NewzIntel.com

Category: Law Enforcement

  • MIL-OSI Security: River Hills Man Sentenced to 21 Months’ Imprisonment for Paying Health Care Kickbacks

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that, on March 21, 2025, Justin Drew Hanson was sentenced to 21 months’ incarceration for paying healthcare kickbacks in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute.  Hanson was also ordered to pay over $2.2 million in restitution to Medicaid and Medicare as well as a $75,000 fine.

    According to court records, Hanson and his co-defendant, Mohammed Kazim Ali, owned a Milwaukee-area clinical laboratory called Noah Associates.  Beginning in 2017, Ali and Hanson engaged in a three-year-long scheme to pay kickbacks to the owner of a Milwaukee substance use treatment clinic in exchange for referrals of Medicaid and Medicare patients for urine drug testing performed by Noah Associates.  Hanson and Ali procured sham agreements that further concealed their fraud, ultimately paying over $400,000 in kickbacks to procure the tests.  The tests, however, were not ordered by any physician and were not medically necessary for the treatment of patients.  As a result of the scheme, Medicaid and Medicare paid Noah Associates over $2.2 million for the unnecessary tests.  Hanson personally received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Noah Associates during the scheme. 

    At sentencing, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller emphasized the seriousness of Hanson’s crime, including Hanson’s manipulation and breach of trust of the Medicaid and Medicare programs to receive millions of dollars that were not truly earned.  Judge Stadtmueller further noted that Hanson’s criminal conduct was significant and detrimental because he stole “from every taxpayer citizen in the United States.”  In addition to his sentence, Hanson will also be excluded from participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs and has shut down Noah Associates.  His co-defendant, Ali, also pleaded guilty for paying healthcare kickbacks and was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment earlier this year.

    “Mr. Hanson’s kickbacks resulted in Medicaid and Medicare – and taxpayers – repeatedly paying for unnecessary services,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling.  “Rather than bill the government for tests that patients truly needed, Hanson abused the Medicaid and Medicare programs for his own benefit.  The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to hold individuals who engage in these schemes accountable for their actions.”

    “The FBI will relentlessly pursue individuals like Mr. Hanson whose actions defrauded the American people and wasted taxpayer money,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure those responsible for schemes to defraud the American people are brought to justice.”

    “HHS-OIG is dedicated to protecting the integrity of Medicare and Medicaid and to ensure taxpayer money is used as intended to serve vulnerable populations,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  “The kickback scheme in this case undermined the public’s trust in our nation’s health care system and can interfere with impartial medical decision-making. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who manipulate taxpayer-funded health programs to boost their profits.” 

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Carter and Julie Stewart handled the prosecution.     

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    For further information contact:

    Public Information Officer

    Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

    (414) 297-1700

    Follow us on Twitter

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two arrests following fatal collision in Colindale

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating a fatal collision in Colindale have made two arrests.

    Two men – aged 18 and 19 – were arrested on Wednesday, 26 March on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop. Both are currently in police custody.

    This follows an incident in Grahame Park Way, NW9 on Tuesday, 25 March where a car was in collision with a female pedestrian.

    Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the woman – aged in her 60s – died at the scene.

    Her family are being kept updated with the progress of this investigation and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

    The car involved did not stop but was later found abandoned in nearby Franco Avenue.

    Detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are investigating the collision and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. They are keen to hear from anyone who saw the incident or anyone leaving the car in Franco Avenue, including road users who have camera footage, to get in contact.

    You can call detectives on 020 8246 9820 or dial 101 and quote CAD4453/25March. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Upper Tantallon — RCMP seeking information in relation to an arson

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking information in relation to an arson that occurred in Upper Tantallon.

    Yesterday, at approximately 2:30 a.m., RCMP officers and fire services responded to a report of a 2016 Ford Mustang on fire on Hemlock Dr. Investigators learned that the vehicle was lit on fire by a woman who fled in a nearby sedan or small SUV.

    No injuries were reported.

    The woman involved is described as being between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-7, 130 pounds.

    Investigators are asking anyone in the Westwood Hills area with security camera footage of suspicious vehicle activity to come forward.

    Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 25-41069

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ingramport — RCMP seeking information in relation to a theft of fishing nets

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is seeking the public’s assistance in relation to a theft that occurred in Ingramport.

    Yesterday, at approximately 9:30 a.m., RCMP officers received a report of theft of licenced fishing gear from the Ingram Port river near Rivers End Rd. Investigators learned that two elver fishing nets were taken sometime in the early morning hours.

    Later that day, information and evidence gathered led RCMP officers to complete a search at a property in Sipekne’katik. The nets were not located.

    Investigators have obtained images of a person(s) of interest and are asking for the public’s assistance to identify them. The nets have an estimated value of $4,000.

    Anyone who can identify the person(s) of interest or with information about this incident is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 25-40673, 2025-386187

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Scheming to Defraud Maryland, California of More Than $2.3 Million in Covid-19 Unemployment Insurance Benefits

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Baltimore, Maryland – David Godin, 34, aka “James St Patrick,” aka “David Wetty,” aka “Vic Pro,” of Miami, Florida, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, in connection with a scheme to defraud the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL) and California Employment Development Department (CA-EDD). Godin attempted to defraud MD-DOL and CA-EDD of more than $2.3 million in unemployment insurance (UI) benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office.

    According to the plea agreement, from June 2020 through November 2023, Godin engaged in a sophisticated scheme to defraud the MD-DOL and CA-EDD by using the personal identifiable information of identity theft victims, anonymous email addresses, virtual private networks, and proxy servers.  This enabled Godin to file numerous fraudulent UI claims with multiple states from a single location; aggregate UI information in discrete accounts; and avoid fraud safeguards put in place by state insurance programs.

    Godin submitted and caused the submission of at least 140 fraudulent UI claims to MD-DOL, CA-EDD, and other state workforce agencies, resulting in approximately $2,364,226 in UI benefits. He obtained $1,087,345.66 through the fraud scheme. As part of the plea agreement, Godin is required to pay restitution of $1,087,345.66. Additionally, Godin must forfeit money, property, and/or assets that he obtained through the scheme, including a money judgment of at least $1,087,345.66.

    Godin faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud scheme and a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of two years in federal prison for using the personal identifiable information of identity theft victims during and in relation to the fraudulent activities.   A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox has scheduled sentencing for June 30, at 10 a.m.   

    This case is part of the District of Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force, a Strike Force that is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors.  The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.

    For more information about the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.  Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended DOL-OIG and IRS-CI for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bijon A. Mostoufi and Jared M. Beim, who are prosecuting the federal case, and Joanna N. Huber, who is supporting the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: The Staggering Cost of the Illicit Opioid Epidemic in the United States

    Source: The White House

    class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-details”>Summary

    Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, is cheaper to produce and easier to smuggle across borders, fueling the illicit opioid epidemic in the United States with devastating consequences. In 2023 alone, illicit opioids, primarily fentanyl, cost Americans an estimated $2.7 trillion (in December 2024 dollars), equivalent to 9.7 percent of GDP. Of this total cost, 41 percent ($1.1 trillion) is attributed to deaths, 49 percent ($1.34 trillion) to lost quality of life, and 10 percent ($277 billion) to other costs such as healthcare, reduced labor productivity, and crime-related expenses. Alarmingly, 93 percent of opioid deaths are caused by powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which typically originate in China and are trafficked through Mexico.

    This number dwarfs even pessimistic estimates of the effects of tariffs, like that of Goldman Sachs, who estimated losses of 0.4 percent of GDP.

    The CEA previously studied this issue and came up with a smaller number. The primary reasons are because it did not include the cost of reduced quality of life and because the number of deaths in 2015 was 33,000.

    Details

    Our cost estimates are based on a 2017 CDC study which we have updated to account for inflation and the sharp rise in opioid deaths and opioid use disorder (OUD) since then. According to the DEA, an estimated 74,702 Americans died in 2023, a staggering 1.6 times more than in 2017. Additionally, the number of Americans living with OUD increased by 2.7 times to 5.7 million during the same period. We have adjusted the calculations to reflect current prices as well as the alarming rise in opioid addiction and deaths. We scale up the loss of life estimates based on the increase in fatalities, while we scale up the other estimates to reflect the increase in the prevalence of those living with OUD. The breakdown of the cost estimates, all expressed in December 2024 dollars, is as follows:

    • Loss of life: $1.11 trillion. This estimate is calculated by multiplying the number of lives lost (74,702) by the value of statistical life in the United States and then adding productivity and healthcare costs that arise due to opioid fatalities. We inflation adjusted the $10.1 million value of a statistical life number provided by NIH (2017) to 2025 dollars ($13.0 million per life). The value of a loss of life is based on market and survey based evidence on what amount of money people are willing to forgo to change the probability of death. For example, many estimates rely on the value of life implied by the increase in wages required for people to take jobs with higher mortality risk.
    • Loss of quality of life: $1.34 trillion. This estimate is the product of three factors. First is a survey-based measure for the loss in quality of life for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) compared to those in full health. The measure shows that life with OUD has about 60 percent (0.626) of the quality of life of those in full health. Second is a measure of how much Americans value a year of life in full health. Adjusted for inflation, this value is estimated at $624,410 per person per year. Together these values imply that the lost quality of life costs $234,478 per year for each person living with OUD. We then multiply this value by the prevalence of OUD, estimated to be 5.7 million in 2023.
    • Healthcare system: $107 billion. This estimate represents the additional annual costs incurred by the healthcare system for treating individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) relative to the average annual costs of treating those without OUD. This amounts to $19,000 additional dollars per year per person with OUD. These costs were primarily borne by private insurers, Medicaid, and hospitals providing uncompensated care. Ultimately, these costs are passed on to all Americans through higher insurance premiums, taxes, and healthcare expenses.
    • Loss of labor force productivity: $107 billion. This estimate is calculated by multiplying the number of productive work hours lost due to opioid-related deaths, OUD, and incarceration by the average hourly total compensation (wages and benefits) for American workers.
    • Crime-related: $63 billion. This figure represents the sum of costs incurred for additional police protection, judicial activities, correctional facilities, and property loss resulting from opioid-related crime.

    Conclusion

    The enormous economic cost of the illicit opioid epidemic to Americans, estimated at $2.7 trillion in 2023 alone, underscores the urgent need to control the flow of lethal drugs pouring in from foreign countries. The human suffering and financial burden inflicted by this epidemic are unsustainable.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protecting Workers Who Maintain New York Highways

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today highlighted New York State’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety on New York State’s highways and her proposal to further protect the workers who build and maintain roads and bridges. Included in her FY 2026 Budget, the Governor’s plan would make the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program permanent, expand it to include MTA Bridges and Tunnels and NYS Bridge Authority properties, and enhance penalties for assaults against transportation workers. A group of construction industry officials, labor leaders and safety advocates came together today to advocate for these safety enhancements on the one-year anniversary of the expansion of New York’s “Move Over Law” — a lifesaving piece of legislation requiring all drivers to move over when hazard vehicles, highway worker vehicles and tow trucks are stopped on the roadway.

    “The men and women in labor who have dedicated themselves to improving our roads and bridges risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all drivers,” Governor Hochul said. “By permanently driving down speeds in work zones and enhancing penalties for assaults against them, I am working to strengthen our laws to ensure these dedicated workers can make it home safe themselves.”

    The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program is the result of legislation signed into law by Governor Hochul in September 2021. The legislation authorized a 5-year pilot program run as a joint effort by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) to enhance the State’s ongoing efforts to slow motorists down in work zones to make New York’s highways safer. More than 420,000 Notices of Liability have been issued statewide, with close to 78,400 repeat offenders since the AWZSE program launched in May 2023. And in locations where the cameras have been present more than once, fewer Notices of Liability are being issued, meaning that people are slowing down when cameras are present.

    In addition to her proposal to make the AWSZE permanent, the Governor’s Budget also includes language to enhance penalties for assaults against transportation workers, extending protections similar to those provided to many MTA and retail workers. These actions will improve safety for both workers and drivers. Just last year, while setting up a work zone on a Long Island Expressway ramp in Syosset, a car veered around Department of Transportation trucks, which were carrying attenuators. The driver got out of his car and accosted the highway maintenance crew for obstructing his trip up the ramp. Video of the beginning of the incident can be found here. The Governor’s proposal would hold bad actors accountable and deter actions like this in the future.

    State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “This commonsense legislative package put forward by Governor Hochul will provide much needed worker safety protection and peace of mind for thousands of State Department of Transportation highway forces by making the work zone camera program permanent, and increasing punishment against those who threaten to do them harm. Our highway workers deserve the respect of the traveling public every second they are out there doing their jobs in the name of safety. I strongly believe that both pieces of legislation will prompt more New Yorkers to slow down, pay attention and think twice before threatening or physically hitting one of our workers.”

    New York State DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said. “As someone who spends a lot of time in a car driving across the State, I drive past road work zones all the time, and I unfortunately see too many people driving in ways that put road maintenance crews and other drivers at risk. Taking the time to slow down and move over can prevent a tragedy and make sure we all get to our destinations safely.”

    New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program is a critical tool to enhance safety in work zones across the State. We are committed to enhancing safety for all highway workers and strongly support Governor Hochul’s proposal to make this effective program permanent.”

    New York State Bridge Authority Executive Director Dr. Minosca Alcantara said, “There is no excuse for speeding and reckless driving in work zones. All of our fellow New Yorkers who are out working on the roads need to get home safe to their families. Expanding AWZSE to the Bridge Authority and making it permanent across the State is imperative to ensure crews are safe while doing their jobs.”

    MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan said, “AWZSE is changing motorist behavior for the better: drivers are slowing down, resulting in fewer work zone accidents and injuries. This successful pilot program has made our roadways safer for both drivers and workers in construction zones. I look forward to this initiative becoming permanent and being expanded for widespread use.”

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Our highway employees work day in and day out to maintain our roads and keep New Yorkers safe, it’s only right that we prioritize their safety while on the job. In my role as Chair of The Senate Transportation Committee, I am always committed to protecting these vital workers, which is why I carry the Senate legislation expanding the automated work zone camera program while making it permanent. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership on worker safety across New York.”

    Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli said, “Protecting our workers is of utmost importance. The investments are critical and will help reduce fatalities and injuries on New York’s highways.”

    New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, “Keeping highway workers safe is a priority for the Union Movement. These workers endure hazardous conditions while performing their jobs for our safety; we must protect them. We thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to addressing enforcement and more aggressive repercussions for repeat violators who endanger the workforce that keeps our roads safe and our infrastructure running smoothly.”

    New York State Building and Construction Trades Council President Gary LaBarbera said, “It is well-known that construction sites are inherently dangerous and the added hazards and less-controllable variants of roadways and highspeed traffic only increase the risks for highway workers. This is why we must continue to push forward key legislation that encourages drivers to proceed with more caution and mindfulness around highway work areas and holds them accountable when they act recklessly. We applaud Governor Hochul for her ongoing leadership and action on this important issue. Every hard-working New Yorker, including our brave tradesmen and tradeswomen working on our roadways, deserve to return home safely to their families at the end of each shift.”

    LiUNA Vice President and New England Regional Manager Donato A. Bianco, Jr. said, “The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program has effectively caused drivers to slow down and pay attention, helping to protect the men and women working tirelessly to keep our highway system operational and properly maintained. LIUNA has proudly and staunchly advocated for this program since its inception, and its inclusion by Governor Hochul and the Senate in their respective proposed budgets demonstrates a strong commitment to prioritizing workers’ safety. We all owe it to the workers that skillfully do this dangerous job to take every possible action to ensure they go home safely at the end of the day, and we look forward to seeing the program included in the final enacted Budget.”

    CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said, “CSEA applauds Governor Hochul’s leadership on this issue and calls on the New York State Legislature to make the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program permanent.”

    CSEA Thruway Local President Sean Kennedy said, “We must explore all avenues to protecting road and highway workers risking their lives every day. The AWZSE program serves as a deterrent to distracted and reckless driving while boosting safety for workers as well as the traveling public.”

    New York State Public Employees Federation President Wayne Spence said, “PEF believes that all public employees should be able to go to their jobs, perform their duties professionally and return home safely to their families after work. Too often, PEF members are harassed or assaulted on the job or injured unnecessarily at work. PEF supports Governor Hochul’s Budget proposal to expand the use of automated work zone cameras to ensure drivers are alert and maintaining an appropriate speed in work zones. PEF also supports the Governor’s proposal to increase the penalties for assaults and harassment of department of transportation workers and urges the Governor and both houses of the Legislature to expand these increased penalties for assaults against any public employee in the performance of their duties. The time has come to address these issues on behalf of New York’s dedicated public employees.”

    New York Construction Materials Association President and CEO Ron Epstein said, “We wholeheartedly support Governor Hochul’s steadfast commitment to enhancing work zone safety and strengthening protections for transportation workers. The critical safety measures outlined in the Governor’s Budget proposal are essential for safeguarding the lives of the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly on our roads, ensuring they return home safely to their families at the end of each shift. We commend the Governor for her leadership in prioritizing these vital efforts and we stand ready to collaborate to make our work zones safer for everyone.”

    Associated General Contractors of New York State President and CEO Mike Elmendorf said, “Working in a work zone on a road or highway is inherently dangerous, but it is made needlessly so by all too frequent excessive speed and distracted driving. That’s why the construction industry and our partners in government, and labor worked hard to enact New York’s automated work zone speed enforcement program — and it is working. While it has documented shockingly high speeds in work zones, it is succeeding in getting drivers to use caution and slow down in work zones. That keeps both drivers and the men and women working there safer. We commend Governor Hochul for her efforts to make sure construction workers and drivers alike can return safely to their homes and families by creating this important program — and this year proposing to make it permanent and increase penalties for those who are still speeding in work zones. Let’s stick with what works and make this critical program permanent this year.”

    American Automobile Association New York State Safety Committee Chairman John Corlett said, “With the construction season about to get fully underway, work zones and construction zones will be popping up on roads across the Empire State. AAA is supporting the Governor’s plan to make work zone speed cameras permanent. April 21 will mark the beginning of National Work Zone Awareness Week. As the weather gets better, speeds will start picking up, which makes the roads riskier for everyone and we need responsible drivers who will safely navigate work zones to ensure that everyone makes it home to their families at the end of the day.”

    New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways President and Town of Elmira Highway Superintendent Matt Mustico said, “The people working on our roads deserve to go home safe at the end of the day. It’s that simple. The Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program is already making a difference — drivers are slowing down and paying more attention. That’s exactly what’s needed. Making this program permanent is common sense. On behalf of town highway superintendents and our association stakeholder members across New York State, we urge the Legislature to include this critical safety measure in the final State Budget. Protecting our highway workers while keeping our roads safe for New Yorkers should be something we can all agree on.”

    Greater Capital Region Building and Construction Trades Council President Michael Lyons said, “The expansion of work zone camera systems in New York reflects the commitment of the State to protecting transportation workers and ensuring their rights and safety on the job. The Greater Capital Region Building and Construction Trades Council represents over 22,000 Union construction workers in the area and the State’s focus on improving working conditions, reducing accidents and ensuring workers are equipped with the necessary safety training and resources is an initiative that we can back unequivocally.”

    New York State Association of Towns Executive Director Christopher A. Koetzle said, “The New York Association of Towns is committed to protecting the dedicated professionals who ensure the safety and maintenance of our roads. We strongly urge state legislative leaders to include transportation worker safety initiatives as part of the State Budget, ensuring a safer work environment for those who keep our infrastructure running smoothly.”

    New York State Conference of Mayors Executive Director Barbara Van Epps said, “NYCOM commends Governor Hochul and Department of Transportation Commissioner Dominguez, for their commitment to prioritizing the safety of our state and local transportation workers. Ensuring a secure work environment is a fundamental responsibility of the State, and no employee should face threats, harassment or physical harm while performing their duties. These proposals are critical to safeguarding the men and women who maintain our roadways and send a strong message that any form of violence against them is unacceptable.”

    Long Island Contractors’ Association Executive Director Marc Herbst said, “Protecting our workers is foundational to every issue we advocate for as an industry. There is no question that we need to do all we can to ensure that the workers who go out to build, repair and maintain our vital infrastructure have every protection we can provide. Both the expansion of the work zone safety camera program and transportation worker protection from harassment and assault are vital to ensure our workers know we have their backs and truly appreciate their contributions to our roadways.”

    Construction Industry Council Executive Director John Cooney, Jr. said, “The Construction Industry Council of Westchester and Hudson Valley Inc. thanks Governor Kathy Hochul for including in her Executive Budget the inclusion of both the expansion of automated work zone camera program and transportation worker protection from harassment and assault. We thank NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Theresa Dominguez and New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank Hoare for standing up for transportation worker safety and highlighting the need for these two important budget worker safety items. The construction and transportation industries deserve to have all workers involved to have a safe and protected work environment. The proposals for the expanded work zone camera program and expanded transportation worker harassment and assault protections deserve to be a final product of this year’s New York State Budget.”

    New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “Our dedicated county highway crews work all hours of the day and night to maintain and improve our local roads and bridges, ensuring the safety of all who travel them. It is imperative that we take every measure possible to protect these essential workers from harassment, assault and reckless drivers. The New York State Association of Counties stands firmly in support of initiatives aimed at safeguarding our transportation workers and enhancing their well-being.”

    Verra Mobility Executive Vice President Jon Baldwin said, “New York State has demonstrated tremendous leadership with the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program, and the results speak for themselves. Drivers are slowing down, paying attention and prioritizing safety in work zones. New York’s continued investment in this initiative reflects a dedication to fostering safer work environments and safer roads for all. As leaders in smart transportation solutions, we applaud the State’s commitment to safety and support a permanent solution for protecting lives.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: Otay Ranch Village 13 Project Settlement Will Reduce Wildfire Risk While Increasing Opportunity for New Housing

    Source: US State of California

    Wednesday, March 26, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced a final settlement agreement regarding the Otay Ranch Village 13 project, which resolves concerns pertaining to the project’s wildfire and greenhouse gas impacts and benefits the people and environment of California. Specifically, under the agreement, the proposed housing development will include the same number of units on a more compact footprint, reducing wildfire ignition risk and protecting approximately 300 additional acres of open space compared to the original plan. While decreasing the development footprint, the settlement also increases the opportunity for new housing by allowing the developer to apply to the County of San Diego to build up to 2,750 housing units (increased from 1,938) within the more compact building area. This will allow for additional housing supply while reducing the project’s environmental impacts, including wildfire risk. The agreement also includes payment of nearly $2 million in attorneys’ fees to the California Department of Justice and the environmental groups that filed litigation challenging the County’s approval of the project for violating the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Attorney General Bonta is joined by the Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, Endangered Habitats League, California Native Plant Society, Preserve Wild Santee, and California Chaparral Institute in today’s settlement with the project applicant.

    “From Los Angeles to San Diego, we are seeing devastating wildfires ravaging our communities right before our eyes. We can no longer ignore the realities of climate change,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s settlement recognizes that environmental protection and housing go hand in hand, aiming to create more resilient, sustainable homes while reducing wildfire risk and protecting our environment.”

    Today’s settlement requires measures to reduce wildfire risk and greenhouse gas emissions, including:

    • Providing a continuous program of surveillance for wildfire ignitions.
    • Ensuring an educational program on wildfire ignition prevention for project residents.
    • Installing sprinkler systems on multi-family residential buildings that meet National Fire Protection Association Standard 13.
    • Achieving net-zero energy design for all single-family residential and commercial buildings.
    • Requiring all buildings to be fully electric.
    • Prohibiting installation of natural gas infrastructure.
    • Creating a Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Fund of at least $15 million, which will fund greenhouse gas emissions reductions projects in San Diego County.

    The Otay Ranch Village 13 project site is located in southwestern San Diego County in an area that has in the past been affected by wildfires. The County approved and certified a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Otay Ranch Village 13 project on November 18, 2020. The Attorney General’s lawsuit challenged the FEIR’s failure, in violation of CEQA, to adequately address the risk of wildfire despite acknowledging the very high potential for wildfire hazards in and around the project site as well as the FEIR’s failure to adequately analyze or mitigate the impact of substantial vehicle trips and increased greenhouse gas emissions generated by the project. Under the settlement, the parties will request that the Court stay the litigation until the County approves a revised project that complies with the terms of the settlement.

    A copy of the settlement can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Remembers Root Family as Sarah Root’s Killer is Now in U.S. Custody

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    RED OAK, Iowa – After nine years working on behalf of Iowan Sarah Root, Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) was able to bring closure for the Root family when their daughter’s killer, an illegal immigrant who ICE failed to detain and escaped by skipping bail, was delivered into U.S. custody to face justice on Friday.
    Most recently, Ernst’s position on the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee gave her a platform to advocate for action on behalf of Sarah and the Roots during Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s confirmation process. Since then, she has continued working with the Trump administration, including Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to extradite Mejia, so he faces justice in the United States.

    Senator Ernst has been working with Sarah’s parents, Michelle and Scott Root, since 2016.
    “For nine years, I have fought for justice for Sarah Root. All this time, I have been telling Sarah’s story alongside her parents – Michelle and Scott – so this illegal immigrant could face consequences, and her family could finally have some closure,” said Senator Ernst. “I will always stand up for Iowans, and it has been an honor to work alongside the Roots. While this tragedy should never have happened in the first place, I’ve been grateful to work with the Trump administration to get this done. This work, coupled with my Sarah’s Law, will help ensure no family has to face what the Roots faced ever again.”
    “For nearly a decade, my family and I never received closure about what happened that fateful night my daughter was killed by an illegal immigrant, until Senator Ernst got involved,” said Michelle Root. “Senator Ernst has been there from the beginning, and our family is very grateful for her willingness to push for Sarah’s Law and the extradition of Sarah’s killer, so he faces justice. She has always done an amazing job honoring Sarah through every floor speech and each call to action. I truly appreciate the fight, passion, and the love she shows. While we can’t get our Sarah back, we can make sure another family doesn’t have to endure the heartbreak we have experienced. It’s unconscionable it took over nine years after our beautiful Sarah was taken from us to get this done, but Senator Ernst never flinched and consistently fought to make this a reality.”
    “Senator Ernst and President Trump have been working on this since the very beginning in 2016, and it means so much to me that, thanks in part to their work, Sarah’s life has not been forgotten. I would also like to thank Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the U.S. Marshals Service, officials in Honduras, and all the unseen people who have been instrumental in making this happen,” said Scott Root. “While nothing can bring my daughter back, ensuring her killer faces justice combined with the passage of Sarah’s Law, my hope is that no family has to endure what mine did ever again.”
    Background:
    On January 31, 2016, Mejia was driving drunk when he struck and killed 21-year-old Sarah Root on the night of her college graduation. Before her family could even lay her to rest, a loophole in the law allowed her killer to be released and escape the consequences of his crimes. Since then, Ernst has fought on behalf of the Root family and the safety of Iowans.
    Since the tragedy, Senator Ernst worked tirelessly to pass Sarah’s Law to bring closure to the Root family and ensure this never happens again. This year, she shepherded the legislation through the Senate and the House, and President Trump made this legislation the law of the land.
    Earlier this month, Senator Ernst hosted Scott Root, Sarah’s father, as her guest for President Trump’s joint address and praised this administration for taking action on behalf of Iowans and prioritizing them over illegal immigrants.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Medical Device Manufacturer And Its Owner Agree To Pay $550,000 To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

              GRAND RAPIDS – The United States has reached a settlement agreement with The Prometheus Group (Prometheus), a New Hampshire manufacturer of rectal therapeutic systems and probes, and Richard Poore, its president and sole owner, to resolve a civil lawsuit filed against them. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants violated the False Claims Act by causing health care providers to bill Medicare for services in which the providers improperly re-used single-user rectal sensors and single-use catheters on multiple patients.  As part of the settlement, Prometheus and Poore will pay $550,000 to resolve the claims against them.  

              “Medicare beneficiaries deserve treatment that is reasonable and safe,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew B. Birge. “Device manufacturers and medical practitioners cannot flaunt the rules and jeopardize the wellbeing of patients in our community.”

              “Manufacturers and providers must ensure that medical devices are utilized in a manner that ensures the safety of patients and complies with Federal laws and regulations,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region.  “Our agency, working in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, will always work to hold those accountable who jeopardize patient safety or submit false claims to Federal health care programs.”

              “The FBI is committed to investigating bad actors and protecting the public from healthcare professionals and top executives who exploit the trust of patients by prioritizing greed and convenience over safe health practices,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI remains dedicated to safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of the medical system.”

              Prometheus manufactures and sells device systems for use in pelvic muscle rehabilitation (PMR), a non-surgical therapy to eliminate or reduce symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, including urinary and fecal incontinence. Specifically, Prometheus has manufactured and marketed the Pathway CTS 2000 Pelvic Floor Training System and the Morpheus System.  Both systems required the use of a rectal pressure probe that is inserted into a patient’s rectum during therapy. Prometheus manufactured its own sensor for use with the Pathway System and encouraged its customers to use a competitor’s anorectal manometry catheter with the Morpheus System.

              The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the Prometheus rectal pressure sensor to be used as a single-user device and the anorectal manometry catheter to be used as a single-use device.  For example, the instructions for use identify the rectal pressure sensor as “a potential bio-hazard” and state: “This sensor is restricted for single person use only. Use by another person is strictly prohibited by Federal Regulations.” Similarly, the anorectal manometry catheter was cleared by the FDA as a disposable single-use device, with packaging that states: “Do not re-use.”

              According to the United States’ complaint, the defendants knew of these restrictions, but for years encouraged and instructed health care providers to reuse the rectal pressure sensors and anorectal manometry catheters on multiple patients, using a glove or condom to cover the probes, as a way to reduce the overhead costs associated with Prometheus’s systems.  The government alleged that using the devices in this manner, which exposed patients to unnecessary risk of infections, was not reasonable or necessary, and thus was ineligible for Medicare coverage. 

              The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

              The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

              The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, is captioned United States v. The Prometheus Group., et al., No. 22-cv-446 (W.D. Mich.).  The lawsuit was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Jay D. Majors and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Hull. 

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possessing and Attempting to Prevent the Seizure of Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 45 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his convictions of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and attempting to take action to prevent seizure, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Javon Pope, 36.

    According to information presented to the Court, on the morning of November 19, 2019, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered Pope inside a Wilkinsburg residence at which another individual had just been arrested and officers had observed several firearms in plain view. The agents detained and searched Pope, finding a digital scale, a small amount of marijuana, and a cellular telephone. Upon the execution of a search warrant for the residence, agents found four firearms, but in different locations from where they had been initially observed by officers. A search warrant for Pope’s cellular telephone revealed an internet search for “how long does it take to get a search warrant” during the morning of November 19 while the FBI would have had the house secured pending the warrant, as well as a picture of the defendant with several of the firearms found in the residence. Pope has a prior felony conviction, and federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    The cell phone also revealed several telephone calls between Pope and a resident of the home beginning around the time the Pittsburgh S.W.A.T. Team arrived at the residence, during which Pope was informed that federal agents were at the home and intending to search it. It is a violation of federal law to attempt to take action to prevent seizure of items pursuant to a federal search warrant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh S.W.A.T. Team for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pope.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Humble man sentenced in relation to scheme to illegally ship firearms to Iraq

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – A 53-year-old local resident has been sentenced to federal prison for providing false information on federally mandated firearms records, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Yashab Idnan Sandhu, Humble, pleaded guilty July 24, 2023.

    U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen has now ordered Sandhu to serve 42 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

    “The Southern District of Texas is pleased to have worked with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to have intercepted this shipment of guns before they reached Iraq, and used for whatever unknown purpose,” said Ganjei.

    “Being a responsible gun dealer is not just a matter of business; it’s a fundamental duty to safeguard public safety and uphold the trust placed in our agency by the American people,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel. “ATF puts great trust in Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), to include ‘responsible persons,’ as they carry significant responsibility. When that trust is violated, it undermines the confidence the public has in the system. ATF Houston is committed to maintaining public safety, which includes holding these FFLs and their associated employees responsible when the laws and regulations are not followed.”

    The investigation began March 13, 2020, when authorities discovered a cache of handguns concealed in a shipping crate addressed to Iraq at a Port of Houston warehouse. They recovered approximately 473 handguns, 38 of which were pistols with obliterated serial numbers.

    Law enforcement ultimately traced 38 pistols with obliterated serial numbers to R’s Golf & Guns, an FFL for whom Sandhu was a “responsible person.”

    A responsible person is someone who has the authority and power to direct firearm compliance decisions and operations for an FFL.

    The investigation revealed Sandhu had sold these firearms to a suspected firearms smuggler. As part of his plea, Sandhu admitted he went back to previously completed forms and added the firearms, falsely reporting they had been sold to other innocent persons. 

    Sandhu was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    ATF conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI and Bureau of Industry and Security. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Schammel and Heather Winter prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Significant milestone for Sustainable Household Scheme

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Many Canberrans have accessed the Sustainable Household Scheme to add solar panels to their homes.

    The Sustainable Household Scheme has had another big year supporting Canberrans.

    Over 20,000 Canberra households have now applied to participate in the Scheme to make their homes more energy efficient.

    The Sustainable Household Scheme has approved $200 million in loans and supported the installation of almost 17,000 sustainable upgrades since it commenced in July 2021.

    This has saved households money on their energy bills and reduced the ACT’s carbon footprint.

    Through the Scheme, Canberrans have access to zero-interest loans and rebates for a range of energy-saving upgrades.

    These include efficient heating and cooling, cooktop and hot water systems, solar panels, battery storage, electric vehicles and ceiling insulation.

    The Sustainable Household Scheme forms a key part of the ACT Government’s strategy for achieving net zero emissions by 2045.

    To celebrate this milestone and showcase the Canberrans’ efforts, the ACT Government has launched a new Sustainable Household Scheme Dashboard.

    This interactive tool allows users to explore the impact of the Scheme across the ACT, including:

    • Which suburbs are leading the charge in sustainability
    • What’s the most popular upgrade in your neighbourhood
    • The number and types of upgrades being installed.

    This new dashboard will help us track Canberra’s progress in transitioning to a cleaner future, and share community success stories.

    Suburb spotlight

    The dashboard also includes a spotlight on which Canberra suburbs have accessed finance across each category as of 13 December 2023.

    • Highest overall uptake

    Kambah – $9,048,318 in zero-interest loans accessed.

    • Singing in the shower

    Dickson – 13 per cent of installs in Dickson are hot water heat pumps.

    • Driving into the future

    Campbell – 34 per cent of products in Campbell are electric vehicles.

    • Staying warm and keeping cool

    Kingston – 39 per cent of installs in Kingston are reverse cycle air conditioners.

    • Comfort in the home

    Rivett – 4.6 per cent of installs in Rivett are for insulation.

    • Most solar uptake

    Whitlam – 98 per cent of installs in Whitlam include solar systems.

    More information about the Sustainable Household Scheme is available on the Climate Choices website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra’s most-borrowed library books

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Canberrans were keen to borrow Lessons in Chemistry from libraries this year.

    Bonnie Garmus’s Lessons in Chemistry has proven the most popular item borrowed from ACT libraries in 2023.

    The novel, now also a television series, was the most popular hard copy adult fiction library book and most popular ebook.

    Canberrans were so keen to get their hands on it that Libraries ACT reported around 700 reservations for the title throughout the year.

    Younger readers were once again hooked on Anh Do titles. Four of his books were in the top five of the junior fiction category.

    Most popular books in physical format and adult fiction

    1. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
    2. The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
    3. Exiles by Jane Harper
    4. Dead Tide by Fiona McIntosh
    5. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

    Top five adult non-fiction

    1. Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
    2. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
    3. Did I Ever Tell You This?: A Memoir by Sam Neill
    4. Bulldozed: Scott Morrison’s fall and Anthony Albanese’s rise by Niki Savva
    5. RecipeTin Eats Dinner by Nagi Maehashi

    Top five junior fiction

    1. Legends Unite by Anh Do
    2. Diva Drama by Meredith Costain
    3. Enter the Jungle by Anh Do
    4. From Nerd to Ninja! by Anh Do
    5. Spinning Weird! by Anh Do

    Top five junior non-fiction

    1. Minecraft Survival Handbook by Mojang
    2. Minecraft Annual 2023 by Mojang
    3. Amelia Earhart by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
    4. How to Build LEGO Dinosaurs by Hannah Dolan
    5. Jane Goodall by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

    Top five ebooks

    1. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
    2. Exiles by Jane Harper
    3. The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
    4. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
    5. Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor

    Top five audio books

    1. The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
    2. Book of Roads and Kingdoms by Richard Fidler
    3. The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan
    4. The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
    5. Exiles by Jane Harper

    ACT libraries during the holidays

    As the school holidays continue, it’s worth remembering libraries are a great option for beating the heat.

    There is also a range of free school holiday programs to discover.

    Selected library branches are now open, with all branches closed on New Year’s Day only.

    Normal operating hours will resume for all branches from Tuesday, 2 January 2024.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Extra green waste support for storm impacted suburbs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Storm recovery efforts will now shift to supporting the community to clean up their own properties.

    The ACT Government is delivering additional household green waste collections for severely impacted suburbs as part of clean-up efforts following the storm on Friday 8 December.

    Free green waste skip bins will also be available from 14 December at public places for people living in the most impacted suburbs.  

    Additional green waste bin collections will take place this Saturday 16 December 2023 for the suburbs that were hardest hit.

    Extra green waste bin collection
    The additional green waste bin collection on Saturday 16 December 2023 will take place in the following suburbs:

    • Amaroo
    • Charnwood
    • Downer
    • Dunlop
    • Evatt
    • Giralang
    • Kaleen
    • Ngunnawal
    • Nicholls
    • Palmerston.

    Residents should put their bin on the kerb ready for collection by 5am on Saturday morning.

    While residents are very familiar with what can go in greens bins, it is important to note that:

    • greens bins are only for garden organics, such as leaves, grass clippings and branches 45cm long and with a diameter of 10cm;
    • the lid needs to be able to close; and
    • the bin cannot weigh more than 50kg.

    Alternatively, the community can drop off green waste for free in:

    • Symonston – Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre, Mugga Lane
    • Belconnen – Canberra Sand and Gravel, Parkwood Road.

    Temporary green waste skip bins

    Temporary green waste skip bins are also available for people living in the most impacted suburbs.

    Further sites are currently being assessed, however if Canberrans feel a skip bin is particularly needed in their local area within an impacted suburb they can call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

    The ACT Government will be monitoring these sites and significant fines apply for illegal dumping.

    Reporting a job to fix my street 

    More than 1,000 requests, with some involving multiple trees or sites, have been received by the ACT Government. More are expected over the coming days. Clean-up crews are working hard to triage and respond to those requests.

    Clean-up phasing

    While extra resources have been available since the storm, the ACT Government expects the clean-up to continue well into the New Year as the focus shifts to non-urgent jobs.

    While some work will continue during the Christmas break, this will be scaled back before crews return in early January.

    An update on progress will be provided on Wednesday 20 December. 

    Please remember

    • If you see a tree fallen on powerlines call @EvoenergyACT on 131 093. If there are powerlines down, don’t approach them and keep at least 8 metres away.
    • If there’s a tree down on private land, the landowner is responsible for its removal. Please don’t move the tree or branches to the nature strip.
    • If you see a tree down on public land you can log a ticket using www.act.gov.au/fixmystreet.
    • If you see a tree that is unsafe or damaging property, call ACTSES on 132 500.
    • Be storm ready! Stay up to date with @ACTESA and take the time to prepare or update your emergency survival plan at https://esa.act.gov.au/be-emergency-ready.

    Need immediate assistance?

    Call ACT SES 13 25 00 for storm assistance.

    For more information on services available in response to the storm event visit www.act.gov.au.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Top spots to hang with your friends in Canberra’s CBD

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    We asked Canberrans on the WeAreCBR Instagram page to let us know where their favourite places to hang out with friends in the city centre. If you are on the lookout for the next best place to hang here are the best of the best!

    You reel-y love movies

    Whether you love a rom-com, fancy a thrilling drama, or want to have a good chuckle, there is a movie around for everyone! City favourites include:

    Looking to have a yummy drink or two?

    Summer time is the perfect time to catch-up with friends and try out new bars, and the CBD has no shortage of amazing places to head to! Local favourites include:

    Coffee and friends make the perfect blend

    Cafes, patisseries and restaurants are Canberra’s speciality, we have an abundance of different places to test out and try and offer a wide variety of selections, so why not head over to some fan favourites like:

    Needing to have a shopping trip with your pals?

    The Canberra Centre is home to a wide variety of shops that will cater to all! From everything from fashion, beauty, homewares, food and more! It’s the perfect place to head to too ensure everyone can have a look at their favourite things!

    Check out some outdoor beauty too!

    This city centre also has some beautiful artwork, sculptures and public art surrounding the town! From murals, to fountains, to wacky and quirky sculptures. Find the whole list here: https://www.arts.act.gov.au/public-art

    Stay up to date with news and events in the ACT, sign up to our email newsletter: Subscribe to OurCBR

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Open Letter Urging Legal Community to Stand Together in Defense of Rule of Law Amid President’s Attacks

    Source: US State of California

    “Lawyers are not spectators to the Constitution; we are its agents…Law firms must refuse to bow to illegal and unconstitutional threats of retribution for having the temerity to represent clients and cases opposing the administration.” 

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, along with 20 other state attorneys general, issued an open letter urging the legal community to stand together in defense of the rule of law in response to President Trump’s recent attacks, including calling for the impeachment of federal judges and threatening retribution against law firms and attorneys who take or have taken positions in opposition to him or his Administration. Alarmingly, one major law firm – Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (Paul Weiss) – has already acquiesced to President Trump’s demands for policy support in exchange for relief from the executive order targeting that law firm. The President’s recent orders and statements, and the failure of Paul Weiss to stand firm in response to these attacks, risks creating a chilling effect within the legal community. Today, Attorney General Bonta calls on all members of the legal profession and of state bars to stand with state attorneys general in refusing to bow to the President’s unlawful and undemocratic attacks on the practice of law and reaffirm their commitment to the zealous representation of their clients. 

    “The President seeks to bully and intimidate federal judges, attorneys, and law firms that disagree with him or take positions he does not like – undermining the American legal system built atop the U.S. Constitution he two months ago swore to uphold,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I stand with state attorneys general across the nation in condemning the President’s recent actions and in urging members of the legal profession to stand firm in their principles. We must not falter in our resolve to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law. Our democracy depends on it.”

    On Sunday, Attorney General Bonta issued a separate statement on the need to speak up and push back when our democratic norms are violated, our legal system undermined, and our laws broken. In today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta and a multistate coalition reiterate their commitment to the rule of law and stand firm in their support of the federal judiciary and judicial independence: 

    “As state attorneys general, we have sworn oaths to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Rule of law is the bedrock of everything that makes our country great. Our economy, our rights and freedoms as citizens and residents, our lives and livelihoods are all protected by the fair and unbiased application of the law. We will not allow anyone, including the President, to bully law firms out of representing clients who may be politically disfavored, or clients out of being represented by counsel of their choosing. We will not sit by silently in the face of attempts to attack and intimidate the federal judiciary. We will not allow the rule of law to be undermined. We stand with all our colleagues in the legal community who place the ideals and values of their profession over obedience and silence.”

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Delaware, Illinois, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington in issuing the letter. 

    A copy of the letter is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Challenges Senate Democrats’ Promotion of Unchecked Judicial Power, Vows to Take Legislative Action

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today challenged Democrats’ continued refusal to acknowledge the judicial branch’s constitutional limits.

    In response to Ranking Member Dick Durbin’s (D-Ill.) request for unanimous consent on a resolution demanding the executive branch comply with all federal court rulings, Grassley offered amendments to reflect the limits of judicial power. Grassley’s amendments affirmed that the executive branch must comply with all lawful federal court rulings. Durbin objected to the commonsense amendments.

    Grassley further spoke on the recent uptick in sweeping and potentially lawless orders issued by individual district judges and reaffirmed the Senate Judiciary Committee’s intent to take action.

    “The President of the United States shouldn’t have to ask permission from more than 600 different district judges to manage the executive branch he was elected to lead… The practice of sweeping nationwide injunctions, broad restraining orders and judicial policymaking must end. It’s unconstitutional, it’s anti-democratic and it’s imprudent. If the Supreme Court won’t stop it, Congress must,” Grassley said.

    View Grassley’s amendments HERE and HERE.

    [embedded content]

    VIDEO 

    Before I give my reasons for objecting, I want to comment on a couple things in your remarks. 

    You spoke about the time that we often agree. 

    Just today, you and I cosponsored a bill together, as an example. 

    The other thing I’d like to say before I go to my remarks is that I want to associate myself with your quote from our colleague Senator Cornyn – that you don’t impeach judges just because of a decision, because we’d be impeaching judges all the time. 

    That’s my additional comment. 

    And the third thing is, to inform you, I hope I can get, as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, something moving in this area.  

    I happen to agree with some Democrats that in previous years have said some judges have gone way beyond what a judge should do on national injunctions.  

    I hope to find a solution for that, and I hope that you and I could work on that together. 

    I know Democrats have made that same accusation about district court judges in one district out of 93 in the United States applying their decision nationally. 

    So, now I would like to go to my reason for objecting. 

    A few weeks ago, I objected to a version of this resolution because it’s a political messaging exercise. Today, I come here for the same reason. 

    I won’t stand by and allow my colleagues to imply that the “Rule of Law,” those three words, only matters when there’s a Republican President.  

    As I explained a few weeks ago, the Biden administration engaged in four years of complete lawlessness.  

    Instead of condemning it, Democrats viciously attacked the legitimacy of the courts for ruling against the Biden administration.  

    The silence we heard from Democrats about the rule of law during the Biden years was quite deafening.  

    I won’t repeat my last speech, but I’ll expand on one of my previous objections.  

    This resolution demands that the President comply with all court orders, but it’s completely silent about the role of the federal courts to adhere to the law themselves. 

    For a number of years, but particularly in the last few months, we’ve seen increasingly sweeping, potentially lawless orders coming from any one of our 600 district judges out of the 93 districts we have.  

    Although our founders saw an important role for the judiciary, individual district judges have empowered themselves to become nationwide policymakers, as opposed to interpreting the law.  

    I consider this as very dangerous. 

    In the last few weeks, individual, unelected judges made policy decisions for the whole country. 

    Some examples include: 

    • Ordering the President to stop deporting foreign terrorists; 
    • Directing the military to enlist and retain transgender servicemembers; 
    • Directing who will and will not staff the President’s administration; 
    • Ordering the immediate expenditure of billions of dollars.  

    One judge even went so far as to order the government to pay out 2 billion taxpayer dollars and do it within 36 hours.  

    Much of this would go to organizations not even involved in the case, and the government wouldn’t ever be able to get this money back, even if they ultimately won on appeal.  

    In the two months since President Trump has entered office, his administration has suffered more of these sweeping orders at the hands of district court judges than the Biden administration experienced in four years. 

    I want to emphasize that. 

    Has President Trump chosen to ignore this avalanche of irresponsible court orders?   

    Flat out, no!   

    He’s appealed these outrageous decisions, just as he promised he would do when he said, “I always abide by the courts and then I’ll have to appeal it… the answer is I always abide by the courts.” 

    Appellate courts have responded by striking down many of the unlawful intrusions into Presidential authority.   

    But the core problem remains – the President of the United States shouldn’t have to ask permission from more than 600 different district judges to manage the executive branch he was elected to lead. 

    The practice of sweeping nationwide injunctions, broad restraining orders, and judicial policymaking must end.  

    It’s unconstitutional, it’s anti-democratic and it’s imprudent.  

    If the Supreme Court won’t stop it, then Congress must.   

    I wish the Supreme Court would get on this and do it right away. 

    This issue isn’t a partisan one, and I want to work with Democrats, as I just said to the Senator from Illinois.  

    In the past, Democrats and Republicans have both criticized nationwide injunctions and the power of individual district judges.  

    My Democratic colleagues have even proposed legislation to rein in some of these abuses. 

    You don’t have to take my word for it. 

    In 2022, Justice Elena Kagan correctly observed, “It just can’t be right that one district judge can stop a nationwide policy in its tracks and leave it stopped for the years it takes to go through the normal process.” 

    In 2024, President Biden’s Solicitor General, Elizabeth Prelogar, argued before the Supreme Court, now listen to this quote, that, “A court of equity may grant relief only to the parties before it. The district court violated that principle by issuing a universal injunction purporting to enjoin the Act itself and forbidding the enforcement of the Act even against non-parties.” 

    So, as I told Senator Durbin, I hope to soon hold a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee to address this matter and even introduce legislation to end these abuses.  

    I hope both my Democratic and Republican colleagues will join me in this effort.  

    For the resolution at hand, Mr. President, I propose an amendment, so it reads, “the Constitution of the United States and established precedent require the executive branch to comply with all lawful Federal court rulings.”  

    This simple change of one word, “lawful,” will show that Congress expects both the executive branch and the judicial branch to respect the rule of law and Constitutional constraints.  

    My amendment mirrors what the Chief Justice said in 2024.  

    The Chief Justice rightly raised concerns about the intimidation and threats leveled at the Court in the wake of the Dobbs decision. He said, “The final threat to judicial independence is defiance of judgments lawfully entered by courts of competent jurisdiction.” 

    He had no problem adding the word lawful in; we shouldn’t have it any other way. 

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Calls Out The Trump Administration’s Continued Efforts To Intimidate Judges & Undermine The Rule Of Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 25, 2025

    Once again, Senate Republican objects to Durbin’s UC request to pass a resolution that simply affirms the rule of law and the legitimacy of judicial review

    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, once again spoke against efforts by the Trump Administration to intimidate judges and undermine the rule of law. Durbin then asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a resolution that simply affirms that the Constitution vests the judicial power in the federal courts and that both the Constitution and established precedent require the executive branch to comply with all federal court rulings. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) objected to Durbin’s UC request. This is the second time that Senate Republicans have objected to Durbin’s UC request.

    “I have come to the floor several times in recent weeks to speak about unacceptable attacks on the federal judiciary—the federal courts—by President Trump and his allies. These attacks are not only wrong, but dangerous—and pose a serious threat to our constitutional order. I am sorry to say that the attacks on our judges and our judiciary have not stopped as I have made these requests on the floor. Instead, they have grown worse,” Durbin said. “Last week, President Trump himself called for the impeachment of a federal judge simply because the judge ruled against the Trump Administration. The President’s MAGA loyalists were quick to pile on when he did that. Elon Musk has demanded the impeachment of federal judges dozens of times, and House Republicans rushed to introduce articles of impeachment in the House.”

    In response to the Trump Administration’s unprecedented attack on the federal judiciary, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare statement: “For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.”

    “Yet, this relentless campaign against the judiciary has continued,” Durbin said. “On Friday, President Trump issued a wild rant that read in part: ‘Unlawful Nationwide Injunctions by Radical Left Judges could very well lead to the destruction of our Country! These people are Lunatics.’”

    Durbin went on to argue that the U.S. Senate must stand up and defend the judiciary.

    “There has been a lot of debate about when we will cross the threshold into a genuine constitutional crisis. I pray that it will never happen,” Durbin said. “But it will come down to a basic principle. The question is not when we are going to face this, it is that we cannot afford to hold our breath and wait and see if the President will formally announce that he will defy a court order. We must respond to the dangerous attacks on our courts and judges now. The Senate must speak with one voice, Republicans and Democrats, in defense of the judiciary, the separation of powers, the Constitution, and the country we love.”

    Durbin continued, “Some have argued that impeachment of judges is necessary because of the number of injunctions issued against President Trump compared to other Presidents. They claim this is evidence that federal judges are biased against President Trump. I would suggest there is a more obvious explanation: the number of injunctions issued against the first and second Trump Administrations is evidence of a President who has repeatedly violated the law.”

    Durbin also responded to baseless claims from Elon Musk and other MAGA allies that the most recent judge to be targeted by President Trump, Judge Boasberg, is a radical ideologue.

    “Let’s be clear. Judge Boasberg is no partisan. He was appointed to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia by a Republican President: George W. Bush. As a D.C. district court judge, Judge Boasberg has issued many rulings that clearly illustrate impartiality. For example, he was the judge who ordered the release of thousands of Hillary Clinton’s emails. And his decisions have favored President Trump’s interests on several occasions,” Durbin said. “Other judges who have ruled against the Trump Administration were appointed by Republican Presidents—including some who were appointed by President Trump himself. He is not always going to win in court. He seems to think he should.”

    Durbin concluded, “The danger posed by the Trump Administration’s attack on the judiciary is not abstract. The recent invective by the President and his allies has resulted in increased threats to the lives of judges and their families. That is absolutely unacceptable. Our judges should not fear for their lives and those of their loved ones because of their work. And if judges feel compelled to decide cases in favor of the President to avoid his wrath, we will no longer have an independent judiciary. We can debate the value of nationwide injunctions and the merits of any particular judicial decision. But violence or threats of violence, whether from the right or the left of the political spectrum are never – never – acceptable… it is up to both political parties to protect it [an independent judiciary]. We’ve sworn to uphold and defend this Constitution, and now we are going to be tested.”

    Durbin’s resolution on the rule of law is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jean Shaheen (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Jon Ossoff (D-GA).

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.

    Full text of the resolution is available here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man given hospital order after attack which led to death of man in Harrow

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been sentenced following two violent assaults that left one his victims dying from stab wounds.

    Abdul Khan, 27 (14.08.97), of Durham Road, Harrow was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 25 March.

    Khan was also placed under an additional Section 41 order, which means that only the Secretary of State for Justice or a tribunal can give approval for him to be discharged from hospital.

    Khan pleaded guilty to the manslaughter – through diminished responsibility – of Bohdan Vandzhura, and possession of an offensive weapon. He was also admitted to the attempted murder in relation to a second man who he attacked in Harrow. He was also found guilty of ABH in relation to this victim.

    His father, Khalid Khan, 62 (22.04.62) of Durham Road, Harrow was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for assisting an offender in relation to this incident.

    Detective Chief Inspector Tom Williams, who led the investigation, said:

    “Our thoughts remain with Mr Vandzhura’s family and friends.

    “Bohdan was a loving father-of-two who was assaulted, unprovoked, and tragically died from his injuries.

    “Abdul Hussain demonstrated a pattern of violent behaviour and posed a clear threat to the public.

    “He will now remain in a safe place to get the treatment he needs.”

    An investigation was launched by the Specialist Crime Command after police were called on the morning of 8 July 2023 to reports of a stabbing on Pinner Road in North Harrow.

    Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. At the scene, they found 49-year-old Bohdan with stab wounds. Despite their efforts he died.

    A post-mortem examination carried out the following day confirmed he died as a result of multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck.

    Detectives reviewed CCTV footage from the area and were able to track Khan’s movements, capturing him disposing of the weapon and walking away from Bohdan’s home.

    This led them to quickly identify and then arrest Khan.

    The footage also provided them with evidence of his father – Khalid Khan – leaving his home with a carrier bag that was later discovered to contain his son’s bloodied clothing.

    Abdul Khan was arrested on 8 July and charged within 24 hours. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter – through diminished responsibility – and possession of an offensive weapon.

    As part of this investigation, detectives also established that Khan was a suspect for two further offences that predated the death of Bohdan.

    On 20 August 2022, in Pinner Road, Harrow, Khan punched a 43-year-old man to the ground before repeatedly stamping on him, leaving him unconscious.

    He also attacked the same man on a second occasion on 10 February 2023.

    Officers carried out an investigation at the time but were unable to identify a suspect. However, following the investigation into the assault of Bohdan, detectives were able to piece together evidence which made it clear that Khan was the chief suspect of the assault.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TOLEDO, Ohio – Eduardo Lopez-Jiguan, 35, a citizen of Guatemala who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced on March 18, 2025, to 13 months in federal prison for illegal reentry.  U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick also imposed a consecutive six-month sentence on a supervised release violation for a total prison sentence of 19 months.  Lopez-Jiguan was on supervised release after being convicted in February 2023 of illegal reentry and possession of a fraudulent identification document.

    At the guilty plea, Lopez-Jiguan admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Lopez-Jiguan was previously deported in 2020 and 2023.  In August 2024, immigration officials learned Lopez-Jiguan had illegally returned to the United States and found him at the Huron County Jail after previously serving a jail sentence for falsification and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

    This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ava Rotell Dustin for the Northern District of Ohio.

    This case 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, and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anchorage man sentenced to 16 years for producing child pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced yesterday to 16 years in prison and will serve 15 years on supervised release for exploiting a 16-year-old minor to produce child pornography.

    According to court documents, in 2019, the minor female victim moved from Oregon to Alaska and began living with Donteh Devoe, 46. At some point after the victim began living with him, Devoe started sexually abusing her and convinced her that because she was 16, the sexual abuse was legal.

    The victim confided in a friend, explaining that she and Devoe were “dating and having sex.” The victim also disclosed instances where Devoe physically abused her and texted her sexually graphic images during the school day. The victim’s friend promptly reported the alleged abuse to law enforcement and an investigation began.

    In February 2020, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for accounts on Devoe’s and the victim’s devices. Law enforcement reviewed those accounts and discovered sexually explicit conversations between Devoe and the victim. During conversations on Sept. 30, and Oct. 1, 2019, Devoe directed the victim to take sexually explicit photos and send them to him.

    On Nov. 15, 2024, Devoe pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.

    “Mr. Devoe used emotional and physical manipulation to carry out his sexual abuse and get what he wanted. The harm that he caused with his conduct is lasting,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “I want to thank the investigators and prosecutors who were essential in securing a serious penalty for the crime he pleaded guilty to, and the witness for promptly coming forward to report the abuse. I also want to commend the victim for showing extraordinary bravery and resilience in bringing this perpetrator to justice. Our office will continue our strong partnerships with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute anyone who threatens the safety of children.”

    “Through manipulation and a betrayal of trust, Devoe emotionally, physically, and sexually abused a minor in our community, including the production of CSAM,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is inexcusable and will not be tolerated by Alaska’s law enforcement community.”

    “The Anchorage Police Department remains committed to ensuring justice for victims and their families. Our officers and investigators worked diligently to bring this case to a resolution, and we appreciate the collaboration with our law enforcement partners and the judicial system. Today’s sentencing is a testament to the dedication of those who seek justice and uphold the safety of our community,” said Christopher Barraza, Deputy Director, Community Relations Unit for the Anchorage Police Department.

    The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Ainsley McNerney prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Koreatown-Based Medicare Advantage Provider Seoul Medical Group and Related Parties to Pay More Than $62 Million to Settle False Claims Lawsuit

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Seoul Medical Group Inc. and its subsidiary Advanced Medical Management Inc., headquartered in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $58.74 million and their former president and majority owner, Dr. Min Young Cha, has agreed to pay $1.76 million for allegedly violating the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false diagnosis codes for two spinal conditions to increase payments from the Medicare Advantage program.

    Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates Inc., a Northridge-based radiology group that worked with Seoul Medical, has also agreed to pay $2.35 million for allegedly conspiring with Seoul Medical Group in connection with the false diagnoses for the two spinal conditions.

    “My office is committed to ensuring that healthcare providers are held accountable for unlawful misrepresentations to Medicare and other healthcare programs,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “As this settlement makes clear, we will diligently pursue those who defraud government programs.”

    “Medicare Advantage is a vital program for our seniors and the government expects healthcare providers who participate in the program to provide truthful and accurate information,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s result sends a clear message to the Medicare Advantage community that the United States will zealously pursue appropriate action against those who knowingly submit false claims for taxpayer funds.”

    Under Medicare Advantage, also known as the Medicare Part C program, Medicare beneficiaries have the option of enrolling in managed care insurance plans called Medicare Advantage Plans (MA Plans) and the MA Plans contract with healthcare providers, such as Seoul Medical Group, to provide the Medicare-covered benefits. MA Plans are paid a per-person amount to provide the care to their enrollees and, in turn, the MA Plans pay the providers.

    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees the Medicare program, adjusts the payments to MA Plans based on demographic information and the health diagnoses of each plan beneficiary. The adjustments are commonly referred to as “risk scores.” In general, a beneficiary with diagnoses that are more expensive to treat will have a higher risk score, and CMS will make a larger risk-adjusted payment to the MA Plan for that beneficiary.

    Seoul Medical Group is a healthcare provider that started in 1993 in Los Angeles and has since expanded into at least six states and has employed at times 150 primary care providers and 1,000 specialists. Dr. Min Young Cha started Seoul Medical Group and until 2023 was president and majority owner. 

    The United States alleged that, from 2015 to 2021, Seoul Medical Group and Dr. Cha submitted diagnoses for two severe spinal conditions, spinal enthesopathy and sacroiliitis, for patients who did not suffer from either of these conditions. When Seoul Medical Group was questioned by an MA Plan about its use of spinal enthesopathy, Seoul Medical Group enlisted the assistance of Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates to create radiology reports that appeared to support the spinal enthesopathy diagnosis. Both diagnoses resulted in an increase in payment from CMS to the MA Plan, and the MA Plan then passed along a portion of the increased payment to Seoul Medical Group. 

    “Providers who game the Medicare program to increase profit undermine the foundation of care and diminish patient trust in the nation’s public health care system,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and rigorously probe false claims to the fullest extent possible.”

    The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Paul Pew, the former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Advanced Medical Management. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Pew v. Seoul Medical Group, Inc., et al., No. 2:20-cv-05156 (C.D. Cal.). The relator’s share of the settlement has not yet been determined.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    Assistant United Sates Attorney Karen Y. Paik of the Civil Division’s Civil Fraud Section and Trial Attorneys J. Jennifer Koh and Robbin O. Lee of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section investigated this matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southern California Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Involvement in a Fentanyl Overdose Death

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOISE – Brian Arthur Goodale, 56, of Lake Elsinore, California, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin D. Whatcott announced today. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford, also ordered that Goodale pay restitution to the family of the victim to cover funeral expenses and to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

    According to court records, on March 16, 2023, law enforcement conducted a welfare check on the victim who had not responded to calls or knocks on the door.  They found the deceased victim with a small drug tube clutched in his hand and a small piece of tin foil next to him.  A toxicology report and autopsy showed that the victim had a lethal dose of fentanyl in his system at the time of death.  The investigation revealed Facebook messages between the victim and Goodale.  Goodale sent a message that said, “shoot the $100 and I’ll send it now . . . 3pk . . . but I’m gonna need the $200 on Wed. if your still alive!!”  The investigation revealed that the victim purchased fentanyl from Goodale, who shipped the fentanyl through the Post Office in Chula Vista, California to Boise, Idaho.  Goodale has an extensive criminal history that includes 29 prior convictions in the state of California, 20 of which are controlled substance offenses.  At the time he sold the fentanyl to the victim in Idaho, Goodale was on felony probation for offering a controlled substance for sale, fentanyl, in Riverside County, California.

    Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50–100 times stronger than morphine.  Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for severe pain management and prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges.  While prescription fentanyl can be diverted for misuse, most cases of fentanyl-related overdoses in the U.S. are linked to Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations, who are the world’s leading producers of illicit fentanyl. These Drug Trafficking Organizations often collaborate with transnational cartels to smuggle illicit fentanyl into the U.S.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the Boise Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service for their investigation in this case, which led to the charge.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian S. Nafzger prosecuted the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight members of Hampton Roads armed robbery conspiracy sentenced to prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Five more co-conspirators have been sentenced to prison for their parts in a broader conspiracy to rob mail carriers at gunpoint, break into collection boxes to steal mail, and commit bank fraud.

    According to court documents, from at least April through July of 2023, Ricky Damion Christopher Jones, Jr., aka David William Smith or “Top!,” 21, led at least seven others in a conspiracy to rob U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carriers at gunpoint for their arrow keys, which the co-conspirators then either sold or used to break into collection boxes. Arrow keys are master keys used by USPS mail carriers to access blue collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, and apartment mailbox panels and are highly valued by criminals who use them to steal mail in lucrative criminal schemes, such as bank and check fraud and identity theft. The co-conspirators included: Dashawn Evans-McCloud, aka Shawn or RI$E, 21, of Virginia Beach; Samir As-Sad Hurd, aka Prodigy, 24, of Chesapeake; Chanz Lamarion Pough, aka NSO Up, 21, of Frederick, Maryland; Manray A.C. Perry, 23, of Virginia Beach; O’Sirus Charles Landres Ford, aka Siris or John Jack, 22, of Chesapeake; Jayden Stukes, 21, of Chesapeake; and Datwan Watson, 24, of Chesapeake.

    On May 8, Ford orchestrated the robbery of a USPS carrier in Norfolk wherein the minor robbed the USPS mail carrier at gunpoint, taking both his arrow key and his USPS identification card. Ford and the minor ran back to their vehicle, where Perry was waiting and served as the getaway driver. Perry and the minor agreed to commit another robbery in Hampton the following day, but each backed out. Ford then recruited Stukes and, with Watson’s assistance, robbed another carrier of his arrow key at gunpoint in Hampton on May 9. During the robbery, he threatened to shoot the victim. The other co-conspirators played their own roles, with Jones paying Ford $1000 for both robberies and the keys, Evans-McCloud arranging the rental of the getaway vehicle, and Hurd providing the firearm.

    Despite Ford’s June 6, 2023, arrest, the remaining co-conspirators went forward with additional robberies. On July 20, 2023, Evans-McCloud served as the gunman and Hurd as the getaway driver for one attempted robbery in James City County, then two more completed robberies in James City County and Hampton. First, Evans-McCloud, masked and brandishing a firearm, ran toward a mail carrier, but the victim carrier was able to escape in her USPS mail truck. Less than an hour later, Evans-McCloud approached another mail carrier delivering mail on West Steeplechase Way, pointed a gun at the back of his head, and demanded his arrow key. After the carrier surrendered the key, Evans-McCloud retreated to the vehicle driven by Hurd. An hour later, Evans McCloud robbed a carrier by pointing a gun to her head and demanding her arrow key. When she surrendered the key, Evans-McCloud again fled the scene with Hurd. Pough rented the getaway vehicle, which was tracked to an apartment in Virginia Beach rented by Jones. During a search of that apartment, the rented vehicle, and Jones’ vehicle, law enforcement found both stolen arrow keys, masks consistent with the one worn by Evans-McCloud, and several firearms, ammunition, and magazines. They also found numerous tools of check washing, card cracking, and related bank fraud, including high-end printers, blank check stock, deposit slips, hundreds of checks, credit cards in other people’s names, assorted identity documents, and boarding passes.

    Subsequent investigation revealed that Jones, Evans-McCloud, Pough, Hurd, and Ford were also participating in related bank and wire fraud schemes involving “card cracking” and “check washing.” These schemes included, among other methods, depositing a counterfeit check, whether altered or entirely fabricated, into a third-party account, then withdrawing as much of that money as possible before the fraudulent check was detected and the account was frozen or the transaction was reversed.

    On Sept. 4, 2024, Jones pled guilty to use of a firearm during a crime of violence and conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Jones was sentenced today to 19 years in prison.

    On Sept. 16, 2024, Hurd pled guilty to robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. On Jan. 28, Hurd was sentenced to 14 years and three months in prison.

    On Sept. 16, 2024, Evans-McCloud pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. On Mar. 19, Evans-McCloud was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

    On Sept. 19, 2024, Perry pled guilty to robbery. On Mar. 4, Perry was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.

    On Sept. 23, 2024, Pough pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Pough was sentenced on Feb. 13 to two years and six months in prison.

    Stukes and Watson were each sentenced to 4 years in prison on Apr. 17 and 18, 2024, and Ford was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Jun. 12, 2024.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young. The James City County Police Department and Hampton Police Department assisted in the investigation of this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Podlesni prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 4:24-cr-18 and 4:23-cr-51.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bay Area-Based Flooring Company and Its Owners to Pay $8.1 Million to Settle False Claims Allegations Related to Customs Duties Evasions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Evolutions Flooring Inc., a South San Francisco, California based importer of multilayered wood flooring, and its owners, Mengya Lin and Jin Qian, have agreed to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly and improperly evading customs duties on imports of multilayered wood flooring from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The settlement is based on Evolutions’ and its owners’ ability to pay.

    To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed.

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties, including antidumping and countervailing duties assessed by the Department of Commerce and Section 301 duties imposed by the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on U.S. markets at prices below cost, while countervailing duties offset foreign government subsidies.

    Section 301 duties similarly protect U.S. industry by imposing trade sanctions on foreign countries that violate U.S. trade agreements or engage in other unreasonable acts that burden U.S. commerce. During the relevant time period, PRC-manufactured multilayered wood flooring products were subject to antidumping, countervailing, and Section 301 duties.

    The settlement resolves allegations that Evolutions, at the direction of Lin and Qian, knowingly and improperly evaded customs duties, including antidumping, countervailing, and Section 301 duties, on multilayered wood flooring manufactured in the PRC that Evolutions imported between Sept. 1, 2019 and July 31, 2022. Among other things, the United States alleged that Evolutions caused false information to be submitted to CBP regarding the identity of the manufacturers and country of origin of the imported multilayered wood flooring.

    “The outcome of this case demonstrates that our office and its CBP partners will continue to safeguard the nation’s economic well-being,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “Fraud in international commerce deprives the United States of vital revenue and creates an unfair advantage over businesses that operate legitimately. The settlement sends a message that we will not stand aside when companies try to cheat the system.”

    “Import duties provide an important source of government revenue and level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers against their global competitors,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will pursue those who seek an unfair advantage in U.S. markets, including by evading the duties owed on goods imported into this country from China.”

    “The team at CBP was instrumental in providing expertise and logistical support to this investigation,” said Director of Field Operations Cheryl M. Davies of the CBP Los Angeles Field Office. “Through its efforts, which included a site visit to factories in Thailand, review of identified shipments by CBP experts on multilayered wood flooring, an analysis of import records and data by Office of Trade Regulatory Audit, and involvement in interviews with witnesses, CBP contributed to a successful outcome in this matter.”

    The settlement with Evolutions and its owners resolves a lawsuit filed by Urban Global LLC under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the Central District of California and is captioned United States of America ex rel. Urban Global LLC v. Struxtur Inc. et al., No. CV20-7217 (C.D. Cal.). As part of today’s resolution, relator Urban Global LLC will receive approximately $1,215,000 of the settlement proceeds.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from CBP’s Office of Chief Counsel, West Region and Trade Regulatory Audit and the Center of Excellence and Expertise for Industrial and Manufacturing Materials within CBP’s Office of Trade.

    Assistant United States Attorney Sheng-Wen D. Jui of the Civil Division’s Civil Fraud Section and Senior Trial Counsel Christelle Klovers of the Justice Department’s Civil Division handled this case.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: QUADIENT SA: Appointment and renewals to Quadient’s Board of directors to be proposed to the Annual General Meeting on June 13, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Appointment and renewals to Quadient’s Board of directors to be proposed to the Annual General Meeting on June 13, 2025

    • Delphine Segura Vaylet to be proposed to the Annual General Meeting on June 13, 2025 for appointment as non-executive and independent director
    • Didier Lamouche and Nathalie Wright to be proposed for renewal to the Annual General Meeting on June 13, 2025
    • Martha Bejar and Paula Felstead will not stand for re-election, and resignation of Vincent Mercier with effect at the close of the Board meeting which will be held on 2 June 2025
    • Downsizing of the Board of directors from 10 to 8 members (excluding employee directors)​ as from the next Annual General Meeting, on June 13, 2025

    Paris, 26 March 2025

    Upon recommendation of the Appointments and Remuneration Committee, Quadient’s Board of directors (the “Board”) has approved the list of Directors for appointment and renewal to be put forward at the Company’s Annual General Meeting  that will be held on June 13, 2025.

    At the next Annual General Meeting, shareholders will be asked to approve the appointment of Delphine Segura Vaylet as a new independent Director for a three-year term, until the Annual General Meeting approving the financial statements for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2028.

    Shareholders will also be asked to approve the renewal for additional three-year terms of:

    • Didier Lamouche, with the Board’s intention, if renewed, to subsequently reappoint him as Chairman of the Board, and
    • Nathalie Wright, with the Board’s intention, if renewed, to subsequently appoint her as Chair of the Appointments and Remuneration Committee, replacing Martha Bejar.

    Additionally, it is noted that Martha Bejar and Paula Felstead will not stand for re-election, and that Vincent Mercier will step down from the Board with effect at the close of the meeting to be held on 2 June 2025.

    The Board wishes to express its sincere gratitude for their dedication and significant contributions to the Company — Paula for her thoughtful oversight as a member of the Audit Committee, Martha for her leadership and governance as Chair of the Appointment and Remuneration Committee, and Vincent for his 16 years of committed service across various strategic and leadership roles. Their expertise, integrity, and steadfast support have been instrumental in guiding the Company through key phases of growth and transformation.

    Following these changes, subject to shareholders approval of the resolutions, the Board, which consists of 10 members (excluding employee directors) until June 2, 2025, will be reduced to 8 members (excluding employee directors) after the June 13, 2025 Annual General Meeting. The Board’s composition will continue to align with best governance practices, keeping a highly independent representation, with 75% independent directors, and complying with French legal parity rules, with a balanced structure of 5 men and 3 women, while ensuring a well-balanced mix of experience.

    Delphine Segura Vaylet is 54 years old and a French citizen. She holds a Master’s degree (DEA) in Social Law, European  Law from the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne. Delphine Segura Vaylet began her career at Groupe Bayard Press from 1993 to 1994 before joining Thales in 1994, where she held various operational Human Resources (HR) leadership roles until 2006. In 2007, she joined STMicroelectronics as HR Director for the Digital Consumer division. In parallel, she led Talent and Organizational Development as well as Training at the Group level for four years. In 2014, she became Group HR Director of Zodiac Aerospace, serving as a member of the Executive Committee until the company’s acquisition by Safran. She then joined Total in 2017 as Vice-President Strategy and HR Policy. Since January 2021, Delphine Segura Vaylet held the position of  Senior Executive Vice President Human Resources at Groupe SEB. She also holds non-executive roles at Soitec and Artelia.

    Didier Lamouche has been the Chairman of the Board of Quadient S.A. since June 28, 2019. He holds a PhD in Semiconductor Technology from École Centrale de Lyon. Didier Lamouche has had a distinguished career, including serving as President and CEO of Idemia until 2018, the world leader in cyber security and digital identity technologies, which he had headed since 2013. From 2005 to 2013, he also held key leadership roles at ST-Microelectronics, ST-Ericsson, and Bull Group, where he successfully turned the company around and repositioned on growth segments. Earlier in his career, Didier Lamouche worked at Philips, IBM Microelectronics, Motorola Semiconductor, and Altis Semiconductor. Didier Lamouche has extensive experience in corporate governance, in both public and private environments, having served as a director of eight public and four private-equity backed companies for nearly 20 years.

    Nathalie Wright has been a member of the Board of Quadient S.A. since September 25, 2017. Nathalie Wright is a graduate in economics from Paris Assas University, IAE, and INSEAD. She began her career at Digital Equipment France and NewBridge Networks France, later holding roles at MCI, Easynet, and AT&T, where she oversaw commercial strategy for Southern Europe and the Middle East. In 2009, she joined Microsoft, serving as director of the Public Sector division and General Manager for Enterprise & Strategic Alliances. She became Vice President of Software France at IBM in 2017, then joined Rexel in 2018 as Chief Digital Officer and member of the executive committee until September 2023, overseeing digital transformation and ESG strategy. Since 2024, Nathalie Wright has focused on non-executive roles at Quadient, Keolis, and Amundi, supporting organizations with transformation challenges.

    ***

    CALENDAR

    • 26 March 2025: FY2024 results release (after close of trading on the Euronext Paris regulated market)
    • 3 June 2025: Q1 2025 sales release (after close of trading on the Euronext Paris regulated market)
    • 13 June 2025: Annual General Meeting

    ***

    About Quadient®

    Quadient is a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing.

    For more information about Quadient, visit https://invest.quadient.com/en-US.

    Contacts

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Quadient SA: FY 2024 results: Solid 1st year delivery of “Elevate to 2030” strategic plan, with Digital Solution achieving €267m in revenue and 61% EBITDA growth to €47m

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Quadient FY 2024 results:
     Solid 1st year delivery of “Elevate to 2030” strategic plan, with Digital Solution achieving €267m in revenue and 61% EBITDA growth to €47m

    Key highlights

    • FY 2024 financial targets achieved
    • Two operating profitability milestones reached:
    • Digital EBITDA margin at 17.5%, up 5.7pts yoy, reflecting strong profitability improvement
    • All three solutions are EBITDA positive
    • Consolidated sales of €1,093 million, up +2.8% on a reported basis, including the contribution of the latest acquisitions
    • FY 2024 subscription-related revenue up +10.2% in Digital and up +11.5% in Lockers
    • FY 2024 subscription-related revenue of €777m, representing 71% of total revenue, up +€30m yoy,
      vs. +      €90m 2026 target
    • FY 2024 Group current EBIT of €146 million, up +2.2% organically
    • Proposed dividend of €0.70 per share, up by €0.05 for the fourth consecutive year
    • FY 2025 outlook: acceleration both in organic revenue growth and in current EBIT organic growth vs. 2024

    Paris, 26 March 2025

    Quadient S.A. (Euronext Paris: QDT), an Intelligent automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, today announces its 2024 fourth-quarter consolidated sales and full-year results (period ended on 31 January 2025). The full year 2024 results were approved by the Board of Directors during a meeting held on 25 March 2025.

    Geoffrey Godet, Chief Executive Officer of Quadient S.A., stated: “We have delivered a solid first year of our Elevate to 2030 strategic plan.

    Our Digital Automation platform has reached the record level of c.€270 million in revenue thanks to both the addition of 2,600+ new customers and the contribution from the increased usage and upsell from our existing 16,500 customer base. This strong revenue increase has been delivered together with a significant improvement in profitability with EBITDA rising by 61% to reach €47 million. We are now in a good position to exceed the 20% EBITDA margin ambition set for 2026.

    2024 also saw the highest level of Digital cross-sold deals into our Mail customer base while at the same time our Mail business continues to outpace competition. In Lockers, investments made over the past couple of years are paying off, contributing to a strong performance in H2 with double digit growth in revenue thanks to increased usage of the locker base across all regions. In addition, Lockers have reached EBITDA breakeven over the full year and profitability will further improve as we continue to increase the size of our network, grow its usage and take advantage of the recent addition of Package Concierge in the US residential sector.

    At Company level, this solid performance translates into a €30 million increase in annual recurring revenue, well on track to deliver the €90 million increase targeted by 2026. Based on this solid start to the strategic plan, we are confident in our ability to continue building a €1bn recurring revenue platform by 2030, generating €250 million current EBIT. Therefore, we are proposing to increase our dividend for the fourth consecutive year in a row, to €0.70.

    While macro uncertainties have recently been growing, we are expecting an acceleration of organic growth in revenue and current EBIT in 2025 against 2024 levels.”

    Comments on FY 2024 performance

    Group sales came in at €1,093 million in FY 2024, a +2.8% increase on a reported basis, and +0.4% organic growth compared to FY 2023, in line with Quadient’s expectations. The reported growth includes a positive currency impact of €2 million and a positive scope effect of €24 million, which is related to the acquisitions of Daylight (September 2023), Frama (February 2024) and Package Concierge (December 2024).

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, reported revenue growth stood at +4.1% and organic revenue growth was broadly flat, at -0.2%, compared to Q4 2023.

    Subscription-related revenue reached €777 million in FY 2024, growing +1.6% organically, and representing 71% of total sales. This represents a €30 million increase year-on-year (compared to the +€90 million target by 2026), progressing toward the €1 billion subscription-related revenue target by 2030. Performance in the fourth quarter of 2024 was steady, up 2.1% organically against Q4 2023, driven by a double-digit organic increase in Digital and in Lockers. Non-recurring revenue declined by 2.4% organically in FY 2024, including a 5.1% decline in Q4 2024, essentially due to a high comparison basis in Mail hardware sales.

    By geography, North America (58% of revenue) continued to outperform other regions with a +2.8% organic growth achieved in FY 2024.

    Consolidated sales and EBITDA by Solution

    FY 2024 consolidated sales

    In € million FY 2024 FY 2023 Change Organic change
    Digital 267 245 +9.1% +7.7%
    Mail 732 729 +0.4% (2.5)%
    Lockers 94 88 +5.7% +4.3%
    Group total 1,093 1,062 +2.8% +0.4%

     

    EBITDA and EBITDA margin

      FY 2024 FY 2023
    In € million EBITDA EBITDA margin EBITDA EBITDA margin
    Digital 47 17.5% 29 11.8%
    Mail 200 27.4% 218 29.9%
    Lockers 1 0.6% (3) (3.0)%
    Group total 247 22.6% 244 23.0%
     

    Digital

    In FY 2024, revenue from Digital reached €267 million, up 7.7% organically (+10.1% in Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023) and up 9.1% on a reported basis (including the contribution from Daylight) compared to FY 2023.

    This solid performance was driven by a strong 10.2% organic growth in subscription-related revenue in FY 2024 (+10.5% in Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023), including a good contribution from North America and continued positive commercial trends across the platform with further solid cross-selling and up-selling. In FY 2024, subscription-related revenue was representing 82% of Digital total sales, a further increase compared to 80% in FY 2023.

    At the end of FY 2024, annual recurring revenue (ARR), which is a forward-looking indicator of future subscription-related revenue, reached €232 million, up from €206 million at the end of FY 2023, representing a 12.7% organic growth.

    EBITDA for Digital was €47 million in FY 2024, up +61% year-on-year. EBITDA margin was at 17.5%, a strong improvement of 5.7 points compared to FY 2023. In H2 2024, EBITDA margin further improved, reaching 19.1%, after 15.7% in H1 2024. This positive evolution in profitability reflects the combination of subscription-related revenue growth and platform maturity. The Digital solution is well on track to reach its target of EBITDA margin greater than 20% in 2026.

    As part of its customer acquisition strategy, Digital continues to demonstrate strong commercial momentum. Over
    2,600 new customers were added     in FY 2024 thanks in particular to robust cross-selling with Mail, especially in North America. Digital experienced a dynamic fourth quarter, with several key deals secured in the US. Additionally, a new partnership was established with Avaloq to deliver Customer Communications Management capabilities to the financial services industry.

    As part of the customer expansion process, the focus continues to be on further increasing up-selling, notably in financial automation process. Several platform innovations have been made, to bring added value to customers, including the ramp-up and extension of Repay for direct supplier invoice payments in the US and Canada, and new electronic invoice formats (UBL, CII, Factur-X) to align with upcoming European e-invoicing regulation.

    In Quadient’s core geographies, the addressable demand for its Digital automation platform is set to grow from
    c.€6 billion in 2023 to c.€9 billion in 2027, representing a +10% CAGR, creating substantial growth opportunities in both communication and financial automation.

    To capture this growth, Quadient is strongly positioned, leveraging on:

    • a sound base of highly predictable business, with over 16,500 customers, 82% subscription-based revenue,
      and a churn rate well below 5%,
    • a highly recognized platform in financial & communication automation, and 84.5% of Saas customers,
      across three regions,
    • a fully scalable and modulable platform, for small to large customers, driving new client acquisition (+2,600 in FY 2024) and record cross-sell of Digital solutions into Quadient Mail customers and increased upsell opportunities among existing customers,
    • an efficient go-to-market organisation that driving a 34% year-on-year increase in bookings in Q4 2024 and +12.7% growth of ARR at the end of the year.

    Mail

    Mail revenue reached €732 million in FY 2024, down 2.5% on an organic basis (-4.6% in Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023). The reported growth stood at +0.4%, including the contribution of Frama.

    Hardware sales recorded a minor -1.7% organic decline in FY 2024, despite a 7.3% drop registered in Q4 2024, mainly reflecting a high comparison basis related to deals signed in H2 2023.

    Subscription-related revenue (68% of Mail sales) recorded a 2.9% organic decline in FY 2024.

    EBITDA for Mail was €200 million for FY 2024. EBITDA margin reached 27.4%, down 2.5 points compared to FY 2023. Mail EBITDA margin was impacted by the dilutive effect of Frama acquisition, including integration costs. Frama’s performance is due to improve significantly from 2025 onward, with positive current EBIT already reached in FY 2024 and payback of the acquisition expected in FY 2025.

    Thanks to its strong focus on customer acquisition, Quadient’s Mail business continues to outperform the market. In Q4 2024, commercial performance remained resilient in North America, particularly in highly regulated industries where secure mail communications are key.

    As part of the customer expansion focus, outlook remains strong driven by a high customer satisfaction rate of 95.7% and robust cross-selling performance, especially in the US where a record-breaking performance in placement of Digital solutions was recorded in Q4 2024. Mail business also benefited from the positive impact of the ongoing US mailing systems decertification, though this impact is expected to conclude in Q1 2025. Lastly, Quadient aims at upgrading Frama’s installed base and initiating some cross-selling to promote its Digital offer to Frama’s customers.

    At the end of January 2025, already 42.4% of Quadient installed base has been upgraded with its newest technology.

    Lockers

    Lockers revenue reached €94 million in FY 2024, a +4.3% increase on an organic basis, with strong momentum in the latter part of the year (+8.0% in Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023, after a strong Q3 2024, up +14.3% year-on-year) and a +5.7% increase on a reported basis compared to FY 2023, including a marginal contribution from Package Concierge.

    Subscription-related revenue was up 11.5% organically in FY 2024 (+19.6% in Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023), benefiting from:

    • the continued strong volumes ramp up in the British and the French open networks;
    • the sustained strong momentum in the US, driven by higher monetization of usage fees;
    • a resilient performance in Japan, despite an unfavorable e-commerce environment.

    Overall, subscription-related revenue stood at 64% of total revenue in FY 2024, up from 61% in FY 2023.

    Non-recurring revenue (license & hardware sales and professional services) were down 6.8% organically in FY 2024. Hardware sales were still impacted by slower new installations in North America.

    Quadient’s global locker installed base reached c.25,700 units at the end of FY 2024, including c. 3,000 units from Package Concierge, vs. c.20,200 units at the end of FY 2023. This is reflecting an acceleration in the pace of installation of new lockers, notably in the UK, fueled by the partnerships signed by Quadient to host parcel lockers in new suitable locations.

    EBITDA for Lockers was above breakeven, at €1 million in FY 2024. EBITDA margin stood at 0.6%, up by 3.6 points compared to FY 2023. This significant profitability improvement, illustrated by a 6.7% EBITDA margin in H2 2024, was driven by growing recurring revenue and increased usage. Additionally, the revised commercial agreement with Yamato for the Japanese installed base was implemented at the beginning of H2 2023.

    As part of the customer acquisition focus, Quadient is accelerating the pace of installation for new lockers in its open networks in Europe, mostly in France and the UK, with installed base up 145% year-on-year. This is supported by the additional deals signed for premium locations (including Morrisons Daily Stores and ScotRail…). Additionally, the trend for new installations in North America has turned positive in Q4, where market share leadership position in Residences and Universities remains robust.

    As part of the customer expansion strategy, volumes from both pick-up and drop-off in European open networks saw a significant increase, growing sevenfold between Q4 2023 and Q4 2024. The momentum in North America for the locker network, particularly across the multifamily sector and higher education campuses was strong in Q4 2024. In Japan, macroeconomic conditions have impacted parcel volumes, but new initiatives, such as the new partnership with Japan Post, are aimed at driving volume growth and increasing adoption.

    REVIEW OF 2024 FULL-YEAR RESULTS

    Simplified P&L

    In € million FY 2024 FY 2023 Change
    Sales 1,093 1,062 +2.8%
    Gross profit 818 788 +3.7%
    Gross margin 74.8% 74.2%  
    EBITDA 247 244 +1.2%
    EBITDA margin 22.6% 23.0%  
    Current EBIT 146 147 (0.5)%
    Current EBIT margin 13.4% 13.8%  
    Optimization expenses and other operating income & expenses (23) (15) +58.0%
    EBIT 123 132 (7.0)%
    Financial income/(expense) (39) (31) +24.8%
    Income before tax 84 101 (16.8)%
    Share of results of associated companies 1 (0) n/a
    Income taxes (17) (17) +2.8%
    Net income of continued operations 68 84 (19.4)%
    Net income from discontinued operations (0) (14) (98.7)%
    Net attributable income 66 69 (3.4)%
    Earnings per share 1.94 2.02  
    Diluted earnings per share 1.94 2.01  
     

    Gross margin stood at 74.8% in FY 2024 slightly up compared to FY 2023, due to lower cost of sales.

    EBITDA(1) for the Group reached €247 million in FY 2024, up €3 million compared to FY 2023. EBITDA grew by 3.0% organically, driven by strong growth of 80% in Digital and improved profitability in Lockers, which more than compensated for the softer EBITDA performance in Mail. The EBITDA margin reached 22.6% in FY 2024. It was almost stable compared to FY 2023: despite the impact of the change in revenue mix and the dilutive effect of Frama acquisition, the Group EBITDA margin was supported by significant profitability gains in Digital and Lockers.

    Depreciation and amortization stood at €101 million in FY 2024, compared to €98 million in FY 2023. This slightly higher depreciation mainly reflects the increase in Lockers’ asset base.

    Current operating income (current EBIT) reached €146 million in FY 2024 compared to €147 million in FY 2023, up 2.2% on an organic basis. Current EBIT margin stood at 13.4% of sales in FY 2024 compared to 13.8% in FY 2023.

    Optimization costs and other operating expenses stood at €23 million in FY 2024, versus €15 million in FY 2023. This increase mainly relates to the write-off of an IT project, additional office optimization and Frama restructuring costs.

    Consequently, EBIT reached €123 million in FY 2024, versus €132 million recorded in FY 2023.

    Net attributable income

    Net cost of debt was up from €29 million in FY 2023 to €39 million in FY 2024, impacted by higher interest rates. The currency gains & losses and other financial items was broadly flat in FY 2024, compared to a loss of €2 in FY 2023. Overall, net financial result was a loss of €39 million in FY 2024 compared to a loss of €31 million in FY 2023.

    Income tax expense was stable year-on-year at €17 million.

    Net income from discontinued operations of the Mail Italian subsidiary was null in FY 2024, compared to a €14 million loss in FY 2023. This loss included exceptional charges related to the sale process for this subsidiary, which was sold to a local mail distribution company in October 2024.

    Net attributable income after minority interests amounted to €66 million in FY 2024 compared to €69 million in FY 2023.

    Earnings per share(2) stood at €1.94 in FY 2024 compared to €2.02 in FY 2023. The fully diluted earnings per share(2) was €1.94 in FY 2024 compared to €2.01 in FY 2023.

    Cash flow generation

    The change in working capital was a net cash inflow of €9 million in FY 2024 compared to a net cash outflow of €6 million in FY 2023, mostly reflecting the positive impact from timing on prepaid expenses and customers deposits.

    The leasing portfolio and other financing services stood at €623 million as of 31 January 2025, compared to €598 million as of 31 January 2024, up on an organic basis (i.e. excluding currency impact of €18 million) for the first time in several years thanks to good hardware placements in Mail. While generating future subscription-related revenue, this increase in lease receivables resulting from the good performance in the placement of new equipment translates into a cash outflow of
    €7 million in FY 2024. At the end of FY 2024, the default rate of the leasing portfolio stood at around 1.1% compared to c.1.3% at the end of FY 2023.

    Interest and taxes paid increased to €67 million in FY 2024 versus the amount of €55 million paid in FY 2023. The difference was mostly explained by higher interest rates in FY 2024.

    Capital expenditure reached €108 million in FY 2024, up €7 million compared to FY 2023, mostly due to UK locker open network deployment. Capex for Digital reached €24 million in FY 2024, slightly up compared to €22 million in FY 2023 and was mainly focused on R&D and platform development. Capex for Mail remained at fairly high level of €51 million
    (vs. €53 million in FY 2023), due to continued high placement of machines related to the US decertification, which is expected to end in Q1 2025. Capex for Lockers increased from €26 million to €33 million to support the ramp-up of the deployment of the open network in the UK. The sale of Frama real estate in Switzerland generated €6 million in cash inflows in FY 2024.

    All in all, cash flow after capital expenditure (free cash flow) reached €66 million in FY 2024, compared to €64 million in FY 2023.

    Leverage and liquidity position

    Net debt stood at €741 million as of 31 January 2025, a slight increase against €709 million as of 31 January 2024. In FY 2024, Quadient successfully raised approximately €325 million in new facilities, including the following transactions in H2 2024:

    • in October 2024, the Company secured EBRD financing, including a €25 million Schuldschein;
    • in December 2024, the Company secured a USD 50 million bank loan;
    • in January 2025, Quadient further strengthened its financial position with the issuance of a USD 100 million USPP.

    These new facilities enabled Quadient to repay post-closing its €260 million bond due in February 2025 and settle the repayment of Schuldschein loans for €29 million, also due in early 2025. As a result of these transactions, the Company’s average debt maturity has been extended to four years as of the end of February 2025, compared to three years at the end of FY 2023.

    The leverage ratio (net debt/EBITDA) remained broadly stable at 3.0x(3) as of 31 January 2025 compared to 2.9x(3) as of 31 January 2024. Excluding leasing, Quadient leverage ratio remained stable at 1.7x(3) as of 31 January 2025, despite the acquisitions of Frama and Package Concierge in 2024, as well as the implementation of a share buyback programs.

    As of 31 January 2025, the Group had a strong liquidity position of €667 million, split between €367 million in cash and a €300 million undrawn credit line, maturing in 2029.

    Shareholders’ equity stood at €1,113 million as of 31 January 2025 compared to €1,069 million as of 31 January 2024. The gearing ratio(4) stood at 66.6% as of 31 January 2025.

    SHAREHOLDER’ RETURN

    Proposed dividend for FY 2024 stands at €0.70 per share, representing an 8% increase against FY 2023, and a payout ratio of 36.1% of net income, higher than Quadient’s minimum 20% pay-out ratio of net income as per the Group’s dividend policy. This represents a €0.05 year-on-year increase, for the fourth consecutive year. The dividend is subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting, scheduled for 13 June 2025, and will be paid in cash in one instalment on 6 August 2025.

    In addition, Quadient’s announced in September 2024 the launch of a share buyback program for a total consideration of up to €30 million. To date, €10 million worth of shares have been repurchased, with the program set to be executed over an
    18-month(5) period. This operation demonstrates Quadient’s confidence in the value creation potential of its “Elevate to 2030” strategic plan, its ability to reach its FY 2026 leverage ratio target(6) and is in line with the capital allocation policy of the Company, while improving shareholders’ return.

    OUTLOOK

    The evolving dynamics within Quadient’s business portfolio, characterized by strong growth in Digital and Lockers revenue alongside a moderate decline in Mail revenue, will naturally drive a year-on-year acceleration in the Company’s total revenue growth.

    As Digital and Lockers continue to expand their share of Quadient’s revenue and profit, while simultaneously improving their profitability, this shift is expected to contribute to a higher growth in current EBIT

    As a result, Quadient targets an acceleration in organic revenue growth and in current EBIT organic growth in 2025 compared to 2024.

    Quadient also confirms its 3-year guidance for the 2024-2026 period of minimum 1.5% organic revenue CAGR and minimum 3% organic current EBIT CAGR.

    Q4 2024 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

    Avaloq and Quadient Partner to Elevate Client Communications for Financial Services
    On 3 December 2024, Quadient and Avaloq announced today their partnership to offer unrivaled customer communications management (CCM) capabilities for the financial services industry. Avaloq has selected Quadient Inspire as its standard CCM solution, seamlessly integrating it into the Avaloq platform.

    Quadient Launches SimplyMail in Europe to Help Small Businesses Leverage Digital Solutions to Enhance Efficiency in Mail Operations
    On 11 December 2024, Quadient announced the launch in Europe of SimplyMail, a solution designed to address the growing needs for smaller businesses to automate and optimize their mail operations with ease.

    Quadient Named a Worldwide Automated Document Generation and CCM Leader by IDC
    On 12 December 2024, Quadient announced it has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Automated Document Generation and Customer Communication Management 2024 Vendor Assessment.

    Quadient Recognized in Two IDC MarketScape Reports for Accounts Receivable Automation Applications
    On 16 December 2024, announced it has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for Small and Midmarket 2024 Vendor Assessment. Additionally, Quadient has been recognized for the first time as a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for the Enterprise 2024 Vendor Assessment.

    Quadient Surpasses 25,000 Global Locker Installations with US Package Concierge Acquisition, Setting Sights on Exceeding €100M of Locker Revenue in 2025
    On 18 December 2024, Quadient announced the acquisition of US-based parcel management solutions provider Package Concierge®, exceeding the 25,000-unit mark in its global installed base. Package Concierge provides innovative digital locker technology that addresses the growing challenges of package management in residential, commercial, retail and university campuses across the United States.

    Quadient strengthens its financial position with a USD50 million bank loan from Bank of America
    On 20 December 2024, announced a USD50 million bank loan from Bank of America. This new credit facility, which comes with a 3-year maturity at a variable rate, strengthens Quadient’s financial position ahead of debt maturities due in 2025.

    Report by Leading Analyst Firm Shows Quadient Recorded the Fastest Growth in 2023 Among CCM Market Leaders
    On 10 January 2025, Quadient announced that a newly released report by market research and consulting firm IDC shows Quadient rapidly closing the gap on the top position. Quadient’s 13.7% year-on-year revenue growth in 2023 has accelerated from its 11% growth in 2022. This is also the fastest growth among the major Customer Communications Management (CCM) vendors globally, outperforming the overall market growth.

    Quadient Secures New c.$1.6 Million Contract to Enhance US Government Agency’s Mail Automation Capacity
    On 14 January 2025, Quadient announced that it has been selected by a US government agency to modernize its mail automation infrastructure in a contract valued at c.$1.6 million. This follows a previous announcement in October 2024, where Quadient was awarded a contract worth nearly $1 million for a similar modernization project with another federal agency.

    Leading Human Resources Technology Company Selects Quadient for Accessibility Compliance in Customer Communications
    On 16 January 2025, Quadient announced that a leading US provider of integrated benefits, payroll, and human resources cloud solutions has selected customer communications management (CCM) platform Quadient Inspire to ensure accessibility compliance for its US federal agency client.

    Quadient Partners with ScotRail to Introduce Parcel Lockers at Stations Across Scotland
    On 21 January 2025, Quadient announced a partnership with ScotRail to deploy Parcel Pending by Quadient automated lockers across Scotland’s rail network. ScotRail, Scotland’s national rail operator, is enhancing its passenger experience and operational efficiency with the installation of parcel lockers in its stations.

    Quadient strengthens its financial position through a USD100 million US Private Placement from MetLife
    On 22 January 2025, Quadient announced that it has signed a new USD100 million US Private Placement (USPP) with MetLife Investment Management (“MIM”), reinforcing its financial position. This new USPP of USD 100 million senior notes has a
    7-year average maturity and comes with an additional shelf facility allowing the issue of senior notes for a maximum aggregate principal amount of USD50 million.

    Quadient Teams Up with Buzz Bingo to Bring Convenient Parcel Lockers to Bingo Clubs Across the UK
    On 28 January 2025, Quadient announced a partnership with Buzz Bingo to deploy Parcel Pending by Quadient automated lockers in 35 of its 81 bingo clubs across the UK, with plans for further installations in the future. This collaboration enhances parcel collection, delivery, and return convenience while improving the customer experience at Buzz Bingo locations.

    Leading US Law Firm Chooses Quadient in a Deal Over $1M to Streamline Mailing, Shipping, and Accounting Processes
    On 30 January 2025, Quadient announced a new contract with one of the largest injury law firms in the US, transitioning the firm from its long-standing provider to Quadient. Under the new agreement, worth over 1 million dollars, the firm is rolling out nearly 100 Quadient iX-Series mailing systems at offices across the country, all seamlessly integrated with Quadient’s cloud-based S.M.A.R.T. accounting and shipping software.

    Quadient Reports Strong Year-End Locker Usage Growth in Multifamily and Higher Education Campuses in North America
    On 31 January 2025, Quadient announced strong year-end momentum in the adoption and usage of its Parcel Pending by Quadient locker network across multifamily and higher education campuses in North America.

    POST-CLOSING EVENTS

    Morrisons Partners with Quadient for Convenient Parcel Delivery at its Morrisons Daily Stores
    On 18 February 2025, Quadient announced a new partnership with Morrisons. The partnership will see Parcel Pending by Quadient parcel lockers installed at 230 Morrisons Daily stores by spring 2025.

    Quadient Enables New Shipping Service with Japan Post on its Open Locker Network, Driving Convenience and Increased Parcel Volume
    On 3 March 2025, Quadient announced an expanded partnership between Japan Post and Packcity Japan, a joint venture between Quadient and Yamato Transport. Thanks to the extended partnership, consumers will not only receive Japan Post deliveries at Packcity Japan’s nationwide open network of automated parcel lockers, but they will also now be able to ship parcels from the lockers, called PUDO stations. Consumers using Japan Post’s Yu-Pack parcel service use a mobile app to ship from a PUDO station, eliminating the need to wait at delivery counters or manually handling shipping slips.

    Quadient Maintains Leader Position on Aspire Leaderboard for Customer Communications and Interaction Experience Software
    On 13 March 2025, Quadient announced it has maintained its leadership position on the Aspire Leaderboard. Produced by independent advisory firm Aspire CCS, the Aspire Leaderboard highlights and compares vendors in the customer communications management (CCM) and customer experience management software space. It is updated in real-time as vendors release enhancements and adjust strategies.

    To know more about Quadient’s news flow, previous press releases are available on our website at the following address: https://invest.quadient.com/en/newsroom.

    CONFERENCE CALL & WEBCAST

    Quadient will host a conference call and webcast today at 6:00 pm Paris time (5:00 pm London time).

    To join the webcast, click on the following link: Webcast.

    To join the conference call, please use one of the following phone numbers:

    ▪ France: +33 (0) 1 70 37 71 66.
    ▪ United States: +1 786 697 3501.
    ▪ United Kingdom (standard international): +44 (0) 33 0551 0200.

    Password: Quadient

    A replay of the webcast will also be available on Quadient’s Investor Relations website for 12 months.


     

    Calendar

    • 3 June 2025: Q1 2025 sales release (after close of trading on the Euronext Paris regulated market)
    • 13 June 2025: Annual General Meeting

    About Quadient®

    Quadient is a global automation platform provider powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing.

    For more information about Quadient, visit https://invest.quadient.com/en/.

    Contacts

    APPENDIX

    Digital: New name for Intelligent Communication Automation

    Mail: New name for Mail-Related Solutions

    Lockers: New name for Parcel Locker Solutions

    FY 2024 and Q4 2024 consolidated sales

    FY 2024 consolidated sales by geography

    In € million 2024 2023 Change Organic
    change
    North America 632 607 +4.0% +2.8%
    Main European countries(a) 369 354 +4.5% (2.0)%
    International(b) 92 101 (9.7)% (5.4)%
    Group total 1,093 1,062 +2.8% +0.4%
    1. Including Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy (excluding Mail), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
    2. International includes the activities of Digital, Mail and Lockers outside of North America and the Main European countries

    Q4 2024 consolidated sales by Solution

    In € million Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Change Organic change
    Digital 73 65 +11.5% +10.1%
    Mail 196 196 (0.3)% (4.6)%
    Lockers 27 22 +20.2% +8.0%
    Group total 295 284 +4.1% (0.2)%
     

    Q4 2024 consolidated sales by geography

    In € million Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Change Organic
    change
    North America 171 160 +7.0% +2.5%
    Main European countries(a) 100 97 +3.3% (2.9)%
    International(b) 24 27 (10.7)% (6.9)%
    Group total 295 284 +4.1% (0.2)%
    1. Including Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy (excluding Mail), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
    2. International includes the activities of Digital, Mail and Lockers outside of North America and the Main European countries

    Financial statements – Full-year 2024

    Consolidated income statement

    In € million FY 2024
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2025)    		 FY 2023
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2024)
    Sales 1,093 1,062
    Cost of sales (275) (274)
    Gross margin 818 788
    R&D expenses (63) (63)
    Sales and marketing expenses (287) (275)
    Administrative and general expenses (187) (176)
    Service and support expenses (116) (109)
    Employee profit-sharing, share-based payments and other expenses (10) (7)
    M&A and strategic projects expenses (8) (11)
    Current operating income 146 147
    Optimization expenses and other operating income & expenses (23) (15)
    Operating income 123 132
    Financial income/(expense) (39) (31)
    Income before taxes 84 101
    Income taxes (17) (17)
    Share of results of associated companies 1 (0)
    Net income from continued operations 68 84
    Net income of discontinued operations (0) (14)
    Net income 67 70
    Of which:

    • Minority interests
    		 1 1
    • Net attributable income
    		 66 69

    Simplified consolidated balance sheet

    Assets
    In € million    		 FY 2024
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2025)    		 FY 2023
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2024)
    Goodwill 1,131 1,082
    Intangible fixed assets 119 121
    Tangible fixed assets 170 156
    Other non-current financial assets 65 65
    Other non-current receivables 2 2
    Leasing receivables 623 598
    Deferred tax assets 38 17
    Inventories 75 67
    Receivables 240 228
    Other current assets 79 84
    Cash and cash equivalents 367 118
    Current financial instruments 1 2
    Assets held for sale 0 9
    TOTAL ASSETS 2,910 2,550
    Liabilities
    In € million    		 FY 2024
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2025)    		 FY 2023
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2024)
    Shareholders’ equity 1,113 1,069
    Non-current provisions 12 12
    Non-current financial debt 722 715
    Current financial debt 347 66
    Lease obligations 38 46
    Other non-current liabilities 3 2
    Deferred tax liabilities 101 104
    Financial instruments 5 5
    Trade payables 104 79
    Deferred income 223 212
    Other current liabilities 242 225
    Liabilities held for sale 0 15
    TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,910 2,550

    Simplified cash flow statement

     

    In €millions

    		 FY 2024
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2025)    		 FY 2023
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2024)
    EBITDA 247 244
    Other elements (15) (19)
    Cash flow before net cost of debt and income tax 233 225
    Change in the working capital requirement 9 (6)
    Net change in leasing receivables (7) (0)
    Cash flow from operating activities 235 219
    Interest and tax paid (67) (55)
    Net cash flow from operating activities 168 165
    Capital expenditure (108) (101)
    Disposal of assets 6 0
    Net cash flow after investing activities 66 64
    Impact of changes in scope (37) (5)
    Net cash flow after acquisitions and divestments 29 59
    Dividends paid (22) (21)
    Change in debt and others 219 (39)
    Net cash flow after financing activities 226 (1)
    Cumulative translation adjustments on cash (6) (2)
    Net cash from discontinued operations (1) (9)
    Change in net cash position 219 (11)

    ([1]) EBITDA = current operating income + provisions for depreciation of tangible and intangible fixed assets.
    ([2]) For the FY 2024, the average compounded number of shares is 34,114,060. Diluted number of shares is 34,486,288.
    ([3]) Including IFRS 16
    ([4]) Net debt / shareholder’s equity
    ([5]) Subject to the renewal of the share buyback authorizations at the 2025 AGM
    ([6]) FY 2026 leverage ratio excluding leasing target of 1.5x

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs HB 495 into Law

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MARCH 26, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, during a bill signing ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill (HB) 495 into law. Governor Kehoe was joined by the sponsors of the bill, Representative Brad Christ, and Senators Nick Schroer and Travis Fitzwater.

    Also in attendance for the signing was Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James, Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Michael Turner, and leaders from statewide law enforcement associations, including the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, Missouri State Troopers Association, Missouri Police Chiefs Association, the Missouri Sheriffs Association, and the Ethical Society of Police.

    “We thank the Missouri General Assembly and the bill sponsors for prioritizing public safety and getting this legislation to my desk so quickly this session,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “In addition to establishing a citizen board to oversee the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, HB 495 benefits law enforcement across our state with tools they need to crack down on crime and illegal immigration.”

    Developed in close collaboration with law enforcement partners and representatives across all levels of law enforcement in the state, Governor Kehoe’s Safer Missouri initiative includes HB 495, budget priorities, and the executive orders signed on day one of the Kehoe Administration.

    Governor Kehoe will hold a ceremonial bill signing of HB 495 tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at the Saint Louis Police Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 68 (3710 Hampton Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63109.)

    For more information on HB 495, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals, Partner Agencies Launch Manhunt for 2 Murder Suspects Wanted in Moses Lake, Wash., Drive-By Shooting

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Spokane, WA – The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF), are working closely with the Moses Lake Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington State Department of Corrections, U.S. Border Patrol, and the FBI to locate and apprehend two fugitives suspected in a drive-by shooting March 21 in Moses Lake that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy and left four others—three juveniles and one adult — critically injured.

    A reward of up to $10,000 ($5,000 per fugitive) is available for information leading directly to their arrests. The suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.

    The Moses Lake Police Department identified three suspects and recovered an abandoned vehicle linked to the crime. On March 22, the U.S. Marshals Service PNVOTF was requested to adopt the fugitive investigation.

    On March 24, at the request of the U.S. Marshals, the Richland Police Department arrested a juvenile suspect was arrested at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland. The suspect, who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the leg, is charged with first-degree murder.

    Arrest warrants for the two remaining fugitives were issued March 25, charging both with murder in the first degree, five counts of assault in the first degree, drive-by shooting, and felon in possession of a firearm.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office or local law enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or at USMS Tips.

    The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The task force’s primary mission is to locate, arrest and return to the justice system the most violent and egregious federal and state fugitives.

    MIL Security OSI –