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Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eastern Shore Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing With Intent to Distribute Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher sentenced Rydell Washington, 37, of Salisbury, Maryland, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine. 

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore.

    According to the guilty plea, on May 6, 2023, USPIS agents identified an inbound parcel, addressed to a residence in Federalsburg, Maryland, that contained suspected controlled substances.  On May 9, USPIS obtained a federal warrant for the parcel, opened it, and discovered approximately two kilograms of white powder wrapped in two, roughly equal-sized, brick-shaped packages within the shipping box.

    USPIS removed one kilogram of the substance to seize as evidence and repackaged the other to conduct a controlled delivery.  Then on May 10, USPIS performed a controlled delivery to the residence. The parcel contained approximately one kilogram of cocaine, a GPS tracker, and a beacon that law enforcement placed in the parcel. Authorities identified Washington as the recipient of the package during the controlled delivery operation.  Washington now admits that he knowingly possessed at least 1002.9 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute.  

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPIS and HSI for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Kalim and Patrick Rigney who prosecuted the case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal Officer and Setting an Apartment Building on Fire

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Armando Carrillo-Diaz, 45, an illegal alien from Rioverde, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, has been sentenced for assaulting a federal officer, arson, and illegally reentering the United States.

    “When illegal aliens resort to extreme and dangerous measures to avoid removal, they not only violate our immigration laws but also put law enforcement officers and the public at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Our Office is committed to taking decisive action to hold accountable those who attack law enforcement officers and endanger the community.”

    “This conviction sends a strong message to those who think they can evade justice by resorting to dangerous and reckless actions,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “Thanks to the dedicated collaboration between HSI and our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels, we were able to catch Armando Carrillo-Diaz, an illegal alien, and hold him accountable for his reckless and fiery attempts to evade justice.”

    “Carrillo-Diaz posed a serious threat to law enforcement and the community,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “Our top priority is working with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.” 

    According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges and other information presented in court: On April 26, 2023, deportation officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) attempted to arrest Armando Carrillo-Diaz in the parking lot of his apartment complex. Carrillo-Diaz nearly struck one of the officers as he fled from the scene in a pickup truck. 

    When ERO officers later returned to his residence to locate him, Carrillo-Diaz attempted to evade capture by setting his apartment on fire. The fire spread, prompting the Gwinnett County, Georgia, Fire Department to evacuate residents from the building. Carrillo-Diaz then sliced his own throat with a box cutter when the officers tried to apprehend him. The officers immediately rendered medical aid and arranged for Carrillo-Diaz’s transport to a local hospital. 

    On June 26, 2024, a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia returned a superseding indictment charging Carrillo-Diaz with the offenses of Assaulting a Federal Officer, Arson, and Illegally Reentering the United States. 

    On June 11, 2025, U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen sentenced Carrillo-Diaz to five years in prison followed by one year of supervised release.  Carrillo-Diaz was convicted of these charges on January 29, 2025, after he pleaded guilty.

    This case was investigated by ERO, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Gwinnett County Fire Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Dash A. Cooper prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the 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 further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Grand Juries in Bowling Green and Paducah Indict 4 Illegal Aliens for Immigration Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Bowling Green and Paducah, KY – Federal grand juries in Bowling Green and Paducah, Kentucky, returned indictments on June 10 and 11, 2025, charging three individuals with illegal reentry after deportation or removal and one individual with use of a false passport.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, and Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement made the announcement.

    According to the indictments:

    Santiago Tehandon-Paneda, age 45, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in Owensboro, Kentucky, with reentry after deportation or removal and false claim to United States citizenship. On or about May 12, 2025, Tehandon-Paneda was an alien found in United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about May 4, 2007, and August 13, 2012. On or about May 15, 2025, Tehandon-Paneda willfully represented himself to be a citizen of the United States. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 13 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    Feliz Morales-Rangel, age 38, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in Bowling Green with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 26, 2025, Morales-Rangel was an alien found in United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about March 20, 2008, and May 1, 2010. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    Francisco Campos-Guardian, age 32, a citizen of Mexico, was charged in Paducah with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about May 8, 2025, Campos-Guardian was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about January 7, 2020. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    Bogdan Drapac, age 41, a citizen of Romania, was charged in Paducah with use of a false passport. On or about May 14, 2025, Drapac willfully and knowingly used and attempted to use a false, forged, and counterfeited Spanish passport; that is, he presented the passport to law enforcement during a traffic stop to conceal his identity. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. This case is being investigated by HSI, ICE-ERO.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, and Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, are prosecuting the cases.

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

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Davenport Man Convicted For Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Jose David Figueroa Pacheco (33, Davenport) guilty of fentanyl trafficking. Figueroa Pacheco faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2025.

    Figueroa Pacheco was indicted on August 7, 2024, along with co-defendant Alberto Ismael Salinas Valencia. Salinas Valencia pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, and has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

    According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, between August 2023 and August 2024, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation to identify firearms and narcotics traffickers in the Orlando area. As part of that investigation, on December 13, 2023, an undercover officer arranged to buy a firearm and fentanyl pills from Salinas Valencia. Salinas Valencia arrived with the firearm at the buy location as a passenger in Figueroa Pacheco’s truck. Figueroa Pacheco then made phone calls to coordinate the delivery of the fentanyl pills, inspected the pills, and facilitated the transaction.

    (firearm and fentanyl pills sold during the December 13, 2023 drug transaction)

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Risha Asokan.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Baxter Springs man charged with child pornography possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man has been charged through criminal complaint in Wichita, Kansas, on allegations related to child sexual abuse materials.  

    According to court documents, Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, of Baxter Springs is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.

    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 CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Newton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Newton man pleaded guilty on June 10, 2025 in federal court in Boston to illegally possessing two firearms and ammunition.

    James Welch, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Sept. 11, 2025. Welch was charged in February 2025.

    On Feb. 28, 2025, during a search of the defendants Newton residence a pistol and a rifle, as well as ammunition were recovered. Welch is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions.

    The charge of possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of a $250,000. 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 Foley and Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The Newton Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Statement on Israel’s Strike Against Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statement in response to Israel’s strike against Iran.

    “I strongly support Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of escalating threats from Iran, which is the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism. 

    “President Trump and Secretary Rubio have made clear that the United States was not involved in the planning or execution of these attacks. However, our commitment to Israel’s security remains firm.

    “I’ve consistently supported efforts to prevent a nuclear Iran, and I stand with President Trump in his efforts to restore stability in the region.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Tragic Mid-Air Collision Congressmen Amo, Estes Unveil Bipartisan Call for Audit of D.C. Airspace

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    The horrific passenger jet crash on January 29, 2025, involved a flight originating in Kansas and killed Rhode Island Mother and Son

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Congressman Ron ESTES (R-KS) are calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Acting Inspector General Mitch Behm to audit the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) oversight of airspace operations at Washington National Airport (DCA) following the horrific mid-air crash of a passenger jet and U.S. Army helicopter on January 29, 2025.

    Congressmen Amo and Estes write:

    “The FAA plays a critical role in regulating and managing the U.S. National Airspace System. We have one of the busiest and most complex aviation networks with over 45,000 flights operating in our country daily. That is why this crash raises serious questions about the effectiveness of FAA airspace management, communication processes, and deconfliction procedures in one of our nation’s most sensitive and congested aviation corridors.”

    “We respectfully request your office audit the FAA’s oversight of airspace operations at and around DCA, and the FAA’s procedures for managing military aircraft operating within civilian-controlled airspace.”

    Read Bi-partisan Amo, Estes Letter Here.

    BACKGROUND

    On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter as the passenger jet approached DCA.

    3 servicemembers operating the helicopter, and all 64 passengers and crew on the American Airlines flight were killed in the collision, including Rhode Island residents Christine and Spencer Lane. The mother and son were traveling with the Boston Skating Club group returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships where Spencer had competed.

    On May 23, 2025, Congressmen Amo, Subramanyam, and Beyer led 16 of their colleagues in requesting that the Department of Transportation facilitate an independent review of Washington, DC airspace as part of the Appropriations Committee’s Fiscal Year 2026 transportation funding bill.

    On March 3, 2025, Congressman Amo supported the House passage of a resolution to commemorate the victims.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov of Azerbaijan – Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator, Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO)

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    nited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Ramiz Alakbarov of Azerbaijan as his new Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator, Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO).  Dr. Alakbarov will also serve as Humanitarian Coordinator.  He succeeds Muhannad Hadi of Jordan, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedication and service.  The Secretary-General also thanks Sarah Poole of the United States, who has been providing steadfast support in an ad interim capacity. 

    Dr. Alakbarov brings more than 30 years of extensive international experience in executive leadership, strategic planning and policy-making, development programming and management, and humanitarian response.  He has been serving as the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia since 2023.  Prior to this, he held the position of Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), where he was also the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, from 2021 to 2023.  In Afghanistan, he also served as UN Resident Coordinator ad interim in 2020.

    Dr. Alakbarov has served in several positions within the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), including as Deputy Executive Director for Management and United Nations Reforms (ad interim) and Director of the Policy and Strategy Division in New York, Country Representative in Haiti, Deputy Regional Director of the Regional Office for Arab States in Cairo and Head of the Office in South Sudan.  Prior to these positions, he served in various roles at UNFPA supporting country programmes in Arab States, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.  His roles included Programme Officer covering Sudan, Somalia, and Iraq and Humanitarian Response Officer for Operations, in Afghanistan, Palestine and the Great Lakes Region.  From 1992 to 1995, he was an Assistant Professor at Azerbaijan Medical University and a practicing physician.

    Dr. Alakbarov holds M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in internal medicine from Azerbaijan Medical University and a Master of Arts in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.  He is fluent in Azerbaijani, English, French, Russian and Turkish.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Secures Decision Blocking Trump’s Unlawful Elections Order

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, June 13, 2025

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

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement on a decision by the District Court for the District of Massachusetts granting a preliminary injunction blocking unlawful provisions in President Donald Trump’s unprecedented elections executive order. Attorney General Bonta co-led a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging the order in April 2025.  

    “Today, the court blocked the President’s unconstitutional attempt to interfere with states’ fundamental responsibilities to manage and administer our elections,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Nothing is more fundamental to our democracy than the right to vote. We will continue to fight to ensure the President’s anti-Democratic, anti-American attacks on voting are never implemented.”

    A copy of the court’s order is available here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Attorney Sentenced in a Conspiracy to Smuggle Contraband Inside a Federal Detention Center

    Source: US FBI

    PROVIDENCE – A Massachusetts attorney who participated in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband to a detainee housed at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center in Rhode Island has been sentenced to three years’ probation, the first six months to be served in home confinement with GPS monitoring, and 100 hours of community service, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Theresa Marie DiJoseph, 51, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, to one count each of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and providing a prohibited object to an inmate. She was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose.

    In pleading guilty, DiJoseph admitted that in late 2023, she conspired with other individuals to smuggle ten papers soaked with K2, a synthetic marijuana, into the Wyatt Detention Center. DiJoseph also admitted that she later made false statements to the FBI during their investigation into the source of the contraband.

    According to information presented to the court, DiJoseph used her status as an attorney to meet multiple times with detainee Shawn D. Hart, 47, with whom she had a personal relationship, in a visiting room used for attorney visits to conduct legal work.

    On December 1, 2023, during an attempt to visit with Hart, Wyatt correctional officers seized from DiJoseph 10 sheets of paper that appeared discolored, thicker than normal, and to have been wet and dried. The papers were later sent to an FBI testing lab that confirmed the presence of Schedule I controlled substances.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan.

    The matter was investigated by the FBI and the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Real Estate Investor, His Company, and an Employee Sentenced for Defrauding Financially Distressed Homeowners and Financial Institutions

    Source: US FBI

    PROVIDENCE – A Johnston-based real estate investment firm, the company’s owner, and an employee of the real estate investment firm were sentenced in U.S. District Court today for conspiring to defraud and for defrauding homeowners, many of whom spoke little or no English, and financial institutions, criminal conduct that caused some homeowners to move out of their property, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    In April 2023, after a three week trial, a jury convicted Gregory F. Aloisio, 63, of Johnston, his real estate investment company, Aloisio Group, LLC, and Aloisio Group employee John DiFruscio, Jr., 72, of North Providence, for their roles in a scheme to fraudulently obtain properties from financially distressed homeowners; to fraudulently obtain fees, commissions, and other income associated with the rental, use and short sale of homeowners’ properties; to fraudulently purchase properties in short sales and illegally “flip” them for significant personal gain; and defraud several financial institutions.

    Aloisio Group, LLC and DiFruscio, Jr., were each convicted of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud; Gregory Aloisio and John DiFruscio were each convicted on three counts of bank fraud and one count of wire fraud; and Gregory Aloisio was also convicted on a charge of money laundering.

    U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy today sentenced Gregory Aloisio to a term of incarceration of 12 months and one day to be followed by three years of supervised release and John DiFruscio, Jr. to three years supervised release, the first three months in home confinement.  District Court Judge McElroy imposed a term of one year of probation against the Aloisio Group. Restitution orders in this matter will be entered by the court within 30 days. 

    The government presented evidence during the trial that, as part of the conspiracy and to further their scheme, the defendants lied to homeowners, financial institutions, and others, including evidence of the following:

    • Through misrepresentations and concealment, the defendants represented that they were working at “arm’s length” from the homeowners, meaning that there were no relationships or connections between themselves and the homeowners that could create incentive for suppressions of house purchase prices.  In fact, the defendants were controlling both sides of the purchase transactions.
    • The defendants filed affidavits and documents that falsely represented 1) that no commercial relationship existed between the parties to induce lenders to approve short sales; 2) that there was no agreement to “flip” or rent the targeted properties after the short sale; and 3) the identity of the seller, the identity of the buyer, and/or cash to the parties at closing.
    • In fact, defendants lined-up buyers prior to short sale so as to guarantee a flip and profit after the short sale.  Prior to short sale, the defendants entered into agreements with lined-up buyers to sell properties at prices more than the short sale prices.
    • The defendants deceived homeowners into believing that they offered a legitimate solution to the homeowners’ financial distress.  In reality, the defendants were using homeowners to perpetuate their fraud.  Some financially distressed homeowners were convinced to move out of their residences and lost their homes. Others remained in their properties and paid rent to the co-conspirators.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Milind M. Shah. The matter was investigated by  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General and the FBI.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Pleads Guilty to $70 Million Kickback Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – A New York-based director of operations and sales for the Northeast region of a mobile medical diagnostics company pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to conspiring to offer and pay kickbacks to doctors in exchange for ordering medically unnecessary brain scans.

    James Rausch, 57, of Port Jefferson Station, N.Y., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback statute. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2025. Rausch was charged in May 2025.

    From approximately March 2015 through approximately September 2020, Rausch conspired with others, including two managers for a mobile medical diagnostics company that performed transcranial doppler (TCD) scans, to enter into kickback agreements with various doctors. TCD scans are brain scans that measure blood flow in parts of the brain. Rausch and his alleged co-conspirators agreed to offer and pay doctors kickbacks, some in cash and others by check, based on the number of TCD ultrasounds the doctors ordered. Rausch and his alleged co-conspirators created purported rental and administrative service agreements, which on paper made it appear as if doctors were compensated for the TCD company’s use of space and administrative resources of the ordering doctor’s practice based on fair market value and not based on the volume or value of referrals. These agreements were shams that hid the true nature of the arrangement of paying per test.  

    The scheme as a whole resulted in fraudulent bills of approximately $70.6 million to Medicare. Medicare paid approximately $27.2 million to the TCD company for the fraudulent claims.

    The charge of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office; Kelly M. Lawson, Acting Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard Locker and Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Health Care Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Issues Statement Following Renewable Fuels Standard Rulemaking on Renewable Volume Obligations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    June 13, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Renewable Fuels Standard rulemaking noticing Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and 2027:
    “President Trump and Administrator Zeldin have held true to their promises to unleash American energy and to implement the Renewable Fuels Standard consistent with the law. Today’s Renewable Volume Obligation rulemaking marks an important day for biofuels, American farmers, and Nebraska agriculture. Strong targets drive strong biofuel markets which benefits energy consumers, agricultural producers, and the environment.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Releases Statement on the Detainment of Senator Alex Padilla

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) released the following statement regarding the detainment of Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA). 

    “The violent and forceful detainment of Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) by federal agents is a national disgrace and a dangerous escalation in the ongoing assault on our democratic norms.  

    “A sitting United States Senator was forcibly removed, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed—for doing what every public servant has a duty to do: ask questions and hold this administration accountable. 

    “What happened in Los Angeles is not just an affront to Senator Padilla (D-CA)—it is an affront to every American who believes in the right to speak, question authority, and seek truth. That he was treated as a threat for simply asserting his identity and demanding to be heard speaks volumes about the dangerous political climate under Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown. 

    “I stand in full solidarity with Senator Padilla (D-CA) and echo his call for peaceful protest and resistance. We must reject these authoritarian tactics and reaffirm our commitment to justice, due process, and the constitutional rights of all people—documented or not.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DOGE Subcommittee Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene Investigates Planned Parenthood’s Misuse of Federal Funds

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA, 14)

    FOX NEWS: Marjorie Taylor Greene launches probe into Planned Parenthood’s use of taxpayer funds

    Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) today launched an investigation into Planned Parenthood’s misuse of federal funds for abortion and so-called “gender affirming care” procedures for minors. In a letter to Planned Parenthood President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson, Subcommittee Chairwoman Greene requests information about Planned Parenthood’s financial statements, federal funding, and documents pertaining to its abortion and “gender affirming” medical and surgical interventions on children.

    “Planned Parenthood is an abortion giant that harvests organs from babies and uses nearly all of its resources to kill babies, not provide real healthcare. Despite receiving billions in taxpayer dollars, they offer almost no prenatal care, push late-term abortions, and even supply aborted babies for grotesque experiments. As a Christian, I believe every life is a gift from God, and I believe it’s time Congress holds them accountable and stops the flow of federal funds to this evil and barbaric organization,” said Subcommittee Chairwoman Greene.

    Despite receiving 39 percent of its annual revenue from federal funds intended for essential health services, such as cancer screenings and wellness exams, Planned Parenthood is increasingly using its resources to offer abortions to its patients. In FY 2023, Planned Parenthood provided fewer health care services and performed more abortions than years prior. The latest Planned Parenthood annual report shows that it performed more than 400,000 abortions, an increase of 23 percent over the last 10 years. Compared to a decade ago, Planned Parenthood provided 63 percent fewer prenatal services and 38 percent fewer contraceptive services.

    Additionally, Planned Parenthood provides “gender affirming care,” including cross-sex hormones, puberty blockers, and surgical referrals, with allegedly little to no medical or psychological evaluation. In FY 2022, Planned Parenthood reported 45 affiliate health centers provided “gender-affirming” hormones. The exact number of these services is not disclosed in public reports. Planned Parenthood’s official policy varies by state, but some Planned Parenthood health centers will provide cross-sex hormones to minors as young as 16 years old with parental consent.

    Below are excerpts from the letter. Read the full letter to Alexis McGill Johnson here.

    “The Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency is investigating Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. and its affiliates’ provision of abortion services and ‘gender affirming care’ for minors. Recently released audio recordings expose multiple Planned Parenthood facilities offering a minor same-day access to cross-sex hormones with little medical supervision and questionable adherence to parental consent laws.

    “As a recipient of nearly $800 million in federal funds in fiscal year (FY) 2023 and the second largest provider of gender hormone therapies in the United States, the Subcommittee is concerned that Planned Parenthood may be commingling federal funds and using them for unpermitted purposes. It is imperative that federal funds provided to Planned Parenthood via Title X of the Public Health Service Act (Title X), Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Therefore, the Subcommittee seeks documents and information from Planned Parenthood about its delivery of these services and stewardship of taxpayer funds.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Collins, Shaheen Urge DHS to Release Emergency Funds for Coast Guard Facilities in Maine, New Hampshire

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) sent a bipartisan letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem urging the immediate release of emergency funds provided by Congress to repair Coast Guard facilities in Maine and New Hampshire that were damaged by recent storms.

    “We write to request that you urgently obligate the emergency supplemental funds Congress provided to recapitalize Coast Guard facilities in Portland, ME, Southwest Harbor, ME and New Castle, NH,” the Senators wrote. “A combination of severe storm damage and resource constraints have hampered the ability of the Coast Guard to perform its important missions in Maine and New Hampshire, such as escorting submarines as they arrive and depart from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.”

    “These facilities not only support our local communities and economies, but they also serve vital national security interests. The Coast Guard has a long and growing backlog of stations and facilities in need of repair or recapitalization. We see these issues firsthand in Maine and New Hampshire,” they continued. “In February 2025, the Government Accountability Office found that 49% of the Coast Guard’s shore infrastructure is beyond its expected service life and that the agency has a $7 billion backlog in shore infrastructure projects.”

    “We respectfully request your commitment that the Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard use the supplemental Procurement, Construction & Improvements funds as soon as possible to recapitalize Coast Guard stations in Rockland ME, Portland, ME, Southwest Harbor, ME and New Castle, NH,” they concluded.

    Earlier this year, Senator Collins announced that she had secured more than $40 million in funding that the U.S. Coast Guard requested for repairs to the Coast Guard facilities in Rockland, Southwest Harbor, and Portland damaged by recent storms. This funding was included in disaster relief legislation that has passed Congress and been signed into law. It included more than $210 million for construction projects, of which a portion was allocated for repairs to Coast Guard facilities in Maine.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Applauds Successful Law Enforcement Interdiction Operations in Kansas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced a Resolution commending federal, state, and local law enforcement for their efforts in protecting Americans by combating drug trafficking and agroterrorism and for their recent actions in Kansas and across the country. 
    “At a time when our communities are under threat from both foreign and domestic criminals, I want to commend our hard-working law enforcement officials at all levels for the work they do each and every day to keep America safe,” said Senator Marshall.
    The Resolution highlights work done by the Emporia Police Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in stopping and preventing crime.  
    “I am very thankful for the combined efforts of the Emporia Police Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the federal agencies that assisted in this matter,” said Trey Cocking, Emporia City Manager. “Their work demonstrates the power of true professional collaboration. Together, we can take meaningful steps to stem the tide of illegal substances impacting our communities.” 
    “Thank you to Senator Marshall for recognizing law enforcement’s continuing efforts to fight against the threat of illicit drugs that have infiltrated every corner of Kansas,” said KBI Director Tony Mattivi. “Our federal, state, and local partnerships are critical in standing up to drug trafficking organizations who threaten our communities.”
    “Kansas Wheat is grateful for the law enforcement agencies working to protect the national security of our food supply,” said Justin Gilpin, CEO of Kansas Wheat. “Threats from foreign adversaries using agriculture to disrupt our food safety and security systems must be taken seriously and acted upon.” 
    Click HERE to read the full resolution.  
    Background: 

    In May 2025, a joint team consisting of agents from Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the Emporia Police Department arrested six individuals for transporting more than 85 gallons of liquid methamphetamine from Mexico to Emporia, Kansas. 
    On June 5, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration executed a record drug bust, seizing over 93 kilograms of fentanyl, 97 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly 18 kilograms of heroin, and about 10 kilograms of cocaine. The value of this confiscation exceeds $9 million, and the quantity could have killed nearly 50 million individuals. 
    On June 10, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested two Chinese nationals, with alleged Chinese Communist Party ties, who were caught smuggling the fungus Fusarium Graminearum into the United States. This fungus can cause ‘head blight’, which devastates wheat, barley, maize, and rice crops, and has caused billions of dollars in economic losses globally. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: The Government of Barbados Announces an Offer to Purchase for Cash its 6.500% Notes due 2029

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Government of Barbados (the “Offeror”) announces that it has today launched an offer (the “Offer”) to holders (the “Noteholders”) of any and all of its outstanding U.S.$407,642,670 6.500% Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”) to purchase any and all of such Notes for cash on the terms and subject to the satisfaction of the New Financing Condition (as defined below) and the other conditions set forth in the tender offer memorandum dated 13 June 2025 (the “Tender Offer Memorandum”).

    Capitalised terms used in this announcement but not defined have the meanings given to them in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

    All documentation relating to the Offer including the Tender Offer Memorandum and any amendments or supplements thereto will be available to Noteholders via the website for the Offer accessible at: www.dfking.com/barbados. The Offer is subject to offer and distribution restrictions in, among other countries, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium and France, as described below.

    Summary of the Offer

    Description of Notes Outstanding Principal
    Amount as of the Date
    Hereof and subject to the Offer    		 ISINs / CUSIP No. Purchase Price(1)
    6.500% Notes due 2029 U.S.$407,642,670 Rule 144A Notes:
    US067070AH54 / 067070 AH5

    Regulation S Notes:
    USP48864AQ80 / P48864 AQ8

    		 U.S.$1,000

     

    (1) Offered as Purchase Price per each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Expiration Deadline (as defined below) and accepted for purchase. The Purchase Price does not include Accrued Interest (as defined below). On 26 June 2025 (subject to the right of the Offeror, at its sole discretion, to extend, re-open, amend and/or terminate the Offer) (the “Settlement Date”), Noteholders will also receive Accrued Interest on all Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase.
       

    Rationale for the Offer

    The Offeror is making the Offer (subject to the New Financing Condition (as defined below)) in connection with the Offeror’s broader debt management strategy to refinance short-dated debt with longer-dated debt.

    All Notes purchased by the Offeror pursuant to the Offer will be cancelled and will not be re-issued or re-sold.

    Tender Offer Consideration

    The Offeror will, on the Settlement Date, pay for the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or before the Expiration Deadline pursuant to the Offer and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer a cash amount (rounded to the nearest U.S.$0.01) equal to the sum of (i) the Purchase Price for such Notes, as set forth in the table above; and (ii) interest accrued and unpaid on the Notes from (and including) the interest payment date for such Notes immediately preceding the Settlement Date to (but excluding) the Settlement Date in respect of such Notes (the “Accrued Interest” and the payment thereof, the “Accrued Interest Payment”).

    The Offeror will calculate any Accrued Interest with respect to the Notes accepted for purchase in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes, and the calculation will be final and binding on all Noteholders whose Notes were accepted for purchase, absent manifest error.

    The Offeror reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to modify in any manner and at any time any of the terms and conditions of the Offer.

    New Financing Condition

    Whether the Offeror will accept for purchase any Notes validly tendered in the Offer is subject to (unless such condition is waived by the Offeror in its sole and absolute discretion), among other things, the prior closing of the issuance by the Offeror of one or more series of debt securities (the “New Notes”) in the international capital markets (the “New Notes Offering”) in an aggregate principal amount, and at a price and on terms and conditions acceptable to the Offeror in its sole and absolute discretion, a portion of the net proceeds of which will be used by the Offeror to purchase any Notes tendered and accepted pursuant to the Offer (the “New Financing Condition”).

    The New Notes Offering will be made solely by means of an offering memorandum relating to the New Notes Offering (the “New Notes Offering Memorandum”), and this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes. You may not participate in the New Notes Offering unless you have received and reviewed the New Notes Offering Memorandum, and not in reliance on, or on the basis of, this announcement or the Tender Offer Memorandum. The New Notes will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in the United States in reliance on Rule 144A and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction.

    Even if the New Financing Condition is satisfied, the Offeror is not under any obligation to accept for purchase any Notes tendered pursuant to the Offer.

    In order to be valid, Tender Instructions must be submitted in respect of a minimum nominal amount of U.S.$100 and in integral multiples of U.S.$100 in excess thereof (the “Minimum Denomination”). Noteholders who do not tender all of their Notes must ensure that they retain a principal amount of Notes amounting to at least the Minimum Denomination.

    Expected Timetable of Events

    The times and dates below are indicative only.

    Date Events
    13 June 2025 Commencement of the Offer

    Offer announced. Tender Offer Memorandum available from the Information and Tender Agent.
       
    20 June 2025, 5 p.m. (New York Time) Expiration Deadline

    Deadline for receipt by the Information and Tender Agent of all Tender Instructions in order for Noteholders to be able to participate in the Offer and to be eligible to receive the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest Payment on the Settlement Date.
       
    As soon as reasonably practicable on or after the Expiration Deadline and expected to be 23 June 2025 Announcement of Results

    Offeror’s announcement of the amount of Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Offer.
       
    Promptly after the New Financing Condition has been met or waived Announcement of Notes accepted for purchase

    The Offeror will announce, promptly after the New Financing Condition has been met or waived, (i) the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered that will be accepted for purchase, and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Notes remaining outstanding following the completion of the Offer. See “Terms and Conditions of the Offer –Announcements” in the Tender Offer Memorandum.
       
    26 June 2025 (but subject to change without notice) Settlement

    Expected Settlement Date for the Offer. Payment of Purchase Price and Accrued Interest Payment in respect of the Offer. All Notes purchased pursuant to the Offer will be cancelled on the Settlement Date and will no longer be outstanding.
       

    The above times and dates are subject to the right of the Offeror to extend, re-open, amend, waive any condition of and/or terminate the Offer at any time (subject to applicable law and as provided in the Tender Offer Memorandum). Noteholders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a Noteholder in order for that Noteholder to be able to participate in, or (in the limited circumstances in which revocation is permitted) revoke their instruction to participate in, the Offer before the deadlines specified in the Tender Offer Memorandum. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each Clearing System for the submission of Tender Instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified above. See “Procedures for Participating in the Offer” in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

    Announcements

    Unless stated otherwise, announcements in connection with the Offer will be by the issue of a press release through the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and by the delivery of notices to the relevant Clearing Systems for communication to Direct Participants. Such announcements may also be made by the issue of a press release to a Notifying News Service. Copies of all such announcements, press releases and notices and will be available on the Offer Website or alternatively they can also be obtained upon request from the Information and Tender Agent, the contact details for which are below. Significant delays may be experienced where notices are delivered to the Clearing Systems and Noteholders are urged to contact the Information and Tender Agent for the relevant announcements during the course of the Offer. In addition, Noteholders may contact the Dealer Managers for information using the contact details below.

    Tender Instructions

    In order to participate in and be eligible to receive the relevant Purchase Price and any Accrued Interest Payment pursuant to the Offer, Noteholders must validly tender their Notes by delivering, or arranging to have delivered on their behalf, a valid Tender Instruction in respect of the Offer that is received by the Information and Tender Agent by 5.00 p.m. New York City time on 20 June 2025 (the “Expiration Deadline”).

    Tender Instructions will be irrevocable except in the limited circumstances described in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

    Noteholders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a Noteholder in order for that Noteholder to be able to participate in, or (in the limited circumstances in which revocation is permitted) revoke their instruction to participate in, the Offer by the deadlines specified in the Tender Offer Memorandum. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each Clearing System for the submission of Tender Instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

    Tender Instructions must be submitted in respect of a nominal amount of Notes equal to or greater than the Minimum Denomination.

    A separate Tender Instruction must be completed on behalf of each beneficial owner.

    Disclaimer

    This announcement does not contain the full terms and conditions of the Offer. The terms and conditions of the Offer are contained in the Tender Offer Memorandum, and are subject to the Offer and distribution restrictions set out below and more fully described therein.

    Further information

    J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Standard Chartered Bank have been appointed by the Offeror to serve as dealer managers (the “Dealer Managers”) for the Offer. D.F. King (the “Information and Tender Agent”) has been appointed by the Offeror to act as the information and tender agent in connection with the Offer.

    For additional information regarding the terms of the Offer, please contact J.P. Morgan Securities LLC by telephone at (866) 846-2874; Collect: (212) 834-7279 and Standard Chartered Bank by telephone at (212) 667-0351 (U.S.) or +44 20 7885 5739 (U.K.) and by email at liability_management@sc.com.

    Requests for documents and questions regarding the tender of Notes may be directed to the Information and Tender Agent D.F. King & Co., Inc. via:

    Banks & Brokers Call: (212) 269-5550

    Toll free: (866) 342-4881

    Email: barbados@dfking.com

    The Tender Offer Memorandum is expected to be distributed to Noteholders beginning today. A copy of the Tender Offer Memorandum is available on the tender offer website accessible at www.dfking.com/barbados.

    No Recommendation

    The relevant Purchase Price, if paid by the Offeror with respect to the Notes of any series accepted for purchase, will not necessarily reflect the actual value of such Notes. Noteholders should independently analyse the value of the Notes and make an independent assessment of the terms of the Offer. None of the Offeror, the Dealer Managers or the Information and Tender Agent has or will express any opinion as to whether the terms of the Offer are fair. None of the Offeror, the Dealer Managers or the Information and Tender Agent makes any recommendation that Noteholders should submit an offer to sell or tender Notes or refrain from doing so pursuant to the Offer, and no one has been authorised by any of them to make any such recommendation.

    Offer and Distribution Restrictions

    Neither this announcement nor the Tender Offer Memorandum constitutes an offer to participate in the Offer in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or for there to be such participation under applicable securities laws. The distribution of the Tender Offer Memorandum in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession the Tender Offer Memorandum comes are required by the Offeror, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions

    Nothing in this announcement or the Tender Offer Memorandum or the electronic transmission thereof constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes in the United States or any other jurisdiction.

    In addition, each Noteholder participating in an Offer will also be deemed to give certain representations in respect of the other jurisdictions referred to above and generally as set out in “Procedures for Participating in the Offer” of the Tender Offer Memorandum. Any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to an Offer from a Noteholder that is unable to make these representations will not be accepted. Each of the Offeror, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to investigate, in relation to any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to an Offer, whether any such representation given by a Noteholder is correct and, if such investigation is undertaken and as a result the Offeror determines (for any reason) that such representation is not correct, such tender shall not be accepted. The acceptance of any tender shall not be deemed to be a representation or a warranty by any of the Offeror, the Dealer Manager or the Information and Tender Agent or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or affiliates that it has undertaken any such investigation and/or that any such representation to any person underwriting any such Notes is correct.

    United Kingdom

    The communication of the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer are not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”). Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is only directed at and may be communicated to (1) those persons who are existing creditors of the Offeror within Article 43(2) of the FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, and (2) to any other persons to whom these documents and/or materials may lawfully be communicated.

    Belgium

    Neither the Tender Offer Memorandum nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offer have been, or will be, submitted to or notified to, or approved by, the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autorité des services et marchés financiers/Autoriteit voor Financiële Diensten en Markten) and, accordingly, the Offer may not be made in Belgium by way of a public offering, as defined in Article 3 of the Belgian Law of 1 April 2007 on takeover bids (loi relative aux offres publiques d’acquisition/wet op de openbare overnamebiedingen), as amended or replaced from time to time.

    Accordingly, the Offer may not be, and are not being advertised, and the Tender Offer Memorandum, as well as any brochure, or any other material or document relating thereto (including any memorandum, information circular, brochure or any similar document) may not, have not and will not be distributed, directly or indirectly, to any person located and/or resident within Belgium, other than those who qualify as qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés/qekwalificeerde beleggers), within the meaning of Article 2, e), of the Prospectus Regulation acting on their own account. Accordingly, the information contained in the Tender Offer Memorandum or in any brochure or any other document or material relating thereto may not be used for any other purpose, including for any offering in Belgium, except as may otherwise be permitted by law, and shall not be disclosed or distributed to any other person in Belgium.

    France

    The Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer are only addressed to and are only directed at qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation in France. Each person in France who receives any communication in respect of the Offer contemplated in the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with the Dealer Managers and the Offeror that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation.

    European Economic Area

    In any European Economic Area (“EEA”) Member State, this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum are only addressed to, and are only directed at, “qualified investors” (as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017, as amended (the “Prospectus Regulation”)) in that Member State.

    Each person in a Member State of the EEA who receives any communication in respect of the Offer contemplated in this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with each Dealer Manager and the Offeror that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Repeal Syria Caesar Civilian Protection Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    Washington, DC – Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Lou Correa (D-CA), and Jack Bergman (R-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation repealing the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) joined as an Original Cosponsor, as well. 

    The Caesar Act which imposed sanctions on Syria in response to the Assad regime’s war crimes was waived by Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month for 180 days. However, unless Congress permanently repeals the law it will require waivers every 180 days until the law expires in December 2029, thereby creating economic uncertainty which will harm efforts to reduce the massive humanitarian and economic hardship in Syria which has been ravaged by years of war. 

    On May 21, Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. In response to a question regarding Syria sanctions from Rep. Wilson, Sec. Rubio said, “The sanctions in Syria are largely based on a statute, the Caesar Act, and so that allows the President to do rolling waivers, I believe 6 months at a time. So the goal is ultimately to make enough progress, so that Congress will permanently repeal those.”

    Ambassador Thomas Barrack, who is U.S. ambassador to Türkiye, was named as Syria’s U.S. envoy on May 23; he noted Syria had been under U.S. sanctions since 1979. Some of the toughest were implemented in 2020 under the Caesar Act, which Barrack said must be repealed by Congress within a 180-day window. “I promise you the one person who has less patience with these sanctions than all of you is President Trump,” Amb. Barrack said.

    “For far too long, the Syrian people suffered under the brutal dictatorship of the Assad regime. With the ousting of this regime, it is critical that we give the new government the opportunity to deliver for the Syrian people,” said Rep. Jayapal. “The repeal of these broad sanctions will give foreign partners the certainty they need to invest in the Syrian economy and give their new government a chance to succeed.”

    “The Assad regime sanctioned by the Caesar Act no longer exists, and it is time to repeal the law to provide long-term certainty to those who would like to invest in the reconstruction and rebuilding of Syria,” said Rep. Wilson.     

    “With the fall of the Assad regime, the Syrian people have renewed hope for a better future,” said Rep. Panetta. “By repealing the Caesar Act, the United States can better support the Syrian people and their economy during this critical transitional period. Syria is at a turning point, and as geo-political adversaries try to take advantage of the turmoil, the United States must position itself as a partner for continued progress.”

    The full text of H.R. 3941 is available here. 

    Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 60 Affordable Homes Completed in Schenectady

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Mosaic Apartments, a 60-unit affordable housing development in the Mont Pleasant neighborhood in the City of Schenectady. Half of the apartments in the $27 million development are reserved for individuals and families struggling with homelessness and in need of support services, including older New Yorkers. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed more than 4,700 affordable homes in the Capital Region, including more than 600 in Schenectady County. Mosaic Apartments continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

    “New York is committed to creating affordable homes and supporting our most vulnerable communities,” Governor Hochul said. “Mosaic Apartments is creating new housing opportunities for 60 households and continues statewide efforts to build more housing and tackle the housing crisis. I am proud to have partners at the local level who support our housing agenda and are helping to make New York more affordable for individuals and families.”

    Units at Mosaic Apartments are available to households earning up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income. Tenants living in the supportive apartments will receive services including case management, healthcare coordination, transportation, community integration, and independent living skills education.

    The fully-electric development features rooftop solar panels, ENERGY STAR(r) appliances, electric heating and cooling, and energy-efficient lighting. There are also water‐conserving plumbing fixtures and electric hot water heaters.

    Mosaic Apartments complements the ongoing planning and revitalization efforts in the City of Schenectady’s 2020 Mont Pleasant Neighborhood Plan and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2018 Mont Pleasant Renewal Area Plan. The site was assembled by the City of Schenectady’s unified economic development team including the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority and the Capital Region Land Bank. The development is walking distance from a County library branch, convenience store, and schools.

    DePaul Properties is the project’s developer and DePaul Community Services is providing the on-site support services. Applications for Mosaic Apartments are now being accepted and qualified individuals can apply online at https://www.depaul.org/locations/mosaic-apartments/.

    Mosaic Apartments is supported by New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, which generated $11 million in equity, $5.8 million from its Federal Housing Trust Fund, $4 million from its Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, and $330,000 from its Clean Energy Initiative program, created in partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The project is also supported by $4.3 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and a $226,200 program development grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health. Additional funding includes $525,000 from the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority and $200,000 from the Capital Region Land Bank. Operating funding for the supportive apartments is provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health.

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Mosaic Apartments will give 60 households an affordable, modern, and energy-efficient place to call their own. This $27 million investment in the Schenectady community builds on the city’s continued efforts to enhance quality-of-life throughout the Mount Pleasant neighborhood and provides much-needed support to vulnerable residents. We thank the Governor for her ongoing efforts to increase housing opportunities across the state, Mayor McCarthy for his continued collaboration, and for our development partners for making this project a reality.”

    New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “The 30 apartments with supportive services will help vulnerable New Yorkers who have experienced homelessness to access vital services while remaining safely housed. We are grateful to all of our partners for the successful completion of Mosaic Apartments and what it represents–that supportive housing can strengthen communities while stabilizing lives.”

    NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “New York continues to prioritize expanded access to clean, modern, affordable living opportunities across the state, especially for those who have been historically marginalized. Adopting all-electric and energy efficient building features such as electric heating and cooling and rooftop solar, like we see at Mosaic Apartments, demonstrates how we can create accessible living environments that prioritize the needs and well-being of our communities.”

    New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “All New Yorkers should have the ability to age with dignity within their community. The Mosaic Apartments will provide stable homes and supportive services for older adults living with mental illness. This project represents Governor Hochul’s strong commitment to developing new supportive housing throughout our state to help older adults live safely in independent settings.”

    Representative Paul Tonko said, “I’m so proud to celebrate the completion of Mosaic Apartments, an all-electric, energy-efficient affordable housing development that will address critical housing needs in the Schenectady area. Investments in sustainable, affordable housing are an essential part of our efforts to build stronger communities. Now, thanks to significant federal funding from the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, this development will help advance our efforts to provide quality living spaces for all residents of our Capital Region — particularly for seniors and individuals with disabilities — while also moving us toward a cleaner, greener future.”

    Schenectady County Legislature Chair Gary Hughes said, “We thank Governor Hochul for making this $27 million investment in Schenectady County possible. By working as a team, we have been able to build more than 3,000 new housing units in our community in recent years and this pro-housing effort has helped to make Schenectady County the fourth fastest growing county in New York State.”

    Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “The new Mosaic development adds to the momentum in our neighborhoods replacing vacant properties with new quality apartments that we are proud to showcase at this grand opening today.”

    DePaul President Mark Fuller said, “DePaul is grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and partners for assisting us in increasing our ability to provide permanent housing where residents can access the support services they require to live successfully. We look forward to changing even more lives for individuals in Schenectady and across New York State by offering housing stability for the most vulnerable populations.”

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda

    Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the FY 2025 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives, capital funding, and new protections for renters and homeowners. Building on this commitment, the FY 2026 Enacted Budget included more than $1.5 billion in new state funding for housing, a Housing Access Voucher pilot program, and new policies to improve affordability for tenants and homebuyers. In addition, as part of the FY 2023 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. Nearly 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

    The FY 2025 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro-Housing certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $750 million in discretionary funding. Currently, more than 300 communities have been certified, including the City of Schenectady.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Warner on reports of additional FBI purge under Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement on press reporting that experienced FBI leaders – including the head of the FBI field office in Richmond, Va., and a top deputy at the field office in Norfolk, Va. – have been pushed out of their positions:

    “I’m deeply concerned by press reporting that more experienced FBI leaders have been pushed out of their roles by Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino. From day one, this administration has shown a willingness to undermine the integrity of our federal agencies in service of political loyalty. Virginians, and all Americans, deserve a Federal Bureau of Investigation that follows the facts and enforces the law without fear or favor, not one reshaped to serve the political whims of the president or his allies. These actions are unlikely to make us any safer.”

     

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of Senate Intel Vice Chairman Warner on the Middle East

    US Senate News:

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

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

    “This is a rapidly evolving situation, and it’s critical that the United States work with our allies and avoid steps that will cause further escalation across the region. For years, Iran has threatened the safety of Israel and the region and Israel has an undeniable right to defend itself and its citizens. At the moment, my foremost concern is the safety of American troops, diplomats, and personnel stationed throughout the Middle East. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am carefully monitoring developments and staying in close contact with our intelligence and national security agencies.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Decision to Withdraw From Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the historic Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement (RCBA) reached between the Federal Government and the Six Sovereigns—the states of Washington and Oregon, and the Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation:

    “Donald Trump doesn’t know the first thing about the Northwest and our way of life—so of course, he is abruptly and unilaterally upending a historic agreement that finally put us on a path to salmon recovery, while preserving stable dam operations for growers and producers, public utilities, river users, ports and others throughout the Northwest. This decision is grievously wrong and couldn’t be more shortsighted.

    “The Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement was the result of years of painstaking work—this was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize infrastructure across the Columbia River Basin, support reliable clean energy, and save imperiled salmon and steelhead runs. The Trump administration’s senseless decision to tear it up is a betrayal of our Tribes and a tremendous setback for the entire Northwest.

    “After nearly 30 years of litigation, this agreement also led to a durable stay in court proceedings, which is now in jeopardy. I am going to continue doing everything I can to support the restoration of healthy and abundant salmon runs—including through the annual Appropriations process. We must save our salmon.”

    In August 2022, Senator Murray and Governor Inslee released joint findings and recommendations at the conclusion of an extensive, months-long joint federal-state process that evaluated the feasibility of breaching the Lower Snake River Dams as a way of protecting endangered salmon and steelhead species. Murray and Inslee concluded that breach was not feasible at that time as more needs to be done to replace the benefits of the dams–particularly investments in clean energy—but that it is imperative to prioritize major salmon recovery projects that can be undertaken in the near term. Senator Murray’s statement on the findings of the Murray-Inslee joint federal-state process is HERE.

    A final version of the independent report commissioned by Senator Murray and Governor Inslee can be found HERE. The independent report—along with months of public input, and discussion with stakeholders and Tribes—helped guide the Senator and Governor’s August 2022 recommendation.

    In December 2023, Senator Murray applauded the agreement reached between the federal government and the Six Sovereigns to allow for an extended stay in court proceedings on litigation involving the management of the Columbia-Snake River System.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Hinson Applauds Rescissions Package to Codify $9.4 Billion in DOGE Savings on House Floor

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)

    — Remarks as Delivered —
     

    “Thank you, Mr. Speaker,

    “Iowans overwhelmingly rejected the Washington status quo in November, demanding an end to unelected bureaucrats misusing taxpayer resources.

    “President Trump’s rescissions package cuts $9.4 billion dollars, including: $3 million for Iraqi Sesame Street, $6 million for “Net Zero Cities” in Mexico, and $1 million for voter ID in Haiti, not here in the United States.

    “We are only scratching the surface with this package, but imagine redirecting that to veterans’ care or specialty crop programs in a state like mine.

    “This package also rescinds funds for NPR and PBS.

    “For decades, public broadcasting has not adhered to objectivity standards enshrined in law – it has pushed biased narratives and forced inappropriate content on children, like a movie celebrating the sex change of a child, and a feature on the racial origins of fat phobia…whatever that means.

    “Children should not be fed woke propaganda – certainly not on the taxpayer dime – that is coming from a former broadcaster.

    “I want to thank President Trump for exposing this waste and working to protect Americans’ hard-earned dollars.

    “I urge my colleagues to join me in passing his bill, and I yield back. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

    Watch Rep. Hinson’s full speech here.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Issa, Ross Re-Introduce Legislation to Protect Public Access to Federal Rules

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50)

    Washington, D.C.— Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) was joined by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) in reintroducing H.R.4009, the Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act (Pro Codes Act), which would protect public access to important federal rules and regulations.

    “Standards in federal rules and regulations matter, and never more so than when they are at the crossroads of streamlining public access or blocking it,” said Rep. Issa. “The Pro Codes Act will ensure our standards remain transparent, accessible, and available.”

    As more codes get incorporated by reference into legal standards by courts, the Pro Codes Act will protect a code or standard’s incorporation by ensuring the copyright doesn’t extinguish. The bipartisan bill ensures that the public retains free access to the information. Just as some online services have a free version of their product with limited functionality and a paid premium version with greater functionality, under this bill, those that invest in code development will still be able to sell the materials in certain formats so long as they are simultaneously providing access to the information for free.

    Full text of the Pro Codes Act can be found here. 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Kean Hosts Annual Service Academy Send-Off Reception for NJ-07 Students

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    Contact: Riley Pingree

    (June 13, 2025) LEBANON BOROUGH, NJ – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted his annual Service Academy Send-Off Reception on May 28, 2025, at Raritan Valley Community College to recognize 16 students from New Jersey’s 7th District. Each student received a nomination from Congressman Kean and subsequently was offered an appointment to attend a United States Service Academy as part of the Class of 2029.

    Each year, Members of Congress have the honor of nominating high school seniors for admission to the U.S Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy. All applicants must meet strict qualifications and undergo a rigorous selection process, including an interview with Congressman Kean’s independent Academy Review Board.

    In addition to the send-off reception, Congressman Kean hosted an information session the same evening for high school students interested in applying for a Service Academy nomination. Representatives from all five U.S. Service Academies shared insights into their programs and the admissions processes.

    Congressman Kean’s office has opened its 2025 online application for students seeking a Service Academy nomination. The application deadline is October 17, 2025. For more information, visit his website HERE. 

    “Congratulations to the 16 outstanding students from across our district who will be joining the ranks of cadets and midshipmen at our nation’s premier Service Academies,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “These young men and women have answered the call to serve and will soon begin their journey as future leaders in our Armed Forces. It is a tremendous privilege to be a part of this process, and I wish each of them great success as they embark on this honorable path of preparing to serve our nation with courage and distinction.”

    Students Appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point:

    • Turner Boyle of Somerville

    • Emma Ciocon of Bridgewater

    • Abraham Cunningham of Basking Ridge

    • Gabrielle Drucks of Budd Lake

    • John Farabee of Lebanon

    • Emma Ferraro of Westfield

    • Matthew Levanda of Branchburg

    • Kabir Srivastav of Westfield

    Students Appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy:

    • Cormac Flanagan of Phillipsburg

    • Caedyn Ricciardi of Sparta

    • Ryan Swan of Basking Ridge

    Student Appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: 

    • Sullivan Dunn of Mendham 

    Students Appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy:

    • Colin Belfield of Gillette

    • Bobby Cusimano of Whitehouse Station

    • Ryan Daly of Westfield

    • Advik Joshi of Bridgewater

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden Fight Back with Bill to Reverse Trump, Hegseth Ban on Transgender Service Members in the Military

    US Senate News:

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

    June 13, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced that they have cosponsored the Fit to Serve Act, a bill to support our military readiness and national security by prohibiting discrimination against transgender service members. The lawmakers’ bill comes as the Trump Administration is taking actions that undermine our national security and dehumanize the thousands of transgender service members who have made meaningful contributions to our armed forces.

    “Service members sign up to protect our country with patriotism and bravery,” said Merkley. “Banning highly-skilled transgender service members endangers the safety and security of our nation and takes us backward in our march towards equality.”

    “Drumming out Americans from military service because of rank prejudice undermines our national defense and is a cruel slap in the face to transgender people,” Wyden said. “This bill acts on the core principle that equal treatment of Americans based solely on their ability to do the job must guide the armed forces and any other walk of life.”   

    In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order banning transgender individuals from joining and continuing to serve in the military. The Department of Defense (DoD) forced service members in active-duty to self-identify for voluntary separation by June 6, 2025; service members in the Reserves have until July 7, 2025. 

    While the ban continues to be litigated in federal court, the Supreme Court has allowed the DoD to begin to implement the ban, threatening the careers of thousands of service members who serve as test pilots, Navy divers, intelligence analysts, weapons specialists, combat aviators, and other critical national security roles. The ban also risks wasting billions of taxpayer dollars invested in training these troops, many of whom have spent decades in the military, have been deployed multiple times, and have commanded large numbers of troops. 

    Former Pentagon officials have testified that allowing transgender service members to openly serve “fosters openness and trust among team members, thereby enhancing unit cohesion” and that “transgender service members who meet the standards required for their positions serve effectively and contribute positively to unit readiness.”? 

    To ensure the United States can continue to benefit from the service of transgender individuals who have raised their hand to defend and protect their country and meet the same rigorous standards as their peers, the Fit to Serve Act would prohibit the DoD from: 

    • Banning transgender service members from the military; 
    • Prescribing qualifications for service on the basis of gender identity; 
    • Denying necessary health care for service members on the basis of gender identity; 
    • Forcing a service member to serve in their sex assigned at birth; or 
    • Otherwise discriminating against service members on the basis of gender identity.

    In addition to the Fit to Serve Act, Senators Merkley and Wyden have joined their Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter demanding that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reverse course and not implement the Trump Administration’s un-American transgender military service ban. Merkley also led, and Wyden joined, the No Place for LGBTQ+ Hate Act, which would ensure that Trump’s hateful anti-LGBTQ+ executive orders, including the ban on transgender service members, have no force or effect, and that no federal funds are used to implement, administer, enforce, or carry out those executive orders.?

    The Fit to Serve Act was led by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). In addition to Merkley and Wyden, it is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). 

    The full text of the Fit to Serve Act can be found by clicking here.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Bradenton Men Plead Guilty In Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Colin Zirpoli (44, Bradenton) and Tony Marsh (25, Bradenton) have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Zirpoli pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and Marsh pleaded guilty to two counts of the same offense. They each face a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. The sentencing dates have not yet been set.

    According to court records, in February 2024, Zirpoli sold methamphetamine to an undercover officer. Law enforcement determined Zirpoli’s source of supply was Elizabeth Poff, a co-defendant who previously pleaded guilty. Law enforcement then later determined that Poff’s source of supply was Marsh. Law enforcement continued to investigate the case, leading to four additional arrests in connection with the methamphetamine distribution.

    This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Hedge Fund Manager Arrested for Insider Trading and Obstruction of Justice

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant indicted for allegedly trading on material non-public information to earn more than $4 million in profits, making false statements and intimidating a cooperating witness.

    BOSTON – A former Miami-based hedge fund manager was arrested today in connection with his alleged role in a multi-million-dollar insider trading scheme and obstruction of justice.

    Kris Bortnovsky, a/k/a “Kris Bort,” 44, of Bal Harbour Village, Fla., has been charged in a six-count indictment unsealed today. The indictment charges Bortnovsky with two counts of securities fraud; two counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud; one count of making false statements; and one count of witness intimidation. The defendant was arrested today in the Southern District of Florida and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

    According to the indictment, Bortnovsky served as a hedge fund manager and, from at least 2017 through 2019, allegedly conspired with others to trade in the stocks of several publicly traded companies based on material non-public information regarding the earnings results and merger-and-acquisition activity of those companies. It is further alleged that, when interviewed by agents, Bortnovsky made several materially false statements. It is further alleged that, after being charged with securities fraud, and in violation of his pre-trial conditions of release, Bortnovsky intimidated and attempted to intimidate a then-cooperating witness.

    Charges against three other defendants who have previously pleaded guilty to their involvement in the insider trading scheme were also unsealed today. A fifth defendant who participated in the scheme previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in prison.  The government’s investigation remains ongoing.

    The charge of conspiracy to commit securities fraud in violation of Title 18 provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to commit securities fraud in violation of Title 15 provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of securities fraud in violation of Title 18 provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of securities fraud in violation of Title 15 provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million.  The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of obstruction of justice through witness intimidation provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, with an additional maximum potential 10-year consecutive prison term because the offense was allegedly committed while Bortnovsky was on pre-trial release, as well as three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. 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 and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division made the announcement today. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, provided valuable assistance in this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Ian J. Stearns and Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of Foley’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

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