deal Network, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Hip Hop Caucus, Union of Concerned Scientists, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Council of Churches, and Moms Clean Air Force joined the lawmakers for a press conference outside the EPA headquarters following the attempt to meet with EPA Administrator Zeldin and DOGE representatives.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Russia’s construction complex is developing scientific, technical and educational infrastructure of universities

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

    February 6, 2025

    Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

    February 6, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

    The creation of modern conditions for education and research activities in Russian higher education institutions is an important part of the work of the Russian construction complex. High-quality infrastructure attracts talented students and scientists, promotes innovation and strengthens the positions of universities. Ultimately, this is a contribution to the future of the country, because it is within the walls of universities that specialists are trained who will move science and the economy forward, noted Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    On the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, a network of world-class university campuses is being created in Russia. One of these projects will be implemented at the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering.

    “NRU MGSU is a flagship university in the construction industry. It has recently been included in the list of universities that provide training for engineering personnel and scientific developments for the country’s technological leadership. It has become the basic organization of the CIS member states for training and advanced training for personnel in the construction and housing and communal services industries. Last year, the university held the most successful admissions campaign in recent years. The passing scores for state-funded programs have increased significantly in a number of specialties. MGSU entered the top 10 universities in Moscow and the Moscow region in terms of the dynamics of the quality of state-funded admission. President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin supported the project to create a world-class campus on the basis of NRU MGSU. And today, the development of design and estimate documentation for the construction of two blocks of the educational and scientific cluster has already begun. Architectural and planning solutions have been agreed upon with the university,” said Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NRU MGSU Marat Khusnullin.

    The construction of the campus facilities of the National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering is planned to be carried out in two stages until 2035. Within the first stage, three blocks of the educational and scientific cluster, a sports and recreation complex, an ice arena, and a student dormitory will be built. The area of the new facilities will be more than 172 thousand square meters, facilities with an area of more than 10 thousand square meters will be reconstructed, and major repairs of the existing buildings of the National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering are planned.

    Currently, design and estimate documentation is being developed for blocks “A” and “B” with an area of over 69 thousand square meters, which will house advanced research and educational spaces, coworking spaces, creative workshops and public catering areas.

    “When the campus is ready, it will be possible to implement a full innovation cycle on the basis of NRU MGSU, from the idea to the implementation of techniques and technologies, digital solutions, designs and materials in the construction industry and housing and communal services. I am sure that this will help popularize construction professions, achieve national goals and implement national projects,” Marat Khusnullin emphasized.

    In addition, work continues on the construction of university campuses on the premises of other universities. For example, as part of the Oryol State University named after I.S. Turgenev, the public-law company “Unified Customer in the Sphere of Construction” is constructing an educational and laboratory building and a dormitory complex.

    “The construction of the dormitory complex, consisting of three buildings, started in the summer of 2024. Currently, builders are actively performing monolithic work at the site; the construction of structures is already 60% complete. About 1,500 students will be able to live in comfortable conditions. The buildings will also have gyms, rooms for independent study and leisure,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    The educational and laboratory building with an area of over 27 thousand square meters will house a prototyping and reengineering center, an auditorium, a library and other premises. The student campus will become a modern open space for education, science and business.

    Three more campuses are currently being built by Unified Customer in Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Kaliningrad.

    At the same time, the Russian construction complex is developing the infrastructure of other universities that were not included in the world-class campus program. Including those facilities whose construction was delayed.

    Thus, the construction of five educational and laboratory buildings of the Crimean Federal University named after V.I. Vernadsky in Simferopol began in 2019 and 2022, but was suspended. In 2024, the construction was entrusted to the PPK “Unified Customer”. As reported by Marat Khusnullin, monolithic work has been completed in the building of the educational building of the Institute of Foreign Philology. More than one thousand students and teachers will be able to study and work in this building.

    “The eight-story building of the Institute of Foreign Philology will house classrooms and lecture halls, modern computer rooms, a reading room with an archive, a buffet with a dining room for 48 people, teachers’ offices, as well as a center for the language cultures of the small peoples of Crimea and other premises. The construction of the building is planned to be completed and equipped with modern technological equipment in 2026,” said Karen Oganesyan, General Director of the Unified Customer PPC.

    In addition, KFU continues construction of buildings for the Physics and Technology Institute, student center, administrative building, and the Architecture and Civil Engineering Academy. The total area of the buildings is over 46 thousand square meters.

    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 –