NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Kensington Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 72 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Keith Hurst, 48.

    According to information presented to the Court, from in and around August 2022 to in and around March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Hurst conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Hurst was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of cocaine that he distributed to others.

    Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hurst. Additional agencies participating in the investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: We must strengthen international commitments to protect aid workers: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    We must strengthen international commitments to protect aid workers: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

    We welcome this session on implementing UNSCR2730. 

    I think it is critical that the Council maintains momentum on the safety, security and well-being of aid workers. 

    And I pay tribute to those on the frontline and extend, again, my condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.

    In the first 3 months of 2025, the Aid Worker Security Database has already recorded 64 deaths, 36 injuries and 8 kidnappings. 

    The majority were local or national aid workers. 

    The most dangerous place to deliver humanitarian assistance is Gaza, with over 400 aid workers reportedly killed since the beginning of the conflict. 

    That is followed by Sudan and South Sudan. 

    We are also concerned about the aid workers detained by the Houthis in Yemen and call for their release. 

    And we stress the need for the safety of aid workers in Myanmar, who are bringing essential responses for the victims of the devastating earthquake.

    At the one-year anniversary of the attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza, which killed seven aid workers, including three British citizens, we continue to call for the conclusion of the Military Advocate General’s consideration of the incident, including determining whether criminal proceedings should be initiated. 

    Tragically, just last week, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that eight of its medics were killed in Gaza, alongside first responders and a UN aid worker. 

    We call for a thorough and swift investigation with meaningful accountability for those responsible. 

    PRCS medic Asaad Al-Nasasra is still missing and we call on Israel to support the search for him. 

    Three actions are essential.

    First, all parties to a conflict must comply with International Humanitarian Law. 

    This includes compliance with obligations relating to the passage of humanitarian supplies, equipment and personnel, and respecting and protecting aid workers. 

    States must investigate attacks on aid workers and hold perpetrators to account. 

    Effective, trusted deconfliction mechanisms must be set up and used.

    Second, we must strengthen international commitments to protect aid workers. 

    The UK is proud to be part of the Australian–led Ministers Group to develop a political declaration to galvanise collective action to protect aid workers. 

    And we encourage others to join and demonstrate unity to drive action beyond the Council that enhances protection for aid workers.

    Third, we must do all we can to support humanitarian organisations, including local organisations, to work safely. 

    Actors who play a fundamental role in aid worker safety face operational risks due to inadequate funding. 

    The UK supports organisations, such as the Aid Worker Security Database and INSO, who play a central role in aid worker security. 

    We urge others to consider supporting fundamental ‘enabler’ organisations.

    In conclusion, President, the UK remains steadfast in our commitment to allowing aid workers to do their job in safety and preventing violence against aid workers from becoming the new normal.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Elena Parent and Rick Williams Applaud the Final Passage of Senate Bill 241

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (April 2, 2025) — On Monday, Senate Bill 241 achieved final passage in the House with bipartisan support. The measure would allow for organic human reduction as a means of disposing of deceased human bodies to those who are licensed funeral directors or establishments, embalmers and crematories.

    “I am thrilled that SB 241 passed the House and that families will have a new way to remember their loved ones after they’ve passed,” said Sen. Elena Parent (D–Atlanta). Many constituents have asked for the option to choose the environmentally conscious natural human reduction process for themselves and their loved ones. I worked with Sen. Rick Williams and Cy Hume with A.S Turner Funeral Home to bring this legislation to Georgia. This bill supports the funeral industry and exemplifies how businesses, government and regular citizens can work together to create opportunities and solutions. I look forward to working with Governor Kemp to get SB 241 signed into law so Georgians will have more choice in selecting a meaningful resting place for their loved ones.”

    “Other states, like Colorado, have reported cases of decomposing human remains being abandoned in their facilities, left to the elements instead of receiving proper care,” said Sen. Rick Williams (R–Milledgeville). “SB 241 enshrines organic human reduction in Georgia’s legal code to ensure that the industry has the necessary guard rails to protect the remains of those who have passed on. I’m thankful to Sen. Parent for her support on this bill, and I will continue to champion organic human reduction.”

    “I’m grateful to Sen. Elena Parent and Sen. Rick Williams for their leadership and dedication in working with me and A.S. Turner & Son to bring this legislation forward,” said Cy Hume, A.S. Turner & Son’s Funeral Home and Crematory President and CEO. “Legalizing the natural organic reduction process gives families a new, eco-friendly alternative to burial and cremation, one that not only honors their loved ones but also supports sustainability in our communities.”

    SB 241 can be found here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Elena Parent serves as Chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Caucus. She represents the 44th Senate District which includes portions of DeKalb and Clayton County. She may be reached at her office at (404) 656-5109 or by email at elena.parent@senate.ga.gov.

    Sen. Rick Williams serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Retirement. He represents the 25th Senate District, which includes Baldwin, Butts, Jasper, Jones and Putnam County, as well as portions of Henry County and a small portion of Bibb County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0052 or by email at Rick.Williams@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota Launches State Data Hub to Empower Effective and Efficient Use of Data and Improve the Lives of Citizens

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    North Dakota is taking a significant step forward in leveraging the power of data with the launch of the official North Dakota “State Data Hub”. This initiative, spearheaded by North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), aims to enhance the use and impact of North Dakota data to support better citizen and community outcomes.

    The State Data Hub will serve as a centralized platform to collect and disseminate reliable, up-to-date information from multiple sources. Initially, the Hub will feature dashboards and data provided by the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s State Data Center, offering valuable insights into demographics, economic development, and socioeconomic factors. Over time, the Hub will expand to include additional data and resources from other state agencies, further enhancing easy access to data for decision-makers and the public.

    The development of the Data Hub is a key component of the Statewide Data Strategy, an NDIT-led initiative established in 2022. “The vision of this effort is to harness the value of data to help North Dakota thrive,” said NDIT Chief Data Officer, Kim Weis. “The State Data Hub enables agencies to collaborate with the use of trusted data — essential to creating a government that is not just efficient, but also responsive to the needs of its citizens. The Data Hub is a transformational leap in the right direction, making government work better for everyone.”

    The State Data Hub is expected to play a critical role in supporting Commerce’s efforts to drive economic growth and attract investment. By providing access to accurate and timely data, this initiative will enable better planning and decision-making across all sectors.

    “Data is a powerful tool —critical to nearly every area of modern life,” said State Demographer Nigel Haarstad. “The State Data Hub moves North Dakota forward by providing timely, accessible data that supports informed decisions and creates opportunities for our state.” 

    For more information about the State Data Hub, please visit https://www.nd.gov/statedatahub. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “New partnership” between defence and private sector set to boost UK defence sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    “New partnership” between defence and private sector set to boost UK defence sector

    Major venture capitalists from across Europe can help unlock billions of pounds of private investment into UK technology and defence firms, as part of a “new partnership” between defence and private investors, the Defence Secretary has said today. 

    Defence Secretary John Healey at a table speaking with investors.

    • Influential investors convened in London to discuss future routes to defence financing.
    • Government’s record spending uplift and reforms will help unlock private-sector investment into UK defence, Defence Secretary said.
    • Defence “is an ethical investment” as Government set to back Britain’s high-growth companies with new innovation funding.
    • Comes alongside up to £250 million of Government investment into UK firm to help boost missile defence.

    In a first-of-its-kind meeting between venture capital firms and a UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP spoke at a breakfast roundtable at Plural’s offices in central London. The meeting was convened by Plural co-founder Khaled Helioui, and Grace Cassy of Ten Eleven Ventures who has supported the development of the Strategic Defence Review as part of the Defence Review Team.

    In a changing world, with increasing threats and war in Europe, the group discussed how to incentivise greater private investment into defence and deep technology, to help deter Britain’s adversaries, secure the UK economy, protect the incomes of hard-working families up and down the country and support European security. 

    The Defence Secretary set out how the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War – with 2.5% of GDP spend by April 2027 and a commitment to hit 3% in the next Parliament – coupled with defence reforms, can unlock private sector investment into high-growth British firms – boosting jobs and delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by making defence an engine for growth across the UK. This includes:

    • A new ambition to unlock more private defence investment, supported by long-term certainty of rising Government defence investment over the next decade, alongside the new Government direct expenditure target for SMEs including start-ups and scale-ups to give high-growth companies more certainty and sight of future investment.

    • Turbocharging innovation with a new £400 million ringfenced budget for UK Defence Innovation, announced by the Chancellor last week, alongside a commitment to spend 10% of the MOD equipment budget on novel technologies.

    • Making clear that “defence is an ethical investment” in deterring conflict and preventing the huge human and economic costs caused by conflicts such as Ukraine. It comes as some funds look to renegotiated Limited Partner Agreements to better enable investment into defence.

    In a sign of the Government backing British firms with long-term public investment, the meeting comes as the Government confirms up to £250 million investment across the next six years with UK defence tech firm Roke – supporting around 150 jobs and delivering analysis, trials and technology development against ballistic and hypersonic missile threats.

    Roke – based in Hampshire and focused on innovation and AI development – have been awarded a contract up to six-years in length, known as Science and Technology Oriented Research and development in Missile defence (STORM). The framework streamlines crucial research into innovative technologies, helping enhance the UK’s ability to detect, identify, and defeat ballistic and hypersonic missile threats – work that is essential to safeguarding the UK and its allies. 

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    In this new era of rising threats, national security isn’t just a military imperative. It’s the foundation for economic growth, securing Britain’s future and our Government’s Plan for Change.

    As Defence Secretary, I am determined to bring together investors, innovators and industry in a new partnership that drives British jobs and growth. We want to mobilise private investors to take a fresh look at defence, alongside the certainty of our Government’s record long-term uplift in defence spending.

    With countries across Europe facing new threats stepping up to take more responsibility for our continent’s defence is an ethical investment, and it’s good to see increasing numbers of private investors recognising that. There is no more important investment than in our European security.

    As a government we are determined to tackle any blockers which are preventing private finance from flowing into UK defence, which is why today’s landmark meeting is so important. 

    The Defence Secretary also said the government is bringing “a clear mandate to bring innovative technology to the frontline at speed and enable the defence sector to create high-growth British success stories that deliver investor returns and national security.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “A legacy offering real hope for Scotland” – Carla Denyer reflects on Patrick Harvie’s tenure as longest serving political leader in the UK

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    Responding to the news that Patrick Harvie is stepping down as Co-Leader of the Scottish Green Party, Carla Denyer MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said,

    “Patrick’s legacy goes well beyond being the longest-serving political leader in the UK, or even being the leader who took Greens into government for the first time in the UK. His legacy will be marked every time a young person gets on public transport free of charge; with every renter who is able to keep a roof over their heads because of protections that Patrick secured; and with every kilowatt of clean renewable power that Scotland produces because of Green policies. These are real achievements to be proud of. A legacy offering real hope for Scotland.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: IBCA Community Update, 2 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    IBCA Community Update, 2 April 2025

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s update that was circulated on 2 April 2025

    Documents

    IBCA Community Update, 2 April 2025

    HTML

    Details

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s update that was circulated on 2 April 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Resurfacing marks final phase of Western Road improvements

    Source: City of Leicester

    THE final phase of maintenance and improvements to a residential road in Leicester’s West End will begin next week.

    Leicester City Council will begin work to resurface Western Road – between its junctions with Braunstone Gate and Paton Street – from Wednesday 9 April.

    The work will require the stretch of road to be closed to traffic for up to nine days while work is carried out. A short, well-signposted diversion will be place. Parking will also be suspended.

    Access to properties and businesses will be maintained for deliveries.

    Work will also be carried out at the junction of Western Road and Briton Street, where adjustments will be made to give priority to vehicles and cycles from Briton Street.

    This will be the final phase of a £700,000 scheme that has improved footpaths along the length of the road and removed dropped kerbs that cut across the pavement, but which no longer provide access to parking or loading areas. Carriageway drainage improvements have also been carried out.

    Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “The city’s road network needs regular maintenance and repairs to ensure it can cope with modern demands.

    “The work on Western Road will help improve a busy residential street and important local route to ensure it’s in good shape for years to come. This will benefit everyone who uses it.

    “The final phase of resurfacing will mean some disruption. While the road is closed for a few days, a clearly signposted diversion will be in place and the team will be working hard to keep disruption to a minimum.”

    The Western Road scheme is funded as part of the Connecting Leicester programme which is supported by the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s video message at the Opening of the Global Disability Summit

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,

    H.E. Mr. Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany,

    Mr. Nawaf Kabbara, Chair and President, International Disability Alliance,

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    I am truly sorry that I could not join you in person today but it is a true honor to open this third Global Disability Summit.

    More than that, I want to thank you for your leadership and commitment to shape a more just world.

    Expanding hope and opportunities for people with disabilities is close to my heart – and that of the Secretary-General.

    It is a matter of dignity… of humanity… of human rights.

    It is a test of our common values.

    And it is also plain common sense.

    When persons with disabilities can fully participate in society, societies are stronger.

    When we unlock potential and recognize talents, economies and communities thrive.

    When we advance human rights, all of humanity moves forward.

    Disability rights are human rights – and everyone one wins when we make them real.

    And so I thank the International Disability Alliance and the Governments of Germany and Jordan for bringing us together.

    You are meeting at a crucial time – with the 5-year clock ticking on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    I was involved in the shaping of that agenda – and saw firsthand how so many of you helped put the rights and hopes of persons with disabilities front and center.

    In doing so, you gave deeper meaning to the promise of leaving no one behind – and laid the foundation for the progress we strive to advance today.

    The Pact for the Future, adopted last year, reinforces that call for a more peaceful, inclusive, accessible and equitable world – with persons with disabilities a full and equal part of our shared effort to advance sustainable development, climate action and digital transformation.

    Yet today, we face a sobering truth.

    Progress is not just slow – in some cases, we are moving backward.

    The UN Disability and Development Report found that about 98 per cent of the SDG indicators for persons with disabilities are off track.

    This is far more than a statistic – it is a wake-up call.

    Persons with disabilities are being left behind.

    The world is failing them.

    We are seeing growing and stark inequalities across the board – with higher poverty, greater unemployment, deeper food and health insecurity and more limited access to digital technologies.

    Women, Indigenous Peoples, rural residents with disabilities, and persons with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities face even greater exclusion. 

    Not to mention those in humanitarian and emergency situations.

    In Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere, countless civilians have sustained permanent injuries and deep psychological trauma.

    Children with disabilities are especially vulnerable.

    Gaza alone has the highest number of child amputees in modern history.

    Too often, persons with disabilities also face inaccessible evacuation routes, shelters, and services – an assault on their human rights and dignity.  

    Many are deprived of the assistive devices critical to their survival.

    When I think of people with disabilities in conflict, I think of people like Mai.

    Mai was a young Palestinian, and a proud employee of the United Nations, living and working in Gaza.

    Mai did not let her muscular dystrophy or her wheelchair confine her dreams. 

    She was a top student, became a software developer and devoted her skills to working on information technology for the United Nations. 

    When given the opportunity, she excelled – bringing skill and determination to all she did.

    Unfortunately, she was killed along with her family in November 2023. 

    Her story still weighs heavily on our hearts.

    I share it not only to honour her memory, but because it reminds us both of what is possible when barriers are removed – and of the terrible truth that persons with disabilities are often among the first casualties in conflict.

    Excellencies,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Despite the challenges, we have much to build upon. 

    The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has led to significant legislative progress worldwide.

    Yet, implementation is lagging.

    The problem is not always a lack of will, but a lack of resources.

    Nearly 90 per cent of developing countries have laws or policies protecting education for persons with disabilities – yet only about one-third of those countries have accessible schools.

    Meanwhile, almost half of all persons with disabilities in these countries face inaccessible transportation.

    Behind these figures are people. 

    Children shut out of classrooms. 

    Adults who cannot get to work. 

    Families denied essential services.

    This must change.

    And we must all be part of it.

    The United Nations is committed to leading by example.

    Our UN Disability Inclusion Strategy is striving to drive action across the system.

    We are working to strengthen institutional capacities, mainstream disability inclusion across our work, and expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

    At the country level, we are working to ensure that our cooperation frameworks with governments are fully inclusive of the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.

    And we are committed to supporting Member States turn global commitments into local progress – for and with persons with disabilities.

    This Summit presents opportunities to strengthen cooperation with all partners – and reaffirm the leadership of organizations of persons with disabilities.

    Development assistance for disability inclusion has been growing – but it is still far from enough.

    And in today’s troubling context, it is under increasing threat.

    So too, perversely, is the very concept of accessibility.

    Developed countries, in particular, have a responsibility to step up support.

    Now is the time to recommit to the 2030 Agenda by:

    Securing decent work and dignified livelihoods;

    Fostering inclusive education and career opportunities;

    Building accessible and affordable housing;

    Promoting equitable health systems;

    And harnessing technologies that enable autonomous living for all.

    That means investing in inclusive public institutions;

    Empowering representative organizations as full partners in policy and implementation;

    And integrating disability inclusion into national development plans – backed by clear targets and real funding.

    Dear friends,

    I know so many of you have spent years, even decades, breaking down barriers, and opening doors – for all of us.

    Let this Summit help drive that action forward.       

    As we look ahead to the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar and beyond, let’s together send a clear message:

    Inclusion is not optional.

    Rights are not negotiable.

    Accessibility is essential.

    Promises made must be promises kept.

    Let’s keep fighting for the inclusive, just, sustainable future for all that our world needs.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Take a virtual tour of the new CIT Woden campus

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A new video has been released to showcase this state-of-the-art public education and transport hub.

    Construction is ramping up at CIT Woden with Canberrans invited to suggest names for the three public green spaces surrounding the main building.

    A new video has also been released to showcase this state-of-the-art public education and transport hub. This helps the community picture these new areas and understand how the campus will interact with the new public transport interchange.

    View the new fly-through video.

    The first of the three public spaces is a 169-metre-long boulevard running east-west. It features native landscaping and forms a critical pedestrian link between the interchange and the town centre. This central corridor will include a series of spaces for public seating, outdoor dining, and retail frontage.

    Situated at the northern end of the CIT Woden campus is a sunny 3700 square metre break out space for students and the public to enjoy. It includes canopy trees and gardens providing wind and sun protection, as well as dog clean-up facilities.

    The third public space at the western end is a welcoming 1295 square metre plaza. It is surrounded by a mix of native and non-native planting and features a gathering and ceremony space. There is also seating with charging ports, accessible paths and featured paving.

    Naming these spaces is an opportunity to connect people and places. It will also help to provide signage and wayfinding for students, staff and visitors across the CIT Woden Campus.

    The following themes are a guiding framework to help the public to think about possible names.

    • First Nations
    • Innovation
    • Education

    The community can put forward names under a single theme for all three public spaces or mix and match spaces, themes, and names.

    Canberrans can submit their naming suggestions on the ACT Government’s YourSay page. You can also present their ideas in person at pop-up information sessions being held at Westfield Woden, CIT Reid and CIT Bruce.

    A short-list of names will be reviewed by the CIT Woden place naming committee including representatives from First Nations advisory groups. The chosen names will be revealed later this year.

    With CIT Woden Campus opening in 2025, the community won’t have to wait long to start enjoying the public plazas and green spaces around the precinct.

    Place naming consultation will run until the end of April 2024. Place naming consultation will run until the end of April 2024.

    To submit your names visit www.yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/cit-campus-woden/citcampuswoden-placenaming.

    For further information on the CIT Woden Campus project visit www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au.

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


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Iranian Company and Two Iranian Nationals Charged with Conspiring to Provide Material Support to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and for Scheme to Procure U.S. Technology for Iranian Drones

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

    CEO and Commercial Manager of Iranian Company Charged in Connection with Conspiracies to Provide Material Support, Violate Export Control Laws and Commit Money Laundering

    BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, a complaint was unsealed charging Iranian nationals Hossein Akbari and Reza Amidi, and an Iran-based Rah Roshd Company (“Rah Roshd”), with conspiring to procure U.S. parts for Iranian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (“UAVs”), also known as drones, conspiring to provide material support to the IRGC, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and conspiring to commit money laundering.  Akbari is the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Rah Roshd. Amidi is the company’s commercial manager and was previously the commercial manager of Qods Aviation Industries (“QAI”), an Iranian state-owned aerospace company.  They are both citizens of Iran and remain at large.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.

    “As alleged in the complaint, the defendants conspired to obtain U.S.-origin parts needed to manufacture drones for military use in Iran and send those parts to Iran in violation of export control laws,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “The charges filed today demonstrate the commitment by my Office and our law enforcement partners to dismantle illicit supply chains and prosecute those who unlawfully procure U.S. technology in support of a foreign terrorist organization.  The IRGC and Qods Aviation Industries have been core players in the Iranian military regime’s production of drones, which threaten the lives of civilians, U.S. personnel, and our country’s allies.  These charges should serve as a warning to those who violate U.S. export control laws and who unlawfully seek to aid Iran’s drone program.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the FBI and the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) for their work on the case.  Today, OFAC sanctioned Akbari, Rah Roshd, and other companies and individuals for their roles in the sanctions-evasion scheme described in the complaint.  OFAC previously sanctioned Amidi.

    “Today’s charges lay bare how U.S.-made technology ended up in the hands of the Iranian military to build attack drones,” stated Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.  “The Justice Department will continue to put maximum pressure on the Iranian regime. We will relentlessly dismantle illicit supply chains funneling American technology into the hands of Iran’s military and terrorist organizations and pursue those complicit in operations that threaten our country.”

    “Hossein Akbari and Reza Amidi allegedly engaged in a multi-year conspiracy to obtain U.S. technology for use in Iranian made drones in violation of export laws and to provide material support to the IRGC—a designated terrorist organization,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.  “The Iranian government has repeatedly demonstrated they are willing to violate the laws of our nation—this time utilizing dishonest businessmen who deliberately misrepresented themselves—in order to further their treacherous goals.  The FBI will continue to protect the national security and interests of the United States through vigorous enforcement of export control laws put in place to prevent sensitive U.S. technology from being obtained by hostile foreign governments.”

    As set forth in the complaint, Akbari and Amidi operate Rah Roshd, which procures and supplies advanced electronic, electro-optical, and security systems to the Government of Iran and designs, builds, and manufactures ground support systems for UAVs.  Akbari serves as the CEO and Managing Director of Rah Roshd, and Amidi serves as the Commercial Manager.  Rah Roshd’s clients include the IRGC and several Iranian state-owned aerospace companies and drone manufacturers, including QAI, Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (“MODAFL”), Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center (“SAIRC”), and Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group (SBIG).

    Between January 2020 and the present, Amidi and Akbari used Rah Roshd in furtherance of a scheme to evade U.S. sanctions and procure U.S.-origin parts for use in Iranian-manufactured UAVs, including the Mohajer-6 UAV.  At least one of those parts was manufactured by a Brooklyn, New York-based company (“Company-1”).  In September 2022, the Ukrainian Air Force shot down an Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drone used by the Russian military in Ukraine.  The drone recovered by the Ukrainian Air Force contained parts made by several U.S. companies, including Company-1.

    To facilitate their scheme, Amidi and Akbari falsely purported to represent companies other than Rah Roshd, including a company based in the United Arab Emirates (“Company-2”) and a company based in Belgium (“Company-3”).  The defendants used a “spoofed” email address with a misspelled version of Company-2’s name to communicate regarding the procurement of parts, including parts manufactured by U.S. companies.  The defendants also used various “front” or “shell” companies to pay for UAV parts and to obfuscate the true end destination and the true identities of the sanctioned end users, including QAI and the IRGC, which were acquiring U.S.-made parts through Rah Roshd.  Amidi and Akbari also used aliases to obfuscate their true identities in furtherance of the scheme.

    Additionally, the defendants conspired to provide material support to the IRGC by providing goods and services for the benefit of the IRGC’s military campaign. This included constructing military shelters, providing cameras and drone field hangers, and conspiring to procure drone parts as well as parts to operate drones, including “servo motors,” “pneumatic masts,” which are a component of the operation of the Mohajer-6 drone, and engines.  The investigation uncovered correspondence from the IRGC, signed by the head of the UAV Command for the IRGC’s Aerospace Force, thanking Rah Roshd for its work on behalf of the IRGC and praising Rah Roshd’s achievements in designing and manufacturing servo motors for defense equipment.  The letter included a quote from the Supreme Leader of Iran regarding the importance of self-sufficiency and domestic production to strengthen Iran’s economy and “disappoint the enemies of the Islamic Republic.”  The letter also noted continued efforts of Rah Roshd “in strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”  Both Amidi and Akbari possessed documents indicating that they had purchased servo motors for delivery to Iran, including a servo motor contained in the Mohajer-6 drone.  Akbari also emailed supply companies located in China and noted that he was purchasing parts for drones to be shipped to Iran.

    Finally, Amidi and Akbari conspired to commit money laundering.  They used at least three shell companies, all based in the United Arab Emirates, to pay a China-based company that sent invoices to Rah Roshd for the sale of motors.  Those payments were processed through U.S.-based correspondent bank accounts. The defendants also used two of these shell companies to pay a separate China-based company for the sale of pneumatic masts.

    Today’s actions were coordinated through the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states.

    The charges in the complaint are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States  Attorneys Nina C. Gupta and Lindsey R. Oken are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Rebecca Roth, along with Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Trial Attorney Charles Kovats of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. 

    The Defendants:

    HOSSEIN AKBARI (also known as “Danial Yousef” and “Danial White”)
    Age: 63
    Iran

    REZA AMIDI (also known as “Ali Rahmani”)
    Age: 62
    Iran

    RAH ROSHD COMPANY
    Tehran, Iran

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-114

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Foreign Exchange and Liquidity and Monthly Balance Sheet, March 2025

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    THE FOREIGN-EXCHANGE RESERVE

    In March 2025, the foreign-exchange reserve decreased by kr. 1.2 billion to kr. 655.9 billion. The decrease reflects Danmarks Nationalbank’s net sale of foreign exchange for kr. 0.5 billion, and the central government’s net repayment of foreign debt for kr. 0.7 billion, cf. table 1.

    For settlement in March, Danmarks Nationalbank has not intervened in the foreign exchange market.

    Danmarks Nationalbank’s net foreign-exchange purchases and the change in the foreign-exchange reserve – table 1

    Kr. billion March 2025 January 2025 – March 2025
    Danmarks Nationalbank’s interventions* to purchase foreign exchange, net 0.0 0.0
    Other** -0.5 -0.1
    Danmarks Nationalbank’s net foreign-exchange purchases -0.5 -0.1
    The central government’s net foreign borrowing*** -0.7 1.5
    Change in the foreign-exchange reserve -1.2 1.4

    Note: Details may not add because of rounding and previously published figure may have been revised. All transactions as per settlement date.

    * Intervention takes place when Danmarks Nationalbank purchases and sells foreign exchange for Danish kroner in the foreign-exchange market in order to stabilise the exchange rate.

    ** Comprises e.g. interest accrued on the foreign-exchange reserve, the central government’s net payments in foreign exchange, and changes in the banks’ deposits in euro-denominated accounts at Danmarks Nationalbank.

    *** Including net payments to the central government in foreign exchange as a result of currency swaps.

    DEVELOPMENT IN LIQUIDITY

    In March, the central government’s net financing requirement amounted to kr. -47.4 billion. Since the turn of the year, the central government’s net financing requirement has been kr. -69.7 billion, cf. table 2.

    The net position of the banks and mortgage-credit institutes vis-à-vis Danmarks Nationalbank decreased by kr. 40.1 billion in March, to an outstanding amount of kr. 196.9 billion. In March, the central government’s liquidity impact decreased the net position by kr. 41.0 billion.

    Impact of various factors on the net position of the banks and mortgage-credit institutes via-a-vis Danmarks Nationalbank – table 2

    Kr. billion March 2025 January 2025 – March 2025
    The central government’s net financing -47.4 -69.7
    Redemption on domestic central-government debt* 9.9 23.4
    Net bond purchases by the government funds and own portfolio and financing of social housing 0.6 -0.7
    Other** 0.7 0.8
    The central government’s gross domestic financing requirement -36.2 -46.2
    The central government’s gross domestic borrowing*** 4.8 20.2
    The central government’s liquidity impact -41.0 -66.4
    Danmarks Nationalbank’s net foreign-exchange purchases -0.5 -0.1
    Danmarks Nationalbank’s net bond purchases 0.7 0.5
    Other factors**** 0.7 2.5
    Change in net position -40.1 -63.5

    Note: Details may not add because of rounding and previously published figure may have been revised. All transactions as per settlement date.

    * Including krone-denominated payments by the central government in currency swaps.

    ** Comprises foreign net financing requirement and changes in net collateral for the government’s swap portfolio.

    *** Gross long-term borrowing, net short-term borrowing and krone-denominated payments to the central government in currency swaps.

    **** Comprises e.g. changes in banknotes and coins in circulation.

    DANMARKS NATIONALBANK’S INTEREST RATES

    Since 7 March 2025 the discount rate has been 2.1 pct. p.a., since 7 March 2025 the current-account interest rate has been 2.1 pct. p.a., since 7 March 2025 the lending rate has been 2.25 pct. p.a. and since 7 March 2025 the rate of interest on certificates of deposit has been 2.1 pct. p.a.

    Enquiries can be directed to press advisor Teis Hald Jensen on tel. +45 3363 6066.

    BALANCE SHEET OF DANMARKS NATIONALBANK 31 MARCH 2025

    Assets 2025 2025
    1000 kr. 31/03 28/02
    Stock of gold 40,309,044 40,309,044
    Foreign assets 566,903,540 563,349,604
    Claims on the International Monetary Fund 58,795,259 58,683,071
    Claims related to banks’ and mortgage credit institutes’ TARGET accounts in ECB 31,871 32,772
    Monetary-policy lending 42,500,000 –
    Other lending 1,115,648 1,037,197
    – Banks’1) 1,115,648 1,037,197
    – Miscellaneous loans – –
    Domestic bonds 34,339,090 33,648,312
    Financial fixed assets, etc. 131,550 131,550
    Tangible and intangible fixed assets 713,929 715,190
    Other assets 4,708,505 4,872,019
    749,548,436 702,778,759

    1) Other lending to banks include loans for cash deposits.

    Liabilities 2025 2025
    1000 kr. 31/03 28/02
    Banknotes 46,643,535 46,880,067
    Coins 6,099,641 6,101,100
    Monetary-policy deposits 239,426,941 237,050,144
    – Current accounts 239,426,941 237,050,144
    – Certificates of deposit – –
    Other deposits 14,825,201 15,191,388
    – Deposits related to banks’ and mortgage credit institutes’ TARGET accounts in ECB 31,871 32,772
    – Other deposits from banks’ and mortgage credit institutes’ 1,105,229 1,407,732
    – Miscellaneous deposits 13,688,101 13,750,884
    Central government 279,684,059 239,437,163
    Foreign liabilities 10,131,593 5,300,892
    Counterpart of Special Drawing Rights allocated by the IMF (SDR) 45,039,776 45,039,776
    Other liabilities 6,858,765 24,071,249
    Capital and reserves 100,838,925 83,706,980
    749,548,436 702,778,759

    Note: The monthly balance sheet is calculated at beginning of year values +/- accumulated transaction values. The monthly balance does not include value adjustments and accruals, as these are only calculated at year-end, cf. Danmarks Nationalbank’s accounting principles.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plaid Cymru call out “jaw dropping” comments from First Minister on UK Government welfare cuts

    Source: Party of Wales

    Plaid Cymru have accused the First Minister of having no influence on Number Ten Downing Street after a heated session of the Senedd’s Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister on Friday, March 28th.    

    During the session, the First Minister revealed that she could not remember the name of the individual she had spoken with at number ten when discussing UK Labour’s cuts to welfare spending.

    The First Minister also stated that she was ‘reserving judgement’ on said changes to welfare spending, despite the Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens claiming that she had written to the UK Government in support of the cuts.

    The First Minister wished to ‘reserve judgement’ until a Welsh impact assessment had been made. The Welsh Government have contacted the UK Government with this request over a week ago, and as of yet have received no reply.

    In response to the session, Plaid Cymru MS and member of the committee, Llŷr Gruffydd said:

    “Some of the First Minister’s comments in committee this morning were quite frankly jaw-dropping. She said she was ‘reserving judgement’ before taking a stance on Labour’s welfare changes, but the Secretary of State for Wales says that the First Minister has already supported the cuts.

    “She went on to admit that the conversations she had with ‘number ten’ were not with the Prime Minister, nor any Ministers either. If her influence in Westminster only reaches a middle-ranking official, it’s obvious that it is non-existent.

    “It’s clear from today’s session that the First Minister has no direct influence – this so called ‘partnership in power’ just isn’t delivering, and it highlighted how this Labour Welsh Government is unable to move the dial on devolution. It will always be party before country for Labour and the First Minister. It’s time for a fresh start –  a Plaid Cymru government would always be relentless in standing up for Wales.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: All Three Defendants Plead Guilty in Multimillion-Dollar Scheme to Defraud Automobile Auction

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

    NASHVILLE – On Monday, March 31, 2025, defendant Brian Baker, 53, of Mount Juliet, Tenn., pled guilty to all charges against him for a wire fraud and money laundering scheme to defraud an automobile auction business in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The other co-defendants, Stephanie Louise Baker, 54, of Mount Juliet, Tenn. and Jerry W. Hutchins, 50, of Dowelltown, Tenn., each pled guilty last week to all charges against them stemming from their involvement in the same wire fraud and money laundering scheme.

    “I commend the effort of the prosecutors from our office who are holding these thieves accountable for their crimes,” said Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. “We will continue to tirelessly seek justice for those affected by economic crimes here in our community.”

    “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to unraveling intricate financial transactions and money laundering schemes where individuals attempt to conceal the original source of their money,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “IRS Criminal Investigation, along with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office, will vigorously pursue those individuals who willfully try to enrich themselves by fraudulent means.”

    “These defendants used fake transactions to operate a wire fraud and money laundering scheme to illegally enrich themselves,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI remains vigilant in the fight against fraud and will bring those who cheat and steal to justice.”

    The federal indictment, returned by the grand jury in October 2023, had charged Stephanie Baker and Brian Baker, who are married, and Hutchins with a wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. The indictment also charged all three defendants with substantive offenses for acts of money laundering.  According to the indictment, between February 2017 and November 2018, Stephanie Baker was the General Manager of the Dealers Auto Auction Group’s Murfreesboro auction location. Brian Baker and Jerry Hutchins each owned and operated used car dealerships and did business at the auction. The defendants devised a scheme to defraud Dealers Auto Auction Group, LLC by creating fake transactions to make it appear that the defendants’ businesses had sold cars at the auction and were entitled to receive funds from Dealers Auto Auction Group, when in fact the defendants had not sold vehicles at the auction. Based on the fake transactions, Stephanie Baker caused Dealers Auto Auction Group to issue checks to Brian Baker’s and Hutchins’ businesses. Then, on a rolling basis each month, the defendants would create additional fake transactions using the same vehicles in order to conceal the original fraud and avoid detection. Brian Baker and Hutchins then converted proceeds of the fraud scheme for their own personal use and benefit.

    As a result of this scheme, the defendants defrauded Dealers Auto Auction Group of more than $2 million.

    The three defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2025. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud conspiracy, the money laundering conspiracy, and the concealment money laundering offenses, and up to 10 years in prison for domestic transaction money laundering. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation in which the government seeks to forfeit any property derived from the proceeds of the crimes, including a money judgment in the amount of at least $2,041,170 from Stephanie Baker, $1,357,310 from Brian Baker, and $683,830 from Jerry Hutchins.

    This case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Suedekum and Nani M. Gilkerson are prosecuting the case.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Contractor agrees to pay $750,000 to settle False Claims Act allegations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Stephen McLeod d/b/a A&S Contracting, of Hayes, Virginia, agreed to pay $750,000 to settle False Claims Act allegations that he engaged in a pattern of inflating costs and concealing use of subcontractors on work orders conducted for the United States Postal Service (USPS).

    McLeod, a sole proprietor doing business as A&S Contracting, performed repair and maintenance service projects at U.S. postal facilities throughout Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia.

    The government alleged that some thirty work orders contained false information and resulted in overcharges to the USPS.

    In one example, McLeod agreed to perform electrical work at a USPS post office in Norton, Virginia, even though McLeod did not have the appropriate license to perform electrical work. He nonetheless billed $9,570 for performance of the work order, including labor he did not perform and materials he did not provide. McLeod impermissibly subcontracted the work to another company and falsely certified in an invoice and associated documentation submitted to USPS that A&S performed the work.

    In another instance, McLeod, acting as A&S Contracting, agreed to patch potholes in a USPS post office parking lot in Wise, Virginia. The proposal submitted by McLeod falsely stated that A&S would perform the work, and did not reveal that he intended to retain a subcontractor for the job. The proposal also included charges for material and equipment not provided by McLeod, nor by McLeod acting as A&S. McLeod subcontracted the work to another company that performed all the pothole patching work at the USPS post office parking lot. The subcontractor charged McLeod $12,500 for its work and, in turn, McLeod, acting as A&S, charged USPS $20,385 for the work order.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the USPS Office of Inspector General.

    The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Kim and USPS Office of Inspector General Special Agent Darrin Dixon.

    A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

    The civil claims settled are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: José Adolfo “Fito” Macías Villamar, Leader of Los Choneros Transnational Criminal Organization, Indicted in Brooklyn Federal Court on International Drug and Gun Charges

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

    A seven-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging José Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as “Fito,” with international cocaine distribution conspiracy; international cocaine distribution; using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; smuggling firearms from the United States; and straw purchasing of firearms conspiracy.  Since at least 2020, he has been the leader of Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most violent drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations.  The defendant is not in U.S. custody.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Derek Maltz, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); L.C. Cheeks, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Newark Field Division, Atlantic City Satellite Office (ATF); and Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office (OEE), announced the charges.

    “As alleged, the defendant was a ruthless leader and prolific drug trafficker for a violent transnational criminal organization.  By leading the Los Choneros’ network of assassins and drug and weapon traffickers and importing potentially lethal quantities of cocaine into the United States, the defendant has caused great harm to his own country and the United States, which was the destination for the vast majority of Los Choneros’ cocaine shipments,” stated United States Attorney Durham.

    Mr. Durham praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Andean Region – Quito, Country Office, Special Operations Division-Bilateral Investigations Unit and Latin America/Caribbean Section, Joint Interagency Task Force South; U.S. Southern Command; the Government of Ecuador; the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau; and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Atlantic City.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance in this matter.

    “The indictment of José Adolfo Macías Villamar marks a significant strike against the violent networks that flood our communities with dangerous drugs like cocaine — a clear message that no one fueling this deadly trade is beyond the reach of justice. This case highlights the tireless efforts of DEA, alongside our partners in the United States and Ecuador,” stated DEA Administrator Maltz.  “We will continue to work across borders to dismantle the supply chain of violent, criminal networks, which underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and cartel violence.”

    “This investigation and charges are a testament to the combined efforts of law enforcement and underscores the resolve of ATF and our federal, state, and local partners. Drug trafficking and the heinous crimes associated with violent criminal organizations have an insidious impact on the public and tear apart the fabric of our communities. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal, across the U.S. and around the globe, to combat violence, drug distribution, and the illegal sale and possession of firearms to safeguard the safety and well-being of all,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Cheeks.

    “This indictment alleges the defendant and Los Choneros illegally smuggled firearms from the United States in furtherance of their violent drug trafficking operations,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office.  “The Office of Export Enforcement will continue its efforts alongside its law enforcement partners to pursue those who violate export laws, wherever they may be, worldwide.”

    As alleged in the indictment, from at least 2020 to 2025, Macías Villamar was the principal leader of Los Choneros, one of the most violent and powerful transnational criminal organizations in Ecuador.  Los Choneros, in partnership with the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, controlled key cocaine trafficking routes through Ecuador and operated a large-scale network responsible for the shipment and distribution of multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States and elsewhere.  The vast majority of drugs trafficked by Los Choneros were imported into the United States.

    As the principal leader of Los Choneros, Macías Villamar employed members of the organization to carry out serious acts of violence on the organization’s behalf.  At Macías Villamar’s direction, Los Choneros committed violent acts towards law enforcement, Ecuadorian politicians, attorneys, prosecutors and civilians. Los Choneros obtained many of their firearms and weapons by illegally trafficking and exporting them from the United States.  As alleged, the defendant specifically employed individuals who purchased firearms, firearms components and ammunitions on Los Choneros’ behalf in the United States and then illegally smuggled them to Ecuador.

    Moreover, in furtherance of their drug trafficking operation, Los Choneros relied on “sicarios,” or hitmen, as well as corruption and bribe payments, to ensure protection and loyalty to Los Choneros. These “sicarios” regularly used military-grade weapons, like machine guns, AK-47 assault rifles and grenades to perpetrate violence, including murder, torture and kidnapping.  Macías Villamar and the Los Choneros organization have also been sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section, and as part of the work of the Office’s Transnational Criminal Organizations Strike Force.  Assistant United States Attorneys Chand Edwards-Balfour and Lorena Michelen are in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendant:

    JOSÉ ADOLFO MACÍAS VILLAMAR (also known as “Fito”)
    Age: 45
    Ecuador

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 25-CR-114 (FB)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Maxwell Frost Takes Orlando’s Questions on Future of Democratic Party, Lowering Costs, Federal Funding Freezes and More on Reddit

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

    April 02, 2025

    Congressman Frost’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) received over 81,000 views, 1,000 upvotes, and over 350 comments and questions from Redditors in Central Florida.

    ORLANDO, FL — Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) joined Reddit users on the r/Orlando subreddit this past Friday to answer questions from Central Floridians concerned about the latest actions from the Trump Administration and what the Congressman is doing to fight back on various issues. Users asked various questions about the state of the economy, the dismantling of federal agencies, federal funding cuts to crucial programs, and the future of the Democratic party.

    In case you missed it, here are some of the highlights:

    During the AMA, one user asked the Congressman: Do House Democrats have a plan to offer an alternative to Trump’s economic policy?

    Congressman Frost replied: “My belief is that we can’t just oppose Trump’s billionaire takeover, we must provide our vision. The vision must be based in the reality that most working people are facing: shit is too expensive and living is unaffordable. Nobody wants to hear about how we’ll marginally make things better, they want bold, transformational change. 

    Expanding Medicare to cover all Americans so no one has to decide between a medical bill and their rent. Speaking of rent, ensuring that we up the inventory of affordable housing and pass robust protections for renters. Holding corporations accountable for price gouging and price fixing which is contributing to the high costs of living. Raising the minimum wage because nobody can live off of $7.25 an hour. We have a great thing going for us because our agenda is popular. We must forcibly oppose this billionaire takeover and in the next breath, give our vision. 

    We’re fighting to reclaim this narrative back and to put forward real solutions to give people results. While the Republicans are focused on covering up their SignalGate scandal, Democrats are working on lowering costs. I have been championing price-lowering legislation to fix the property insurance price crisis, decrease grocery prices, ban excessive hidden fees in rental housing, cap the cost of prescription drugs, including EpiPens, and help our community save on medical bills during hurricanes.”

    Another user whose daughters’ school will be losing a large portion of their Title I funding asked the Congressman: I worry that the school will lose their free lunches program. I’m fortunate enough that that won’t affect my children personally, but there will be plenty of children affected. What are you doing to fight back for education? 

    Congressman Frost replied: “Title I funding is especially important in a state like Florida, where the state government not only shows disinterest in the needs of marginalized communities, but is actively trying to dismantle public education.  

    I am proud to be the son of a retired public school teacher. My mom taught special needs students for 37 years. In February, when it was clear that the Department of Education was under threat, I marched with other Members of Congress to the Department’s doors. It took Department of Homeland Security officers in body armour to keep us out. No matter what Trump says, it will take an act of Congress to truly dismantle the Department of Education, so it is incredibly important that elected officials know how unpopular that goal is. I have been working to organize people in that effort. Parents, teachers, school administrators need to let their elected officials at all levels know that they oppose Trump’s desire to abolish the Department of Education. Making progress at the state level in Florida is hard, which makes a strong Department of Education even more important.”

    Another Reddit user asked: I am concerned about Second Harvest getting its government support cut. Is there anything you can do to help?

    Congressman Frost replied: “For folks who are catching up on this news, this week the Trump Administration canceled shipments of food for Second Harvest, and we just found out it’s likely not a temporary cut. Being hungry is a tragic and terrible experience that harms people’s physical and mental health and Second Harvest plays such an important role in preventing that. I was able to secure $200,000 for Second Harvest to help them save money on their monthly energy costs to store food, but I’m going to continue to fight for resources for our partner. Over 300 local partners in my district (churches, food pantries, etc.) rely on Second Harvest to help them get food out to our community and the individuals and families that need it.”

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Goldman, Crockett Introduce Abortion Care Awareness Act to Combat Anti-Abortion Misinformation

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Legislation Ensures Women Have Access to Accurate Information About Abortion Services and Where to Obtain Them 

     

    Goldman’s Bill Will Specifically Combat Misinformation about Medication Abortion, the Most Common Abortion Used in Telehealth Abortions 

     

    Read the Bill Here 

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) today re-introduced the ‘Abortion Care Awareness Act,’ which would increase access to medically accurate information about abortion, including medication abortion. Additionally, this bill would ensure people have access to accurate information about where and how to obtain abortion services across the country, how to avoid anti-abortion centers intended to deceive patients, and how to identify misinformation about abortion care. 

    For women residing in states with abortion bans, telehealth appointments and medication abortion have emerged as among the only ways they can receive reproductive health care in their jurisdiction. This bill comes as states with abortion bans in place have increasingly cracked down on these services, most recently charging a New York telemedicine provider who was protected by the state’s shield laws, which protects abortion and reproductive health care providers from lawsuits relating to providing medication abortions to out-of-state patients.  

    “As abortion rights face relentless attacks at every level of government, women across the country are being inundated with a maze of laws and false and misleading information about their reproductive healthcare options,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “I’m proud to reintroduce the Abortion Care Awareness Act to ensure every woman has access to accurate, trusted information about their rights and available care. No woman should be deceived by bad actors seeking to interfere with her personal medical decisions.” 

    Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett said, “Women across the country, but especially in abortion restrictive states like my state of Texas, have been the targets to mis- and dis-information campaign at the hands of far-right anti-abortion groups. Women should be able to have quick access to know their rights and be provided accurate the type of care available to them to then make their very personal decision of what to do with their bodies. That is why I am proud to reintroduce the Abortion Care Awareness Act of 2025 to protect women’s right to decide with medically accurate and complete information about abortion.” 

    The ‘Abortion Care Awareness Act’ would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a coordinated national public health education, awareness, and outreach campaign to provide accurate information regarding where and how to access abortion care, the right to travel across state lines and utilize telemedicine to access abortion care, how to identify misinformation about abortion, and more. The campaign would be designed in consultation with health care professionals, nonprofit reproductive rights and justice organizations, state and local health departments, and other experts. 

    The bill would also include information on how to identify and avoid crisis pregnancy centers which market themselves as abortion clinics or comprehensive reproductive health care providers to women in vulnerable and emotionally fragile positions, intentionally targeting low-income communities and communities of color. Once under their care, these centers use aggressive rhetoric and manipulative means to coerce them into carrying their pregnancies to full term, jeopardizing their health, well-being, and trust in health care providers. 

    According to the University of Georgia’s Crisis Pregnancy Center Map, there are 10 crisis pregnancy centers in New York City alone, outnumbering the number of Planned Parenthood locations in the city. 

    Congressman Dan Goldman is committed to protecting abortion access across the country and combatting abortion misinformation. 

    In March 2024, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation (SAD) Act’ to stop crisis pregnancy centers organizations from using deceptive advertisements claiming to offer reproductive health care. The SAD Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission to prohibit unfair or deceptive advertising related to the provisions of abortion services and authorize the FTC to enforce these rules and collect penalties from organizations in violation.  
    In March 2023, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Women’s Health Protection Act,’ which establishes a federal right for healthcare professionals to provide abortion care and the right for their patients to receive care, free from bans and medically unnecessary restrictions that single out abortion care. The ‘Women’s Health Protection Act’ codifies and expands upon the rights established in Roe v. Wade. 

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Securing a greener future with cleaner maritime technology

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Securing a greener future with cleaner maritime technology

    The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been supporting the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC).

    Image from FastRig

    The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been at the forefront of The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), a government-funded initiative to support the delivery of net zero emissions across the maritime industry.  

    Delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Transport’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, each iteration of the scheme awards funds in areas of green technology, decarbonisation and skills development.  

    CMDC round 6 is currently open for bidders until Wednesday 16 April, and invites UK-registered organisations to apply for their share of a £30 million fund to pitch and develop innovative clean maritime technologies and skills.  

    HQ Consultant Surveyor Gwen Lancaster has been involved with the competition since its early stages. Gwen has helped provide the programme with technical and specialist maritime insight.  

    Essentially, the CMDC provides funding to projects that progress innovative ideas and concepts,” she says.  

    The MCA provides technical maritime advice and insight to the programme, guiding both the technology focus and advising on aspects and areas that require certification, surveying or regulatory compliance.

    We’re able to consider the regulatory pathway and how entirely new products or inventions can be certified according to our processes and standards.

    Previous rounds of the CMDC have funded a diverse range of projects, covering future fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, electrification of vessels and energy efficiency alongside feasibility studies exploring concepts like UK green shipping corridors in support of the Clydebank Declaration.

    MCA’s role in delivery of this programme is particularly key when a project involves the integration of an innovative technology with an existing ship, as a recent example the MCA supported the integration and subsequent sea-trials of a 20m wing sail developed by a consortium led by Smart Green Shipping, with the sail being retrofit to the UK-flagged Pacific Grebe.  

    The sail, which operates autonomously, has the potential to reduce energy demand and fuel consumption significantly, cutting operating costs and CO2 emissions while aiding UK decarbonisation efforts.  

    Gwen, who was part of the vessel’s survey and inspection team, said:

    As the FastRig wing sail was retrofitted for use on a commercial vessel, it required technical input from MCA Surveyors as well as the vessels Classification Society Lloyd’s Register. 

    It’s a complex and thorough process but it is essential that all the necessary steps are followed to ensure that the invention is correctly certified, all safety considerations are made, and relevant legislation is followed.  

    Our Marine Office audited and inspected the vessel, which was then able to head to Southampton for demonstration and sea trials.

    Decarbonisation of the shipping industry is a key priority for both UK and International shipping, and the MCA is committed to supporting safe, sustainable innovation across the sector.

    Press office

    Email public.relations@mcga.gov.uk

    Press enquiries (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) 0203 817 2222

    Outside these hours or on bank holidays and weekends, for media enquiries ONLY, please send an email outlining your query and putting #Urgent in the subject title.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tariffs Work — and President Trump’s First Term Proves It

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    For the first time in decades, the United States will see fair trade as President Donald J. Trump announces tariffs to level the playing field for American workers and businesses.
    Despite the rhetoric from politicians and the media, studies have repeatedly shown tariffs are an effective tool for achieving economic and strategic objectives — just as they did in President Trump’s first term.
    A 2024 study on the effects of President Trump’s tariffs in his first term found that they “strengthened the U.S. economy” and “led to significant reshoring” in industries like manufacturing and steel production.
    A 2023 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission — which analyzed the effects of President Trump’s Section 232 and 301 tariffs on more than $300 billion of U.S. imports — found the tariffs reduced imports from China, effectively stimulated more U.S. production of the affected goods, and had very minor effects on downstream prices.
    According to the Economic Policy Institute, the tariffs implemented by President Trump during his first term “clearly show[ed] no correlation with inflation” and had only a fleeting effect on overall prices.
    Economic Policy Institute: “Following implementation of Sec. 232 measures in 2018—and prior to the global downturn in 2020—U.S. steel output, employment, capital investment, and financial performance all improved. In particular, U.S. steel producers announced plans to invest more than $15.7 billion in new or upgraded steel facilities, creating at least 3,200 direct new jobs, many of which are now poised to come online.”

    An analysis by the Atlantic Council found that “tariffs would create new incentives for US consumers to buy US-made products.”
    Former Biden Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen affirmed last year that tariffs do not raise prices: “I don’t believe that American consumers will see any meaningful increase in the prices that they face.”
    A 2024 economic analysis found that a global tariff of 10% would grow the economy by $728 billion, create 2.8 million jobs, and increase real household incomes by 5.7%.
    President Trump’s first term steel tariffs led to thousands of jobs gains in the metal industry, along with wage increases.
    The tariffs were hailed as a “boon” for Minnesota’s iron ore industry, with state officials crediting them for bolstering the local economy.
    Steel and aluminum imports drastically decreased during President Trump’s first term, falling by nearly one-third from 2016 to 2020.
    The tariffs led to a wave in investment across the United States, with more than $10 billion committed to build new mills.

    The Hill: “The Trump tariffs keep working, to the consternation of many economists”
    S&P Global: “Global Trade At A Crossroads: Trump Tariffs Forge Better Credit Quality For U.S.-Based Steel And Aluminum Producers With A Protectionist Stance”
    IndustryWeek: “Tariffs Are Keeping US Steel Production Strong”
    “With steel imports down, America’s steelmakers have started investing at home. In addition to Nucor and US Steel, companies like Cleveland-Cliffs, Steel Dynamics, CMC, and AK Steel have invested billions of dollars in at least 16 major new projects throughout the nation. The top five US steel companies more than doubled their total annual investments between 2017 to 2019, from $1.5 billion to $4.2 billion.”

    Predictably, the media was wrong.
    PBS (2018): “Trump tariffs may imperil a delicate global economic rebound”
    “President Donald Trump’s announcement Thursday that the United States would impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminum — with some countries potentially exempted — suddenly raised a fear that few had anticipated: That U.S. tariffs could trigger a chain of tit-for-tat retaliation by America’s trading partners that could erupt into a full-blown trade war and possibly threaten the global economy.”

    NPR (2018): “Trump Plan To Impose Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum Raises Trade War Fears”
    “Chad Bown, an economist and trade specialist, says the tariffs will drive up the price of steel and aluminum for the multiple other industries that use the metals. Those industries actually employ more people than the steel and aluminum sectors, he says, ‘so this is a really big concern, just from an economic perspective.’”

    The New Yorker (2019): “Trump’s Trade War Could Make the Trump Recession a Reality”
    “What we do know for sure is that, the longer Donald Trump persists in his trade war, the greater the chances are of an outright slump developing.”

    Politico (2018): “Trump blasted at home and abroad for plan to impose steel, aluminum tariffs”
    “President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum reverberated across the world Thursday, spurring retaliatory threats from some of the nation’s closest allies and sending stock prices plummeting on investors’ fears of the global economic fallout.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: Trump’s incompetence is jeopardizing our national security, crashing the economy and dismantling Social Security

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – April 01, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar was joined by House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Jim Himes, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan for a press conference on the Trump Administration national security team sharing classified information in a group chat, and how that same incompetence is leading America towards a recession.

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good morning. It has become increasingly clear that the Trump Administration’s incompetence is jeopardizing our national security, crashing the American economy and dismantling Social Security.

    Secretary of Defense Hegseth must resign for his role in sharing classified war plans. This is a scandal that feels a little more like The Onion than the Atlantic, but he should be fired. But the White House’s carelessness is not isolated to our national security—it’s also having a negative impact on our economy. This carelessness and recklessness of Donald Trump is moving next to imposing tariffs, which have been suggested now that there are 40% chance that the economy crashes into a recession next year, according to Moody’s. They have not taken a single step toward bringing down the high cost of living. In fact, the President of the United States said he couldn’t care less if prices go up. Now, the stock market is crashing and inflation is rising. Hard-working Americans just want a little breathing room and some stability in their busy lives, but what they’ve received from Donald Trump is chaos, confusion and corruption. 

    Later today, House Democrats will hold a hearing on how Trump and Elon Musk are dismantling Social Security. Services are being cut and for the first time in our nation’s history, there is a very real concern that Americans won’t receive the benefits on time that they have paid into. And despite what the Commerce Secretary says, seniors aren’t fraudsters if they get mad—they’ve earned those benefits. 

    They’re doing all of this to help pay for tax giveaways for billionaires and Elon Musk,
    This isn’t about rooting out waste, fraud and abuse. This is about upending the status quo—these are unserious people looking out for themselves, their allies and their political
    donors. If the President doesn’t fix this incompetence, the consequences for our national
    security, our economic security, will be devastating. 

    Now, I’ll yield to the Ranking Member on Intelligence, Jim Himes.

    RANKING MEMBER HIMES: Thanks, Pete, and good morning. The White House Press Secretary’s efforts notwithstanding to sweep this scandal under the carpet, there is a lot of work yet to be done. 

    Since we learned about the disclosures from Jeffrey Goldberg in the Atlantic, the story has, of course, gotten larger. We hear press reports that an allied country provided targeting information and that they were pretty upset about the disclosure of that information. That is something that we need to follow up on, and we still, at this point, as the entity charged with oversight of these things, have no accounting of the breach other than what we’ve gotten from Jeffrey Goldberg at the Atlantic. Now, I know that Mr. Goldberg was being very, very careful in what information he put out there. So, at this moment, we don’t even know what information was in the Signal chat. So again, the White House Press Secretary’s efforts notwithstanding. The law requires the Director of National Intelligence to undertake an investigation and to report that investigation, the results of that investigation to the Senate and the House Intelligence Committee. Needless to say, we have seen nothing. 

    We the Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee issued a letter yesterday asking those questions and asking for an investigation, a real investigation—not something that the White House Press Secretary cooks up out of thin air—with those results reported to the Intelligence Committees, as the law would dictate. And I’ll just point out before handing this over to the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, it’s not just the law. It’s what anyone else associated with the Department of Defense or with the intelligence community would see done if they, in fact, were putting extremely sensitive information that should have been classified if it was not on an unclassified Signal chat here. There would have been a stand down. There would have been a full investigation. The results and the damage of that, of that act would have been reported, and there would have been accountability. This Administration has dodged every single one of those steps, starting with an attack on Jeffrey Goldberg of the Atlantic, who didn’t even ask to be put on the Signal chat. So, the message being sent by this, both inside the Pentagon, from four star officers down to privates, or inside the intelligence community, from the senior intelligence service right on down to the recruit, is that you have to play by one set of rules, but our senior most people play by an entirely different set of rules, and that is not something that we can tolerate in either the DOD or the intelligence community. 

    So, we will be following up here to make sure that this story is reported to the Congress, that the full damage or potential damage associated with this Signal chat is out there and that accountability is ultimately visited. With that, let me hand over to Ranking Member Smith at the House Armed Services Committee.

    RANKING MEMBER SMITH: Thank you very much. I completely agree with everything Jim just said. I’ll just add three quick points. 

    One big concern we have on the Armed Services Committee, what is the policy going forward? Because obviously the action on the Signal chat is bad in a thousand different ways that Jim outlined fairly well. But worse is the fact that the Secretary of Defense and everybody else associated is saying, “There’s nothing to see here, there’s nothing wrong,” which clearly implies that they’re just going to keep doing it this way. So, what we really want to know is, what happened? How did you screw up? And how are you going to fix it? Because make no mistake about it, this is a very, very dangerous thing to do, to be giving out attack plans, the time, the weapons you’re going to use and the targets you’re going to hit in advance of that attack. I don’t know why we’re having a conversation about why that is bad. What are they going to do to fix it? Right now, the answer is nothing. So, I still think that the House Armed Services Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee should have a hearing. Ideally, Secretary Hegseth should come over and talk to us. But somebody from DOD should come over and explain what they’re going to do to make sure that OPSEC actually is something that they care about, that they’re going to fix going forward. 

    Second, this speaks to a larger problem of the overall competence and experience of the national security team. Just about anyone who’s ever been involved in an operation like this would have said, “Why are we having this conversation on a Signal chat?” But the people on that Signal chat, none of them have really had that experience, with the possible exception of Mike Waltz. Also worth noting, no senior uniform was on that call. That’s what happens when you fire the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and you don’t have one. So, we’re really concerned about the overall competence of the national security team. 

    The third point that has been lost in all of this, one of the justifications offered by Secretary Hegseth and by Mr. Waltz, was, “Hey, but the mission was a spectacular success. So, what are we looking at?” Was the mission a spectacular success? We don’t even really know at this point. And this is an ongoing campaign. We are now 17,18 days into the bombing campaign. And please understand, the mission wasn’t to blow some things up and kill a bunch of Houthis. The mission is to reopen the Red Sea to shipping, and the Red Sea is no more open today than it was 18 days ago when this campaign started. So again, getting to the competence of the national security team. If they think the mission has been accomplished, it appears they don’t even know what the mission is. 

    So, we should start asking some questions about what they’re trying to accomplish in Yemen going forward. With that, I’m pleased to yield to a Member of the Armed Services Committee and the Intelligence Committee, Ms. Houlahan. 

    REP. HOULAHAN: Thank you, Chairman. Thank you very much for the opportunity to talk to you about this very important issue.

    I want to pause for a moment and imagine a world where the Director of the FBI yells at a Member of Congress that his organization is the one that calls balls and strikes, defying Congress’s constitutional obligation for oversight, and in the process, also refusing to investigate. Imagine a world where the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency berates Members of Congress, specifically Democrats, that they don’t care about national security because they dared to ask him questions about a significant leak of information, a significant breach of classified data. Imagine a world where the Secretary of Defense shares information on an unclassified channel, that was arguably top-secret information and had to do as the Chairman said with targeting information, with timing and with weaponry. This is a channel that his own agency said should not be used because it was compromised or possibly compromised. 

    So, the problem is with this, we don’t have to imagine because this is reality. This is an unimaginable world that we are in, but it is the reality that we have found ourselves in today. And the only hope that I have, which I echo the Chairmen who have spoken before me, is that in this world, that the Director of National Intelligence has committed to following the law, which would allow opening an investigation into this, so that we can imagine a world where people are contrite, where people are non-partisan, where people work for the people, where people are true leaders and have the same rules that the people that they lead have, and where they hold themselves accountable. So, this is the world that I hope that we can live in. And this is the world that we demand because it’s the only world in which we will be safe.

    So, today, as many of my colleagues have already done, I call once again on the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, to fulfill that commitment that she made to me last Wednesday, a commitment to follow the law and to conduct an independent investigation into what is a significant unauthorized disclosure of compromised information. I want them to stop gaslighting us and the American public. I want them to stop distracting us and the American public, and to stop playing us for fools and hoping that Americans don’t catch on. 

    Follow the law. Do your job. Uphold the oath that we uphold, as well, that we took to this nation. The world and we are watching. And I thank the opportunity to speak, and I turn back over to the Chairman for any questions that you might have. 

    Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: Trump, Musk attacks have upended Social Security in just two months

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    April 01, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee held a hearing examining Republican efforts to gut social security benefits to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. 

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Thank you so much, Ranking Member Neal, for your leadership. And I want to thank Co-Chair Kelly and our colleagues on the Steering and Policy Committee for holding this important conversation.

    Our witness today is a public servant for more than three decades. Martin O’Malley served on the City Council, then as Mayor of the City of Baltimore, before serving two terms as the  Governor of Maryland. Most recently, he served with distinction, as the Leader mentioned, as the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, where he made sure that every one of the 70 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits had a direct line into the federal government. He oversaw more than 50,000 workers at the SSA’s headquarters, 10 regional offices and 1,200 field offices across this country. He made certain that the Social Security Administration not only continued—but built upon—its legacy of quality customer service, a promise that America has upheld since Social Security was created by Congress in 1935, under the leadership of President Roosevelt. This promise went unbroken until Donald Trump and Elon Musk took a chainsaw to that legacy—with plans for extreme cuts, office closures and continued barriers to earned benefits.

    After 90 straight years of seniors, survivors and people with disabilities being able to rely upon Social Security, extreme Republican attacks have upended the agency in just two months. And two people are to blame: the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the unelected billionaire, Elon Musk, who calls Social Security a “ponzi scheme.” Governor O’Malley knows exactly what it takes to protect and strengthen the Social Security Administration. Today, unfortunately, he will tell us exactly how Trump and Musk are breaking it down. Governor O’Malley, you are now recognized.

    Video of the full hearing can be viewed here.

    ###

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: José Adolfo “Fito” Macías Villamar, Leader of Los Choneros Transnational Criminal Organization, Indicted in Brooklyn Federal Court on International Drug and Gun Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A seven-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging José Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as “Fito,” with international cocaine distribution conspiracy; international cocaine distribution; using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; smuggling firearms from the United States; and straw purchasing of firearms conspiracy.  Since at least 2020, he has been the leader of Los Choneros, one of Ecuador’s most violent drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations.  The defendant is not in U.S. custody.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Derek Maltz, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); L.C. Cheeks, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Newark Field Division, Atlantic City Satellite Office (ATF); and Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office (OEE), announced the charges.

    “As alleged, the defendant was a ruthless leader and prolific drug trafficker for a violent transnational criminal organization.  By leading the Los Choneros’ network of assassins and drug and weapon traffickers and importing potentially lethal quantities of cocaine into the United States, the defendant has caused great harm to his own country and the United States, which was the destination for the vast majority of Los Choneros’ cocaine shipments,” stated United States Attorney Durham.

    Mr. Durham praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Andean Region – Quito, Country Office, Special Operations Division-Bilateral Investigations Unit and Latin America/Caribbean Section, Joint Interagency Task Force South; U.S. Southern Command; the Government of Ecuador; the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau; and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Atlantic City.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance in this matter.

    “The indictment of José Adolfo Macías Villamar marks a significant strike against the violent networks that flood our communities with dangerous drugs like cocaine — a clear message that no one fueling this deadly trade is beyond the reach of justice. This case highlights the tireless efforts of DEA, alongside our partners in the United States and Ecuador,” stated DEA Administrator Maltz.  “We will continue to work across borders to dismantle the supply chain of violent, criminal networks, which underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and cartel violence.”

    “This investigation and charges are a testament to the combined efforts of law enforcement and underscores the resolve of ATF and our federal, state, and local partners. Drug trafficking and the heinous crimes associated with violent criminal organizations have an insidious impact on the public and tear apart the fabric of our communities. We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal, across the U.S. and around the globe, to combat violence, drug distribution, and the illegal sale and possession of firearms to safeguard the safety and well-being of all,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Cheeks.

    “This indictment alleges the defendant and Los Choneros illegally smuggled firearms from the United States in furtherance of their violent drug trafficking operations,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office.  “The Office of Export Enforcement will continue its efforts alongside its law enforcement partners to pursue those who violate export laws, wherever they may be, worldwide.”

    As alleged in the indictment, from at least 2020 to 2025, Macías Villamar was the principal leader of Los Choneros, one of the most violent and powerful transnational criminal organizations in Ecuador.  Los Choneros, in partnership with the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, controlled key cocaine trafficking routes through Ecuador and operated a large-scale network responsible for the shipment and distribution of multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico to the United States and elsewhere.  The vast majority of drugs trafficked by Los Choneros were imported into the United States.

    As the principal leader of Los Choneros, Macías Villamar employed members of the organization to carry out serious acts of violence on the organization’s behalf.  At Macías Villamar’s direction, Los Choneros committed violent acts towards law enforcement, Ecuadorian politicians, attorneys, prosecutors and civilians. Los Choneros obtained many of their firearms and weapons by illegally trafficking and exporting them from the United States.  As alleged, the defendant specifically employed individuals who purchased firearms, firearms components and ammunitions on Los Choneros’ behalf in the United States and then illegally smuggled them to Ecuador.

    Moreover, in furtherance of their drug trafficking operation, Los Choneros relied on “sicarios,” or hitmen, as well as corruption and bribe payments, to ensure protection and loyalty to Los Choneros. These “sicarios” regularly used military-grade weapons, like machine guns, AK-47 assault rifles and grenades to perpetrate violence, including murder, torture and kidnapping.  Macías Villamar and the Los Choneros organization have also been sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section, and as part of the work of the Office’s Transnational Criminal Organizations Strike Force.  Assistant United States Attorneys Chand Edwards-Balfour and Lorena Michelen are in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendant:

    JOSÉ ADOLFO MACÍAS VILLAMAR (also known as “Fito”)
    Age: 45
    Ecuador

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 25-CR-114 (FB)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU funds 149 doctoral programmes in research and innovation

    Source: European Union 2

    The European Commission will support 149 doctoral programmes to train and develop the skills of over 1800 doctoral candidates. 

    The European Commission has announced the results of the 2024 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks call.

    The Commission will fund a total of 149 excellent doctoral programmes with €608.6 million to train over 1800 doctoral candidates in and outside academia.

    €536.9 million will be awarded to 133 standard Doctoral programmes, to train PhD candidates and develop their skills.

    Funding includes also €26 million for 8 Industrial Doctoral programmes to train PhD candidates and develop their skills outside academia, including in industry and business. Doctoral candidates will also benefit from joint industry-academia supervision.

    An additional €33 million will be allocated to 8 Joint Doctoral programmes, which promote joint selection, training and supervision leading to joint or multiple doctoral degrees.

    The European Research Executive Agency (REA) received 1,417 applications for this call. This means a success rate of 10.6 %.

    Close collaboration beyond academia

    These doctoral programmes are implemented by international partnerships, involving 9335 organisations in 130 countries in the EU, Horizon Europe associated countries and beyond. 4725 of these are private for-profit entities.

    Selected projects are coordinated by organisations in 18 countries.

    A list with all funded projects and coordinating organisations is available in CIRCABC. Please note that this list reflects the results of the evaluation before the Grant Agreement Preparation and formal selection decision.

    Frontier research in all fields

    Selected projects will promote research in fields such as  

    • advanced strategies towards energy-neutral wastewater treatment
    • bringing rehabilitation robots to clinical practice or quantum-inspired
    • climate-aware approaches to real estate value and valuation  

    Industrial Doctorates will train doctoral candidates in areas such as  

    • the use of artificial intelligence in Parkinson’s disease  
    • the development of autonomous robots that are able to comply with social conventions and expectations  
    • photocatalytic industrial applications  

    Joint Doctorates will develop programmes focusing for example on  

    • building capacity for healthy adaptation to pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood
    • privacy for smart speech technology  
    • on how to deal with challenges related to migration

    The projects selected are in the following broad fields. 

    An overview of the evaluation results, cut-off scores and statistics has been published on the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 call page.

    Once the grant agreements are finalised, the complete list of funded projects will be published on the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 call page and on CORDIS.

    Next steps for successful applicants

    The European Research Executive Agency sent out letters on the results of the evaluation to inform applicants of the outcome of the selection. Applicants should be able to access the results of the evaluation in their personal area of the Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal.  

    The letter sent out to the successful applicants contains all the instructions about the next steps to prepare the grant agreement with the agency.

    The first projects will start at the earliest in summer 2025. Projects on the reserve list may be contacted once all the grants have been signed.

    Next funding round and information day

    The next call for MSCA Doctoral Networks will open on 28 May 2025.  

    An information day will take place on 24 June 2025. 

    In the meantime, you may find more information on our how to apply page.

    About the MSCA Doctoral Networks programme

    MSCA Doctoral Networks implement doctoral programmes by partnerships of organisations from different sectors across Europe and beyond. They train highly skilled doctoral candidates, stimulate their creativity, enhance their innovation capacities and boost their employability in the long term.

    More information

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to SACN statement on the WHO guideline on non-sugar sweeteners

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on a SACN statement on the WHO’s guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS). 

    Dr Havovi Chichger, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science, Anglia Ruskin University, said:

    “The SACN recommendations published in their position statement this morning are highly appropriate given the WHO report and research findings in the field.  The committee recommends that children not be given drinks containing non-nutritive sweeteners and that adults work towards a sweetener-free diet.  Although the use of non-nutritive sweeteners is an important tool to reduce sugar overconsumption, and the related negative health effects, we now understand that these sweet additives can pose various health risks on the public.  It might seem contradictory, but studies have shown that all commercially-available sweeteners are associated with the development of obesity and diabetes, potentially through a metabolic disruption pathway (Bonnet 2018; McLay-Cooke 2016; Stamataki 2020).  The SACN position statement also recommends that the government monitor the amount of non-nutritive sweeteners in the UK diet and encourage the food and drink industry to clearly communicate the amount of sweeteners within labelling.  These recommendations are based on an in-depth review of studies in the field however these studies do not always specify which sweeteners were consumed.  There are also confounding factors to be considered, for example, the studies show a link between sweetener consumption and negative health outcomes which could be due to underlying and undetected health conditions rather than the sweetener itself.  As such, there is a real need for large-scale studies in the field to understand the direct causative effect of non-nutritive sweeteners on human health.”

    Prof Naveed Sattar, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine/Honorary Consultant, University of Glasgow, said:

    “I think this is a very balanced statement.  SACN have accepted that the best quality evidence available (i.e. randomised trials) show that non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) lower weight albeit modestly as compared to taking sugar rich drinks and that other types of evidence which suggest some harm from NSS are unreliable.  I fully agree and would rather people take low calorie drinks with artificial sweeteners every time than sugar rich drinks both for weight and dental benefits and potentially other gains.  However, SACN also correctly points out that until we have more evidence in the future on benefits and safety of NSS, it would be best to limit the intake of all such sweetened (including NSS) drinks in early childhood so that children become accustomed to drinking unsweetened drinks, preferably water.  A sensible and mature summary of a complex set of data.”

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sacn-statement-on-the-who-guideline-on-non-sugar-sweeteners/sacn-statement-on-the-who-guideline-on-non-sugar-sweeteners-summary#sacns-assessment

    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67ea97b3ea9f8afd8105627d/sacn-position-statement-on-non-sugar-sweeteners.pdf

    Declared interests

    Dr Havovi Chichger: “Prof Chichger has no conflict of interest or other in this review.”

    Prof Naveed Sattar: “Only that I often drink diluting juice with NSS.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Guinea Presents Credentials

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    (Based on information provided by the Protocol and Liaison Service)

    The new Permanent Representative of Guinea to the United Nations, Mohamed Dabo, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres today.

    Prior to his appointment, Mr. Dabo served in his country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Guineans Living Abroad as Coordinator of Economic Diplomacy, Strategic Intelligence and International Cooperation, from January 2022 to December 2024.

    Before that, from April 2019 to January 2022, he served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, African Integration and Guineans Abroad, as Adviser responsible for diaspora and international careers.

    From October 2017 to April 2019, he served as a member of the Minister’s cabinet and Special Assistant to the Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Guineans Abroad.  Before that, from August 2013 to October 2017, he served in the Permanent Mission of Guinea to the United Nations as First Secretary and Special Assistant to the Permanent Representative.

    Mr. Dabo holds a master’s degree in political science, policies and strategies of international public action and a bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations and security defence, both from the University Jean Moulin Lyon 3, France.  He also holds a degree in law and political science from the University Lumière Lyon 2 and a degree in law from the University of Lille 2, both in France.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Observer for Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa Presents Letter of Appointment

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    (Based on information provided by the Protocol and Liaison Service.)

    The new Permanent Observer for the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa, Nabhit Kapur, presented his letter of appointment to UN Secretary-General António Guterres today.

    Since 2016, Mr. Kapur has been Founder and Chairman of the Peacfulmind Foundation, which uses workshops and outreach programmes to advocate for the awareness of mental health.  The organization engages with policymakers and Government officials to support mental health initiatives.

    Prior to his appointment, Mr. Kapur worked as Director of the Sustainable Developments Goals (SDG) Program, National Association of Somalia between 2023 and 2024.  From 2021 to 2023, he served as Adviser to the Vice-President of Liberia.

    He holds a Master of Arts in psychology from Kalinga University, a Master of Science in counselling and psychotherapy from the Institute for Behavioural and Management Sciences Chittoor and a Bachelor of Arts in applied psychology from Amity University.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: HTX Crypto Gem Hunt Report #4: Amplifying Wealth Potential – HTX, a Core Hub for Early-Stage Gems

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Q1 2025 draws to a close, the crypto market is experiencing a dynamic “segmented bull market”, where various sectors are taking turns in the spotlight. Technological innovations and vibrant community engagement are driving ecosystem activity, with sectors like meme coins, Layer 1 blockchains, and AI + social platforms leading the charge. HTX, in its commitment to identifying and listing high-potential crypto assets, has recently launched the fourth phase of its popular Crypto Gem Hunt program, featuring seven carefully selected projects from diverse emerging sectors. This initiative underscores HTX’s dedication to becoming a premier platform for “quality assets and wealth creation.”

    Crypto Gem Hunt #4: A Curated Selection from Emerging Sectors

    This report emphasizes projects demonstrating significant technological advancements and robust community engagement, focusing on public chain infrastructure, Meme culture, AI + Social integration, and hardware acceleration.

    • MUBARAK (Meme Coin): Inspired by Arab cultural themes, MUBARAK, also known as “White Cloth,” is a community-managed project on the BSC network. Following its listing on HTX, MUBARAK surged 66% from $0.1, fueled by Binance Chain’s popularity and strong community momentum.
    • XION (Public Chain): A Layer 1 blockchain optimized for consumer applications, XION delivers a seamless user experience through its innovative Chain Abstraction infrastructure. In its initial week post-launch, XION achieved a 116% increase and garnered over $1 billion in capital support, with an accelerator program driving significant ecosystem expansion.
    • KAITO (AI + Social): Leveraging AI, this crypto information distribution platform is constructing an interoperable InfoFi layer, creating a new “attention economy” that connects creators, users, and brands. Real-time data and semantic analysis facilitate informed investor decisions, resulting in a 99% increase following its launch on HTX.
    • SOLAYER (Hardware Accelerator): Leading with a 153% increase, SOLAYER demonstrates the impact of technological innovation on Solana ecosystem expansion, attracting substantial institutional capital. Solayer is developing infiniSVM, a hardware-accelerated SVM designed to infinitely scale Solana, utilizing a multi-execution cluster architecture connected via SDN and RDMA and achieving 100 Gbps with atomic state integrity.
    • BERA (Public Chain): Berachain, a high-performance EVM public chain, operates on a Proof of Liquidity consensus (PoL) mechanism. This innovative approach coordinates network incentives. The governance token BGT saw a nearly 95% increase post-launch, with an ecosystem incentive plan mobilizing billions in liquidity, establishing Berachain as a key player in the public chain space.

    Furthermore, established meme coins have also performed well. MEW (CAT IN DOGS WORLD), a standout token, doubled in price, driven by strong community consensus and sustained liquidity growth.PEPE, an OG-level Meme coin on the Ethereum network, inspired by the Pepe the Frog internet meme, also saw a substantial 77% increase.

    HTX’s Competitive Edge: Key Features for Wealth Growth

    In the fast-paced crypto market, securing promising assets early is crucial for investor success. To empower investors, HTX offers access to promising assets through its “Crypto Gem Hunt” program, providing “easy-access, high-potential” picks based on expert market trend analysis and a rigorous selection process.

    • Unmatched Price Discovery: HTX offers early access to high-growth assets, exemplified by MEW in phase four, where users could acquire the token at a $0.0016 floor.
    • Strategic Sector Selection: HTX prioritizes listing leading projects in trending sectors like AI-related meme coins and Layer 1 blockchains, providing users with a significant first-mover advantage.
    • Secure Trading Environment: HTX ensures user asset safety through robust risk control measures and Merkle Tree-based Proof of Reserves, consistently maintained above 100%, enabling them to confidently capitalize on market opportunities.

    HTX remains dedicated to identifying and listing high-potential assets in their early stages. As emerging sectors like AI, DePIN, and RWA continue to evolve, the HTX Crypto Gem Hunt program will further refine its asset selection strategy. HTX is committed to listing high-potential assets, supported by comprehensive analysis and detailed market evaluations, to provide users with early access to future industry-leading projects at minimal cost. Follow the HTX Crypto Gem Hunt program to turn market insights into wealth!

    About HTX

    Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

    As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

    To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

    For further inquiries, please contact Ruder Finn Asia glo-media@htx-inc.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by HTX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cacad863-1d1a-41a5-9c61-4c786a100c54

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dcb9b2f4-0cb2-440e-855e-e3b145feb7c1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Dominates 2024 Perpetuals Surge, Secures Top 5 Global Ranking

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, experienced a substantial rise in perpetual futures trading volume throughout 2024. According to CoinGecko’s latest annual report, MEXC captured the highest market share in perpetual trading and open interest (OI) volume among all centralized exchanges.
    Key Takeaways:

    • MEXC’s share of perpetual trading volume increased from 3% to 11% in 2024.
    • The exchange’s OI market share doubled in Q4 2024, leading all competitors.
    • MEXC entered the top five exchanges, with the total annual perpetual trading volume reaching $58.5 trillion.

    MEXC’s share of the perpetual futures market grew from just 3% at the start of 2024 to 11% by year-end — a notable achievement driven by the platform’s deep liquidity, competitive fee structure, and innovative trading features. This performance placed MEXC among the top five centralized perpetual exchanges, collectively recording $58.5 trillion in trading volume for the year. This makes 2024 the most active year in the history of futures trading on the crypto market.

    Throughout the year, MEXC showed steady growth across key metrics. Its perpetual trading volume share nearly quadrupled, while its OI market share doubled by Q4. The exchange’s strong focus on listing the most trending and in-demand tokens, combined with low fees in both futures and spot trading, has made it a go-to option for many traders worldwide.

    The exchange received additional recognition from institutional reports such as TokenInsight, which stated the exchange captured the largest market share among centralized exchanges in February 2024, earning it a spot among the top 5 exchanges in overall market share. By identifying trends faster than its competitors, MEXC continues to strengthen its position among top-tier exchanges.

    MEXC’s substantial growth in perpetual trading and open interest volume market share demonstrates the exchange’s emerging role as a major force in the cryptocurrency derivatives market. According to CoinDesk data, the exchange also captured the largest market share among centralized exchanges in February 2024, securing a place in the global top five for overall trading volume.

    These achievements, supported by the platform’s comprehensive token offerings and methodical approach to capturing market trends, position MEXC as a key player in driving the evolution of cryptocurrency trading. MEXC remains dedicated to enhancing its platform, expanding its offerings, and upholding the highest standards of security and user experience.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 34 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR Manager Lucia Hu: lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Source

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc3af021-ac3a-488a-a154-918fef1cbd89

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey, OISTE Foundation, Abraham House (AbrahamID.Com), and GFLI Announce Major Milestone in Landmark Global Initiative to Deliver Digital Identity to Over One Billion People

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey, OISTE Foundation, Abraham House (AbrahamID.Com), and GFLI Announce Major Milestone in Landmark Global Initiative to Deliver Digital Identity to Over One Billion People

    New York | April 2, 2025 – WISeKey International Holding (“WISeKey” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: WKEY; SIX: WIHN), in collaboration with the OISTE Foundation, Abraham House, and the Global Financial Literacy Initiative (GFLI), today announced significant progress in the global AbrahamID.com initiative, a groundbreaking humanitarian technology project aimed at providing secure digital identities to more than one billion unbanked and underserved individuals worldwide.

    See more information by visiting this video – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MXJSQmftxPGo_Yc47R-7_i07km5Ldvkl/view?usp=drivesdk.

    This transformative initiative was first introduced at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2025, where it received global media coverage, including features in the Financial Times and other leading international outlets. It will be officially launched tomorrow in New York during the Partners for Prosperity Summit, an event hosted by FinFit in collaboration with Salary Finance, and powered by SHINE at Harvard. The summit is not just a gathering—it is a global catalyst for systems-level change, bringing together innovators, policy-makers, philanthropists, and technologists committed to reshaping the future of inclusion, equity, and prosperity.

    At the heart of this announcement is the launch of the AbrahamID.com platform, now live and operational. Through this secure digital portal, individuals from every corner of the globe can create their verified digital identity, opening the door to critical services and opportunities that were previously out of reach. These include access to financial services, healthcare, education, employment, voting systems, and social safety nets, especially in regions where individuals lack official documentation or access to banking systems.

    Built on WISeKey’s WISeID platform and underpinned by the OISTE Foundation’s global cryptographic Root of Trust, the platform utilizes cutting-edge blockchain, AI, and post-quantum cryptography to ensure data integrity, privacy, and cross-border interoperability. These identities are tamper-proof, privacy-respecting, and legally recognized—making them suitable for use by individuals, NGOs, and governments in both the physical and digital domains.

    This initiative directly supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). By addressing the fundamental right to identity and financial access, the AbrahamID project lays the foundation for social and economic inclusion at an unprecedented scale.

    The platform is especially transformative for marginalized populations—refugees, displaced persons, women in rural communities, youth in informal labor markets, and migrant workers—who often remain invisible to formal systems due to the lack of identification. AbrahamID offers these individuals a secure and portable identity solution that is lightweight, mobile-compatible, and functional even in low-bandwidth environments.

    To complement the digital infrastructure, the initiative integrates the work of the Global Financial Literacy Initiative (GFLI), co-founded by James Rosebush and Daniel Shakhani. GFLI provides practical, culturally relevant financial education to empower individuals with the tools to manage money, plan for the future, and break free from poverty. Combined with digital identity, this dual approach equips individuals not just with access, but with the agency and knowledge to fully engage in today’s digital economy.

    “Digital identity is the gateway, but financial literacy is the roadmap,” said James Rosebush, a globally recognized financial advisor, author, and former senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan. “Together, they enable people to not just survive—but thrive. We’re proud to contribute to this historic effort that bridges technology and humanity.”

    Daniel Shakhani, co-founder of Abraham House, emphasized the moral urgency behind the mission. “As the world becomes more digitized, millions are being left behind. Without identity, people are denied opportunity, justice, and dignity. Abraham House exists to bring together the world’s most forward-thinking minds and ensure innovation serves humanity equitably. This partnership with WISeKey and GFLI is about impact at scale—driving global justice, economic empowerment, and digital inclusion.”

    Co-founded by Shakhani and Jennifer de Broglie, Abraham House serves as a global convener dedicated to solving systemic humanitarian challenges through collaboration, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship. With the AbrahamID.com platform now active, this vision is being brought to life as a real-time, scalable solution for peace and prosperity.

    The technology behind this initiative—WISeID—offers not just a tool for access, but a framework for trusted, ethical, and future-proof digital citizenship. Legally binding digital signatures, encrypted communications, and post-quantum protections ensure that even the most vulnerable individuals are shielded from rising cybersecurity threats and misuse of AI. In an age where identity fraud, digital surveillance, and algorithmic bias disproportionately affect underserved populations, this platform provides digital dignity and control over personal data.

    The range of immediate applications is vast and deeply impactful. Migrant workers can receive secure remittances, patients can access healthcare records, students can register for education, and entrepreneurs can apply for microloans. In fragile states and diaspora communities, digital identity can also restore civic participation by enabling secure digital voting and engagement in public decision-making.

    WISeKey, along with its subsidiaries—including SEALSQ, WISe.ART, WISeSat, and SEALCOIN—continues to pioneer responsible, human-centric innovation. As a Swiss-based global technology leader, WISeKey is committed to embedding trust, privacy, and resilience at the core of digital ecosystems, working toward a future where technology uplifts, protects, and empowers every person.

    Governments, NGOs, corporations, and individuals are now invited to join this global movement by visiting www.AbrahamID.com, where they can register identities, support deployments, and become part of the mission to digitally and financially empower over one billion people.

    #AbrahamID #DigitalDignity #OneBillionStrong #FinancialInclusion #IdentityForAll #TechForGood #SDGs #WISeID #OISTE #AbrahamHouse #GFLI #DigitalInclusion #HumanCentricAI

    About Abraham House
    Abraham House is a global organisation dedicated to fostering peace, collaboration, and innovation. It unites individuals and organisations to address global challenges and deliver tangible benefits for future generations.

    About the Global Financial Literacy Initiative (GFLI)
    Founded by James Rosebush and Daniel Shakhani, GFLI is a UK-registered charity under Kingdom Network and a 501(c)(3) organisation in the United States. It partners with leading organisations to drive financial literacy and stability at scale.

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com     		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –