NewzIntel.com

Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Public hearing: Human rights situation in Cuba – 08-04-2025 – Subcommittee on Human Rights

    Source: European Parliament

    On 8 April 2025, the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) is organising a public hearing on the “Human rights situation in Cuba”. In the programme of the hearing – two main topics: 1) Human rights situation and fundamental freedoms in Cuba; 2) EU response, state of play and future perspectives.

    Holding a public hearing on the situation of Human Rights in Cuba will allow DROI to assess the current situation of Human Rights in Cuba, including the situation of the remaining political prisoners in the framework of the liberation of 553 of them under a Vatican-mediated deal.

    Furthermore, the recent change of Administration in the USA makes it more urgent to monitor the Human Rights situation in the island, with U.S. President Donald Trump signing an omnibus executive order revoking 78 executive actions by the previous administration on 20 January 2025, including the revocation of the order of 14 January 2025 to remove Cuba from a blacklist of nations that sponsor terrorism and the reintroduction of sanctions that had contributed to the island’s worst economic crisis in decades.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: QuestDB Powers B3 Exchange’s Next-Generation CSD Platform’s Tick Data Store

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAO PAULO, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — B3, the main stock exchange in Brazil and the largest in Latin America, today announced its strategic collaboration with QuestDB to power exchange trading data management for its cutting-edge Central Securities Depository (CSD) platform. This joint initiative leverages QuestDB’s high-performance, low-latency, time series database to deliver the speed, reliability, and flexibility demanded by today’s financial markets.

    Kleber Almeida, IT Manager at B3, explained the rationale behind the partnership:

    “The Central Securities Depository platform (CSD) demands exceptional performance, robust security, and resilience in the allocation of real-time data and information for our customers. We selected the QuestDB solution due to its high performance and straightforward implementation, which seamlessly integrates with our microservices architecture in cloud-native environments. Furthermore, our partnership with QuestDB enables our development team to propose improvements that are actively discussed and incorporated in subsequent versions. This collaborative approach fosters continuous evolution, significantly accelerating our internal development processes.”

    QuestDB’s solution is purpose-built for environments where every microsecond counts. Engineered to capture terabytes of data per day, QuestDB features high throughput ingestion and sub-millisecond query capabilities that empower B3 to produce real-time reports and actionable insights. Its cloud-ready architecture not only ensures low latency and resilient performance with a guaranteed 99.9% uptime, but it also supports open formats—using SQL for queries and standards such as Parquet and Iceberg for historical data storage. This open approach eliminates vendor lock-in and facilitates seamless integration with object stores and AI-ready platforms.

    Nicolas Hourcard, CEO at QuestDB, commented:

    “At QuestDB, our goal is to enable market leaders like B3 to harness the power of market data without compromise. Our platform ingests massive volumes of data while delivering low-latency, sub-millisecond analytics—an essential capability in today’s fast-moving markets. With a cloud-ready design that’s AI ready and committed to open standards such as SQL and Parquet, we’re proud to provide a resilient, high-performance solution that keeps pace with the market’s leading innovators.”

    The integration of QuestDB into B3’s CSD platform exemplifies a shared commitment to continuous improvement and agility. Through a collaborative development process, the partnership further refines the database’s capabilities and ensures that B3 remains at the forefront of market innovation and operational excellence.

    About QuestDB

    QuestDB is the next-generation open-source time series database, built for extreme performance at scale. Whether trading in dynamic capital markets, monitoring millions of sensors, or analyzing global telemetry, QuestDB thrives when the milliseconds — or microseconds — matter. With cloud-native architecture and tiered, decoupled storage using open formats, leading organizations can scale without bottlenecks or vendor lock-in. Learn more at questdb.com.

    About B3

    B3 S.A. (B3SA3) is one of the world’s leading financial market infrastructure companies and one of the largest by market value among global stock exchange sector leaders. It connects, develops, and enables the financial and capital markets and, together with clients and society, drives the growth of Brazil.

    B3 operates in both Exchange and OTC environments, in addition to offering products and services for the financing chain. Headquartered in São Paulo with offices in Chicago, London, Singapore, and Shanghai, it plays a significant role in the market by promoting best practices in corporate governance, risk management, and sustainability.

    Media Contacts:

    QuestDB – press@questdb.com 

    B3 – imprensa@b3.com.br 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Commerce ministry holds hearing on imported beef case

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China recently held a hearing regarding a safeguard investigation on imported beef, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday.

    The hearing was held at the request of relevant stakeholders and in accordance with working procedures, the ministry said in response to an inquiry.

    Around 180 representatives attended the hearing on Monday, according to the ministry. The participants included government officials from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, as well as those from exporters and their associations, Chinese importers and domestic beef producers.

    According to the ministry, all stakeholders shared their views and concerns during the hearing.

    Investigation authorities will take these views into consideration and make an objective and fair ruling based on facts and regulations, the ministry said.

    Last year, China initiated the safeguard investigation into imported beef in response to an application submitted by industry associations.

    The application claimed that the import volume of the product under investigation saw a sharp increase over the previous five years, growing 106.28 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019.

    The applicants said that the sharp increase has significantly impacted China’s domestic industry. The domestic industry has experienced substantial damage, and a causal relationship exists between the import volume increase and this substantial damage, they said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’: why the US is on a war footing over tariffs and mass deportations

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Smith, Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney

    US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy is doing little to enhance his country’s standing abroad. But it is helping to reinforce his political authority at home.

    Congress and the courts are typically deferential to the president on foreign policy – and, in particular, issues related to national security. By putting most of his agenda under the banner of foreign policy, Trump is now taking advantage of that deference to minimise challenges to his power.

    Trump has claimed for decades that US domestic problems can be solved with a more aggressive foreign policy.

    This focus certainly helps him deal with his political problems, allowing him to attack his enemies and evade accountability under the guise of “saving the country”.

    Trump has even gone so far as to call April 2 – when sweeping new tariffs are imposed on foreign goods – “Liberation Day”.

    This is a term usually used to celebrate the end of long wars rather than the beginning of them.

    Congress ceded its foreign policy powers

    We are used to thinking of the US president as having almost unlimited power over US foreign policy. But the Constitution actually gives a lot of that power to Congress.

    For example, Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to declare war. It also gives Congress the power to “collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises”, which include tariffs.

    Given these shared responsibilities, the legal scholar Edward Corwin described the Constitution as “an invitation to struggle for the privilege of directing American foreign policy.”

    Since at least the Second World War, the president has been decisively winning that struggle. Or more accurately, Congress has been declining invitations to use its power.

    For example, American wars no longer begin with declarations. The US has not declared war since 1941, even though the country has been at war almost every year since then. Presidents instead initiate and escalate military conflict in other ways, nearly always with Congressional approval. That approval usually remains in place until a war goes badly wrong.

    Congress also passed legislation in 1934 giving the president power to negotiate trade agreements and adjust tariffs. That power expanded significantly with an act in 1962 that authorised the president to impose tariffs if imports threaten “national security”.

    Although Trump claims tariffs will bring economic prosperity back to the US by reviving manufacturing, his administration justifies them on national security grounds. For example, it is currently using another federal act passed in 1977 that allows tariffs in response to an international emergency as justification for its tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

    Given the dubiousness of these justifications and the economic damage tariffs might do, Congress could try to reassert its constitutional power to set tariffs.

    But this isn’t likely to happen soon, given the loyalty of Republicans to Trump. Members of Congress are also reluctant to be seen standing in the way of the president if national security is at stake.

    One revelation of “Signalgate” was the fact the US bombed Yemen without even the pretext of an urgent national security reason. But the Congressional grilling of Trump’s intelligence leaders, predictably, did not address this.

    The courts are no better

    The courts are supposed to review the constitutionality of government actions. But on foreign policy, the courts have been deferential to the president even longer than Congress.

    In a sweeping judgement in 1918, the Supreme Court wrote that foreign relations counted as a “political power” of the executive and legislative branches, not subject to judicial review.

    The Supreme Court has rarely ruled on foreign policy questions since then. When it does, it nearly always supports the president against anyone challenging his right to make foreign policy, including Congress.

    A federal judge recently complained the Trump administration ignored his order blocking deportation flights of alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador.

    Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to justify deporting the Venezuelans, even though some have no criminal record.
    And Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued the deportations were a “foreign policy matter”, and “we can’t have the judges running foreign policy”.

    Mass deportation is one of Trump’s most popular policies. If he is going to pick fights with the judiciary, it makes political sense to do it on an issue where public opinion is on his side – even if the law is not.

    Rubio’s comment is also a likely preview of the arguments Trump’s lawyers will make when cases about immigration reach the Supreme Court.

    Similarly, the Trump’s administration is relying on the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act to deport protesters who have committed no crimes. This law allows the secretary of state to deport non-citizens if their presence in the US has “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences”.

    Deportations under both acts are going to face legal challenges. But the Trump administration is betting the Supreme Court will take Trump’s side, given its conservative members generally hold an expansive view of executive power.

    A Supreme Court win would be a major political victory for Trump. It would encourage him to focus even more on using deportation as a political weapon, and making foreign policy justifications for legally dubious acts.

    War as a political tool

    Trump is effectively putting the US on a war footing. He is justifying his executive actions by recasting allies as enemies who menace national security with everything from illegal drugs to unfair subsidies, and by labelling millions of foreign nationals as “invaders”.

    Many Americans don’t believe him. But as long as he can make threatening foreigners the main focus of American politics, he can find political and legal support for almost anything he wants to do.

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

    – ref. Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’: why the US is on a war footing over tariffs and mass deportations – https://theconversation.com/trumps-liberation-day-why-the-us-is-on-a-war-footing-over-tariffs-and-mass-deportations-252808

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: LA Times: ‘Misguided mission’: Senators blast detaining migrants at Guantanamo

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    ICYMI: LA Times: ‘Misguided mission’: Senators blast detaining migrants at Guantanamo

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, in a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, discussed the Trump Administration’s unlawful detention of migrants at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba (GTMO) following his visit to the base. Last week, Padilla joined a delegation of U.S. Senators in traveling to Guantánamo Bay to conduct oversight of the ongoing Department of Defense activities to support the Department of Homeland Security in the unlawful relocation of migrants. The Senators blasted the Trump Administration for its unlawful relocation of migrants and waste of taxpayer dollars and military resources.

    In his interview, Padilla reiterated the “enormous” costs to taxpayers of the “misguided” Guantánamo Bay mission, emphasizing the Trump Administration’s lack of preparation and lack of reasoning for detaining migrants at Guantánamo Bay as opposed to within the United States. He also stressed that there is “no clear authority” for the Administration to take these unlawful actions, and underscored that many of the migrants being detained here are considered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be “low-risk.”

    Padilla previously denounced Trump’s relocation of immigrants from the United States to Guantánamo Bay as unlawful and demanded answers earlier this year.

    Key Excerpts:

    • Senators who visited the U.S. military base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where the Trump administration has flown hundreds of migrants for deportation, on Saturday called on the Trump administration to “immediately cease this misguided mission.”
    • “After examining the migrant relocation activities at Guantánamo Bay, we are outraged by the scale and wastefulness of the Trump Administration’s misuse of our military,” the senators wrote. “It is obvious that Guantanamo Bay is a likely illegal and certainly illogical location to detain immigrants. Its use is seemingly designed to undermine due process and evade legal scrutiny.”
    • Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said his biggest takeaways were that the administration didn’t properly prepare for the operation and that the cost to taxpayers is “enormous.” “It was sort of a ready-fire-aim approach to this whole thing,” he said.
    • In an interview with The Times, Padilla said officials could not adequately explain why the migrants had to be held at Guantanamo, not some facility in the United States. …  “We asked repeatedly, you mean to tell me that across the 48 states in the continental U.S., there’s not space for [around 40 low-level detainees]?” Padilla said, adding that he has issues with Trump’s detention and deportation operation. “But even recognizing that, there’s a much more cost-effective way of doing it than this.”
    • Among the senators’ questions Friday, Padilla said, was what authorities are doing to meet the minimum standards for detention conditions, and which set of standards they are aiming to meet, such as those pertaining to the Navy or to ICE. There was no clear response, he said. “A lot of it seemed to be still very much a work in progress because this is unique, in terms of it being an ICE mission at a foreign location,” he said. “That in and of itself is extremely concerning because there’s no clear authority for anything they are doing at Guantanamo.”
    • At times, Padilla said, officials gave contradictory information. For example, he said the answer to some questions was “it depends on their conviction.” But Padilla pointed out that some detainees haven’t been convicted of anything, and are being held based on an arrest or charge.

    Full text of the article is available here and below:

    LA Times: ‘Misguided mission’: Senators blast detaining migrants at Guantanamo

    By Andrea Castillo

    • Sen. Alex Padilla, after visiting Guantanamo, said the Trump administration didn’t properly prepare for the operation and that the cost to taxpayers is “enormous.”
    • Eighty-seven migrants from primarily Latin American countries were held at the facility as of Friday, 42 of them considered “low risk.”

    Senators who visited the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the Trump administration has flown hundreds of migrants for deportation, on Saturday called on the Trump administration to “immediately cease this misguided mission.”

    The delegation of senators — four Democrats and one Independent — said they were angered that they had to fly to Cuba on Friday for answers to questions they’ve been asking administration officials for months.

    “After examining the migrant relocation activities at Guantanamo Bay, we are outraged by the scale and wastefulness of the Trump Administration’s misuse of our military,” the senators wrote. “It is obvious that Guantanamo Bay is a likely illegal and certainly illogical location to detain immigrants. Its use is seemingly designed to undermine due process and evade legal scrutiny.”

    Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said his biggest takeaways were that the administration didn’t properly prepare for the operation and that the cost to taxpayers is “enormous.”

    “It was sort of a ready-fire-aim approach to this whole thing,” he said.

    In an interview with The Times, Padilla said officials could not adequately explain why the migrants had to be held at Guantanamo, not some facility in the United States.

    The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    Guantanamo is best known for holding suspected terrorists and the mastermind behind the Sept. 11 attacks, but some of the migrants held there are classified as “low-level” detainees.

    “We asked repeatedly, you mean to tell me that across the 48 states in the continental U.S., there’s not space for [around 40 low-level detainees]?” Padilla said, adding that he has issues with Trump’s detention and deportation operation. “But even recognizing that, there’s a much more cost-effective way of doing it than this.”

    Padilla traveled to Guantanamo with Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee; Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee; Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, the top Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; and Sen. Angus King of Maine, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee.

    The delegation was led by Reed. King, an Independent, caucuses with the Democrats.

    Padilla is a member of the Judiciary Committee and chairs its immigration subcommittee.

    Upon arrival Friday, the senators were briefed by Homeland Security officials, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Navy personnel. They visited three sites: lower-level detainees, higher-level detainees and the final 15 suspected foreign terrorists held in connection to the 9/11 attacks.

    Eighty-seven migrants were held at the facility as of Friday, primarily from Latin American countries: 42 in a dormitory at the Migrant Operations Center and 45 at Camp 6, on a separate part of the base. Camp 6 is a medium-security military prison.

    On March 11, the Trump administration flew 40 migrants held at Guantanamo back to the U.S., a few days ahead of a court hearing in a pair of lawsuits challenging whether it is legal to hold detainees there for civil immigration purposes.

    A federal District Court judge in Washington, D.C., declined to block the administration from sending more migrants to Guantanamo. Afterward, the administration began sending more migrants there.

    The Trump administration has broadly portrayed migrants sent to Guantanamo as dangerous, though many had no criminal record in the U.S. Officials have claimed without evidence that some have ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

    President Trump issued an executive order in January to expand the Migrant Operations Center “to full capacity.” He suggested 30,000 migrants could be housed on the base.

    Among the senators’ questions Friday, Padilla said, was what authorities are doing to meet the minimum standards for detention conditions, and which set of standards they are aiming to meet, such as those pertaining to the Navy or to ICE. There was no clear response, he said.

    “A lot of it seemed to be still very much a work in progress because this is unique, in terms of it being an ICE mission at a foreign location,” he said. “That in and of itself is extremely concerning because there’s no clear authority for anything they are doing at Guantanamo.”

    At times, Padilla said, officials gave contradictory information. For example, he said the answer to some questions was “it depends on their conviction.” But Padilla pointed out that some detainees haven’t been convicted of anything, and are being held based on an arrest or charge.

    Padilla said officials kept using the phrase “the worst of the worst” to describe the migrants.

    “If they’re all the worst of the worst, they should all be in the high-risk or violent-offender category,” he said.

    Padilla said officials “did everything they could” to keep the visitors from speaking with detainees. He said he managed to ask a couple of detainees held in the low-level area when they had arrived, and they told him Thursday.

    Detainees have had scarce access to phone calls. Padilla said officials recognized the need and have planned for equipment to be shipped to accommodate private attorney calls. He took that as a sign of the lack of preparation.

    Padilla said he fears some detainees will be deported to their country of origin and face persecution or death because of the lack of access to counsel.

    Some of the officials expressed frustration with the continuously evolving operational instructions, Padilla said. Military personnel told him they had received short notice before being transferred to Guantanamo.

    Those moves leave critical missions short-staffed, Padilla said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Partners with Venus Protocol to Expand DeFi Yield Options on BNB Chain

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, has entered into a strategic partnership with Venus Protocol, the top DeFi lending platform on BNB Chain. Through this integration, users can now stake BNB, USDT, and USDC on BNB Chain directly within the wallet to earn up to 10.33% APY. The feature offers real-time earnings tracking and fully flexible redemptions, simplifying access to stable on-chain yield.

    This partnership enhances Bitget Wallet’s Earn offering by integrating one of the most trusted protocols on BNB Chain, enabling users to access decentralized lending markets with just a few taps. Venus Protocol powers some of the largest and most active lending pools in the ecosystem, offering high-efficiency and secure infrastructure. By embedding this functionality directly into the Bitget Wallet interface, users can bypass complex DeFi platforms and interact with yield opportunities in a streamlined, intuitive way—without leaving the wallet or bridging assets.

    “We’re excited to partner with Bitget Wallet to bring DeFi lending to a broader audience in a seamless and user-friendly way,” said Danny Cooper, Vanguard Team Lead at Venus Protocol. “This integration aligns with our mission to make decentralized finance more accessible and efficient for everyone. Through this collaboration, more users can tap into secure and sustainable yield opportunities directly from their wallets.” The integration with Venus provides users with a more diverse set of earning options, representing a growing suite of earning tools embedded within the wallet, enabling users to maximize yield without compromising on security or control.

    “Our mission is to help users unlock the full value of their assets through intuitive and secure DeFi products,“ said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “By partnering with Venus Protocol, we’re making stable on-chain yield more accessible. We‘ll continue to build a broader earning ecosystem that empowers users to grow their portfolios confidently, all within Bitget Wallet.“

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is the home of Web3, uniting endless possibilities in one non-custodial wallet. With over 60 million users, it offers comprehensive on-chain services, including asset management, instant swaps, rewards, staking, trading tools, live market data, a DApp browser and crypto payment solutions. Supporting over 130 blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges, along with a $300+ million protection fund to ensure safety of users’ assets. Experience Bitget Wallet Lite to start a Web3 journey.
    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
    For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

    About Venus Protocol
    With over $2.3B total supply, Venus Protocol is the leading decentralized lending and borrowing platform on BNB Chain, offering users seamless access to crypto-backed loans, yield generation, and an innovative governance model. By providing a secure, efficient, and scalable DeFi ecosystem, Venus empowers users to maximize their digital asset holdings.
    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Web
    For media inquiries, please contact verify@venus.io

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2284792c-b429-4bc8-8dbd-d91e888c6ed8

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: From Rongelap to Mejatto – how Rainbow Warrior helped move nuclear refugees

    The second of a two-part series on the historic Rongelap evacuation of 300 Marshall islanders from their irradiated atoll with the help of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior crew and the return of Rainbow Warrior III 40 years later on a nuclear justice research mission. Journalist and author David Robie, who was on board, recalls the 1985 voyage.

    SPECIAL REPORT: By David Robie

    Mejatto, previously uninhabited and handed over to the people of Rongelap by their close relatives on nearby Ebadon Island, was a lot different to their own island. It was beautiful, but it was only three kilometres long and a kilometre wide, with a dry side and a dense tropical side.

    A sandspit joined it to another small, uninhabited island. Although lush, Mejatto was uncultivated and already it was apparent there could be a food problem.Out on the shallow reef, fish were plentiful.

    Shortly after the Rainbow Warrior arrived on 21 May 1985, several of the men were out wading knee-deep on the coral spearing fish for lunch.

    Islanders with their belongings on a bum bum approach the Rainbow Warrior. © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

    But even the shallowness of the reef caused a problem. It made it dangerous to bring the Warrior any closer than about three kilometres offshore — as two shipwrecks on the reef reminded us.

    The cargo of building materials and belongings had to be laboriously unloaded onto a bum bum (small boat), which had also travelled overnight with no navigational aids apart from a Marshallese “wave map’, and the Zodiacs. It took two days to unload the ship with a swell making things difficult at times.

    An 18-year-old islander fell into the sea between the bum bum and the Warrior, almost being crushed but escaping with a jammed foot.

    Fishing success on the reef
     The delayed return to Rongelap for the next load didn’t trouble Davey Edward. In fact, he was celebrating his first fishing success on the reef after almost three months of catching nothing. He finally landed not only a red snapper, but a dozen fish, including a half-metre shark!

    Edward was also a good cook and he rustled up dinner — shark montfort, snapper fillets, tuna steaks and salmon pie (made from cans of dumped American aid food salmon the islanders didn’t want).

    Returning to Rongelap, the Rainbow Warrior was confronted with a load which seemed double that taken on the first trip. Altogether, about 100 tonnes of building materials and other supplies were shipped to Mejatto. The crew packed as much as they could on deck and left for Mejatto, this time with 114 people on board. It was a rough voyage with almost everybody being seasick.

    The journalists were roped in to clean up the ship before returning to Rongelap on the third journey.

    ‘Our people see no light, only darkness’
     Researcher Dr Glenn Alcalay (now an adjunct professor of anthropology at William Paterson University), who spoke Marshallese, was a great help to me interviewing some of the islanders.

    “It’s a hard time for us now because we don’t have a lot of food here on Mejatto — like breadfruit, taro and pandanus,” said Rose Keju, who wasn’t actually at Rongelap during the fallout.

    “Our people feel extremely depressed. They see no light, only darkness. They’ve been crying a lot.

    “We’ve moved because of the poison and the health problems we face. If we have honest scientists to check Rongelap we’ll know whether we can ever return, or we’ll have to stay on Mejatto.”

    Kiosang Kios, 46, was 15 years old at the time of Castle Bravo when she was evacuated to “Kwaj”.

    “My hair fell out — about half the people’s hair fell out,” she said. “My feet ached and burned. I lost my appetite, had diarrhoea and vomited.”

    In 1957, she had her first baby and it was born without bones – “Like this paper, it was flimsy.” A so-called ‘jellyfish baby’, it lived half a day. After that, Kios had several more miscarriages and stillbirths. In 1959, she had a daughter who had problems with her legs and feet and thyroid trouble.

    Out on the reef with the bum bums, the islanders had a welcome addition — an unusual hardwood dugout canoe being used for fishing and transport. It travelled 13,000 kilometres on board the Rainbow Warrior and bore the Sandinista legend FSLN on its black-and-red hull. A gift from Bunny McDiarmid and Henk Haazen, it had been bought for $30 from a Nicaraguan fisherman while they were crewing on the Fri. (Bunny and Henk are on board Rainbow Warrior III for the research mission).

    “It has come from a small people struggling for their sovereignty against the United States and it has gone to another small people doing the same,” said Haazen.

    Animals left behind
     Before the 10-day evacuation ended, Haazen was given an outrigger canoe by the islanders. Winched on to the deck of the Warrior, it didn’t quite make a sail-in protest at Moruroa, as Haazen planned, but it has since become a familiar sight on Auckland Harbour.

    With the third load of 87 people shipped to Mejatto and one more to go, another problem emerged. What should be done about the scores of pigs and chickens on Rongelap? Pens could be built on the main deck to transport them to Mejatto but was there any fodder left for them?

    The islanders decided they weren’t going to run a risk, no matter how slight, of having contaminated animals with them. They were abandoned on Rongelap — along with three of the five outriggers.

    Building materials from the demolished homes on Rongelap dumped on the beach at arrival on Mejatto. Image: © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

    “When you get to New Zealand you’ll be asked have you been on a farm,” warned French journalist Phillipe Chatenay, who had gone there a few weeks before to prepare a Le Point article about the “Land of the Long White Cloud and Nuclear-Free Nuts”.

    “Yes, and you’ll be asked to remove your shoes. And if you don’t have shoes, you’ll be asked to remove your feet,” added first mate Martini Gotjé, who was usually barefooted.

    The last voyage on May 28 was the most fun. A smaller group of about 40 islanders was transported and there was plenty of time to get to know each other.

    Four young men questioned cook Nathalie Mestre: where did she live? Where was Switzerland? Out came an atlas. Then Mestre produced a scrapbook of Fernando Pereira’s photographs of the voyage. The questions were endless.

    They asked for a scrap of paper and a pen and wrote in English:

    “We, the people of Rongelap, love our homeland. But how can our people live in a place which is dangerous and poisonous. I mean, why didn’t those American people test Bravo in a state capital? Why? Rainbow Warrior, thank you for being so nice to us. Keep up your good work.”

    Each one wrote down their name: Balleain Anjain, Ralet Anitak, Kiash Tima and Issac Edmond. They handed the paper to Mestre and she added her name. Anitak grabbed it and wrote as well: “Nathalie Anitak”. They laughed.

    Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira and Rongelap islander Bonemej Namwe on board a bum bum boat in May 1985. Fernando was killed by French secret agents in the Rainbow Warrior bombing on 10 July 1985. Image: © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

    Fernando Pereira’s birthday
     Thursday, May 30, was Fernando Pereira’s 35th birthday. The evacuation was over and a one-day holiday was declared as we lay anchored off Mejato.

    Pereira was on the Pacific voyage almost by chance. Project coordinator Steve Sawyer had been seeking a wire machine for transmitting pictures of the campaign. He phoned Fiona Davies, then heading the Greenpeace photo office in Paris. But he wanted a machine and photographer separately.

    “No, no … I’ll get you a wire machine,” replied Davies. ‘But you’ll have to take my photographer with it.” Agreed. The deal would make a saving for the campaign budget.

    Sawyer wondered who this guy was, although Gotjé and some of the others knew him. Pereira had fled Portugal about 15 years before while he was serving as a pilot in the armed forces at a time when the country was fighting to retain colonies in Angola and Mozambique. He settled in The Netherlands, the only country which would grant him citizenship.

    After first working as a photographer for Anefo press agency, he became concerned with environmental and social issues. Eventually he joined the Amsterdam communist daily De Waarheid and was assigned to cover the activities of Greenpeace. Later he joined Greenpeace.

    Although he adopted Dutch ways, his charming Latin temperament and looks betrayed his Portuguese origins. He liked tight Italian-style clothes and fast sports cars. Pereira was always wide-eyed, happy and smiling.

    In Hawai`i, he and Sawyer hiked up to the crater at the top of Diamond Head one day. Sawyer took a snapshot of Pereira laughing — a photo later used on the front page of the New Zealand Times after his death with the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by French secret agents.

    While most of the crew were taking things quietly and the “press gang” caught up on stories, Sawyer led a mini-expedition in a Zodiac to one of the shipwrecks, the Palauan Trader. With him were Davey Edward, Henk Haazen, Paul Brown and Bunny McDiarmid.

    Clambering on board the hulk, Sawyer grabbed hold of a rust-caked railing which collapsed. He plunged 10 metres into a hold. While he lay in pain with a dislocated shoulder and severely lacerated abdomen, his crewmates smashed a hole through the side of the ship. They dragged him through pounding surf into the Zodiac and headed back to the Warrior, three kilometres away.

    “Doc” Andy Biedermann, assisted by “nurse” Chatenay, who had received basic medical training during national service in France, treated Sawyer. He took almost two weeks to recover.

    But the accident failed to completely dampen celebrations for Pereira, who was presented with a hand-painted t-shirt labelled “Rainbow Warrior Removals Inc”.

    Pereira’s birthday was the first of three which strangely coincided with events casting a tragic shadow over the Rainbow Warrior’s last voyage.

    Dr David Robie is an environmental and political journalist and author, and editor of Asia Pacific Report. He travelled on board the Rainbow Warrior for almost 11 weeks. This article is adapted from his 1986 book, Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage of the Rainbow Warrior. A new edition is being published in July to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing. 

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Carbon Streaming Announces Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carbon Streaming Corporation (Cboe CA: NETZ) (OTCQB: OFSTF) (FSE: M2Q) (“Carbon Streaming” or the “Company”) today reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. All figures are expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The Company will host a live audio call at 11:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. In addition, the Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sam Wong to the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) effective April 1, 2025.

    Carbon Streaming Chief Executive Officer Marin Katusa stated: “In the fourth quarter of 2024, Carbon Streaming focused on its restructuring efforts and evaluating strategic alternatives while taking significant steps to reduce costs and improve financial sustainability. We successfully reduced the number of individuals receiving full-time salaries from 24 at the start of 2024 to 4 by January 2025, resulting in significant savings to ongoing operating expenses. With cost reductions complete, our priority in 2025 is to maximize value from our existing portfolio while continuing to explore all strategic options to enhance shareholder value.  More specifically, we will evaluate all potential acquisitions, divestments, corporate transactions, and strategic partnerships. While the voluntary carbon market continues to experience difficult market conditions and many economic uncertainties exist, we are committed to adapting to market conditions and ensuring the best path forward for our shareholders. With respect to the Rimba Raya, Magdalena Bay and Sustainable Community Streams, the Company remains focused on protecting our investments and preserving our rights as we will with all our investments.”

    Annual Highlights

    • Ended the year with $37.4 million in cash and no corporate debt.
    • Reduced the number of individuals receiving full-time salaries at the Company – including employees, consultants, and directors – from 24 at the start of 2024 to 8 by year-end, with a further decrease to 4 full time employees by January 2025, resulting in significant savings in ongoing operating expenses.
    • Recognized a net loss on revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements of $58.2 million (net loss on revaluation of $32.9 million in 2023). The net loss on revaluation for each period was driven by reductions in the carbon credit production and sales profiles and carbon credit pricing assumptions, and an increase to the risk-adjusted discount rate.
    • Continued the previously-announced corporate restructuring plan, which resulted in a non-recurring restructuring charge of $2.6 million.
    • Generated $1.6 million in settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (settlements of $55 thousand in 2023).
    • Operating loss of $68.3 million (operating loss of $45.0 million in 2023).
    • Recognized net loss of $67.4 million (net loss of $35.5 million in 2023).
    • Adjusted net loss was $5.2 million (adjusted net loss of $7.6 million in 2023) (see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release).
    • Paid $8.1 million in upfront deposits for carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (paid $7.6 million in upfront deposits in 2023).

    Fourth Quarter Highlights

    • Recognized a net loss on revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements of $13.2 million (net loss on revaluation of $24.0 million in Q4 2023). The net loss on revaluation for each period was driven by reductions in the carbon credit production and sales profiles and carbon credit pricing assumptions, and an increase to the risk-adjusted discount rate.
    • Generated $0.5 million in settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (settlements of $nil in Q4 2023).
    • Operating loss of $14.9 million (operating loss of $26.8 million in Q4 2023).
    • Recognized net loss of $16.9 million (net loss of $26.1 million in Q4 2023).
    • Adjusted net loss was $0.9 million (adjusted net loss of $2.2 million in Q4 2023) (see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release).
    • Paid $2.2 million in upfront deposits for carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (paid $2.1 million in upfront deposits in Q4 2023).

    Financial Highlights Summary

      Three months ended
    December 31, 2024    		 Three months ended
    December 31, 2023    		 Year ended December 31, 2024 Year ended December 31, 2023
    Carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements        
    Revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements $ (13,190)   $ (23,952)   $ (58,155)   $ (32,897)  
    Settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements1   513     –     1,550     55  
    Other financial highlights        
    Other operating expenses   1,760     2,691     10,340     12,035  
    Operating loss   (14,923)     (26,784)     (68,335)     (45,002)  
    Net loss   (16,932)     (26,092)     (67,369)     (35,501)  
    Loss per share (Basis and Diluted) ($/share)   (0.32)     (0.55)     (1.34)     (0.75)  
    Adjusted net loss2   (884)     (2,225)     (5,214)     (7,586)  
    Adjusted net loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)2   (0.02)     (0.05)     (0.10)     (0.16)  
    Statement of financial position        
    Cash3   37,350     51,416     37,350     51,416  
    Carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements3   9,081     60,122     9,081     60,122  
    Total assets3   48,683     117,111     48,683     117,111  
    Non-current liabilities3   112     1,083     112     1,083  
    1. Relates to the net cash proceeds generated from the Company’s carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements.
    2. “Adjusted net loss”, including per share amounts, is a non-IFRS® Accounting Standards (the “IFRS Accounting Standards”) financial performance measure that is used in this news release. This measure does not have any standardized meaning under the IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For more information about this measure, why it is used by the Company, and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable measure under the IFRS Accounting Standards, see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release.
    3. Cash, carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements, total assets and non-current liabilities are presented as at the relevant tabular reporting date.

    Portfolio Updates

    Rimba Raya Stream: On April 26, 2024, the Company announced that it was informed that PT Rimba Raya Conservation (“PT Rimba”), the local concession holder for the Rimba Raya project, had its Forest Utilization Business License (the “Concession License”) revoked by the Indonesian Government’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (the “MOEF”). PT Rimba challenged the MOEF’s revocation of the Concession License, and in July 2024, the State Administrative Court of Jakarta (the “Court of Jakarta”) reached a decision on PT Rimba’s claim and declared that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void. The MOEF appealed the decision of the Court of Jakarta and in September 2024, the State Administrative High Court of Jakarta (the “High Court of Jakarta”) upheld the Court of Jakarta’s decision declaring that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void. The MOEF submitted an appeal of the decision of the High Court of Jakarta and as such, the decision of the High Court of Jakarta upholding that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void does not yet have permanent legal force. While the appeal process is underway, the interlocutory decision issued by the Court of Jakarta on May 16, 2024, requiring the MOEF to suspend the implementation of its decree in respect of the revocation of the Concession License, will remain in place.

    In October 2024, InfiniteEARTH Limited and its Indonesian subsidiary PT InfiniteEARTH Nusantara, the project operators of the Rimba Raya project (collectively “InfiniteEARTH”) delivered a notice of intent to abandon the project (the “RR Notice of Abandonment”). Pursuant to the RR Notice of Abandonment, InfiniteEARTH claims that a Regulation entitled Regulation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Number 7 Year of 2023 issued on June 14, 2023 by the Indonesian Government (“Regulation No. 7 2023”), prohibits the issuance and transfer of carbon rights from PT Rimba to InfiniteEARTH. InfiniteEARTH claims that as a result of Regulation No. 7 2023, it has been unable to economically develop or continue to operate the Rimba Raya project and that this is a force majeure event under the Rimba Raya Stream. The Company has notified InfiniteEARTH that it rejects the assertion that Regulation No. 7 2023 is an event of force majeure and has commenced an arbitration seeking, among other things, an order that the RR Notice of Abandonment is invalid or void.

    In October 2024, the Company commenced an arbitration administered by the International Centre of Dispute Resolution against InfiniteEARTH in accordance with the Rimba Raya Stream; and against the shareholders of InfiniteEARTH Limited in accordance with the Strategic Alliance Agreement (the “SAA“). The arbitration has since been bifurcated into two arbitration proceedings, dealing with (i) the Rimba Raya Stream; and (ii) the SAA.

    In October 2024, the Company also issued a Notice of Action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice seeking declaratory relief against the principals of InfiniteEARTH Limited and their related entities, seeking to enforce its rights in relation to guarantees and non-competition agreements related to the Rimba Raya Stream and the SAA. Some of the defendants have counterclaimed. The dispute between the Company and InfiniteEARTH arises out of acts and omissions that the Company alleges are improper and in breach of the Rimba Raya Stream, the SAA and related agreements. Management of the Company believes that delivering the Notice of Arbitration and issuing the Notice of Action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice were important steps in preserving the Company’s legal and contractual rights.

    As a result of the uncertainty of the duration and outcome of the appeal process in respect of the Concession License and the ongoing legal dispute between the Company, InfiniteEARTH and the founders of InfiniteEARTH, the Company has reclassified the status of the Rimba Raya Stream to “Expired”. As at December 31, 2024, the Company has determined the fair value of the Rimba Raya Stream to be $nil.

    Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream: In the third quarter of 2024, Fundación MarVivo Mexico, A.C. and MarVivo Corporation (collectively, “MarVivo”) delivered a notice of intent to abandon the project (the “MarVivo Notice of Abandonment”). Pursuant to the MarVivo Notice of Abandonment, MarVivo claims that the failure to transfer the concession rights from the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (“SEMARNAT”), Mexico’s environment ministry, to the jurisdiction of Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (“CONANP”), constitutes an event of force majeure and that it is no longer economical to develop or continue to operate the project. The Company’s position is that the attempt to abandon the project constitutes a breach of the terms of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream. The Company has notified MarVivo that it rejects the assertion that the failure to transfer the concession rights constitutes an event of force majeure and that if MarVivo abandons the project or takes steps to wind-down, this will amount to a breach of the terms of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream. As a result of the MarVivo Notice of Abandonment and the assertions of MarVivo, the Company has determined the fair value of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream to be $nil as at December 31, 2024. The Company reserves all rights with respect to the agreements between the parties and intends to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream.

    Sustainable Community Stream: In the third quarter of 2024, the Company exercised its contractual rights to terminate the Sustainable Community Stream as a result of, among other things, the failure of the project operator, Will Solutions Inc., to meet its milestone related to the registration of its Ontario project and its failure to develop and implement the project in accordance with the project plan (including continued delays in project development activities and lower-than-expected project enrollments). As a result of the Sustainable Community Stream being terminated, the fair value of the Sustainable Community Stream was determined to be $nil as at December 31, 2024. The Company intends to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Sustainable Community Stream.

    Cerrado Biome Stream: At the time of project registration, the project planned to expand the project to 80,000 hectares by incorporating more land parcels, and to generate approximately 13 million carbon credits over a 30-year project life. Enrollment of additional land parcels has been slower than anticipated, primarily due to declining demand and lower pricing for REDD+ carbon credits. As a result, the expected revenue from carbon credit sales has decreased, reducing the financial incentive for landholders to transition from agricultural production to REDD+ project enrollment. Currently, the project consists of two land parcels covering approximately 11,000 hectares, expected to generate 1.2 million carbon credits over 30 years; however, the actual number of carbon credits issued will depend on the project’s ability to attract additional landholders. Revenue shortfalls have been driven by delays in the Verra verification process and price volatility for credits issued by REDD+ projects.

    Waverly Biochar Stream and Royalty: Following the accelerated payment of the final milestone payments in the second quarter of 2024, the project reached mechanical completion and first biochar production in the third quarter of 2024. However, additional technical challenges prevented continuous operation of the facility and have continued to delay full production capacity. The project is currently focused on securing additional funding to support commissioning, the initial facility audit, and the first output audit with Puro.earth. Verification was anticipated in the third quarter of 2025, with first issuance of carbon credits to follow immediately thereafter, but is now expected to be delayed.

    In 2023, the Company announced an agreement to provide Microsoft Corporation with carbon credits from the Waverly Biochar Stream of up to 10,000 carbon credits per year. Under this agreement, the Company is committed to delivering a minimum quantity of credits on specified future dates. If the Company is unable to fulfill this commitment, Microsoft Corporation may request that credits be sourced from an alternative project of their choosing.

    Community Carbon Stream: In 2024, the projects under the Community Carbon Stream issued over 1,600,000 carbon credits from the Mozambique cookstove project, the Uganda cookstove project, the Tanzania cookstove project, and the Uganda household safe water project. Additionally, the Community Carbon Stream generated $1.1 million in cash settlements for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    On May 8, 2024, the Company amended the terms of the Community Carbon Stream resulting in, among other things, revising the Company’s economic interest to provide for a tiered streaming structure which is adjusted as certain return on invested capital thresholds are achieved, and adjusting the portfolio composition and milestone payments to focus on the five strongest projects, three cookstove projects in Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda and two water purification projects in Malawi and Uganda.

    Following the May 2024 amendment, the Company anticipates that the project’s actual emission reductions will be materially lower than previously expected due to methodological changes and declining prices, which have reduced forecasted creditable unit deployments. Concerns over emissions reduction overestimation, additionality, and verification challenges have raised questions about cookstove credit quality, prompting methodological revisions as the market adapts to evolving buyer expectations. While these changes aim to enhance credibility, they have also reduced demand and driven down prices.

    Nalgonda Rice Farming Stream: In December 2024, the Company delivered a notice to Core CarbonX Pte. Ltd. and its services provider, Core CarbonX Solutions Private Limited that an event of default occurred and is continuing due to the failure of the project to reach development completion prior to June 30, 2024. While no further action has been taken at this time, the Company reserves all rights under its agreements.

    The project was registered with Verra on February 10, 2025, using the UNFCCC Clean Development Mechanism Methodology AMS-III.AU: Methane emission reduction by adjusted water management practice in rice cultivation in the VCS program (“AMS-III.AU”). Registration and first validation of the project was delayed when Verra temporarily inactivated AMS-III.AU as part of a broader review of validation and verification quality and began developing a revised rice-specific methodology to replace AMS-III.AU. During this review, Verra determined that certain projects identified as having quality issues with validations and/or verifications would remain on hold, but Core CarbonX’s projects, including the Nalgonda Rice Farming project, were approved for registration under AMS-III.AU.

    Verra released the new VCS Methodology VM0051 (Improved Management in Rice Production Systems v1.0) on February 27, 2025, which the project plans to transition to for the second monitoring period. However, the project has already applied the guidelines required under the VCS Methodology VM0051. At this time, it is not known how the transition to the new methodology will impact the project, if at all.

    As of December 31, 2024, approximately 32,000 landholders were enrolled in the project, covering 36,548 hectares of farmland. Enrollment remains ongoing, with a target of expanding to approximately 62,000 hectares. However, progress has been slower than expected due to registration delays, which have also postponed farmer compensation and, in turn, affected enrollment. The project was registered with Verra on February 10, 2025.

    Enfield Biochar Stream: In April 2024, Standard Biocarbon Corporation (“Standard Biocarbon”) achieved its first biochar production. However, technical challenges have delayed the commissioning process. Standard Biocarbon is working with PYREG GmbH, the engineer and builder of the PYREG Machines, to resolve these issues as it scales toward full operating capacity. The project continues to collect operational data required for a facility audit and official registration with the Puro.earth carbon credit standard. Currently, the project is on care and maintenance while seeking additional funding to support commissioning, the initial facility audit, and the first output audit.

    Azuero Reforestation Stream: On May 21, 2024, the Company, Microsoft Corporation and Rubicon Carbon Capital LLC (“Rubicon”) entered into a carbon credit streaming agreement, as amended on November 23, 2024 (the “Azuero Reforestation Stream”) with Azuero Reforestation Colectiva, S.A. (“ARC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ponterra Ltd. (“Ponterra”), for a reforestation project located on Azuero Province, Los Santos Province, Republic of Panama. Under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream, ARC will deliver 13.5% of the carbon credits created by the project to the Company. Additionally, Microsoft Corporation has entered into an offtake agreement to purchase 100% of the Company’s carbon credits delivered under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream through to 2040. Carbon Streaming will also act as the sole marketer of ARC’s carbon credits not already committed to the co-investors under the Azuero Reforestation Stream.

    Under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream, Carbon Streaming, alongside Rubicon and Microsoft Corporation, will fund 100% of project costs over seven years. The Company agreed to make an upfront deposit of up to $7.1 million with $0.3 million paid on closing, and additional milestone payments made as the project achieves planting and sapling survival milestones, and will receive 13.5% of total credits, which is expected to be approximately 438,000 carbon credits through 2052.

    Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream: In January 2025, the Company received a Notice of Adverse Impact from Mast Reforestation SPV I, LLC (“Mast”) and the parent company of Mast, Droneseed Co. d/b/a Mast Reforestation under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream pursuant to which, among other things, Mast advised the Company that the Sheep Creek project has experienced significantly higher than expected mortality rates and that the surviving seedlings had exhibited slower than expected growth rates. As a result, Mast indicated to the Company that it no longer expects to deliver the Company the agreed-upon 286,229 carbon removal credits, referred to as forecast mitigation units (“FMUs”) under the Climate Action Reserve’s Climate Forward program under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream, as Mast no longer considers the existing Sheep Creek project plan and budget to be viable. The Company has formally responded to the Notice of Adverse Impact and requested that Mast respond to the Company’s significant concerns regarding, among other things, the timing of the delivery of the Notice of Adverse Impact, and the characterization of the cause of the adverse impact. The Company is continuing to evaluate all legal avenues available under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream. As a result, the Company no longer anticipates generating cash flow from the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream and has determined its fair value to be $nil as of December 31, 2024.

    Feather River Reforestation Stream: In 2024, carbon credit market demand has generally shifted towards lower risk carbon credits. FMUs, which are designed to facilitate forward financing, inherently carry higher risk, leading to supply that has exceeded demand. FMU issuance is expected in 2025. However, given the uncertainties surrounding FMU sales, the Company has determined the fair value of the Feather River Reforestation Stream to be $nil as of December 31, 2024.

    Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream: In March 2025, Mast delivered the Company a notice of termination of the Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream and the Baccala Ranch project, thereby confirming it will forego any plantings. The Company had not advanced any funds for the Baccala project and the closing of the Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream remained subject to customary closing conditions.

    Amazon Portfolio Royalty: Following a corporate reorganization, Future Carbon assigned its interests in the Yellow Ipe, ABC Norte and Gairova projects (collectively the “Ecologica Portfolio”) to Ecological Assessoria Ltda. and its affiliates (collectively “Ecologica”), and retained the Rio Madeira Project, (the “Future Carbon Portfolio”). To reflect this restructuring, the Original Amazon Royalty was replaced on April 17, 2024, by two new royalty agreements: one between the Company and Future Carbon for the Future Carbon Portfolio (the “FC Amazon Royalty”), and another between the Company and Ecologica on the Ecologica Portfolio (the “Ecologica Amazon Royalty”). Each agreement carried a purchase price of $1.5 million, maintaining the original $3.0 million investment. No additional funds were advanced by the Company as part of Future Carbon’s reorganization.

    Bonobo Peace Forest Royalty: The royalty agreement was originally intended to convert into a stream agreement upon successful validation and verification of the project. However, due to political instability in the DRC, weakened market sentiment for REDD+ projects, and a significant decline in demand for REDD+ carbon credits, Carbon Streaming decided to halt further investment. The Company currently has no plans to proceed with a stream agreement.

    The project has been seeking additional investment to support a renewed technical effort for registration under the new Verra VM0048 methodology. Given the material uncertainty surrounding fundraising for REDD+ project development, the early-stage nature of the project’s technical development, and persistent weakness in demand for REDD+ carbon credits, the Company has determined the fair value of the Bonobo Peace Forest Royalty to be $nil as at December 31, 2024.

    Strategy

    Carbon Streaming is currently focused on maximizing value from the existing portfolio of investments and pursuing all options to achieve that goal. During 2024, the Company has undergone changes to the Board and management, including the termination of certain consulting contracts, which reduced ongoing cash expenditure and streamlined decision-making. The Company continues to focus on its previously announced evaluation of strategic alternatives with a focus on maximizing value for all shareholders. These alternatives could include acquisitions, divestments, corporate transactions, financings, other strategic partnership opportunities or continuing to operate as a public company.

    The Company’s carbon credit streaming agreements are structured to retain a portion of the cash flows from carbon credit sales, with stream-specific retention varying. Project partners typically receive the balance through ongoing delivery payments under the terms of each agreement. Cash flows are subject to fluctuations based on realized carbon credit prices and agreement terms. As the Company continues to evaluate its strategic direction, it remains focused on optimizing portfolio economics and managing exposure to market volatility.

    Outlook

    Carbon Streaming continues to reposition itself for success and for maximizing shareholder value amid ongoing challenges. In May 2024, as part of its ongoing corporate restructuring first initiated in 2023, the Company announced changes to its senior management and Board after constructive discussions with certain shareholders. The Company continues to evaluate strategic alternatives for the business and remains focused on cash flow optimization through the reduction of operating expenses and a reassessment of its existing streams and royalties. Building on the previous measures implemented by the Company to reduce ongoing operating expenses, further steps have been taken in recent months, including significantly reducing employee headcount, renegotiating and amending vendor agreements to lower costs, eliminating cash-settled director’s fees to the Board and terminating certain consulting contracts. As the Company’s broader strategy continues to evolve, these recent steps are expected to result in significant reductions to annualized ongoing operating expenses when compared to 2024.

    While the Company aims to increase cash flow generation through the sale of carbon credits from several streaming agreements over the next year, there remains ongoing uncertainty regarding the evolving nature of carbon markets, including potential registry delays, project-specific issues, and methodology-related risks, in addition to impacts the industry may face as a result of general economic, political and regulatory conditions. In 2024, the Company has recognized a decrease in the fair values of the Rimba Raya Stream, the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream, the Sustainable Community Stream, and the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream to $nil as a result of the failure of the respective projects to meet their obligations under the stream agreements and ongoing legal disputes. The Company is actively pursuing all available legal remedies to protect its investments and enforce its contractual rights. Given the multiple ongoing litigation matters, the outcomes remain uncertain and could materially impact the Company’s financial position and strategic direction. Please refer to the “Legal Proceedings” section of the Company’s most recently filed MD&A for further information.

    Given the evolving nature of carbon markets and ongoing legal considerations, Carbon Streaming is focussed on maximizing value from the existing portfolio of investments and pursuing all options to achieve that goal.

    For a comprehensive discussion of the risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could impact the Company’s strategy and outlook, including without limitation, changes in demand for carbon credits and Indonesian developments described herein, investors are urged to review the section of the Company’s most recently filed AIF entitled “Risk Factors” a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    2024 Results Conference Call Details

    The Company’s management team will host a conference call on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET to provide a brief company update. Participants may join by dialing +1 289-514-5100 or toll free from North America at +1 800-717-1738. A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company website until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 1, 2025.

    About Carbon Streaming

    Carbon Streaming’s focus is on projects that generate high-quality carbon credits and have a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and biodiversity, in addition to their carbon reduction or removal potential. This approach aligns our strategic interests with those of project partners to create long-term relationships built on a shared commitment to sustainability and accountability and positions us as a trusted source for buyers seeking high-quality carbon credits.

    ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY:
    Marin Katusa, Chief Executive Officer
    Tel: 365.607.6095
    info@carbonstreaming.com
    www.carbonstreaming.com

    Investor Relations
    investors@carbonstreaming.com

    Media
    media@carbonstreaming.com

    Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures

    Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Loss Per Share

    The term “adjusted net loss” in this news release is not a standardized financial measure under the IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies where similar terminology is used. These non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance, cash flows and financial position as prepared in accordance with the IFRS Accounting Standards. Management believes that these non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures, together with performance measures and measures prepared in accordance with the IFRS Accounting Standards, provide useful information to investors and shareholders in assessing the Company’s liquidity and overall performance.

    Adjusted net loss is calculated as net and comprehensive loss and adjusted for the revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements, the revaluation of warrant liabilities, the impairment loss on early deposit interest receivable, the revaluation of derivative liabilities, the revaluation of the convertible note, the impairment loss on investment in associate, the gain on dissolution of associate, and the corporate restructuring which the Company views as having a significant non-cash or non-continuing impact on the Company’s net and comprehensive loss calculation and per share amounts. Adjusted net loss is used by the Company to monitor its results from operations for the period.

    The following table reconciles net and comprehensive (loss) income to adjusted net loss:

      Three months ended 
    December 31, 2024
    		   Three months ended 
    December 31, 2023
    		   Year ended
    December 31, 2024
    		   Year ended
    December 31, 2023
    		  
    Net loss and comprehensive loss $ (16,932)   $ (26,092)   $ (67,369)   $ (35,501)  
    Adjustment for non-continuing or non-cash settled items:        
    Revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements   13,190     23,952     58,155     32,897  
    Revaluation of warrant liabilities   (43)     (79)     (642)     (6,530)  
    Impairment of early deposit interest receivable   –     –     307     –  
    Revaluation of derivative liabilities   –     –     (680)     (686)  
    Revaluation of Convertible Note   –     –     –     (558)  
    Revaluation of preferred shares   2,558     –     2,558     –  
    Impairment of investment in associate   –     –     –     1,044  
    Gain on dissolution of associate   –     –     (104)     –  
    Corporate restructuring   343     (6)     2,561     1,748  
    Adjusted net loss   (884)     (2,225)     (5,214)     (7,586)  
    Loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)   (0.32)     (0.55)     (1.34)     (0.75)  
    Adjusted net loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)   (0.02)     (0.05)     (0.10)     (0.16)  
                             

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking information, including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated impact of changes to the Company’s Board and management; the impact of the Company’s restructuring strategies, including evaluation of strategic alternatives; the ability of the Company to execute on expense reductions and savings from operating cost reduction measures; statements with respect to cash flow optimization and generation; its sales strategy; supporting the Company’s carbon streaming and royalty partners; timing and the amount of future carbon credit generation and emission reductions and removals from the Company’s existing streaming and royalty agreements; statements with respect to the projects in which the Company has streaming and royalty agreements in place; statements with respect to the Company’s growth objectives and potential and its position in the voluntary carbon markets; statements with respect to execution of the Company’s portfolio and partnership strategy; statements with respect to the ongoing legal process to protect the Company’s investment in the Rimba Raya project and to enforce its legal and contractual rights; statements ; and statements regarding the Company’s intention to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Sustainable Community Stream and the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream and the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream.

    When used in this news release, words such as “estimates”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “will”, “believes”, “intends” “should”, “could”, “may” and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. They should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: general economic, market and business conditions and global financial conditions, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and stock market volatility; volatility in prices of carbon credits and demand for carbon credits; change in social or political views towards climate change, carbon credits and environmental, social and governance initiatives and subsequent changes in corporate or government policies or regulations and associated changes in demand for carbon credits; the Company’s expectations and plans with respect to current litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings; limited operating history for the Company’s current strategy; concentration risk; inaccurate estimates of project value, which may impact the ability of the Company to execute on its growth and diversification strategy; dependence upon key management; impact of corporate restructurings; the inability of the Company to optimize cash flows or sufficiently reduce operating expenses; reputational risk; risks arising from competition and future acquisition activities failure or timing delays for projects to be registered, validated and ultimately developed and for emission reductions or removals to be verified and carbon credits issued (and other risks associated with carbon credits standards and registries); foreign operations and political risks including actions by governmental authorities, including changes in or to government regulation, taxation and carbon pricing initiatives; uncertainties and ongoing market developments surrounding the validation and verification requirements of the voluntary and/or compliance markets; due diligence risks, including failure of third parties’ reviews, reports and projections to be accurate; dependence on project partners, operators and owners, including failure by such counterparties to make payments or perform their operational or other obligations to the Company in compliance with the terms of contractual arrangements between the Company and such counterparties; failure of projects to generate carbon credits, or natural disasters such as flood or fire which could have a material adverse effect on the ability of any project to generate carbon credits; volatility in the market price of the Company’s common shares or warrants; the effect that the issuance of additional securities by the Company could have on the market price of the Company’s common shares or warrants; global health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics; and the other risks disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated as of March 31, 2025 filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date of this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Make the Feral Swine Eradication Program Permanent

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) today introduced the Feral Swine Eradication Act, which would extend and make permanent a pilot program to safeguard public health, agriculture, and local ecosystems against the threat of feral swine:  
    “Feral hogs can inflict serious economic and environmental damage to our agricultural communities by destroying crops, trampling farmland, and threatening other livestock,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would support our farmers, ranchers, and producers in Texas and across the country by promoting removal and restoration efforts to mitigate the risk posed by this invasive species.”
    “New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers, and producers play a vital role in supporting our state’s economy and it’s critical that their crops and livestock are protected from harm,” said Sen. Luján. “Feral hogs pose serious threats to New Mexico’s agriculture industry by disrupting their land, killing plants, and increasing the chance for unwanted weeds. That’s why I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that safely removes feral swine and protects New Mexico’s critical agricultural communities.”
    “Feral swine are a serious threat to the livelihoods of Alabama’s farmers. Feral hogs destroy crops, land, and undo months, if not years, of work by our farmers to feed our country,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Feral swine cause an estimated $50 million in damages annually to Alabama. Despite eradication efforts, the pigs are still running rampant throughout the South. And so today, I’m standing with Alabama farmers and taking action to fight back against this threat.”
    “In Georgia, feral hogs have been responsible for over $150 million a year in economic damage for our farmers. They destroy crops, damage pastures, and devastate livestock and horticulture,” said Sen. Rev. Warnock. “As a voice for Georgia farmers on the Senate Agriculture committee, I am committed to protecting this program to provide farmers and workers on the frontlines of our agriculture industry with the tools and resources needed to combat this destruction.”
    “I remain committed to supporting Alabama’s incredible farmers, including by addressing the devastating economic and environmental impacts of feral swine.  The Feral Swine Eradication Act would establish a permanent program to eliminate this threat,” said Sen. Britt. “I’m proud to introduce federal legislation to help mitigate the estimated $50 million in agricultural damage caused in our state each year and protect the livelihoods of farmers who continue to feed and clothe our nation.”
    Background:
    There are approximately six million feral hogs across the United States, which cause more than $2.5 billion in damages each year. The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) was established in the 2018 Farm Bill to respond to rampant feral swine outbreaks and was implemented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS). This program included feral swine removal by APHIS, restoration efforts supported by NRCS, and assistance to producers for feral swine control through grants with non-federal partners. NRCS and APHIS successfully carried out these pilot projects in ten states.
    This legislation is endorsed by the Texas Farm Bureau, Plains Cotton Growers, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ICR assigns Positive Outlook to Banco Itaú Chile’s Risk Rating

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTIAGO, Chile, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BANCO ITAÚ CHILE (SSE: ITAUCL) – – ICR has assigned a “Positive” outlook to Banco Itaú Chile’s risk rating, reflecting consistent improvements across key financial indicators, such as asset quality, profitability, solvency, funding, matching, and liquidity. Despite the ongoing challenging economic environment, the bank continues to demonstrate strong performance and resilience in these metrics.

    Additionally, ICR reaffirms Banco Itaú Chile’s solvency and long-term instruments at the AA+ rating, subordinated bonds and related series at the AA rating, and short-term instruments at the N1+ rating. The outlook has been revised from “Stable” to “Positive.”

    For detailed information, please visit Banco Itaú Chile’s Investor Relations website at ir.itau.cl.

    Investor Relations – Banco Itaú Chile
    IR@itau.cl | ir.itau.cl

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Banco Itaú Chile attains prestigious AAA rating from Feller Rate, highlighting exceptional financial strength

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTIAGO, Chile, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BANCO ITAÚ CHILE (SSE: ITAUCL) – Banco Itaú Chile proudly announces that Feller Rate has upgraded its solvency rating from “AA+” to the highest level of “AAA,” accompanied by a “Stable” outlook. This significant achievement also extends to the bank’s debt instruments, underscoring Banco Itaú Chile’s robust financial health and stability.

    This upgrade reflects Banco Itaú Chile’s prominent position within the banking sector, demonstrating a strengthened and sustainable financial profile closely aligned with industry benchmarks.

    For detailed information, please visit Banco Itaú Chile’s Investor Relations website at ir.itau.cl.

    Investor Relations – Banco Itaú Chile
    IR@itau.cl | ir.itau.cl

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Transporting over 200,000 Fentanyl Pills

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Miguel Obed Romero Reyes, 25, of Sinaloa, Mexico, pleaded guilty today to trafficking large amounts of fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Romero Reyes was pulled over by law enforcement officers while driving north on Interstate 5 in Fresno County. Deputies searched his vehicle and discovered a large duffel bag containing 48 pounds (21.8 kilograms) of blue counterfeit M-30 pills in 20 separate 1-gallon Ziploc bags. In total, Romero Reyes was transporting more than 200,000 fentanyl pills in his car. Romero Reyes had picked up the pills in Arizona and was transporting them to Washington state for distribution.

    21.8 Kilograms of Fentanyl Pills Seized from Romero Reyes’s Vehicle

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case.

    Romero Reyes is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on June 30, 2025. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Venezuela Man Charged With Assaulting a Federal Officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DENVER – Abraham Gonzalez Romero, 23, a citizen of Venezuela, was charged with forcibly assaulting a federal officer with physical contact and made his initial appearance in federal court today.

    According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Gonzalez Romero last entered the United States unlawfully at or near Eagle Pass, Texas, on or about September 20, 2023.

    On February 28, 2025, ICE Denver Fugitive Operations Unit and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Denver encountered Gonzalez Romero upon his release from the Denver County jail.  The officers present had ICE badges and placards clearly visible as they approached Gonzalez Romero.  As one of the officers attempted to contact Gonzalez Romero, he jumped over a nearby handrail and began to run.  Officers pursued him, and one officer positioned himself to block his exit. Gonzalez Romero continued running and ran straight at the officer rather than swerve to avoid him.  The two collided, the officer was knocked backwards from the impact, and both fell to the ground.  The officers subsequently subdued and arrested Gonzalez.

    The prosecution is being handled by the Violent Crimes and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office.

    The charges in the complaint and indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Case Number:  25-cr-00106-REB

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Cortez Masto Help Introduce Bill to Expand Affordable Housing Access in Fast-Growing Cities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    Despite Population Booms In Recent Decades, Cities Like Las Vegas Receive Far Fewer Affordable Housing Vouchers Than Smaller, Older Cities
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the Housing Choice Vouchers Fairness Act to update the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) decades-old Housing Choice Voucher allocation formula so fast-growing cities like Las Vegas can access more of them. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government’s major program that helps low-income families, elderly and disabled individuals, and veterans afford housing in the private market. 
    Currently, the federal formulas that allocate vouchers are based on outdated population calculations dating back to the 2000 census. This legislation authorizes an additional two billion dollars in funding for the Housing Choice Voucher program to make sure public housing authorities that represent the country’s 25 fastest-growing cities with a population of over 100,000 can provide enough vouchers to meet the needs of their populations.
    “Nevada is facing an affordable housing crisis, and it makes no sense that an outdated allocation formula is preventing us from receiving our fair share of federal housing vouchers,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’m helping to introduce a bill to update the formula and provide additional funding to fast-growing cities like Las Vegas. I’ll keep pushing for solutions to lower housing costs for Nevada families.”
    “Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and as our population expands, so does our need for affordable housing,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Current housing voucher programs aren’t cutting it, and this legislation would fill that gap to help working Nevada families find homes.”
    Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto are working to lower housing costs and prevent housing prices from increasing further. Earlier this month, Rosen sent a letter urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which can raise housing construction costs. Senator Rosen also recently introduced bipartisan legislation to invest in the construction workforce to be able to build more housing and help lower costs. Last year, Senator Rosen urged HUD to increase the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority’s (SNRHA) Housing Choice Vouchers allocation by 10,000 vouchers over five years.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson leads defense to SCOTUS of President Trump’s efforts to deport violent Tren De Aragua gang Read More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson co-led a coalition of 27 attorneys general in defending the Trump administration’s recent actions to combat Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The attorneys general are also calling for a stay of the district court’s recent Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that halts President Trump’s actions to address this violent and dangerous newly designated foreign terrorist organization, and that the Supreme Court will rule overall to vacate the district court’s decision.   

    “Labeling Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization makes it crystal clear—these aren’t just criminals, they’re terrorists operating as an arm of the Venezuelan government,” said Attorney General Wilson. “Yet, instead of supporting President Trump’s rightful authority to secure our nation, the district court is trying to tie his hands. Let’s be clear—this isn’t ordinary crime slipping through the cracks. It’s a full-scale invasion by foreign terrorists, and ignoring it puts American lives in grave danger. The Supreme Court must reaffirm that protecting our nation is the President’s constitutional duty. If they don’t, we aren’t just risking chaos—we’re leaving the door wide open for even greater threats.” 

    The brief asserts that the district court’s temporary restraining order should be stayed for two main reasons: it jeopardizes public safety across the United States and our national security, and it fails to properly recognize the President’s constitutional and statutory authority to protect national security.  

    Attorney General Wilson stresses that the district court’s decision undermines the President’s constitutional and statutory authority. President Trump acted within his rights under the Constitution and the laws of the United States, particularly through the powers granted by Article II. These powers provide the President with the robust authority to act against foreign threats, including transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua.  

    South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson co-led the brief with Virginia. Joining the brief were the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. 

    You can read the full brief here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas residents admit to smuggling $2 million in fentanyl from Mexico

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – Two people have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import 11.65 kilograms of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Taneka Desha Felder, 27, Amarillo, and Gustavo Morales Aguilar, 40, a naturalized U.S. citizen living in Dumas, admitted they traveled into Mexico Dec. 17, 2024. There, they allowed drug smugglers to load their car with 10 bundles of fentanyl powder in the car’s hidden compartment.

    They then attempted to enter the United States from Mexico at the Lincoln Juarez International Bridge.

    At secondary inspection, authorities discovered the bundles hidden in the specially-manufactured compartment under the center console. They admitted they bought the car a few days before traveling to Mexico for the specific purpose of smuggling drugs on their return trip. Both admitted that they expected to be paid after successful delivery of the car and drugs to other persons in Dallas.

    U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Felder and Morales Aguilar face up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

    Both have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Money Launderers Charged

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Two federal grand jury indictments were unsealed in San Diego today against five alleged Sinaloa Cartel money launderers, including Alberto David Benguiat Jimenez, Israel Daniel Paez Vargas, Salvador Diaz Rodriguez, Christopher Ortega-Lomeli, and Christian Noe Amador Valenzuela. The indictments, returned in September and October 2022, charge the defendants with multiple drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. All defendants remain fugitives.

    To date, these money laundering investigations have resulted in charges against 51 defendants and the seizure of more than $4.1 million dollars and approximately 1,304 kilograms of methamphetamine, 34 kilograms of heroin, 11 kilograms of cocaine, and 14 kilograms of fentanyl.

    Four of the defendants – Benguiat Jimenez, Paez Vargas, Diaz Rodriguez and Amador Valezuela – along with Enrique Dann Esparragoza Rosas, who was previously charged, were also the target of sanctions imposed today by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    OFAC has identified the defendants and others as members of a money laundering network supporting the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most notorious and violent drug trafficking organizations in the world, and a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The Sinaloa Cartel is responsible for a significant portion of the illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs trafficked into the United States and has exploited multiple ports of entry along the southern border for its criminal activities. Please see https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0064.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Imperial Country District Office and Mexico City Country Office, along with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation San Diego Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation San Diego Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations Calexico Office, and San Diego – Imperial County HIDTA are investigating these cases with assistance from the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton, Joshua Mellor, Victor White, and Paul Benjamin. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Owen Roth provided substantial assistance in these cases.

    DEFENDANTS                                            

    Case Number 22-cr-02386-TWR

    Israel Daniel Paez Vargas                                                     Age: 45                         Mexicali, MX

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960 and 963.

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine.

    Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846.

    Maximum Penalty: Mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine.

    Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h).

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved.

    Case Number 22-cr-02387-TWR

    Alberto David Benguiat Jimenez                                           Age: 43                      Mexico City, MX

    Salvador Diaz Rodriguez                                                       Age: 39                      Mexicali, MX

    Christian Noe Amador Valenzuela                                        Age: 36                      Mexicali, MX Christopher Ortega-Lomeli                                                       Age: 38                     Mexicali, MX

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §1956(h).

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved.

    Case Number 22-cr-02185-BAS                                         

    Enrique Dann Esparragoza Rosas                                          Age: 39                        Culiacan, MX

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §1956(h).

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved.

    Hobbs Act Extortion, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, and $250,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Drug Enforcement Administration

    Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    Homeland Security Investigations

    San Diego – Imperial County HIDTA

    Imperial Valley Law Enforcement Coordination Center – Intelligence

    Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs

    Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    This investigation is 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).

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides coordination and assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Executive Office of the President – Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: March 28th, 2025 Heinrich Reintroduces Legislation to Leverage AI For Pandemic Preparedness and Response

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Founder and Co-Chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus, reintroduced the MedShield Act of 2025 alongside Co-Chair of the Senate AI Caucus, Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). This legislation would implement a recommendation of the National Security Commission on AI to create a program titled MedShield to leverage AI for national pandemic preparedness and response.

    MedShield would be the United States’ “shield” to protect the nation against future pandemics. MedShield would foster collaboration between the public and private sectors as well as with global allies and partners. The program would leverage AI to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. pandemic prevention and response across five key areas:

    • Vaccine development

    • Therapeutic development

    “AI holds amazing potential to supercharge major scientific and medical advances – including our ability to anticipate and address the next public health crisis,” said Heinrich, Founder and Co-Chair of the Senate AI Caucus. “By leveraging AI’s potential, our Medshield Act will ensure we are more prepared for the emergence of new biological threats to mitigate the next pandemic.”

    “Artificial intelligence gives us the opportunity to completely revolutionize health care as we know it, including when it comes to rapid response to pandemics,” said Rounds. “The MedShield program would utilize artificial intelligence to help the U.S. identify pathogens that pose pandemic threats and work quickly to develop necessary protections. We can leverage artificial intelligence not only to improve the quality of life for Americans, but to literally save lives and taxpayer dollars. We need to take steps now to effectively respond to pandemic threats.”

    The legislation includes:

    • Findings and a Sense of Congress addressing the nation’s need to be better prepared for a pandemic, noting the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) recommendation and the need to avoid an initiative such as Operation Warp Speed for the next pandemic.

    Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Leads Letter To AG Bondi On Appointment Of Kash Patel As ATF Acting Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    March 31, 2025
    Durbin, Senators to AG Bondi: “Mr. Patel is, quite simply, not the right person to lead the ATF.”
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led 15 Senate Democrats in a letter to U.S. Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi inquiring into what policies and procedures she will commit to implementing in her capacity as AG to ensure that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will continue to meaningfully function in its intended capacity under Kash Patel’s stewardship.
    In February, President Trump announced that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel would also serve as Acting Director of ATF, the primary federal law enforcement agency responsible foraddressing gun-related crime and violence in America. However, the Senators’ letter to AG Bondi argues that Mr. Patel threatens to undo the significant gains made in recent years to ensure Americans’ safety as he lacks the relevant experience to lead ATF and has ties to the gun industry.
    “As the primary federal law enforcement agency dedicated to curbing illegal firearm use and enforcing federal firearms laws and regulations, it is critical that ATF be led by an experienced Director who has been confirmed by the Senate for this role and is dedicated to upholding the agency’s mission. For the reasons outlined below, Mr. Patel is not that person,” the Senators wrote. “We therefore write to inquire into what policies and procedures you will implement to ensure that ATF will continue to meaningfully function in its intended capacity.”
    Gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis. In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory listing firearm violence—including homicide, suicide, nonfatal injuries, and unintentional injuries and deaths—as a “significant public health challenge[] that require[s] the nation’s immediate awareness and action.” Though under the Trump Administration, the Surgeon General has since removed the advisory, the report analyzed data from 2002 to 2022, finding that since 2020 the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in America has been gun violence, with rates higher than car crashes, poisoning, and cancer. In 2022 alone, 48,204 people died in the United States of gun-related injuries. 
    That said, following passage of the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and coordinated, nationwide efforts to curb gun violence during the Biden Administration, the United States is starting to see positive results. In 2023, provisional data indicates gun-related deaths totaled 46,728—representing a decline from 2022 by three percent or 1,476 fewer deaths. Violent crime has also declined significantly, due in part to ATF’s data collection, investigation, and enforcement efforts. 
    “While the decrease in violent crime and gun-related deaths is encouraging, 2023 still had ‘the third-highest number of gun-related deaths ever recorded in the United States,’ evidencing that significant challenges to America’s gun violence crisis remain,” the Senators wrote. “The Department of Justice must do everything within its power to sustain this downward trend, including ensuring ATF is empowered to carry out its mandate and keep firearms from falling into the hands of those who should not have them. Now is not the time to pull back on ATF leadership and practices that helped bring about this progress.”
    The Senators’ letter went on to explain why Mr. Patel is not the right person to lead ATF.
    “As an Acting Director, Patel’s appointment has not been subject to Senate confirmation, a crucial process for vetting those nominated by the President for significant leadership roles in the Executive, including ATF Director. Disturbingly, Mr. Patel would not affirm that firearm background checks—a well-established procedure for keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals—are constitutional during his confirmation hearing for FBI Director. Notably, Mr. Patel’s appointment has been applauded by extreme gun advocacy groups seeking to rollback commonsense gun regulations,” the Senators wrote. “Mr. Patel’s appointment threatens to undo the lifesaving progress ATF has made to reduce gun violence in America.”
    The Senators’ letter concludes, “Attorney General Bondi, you have served as a prosecutor for much of your career. During your Senate confirmation hearing, you testified about the importance of keeping Americans safe, prosecuting criminals and gunrunners, reducing recidivism, and enforcing existing gun laws. During one exchange, you assured the Committee: ‘I will do everything in my power to prevent illegal gunrunners in our country.’ In discussing your time as Florida Attorney General and mass shooting responses, you reiterated: ‘I am an advocate for the Second Amendment, but I will enforce the laws of the land.’” 
    To better understand how AG Bondi intends to accomplish these goals, the Senators asked that she promptly respond to a series of questions.
    Along with Durbin, today’s letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    Full text of today’s letter is available here and below:
    March 31, 2025
    Dear Attorney General Bondi:
    We write with great concern regarding President Trump’s appointment of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel as Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  As the primary federal law enforcement agency dedicated to curbing illegal firearm use and enforcing federal firearms laws and regulations, it is critical that ATF be led by an experienced Director who has been confirmed by the Senate for this role and is dedicated to upholding the agency’s mission. For the reasons outlined below, Mr. Patel is not that person. We therefore write to inquire into what policies and procedures you will implement to ensure that ATF will continue to meaningfully function in its intended capacity. 
    Gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis. In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory listing firearm violence—including homicide, suicide, nonfatal injuries, and unintentional injuries and deaths—as a “significant public health challenge[] that require[s] the nation’s immediate awareness and action.”  Analyzing data from 2002 to 2022, the Surgeon General reported that since 2020 the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in America has been gun violence, with rates higher than car crashes, poisoning, and cancer.  In 2022 alone, 48,204 people died in the United States of gun-related injuries. 
    That said, following passage of the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and coordinated, nationwide efforts to curb gun violence during the Biden Administration, we were starting to see positive results. In 2023, provisional data indicates gun-related deaths totaled 46,728—representing a decline from 2022 by three percent or 1,476 fewer deaths.  Violent crime has also declined significantly, due in part to ATF’s data collection, investigation, and enforcement efforts. 
    For example, ATF’s crime gun intelligence tools eTrace, which “is used to trace the purchase and/or use history of firearms used in violent crimes,” and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, which “is the only interstate automated ballistic imaging network in operation in the United States,” together “have transformed crime-solving by generating over 1.1 million investigative leads from ballistic evidence and linking suspects to major crimes within hours.”  ATF has also worked to increase DNA matches from cartridge casings and has expanded Crime Gun Intelligence Centers, which use “data-driven strategies” to foster “cross-agency collaboration.”
    ATF has also focused on eliminating firearms trafficking networks that unlawfully smuggle guns from the United States to Mexico, arming dangerous cartels which, in turn, send illicit drugs such as fentanyl into the United States.  And ATF created an Emerging Threats Center, which among other things, has focused on the proliferation of privately-made firearms, or ghost guns, and machine-gun conversion devices, or Glock switches.  These represent only some examples of ATF’s nationwide initiatives to reduce gun violence and keep Americans safe.
    While the decrease in violent crime and gun-related deaths is encouraging, 2023 still had “the third-highest number of gun-related deaths ever recorded in the United States,” evidencing that significant challenges to America’s gun violence crisis remain.  The Department of Justice must do everything within its power to sustain this downward trend, including ensuring ATF is empowered to carry out its mandate and keep firearms from falling into the hands of those who should not have them. Now is not the time to pull back on ATF leadership and practices that helped bring about this progress.
    Mr. Patel is, quite simply, not the right person to lead the ATF. As an Acting Director, Patel’s appointment has not been subject to Senate confirmation, a crucial process for vetting those nominated by the President for significant leadership roles in the Executive, including ATF Director. Disturbingly, Mr. Patel would not affirm that firearm background checks—a well-established procedure for keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals—are constitutional during his confirmation hearing for FBI Director.  Notably, Mr. Patel’s appointment has been applauded by extreme gun advocacy groups seeking to rollback commonsense gun regulations.  Last year, Mr. Patel spoke at the inaugural summit for group Gun Owners of America, a “no-compromise gun lobby” that has announced it “look[s] forward to dismantling gun control with Kash.”  Mr. Patel’s appointment threatens to undo the lifesaving progress ATF has made to reduce gun violence in America.
    Attorney General Bondi, you have served as a prosecutor for much of your career. During your Senate confirmation hearing, you testified about the importance of keeping Americans safe, prosecuting criminals and gunrunners, reducing recidivism, and enforcing existing gun laws.  During one exchange, you assured the Committee: “I will do everything in my power to prevent illegal gunrunners in our country.”  In discussing your time as Florida Attorney General and mass shooting responses, you reiterated: “I am an advocate for the Second Amendment, but I will enforce the laws of the land.”  To better understand how you intend to accomplish these goals, please promptly respond to the following questions:
    Recently, we have seen notable success in curtailing gun violence. While the United States experienced a spike in gun-related crimes and deaths during the pandemic, through bipartisan congressional action and the previous Administration’s efforts, that trend has begun to reverse. Given ATF’s central role in curbing violent crime, it is of paramount importance that the agency be staffed by experienced leaders, agents, and others who support ATF’s core mission, without the appearance of or actual conflict, in order to continue this downward trend. By contrast, firearm-industry personnel advocate for gun companies’ bottom lines by pushing for the repeal of commonsense gun regulations in order to sell more weapons and weapons accessories. Hiring such individuals for critical public-safety positions at ATF would endanger the agency’s core mission and Americans’ safety while prioritizing increases in private company profits.
    Will you place constraints on the hiring of firearm-industry personnel for ATF positions? If not, why?
    ATF must comply with all existing legal obligations. This includes exercising statutorily-required regulatory authority over the firearms industry, fully implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and complying with the Administrative Procedures Act if changing existing ATF regulations. However, Acting Director Patel lacks experience with ATF’s core responsibilities, including ATF’s regulatory oversight of the gun industry. Moreover, Acting Director Patel was only temporarily appointed under the Vacancies Reform Act and has not been subject to the Senate’s advice and consent process for this role. It is therefore particularly important that you exercise your authority as Attorney General to give final approval of all actions ATF takes under Acting Director Patel’s stewardship, including all policy changes.
    Will you commit to personally reviewing for approval all new or revised ATF policies and actions? If not, why?
    Thank you for your attention to this matter.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Old Missions, New Discoveries: NASA’s Data Archives Accelerate Science

    Source: NASA

    Every NASA mission represents a leap into the unknown, collecting data that pushes the boundaries of human understanding. But the story doesn’t end when the mission concludes. The data carefully preserved in NASA’s archives often finds new purpose decades later, unlocking discoveries that continue to benefit science, technology, and society.
    “NASA’s science data is one of our most valuable legacies,” said Kevin Murphy, NASA’s chief science data officer at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “It carries the stories of our missions, the insights of our discoveries, and the potential for future breakthroughs.”

    NASA’s science data is one of our most valuable legacies.

    Kevin Murphy
    Chief Science Data Officer, NASA Science Mission Directorate

    NASA’s Science Mission Directorate manages an immense amount of data, spanning astrophysics, biological and physical sciences, Earth science, heliophysics, and planetary science. Currently, NASA’s science data holdings exceed 100 petabytes—enough to store 20 billion photos from the average modern smartphone. This volume is expected to grow significantly with new missions.
    This vast amount of data enables new discoveries, connecting scientific observations together in meaningful ways. Over 50% of scientific publications rely on archived data, which NASA provides to millions of commercial, government, and scientific users.

    Managing and stewarding such massive volumes of information requires careful planning, robust infrastructure, and innovative strategies to ensure the data is accessible, secure, and sustainable. Continued support for data storage and cutting-edge technology is key to ensuring future generations of researchers can continue to explore using science data from NASA missions. 
    Modern technology, such as image processing and artificial intelligence, helps unlock new insights from previous observations. For example, in 1986, NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft conducted a historic flyby of Uranus, capturing detailed data on the planet and its environment. Decades later, in the early 2000s, scientists used advanced image processing techniques on this archival data to discover two small moons, Perdita and Cupid, which had gone unnoticed during the initial analysis.
    In 2024, researchers revisited this 38-year-old archival data and identified a critical solar wind event that compressed Uranus’s magnetosphere just before the Voyager 2 flyby. This rare event, happening only about four percent of the time, provided unique insights into Uranus’s magnetic field and its interaction with space weather.

    NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), launched in 2009, continues to provide data that reshapes our understanding of the Moon. In 2018, scientists analyzing the LRO’s archival data confirmed the presence of water ice in permanently shadowed regions at the Moon’s poles. 
    In 2024, new studies out of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, showed widespread evidence of water ice within the permanently shadowed regions outside the lunar South Pole, further aiding lunar mission planners. This discovery not only holds implications for lunar exploration but also demonstrates how existing data can yield groundbreaking insights.

    NASA’s data archives uncover the secrets of our own planet as well as others. In 2024, archaeologists published a study revealing a “lost” Mayan city in Campeche, Mexico that was previously unknown to the scientific community. The researchers identified the city in archival airborne Earth science data, including a 2013 dataset from NASA Goddard’s LiDAR Hyperspectral & Thermal Imager (G-LiHT) mission.
    The Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) project provides frequent high-resolution observations of Earth’s surface. Data from HLS has been instrumental in tracking urban growth over time. By analyzing changes in land cover, researchers have used HLS to monitor the expansion of cities and infrastructure development. For example, in rapidly growing metropolitan areas, HLS data has revealed patterns of urban sprawl, helping planners analyze past trends to predict future metropolitan expansion.

    These discoveries represent only a fraction of what’s possible. NASA is investing in new technologies to harness the full potential of its data archives, including artificial intelligence (AI) foundation models—open-source AI tools designed to extract new findings from existing science data.
    “Our vision is to develop at least one AI model for each NASA scientific discipline, turning decades of legacy data into a treasure trove of discovery,” said Murphy. “By embedding NASA expertise into these tools, we ensure that our scientific data continues to drive innovation across science, industry, and society for generations to come.”
    Developed under a collaboration between NASA’s Office of the Chief Science Data Officer, IBM, and universities, these AI models are scientifically validated and adaptable to new datasets, making them invaluable for researchers and industries alike.
    “It’s like having a virtual assistant that leverages decades of NASA’s knowledge to make smarter, quicker decisions,” said Murphy.

    The team’s Earth science foundation models—the Prithvi Geospatial model and Prithvi Weather model—analyze vast datasets to monitor Earth’s changing landscape, track weather patterns, and support critical decision-making processes.
    Building on this success, the team is now developing a foundation model for heliophysics. This model will unlock new insights about the dynamics of solar activity and space weather, which can affect satellite operations, communication systems, and even power grids on Earth. Additionally, a model designed for the Moon is in progress, aiming to enhance our understanding of lunar resources and environments.
    This investment in AI not only shortens the “data-to-discovery” timeline but also ensures that NASA’s data archives continue to drive innovation. From uncovering new planets to informing future exploration and supporting industries on Earth, the possibilities are boundless.
    By maintaining extensive archives and embracing cutting-edge technologies, the agency ensures that the data collected today will continue to inspire and inform discoveries far into the future. In doing so, NASA’s legacy science data truly remains the gift that keeps on giving.
    By Amanda Moon AdamsCommunications Lead for the Office of the Chief Science Data Officer

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four More Defendants Indicted on Fraud and Money Laundering Charges Relating to International Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Four individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Defendant Yonel Burnett, 28, of Jamaica, was charged in a two-count Indictment with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Defendants Omar McKenzie, 34, of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida; Shemeca Shields, 29, of East Hartford, Connecticut; and Nicole Lamont, 30, of Eastham, Massachusetts, each were charged in a one-count Indictment with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Burnett and McKenzie were both arrested in Florida, on March 14 and March 27, 2025, respectively. Lamont was arrested in Massachusetts on March 23, 2025. Shields was arrested in Connecticut on March 26, 2025. The Indictments are related to those announced in December 2023 naming seven other co-conspirators, three of whom were extradited from Jamaica. (Read the release regarding the earlier Indictments here.)

    According to the Indictments, the defendants and their co-conspirators executed a fraud scheme that stole more than $4.5 million from elderly and vulnerable victims in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the United States. As part of that scheme, conspirators, including Burnett, contacted the victims and falsely told them that they had won a million- or multi-million-dollar sweepstakes, but needed to pay certain taxes and fees before they could claim their prize. These claims were often reinforced with forged documents purporting to describe the sweepstakes winnings and required taxes and fees, some of which bore the seals of government agencies. The conspirators then directed the victims to send money, including cash, checks, and money orders, to people designated by the conspirators. Some of these people were earlier victims of the lottery scam who had been unwittingly fooled into accepting and moving money on behalf of the members of the conspiracy. Others, including McKenzie, Lamont, and Shields, were themselves members of the conspiracy. After being laundered through a network of bank accounts and money mules, victim money was withdrawn by members of the conspiracy living in Jamaica.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to twice the pecuniary loss to any victim, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictments.

    The charges stem from the Department of Justice’s wide-ranging efforts to protect older adults from fraud and financial exploitation. Last week, for example, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania also announced the Indictment of a Dominican Republic man living in Cleveland, Ohio, for his participation in an organized crime group operating across Pennsylvania and Ohio to defraud victims out of tens of thousands of dollars through a grandparent fraud scam. As part of that scheme, scammers called a grandparent and impersonated their grandchild in a crisis such as an accident or arrest, and then asked the grandparent to send immediate financial assistance, which conspirators arranged to be picked up in Pennsylvania and delivered by Lyft and Uber drivers to the defendant in various locations in Northern Ohio. (Read the grandparent fraud scam release here.)

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Missouri Man Who Traveled To Orlando With Child Sexual Abuse Material Sentenced To 12 Years

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Raymond Andrew Lamadrid (55, Missouri) to 12 years in federal prison for transportation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Lamadrid pleaded guilty on January 7, 2025.

    According to court documents, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) discovered that Lamadrid was sending and receiving CSAM via Snapchat. On September 16, 2024, Lamadrid arrived in Orlando by plane from the Dominican Republic. During an inspection of Lamadrid’s cellphone by U.S. Customs Border Protection at the Orlando International Airport, officers discovered CSAM.

    “This sentencing demonstrates the unwavering dedication and vigilance of HSI Orlando, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in safeguarding our community,” said Homeland Security Investigation Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Catching this predator with child sexual abuse material serves as a crucial reminder that we remain steadfast in our fight against these heinous crimes. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our children and bring offenders to justice.”

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A California man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to trafficking and conspiring to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

    Marcos Haro, 39, of Sacramento, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; aiding and abetting; and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; aiding and abetting. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2025. In April 2023, Marcos Haro was indicted along with his brother Noel Haro.

    Noel Haro is a member and influential leader of the “Border Brothers” gang – a large-scale international gang known to be involved in drug, weapon and human trafficking in Southern Arizona with a presence in Nogales, Mexico and the Arizona prison system. Noel Haro is currently serving a life sentence following convictions in Arizona for drug distribution, conspiracy and money laundering. Noel Haro was previously serving his sentence at a facility in Arizona but was transferred to serve his sentence in Massachusetts upon being deemed a security concern due to his alleged influence over other inmates and repeated introduction of cell phones and narcotics into Arizona facilities.

    Beginning in or about April 2019, and investigation began into Noel Haro’s attempts to facilitate the trafficking of narcotics to Massachusetts. Investigators monitoring Noel Haro’s inmate calls learned that he was attempting to solicit friends and family members to transport narcotics from Arizona to Massachusetts on his behalf. In April 2022, recorded inmate calls indicated that Noel Haro worked with his brother, Marcos Haro, to arrange drug deals outside of prison.

    In June 2022, Marcos Haro agreed to supply a cooperating witness- with samples of multiple narcotics – including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Marcos Haro later mailed the narcotics concealed in a purple teddy bear inside a postal package. On July 13, 2022, the package was retrieved and found to contain powdered fentanyl, five counterfeit fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and approximately 3 grams of heroin. On July 25, 2022, during a recorded inmate call, Noel Haro and Marcos Haro discussed selling one pound of methamphetamine to the same individual. On July 27, 2022, investigators retrieve the package sent from Marcos Haro which contained approximately 446.6 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine. On Aug. 10, 2022, Noel Haro directed Marcos Haro to arrange the sale of five pounds of methamphetamine to the same individual. Later, on Sept. 12, 2022, investigators retrieved two packages sent from Marcos Haro, which contained approximately 892.3 grams of 86% pure methamphetamine and approximately 1,320.2 grams of 95% pure methamphetamine.

    In October 2022, Marcos and Noel Haro made arrangements to sell an individual 2,000 fentanyl pills. On Nov. 17, 2022, Marcos sent the individual a photograph of a United States Postal Service shipping box, label and receipt. On Nov. 20, 2022, investigators retrieved the package sent by Marcos Haro to the individual, which contained approximately 2,000 blue pills, which tested positive for approximately 215.3 grams of fentanyl.

    According to court documents, on April 2, 2023, Marcos Haro was arrested in Sacramento, Calif. following a motor vehicle stop. A 9mm handgun with eight live rounds in the magazine and approximately 2.9 grams of suspected fentanyl that field tested positive for the presence of opiates, were found during a subsequent search of Marcos Haro’s vehicle. Marcos Haro has a criminal history including a 2016 conviction for possession of a controlled substance while armed and illegal possession of an assault weapon with a large capacity magazine, for which he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

    Noel Haro pleaded guilty in March 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, 2025.

    The charge conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; aiding and abetting each provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; aiding and abetting provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
        
    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Department of Correction’s Commissioner Shawn Jenkins made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sacramento Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and Charles Dell’Anno of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Duos Technologies Group Reports 4th Quarter and FY 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Issues guidance following a transformative year with the Company adding two new business lines, significantly strengthening the Balance Sheet and demonstrating enhanced operational capabilities for additional services and consulting related to the fast power business.

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (“Duos” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DUOT) a provider of machine vision and artificial intelligence that analyzes fast moving vehicles, Edge Data Centers and power solutions, reported financial results for the fourth quarter (“Q4 2024”) and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 and Recent Operational Highlights

    • Signed Asset Management Agreement (“AMA”) with New APR Energy and Fortress Investment Group value at up to $42 million to manage 850MW of Gas-Powered Turbines. This agreement includes a 5% equity stake in the parent of New APR Energy and is the largest contract in the Company’s history.
    • Secured a $5 million advance payment for future services related to the AMA providing low-cost interim working capital as the Company grows.
    • Initiated marketing campaign targeted at the Tier 3 and Tier 4 data center markets for the provision of Duos Edge AI Edge Data Centers (“EDC”s).
    • Acquired six EDCs for initial deployments to Texas Regional Schools as “anchor” locations for service provisions.
    • Installed an initial EDC site in Amarillo, Texas with contract to include primary power for the support of installation site in addition to backup power.
    • Developing a high-density Data Center Park in Pampa, Texas in cooperation with New APR Energy and the Pampa Energy Center. The project includes the deployment of two Edge Data Centers and up to 500MW of bridging and permanent power, to support growing AI hyperscalers and HPC demands.
    • Added further intellectual property with patents covering the Railcar Inspection Portal (“RIP®”) and issued potential “IP Infraction” letters to a Class 1 railroad and its technology partner.
    • Scanned almost 10 million railcar images on over 700,000 unique railcars for the full year. This metric encompasses all railcars scanned at locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, representing approximately 44% of the total freight car population in North America.
    • Entering 2025, the Company estimates $50.5 million of revenue in backlog including near-term extensions.
    • Completed an At-The-Market (“ATM”) capital raise for approximately $7.5 million with an average price of greater than $5.00 per share and low issuance costs.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results
    It should be noted that the following Financial Results represent the consolidation of the Company with its subsidiaries Duos Technologies, Duos Edge AI, Inc., and Duos Energy Corporation.

    Total revenue for Q4 2024 decreased 4% to $1.46 million compared to $1.53 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 (“Q4 2023”). Total revenue for Q4 2024 includes approximately $1.43 million in recurring services and consulting revenue, an increase of 9% over the same period. The increase in recurring services and consulting revenues was driven by new revenue from power consulting work, which was not present in the comparative period.

    Cost of revenues for Q4 2024 increased 47% to $1.79 million compared to $1.22 million for Q4 2023. The increase in costs year-over-year stems from $548,121 in amortization expenses recorded in Q4 2024 to offset site revenue related to a nonmonetary transaction for the new services and data agreement signed during the second quarter of 2024. The Company also generated $415,580 in services and consulting revenue from power consulting work, which was provided at cost, further increasing the cost of revenue for services and consulting, which was also not present in the corresponding period of Q4, 2023.

    Gross margin for Q4 2024 decreased 209% to negative $330,000 compared to $303,000 for Q4 2023. The decline in margin during the quarter was a direct result of lower business activity timing in the technology systems area of the business as well as $415,580 in services and consulting revenue from power consulting work, which was largely provided at cost, and had a onetime dilutive effect on gross margin. These same project revenues and subsequent margin impacts were absent during Q4, 2023.

    Operating expenses for Q4 2024 decreased 21% to $2.76 million compared to $3.48 million for Q4 2023. The decrease in expenses is attributed to reductions in development and administrative costs due to the completion of certain activities and the impact of previously implemented cost reductions. The decrease in operating expenses was slightly offset by additional investments in sales resources for expansion of the commercial team in preparation of the business expansions planned for Power and Data Centers. Beginning in late Q3 2024 and throughout all of Q4 2024 the Company allocated personnel costs, typically recorded under operating expenses, to costs of revenue associated with power consulting efforts, allowing the Company to recover costs that it would not have otherwise allowing the Company to maintain certain key resources required for anticipated business growth.

    Net operating loss for Q4 2024 totaled $3.09 million compared to net operating loss of $3.18 million for Q4 2023. The decrease in net operating loss was as a result of planned reductions in operating expenses offset by anticipated lower revenues which resulted in an overall decrease in operating loss compared to the same quarter in 2023.

    Net loss for Q4 2024 totaled $3.41 million compared to a net loss of $3.16 million for Q4 2023 as a result of higher interest costs related to the acquisition of 3 Edge Data Centers.

    Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024 totaled $6.27 million compared to $2.44 million at December 31, 2023. As of year-end, the Company had an additional $0.40 million in receivables, bolstering its liquidity position to approximately $6.67 million. Duos also had an additional $0.80 million of inventory as of December 31, 2024, consisting primarily of long-lead items for future RIP installations.

    Across January and February of 2025, the Company issued an aggregate of 633,683 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $6.24 per share through its ATM offering program, generating total net proceeds of approximately $3,836,032.

    Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Total revenue for the full year 2024, decreased 3% to $7.28 million, down from $7.47 million for 2023. Much of the decrease in overall revenues was due to ongoing customer-driven delays beyond the Company’s control related to the deployment of two high-speed transit-focused Railcar Inspection Portals (RIPs). Although the systems were largely ready in 2023, installation was delayed due to customer site preparation issues, which has prevented the Company from recognizing the next phase of revenue. However, in 2024, the Company secured an equitable adjustment as partial compensation for those delays and increased the total contract value by $1.4 million, a substantial portion of which was recognized during the year. The customer is now nearing completion of site preparation, and field installation is expected to progress in 2025 with anticipated completion in 2026. Meanwhile, the Company continued its transition toward a greater focus on AI software and support services. Services and consulting revenues increased by 31% compared to 2023, driven by the addition of new AI and subscription customers, higher service contract pricing, and $921,562 in new revenue from power consulting work, all which was not present in for the full year in 2023. Underlying recurring revenues also continued to grow as new maintenance contracts are being established on installations coming online during 2025. The Company anticipates continued growth in service revenue from both new and existing customers, supported by upcoming renewals, a growing backlog, and the next generation of technology systems currently in production and expected to be completed in 2025.

    Cost of revenues for the full year 2024, increased 11% to $6.81 million, up from $6.16 million in the same period of 2023. The increase in cost of revenues was driven by $1,569,311 in amortization expenses recorded in 2024 to offset site revenue related to a non-monetary transaction for the new services and data agreement signed during the second quarter of 2024. The Company also generated $921,562 in services and consulting revenue from power consulting work, which although was provided at cost, was partially performed by existing Duos staff. Part of the work was the retention of outside consultants further increasing the cost of revenue for services and consulting, which was also not present in the corresponding period of 2023, but prepared the Company for the signing of the Asset Management Agreement and expected significant revenue increases in 2025 and beyond. The Company continues to put into service additional artificial intelligence algorithms and maintenance and support services which are high margin and represent only marginal increases in the requisite costs to deliver these services. Cost of revenues on technology systems decreased during the period compared to the equivalent period in 2023 in line with the decline in project revenues. The decline in costs generally follows the same year-over-year trend as project revenues due to timing differences in major project work. This is primarily related to the procurement and manufacturing of transit-focused RIPs. As we are near the end of the manufacturing cycle and begin preparations for field installation in 2025, the cost of revenues for technology systems decreases accordingly. In contrast, during the same period in 2023, the Company was still progressing through the advanced stages of procurement and manufacturing for these RIPs.

    Gross margin for the full year 2024, decreased 64% to $469,000, down from $1.31 million in the same period of 2023. As noted above, the decline in margin was primarily driven by the timing of business activity related to the two high-speed, transit-focused Railcar Inspection Portals. In 2024, activity centered on the advanced stages of procurement and manufacturing for these systems, but customer driven delays in installation deferred the recognition of higher-margin revenue. Additionally, the Company generated $921,562 in services and consulting revenue from power consulting work that was provided at cost, which further diluted overall gross margin. These power consulting revenues, and their margin impacts were not present in 2023. The gross margin for 2024 was approximately 6%, compared to 18% in 2023. This decline also reflects the fixed nature of certain departmental costs and the evolving stage of project completion. When comparing year-over-year results, the timing of manufacturing and installation milestones should be taken into consideration, as they can significantly impact the gross margin profile in any given period.

    Operating expenses for the full year 2024, decreased 10% to $11.45 million, down from $12.76 million in the same period of 2023. There was a 43% increase in sales and marketing driven by continued investment in the commercial team, including the addition of professionals with extensive experience and leadership across the rail, Edge data center, and power industries. Research and development expenses declined by 16%, primarily due to lower personnel costs allocated to R&D and reduced testing as a result of completion of certain activities for prospective technologies. General and administration costs decreased by 18%, influenced by reductions in headcount and related personnel expenses, as well as a decline in non-cash amortization charges associated with the forfeiture of approximately 781,323 share options during 2024. Further contributing to the decrease were reductions in consulting and legal expenses compared to 2023.

    Net operating loss for the years ended, December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $10,983,526 and $11,446,566, respectively. The decrease in losses from operations during the year was the result of planned decreases in operating expenses, which offset the impact of lower revenues recorded in the period as a consequence of delays in going to field for the two high-speed RIPs for a passenger transit client, and the short term lower gross margins from the impact of the initial power industry consulting.

    Net loss for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $10,764,457 and $11,241,718, respectively. The decrease in overall net loss was primarily attributable to a decrease in operating costs. Net loss per common share was $1.39 and $1.56 for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively, an improvement of $0.17 per share (basic). 

    Financial Outlook
    At the end of 2024, the Company’s contracts in backlog represented approximately $50.5 million in revenue, of which approximately $22.6 million is expected to be recognized in calendar 2025 not including an estimated $8.0 – $9.0 million in expected near-term awards and renewals. The remaining contract backlog consists of multi-year service and software agreements, along with project revenues extending through fiscal 2025, related to Duos Technologies, Duos Edge AI, and Duos Energy.

    Based on these committed contracts and near-term pending orders that are already performing or scheduled to be executed throughout the course of 2025, the Company is in a position to reinstate revenue expectations for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The Company expects total revenue for 2025 to range between $28 million and $30 million, representing an increase of 285% to 312% from 2024. Duos expects this improvement in operating results to be reflected over the course of the full year in 2025.

    Management Commentary

    “Over the past several months, we have made significant progress across all three of our business lines—rail, edge computing, and power—while also expanding our investor base and analyst coverage,” said Duos Chief Executive Officer Chuck Ferry. “Our Railcar Inspection Portal continues to gain traction, with growing interest from both rail operators and government agencies, despite the industry’s slow adoption cycle. Meanwhile, Duos Edge AI is scaling quickly, with strong demand for our Edge Data Centers, particularly in underserved rural areas. We remain on track to deploy 15 pods by the end of 2025 and are actively exploring opportunities to accelerate that growth. At the same time, Duos Energy is capitalizing on unprecedented demand for behind-the-meter power solutions, securing contracts for 390MW in just the first three months of operation, with additional deals in negotiation. The synergies between our power and edge computing businesses have exceeded expectations, opening doors to new opportunities across both sectors. With strong execution and a diversified portfolio, we are well-positioned for continued growth and profitability in 2025 and beyond.”

    Conference Call
    The Company’s management will host a conference call today, March 31, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time) to discuss these results, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    Date:  Monday, March 31, 2025
    Time:  4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time)
    U.S. dial-in:  877-407-3088
    International dial-in: 201-389-0927
    Confirmation:  13751912
       

    Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call. An operator will register your name and organization.

    If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact DUOT@duostech.com.

    The conference call will be broadcast live via telephone and available for online replay via the investor section of the Company’s website here.

    About Duos Technologies Group, Inc.
    Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), based in Jacksonville, Florida, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Duos Technologies, Inc., Duos Edge AI, Inc., and Duos Energy Corporation, designs, develops, deploys and operates intelligent technology solutions for Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) applications including real-time analysis of fast-moving vehicles, Edge Data Centers and power consulting. For more information, visit www.duostech.com, www.duosedge.ai and www.duosenergycorp.com.

    Forward- Looking Statements

    This news release includes forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s financial results and estimates and business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Forward-looking statements relate to future events and typically address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, information regarding anticipated timing for the installation, development and delivery dates of our systems; anticipated entry into additional contracts; anticipated effects of macro-economic factors (including effects relating to supply chain disruptions and inflation); timing with respect to revenue recognition; trends in the rate at which our costs increase relative to increases in our revenue; anticipated reductions in costs due to changes in the Company’s organizational structure; potential increases in revenue, including increases in recurring revenue; potential changes in gross margin (including the timing thereof); statements regarding our backlog and potential revenues deriving therefrom; and statements about future profitability and potential growth of the Company. Words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “plan,” “aim,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “target,” “potential” and other words and terms of similar meaning, typically identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash to continue and expand operations, the competitive environment generally and in the Company’s specific market areas, changes in technology, the availability of and the terms of financing, changes in costs and availability of goods and services, economic conditions in general and in the Company’s specific market areas, changes in federal, state and/or local government laws and regulations potentially affecting the use of the Company’s technology, changes in operating strategy or development plans and the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of risks, uncertainties and factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available at the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. The Company believes its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. No assurance, however, can be given that the Company will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Indeed, it is likely that some of the Company’s assumptions may prove to be incorrect. The Company’s actual results and financial position may vary from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements and the variances may be material. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the Company or other matters attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.

    DUOS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
           
           
      For the Years Ended
      December 31,
      2024   2023
           
    REVENUES:      
    Technology systems $ 2,252,357     $ 3,618,022  
    Services and consulting   5,028,528       3,853,176  
           
    Total Revenues   7,280,885       7,471,198  
           
    COST OF REVENUES:      
    Technology systems   2,818,078       4,352,247  
    Services and consulting   3,993,592       1,810,070  
           
    Total Cost of Revenues   6,811,670       6,162,317  
           
    GROSS MARGIN   469,215       1,308,881  
           
    OPERATING EXPENSES:      
    Sales and marketing   2,138,431       1,493,309  
    Research and development   1,531,390       1,812,951  
    General and administration   7,782,920       9,449,187  
           
    Total Operating Expenses   11,452,741       12,755,447  
           
    LOSS FROM OPERATIONS   (10,983,526 )     (11,446,566 )
           
    OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):      
    Interest expense   (286,114 )     (7,159 )
    Change in fair value of warrant liabilities   245,980       0  
    Gain on extinguishment of warrant liabilities   379,626       0  
    Other income, net   (120,423 )     212,007  
           
    Total Other Income (Expenses), net   219,069       204,848  
           
    NET LOSS $ (10,764,457 )   $ (11,241,718 )
           
           
    Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share $ (1.39 )   $ (1.56 )
           
           
    Weighted Average Shares-Basic and Diluted   7,736,281       7,204,177  
           
    DUOS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
         
             
        December 31,   December 31,
        2024   2023
             
    ASSETS      
    CURRENT ASSETS:      
      Cash $ 6,266,296     $ 2,441,842  
      Accounts receivable, net   403,441       1,462,463  
      Contract assets   635,774       641,947  
      Inventory   605,356       1,526,165  
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets   176,338       184,478  
      Note Receivable, net   –       –  
             
      Total Current Assets   8,087,205       6,256,895  
             
      Inventory – non current   196,315       –  
      Property and equipment, net   2,771,779       726,507  
      Operating lease right of use asset – Office Lease   4,028,397       4,373,155  
      Financing lease right of use asset – Edge Data Centers   2,019,180       –  
      Security deposit   500,000       550,000  
             
    OTHER ASSETS:      
      Equity Investment – Sawgrass APR Holdings LLC   7,233,000       –  
      Intangible Asset, net   9,592,118       –  
      Note Receivable, net   –       153,750  
      Patents and trademarks, net   127,300       129,140  
      Software development costs, net   403,383       652,838  
      Total Other Assets   17,355,800       935,728  
             
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 34,958,677     $ 12,842,285  
             
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
             
    CURRENT LIABILITIES:      
      Accounts payable $ 969,822     $ 595,634  
      Notes payable – financing agreements   17,072       41,976  
      Accrued expenses   373,251       164,113  
      Operating lease obligations – Office Lease -current portion   798,556       779,087  
      Financing lease obligation – Edge Data Centers – current portion   367,451       –  
      Notes payable, net of discount – related parties   1,758,396       –  
      Contract liabilities, current   11,805,018       1,666,243  
             
      Total Current Liabilities   16,089,566       3,247,053  
             
      Contract liabilities, less current portion   11,016,134       –  
      Operating lease obligations – Office Lease, less current portion   3,867,042       4,228,718  
      Financing lease obligation – Edge Data Centers, less current portion   1,724,604       –  
             
      Total Liabilities   32,697,346       7,475,771  
             
    Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)      
             
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:      
      Preferred stock: $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 authorized, 9,441,000 shares available to be designated    
      Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock, $10 stated value per share,   –       –  
      500,000 shares designated; 0 and 0 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively,
      convertible into common stock at $6.30 per share      
      Series B convertible preferred stock, $1,000 stated value per share,   –       –  
      15,000 shares designated; 0 and 0 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024    
      and December 31, 2023, respectively, convertible into common stock at $7 per share    
      Series C convertible preferred stock, $1,000 stated value per share,   –       –  
      5,000 shares designated; 0 and 0 issued      
      and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively,      
      convertible into common stock at $5.50 per share      
      Series D convertible preferred stock, $1,000 stated value per share,   1       1  
      4,000 shares designated; 1,299 and 1,299 issued      
      and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively,      
      convertible into common stock at $3.00 per share      
      Series E convertible preferred stock, $1,000 stated value per share,      
      30,000 shares designated; 13,500 and 11,500 issued      
      and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively,   14       12  
      convertible into common stock at $2.61 and $3.00 per share, respectively,      
      Series F convertible preferred stock, $1,000 stated value per share,      
      5,000 shares designated; 0 and 0 issued      
      and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively,   –       –  
      convertible into common stock at $6.20 per share      
             
      Common stock: $0.001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized,      
      8,922,576 and 7,306,663 shares issued, 8,921,252 and 7,305,339   8,921       7,306  
      shares outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively    
      Additional paid-in-capital   76,777,856       69,120,199  
      Accumulated deficit   (74,368,009 )     (63,603,552 )
      Sub-total   2,418,783       5,523,966  
      Less: Treasury stock (1,324 shares of common stock      
      at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023)   (157,452 )     (157,452 )
    Total Stockholders’ Equity   2,261,331       5,366,514  
             
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 34,958,677     $ 12,842,285  
             
    DUOS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
     
      For the Years Ended
      December 31,
       2024     2023 
           
    Cash from operating activities:      
    Net loss $ (10,764,457 )   $ (11,241,718 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:      
    Depreciation and amortization   2,161,722       550,201  
    Stock based compensation   108,981       710,047  
    Stock issued for services   165,000       143,065  
    Amortization of debt discount related to warrant liabilities   184,002       –  
    Fair value of warrant liabilities   (245,980 )     –  
    Gain on settlement of warrant liabilities   (379,626 )     –  
    Amortization of operating lease right of use asset – Office Lease   344,757       316,776  
    Amortization of lease right of use asset – Edge Data Centers   50,820       –  
    Provision for credit losses, accounts receivable   76,037       –  
    Provision for credit losses, note receivable   161,250       –  
    Write off of inventory   126,703       –  
    Changes in assets and liabilities:      
       Accounts receivable   982,985       1,955,800  
       Note receivable   (7,500 )     (153,750 )
       Contract assets   6,173       (216,225 )
       Inventory   52,700       (97,804 )
       Security deposit   50,000       50,000  
       Prepaid expenses and other current assets   414,091       744,771  
       Accounts payable   374,188       (1,694,756 )
       Accrued expenses   209,138       (289,209 )
       Operating lease obligation – Office Lease   (342,206 )     (232,007 )
       Lease obligation – Edge Data Centers   22,055       –  
       Contract liabilities   2,760,480       708,245  
           
    Net cash used in operating activities   (3,488,687 )     (8,746,564 )
           
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
        Purchase of patents/trademarks   (9,535 )     (69,327 )
        Purchase of software development   –       (527,896 )
        Purchase of fixed assets   (1,831,763 )     (496,686 )
           
    Net cash used in investing activities   (1,841,298 )     (1,093,909 )
           
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
       Repayments on financing agreements   (430,855 )     (520,529 )
       Repayment of finance lease   –       (22,851 )
       Proceeds from notes payable, related parties   2,200,000       –  
       Proceeds from warrant exercises   899,521       –  
       Proceeds from common stock issued   3,544,689       –  
       Stock issuance cost   (220,183 )     (25,797 )
       Proceeds from shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan   166,265       230,400  
       Proceeds from preferred stock issued   2,995,002       11,500,000  
           
    Net cash provided by financing activities   9,154,439       11,161,223  
           
    Net increase in cash   3,824,454       1,320,750  
    Cash, beginning of year   2,441,842       1,121,092  
    Cash, end of year $ 6,266,296     $ 2,441,842  
           
    Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:      
    Interest paid $ 3,865     $ 7,159  
    Taxes paid $ 20,126     $ 29,085  
           
    Supplemental Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:      
    Debt discount for warrant liability $ 625,606     $ –  
    Notes issued for financing of insurance premiums $ 434,883     $ 487,929  
    Transfer of inventory to fixed assets $ 545,091     $ –  
    Intangible asset acquired with contract liability $ 11,161,428     $ –  
    Equity Investment – Sawgrass APR Holdings LLC $ 7,233,000     $ –  
    Right of use asset and liability for Edge Data Centers $ 2,070,000     $ –  
           

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c2f0eb27-5f9e-4015-9a56-d69465f6e1fd

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: WTO members make progress in revitalizing trade and development work

    Source: WTO

    Headline: WTO members make progress in revitalizing trade and development work

    Members examined special and differential treatment provisions across WTO agreements based on an analysis by the WTO Secretariat. Welcoming insights from the WTO Secretariat, members called for further examining other provisions. It was noted that special and differential treatment provisions were an integral part of WTO rules designed to help developing economies participate more fully in global trade.
    Members also continued debating the relevant WTO rules under which the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Customs Union could be considered. They welcomed the WTO Secretariat’s note on this issue and will continue exploring how to consider this trading arrangement.
    The WTO’s Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation provided an update on the financial situation of the Global Trust Fund, which finances WTO-led training programmes for government officials from developing economies to help them participate in international trade. It also talked about preparations for the next technical assistance plan for 2026 and 2027. Members called for innovative solutions for the delivery of technical assistance and said they would consider exploring additional support depending on needs expressed by beneficiaries.
    Members also continued debating the relevant WTO rules under which the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Customs Union could be considered. They welcomed the WTO Secretariat’s note on this issue and will continue exploring ways of considering this trading arrangement.
    The WTO’s LDC Group updated members on their request to resume preparations for the duty-free and quota-free market access for LDCs report. The objective is to facilitate the annual review of the steps members are taking to provide LDCs with market access free of duties and quotas. Members noted that consultations are ongoing with interested delegations to find a way forward.
    The Committee on Trade and Development considered two requests from India on improving the functioning of the Committee and on the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce. Members will continue informal consultations on these requests.
    Members also considered the Economic Complementarity Agreement between Argentina and Mexico based on the WTO Secretariat’s factual presentation.
    Members elected Ambassador Mzukisi Qobo of South Africa as the chair of the Committee on Trade and Development and re-elected Ambassador Ib Petersen (Denmark) as chair of the Sub-Committee on Least- Developed Countries.
    Small economies
    Members welcomed the WTO Secretariat report entitled “Challenges and opportunities for small economies in using e-commerce and digital ecosystem to drive competitiveness” on 27 March.
    “Many small and vulnerable economies still face high costs to access the internet, inadequate digital infrastructure and gaps in digital literacy, all of which hinder their ability to participate effectively in the global digital economy,” said Ana Libertad Guzman Villeda from Guatemala, which coordinates the Small, Vulnerable Economies. “Addressing these challenges requires targeted investments, capacity-building initiatives and policies that foster inclusive digital transformation,” she added.
    United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlighted its work to support small economies in building their digital capacities, including several key initiatives ranging from implementation of national single windows for customs processes to upgrading e-commerce laws. The role of UNCTAD’s eTrade Reform Tracker in supporting developing economies with their e-commerce strategies was underscored. Members also drew attention to expanding coverage of UNCTAD’s eTrade Readiness Assessments, which provide a snapshot of the e-commerce ecosystem in developing economies.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Trump’s gutting of RFA hits press freedom – and helps its opponents – across Asia

    Source: Amnesty International –

    By Montse Ferrer, Deputy Asia-Pacific Director at Amnesty International

    In 2020, North Korean authorities reportedly executed a fishing boat captain by firing squad in front of 100 of his colleagues. His crime: secretly listening to Radio Free Asia (RFA), the US government-funded news outlet that has an estimated 50 million-plus listeners across Asia-Pacific.

    We only know about the fisherman’s fate because RFA broke the story, based on interviews with sources inside North Korea, including the law enforcement official who confirmed it. RFA was one of the only global media outlets, if not the only one, to have the resources and access to uncover the facts.

    But today, someone tuning in to RFA from the seas around the Korean peninsula – or anywhere else – is more likely to find dead air. President Trump’s executive order to close the station down, along with sister broadcasters Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Marti covering Cuba, and stations broadcasting into the Middle East, is extinguishing cherished connections with the outside world for millions of people in “closed” countries. In many cases, their only connection.

    VOA was established in 1942 with a mandate to combat Nazi propaganda. RFA followed in 1994, initially triggered by the Chinese government’s censorship of the bloody Tiananmen crackdown five years earlier.

    In the Asia-Pacific of 2025, RFA’s core purpose remains just as relevant.

    Chinese authorities, like those in North Korea, continue to firewall their people from the global internet, while feeding them a dedicated diet of state media propaganda. They are both, along with Myanmar and Viet Nam, in the bottom 10 the global press freedom index. Cambodia and Laos place only slightly higher.

    Until now, the most accessible alternative to state media for many people in these countries was RFA and VOA. The irony of President Trump now denouncing these outlets as “radical propaganda” will not be lost on the listeners and readers who have relied upon it for independent reporting for decades.

    Not that Trump’s decision is without support in Asia.

    The Beijing state newspaper Global Times reveled in the news that VOA had been “discarded by its own government like a dirty rag”. Meanwhile, Cambodia’s former ruler Hun Sen hailed the order as a “big contribution to eliminating fake news”.

    Fake news. The catch-all truth denier popularized by President Trump himself, now being gleefully parroted back to him by unlikely US allies around the globe.

    VOA has been bundled in with Trump’s many perceived enemies in the “radical” or “liberal” media, but this executive order appears at odds with his administration’s supposedly hawkish approach on China and foreign policy in general.

    Consider, for example, that it was federal funding which enabled RFA to report on human rights violations by the Chinese government in China’s Uyghur region, information which has in turn played a key role in the way civil society and Uyghur communities have successfully pushed for stronger US policies on China. Only this month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on Thai officials who facilitated the deportation of 40 Uyghur men to China, where they are at risk of torture and enforced disappearance. Five other Uyghur refugees are still facing the same risk; despite threats to their existence, RFA and VOA continue to cover their stories.

    The US President’s decision to pull the plug on one of the key outlets uncovering human rights violations across Asia, and not least crimes against humanity in China, hints at a certain incoherence in White House thinking. That Trump has surrendered a tried-and-tested tool of soft US power decades in the making, a brand trusted by overseas audiences amid the ongoing battle for ideas, can only be good news for those who RFA’s reporting sought to combat. It also creates an information vacuum that other ambitious, well-resourced governments could seek to fill to their own ends. Is it any wonder the celebrations are ringing out in Beijing?

    As for the Trump administration’s proclaimed advocacy for free speech, there are similar contradictions.

    RFA has often been one of the few journalistic voices reporting on stifled stories: from air strikes in Myanmar, to state-linked corruption in Viet Nam, to the killing of activists in Laos. Its shutdown will have an immediate impact in places where governments employ authoritarian policies to maintain control over the news and the narrative. Places where freedom of expression – and that of the press – is suppressed to quash any dissent. Places where there is no independent media, and where VOA and RFA are the lifeline that can tether listeners to reality and the outside world; one that exists beyond state propaganda.

    Listeners like the North Korean fisherman, who reportedly confessed to enjoying RFA’s broadcasts for more than 15 years, the open sea acting as his buffer against detection.

    Not only will those listeners be deprived of independent journalism; we will all be deprived of hearing their stories. Like the tree that falls in the forest with no one to hear it, the fisherman shot dead by the firing squad will now go down without a sound.

    This article was originally published by The Diplomat

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Inside the Action: Secretary Neom travels to meet with leaders of El Salvador, Colombia, and Mexico

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Secretary Noem had a busy week abroad.

    Some highlights included:
    -Touring El Salvador’s CECOT prison.
    -Signing an agreement to facilitate the sharing of biometric data between the U.S. and Colombia.
    -Meeting with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14mBxQcriqo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Inside the Action: Secretary Noem meets with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Secretary Noem met with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and thanked her for deploying National Guard troops to the border and accepting deportation flights. Secretary Noem made it clear there is more work to be done to stop the flow of drugs and illegal aliens into the U.S.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QWbdn7gFQI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Senator Elizabeth Warren Call for Investigation of Commerce Secretary Lutnick

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jenniffer González-Colón (Puerto Rico)

    Washington, D.C – Yesterday, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics demanding an ethics investigation into Commerce Secretary Lutnick for potentially violating federal ethics laws. This letter comes on the heels of Secretary Lutnick urging Fox News viewers to purchase Tesla Stock.

    Executive Branch employees are barred from using their public position for their own private gain. In the letter, the lawmakers highlighted several ways that Secretary Lutnick potentially violated the law. Cantor Fitzgerald is Secretary Lutnick’s family firm, and it has hundreds of millions of dollars in Tesla stock.

    “Perhaps more concerning, Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded Tesla stock to a “buy” rating the same day Mr. Lutnick urged the public to buy shares in the company. Mr. Lutnick’s apparent attempt to manipulate Tesla’s share price in a manner potentially benefiting his family’s and friend’s financial position could violate applicable ethics law,” wrote the lawmakers. 

    The lawmakers conclude that ethics officials at the Commerce Department should investigate and take any appropriate disciplinary action against Secretary Lutnick.

    Read the full letter here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Obstacle to competition in France’s outlying territories: upholding EU law in the face of the high cost of living – P-000461/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Commission Regulations[1] concerning European Business Statistics define how Member States transmit Structural Business Statistics data (SBS) to Eurostat.

    Eurostat receives data for Martinique and French Guiana but not New Caledonia[2]. Validation procedures and quality checks apply to such data whatever their origin. Currently Eurostat has no special observations regarding the quality of SBS and Business Demographics data for Martinique and French Guiana.

    The Commission Notice on cooperation within the Network of Competition Authorities[3] indicates that national competition authorities are generally considered to be well placed to deal with competition matters, if the conduct at issue is implemented within its territory and has substantial, direct, actual or foreseeable effects on competition mainly within its territory[4].

    The Commission invites the Honourable Members to contact the French Competition Authority, which has long made the competitive situation in overseas territories the focus of its action[5].

    Moreover, the French Competition Authority can apply French law provisions which are aimed specifically at addressing possible restrictions to competition and the consequences thereof in overseas territories[6].

    In accordance with the Court’s settled case-law, the concept of abuse of a dominant position is an objective concept[7] to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The Commission cannot therefore answer the question.

    • [1] Commission Regulation 2019/2152 (‘EBS Regulation’) and Regulation (EU) 2020/1197 (‘EBS General Implementing Act’).
    • [2] See https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/bookmark/21a2f3ed-34c1-4248-9ead-f0b330ec3bf2?lang=en and https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/bookmark/6161b543-46a2-4b97-8a85-c6735d7ac9a9?lang=en
    • [3] Commission Notice on cooperation within the Network of Competition Authorities, OJ C 101, 27.4.2004, p. 43-53, available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A52004XC0427%2802%29
    • [4] Commission Notice on cooperation within the Network of Competition Authorities, OJ C 101, 27.4.2004, p. 43-53, paras. 8-10.
    • [5] See, for a recent example, French Competition Authority, press release of 18 February 2025, available at: https://www.autoritedelaconcurrence.fr/fr/communiques-de-presse/saisie-par-le-gouvernement-lautorite-rendra-un-avis-sur-les-marges-des
    • [6] See, for example, Article L.752-27 of the French Commercial Code.
    • [7] See for example judgment of the Court of 25 March 2021, Deutsche Telekom AG v European Commission, C-152/19P, EU:C:2021:238, para. 41.
    Last updated: 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –