NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Defendants Indicted in Federal Investigation Targeting Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine Sales in Chicago

    Source: US FBI

    CHICAGO — A federal investigation into fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine sales in Chicago has resulted in a grand jury returning multiple drug and/or firearm charges against six individuals.

    A superseding indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago accuses the six defendants of conspiring to distribute the drugs in Chicago in 2024.  Two of the defendants are charged with firearm offenses for illegally possessing semiautomatic handguns as previously convicted felons.

    Charged with drug conspiracy are ANDRE DEBRUCE, 40, of Schiller Park, Ill., TERRANCE PATTON, 40, of Chicago, CRAIG CALDWELL, 43, of Chicago, TIMOTHY BELIN, 48, of Chicago, JENNIFER WORD, 39, of Chicago, and DENOMOIUS WELLS, 41, of Chicago.  Patton and Caldwell are the previously convicted felons charged with illegal firearm possession.  Caldwell also faces an additional gun charge for allegedly possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

    The charges against Caldwell carry a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years. Patton and Debruce face maximum sentences of 40 years, with a mandatory minimum of five years.  Belin, Word, and Wells each face up to 20 years, with no mandatory minimum.

    Wells pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment on Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman.  The five other defendants have also been arraigned and also pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The superseding indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.  Substantial assistance was provided by IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago, the Chicago Police Department, and the Evanston, Ill. Police Department.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayley Altabef and Adam Rosenbloom.

    The superseding indictment in this case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, among other areas of focus. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Bank President and Contractor Plead Guilty to Federal Charge in Loan Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A former bank president and contractor appeared in federal court and admitted to committing bank fraud by conspiring together to falsify loan applications and obtain funds.

    Francis Eversman, 74, of Collinsville, and Gregg Crawford, 65, of Columbia, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud for their roles in a scheme that extended from 2011 to 2020.

    “The integrity of our banking system relies on the integrity of loan officers and applicants,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate their fiduciary duties and those who obtain loans through fraud are brought to justice.”

    According to court documents, Eversman was a senior loan officer at former Tempo Bank in Trenton. Crawford was the owner of construction companies in southern Illinois. Eversman and Crawford admitted in district court that Crawford recruited straw purchasers to act as nominal loan applicants on what were often highly overvalued properties.

    “Every American citizen deserves to walk into their bank and trust the people behind the counter. In southern Illinois, these people are usually our neighbors and friends, people that we trust with our money and wellbeing. The defendants in this case violated that trust through schemes aimed to self-serve and increase wealth,” said FBI Springfield Assistant Special Agent in Charge Karen Marinos. “FBI Springfield and our partners with the Office of Inspector General – Treasury and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will always look out for the wellbeing of the citizens of Illinois and ensure their money is being put in the hands of people they can truly trust.”

    His brother-in-law, Eversman, steered these loans through the approval process. Crawford then used the loan proceeds for other purposes. In some cases, Crawford provided fake lease agreements to purport to show rental income from subject properties. When at audit by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency discovered the suspect loans, Crawford instructed a straw purchaser to provide investigators with false information. 

    Both Crawford and Eversman waived their right to be indicted by a grand jury and pled guilty to an Information.

    Conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and fines up to $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2025.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI Springfield Field Office, the Office of Inspector General – Treasury Department, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Burke is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Princeton Couple Sentenced to Combined 14 Years in Federal Prison for $2 Million Mail Theft Scheme and Firearms Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    EVANSVILLE- Michael Jerome Wright, 45, and Cortney Lashea Young, 36, of Princeton, Indiana, have been sentenced to 12 and 2 years in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a mail theft scheme.

    Wright pleaded guilty to mail theft, unlawful possession of a mail key, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a felon, and possession of a machinegun. Young pleaded guilty to mail theft and possession of a firearm by a felon. Both will serve three years of supervised release following their prison sentence.

    According to court documents, in 2023, law enforcement officials began receiving numerous complaints about mail theft and check forgery.

    In March and April of 2024, Evansville Police Department officers surveilled local United States Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes. On six different occasions, investigators saw Wright open collection boxes with an arrow key around 4:30 in the morning, sort through the mail, then drive off with stolen mail. On at least two of those occasions, investigators saw Young behind the wheel of the getaway car.

    The USPS uses a unique type of lock known as an “arrow lock” to secure collection boxes, lockers, and apartment mailbox panels. These locks can only be opened with an arrow key. It is a crime for anyone not authorized by the Postal Service to knowingly have or use arrow keys.

    On April 3, 2023, law enforcement officers stopped the pair just as they drove away from another mail theft. Officers searched the vehicle and uncovered an arrow key and stolen mail on the passenger floorboard.

    Investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Wright and Young’s apartment in Princeton and located hundreds of checks and their corresponding envelopes, many of which had been previously reported as stolen.  The stolen checks had a total face value of $1,857,460.91.

    Investigators also found two handguns under the mattress in Wright and Young’s bedroom. On Wright’s side of the bed was a partially 3D printed, privately made firearm with no serial number. This type of weapon is commonly referred to as a “ghost gun” because it has no records related to its manufacture or sale. Investigators also recovered two, 30-round extended magazines. The ghost gun had a machinegun conversion device, also called a “Glock switch,” installed, allowing it to fire as a fully automatic weapon. Glock switches are themselves considered machine guns under federal law, whether they are installed in a firearm or not. On Young’s side of the bed was a Ruger pistol.

    Wright has sustained multiple felony convictions including murder, dealing in a synthetic drug, operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Young has sustained a felony conviction for fraud. These prior felony convictions prohibit Wright and Young from ever legally possessing a firearm or ammunition.

    Also in the bedroom of the apartment, law enforcement found two backpacks. In Wright’s backpack, investigators found 30 debit and credit cards bearing the names of other individuals, as well as a piece of notebook paper that had the names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for three other individuals written on it.

    “Americans rely on the U.S. Postal Service to securely deliver everything from birthday cards to critical financial documents,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This couple exploited that trust through a widespread mail theft and identity fraud scheme that caused two million dollars in losses, while arming themselves with very dangerous illegal weapons. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who target the public and abuse systems we all depend on.”

    “This case highlights the distinguished partnership between the Indianapolis Field Office, the Evansville Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States Secret Service has a duty to safeguard the nation’s financial infrastructure, but we protect far more than just the economic interest of the communities we serve,” said Special Agent in Charge of the Indianapolis Field Office, Ike Barnes. “This case is a prime example of how those who look to victimize our communities will do so in numerous ways. Michael Wright and Cortney Young not only exploited our community of roughly $1.8 million in illicit funds but also brought dangerous weapons into our neighborhoods to carry out their depraved scheme.”   

    “Protecting the U.S. mail and its customers is at the core of our mission as postal inspectors,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Sean McStravick of USPIS – Detroit Division.  “Thanks to incredible collaborative efforts with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we were able to do just that by putting these individuals behind bars. This sentencing should be considered a warning to anyone else looking to prey on the Postal Service or its customers – we will bring you to justice.”

    The U.S. Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman.  

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew B. Miller and Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.

     

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Relm Insurance Launches Streamlined Coverage Suite for Fintechs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    St. George’s, Bermuda, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Relm Insurance (‘Relm’), the leading insurer for emerging and innovative industries, today announced the launch of OMEGAFINTECH and NOVAFINTECH, which eliminate coverage gaps within streamlined policies built for today’s financial innovators.

    Modern fintechs face growing risks — from cyberattacks to regulatory scrutiny — yet still rely on fragmented insurance cobbled together from legacy providers. This patchwork approach often leads to costly gaps in coverage and uncertainty at claim time.

    Relm’s new product suite solves this problem by combining critical coverages into a unified structure:

    OMEGAFINTECH

    Built for companies that deliver financial services through technology (e.g. digital banks, crypto exchanges, payment platforms), and includes integrated coverage for:

    • Tech and AI liability
    • Cybersecurity events
    • Financial and professional services (E&O)
    • Regulatory investigations and compulsory limits (e.g. PSD2 compliance in the EU)
    • Financial crime and fraud
    • Management liability
    • 24/7 incident response team access

    NOVAFINTECH

    Tailored for fintech enablers — companies that build, supply, or power financial technologies without offering financial services themselves. It Includes all OMEGAFINTECH protections, minus financial services and management liability, keeping coverage relevant and cost-effective.

    “Many fintechs are scaling fast and taking on complex risk — but traditional insurance hasn’t kept pace,” said Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO and Founder of Relm Insurance. “With OMEGAFINTECH and NOVAFINTECH, we’re helping them close critical gaps and build resilience where it matters most.”

    “Findings from our research and stakeholder engagement suggested there was a clear need for policies that reflect the reality of how modern fintechs operate,” said Claire Davey, Relm’s Head of Product Innovation and Emerging Risk. “OMEGAFINTECH and NOVAFINTECH are the result of that process — cohesive, technically sound coverages that address overlapping exposures in a single structure, helping our clients navigate risk with fewer gaps and greater clarity.”

    For more information, visit: https://relminsurance.com/insurance-products/fintech-insurance-products-omegafintech-and-novafintech/

    Who is OMEGAFINTECH for? Who is NOVAFINTECH for?
    Digital Banking Platforms Digital Payments
    Payment Technology Providers Banking as a Service (BaaS)
    Fraud Prevention and Identity Verification Lending Platforms
    Risk Management, Compliance and RegTech Wealth Tech
    Lending Technology Platforms Personal Finance and Budgeting
    Data Aggregation and Open Banking APIs BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)

    About Relm Insurance 

    Relm Insurance Ltd. (Relm) is a Bermuda-domiciled specialty insurance carrier that supports emerging industries driving innovation and next-generation technologies. Launched in 2019, Relm offers a wide range of insurance products to high-growth markets, including digital assets, blockchain, AI, biotech, and the space economy. With a Financial Stability Rating of A (Exceptional) from Demotech, Relm is widely recognised for its industry expertise and solutions-driven approach, making it a trusted risk partner for businesses operating at the frontier of technological innovation. 

    PR Contact

    Reannah Smith

    reannah@lunapr.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KingsRock Advisors Announces Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board, a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors joining us, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business, across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann   Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider   New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara   Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker   New York, CEO SICM, former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes   Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro   Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh   Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
         

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus   New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis   New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve   Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar   Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly   New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics   Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller   New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus   Madrid, former Deutsche Bank
    Laurent Quelin   London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard   Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios   Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull   London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker   New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KingsRock Advisors Announces Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board, a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors joining us, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business, across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann   Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider   New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara   Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker   New York, CEO SICM, former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes   Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro   Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh   Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
         

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus   New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis   New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve   Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar   Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly   New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics   Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller   New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus   Madrid, former Deutsche Bank
    Laurent Quelin   London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard   Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios   Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull   London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker   New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple Arcade launches four new games in August

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple Arcade launches four new games in August

    July 8, 2025

    UPDATE

    Imagination takes center stage in Play‑Doh World, launching August 7 on Apple Arcade

    Worms Across Worlds, Let’s Go Mightycat!, and Everybody Shogi also join the service

    On August 7, Apple Arcade is adding four exclusive games to its diverse catalog of more than 200 fun games for players to enjoy, all free from ads and in-app purchases. Players can dive into Play-Doh World, where they’ll craft unique Play-Doh characters that come to life; Worms Across Worlds, an exciting addition to the long-running, cult-favorite Worms franchise; Let’s Go Mightycat!, a whimsical 3D puzzler; and Everybody Shogi, a vibrant strategy game based on the traditional Japanese board game.

    Play-Doh World by Scary Beasties
    Play-Doh brings its magic to the digital space with Play-Doh World, allowing players to craft their own characters and watch them spring to life. From inventing wild zoo animals to styling outrageous salon hairdos, every corner of this colorful universe responds to the player’s creative whim. With dozens of interactive zones, collectible special Play-Doh, and regular content updates, Play-Doh World offers creative activities and open-ended, imagination-led play — all in a safe, ad-free environment.

    Worms Across Worlds by StoryToys and Behaviour Interactive
    Worms Across Worlds is the next evolution of the award-winning series. When Professor Worminkle’s experiments threaten reality, the beloved invertebrate warriors find themselves hurtling through five wildly different dimensions. Players will chase the mad scientist across worlds in this strategic turn-based action game. Whether battling solo or organizing epic four-team multiplayer mayhem, every challenge and dimension brings players closer to stopping the professor’s path of destruction.

    Let’s Go Mightycat! by PONOS Corporation
    An everyday feline becomes an unlikely galactic hero when an all-powerful being transforms it into the universe’s most adorable conqueror. In this spinoff of hit tower defense game The Battle Cats, players can customize their heroic cat with stylish capes, rescue interstellar friends, and launch Mightycat through colorful planetary stages. With a variety of challenging puzzle stages, every tap brings players closer to the ultimate goal: bringing every planet in the cosmos under the Cat Empire’s adorable yet mighty paw.

    Everybody Shogi by AltPlus Inc.
    Everybody Shogi is a beautifully reimagined take on the traditional Japanese strategy board game. Blending colorful visuals, intuitive controls, and engaging puzzle-style stages, the game introduces shogi in a casual yet strategic way. Players can enjoy daily challenges, unlock unique piece designs, and build custom decks. With real-time matches against players worldwide and seamless crossplay across devices, Everybody Shogi invites everyone to explore the depth of shogi through fast-paced gameplay in a bright and friendly world.

    Pricing and Availability

    • Apple Arcade is available for $6.99 (U.S.) per month with a one-month free trial. Customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade for free.1
    • Apple Arcade is part of Apple One’s Individual ($19.95 U.S.), Family ($25.95 U.S.), and Premier ($37.95 U.S.) monthly plans, with a one-month free trial.2
    • Arcade Originals are playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. App Store Greats are available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro.
    • An Apple Arcade subscription gives a family of up to six unlimited access to all the games in its catalog.
    • Availability for the 200+ games across devices varies based on hardware and software compatibility. Some content may not be available in all areas.
    1. This offer is available to new subscribers only. One subscription covers one Family Sharing group. The offer is good for three months after eligible device activation. The plan automatically renews until cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply.
    2. The Apple One free trial includes only services that are not currently used through a free trial or a subscription. The plan automatically renews after the trial until cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply.

    Press Contacts

    Peter Nguyen

    Apple

    pete_nguyen@apple.com

    Jennifer Tam

    Apple

    jennifer_tam@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: East African Community (EAC) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Unite to Break Barriers in Cross-Border Digital Payments

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have taken a significant step towards regional financial integration, with the convening of a five-day workshop on payment systems interoperability. The IGAD-EAC-World Bank Joint Workshop, convened from 30th June to 4th July, 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought together Central Banks, digital finance experts, and senior policymakers from nine countries with a focus on advancing harmonised legal, regulatory, and supervisory frameworks that will enable faster, safer, and more inclusive cross-border payments across the Eastern Africa region

    The workshop was organised under the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), a flagship initiative jointly implemented by IGAD and EAC, with support from the World Bank. The EARDIP’s mission is to boost regional digital market integration by expanding broadband infrastructure and strengthening the environment for cross-border digital services, including digital payments, a critical enabler of trade, remittances, and financial inclusion.

    At the heart the Addis Ababa discussions was a shared regional challenge of fragmented and non-interoperable payment systems that undermine economic potential. While countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia have made strides in domestic interoperability, regional integration remains stifled by gaps in regulations, technical disparities, and cybersecurity concerns. Against this backdrop, the workshop provided a platform for technical learning, peer-to-peer exchange, and collective visioning.

    In his opening remarks, Dr. Mohyeldeen Eltohami, Director of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration, IGAD, emphasised that the workshop was not merely a technical convening but a launchpad for transformation. “The collaboration between EAC and IGAD exemplifies the spirit of regional solidarity and shared ambition that Africa needs to build the future it envisions, a future of seamless digital integration, inclusive prosperity, and economic transformation,” he said.

    The Director urged participants to seize the opportunity to build a harmonised regional framework and to let cooperation, not fragmentation, define the region’s digital future.

    “Digital transformation is no longer a choice but a necessity. Together, IGAD and EAC can build a digitally integrated Eastern Africa, where borders no longer limit opportunity, and where innovation drives inclusion, and prosperity is shared,” said Dr. Eltohami.

    Echoing these sentiments, Eng. Daniel Murenzi, Principal Information Technology Officer, EAC Secretariat stressed that digital payments are the backbone of a functioning digital market and that interoperability was no longer a luxury, but a necessity for regional prosperity.

    “EAC and IGAD are implementing the EARDIP Project with the objective to advance digital regional integration by strengthening cross-border digital infrastructure, services, policies, and frameworks that promote economic growth, inclusion, and regional collaboration among EAC and IGAD Member/Partner States,” noted Eng. Murenzi.

    “Payment systems are an enabler in this digital ecosystem for the region, with their interoperability a critical factor. We therefore need to review national payment processes, harmonise legal and regulatory instruments and facilitate interoperability of the regions payment system,” he noted.

    On his part, Mr. Gynedi Srinivas, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, Payment Systems Development Group, World Bank outlined the global relevance of the workshop, noting that its objectives align with the Group of Twenty (G20) roadmap for faster, cheaper, and safer cross-border payments. He applauded the region’s readiness to harness the benefits of fast payment system (FPS) interoperability.

    “The benefits of cross-border interoperability of fast payment systems will especially enable safer, faster and low-cost retail payments across borders helping end-users, individuals and Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) to make and receive payments seamlessly,” he noted.

    Participants of the workshop engaged in discussions on three strategic areas: digital infrastructure, legal and regulatory frameworks, and regional payment integration. Recommendations from these sessions included the need to invest in shared digital infrastructure, adopt consumer-centric design for FPS, develop regulatory sandboxes to support innovation, and the need to harmonise legal instruments to unlock true cross-border operability.

    During the workshop, experts from some Member/Partner States Central/National Banks shared experiences and lessons from their national contexts, thereby providing practical blueprints for other countries aiming to leapfrog barriers and accelerate digital finance inclusion.

    Participants also explored emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, and cross-border Central bank digital currencies, alongside discussions on cyber threats and the role of cybersecurity incident response teams (CIRSTs) in protecting payment ecosystems. The need for a unified cybersecurity legal framework and real-time threat intelligence sharing across borders emerged as a top priority.

    The workshop further recommended facilitating peer-to-peer attachments among central banks; anchoring FPS design in user needs; collectively addressing social engineering risks, particularly in mobile payments; and convening annual joint workshops on cross-border payments.

    The workshop brought together experts from nine IGAD-EAC Member/Partner States’ National Payment System directorates or departments from the Bank of the Republic of Burundi, the Central Bank of Djibouti, the National Bank of Ethiopia, the Central Bank of Kenya, the National Bank of Rwanda, the Central Bank of Somalia, the Bank of South Sudan, the Bank of Tanzania and the Bank of Uganda. The Central Bank of the Democratic Republic of Congo was represented by the Ministry of Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Also in attendance were IGAD and EAC EARDIP Coordinators and key staff as well as World Bank Consultants and a representative from Banco d ’Italia (Bank of Italy).  

    – on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: Release people detained over expressing support for Gaza March

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Egyptian authorities must unconditionally and immediately release anyone detained solely for expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amidst Israel’s ongoing genocide, including at least seven Egyptian nationals detained for expressing support for the Gaza March, Amnesty International said today. The organization is also calling on the authorities to investigate allegations of torture and other ill-treatment related to the arrests and deportations of international activists in connection with the planned solidarity march.

    Hundreds of international activists travelled to Egypt in June to take part in a global march to the city of Rafah in a bid to break Israel’s illegal blockade on the occupied Gaza Strip, but Egyptian authorities responded by arresting scores of Egyptian and foreign nationals and deporting non-Egyptians.  

    Amnesty International documented the arbitrary detention, incommunicado detention, and ill-treatment of three Egyptians and five foreign nationals in connection with the Gaza March between 10 and 16 June. Amnesty International obtained a testimony that at least one Egyptian national was subjected to torture during their detention. The organization is calling for all those still being held solely for expressing solidarity with Palestinians to be unconditionally and immediately released, including those detained for expressing solidarity with Palestinians since October 2023.

    “The world has seen a glimpse of the brutality that Egyptian authorities continue to inflict on dissidents. The arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment that these activists have been subjected to represents just a fraction of the ongoing repression faced by virtually anyone who expresses views not condoned by the government,” said Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt and Libya Researcher at Amnesty International.  

    “It is unthinkable that Egyptian authorities are arresting and punishing activists for showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza while Israel is committing genocide against them. Egypt’s authorities should instead be facilitating the right to peaceful assembly and expression, starting by releasing anyone arbitrarily detained for demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinians and investigating all allegations of torture and other ill-treatment.”  

    On 11 June, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official statement that foreign nationals must receive prior authorization to visit areas bordering Gaza through, among other means, submitting a request to Egyptian embassies. Organizers of the Gaza March told Amnesty International that they had submitted authorization requests to over 30 Egyptian embassies abroad, approximately two and a half months ahead of the march’s scheduled date. Embassy officials informed them that the requests had been forwarded to authorities in Cairo, but the organizers never received a response. 

    Egyptian security forces later shut down the march by arresting Egyptian and foreign activists upon their arrival at the airport, from hotels or at checkpoints on the way to Rafah, before deporting hundreds of non-Egyptians. 

    Arbitrary detention and torture or other ill-treatment of Egyptian nationals 

    According to a lawyer at the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF), between 10 and 12 June 2025, security forces arrested three Egyptian nationals (two men and one woman) from their homes in Cairo and al-Sharkia governorates. The three were part of a Telegram group that supported the Gaza March. 

    Upon their arrest, they were reportedly held in incommunicado detention at undisclosed National Security Agency (NSA) facilities for periods ranging from nine to ten days. NSA agents then brought the three to the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) in Cairo on 21, 22, and 23 June.  

    SSSP prosecutors accused them of charges including “joining a terrorist group [the Muslim Brotherhood],” “publishing false news,” and “funding a terrorist group,” according to the ECRF lawyer. Prosecutors then ordered their pretrial detention for 15 days pending investigations. 

    During the SSSP questioning, one of the men said that NSA agents had subjected him to electric shocks on his hands and a sensitive part of his body, and beat him with kicks and slaps to the face. The other man told the prosecutor that NSA agents beat him and forced him to strip naked. These acts constitute ill-treatment and may amount to torture. 

    In June, SSSP prosecutors questioned four other Egyptian nationals (three men and one woman) and ordered their detention for 15 days in connection with the same charges pending the same case, according to ECRF’s lawyer. 

    Arbitrary arrest and ill-treatment of foreign nationals 

    Amnesty International spoke to five foreign nationals who had travelled to attend the Gaza March including Stefanie Crisostomo, a Croatian-Peruvian activist, and Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish national and the Gaza March spokesperson. They told Amnesty that Egyptian police subjected them to severe beatings and other acts of violence when they arrested them. They also said that they had been held in incommunicado detention in police stations, NSA facilities, and Cairo Airport.  

    Crisostomo told Amnesty International that on 14 June, plain-clothed NSA agents arrested her and her husband at a hotel in Cairo without providing any reason or allowing them to contact their embassies or anyone else after confiscating their phones. They were then transferred to an undisclosed security facility, where police detained her French husband for 30 hours, while transferring Stefanie to Cairo Airport. At the airport, she refused to be deported until the police released her husband. The police then handcuffed her and grabbed her arms tightly, causing bruising. Amnesty International reviewed photographs of her arms in which the bruises are clearly visible and is concerned that this may amount to ill-treatment. 

    One of the other foreign nationals, who chose not to disclose his nationality, said that on 13 June police arrested him, along with approximately 15 others, at a checkpoint in Ismailia Governorate on their way to Rafah. During the arrest, police beat him with batons, striking him on his face and neck. He said that during the arrest, one of the police officers attempted to put their finger in his anus. Police took the group to an Ismailia police station and detained them until the following morning, before transferring him to Cairo Airport for deportation. 

    The two other men, both Norwegians, as well as Saif said that on 16 June, plain-clothed police arrested them at a coffee shop in Cairo without showing a warrant. The police then blindfolded them and drove them to an undisclosed security facility in an unmarked van. NSA officers questioned the two Norwegian men, while still blindfolded and handcuffed, about the number of participants in the Gaza March, their identities, and their accommodation. One of the men told Amnesty International that when he refused to answer, an NSA agent slapped him twice on the face and kneed him in the chest. According to the man, the blow caused a minor rib fracture. 

    The second man said that when he refused to answer certain questions an NSA agent slapped him on the face and kicked him in the chest.  

    Saif Abukeshek said that police deliberately slammed his body into walls and doors while moving him between different rooms at the facility, blindfolded and handcuffed with his hands behind his back. “I could clearly hear them laughing at me crashing into the walls,” he said. 

    The three were later transferred to Cairo Airport to be deported after spending between two to 25 hours at the facility. None of the four men were allowed at any point to contact their embassy or anyone else to inform them about their arrest, until their deportation.

    – on behalf of Amnesty International.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Minister of Agriculture,Steenhuisen holds a Post Budget Vote Media Briefing

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Minister of Agriculture, Hon.John Steenhuisen holds a Post Budget Vote Media Briefing

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayRv3uX0X6Y

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI to conduct 2-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under LAF on July 09, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on Wednesday, July 09, 2025, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor
    (day)    		 Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 1,00,000 2 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM July 11, 2025
    (Friday)

    2. The operational guidelines for the auction as given in the Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2019-2020/1947 dated February 13, 2020 will remain the same.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)     

    Press Release: 2025-2026/677

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cameroon celebrates forest hero and Chevening scholars

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Cameroon celebrates forest hero and Chevening scholars

    The British High Commission in Yaoundé honoured Dr Cécile Ndjebet, the first-ever Kew International Medalist and a trailblazing forest and climate activist.

    Dr Ndjebet receiving her Award from the High Commissioner, Matt Woods.

    The British High Commission in Yaoundé hosted a special ceremony to honour Dr Cécile Ndjebet, the first-ever recipient of the Kew International Medal. A renowned forest and environmental activist, Dr Ndjebet was celebrated for her groundbreaking work in forest conservation and women’s empowerment across 20 African countries.

    Her recognition marks a historic moment, highlighting Cameroon’s leadership in global environmental advocacy.

    As the 17th recipient of this globally respected award, Dr. Ndjebet was commended by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, and High Commissioner Matt Woods for her tireless efforts in promoting inclusive forest governance.

    A co-founder of the African Women’s Network for Community Management of Forests and a member of the African Forest Forum, Dr Ndjebet has been instrumental in advancing sustainable environmental practices while ensuring that women have a voice in managing Africa’s natural resources.

    A royal recognition

    Just days after the ceremony in Cameroon, Dr Ndjebet was received by His Majesty King Charles III in the United Kingdom. During her visit, she delivered a powerful keynote address on “Nature Action: Mobilising Frameworks and Finance” highlighting the urgent need for global collaboration in financing nature-based solutions and empowering local communities, especially women, to lead in environmental stewardship.

    Her address underscored the importance of integrating traditional knowledge, gender equity, and sustainable finance into global climate strategies.

    Celebrating academic excellence

    The event also celebrated the return of eight Chevening Scholars who recently completed their master’s degrees at top UK universities. These scholars specialized in critical fields such as climate policy, engineering, disaster management, and artificial intelligence, bringing back valuable knowledge and skills to contribute to national development.

    Strengthening UK-Cameroon ties through education

    Since its inception in 1983, the Chevening Scholarship programme has played a vital role in fostering educational and diplomatic ties between the UK and Cameroon. By investing in future leaders, the programme continues to build bridges of collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sweeper Hire and Hoses boss Philip Liley gets suspended sentence

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Sweeper Hire and Hoses boss Philip Liley gets suspended sentence

    Exeter man tried to hide tons of illegal waste kept on leased land by pushing it into the trees and spreading it across the ground.

    Liley and his firm Sweeper Hire and Hoses admitted running a waste site without a permit

    • Philip Liley attempted to disguise the 15,000 tonnes of waste stored illegally at the site
    • Environment Agency investigations began when the nearby River Bovey was polluted
    • Liley, then trading as Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited, had no environmental permits and ignored all attempts to make his business operate legally.

    Philip Liley, of Sidmouth Road, Exeter, was director of the then Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited business based at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon. He pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 3 July.

    Liley was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 2 years – and 300 hours of unpaid work. 

    Chris Lawson of the Environment Agency, said: 

    Environmental permits are in place to protect the public and the environment.

    Illegal waste activity such as this undermines legitimate businesses that work hard to operate within the regulations, as well as putting the local environment at risk and impacting on the local community. 

    I hope today’s verdict sends a clear message to illegal waste operators that we are committed to tackling the blight of waste crime and will use all powers available to us to catch offenders.

    Leaking pipe leads to Liley’s site

    In March 2023, following a report of a pollution into a tributary of the River Bovey, Environment Agency officers found a pipe discharging a grey/brown liquid into the watercourse.

    The source of the discharge was found to be Liley’s site that he leased at Newton Abbot. The ground at the site was churned up and with heavy plant machinery operating on it, causing the runoff to enter the river.

    The Environment Agency was informed by a sub-contractor working on the site that approximately 15,000 tonnes of inert waste had been imported onto the premises. Groundworks at the site were stopped immediately to limit harm to the local environment. 

    Trees used to hide waste

    Investigations revealed the site was being leased by a company called Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited. There were no environmental permits or exemptions covering the waste activities ongoing at the site. Neither were there any outstanding planning permission applications.

    During an Environment Agency site inspection, a substantial amount of waste material was present onsite. It appeared that it was being hidden by being pushed and deposited into the trees both at the sides of the premises and in the middle. Work also appeared to be ongoing to level the waste across the site.  

    The same day, the Environment Agency served a notice requiring the company to produce waste transfer notes for waste imported to the site over the previous 2 years. Liley had originally leased the land for 5 years from September 2021, trading as Sweepers and Hoses Limited.  

    Liley refuses to explain himself

    However, due to issues with the various waste issues at the premises, Liley had been given notice to leave the site by the landowner he leased it from. 

    From the waste transfer notes provided, a minimum of 2,960 tonnes in total had been imported to the site between 18 May 2022 and 3 February 2023.

    Liley resigned as director of the business on 1 March 2023 and refused all attempts by the Environment Agency to be interviewed to explain his actions and the legitimacy of his waste business.  

    Illegal waste activity can be reported in confidence to the Environment Agency on its 24-hour incident line on 0800 807060 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

    Background

    Sweeper Hire and Hoses and Philip Liley were charged with the following offences: 

    • Between 29 September 2021 and 1 March 2023 you, Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited, on land at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon,  did operate a regulated facility, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit, namely a waste depositing operation for which no environmental permit was in force.  Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. 

    • Between 29 September 2021 and 1 March 2023 you, Phillip Liley on land at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon as Director of  Sweeper Higher and Hoses Limited, did by consent or connivance,  operate a regulated facility, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit, namely a waste depositing operation for which no environmental permit was in force. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(a), 38(1)(a) and 41(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 

    • Between 2 March 2023 and 15 September 2023 you, Phillip Liley on land at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon,  did operate a regulated facility, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit, namely a waste depositing operation for which no environmental permit was in force. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New study provides major boost for mine water heat revolution

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New study provides major boost for mine water heat revolution

    New study shows 87% of coalfield boreholes succeed, busting myths around drilling risks and boosting confidence in mine water heat for green energy.

    Borehole drilling in County Durham.

    A new study from the Mining Remediation Authority busts myths around the risks of drilling into abandoned coal mines for mine water heat schemes. The research provides the strongest evidence yet that this low-carbon technology is technically achievable, cost-effective and ready to scale, offering a major boost to the UK’s ambitions for clean, secure, and locally sourced energy.

    The open-access research, “Drilling into Coal Mine Workings: Overview and Experience from Britain’s Coalfields”, analysed 564 boreholes drilled across Great Britain. It found that 87% of boreholes successfully delivered on their intended purpose, including monitoring, gas venting and water abstraction. More than 75% of those targeting mine voids successfully reached their target, confirming the predictability and feasibility of accessing mine water heat.

    This work directly addresses any concerns about the technical and financial risks of drilling into former coal mines for low-carbon heating, cooling, and thermal storage. It provides a robust evidence base to support the rollout of mine water heat networks, a reliable source of green energy beneath many former coalfield communities, which is currently underused.

    Mine water heat: Busting myths with new drilling study

    Lee Wyatt, lead author and Senior Hydrogeologist at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:

    This study shows that drilling into coal mine workings is not the high-risk activity it’s often perceived to be. With the right planning, design, and expertise, success rates are high, and this opens the door for more confident investment in mine water heat networks. This has the ability to decarbonise heat, reduce energy bills, and regenerate former coalfield communities.

    Key findings:

    • 87% of boreholes were suitable for their original purpose.
    • More than 75% success rate for hitting targeted mine voids.
    • 97% success rate for deeper boreholes (over 300m), where mine plans are more accurate.
    • Boreholes targeting roadways had a 77% success rate in hitting voids and 85% suitability for their intended use.

    The study supports our mission to unlock the potential of Britain’s coalfields for sustainable development and energy transition. It gives developers, local authorities and infrastructure planners greater confidence in mine water heat as a dependable, scalable energy source.

    It also complements research from initiatives like the UK Geoenergy Observatories, which continue to improve geological understanding of mine heat systems and their role in the energy transition.

    Further information:

    Paper link: https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/full/10.1144/qjegh2025-016

    Mine Water Thematic link: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/mine-water-energy

    QJEGH Volume 58 August 2025: https://www.lyellcollection.org/journal/qjegh

    For media enquiries contact the community response team

    Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk

    Telephone 0800 288 4211

    For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
    Only urgent media calls will be attended to.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: INNOPROM-2025: the fight for technological leadership

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Polytechnic stand continues its work at the INNOPROM exhibition, and the official delegation of SPbPU takes an active part in the business program. On July 8, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin arrived in Yekaterinburg. At the forum, the Prime Minister assessed the exhibits and opened the main strategic session “Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough”.

    “I would like to sincerely welcome the participants and guests of the main industrial exhibition of Russia. This year it has a significant anniversary. For the 15th time, Yekaterinburg has become the center of attraction for companies of industrial leaders – both our country and our friendly states. In order to identify new growth points, expand the range of business contacts,” said Mikhail Mishustin. – Today’s discussion is devoted to a very important topic – industrial breakthrough. President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum emphasized that the Russian economy must become more technological. This is a serious challenge, the solution of which will require combining the efforts of educational and scientific institutions, industry and other sectors, the expert community and investors, state corporations and development institutions, ministries and departments, regional authorities. I am absolutely convinced that together we will be able to achieve the goals set in this area. And a good support, of course, will be the success of domestic manufacturers.”

    The industrial world is currently experiencing a period of dramatic change and instability. In the context of growing uncertainty, the largest market players are actively looking for new growth points and strategic allies. Technological development is becoming a key area of production transformation. The priority vector is the creation of intelligent and automated systems, where artificial intelligence plays a central role in managing production processes. However, technological progress is only one component of success in the struggle for leadership. An equally important aspect is the formation of a reliable ecosystem of partnerships based on many years of experience of joint work and mutual trust. The key factors in this strategy are the painstaking work of higher education institutions in training qualified personnel, as well as close interaction between educational institutions, enterprises and business representatives.

    Thus, the chief designer for the key scientific and technological development area of SPbPU “System Digital Engineering”, director of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” Alexey Borovkov was one of the key speakers of the round table “Implementation of strategic projects of technological leadership within the framework of the program “Priority-2030”. The participants of the meeting discussed the mechanisms of interaction of the program with the system of higher education, including the assessment of the implemented educational programs, methodological approaches to training and forms of cooperation between educational institutions and the business community.

    Alexey Ivanovich recalled that in 2025, each university included the section “Strategic Technological Leadership” in its comprehensive development program, identifying three strategic technological projects. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, following the presentation of the University Development Program at the Council of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, entered the leading group of universities participating in the Priority-2030 program.

    It is important to note that in accordance with the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated May 20, 2023 No. 1315-r, the term “technological leadership” is defined as the superiority of technologies or products in key parameters (functional, technical, cost) over foreign analogues. It is for the purpose of achieving technological leadership according to this definition that SPbPU concentrates its efforts on three key scientific and technological areas (KST): KST-1 “Systemic digital engineering” – development of technologies and products superior to foreign analogues, based on digital twin technology and the CML-Bench® Digital Platform KST-2 “New materials, technologies, production” – creation of science-intensive industries for the repair and manufacture of products for various purposes; KST-3 “Artificial intelligence for solving cross-industry problems” – development of digital platform solutions for analyzing multimodal data, – said Alexey Ivanovich.

    A solemn and pleasant ceremony took place at our stand during business negotiations. SPbPU Academic Secretary Dmitry Karpov presented the SPbPU “For Merits” badge of distinction to Anatoly Sludnykh, General Director of the Ural Optical-Mechanical Plant named after E. S. Yalamov (UOMZ). The award was given by a unanimous decision of the Polytechnic Academic Council for his great contribution to the development of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. UOMZ is a long-standing and reliable partner of the Polytechnic. So, quite recently The plant’s delegation visited our university.

    According to Anatoly Sludnykh, the enterprise is interested in using technologies and materials developed by Polytechnic University scientists, as well as in additional training of its technologists and engineers at the university. SPbPU, in turn, is determined to strengthen ties and expand cooperation with the Ural Optical and Mechanical Plant and other enterprises of the Shvabe holding.

    We should add that the Polytechnic stand enjoys increased attention from specialists and visitors to the INNOPROM exhibition. They evaluate the advanced engineering developments of our university and communicate with the university specialists. But the exhibit of the SPbPU History Museum is of particular value – a fragment of the legendary “Cable of Life”. This is a gift from Polytechnic graduates who, after graduating from the university, made a successful career at Lenenergo.

    September 23, 1942 was a turning point in the history of Leningrad during the siege. On this day, the besieged city began receiving electricity from the Volkhov Hydroelectric Power Station. The unique project was completed in just 48 days. Power engineers had to lay 104 kilometers of overhead power lines and five 23-kilometer cable strands along the bottom of Lake Ladoga. The work was carried out under constant enemy fire near the front line. A three-core cable with a 120 mm² cross-section ensured the transmission of significant amounts of electricity. The system operated for almost two years, supplying not only industrial enterprises, but also the everyday needs of city residents.

    Director of the SPbPU History Museum Valery Klimov shared his memories of the outstanding engineer Nikodim Tumanov, who supervised the cable laying. In 1935, he graduated from the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute as an external student, defending his diploma project on the topic of “Expansion of the electrical network of the Central District of the Leningrad electrical network.”

    When he was assigned to lead the group, he said: “I understood that this task was impossible. But if I refused, someone else would refuse, a third – and the city would be left without electricity. I decided for myself that I had to try. Leningraders are those people who did not refuse. Perhaps that is why we survived. And as long as a person believes, he lives,” Valery Yuryevich quoted Nikodim Tumanov.

    I noticed that there are not many stands here that have the logo of the 80th anniversary of the Victory. Our stand has one. This year the country celebrated a great anniversary, and that is why we brought to Yekaterinburg one of the symbols of the Victory and the heroism of Leningraders – “Cable of Life”, – emphasized Valery Klimov.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier urges UN to play better role amid rising global uncertainties

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

    RIO DE JANEIRO, July 8 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday called on the United Nations to play a better role in a world that is not yet a tranquil place.

    In a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit, Li also cautioned that the world is facing growing unstable and uncertain factors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: View of memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in China’s Shanxi

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

    View of memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in China’s Shanxi

    Updated: July 8, 2025 21:29 Xinhua
    This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows an exterior view of the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. The Hundred-Regiment Campaign took place in northern China from August 1940 to January 1941 during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows an interior view of the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows some exhibits at the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows a gas mask used by Japanese invaders at the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 8, 2025 shows tourists visiting a monument to the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on July 7, 2025 shows an interior view of the memorial hall commemorating the Hundred-Regiment Campaign in Yangquan, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Exhibition themed ‘For National Liberation and World Peace’ opens to public

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

    Exhibition themed ‘For National Liberation and World Peace’ opens to public

    Updated: July 8, 2025 21:29 Xinhua
    People visit an exhibition themed “For National Liberation and World Peace” at the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, July 8, 2025. The exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Tuesday. The exhibition features 1,525 photos and 3,237 artifacts across an area of 12,200 square meters. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit an exhibition themed “For National Liberation and World Peace” at the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, July 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit an exhibition themed “For National Liberation and World Peace” at the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, July 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit an exhibition themed “For National Liberation and World Peace” at the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, July 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit an exhibition themed “For National Liberation and World Peace” at the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, July 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit an exhibition themed “For National Liberation and World Peace” at the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, July 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to work with UN for more just, equitable global governance, says Premier Li

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

    China to work with UN for more just, equitable global governance, says Premier Li

    RIO DE JANEIRO, July 8 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday that China stands ready to deepen solidarity and cooperation with the United Nations to jointly advocate for a more just and equitable global governance.

    Li made the remarks during his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Showcases Industry-Leading Hotel Technology at Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa 2025

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    Samsung, a global leader in innovative technology solutions, took centre stage at the recent Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. As a trusted partner to the hospitality industry, Samsung presented a powerful suite of cutting-edge hotel technologies designed to elevate guest experiences and streamline hotel operations.
     
    Visitors to the Samsung exhibition stand experienced first-hand how the brand is shaping the future of smart hospitality. On display was a curated portfolio of Samsung’s premium commercial solutions tailored specifically for hotels, including:
     

    Samsung Hotel TVs – Commercial TVs built for business, and designed to offer an immersive in-room entertainment or conference experience. These advanced displays allow your guests to enjoy seamless and life-like picture quality. Explore more
    Samsung Kiosk and Connection Box – Modernise guest self-service with intuitive, secure, all-in-one solutions that simplify check-ins, payments, and more. See details
    Samsung Flip Screen – Encourage collaboration in conference or event spaces with an interactive whiteboard that brings meetings to life.
    LED Smart Signage – Find the perfect display solution for any business. Make a striking impression with high-impact indoor and outdoor LED signage, ideal for lobbies, event promotions, or wayfinding. More info | Smart Signage
    Samsung Tablets – Business-ready tablets that support operations and communication – designed to maximise productivity in the field, classroom, or office. Browse tablets

     
    Samsung’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and seamless integration positions it as a leading technology partner for the hospitality sector. From enhancing operational efficiency to delivering premium guest experiences, Samsung’s hotel solutions are trusted by hotels across South Africa and around the world.
     
    At the expo, Samsung gave visitors an opportunity to discover how technology is reshaping the hospitality landscape, making every stay smarter, safer, and more connected.
     
    For more information about Samsung’s business solutions, visit: https://www.samsung.com/za/business

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Showcases Industry-Leading Hotel Technology at Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa 2025

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    Samsung, a global leader in innovative technology solutions, took centre stage at the recent Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. As a trusted partner to the hospitality industry, Samsung presented a powerful suite of cutting-edge hotel technologies designed to elevate guest experiences and streamline hotel operations.
     
    Visitors to the Samsung exhibition stand experienced first-hand how the brand is shaping the future of smart hospitality. On display was a curated portfolio of Samsung’s premium commercial solutions tailored specifically for hotels, including:
     

    Samsung Hotel TVs – Commercial TVs built for business, and designed to offer an immersive in-room entertainment or conference experience. These advanced displays allow your guests to enjoy seamless and life-like picture quality. Explore more
    Samsung Kiosk and Connection Box – Modernise guest self-service with intuitive, secure, all-in-one solutions that simplify check-ins, payments, and more. See details
    Samsung Flip Screen – Encourage collaboration in conference or event spaces with an interactive whiteboard that brings meetings to life.
    LED Smart Signage – Find the perfect display solution for any business. Make a striking impression with high-impact indoor and outdoor LED signage, ideal for lobbies, event promotions, or wayfinding. More info | Smart Signage
    Samsung Tablets – Business-ready tablets that support operations and communication – designed to maximise productivity in the field, classroom, or office. Browse tablets

     
    Samsung’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and seamless integration positions it as a leading technology partner for the hospitality sector. From enhancing operational efficiency to delivering premium guest experiences, Samsung’s hotel solutions are trusted by hotels across South Africa and around the world.
     
    At the expo, Samsung gave visitors an opportunity to discover how technology is reshaping the hospitality landscape, making every stay smarter, safer, and more connected.
     
    For more information about Samsung’s business solutions, visit: https://www.samsung.com/za/business

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Application for delisting of SDRs from Nasdaq Stockholm

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The management board of Northern Horizon Capital AS submitted today, 8 July 2025, an application to Nasdaq Stockholm for the delisting of the SDRs. The application was submitted in connection with the planned delisting of SDRs from Nasdaq Stockholm (notice of termination https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=1354309&lang=en) in accordance with the resolution of the fund manager dated 13 February 2025.

    The last day of trading in the SDR on Nasdaq Stockholm is planned to be on 8 October 2025.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. 

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Application for delisting of SDRs from Nasdaq Stockholm

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The management board of Northern Horizon Capital AS submitted today, 8 July 2025, an application to Nasdaq Stockholm for the delisting of the SDRs. The application was submitted in connection with the planned delisting of SDRs from Nasdaq Stockholm (notice of termination https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=1354309&lang=en) in accordance with the resolution of the fund manager dated 13 February 2025.

    The last day of trading in the SDR on Nasdaq Stockholm is planned to be on 8 October 2025.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. 

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE — Intermex Launches a new Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) Platform to Help Businesses Simplify Cross-Border Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”), a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean, today announced the launch of its fully redesigned Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform. The upgraded service gives businesses a straightforward way to embed fast, secure cross-border money transfers into their own customer experiences.

    A growing number of companies – from innovative U.S. fintechs to well-established payment providers – are already harnessing Intermex’s Remittance-as-a-Service platform to unlock new cross-border revenue streams.

    Through Intermex’s RaaS platform, companies can introduce their own branded person-to-person and business-to-person payment services to eligible markets including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador, as well as select countries in Southeast Asia, the European Union, and Africa.

    “Businesses want to innovate and expand quickly, but hurdles like technology development, licensing, and regulatory compliance often slow them down,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Digital, Product & Marketing Officer at Intermex. “Our RaaS platform helps remove those barriers, giving partners a turnkey solution built on decades of experience and one of the strongest payout networks in Latin America.”

    The enhanced platform offers a customizable system that lets businesses create branded customer experiences across WhatsApp, mobile apps, and the web. The service is supported by appropriate licensing across U.S. jurisdictions, incorporating required know your customers and anti-money laundering compliance measures. Companies gain access to one of the largest payout networks in Latin America, supporting cash pickups, home deliveries, and direct bank deposits. The solution also provides integrated payment services, merchant account management, chargeback support, and advanced anti-fraud tools. Additionally, partners benefit from 24/7 bilingual customer support, business insights, and ongoing strategic guidance.

    “Our partners don’t have to build everything from scratch,” Theodoro added. “Through a simple API, we provide the infrastructure, licenses, payout networks, and even the support teams they need. Whether you’re a fintech, an employer, or a loyalty platform, we’re ready to help businesses move money across borders.”

    Companies interested in partnering with Intermex can learn more at www.intermexonline.com/partner-with-us#/.

    About Intermex
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to facilitate money transfers from select locations including the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries, where available and subject to applicable regulations. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.intermexonline.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE — Intermex Launches a new Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) Platform to Help Businesses Simplify Cross-Border Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”), a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean, today announced the launch of its fully redesigned Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform. The upgraded service gives businesses a straightforward way to embed fast, secure cross-border money transfers into their own customer experiences.

    A growing number of companies – from innovative U.S. fintechs to well-established payment providers – are already harnessing Intermex’s Remittance-as-a-Service platform to unlock new cross-border revenue streams.

    Through Intermex’s RaaS platform, companies can introduce their own branded person-to-person and business-to-person payment services to eligible markets including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador, as well as select countries in Southeast Asia, the European Union, and Africa.

    “Businesses want to innovate and expand quickly, but hurdles like technology development, licensing, and regulatory compliance often slow them down,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Digital, Product & Marketing Officer at Intermex. “Our RaaS platform helps remove those barriers, giving partners a turnkey solution built on decades of experience and one of the strongest payout networks in Latin America.”

    The enhanced platform offers a customizable system that lets businesses create branded customer experiences across WhatsApp, mobile apps, and the web. The service is supported by appropriate licensing across U.S. jurisdictions, incorporating required know your customers and anti-money laundering compliance measures. Companies gain access to one of the largest payout networks in Latin America, supporting cash pickups, home deliveries, and direct bank deposits. The solution also provides integrated payment services, merchant account management, chargeback support, and advanced anti-fraud tools. Additionally, partners benefit from 24/7 bilingual customer support, business insights, and ongoing strategic guidance.

    “Our partners don’t have to build everything from scratch,” Theodoro added. “Through a simple API, we provide the infrastructure, licenses, payout networks, and even the support teams they need. Whether you’re a fintech, an employer, or a loyalty platform, we’re ready to help businesses move money across borders.”

    Companies interested in partnering with Intermex can learn more at www.intermexonline.com/partner-with-us#/.

    About Intermex
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to facilitate money transfers from select locations including the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries, where available and subject to applicable regulations. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.intermexonline.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BluSky AI Inc. Secures First Site with 9.3MW to Launch Flagship Data Center in Central, Utah

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Salt Lake City Utah, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BluSky AI Inc. (OTC: BSAI), (“BluSky AI” or the “Company”), a next-generation developer of modular AI data center infrastructure, is proud to announce the acquisition of its first operational site, securing a total of 9.3 megawatts (MW) of power to support its flagship data center project in Central, Utah.

    On June 30, 2025, BluSky AI entered into a definitive Acquisition and Power Assignment Agreement with Digital Asset Management, LLC (“DAM”), a Wyoming-based infrastructure partner. Under the agreement, DAM assigned to BluSky AI its exclusive right to utilize 9.3 MW of grid-interconnected power at a highly competitive rate, subject to standard adjustments. This power commitment will support BluSky AI’s long-term operations at the Milford site.

    In consideration for the power rights, BluSky AI issued 20 million shares of restricted common stock to DAM. The agreement spans the full operational life of the Utah data center project, ensuring long-term energy stability and cost efficiency.

    Simultaneously, BluSky AI executed a Ground Lease with an Option to Purchase with Wild Mustang Ventures LLC, securing 51.6 acres of land in Central, Utah. The lease, which runs for an initial two-year term, includes an annual base rent of $90,000, which will accrue until the earlier of lease expiration or BluSky’s exercise of its purchase option.

    With this dual milestone, BluSky AI now controls 9.3 MW of power capacity, including additional grid access beyond the commitment, positioning the Company to rapidly deploy its modular AI compute infrastructure.

    “This is a foundational moment for BluSky AI,” said Trent D’Ambrosio, CEO of BluSky AI Inc. “Securing long-term, low-cost power and a strategic land position in Central Utah gives us the runway to scale our AI infrastructure with sustainability and precision. It’s the first step in a bold vision to provide access to compute and power the future of intelligent systems.”

    Trent D’Ambrosio
    CEO, BluSky AI Inc.
    trentdambrosio@bluskyaidatacenters.com
    www.bluskyaidatacenters.com

    About BluSky AI Inc.

    Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, BluSky AI Inc. delivers modular, rapidly deployable data center infrastructure purpose-built for artificial intelligence. These next generation scalable AI Factories provide speed-to-market, and energy optimization for entities requiring high-performance infrastructure to support machine learning workloads. BluSky AI empowers small, mid-sized, enterprise, and academic partners from start-up to scale-up to drive innovation without compromise.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the potential impact for the Company. There can be no assurance statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from anticipated in such statements.

    BluSky AI Inc. disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events except as required by applicable securities legislation.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BluSky AI Inc. Secures First Site with 9.3MW to Launch Flagship Data Center in Central, Utah

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Salt Lake City Utah, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BluSky AI Inc. (OTC: BSAI), (“BluSky AI” or the “Company”), a next-generation developer of modular AI data center infrastructure, is proud to announce the acquisition of its first operational site, securing a total of 9.3 megawatts (MW) of power to support its flagship data center project in Central, Utah.

    On June 30, 2025, BluSky AI entered into a definitive Acquisition and Power Assignment Agreement with Digital Asset Management, LLC (“DAM”), a Wyoming-based infrastructure partner. Under the agreement, DAM assigned to BluSky AI its exclusive right to utilize 9.3 MW of grid-interconnected power at a highly competitive rate, subject to standard adjustments. This power commitment will support BluSky AI’s long-term operations at the Milford site.

    In consideration for the power rights, BluSky AI issued 20 million shares of restricted common stock to DAM. The agreement spans the full operational life of the Utah data center project, ensuring long-term energy stability and cost efficiency.

    Simultaneously, BluSky AI executed a Ground Lease with an Option to Purchase with Wild Mustang Ventures LLC, securing 51.6 acres of land in Central, Utah. The lease, which runs for an initial two-year term, includes an annual base rent of $90,000, which will accrue until the earlier of lease expiration or BluSky’s exercise of its purchase option.

    With this dual milestone, BluSky AI now controls 9.3 MW of power capacity, including additional grid access beyond the commitment, positioning the Company to rapidly deploy its modular AI compute infrastructure.

    “This is a foundational moment for BluSky AI,” said Trent D’Ambrosio, CEO of BluSky AI Inc. “Securing long-term, low-cost power and a strategic land position in Central Utah gives us the runway to scale our AI infrastructure with sustainability and precision. It’s the first step in a bold vision to provide access to compute and power the future of intelligent systems.”

    Trent D’Ambrosio
    CEO, BluSky AI Inc.
    trentdambrosio@bluskyaidatacenters.com
    www.bluskyaidatacenters.com

    About BluSky AI Inc.

    Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, BluSky AI Inc. delivers modular, rapidly deployable data center infrastructure purpose-built for artificial intelligence. These next generation scalable AI Factories provide speed-to-market, and energy optimization for entities requiring high-performance infrastructure to support machine learning workloads. BluSky AI empowers small, mid-sized, enterprise, and academic partners from start-up to scale-up to drive innovation without compromise.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the potential impact for the Company. There can be no assurance statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from anticipated in such statements.

    BluSky AI Inc. disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events except as required by applicable securities legislation.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Graphenix Development Inc. Awarded $100,000 SuperBoost Grant to Extend Cycle Life of Silicon Anode Lithium-Ion Batteries

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Graphenix Development Inc. (GDI), a Rochester-based battery materials company, has been awarded a $100,000 SuperBoost grant from the National Science Foundation’s Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York. The funding will support GDI’s efforts to extend the cycle life of its 100% silicon anode technology through the development of a prelithiation method designed to improve battery durability and performance across sectors including defense, automotive, medical and wearable technologies.

    GDI’s silicon anodes are fabricated using a solvent-free, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. The result is a high energy-density electrode that eliminates graphite, powders, binders and toxic solvents — simplifying the manufacturing process and enabling a more sustainable, domestically sourced battery supply chain. The SuperBoost project will focus on integrating lithium iron oxide (LFO) into high-nickel cathodes to enable in situ prelithiation, a method that compensates for lithium loss during early charging cycles and helps extend battery life.

    National security and defense applications are a key focus of GDI’s work, particularly as the United States seeks to secure domestic supply chains and enhance energy resilience. The project builds on GDI’s existing industry collaborations, including a next-generation tactical battery initiative with a U.S.-based defense-sector customer and ongoing evaluations with automotive manufacturers.

    Experimental work will take place at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Battery Development Center, where GDI will validate LFO-based cathode formulations in coin cells before scaling to pouch cells assembled in RIT’s dry room facility.

    “This support from the NSF Energy Storage Engine will allow us to advance a key part of our technology roadmap,” said Robert Anstey, CEO of GDI. “Improving cycle life through prelithiation will further enhance GDI’s performance advantages in Li-ion. We have already proven >30% energy density, and 15-minute fast charging with defense cell makers. Extending cycle life further and improving durability will be particularly important for dual-use applications.”

    Fernando Gómez-Baquero, director of the Translation Pillar at the NSF Energy Storage Engine, emphasized the role of the grant in strengthening battery innovation in the region. “Cycle life is a major challenge for silicon anode batteries,” he said. “GDI’s approach to addressing this through prelithiation aligns with the Engine’s mission to accelerate high-impact technologies that bolster U.S. manufacturing and national security.”

    Meera Sampath, CEO of the NSF Energy Storage Engine, noted the broader goals of the SuperBoost initiative. “Our SuperBoost program is designed to reduce the time it takes to bring cutting-edge energy storage technologies to market — from five years to fewer than two,” said Sampath. “GDI’s work reflects the kind of advanced materials innovation that not only strengthens domestic supply chains but also supports critical defense applications, positioning upstate New York as a center for next-generation battery solutions.”

    About Graphenix Development Inc.

    Graphenix Development Inc. (GDI) is developing a next-generation battery anode platform based on 100% silicon. Its proprietary PECVD fabrication process eliminates graphite, solvents, and binders, resulting in a cleaner, more scalable pathway to high energy-density lithium-ion batteries. Proving in 3rd party testing to increase energy density by >30% up to 900Wh/L, and enabling hundreds of repeated <15-minute charging cycles. GDI is headquartered in Rochester, NY. Learn more at www.gdinrg.com.

    Contact:
    Robert Anstey
    CEO and Founder
    Graphenix Development Inc.
    rob.anstey@graphnx.com

    About the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York

    The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, led by Binghamton University, is a National Science Foundation-funded, place-based innovation program. The coalition of 40+ academic, industry, nonprofit, state, and community organizations includes Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, Griffiss Institute, Launch-NY and NY-BEST as core partners. The Engine advances next-gen battery technology development and manufacturing to drive economic growth and bolster national security. Its vision is to transform upstate New York into America’s Battery Capital.

    For more information on the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, visit https://upstatenyengine.org/.

    Contact:
    Fernando Gómez-Baquero Ph.D.
    Translation Pillar Director
    NSF Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine
    fernando@cornell.edu

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GoldenMining Launches Enhanced AI-Powered Cloud Mining Platform as Crypto Infrastructure Advances

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Amid renewed momentum in the digital asset sector and a resurgence in tech equities, GoldenMining has unveiled an upgraded version of its automated crypto mining platform, leveraging intelligent computing technologies to optimize cloud-based operations. The launch comes as industry players focus on scalable, infrastructure-driven innovations in the blockchain space.

    GoldenMining operates a globally distributed network of data centers that power its AI-driven mining ecosystem. The platform supports real-time resource allocation and automatic switching between multiple cryptocurrency networks, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Dogecoin (DOGE), and others. The goal is to enable users to engage in mining operations without the need for hardware, technical expertise, or on-site management.

    “We’re advancing mining accessibility through automation,” said a GoldenMining spokesperson. “Our platform is built to dynamically respond to network activity and adjust mining strategies accordingly—offering an efficient, hands-off entry point into crypto infrastructure.”

    Popular contract recommendations

    contract days Investment Amount Contract Rewards Total income
    Elphapex DG1+ 2 $100 $3 $106
    Bitmain S23 Hyd 5 $650 $42.25 $692.25
    AntminerL917GH 12 $1800 $287.28 $2087.28
    L916GH 30 $4500 $1890 $6390
    ElphaPex DG Hydro1 30 $7800 $3276 $11076
    Elphapex DG2 45 $12000 $180 $20100

    It only takes four steps to start:

    1. Register an account and get a trial bonus for new users; for more activities, please consult the official website: (www.GoldenMining.com)

    2. Select and activate the contract, and the cloud system automatically runs the mining machine;

    3. Receive daily profits: Daily profits will be automatically calculated and sent to your account. When your balance reaches 100. You can withdraw at any time or choose to automatically reinvest and enjoy compound interest

    4. Multi-currency parallel mining: In addition to BTC, GoldenMining supports DOGE, LTC, ETH, USDT, XRP and other currency mining. When XRP trading is active, it can automatically switch mining currencies to capture the increased bonus.

    Key Features of the GoldenMining Platform:

    • AI-Based Power Scheduling: Continuously monitors network difficulty and transaction activity to optimize mining allocation.
    • Multi-Currency Support: Enables simultaneous mining of various digital assets with automated switching based on network conditions.
    • Decentralized Infrastructure: Operates 13+ high-performance data centers worldwide to ensure system reliability and uptime.
    • Energy-Efficient Operations: Utilizes optimized hardware configurations and scalable infrastructure with an emphasis on sustainability.
    • User-Friendly Interface: Accessible via web and mobile platforms for real-time monitoring and system management.

    GoldenMining’s latest platform update is aligned with broader trends in the crypto industry, where automation and intelligence are becoming key pillars of next-generation blockchain participation. The company has also announced ongoing expansion of its mining infrastructure and plans to support additional payment channels and smart contract integrations in the near future.

    About GoldenMining

    GoldenMining is a global provider of cloud-based mining services, committed to developing accessible and fully automated solutions for digital asset enthusiasts. With users in over 100 countries and a growing network of international data centers, the company aims to simplify crypto infrastructure engagement at scale.

    Official Website: www.GoldenMining.com

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Surfshark partners up with MSI to grant more digital perks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Surfshark, a cybersecurity company building the most beloved security products for everyone, announces a new partnership with MSI, a leader in gaming and high-performance computing solutions, to provide more digital perks to the members of the MSI Reward Program. Now, the program members can experience a free trial of Surfshark’s most popular VPN subscription plan. 

    “In today’s world, where digital footprints are constantly tracked and data breaches are on the rise, people more than ever seek tools that can help to reclaim digital privacy and strengthen online security. A VPN encrypts internet traffic and masks a person’s IP address, making it more secure to stay online. Therefore, this collaboration brings exciting opportunities for MSI users to enhance their online experience with Surfshark’s security and privacy,” says Justas Pukys, Sr. Product Manager at Surfshark.

    Members of the MSI Reward Program can redeem a free 1-month trial of Surfshark One with just 25 points. The MSI Reward Program is a loyalty platform where MSI users can earn points by registering products, completing tasks, or participating in events, and redeem those points for exclusive gifts, discounts, and digital perks, like Surfshark.

    “We understand how increasingly important online security is to our users,” says Vera Chen from MSI Partnership Alliance Marketing. “This partnership with Surfshark underlines our commitment not only to delivering high-performance hardware and innovation, but also to protecting user privacy and data. Whether gaming, creating content, or tackling demanding workloads, our users can now enjoy peace of mind knowing their internet experience is safeguarded by Surfshark’s leading VPN service.”

    Also, extra perks are provided for shoppers in Europe. Until July 22, 2025, customers who purchase selected items during the MSI summer sale on the MSI Official eShop can enjoy up to 30% off on selected products, and a one-month trial of Surfshark One included with selected MSI products. Special offers are provided for Germany, France, Spain, and Poland.

    For more information, read here.

    ABOUT SURFSHARK

    Surfshark is a cybersecurity company offering products including an audited VPN, certified antivirus, data leak warning system, private search engine, and tool for generating an online identity. Recognized as a leading VPN by CNET and TechRadar, Surfshark has also been featured on the FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies ranking. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Surfshark has offices in Lithuania and Poland. For information on Surfshark’s operations and highlights, read our Annual Wrap-up. For information about Surfshark’s previous independent verifications and certifications, visit our Trust Center.

    ABOUT MSI

    MSI (Micro-Star International) is a world leader in gaming, content creation, business & productivity, and AIoT solutions. Operating in over 120 countries, MSI is renowned for its high-quality laptops, desktops, graphics cards, motherboards, monitors, and more. Driven by innovation and a passion for technology, MSI is committed to delivering the best user experiences through cutting-edge R&D, intuitive design, and exceptional product quality. Discover more about MSI at msi.com.

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