NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Post-turmoil bank failure management: the European challenges

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    1. Introduction

    Let me first thank the organisers for their kind invitation to participate in this event on financial crisis management.  

    Today I plan to share with you some reflections on bank crisis management inspired by recent experience on bank failures in different jurisdictions.

    As you all know, one of the most significant policy reforms that emerged from the Great Financial Crisis (GFC) was the creation of a new bank resolution framework. Under the slogan “avoid the perception of too-big-to-fail banks”, the Financial Stability Board established new standards aimed at reducing the impact of systemic bank failures.

    The FSB’s Key Attributes of Effective Resolution Regimes for Financial Institutions contain the main elements of the new framework. The Key Attributes aim to facilitate orderly resolution of systemic entities without exposing public funds to losses. A key component of the new resolution regime is the bail-in tool that would allow resolution authorities to write down liabilities or to convert them into equity in order to absorb losses and, in some cases, recapitalise a firm in resolution.

    During the 2023 bank turmoil, crisis management frameworks in both the United States and Switzerland were directly tested. In the US, the failure of two regional banks, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, required the use of a systemic exception as authorities felt that the preservation of financial stability justified waiving the restrictions on the support that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is allowed to provide, in order to protect all the deposits of those banks. Moreover, a special liquidity facility was established by the Federal Reserve to ease potential system-wide funding pressures.

    In Switzerland, the crisis of Credit Suisse, a global systemically important bank (G-SIB), was not managed under the new resolution framework but rather through a series of ad hoc measures taken to facilitate the absorption of Credit Suisse by UBS without the formal declaration of Credit Suisse as a failing institution. Moreover, although the measures adopted outside resolution included a substantial bail-in of some creditors, they also entailed the provision of public guarantees to support the liquidity and solvency of the resulting institution.

    Arguably, the actions taken by authorities met the primary objective of preserving financial stability. At the same time, those actions did not follow the usual procedures and, contrary to the objectives of the post-crisis reforms, required different forms of external support.

    While not directly affected by last year’s turmoil, the application of the new resolution framework in the European Union had previously shown relevant flows. In particular, the crisis of two significant Venetian banks in 2017 had to be resolved with a large amount of government intervention. That triggered a still ongoing discussion on how to improve the current crisis management framework. In particular, there is now relatively broad consensus that, at present, there is no effective mechanism to deal with crises of mid-sized banks without public support.

    My remarks will discuss some of the issues that the recent turmoil and other recent bank failure episodes in Europe have raised in relation to the current policy framework for bank crisis management.1

    2. Some issues stemming from the recent turmoil

    Resolution planning

    The speed with which apparently solvent banks became failing banks, particularly in the US, points to the need to strengthen resolution planning (FDIC (2023a)). This should first be achieved by enlarging the scope of application of meaningful resolution planning obligations to all banks that can be systemic in failure – something that is not yet the case in some jurisdictions, notably the US.

    In addition, resolution plans for international banks should address practical issues relating to the operationalisation of resolution actions – particularly bail-in – in a cross-border context. Given that debt securities earmarked to be bailed-in in resolution are typically issued in international financial centres, it is important that resolution decisions – such as a conversion of debt securities into equity – be effective in all relevant jurisdictions.

    Moreover, resolution plans should contemplate different options and not focus on just a single resolution strategy (FSB (2023a,b)). As the case of Credit Suisse shows, the preparatory work conducted around the development of the entity’s resolution plan proved very useful for managing the failure of the bank, even if the plan was not ultimately implemented. Yet the process would have been smoothed if, in addition to contemplating a massive bail-in, the plan had included provisions for a possible full or partial sale of business (SoB).

    Loss absorbency

    One of the main ingredients of the new resolution framework – and of the new resolution planning and resolvability requirements – that emerged from the crisis is the availability of sufficient resources within systemic banks’ balance sheets to absorb losses and, if needed, recapitalise the institution after resolution is triggered. In particular, the FSB has issued standards for total loss-absorbing capacity (TLAC) that all G-SIBs should comply with.

    In jurisdictions where the new resolution framework is being applied beyond G-SIBs (like the EU), there is a version of the TLAC standard, the minimum requirements for eligible liabilities (MREL), that is also binding for less systemic institutions. In other jurisdictions, such as the US, no TLAC-type requirement is applied for non-G-SIBs. Therefore, most US banks – including those failing in the recent turmoil – had no specific obligation to hold liabilities that could absorb losses in resolution beyond the capital requirements established in prudential regulation.

    However, a recent proposal by the FDIC (Gruenberg (2023) and FDIC (2023b)) would require banks with more than $100 billion in assets to satisfy minimum long-term debt requirements. The counterpart of those debt instruments on the asset side could be transferred to the acquirer, but the debt instruments themselves would be left in the residual entity to be liquidated. This would make those debt instruments act as gone-concern capital supporting the transfer transaction (Restoy (2023)).

    MREL obligations in the EU are, on average, substantially larger than the long-term debt requirements now considered in the US2. However, while the proposed US requirements can only be met with debt, MREL targets in the EU can be met with a variety of eligible liabilities that include equity, debt and even some non-covered deposits. In reality, many small and mid-sized institutions in the EU cover a large part of their MREL requirements with equity instruments.3 This is probably due to the fact that it is difficult for those banks to tap regulated debt markets, given their lack of experience and their specific business model.

    From a conceptual point of view, there is merit in, at least, limiting the eligibility of equity to satisfy gone-concern capital requirements. Experience shows that, unlike long-term debt, equity instruments tend to disappear quite quickly as a bank approaches the point of non-viability and during the resolution process itself as hidden losses emerge in the balance sheets.4  Therefore, equity, being the most powerful loss-absorbing instrument in going-concern, might simply not be available in gone-concern.

    Public support

    Finally, a word on public support. The foundational principles of the new resolution framework developed after the GFC included the objective to minimise the cost of bank failure management actions for taxpayers. However, experience – including the recent bank turmoil – shows that there are instances in which some form of external support is required to preserve financial stability and the continuity of the systemically critical functions of failing banks.

    Regular support for resolution actions is often provided by the deposit insurance fund (DIF). That support is normally capped by a least-cost restriction that prohibits the DIF from committing funds exceeding the expected cost (net of recoveries) of paying out covered deposits if the bank were liquidated (Costa et al (2022)). Additional support aimed at protecting public interest could be provided directly by the national Treasury or by dedicated funds contributed by the industry. In the US, extraordinary support for failing large systemic institutions can be provided by an orderly liquidation fund as provided for in Title II of the Dodd-Frank Act. Moreover, under the FDI Act, the least-cost restriction for FDIC support can be waived if a systemic risk exception is applied. In both cases, extraordinary external support can only be authorised through a special procedure requiring the endorsement of the regulatory agencies and the Treasury after consulting the US president.

    A completely different model is in place in the European Union, where external support can be provided by the Single Resolution Fund (SRF), built up with contributions from the industry. However, the conditions for access and the available amounts are highly restrictive.5 Moreover, beyond the SRF, the possibility of the state directly supporting resolution is almost non-existent. Since national insolvency regimes are less restrictive and allow for the provision of public liquidation aid, the failure of some European banks that could have systemic implications was in fact managed through national insolvency procedures, thereby effectively reducing the scope of application of the common resolution framework.

    Recent developments show that the minimisation of public support should remain a key objective. However, there should be no ambition to establish a resolution framework that can eliminate any possible need to use external funds to support the orderly resolution of any systemic bank.

    A specific situation in which some sort of public support would normally be required is the provision of liquidity in resolution. Once a bank has been resolved, there is no guarantee that it will immediately recover the trust of its clients and other fund providers. Therefore, there is a need to put in place an effective funding-in-resolution facility, backed by some sort of public indemnity that would allow a bank in resolution to obtain funding from the central bank even when it does not hold all the required collateral.

    3. The European challenges

    The failures of the two Venetian banks in 2017 clearly showed the internal contradictions of the European bank failure management regime. Importantly, it also illustrated the EU’s lack of an effective regime to resolve mid-sized banks, ie those deemed too large to be subject to regular piecemeal liquidation procedures but too small and unsophisticated to issue large amounts of bail-in-able liabilities (Restoy (2016)).

    Against that framework, a key flaw of the current resolution regime is the absence of effective conditions to operationalise SoB resolution strategies, which are arguably the most appropriate for mid-sized banks (Restoy et al (2020)). The tight constraints on the provision of external support to facilitate these transactions make them unfeasible in most cases. Arguably, the assets acting as counterparts of MREL could help compensate acquirers. However, strict MREL obligations can be a challenge for many mid-sized banks, which would tend to meet them with equity that – unlike debt instruments – might not be available when the bank is declared non-viable.

    Those deficiencies in the common resolution framework are particularly relevant in a context in which there is no last-recourse source of funds that could be mobilised if resolution actions are unable to meet their objectives and, in particular, preserve financial stability.

    In any case, the main weakness of the current European bank failure regime within the banking union is the absence of a common deposit insurance regime. Since the banking union’s main objective is the denationalisation of bank risk, it can scarcely be contested that the absence of a common deposit guarantee scheme renders the union not only incomplete but potentially also unable to meet its stated objectives.

    The CMDI proposal

    The legislative proposal by the European Commission (EC (2021)) for a reform of the current crisis management and deposit insurance (CMDI) regime constitutes a valuable attempt to correct some of the main flaws and inconsistencies of the current framework.

    The CMDI contains three important proposals:

    First, while the dual route for bank failure management (resolution or insolvency) is kept, the definition of “public interest” criteria to determine the application of one regime or another is clarified. In the proposal, the public interest criteria would include the expected disruption of financial stability “at the national and regional level”.

    Second, the external funding of SoB transactions is significantly strengthened by alleviating the existing financial cap for DIF support and the minimum bail-in restrictions for access to the SRF. The formulation of the least-cost constraint on DIF support for SoB transactions remains unaltered. However, in line with the US regime and the proposals made by several observers,6 the current super-preference for DIF claims in insolvency is replaced by a general depositor preference rule. Moreover, any contribution made by the DIF (together with any bail-in of eligible liabilities) would count to meet the 8% minimum bail-in required for SRF access.

    Third, while the (now more ample) available external support could not be directly considered for the purposes of MREL determination, the CMDI now formally allows the SRB to adjust MREL for banks with a preferred resolution strategy of SoB based on a set of pre-established criteria such as size, business model, risk profile or marketability.

    Naturally the CMDI could not remedy all imperfections of the current European bank failure regime, as there is not yet political support for more ambitious reforms. For instance, a key deficiency that will remain is the lack of an effective mechanism for providing liquidity in resolution. At present, there is no guarantee in the banking union that banks in resolution could satisfy the conditions required to obtain funding from the ECB/Eurosystem. That would most likely require a sort of public indemnity such as that available in other jurisdictions, including Switzerland, thanks to the emergency legislation that was passed in March 2023. While the SRF could be used to provide liquidity to banks in resolution, its current resources are worth only €80 billion. It is now foreseen that the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) could provide a backstop to the SRF as soon as the ESM Treaty is properly amended. Yet, even with the (still pending) approval of the backstop, the new maximum lending capacity (of around €140 billion) would remain quite restrictive for managing systemic bank failures in the banking union.

    More importantly, the CMDI could not make any progress on the completion of the banking union. The enlargement of the scope of the common banking union resolution regime – as opposed to the national insolvency regime – strengthens the European framework. Yet enhancing the role of national deposit insurance funds in bank resolution makes the lack of a European fund particularly problematic.

    In any event, the proposal certainly provides for a substantial technical improvement of the current framework. Resolution would arguably become the default option for all bank failures with any sort of systemic impact. At the same time, by improving the available funding for SoB transactions, the CMDI effectively expands the SRB’s ability to deal with the failures of mid-sized banks, thereby helping to address the most significant flaw of the current framework.

    Importantly, the BU resolution regime would continue to exclude the government stabilisation tool as a last-resort option. Under those conditions, the legislative framework’s ability to preserve the stability of the financial system upon the failure of a mid-sized bank would depend exclusively on the effectiveness of the existing resolution tools. In particular, the available external support from the national DIF and the SRF would need to be sufficient – together with MREL – to facilitate an SoB transaction under which deposits and other sensitive liabilities could be assumed by a suitable acquirer.

    The ongoing negotiations 

    In that context, it is somewhat worrying that in the current negotiations around the Commission’s CMDI initiative in the European Parliament, and particularly the Council, some opposition has emerged against the key aspects of the proposal aimed at enlarging the available funds to support SoB transactions. In particular, the position that the super-preference of DIF claims in insolvency should be kept seems to be gaining support, although the interpretation of the least-cost constraint could be made more flexible. Also, a number of additional conditions and obstacles would be introduced to allow DIF support to count towards the satisfaction of the 8% minimum bail-in condition for the SRF to provide support to facilitate SoB transactions.

    Those amendments to the original CMDI could put at risk the objectives of the original Commission proposal. First, as discussed before, the super-preference of DIF claims in insolvency does severely undermine the DIF’s ability to support resolution by considerably tightening the least-cost constraint, as understood today. Introducing more leeway to interpret the costs for the national DIF of paying out deposits in liquidation, by considering indirect effects on the industry, would blur the line between the roles to be played by the SRF and the national DIF, introduce uncertainty about the effective available support and provoke inconsistencies across countries.

    Moreover, introducing additional constraints and operational obstacles to reduce the minimum bail-in required to obtain support from the SRF would most likely further constrain the available funding for SoB transactions. At the very least, the timely verification that all those conditions are met could be operationally challenging given the speed with which resolution actions need to be adopted.

    In sum, there is a risk that, under some of the proposed amendments in the CMDI, the SRB could find itself unable – due to the lack of sufficient funding instruments – to deal with the failure of mid-sized banks even if they pass the now more flexible public interest test. Ultimately, that might require the SRB to transfer the responsibility to national authorities in order for them to apply national insolvency procedures including liquidation aid to be provided by the domestic sovereign. That would not only contradict the spirit of the European bank failure regime and the objectives of the new resolution framework at the global level but also challenge the very purpose of the banking union.

    4. Conclusions

    Let me conclude.

    I have covered in this presentation several possible reforms of bank failure management regimes. In general, adjustments to the current setup should aim to satisfy two basic objectives. The first is to improve the resolution framework and resolution tools to make them more effective and therefore reduce the need for government support to be provided to failing banks in order to preserve financial stability. The second is to embed sufficient flexibility and pragmatism in the arrangements as regards the use of different tools and the availability of external funds.

    In particular, there are strong reasons to extend resolution planning obligations to all banks whose failure could have adverse effects on the financial system. Crucially, resolution plans should include well defined requirements for a minimum amount of loss-absorbing liabilities in resolution. Those requirements should be calibrated to directly support the feasibility of the envisaged resolution strategy and ideally be composed primarily of debt -instruments rather than equity as the latter might well largely disappear before resolution is triggered.

    In addition, as there is no way to foresee all the possible conditions that might occur in a resolution weekend and affect the feasibility of resolution measures, planned resolution strategies should be more an array of options for deploying different tools than a rigid playbook. Importantly, experience shows that it is wise to put in place well defined procedures for the delivery of extraordinary external support in extreme circumstances. 

    Finally, the EU now has a great opportunity to address the deficiencies identified in the current bank crisis management framework, particularly with regard to the failure of mid-sized bans. The European Commission’s CMDI legislative proposal is a highly valuable and internally consistent initiative. The rest of the European authorities would do well if, despite the difficult negotiations that reflect a disparity of national interest, they manage to achieve a political compromise that would preserve the proposal’s main features and objectives.

    Many thanks.

    References

    Acharya, A, E Carletti, F Restoy and X Vives (2024): “Banking turmoil and regulatory reform”, IESE Banking Initiative and CEPR, June.

    Costa, N, B Van Roosebeke, R Vrbaski and R Walters (2022): “Counting the cost of payout: constraints for deposit insurers in funding bank failure management“, FSI Insights on policy implementation, no 45, July.

    European Commission (EC) (2021): Targeted consultation on the review of the crisis management and deposit insurance framework, January.

    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) (2023a): Options for deposit insurance reform, May.

    — (2023b): Fact sheet on proposed rule to require large banks to maintain long-term debt to improve financial stability and resolution, August.

    Financial Stability Board (FSB) (2023a): 2023 bank failures: preliminary lessons learnt for resolution, October.

    — (2023b): 2023 Resolution Report: Applying lessons learnt, December.

    Garicano, L (2020): “Two proposals to resurrect the Banking Union: the Safe Portfolio Approach and SRB+”, paper prepared for ECB conference on “Fiscal policy and EMU governance”, Frankfurt, 19 December.

    Gelpern, A and N Véron (2020): “Europe’s banking union should learn the right lessons from the US”, Bruegel Blog, 29 October.

    Gruenberg (2023): “Statement by Martin J. Gruenberg, Chairman, FDIC, on the notice of proposed rulemaking on long-term debt“, August.

    Restoy, F (2016): “The challenges of the European resolution framework”, closing address of the conference “Corporate governance and credit institutions’ crises”, organised by the Mercantile Law Department, UCM (Complutense University of Madrid), Madrid, 3 November.

    — (2019): “How to improve crisis management in the banking union: a European FDIC?”, speech at the CIRSF Annual International Conference 2019 on “Financial supervision and financial stability 10 years after the crisis: achievements and next steps”, Lisbon, 4 July.

    — (2023): “MREL for sale-of-business resolution strategies“, FSI Briefs, no 20, September.

    Restoy, F, R Vrbaski and R Walters (2020): “Bank failure management in the European banking union: what’s wrong and how to fix it”, FSI Occasional Paper, no 15, July.

    Single Resolution Board (SRB) (2023):

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Cautionary Tale – “Learning on the job” – The Northland Transpower transmission tower – QPEC

    Quality Public Education Coalition (QPEC)
     
    RNZ reports  that Transpower did not follow standard practice and did not provide sufficient training on the job (Midday Report, Wed 25 Sep),
     
    There is a disturbing parallel currently taking place in vocational education.   Learning on the job is the. mantra of Te Pūkenga, the umbrella organisation of polytechnics and ITOs.  
     
    Te Pūkenga relies heavily on shipping students out to work-sites, for industry and businesses to “train” the learners.   There is a real question whether such enterprises have the time, interest and ability to train novices properly.  
     
    But a major issue confronting learning on the job is that trades and professions are becoming increasingly complex, and the world is becoming more demanding and threatening – climate change, new technologies, AI, ethical issues, pressure on resources, coercive employment practices, corporatising.   
     
    Staff in the polytechnics insist that there simply has to be intensive, comprehensive and thorough education off-site.  
     
    It’s not that staff don’t want on-site experience for their students.   They have always supported practicums and practical experience as in nursing, house construction, engineering, health technology. 
     
     But they want to avoid proposals like this story from a QPEC Forum in June 2021.   A polytechnic lecturer reports a question from an industry contact:  
     
    Why are you teaching your students everything about plumbing – hot water, fluid pressure, all that?   All we need is for our students to join pipes, because that’s our main activity, as the biggest employer. 
    The staff member is adamant that students need far-sighted, comprehensive education in their trades and professions, as a base for life-long learning.   
     
    Providing vocational education
     
    The Transpower issue raises two problems.  
     
    One, learning on the job is not infallible.   Transpower apparently delegated job learning to Omoxon, who did not carry it out.   Transpower then played Blame-the-Contractor, to try to avoid the public outcry. 
     
    The pylon toppling cost millions and Transpower’s failure suggests that business can’t be the vehicle for reliable job preparation.   That lies outside the primary task of running a business or industry, and points to the second issue.  
    To serve the best interests of vocational education, we must avoid short cuts like relying heavily on work-based learning.   Instead, we need to insist on the importance of polytechnics for off-site, institutional education., integrated with work experience.
     
    That means providing well-designed programmes in polytechnics that are very stable. richly resourced and feature well-supported, professional educators – the teaching staff.   
    David Cooke, National Chair, QPEC

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2024 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter successfully held (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    2024 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter successfully held (with photos)
    2024 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter successfully held (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter (MiCHK) 2024 Final was held successfully at Cyberport today (September 26). “The next-generation photonic integrated circuits for future high-bandwidth optical links, sensing and computing” by Kokoxili Photonics Limited won the Champion prize, while “Electron Beam (EB) irradiation technology application” by HK Highsolve Technology Limited and “All-scenario rapid testing platform against antimicrobial resistance” by MicroFlow Innovation Limited won the First Runner-up prize and the Second Runner-up prize respectively. They will represent the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to compete in the Global Final Contest of the Maker in China to be held in the fourth quarter of this year in Guangzhou.     Speaking at today’s event, the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, said that the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint has set “To proactively integrate into the overall development of the country and consolidate our role as a bridge connecting the Mainland and the world” as one of the four broad development directions. The MiCHK is a sound platform for Hong Kong start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to further expand business opportunities in the Mainland market, with numerous winning teams establishing their foothold in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and expanding their operations on the Mainland in recent years. Moreover, many teams have attracted the attention of corporate investors from the Mainland and overseas, receiving a considerable number of procurement contracts and collaboration opportunities.     Mr Wong stressed that the theme of this year’s contest has been extended to cover the frontier technology fields such as advanced network equipment, quantum technology and green technology with a view to fostering the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and related industries, and promoting the development of new quality productive forces in Hong Kong. He congratulated the winning teams and encouraged all participating teams to continue to forge ahead in the area of I&T, so as to contribute to the high-quality development of the country and Hong Kong.     The MiCHK 2024 has received overwhelming response with a total of 153 local innovation projects. After initial screening and a semi-final held earlier, the top 10 finalists entered the Final today, where they competed for the Champion, First Runner-up and Second Runner-up honours by staging roadshows to a panel of judges comprising local and Mainland experts of different I&T fields. Apart from building a platform for local I&T startups, the MiCHK arranges one-on-one business matching sessions between the top 10 finalists and the investors and enterprises from the GBA. The top 10 finalists were given opportunities to join different incubation and acceleration programmes and exhibitions to promote their products and services to different regions through various platforms. Details about the entries can be obtained from makerinchina.hk/.     The MiCHK 2024 is organised by the Digital Policy Office of the HKSAR Government, the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, and the China International Cooperation Association of SMEs, and formulated by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Angel Investment Foundation and the Guangzhou SME’s Promotion Association For Specialization Refinement Differentiation Innovation Development. With the support of the Guangzhou Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality and the People’s Government of Guangzhou Nansha District, this is the sixth time the regional chapter took place in Hong Kong. 

     
    Ends/Thursday, September 26, 2024Issued at HKT 16:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 57: UK Statement on family

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    States’ obligations on the role of the family in supporting human rights of its members. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Location:
    Geneva
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you, Vice-President and dignitaries, for your opening remarks.

    The United Kingdom is pleased to be joining this important panel discussion marking the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.

    It is clear this commemoration reflects our common commitments to promoting and protecting all human rights of all individuals within the family unit, bringing us one step closer to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

    The United Kingdom recognises the importance of considering the needs of all families, no matter how they are composed, to ensure everyone can live in a loving environment with dignity and respect. 

    We are committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of parents, children, persons with disabilities, older persons and other family members who experience societal marginalisation, including their right to an adequate standard of living and freedom from violence and discrimination.

    We look forward to further collaboration with fellow member states on this initiative going forward.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free electric blanket testing and information on energy bills at city advice days

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The events, organised by City of Wolverhampton Council’s Trading Standards team, will take place on Wednesday, 9 October at Ashmore Park Community Centre Griffiths Drive, WV11 2LH and Thursday, 10 October at Bilston Indoor Market (stall 50). Both days will run between 9am and 4pm.

    Residents with an electric blanket will be able to bring it along to be tested by experts from Gems Electrical Testing. It is important that all leads, controls and plugs associated with the electric blankets are brought along for testing.

    If the blanket fails and the owner is a Wolverhampton resident, a replacement will be offered for free. Funding for the blankets has been provided through the government’s Household Support Fund.

    General support and advice about energy bills will be available from charity Act on Energy. Advisors can give general advice and also arrange to speak to residents individually about ways to save on bills, how to switch providers and how to access energy debt support.

    Other help on offer during the two days will include support from the council’s Missing Benefits team and information about ways people can protect themselves from scams, rogue traders and bogus callers.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services, said: “These two advice days are a great opportunity for people to have their electric blankets tested ahead of the colder weather as well as get information about energy bills and other issues which may be concerning them.

    “While the majority of electric blankets will be perfectly safe, the condition of some may have deteriorated and become faulty which can risk injury and fire. We’d urge all local people, especially our older residents, to take advantage of these free checks.

    “They will not only help to reduce a fire risk but will mean people can also rest assured that they will stay warm and safe this winter. And if blankets do fail, I’m pleased to say a free replacement will be offered to Wolverhampton residents through funding provided from the Household Support Fund.”

    People do not have to book an appointment for the electric blanket testing but are asked to please be prepared to wait if the event is busy. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A Challenge for the Young and Daring. The Next Competition “Design of the Young-2024” Has Started

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    This is the largest competition of youth design and art, which will be held in St. Petersburg for the fifth time. Last year, the competition for the first time went beyond the citywide framework and united over three thousand students and recent graduates of 147 universities and colleges from more than 70 cities of Russia.

    In total, the main program “Young Design/Young Design-2024” included 16 unique nominations, developed jointly with leading specialized universities and large partner companies of the competition.

    The participants and guests at the opening ceremony were welcomed by the Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg Vladimir Knyaginin. He noted the high demand of the city’s economy for specialists in various design fields, which is confirmed by both the growth of their professional status and the level of material remuneration. St. Petersburg is interested in increasing the labor market of specialized specialists as an important component of the city’s productive material force. And holding such competitions helps to reveal their professional potential.

    We are open not only to those who are currently studying in various design areas, but also to all students who would like to demonstrate their creative abilities in this competition with the support of mentors and tutors. I have no doubt that for many of them this will be an important step in their professional growth and achieving career success, – noted Vladimir Knyaginin.

    Students of higher education institutions and colleges, as well as graduates of the last three years, can take part in the competition. Applications are accepted until October 13. Detailed information about the competition, its nominations and partners posted on the website.

    The competition is organized by the St. Petersburg Initiatives Foundation with the support of the City Government. Its main co-organizers are the HSE Design School — St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Stieglitz Academy, and St. Petersburg State University. The project is being implemented using a grant from the President of the Russian Federation, provided by the Presidential Grants Fund.

    The main goal of the event is to support talented youth, attract young artists and designers to work on large projects of partner companies, and develop and implement promising ideas for enterprises in the real sector of the city’s economy.

    Marina Petrochenko, Director of the SPbPU Institute of Civil Engineering, delivered a welcoming speech at the opening and presented the Polytechnic University nominations.

    The first nomination is for graphic design. The nomination partner is the Administration of the Krasnogvardeisky District of St. Petersburg. The project is called Ilyinskaya Sloboda. The nomination provides for the development of territorial branding for the historical territory of Ilyinskaya Sloboda. The second nomination is for product design, the partner of which is the Polytechnic City. The goal is to develop a set of furniture for a student dormitory classroom, including the interior. The third nomination is industrial design. The nomination partner is NotAnotherOne. The nomination is called “SmartCace: development of a smart case for a smartphone.”

    We invite students and graduates of creative specialties to take part in the competition in the nominations proposed by the Polytechnic University. I wish all participants and organizers success and inspiration! – said Marina Petrochenko.

    The opening of the competition is marked by the exhibition “St. Petersburg Schools of Design”, dedicated to the history of the development of St. Petersburg design using the example of four leading universities co-organizing the event. Its multifaceted exposition also includes furniture samples and other design products created by participants of last year’s competition based on assignments from customer companies. The exhibition is open to all comers until October 2.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/partnership/challenge-for-the-young-and-daring-the-next-design-competition-for-youth-2024 has started/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: The second conference of heads of offices in 2024 focused on the development of population protection

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Office for Civil Protection

    Bern, 26.09.2024 – On 24 and 25 September 2024, the heads of the cantonal services responsible for civil protection and civil protection met at the Federal Training Centre in Schwarzenburg for an exchange with the Federal Office for Civil Protection. The agenda included topics such as the redefinition of the civil protection service and capacity profile, the new orientation of the Coordinated Health Service and the revision of the national risk analysis “Disasters and Emergencies in Switzerland”.

    On 24 and 25 September 2024, representatives of the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) and the heads of the cantonal civil protection and civil protection services met at the Federal Training Centre Schwarzenburg (CFIS) for their biannual conference. Led by Michaela Schärer, Director of the FOCP, the conference enabled participants to address current issues in civil protection and develop strategies for its future.

    Redefinition of the profile of services and capacities of civil protection

    The adaptation of the civil protection performance and capacity profile to current challenges was discussed in a workshop. In the past, the focus has been more on natural disaster and emergency management. While examining the capacities required in this context, emphasis was placed on the need to identify and strengthen preparedness for armed conflicts, taking into account the changing global security situation. The following questions were addressed: What basic capacities must be available everywhere? What extended capacities are only needed at regional level in accordance with cantonal hazard analyses? Should opportunities be created to ensure capacities by networking several municipalities? How do capacities influence staffing levels? These are important elements for ensuring civil protection that is geared to future goals and challenges.

    New direction of the Coordinated Health Service

    Since its attachment to the OFPP on 1 January 2023, the Coordinated Health Service (SSC) has taken a new direction. The OFPP took stock of various ongoing projects. Some questions relating to management structures and protected sanitary constructions were also addressed with a view to developing the “New orientation of the SSC” strategy. The need to set up intercantonal structures and cooperation was generally recognised.

    Revision of the national CaSUS risk analysis

    With the national risk analysis “Disasters and Emergencies in Switzerland” (CaSUS), the FOCP is laying the foundations for in-depth analyses, strategic developments, preventive planning, exercises and event preparedness within the framework of disaster management. The results of the current analysis cycle will be available at the end of 2025. The subsequent update of the KATAPLAN guide, an important reference document for carrying out hazard analyses at cantonal level, was approved and supported by the heads of department.

    In addition to discussing the topics mentioned and passing on current information from the OFPP to the cantonal services, the aim of this two-day conference was to further strengthen exchanges and collaboration between the federal office and the cantons.

    Address for sending questions

    Dennis RhielCommunication OFPP 41 58 462 69 32media@babs.admin.ch

    Author

    Federal Office for Civil Protectionhttp://www.bevoelkerungsschutz.admin.ch/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Mandatory Notification of Trade

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Please refer to the attached form of notification of transaction by primary insider.

    This notification has been submitted pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act § 5-12 and MAR Article 19 no. 3.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor says Times Square could provide inspiration for the future regeneration of London’s Oxford Street

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Times Square regenerated with new pedestrian plazas improving public safety, air quality and economic output
    • Sadiq given tour by former New York Transport Commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan
    • Mayor says scheme can provide inspiration for his plans to transform Oxford Street

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will today visit Times Square to see at first-hand how the iconic New York landmark could provide inspiration for the future regeneration of Oxford Street.

    Times Square and its surrounding areas have been comprehensively regenerated since 2009 to create a series new and enhanced spaces to walk, sit, and cycle, transforming it from one of New York’s most notoriously congested spacesinto a world-class civic space that has boosted economic activity and improved safety.

    Accompanied by Janette Sadik-Khan, a principal with Bloomberg Associates who was New York Transport Commissioner and the driving force behind the Times Square scheme under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Mayor learnt how the project has doubled the amount of pedestrian space and led to improvements in public safety, air quality, and economic output.  As a result, 93 per cent of visitors said that the pedestrian plaza makes Times Square a more pleasant place to be. The number of pedestrians in Times Square soared by nearly a quarter in just five years, to 482,000 people a day in 2013, helping spur a more than doubling in the value of retail space in Times Square as major retailers opened new stores. Within two years of the project being implemented, Times Square was made the list of the 10 most desirable locations to do business, according to Cushman and Wakefield. 

     In total, more than 110,000 square feet of pedestrian space has been created, leading to a 40 per cent reduction in pedestrian injuries and a 15 per cent drop in road traffic casualties. Crime in the area fell by 20 per cent and more than 80 per cent of visitors said that they feel safer. While it comprises only 0.1 per cent of New York City’s land area, Times Square supported nearly 10 per cent of the city’s jobs before the pandemic, generating 15 per cent of its economic output. 

    Last week, Sadiq set out proposals to transform Oxford Street to ensure it can be a catalyst of London’s economic prosperity for decades to come. These proposals include transforming it into a traffic-free pedestrian boulevard and delivering an enhanced experience for shoppers, residents, employees, visitors and tourists.

    Sadiq believes that Times Square can provide inspiration for the future regeneration of Oxford Street, creating new jobs and economic prosperity.

    The Mayor is in New York this week to encourage US businesses to expand and invest in London, and promote the capital as an unrivalled destination for tourists and sporting events.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I am delighted to visit Times Square to see how the incredible regeneration here can provide inspiration for our plans for Oxford Street.

    “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Oxford Street to deliver a safer, greener part of the capital that creates new jobs and boosts growth for London and other parts of the UK.

    “If we can replicate some of the aspects of Times Square on Oxford Street, I am sure we can create a high street destination that will be the envy of the world once again.” 

    Former New York Transport Commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan, said: “Great streets make great cities. Bringing new life to old streets like Broadway and Oxford Street offers new possibilities for a city that is healthier and more prosperous for millions of people. Reimagining Broadway showed that this can be done quickly, inexpensively and that it can be wildly popular.”  

    John Dickie, Chief Executive at BusinessLDN, said: “Oxford Street is one of the world’s most celebrated shopping destinations and, like Times Square, needs modernisation to keep it a truly twenty-first century global destination. The Oxford Street Mayoral Development Corporation, working with local stakeholders and learning from other global cities, is a powerful vehicle to deliver the change that Oxford Street needs, to make it cleaner, greener and more attractive to visitors and Londoners alike.” 

    Dee Corsi, Chief Executive of New West End Company, the body representing 600 businesses in London’s West End, said: “The regeneration of iconic spaces like Times Square offers valuable insights as we work towards Oxford Street’s transformation and secure its place as a world-class flagship retail and leisure destination. By learning from successful projects in global cities, including New York, we can ensure that Oxford Street continues to deliver for visitors, residents, and businesses alike. It is crucial that we maintain momentum to deliver this transformation swiftly, realising its benefits for Londoners and the wider UK economy as soon as possible.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Marine traffic control and safety measures to be implemented at 2024 National Day Fireworks Display

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Marine traffic control and safety measures to be implemented at 2024 National Day Fireworks Display
    Marine traffic control and safety measures to be implemented at 2024 National Day Fireworks Display
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​With regard to the 2024 National Day Fireworks Display to be held on October 1, the Marine Department (MD) will strictly enforce marine traffic control and strengthen the inspection of spectator vessels on the event day to ensure that safety requirements are met.     The MD will establish a Closed Area in the waters off the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, where barges and pontoons for the fireworks will be anchored, from 2pm to about 11pm on the event day. All vessels will be prohibited from entering the area. The two Restricted Areas will be established in two stages. The Restricted Area 1 will be established in the waters off the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui from 6.30pm to about 10pm to facilitate the drone performance, while the Restricted Area 2 in the Central Harbour will be established from 8pm to about 10pm. Other than authorised vessels, no vessels will be allowed to enter. Scheduled ferry vessels with permission may continue services until 8.30pm.     Spectator vessels could stay inside the Specified Area other than the Restricted Areas and the Closed Area for viewing from 7pm to about 10pm on the event day. To enhance marine safety during a major event at sea, coxswains of spectator vessels in the Specified Area during the specified period must ensure that children on board are accompanied by an adult and wear a lifejacket at all times. Coxswains must also keep a passenger and crew list on board for emergency purposes. The MD will enhance enforcement work and initiate prosecution if any vessel fails to meet with these requirements.     In addition, to ensure vessels disperse in an orderly manner, the Eastern and Western Cordon Lines of the Restricted Area will be lifted in stages after the event. The Western Cordon Line will be lifted first at about 10pm. Spectator vessels behind the Western Cordon Line and those wishing to move to the east must follow the instructions of officers from the MD and the Police at the scene. The Eastern Cordon Line will be lifted later depending on traffic conditions in Victoria Harbour. It is anticipated that the Restricted Areas will be lifted by about 10.15pm.      For landside crowd control, public landing steps at Kowloon Public Pier will be closed temporarily from 7pm to about 10pm, while other public landing steps within the Restricted Areas will be closed temporarily from 7.30pm to about 10pm. Buffer Zones at Kowloon Public Pier, Kwun Tong Public Pier and Central Piers 9 and 10 will be established immediately after the event for safe and orderly disembarkation of passengers.      Officers from the MD and the Police will also maintain order at major landing facilities after the event. Coxswains and crew members should remind passengers to pack their personal belongings early before the vessels arrive alongside the landing steps, as well as assisting passengers to disembark. Coxswains and passengers should follow the guidance of the MD and the Police at the scene.      The MD and the Marine Police will also strengthen law enforcement, especially on conditions of life-saving appliances, speeding and overloading. Coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels should check again and reconfirm that the operating licence, the certificate of survey and the third-party risk insurance are valid before setting sail.      MD Notice No. 175 of 2024 on the marine traffic control and safety measures has been issued and is available for viewing on the MD’s website (www.mardep.gov.hk).

     
    Ends/Thursday, September 26, 2024Issued at HKT 16:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China adjusts university programs to align with national development goals

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 26 — China’s Ministry of Education has highlighted significant changes in the country’s higher education landscape in response to the evolving demands of the economy and society.

    During a press conference in Beijing on Thursday, the ministry revealed that over the past 12 years, 21,000 new undergraduate programs have been launched nationwide, while 12,000 programs deemed unsuitable for social and economic growth have been removed.

    In 2024 alone, 1,673 new programs in fields that are of national strategic importance were established, while 1,670 programs were discontinued.

    Wu Yan, vice minister of education, emphasized that these adjustments represent a remarkable shift in academic structures across China.

    Looking ahead, Wu stated that future changes will focus on aligning educational offerings with national strategic needs, supporting regional development, and promoting the comprehensive development of students.

    Currently, China has 1,308 universities offering courses across 816 majors, resulting in a total of 62,000 undergraduate programs nationwide.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Consumption vouchers issued to boost spending in China

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

    CHENGDU, Sept. 26 — Local authorities in China have issued consumption vouchers to boost spending ahead of the country’s National Day holiday, a major occasion for consumption.

    On Thursday, the Sichuan provincial department of commerce announced that the province will pour more than 400 million yuan (about 57 million U.S. dollars) from its fiscal budget to issue the vouchers.

    Among them, 300 million yuan will be earmarked in the home improvement sector, such as housing renovations, kitchen and bathroom products, smart home products and those for elderly-oriented modifications.

    The vouchers will be distributed in three rounds starting from Thursday till the end of October, and consumers can use them online or offline, enjoying a discount of 600 yuan to 4,000 yuan based on the total amount spent.

    Meanwhile, the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in July vowed reform measures to expand consumption.

    In Shanghai, the municipal government’s information office said on Wednesday the city will allocate 500 million yuan to issue consumption vouchers for the dining, accommodation, cinema and sports sectors.

    Funds for the vouchers will be distributed based on each sector’s consumption share and demand: 360 million yuan will go to the dining sector, 90 million yuan to accommodation, 30 million yuan to cinema, and 20 million yuan to sports. The first round of vouchers will be available from Sept. 28.

    China will have a seven-day National Day holiday from Oct. 1 to 7, with robust holiday spending expected.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – Archbishop Neli: the path to peace in Manipur is not achieved with weapons and separation walls

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Paolo AffatatoImphal (Agenzia Fides) – “Peace and reconciliation in Manipur cannot be based on the separation of ethnic communities; they will not be achieved by building a new separation wall on the border with Myanmar, which the state wants to build for over 1,600 kilometers,” says the Archbishop of Imphal, capital of the Indian state of Manipur, Linus Neli. “Peace – continues the Archbishop – will not be achieved by rearming ethnic groups, as is dangerously happening between the Kuki and Meitei communities. Peace will be achieved by resuming dialogue and negotiations, and by pursuing a path of equality and justice that overcomes old rivalries and ethnic claims”.In an interview with Fides, the Archbishop speaks about the crisis that has shaken north-east India for over a year. The Archbishop places the problem in the ethnic and cultural reality of the northeastern region of India, “a region with its own specific dimension, characterized by ethnic, linguistic and cultural pluralism”.The northeast of India includes the seven states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, as well as the Himalayan state of Sikkim and the Jalpaiguri region, which legally belongs to West Bengal. “It is also geographically remote,” the Archbishop notes, “because it is only connected to the rest of the country by a narrow corridor between Bhutan and Bangladesh, the Siliguri Corridor. This geographical peculiarity is not irrelevant, also in terms of relations with the central government in New Delhi,” he notes.The region has often been plagued by social, ethnic and political conflicts and tensions in the past. When they were founded, the Northeastern States were created, said the Archbishop, “to give the respective indigenous communities the opportunity to preserve their identity and to make their own contribution to the Indian Federation with the unique resources of their cultural heritage. Some tribal groups are also infinitely small communities and are only now entering the highly competitive world of modern India.”Northeast India, meanwhile, is one of the regions in India where the concentration of citizens of Christian faith is the highest: of the approximately 27.8 million Christians in the whole of India, around 7.8 million live in this region in the Northeast. “This also gives rise to our responsibility to promote peace, justice and brotherhood between people and groups of different faiths, languages, cultures and ethnicities,” said the Archbishop.Archbishop Neli outlines and explains the internal situation in Manipur, where “there are three major ethnic groups: the Kuki, the Meitei and the Naga. Coexistence and relations between the ethnic groups have not been easy in the past either. There is a dispute over who came first, i.e. who can claim more rights in social life, because the Kuki came centuries ago (from the 16th century, ed.) from neighboring Myanmar (where they are called Chin, ed.). The confrontation, even the conflict, has always had a central theme: ownership of land as a source of livelihood and wealth. The current conflict between Kuki and Meitei is no exception: it is basically about land rights,” he explains.”Geographically speaking – and here too the geographical aspect cannot be neglected – the Meitei now own about 10% of the land and are settled in the valley where the capital Imphal is located. The other groups, Naga and Kuki, live in the hill and mountain regions, claim about 90 percent of the land and are recognized as so-called scheduled tribes.” These are historically marginalized tribes who are granted Indian state welfare and support programs, special rights and, in northeast India, autonomous self-government in some cases.In March 2023, a ruling by the Manipur High Court recommended that the central government include the Meitei community in the list of “recognized tribal communities,” sparking protests that later escalated into clashes and general conflict. “It must be said that the Meitei are a numerical minority, but they are a political majority that controls the local government (the state’s prime minister is N. Biren Singh, a member of the Baratiya Janata Party, the party of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ed.) and has over the years pursued policies that other groups believe discriminate against the tribal population.”There is also the religious element, because the Meitei are Hindus and live – an exception in India – as a minority in a state with a majority Christian population. “In recent years, Hindu extremists have tried to colonize the area,” explains the Pastor of the Catholic community in Imphal. “The destruction of the Christian chapels during the conflict is, however, due, among other things, to the internal religious disputes within the Meitei community, which then reunited against the common enemy, the Kukis,” he adds, providing an element that complicates the picture that does not appear in the media.”Christians,” continues Archbishop Neli, “are everywhere, in all three tribal communities, the Kuki, the Meitei and the Naga, and therefore, in essence, the experience of being brothers and sisters in Christ can restore the sense of community and fraternity and help to see the other not as an enemy, but as brothers and sisters with whom one can live peacefully. Faith in Christ helps to create peace and justice.”The Archbishop refers to the current situation of absolute separation, with military checkpoints between the areas inhabited by the Meitei and the Kuki, who cannot enter each other’s territories: “This separation may have temporarily broken the spiral of conflict, but it is not enough because it has not healed the trauma and wounds (more than 220 victims and 67,000 displaced people), nor has it calmed the hatred and desire for revenge: in fact, all the communities are currently rearming and organizing themselves with increasingly heavy weapons. It gives the impression of a powder keg ready to explode. And if this were to happen, the use of these weapons would make the conflict even bloodier,” he notes.In this context, Archbishop Neli, who himself belongs to the Naga ethnic group and is considered “neutral”, has no problem visiting the parishes in the various areas where there are also priests (76 in the diocese), who are also divided by ethnicity. “Because I am a Naga, I can visit the various communities and be at their side. This also applies to religious and priests from the Indian state of Kerala (in southern India). I can say that during my visits I have seen a clear desire: people are hungry and thirsty for peace. It is urgent that a political solution be sought and pursued with all energy,” he says, reporting on the situation of more than 1,000 Catholic Kuki refugees who have had to leave areas such as the city of Imphal where they used to live. “The Catholic community offers them support and food, and we have also built small wooden houses where they can stay,” he reports.At the political level, the Archbishop expresses doubts about the plan announced by Home Minister Amit Shah in the central government because “the central government has long neglected Manipur and the response to dealing with the violence has been inadequate, there has been no clear political vision and now the social, employment and economic crisis is deepening in the entire state, which is today stuck in the impasse of inability to communicate between regions and groups, with negative consequences for businesses, schools and socio-economic activities”.In addition, fearing the infiltration of Kuki militants from Myanmar, the government has started building a separation wall to seal off a 1,600-kilometer border, “which means institutionalizing separations, reasoning according to the logic of division, which, however, continues to agitate minds and fuel hatred,” he notes.Politicians, adds Archbishop Neli, “should think about concrete solutions and measures, such as the possible creation of two different autonomous administrative units or – another proposal that has emerged – that the Kuki districts become a Union State, that is, directly dependent on the central government. But any proposal can only start from a dialogue, a mediation, a negotiation that takes into account the need to create geographical and socio-cultural harmony.”“This process,” concludes Archbishop Neli, “starts from a fundamental assumption that must be accepted by all: the recognition of others as ‘brothers in humanity’, the basis that allows coexistence even between peoples who differ in language, history, ethnicity, culture and religion. This is why we are also inspired by Pope Francis’ document ‘Fratelli Tutti’, which we hope will be welcomed by Christians and non-Christians”.(Agenzia Fides, 25/9/2024)

    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Waste to wealth: solutions for a sustainable future

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    By Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts

    For decades, the rapid urbanisation and industrial growth experienced by many nations, had come at a high environmental cost. Landfills overflowed, plastic waste contaminated rivers and oceans, and emissions from improper waste disposal intensified the climate crisis.

    The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) Congress 2024, themed “Waste to Wealth: Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” signalled a turning point, with the idea that waste could be transformed into wealth resonating deeply. 

    The congress brought together global experts, policymakers, and business leaders to share cutting-edge practices in waste management and the circular economy. But more importantly, it showcased South Africa’s commitment to turning its waste challenges into economic opportunities.

    The government’s introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations and the accent of the Climate Change Bill into an Act marked a significant shift in how the nation approached waste. The EPR Regulations require manufacturers to take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products, from production to post-consumer waste. This policy forces businesses to rethink how they design, produce, and manage products, pushing them toward more sustainable practices.

    The Climate Change Act further aligns the nation’s policies with its environmental goals. It ensures that South Africa’s response to climate change, particularly in transitioning to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy is supported by robust legislation. This act not only aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also promotes the creation of green jobs and investments in the emerging circular economy.

    However, one of the most remarkable aspects of South Africa’s waste management evolution is the active role the private sector plays. While government policies set the framework, it is private companies that help drive real change. Faced with regulatory requirements, businesses are beginning to take ownership of their waste, investing in recycling technologies, sustainable product designs, and waste-to-energy initiatives.

    The idea that waste could be a resource, rather than a burden, has begun to reshape industries. For instance, South Africa’s plastic manufacturing sector was forced to adapt to new requirements mandating the inclusion of recycled content in products. This sparked a wave of innovation, as companies began developing new methods to incorporate recyclates into their production processes. Similarly, the construction industry began embracing the reuse of demolition waste, reducing its dependence on raw materials and lowering its environmental footprint.

    While these changes are promising, the waste crisis is still far from being resolved. This is due to municipalities across South Africa being overwhelmed and lacking the necessary infrastructure to handle the growing volume of waste. Many cities and towns have inadequate waste collection services, let alone the advanced recycling and waste-to-energy facilities needed to close the loop in a circular economy. Additionally, the waste management sector is in dire need of investment, and the ISWA Congress offered a unique platform for South Africa to engage with international experts and potential investors.

    What made the congress particularly significant was its global scope. Waste management has long since ceased being a local problem; it is a global one, particularly in the fight against plastic pollution.
    South Africa found itself in the unique position of contributing to international discussions on the issue, especially through its involvement in the development of a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The country is increasing its recycling capacity for plastic waste, and it supports global efforts to eliminate plastic pollution by regulating product design and prioritizing recyclates.

    As South Africa prepares for its G20 presidency in 2025, the outcomes of the ISWA Congress took on even greater importance. The country has an opportunity to set the agenda on sustainability for some of the world’s most powerful economies. The government-to-government (G2G) session held during the congress provided a critical forum for sharing best practices with other nations, many of which were facing similar challenges. These exchanges were crucial, as they not only helped shape South Africa’s preparations for the G20 but also fostered greater international cooperation in addressing global waste and sustainability issues.

    One of the most pressing priorities for the South African government remained job creation. The waste management sector, particularly through the circular economy, offers a promising avenue for addressing the nation’s high unemployment rate. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are already benefitting from government and private sector support to enter the waste management space.

    Bernice Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Ramaphosa to lead homecoming ceremony for struggle heroes

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, September 26, 2024

    President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate the repatriation and restitution homecoming ceremony for the remains of South African freedom fighters, who lost their lives in Zambia and Zimbabwe during the apartheid era.

    The ceremony is expected to be held at the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Tshwane on Friday. 

    “Ahead of addressing the homecoming ceremony on Friday… President Ramaphosa will lead a wreath-laying procession at the Wall of Names.

    “The Wall of Names is inscribed with the names of heroes and heroines, who died fighting for humanity and freedom during the major conflicts in South African history, namely: the Pre-Colonial Wars, Slavery, Genocide, Wars of Resistance, the South African War, the First and Second World War and the Struggle for Liberation,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.

    The repatriation and restitution homecoming ceremony forms part of Heritage Month, observed under the theme: “Celebrating the Lives of Our Heroes and Heroines Who Laid Down Their Lives for Our Freedom”.

    On Wednesday, the South African government received the remains of 49 liberation fighters at Waterkloof Airforce Base in the presence of their families.

    The Presidency explained that the repatriation formed part of the Resistance and Liberation Heritage Route Project (RLHR).

    “The RLHR is a national memory project aimed at commemorating, celebrating, educating, promoting, preserving, conserving and providing a durable testament of South Africa’s road to freedom.

    “The repatriation initiative is part of a broader effort to bring the remains of freedom fighters, who died in exile, to their final resting places. 

    “This is not only a gesture of honour to the individuals and their families but also an effort to strengthen the bonds of friendship, solidarity, and development with the host countries through memorialisation,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Warpsolution’s Space:on Achieves FCC Part 18 Certification, Advancing Wireless Charging

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEOUL, KOREA, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As CES 2025 approaches, Warpsolution’s Space:on has received FCC Part 18 certification, enhancing its market potential by enabling efficient power delivery across any distance without limitations.

    Revolutionizing Wireless Charging

    FCC Part 18 certification marks a key advancement for Space:on, setting it apart by supporting high-power, long-distance wireless charging. This contrasts with FCC Part 15, which limits devices to shorter ranges and lower power, primarily for communication devices like routers and consumer electronics.

    Key Distinctions: Part 15 vs. Part 18

    FCC Part 15 regulations are designed primarily for devices with communication functions, typically limiting power usage to less than 1W and applying strict controls on spurious emissions to minimize interference. In contrast, FCC Part 18 aligns with ITU recommendations and caters to industrial, scientific, and medical devices. It permits up to 1W at 920MHz with provisions for higher power under specific conditions, offering potential for greater power usage in future applications. This regulatory framework not only ensures technological efficiency and safety but also supports innovations like Warpsolution’s Space:on.

    Beyond Conventional Charging

    Space:on can charge multiple devices within a 40cm diameter, featuring a touch-activated system that integrates seamlessly into any environment, providing a cable-free experience. This positions Warpsolution at the forefront of the industry.

    Environmental Impact and Market Expansion

    The FCC Part 18 certification highlights Space:on’s role in promoting sustainability by minimizing electronic waste and enhancing energy efficiency. This positions the product as a leader in eco-friendly technology solutions.

    Future Prospects

    With this certification, Warpsolution is poised to transform how devices are powered, enhancing usability in homes and businesses. Space:on is not just a technological advancement; it represents a future where technology integrates seamlessly into our lives while adhering to high safety and environmental standards.

    Media contact

    Brand: Warpsolution

    Contact: Media team

    Email: warps@warpsolution.com

    Website: https://warpsolution.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mpumalanga residents urged to use water sparingly

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, September 26, 2024

    The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on Mpumalanga residents to use the available water the province has, wisely and sparingly, as dam levels record a marginal decrease from last week’s 86.0% to 85.1% in the current week. 

    In a statement on Thursday, the department urged residents to fix and report water leaks.

    A weekly status of dam levels report issued by the department also shows a decrease in the Water Management Areas (WMA). 

    The Olifants WMA dropped from 78.0% to 77.0% and the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA dropped from 87.5% to 87.0%.

    In terms of the districts, Ehlanzeni dropped from 86.5% to 85.4%, Gert Sibande dropped from 83.9% to 83.4%, and Nkangala dropped from 89.1% to 87.7%.

    The department noted that there are no improvements recorded in most dams across the province, with only a few dams remaining unchanged and the majority recording declines.

    The listed dams which recorded declines in water levels in Ehlanzeni District and the Lowveld include Blyderivierpoort from 79.0% to 76.6%, Buffelskloof from 66.7% to 63.6%, Witklip from 83.8% to 82.1%, Kwena from 82.1% to 79.9%, Da Gama from 89.6% to 87.8%, Inyaka from 89.9% to 88.7%, and Ohrigstad from 35.0% to 29.9%.

    The dams that remained unchanged in the Lowveld include Driekoppies Dam at 92.7%, Longmere at 91.1%, Klipkopjes at 85.4%, and Primkop at 50.8%.

    In Gert Sibande District, Grootdraai Dam dropped from 77.1% to 76.0%, Nooitgedacht from 79.8% to 79.2%, Vygeboom from 98.1% to 96.9%, and Westoe from 36.4% to 36.0%. 

    All the listed dams in the Nkangala District continue to decrease in water volumes with Witbank Dam further dropping from 92.5% to 91.0%, Middelburg Dam from 85.4% to 84.3%, Loskop Dam from 90.2% to 88.5%, and Rhenosterkop Dam from 86.1% to 85.5%. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Man sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a police officer

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, September 26, 2024

    The Gqeberha High Court has sentenced Andile Nyoka (30) to life in prison for the murder of a police officer, armed robbery and kidnapping. 

    Nyoka was also given an additional 57 years direct imprisonment.           

    On 3 May 2023, Nyoka was before the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court for another matter, where he approached an on duty police official, Sergeant Mario Nell (40), who was a court orderly at the time. 

    Subsequently, Nyoka, for no apparent reason, started to fight with Nell and disarmed him of his service pistol. Nyoka shot Nell and he succumbed to the bullet wounds. Nell was declared deceased at the scene. Thereafter, Nyoka fled the scene and hijacked a taxi outside the court in an attempt to escape. 

    A few minutes later on the same day, he was apprehended inside the taxi by the Motherwell Visible Policing Unit and appeared before court, where he was remanded in custody. 

    The docket was handed over to the Hawks for a thorough probe. 

    Nyoka made numerous court appearances until his sentencing by the Gqeberha High Court on 20 September 2024 and has been in custody since his arrest. 

    The Eastern Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, welcomed the sentence and commended the team for the good work. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Secures Language Access Agreement with Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in California

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a resolution agreement with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) in California resolving an inquiry into whether ACSO is in compliance with its nondiscrimination obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI).

    Under the terms of the agreement, ACSO has agreed to take a number of steps to improve language access for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) in its jurisdiction. Title VI prohibits entities that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating on the basis of race, color and national origin. Differential treatment based on language spoken, including exclusion from or denial of the benefits of programs and services to people with LEP, may constitute national origin discrimination in violation of Title VI.

    “The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is committed to ensuring that our nation’s law enforcement agencies can serve and protect everyone in their communities, regardless of whether they may have limited English proficiency,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Through this agreement, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office has demonstrated its commitment to and has taken major steps toward improving services to the communities it serves.”

    The department’s inquiry into ACSO began after receiving information raising concerns that individuals with LEP may not receive adequate language services during encounters with ACSO personnel.

    Through this agreement, ACSO will establish a formal, office-wide language access directive, designate a member of its personnel as the LEP Coordinator for ACSO, provide staff trainings on language assistance, improve quality controls to require accurate and quality-assessed language assistance services and undergo a period of departmental monitoring.

    This agreement is part of the department’s Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative (LELAI), a nationwide effort to assist law enforcement agencies in overcoming language barriers to better serve and protect communities and keep officers safe. Led by the Civil Rights Division, the initiative provides technical assistance resources and tools that can help state and local law enforcement provide meaningful language access to individuals with LEP; affirmatively engages law enforcement agencies that want to review, update and/or strengthen their language access polices, plans and training; and strengthens the connection between law enforcement agencies, community stakeholders and populations with LEP.

    Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt and information about limited English proficiency and Title VI is available at http://www.lep.gov. More information on LELAI is available at http://www.lep.gov/law-enforcement. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report/.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women Announces $86.16M in Grants to Support American Indian and Native Alaskan Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking, and Sex Trafficking

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    The Justice Department announced yesterday more than $86.16 million in grants administered by the Tribal Affairs Division within the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to American Indian and Alaska Native communities to support survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking.

    The grants provided through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) will fund services for victims of these crimes while providing support for Tribal governments, including law enforcement, prosecutors, and Tribal courts, to enhance safety and support Tribal sovereignty. The Tribal Affairs Division within OVW is responsible for the administration of Tribal specific grant programs and initiatives, management of Tribal specific training and technical assistance, and coordination with other federal departments and Justice Department offices on Tribal issues. Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall of OVW made the announcement at the annual Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program Institute, a convening of Tribal officials, victim advocates, and other Tribal leaders, as well as OVW-funded training and technical assistance advisors, who work to support Tribes in developing and improving programs to support survivors of sexual assault.

    “Tribal communities, and particularly American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls, have experienced disproportionately high levels of violence for too long,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This $86 million dollar investment represents the Justice Department’s commitment to working in partnership with Tribal nations to address and prevent gender-based violence and provide safety and justice for survivors.”

    Included in these awards is more than $7.58 million that OVW is awarding under its new Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program: Strengthening Tribal Advocacy Responses Track (START) Program. The program is for Tribal governments that have not previously or recently participated in OVW’s Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program and focuses on capacity building early in the project period. Awardees will receive additional training, technical assistance, and support to implement their programs. Additionally, OVW awarded $45.17 million under the established Tribal Governments Program to support Tribal governments in responding to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking in Tribal communities.

    OVW also launched a new grant program this year through its Healing and Response Teams Special Initiative, which was created in response to recommendations made by the Not Invisible Act Commission. OVW awarded $2 million under this initiative to support the creation, training, and sustainability of Healing and Response Teams using a Tribal-based model of care to respond to Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) cases related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking.

    OVW is awarding grants totaling more than $3.57 million to Tribes under its Special Tribal Criminal Grant (STCJ) Program and $1.5 million under its Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction: Targeted Support for Alaska Native Tribes Special Initiative. The programs support Tribes that are preparing to exercise or are already exercising STCJ to ensure that victims find safety and justice and that non-Indians who commit covered crimes within their communities, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking, are held accountable.

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling $3.75 million under its Violence Against Women Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Initiative to support the collaboration between Tribes and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in their investigation and prosecution of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, sex trafficking, and stalking cases in Indian country.

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling more than $11.11 million under its Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program to support Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal nonprofit organizations in operating sexual assault services programs in Indian country and Alaska Native villages. Additionally, OVW awarded funding totaling more than $8.28 million under its Grants to Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to support the development and operation of nonprofit, nongovernmental Tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions.

    “We are committed to addressing the disproportionately high rates of violent crime faced by American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls and ensuring everyone can access both safety and justice,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “This funding supports Tribal governments and Tribal organizations’ efforts to provide legal services, housing assistance, medical care, and counseling to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence.”

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling $3.2 million for Tribal training and technical assistance (TA) programs. The TA programs support grantees through in-person and online educational opportunities, peer-to-peer networks, on-site technical assistance, and tailored support to help grantees further develop expertise and targeted strategies to implement their programs successfully.

    “The strength of VAWA is enhancing a coordinated community response,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “These grant programs provide critical support for Tribes to address gender-based violence by fostering essential partnerships among victim services organizations, law enforcement, prosecutors, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders who play a crucial role in supporting survivors and providing pathways for them to access justice, safety, and healing.”

    OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW has awarded more than $11 billion in funding to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW supports policy development and undertakes special initiatives in response to community-identified needs. Learn more at http://www.justice.gov/ovw.

    View the Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction: Targeted Support for Alaska Native Tribes Special Initiative (STCJ AK) Program Award.

    View the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Initiative Awards.

    View the Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Invitation to Apply Awards.

    View the Indian Tribal Governments: Strengthening Tribal Advocacy Responses Track (START) Awards.

    View the Healing and Response Teams Special Initiative Awards.

    View the Indian Tribal Governments Program Awards.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Awards Nearly $30M to Combat the Rise of Hate and Bias Crimes

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer announced today nearly $30 million in grant funding through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) that will be awarded to law enforcement agencies, states, community-based organizations, national civil rights organizations, and other stakeholders to fight the rise in hate and bias crimes and incidents. These awards will help communities improve the investigation and prosecution of hate and bias crimes, solve hate crime cold cases, serve victims of these offenses, and support related research.

    “These grants are vital in helping to ensure law enforcement and community members get the support they need as they continue to strive to keep all communities safe,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “Everyone in this country deserves not only to feel safe but to be safe in their communities, and we’re excited about the new grant funding investments made.”

    The funding was announced at the inaugural hate crimes grantee conference organized by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The grants are part of the Justice Department’s wide-ranging efforts to improve community safety, serve victims of crime, support America’s youth, advance science, and promote equal justice. OJP is the largest grantmaking component of the Department and houses its criminal and juvenile justice-related science and statistical units.

    “Freedom from intolerance and from the fear of violence is foundational to community safety and fundamental to the concept of equal justice,” said OJP Acting Assistant Attorney General Brent J. Cohen. “I’m very pleased that OJP is making these important resources available to our community partners and proud of the work we’re engaged in, together, to end hate and bias crimes and incidents in our country.”

    The funding announced today includes:

    • $12 million in grants under BJA’s Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Program to help local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices investigate and prosecute hate and bias crimes, as well as collaborate with community partners on outreach and education to targeted communities.
    • More than $7.6 million in awards from BJA to 11 different community-based organizations and civil rights organizations for projects around the country dedicated to developing and implementing comprehensive hate crimes prevention and response strategies.
    • $1 million for the Orleans Parish, Louisiana, District Attorney’s Office under BJA’s Emmett Till Cold Case Investigation and Prosecution Program to provide resources in cold case homicide cases involving civil rights violations that occurred before 1980.
    • $2.7 million for RTI International and its subrecipients, the Eradicate Hate Global Summit and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, to launch BJA’s new Coordinated Hate Crimes Resource Center.
    • $1.125 million for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office through the Office for Victims of Crime’s Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act State-Run Hate Crime Reporting Hotlines program.
    • $2.5 million through Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act funding for the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ research and analysis project on National Incident-Based Reporting System data and hate crime reporting patterns.
    • $2.5 million in funding from the National Institute of Justice for three research projects on responding to hate crimes with specialized law enforcement units, including LGTBQI+ liaison units to respond to hate crimes against transgender individuals, and addressing the needs of survivors of hate crimes and their communities.

    In addition to these new grant awards, Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Mizer announced OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Youth Hate Crimes and Identity-Based Bullying Prevention Curriculum to provide resources to address hate crimes, bias incidents and identity-based bullying among youth. The curriculum is designed for middle and high school-aged youth and the teachers, counselors and others who work with them. He also announced the Community Oriented Policing Services (the COPS Office) is launching a new training on investigating hate crimes, which builds on the training the COPS Office released in 2022 on recognizing and reporting hate crimes.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DC Accountant Charged with Mortgage Fraud and Tax Crimes

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Defendant Allegedly Did Not File Tax Returns and Falsified Documents to Obtain Mortgage

    A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., returned an indictment yesterday, which was unsealed today, charging a CPA with not filing income tax returns, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to the indictment, Timothy Trifilo, of Washington, D.C., was a partner or managing director at several large accounting and finance firms and worked in tax compliance. Nevertheless, Trifilo allegedly did not file federal income tax returns for himself for nearly a decade despite earning more than $7.7 million during that time.

    In February 2023, Trifilo allegedly sought to obtain a $1.36 million bank-financed loan to purchase a home in D.C. and was working with a mortgage company to do so. After the mortgage company allegedly told Trifilo that the bank would not approve the loan without copies of Trifilo’s filed tax returns, Trifilo allegedly provided the mortgage company with fabricated documents to make it appear as if he had filed tax returns and provided copies of tax returns for 2020 and 2021 that Trifilo never filed with the IRS. On these returns and other documents that he submitted to the mortgage company, Trifilo allegedly listed a former colleague as the individual who prepared the returns and uploaded them for filing with the IRS. This individual allegedly did not prepare the returns, has never prepared tax returns for Trifilo and did not authorize Trifilo to use his name on the returns and other documents that Trifilo submitted to the mortgage company. Based on Trifilo’s false representation, the bank allegedly approved the loan and Trifilo purchased the home.

    If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison on the identity theft charge, a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison on the bank fraud charge, and a maximum sentence of one year in prison on each count of failure to file tax returns. Trifilo also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties and restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Melissa S. Siskind and Alexandra K. Fleszar of the Tax 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Brief information from the State Council meeting of September 25, 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Canton of Neuchatel Switzerland

    09/26/2024

    Federal Affairs

    The Council of State responded to seven federal consultation procedures:

    Amendment of the Civil Code (facilitated adoption of the spouse’s or partner’s child); Measures to strengthen higher vocational training: amendment of the Federal Law on Vocational Training (LFPr) and the Ordinance on Vocational Training (OFPr); Amendment of the Financial Market Infrastructure Act; Partial revision of the Ordinance on Road Signs (OSR) to integrate the most important contents of certain technical standards into the Federal Law on Road Signs and the Ordinance Regulating Admission to Road Traffic (OAC) with regard to the road traffic theory course; Amendment of ordinances due to the adoption and implementation of Regulations (EU) 2021/1133 and (EU) 2021/1134 on the Central Visa Information System (developments of the Schengen acquis); Amendment of Ordinance 2 on Asylum on financing; Amendment to the Federal Act on Radio and Television (LRTV) (shares of the licence fee allocated to local radio and regional television stations and support measures for electronic media).

    Responses to federal consultations are available at http://www.ne.ch/ConsultationsFederales.

    Cantonal affairs

    Increase in family allowances from 1 January 2025The amounts of family allowances, the purpose of which is to partially offset the financial burden represented by one or more children, have been the same since 2015. In a context marked in recent years by high inflation and an increase in charges in family budgets, and after having conducted a dialogue with the family allowance funds active in the canton, the Council of State has decided to increase the amount of family allowances by 20 francs per month and per child from 1 January 2025. Child allowances will amount to 240 francs per month and per child for the first two children and to 270 francs per month and per child from the third child. Training allowances will amount to 320 francs per month and per child for the first two children and to 350 francs per month and per child from the third child. This increase, the consequences of which for the economy are moderate, provides support to families in the canton.

    BodyRight

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Personal Injury Discount Rates in Scotland & Northern Ireland

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Personal injury discount rates (PIDR) in Scotland and Northern Ireland have been updated. PIDR determines damages awards to people with long-term injuries.

    Credit: Shutterstock

    The personal injury discount rates (PIDR) in Scotland and Northern Ireland have been updated following the determination by the Government Actuary, completed on 24 September.

    The PIDR is used to determine lump sum damages awards to people who suffer serious and long-term personal injury.

    Purpose and use

    Damages are awarded to people who have endured life-changing events which have led to serious and long-term injuries. The lump sum payments are intended to provide people with full and fair financial compensation for all expected losses and costs caused by their injuries.

    Where part of a claim for future losses is settled as a cash amount, the lump sum is calculated allowing for the:

    • period over which losses and costs are expected to be met
    • assumed investment return that the individual is expected to earn on the lump sum award after allowing for investment expenses, tax and damages inflation

    The assumed investment return is referred to as the Personal Injury Discount Rate (PIDR).

    Credit: Unsplash

    GAD’s involvement

    The Government Actuary’s reports cover the determination of the PIDR for both Scotland and for Northern Ireland. Following the Government Actuary’s review, the PIDR is set to change:

    • Scotland: from -0.75% to +0.50%
    • Northern Ireland: from -1.5% to +0.50%

    The Damages Act 1996 and later amendments, set out how the PIDR is to be set by the Government Actuary in her role as the ‘rate-assessor’ as defined in the Act.

    This legislation sets out various parameters that should be used to calculate the rate of return used to determine the PIDR such as the:

    • investment period
    • allowance for tax and investment expenses
    • damages inflation assumption
    • notional investment portfolio

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Personal Injury Discount Rates in Scotland & Northern Ireland

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Personal injury discount rates (PIDR) in Scotland and Northern Ireland have been updated. PIDR determines damages awards to people with long-term injuries.

    Credit: Shutterstock

    The personal injury discount rates (PIDR) in Scotland and Northern Ireland have been updated following the determination by the Government Actuary, completed on 24 September.

    The PIDR is used to determine lump sum damages awards to people who suffer serious and long-term personal injury.

    Purpose and use

    Damages are awarded to people who have endured life-changing events which have led to serious and long-term injuries. The lump sum payments are intended to provide people with full and fair financial compensation for all expected losses and costs caused by their injuries.

    Where part of a claim for future losses is settled as a cash amount, the lump sum is calculated allowing for the:

    • period over which losses and costs are expected to be met
    • assumed investment return that the individual is expected to earn on the lump sum award after allowing for investment expenses, tax and damages inflation

    The assumed investment return is referred to as the Personal Injury Discount Rate (PIDR).

    Credit: Unsplash

    GAD’s involvement

    The Government Actuary’s reports cover the determination of the PIDR for both Scotland and for Northern Ireland. Following the Government Actuary’s review, the PIDR is set to change:

    • Scotland: from -0.75% to +0.50%
    • Northern Ireland: from -1.5% to +0.50%

    The Damages Act 1996 and later amendments, set out how the PIDR is to be set by the Government Actuary in her role as the ‘rate-assessor’ as defined in the Act.

    This legislation sets out various parameters that should be used to calculate the rate of return used to determine the PIDR such as the:

    • investment period
    • allowance for tax and investment expenses
    • damages inflation assumption
    • notional investment portfolio

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Future public transport service between Le Locle and Les Brenets

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Canton of Neuchatel Switzerland

    09.26.2024

    ​​Upgrading the railway facilities on the Le Locle – Les Brenets line required the analysis of different scenarios. The one chosen involves the creation of a new electric bus link at the end of 2031, connecting the Place du 1er Août to the Pargots car park on the banks of the Doubs via the Col des Roches industrial zone. An extension to Villers-le-Lac is planned in the long term. The current railway route will be reassigned as a greenway.

    The railway facilities on the 3.8-kilometre Le Locle – Les Brenets line need to be completely renovated. The rolling stock and stops do not comply with LHand standards and several infrastructure works are reaching the end of their life.

    Various alternative service scenarios were examined, in accordance with the Federal Ordinance on Concessions, Planning and Financing of Railway Infrastructure. Studies conducted in partnership between the canton, the Confederation, transN and the city of Le Locle show that service by a new electric bus line provides the best cost-benefit ratio.

    The first project planned to reassign the railway platform between Le Locle station and the cantonal road at the bottom of Les Frêtes for the passage of the electric bus. The preliminary project carried out in 2023 revealed, following additional geological surveys, significant additional costs, in particular for the resumption of the profile of the Combe-Monterban tunnel at the exit of Le Locle station, as well as a longer duration of the works. It was therefore decided to adapt the route of the electric bus via the cantonal road to the west of Le Locle. The commissioning from 2031 of the developments related to the N20 bypass tunnels will ensure good commercial speed. The current railway platform will be redeveloped into a greenway, allowing a significant development of soft mobility.

    The new electric bus line project will be implemented in two phases. The first will include a terminus at the Parking des Pargots in Les Brenets, thus offering an alternative to motorized commuter flows from the end of 2031. The second phase, which will have a terminus in Villers-le-Lac, will eventually expand the user base.

    In the immediate future, the maintenance work carried out by transN will ensure railway operations until 2031, the deadline for commissioning the developments related to the N20 Le Locle bypass motorway tunnel.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maryland Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Destroy the Baltimore Region Power Grid

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Sarah Beth Clendaniel, 36, of Catonsville, Maryland, was sentenced today to 18 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for conspiring to damage or destroy electrical facilities in Maryland and a concurrent sentence of 15 years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    “Those who seek to attack our country’s critical infrastructure will face the full force of the U.S. Department of Justice,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Sarah Beth Clendaniel sought to ‘completely destroy’ the city of Baltimore by targeting five power substations as a means of furthering her violent white supremacist ideology. She will now spend the next 18 years in federal prison. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively counter, disrupt, and prosecute those who seek to launch these kinds of hate-fueled attacks that target our critical infrastructure, endanger entire cities, and threaten our national security.” 

    “The defendant plotted to disable the power grid around the entire Baltimore region and cause harm to thousands of people in pursuit of a racially motivated violent extremist agenda,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Her plan failed thanks to the great work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners. Today’s sentencing should serve as a warning to others that you will be held accountable if you attempt to carry out violent attacks on our infrastructure or threaten the safety of those in our communities.”

    “Such cowardice, designed to disrupt and endanger the lives of Maryland’s citizens, will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland. “My office remains committed to protecting the security and well-being of the community by prosecuting such conduct to the full extent of the law.”

    According to her plea agreement and other court documents, in 2018, Clendaniel became acquainted with Brandon C. Russell, a Florida resident, who is currently charged with conspiracy to damage or destroy electrical facilities in Maryland and is awaiting trial. Clendaniel and Russell espouse a white supremacist ideology and advocate a concept known as “accelerationism.” To “accelerate” or to support “accelerationism” is based on a white supremacist belief that the current system is irreparable and without an apparent political solution, and therefore violent action is necessary to precipitate societal and government collapse.

    According to court documents, from at least December 2022 through February 2023, Clendaniel conspired with Russell to damage energy facilities involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity and to cause a significant interruption and impairment of the Baltimore regional power grid. The intended monetary loss associated with the planned attacks would have exceeded $75 million.

    As set forth in her plea agreement, Clendaniel admitted that she communicated and planned over encrypted communication applications (ECA) to carry out attacks against energy facilities. Russell and Clendaniel communicated their plans to commit an attack on the Baltimore region power grid to a confidential human source (CHS-1).

    Their plans began to coalesce on Jan. 12, 2023, when CHS-1 and Russell discussed the planned substation attack in Maryland with a goal of working with Clendaniel to “maximize impact” and “to coordinate to get multiple [substations] at the same time.” Later that same day, Clendaniel, using the moniker “Nythra88,” sent a message to CHS-1 on ECA confirming her support of the attack.

    In the ensuing conversation, which continued through Jan. 14, 2023, Clendaniel told CHS-1 that she lived near Baltimore. She also stated that she was a felon, and had previously, but unsuccessfully, attempted to obtain a rifle. She asked CHS-1 to purchase a rifle for her, stating that she wanted to “accomplish something worthwhile” and that she wanted the rifle “within the next couple of weeks” to “accomplish as much as possible before June, at the latest.” On Jan. 18, 2023, on ECA, Clendaniel told CHS-1 that she had identified a few potential locations to target in her attack. CHS-1 stated that CHS-1 would have to be the “driver” and Clendaniel would have to be the “shooter” in the attack. Clendaniel confirmed that she was “determined to do this” and stated she would have done something earlier on her own if she had not lost her rifle “a few months ago.” The conversation continued with CHS-1 and Clendaniel discussing the specifics of the desired rifle and agreeing that Clendaniel would send CHS-1 a “wish list,” which she did the following day.

    At various times from Jan. 21, 2023, through Jan. 29, 2023, CHS-1 exchanged encrypted messages, separately with Clendaniel and with Russell, in which they discussed in detail the rifle and specific firearms accessories that Clendaniel wanted and potential targets for their attack.

    On Jan. 29, 2023, Clendaniel told CHS-1 that the five substations she planned to target included “Norrisville, Reisterstown, and Perry Hall.” Clendaniel described how there was a “ring” around Baltimore and if they hit a number of them all in the same day, they “would completely destroy this whole city.” She added that they needed to “destroy those cores, not just leak the oil . . . ” and that a “good four or five shots through the center of them . . . should make that happen.” Further, she stated that: “[i]t would probably permanently completely lay this city to waste if we could do that successfully.” When CHS-1 asked if it would accomplish a “cascading failure,” Clendaniel replied, “[y]es . . . probably” and that the attack targets are all “major ones.” Clendaniel also said that the most difficult target that they would have to do together has “fire walls on three sides.”

    During that conversation, Clendaniel sent CHS-1 five links to the “Open Infrastructure Map” which showed the locations of five specific Baltimore, Gas and Electric (BGE) electrical substations in Maryland. BGE is an energy company that utilizes substations, like the five targeted sites, to produce, convert, transform, regulate and distribute energy. Three of the five substations were located near the towns of Norrisville, Reisterstown, and Perry Hall. The remaining two substations were in the vicinity of Baltimore City. Each location is a BGE substation with significant infrastructure.

    On or about Jan. 31, 2023, Russell discussed with CHS-1 the attack of the targeted substations on ECA, including how to “make sure it’s done right,” how “it has been studied,” and how to make it “cascading” so as to maximize damage. Russell and Clendaniel believed that attacking these five electrical substations in the greater Baltimore area would serve accelerationism.

    On Feb. 3, 2023, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Clendaniel’s residence in Catonsville, Maryland. During the search, law enforcement agents recovered from Clendaniel’s bedroom various firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Federal law prohibits Clendaniel from possessing these items because she is a convicted felon, including convictions in Cecil County, Maryland, for robbery in 2006 and robbery and attempted robbery in 2016.

    The FBI investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen O. Gavin and Michael Aubin for the District of Maryland prosecuted the case with valuable assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is a partner in the Justice Department’s United Against Hate community outreach program. The United Against Hate initiative seeks to directly connect federal, state, and local law enforcement with traditionally marginalized communities in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents. Attorney General Garland announced the nationwide launch of the initiative and its expansion to all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women Announces $86.16M in Grants to Support American Indian and Native Alaskan Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking, and Sex Trafficking

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The Justice Department announced yesterday more than $86.16 million in grants administered by the Tribal Affairs Division within the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to American Indian and Alaska Native communities to support survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking.

    The grants provided through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) will fund services for victims of these crimes while providing support for Tribal governments, including law enforcement, prosecutors, and Tribal courts, to enhance safety and support Tribal sovereignty. The Tribal Affairs Division within OVW is responsible for the administration of Tribal specific grant programs and initiatives, management of Tribal specific training and technical assistance, and coordination with other federal departments and Justice Department offices on Tribal issues. Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall of OVW made the announcement at the annual Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program Institute, a convening of Tribal officials, victim advocates, and other Tribal leaders, as well as OVW-funded training and technical assistance advisors, who work to support Tribes in developing and improving programs to support survivors of sexual assault.

    “Tribal communities, and particularly American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls, have experienced disproportionately high levels of violence for too long,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This $86 million dollar investment represents the Justice Department’s commitment to working in partnership with Tribal nations to address and prevent gender-based violence and provide safety and justice for survivors.”

    Included in these awards is more than $7.58 million that OVW is awarding under its new Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program: Strengthening Tribal Advocacy Responses Track (START) Program. The program is for Tribal governments that have not previously or recently participated in OVW’s Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program and focuses on capacity building early in the project period. Awardees will receive additional training, technical assistance, and support to implement their programs. Additionally, OVW awarded $45.17 million under the established Tribal Governments Program to support Tribal governments in responding to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking in Tribal communities.

    OVW also launched a new grant program this year through its Healing and Response Teams Special Initiative, which was created in response to recommendations made by the Not Invisible Act Commission. OVW awarded $2 million under this initiative to support the creation, training, and sustainability of Healing and Response Teams using a Tribal-based model of care to respond to Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) cases related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking.

    OVW is awarding grants totaling more than $3.57 million to Tribes under its Special Tribal Criminal Grant (STCJ) Program and $1.5 million under its Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction: Targeted Support for Alaska Native Tribes Special Initiative. The programs support Tribes that are preparing to exercise or are already exercising STCJ to ensure that victims find safety and justice and that non-Indians who commit covered crimes within their communities, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking, are held accountable.

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling $3.75 million under its Violence Against Women Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Initiative to support the collaboration between Tribes and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in their investigation and prosecution of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, sex trafficking, and stalking cases in Indian country.

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling more than $11.11 million under its Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program to support Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal nonprofit organizations in operating sexual assault services programs in Indian country and Alaska Native villages. Additionally, OVW awarded funding totaling more than $8.28 million under its Grants to Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program to support the development and operation of nonprofit, nongovernmental Tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions.

    “We are committed to addressing the disproportionately high rates of violent crime faced by American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls and ensuring everyone can access both safety and justice,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “This funding supports Tribal governments and Tribal organizations’ efforts to provide legal services, housing assistance, medical care, and counseling to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence.”

    OVW is also awarding grants totaling $3.2 million for Tribal training and technical assistance (TA) programs. The TA programs support grantees through in-person and online educational opportunities, peer-to-peer networks, on-site technical assistance, and tailored support to help grantees further develop expertise and targeted strategies to implement their programs successfully.

    “The strength of VAWA is enhancing a coordinated community response,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “These grant programs provide critical support for Tribes to address gender-based violence by fostering essential partnerships among victim services organizations, law enforcement, prosecutors, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders who play a crucial role in supporting survivors and providing pathways for them to access justice, safety, and healing.”

    OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW has awarded more than $11 billion in funding to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW supports policy development and undertakes special initiatives in response to community-identified needs. Learn more at http://www.justice.gov/ovw.

    View the Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction: Targeted Support for Alaska Native Tribes Special Initiative (STCJ AK) Program Award.

    View the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Initiative Awards.

    View the Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Invitation to Apply Awards.

    View the Indian Tribal Governments: Strengthening Tribal Advocacy Responses Track (START) Awards.

    View the Healing and Response Teams Special Initiative Awards.

    View the Indian Tribal Governments Program Awards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Secures Language Access Agreement with Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in California

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a resolution agreement with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) in California resolving an inquiry into whether ACSO is in compliance with its nondiscrimination obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI).

    Under the terms of the agreement, ACSO has agreed to take a number of steps to improve language access for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) in its jurisdiction. Title VI prohibits entities that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating on the basis of race, color and national origin. Differential treatment based on language spoken, including exclusion from or denial of the benefits of programs and services to people with LEP, may constitute national origin discrimination in violation of Title VI.

    “The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is committed to ensuring that our nation’s law enforcement agencies can serve and protect everyone in their communities, regardless of whether they may have limited English proficiency,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Through this agreement, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office has demonstrated its commitment to and has taken major steps toward improving services to the communities it serves.”

    The department’s inquiry into ACSO began after receiving information raising concerns that individuals with LEP may not receive adequate language services during encounters with ACSO personnel.

    Through this agreement, ACSO will establish a formal, office-wide language access directive, designate a member of its personnel as the LEP Coordinator for ACSO, provide staff trainings on language assistance, improve quality controls to require accurate and quality-assessed language assistance services and undergo a period of departmental monitoring.

    This agreement is part of the department’s Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative (LELAI), a nationwide effort to assist law enforcement agencies in overcoming language barriers to better serve and protect communities and keep officers safe. Led by the Civil Rights Division, the initiative provides technical assistance resources and tools that can help state and local law enforcement provide meaningful language access to individuals with LEP; affirmatively engages law enforcement agencies that want to review, update and/or strengthen their language access polices, plans and training; and strengthens the connection between law enforcement agencies, community stakeholders and populations with LEP.

    Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt and information about limited English proficiency and Title VI is available at www.lep.gov. More information on LELAI is available at www.lep.gov/law-enforcement. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at civilrights.justice.gov/report/.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DC Accountant Charged with Mortgage Fraud and Tax Crimes

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Defendant Allegedly Did Not File Tax Returns and Falsified Documents to Obtain Mortgage

    A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., returned an indictment yesterday, which was unsealed today, charging a CPA with not filing income tax returns, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to the indictment, Timothy Trifilo, of Washington, D.C., was a partner or managing director at several large accounting and finance firms and worked in tax compliance. Nevertheless, Trifilo allegedly did not file federal income tax returns for himself for nearly a decade despite earning more than $7.7 million during that time.

    In February 2023, Trifilo allegedly sought to obtain a $1.36 million bank-financed loan to purchase a home in D.C. and was working with a mortgage company to do so. After the mortgage company allegedly told Trifilo that the bank would not approve the loan without copies of Trifilo’s filed tax returns, Trifilo allegedly provided the mortgage company with fabricated documents to make it appear as if he had filed tax returns and provided copies of tax returns for 2020 and 2021 that Trifilo never filed with the IRS. On these returns and other documents that he submitted to the mortgage company, Trifilo allegedly listed a former colleague as the individual who prepared the returns and uploaded them for filing with the IRS. This individual allegedly did not prepare the returns, has never prepared tax returns for Trifilo and did not authorize Trifilo to use his name on the returns and other documents that Trifilo submitted to the mortgage company. Based on Trifilo’s false representation, the bank allegedly approved the loan and Trifilo purchased the home.

    If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison on the identity theft charge, a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison on the bank fraud charge, and a maximum sentence of one year in prison on each count of failure to file tax returns. Trifilo also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties and restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Melissa S. Siskind and Alexandra K. Fleszar of the Tax 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 –