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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: New taxes on premium flyers and private jets: Greenpeace comment

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Sevilla, Spain – Barbados, France, Kenya, Spain, Benin, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Antigua & Barbuda supported by the European Commission, have announced they will form a ‘solidarity coalition on premium flyers’ to raise funds for climate action and sustainable development. Campaigners reacted to the announcement, which was made on the first day of the UN Financing for Development conference in Sevilla (FFD4).[1]

    Rebecca Newsom, Global Political Lead of Greenpeace International’s Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign said: “Flying is the most elite and polluting form of travel, so this is an important step towards ensuring that the binge users of this undertaxed sector are made to pay their fair share. With the cost of climate impacts surging in countries least responsible for the crisis, bold, cooperative action that makes polluters pay is not just fair – it’s essential.”

    “The obvious next step is to hold oil and gas corporations to account. As fossil fuel barons rake in obscene profits, and people are battered with increasingly violent floods, storms and wildfires, it’s no surprise that 8 out of 10 people support making them pay. Members of the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force and rich countries around the world should act upon this enormous public mandate: commit to higher taxes on fossil fuel profits and extraction by COP30, while ensuring that those being hit hardest by the climate crisis around the world benefit most from the revenues.”  

    Greenpeace International maintains it is critical that the revenues raised from solidarity levies in Global North countries go towards the countries and communities most affected by the climate crisis, for example through helping to fill the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. 

    With demand for a climate damages tax on big polluters fast gaining momentum globally, Greenpeace urges all countries to join and implement the commitments of the new solidarity coalition on premium flyers by COP30. It also calls on all governments to adopt bold taxes and fines on greedy oil and gas corporations for the damages they have caused, without delay.[2][3][4][5][6] 

    ENDS

    Notes:

    [1] The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD) takes place from June 30 to 3 July 2025 in Sevilla, Spain, with participation of Heads of State and Government, relevant ministers, and other special representatives. Official website

    [2] Popularity of climate damages taxes on fossil fuel consumption and production. A global survey, commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International, found that 3 out of 4 people agree that wealthier airline passengers (i.e. those who fly more often, use business and first-class and or/private jets) should pay additional tax due to their outsized individual impact on climate change. The same survey found that taxing oil, gas and coal corporations for their climate damages is even more popular. 81% of people support this, while 86% support channeling the revenues from higher taxes on oil and gas corporations towards communities most impacted by the climate crisis.

    [3] A call to action. The Polluters Pay Pact is a global alliance of more than 160,000 people on the frontlines of climate disasters, concerned citizens, first responders like firefighters, humanitarian groups and political leaders. It demands that governments around the world make oil, coal and gas corporations pay their fair share for the damages they cause. 

    [4] 80% of the world’s population have never flown. A single transatlantic flight on a private jet can produce emissions equivalent to those generated by an average person over several years. Private jets are 10 times more carbon-intensive than commercial flights and 50 times more polluting than trains. 

    [5] Recent Oxfam International research found that a polluter profits tax on 590 oil, gas and coal companies could raise up to US $400 billion in its first year. This compares to estimated loss and damage costs of $290-1045 trillion in the Global South annually by 2030. Further, Oxfam analysis found that the emissions of just 340 fossil fuel companies each year make up half of all global emissions – emissions of just one year are enough to cause 2.7 million heat-related deaths over the next century. 

    [6] Over 100 climate groups are backing a ‘Climate Damages Tax’ on fossil fuels extraction. This could be imposed by OECD countries, which if introduced at low initial rate of US$5 per tonne of CO2e increasing by US$5 per tonne each year could raise a total of US$ 900 billion by 2030 to help the world’s poorest and most vulnerable with climate damages, and pay for damages caused by some of the worst extreme weather events last year. Greenpeace is calling on governments to introduce frequent flyer levies so that those who fly the most, pay the most, while preventing the expansion of the aviation industry. Private jets are an extravagant luxury which should be banned altogether.

    Contacts:

    Tal Harris, Global Media Lead – Greenpeace International’s Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, +41-782530550, [email protected] 

    Greenpeace International Press Desk: +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: New taxes on premium flyers and private jets: Greenpeace comment

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Sevilla, Spain – Barbados, France, Kenya, Spain, Benin, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Antigua & Barbuda supported by the European Commission, have announced they will form a ‘solidarity coalition on premium flyers’ to raise funds for climate action and sustainable development. Campaigners reacted to the announcement, which was made on the first day of the UN Financing for Development conference in Sevilla (FFD4).[1]

    Rebecca Newsom, Global Political Lead of Greenpeace International’s Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign said: “Flying is the most elite and polluting form of travel, so this is an important step towards ensuring that the binge users of this undertaxed sector are made to pay their fair share. With the cost of climate impacts surging in countries least responsible for the crisis, bold, cooperative action that makes polluters pay is not just fair – it’s essential.”

    “The obvious next step is to hold oil and gas corporations to account. As fossil fuel barons rake in obscene profits, and people are battered with increasingly violent floods, storms and wildfires, it’s no surprise that 8 out of 10 people support making them pay. Members of the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force and rich countries around the world should act upon this enormous public mandate: commit to higher taxes on fossil fuel profits and extraction by COP30, while ensuring that those being hit hardest by the climate crisis around the world benefit most from the revenues.”  

    Greenpeace International maintains it is critical that the revenues raised from solidarity levies in Global North countries go towards the countries and communities most affected by the climate crisis, for example through helping to fill the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. 

    With demand for a climate damages tax on big polluters fast gaining momentum globally, Greenpeace urges all countries to join and implement the commitments of the new solidarity coalition on premium flyers by COP30. It also calls on all governments to adopt bold taxes and fines on greedy oil and gas corporations for the damages they have caused, without delay.[2][3][4][5][6] 

    ENDS

    Notes:

    [1] The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD) takes place from June 30 to 3 July 2025 in Sevilla, Spain, with participation of Heads of State and Government, relevant ministers, and other special representatives. Official website

    [2] Popularity of climate damages taxes on fossil fuel consumption and production. A global survey, commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International, found that 3 out of 4 people agree that wealthier airline passengers (i.e. those who fly more often, use business and first-class and or/private jets) should pay additional tax due to their outsized individual impact on climate change. The same survey found that taxing oil, gas and coal corporations for their climate damages is even more popular. 81% of people support this, while 86% support channeling the revenues from higher taxes on oil and gas corporations towards communities most impacted by the climate crisis.

    [3] A call to action. The Polluters Pay Pact is a global alliance of more than 160,000 people on the frontlines of climate disasters, concerned citizens, first responders like firefighters, humanitarian groups and political leaders. It demands that governments around the world make oil, coal and gas corporations pay their fair share for the damages they cause. 

    [4] 80% of the world’s population have never flown. A single transatlantic flight on a private jet can produce emissions equivalent to those generated by an average person over several years. Private jets are 10 times more carbon-intensive than commercial flights and 50 times more polluting than trains. 

    [5] Recent Oxfam International research found that a polluter profits tax on 590 oil, gas and coal companies could raise up to US $400 billion in its first year. This compares to estimated loss and damage costs of $290-1045 trillion in the Global South annually by 2030. Further, Oxfam analysis found that the emissions of just 340 fossil fuel companies each year make up half of all global emissions – emissions of just one year are enough to cause 2.7 million heat-related deaths over the next century. 

    [6] Over 100 climate groups are backing a ‘Climate Damages Tax’ on fossil fuels extraction. This could be imposed by OECD countries, which if introduced at low initial rate of US$5 per tonne of CO2e increasing by US$5 per tonne each year could raise a total of US$ 900 billion by 2030 to help the world’s poorest and most vulnerable with climate damages, and pay for damages caused by some of the worst extreme weather events last year. Greenpeace is calling on governments to introduce frequent flyer levies so that those who fly the most, pay the most, while preventing the expansion of the aviation industry. Private jets are an extravagant luxury which should be banned altogether.

    Contacts:

    Tal Harris, Global Media Lead – Greenpeace International’s Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, +41-782530550, [email protected] 

    Greenpeace International Press Desk: +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: International Business Forum (IBF) Opening at the #FFD4 – UN Chief remarks | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the International Business Forum Opening, of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development FFD4 (Sevilla, Spain).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6HRwVEoBmw

    MIL OSI Video –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: International Business Forum (IBF) Opening at the #FFD4 – UN Chief remarks | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the International Business Forum Opening, of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development FFD4 (Sevilla, Spain).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6HRwVEoBmw

    MIL OSI Video –

    July 1, 2025

  • QUAD nations launch historic ‘At Sea Observer Mission’ to enhance maritime security

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a landmark initiative to bolster maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched the first-ever ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission.’ The cross-embarkation mission, conducted under the Wilmington Declaration, sees two officers—including women officers—from each nation aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, currently en route to Guam.

    This pioneering mission marks a significant step in operational coordination among QUAD members, aimed at boosting joint readiness, domain awareness, and interoperability in the region. It aligns with the vision articulated at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024 and reinforces the commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.

    India’s involvement underlines its strategic SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and supports its broader Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), focusing on capacity-building, humanitarian efforts, and upholding maritime law. The ‘QUAD at Sea’ initiative lays the groundwork for a future ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake,’ reflecting growing trust and shared resolve to address evolving maritime challenges collaboratively.

    July 1, 2025

  • QUAD nations launch historic ‘At Sea Observer Mission’ to enhance maritime security

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a landmark initiative to bolster maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched the first-ever ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission.’ The cross-embarkation mission, conducted under the Wilmington Declaration, sees two officers—including women officers—from each nation aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, currently en route to Guam.

    This pioneering mission marks a significant step in operational coordination among QUAD members, aimed at boosting joint readiness, domain awareness, and interoperability in the region. It aligns with the vision articulated at the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024 and reinforces the commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.

    India’s involvement underlines its strategic SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and supports its broader Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), focusing on capacity-building, humanitarian efforts, and upholding maritime law. The ‘QUAD at Sea’ initiative lays the groundwork for a future ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake,’ reflecting growing trust and shared resolve to address evolving maritime challenges collaboratively.

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Plastics Recycling With Enzymes Takes a Leap Forward

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Key Process Improvements Save Energy and Cut Costs for Recycling Polyester With Enzymes

    NREL and collaborators made key improvements at each stage of an enzymatic recycling process—from the breakdown of plastics to the efficient recovery of building blocks for high-value materials—which resulted in an economically viable process for industry. Pictured from NREL (back row left to right): Manar Alherech, John E. McGeehan, Stephen H. Dempsey, Gregg T. Beckham; (front row left to right): Kelsey J. Ramirez, Natasha P. Murphy, Jason S. DesVeaux, Christine A. Singer, Hannah M. Alt, Elizabeth L. Bell. Photo by Josh Bauer, NREL

    A successful collaboration involving a trio of research institutions has yielded a road map toward an economically viable process for using enzymes to recycle plastics.

    The researchers, from NREL, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the University of Portsmouth in England, previously partnered on the biological engineering of improved PETase enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET). With its low manufacturing cost and excellent material properties, PET is used extensively in single-use packaging, soda bottles, and textiles.

    The new study combines the previous fundamental research with advanced chemical engineering, process development, and techno-economic analysis to lay the blueprints for enzyme-based PET recycling at industrial scale.

    While current methods exist for recycling PET, they are often incompatible with typical low-quality plastic waste. A potential solution lies with enzymes, which can selectively break down PET, even from contaminated and colored plastic waste streams. The researchers’ new design focuses on improvements at each stage of the process, from plastic deconstruction with enzymes, to efficient recovery of the resulting building blocks, or monomers. These monomers can be used to make new plastic or upcycled to generate higher value materials, saving energy and resources.

    The key to making such a process viable is to reduce the energy and cost requirements, which in turn yields a cheaper product. The team has achieved this by innovations that change the reaction conditions and separations technologies to reduce expensive acid and base additions by more than 99%, reduce annual running costs by 74%, and reduce energy use by 65%.

    “Despite the advantages of enzymatic recycling for complex plastic waste streams, the field has encountered multiple challenges for realistic implementation,” said Gregg Beckham, a senior research fellow at NREL and colead of the study. “Here we have taken a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates multiple innovations to realize an economically viable and scalable process.”

    The modeled cost of the resulting enzyme-recycled PET are now below those of U.S. domestic virgin PET ($1.51/kg vs. $1.87/kg), making this an attractive option for industry investment and scale-up.

    According to a 2022 NREL study, 86% of plastics were landfilled in the United States in 2019—materials with enough embodied energy to supply 5% of the power needs of the U.S. transportation sector. With global plastic production anticipated to increase between two and four times current levels by 2050, recovering and valorizing more postconsumer plastics is an opportunity to recapture that energy for domestic materials manufacturing.

    “We see a significant opportunity to design, test, and optimize new recycling technologies to efficiently valorize postconsumer plastics into feedstock for new materials,” said Natasha Murphy, a biochemist at NREL and co-first author of the new paper.

    The paper, “Process innovations to enable viable enzymatic poly(ethylene terephthalate) recycling,” appears in the journal Nature Chemical Engineering. Other co-authors from NREL are Stephen Dempsey, Jason DesVeaux, Taylor Uekert, Swarnalatha Mailaram, Manar Alherech, Hannah Alt, Kelsey Ramirez, Brenna Norton-Baker, Elizabeth Bell, Christine Singer, and John McGeehan.

    McGeehan, who recently joined NREL from the University of Portsmouth, said, “I am delighted to be part of a team that is dedicated to translate fundamental science toward real-world application and look forward to working closely between NREL and our industry partners to accelerate the design and construction of the first U.S. enzymatic plastic recycling plant.”

    Research funds came from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office and Bioenergy Technologies Office. This work was performed as part of the Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLETM) consortium.

    Explore NREL bioenergy and bioeconomy research, including recyclable-by-design materials research.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Regional Temperature and Precipitation Impacts and Outlooks

    Source: US National Oceanographic Data Center

    NOAA and its partners have released the latest Regional Temperature and Precipitation Impacts and Outlooks, which recap spring conditions and provide insight into what might be expected this summer.

    Spring Temperature Recap

    During meteorological spring (March–May) 2025, the continental U.S. average temperature was 54.1°F, 3.2°F above average, making it the second-warmest spring in the 131-year record. North Carolina recorded its second-warmest spring (3.7°F above average), while Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi and Virginia each matched or exceeded their third-warmest spring on record.
    For the spring season (March–May), Alaska’s average temperature was 27.7°F, 3.7°F above average, ranking in the warmest third of the historical record.

    Spring Precipitation Recap

    During spring, the continental U.S. received an average of 8.90 inches of precipitation, 0.97 inch above the long-term average, ranking in the wettest third of the 131-year record. Much-above-average precipitation fell across parts of the southern Plains, South, Ohio Valley and Northeast, as well as in portions of the northern Plains and upper Great Lakes. In contrast, below-average precipitation was observed in parts of the Mountain West, central Plains and across the Florida Peninsula.

    Alaska tied its second-wettest spring on record, despite some parts of the West Coast and western Aleutians being drier than average.

    Summer Temperature Outlook

    The July–September  Temperature Outlook favors above-normal 
    temperatures throughout the lower 48 states with the highest forecast 
    confidence across the Great Basin and New England. The outlook only 
    slightly leans towards above-normal temperatures for much of the Great Plains 
    and Mississippi Valley. Above-normal temperatures are also favored for eastern 
    and southern Alaska. 

    Summer Precipitation Outlook

    The July–September Precipitation Outlook depicts elevated above-normal precipitation probabilities for the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Upper Ohio Valley. Below-normal precipitation is more likely across the Northern to Central Great Plains, Northern Rockies, and Pacific Northwest. Above-normal precipitation is favored for central and western Alaska.

    Impacts and Outlooks for Your Region

    Get more details for your region in the June 2025 Regional Temperature and Precipitation Impacts and Outlooks:

    Creating Quarterly Summaries 

    NOAA’s Regional Climate Services lead the production of these quarterly temperature and precipitation impacts and outlooks for various regions of the United States as well as parts of Canada along the border. This effort, which began in 2012, includes 13 unique regional products that are produced collaboratively with partner organizations.

    You can access all of the Temperature and Precipitation Impacts and Outlooks summaries as well as additional reports and assessments through the U.S. Drought Portal Reports web page at Drought.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Multiagency investigation leads to arrest of criminal illegal alien wanted for homicide

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, in collaboration with the Metro Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives successfully apprehended Josue Hernandez Moxje, 23, a Honduran national, in connection with a double homicide.

    On April 28, HSI Nashville, ATF Nashville and the Metro Nashville Police responded to a double homicide near Percy Priest Lake and Lincoya Bay Apartments. The victims were identified as Amir Landan Wilkerson, 19, and Jaime Valdez-Garcia, 18, both from Alabaster, Alabama. Through extensive investigative efforts and interagency cooperation, Hernandez was identified as the prime suspect.

    Hernandez, who entered the United States without inspection around 2013 or 2014, was apprehended June 6 in Louisiana by HSI New Orleans and its state and federal partners following a Tennessee arrest warrant.

    Hernandez, a convicted felon with prior charges including domestic violence with strangulation, fraud, and theft, was extradited to Nashville June 24. He is currently in the Metro Nashville Police Department’s custody.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: District of Arizona Charges 164 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from June 21, 2025, through June 27, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 164 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 84 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 71 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed cases against 9 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    Recent matters of interest include:

    United States v. Jesus Alfred Salazar-Ruiz: On June 22, 2025, Border Patrol Agents attempted to conduct a stop on Jesus Alfred Salazar-Ruiz while he was driving. Salazar-Ruiz failed to yield and turned on to a dirt road, breaking through a chain gate in barbed wire fencing. Salazar-Ruiz drove at approximately 50 mph on the dirt road for several miles before coming to an abrupt stop. When agents approached the vehicle, it was empty. Agents searched the area and were able to locate Salazar-Ruiz, who still had the vehicle key in his possession. Agents were able to locate and apprehend three passengers from Salazar-Ruiz’s vehicle who were determined to be in the United States illegally. Salazar-Ruiz was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien for Profit. [Case Number: 25-MJ-02859]

    United States v. Miguel Angel Mezo-Antele: On June 24, 2025, Border Patrol Agents stopped a vehicle on Interstate 40 in Yuma, Arizona. Miguel Angel Mezo-Antele, the driver of the vehicle and a citizen of Mexico, was transporting four passengers who were also citizens of Mexico. Mezo-Antele and the four passengers did not possess any documents allowing them to enter, pass through, or remain in the United States legally. Mezo-Antele was transporting the four passengers from New Mexico, through Arizona, to their ultimate destinations in California and Oregon. Mezo-Antele was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien. [Case Number: 25‐MJ‐1696]

    United States v. Dalesio Hernandez-Bautista: On June 27, 2025, Dalesio Hernandez-Bautista, was charged by criminal complaint with Re-entry of a Removed Alien. Hernandez-Bautista had been previously removed from the United States in 2018 after being convicted of manslaughter, a felony, in the Superior Court of Arizona, Pinal County. Hernandez-Bautista was sentenced to five years in prison for the manslaughter. [Case Number: 25-MJ-53146]

    A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-105_June 27 Immigration Enforcement

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clayton Man with Gun Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for COVID-19 Fraud

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – Darnell William King, age 42, was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release following his plea in May to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  According to the indictment and information presented in court, King entered into separate conspiracies to commit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud and to use stolen identities to obtain personal lines of credit from various private lenders in and around Wake County.  King was also ordered to pay restitution to the Small Business Administration and the private lenders who were defrauded.

    “This sentence sends a clear message: those who seek to exploit pandemic relief programs and steal individuals’ identities for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “Mr. King’s deliberate and repeated fraud undermined a program designed to help struggling businesses in Eastern North Carolina. Thanks to the diligence of our federal and state partners, justice has been served.”

    “Criminals cause immeasurable hardship to innocent victims and businesses by lying and stealing their identities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard Gaskins, Charlotte Field Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “The defendant knowingly stole personally identifiable information and recruited others to aid in obtaining fraudulent loans using the stolen info. Our special agents will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office, to find, investigate and prosecute those who choose to willfully defraud the American people.”

    “Stealing critical resources aimed at protecting communities and citizens is inexcusable,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Not only did this individual exploit assistance programs aimed at helping those in need, but he did so while illegally possessing a firearm. Prohibited individuals in possession of firearms are dangerous and should be considered serious threats to public safety.”

    King and others recruited “mules” to obtain fraudulent personal loans.  King created fake driver’s licenses and other identity documents using a true photo of the mule and stolen personally identifying information belonging to unknowing victims.   The mules then used the fake identity documents and other forged business records to obtain personal loans based on applications for credit that King or others had previously submitted online.  The mule would then deliver the loan proceeds to King or his co-conspirators and would receive kickbacks anywhere between $100 and $2,000.

    “This extensive investigation, known as Operation Overload, uncovered a sophisticated criminal enterprise that fraudulently utilized thousands of North Carolina licenses, resulting in financial crimes that impacted individuals across multiple states,” said Captain Vaughn of the North Carolina DMV License & Theft Bureau. “Bureau commends its inspectors, intelligence analysts, and all partner agencies for their hard work and collaboration. Their efforts underscore the importance of interagency cooperation in combating complex fraud schemes and safeguarding the identities of North Carolina residents.”

    “This investigation began following several complaints from Wake County residents regarding identity theft and fraud. Over the course of nearly a year, a thorough investigation led to multiple arrests, supported by the NCDMV License and Theft, Clayton Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the IRS Criminal Investigations. The investigators involved demonstrated exceptional diligence in pursuing the suspects and uncovering a vast network of crimes. Their efforts resulted in identifying hundreds of victims, not only in Wake County, but across North Carolina, and uncovering hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud. I would like to commend the investigators for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to serving the residents of our county and state,” Sheriff Willie Rowe said.

    In a second conspiracy, King and other conspirators applied for a PPP loan in King’s name with falsified bank and tax records claiming that King had been working as an Uber driver before the pandemic, resulting in the disbursement of over $15,000 in funds guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.  Finally, during the execution of a search warrant in Clayton seeking evidence related to the identity theft conspiracy, law enforcement discovered King in possession of a firearm with a high-capacity drum magazine, even though King is a previously convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.  King’s co-defendants, Loretta Clarice James and Lakesha Bowles, were previously sentenced to 8 years imprisonment and 30 months imprisonment respectively, for their roles in the conspiracies.

    Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II pronounced the sentence.  Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation led the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations; the Wake County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles License & Theft Bureau.  The Clayton Police Department and other local agencies have also aided over the course of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David G. Beraka and Ashley H. Foxx prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5-24-CR-00156.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Antonio Felon Indicted for Firearm Possession and Trafficking

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SAN ANTONIO – A federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment charging a San Antonio man with three counts of firearm-related offenses.

    According to court documents, Alex Lee Vega, 27, allegedly conspired with another co-conspirator to transport a machinegun conversion device to another person on or about April 10. Additionally, Vega, who is a convicted felon, allegedly possessed two separate Glock pistols on or about April 11 and April 14.

    Vega is charged with one count of aiding and abetting trafficking in firearms and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. He made his initial court appearance Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth S. Chestney of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. If convicted, Vega faces up to 15 years in prison for each charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sade Bogart is prosecuting the case.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Firearms Possession Lands Lawton Man in Federal Prison for Seven Years Following Domestic Violence Conviction

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    OKLAHOMA CITY – RAYMOND IVAN MUNOZ, 22, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after conviction of a previous misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On September 4, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Indictment against Munoz, charging him with being a drug user in possession of a firearm and, on a separate occasion, possession of firearms by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. According to public record, on February 14, 2023, officers with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Police Department encountered Munoz unconscious under the influence of drugs in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with an AK-47 loaded with an extended magazine resting between his legs. Later, on May 10, 2024, Lawton Police Department investigators observed one of Munoz’s social media posts in which he displayed a firearm while driving in a vehicle. Later that evening, officers observed Munoz, whom they knew to have a suspended license and active warrants, driving that vehicle in Lawton. When they attempted a traffic stop, Munoz initiated a pursuit in which his speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour, at times on the wrong side of the road and with his headlights off. He eventually reached his residence where he hid inside for approximately two hours before being arrested. Upon execution of a search warrant at the residence, detectives located two firearms hidden in a bathroom.

    Public record further reflects that Munoz was convicted of domestic assault and battery in Comanche County District Court case number CM-2020-810.

    On February 7, 2025, Munoz pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment and admitted that he possessed firearms despite having previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

    At the sentencing hearing on June 25, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Munoz to serve 84 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court specifically noted the threat that Munoz poses to society and the necessity of a substantial sentence to protect the public.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Police Department, and the Lawton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: PENSACOLA MAN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSING ILLEGAL NARCOTICS AND A FIREARM IN A HOME WITH YOUNG CHILDREN PRESENT

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Christopher Michael Stanton, Jr., 29, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

    According to court records, on August 7, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Stanton’s residence on West Baars Street in Pensacola. In addition to Stanton and a female being present in the residence at the time of the search warrant, there were also three young children, all under the age of 10, present in the residence. Law enforcement located marijuana, cocaine, a loaded firearm, ammunition, loaded handgun magazines, and drug paraphernalia including a scale and cups with cocaine residue. Stanton was already a convicted felon.

    U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The fact that the defendant had dangerous narcotics strewn about his home in the presence of young children is inexcusable.  My office is committed to the safety of our community, which includes keeping illegal narcotics off the streets and firearms out of the hands of convicted felons.”

    The case involved a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force (HIDTA).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Files Amendments To Republicans’ Reconciliation Bill To Protect Rural Hospitals And Medical Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON – Ahead of an upcoming vote-a-rama, where Senate Democrats will expose the truth about Republicans’ harmful scheme to cut health care and food assistance to provide billionaires with tax breaks, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) filed two motions to commit the bill back to the Senate Finance Committee and make revisions to protect against cuts to rural hospitals and medical research. Under the Senate Republican bill, $930 billion will be cut from Medicaid—in addition to more than $300 billion from the Affordable Care Act—resulting in rural and children’s hospital closures, shuttering of nursing homes, and 16 million Americans losing their health coverage.

    “Today, Senate Republicans will attempt to pass a reconciliation bill that will rip away health care from 16 million Americans to give tax breaks to billionaires,” said Durbin. “Under this bill, our rural hospitals will close, forcing people to drive hours to the next nearest hospital for critical care. If you are a patient with ALS, Alzheimer’s, or cancer, the hope you have for a cure will be ripped away because of Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’”

    “I hope Senate Republicans will take up my call to change the bill, but unfortunately their loyalty is to Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies—not Americans seeking critical health care,”Durbin concluded.

    Durbin’s motions to recommit to Committee include:

    • Eliminate provisions that cut Medicaid payments rural hospitals in Maine, Alaska, Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina, Louisiana, or West Virginia need to stay open; and would ensure big corporations and the ultra-wealthy pay a fair share in taxes.
    • Eliminate provisions that would reduce funding that supports biomedical research into cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, congenital heart defects, and other critical conditions.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 1, 2025

  • Railways announces fare rationalisation for passenger trains from July 1

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Railways on Monday announced rationalisation of basic fares for passenger train services, set to take effect from July 1. The move aims to streamline the fare structure across various categories and strengthen the financial viability of railway operations, while keeping affordability intact for large sections of passengers.

    According to the revised fare structure issued by the Indian Railway Conference Association (IRCA), there will be no change in fares for suburban single journey tickets or season tickets, whether on suburban or non-suburban routes. However, minor fare adjustments have been introduced for non-AC and AC classes on non-suburban trains.

    For ordinary non-AC classes, including second class and sleeper class, fares have been marginally increased by 0.5 paisa per kilometre. In the case of second class, no increase will be applied for travel up to 500 kilometres. For journeys between 501 and 1500 kilometres, fares will increase by ₹5, while for 1501 to 2500 kilometres, the hike will be ₹10. Passengers travelling between 2501 and 3000 kilometres will see a ₹15 increase.

    In Mail and Express trains, non-AC classes such as second class, sleeper class, and first class will witness an increase of one paisa per kilometre. AC classes, including AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier and 3-Economy, AC 2-Tier, and AC First/Executive/Anubhuti Class, will see an increase of two paisa per kilometre.

    The fare revisions are also applicable to premium and special train services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, and trains with AC Vistadome and Anubhuti coaches.

    There will be no change in ancillary charges such as reservation fees, superfast surcharges, or other applicable charges. GST will continue to be levied as per the prevailing rules, and fare rounding-off norms will remain unchanged.

    The revised fares will be applicable to all tickets booked on or after July 1. Tickets purchased before this date will remain valid at the existing fare, and no fare adjustment will be made retroactively. Indian Railways is currently updating its Passenger Reservation System (PRS), Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS), and manual ticketing mechanisms to implement the new fare structure smoothly.

    The Ministry has also directed all Zonal Railways to ensure updated fare charts are displayed prominently at stations and that the fare revision is communicated clearly to the public to ensure hassle-free travel arrangements.

    July 1, 2025

  • From patrol vessels to air defence systems, Brazil keen on acquiring India’s indigenous innovations

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As India continues to march ahead in pursuit of defence indigenisation and self-reliance, Brazil has shown keen interest in acquiring indigenous defence innovations, discussions on which are likely to be held during Prime Minister’s Narendra Modi’s visit to the Latin American nation starting July 6, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.

    “Yes, there are going to be discussions on defence cooperation and enhancing it with Brazil. We are looking at avenues for joint research, technology sharing, and training exchanges. We are still in talks about what kind of cooperation is possible and what kind of defence platforms we can sell to Brazil, but there has not been much progress yet. Broadly, we have identified a few areas that seem to be of interest to the Brazilian side,” MEA Secretary East P. Kumaran told reporters during a media briefing ahead of PM’s visit.

    PM Modi will be on a five-nation visit starting July 2. He will be arriving in Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in the fourth leg of his visit after Ghana (July 2-3), Trinidad and Tobago (July 3-4) and Argentina (July 4-5).

    After attending the BRICS Summit at the invitation of Brazillian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, PM Modi will travel to Brasilia for the State Visit and will hold bilateral discussions on the broadening of the strategic partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people-to-people linkages.

    “They (Brazil) are interested in secured communication systems on the battlefield, they are also interested in Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). Brazil has Scorpene submarines, they are interested in partnering with us in maintaining those submarines. They also seem to be interested in the Akash Air Defence Systems and Coastal Surveillance System, Garuda Artillery Guns. They are also interested in defence industry joint ventures with us, joint R&D and co-development of systems. We also use the Embraer platform to develop reconnaissance systems on top of that.. So, there is a lot of potential for us to work with Brazil given their strength in aircraft industry in general,” Secretary Kumaran said on Monday.

    India and Brazil have been involved in joint collaboration to develop Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft besides Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace company, and Mahindra signing an MoU to collaborate on the C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft.

    Like several other nations, including from Latin America, Brazil too has been showing a keen interest in acquiring Indian defence equipment as the government led by Prime Minister Modi has transformed the country’s defence capabilities over the past 11 years.

    India’s defence exports crossed the record figure of about Rs 24,000 crore in Financial Year 2024-25 with the government aiming at increasing the figure to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.

    With PM Modi and President Lula having met four times since 2023, strategic partners India and Brazil have consolidated bilateral ties through several institutional mechanisms including Joint Commission Meeting, Strategic Dialogue, Foreign Office Consultations, Trade Monitoring Mechanism and other joint working groups.

    PM Modi visited Brazil in November 2024 for the G20 Summit and the forthcoming trip to the country would be the fourth visit of Prime Minister since 2014.

    President Lula had also extended support against terrorism during a telephonic call with Prime Minister Modi on last month, following the heinous April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

    (IANS)

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Getting to the heart of communities

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Residents are being asked about what they see at their community safety priorities.

    The ask is part of this week’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week 2025 and as the City Council prepares to launch three new community safety hubs.

    These hubs will help promote partnership working to tackle ASB and bring together the council, Northumbria Police, community groups and others all under one roof.

    Hubs are being prepared for:

    • Hendon in Sunderland East
    • Pennywell in Sunderland West
    • Concord and Sulgrave in Washington.

    Similar and successful partnership hub projects in Southwick, Hetton and the city centre are already underway.

    Residents can give their views about ASB and other community matters to help shape hub priorities at: www.sunderland.gov.uk/get-sunderland

    Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Michael Mordey said: “This is all about continuing to listen to residents – we know that ASB and crime are concerns for residents, and we want to hear of their experiences in their communities. The views we receive help shape the bigger picture in the fight against ASB and crime, and to making residents feel safer when they are at home, at work, or during their leisure time.

    “We have already seen successes in Southwick, Hetton and Easington Lane and in the city centre as projects and hubs have improved community safety and reduced ASB. Now, we’re preparing these next steps for the Hendon, Pennywell and Washington hubs.”

    ASB includes verbal abuse and harassment, or threatening behaviour; and other public nuisances such as rowdy behaviour, public drunkenness, noisy neighbours, and environmental crimes such as littering and fly-tipping, graffiti and vandalism.

    Over the last year, incidences of ASB have dropped by around a third in the city centre and Southwick areas, and by a fifth in the Hetton and Easington Lane hub area. Dozens of community protection notices, warnings and acceptable behaviour agreements have also been issued across the three areas

    Cllr Mordey added: “Residents have seen real benefits from these projects as the issues that matter to them most are tackled. So we would like to hear more from the three newly identified areas on what and where the ASB concerns are.”

    Each hub in the newly identified areas will have its own community safety officers, community safety specialists and community engagement lead as well as dedicated police and other partner support. Hubs will be open and running in coming months.

    Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, of Northumbria Police, said: “Information from residents is absolutely crucial in building up intelligence about crime fighting and how ASB is dealt with. Similar hubs and projects have been working well elsewhere and expanding this multi-agency partnership with three more hubs and information from the public is going to help us all tackle issues that are important for residents.

    “No one should have to deal with criminality happening on their doorstep – this is why it’s crucial that we work with members of the public to understand the issues that we need to focus our efforts on.

    “Our neighbourhood officers spend their days in the heart of the community, building intelligence around crime patterns and ASB hot-spot areas.

    “Thank you to those of you that continue to work with us and provide us with information, we really do value your views and opinions.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Addressing classroom aggression and complexity

    [. To address these issues head on, Alberta’s government is creating an action team composed of teachers and education partners that will provide recommendations to help guide new policy and address complex classrooms.

    “We have heard loud and clear from teachers and parents that we need to do something about aggression in classrooms, and that is exactly what we are doing. Every student and staff member deserves to feel safe, supported and respected at school, and the action team will help reach that goal. Creating this action team is one of several concrete steps we are taking to improve school safety and better support students’ diverse needs.”

    Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

    The team, named the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team, will make recommendations to Alberta’s government on short- and long-term actions that will support students and educators. The action team will consist of 20 education system leaders including representatives from school boards in Edmonton and Calgary and the Alberta Teachers’ Association. To ensure their work is informed by front-line experience, the action team will also work closely with teachers, education support workers, school resource officers and representatives from student and family advocacy groups. The list of action team members will be published online once finalized.

    “Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) appreciates government’s commitment to address classroom complexities. ASBA looks forward to this collaborative effort, including local school board perspectives, to help shape meaningful, long-term solutions that support students and educators.”

    Marilyn Dennis, president, Alberta School Boards Association

    The action team will deliver a report with advice and recommendations to Alberta Education and Childcare to inform a combination of practical solutions and policy by fall 2025. Some recommendations could begin rolling out as soon as the 2025-26 school year. The action team may also continue to be engaged to provide advice to Alberta Education and Childcare on implementation of policy or program changes that result from its recommendations.

    “The College of Alberta School Superintendents recognizes the growing complexity within today’s classrooms and the impact it has on learning, safety and well-being. We welcome the creation of the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team as an important step in addressing these challenges. By working collaboratively with government, educators and community partners, we can help ensure classrooms remain safe, supportive spaces where every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

    Mike McMann, president, College of Alberta School Superintendents

    Quick facts

    • In December 2023, a survey published by the ATA found that more than half of Alberta teachers experienced aggression in the first three months of the school year.
    • Most respondents reported lacking training and confidence to manage aggression, and many were dissatisfied with how incidents were handled.

    Related information

    • Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstorms

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

         A spokesman for the LD said today (June 30) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (such as electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions’” and the “Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather” issued by the LD.

         Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by a rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent an electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:

    (i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;

    (ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm that it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;

    (iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;

    (iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and

    (v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.

         In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

         The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).

         Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The Central Bank of Iceland expands its liquidity window

    Source: Central Bank of Iceland

    In January 2022, the Central Bank of Iceland opened a liquidity window for deposit taking institutions in case they experienced an unexpected, temporary need for short-term liquidity. In reviewing its policy instruments, the Bank has now decided to expand this liquidity facility, enabling these institutions to use it to cover temporary fluctuations in their liquidity ratios.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Maxwell Frost Announces $1.8 Million in Federal Grants to Support Central Florida Service Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    June 30, 2025

    AmeriCorps State and National is awarding over $27 million to Florida for FY25 to address community needs across the state

    ORLANDO, FL – Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced Central Florida will be receiving $1.8 million in federal grants from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for service and volunteering. This funding will support the City of Orlando’s Operation AmeriCorps and City Year Orlando’s ongoing efforts to provide academic support to students in underserved neighborhoods. 

    This funding announcement comes after a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to restore funding to AmeriCorps programs following a lawsuit filed by a coalition of states over the administration’s efforts to dismantle the federal agency.

    “These federal grants are an investment in the volunteers and programs that help address Central Florida’s most pressing needs. Both City Year Orlando and Operation AmeriCorps work to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. And that work isn’t possible without strong federal support,” said Rep. Frost. “The Trump Administration may label AmeriCorps’ work as ‘wasteful,’ but in Central Florida, we know their work is essential to building a stronger, thriving community for everyone.” 

    AmeriCorps State and National provides grants to hundreds of nonprofits, faith and community-based organizations, public agencies, Indian Tribes, and institutions of higher education. Recipient organizations, known as grantees, design service activities for AmeriCorps Members that demonstrate an evidence-based or evidence-informed approach to strengthening communities and solving community problems.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Maxwell Frost Announces $1.8 Million in Federal Grants to Support Central Florida Service Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    June 30, 2025

    AmeriCorps State and National is awarding over $27 million to Florida for FY25 to address community needs across the state

    ORLANDO, FL – Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced Central Florida will be receiving $1.8 million in federal grants from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for service and volunteering. This funding will support the City of Orlando’s Operation AmeriCorps and City Year Orlando’s ongoing efforts to provide academic support to students in underserved neighborhoods. 

    This funding announcement comes after a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to restore funding to AmeriCorps programs following a lawsuit filed by a coalition of states over the administration’s efforts to dismantle the federal agency.

    “These federal grants are an investment in the volunteers and programs that help address Central Florida’s most pressing needs. Both City Year Orlando and Operation AmeriCorps work to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. And that work isn’t possible without strong federal support,” said Rep. Frost. “The Trump Administration may label AmeriCorps’ work as ‘wasteful,’ but in Central Florida, we know their work is essential to building a stronger, thriving community for everyone.” 

    AmeriCorps State and National provides grants to hundreds of nonprofits, faith and community-based organizations, public agencies, Indian Tribes, and institutions of higher education. Recipient organizations, known as grantees, design service activities for AmeriCorps Members that demonstrate an evidence-based or evidence-informed approach to strengthening communities and solving community problems.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Delivery firms to bolster rider security checks to stop illegal working

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Delivery firms to bolster rider security checks to stop illegal working

    Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat commit to further strengthening security checks on delivery riders to prevent illegal working in the gig economy.

    Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat will strengthen verification checks on delivery riders to clamp down on illegal working, following productive talks with the government.   
     
    The commitment comes after ministers convened the 3 firms for a roundtable at the Home Office today (30 June) to discuss what further urgent action can be taken to prevent immigration offending on their platforms.  
     
    Over the last year, Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat have introduced voluntary ‘right to work’ checks on all account holders and registered substitutes. These measures have helped stop illegal workers abusing the platform, with action taken on thousands of accounts. 
     
    However, Border Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle and Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders raised concerns that, despite these welcome steps, there continues to be abuse in the sector where illicit account sharing leads to illegal working.  
     
    Ministers set out the government’s zero tolerance approach to immigration crime and stressed the importance of tightening checks to crack down on those who flout employment rules.  
     
    As result of productive discussions, the firms agreed to increase the use of facial verification checks and fraud detection technology to ensure only registered account holders can work off their platforms. This will help stop people with no right to work in the UK from using someone’s name to earn money illegally. 
     
    The strengthened industry standard – to be rolled out in the next 90 days – will see Deliveroo and Uber Eats increase the quantity and sophistication of verification checks they already do, with Just Eat upping the same checks from monthly to daily.   
     
    Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said:  

    This government will not turn a blind eye to illegal working. It undercuts honest business, hits people’s wages and plays into the hands of the people smuggling gangs. 

    I welcome Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats’ pledge to increase facial verification checks following today’s roundtable. We will keep a close eye on their progress and continue discussions. 

    Under our Plan for Change, we are taking a zero tolerance approach to illegal working across the board. Arrests nationwide have increased by 51% and we are strengthening legislation via our Borders Bill to end the abuse of flexible working arrangements.

    Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:

    Illegal working opens the door to mistreatment and exploitation, undercutting legal workers in the process by driving down wages and working conditions.  

    We’re already delivering the biggest upgrade to people’s rights at work in a generation as part of our Plan for Change, and we will continue to engage with these companies to ensure these rights are enforced, building a fairer labour market.

    A Deliveroo spokesperson said:

    We take a zero tolerance approach to anyone abusing our platform, and today’s meeting with industry partners and the Home Office represents progress in our collective efforts to combat illegal working. 

    The industry leading measures Deliveroo put in place over the last year have had a positive impact, but criminals continue to seek new ways to abuse the system. Today, we have committed to further strengthening our approach, increasing daily facial recognition checks, and we welcome the industry’s commitment to do the same.

    An Uber Eats spokesperson said:

    We are committed to tackling illegal working and welcome continued collaboration with industry and the Home Office, which is essential in raising standards and ensuring consistency.

    We will continue to invest in industry-leading tools to detect illegal work and remove fraudulent accounts.

    A Just Eat spokesperson said:

    Just Eat fully supports the government’s efforts to tackle illegal working, and we are continuing to invest significant resources to protect the integrity of our network.  

    Today, alongside the government and wider industry, we’re committing to further action to strengthen our systems and safeguards in response to these complex and evolving challenges.  
    Today’s announcement comes just months after the government announced it will change the law to expand illegal working checks.  
     
    Under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, companies hiring gig economy and zero-hours workers in sectors like construction, food delivery and beauty salons will be legally required to carry out checks to confirm that anyone working in their name is eligible to work in the UK. The move will bring them in line with other employers to level the playing field for the majority of companies that do the right thing.   
     
    Ramping up illegal working enforcement activity forms a key part of the Home Office’s drive to restore order to the immigration system under the UK Government’s Plan for Change. 
     
    In many cases, individuals travelling to the UK illegally are sold a lie by smuggling gangs that they will be able to live and work freely in the UK, when in reality they often end up facing squalid living conditions, minimal pay and inhumane working hours, with the threat of arrest and removal if they are caught working illegally.    
     
    Since the election, a major surge in immigration enforcement activity across the UK has led to a 51% increase in the number of illegal working arrests. Since 5 July last year to 31 May, 9,000 visits have resulted in 6,410 arrests, marking a 48% and 51% rise respectively compared to the year before under the previous government (5 July 2023 to 31 May 2024).  
    The intensified activity also comes alongside the return of nearly 30,000 people with no right to be in the UK.

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    Published 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia imposes restrictions on 15 European web resources in response to EU sanctions

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, June 30 /Xinhua/ – Russia, in response to the European Union’s restrictions on Russian publications and information channels, is restricting access from the territory of the Russian Federation to the web resources of 15 European media outlets, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.

    “As a response to the latest restrictions by the European Union against eight Russian publications and information channels /Eurasia Daily, Fondsk, Lenta, News Front, Rubaltic, South Front, the Strategic Culture Foundation, and the Federal State Budgetary Institution RIC Krasnaya Zvezda/, adopted within the framework of the so-called 16th sanctions ‘package’ approved by the EU Council in February of this year, the Russian side has decided to introduce counter restrictions on access from the territory of the Russian Federation to the web resources of fifteen media outlets of the bloc’s member states that participate in the dissemination of false information,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

    As noted on Smolenskaya Square, official Brussels and the capitals of EU member states have been repeatedly warned that bans and unjustified restrictions directed against Russian media, as well as other forms of politically motivated repression, will not go unanswered by the Russian side. Responsibility for such developments lies entirely with the European Union and the bloc’s member states that supported the unlawful decisions.

    The Russian Foreign Ministry also noted that “if restrictions on domestic publications and information channels are lifted, the Russian side will also reconsider its decision regarding European media.”

    On February 24, the EU Council approved the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. The restrictive measures affected 48 individuals and 35 legal entities. The restrictions included a ban on broadcasting of a number of Russian media outlets, an expansion of the list of vessels in the Russian Federation’s “shadow fleet”, disconnection of 13 Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank system, an update to the list of goods prohibited for export to Russia, and sanctions against Russian ports and airports. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Death toll from Israeli strikes on Iran rises to 935 – Iranian authorities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TEHRAN, June 30 (Xinhua) — The death toll from Israeli strikes on Iran between June 13 and 24 has risen to 935, including 38 children and 132 women, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported on Monday.

    As Iranian judicial spokesman Asghar Jahangir said at a press conference in Tehran, citing data from the Iranian Forensic Medicine Organization, some of the women killed were pregnant.

    On June 13, Israel launched a series of massive airstrikes on nuclear and military sites in the Islamic Republic, killing military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians and injuring many others, according to Iranian officials.

    Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, which also resulted in casualties and destruction.

    A ceasefire agreement between the two countries was reached on June 24, ending a 12-day standoff. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: On June 28, the monorail in Moscow ended its operation and its reconstruction into the first year-round high-altitude park in Russia began.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    More than 71% of the capital’s residents voted for the idea of creating a green park on the site of the monorail on the Active Citizen portal. It is planned to open in 2027. Now they will receive a new urban space that will connect 5 districts at once, where 300 thousand people live.

    Trips in this direction will continue using the developed transport network. Today, the monorail has alternatives in the form of convenient and fast routes through new metro and MCC stations, as well as trams and buses with electric buses, which partially duplicate its route.

    The monorail was built more than 20 years ago, during which time it never fully began to perform its transport function. A scheduled inspection revealed the need for major repairs.

    The monorail can be given a second life by updating its infrastructure and creating a new beautiful park space for Moscow residents.

    The modern and unusual park will have free and round-the-clock entry. The number of visitors could reach up to 20,000 people per day, which is 10 times more than the monorail uses today.

    For the first time in Russia, a running track for active recreation in any weather and quiet walking areas can be stretched along the entire length of the 4 km and 6 m above the ground! Everyone will be able to run their own “mono race” here. The park will offer a stunning view of the VDNKh area and the Ostankino Tower.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China extends anti-dumping duties on stainless steel imports from EU, UK, South Korea and Indonesia — China’s Ministry of Commerce

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Commerce announced Monday that it will extend anti-dumping duties on stainless steel billets and hot-rolled sheets and coils imported from the European Union, Britain, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Indonesia for another five years from July 1.

    This decision was made following an investigation initiated in July 2024 at the request of the Chinese industry in connection with the expiration of anti-dumping measures in relation to the above-mentioned products.

    As noted by the Ministry of Commerce, if the anti-dumping measures are terminated, dumping of stainless steel billets and hot-rolled sheets and coils imported from the EU, UK, ROK and Indonesia may continue or resume, potentially causing further or new damage to China’s industry.

    Under the expanded measures, anti-dumping duties on imported stainless steel were set in the range of 23.1% to 103.1% for Kazakhstan, 43% for the EU and the UK, and 20.2% for Indonesia.

    Stainless steel billets and hot rolled sheets and coils are widely used in shipbuilding, container manufacturing, railway construction, electric power, petroleum and petrochemical industries. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: On June 28, monorail service in Moscow came to an end, and reconstruction began to transform it into Russia’s first year-round elevated park.

    The idea to create a green park on the former monorail route received support from over 71% of city residents in a vote on the «Active Citizen» portal. The park is scheduled to open in 2027. This new urban space will connect five districts, home to 300,000 people.

    Travel along this corridor will continue thanks to Moscow’s extensive transport network. Today, the monorail has convenient and fast alternatives, including new metro and Moscow Central Circle (MCC) stations, as well as trams and electric buses—many of which partially duplicate its route.

    The monorail was built over 20 years ago but never fully realized its potential as a transport link. Scheduled inspections revealed the need for major repairs.

    Now, the monorail can be given a second life by updating its infrastructure and creating a beautiful new park space for Moscow residents.

    The modern, unique park will offer free, round-the-clock entry. It is expected to attract up to 20,000 visitors a day—ten times more than the monorail ever served.

    For the first time in Russia, a 4-kilometer-long running track will stretch the entire length of the park, six meters above ground, enabling active recreation in any weather, along with peaceful walking areas. Everyone will be able to run their own «mono-race» here. The park will also offer stunning views of the VDNKh area and the Ostankino Tower.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 1, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Welcomes Signing of Peace Agreement between Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:

    I welcome the signing of a peace agreement on 27 June in Washington, D.C., by the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, facilitated by the United States.

    This agreement is a significant step towards de-escalation, peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region.  I commend the United States for its leadership in facilitating this process, in coordination with the State of Qatar and the African Union Mediator, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo.  I acknowledge the contributions of the five co-facilitators designated by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

    I urge the parties to honour in full the commitments they have undertaken in the peace agreement and pursuant to Security Council resolution 2773 (2025), including the cessation of hostilities and all other agreed measures.

    The United Nations, including through the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), remains fully committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement, in close coordination with the African Union, regional and international partners.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    July 1, 2025
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