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Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Charges Second Los Angeles Realtor for Price Gouging Victims of Eaton Fire

    Source: US State of California

    DOJ has additionally sent more than 650 price gouging warning letters to hotels and landlords

    Price gouging restrictions remain in effect through March 8, 2025

    LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of charges against a real estate agent, alleging that she attempted to price gouge a family who was evacuated due to the Los Angeles Eaton Fire. This investigation was the result of review of complaints received by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). The investigation revealed that after being evacuated in the Eaton fire, the family began searching for rentals through their real estate agent and inquired about renting a Glendale home. The defendant, another Southern California real estate agent, offered the family a new price that exceeded the listing price by more than 50%, which is in excess of the 10% limit laid out in Penal Code section 396 while the Governor’s Emergency Orders are in effect.

    As part of Attorney General Bonta’s work to protect Californians following the Southern California wildfires, DOJ continues to actively investigate and prosecute price gouging, and has sent more than 650 warning letters – and counting – to hotels and landlords who have been accused of price gouging. 

    “In the face of natural disaster, we should be coming together to help our neighbors, not attempting to profit off of their pain,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s charges are another example of DOJ’s commitment to put an end to price gouging. I urge the public to report any such incidents to local authorities, or to my office at oag.ca.gov/report or by reaching out to our hotline at (800) 952-5225. To date we have sent more than 650 warning letters, and continue to actively investigate and hold accountable those who disregard the law. May this announcement serve as a stern warning to those who would seek to further victimize people who have lost everything in the face of Southern California’s wildfires: We won’t stop until the price gouging does.”
     
    DOJ has opened several active investigations into price gouging as it continues to ramp up deployment of resources to Los Angeles County to investigate and prosecute price gouging, fraud, scams, and unsolicited low-ball offers on property during the state of emergency. Working alongside our District Attorneys, City Attorneys, and other law enforcement partners, DOJ has been working diligently to tackle this unlawful conduct since a state of emergency was declared on January 7, 2025, and to further those efforts, the launch of a website dedicated to its response: oag.ca.gov/LAFires.
     
    California law – specifically, Penal Code section 396 – generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price a seller charged for an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For items a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller’s cost of the item by more than 50%. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and long- and short-term rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business. 

    Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local prosecutors can enforce the statute.

    TIPS FOR REPORTING PRICE GOUGING, SCAMS, FRAUD AND OTHER CRIMES:

    • Visit oag.ca.gov/LAfires or call our hotline at: (800) 952-5225.
    • Include screenshots of all correspondence including conversations, text messages, direct messages (DMs), and voicemails
    • Provide anything that shows what prices you were offered, when, and by whom.
    • If you’re on a site like Zillow, you can also send screenshots of the price history and a link to the listing. 
    • Include first and last names of the realtors, listing agents, or business owners you spoke to. Be sure to include phone numbers, email addresses, home and business addresses, websites, social media accounts.
    • Don’t leave out any information that can help us find and contact the business or landlord.

    Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/LAfires. To view a list of all price gouging restrictions currently in effect as a result of proclamations by the Governor, please see here.

    It is important to note that criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    A copy of the complaint can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fall River — RCMP responds to vehicle-pedestrian collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a vehicle-pedestrian collision in Fall River yesterday morning.

    On January 27, at approximately 7 a.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, fire services, and EHS, responded to a report of a collision near the 1400 block of Fall River Rd. RCMP officers learned that a Ford Ecosport was travelling on the roadway when it collided with a pedestrian.

    The pedestrian, a 32-year-old Fall River woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital by EHS.

    The driver of the Ford, a 30-year-old Fall River man, did not suffer physical injuries.

    A summary offence ticket was issued to the driver of the Ford for Failing to Operate a Vehicle at a Careful and Prudent Speed for Existing Conditions.

    File #: 25-12472

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nebraska Man Pleads Guilty to Violent Carjackings in Minneapolis

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – A Nebraska man has pleaded guilty for two violent carjackings, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, on June 16, 2024, Nathan Mathias Sughroue, 31, approached his first victim and told her to get out of her black Hyundai Elantra. He then reached inside to physically remove her from the vehicle and threatened her with a knife. Shortly afterwards, a Shakopee Police Department officer spotted the black Elantra and attempted a traffic stop by activating his siren, but Sughroue evaded arrest. Sughroue then drove the stolen Elantra to a gas station in Bloomington, Minnesota, where he told his second victim to give him the keys to his Nissan Murano SUV. The second victim refused, and a fight ensued. Sughroue stabbed the second victim multiple times, left him bleeding profusely on the pavement, and drove away in the Nissan Murano.

    Sughroue pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury in U.S. District Court yesterday before Judge John R. Tunheim. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Shakopee Police Department, Robbinsdale Police Department, Minneapolis Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, and the FBI.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Classen is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Belvoir woman pleads guilty to brutally beating her 10-year-old child

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Fort Belvoir woman pled guilty yesterday to assault with a dangerous weapon; assault by striking, beating, and wounding; and cruelty to children.

    According to court documents, on Oct. 8, 2024, China Ashley Charles, 38, was enraged at her 10-year-old child because his bedroom was messy. She struck him with a chair, dresser drawers, a hot iron, a charging wire, a hairbrush, and a large serving spoon. She attempted to strike his face with the iron, but he blocked it with his hands.  When Charles hit the child with the charging wire, his finger was cut and began bleeding.

    Charles tried to hide her crime by making the child sit in a cold bath and splashing cold water on his face.

    The child dropped onto the roof from his second-floor bedroom and then jumped down from the roof and fled. He was recovered by police with substantial bruises, abrasions, a knot on the back of his head, and a cut and bleeding finger. The child was transported to the emergency room at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital by ambulance.

    Law enforcement recovered numerous items from China’s residence, including the iron, chair, hairbrush, spoon, multiple dresser drawers, and a sweater and a shirt with “I’M ON PUNISHMENT” written on them in black marker. Several of these items appeared to have blood on them, and further examination confirmed that the child’s blood was located on the iron and at least one dresser drawer.  The child’s sister reported that China had been beating him for the past four years.

    Charles is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9 and faces up to 16 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jake Cameron, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys April N. Russo and Marc J. Birnbaum and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Claire M. Horrell are prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-248.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Universal Periodic Review 48: UK Statement on Iraq

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Statement at Iraq’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr President,

    The United Kingdom welcomes the steps taken by Iraq in 2024 to implement the Yazidi Survivors Law, a groundbreaking piece of legislation and an important first step to provide justice for survivors.

    We urge the Government to ensure the protection of freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly, and to strengthen legal protection guarantees for journalists, the media and civil society.

    We recommend that Iraq:

    1. Protects the right to freedom of assembly, including by holding accountable any perpetrators of violence against protestors.

    2. Strengthens the capacity and independence of the judicial system to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of sexual violence, and provide effective and necessary support for victims.

    3. Ensures that amendments to Iraq’s Personal Status Law, including the code to be subsequently developed, are in line with Iraq’s International Commitments on women and children’s rights.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Secures $450,000 from Companies Selling Home Security Cameras that Failed to Secure Private Videos

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James secured $450,000 from three companies that distribute eufy home security video cameras for failing to secure consumers’ private home security videos. The companies, Fantasia Trading LLC, Power Mobile Life LLC, and Smart Innovation, LLC distribute a line of video cameras, video doorbells, and video smart locks under the eufy brand. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that video streams from the cameras were not always securely encrypted and could be accessible to anyone with the relevant link without authentication. The settlement requires these companies to take steps to ensure stronger protections for customers’ data and pay $450,000 in penalties and costs.

    “New Yorkers buy home security cameras to protect themselves and their homes,” said Attorney General James. “The eufy cameras’ poor data security allowed anyone to access people’s security camera footage, defeating the purpose of having a home security system. Today my office is taking steps to ensure eufy cameras’ developers improve their data security so that New Yorkers home security footage is private and protected.”

    In November 2022, a security researcher publicly disclosed tests indicating that marketing claims about the eufy products’ security and “end-to-end encryption” of data might not be accurate. The OAG opened an investigation focused on a line of eufy-branded internet-enabled video cameras, video doorbells, and video locks distributed by Fantasia Trading, Power Mobile Life, and Smart Innovation. The marketing for these home security products assured consumers that their data would be kept private and secure.

    The OAG’s investigation revealed that, in certain situations, video sent over the internet from eufy home security products was not protected by end-to-end encryption, and that at least a portion of the connection did not use any type of encryption at all. The investigation also uncovered that an active video stream could be accessed by anyone with the relevant URL, without authentication, and that it may have been possible to deduce the URL without obtaining it from a user. The companies had not previously identified these security vulnerabilities because they did not have the necessary processes in place to test their safeguards or to identify risks to the security and privacy of consumers’ video.

    As a result of this settlement, Fantasia Trading, Power Mobile Life LLC, and Smart Innovation will pay $450,000 in penalties and costs and take steps to ensure the eufy home security products they sell better protect consumers’ private videos. The agreement requires that the companies regularly substantiate that the developer of the eufy home security products:

    • Maintains a comprehensive information security program designed to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of consumer information;
    • Uses secure software development processes, including the use of third-party tools for testing software for security vulnerabilities;
    • Maintains a vulnerability management program that includes regular penetration testing and vulnerability testing; and
    • Implements appropriate encryption processes, including the encryption of video in storage and in transit.

    Today’s announcement continues Attorney General James’ efforts to protect New Yorkers’ personal information and hold companies accountable for their poor data security practices. Last month, Attorney General James secured $500,000 from an auto insurance company for failing to protect New Yorkers’ data.  In November 2024, Attorney General James and DFS Superintendent Adrienne Harris secured $11.3 million from GEICO and Travelers for having poor data security. In October 2024, Attorney General James secured $2.25 million from a Capital Region health care provider for failing to protect the private information and medical data of New Yorkers. In August 2024, Attorney General James and a multistate coalition secured $4.5 from a biotech company for failing to protect patient data. In July, Attorney General James launched two privacy guides, a Business Guide to Website Privacy Controls and a Consumer Guide to Tracking on the Web, to help businesses and consumers protect themselves. In April 2023, Attorney General James released a comprehensive data security guide to help companies strengthen their data security practices. In January 2022, Attorney General James released a business guide for credential stuffing attacks that detailed how businesses could protect themselves and consumers.

    This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Nathaniel Kosslyn, Senior Enforcement Counsel Jordan Adler, and Deputy Bureau Chief Clark Russell of the Bureau of Internet and Technology, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Kim Berger. The Bureau of Internet and Technology is a part of the Division for Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. 

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ocala Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison For Attempting To Meet A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – United District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Rickey Lee Miller, Jr. (45, Ocala) to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a life term of supervised release, for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Miller entered a guilty plea on September 6, 2024.

    According to court documents, on July 27, 2024, a detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posed as a 15-year-old girl on an online messaging platform. Miller contacted the undercover detective’s account and initially asked if she wanted to “hang out.” Miller then engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the detective. During that conversation, Miller asked the detective if she would be interested in having “some fun” with Miller and a female friend. He also asked, “[W]ill you tell my friend your 18[?] I really don’t want her to know your real age.” When Miller subsequently drove to a predetermined location with his friend to meet with the minor for sex, he was arrested by law enforcement. The cellphone located in Miller’s vehicle was confirmed to be the phone communicating with the undercover detective. 

    “Attempting to entice a minor into harmful activity is a serious crime, and this prosecution underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Alongside our partners at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Chiefland Police Department, we will work tirelessly to hold offenders accountable and ensure that our children are safe from those who seek to exploit them.”

    This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Chiefland Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson joins 19 states in urging Costco to end unlawful DEI policiesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson joined attorneys general from 18 other states in calling on Costco to end its unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which they assert violate state and federal anti-discrimination laws. The letter, sent to Costco’s leadership, demands the company repeal these divisive policies within 30 days, emphasizing that Costco’s practices stand in direct opposition to its stated motto, “Do the right thing.”

    “Costco’s DEI policies may have a fancy name, but at their core, they’re about discrimination, not diversity,” said Attorney General Wilson. “America was built on the idea that individuals are judged by their character and contributions, not the color of their skin. Costco should focus on merit, not woke politics.”

    The letter highlights the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which struck down race-based preferences and classifications. Justice Clarence Thomas’s opinion in that case reaffirmed that such practices contradict the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, which guarantee that all individuals are created equal and must be treated equally under the law.

    In recent months, many companies, including Amazon, Ford, McDonald’s, Meta, and Walmart, have abandoned or reevaluated their DEI policies in light of legal challenges and public pressure. Costco, however, has doubled down, with its board of directors unanimously opposing a shareholder proposal to study the financial risks associated with these policies.

    “Costco’s refusal to step away from discriminatory practices not only risks lawsuits but also jeopardizes the trust of its customers, employees, and investors,” added Attorney General Wilson. “The Supreme Court has made it crystal clear: eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it.”

    The letter also urges Costco to redirect its focus to other pressing issues, including allegations of slave labor in its supply chain, rather than clinging to policies that sow division and violate the law. The attorneys general have requested a response from Costco within 30 days, either confirming the repeal of its DEI policies or providing an explanation for their continuation.

    You can read the letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Athabasca — Athabasca RCMP seek public assistance in identifying suspects after officer was injured – Update 2

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Athabasca RCMP, with the assistance of Boyle RCMP, attended and executed a search warrant on a rural property located in Athabasca County. As a result of this investigation, one male has been arrested in relation to the events of Oct. 25, 2024.

    A 62-year-old individual, a resident of Athabasca County, has been charged with the following offences:

    • Dangerous operation causing bodily harm
    • Flight from PO
    • Fail/refuse breath screening
    • Fail to stop after accident causing bodily harm
    • Aggravated assault on Peace Officer

    The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and has been remanded as the matter is adjourned until tomorrow. The individual is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 30, 2024 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Westlock, Alta.

    Athabasca RCMP would like to thank the public for their tips and ask that no further information be submitted at this time.

    Background:

    Oct. 28, 2024

    Athabasca RCMP seek public assistance in identifying suspects after officer was injured – Update 1

    Athabasca RCMP have arrested one individual in connection to the incident that occurred on Oct. 25, 2024.

    No additional information is available at this time. An additional update is anticipated.

    Athabasca RCMP would like to thank the public for their assistance.

    Background:

    Oct. 28, 2024

    Athabasca RCMP seek public assistance in identifying suspects after officer was injured

    During the evening of Oct. 25, 2024, an Athabasca RCMP officer initiated a traffic stop on a white Ford F150 in relation to a suspicious vehicle complaint. The driver, who appeared impaired at the time of the traffic stop, refused to provide identification. There was a hunting rifle in between the driver and passenger in the front seat of the pickup truck. The officer attempted to arrest the driver when the driver fled, causing injuries to the officer.

    The suspect vehicle is described as:

    • 2009-2014 Ford F-150 super crew (4 full doors), white in color
    • Missing passenger sideview mirror
    • Possible damage to right headlight and passenger door
    • Likely XLT trim line
    • Chrome bumpers and grille (no fog lights)
    • Running boards
    • Goodyear Duratrac tires
    • Trailer hitch
    • Covered in dried mud
    • No bed attachments (headache rack, tonneu cover, etc.)

    The driver is described as:

    • 60-65-year-old male
    • Grey facial hair
    • Glasses
    • Wearing hunting camo
    • Witnessed smoking

    The passenger is described as:

    • 30-40-year-old male
    • Orange beard
    • Wearing hunting camo and a toque
    • Glasses

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — Harbour Grace RCMP investigates damage to parked vehicle at Trinity Conception Square, seeks public’s assistance

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Harbour Grace RCMP is investigating damages to a vehicle that was parked close to Columbus Drive, in front of Wal-Mart on the parking lot of the Trinity Conception Square. The damage occurred sometime between 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on January 24, 2025.

    Suspect(s) smashed the rear driver-side window of a 2016 Black Chevrolet Trax. Nothing was stolen from inside the vehicle. Given the area is heavily populated and the time of day when the crime occurred, police are looking for any possible witnesses to the incident.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone having information about this crime, including any available dash cam surveillance footage is asked to contact Harbour Grace RCMP at 709-596-5014. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Battleford — Battlefords RCMP seek public’s help locating male wanted for aggravated assault

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On January 24, 2025 at approximately 9 p.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of a serious assault at a residence on 18th Avenue in North Battleford.

    Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined an altercation occurred between two adult males. One stabbed the other, who was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious in nature.

    The suspect then fled the scene of the assault. It was determined he was on court-ordered conditions, including a curfew that was electronically monitored, and orders not to possess a knife.

    As a result of continued investigation, 25-year-old Keaton Nicotine from North Battleford is charged with:

    – one count, aggravated assault, Section 268(2), Criminal Code;

    – one count, uttering threats, Section 264.1(1)(a), Criminal Code; and

    – one count, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.

    A warrant has been issued for his arrest and Battlefords RCMP are actively working to locate him.

    Officers ask members of the public to report all sightings of Keaton Nicotine and information on his whereabouts.

    Keaton Nicotine is described as approximately 6′ tall and 180 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

    If you see him, do not approach him. Call Battlefords RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: BATON ROUGE WOMAN SENTENCED TO 13 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR COVID-19 FRAUD

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Gernesia Williams, 47, of Baton Rouge, to 13 months in federal prison following her conviction for knowing conversion of government funds. The Court further sentenced Williams to serve three years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment and ordered her to pay $110,030.47 in restitution.

    According to admissions made as part of her guilty plea, between approximately April 2020 and January 2023, Williams knowingly converted more than $100,000 in loan proceeds she obtained as part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program for her own use. As a condition to obtaining the loans, she promised to use the proceeds solely as working capital to alleviate economic injury caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Williams misspent at least $110,030.47 of the loan proceeds on herself and others, including more than $30,000 on jewelry and more than $20,000 on a destination wedding in Florida. 

    Anyone with information about allegations of pandemic fraud can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ben Wallace. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Alabama Jail Administrator Charged with Federal Civil Rights Violation, Falsifying a Report and Making False Statements to Investigators

    Source: US State of California

    A federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, returned an indictment yesterday charging former Crenshaw County Jail Administrator Christian Alexander Porter, 33, with assaulting a handcuffed and compliant inmate at Crenshaw County Jail. Porter was also charged with falsifying a report and making false statements to state and federal investigators.

    The indictment alleges that, on or about Oct. 12, 2021, Porter used unreasonable force on a pre-trial detainee while acting under color of law in violation of the 14th Amendment and falsified a use of force report to cover up his assault of the victim. The indictment also charges Porter with making false statements to state and federal investigators on Nov. 18, 2021, and June 28, 2022, respectively.

    Porter faces maximum penalties of 10 years in prison for the federal civil rights violation, 20 years in prison for falsifying the report and making false statements to state investigators, and five years in prison for making false statements to federal investigators. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Mobile Field Office is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Lia Rettammel of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Alabama Jail Administrator Charged with Federal Civil Rights Violation, Falsifying a Report and Making False Statements to Investigators

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, returned an indictment yesterday charging former Crenshaw County Jail Administrator Christian Alexander Porter, 33, with assaulting a handcuffed and compliant inmate at Crenshaw County Jail. Porter was also charged with falsifying a report and making false statements to state and federal investigators.

    The indictment alleges that, on or about Oct. 12, 2021, Porter used unreasonable force on a pre-trial detainee while acting under color of law in violation of the 14th Amendment and falsified a use of force report to cover up his assault of the victim. The indictment also charges Porter with making false statements to state and federal investigators on Nov. 18, 2021, and June 28, 2022, respectively.

    Porter faces maximum penalties of 10 years in prison for the federal civil rights violation, 20 years in prison for falsifying the report and making false statements to state investigators, and five years in prison for making false statements to federal investigators. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Mobile Field Office is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Lia Rettammel of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Heinrich, Luján Introduce Resolution Condemning Pardons of Individuals Found Guilty of Assaulting Capitol Police Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Resolution comes after Trump pardons 1,500 criminals convicted of violently assaulting police officers
    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced a new resolution condemning the pardons of individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers.
    The resolution follows the reckless action by President Trump, on the first day of his second term, to grant full, complete, and unconditional pardons to over 1,500 people charged, and in many cases already convicted and incarcerated, with committing crimes in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and to commute the sentences of 14 others, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, far-right militias. Among those pardoned by Trump were 169 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers on January 6th. During the siege of the Capitol that day, over 80 U.S. Capitol Police Officers were assaulted, as well as over 60 officers from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
    The senators’ resolution, condemning the pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers, simply states: “Resolved, That the Senate disapproves of any pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police officers.” This week, Senate Democrats will seek unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the resolution.
    “These criminals used flagpoles, fire extinguishers and bear spray to assault the police securing the Capitol on January 6. No one who assaults a police officer should be given a ‘get out of jail free card’ from the President,” said Heinrich.
    “What took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th is a stain on American history. The events of that have left a scar on many, including the law enforcement officers that defended the Capitol. President Trump’s pardons of violent criminals is a betrayal of the rule of law and our brave law enforcement officers,” said Luján. “I urge my Republican colleagues to join us in condemning this vicious attack on law enforcement and in showing the nation that political violence is unacceptable.”
    According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, approximately 1,572 defendants have been federally charged with crimes associated with the attack of the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. This includes approximately 598 charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement agents or officers or obstructing those officers during a civil disorder, including approximately 171 defendants charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer. As proven in court, the weapons used and carried on the Capitol grounds during the January 6th attack include firearms; OC spray; tasers; edged weapons, including a sword, axes, hatchets, and knives; and makeshift weapons, such as destroyed office furniture, fencing, bike racks, stolen riot shields, baseball bats, hockey sticks, flagpoles, PVC piping, and reinforced knuckle gloves.
    Among others, the individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers and were granted full, unconditional pardons by President Trump this week include:
    Rockne Gerald Earles, of Chama, N.M., who pled guilty last year to two felony assault charges on Capitol Police officers. In one attack, captured on video, Earles wrestled a police officer to the steps outside the Capitol Building. That officer was later hospitalized with a concussion and missed 45 days of work due to his injuries. Earlier this month, federal prosecutors recommended a sentence of 52 months in prison for Earles.
    Taylor James Johnatakis, of Kingston, Washington, was convicted of three felonies in November 2023, including assaulting officers. Prosecutors said that he “coordinated a violent assault on a line of police officers defending” the Capitol and that video shows he “used a metal barricade to attack officers head on and grabbed one officer to prevent him from defending himself against other attacking rioters.”
    Julian Khater, who assaulted a U.S. police office—Brian Sicknick—and later pled guilty to assaulting a police officer with a dangerous weapon.
    Robert Palmer, who attacked police with a fire extinguisher, a wooden plank, and a pole.
    Tyler Bradley Dykes of Bluffton, South Carolina, who was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing a police riot shield and twice using it against officers. He pleaded guilty to two felony counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers.
    Devlyn Thompson, who hit a police officer with a metal baton.
    Andrew Taake, of Houston, Texas, who was sentenced to a little more than six years for assaulting law enforcement officers with bear spray and a metal whip.
    Christopher Quaglin, who federal prosecutors said “viciously assaulted numerous officers” and was one of the most violent rioters, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.
    David Dempsey, who, according to prosecutors, “was one of the most violent rioters,” and received 20 years in prison. Prosecutors also said Dempsey had a “very significant history of arrests and convictions” prior to the January 6th attack.
    Daniel Rodriguez, of Fontana, California, who plunged a stun gun into the neck of Washington Police Officer Michael Fanone multiple times.
    Ryan Nichols, of Longview, Texas, who assaulted officers with pepper spray, and later on Jan. 6, at his hotel room, he called for additional violence.
    Howard Richardson, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, who struck a police officer three times with a flagpole, hard enough to break the flagpole.
    Robert Sanford, from Chester, Pennsylvania, who hit two police officers in the head with a fire extinguisher and threw a traffic cone at another officer.
    Jonathan Munafo, of Albany, New York, who punched a police officer, stole the officer’s riot shield, and struck a Capitol office window with two poles.
    The resolution is led by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    The text of the resolution is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Getting mail to your door is just one part of what the postmaster general does

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jena Martin, Professor of Law, St. Mary’s University

    Postal workers sort through mail and packages. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

    The postmaster general is responsible for getting billions of pieces of mail across the globe, managing hundreds of thousands of employees and caring for some of the country’s most vulnerable Americans.

    The agency is currently run by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who served in President Donald Trump’s first administration and during President Joe Biden’s term as well. He is one of the few key advisers to serve in both Trump administrations.

    I’m a law professor who has studied the United States Postal Service and the role of the postmaster general.

    Here’s what having the job of overseeing the Postal Service entails. Spoiler: It’s about more than getting your mail delivered.

    Sprawling duties of the postmaster

    The postmaster general overseas a vast operation.

    Over 44% of the world’s mail is processed and delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, making it the largest delivery service in the world.

    In 2023 alone, the Postal Service handled 116.2 billion pieces of mail. And while processing and delivering mail is the key component of the Postal Service’s mission, it has other responsibilities as well.

    In many ways, in fact, it’s the nondelivery parts of the organization that have the biggest impact on the U.S. economy.

    In 2023, USPS owned or leased 22,873 properties around the country. To place this in perspective, the General Services Administration – known as “America’s landlord” – owns or leases only 8,800 properties.

    The agency also paid US$2 billion in salary and benefits to its 525,469 career employees and processed more than 8.5 million passport applications.

    Finally, USPS has a mandate that supports the health of many Americans. The service’s “last mile” delivery commitment ensures that all Americans – even those living in rural communities – receive mail delivery six days a week. This is particularly important for people without easy access to medical services, as it often provides lifesaving medications to people in need.

    Those are all official duties. Unofficially, the Postal Service has long been known to assist elderly citizens and respond to emergency situations that occur on letter carriers’ routes. In early January 2025, for example, a Massachusetts mail carrier was able to save a house from burning by quickly extinguishing a fire.

    As my co-author Matt Titolo and I have written elsewhere, “Americans depend on USPS for a host of essential services including food, medicine, paying bills, shopping, and running small businesses.”

    Deep roots in US history

    That deep connection with communities has been a part of USPS since its founding. In fact, the postal system is older than the nation itself, with Benjamin Franklin serving as the first head of the organization beginning in 1775.

    When the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1789, it included Article 1, Section 8 – generally known as the postal clause – which explicitly gives Congress the power “to establish Post Offices and post Roads” and “to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper” to implement the task.

    A faded postcard sent in 1912.
    Jena Ardell via GettyImages

    Until 1971 the postmaster general was a Cabinet-level position and fifth in the presidential line of succession – coming right after the attorney general and right before the secretary of the Interior. The postmaster general was removed from the Cabinet, and the line of succession, in 1971 when Congress reorganized the Post Office and gave it its new name of the U.S. Postal Service.

    Since that reorganization, the president no longer has the power to appoint – or fire – the postmaster general. That power lies with the Board of Governors of the Postal Service, whose members are appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate.

    The future of the Postal Service

    Over the years, postmaster generals have discussed moving USPS away from its roots as a service-oriented organization and toward a typical business operation. Presidential candidates, including Trump, have called for either full or partial privatization of the agency.

    Indeed, USPS faces continuous deficit problems. But privatization and a resulting focus on profits would likely increase the cost of mailing a letter, a change that would disproportionately affect low-income individuals and small businesses – and could even result in service cuts to rural areas, making life for Americans living there harder and less healthy.

    As Forbes reports, critics and proponents of the move to privatize acknowledge it could result in “fewer days of mail services, longer mail delivery timelines or less access to USPS services.”

    This story is part of a series of profiles of Cabinet and high-level administration positions.

    Prof. Martin’s husband has been employed with the Postal Service for the last twenty-nine years.

    – ref. Getting mail to your door is just one part of what the postmaster general does – https://theconversation.com/getting-mail-to-your-door-is-just-one-part-of-what-the-postmaster-general-does-246861

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Bill to Codify President Trump’s Executive Border Action into Law

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Rep. Simpson Cosponsors Bill to Codify President Trump’s Executive Border Action into Law

    Washington, January 28, 2025

    WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored H.R. 273, the REMAIN in Mexico Act, a bill that codifies one of President Trump’s successful immigration policies. This legislation is led by Congressman Brandon Gill (R-TX) and has bipartisan support from over 100 members of Congress.
    “Under President Trump’s first administration, the American people understood the meaning of a secure border, largely due to President Trump’s successful Remain in Mexico border policy. The Biden administration’s reckless decision to repeal this policy fueled a surge of illegal immigration pouring into our communities over the last four years. Congress must codify this proven Trump policy into federal law to keep Americans safe. I am proud to cosponsor this commonsense bill to help secure our southern border and strengthen our national security,” said Rep. Simpson.
    President Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy is officially known as the migrant protection protocols, first implemented by the Trump administration in January 2019. The protocols allow the U.S. government to return foreign individuals who entered the U.S. via the southern border to Mexico to await immigration proceedings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hinton — Alberta RCMP Traffic – Roving Traffic Unit makes significant drug seizure

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Oct. 23, 2024, at approximately 9:30 p.m., an officer with the Alberta RCMP Traffic – Roving Traffic Unit, conducted a traffic stop with a pickup truck on Highway 16 near Hinton, Alberta. During the course of the traffic stop, the investigator made several observations that led him to be suspicious that the lone male occupant was in possession of illegal drugs. The driver was detained for a drug investigation, and a Police Service Dog was deployed around the exterior of the vehicle. The canine provided a positive indication around the vehicle for the odour of a controlled substance, leading to the driver’s arrest, and subsequent search of his vehicle.

    A total of 68 kilograms of cocaine, and a loaded handgun were seized from the vehicle.

    A 36-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, has been charged with the following:

    • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking

    • Unsafe storage of a firearm

    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

    • Possess a firearm when knowing it possession is unauthorized

    • Possess a prohibited weapon

    • Possess a firearm in a motor vehicle

    • Possess a restricted weapon without registration/licence

    After a judicial interim release hearing, a subsequent court appearance, the individual has been remanded into custody until Nov. 21, 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wabamun — Alberta RCMP Community Response Team recover stolen vehicles in Wabamun

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Nov. 22, 2024, police were notified of a GMC Sierra that was stolen near Entwistle, Alta. and was being GPS tracked by its owner. Officers from the Alberta RCMP Community Response Team, Parkland and Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Units were able to locate the vehicle. When a safe opportunity presented itself, officer moved in and arrested all three occupants two of which attempted to flee on foot. Continued investigation led officers to a stolen Subaru Outback at a nearby residence associated to the three individuals.

    A 34-year-old individual, a resident of Spruce Grove, Alta., was charged with the following:

    • Possession of property obtained by Crime (x2);
    • Failure to comply with release order (x5);
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
    • Operate motor vehicle while prohibited.

    A 40-year-old individual, a resident of Spruce Grove was charged with the following:

    • Possession of property obtained by crime;
    • Failure to comply with release order;
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

    An 18-year-old individual, a resident of Spruce Grove, was charged with the following:

    • Possession of property obtained by Crime;
    • Failure to comply with release order;
    • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

    All three individuals also had outstanding warrants on property related offenses in the Parkland County and Camrose areas at the time of the arrest.

    All individuals were taken before a justice of the peace. The 34-year-old and 18-year-old individuals were remanded into custody and the 40-year-old individual was released on bail with their next court date set for Nov. 27, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Stony Plain, Alta.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Airdrie — Airdrie RCMP search warrant leads to drug seizure

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Nov. 28, 2024, the Airdrie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit paired up with the RCMP Special Investigation Sections, RCMP Emergency Response Team and Calgary Police Tactical Team, and executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant. The search warrant was for two residences located in the Temple and Huntington Hills neighbourhoods of Calgary.

    As a result of the investigation, police seized the following:

    • Canadian currency as proceeds of crime
    • Unstamped tobacco cigarettes
    • Suspected controlled substances including:
      • fentanyl, fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, powder and crack cocaine

    In addition, police located an illegal cannabis grow operation where 265 cannabis plants in various stages of growth were seized.

    A 52-year-old individual, a resident of Calgary, has been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
    • Cultivate more than four cannabis plants
    • Selling tobacco products
    • Fraud under $5000 (defrauding the Government of Alberta for tobacco tax)
    • Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000
    • Theft of electricity

    The individual was taken before a justice of the peace and was released on a release order with conditions. The individual is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Calgary Courts Centre in Calgary, Alberta.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. Announces Systemic Trust’s Registration as a Digital Asset Trust Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (TSX-V: DMGI) (OTCQB US: DMGGF) (FRANKFURT: 6AX) (“DMG”), a leading independent data center technology and blockchain solutions provider, has received registration for its wholly owned subsidiary, Alberta-based, Systemic Trust Company (“Systemic Trust” or “STC”), to operate as a special purpose trust company under the Loan and Trust Corporations Act (Alberta) with Alberta’s Treasury Board and Finance (“ATBF”).

    Lawrence Truong, CEO of Systemic Trust, remarked, “We are grateful to our parent company, DMG, for its unwavering support throughout this process and for providing the capital needed to operate as a Qualified Custodian. We extend our thanks to our regulators for their efforts and guidance, which made the licensing process so efficient. Receiving our certificate of registration marks a significant milestone that will enable us to increase the adoption of blockchain technology and build trust in the Canadian cryptocurrency ecosystem by offering a highly secure, independent custody solution. Alberta’s pragmatic, open-for-business attitude attracts talent, innovation and fintech companies like Systemic Trust to establish its headquarters in the province. We are proud to be part of Alberta’s vibrant and growing technology sector. With crypto-friendly regulatory changes underway beyond our borders, our team is preparing for what we believe will be greater adoption of our services in Canada.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, remarked, “The registration of Systemic Trust Company marks another exciting milestone for Alberta’s growing financial services sector, giving investors more options to secure cryptocurrency. Alberta continues to lead the way in driving innovation and creating the ideal environment for forward-thinking companies to thrive. With the support of our financial services concierge, innovative businesses can efficiently navigate regulations and establish themselves in the province. By fostering growth in this dynamic sector, we are attracting investments, creating new opportunities for Albertans and building a stronger, more innovative economy.”

    Sheldon Bennett, DMG’s CEO, added, “This milestone is an important achievement towards realizing the full potential of DMG’s Core+ software and services strategy. We are proud of the team at Systemic Trust for successfully navigating the complexities of delivering the licensing for this prudentially regulated business and grateful for our shareholders’ support. Systemic Trust is proud to be the only Canadian Qualified Custodian to leverage Fireblocks’ industry-leading wallet infrastructure. Recognized globally as the foremost institutional-grade wallet platform, Fireblocks has managed over 250 million wallets and secured the transfer of more than $6 trillion in digital assets. This collaboration positions Systemic Trust as the trusted choice for Canadian institutions seeking a secure, compliant and scalable digital asset custody solution.”

    About Alberta’s Treasury Board and Finance

    Alberta’s Treasury Board and Finance (“ATBF”) is a key ministry within the Government of Alberta, Canada, responsible for overseeing the province’s financial and economic affairs. In addition to its roles in budget planning, financial management and economic analysis, ATBF regulates various financial sectors, including loan and trust corporations operating within Alberta. ATBF’s regulatory framework for loan and trust corporations is established under the Loan and Trust Corporations Act. This legislation sets out the requirements for registration, operation and supervision of these entities to ensure their soundness and the protection of consumers. ATBF’s regulatory activities authorize the registration of special purpose trusts under the Loan and Trust Corporations Act, enabling them to serve as a Qualified Custodian for digital assets. Through such regulatory oversight, ATBF aims to maintain the integrity and stability of Alberta’s financial system, fostering a secure environment for both financial institutions and consumers.

    About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.

    DMG is a publicly traded and vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that manages, operates and develops end-to-end digital solutions to monetize the digital asset and artificial intelligence compute ecosystems. Systemic Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DMG, is an integral component of DMG’s carbon neutral Bitcoin ecosystem, which enables financial institutions to move bitcoin in a sustainable and regulatory compliant manner.

    For additional information about DMG Blockchain Solutions and its initiatives, please visit www.dmgblockchain.com. Follow @dmgblockchain on X, LinkedIn and Facebook, and subscribe to the DMG YouTube channel to stay updated with the latest developments and insights.

    For further information, please contact:

    On behalf of the Board of Directors,

    Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director
    Tel: +1 (778) 300-5406
    Email: investors@dmgblockchain.com
    Web: www.dmgblockchain.com

    For Investor Relations:
    investors@dmgblockchain.com

    For Media Inquiries:
    Chantelle Borrelli
    Head of Communications
    chantelle@dmgblockchain.com

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains forward-looking information or statements based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding DMG’s strategies and plans, the development of Systemic Trust and the expected outcomes and benefits, delivering products that enable the monetization of bitcoin transactions, developing and executing on the Company’s products and services, increasing self-mining, the launch of products and services, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Company’s technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information.

    Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty rate or Bitcoin hash rate may materially affect the future performance of DMG’s production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hash rate mining difficulty.

    Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “may”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, market and other conditions, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; access to equipment; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; the demand and pricing of bitcoins; security threats, including a loss/theft of DMG’s bitcoins; DMG’s relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the inability to add more power to DMG’s facilities; DMG’s ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers’ needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. DMG may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to secure sufficient capital to complete its business plans, the ability to achieve goals and the price of bitcoin. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The securities of DMG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of DMG’s business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, DMG’s past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, equipment failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, failure to obtain any permits required to operate the business, the impact of technology changes on the industry, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, secure equipment, and hire personnel, competition, security threats including stolen bitcoins from DMG or its customers, consumer sentiment towards DMG’s products, services and blockchain technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, adverse weather or climate events, increase in operating costs, increase in equipment and labor costs, equipment failures, decrease in the price of bitcoin, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of or statements made by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

    The MIL Network –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: The global wildlife trade is an enormous market – the US imports billions of animals from nearly 30,000 species

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Michael Tlusty, Professor of Sustainability and Food Solutions, UMass Boston

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife agents inspect a shipment of reptiles at the Port of Miami. U.S. GAO

    When people think of wildlife trade, they often picture smugglers sneaking in rare and endangered species from far-off countries. Yet most wildlife trade is actually legal, and the United States is one of the world’s biggest wildlife importers.

    New research that we and a team of colleagues published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that, over the last 22 years, people in the U.S. legally imported nearly 2.85 billion individual animals representing almost 30,000 species.

    Some of these wild animals become pets, such as reptiles, spiders, clownfish, chimpanzees and even tigers. Thousands end up in zoos and aquariums, where many species on display come directly from the wild.

    Medical research uses macaque monkeys and imports up to 39,000 of them every year. The fashion trade imports around 1 million to 2 million crocodile skins every year. Hunting trophies are also included in wildlife.

    How many species are legally traded worldwide?
    Benjamin Marshall, et al., 2024, PNAS, CC BY-SA

    The largest number of imported species are birds – 4,985 different species are imported each year, led by Muscovy ducks, with over 6 million imported. Reptiles are next, with 3,048 species, led by iguanas and royal pythons. These largely become pets.

    Not all wildlife are wild

    We found that just over half of the animals imported into the U.S. come from the wild.

    Capturing wildlife to sell to exporters can be an important income source for rural communities around the world, especially in Africa. However, wild imported species can also spread diseases or parasites or become invasive. In fact, these risks are so worrying that many imported animals are classed as “injurious wildlife” due to their potential role in transmitting diseases to native species.

    Captive breeding has played an increasingly dominant role in recent years as a way to limit the impact on wild populations and to try to reduce disease spread.

    However over half the individual animals from most groups of species, such as amphibians or mammals, still come from the wild, and there is no data on the impact of the wildlife trade on most wild populations.

    Trade may pose a particular risk when species are already rare or have small ranges. Where studies have been done, the wild populations of traded species decreased by an average of 62% across the periods monitored.

    Sustainable wildlife trade is possible, but it relies on careful monitoring to balance wild harvest and captive breeding.

    Data is thin in many ways

    For most species in the wildlife trade, there is still a lot that remains unknown, including even the number of species traded.

    With so many species and shipments, wildlife inspectors are overwhelmed. Trade data may not include the full species name for groups like butterflies or fish. The values in many customs databases are reported by companies but never verified.

    Macaques, used in medical research, are the most-traded primates globally, according to an analysis of U.S. Fish and Wildlife data.
    Davidvraju, CC BY-SA

    In our study, we relied on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Law Enforcement Management Information System, a wildlife import-export data collection system. However, few countries collate and release data in such a standardized way; meaning that for the majority of species legally traded around the world there is no available data.

    For example, millions of Tokay geckos are imported as pets and for medicine, and are often reported to be bred in captivity. However, investigators cannot confirm that they weren’t actually caught in the wild.

    Why tracking the wildlife trade is important

    Biodiversity has a great number of economic and ecological benefits. There are also risks to importing wildlife. Understanding the many species and number of animals entering the country, and whether they were once wild or farmed, is important, because imported wildlife can cause health and ecological problems.

    Wildlife can spread diseases to humans and to other animals. Wild-caught monkeys imported for medical research may carry diseases, including ones of particular risk to humans. Those with diseases are more likely to be wild than captive-bred.

    The most-traded mammals worldwide are minks, which are valued for their fur but can spread viruses to humans and other species. About 48 million minks are legally traded annually, about 2.8% wild-caught and the majority raised, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife data.
    Colin Canterbury/USFWS

    Species that aren’t native to the U.S. may also escape or be released into the wild. Invasive species can cause billions of dollars in damage by consuming and outcompeting native wildlife and spreading diseases.

    We believe better data on the wildlife trade could be used to set management goals, such as harvest quotas or no-take policies for those species in their country of origin.

    What’s next

    The researchers involved in this study come from institutes around the world and are all interested in improving data systems for wildlife trade.

    Some of us focus on how e-commerce platforms such as Etsy and Instagram have become hotspots of wildlife trade and can be challenging to monitor without automation. Esty announced in 2024 that it would remove listings of endangered or threatened species. Others build tools to help wildlife inspectors process the large number of shipments in real time. Many of us examine the problems imported species cause when they become invasive.

    In the age of machine learning, artificial intelligence and big data, it’s possible to better understand the wildlife trade. Consumers can help by buying less, and making informed decisions.

    Michael Tlusty is a founding member of the Wildlife Detection Partnership and co-developed the Nature Intelligence System, which assists governments in collecting more accurate wildlife data..

    Andrew Rhyne is currently on sabbatical funded by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), focused on the wildlife trade data. He is a founding member of the Wildlife Detection Partnership and co-developed the Nature Intelligence System, which assists governments in collecting more accurate wildlife data.

    Alice Catherine Hughes does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The global wildlife trade is an enormous market – the US imports billions of animals from nearly 30,000 species – https://theconversation.com/the-global-wildlife-trade-is-an-enormous-market-the-us-imports-billions-of-animals-from-nearly-30-000-species-247197

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Deputy Sheriff And DEA Task Force Officer Sentenced To More Than 17 Years In Federal Prison For Conspiring To Distribute Narcotics, Defrauding The United States, And Tax Evasion

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced James Darrell Hickox (38, Callahan) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for multiple federal offenses including conspiring to distribute narcotics, conspiring to defraud the United States, and tax evasion. The court also ordered Hickox to forfeit or abandon the money, firearms, and ammunition involved in these offenses. Hickox pleaded guilty on May 15, 2024.

    According to court documents, while employed as a deputy with the Nassau County Sheriff’s and designated Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hickox and a co-conspirator engaged in extensive corrupt activity from 2017 – 2023. These acts included the theft of money and illegal drugs that were seized as evidence during criminal investigations; providing illegal drugs (including fentanyl and cocaine) to others to distribute on his behalf; and hiding from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) more than $420,000 in cash he had received because of his criminal activities. Hickox and his co-conspirator stole more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana from evidence and provided the drugs to others to sell on their behalf. They had covered up the theft by submitting falsified paperwork showing that the marijuana had been destroyed. Similarly, they stole a kilogram of cocaine from evidence and then gave it to a drug dealer to sell for them.

    When Hickox’s residence was searched pursuant to a federal search warrant on March 10, 2023, agents found approximately 263 grams of a powder containing fentanyl, as well as cocaine. Hickox intended to distribute these substances. Agents also found a rifle that Hickox had illegally modified to function as a machinegun, as well as four additional firearms that had been seized during law enforcement investigations and should have been in evidence or lawfully destroyed. Hickox had drilled out and obliterated the serial number of one of these firearms. The agents also located more than $195,000 in cash proceeds from Hickox’s illicit activities. A search of Hickox’s workspace at the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office revealed another 260 pills containing methamphetamine.

    “Law enforcement officers who operate as though they are above the law betray the badge and the citizens they swore to protect,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Kristin Rehler. “This case exemplifies the FBI’s commitment to holding public servants accountable if they violate the very laws they promised to uphold.”

    “He betrayed the oath he took to become a police officer and lost his career. He also let down his co-workers and our community,” said Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. “Its law enforcement officers who do stupid things like this that erodes the confidence and trust in our profession by our citizens. His poor judgement and criminal behavior should not reflect negatively on all the good men and women at NCSO who go out every day and do it the right way to keep our citizens safe.”

    “As a sworn law enforcement officer, Hickox took an oath to uphold the law,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “Instead, he turned his back on that oath and profited from the very crimes he was tasked with investigating.  We commend our fellow law enforcement partners for their great work coming together to put a stop to this illegal betrayal of public trust. We will continue to investigate allegations of public corruption and follow the money to prosecute any individuals that abuse their position of trust for personal gain.”

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton. The United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, and United States Customs and Border Protection wish to thank the Florida Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation during this investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Exterro Schedules First-of-Its-Kind INFORM Webinar Series to Unite Global Forensic Experts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Exterro Inc. is launching INFORM, a global webinar series designed as a premier resource for digital forensics practitioners. This virtual event will feature independent industry luminaries and experts sharing actionable insights and fostering a community of excellence.

    “INFORM is an opportunity for digital forensics experts and practitioners across the globe to connect, learn, and grow,” says Harsh Behl, VP of Product for Digital Forensics at Exterro. “Participants will join an exclusive global community, gaining new ideas, sharing insights, and forging connections with peers and experts.”

    Actionable Insights and Strategies for Attendees

    Attendees will gain exclusive insights and strategies through deep dives with leaders who understand their biggest challenges. Each session provides real-world solutions and skills applicable immediately. From notable Organizations to leading industry voices, these trailblazers and innovators will showcase the latest in forensic investigation techniques and offer predictions that will shape the year ahead.

    “The series will explore challenges and best practices of conducting investigations that investigators face in their jurisdictions, strategies for navigating diverse laws, legal frameworks, and fostering cooperation,” says Justin Tolman, the forensic evangelist and subject matter expert at Exterro. “Attendees will receive valuable insights from experts on overcoming challenges like cross-border hurdles to ensure compliance while driving effective investigative outcomes. By spanning regional perspectives, we’re offering attendees a holistic view of digital forensics that reflects the complex, global nature of today’s investigations.”

    At this full-day event will, the experts will delve deeper into:

    • Strategies for tackling complex investigations, leveraging innovative tools and strategic collaboration to solve high-value crimes, and insights into dismantling intricate, cross-border criminal networks.
    • Approaches to help forensic teams focus on critical evidence, minimize review time, reduce costs, and implement best practices for refining forensic workflows to deliver results faster in complex investigations.
    • Advanced digital forensics techniques to identify, analyze, and mitigate insider threats and data exfiltration, including methods to uncover subtle indicators of compromise, trace unauthorized data movement, and implement robust prevention strategies.
    • Addressing unique cloud challenges, including multi-tenant architectures, data sovereignty, and dynamic environments, while ensuring compliance and minimizing downtime.
    • How police forces are reshaping their digital forensic processes through innovative cloud-based solutions, modernizing and streamlining investigations, and enhancing collaboration, scalability, and case resolution efficiency.
    • Challenges and considerations that digital forensic practitioners must address.
    • Various AI methods, such as image forensics, facial detection and recognition, and deep metadata analysis used for deepfake detection, the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of deepfake technology, and the importance of a multi-modal framework in safeguarding digital media integrity.
    • The interplay between eDiscovery and forensics in internal investigations, providing insights and tips for success and efficiency, including guidance on the admissibility of evidence and strategies for enhancing personal value.

    INFORM will feature some of the brightest minds in digital forensics, including:

    • Farand C. Wasiak: Senior Special Agent at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), with extensive experience in cybercrime and child protection investigations.
    • Prof. Triveni Singh: Cybercrime expert and Superintendent of Police (SP) for Cyber Crime in Uttar Pradesh, India, presenting a comprehensive guide to incident response in cloud environments.
    • Rob Fried: SVP and Global Head of Forensics at Sandline Global, renowned for leadership in data collection, expert testimony, and investigative training.
    • David Williams: Director of Global Public Safety & Justice at Microsoft, exploring the critical fight against deepfake technologies and the need for multi-modal detection methods.
    • John Price KPM: Detective Sergeant with West Midlands Police, offering insights into revolutionizing case management with cloud-based forensics and digital scene triage.

    Why INFORM Matters Now

    The surge in cybercrime, increasing complexity of legal compliance, and rapid growth of data sources have reshaped the digital forensics landscape. As investigations grow more intricate, the need for global collaboration and knowledge-sharing has become paramount. INFORM seeks to break down silos and create a platform where forensic professionals, regardless of geography, can access the expertise they need to stay ahead of emerging threats.

    True to Exterro’s mission of accessibility and community-building, INFORM is a free-to-attend event. Participants can tailor their experience by selecting sessions that align with their interests or commit to the full day to experience the complete global narrative of digital forensics innovation.

    To register and view the full schedule of speakers and sessions, visit here.

    About Exterro:

    Exterro empowers organizations and law enforcement agencies to achieve better legal, regulatory, and investigatory outcomes, while saving money and minimizing the impact of data risk. Its data risk management software is the only comprehensive platform that leverages data discovery, automation, and workflow optimization, and one of the first to utilize responsible AI to give users insight into and control over the complex interconnections of privacy, legal operations, digital investigations, cybersecurity response, compliance, and data governance. Thousands of corporations, law firms, managed services providers, and government and law enforcement agencies trust Exterro to manage their risks and drive successful outcomes at a lower cost. For more information, visit www.exterro.com.

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Anamika D. Kumar
    Email – anamika.dhirendrakumar@exterro.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: People stick to their posts on China’s Lunar New Year’s eve

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    People stick to their posts on China’s Lunar New Year’s eve

    Updated: January 28, 2025 21:40 Xinhua
    Workers sort express deliveries at a branch of China Post in Luancheng District of Shijiazhuang City, north China’s Hebei Province, Jan. 28, 2025. Tuesday marks China’s Lunar New Year’s eve, with many people from all walks of life still sticking to their posts. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Cleaners sweep a street in Xinhua District of Shijiazhuang City, north China’s Hebei Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Policemen have meal during a break at Furong police station of Hefei public security bureau in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Rangers patrol on Qilian Mountain in Qilian Mountain national park in Menyuan County, northwest China’s Qinghai Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An attendant works on a train at Harbin Railway Station in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members of the Sus Environment Co., Ltd. check the operation of equipment at a factory in Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member works on a train platform at the Yangzhou Railway Station in Yangzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A worker is seen at a steel studio of Masteel (Group) Holding Co., Ltd. in Ma’anshan City, east China’s Anhui Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Workers clean a train at a high-speed train maintenance base in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Workers of Hai’an branch of State Grid measure the temperature of equipment at a transformer substation in Hai’an City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member of an electronic technology company patrols to check the operation of equipment at a production line in Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Rangers patrol on Qilian Mountain in Qilian Mountain national park in Menyuan County, northwest China’s Qinghai Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A worker of an electronic technology company checks data at a laboratory in Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A ranger pastes the Chinese character “Fu” meaning good luck on the window of her office at the Laohugou station of Qilian Mountain national park in Menyuan County, northwest China’s Qinghai Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Law Library’s Newly Published Legal Report Titled, “Access to Information for Persons with Disabilities in Selected Jurisdictions”

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    The Law Library of Congress recently published a multinational report, Access to Information for Persons with Disabilities in Selected Jurisdictions, which provides individual surveys of selected jurisdictions and gives an overview of their legislation on access to information for persons with disabilities. Providing access constitutes one of the human rights protections specifically guaranteed under article 21 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

    Our research surveyed 27 jurisdictions, namely, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Congo (Democratic Republic), Denmark, Egypt, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

    This report surveys how the rights of persons with disabilities are protected, notably, if a jurisdiction’s constitution expressly protects persons with disabilities. It further describes the rights to information, in particular legal information, access to justice, and culture, and includes current legislative proposals as they concern persons with disabilities. The report also surveys which jurisdictions offer publicly funded libraries that specifically serve the blind and visually impaired.

    A majority of the jurisdictions surveyed are parties to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled and the jurisdictions have adopted legislation and procedures to make convenience copies of copyrighted material available to persons with disabilities. Several jurisdictions are also part of networks facilitating such access, such as the Accessible Books Consortium, or provide access to Bookshare.

    The report is accompanied by maps and a table of primary resources. The maps reflect our findings on surveyed jurisdictions with the first map describing whether jurisdictions expressly protect persons with disabilities in their constitutions. The second map illustrates whether the jurisdiction has specific legislation that addresses access to information for persons with disabilities. Additional maps show which countries have ratified the Marrakesh Treaty and what countries have designated “NLS-style” libraries, specifically mandated to provide access and services to persons with disabilities.

    The report supported the Law Library’s Human Rights Day Webinar on Laws Governing Accessibility from Around the World.

    We invite you to review our report, here.

    The report is an addition to the Law Library’s Legal Reports (Publications of the Law Library of Congress) collection, which includes over 4,000 historical and contemporary legal reports covering a variety of jurisdictions, researched and written by foreign law specialists with expertise in each area. To receive alerts when new reports are published, you can subscribe to email updates for Law Library Reports (click the “subscribe” button on the Law Library’s website). The Law Library also regularly publishes articles related to human rights and civil liberties in the Global Legal Monitor.

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged following fatal collision in Northolt

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been charged and will appear in court following a fatal collision in Northolt.

    Kamil Rouibah – 25 (14.02.99) of Squirrel Rise, Marlow Bottom will appear in custody at Uxbridge Magistrate Court on 28 January charged with causing death by dangerous driving; causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

    A second man, aged 25, who was arrested following the collision has been released with no further action.

    This follows an incident at around 04:40hrs on Monday, 27 January when a BMW car came to the notice of a patrolling police car due to the alleged speed at which it was traveling.

    A short time later the BMW was involved in a collision with another vehicle, a Ford Focus, being driven by a member of the public in Ruislip Road.

    London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade were called and attended.

    Sadly the driver of the Ford Focus, a man aged 47, died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

    Two occupants of the BMW were taken to hospital for treatment before being discharged. They were arrested and dealt with as above.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AuraSwiss: BaFin also warns consumers about the website auraswiss.co

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) again warns consumers about the company AuraSwiss and the services it is offering. BaFin has already issued a warning, on 3 January 2025, about AuraSwiss and its website auraswiss.net, which has since been deactivated. The unknown operators are now using the nearly identical website auraswiss.co. BaFin suspects the operators of the websites of offering consumers financial, investment and cryptoasset services without the required authorisation.

    The content of the websites is identical to other platforms that BaFin has previously warned consumers about and that display the same opening sentence: “Invest in Success Prosper with Confidence!”

    Anyone conducting banking business or providing financial, investment or cryptoasset services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    BaFin is issuing this information on the basis of section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG) and section 10 (7) of the German Cryptomarkets Supervision Act (Kryptomaerkteaufsichtsgesetz).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to new AI Chatbot DeepSeek

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    January 28, 2025

    Scientists comment on DeepSeek, a new AI Chatbot. 

    Prof Neil Lawrence, DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge, said:

    “I think the progress is unsurprising, and I think it’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the type of innovation we can expect in these models. History shows that big firms struggle to innovate as they scale, and what we’ve seen from many of these big firms is a substitution of compute investment for the intellectual hard work. I’ve been suggesting that this has made the conditions ideal for a “Dreadnaught moment” where current technology is rapidly rendered redundant by new thinking. I don’t think DeepSeek is it, because the innovations deployed are relatively incremental, but it shows that we’re still in the age of the Newcomen engine, there’s plenty of space for budding James Watts to emerge, and that they are less likely to come from established players.”

    Comment provided by the SMC pilot for Ireland:

    Dr Deepak Padmanabhan, Senior Lecturer, School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast, said:

    “DeepSeek is causing massive disruption in financial markets. Mainstream narratives contrast the technology with ChatGPT and illustrate the differences in technological aspects. The far more long-reaching effect it would have would not be technological, it would be political, for it could disrupt the paradigms entrenched in the tech industry in substantive ways. There could be several aspects:

    “Open-Source Software: DeepSeek’s code to train AI models is open source. This means that anybody can download the code and use it to develop their own AI. This is a significant step towards democratisation of AI. The open-source availability of code for an AI that competes well with contemporary commercial models is a significant change. Yet, if one is to download and run the code to develop their own AI, they would still need to have access to large datasets and tremendous computational power – but this is nevertheless a massive step forward.

    “Computational Power: AI has been noted to pose massive computational requirements over the past decade leading to corporate dominance in AI research [ https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade2420 ]. With massive compute requirements yielding well to monopolisation of the space, big tech, and the government funding landscape (that are in turn influenced by big tech) have shown limited interests in prioritising AI research towards reducing computational requirements. DeepSeek’s models have been noted to require far lesser computational requirements than today’s commercial models. This could potentially ignite new interest in reducing computational requirements for future AI, with positive effects towards environment.

    “No plans for Commercialisation: It has been highlighted that DeepSeek has no plans for commercialisation [ https://www.chinatalk.media/p/deepseek-ceo-interview-with-chinas ]. This makes it a very interesting development in that this marks a moment when a player with qualitatively different ideas enters a commercially-dominated space. This is a change against the prevailing trends – OpenAI was noted as moving to a full commercial model (from a partly non-profit model) in recent times. It may be interesting how commercial players respond to this challenge.

    “In other words, the entry of DeepSeek could potentially hasten a paradigm shift in AI and pose a real challenge to commercial dominance in the sector. It may be a little too far to see this as a pathway towards taking AI into public hands, but that’s the direction of travel that DeepSeek brings to the table.

    “Cheaper AI, Pervasive AI: One of the potential first effects would be cheaper consumer AI, and a fall in the profit margins within the tech sector. But it could also accelerate disruption by making AI pervasive, bringing more sectors and more jobs under threat.

    “Cautious Optimism: It may be tempting to hope that open-source AI would lead to effects similar to what was seen in the 1990s when the dominance of Microsoft’s windows was challenged very well by open-source Linux. Yet, AI is not just software and computational resources – there is data too. So, there are further hurdles to overcome. We could view this development with optimism, but we must be cautious. For example, the ethos of the open-source movement was diluted with corporate players substantively entering the system leading to what has been called a ‘Corporate dominance in Open Source Ecosystems’ [ https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3540250.3549117 ]. To develop, sustain and strengthen open-source ethos within AI would require many more developments in the same direction as DeepSeek.”

    Declared interests

    Prof Neil Lawrence: No conflicts.

    Dr Padmanabhan: None

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Government proposes measures to ensure that more people with removal orders leave the country

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Government proposes measures to ensure that more people with removal orders leave the country – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry of Justice

    Published 28 January 2025

    The Government has adopted a bill that aims to ensure that more people who have been issued with removal orders return to their country of origin.

    The Government wants to streamline returns and reduce incentives for aliens issued with removal orders to remain in Sweden. The bill therefore includes the following proposals:

    • that a removal order should apply for five years from the date an alien leaves the country, or longer if a re-entry ban is in force;
    • the option of issuing longer re-entry bans than is currently possible if an alien has not left the country when the deadline for voluntary departure has expired.

    In the bill, the Government also proposes that the possibility of applying for a residence permit for work from within the country following a failed asylum application – sometimes referred to as ‘changing track’ – be eliminated.

    “Today, around one in four asylum seekers have already had their cases examined. Ensuring that people who receive expulsion orders also leave the country is fundamental to maintaining confidence in our migration system. These proposals reduce incentives to stay in Sweden once an expulsion order has been issued,” says Minister for Migration Johan Forssell.

    “Sweden has had lax rules on returns for decades and this is an important step towards changing that. ‘Changing track’, which has undermined regulated immigration, will be abolished. The regulation whereby expulsion orders become statute-barred after just four years will be removed and replaced with a regulation that will force more people to return home,” says Ludvig Aspling, migration policy spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats.

    It is proposed that the legislative amendments enter into force on 1 April 2025.

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 29, 2025
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