NewzIntel.com

Category: Law Enforcement

  • MIL-OSI USA: Massachusetts Member of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula Sentenced to 44 Years in Prison for Terrorism Offenses

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Minh Quang Pham, also known as “Amim”, 41, of Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 44 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for attempted suicide bombing in alliance with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

    “The defendant was sentenced for an attempt to commit an act of terrorism and plotting a suicide bombing on behalf of AQAP,” said Devin DeBacker, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department will not rest in seeking justice for acts of terrorism and will continue to thwart any attempt to jeopardize global security.”

    “Pham coordinated with known terrorist Anwar al-Aulaqi on a plot to conduct a suicide bombing at Heathrow International Airport which could have killed or injured many people, but fortunately that plan was stopped,” said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “Pham also tried to recruit others to commit acts of terrorism. The FBI will work with our partners to hold accountable those who align themselves with terrorist organizations and attempt to carry out acts of violence.”

    “Minh Quang Pham’s actions were not just an affront to the safety of this country, but to the principles of peace and security that we hold dear,” said U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon for the Southern District of New York. “Today’s sentencing underscores our collective resolve to stop terrorism before it occurs, and place would-be terrorists in prison.”

    According to court documents, in December 2010, Pham informed others that he planned to travel to Ireland while residing in London. From Ireland, he traveled to Yemen, the principal base of operations for AQAP. Pham traveled to Yemen in order to join AQAP, wage jihad on behalf of AQAP, and martyr himself for AQAP’s cause. After arriving in Yemen, he swore an oath of loyalty to AQAP in the presence of an AQAP commander.

    While in Yemen in 2010 and 2011, Pham provided assistance to and received training from Anwar al-Aulaqi, a U.S.-born senior leader of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi advised Pham to return to the U.K. for the purpose of finding and making contact with individuals who, like Pham, wanted to travel to Yemen to join AQAP. Al-Aulaqi also provided Pham with money, as well as a telephone number and e-mail address that Pham was to use to contact al-Aulaqi upon his return to the U.K. In addition, Pham exchanged his laptop computer with al-Aulaqi, who provided him with a new “clean” laptop to take with him when he returned to the U.K. so that the authorities would not find anything if they searched his computer.

    In or about June 2011, prior to his departure from Yemen, Pham approached al-Aulaqi about conducting a suicide attack whereby he would “sacrifice” himself on behalf of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi personally taught Pham how to create a lethal explosive device using household chemicals and directed Pham to detonate such an explosive device at the arrivals area of Heathrow International Airport following Pham’s return to the U.K. in 2011. Al-Aulaqi instructed Pham to carry an explosive in a concealed backpack and target the area where flights arrived from the U.S. or Israel. During this time, Pham made videos depicting his preparation to carry out that attack. In one video, Pham is shown wiring an electrical device for the use of making an explosive device. In another video, he sketches an explosive device to be contained in a backpack, and in a third, Pham wears a backpack with wiring for explosives on it, which he turns on in the video.

    During this time, around June or July 2011 — shortly before Pham returned from Yemen to the U.K. — Pham recorded a video in which he attempted to recruit and encourage individuals in the West to engage in violent jihad abroad or in their home countries. In this video, he also expresses a desire to martyr himself. At the outset of this video, consisting of an approximately 13-minute-long monologue, Pham states that, “America itself is not fighting a war with a group or an organization, they are fighting with the army of Allah, the believers.” He continues, in part, “We have that opportunity, that ability to be in their midst, in their land . . . and I advise the brothers inshallah to, whatever you can, to gather and prepare and strike the enemy in their own land . . . The saying, a thousand cuts, you hit them with as much as you can until inshallah the enemy will bleed to death.” During his time in Yemen, Pham also assisted with the preparation and dissemination of AQAP’s propaganda magazine, Inspire. Pham, who has college degrees in both graphic design and animation, worked directly with now-deceased U.S. citizen, Samir Khan, who was a prominent member of AQAP responsible for editing and publishing Inspire.  

    Pham also received a six-page document entitled “Your Instructions” from al-Aulaqi in Yemen, which provided detailed instructions on how Pham was to commit his suicide attack at Heathrow. The document from al-Aulaqi instructed Pham, “[d]o not do anything for the first three months” and “[y]ou should target Christmas/ New Year season[.]” The instructions from al-Aulaqi provided explicit direction about the importance of using shrapnel to kill as many people as possible, including that “[t]he proper use of shrapnel is as important as the main charge itself. The detonation wave from a main charge of AP by itself is most likely not going to cause the death of anyone except those who are in its immediate vicinity. It is the shrapnel that would do the job. You may imagine this IED as a shotgun that is firing in all directions.” The document therefore instructed Pham to take “special care” with the “proper arrangement and choice of shrapnel,” and to “poison” it to inflict maximum death.

    On July 27, 2011, Pham returned to the U.K. Upon his arrival at Heathrow, U.K. authorities detained Pham, searched him, and recovered various materials from him, including a live round of 7.62mm caliber armor-piercing ammunition, which is consistent with ammunition that is used in a Kalashnikov assault rifle, a type of weapon for which Pham received training from AQAP in Yemen. U.K. authorities released Pham and cautioned him for his possession of the live round of ammunition, before, in December 2011, arresting him pursuant to their authorities under U.K. immigration law. In searches of Pham’s residence, other locations, and vehicles, U.K. authorities recovered several pieces of electronic media. Among other things, a forensic analysis of Pham’s electronic media showed that he was accessing speeches and writings of al-Aulaqi as late as December 2011 — months after Pham’s return to the U.K.

    On May 24, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Pham with terrorism offenses and U.S. authorities sought Pham’s extradition from the U.K. He was provisionally arrested with a view towards extradition on June 29, 2012, and he was extradited to the United States on Feb. 26, 2015. On Jan. 8, 2016, Pham pleaded guilty to terrorism offenses related to certain of the same underlying conduct. On May 27, 2016, Pham was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan principally to a term of 40 years in prison. On Sept. 12, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed Pham’s conviction and sentence. Thereafter, Pham made a motion that, based on intervening Supreme Court decisions, resulted in the vacatur of one of the counts of his conviction. Ultimately, the government, with Pham’s consent, moved to vacate Pham’s earlier convictions. On April 8, 2021, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment, reinstating certain charges and filing other new charges against Pham, and which formed the basis for Pham’s May 11, 2023, guilty plea and conviction.

    The FBI Washington and New York Field Offices investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Metropolitan Police Service/SO 15 Counter Terrorism Command at New Scotland Yard, Crown Prosecution Service, and the Home Office provided assistance in the investigation, extradition, and prosecution of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob H. Gutwillig for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearm, drugs seized during vehicle intercept at Claremont

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Firearm, drugs seized during vehicle intercept at Claremont

    Wednesday, 5 February 2025 – 9:50 am.

    A man has been charged after police seized a loaded firearm and a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine (ice) from a vehicle at Claremont yesterday.
    The driver of the vehicle – a 29 year old Claremont man – was arrested and charged with driving while disqualified, trafficking in a controlled substance, and multiple firearm offences.
    During a subsequent search of an address at Claremont, officers from Southern Drugs & Firearms Unit, the Dog Handler Unit, and Glenorchy Criminal Investigation Branch seized additional ammunition and a trafficable quantity of MDMA.
    The driver was detained to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court today.
    Detective Acting Inspector Richard Penney said “One loaded firearm on the streets illegally, is one too many”.
    “Tasmania Police remains committed to ensuring those who deal in illicit drugs and firearms are brought to justice.”
    Anyone with information about illegal drug and firearm activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au  

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Capital District Drug Trafficking Organization Admits to Dealing Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Todd Austin, age 64, of Gloversville, New York, pled guilty today to conspiracy and drug distribution charges in connection with his distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of pure methamphetamine.

    United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), made the announcement.

    Austin admitted that between March and July 2023, he obtained methamphetamine from his Albany-based methamphetamine supplier that he then sold to others from his Gloversville residence.

    Austin was one of nine defendants to be charged in this investigation. The following defendants have pled guilty and have been sentenced or are pending sentencing:

    • Andrew Deleon was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release;
    • Stefanie Plass was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release;
    • Ahmad Burke is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9, 2025;
    • Keisha Duboise is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2025;
    • Flor Arencibia is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5, 2025; and
    • Melissa Karwan is scheduled to be sentenced on February 24, 2025.

    Austin faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. He will be sentenced on June 6, 2025, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    Charges against the two remaining defendants, Felix Arencibia and Christian Mur-Santana, are pending.  The charges in the indictment against Arencibia and Mur-Santana are merely accusations. They are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  

    These cases are being investigated by the DEA and USPIS. Assistant United States Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the cases.

    These cases are 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: Massachusetts Member of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula Sentenced to 44 Years in Prison for Terrorism Offenses

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Minh Quang Pham, also known as “Amim”, 41, of Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 44 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for attempted suicide bombing in alliance with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

    “The defendant was sentenced for an attempt to commit an act of terrorism and plotting a suicide bombing on behalf of AQAP,” said Devin DeBacker, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department will not rest in seeking justice for acts of terrorism and will continue to thwart any attempt to jeopardize global security.”

    “Pham coordinated with known terrorist Anwar al-Aulaqi on a plot to conduct a suicide bombing at Heathrow International Airport which could have killed or injured many people, but fortunately that plan was stopped,” said Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “Pham also tried to recruit others to commit acts of terrorism. The FBI will work with our partners to hold accountable those who align themselves with terrorist organizations and attempt to carry out acts of violence.”

    “Minh Quang Pham’s actions were not just an affront to the safety of this country, but to the principles of peace and security that we hold dear,” said U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon for the Southern District of New York. “Today’s sentencing underscores our collective resolve to stop terrorism before it occurs, and place would-be terrorists in prison.”

    According to court documents, in December 2010, Pham informed others that he planned to travel to Ireland while residing in London. From Ireland, he traveled to Yemen, the principal base of operations for AQAP. Pham traveled to Yemen in order to join AQAP, wage jihad on behalf of AQAP, and martyr himself for AQAP’s cause. After arriving in Yemen, he swore an oath of loyalty to AQAP in the presence of an AQAP commander.

    While in Yemen in 2010 and 2011, Pham provided assistance to and received training from Anwar al-Aulaqi, a U.S.-born senior leader of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi advised Pham to return to the U.K. for the purpose of finding and making contact with individuals who, like Pham, wanted to travel to Yemen to join AQAP. Al-Aulaqi also provided Pham with money, as well as a telephone number and e-mail address that Pham was to use to contact al-Aulaqi upon his return to the U.K. In addition, Pham exchanged his laptop computer with al-Aulaqi, who provided him with a new “clean” laptop to take with him when he returned to the U.K. so that the authorities would not find anything if they searched his computer.

    In or about June 2011, prior to his departure from Yemen, Pham approached al-Aulaqi about conducting a suicide attack whereby he would “sacrifice” himself on behalf of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi personally taught Pham how to create a lethal explosive device using household chemicals and directed Pham to detonate such an explosive device at the arrivals area of Heathrow International Airport following Pham’s return to the U.K. in 2011. Al-Aulaqi instructed Pham to carry an explosive in a concealed backpack and target the area where flights arrived from the U.S. or Israel. During this time, Pham made videos depicting his preparation to carry out that attack. In one video, Pham is shown wiring an electrical device for the use of making an explosive device. In another video, he sketches an explosive device to be contained in a backpack, and in a third, Pham wears a backpack with wiring for explosives on it, which he turns on in the video.

    During this time, around June or July 2011 — shortly before Pham returned from Yemen to the U.K. — Pham recorded a video in which he attempted to recruit and encourage individuals in the West to engage in violent jihad abroad or in their home countries. In this video, he also expresses a desire to martyr himself. At the outset of this video, consisting of an approximately 13-minute-long monologue, Pham states that, “America itself is not fighting a war with a group or an organization, they are fighting with the army of Allah, the believers.” He continues, in part, “We have that opportunity, that ability to be in their midst, in their land . . . and I advise the brothers inshallah to, whatever you can, to gather and prepare and strike the enemy in their own land . . . The saying, a thousand cuts, you hit them with as much as you can until inshallah the enemy will bleed to death.” During his time in Yemen, Pham also assisted with the preparation and dissemination of AQAP’s propaganda magazine, Inspire. Pham, who has college degrees in both graphic design and animation, worked directly with now-deceased U.S. citizen, Samir Khan, who was a prominent member of AQAP responsible for editing and publishing Inspire.  

    Pham also received a six-page document entitled “Your Instructions” from al-Aulaqi in Yemen, which provided detailed instructions on how Pham was to commit his suicide attack at Heathrow. The document from al-Aulaqi instructed Pham, “[d]o not do anything for the first three months” and “[y]ou should target Christmas/ New Year season[.]” The instructions from al-Aulaqi provided explicit direction about the importance of using shrapnel to kill as many people as possible, including that “[t]he proper use of shrapnel is as important as the main charge itself. The detonation wave from a main charge of AP by itself is most likely not going to cause the death of anyone except those who are in its immediate vicinity. It is the shrapnel that would do the job. You may imagine this IED as a shotgun that is firing in all directions.” The document therefore instructed Pham to take “special care” with the “proper arrangement and choice of shrapnel,” and to “poison” it to inflict maximum death.

    On July 27, 2011, Pham returned to the U.K. Upon his arrival at Heathrow, U.K. authorities detained Pham, searched him, and recovered various materials from him, including a live round of 7.62mm caliber armor-piercing ammunition, which is consistent with ammunition that is used in a Kalashnikov assault rifle, a type of weapon for which Pham received training from AQAP in Yemen. U.K. authorities released Pham and cautioned him for his possession of the live round of ammunition, before, in December 2011, arresting him pursuant to their authorities under U.K. immigration law. In searches of Pham’s residence, other locations, and vehicles, U.K. authorities recovered several pieces of electronic media. Among other things, a forensic analysis of Pham’s electronic media showed that he was accessing speeches and writings of al-Aulaqi as late as December 2011 — months after Pham’s return to the U.K.

    On May 24, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Pham with terrorism offenses and U.S. authorities sought Pham’s extradition from the U.K. He was provisionally arrested with a view towards extradition on June 29, 2012, and he was extradited to the United States on Feb. 26, 2015. On Jan. 8, 2016, Pham pleaded guilty to terrorism offenses related to certain of the same underlying conduct. On May 27, 2016, Pham was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan principally to a term of 40 years in prison. On Sept. 12, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed Pham’s conviction and sentence. Thereafter, Pham made a motion that, based on intervening Supreme Court decisions, resulted in the vacatur of one of the counts of his conviction. Ultimately, the government, with Pham’s consent, moved to vacate Pham’s earlier convictions. On April 8, 2021, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment, reinstating certain charges and filing other new charges against Pham, and which formed the basis for Pham’s May 11, 2023, guilty plea and conviction.

    The FBI Washington and New York Field Offices investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Metropolitan Police Service/SO 15 Counter Terrorism Command at New Scotland Yard, Crown Prosecution Service, and the Home Office provided assistance in the investigation, extradition, and prosecution of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob H. Gutwillig for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Administration “Fork Directive” Unlawful as Written, Unions Urge Court to Find

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Offer, FAQs Are Misleading, Coercive

    Lawsuit Seeks to Stay February 6 Deadline, Require Agency to Articulate a Lawful Policy

    Massachusetts – In a legal challenge filed today, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), AFGE Local 3707, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, (AFSCME), and the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) represented by Democracy Forward, are seeking a to halt the Trump-Vance administration’s “Fork Directive” Feb. 6 deadline and require the government to articulate a policy that is lawful, rather than an arbitrary, unlawful, short-fused ultimatum which workers may not be able to enforce. The complaint was filed in Federal District Court in Massachusetts.

    The “Fork Directive” is the latest attempt by the Trump-Vance administration to implement Project 2025’s dangerous plans to remove career public service workers and replace them with partisan loyalists. The “Fork Directive” amounts to a clear ultimatum to a sweeping number of federal employees: resign now or face the possibility of job loss without compensation in the near future. Even so, as employees face threats from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that failure to resign may result in being fired without compensation, workers are being offered a package that violates the law. For example, it is wholly unclear how the government can promise to pay workers for a deferred resignation when the funds to do so have not been appropriated.

    The complaint further describes FAQs made available promoting the “Fork Directive” that are misleading. For example, despite assertions that workers would be free to accept other jobs after resigning, longstanding federal ethics regulations place numerous restrictions on the outside employment opportunities that a current federal worker can accept.

    “AFGE is bringing this suit with our partners today to protect the integrity of the government and prevent union members from being tricked into resigning from the federal service,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “Federal employees shouldn’t be misled by slick talk from unelected billionaires and their lackeys. Despite claims made to the contrary, this deferred resignation scheme is unfunded, unlawful, and comes with no guarantees. We won’t stand by and let our members become the victims of this con.”

    “We are filing this lawsuit to stop the purge of qualified professionals from the federal government workforce. Not only are these actions illegal and a scam, but they are eroding the health and well-being of our communities. These workers do everything from making sure families receive their Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits on time to protecting our drinking water and the food we eat to overseeing our national security. If this chaos goes unchecked, it will have devastating impacts on working people,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders.

    “The ‘Fork Directive’ is a blatant attempt to undermine the merit-based foundation of our civil service,” said NAGE National President David J. Holway. “NAGE will not allow our members to be intimidated into making hasty decisions based on misleading information. The administration must be held accountable for this unlawful directive, and we are committed to protecting the rights and jobs of our members. NAGE stands firmly against any effort to replace qualified professionals with partisan loyalists at the expense of the American people.”

    “The vast majority—more than 90%— of Americans believe that government employees should be hired and promoted based on merit, not political loyalty. Yet, President Trump and his unelected associates are threatening that value and our hardworking, dedicated, and independent civil servants—individuals who swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution and the American people,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “Civil service members deserve more than one-sided ultimatums and misleading schemes. Our team is proud to represent these unions that have been at the forefront of Trump’s attacks on our civil service, and we will continue to urge the court to act swiftly to examine unlawful ultimatums and protect our federal employees.”

    The complaint alleges the “Fork Directive” violates the federal Administrative Procedure Act as arbitrary and capricious and for exceeding statutory authority under the Antideficiency Act. A copy of the complaint is available here.

    ###

    AFGE is the largest federal employee union, representing more than 800,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
    NAGE represents over 125,000 public and private sector workers across the country, including 75,000 federal employees. Individuals who work tirelessly to support our communities, from keeping the lights on and water clean, highways safe, and state & federal Governments running, to providing essential EMS care and community protection services, NAGE members set the standard of service. For more information, please visit nage.org 
    Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Drug Trafficking Organization that Distributed Controlled Substances Shaped to Resemble Candy Pleads Guilty

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Investigation resulted in what is believed to be one of the largest single-location seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and the region – an estimated 8 million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder

    BOSTON – A Lynn man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking organization (DTO) on the North Shore of Massachusetts. In November 2023, millions of doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder with street value estimated to be over $7 million, were seized from a stash location and clandestine laboratory used by organization.

    Deiby Felix, 41, of Lynn, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to manufacture and distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and other controlled substances; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2025. Felix was arrested and charged along with Emilio Garcia and Sebastien Bejin in November 2023.

    In July 2023, an investigation into an overdose death in Salem led investigators to a DTO led by Felix, Bejin and, allegedly, Garcia. On Nov. 1, 2023, searches were conducted at four locations in Lynn that were identified as locations frequented by Bejin and, allegedly, Garcia. The searches resulted in what is believed to be, one of the largest single-location seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Massachusetts and the region. The seizure included nine kilograms (20 pounds) of pink heart shaped fentanyl-laced pills pressed to look like candy. Additional narcotics and five firearms were also seized. During the course of the investigation over 75 kilograms (198 pounds) of fentanyl and methamphetamine was seized, along with multiple additional kilograms of cocaine and dozens of kilograms of cutting agents, including xylazine, that is used to adulterate controlled substances.

    In total, an estimated eight million individual doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills and powder was seized. The street value is believed to be upwards of $8 million.

    A search of Felix’s residence resulted in the seizure of more than three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of pressed pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl and a firearm. A subsequent search of the residence also revealed a clandestine drug laboratory that had been built into a small room in the basement. Multiple industrial pill presses, mixing equipment and other manufacturing paraphernalia and equipment were also recovered.

    Bejin pleaded guilty on Jan. 15, 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1, 2025. Garcia is scheduled to plead guilty on Feb. 7, 2025.

    The charge of possession with intent to manufacture and distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and other controlled substances provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to life of supervised release, a fine of up to $10,000,000 and forfeiture. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, to be served consecutively to the underlying drug trafficking crime, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Lynn, Lynnfield and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hartford Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Gun Trafficking Ring

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALGELLY DIAZ, 42, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a firearm trafficking conspiracy.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, members of the FBI Waterbury Safe Streets Task Force conducted three controlled purchases of a total of nine firearms from Diaz’s associate in Waterbury.  A joint investigation revealed that Diaz’s associate was acquiring numerous firearms, most of which were purchased by straw purchasers from licensed gun dealers in Kansas and then shipped through the U.S. Mail to a stash location that Diaz maintained in Hartford.  Diaz’s associate then obtained the firearms, which included assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, from Diaz and sold them to others throughout Connecticut.  Diaz is a previously convicted felon who cannot not lawfully purchase or possess firearms.

    The investigation further revealed that, between August 2020 and May 2023, one of Diaz’s co-conspirators purchased at least 73 firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Deerfield, Kansas.  

    Diaz and multiple co-conspirators were arrested on May 19, 2023.  On that date, investigators executed search warrants at locations in Connecticut, Kansas, and California.  A search of Diaz’s residence revealed approximately 90 rounds of ammunition.  In addition, a court-authorized search of a package that was shipped to Diaz and seized from the mail stream revealed an additional three firearms.

    This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Waterbury Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Chino (Calif.) Police Department.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterville Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Firearms Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BANGOR, Maine:  A Waterville man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for conspiring to steal firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and for stealing those firearms.

    U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Damiean Marcial-Alexander, 22, to three years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $17,253.37 in restitution. Marcial-Alexander pleaded guilty on May 30, 2024.

    According to court records, in April 2022, Marcial-Alexander and Ryan Ansart broke into a Waterville firearms dealer and stole multiple firearms, including a Glock, Model 17 Gen5 9mm pistol and a Smith & Wesson .38 special revolver. According to an ATF Theft/Loss Report submitted by the store owner, 15 firearms in all were reported stolen, six revolvers and nine semi-automatic pistols. Evidence collected included Instagram and text messages planning the theft, including a map to the location from Marcial-Alexander’s apartment, as well as photos of the two men holding some of the stolen firearms.  

    Ryan Ansart (22, West Springfield, Mass.) pleaded guilty on August 22, 2024, to his role in the conspiracy and theft and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 11. 

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Waterville Police Department.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kissimmee Man Sentenced To 25 Years For Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Stephen Michael Lippincott (70, Kissimmee) to 25 years in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material. Lippincott was also ordered to serve a 15-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender.   

    According to court records, on January 18, 2024, Lippincott was embarking on a four-day cruise to the Bahamas when his cellular phone was searched by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Jax Port Cruise Terminal. The search was precipitated by a tip CBP received about a possible warrant for indecent exposure Lippincott had out of New Jersey. The search led to the discovery that Lippincott was communicating with multiple female children ranging from ages 8 to 14 on a variety of social media platforms. Lippincott also had sent at least six female children money to watch him engage in sexual acts which he then recorded on his cell phone.   

    “Violating the innocence of a child is a detestable act and a betrayal of the trust that fortifies the safety of our communities,” said Tim Hemker, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville assistant Special Agent in Charge. “Alongside our partners at the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Jacksonville, HSI will not rest until every predator who seeks to sexually exploit children is brought to justice.”  

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office, and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. This case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indian Nationals Convicted of Money Laundering Conspiracy That Took Life Savings from Victims in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TOLEDO, Ohio – After a six-day trial, a federal jury convicted two men of participating in a vast money laundering conspiracy that robbed victims from across four states of their life savings. Pranay Kumar Mamidi, 27, and Kishan Vinayak Patel, 26, both nationals of the Republic of India, were found guilty of participating in a money laundering conspiracy, concealing the source of the money, and using the illegally gained money to further promote a criminal enterprise. 

    According to court documents, from about May to November 2023, Mamidi and Patel, along with other co-conspirators, engaged in a multi-layered scheme to launder proceeds derived from a fraud known as a phantom hacker scam. In this type of scam, a scammer, acting as a customer service representative for a store or bank, contacts a target victim and falsely informs them that their bank account has been hacked or compromised. Next, the victim is directed to a fake federal law enforcement agent for supposed assistance. The fake federal agent then proceeds to obtain the victim’s savings by deception, typically threatening imminent seizure or arrest.

    In one common example, elderly victims are contacted by someone pretending to be an Amazon, Inc. employee, who informs the victim of suspicious activity on their accounts. Next, the victim is contacted by another person who claims to be from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and informs the victim that their identity was stolen. The victim is then contacted by another individual who claims to be a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent. The fake DEA special agent claims that the account in question is being investigated for facilitating fraud and has resulted in supposed arrest warrants for the victim. Fearing legal actions, the victim follows the scammer’s instructions to pull their savings from their bank account and convert funds into cash or gold bars. The victim is further instructed to give another supposed law enforcement official cash and/or gold bars at a designated drop-off point such as a gas station or fast food restaurant. After the drop, the victim is then sent a receipt which appears to be from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and completes the illusion of a legitimate transaction.

    According to court documents, the defendants in this case served as money launderers for other co-conspirators throughout the world who participated in phantom hacker schemes based out of India. The U.S. based money laundering infrastructure allowed funds illegally taken from victims to be distributed throughout the world. Investigators estimate that the total amount of money laundered is in the tens of millions of dollars.

    Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Mamidi and Patel each face a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count of conviction.

    Six other defendants also named in the second superseding indictment filed in August 2024 were also charged. The following have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing: Dileep Kumar Sakineni, age 26; Balaji Rakesh Mulpuri, age 26; Avi Jitendrakumar Patel, age 22; Sai Hruthik Thodeti, age 25; and Srinivas Ravi Valluru, age 31, all nationals of the Republic of India; and Hiren Jagdishbhai Patel, age 33, of Columbus, Ohio.

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI-Cleveland Field Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Melching and Dexter Phillips for the Northern District of Ohio.

    The investigation and prosecution of this case is in response to the Elder Justice Initiative Program originating from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA). The mission of the EAPPA and Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department of Justice’s enforcement efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target the nation’s elderly population.

    If you suspect fraudulent conduct involving an older adult, please contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov to report it.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hartford Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Handgun Fitted with Glock Switch

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENDALL CAMBY, also known as “KB,” 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a felon.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 22, 2023, Hartford Police received information that Camby was in possession of a firearm while distributing drugs in the area of 1631 Main Street.  After officers observed Camby engaging in suspected hand-to-hand drug transactions and then entering the passenger seat of a car, they stopped the car and found him in possession of a .45 caliber Glock 30 handgun with a magazine loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition, and fitted with a Glock switch auto sear device, which converted the gun to an automatic weapon.  Camby also possessed approximately 650 wax paper sleeves containing fentanyl and approximately 50 bags of crack cocaine.

    Camby’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony firearm, drug, robbery, and burglary offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

    On July 10, 2024, Camby pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

    This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.

    This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member Of Al Qaeda In The Arabian Peninsula Sentenced To 44 Years In Prison For Terrorism Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Minh Quang Pham Traveled to Yemen and Received Military Training from AQAP to Commit a Suicide Attack at Heathrow International Airport

    Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Devin DeBacker, the Head of the National Security Division of the United States Department of Justice, announced today that MINH QUANG PHAM, a/k/a “Amin,” 41, was sentenced to 44 years in prison for terrorism charges based on Pham’s support of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (“AQAP”), a designated foreign terrorist organization, including attempting to commit a suicide bombing at Heathrow International Airport (“Heathrow Airport”).  On May 11, 2023, PHAM pled guilty to providing and attempting to provide material support to AQAP and participating in a conspiracy to do the same; conspiring to receive military-type training from AQAP; and providing and attempting to provide material support for acts of terrorism.  Today’s sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.

    U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said:  “Minh Quang Pham’s actions were not just an affront to the safety of this country, but to the principles of peace and security that we hold dear. Today’s sentencing underscores our collective resolve to stop terrorism before it occurs, and place would-be terrorists in prison.”

    Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division Devin DeBacker said: “The defendant was sentenced for an attempt to commit an act of terrorism and plotting a suicide bombing on behalf of AQAP. The Justice Department will not rest in seeking justice for acts of terrorism and will continue to thwart any attempt to jeopardize global security.”

    According to the indictments, extradition materials, court filings and statements made at related court proceedings, including today’s sentencing:

    In December 2010, PHAM informed others that he planned to travel to Ireland while residing in London. From Ireland, he traveled to Yemen, the principal base of operations for AQAP. PHAM traveled to Yemen in order to join AQAP, to wage jihad on behalf of AQAP and to martyr himself for AQAP’s cause. After arriving in Yemen, he swore an oath of loyalty to AQAP in the presence of an AQAP commander.

    While in Yemen in 2010 and 2011, PHAM provided assistance to and received training from Anwar al-Aulaqi, a U.S.-born senior leader of AQAP.  Al-Aulaqi advised PHAM to return to the United Kingdom for the purpose of finding and making contact with individuals who, like PHAM, wanted to travel to Yemen to join AQAP.  Al-Aulaqi also provided PHAM with money, as well as a telephone number and e-mail address that PHAM was to use to contact al-Aulaqi upon his return to the U.K.  In addition, PHAM exchanged his laptop computer with al-Aulaqi, who provided him with a new “clean” laptop to take with him when he returned to the U.K. so that the authorities would not find anything if they searched his computer.

    In or about June 2011, prior to his departure from Yemen, PHAM approached al-Aulaqi about conducting a suicide attack whereby he would “sacrifice” himself on behalf of AQAP. Al-Aulaqi personally taught PHAM how to create a lethal explosive device using household chemicals and directed PHAM to detonate such an explosive device at the arrivals area of Heathrow following PHAM’s return to the U.K. in 2011.  Al-Aulaqi instructed PHAM to carry an explosive in a concealed backpack and target the area where flights arrived from the U.S. or Israel.  During this time, PHAM made videos depicting his preparation to carry out that attack.  In one video, PHAM is shown wiring an electrical device for the use of making an explosive device; in another, he sketches an explosive device to be contained in a backpack; and in a third, PHAM wears a backpack with wiring for explosives on it, which he turns on in the video.

    Also during this time, in or about June or July 2011—shortly before PHAM returned from Yemen to the U.K.—PHAM recorded a video in which he attempted to recruit and encourage individuals in the West to engage in violent jihad abroad or in their home countries; in this video, he also expresses a desire to martyr himself.  At the outset of this video, consisting of an approximately 13 minute-long monologue, PHAM states that, “America itself is not fighting a war with a group or an organization, they are fighting with the army of Allah, the believers.”  He continues, in part, “We have that opportunity, that ability to be in their midst, in their land . . . and I advise the brothers inshallah to, whatever you can, to gather and prepare and strike the enemy in their own land . . . The saying, a thousand cuts, you hit them with as much as you can until inshallah the enemy will bleed to death.”  During his time in Yemen, PHAM also assisted with the preparation and dissemination of AQAP’s propaganda magazine, Inspire. PHAM, who has college degrees in both graphic design and animation, worked directly with now-deceased U.S. citizen Samir Khan, who was a prominent member of AQAP responsible for editing and publishing Inspire.

    PHAM also received a six-page document entitled “Your Instructions” from al-Aulaqi in Yemen, which provided detailed instructions on how PHAM was to commit his suicide attack at Heathrow.  The document from al-Aulaqi instructed PHAM, “[d]o not do anything for the first three months” and “[y]ou should target Christmas/ New Year season[.]”  The instructions from al-Aulaqi provided explicit direction about the importance of using shrapnel to kill as many people as possible, including that “[t]he proper use of shrapnel is as important as the main charge itself.  The detonation wave from a main charge of AP by itself is most likely not going to cause the death of anyone except those who are in its immediate vicinity.  It is the shrapnel that would do the job.  You may imagine this IED as a shotgun that is firing in all directions.”  The document therefore instructed PHAM to take “special care” with the “proper arrangement and choice of shrapnel,” and to “poison” it to inflict maximum death.

    On July 27, 2011, PHAM returned to the U.K.  Upon his arrival at Heathrow, U.K. authorities detained PHAM, searched him, and recovered various materials from him, including a live round of 7.62mm caliber armor-piercing ammunition, which is consistent with ammunition that is used in a Kalashnikov assault rifle, a type of weapon for which PHAM received training from AQAP in Yemen.  U.K. authorities released PHAM and cautioned him for his possession of the live round of ammunition, before, in December 2011, arresting him pursuant to their authorities under U.K. immigration law.  In searches of PHAM’s residence, other locations, and vehicles, U.K. authorities recovered several pieces of electronic media.  Among other things, a forensic analysis of PHAM’s electronic media showed that he was accessing speeches and writings of al-Aulaqi as late as December 2011—months after PHAM’s return to the U.K.   

    On May 24, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Pham with terrorism offenses and U.S. authorities sought Pham’s extradition from the United Kingdom.  He was provisionally arrested with a view towards extradition on June 29, 2012, and he was extradited to the United States on February 26, 2015.  On January 8, 2016, Pham pled guilty to terrorism offenses related to certain of the same underlying conduct.  On May 27, 2016, Pham was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan principally to a term of 40 years in prison.  On September 12, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed Pham’s conviction and sentence.  Thereafter, Pham made a motion that, based on intervening Supreme Court decisions, resulted in the vacatur of one of the counts of his conviction. Ultimately, the Government, with Pham’s consent, moved to vacate Pham’s earlier convictions.  On April 8, 2021, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment, reinstating certain charges and filing other new charges against Pham, and which formed the basis for Pham’s May 11, 2023 guilty plea and conviction.

    *               *                *

    In addition to the prison term, PHAM, 41, was also sentenced to life term of supervised release and a $400 special assessment.

    Ms. Sassoon praised the extraordinary investigative work of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.  She also expressed her gratitude to the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force for the critical role it played in the investigation and prosecution.  Ms. Sassoon also thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and Office of International Affairs for their significant assistance, as well as the Metropolitan Police Service/SO 15 Counter Terrorism Command at New Scotland Yard, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the Home Office for their cooperation in the investigation, extradition and prosecution.

    This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob H. Gutwillig is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida Court Orders Brazilian Nationals to Pay Over $128 Million for Fraudulent Commodity Pool Scheme

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued an order of default judgment against Brazilian nationals Emerson Pires and Flavio Goncalves, as well as Florida resident Joshua Nicholas, for fraud in connection with the EmpiresX commodity pool scheme and other violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations.
    The order requires Pires and Goncalves to pay, jointly and severally, more than $32 million in disgorgement and more than $96 million in civil monetary penalties. Nicholas is required to pay $289,000 in disgorgement and $867,000 in civil monetary penalties. The order also permanently enjoins the three individual defendants from engaging in conduct that violates the CEA, as charged, and permanently bans them from registering with the CFTC and from trading in any CFTC-regulated markets.
    The order resolves a CFTC complaint filed on June 30, 2022. [See CFTC Press Release No. 8551-22.] 
    The court previously ordered commodity pool operator Empires Consulting Corp. to pay $64 million in monetary sanctions for the fraud scheme. [See CFTC Press Release No. 8879-24.]
    Case Background
    The order finds that beginning in approximately September 2020, the defendants fraudulently solicited individuals to trade commodity futures and options and other products through commodity interest pools under the name EmpiresX through the EmpiresX website and in online videos posted on social media platforms. During the relevant period, Pires and Goncalves, along with Empires Consulting, the Florida corporation that operated the EmpiresX commodity pools, accepted and pooled at least $41.6 million from over 12,500 individuals. The order finds Pires and Goncalves collectively retained over $32 million in ill-gotten gains. 
    According to the order, Pires, Goncalves, and Nicholas knowingly made false claims regarding the use of pool participant funds, the size of the pools, and participant returns. The order further finds Nicholas showed pool participants an account page he identified as EmpiresX’s profitable account with a large, well-known electronic trading platform, when in fact EmpiresX had no account with that platform, and defendants created a fake website that mimicked the platform’s website to mislead participants into thinking that EmpiresX was actually trading their funds. By November 2021, the defendants stopped honoring participant withdrawal requests. 
    The order finds Pires, Goncalves, and Nicholas acted as associated persons of a commodity pool operator, Empires Consulting Corporation, without registering as required, and committed fraud in connection with EmpiresX. It further finds Pires and Goncalves commingled pool funds in violation of the CEA.
    Parallel Criminal/Civil Enforcement Actions 
    On Sept. 8, 2022, the Department of Justice announced Nicholas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud in connection with his role in the EmpiresX scheme. [See DOJ press release here.]
    On June 21, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission obtained default judgment against Pires and Goncalves for their role in the EmpiresX scheme. SEC v. Empires Consulting Corp., No. 22-21995-Civ, ECF No. 48 (S.D. Fla. June 21, 2023).
    The CFTC thanks the SEC and National Futures Association for their assistance in this matter.
    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this matter are Heather N. Dasso, Ben Sedrish, Elizabeth N. Pendleton, Scott R. Williams, and Robert T. Howell. 

    * * * * * * *
    Fraud Advisory 
    The CFTC has issued several customer protection fraud advisories and articles, including the Commodity Pool Fraud Advisory, which provides information about a type of fraud involving individuals and firms — often unregistered — offering investments in commodity pools and how customers can detect, avoid, and report these scams. 
    The CFTC also strongly urges the public to verify a company’s registration with the CFTC at NFA BASIC before committing funds. If unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that company. 
    Suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, should be reported to the Division of Enforcement via a toll-free hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382), file a tip or complaint online, or contact the CFTC Whistleblower Office at whistleblower.gov. Whistleblowers may be eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected paid from the CFTC Customer Protection Fund financed through monetary sanctions paid to the CFTC by violators of the Commodity Exchange Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Beauval  — Beauval RCMP seek public assistance locating missing 27-year-old male

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On February 1, 2024 RCMP received a report of a missing 27-year-old male, Isiah Hanson.

    Isaiah was last seen at on January 31, 2025 at approximately 4 a.m. traveling on foot on Highway 965 near Jans Bay.

    Since he was reported missing, Beauval RCMP have been checking places Isiah Hanson is known to visit and following up on information received. They are now asking members of the public to report information on Isiah’s whereabouts.

    Isiah is described as:

    • Height: 5’5″
    • Weight: 115 lbs
    • Eye colour: brown
    • Hair colour and style: short black
    • Last seen wearing: green winter coat, black Carhartt toque, “Hustle Game” sweatpants and greyish-brown Vans runners
    • Other descriptors: several forearm tattoos and large tattoo on left upper arm and shoulder

    Isiah may have been picked up in a white pickup truck headed toward the Dillon area, but his current whereabouts are unknown.

    If you have seen Isiah Hanson or know where he is, contact Beauval RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Caribou Man Faces Lengthy Prison Sentence for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tip to NCMEC leads to discovery of images/videos of young sexual abuse victims on Devin Madigan’s phone

    BANGOR, Maine: A Caribou man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor to possession of child pornography.

    According to court records, in April 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip from Kik, a messaging and chat app, that a user had uploaded videos containing child sexual abuse material. The videos captured the sexual abuse of victims as young as 1-3 years old. The account was later traced to Devin Madigan, 29. A forensic investigation of Madigan’s phone revealed images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

    Madigan faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 to be followed by five years to life of supervised release. Madigan could also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case with assistance from the Grafton County (NH) Sheriff’s Department and the Brewer Police Department.

    To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt, or production of child sexual abuse material: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as “child pornography” – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.

    Project Safe Childhood: 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 the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner on the FBI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement:

    “Earlier today, my office finally received a copy of the order that was sent on Friday by the acting head of the Department of Justice to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, ordering that several of the most experienced and senior officials at the Bureau be terminated.

    “We need to be clear about why this matters. I am going to start by sharing a little bit about some of the individuals who were fired, and how they served our country.

    “At a time when we are facing threats to the homeland from ISIS and ISIS-inspired terrorists, the president fired the Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division. Bobby Wells began his career as an FBI special agent in 2003, and there are Americans who are alive today because he helped catch terrorists before they had a chance to carry out their plans to attack inside the United States.

    “While more than 100,000 Americans die every year due to drug overdoses, the president fired the Assistant Director of the FBI’s the Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch, which, among other myriad responsibilities, puts criminal organizations and drug traffickers behind bars. Michael Nordwall began his career with the FBI as a special agent in 2002, and he has worked at field offices in Phoenix, Tampa, Denver, Pittsburgh, as well as at FBI headquarters, investigating some of the most dangerous criminals in the United States and making sure that they face justice.

    “As we face espionage and counterintelligence threats from China, Russia, and other adversaries, the president fired the Assistant Director of the FBI’s Intelligence Branch. Ryan Young joined the FBI as a special agent in 2001, working counterintelligence cases out of Miami. In 2014, he moved to counterterrorism and established the Syria-Iraq Task Force to counter the threat from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, and has also worked in Dallas and Los Angeles, managing crises and counterterrorism investigations.

    “While new technologies are transforming crimefighting and our national security, the president fired the Assistant Director of the Science and Technology Branch. Jacqueline Maguire joined the FBI as a special agent in 2000. Among her other notable achievements, she was the lead agent for the investigation of the five hijackers of American Airlines Flight 77 after the 9/11 terror attacks.

    “As the FBI builds a workforce to manage the threats of today and tomorrow and keep adversaries like China from penetrating our secrets, the president fired the Assistant Director of the Human Resources Branch. Timothy Dunham joined the FBI as a special agent in 2002, and has overseen matters relating to counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and transnational organized crime.

    “The president fired the head of the Miami field office, which oversees crimefighting in nine busy counties in South Florida, including the president’s home in Palm Beach County, as well as extraterritorial violations of American citizens in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Jeffrey Veltri joined the FBI as a special agent in 2002, working on matters from health care fraud to terrorism. He also deployed to Iraq, where he supported the prosecution of Saddam Hussein.

    “In the memo, the acting director of the FBI was also ordered to fire the head of the Washington Field Office, one of the most important field positions in the entire FBI, with jurisdiction over federal crimes in and around Washington, D.C. David Sundberg joined the FBI in 2002 as a special agent, and, among other stops in a distinguished career, served as a leader on the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team.

    “These are people who have served our country, protected Americans, and put criminals behind bars. Now they have been pushed out simply for doing their jobs.

    “As we deal with a myriad of threats – to our homeland, to our cyber networks, to our economic competitiveness – this blatant abuse of power is making us all less safe.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Flaxmere

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are now in a position to release the name of the person who died following a crash on Chatham Road, Flaxmere on Thursday 30 January.

    She was 11-year-old Emma Jane Kupa of Flaxmere.

    Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

    A 34-year-old female is set to reappear in the Hastings District Court on 18 February, facing a charge of operating a vehicle carelessly and breath alcohol level over 400.

    Police are not ruling out further charges in relation to the crash.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine & Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help More Americans Access High-Quality Job Training, Get Good-Paying Jobs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), co-chair of the Senate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus and a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Susan Collins (R-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, bipartisan legislation to help more Americans get good-paying jobs by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants—need-based education grants for lower-income individuals—to pay for shorter-term job training programs for the first time. Currently, students can only use Pell Grants for two- and four-year colleges and universities. By expanding Pell Grant eligibility, the JOBS Act would help close the skills gap by allowing people to access job training they might otherwise be unable to afford but need for careers in high-demand fields.

    “No one should be priced out of an education—including a technical education—but I hear from many Virginians that access to high-quality job training programs that align with their goals is out of reach because of financial barriers,” said Kaine. “Simultaneously, I hear from employers throughout the Commonwealth about their struggles to fill skilled labor positions. With these Virginians in mind, I wrote the JOBS Act to help remedy these issues and provide more workers with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs and provide for their families. This bill is good for workers, good for employers, and good for our economy as a whole.”

    Thanks to historic investments like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the job market has boomed in recent years. From January 2021–January 2025, the U.S. economy added 14.8 million jobs. But there’s also a skilled labor shortage that is expected to intensify in the coming years, in part because unemployed Americans lack access to the job training needed to fill vacant jobs.

    “Job training programs are proven, successful tools that help people gain the skills they need to prepare for rewarding careers,” said Collins.  “By helping students in Maine and across the country access this career pathway, this bipartisan legislation would assist young people with obtaining good-paying jobs and make it easier for businesses to find qualified workers.”

    “Some of the most in-demand jobs don’t require a four-year college degree — they require shorter-term training. People like welders, machine operators and medical technicians. We need to make it easier to get people into these career fields, and letting students use Pell Grants to make it happen just makes sense,” said Smith. “This bill will open up more career opportunities for people and will help boost our economy.”

    “The JOBS Act will provide an incredible opportunity for students that increasingly don’t find the value of a four-year degree,” said Marshall. “With a changing job market, our legislation will give Americans the chance to learn critical skills for a successful career. I look forward to getting the JOBS Act across the finish line with my colleagues.”

    “We’re so grateful that Senator Kaine has reintroduced the JOBS Act, and is willing to continue advocating for this important legislation which will re-skill and upskill our citizens who want to improve their income and the lives of themselves and their families,” said Virginia Community College System Chancellor David Doré. “Thousands of Virginians are eager to learn new skills to advance their careers and would benefit from being able to use Pell Grants to pay for high quality workforce training for in-demand jobs. We urge Congress to support Senator Kaine’s JOBS Act.”

    The JOBS Act would allow Pell Grants to be used for high-quality job training programs that are at least eight weeks in length and lead to industry-recognized credentials or certificates. Under current law, Pell Grants can only be applied toward programs that are over 600 clock hours or at least 15 weeks in length, rendering students in shorter-term high-quality job training programs ineligible for crucial assistance.

    Specifically, the JOBS Act would amend the Higher Education Act by:

    • Expanding Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in rigorous and high-quality, short-term skills and job training programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials and certificates and ultimately employment in high-wage, high-skill industry sectors or careers.
    • Ensuring students who receive Pell Grants are earning high-quality postsecondary credentials by requiring that the credentials:
      • Meet the standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), such as meaningful career counseling and aligning programs to in-demand career pathways or registered apprenticeship programs
      • Are recognized by employers, industry, or sector partnerships
      • Align with the skill needs of industries in the state or local economy
      • Are approved by the state workforce board in addition to the U.S. Department of Education
    • Defining eligible job training programs as those providing career and technical education instruction at an institution of higher education, such as a community or technical college that provides:
      • At least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a period of at least 8 weeks
      • Training that meets the needs of the local or regional workforce and industry partnerships
      • Streamlined ability to transfer credits so students can continue to pursue further education in their careers
      • Students with licenses, certifications, or credentials that meet the hiring requirements of multiple employers in the field for which the job training is offered

    The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (D-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    The JOBS Act is supported by Advance CTE, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Business Roundtable, the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA), Higher Learning Advocates (HLA), HP Inc., the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), Jobs for the Future (JFF), the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, NAF, the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), the National Skills Coalition (NSC), the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), Rebuilding America’s Middle Class (RAMC), and the Virginia Community College System.

    Full text of the bill is available here, and a summary of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Receives Fraternal Order of Police Advocacy Award

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Click HERE to watch and HERE to download video from the event.

    Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins was presented with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) National President’s Legislative Advocacy Award at a ceremony that took place at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington. The FOP recognized Senator Collins with this award for her more than two decades of work to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) with the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA), which was signed into law last month. This is the first time the FOP has awarded a Legislative Advocacy Award. After the SSFA was signed into law, the FOP sent a letter on behalf of its more than 377,000 members to Senator Collins, thanking her for her leadership on the bill.

    “Receiving this award from the Fraternal Order of Police was a great honor, and I am thankful for the FOP’s steadfast support in the fight to repeal the WEP and GPO,” said Senator Collins. “Repealing these unfair provisions was a great victory for all public servants, including the brave men and women who make up our country’s law enforcement. In Maine and throughout the United States, we are fortunate to have so many law enforcement officers who are devoted to keeping our communities safe, and I was proud to lead the effort to restore their well-earned retirement benefits.”

    “Senator Collins, you have been the lead Republican in the Senate on this bill for more than 20 years and we so very grateful for your leadership and support. Your efforts finally paid off as you worked the bill through the Senate’s often arduous process. Your tenacity and commitment will change the lives of public employees and their families,” said FOP National President Patrick Yoes. “Because of your work, nearly three million law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and other public employees who earned themselves a Social Security benefit, only to see those benefits reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision, will finally begin to receive every penny that they earned.  Because of your work, families impacted by the Government Pension Offset which reduced or, in most cases, eliminated the survivor’s benefit received by surviving spouses, will finally be able to collect what they are owed. We owe you a debt of gratitude and are pleased to present you with the National President’s Legislative Advocacy Award.”

    The SSFA, which Senator Collins coauthored with former Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, restored the Social Security benefits for millions of public servants, including law enforcement officers, by repealing two provisions – the WEP and GPO – that unfairly reduced the Social Security benefits that public employees or their spouses have earned. Following the passage of the SSFA, Senators Collins and Brown sent a letter to the Social Security Administration (SSA) requesting that the SSA swiftly implement the Social Security Fairness Act.

    Senator Collins held the first Senate hearing on this policy in 2003 as Chair of the Senate Government Affairs Committee. She, along with the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, first introduced the Social Security Fairness Act in 2005. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Ensure Access to Legal Counsel When Entering the United States

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Ensure Access to Legal Counsel When Entering the United States

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, introduced the Access to Counsel Act to ensure that U.S. citizens, green card holders, and other individuals with legal status can consult with an attorney, relative, or other interested parties to seek assistance if they are detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for more than an hour at ports of entry, including airports. U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

    The bill was introduced in conjunction with the NO BAN Act, legislation to prevent another Muslim Ban, which is led by Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28). Senator Padilla is cosponsoring the NO BAN Act.

    “In his first term, President Trump’s cruel and unlawful travel ban led to the detention of countless legally present noncitizens at airports and ports of entry while denying them their basic legal rights,” said Senator Padilla. “Now, with another executive order setting the stage for a new travel ban, the Access to Counsel Act is more important than ever. These important guardrails would prevent CBP from blocking noncitizens it has detained with lawful permission to be in the United States from calling a lawyer or a trusted contact.”

    “It was incredibly clear how critical this legislation was under the first Trump Administration, as he stripped basic civil rights away from individuals for reasons ranging from the color of their skin to the country of their origin. I remember rushing to my local airport and found a U.S. citizen woman waiting to welcome her husband who had been put on a plane back without being allowed to see an attorney, despite traveling on a valid visa,” said Representative Jayapal. “It is more important now than ever, under a second Trump Administration, that we codify the right to access counsel for detained persons who are legally allowed access to the United States. As we continue to see him scapegoat immigrants, we must protect people from unjust detention.”

    The previous Muslim Ban in Trump’s first term unleashed chaos at airports and ports of entry across the country. People from Muslim-majority countries, with lawful permission to enter, were detained for hours without food or water before being deported. These individuals were often pressured to sign documents that amounted to them giving up their legal status. In many cases, these individuals had no opportunity to see an attorney or call anyone for legal guidance. Since then, there have been numerous instances of individuals in California and across the country being denied access to legal counsel while detained for long periods despite having valid visas.

    Specifically, the Access to Counsel Act would:

    • Require the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that people with valid travel documents who present themselves at the border, airports, or other points of interaction can communicate with counsel and other interested parties if they are subjected to prolonged inspection by CBP. 
    • Allow counsel or a covered interested party the ability to advocate on behalf of the individual by providing information or documentation in support of the individual.
    • Invalidate any effort by CBP to persuade someone to relinquish their legal status if that person has been denied access to counsel.

    In the Senate, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

    The bill is also endorsed by American Immigration Lawyers Association, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Immigration Equality Action Fund, Kids in Need of Defense, National Immigrant Justice Center, National Partnership for New Americans, OneAmerica, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), and UnidosUS.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Individuals Charged With Running a Fencing Operation for South American Theft Groups in Manhattan’s Diamond District

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendants Allegedly Received Luxury Items Linked to Burglaries Across Multiple States

    Earlier today, at the federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar with conspiracy to receive stolen property related to their purchasing of stolen goods that traveled across state lines. The defendants were arrested today, Nezhinskiy in New Jersey and Villar in Manhattan. They will be arraigned tomorrow before United States Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) announced the charges.

    “As alleged, the defendants created an illicit market and fueled demand for burglaries by South American Theft Groups and other crews around the country by purchasing stolen watches, jewelry and other luxury items, and then re-selling them in their New York City store,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “My Office will continue to pursue organized groups who engage, enable, or encourage the pillaging of residential homes and businesses that has a corrosive effect on the sense of security in our communities.”

    “For almost five years, Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar allegedly served as unlawful brokers to perpetuate the sale of stolen luxury items by purchasing them from burglary crews. The defendants’ alleged actions incentivized highly organized South American Theft Groups to continue their meticulous looting scheme against a myriad of affluent residences and businesses across the country. With our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to dismantle any criminal activity curated to capitalize on victims’ losses and establish an economic demand for ill-obtained merchandise within our city,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.

    “We will not tolerate crime of any kind in New York, whether it be street crime, retail theft, or these organized operations that target residential homes to steal and resell luxury goods,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch.  “Today’s indictment is the result of our strong work with our law enforcement partners and our commitment to cracking down on these crime rings that threaten our communities.”

    “We want to thank our partners in federal law enforcement for this collaborative effort to bring this criminal to justice,” stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder. “The men and women of the Nassau County Police Department, particularly the dedicated Detectives of the Major Case Squad, work tirelessly to investigate crimes and arrest those who prey upon our citizens.”

    As alleged in the indictment, between approximately 2020 and 2025, the defendants conspired with each another and others to receive and purchase stolen property, including jewelry, watches, handbags and assorted luxury items that had been stolen outside of the state of New York and transported into New York.  As detailed in court filings, Nezhinskiy and Villar regularly served as “fences” for burglary crews based out of South America who traveled around the United States committing burglaries, typically targeting wealthier neighborhoods or jewelry vendors, and stealing luxury accessories. Nezhinskiy and Villar’s operation provided an essential market for the stolen goods, perpetuating the dangerous criminal activities of the burglary and theft crews composed largely of foreign nationals.

    For example, evidence links Nezhinskiy and Villar to thefts around the country, including crimes committed by Bryan Leandro Herrera Maldonado, a prolific burglar who committed at least 16 residential burglaries across the United States between 2019 and 2020.  Additionally, phone records and video surveillance links Nezhinskiy to at least two members of a four-man burglary crew believed to be involved in the December 9, 2024 burglary of a high-profile athlete in Ohio, and showed Nezhinskiy in contact with that crew less than one week before the burglary in Ohio.

    In addition, between October 2022 and January 2024, an undercover detective conducted seven controlled sales of purported stolen property, including high-end handbags and luxury accessories, to Nezhinskiy or Villar, or both, at their business location in Manhattan’s Diamond District.  During these controlled sales, the undercover detective provided the defendants with items that the undercover told the defendants had been stolen, and received cash in exchange for the stolen goods.

    Today, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the location on 47th Street in Manhattan where Nezhinskiy and Villar operate a pawn shop and seized large quantities of suspected stolen property, including dozens of high-end watches and jewelry. Law enforcement also recovered large quantities of cash and marijuana.  Simultaneously, law enforcement executed a search warrant at storage units belonging to Nezhinskiy in New Jersey where an additional cache of suspected stolen property was found.  From inside Nezhinskiy’s storage units, law enforcement recovered large quantities of luxury goods and clothing, including high-end handbags, wine, sports memorabilia, jewelry, artwork and power tools consistent with those commonly used in burglaries and opening safes.

    The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted of receipt of stolen goods, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division and the Office’s General Crimes Section.  Assistant United States  Attorneys Michael R. Maffei, Katherine P. Onyshko and Sean M. Sherman are in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendants:

    DIMITRIY NEZHINSKIY
    Age:  43
    North Bergen, New Jersey

    JUAN VILLAR
    Age:  48
    Queens, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-40 (WFK)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The Commission and High Representative Kaja Kallas welcome a major step towards holding Russia accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 04 Feb 2025 Today, senior legal experts of the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the Council of Europe, Ukraine and 37 States concluded the legal work on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Individuals Indicted on Federal Child Pornography Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A federal grand jury in Council Bluffs returned a two-count indictment on January 29, 2025 charging two individuals with offenses related to distribution and receipt of child pornography.

    The following individuals are charged in the Indictment:

    • Jason J. Traina, 52, Rockland County, New York is charged with distribution of child pornography. On January 31, 2025, Traina made his initial appearance in the Southern District of New York. The government argued Traina should remain detained pending trial. The United States Magistrate Judge released Traina on conditions of home detention and location monitoring.
    • Carrie Marie Campbell, 40, of Council Bluffs, is charged with receipt of child pornography. On February 3, 2025, Campbell made her initial appearance in the Southern District of Iowa. Campbell was temporarily ordered detained until a detention hearing.

    Traina and Campbell each face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Council Bluffs Police Department are investigating this case, with assistance from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, FBI Safe Streets NY, and the Stony Point Police Department.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Violation of the right to self-determination by the Albanian Government – E-000340/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000340/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

    The three recent Albanian Government decrees (Këshillit të Ministrave, 26/12/2024) on the application of Law 96/2017 “On the protection of national minorities”[1] constitute significant obstacles to the recognition of the Greek minority.

    The Albanian Government is essentially cancelling the right to self-determination and discouraging the registration of minorities. Specifically, it sets and imposes criteria and procedures (note the term “claims”, instead of “feels”); audit committees do not ensure that the nationality request is fully accepted, due to the absence of documents of origin from 2010; there is reference to data concerning the arbitrary and illegal registration of thousands of Greeks as being Albanian nationals, either from the formation of Albania (1913) or previously denounced censuses; the pyramid of approval up to ministerial level is time consuming; and the examining committee comprises first and foremost institutional agents, raising reasonable concerns about a lack of transparency.

    Since these practices violate the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities,

    • 1.What actions does the Commission intend to take to ensure that Albania complies with its international obligations regarding respect for the right to self-determination?
    • 2.Will the Commission link Albania’s development and progress in the accession negotiations – and the whole process – with requiring immediate reform of these practices?

    Submitted: 27.1.2025

    • [1] https://www.kryeministria.al/newsroom/vendime-te-miratuara-ne-mbledhjen-e-keshillit-te-ministrave-date-26-dhjetor-2024/.
    Last updated: 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: AMD Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMD (NASDAQ:AMD) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024. Fourth quarter revenue was a record $7.7 billion, gross margin was 51%, operating income was $871 million, net income was $482 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.29. On a non-GAAP(*) basis, gross margin was 54%, operating income was a record $2.0 billion, net income was a record $1.8 billion and diluted earnings per share was $1.09.

    For the full year 2024, AMD reported record revenue of $25.8 billion, gross margin of 49%, operating income of $1.9 billion, net income of $1.6 billion, and diluted earnings per share of $1.00. On a non-GAAP(*) basis, gross margin was a record 53%, operating income was $6.1 billion, net income was $5.4 billion and diluted earnings per share was $3.31.

    “2024 was a transformative year for AMD as we delivered record annual revenue and strong earnings growth,” said AMD Chair and CEO Dr. Lisa Su. “Data Center segment annual revenue nearly doubled as EPYC processor adoption accelerated and we delivered more than $5 billion of AMD Instinct accelerator revenue. Looking into 2025, we see clear opportunities for continued growth based on the strength of our product portfolio and growing demand for high-performance and adaptive computing.”

    “We closed 2024 with a strong fourth quarter, delivering record revenue up 24% year-over-year, and accelerated earnings expansion while investing aggressively in AI and innovation to position us for long-term growth and value creation,” said AMD EVP, CFO and Treasurer Jean Hu.

    GAAP Quarterly Financial Results

      Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Y/Y Q3 2024 Q/Q
    Revenue ($M) $7,658 $6,168 Up 24% $6,819 Up 12%
    Gross profit ($M) $3,882 $2,911 Up 33% $3,419 Up 14%
    Gross margin 51% 47% Up 4 ppts 50% Up 1%
    Operating expenses ($M) $3,022 $2,575 Up 17% $2,709 Up 12%
    Operating income ($M) $871 $342 Up 155% $724 Up 20%
    Operating margin 11% 6% Up 5 ppts 11% Flat
    Net income ($M) $482 $667 Down 28% $771 Down 37%
    Diluted earnings per share $0.29 $0.41 Down 29% $0.47 Down 38%

    Non-GAAP(*) Quarterly Financial Results

      Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Y/Y Q3 2024 Q/Q
    Revenue ($M) $7,658 $6,168 Up 24% $6,819 Up 12%
    Gross profit ($M) $4,140 $3,133 Up 32% $3,657 Up 13%
    Gross margin 54% 51% Up 3 ppts 54% Flat
    Operating expenses ($M) $2,125 $1,727 Up 23% $1,956 Up 9%
    Operating income ($M) $2,026 $1,412 Up 43% $1,715 Up 18%
    Operating margin 26% 23% Up 3 ppts 25% Up 1 ppt
    Net income ($M) $1,777 $1,249 Up 42% $1,504 Up 18%
    Diluted earnings per share $1.09 $0.77 Up 42% $0.92 Up 18%

    Annual Financial Results

      GAAP Non-GAAP(*)
       2024   2023  Y/Y  2024   2023  Y/Y
    Revenue ($M) $25,785 $22,680 Up 14% $25,785 $22,680 Up 14%
    Gross profit ($M) $12,725 $10,460 Up 22% $13,759 $11,436 Up 20%
    Gross margin % 49% 46% Up 3 ppts 53% 50% Up 3 ppts
    Operating expenses ($M) $10,873 $10,093 Up 8% $7,669 $6,616 Up 16%
    Operating income ($M) $1,900 $401 Up 374% $6,138 $4,854 Up 26%
    Operating margin % 7% 2% Up 5 ppts 24% 21% Up 3 ppts
    Net income ($M) $1,641 $854 Up 92% $5,420 $4,302 Up 26%
    Diluted earnings per share $1.00 $0.53 Up 89% $3.31 $2.65 Up 25%

    Segment Summary

    • Data Center segment revenue in the quarter was a record $3.9 billion, up 69% year-over-year primarily driven by the strong ramp of AMD Instinct™ GPU shipments and growth in AMD EPYC™ CPU sales.  
      • For 2024, Data Center segment revenue was a record $12.6 billion, an increase of 94% compared to the prior year, driven by growth in both AMD Instinct and EPYC processors.
    • Client segment revenue in the quarter was a record $2.3 billion, up 58% year-over-year primarily driven by strong demand for AMD Ryzen™ processors.
      • For 2024, Client segment revenue was a record $7.1 billion, up 52% compared to the prior year, due to strong demand for AMD Ryzen processors in desktop and mobile.
    • Gaming segment revenue in the quarter was $563 million, down 59% year-over-year, primarily due to a decrease in semi-custom revenue.
      • For 2024, Gaming segment revenue was $2.6 billion, down 58% compared to the prior year, primarily due to a decrease in semi-custom revenue.
    • Embedded segment revenue in the quarter was $923 million, down 13% year-over-year, as end market demand continues to be mixed.
      • For 2024, Embedded segment revenue was $3.6 billion, down 33% from the prior year, primarily due to customers normalizing their inventory levels.

    Recent PR Highlights

    • AMD continues expanding its partnerships to deliver highly performant AI infrastructure at scale:
      • IBM announced plans to deploy AMD Instinct MI300X accelerators to power generative AI and HPC applications on IBM Cloud.
      • Vultr and AMD announced a strategic collaboration to leverage AMD Instinct MI300X accelerators and AMD ROCm™ open software to power Vultr’s cloud infrastructure for enterprise AI development and deployment.
      • Aleph Alpha announced that it will leverage AMD Instinct MI300 Series accelerators and ROCm software to enable its tokenizer-free LLM architecture, a new approach to generative AI that aims to simplify the development of sovereign AI solutions for governments and enterprises.
      • Fujitsu and AMD announced a strategic partnership to develop more sustainable computing infrastructure to accelerate open source AI.
      • AMD expanded strategic investments to advance the AI ecosystem and solutions, including investments in LiquidAI, Vultr and Absci.
    • AMD is accelerating its AI software roadmap to deliver a robust open AI stack for the ecosystem:
      • AMD released ROCm 6.3 with numerous performance enhancements enabling faster inferencing on AMD Instinct accelerators as well as additional compiler tools and libraries.
      • AMD shared an update on its 2025 plans for the ROCm software stack to enable easier adoption of and improved out of box support for both inferencing and training applications.
    • Dell and AMD announced that AMD Ryzen AI PRO processors will power new Dell Pro notebook and desktop PCs, bringing exceptional battery life, on-device AI, Copilot+ experiences and dependable productivity to enterprise users. For the first time, Dell will offer a full portfolio of commercial PCs based on Ryzen processors, marking a significant milestone in the companies’ collaboration.
    • AMD expanded its broad consumer and commercial AI PC portfolio:
      • New AMD Ryzen AI Max and Ryzen AI Max PRO Series processors deliver workstation-level performance and next-gen AI performance for gaming, content creation and complex AI-accelerated workloads.
      • Expanded Ryzen AI 300 and Ryzen AI 300 PRO Series processors bring premium AI capabilities to mainstream and entry-level notebooks, as well as enhanced security, manageability and support for Microsoft Copilot+ experiences tailored for business users.
      • Additional Ryzen 200 and Ryzen 200 PRO Series processors offer incredible AI experiences, performance and battery life for everyday users and professionals.
      • More than 150 Ryzen AI platforms are expected to be available from leading OEMs this year.
    • AMD extended its leadership in high performance computing (HPC), enabling the most powerful and many of the most energy efficient supercomputers in the world:
      • The El Capitan supercomputer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory became the second AMD supercomputer to surpass the exascale barrier, placing #1 on the latest Top500 list.
      • The Hunter supercomputer at the High-Performance Computing Center of the University of Stuttgart (HLRS), powered by AMD Instinct MI300A APUs, began service, delivering HPC and AI resources for scientists, researchers, industry and the public sector.
      • AMD EPYC processors and AMD Instinct accelerators power many new supercomputing projects and AI deployments, including the Eni HPC 6 system, the University of Paderborn’s latest supercomputer and the Sigma2 AS system which is slated to be the fastest system in Norway.
    • AMD powers incredible experiences for gamers across a broad range of devices:
      • At CES 2025, AMD announced new AMD Ryzen 9000X3D, Ryzen Z2 and Ryzen 9000HX processors, extending its leadership in desktop, mobile and handheld gaming.
      • AMD shared the latest version of AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition™, 24.9.1, continuing to enhance gaming experiences with AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2 and AMD HYPR-RX.
    • AMD continues to deliver leadership compute performance and capabilities at the edge with an expanded portfolio of solutions:
      • New AMD Versal™ Gen 2 portfolio with next-generation interface and memory technologies for data-intensive applications in the data center, communications, test and measurement and aerospace and defense markets.
      • AMD Versal RF Series adaptive SoCs, combining high-resolution radio frequency data converters, dedicated DSP hard IP, AI engines and programmable logic in a single chip.
      • Vodafone and AMD announced they are collaborating on mobile base station silicon chip designs to enable higher-capacity AI and digital services.

    Current Outlook

    AMD’s outlook statements are based on current expectations. The following statements are forward-looking and actual results could differ materially depending on market conditions and the factors set forth under “Cautionary Statement” below.

    For the first quarter of 2025, AMD expects revenue to be approximately $7.1 billion, plus or minus $300 million. At the mid-point of the revenue range, this represents year-over-year growth of approximately 30% and a sequential decline of approximately 7%. Non-GAAP gross margin is expected to be approximately 54%.

    AMD Teleconference
    AMD will hold a conference call at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET) today to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results. AMD will provide a real-time audio broadcast of the teleconference on the Investor Relations page of its website at www.amd.com.

    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

    (in millions, except per share data) (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 28,
    2024    		   September 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023    		   December 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023
    GAAP gross profit $ 3,882     $ 3,419     $ 2,911     $ 12,725     $ 10,460  
    GAAP gross margin   51 %     50 %     47 %     49 %     46 %
    Stock-based compensation   6       5       6       22       30  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   252       233       215       946       942  
    Acquisition-related and other costs (1)   —       —       1       1       4  
    Inventory loss at contract manufacturer (2)   —       —       —       65       —  
    Non-GAAP gross profit $ 4,140     $ 3,657     $ 3,133     $ 13,759     $ 11,436  
    Non-GAAP gross margin   54 %     54 %     51 %     53 %     50 %
                       
    GAAP operating expenses $ 3,022     $ 2,709     $ 2,575     $ 10,873     $ 10,093  
    GAAP operating expenses/revenue %   39 %     40 %     42 %     42 %     45 %
    Stock-based compensation   333       346       368       1,385       1,350  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   332       352       420       1,448       1,869  
    Acquisition-related and other costs (1)   46       55       60       185       258  
    Restructuring charges (3)   186       —       —       186       —  
    Non-GAAP operating expenses $ 2,125     $ 1,956     $ 1,727     $ 7,669     $ 6,616  
    Non-GAAP operating expenses/revenue %   28 %     29 %     28 %     30 %     29 %
                       
    GAAP operating income $ 871     $ 724     $ 342     $ 1,900     $ 401  
    GAAP operating margin   11 %     11 %     6 %     7 %     2 %
    Stock-based compensation   339       351       374       1,407       1,380  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   584       585       635       2,394       2,811  
    Acquisition-related and other costs (1)   46       55       61       186       262  
    Inventory loss at contract manufacturer (2)   —       —       —       65       —  
    Restructuring charges (3)   186       —       —       186       —  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 2,026     $ 1,715     $ 1,412     $ 6,138     $ 4,854  
    Non-GAAP operating margin   26 %     25 %     23 %     24 %     21 %
      Three Months Ended
    		   Year Ended
      December 28,
    2024    		   September 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023    		   December 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023
    GAAP net income / earnings per share $ 482     $ 0.29     $ 771     $ 0.47     $ 667     $ 0.41     $ 1,641     $ 1.00     $ 854     $ 0.53  
    (Gains) losses on equity investments, net   —       —       (1 )     —       1       —       2       —       (1 )     —  
    Stock-based compensation   339       0.21       351       0.21       374       0.23       1,407       0.86       1,380       0.85  
    Equity income in investee   (12 )     (0.01 )     (7 )     —       (6 )     —       (33 )     (0.02 )     (16 )     (0.01 )
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   584       0.36       585       0.36       635       0.39       2,394       1.46       2,811       1.73  
    Acquisition-related and other costs (1)   46       0.03       56       0.03       61       0.04       187       0.11       262       0.16  
    Inventory loss at contract manufacturer (2)   —       —       —       —       —       —       65       0.04       —       —  
    Restructuring charges (3)   186       0.11       —       —       —       —       186       0.11       —       —  
    Income tax provision   152       0.10       (251 )     (0.15 )     (483 )     (0.30 )     (429 )     (0.25 )     (988 )     (0.61 )
    Non-GAAP net income / earnings per share $ 1,777     $ 1.09     $ 1,504     $ 0.92     $ 1,249     $ 0.77     $ 5,420     $ 3.31     $ 4,302     $ 2.65  
    (1 )   Acquisition-related and other costs primarily include transaction costs, purchase price fair value adjustments for inventory, certain compensation charges, contract termination costs and workforce rebalancing charges.
    (2 )   Inventory loss at contract manufacturer is related to an incident at a third-party contract manufacturing facility.
    (3 )   Restructuring charges are related to the 2024 Restructuring Plan which comprised of employee severance charges and non-cash asset impairments.
           

    About AMD
    For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics and visualization technologies. AMD employees are focused on building leadership high-performance and adaptive products that push the boundaries of what is possible. Billions of people, leading Fortune 500 businesses and cutting-edge scientific research institutions around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work and play. For more information about how AMD is enabling today and inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) website, blog, LinkedIn and X pages.

    Cautionary Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) such as, the opportunities for continued growth based on AMD’s product portfolio and growing demand for high-performance and adaptive computing; AMD’s ability to position itself for long-term growth and value creation; the features, functionality, performance, availability, timing and expected benefits of future AMD products; and AMD’s expected first quarter 2025 financial outlook, including revenue and non-GAAP gross margin, which are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are commonly identified by words such as “would,” “may,” “expects,” “believes,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects” and other terms with similar meaning. Investors are cautioned that the forward-looking statements in this press release are based on current beliefs, assumptions and expectations, speak only as of the date of this press release and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. Such statements are subject to certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond AMD’s control, that could cause actual results and other future events to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, without limitation, the following: Intel Corporation’s dominance of the microprocessor market and its aggressive business practices; Nvidia’s dominance in the graphics processing unit market and its aggressive business practices; competitive markets in which AMD’s products are sold; the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry; market conditions of the industries in which AMD products are sold; AMD’s ability to introduce products on a timely basis with expected features and performance levels; loss of a significant customer; economic and market uncertainty; quarterly and seasonal sales patterns; AMD’s ability to adequately protect its technology or other intellectual property; unfavorable currency exchange rate fluctuations; ability of third party manufacturers to manufacture AMD’s products on a timely basis in sufficient quantities and using competitive technologies; availability of essential equipment, materials, substrates or manufacturing processes; ability to achieve expected manufacturing yields for AMD’s products; AMD’s ability to generate revenue from its semi-custom SoC products; potential security vulnerabilities; potential security incidents including IT outages, data loss, data breaches and cyberattacks; uncertainties involving the ordering and shipment of AMD’s products; AMD’s reliance on third-party intellectual property to design and introduce new products; AMD’s reliance on third-party companies for design, manufacture and supply of motherboards, software, memory and other computer platform components; AMD’s reliance on Microsoft and other software vendors’ support to design and develop software to run on AMD’s products; AMD’s reliance on third-party distributors and add-in-board partners; impact of modification or interruption of AMD’s internal business processes and information systems; compatibility of AMD’s products with some or all industry-standard software and hardware; costs related to defective products; efficiency of AMD’s supply chain; AMD’s ability to rely on third party supply-chain logistics functions; AMD’s ability to effectively control sales of its products on the gray market; long-term impact of climate change on AMD’s business; impact of government actions and regulations such as export regulations, tariffs and trade protection measures; AMD’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets; potential tax liabilities; current and future claims and litigation; impact of environmental laws, conflict minerals related provisions and other laws or regulations; evolving expectations from governments, investors, customers and other stakeholders regarding corporate responsibility matters; issues related to the responsible use of AI; restrictions imposed by agreements governing AMD’s notes, the guarantees of Xilinx’s notes and the revolving credit agreement; impact of acquisitions, joint ventures and/or strategic investments on AMD’s business and AMD’s ability to integrate acquired businesses; our ability to complete the acquisition of ZT Systems;  impact of any impairment of the combined company’s assets; political, legal and economic risks and natural disasters; future impairments of technology license purchases; AMD’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and AMD’s stock price volatility. Investors are urged to review in detail the risks and uncertainties in AMD’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to AMD’s most recent reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q.

    (*) In this earnings press release, in addition to GAAP financial results, AMD has provided non-GAAP financial measures including non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating expenses/revenue%, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share. AMD uses a normalized tax rate in its computation of the non-GAAP income tax provision to provide better consistency across the reporting periods. For fiscal 2024, AMD used a non-GAAP tax rate of 13%, which excludes the tax impact of pre-tax non-GAAP adjustments. AMD also provided adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow and free cash flow margin as supplemental non-GAAP measures of its performance. These items are defined in the footnotes to the selected corporate data tables provided at the end of this earnings press release. AMD is providing these financial measures because it believes this non-GAAP presentation makes it easier for investors to compare its operating results for current and historical periods and also because AMD believes it assists investors in comparing AMD’s performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that it does not believe are indicative of its core operating performance and for the other reasons described in the footnotes to the selected data tables. The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed in this earnings press release should be viewed in addition to and not as a substitute for or superior to AMD’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP and should be read only in conjunction with AMD’s Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures referenced are reconciled to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the data tables in this earnings press release. This earnings press release also contains forward-looking non-GAAP gross margin concerning AMD’s financial outlook, which is based on current expectations as of February 4, 2025, and assumptions and beliefs that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Adjustments to arrive at the GAAP gross margin outlook typically include stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets and acquisition-related and other costs. The timing and impact of such adjustments are dependent on future events that are typically uncertain or outside of AMD’s control, therefore, a reconciliation to equivalent GAAP measures is not practicable at this time. AMD undertakes no intent or obligation to publicly update or revise its outlook statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    © 2025 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, 3D V-Cache, Alveo, AMD Instinct, EPYC, FidelityFX, Kria, Radeon, Ryzen, Threadripper, Ultrascale+, Versal, Zynq, and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

    ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (Millions except per share amounts and percentages) (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 28,
    2024    		   September 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023    		   December 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023
    Net revenue $ 7,658     $ 6,819     $ 6,168     $ 25,785     $ 22,680  
    Cost of sales   3,524       3,167       3,042       12,114       11,278  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   252       233       215       946       942  
    Total cost of sales   3,776       3,400       3,257       13,060       12,220  
    Gross profit   3,882       3,419       2,911       12,725       10,460  
    Gross margin   51 %     50 %     47 %     49 %     46 %
    Research and development   1,712       1,636       1,511       6,456       5,872  
    Marketing, general and administrative   792       721       644       2,783       2,352  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   332       352       420       1,448       1,869  
    Licensing gain   (11 )     (14 )     (6 )     (48 )     (34 )
    Restructuring charges   186       —       —       186       —  
    Operating income   871       724       342       1,900       401  
    Interest expense   (19 )     (23 )     (27 )     (92 )     (106 )
    Other income (expense), net   37       36       49       181       197  
    Income before income taxes and equity income   889       737       364       1,989       492  
    Income tax provision (benefit)   419       (27 )     (297 )     381       (346 )
    Equity income in investee   12       7       6       33       16  
    Net income $ 482     $ 771     $ 667     $ 1,641     $ 854  
    Earnings per share                  
    Basic $ 0.30     $ 0.48     $ 0.41     $ 1.01     $ 0.53  
    Diluted $ 0.29     $ 0.47     $ 0.41     $ 1.00     $ 0.53  
    Shares used in per share calculation                  
    Basic   1,623       1,620       1,616       1,620       1,614  
    Diluted   1,634       1,636       1,628       1,637       1,625  

    ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Millions)

      December 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023
      (Unaudited)    
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,787     $ 3,933  
    Short-term investments   1,345       1,840  
    Accounts receivable, net   6,192       4,323  
    Inventories   5,734       4,351  
    Receivables from related parties   113       9  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,878       2,312  
    Total current assets   19,049       16,768  
    Property and equipment, net   1,802       1,589  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   623       633  
    Goodwill   24,839       24,262  
    Acquisition-related intangibles, net   18,930       21,363  
    Investment: equity method   149       99  
    Deferred tax assets   688       366  
    Other non-current assets   3,146       2,805  
    Total Assets $ 69,226     $ 67,885  
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 1,990     $ 2,055  
    Payables to related parties   476       363  
    Accrued liabilities   4,260       3,082  
    Current portion of long-term debt, net   —       751  
    Other current liabilities   555       438  
    Total current liabilities   7,281       6,689  
    Long-term debt, net of current portion   1,721       1,717  
    Long-term operating lease liabilities   491       535  
    Deferred tax liabilities   349       1,202  
    Other long-term liabilities   1,816       1,850  
           
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Capital stock:      
    Common stock, par value   17       17  
    Additional paid-in capital   61,362       59,676  
    Treasury stock, at cost   (6,106 )     (4,514 )
    Retained earnings   2,364       723  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (69 )     (10 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   57,568       55,892  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 69,226     $ 67,885  

    ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (Millions) (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023    		   December 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023
    Cash flows from operating activities:              
    Net income $ 482     $ 667     $ 1,641     $ 854  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation and amortization   172       164       671       642  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   583       635       2,393       2,811  
    Stock-based compensation   339       374       1,407       1,384  
    Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets   31       25       113       98  
    Deferred income taxes   (300 )     (219 )     (1,163 )     (1,019 )
    Inventory loss at contract manufacturer   —       —       65       —  
    Other   62       (23 )     12       (54 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities              
    Accounts receivable, net   96       (379 )     (1,865 )     (1,339 )
    Inventories   (362 )     94       (1,458 )     (580 )
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   494       (34 )     343       (383 )
    Receivables from and payables to related parties, net   30       29       108       (107 )
    Accounts payable   (585 )     (181 )     (109 )     (419 )
    Accrued and other liabilities   257       (771 )     883       (221 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities   1,299       381       3,041       1,667  
    Cash flows from investing activities:              
    Purchases of property and equipment   (208 )     (139 )     (636 )     (546 )
    Purchases of short-term investments   (786 )     (410 )     (1,493 )     (3,722 )
    Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments   65       770       1,416       2,687  
    Proceeds from sale of short-term investments   25       52       616       300  
    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired   —       (117 )     (548 )     (131 )
    Related party equity method investment   —       —       (17 )     —  
    Issuance of loan to related party   (100 )     —       (100 )     —  
    Purchase of strategic investments   (210 )     (6 )     (341 )     (11 )
    Other   —       —       2       —  
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (1,214 )     150       (1,101 )     (1,423 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:              
    Repayment of debt   —       —       (750 )     —  
    Proceeds from sales of common stock through employee equity plans   127       120       279       268  
    Repurchases of common stock   (256 )     (233 )     (862 )     (985 )
    Common stock repurchases for tax withholding on employee equity plans   (42 )     (45 )     (728 )     (427 )
    Other   —       (1 )     (1 )     (2 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (171 )     (159 )     (2,062 )     (1,146 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (86 )     372       (122 )     (902 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period   3,897       3,561       3,933       4,835  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 3,811     $ 3,933     $ 3,811     $ 3,933  

    ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    SELECTED CORPORATE DATA
    (Millions) (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 28,
    2024    		   September 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023    		   December 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023
    Segment and Category Information(1)                  
    Data Center                  
    Net revenue $ 3,859     $ 3,549     $ 2,282     $ 12,579     $ 6,496  
    Operating income $ 1,157     $ 1,041     $ 666     $ 3,482     $ 1,267  
    Client                  
    Net revenue $ 2,313     $ 1,881     $ 1,461     $ 7,054     $ 4,651  
    Operating income (loss) $ 446     $ 276     $ 55     $ 897     $ (46 )
    Gaming                  
    Net revenue $ 563     $ 462     $ 1,368     $ 2,595     $ 6,212  
    Operating income $ 50     $ 12     $ 224     $ 290     $ 971  
    Embedded                  
    Net revenue $ 923     $ 927     $ 1,057     $ 3,557     $ 5,321  
    Operating income $ 362     $ 372     $ 461     $ 1,421     $ 2,628  
    All Other                  
    Net revenue $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —  
    Operating loss $ (1,144 )   $ (977 )   $ (1,064 )   $ (4,190 )   $ (4,419 )
    Total                  
    Net revenue $ 7,658     $ 6,819     $ 6,168     $ 25,785     $ 22,680  
    Operating income $ 871     $ 724     $ 342     $ 1,900     $ 401  
                       
    Other Data                  
    Capital expenditures $ 208     $ 132     $ 139     $ 636     $ 546  
    Adjusted EBITDA (2) $ 2,212     $ 1,887     $ 1,576     $ 6,824     $ 5,496  
    Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $ 5,132     $ 4,544     $ 5,773     $ 5,132     $ 5,773  
    Free cash flow (3) $ 1,091     $ 496     $ 242     $ 2,405     $ 1,121  
    Total assets $ 69,226     $ 69,636     $ 67,885     $ 69,226     $ 67,885  
    Total debt $ 1,721     $ 1,720     $ 2,468     $ 1,721     $ 2,468  
    (1 )   The Data Center segment primarily includes Artificial Intelligence (AI) accelerators, server microprocessors (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), accelerated processing units (APUs), data processing units (DPUs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Smart Network Interface Cards (SmartNICs) and Adaptive System-on-Chip (SoC) products for data centers.
        The Client segment primarily includes CPUs, APUs, and chipsets for desktops and notebooks.
        The Gaming segment primarily includes discrete GPUs, and semi-custom SoC products and development services.
        The Embedded segment primarily includes embedded CPUs, GPUs, APUs, FPGAs, System on Modules (SOMs), and Adaptive SoC products.
        From time to time, the Company may also sell or license portions of its IP portfolio.
        All Other category primarily includes certain expenses and credits that are not allocated to any of the operating segments, such as amortization of acquisition-related intangible asset, employee stock-based compensation expense, acquisition-related and other costs, inventory loss at contract manufacturer, restructuring charges and licensing gain.
         
    (2 )   Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
    (Millions) (Unaudited) December 28,
    2024    		   September 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023    		   December 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023
    GAAP net income $ 482     $ 771     $ 667     $ 1,641     $ 854  
    Interest expense   19       23       27       92       106  
    Other (income) expense, net   (37 )     (36 )     (49 )     (181 )     (197 )
    Income tax provision (benefit)   419       (27 )     (297 )     381       (346 )
    Equity income in investee   (12 )     (7 )     (6 )     (33 )     (16 )
    Stock-based compensation   339       351       374       1,407       1,380  
    Depreciation and amortization   186       171       164       685       642  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   584       585       635       2,394       2,811  
    Inventory loss at contract manufacturer   —       —       —       65       —  
    Acquisition-related and other costs   46       56       61       187       262  
    Restructuring charges   186       —       —       186       —  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,212     $ 1,887     $ 1,576     $ 6,824     $ 5,496  
    The Company presents “Adjusted EBITDA” as a supplemental measure of its performance. Adjusted EBITDA for the Company is determined by adjusting GAAP net income for interest expense, other (income) expense, net, income tax provision (benefit), equity income in investee, stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization expense, amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, inventory loss at contract manufacturer, acquisition-related and other costs, and restructuring charges. The Company calculates and presents Adjusted EBITDA because management believes it is of importance to investors and lenders in relation to its overall capital structure and its ability to borrow additional funds. In addition, the Company presents Adjusted EBITDA because it believes this measure assists investors in comparing its performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that the Company does not believe are indicative of its core operating performance. The Company’s calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may or may not be consistent with the calculation of this measure by other companies in the same industry. Investors should not view Adjusted EBITDA as an alternative to the GAAP operating measure of income or GAAP liquidity measures of cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not take into account changes in certain assets and liabilities that can affect cash flows.
    (3 )   Reconciliation of GAAP Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
    (Millions except percentages) (Unaudited) December 28,
    2024    		   September 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023    		   December 28,
    2024    		   December 30,
    2023
    GAAP net cash provided by operating activities $ 1,299     $ 628     $ 381     $ 3,041     $ 1,667  
    Operating cash flow margin %   17 %     9 %     6 %     12 %     7 %
    Purchases of property and equipment   (208 )     (132 )     (139 )     (636 )     (546 )
    Free cash flow $ 1,091     $ 496     $ 242     $ 2,405     $ 1,121  
    Free cash flow margin %   14 %     7 %     4 %     9 %     5 %
    The Company also presents free cash flow as a supplemental Non-GAAP measure of its performance. Free cash flow is determined by adjusting GAAP net cash provided by operating activities for capital expenditures, and free cash flow margin % is free cash flow expressed as a percentage of the Company’s net revenue. The Company calculates and communicates free cash flow in the financial earnings press release because management believes it is of importance to investors to understand the nature of these cash flows. The Company’s calculation of free cash flow may or may not be consistent with the calculation of this measure by other companies in the same industry. Investors should not view free cash flow as an alternative to GAAP liquidity measures of cash flows from operating activities.
     

    Media Contact:
    Drew Prairie
    AMD Communications
    512-602-4425
    drew.prairie@amd.com

    Investor Contact:
    Matt Ramsay
    AMD Investor Relations
    512-602-0113
    matthew.ramsay@amd.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on Access to Justice Week

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement on Access to Justice Week, from Feb. 3-7, 2025:

    “Access to Justice Week is an opportunity to reflect on how B.C.’s justice system can best work for British Columbians. This year’s theme is: What does the future of access to justice look like?

    “Throughout the province, we are taking action to modernize our justice system through enhancements to technology that will increase access to justice and convenience for British Columbians. It means breaking down barriers by introducing technology that brings legal services to remote and under-served communities and simplifying processes to reduce complexity for people involved with the justice system. Online platforms, virtual hearings and other innovative tools are making the justice system more accessible, saving time and money.

    “People are at the centre of the changes we are making. For instance, the Province launched new services to help people whose intimate images have been shared without their consent. The Intimate Images Protection Service offers emotional support and helps with applications to the Civil Resolution Tribunal for “take-down” orders. Additionally, these services provide self-help tools, legal information and connections to resources.

    “We have significantly expanded the eligibility criteria for family legal-aid services and have opened two new family law clinics in Victoria and Surrey for people experiencing family violence. Families will also benefit from early access to information and referrals in Provincial Court. We are supporting the early resolution process by adding eight more court registries by November 2025.  

    “The Ministry of Attorney General and the BC First Nations Justice Council will soon open six new Indigenous Justice Centres. Nine centres opened last year, for a total of 15, and a virtual centre is also available provincewide. These centres address systemic barriers faced by Indigenous people by offering culturally appropriate supports, legal advice and representation to Indigenous people.

    “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities, and confident that justice is being served. We will ensure strong and safe communities for everyone throughout the province by aggressively pushing the federal government for continuing legal reform and co-operation with the Province that will ensure violent and prolific offenders remain in custody after arrest.

    “The Province is committed to transforming the justice system by enhancing access to services for British Columbians. We have more work to do, and we are committed to doing it, because the work we do today will shape a better tomorrow. I am proud of the strides we’ve made, and I am committed to the modernization of our legal system to increase access to justice in B.C.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Vice President and Controller of Publicly Traded Company Pleads Guilty to Insider Trading

    Source: US State of California

    A Florida man pleaded guilty today in the Southern District of Florida for his role in an insider trading scheme that netted him over $1.6 million in illicit profits.

    According to court documents, Stephen George, 54, of Parkland, was a member of the Finance Department at Company A from November 2017 until April 7, 2023, where he held roles including vice president and controller. Company A is a consumer-packaged goods company headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, that is the maker of a fitness drink and whose securities are publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market. In his role at Company A, George received material non-public information (MNPI) regarding Company A’s profit and revenue performance.

    George’s last day of employment at Company A was April 7, 2023. On that day, George used a Company A computer to generate out of Company A’s enterprise resource planning system a consolidated income statement showing Company A’s financial performance for the first quarter of 2023, which George knew contained MNPI. The income statement showed that Company A’s first quarter of 2023 had greatly exceeded expectations. Shortly after generating the income statement, George emailed it to himself using two personal email accounts.

    Beginning on April 10, 2023, the first trading day after his last day of employment with Company A, and continuing through May 8, 2023, George purchased Company A securities on the basis of MNPI — specifically, 20,000 shares of Company A common stock and 300 call option contracts. On May 9, 2023, after the market close, Company A publicly reported better-than-expected earnings and sales for the first quarter of 2023, including an all-time quarterly record in revenue. After the public announcement, Company A’s stock price increased significantly. During the next trading day, May 10, 2023, George sold all 20,000 shares of common stock and 300 call option contracts, resulting in over $1.6 million in personal profits.

    George pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin E. Fleck of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department appreciates the assistance of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group.

    Trial Attorneys Matthew F. Sullivan and Matt Kahn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eli S. Rubin and Elizabeth Young for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Vice President and Controller of Publicly Traded Company Pleads Guilty to Insider Trading

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A Florida man pleaded guilty today in the Southern District of Florida for his role in an insider trading scheme that netted him over $1.6 million in illicit profits.

    According to court documents, Stephen George, 54, of Parkland, was a member of the Finance Department at Company A from November 2017 until April 7, 2023, where he held roles including vice president and controller. Company A is a consumer-packaged goods company headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, that is the maker of a fitness drink and whose securities are publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market. In his role at Company A, George received material non-public information (MNPI) regarding Company A’s profit and revenue performance.

    George’s last day of employment at Company A was April 7, 2023. On that day, George used a Company A computer to generate out of Company A’s enterprise resource planning system a consolidated income statement showing Company A’s financial performance for the first quarter of 2023, which George knew contained MNPI. The income statement showed that Company A’s first quarter of 2023 had greatly exceeded expectations. Shortly after generating the income statement, George emailed it to himself using two personal email accounts.

    Beginning on April 10, 2023, the first trading day after his last day of employment with Company A, and continuing through May 8, 2023, George purchased Company A securities on the basis of MNPI — specifically, 20,000 shares of Company A common stock and 300 call option contracts. On May 9, 2023, after the market close, Company A publicly reported better-than-expected earnings and sales for the first quarter of 2023, including an all-time quarterly record in revenue. After the public announcement, Company A’s stock price increased significantly. During the next trading day, May 10, 2023, George sold all 20,000 shares of common stock and 300 call option contracts, resulting in over $1.6 million in personal profits.

    George pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin E. Fleck of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department appreciates the assistance of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group.

    Trial Attorneys Matthew F. Sullivan and Matt Kahn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eli S. Rubin and Elizabeth Young for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley, Crapo, and Risch Push to Reauthorize Program Supporting Rural Counties in Oregon, Idaho and Nationwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 04, 2025

    Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley (both D-Ore.) said today that they along with U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) and 17 other Senate colleagues have reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) administered for counties hosting both U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management forested lands through Fiscal Year 2026. 

    “This is urgent business for the Oregonians living and working in counties that have long depended on millions of dollars from these federal funds for local schools, roads, law enforcement and more,” said Wyden, who co-authored the bipartisan SRS legislation in 2000.  “I’m glad this bill is being reintroduced right at the start of this new Congress in this bipartisan spirit, and I strongly urge our House colleagues to act with the same urgency and bipartisan ethic to reconnect this proven lifeline ASAP for rural communities in Oregon and nationwide.”

    “Our bipartisan bill provides reliable funding that is crucial to keeping schools and libraries open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds, and ensuring there are police officers and firefighters to keep rural?communities safe,”?said Merkley.  “Congress must swiftly pass this bill to extend the SRS program so Oregon communities can maintain access to these important lifelines and resources.” 

    “The SRS program is a vital lifeline for rural counties where federal lands generate insufficient revenue for important local services,” said Crapo.  “Failure to reauthorize the program puts most of Idaho’s counties in a precarious position with a lack of funding for schools, road maintenance, public safety, and search and rescue operations.  I urge both the Senate and House to take up this measure expeditiously, and remain committed to finding a viable long-term solution that provides more certainty to rural county governments in the future.”

    “Idaho’s counties rely on SRS funding for schools and road maintenance,” said Risch. “The federal government made a promise to rural communities, and until we can bring historic timber revenue back to these areas, Congress has an obligation to fulfill that promise. Congress must immediately reauthorize SRS.”

    “Reauthorizing Secure Rural Schools for three years will help counties with large tracts of federal forests meet the needs of residents and visitors,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase.  “Without SRS, counties would face, on average, an 80 percent drop in resources for infrastructure improvement, education programs and forest health projects.  Many rural counties and school districts are already making difficult decisions due to a lack of funds. Counties applaud the leadership of Senators Crapo and Wyden and look forward to prompt passage of this vital legislation.”

    Additional co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), John Curtis (R-Utah), Patty Murray (D-Washington), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada).

    Wyden, Merkley, Crapo, and Risch introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress and the Senate unanimously passed it in November 2024.  It did not receive a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives before the end of the Congress.  The program needs to be reauthorized as soon as possible to avoid a gap in funding for rural counties that rely on the program for much-needed services.

    Congress enacted SRS in 2000 to financially assist counties with public, tax-exempt forestlands.  The U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management administer the funds.  The totals are based on a formula including economic activity, timber harvest levels and other considerations that vary from county to county.  SRS payments are critical to maintain education programs for many rural counties that contain federal lands exempt from property taxes.

    Text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Hoeven Introduce CRA to Repeal Methane Tax Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) in introducing a resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal a rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) included in Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act that creates a new tax on natural gas production. The tax would increase our dependence on foreign nations for energy and cause higher energy costs for consumers. Last month, Senator Tuberville also joined U.S. Senator Ted Cruz in reintroducing legislation to repeal the Natural Gas Tax.

    “For the last four years, Americans have felt the impacts of Bidenflation from the gas pump to the grocery store,” said Senator Tuberville. “Democrats have shut down our offshore drilling and made us reliant on foreign adversaries for our energy without considering the impact that it has on Americans’ daily lives. The last thing hardworking Americans need right now are more taxes and higher prices. I look forward to seeing this disastrous methane tax overturned and working with President Trump to make America energy independent once again.

    Full text of the resolution can be read here.

    Also joining Senators Tuberville and Hoeven in introducing the resolution are U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mike Lee (R-UT), James Lankford (R-OK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), James Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rand Paul (R-KY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and John Barrasso (R-WY).

    BACKGROUND:

    For the last four years, Senator Tuberville has helped introduce numerous pieces of legislation pushing back against the Biden administration’s war on American energy, citing the impacts rising energy costs would have on hardworking Americans and Alabamians that work in the Gulf of America’s energy industry. Senator Tuberville has also been vocal about how increased energy costs cut into farmers’ bottom lines and the need to bring down energy costs so that we can preserve our small family farms.  

    MORE:

    Tuberville, Cruz Introduce Legislation Eliminating Natural Gas Tax, Bolstering American Energy Security 

    Tuberville, Cruz Introduce Legislation to Repeal Biden’s Natural Gas Tax for Unleashing American Energy

    ICYMI: Tuberville in Fox News: How Congress Can Reverse Biden’s Radical Energy Agenda

    Tuberville Blasts Biden Administration For Playing Politics With U.S. Energy

    Tuberville Applauds NOAA Decision Rejecting Biden Administration’s Rule Threatening Gulf’s Energy Sector

    Tuberville Continues to Fight Biden Administration’s Rule Threatening Gulf’s Energy Sector

    Tuberville Sponsors Legislation to Prevent Administration From Shutting Down Offshore Energy Development

    ICYMI: Tuberville and NOIA President Sound Alarm on Biden Rule Proposal Threatening Gulf’s Energy Sector

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –