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Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Security: Angelina County Man Guilty of Federal Violations Related to Various Schemes

    Source: US FBI

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Lufkin man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Matthew Jess Thrash, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud on May 12, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.

    According to information presented in court, in December 2020, law enforcement received a report of suspected fraud.  An investigation revealed Thrash obtained approximately $9,170,124 from over 100 victims through fraudulent means, including sports related investment schemes; a Las Vegas cannabis store scheme; and loans from victims.  Thrash also fraudulently obtained money by applying for COVID relief loans to which he was not entitled, including a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The PPP was a Small Business Administration program that provided forgivable loans to qualifying entities. Thrash did not invest or use the fraudulently obtained funds for the intended purposes.  Instead, he used the money to gamble, pay personal expenses, and to repay other victims in an attempt to avoid detection.

    Thrash faces up to 30 years in federal prison, a potential fine, and restitution at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case is being investigated by FBI’s Lufkin Field Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Lufkin Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Hundred Ninety-Five New Immigration Cases in Western District of Texas This Week

    Source: US FBI

    SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 295 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 9 through May 15.

    Among the new cases, Mexican nationals Juan Jose Medrano-Escobedo and Rosendo Dominguez-Morales were arrested after allegedly entering the U.S. illegally through the Texas National Defense Area (Tx-NDA) less than half a mile west of the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso. Medrano-Escobedo has been previously removed from the U.S. to Mexico twice, most recently July 30, 2024. He has been convicted of three felonies, including evading arrest in 2017 and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in November 2023. Dominguez-Morales was last removed on Aug. 20, 2024, following an Aug. 18, 2024 felony conviction for assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. Medrano-Escobedo and Dominguez-Morales are each charged with two counts related to violating defense property security regulation and one count of illegal re-entry.

    Also in El Paso, two U.S. citizens are charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens after being arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Fabens. Jared Isai Ramirez and Jesus Alberto Soriano, driving separate vehicles, allegedly attempted to flee from USBP. A criminal complaint alleges Ramirez lost control of his vehicle and collided into a rock wall. He and four passengers allegedly exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended. The four passengers were determined to be illegal aliens and were transported with Ramirez to the Clint Border Patrol Station for further investigation. Soriano eventually stopped the vehicle he was driving and was also transported to the Clint Border Patrol Station. The criminal complaint alleges that Ramirez admitted that he would be paid $300 for each of the four illegal aliens he was transporting. Soriano allegedly stated that he had agreed to scout the area for law enforcement during the smuggling scheme. 

    A Mexican national was encountered at the Bastrop County Jail and charged with illegal re-entry in Austin. Elisandro Enriquez-Sanchez has been removed from the U.S. to Mexico four times in addition to a voluntary return. He had been arrested in Bastrop and charged with driving while intoxicated with an open alcohol container. Enriquez-Sanchez’s lengthy criminal record includes two convictions for illegal re-entry as well as taking a weapon from an officer, assault causing bodily injury to a family member, and three DWIs in a two-year span.

    In Presidio County, Honduran national Angel Daniel Vasquez was arrested and charged with illegal re-entry. Vasquez has four prior removals, the last one being to Honduras May 27, 2024. He’s also a twice-convicted felon with a criminal record that includes assault causing bodily injury in Nashville, Tennessee in 2023 and a 2015 illegal re-entry conviction in Phoenix, Arizona. He was also convicted of a misdemeanor in Nashville for driving under the influence in April 2024.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

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

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force Arrests Suspect in Violent Attack of NYPD Officer

    Source: US Marshals Service

    New York, NY – The U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NY/NJ RFTF), assisted by the USMS Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), on Tuesday apprehended a suspect wanted in the violent attack of an off-duty New York Police Department (NYPD) officer.

    Taveon Hargrove was identified in surveillance footage as one of two masked men armed with a knife attacking an off-duty police officer May 24.  They can be seen knocking the officer to the ground, striking him in the face and holding a knife to his throat before making off with the officer’s belongings, including his service weapon.  

    Investigators learned that shortly after the brutal assault and armed robbery of the off-duty NYPD officer, Hargrove fled the New York area and was possibly staying with a family friend.  Once the case was adopted by the NY/NJ RFTF, Deputy U.S. Marshals, along with Task Force Officers from the NYPD, developed information that Hargrove was in North Chesterfield, Virginia.  

    The NY/NJ RFTF immediately requested assistance from the CARFTF, and Tuesday they, along with members of the NY/NJ RFT, located and arrested Hargrove.

    “Today, members of the U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Taskforce, the Capital Area RFTF, and NYPD arrested the suspect wanted in connection with the brutal assault of a police officer,” said Jhovanny Gomez, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York. “This arrest sends a clear message: assaults on law enforcement officers will not be tolerated and will be met with swift and decisive action.”

    U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of New York Vincent DeMarco added, “The assault of an off-duty NYPD officer was particularly brutal.  I am proud of the work done by the U.S. Marshals Service and the NYPD to track down and arrest one of the suspects today.  Violence against those who serve and protect will never be tolerated.  Justice will be pursued to the fullest extent.”

    The NY/NJ RFTF began operations in April 2002 and was the first regional fugitive task force to become fully operational following the Presidential Threat Protection Act of 2000. The NY/NJ RFTF was the flagship that has allowed seven other regional fugitive task forces to be created across the country. With partnership agreements with over 90 federal, state, or local agencies and 13 fully operational offices, the NY/NJ RFTF has successfully apprehended over 95,000 fugitives since inception.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anti-social tenant evicted by Court warrant

    Source: City of York

    Following a ruling by a District Judge, a council tenant was evicted on Thursday 22 May, after drug-related activities and anti-social behaviour caused misery for her neighbours.

    The council was granted a possession order by York County Court to end the tenancy of Nikkita Richardson, aged 29, of Pottery Lane, York. 

    This follows reports from local residents to the Council and North Yorkshire Police about drug-taking and dealing and anti-social visitors. This led to concerns about this address being used to transport illegal drugs from one area to another – known as County Lines activities.

    The anti-social behaviour in the home and area, including loud noise and arguments at the house, disrupted and concerned local people who worried about its impact on their families.

    Following work with residents and North Yorkshire Police, City of York Council served a legal warning of eviction on Ms Richardson, which she breached on numerous occasions. The Council then applied to York County Court for authority to evict its tenant and regain possession of the property.

    After considering evidence, the District Judge granted the Council permission to evict which was done in conjunction with North Yorkshire Police officers.

    Ms Richardson was advised where she could get information on her housing options, should she need it.

    Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive member for Housing and Safer Communities, said: 

    Local residents’ co-operation in reporting and working with our Community Safety Hub has played a significant part in tackling this unacceptable activity in our communities. 

    “Please tell us your concerns and, as this outcome shows, we can work with you and take action.”

    Chief Inspector Ryan Chapman, Operational Commander for Neighbourhood Policing in York and Selby, said:

    County Lines drug dealing is a blight on our communities and causes a great deal of harm.

    “Together with key partners including City of York Council, we are more determined than ever to clamp down on the criminal activity and the associated anti-social behaviour.

    “We hope this latest eviction is welcomed by residents and shows that we will take all necessary action to make our neighbourhoods as safe and secure as possible.

    “There will be no let-up and we will continue to act on information provided by residents and businesses, either directly to the police or council or provided anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

    Sergeant Charlotte Gregory from North Yorkshire Police, said: 

    This address has been subject of joint work and investigations with North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council in the Community Safety Hub since August 2024 due to anti-social behaviour and drug-related concerns. The address has been a focus under Operation Titan, the York and Selby Command’s response to County Lines.

    “The support from the Court in granting the Council possession of the property shows we are continuing to respond jointly to reports and information we get in a robust manner, through various approaches.”

    Reporting information about drug-related crime

    Anyone with any information about suspected drug-related crime are urged to make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101 and speaking to the Force Control Room.

    Always dial 999 if an emergency response is required.

    If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make a report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

    The signs of drug dealing can include:

    • Increased callers at a property at all times of the day or night
    • Increase in cars pulling up for short periods of time
    • Different accents at a property
    • Anti-social behaviour at a property
    • Not seeing the resident for long periods of time
    • Drug-related rubbish – small plastic bags, syringes
    • Windows covered or curtains closed for long periods

    Get professional support for drug and alcohol-related issues

    Report anti-social behaviour:

    at www.york.gov.uk/AntisocialBehaviour, call 01904 551555 or email: neo@york.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hungarian media project wins European Charlemagne Youth Prize

    Source: European Union 2

    A Hungarian platform on European identity, a Czech project encouraging young people’s vote and a German legal support for discriminated people were recognised in 2025.

    On Tuesday, the European Parliament and the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen awarded the 2025 European Charlemagne Youth Prize in a ceremony in Aachen.

    First prize – “Forum Europaeum”, Hungary

    The first prize (€7500) went to Forum Europaeum, a pan-European think tank and media outlet which promotes European identity, values, and unity through articles, podcasts, TikTok videos, and interviews. The project’s goal is to explore European identity and societal challenges, through creating spaces for constructive debates on topics relevant to young people.

    Second prize – “Thanks That We Can Vote”, Czech Republic

    The second prize (€5000) was awarded to the Díky, že můžem volit (Thanks That We Can Vote) initiative. Launched to address the low electoral participation of young people in the Czech Republic, it targeted 18-29-old voters during the 2024 European Elections. The project sought to combat apathy, perceived political inefficacy, and fragmented engagement efforts through education, collaboration, and innovative outreach efforts.

    Third prize – Feminist Law Clinic, Germany

    The Feminist Law Clinic, a project providing free legal support, won the third prize (€2500). It deals helps those most affected by gender-based discrimination sexualised violence, and legal uncertainty—particularly women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans, agender, and queer individuals.

    Background

    The European Charlemagne Youth Prize, jointly awarded by the European Parliament and the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen, is open to initiatives by young people aged 16-30 involved in projects that strengthen democracy and support active participation. Since 2008, 6,500 projects have competed for the prize.

    Every year, national and European juries select a project from each EU member state. 27 national winners were invited to the award ceremony in Aachen on 27 May 2025, where the three overall EU winners were announced.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact

    Source: US FBI

    PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on May 12, 2025.

    Bryant Heideman, age 25, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Heideman will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

    Heideman was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 12, 2025.

    The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in November 2023 in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. Heideman had sexual contact with the victim, who was 12 years old, after allowing her to stay in his home between November 13 and November 14, 2024.

    This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

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

    This case was investigated by the FBI and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on May 6, 2025.

    Mason Benoist, age 24, was sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    Benoist was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 5, 2025.

    The conviction stems from Benoist receiving and possessing child pornography using his mobile phone in April 2022. Law enforcement subsequently began investigating Benoist based on CyberTips received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In May 2023, law enforcement made contact with Benoist at his residence in Eagle Butte. Benoist admitted to receiving and possessing child pornography, and a search of his electronic devices revealed child pornography. Benoist will forfeit ownership of these electronic devices to the United States.

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

    This case was investigated by the FBI, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.

    Benoist was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Distribution of Child Pornography and Making a Hoax Bomb Threat in Connection with Retaliation Against a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nathaniel Sean DeLeon, age 20, of Tulare, California, was sentenced on May 20, 2025, to 78 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for distribution of child pornography and making a bomb threat hoax in connection with a campaign of retaliation against a Cumberland County minor in 2023. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, DeLeon met the then-16-year-old minor victim on the Roblox gaming platform and began an online relationship. The relationship ended. Thereafter, between June 2023 and November 2023, DeLeon caused law enforcement in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, to respond to 23 related “swatting” incidents at addresses in Cumberland County, the majority of which belonged to the minor victim. The calls generally related information that someone had a gun and had killed, or was about to kill, another person.

    On November 30, 2023, DeLeon, identifying himself as the minor victim, informed a suicide prevention worker via an internet messaging application that the minor victim had placed pipe bombs in the classrooms and bathrooms of Big Spring High School, located in Cumberland County, and was in a car outside of the school with a shotgun. As a result, approximately 650 students and staff from Big Spring High School were evacuated. No bombs went off and it was determined that there were no explosive devices inside the school.

    DeLeon also distributed a sexually explicit video of a minor victim on two occasions in November 2023.

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

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney David C. Williams prosecuted the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Kalle Virtanen appointed Oma Savings Bank’s Chief Operating Officer and member of the management team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 28 MAY 2025 AT 17.00 PM CHANGES IN BOARD/MANAGEMENT/AUDITORS


    Kalle Virtanen appointed Oma Savings Bank’s Chief Operating Officer and member of the management team

    Oma Savings Bank Plc (OmaSp or the company) has appointed Kalle Virtanen (L.LM, trained on the Bench, L.LM (Stockholm) and CEFA) Chief Operating Officer (COO) and member of the management team. Virtanen will start in his position on 1 August 2025.

    Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a new role within OmaSp and the unit lead by Virtanen will be responsible for OmaSp’s retail and corporate banking support functions such as back-office and financial crime prevention. Kalle Virtanen focuses particularly on enhancing the bank’s operational efficiency and, through that, improving the customer experience.

    Virtanen has over 25 years of experience in banking and finance, and he has held several expert and business leadership roles in the sector. Virtanen has most recently worked as EY’s Financial Services Law practice lead in Finland and before that in Nordea.

    ”Our transformation journey continues. We have significantly strengthened our resources in regulatory compliance, risk management, and back-office functions — all critical areas in banking — and have recruited new professionals for key roles. We are very pleased to welcome an experienced and capable leader like Kalle to our team to help further develop OmaSp operations. Kalle’s strong leadership and expertise are exactly what we need at this stage,” says Karri Alameri, OmaSp CEO.

    “OmaSp is a well-capitalized bank, its staff is active, and OmaSp has a nationwide network for meeting and serving customers. I look forward to the upcoming tasks and collaboration with new colleagues and stakeholders with interest and enthusiasm,” says Kalle Virtanen.

    The appointment is subject to the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority’s approval of the fit and proper assessment concerning Virtanen.

    Oma Savings Bank Plc

    Additional information:
    Karri Alameri, CEO, tel. +358 45 656 5250, karri.alameri@omasp.fi


    Distribution:

    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.omasp.fi

    OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 600 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

    OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

    The MIL Network –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chair of the NATO Military Committee attends the 18th Balkan Countries Chief of Defence Conference in Istanbul

    Source: NATO

    The Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), attended the 18th Balkan Countries CHODs Conference in İstanbul. Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone’s first appearance at this forum marks also his first visit to Türkiye.

    The conference, hosted at the Multinational Joint Warfare Centre (MJWC) by the Chief of Turkish General Staff General Metin Gürak, included discussions on ways to strengthen peace, security, and military cooperation. It gathered the CHODs, high level authorities and senior military officials from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Türkiye, Croatia, and Slovenia. Participants were addressed by the Vice President of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz.

    In his intervention, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee emphasised the strategic importance of the Balkans and stated: “This region continues to be among NATO’s top priorities.” He also highlighted the benefits and need for continued military cooperation between Balkan countries, stressing that “dialogue on doctrine, tactics, and even procurement pathways can help avoid duplication and foster interoperability.”

    This year’s conference focused on “The Vision for Use of Uncrewed Systems in the Future Operating Environment” and was an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening military cooperation as well as opportunities and challenges related to uncrewed systems. The program addressed the development of autonomous technologies, artificial intelligence-supported decision-making mechanisms, human-machine cooperation on the battlefield, and the technological, strategic, and ethical aspects of uncrewed systems.

    Over the course of the conference Admiral Cavo Dragone also held several bilateral meetings to discuss current security challenges, preparations to NATO Summit and the upcoming Military Committee Conference.

    Since its creation in 2007, the Balkan Countries CHODs Conference has been an important regional military forum where the promotion of cooperation, stability, and confidence among the Balkan countries has been paramount. It has confirmed the commitment of all members to provide timely and efficient responses to diverse security challenges and threats in the region.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Estacada Man Faces Federal Charges for Trafficking 270 Pounds of Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.— An Estacada, Oregon, man is facing federal charges today after he was caught transporting 270 pounds of methamphetamine from Southern California to Oregon.

    Anthony Barrera, 29, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing methamphetamine and cocaine with the intent to distribute.

    According to court documents, during an investigation of an alleged drug trafficker, later identified as Barrera, investigators learned Barrera rented a vehicle and traveled to California to pick up large quantities of drugs to distribute and sell in Oregon.

    On May 24, 2025, officers located Barrera driving the rental vehicle northbound on Interstate 5 and followed him to a rest area near Roseburg, Oregon, where Barrera was arrested without incident. Agents executed a federal search warrant on the rental vehicle and seized 270 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of cocaine, which were concealed in the backseat and cargo area of the vehicle. Later the same day, investigators executed a federal search warrant on Barrera’s residence where they seized two firearms hidden under the floor of a closet.

    Barrera made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Multnomah County Dangerous Drug Team (DDT). It is being prosecuted by Charlotte Kelley, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. 

    The Multnomah County DDT is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and is composed of members from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County Parole and Probation, Gresham Police Department, the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). 

    The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

    A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tackling human trafficking

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Gone are the days when human trafficking felt like an obscure crime that occurs under the cover of night in far off places we have never heard of. 

    Every so often we hear of suspected human trafficking cases, and it is likely that you and I could have already interacted with a trafficked person(s) without even knowing it.

    This as police rescued 44 illegal immigrants who were found locked in a house in Gauteng’s Parkmore suburb recently.

    It was also reported in March that over 30 Ethiopian nationals were able to escape from a house in Johannesburg’s Lombardy East. In that case, it is suspected that the 30 were victims of a human trafficking syndicate.

    In January, over 20 Ethiopians were rescued from a house in Johannesburg. The rescue followed a similar one in August 2024 where 82 Ethiopians were also found at a house in Johannesburg.

    Additionally, human trafficking does not only take place on home soil. In March, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed that 23 South Africans who were part of a group of 7000 people from various countries, were rescued from Myanmar.

    Before leaving South African shores in 2024, the men and women were lured by an employment agency to Thailand under the pretences of lucrative jobs that were advertised on various social media platforms.
    According to DIRCO, the adverts promised the victims good salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses, and other lucrative benefits. However, once in Thailand, they were transported to Myanmar against their will.

    They were held captive for more than four months in a cybercrime compound in Myanmar, which borders Thailand. 

    “The crime of human trafficking is a hidden one. It is a very different one in the sense that you are given promises of a better life through whatever means elsewhere. You wilfully participate in those engagements without knowing that as soon as you arrive at your destination, what you have been promised is no longer there,” said Deputy Director-General (DDG) Lucky Mohalaba.

    Mohalaba is the DDG for Court Administration at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD).

    “The courts are currently dealing with those matters [of human trafficking] and it ranges from sexual exploitation to forced labour,” he said in an interview with SAnews.

    Legislation

    He added that there are other forms of crimes in relation to the “Trafficking in Persons Act which may include harbouring, transporting [and] assisting in whatever form that those who have been trafficked are able to be moved around within our borders.”

    This as the objects of South Africa’s Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 2013, among others, are to give effect to the country’s obligations concerning the trafficking of persons in terms of international agreements and to provide for the prevention of trafficking in persons and for the protection of and assistance to victims of trafficking, among others.

    According to the legislation, any person who delivers, recruits, transports, transfers, harbours, sells, exchanges, leases or receives another person within or across the borders of the Republic, by means of the threat of harm, abduction and kidnapping among others, for the purpose of any form or manner of exploitation, is guilty of the offence of trafficking in persons.

    It also states that any person who adopts a child, facilitated or secured through legal or illegal means; or concludes a forced marriage with another person, within or across the borders of the Republic, for exploitation purposes of that child or other person in any form, is guilty of an offence.

    A person convicted of an offence of trafficking (by delivering, recruiting, transporting transferring harbouring and selling among others another person by means of a threat of harm, fraud and kidnapping among others, is liable to a fine not exceeding R100 million or imprisonment, including imprisonment for life, or such imprisonment without the option of a fine or both.

    According to the National Prosecuting Agency, the passing of the trafficking legislation is a result of South Africa’s ratification of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children.

    Additionally, the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said the protocol -which was adopted by the United Nations in November 2000 – is the world’s primary legal instrument to combat human trafficking.

    Mohalaba stressed that government is tackling human trafficking.

    “What we can say to the public is that government is doing quite a lot of work in relation to this matter. But working together with civil society as well as communities, as a department we are of the view that we can do a lot to further curb instances and the incidence of trafficking in persons in South Africa,” he said from his office at the DOJ&CD.

    Increased effort 

    There is tangible evidence that the work government is doing in this area is paying off with the county having moved to a better spot on the United States of America’s (USA) annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.

    In 2024, South Africa moved from Tier 2 Watch List of the report to Tier 2. 

    Released in June last year, the report, which is available on the US Department of State website among others, notes that while South Africa does not “fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking… [it] is making significant efforts to do so.”

    “The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period; therefore South Africa was upgraded to Tier 2. These efforts included increasing prosecutions of traffickers; identifying and referring more trafficking victims to protection services; and increasing the number of shelters available to assist trafficking victims,” the report stated.

    It also took note of government’s National Inter-Ministerial Committee for Trafficking in Persons (NICTIP) to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts which included the Border Management Authority, the Anti-Money Laundering Integrated Task Team and the Financial Intelligence Center.

    He said that work done includes ensuring that there is domestic legislation in place that deals with trafficking in persons and that the country has in place mechanisms to identify, assess victims or suspected victims of trafficking and ensuring that there are shelters to accommodate victims while court processes continue.

    “As a result of our responses, we moved to Tier 2 as these are some of the issues the country has addressed. Of course, our aim is to ensure that we move a level higher up which will include putting more effort into ensuring that there’s appropriate training for officials that are dealing with these matters.  We are working on this,” he explained.

    According to the TIP, the placement of countries into various tiers is not based on the size of a country’s problem “but on the extent of government efforts to meet the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s (TVPA) minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking.”

    These standards include the prohibition of severe forms of trafficking in person and punishing acts of such trafficking.
    Tier 2 Watch List countries are those whose governments don’t fully meet the TVPA’s minimum standards but are making moves to “bring themselves into compliance” with the standards.

    Tier 2 countries are those whose governments do not fully meet the minimum standards but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance. Additionally, Tier 1 countries are those in which governments fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.

    The TIP also has Tier 3 countries whereby governments do not fully meet the minimum standards and are not making significant efforts to do so.

    Mohalaba added that the NICTIP which the department and the NPA are co-chairing, is “seized with coordinating a lot of efforts around the trafficking in persons across the country.”

    “It also includes NGOs [non-government organisations] who take part in the discussions so that all of us working together are able to move our country forward and prevent this scourge in trafficking of persons.”

    The report however flagged several issues including that law enforcement did not have the capacity and training to refer victims of trafficking to care and that victim services remained insufficient among others.

    The report states that over “180 countries have ratified or acceded to the United Nations (UN) Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (the UN TIP Protocol), which defines trafficking in persons and contains obligations to prevent and combat the crime.”

    Collaboration 

    South Africa’s Parliament passed the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons, 2013 Act which came into operation in August 2015.

    “Again, we must appreciate the collaboration amongst the law enforcement agencies and particularly communities and civil society to ensure that these serious matters are addressed.

    The act requires the DOJ&CD to develop the draft National and Policy Framework (NPF) which also requires the Minister of Justice to table the approved NPF in Parliament within one year after the commencement of the Act.

    Added to that, the NFP is to be reviewed within three years after its publication in the government gazette and at least once every five years thereafter. The first NPF was approved by the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster in 2019 with the revised one having been approved by Cabinet in August 2023. It was tabled in Parliament in February 2024.

    The framework comprises four pillars – namely: prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships.

    “Trafficking is an international crime, and States have been encouraged to put in laws that deal with this. We are using the NFP to compliment the legislation working together with civil society to make sure that we combat and deal with issues of trafficking in persons,” said the DDG.

    The NPF states that trafficking in persons is a “serious crime and a grave violation of human rights posing a serious challenge to communities and to society at large.”

    In the document, government states that it is committed to preventing trafficking, as well as to assist and protect victims and to prosecute perpetrators.

    “People go to great lengths to ensure that when people are trafficked, that it falls within the ambit of organised crime. We really want to appeal to the public that we should be vigilant when we see instances of people being trafficked in our villages, townships, in towns or any other areas we see the potential of people being trafficked,” said the DDG.

    He added that the review of the policy framework will be made in 2027.

    “As a country, we remain resolute in working with whichever country across the globe to ensure that the issues of trafficking in persons are actually made a priority across the world.” –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Former President Tsai visits UK Parliament and delivers speech at LSE, deepening bilateral ties

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    May 20, 2025  

    No. 165  

    Former President Tsai Ing-wen visited Europe from May 10 to 19, traveling to Lithuania and Denmark before continuing to the United Kingdom. On May 15, the first day of her stay in the United Kingdom, she visited the UK Parliament at the invitation of British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Cochairs Sarah Champion MP and Lord Rogan. She was warmly welcomed by parliamentarians from across the political spectrum. 

     

    The former president met with House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and took part in a reception at the House of Lords, where she delivered a speech. She exchanged greetings with nearly 50 parliamentarians and staff, including former Lord Speaker Baroness D’Souza, House of Lords Deputy Speaker Baroness Finlay, Trade Envoy to Taiwan Lord Faulkner, Labour Friends of Taiwan Chair Navendu Mishra MP, former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, Conservative Shadow Minister for Innovation and Technology Ben Spencer MP, and Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller MP.

     

    In her address at the House of Lords, former President Tsai said that the growing threat of antidemocratic forces was testing democracy around the world, adding that this demonstrated the need for Taiwan and the United Kingdom to work together in defense of freedom and democracy. She commended the House of Commons for passing a motion last November clarifying that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 made no reference to Taiwan. This was important in countering reckless behavior in the Taiwan Strait, she explained. Highlighting Taiwan’s position on the front line of defending democracy, former President Tsai said that Taiwan was a critical deterrent to China’s expansionist ambitions and would continue to contribute to protecting democratic values.

     

    APPG Cochair Champion noted that Taiwan and the United Kingdom had a deep friendship and shared core values. She said that the United Kingdom should continue to pay attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which she added were essential to global security and prosperity. Cochair Champion noted that in recent years the Taiwan-UK partnership had deepened. She expressed hope that cooperation would expand in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, economic resilience, and other areas.

     

    Former President Tsai also delivered a speech titled “In an Era of Shifting World Order: Taiwan as a Stabilizing Force” at her alma mater, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The event was moderated by incoming LSE Law School Dean Andrew Murray, who represented the university and LSE President Larry Kramer. Around 100 people, including General Counsel Elizabeth Messud, attended the speech. In her remarks, former President Tsai noted that the international community was experiencing a reassignment of security responsibilities and a rebalancing of trade relations. She said that to appropriately respond to multiple challenges such as economic fragmentation, political extremism, and military conflict, the function of multilateralism was becoming even more important. The former president emphasized that Taiwan had shown a high degree of resilience in turbulent times in the past, such as during supply chain restructuring, and had proven to be a trustworthy and competitive strategic partner. She added that Taiwan was ready to play a more proactive role in the new world order by further deepening cooperation with democratic countries and contributing to the global trade system. Her remarks were enthusiastically received by the audience. 

     

    During her visit to the United Kingdom, former President Tsai also gave an address at Cambridge University, met with faculty and students at the School of Oriental and African Studies, attended a forum hosted by the Royal United Services Institute, and met with Taiwanese people working in the United Kingdom on technology startups and in the arts.

     

    Taiwan-UK relations have witnessed significant progress in recent years. In 2023, the United Kingdom signed the Enhanced Trade Partnership arrangement with Taiwan, becoming the first European country to establish a formal economic and trade framework with Taiwan. The United Kingdom is Taiwan’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe, third-largest source of investment, and fifth-most popular destination for Taiwanese students studying abroad. The countries collaborate closely in fields such as technological innovation, renewable energy, and societal resilience. Taiwan will further work together with the United Kingdom and other like-minded countries to advance democratic resilience and prosperity. It looks forward to the United Kingdom continuing to demonstrate its commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific region by deploying naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait and taking other concrete actions. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA Makes a Major Cannabis Seizure at the Montreal Marine and Rail Service

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Montreal, Quebec, May 28, 2025 – Canada Border Services Agency

    On April 30, 2025, border services officers at Montreal’s Marine and Rail Service located 641.83 kg of suspected cannabis in a container being exported to Spain. 

    During the inspection, border services officers detected the contraband concealed in pallet bags inside cardboard boxes within the container. The cannabis, valued at over CA $4.8 million, was seized by the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) and turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The investigation is ongoing.

    The CBSA is committed to protecting our communities from contraband and organized crime. CBSA reiterates that although cannabis has been legalized and regulated in Canada, the import or export of cannabis in any form without a permit or exception authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence, punishable by arrest and prosecution. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Former President Tsai visits UK Parliament and delivers speech at LSE, deepening bilateral ties

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    May 20, 2025  
    No. 165  

    Former President Tsai Ing-wen visited Europe from May 10 to 19, traveling to Lithuania and Denmark before continuing to the United Kingdom. On May 15, the first day of her stay in the United Kingdom, she visited the UK Parliament at the invitation of British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Cochairs Sarah Champion MP and Lord Rogan. She was warmly welcomed by parliamentarians from across the political spectrum. 
     
    The former president met with House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and took part in a reception at the House of Lords, where she delivered a speech. She exchanged greetings with nearly 50 parliamentarians and staff, including former Lord Speaker Baroness D’Souza, House of Lords Deputy Speaker Baroness Finlay, Trade Envoy to Taiwan Lord Faulkner, Labour Friends of Taiwan Chair Navendu Mishra MP, former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, Conservative Shadow Minister for Innovation and Technology Ben Spencer MP, and Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller MP.
     
    In her address at the House of Lords, former President Tsai said that the growing threat of antidemocratic forces was testing democracy around the world, adding that this demonstrated the need for Taiwan and the United Kingdom to work together in defense of freedom and democracy. She commended the House of Commons for passing a motion last November clarifying that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 made no reference to Taiwan. This was important in countering reckless behavior in the Taiwan Strait, she explained. Highlighting Taiwan’s position on the front line of defending democracy, former President Tsai said that Taiwan was a critical deterrent to China’s expansionist ambitions and would continue to contribute to protecting democratic values.
     
    APPG Cochair Champion noted that Taiwan and the United Kingdom had a deep friendship and shared core values. She said that the United Kingdom should continue to pay attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which she added were essential to global security and prosperity. Cochair Champion noted that in recent years the Taiwan-UK partnership had deepened. She expressed hope that cooperation would expand in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, economic resilience, and other areas.
     
    Former President Tsai also delivered a speech titled “In an Era of Shifting World Order: Taiwan as a Stabilizing Force” at her alma mater, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The event was moderated by incoming LSE Law School Dean Andrew Murray, who represented the university and LSE President Larry Kramer. Around 100 people, including General Counsel Elizabeth Messud, attended the speech. In her remarks, former President Tsai noted that the international community was experiencing a reassignment of security responsibilities and a rebalancing of trade relations. She said that to appropriately respond to multiple challenges such as economic fragmentation, political extremism, and military conflict, the function of multilateralism was becoming even more important. The former president emphasized that Taiwan had shown a high degree of resilience in turbulent times in the past, such as during supply chain restructuring, and had proven to be a trustworthy and competitive strategic partner. She added that Taiwan was ready to play a more proactive role in the new world order by further deepening cooperation with democratic countries and contributing to the global trade system. Her remarks were enthusiastically received by the audience. 
     
    During her visit to the United Kingdom, former President Tsai also gave an address at Cambridge University, met with faculty and students at the School of Oriental and African Studies, attended a forum hosted by the Royal United Services Institute, and met with Taiwanese people working in the United Kingdom on technology startups and in the arts.
     
    Taiwan-UK relations have witnessed significant progress in recent years. In 2023, the United Kingdom signed the Enhanced Trade Partnership arrangement with Taiwan, becoming the first European country to establish a formal economic and trade framework with Taiwan. The United Kingdom is Taiwan’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe, third-largest source of investment, and fifth-most popular destination for Taiwanese students studying abroad. The countries collaborate closely in fields such as technological innovation, renewable energy, and societal resilience. Taiwan will further work together with the United Kingdom and other like-minded countries to advance democratic resilience and prosperity. It looks forward to the United Kingdom continuing to demonstrate its commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific region by deploying naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait and taking other concrete actions. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General welcomes Icelandic Prime Minister to NATO Headquarters

    Source: NATO

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir in Brussels on Wednesday (28 May 2025) to discuss Iceland’s contributions to the Alliance, support to Ukraine, and preparations for the NATO Summit in The Hague.

    “Iceland is one of NATO’s twelve founding members,” said the Secretary General. “For 76 years now, you have helped protect our peace, our security, and our core values: democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.”

    While Iceland does not have armed forces, the Secretary General highlighted the country’s important and growing role in NATO. Iceland operates key air defence and surveillance systems as part of NATO’s integrated Air and Missile Defence, provides host nation support and infrastructure for Allied air policing, and regularly hosts major exercises such as NATO´s premier anti-submarine warfare exercise, Dynamic Mongoose.

    “Iceland plays a unique and essential role in the High North,” said Mr Rutte, noting the importance of Iceland’s geostrategic location to better understand the evolving security environment in that area. He welcomed the Icelandic government’s decision to develop a new national security and defence policy, calling it a timely step to “further reinforce our resilience and readiness.”

    On the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, the Secretary General indicated it “will be an important moment to drive forward NATO’s efforts to become stronger, fairer, and more lethal”.

    Mr Rutte thanked Prime Minister Frostadóttir for Iceland’s continued support to Ukraine, from training military personnel and supporting demining efforts, to humanitarian support and weapons procurement. Iceland recently pledged an additional 14.4 million euros in defence support to Ukraine, alongside contributions to the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative and the donation of a mobile field hospital. Iceland also contributes personnel to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine command in Wiesbaden (NSATU).

    “I know that Iceland has a proud tradition as a peaceful nation – and that makes your contributions all the more meaningful,” Mr Rutte said. “Because to preserve peace, we need to shift to a wartime mindset.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lansdowne Station — Investigators seek additional video footage to advance missing children investigation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    As the missing persons investigation into the disappearance of Lilly and Jack Sullivan continues, the RCMP is appealing to the public for additional video footage.

    Investigators have collected hours of video from the areas surrounding Lansdowne Station.

    “Based on the details we’ve gathered so far, we’ve confirmed that Lilly and Jack were observed in public with family members on the afternoon of May 1,” says Cpl. Sandy Matharu, Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit. “We’re now asking anyone who has dashcam footage or video along Gairloch Rd. between 12 p.m. on April 28 and 12 p.m. on May 2 to contact us.”

    Investigators remain committed to exploring all possibilities surrounding the children’s disappearance. To date, more than 355 tips have been received and are being followed up on. RCMP officers have also formally interviewed over 50 people, with more interviews planned in the coming days.

    Investigative work is ongoing following a large-scale ground and air search that began immediately after the children were reported missing on May 2. Hundreds of searchers, multiple dogs, a variety of drones, an underwater recovery team and several aircraft scoured a heavily wooded 5.5 square kilometre area before search efforts were scaled back on May 7. Additional searches took place on May 8, May 9, May 17 and May 18. Any future searches will be determined based on the course of the investigation.

    “RCMP officers from various teams are fully engaged in finding out what happened to Lilly and Jack, and we’re using all tools and resources to determine the circumstances of their disappearance,” says Cpl. Matharu. “We understand people’s desire for answers and updates. However, as this is an active investigation, we’re unable to discuss details of our ongoing work.”

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lilly and Jack, or who has video footage to share with police, is asked to call the Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit at 902-896-5060. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clarenville — Clarenville RCMP promotes road safety with checks points and traffic tickets

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    With traffic safety and compliance with the Highway Traffic Act front of mind, Clarenville RCMP is promoting road safety with check points and issuing tickets for violations.

    On the evening of May 26, 2025, Clarenville RCMP stopped three separate motorists for speeding violations on the Trans-Canada Highway between Goobies and Sunnyside. The motorists were traveling at speeds of 140 km/h, 137 km/h and 126 km/h. Each driver was ticketed.

    Additionally, police set up a check point on Memorial Avenue in Clarenville and checked approximately 50 vehicles, promoting the importance of wearing seat belts and driving sober. Three motorists were found in violation of the Highway Traffic Act; one having no registration, one having no insurance and one possessing an expired driver’s licence. Tickets were issued.

    With increased traffic volumes expected over the summer months, RCMP NL encourages motorists to drive defensively and follow the rules of the road all while being well-rested and without the influence of alcohol or drugs.

    If you suspect a driver is operating a vehicle while impaired or otherwise observe someone driving in a dangerous manner, please contact your local police or 911 immediately.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bay St. Lawrence — Victoria County District RCMP investigating stolen firearms, requesting public assistance

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Victoria County District RCMP is investigating a break and enter in Bay St. Lawrence involving the theft of firearms.

    On April 15, Victoria County District RCMP received a report of a break and enter believed to have occurred the day before at an unoccupied seasonal property on Bay St. Lawrence Rd. Through the investigation, officers determined that three firearms, a 12-gauge shotgun, 30-30 rifle and 303 rifle, were among the items taken. The guns were stored in a locked cabinet, which was damaged in the incident, and all included trigger locks.

    Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about this incident or the whereabouts of the firearms to contact Ingonish Beach RCMP Detachment at 902-285-2021. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File # 2025-496646

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Naval Special Warfare Group ONE celebrates 50 Years

    Source: United States Navy

    SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Retired and active operators, civilians, and combat support representing warfighters from every era of American combat since the Vietnam War, reunited with former and current teammates on May 22, 2025, to celebrate a milestone – 50 years of Naval Special Warfare Group (NSWG) 1.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: High electricity prices zapping your budget? Here are 5 ways to save

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Hannah Wiseman, Professor of Law, Penn State

    Pennsylvania residents may get sticker shock when they see their electric bills this summer. Aging infrastructure, extreme weather, transmission bottlenecks and increased demand are sending electricity rates soaring.

    Widespread rate hikes across the commonwealth started in December 2024 and are continuing in 2025. Rising prices are related to how the wholesale electricity market in Pennsylvania operates, among other factors. Utilities are paying much more than in previous years to ensure they can meet their customers’ future demand, and these costs are being passed on to consumers.

    For example, Philadelphia residents were among those hit with a 10% rate increase that went into effect in January 2025 for all residential customers of PECO, Pennsylvania’s largest electric and gas utility. Some of PECO’s residential customers will see an additional 12.5% rate increase kick in on June 1, 2025.

    A notice from PECO sent May 21, 2025.

    As Penn State University professors who research energy law and electricity markets, we want to suggest five ways Pennsylvania consumers can lower their electric bills amid price hikes.

    1. Use less

    Much like when gasoline prices rise, the best response for individual consumers when electric rates go up is often to use less electricity.

    The largest efficiency improvements typically involve weatherizing a home – for example, adding insulation or sealing drafty windows and doors. Installing energy-efficient appliances such as heat pumps or changing your thermostat setting a few degrees can also save money.

    Weatherization has an added benefit: improved health. In addition to maintaining a more comfortable indoor temperature, weatherizing paired with ventilation improvements can improve indoor air quality and control indoor moisture and mold.

    Making a home more energy efficient can be tricky for low-income people, who might not be able to afford the costs, and renters, who don’t own the premises. However, Pennsylvania offers several programs to help residents make energy efficiency improvements, and organizations such as the Philadelphia Energy Authority try to reach low-income households.

    Through the state’s low income usage reduction program, eligible tenants can receive help installing energy-saving features with written permission from their landlord. The multifamily weatherization assistance program has also provided grants for weatherization measures such as insulation and “air sealing to reduce infiltration” in buildings with five or more units that meet income criteria for residents.

    In Pennsylvania, residential electricity rates are expected to climb 10% or more in each of the next three years.
    MStudioImages/E+ Collection via Getty Images

    2. Shop around – but buyer beware

    Pennsylvania has what is called “retail electricity choice,” which means residents can pick who generates their electricity. For example, consumers can shop around for different rates charged per kilowatt-hour of electricity they consume or for electricity produced from wind and solar power.

    But electricity customers cannot choose who carries that electricity to their residences. That is done by a regulated electric distribution company, or utility, with a monopoly on service.

    Consumers can sometimes reduce their bills by choosing a cheaper offer for generation. But retail choice can be risky if consumers do not carefully read the conditions of the contract.

    For example, some plans charge a higher rate than the default rate from the distribution company. Others charge different rates depending on whether the electricity is consumed during peak or off-peak hours. And still others lock customers into long contracts at a fixed price. This becomes undesirable if the default electricity rate drops lower than the contracted rate.

    3. Try solar

    For those who own their home, installing rooftop solar panels is another way to avoid higher electric bills.

    The cost of solar panels has fallen steadily for many years, and rising electric rates make the economics of solar better.

    Central Columbia High School in Bloomsburg, Pa., installed solar panels to offset power consumption.
    Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    Pennsylvania also has fairly advantageous rules for “net metering, which allows solar homeowners to get credits from the utility for excess solar power fed back into the grid.

    For example, say a customer uses 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity in a month and their rooftop solar panels generate 1,200 kilowatt-hours. They won’t have to pay for the 1,000 kilowatt-hours they used, and those additional 200 kilowatt-hours will be credited on their next monthly electric bill.

    Additionally, a number of federal and state tax incentives are available for rooftop solar energy in Pennsylvania. These incentives offset some of the up-front costs of installing solar panels.

    Buying solar panels is a high up-front expense, however, even with tax credits. Programs such as Solarize Greater Philadelphia can help reduce the cost. But keep in mind that not all properties have roofs that are large, strong or sunny enough to benefit from solar.

    For homeowners with suitable roofs, third-party solar is another option. This is when a company installs and continues owning the solar panels and charges the customer a fixed rate for the electricity produced by the solar panels. This rate is typically cheaper than the rate offered by the utility. But as with any contract, consumers need to read the fine print carefully and understand the long-term obligation.

    4. Go to a public hearing

    Local electric utilities are regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Pennsylvania residents can file formal complaints with the PUC about rate hikes, or they can attend one of PUC’s public input hearings.

    At these hearings, consumers can voice their concerns or argue against certain utility expenditures, such as lobbying expenses that utilities sometimes recoup through charges to customers.

    Consumers might want to pay particular attention to the commission’s proceedings as it considers new electric rates and regulation for data centers and other large-load customers. These rates will determine which costs are shouldered by the data center operators and which costs wind up on the electric bills of all Pennsylvanians.

    Consumers can file comments to advocate for a rate-sharing plan they believe will be fair.

    5. Think holistically

    As Americans continue to digitize their lives, electricity demand – and therefore prices – will likely continue to rise.

    Existing electric power grids are strained by increasing demand.
    Joe Raedle via Getty Images

    Given that growing electricity demand contributes to higher future rates, consumers may want to think about the energy-intensive online applications they use, such as data storage and all the AI features that tech companies are integrating into their products.

    Consumers might also want to consider the types of energy they want produced in their neighborhood. Many people understandably oppose constructing new energy facilities in their communities due to the aesthetic impacts, use of land and in some cases pollution. But this opposition can also slow the construction of new energy generation.

    Better processes for community involvement can enable the construction of generation with fewer negative impacts. These processes include, among other things, more detailed developer-community discussions and more comprehensive and thoughtful community benefits agreements. These agreements allow communities to negotiate services and resources that the energy developer will provide them. Such offerings might include vocational training programs, financial or other donations, or commitments to hire local labor.

    Read more of our stories about Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.

    Hannah Wiseman receives or has recently received funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Arnold Ventures, U.S. National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, Center for Rural Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. She is a member of the Center for Progressive Reform.

    Seth Blumsack receives or has recently received funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Heising Simons Foundation, U.S. National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Center for Rural Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

    – ref. High electricity prices zapping your budget? Here are 5 ways to save – https://theconversation.com/high-electricity-prices-zapping-your-budget-here-are-5-ways-to-save-256049

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump wants to cut funding to sanctuary cities and towns – but they don’t actually violate federal law

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Benjamin Gonzalez O’Brien, Associate Professor of Political Science, San Diego State University

    While sanctuary policies for immigrants have grown in the U.S. since the 1980s, the Trump administration is the first to challenge them. Marcos Silva/iStock/Getty Images Plus

    San Francisco, Chicago and New York are among the major cities – as well as more than 200 small towns and counties and a dozen states – that over the past 40 years have adopted what is often known as sanctuary policies.

    There is not a single definition of a sanctuary policy. But it often involves local authorities not asking about a resident’s immigration status, or not sharing that personal information with federal immigration authorities.

    So when a San Francisco police officer pulls someone over for a traffic violation, the officer will not ask if the person is living in the country legally.

    American presidents, from Ronald Reagan to Joe Biden, have chosen to leave sanctuary policies largely unchallenged since different places first adopted them in the 1970s. This changed in 2017, when President Donald Trump first tried to cut federal funding to sanctuary places, claiming that their policies “willfully violate Federal law.” Legal challenges during his first term stopped him from actually withholding the money.

    At the start of his second term, Trump signed two executive orders in January and April 2025 which again state that his administration will withhold federal money from areas with sanctuary policies.

    “Working on papers to withhold all Federal Funding for any City or State that allows these Death Traps to exist!!!” Trump said, according to an April White House statement. This statement was immediately followed by his April executive order.

    These two executive orders task the attorney general and secretary of homeland security with publishing a list of all sanctuary places and notifying local and state officials of “non-compliance, providing an opportunity to correct it.” Those that do not comply with federal law, according to the orders, may lose federal funding.

    San Francisco and 14 other sanctuary cities, including New Haven, Connecticut, and Portland, Oregon, sued the Trump administration in February on the grounds that it was illegally trying to coerce cities to comply with its policies. A U.S. district court judge in California issued an injunction on April 24 preventing the administration – at least for the time being – from cutting funding from places with sanctuary policies.

    However, as researchers who have studied sanctuary policies for over a decade, we know that Trump’s claim that sanctuary policies violate federal immigration law is not correct.

    It’s true that the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over immigration. Yet there is no federal requirement that state or local governments participate or cooperate in federal immigration enforcement, which would require an act of Congress.

    A sign is seen at the Nogales, Ariz., and Mariposa, Mexico, border crossing.
    Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images

    What’s behind sanctuary policies

    In 1979, the Los Angeles Police Department was the first to announce a prohibition on local officials asking about a resident’s immigration status.

    However, it was not until the 1980s that the sanctuary movement took off, when hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans, Guatemalans and Nicaraguans fled civil war and violence in their home countries and migrated to the U.S. This prompted a number of cities to declare solidarity with the faith-based sanctuary movement that offered refuge to Salvadoran, Guatemalan and Nicaraguan asylum seekers facing deportation.

    In 1985, Berkeley, Calif., and San Francisco pledged that city officials, including police officers, would not report Central Americans to immigration authorities as long as they were law abiding.

    Berkeley also banned officials from using local money to work with federal immigration authorities.

    “We are not asking anyone to do anything illegal,” Nancy Walker, a supervisor for San Francisco, said in 1985, according to The New York Times. “We have got to extend our hand to these people. If these people go home, they die. They are asking us to let them stay.”

    Today, there are hundreds of sanctuary cities, towns, counties and states across the country that all have a variation of policies that limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

    Sometimes – but not always – places with sanctuary policies bar local law enforcement agencies from working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the country’s main immigration enforcement agency.

    A large part of ICE’s work is identifying, arresting and deporting immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. In order to carry out this work, ICE issues what is known as “detainer requests” to local law enforcement authorities. A detainer request asks local law enforcement to hold a specific arrested person already being held by police until that person can be transferred to ICE, which can then take steps to deport them.

    While places without sanctuary policies tend to comply with these requests, some sanctuary jurisdictions, like the state of California, only do so in the cases of particular violent criminal offenses.

    Yet local officials in sanctuary places cannot legally block ICE from arresting local residents who are living in the country illegally, or from carrying out any other parts of its work.

    Can Trump withhold federal funding?

    Trump claimed in 2017 that sanctuary policies violated federal law, and he issued an executive order that tried to rescind federal grants that these jurisdictions received.

    However, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a 2018 case involving San Francisco and Santa Clara County, California, that the president could not refuse to “disperse the federal grants in question without congressional authorization.”

    Federal courts, meanwhile, split over whether Trump could freeze funding attached to a specific federal program called the Edward Byrne Memorial Assistance Grant Program, which provides about US$250 million in annual funding to state and local law enforcement.

    These cases were in the process of being appealed to the Supreme Court when the Department of Justice, under Biden, asked that they be dismissed.

    Other Supreme Court rulings also suggest that the Trump administration’s claim that it can withhold federal funding from sanctuary places rests on shaky legal ground.

    The Supreme Court ruled in 1992 and again in 1997 that the federal government could not coerce state or local governments to use their resources to enforce a federal regulatory program, or compel them to enact or administer a federal regulatory program.

    Under pressure

    The first Trump administration was not generally successful, with the exception of the split over the Edward Byrne Memorial Assistance Grant Program, at stripping funding from sanctuary places. But cutting federal funding – even if it happens temporarily – can be economically damaging to cities and counties while they challenge the decision in court.

    Local officials also face other kinds of political pressure to comply with the Trump administration’s demands.

    A legal group founded by Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff in the Trump administration, for example, sent letters to dozens of local officials in January threatening criminal prosecution for their sanctuary policies.

    Michelle Wu, the mayor of Boston, a sanctuary city, testifies during a House committee hearing on sanctuary city mayors on March 5, 2025, in Washington.
    Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images

    The real effects of sanctuary policies

    One part of Trump’s argument against sanctuary policies is that places with these policies have more crime than those that do not.

    But there is no established relationship between sanctuary status and crime rates.

    There is, however, evidence that when local law enforcement and ICE work together, it reduces the likelihood of immigrant and Latino communities to report crimes, likely for fear of being arrested by federal immigration authorities.

    Sanctuary policies are certainly worthy of debate, but this requires an accurate representation of what they are, what they do, and the effects they have.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump wants to cut funding to sanctuary cities and towns – but they don’t actually violate federal law – https://theconversation.com/trump-wants-to-cut-funding-to-sanctuary-cities-and-towns-but-they-dont-actually-violate-federal-law-255831

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Central Command Hosts Third Biennial Medical Security Cooperation Exchange in San Antonio

    Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

    United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) brought together military medical professionals and leaders from 19 partner nations for the third biennial Medical Security Cooperation Exchange (MSCE), held from May 11 to 15, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. The event served as a pivotal opportunity to strengthen regional medical collaboration, accelerate innovation, and enhance readiness across the coalition.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NSW Enhances Drug Testing to Protect Personnel, Maintain Elite Readiness

    Source: United States Navy

    San Diego, Calif. – Ensuring the health and well-being of its personnel is critical to maintaining Naval Special Warfare’s (NSW) position as the nation’s premier maritime special operations force. Unauthorized use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) during training and operations poses a serious threat, potentially leading to injury, death, and long-term health problems.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Cryptocurrency-Linked Financial Instruments to Become Available to Qualified Investors

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    Financial institutions may offer qualified investors derivative financial instruments, securities and digital financial assets, the profitability of which is tied to the value of cryptocurrency. The key condition is that such instruments should not provide for the actual delivery of cryptocurrency.

    For credit institutions recommended conservatively assess the risks of such instruments: provide for their full coverage by capital, and also set a separate limit for them. During the year, the Bank of Russia plans to formalize a conservative approach to regulating the risks of credit institutions associated with changes in the value of cryptocurrencies.

    The Bank of Russia still does not recommend financial institutions and their clients to invest directly in cryptocurrencies. Proposals of the Bank of Russia on the launch of an experimental regime, where only certain categories of investors will be able to make transactions with cryptocurrencies, are being approved by the Government.

    Preview photo: Timofeev Vladimir / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 24647

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Honoring Retired First Sergeant Snell

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of New York State Police retired First Sergeant Michael E. Snell, who passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the age of 56. First Sergeant Snell’s passing is attributed to an illness stemming from his assignment in and around the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

    “First Sergeant Snell honorably served the people of New York State for 23 years, making the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow New Yorkers when it mattered the most,” Governor Hochul said. “On behalf of New York State, I extend my deepest gratitude for First Sergeant Snell’s contribution to the protection of our state, and send my heartfelt condolences to his family.”

    First Sergeant Snell retired from the New York State Police on May 24, 2023, after more than two decades of service. He is survived by his wife, Tammy Snell, and their four children: Wyatt, Ashton, Harrison and Lawson.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Orange Bank Appoints Stephanie Melowsky to Lead Legal Services Division, Overseen by Industry Veteran Joseph Ruhl

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orange Bank & Trust Co., the market-leading financial institution dedicated to serving the legal services industry and an economic engine of New York’s Hudson Valley for more than 133 years, today announced the appointment of Stephanie Melowsky, Esq. as the leader of its Legal Services Industry Specialty.

    Stephanie is an attorney who has worked in the banking industry for more than 20 years. She will work closely with Joseph Ruhl, Esq. who has been with the Bank for more than 10 years and is a highly regarded expert on Interest on Lawyer Account (IOLA) and attorney escrow accounts.

    This strategic move further solidifies Orange Bank’s commitment to providing unparalleled financial expertise and tailored banking solutions to attorneys and law firms throughout Orange, Rockland, Westchester and the Bronx. Stephanie’s leadership, experience, and local network, combined with Joe’s deep understanding of the legal profession and its unique financial requirements, will be crucial in further developing the Bank’s specialized suite of products and services designed specifically for attorneys, including tailored lending options, trust account management, and practice management solutions.

    “Orange Bank has long been recognized as a trusted partner and advisor in the lawyer banking sector, regularly hosting and providing CLE classes on topics such as ethical considerations concerning escrow accounts and protecting lawyers against cyber-based fraud on their bank accounts,” said Michael Gilfeather, President and CEO, Orange Bank & Trust Company. “Stephanie’s appointment represents an exciting new chapter for the Bank’s Legal Services Industry Specialty. With her leadership and Joe’s industry knowledge, we are even better positioned to serve and anticipate the evolving needs of our attorney and law firm clients.”

    Joe, a valued member of the Orange Bank team and a former practicing attorney, brings a unique perspective to lawyer and law firm banking needs. Prior to joining Orange Bank & Trust in 2015, Joe was the head of the legal services division at Hudson Valley Bank. His extensive knowledge of IOLA regulations and attorney escrow accounts has made him a frequent lecturer on attorney banking issues and a thought leader within the legal community. In collaboration with Stephanie, Joe will provide invaluable guidance and ensure Orange Bank’s offerings continue to meet the highest ethical and practical standards of the legal profession.

    Orange Bank’s dedicated focus and unique product offerings have established it as the “go-to” financial partner for attorneys seeking specialized financial guidance. The Bank’s commitment extends beyond traditional banking services, offering valuable insights and resources to support the financial well-being and success of legal professionals.

    Stephanie said, “I am thrilled to join Orange Bank and continue to grow the Legal Services Industry Specialty. The Bank’s stellar reputation and commitment to serving attorneys is truly impressive, and I look forward to working alongside Joe and the team to build upon this strong foundation and deliver even greater value to our clients.”

    “Stephanie’s expertise is a tremendous asset to our Legal Services Industry Specialty, and I am confident that together we will provide the exceptional service and specialized knowledge that our attorney clients have come to expect,” said Joe.

    About Orange Bank & Trust Company
    Orange Bank & Trust Company is the Hudson Valley’s premier financial institution focusing on commercial lending, business banking, payment processing and wealth management services. For more than 133 years, Orange Bank & Trust Company has been an economic engine of the community, with more than $2.5 billion in assets and playing a vital role in increasing opportunities for local businesses, creating jobs for generations of residents, spurring region-defining developments, and maximizing investments to neighborhood-serving non-profits. The Bank is regularly recognized as one of New York’s top places to work.

    Contact Info: Candice Varetoni, AVP Marketing Officer,
    Cvaretoni@orangebanktrust.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Highly deceptive’ fraudster secured Covid loan funds under his wife’s name and claimed innocent member of the public was his boss

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    ‘Highly deceptive’ fraudster secured Covid loan funds under his wife’s name and claimed innocent member of the public was his boss

    Bounce Back Loan fraudster also produced false invoice to liquidator

    • Shohid Ahmed applied for three Bounce Back Loans using his wife’s name, receiving £100,000 his Indian restaurant was not entitled to 

    • An invoice claiming to show £15,000 of the loan was spent on refurbishing the restaurant was revealed to be false during Insolvency Service investigations 

    • Ahmed also filed false documents with Companies House to suggest an innocent member of the public had taken over his business  

    A Bradford fraudster who secured £100,000 in Covid loan funds he was not entitled to and claimed an innocent member of the public was the director of his company has been jailed. 

    Shohid Ahmed used his wife’s name to apply for three maximum-value Bounce Back Loans on behalf of Red Square Restaurants Limited, an Indian restaurant on Huddersfield Road in Mirfield. 

    The 40-year-old received £100,000 of the £150,000 he fraudulently applied for in May and June 2020, with one of the applications refused. 

    Ahmed then used the personal details of a woman who rented a house from his father without her knowledge to create the illusion that she was the director of the company and had taken over the business. 

    He also produced invoices claiming to show the legitimate use of the Bounce Back Loans, one of which Insolvency Service investigators found to be fabricated. 

    Ahmed, of Bardsey Crescent, Bradford, pleaded guilty to offences under the Fraud Act 2006, Companies Act 2006 and Insolvency Act 1986 earlier this year. 

    He was sentenced to two years in prison at Bradford Crown Court on Tuesday 27 May. 

    Ahmed has repaid £5,000 of the Bounce Back Loans he illegally secured. The Insolvency Service is seeking to recover the remaining fraudulently obtained funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. 

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Shohid Ahmed’s actions were highly deceptive and involved a range of serious offending. 

    He not only obtained two Bounce Back Loans for the restaurant he earlier had said was no longer trading, but implicated a totally innocent member of the public by creating the false impression that she was now the director of the company. 

    The Insolvency Service will not hesitate to prosecute Covid fraudsters such as Ahmed who have stolen from the public purse and caused harm to others.

    Red Square Restaurants, which traded as Ruby’s Lounge, was incorporated in May 2018, with Ahmed’s wife as the sole director. 

    Ahmed himself was only officially director of the company for one day, being appointed and then resigning on 10 February 2020. 

    Despite not being the named director of the company, Ahmed made three Bounce Back Loan applications for Red Square Restaurants in the name of his wife as she had a better credit history than him. 

    Ahmed also claimed that the company was trading at the beginning of March 2020, to meet the requirements of the scheme. 

    That claim was contradicted by an application signed by Ahmed to strike the company off the Companies House register in early April 2020. 

    In the strike-off application, Ahmed said that the company had not traded in the previous three months. 

    Money from the Bounce Back Loans was also not used for the economic benefit of the business, as it should have been under the scheme. 

    Ahmed claimed that an invoice of £15,000 showed that money was spent on an interior redesign of his restaurant using a firm based in Stockton-on-Tees. 

    However, investigators found that the address for the design company Ahmed claimed to have used was actually a cafe which had been trading for 37 years. 

    Neither the cafe which occupied the unit or the landlord who manages the building had ever heard of the firm of interior designers. 

    A liquidator was appointed to wind-up Red Square Restaurants in July 2020. 

    Shortly before this, Ahmed filed false documents with Companies House claiming that a new director had been appointed on New Year’s Day in 2020. 

    Insolvency Service investigators spoke to the listed director who confirmed that she had no association whatsoever with Red Square Restaurants and had simply rented a house from Ahmed’s father. 

    However, Ahmed falsely claimed that she was the manager of the business who ran it day-to-day and had the power to recruit and dismiss members of staff. 

    Ahmed also falsely claimed that she had taken out both Bounce Back Loans and had access to the bank accounts where the money was deposited.  

    He added that he was a waiter and drew a salary of only £12,000. 

    Ahmed was disqualified as a company director for 11 years in December 2021 for his misconduct at Red Square Restaurants. 

    A restaurant under a different name now operates from the same address that Red Square Restaurants traded from. Shohid Ahmed is not a director of this company. 

    Further information 

    • Shohid Ahmed is of Bardsey Crescent, Bradford. His date of birth is 23 January 1985 

    • Red Square Restaurants Limited (company number 11370189) 

    • Read more about the Bounce Back Loan Scheme and the action the Insolvency Service can take if it finds misconduct  

    • Further information about the work of the Insolvency Service, and how to complain about financial misconduct.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: CareCloud Announces Results from Annual Shareholders’ Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Shareholders Re-Elect 3 Board Members, Approve the Compensation for the Company’s Named Executives and Approve the Appointment of Public Accounting Firm

    SOMERSET, N.J., May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CareCloud, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CCLD, CCLDO), a leader in healthcare technology solutions for medical practices and health systems nationwide, today announced that it held its 2025 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on May 27, 2025, during which shareholders re-elected Anne Busquet, Bill Korn and Lawrence Sharnak for another two-year term. Shareholders also voted to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company’s 2025 Proxy Statement’s compensation tables and any related information found in such proxy statement and voted to approved the appointment of Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman, P.A. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2025.

    CareCloud’s shareholders approved the following three proposals:

    1. Re-elect Anne Busquet, Bill Korn and Lawrence Sharnak to the Board of Directors.
    2. The compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, on an advisory basis, as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement.
    3. The appointment of Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman, P.A. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2025.

    CareCloud is proud to announce the re-appointment of Anne Busquet, Bill Korn and Lawrence Sharnak to the Board. Anne Busquet has over 30 years of executive business experience with American Express and Interactive Corp. Bill Korn served as our Chief Financial Officer for 10 years before retiring in October 2023. Lawrence Sharnak served at American Express for more than 30 years where he held a variety of senior leadership roles.

    “We are pleased to announce the re-election of Anne, Bill and Larry,” said CareCloud’s Co-CEO, Stephen Snyder.

    The final voting tallies from this year’s Annual Meeting were included in a Form 8-K which was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    About CareCloud

    CareCloud brings disciplined innovation to the business of healthcare. Our suite of technology-enabled solutions helps clients increase financial and operational performance, streamline clinical workflows and improve the patient experience. More than 40,000 providers count on CareCloud to help them improve patient care while reducing administrative burdens and operating costs. Learn more about our products and services including revenue cycle management (RCM), practice management (PM), electronic health records (EHR), business intelligence, patient experience management (PXM) and digital health, at carecloud.com. To listen to video presentations by CareCloud’s management team, read recent press releases and view the latest investor presentation, please visit ir.carecloud.com.

    Follow CareCloud on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations or future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “could”, “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” “goals,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.

    Our operations involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect our results of operations and whether the forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements reflecting management’s expectations for future financial performance and operating expenditures, expected growth, profitability and business outlook, the impact of pandemics on our financial performance and business activities, and the expected results from the integration of our acquisitions.

    These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our (or our industry’s) actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward- looking statements, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s ability to manage growth, migrate newly acquired customers and retain new and existing customers, maintain cost-effective global operations, increase operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, predict and properly adjust to changes in reimbursement and other industry regulations and trends, retain the services of key personnel, develop new technologies, upgrade and adapt legacy and acquired technologies to work with evolving industry standards, compete with other companies products and services competitive with ours, and other important risks and uncertainties referenced and discussed under the heading titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligations to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    SOURCE CareCloud

    Company Contact:
    Norman Roth
    Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller
    CareCloud, Inc.
    nroth@carecloud.com

    Investor Contact:
    Stephen Snyder 
    Co-Chief Executive Officer 
    CareCloud, Inc. 
    ir@carecloud.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 29, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump surrounds himself with sycophants. It’s a terrible way to run a business – and a country

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Neil Beasley, PhD Candidate in Business and Law, Liverpool John Moores University

    Since the start of his second term in office, US president Donald Trump has cultivated a political atmosphere that discourages freedom of thought. He also actively villainises and punishes any dissenting opinion. Worryingly, this atmosphere looks like it is spreading across other democracies.

    Commentators have described Trump as both narcissistic and authoritarian. Yet, running parallel to these factors, one character trait is glaringly common among Trump supporters: sycophancy.

    You just have to examine the pre-election rhetoric of Trump loyalists. One backer, Stephen Miller, declared him “the most stylish president … in our lifetimes”. Miller is now deputy White House chief of staff.

    And South Dakota governor Kristi Noem gifted Trump a four-foot Mount Rushmore replica – with Trump’s face added alongside the original four presidents. Noem, who is now secretary of homeland security, epitomises the elevation of loyal sycophants over those with arguably better credentials.

    Research has examined the dangers of sycophantic behaviour in the workplace, finding it reduces peer respect and morale, and leads to dissonance and lower productivity.

    Other research has shown that someone who chooses to employ these tactics can enjoy improved promotion prospects, rewards such as the first refusal on business trips, easier access to company resources and a higher salary compared to their peers. But studies have also shown sycophants often suffer emotional exhaustion from the dual stresses of manipulation and responsibility.

    Ongoing research I (Neil) am doing on workplace sycophancy reveals similar patterns. Interviews, spanning from junior staff to CEOs, show reduced motivation, falling team morale and declining respect for sycophants.

    One participant highlighted the effect on teamwork that sycophantic behaviour can have within the workplace.

    Sycophancy means raising yourself in somebody’s esteem, at the expense of somebody else, on the ladder. And so… it’s going to impact upon on the ability to be part of a team.

    Another participant offered a comparison to a different deviant workplace behaviour – intimidation.

    I’d say that sycophantic behaviour is coming into the same category as bullying. And it’s hard sometimes, especially with bullying and sycophantic behaviour, you are dealing with a lot of people that are manipulative, and manipulating people are quite charismatic. And when you’re charismatic, you’re more believable because you’re a storyteller.

    One solution that emerges from the research is workforce education – teaching employees to recognise and mitigate a culture of ingratiation.

    As an employee, many people might find it difficult not to bow to peer pressure. If the senior colleague encourages and rewards those who suck up, how do other colleagues, who do not choose to utilise such tactics, compete?

    Dangerous ideas take root

    Another factor to consider is the tendency for some workers to “kiss up and kick down”. What this means is that staff who are lower down the hierarchical ladder suffer detrimental treatment from the colleagues who are trying to suck their way up the same ladder.

    If workforces were educated on what these tactics looked and felt like, perhaps included in corporate codes of conduct, HR departments and management could identify potential issues and deal with them.

    But this is not merely an HR concern. Previous research also shows a link between ingratiation, high turnover rates and poorer performance by the organisation as a whole.

    Perhaps the most insidious aspect of sycophancy is the push for conformity when it comes to opinions. If leadership hears nothing but agreement, dangerous ideas can be reinforced. Things like the leader’s own skills or the competence of the organisation as a whole can become wildly exaggerated – with disastrous consequences.

    When leaders are surrounded by “yes-men”, they’re deprived of critical input that could challenge assumptions or highlight potential flaws. This can lead to cognitive entrenchment where decision-makers become overconfident and resistant to change. Bad decisions then proceed unchecked, often escalating into systemic failures.

    In return, this can lead to groupthink, a phenomenon where a desire for harmony overrides rational evaluation. Environments that suffer from groupthink often ignore red flags, silence whistleblowers and overvalue consensus. All of these things are damaging to an organisation’s ability to remain agile and competitive.

    Which brings us back to Trump. In his case this isn’t a corporate crisis. It’s a geopolitical one. At stake is not shareholder value but national security and global stability.

    With sycophants backing poor decisions, the risk ranges from damaged diplomacy to outright conflict. If loyalty replaces truth, the cost could be catastrophic. Trump’s regime may ultimately collapse under the weight of its own delusions – but the collateral damage could be profound.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump surrounds himself with sycophants. It’s a terrible way to run a business – and a country – https://theconversation.com/trump-surrounds-himself-with-sycophants-its-a-terrible-way-to-run-a-business-and-a-country-257391

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 29, 2025
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