NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Deadline approaches for School Age Payment applications

    Source: Scottish Government

    Parents and carers urged not to miss out on support worth over £300

    Parents and carers, with a child born between 1 March 2019 and 29 February 2020, risk missing out on hundreds of pounds worth of help if they don’t apply for School Age Payment in time.

    The deadline is midnight on 28 February 2025.

    School Age Payment is worth £314.45 per child. It is one of Social Security Scotland’s Best Start Grant payments. It is only available in Scotland.

    The money can be spent on anything the child needs at this stage including; books, bags, clothes and equipment for school. School Age Payment is paid around the time a child is first old enough to start primary school. There is no requirement to take up a place at school.

    This is important as parents and carers could miss out on the payment if they defer when their child starts school and don’t apply until then.

    The payment is available for multiple children from the same household, as long as each child is the right age.

    Social Security Scotland automatically pays School Age Payment to eligible people who get Scottish Child Payment. But those who do not receive Scottish Child Payment or who have opted out of automatic payments must apply before the deadline.

    Some families who are not eligible for Scottish Child Payment might still be eligible for the School Age Payment. This includes parents and carers who: receive housing benefit, are under 18 and do not receive any other benefits or are 18 or 19 and dependent on someone else who receives benefits for them.

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

    “If you have a child in the family aged five, or who turns five this month, then you could be eligible for School Age Payment.

    “We are urging everyone who is eligible to make sure that they don’t miss the deadline for applications, especially as all the children in the household who are the right age can get the payment.

    “Best Start Grant is made up of a series of payments designed to ensure that children in Scotland get exactly that – the best start possible in life. This money is an important contribution to families at a key stage in their child’s development when they may be facing additional costs.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Milwaukee Rape Suspect

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Nashville, TN – A U.S. Marshals task force in Tennessee, working a collateral lead from the U.S. Marshals Service in Wisconsin, today arrested in Nashville a man wanted in Milwaukee for sex crimes against children.

    Yi Leon Harris, 40, was charged with two counts of repeated sexual assault of a child, and a warrant for his arrest was issued in Milwaukee Circuit Court on Jan. 29.

    On Jan. 31, the Milwaukee Police Department requested the assistance of the U. S. Marshals Service Eastern Wisconsin Violent Offender Task Force with locating and apprehending Harris.

    Upon developing information that Harris was residing in the Nashville area, the Eastern Wisconsin Task Force requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service Middle Tennessee Fugitive Task Force.

    The Middle Tennessee Task Force located Harris at a residence on Brooksboro Terrace in Nashville. Harris was arrested without incident and taken to the Davidson County Detention Center where he was booked as a fugitive from justice and will await extradition to Wisconsin.

    The U.S. Marshals Service is committed to protecting communities by apprehending dangerous fugitives.

    The U.S. Marshals Middle Tennessee Task Force is a multi-agency task force that serves the Middle District of Tennessee. Its membership is comprised of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Putnam, Rutherford, and Sumner County Sheriff’s Deputies, Metro Nashville Police Officers, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Taskforce Raven seizes stolen property during targeted Newnham search

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Taskforce Raven seizes stolen property during targeted Newnham search

    Thursday, 6 February 2025 – 10:49 am.

    A man has been charged with multiple burglary and stealing offences after police seized $3000 worth of stolen property during a targeted search at Newnham.
    Members of Taskforce Raven arrested the man on Wednesday 5 February in relation to an investigation into an aggravated burglary.
    During a subsequent search of a Newnham residence, taskforce members seized a quantity of power tools believed to have been stolen during recent burglaries. 
    The man has been charged with aggravated burglary, stealing, attempted stealing, burglary, computer-related fraud, possession of stolen property.
    He will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.
    Sergeant Ivan Radosavijevic said Taskforce Raven commenced on Monday 3 February and had already seen strong results.
    “The taskforce will focus on crime reduction, by targeting recidivist offenders,” he said.
    “Anyone with information about recidivist offending or anti-social behaviour in the Northern District should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000”.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: LNG Energy Group Announces New Director Appointments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LNG Energy Group Corp. (TSXV: LNGE) (TSXV: LNGE.WT) (OTCQB: LNGNF) (FRA: E26) (the “Company” or “LNG Energy Group”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Chad McGuffin and Mr. Matt Molak to its Board of Directors of the Company, effective immediately.

    Mr. McGuffin is the President of Lewis Energy Group, L.P. (“LEG”) and Mr. Molak is the Chief Financial Officer of LEG. Effective immediately, Mr. Lawler and Mr. Jumper have resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company. The appointments are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

    About LNG Energy Group

    The Company is focused on the acquisition and development of oil and gas exploration and production assets in Latin America.

    For more information, please see below:

    Website:
    www.lngenergygroup.com

    Investor Relations:
    Angel Roa, Chief Financial Officer
    Email: investor.relations@lngenergygroup.com
    Telephone: +57-321-943-9396

    Find us on social media:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lng-energy-group-inc/
    Instagram: @lngenergygroup
    X: @LNGEnergyCorp

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mongolian Minister of Defense visits U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    AIEA, Hawaii  –  

    U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, deputy commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosts Mongolian Minister of Defense Sandag Byambatsogt at USINDOPACOM headquarters on Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii, Feb. 4, 2025.

    Topics of discussion included defense ties, advancing shared interests and cooperation, military modernization, and expansion of peacekeeping operations.

    The U.S. and Mongolia upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2019, and this year marks 38 years of the U.S.-Mongolian relationship rooted in shared values and mutual respect.

    USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Helena Bay

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are responding to a serious crash involving a car and a pedestrian on Kaiikanui Rd, Helena Bay.

    Police were called about 11.15pm.

    The road will be closed while emergency services work at the scene.

    Please avoid the area, if possible.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Department of Justice Investigating Richmond Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506

    Source: US State of California

    Wednesday, February 5, 2025

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

    **The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve**

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Richmond, California on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at approximately 8:45 p.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual and involved personnel from the Richmond Police Department. 

    Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.

    More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tougher laws against antisemitism and hatred in NSW

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 6 February 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Attorney General, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Multiculturalism, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism

    The Minns Labor Government is announcing a series of tough new measures to crack down on a recent escalation of troubling graffiti, racial hatred and antisemitism in the community.

    The package of reforms will help give police and the community additional powers and resources to respond to disgusting acts of racial violence and hatred.

    It sends a clear message to people who commit these crimes or intend to commit them that these acts have no place in NSW, and they will face severe and harsh penalties if they do.

    In response to recent appalling attacks, the NSW Government will:

    • Introduce a new criminal offence for intentionally inciting racial hatred, with a proposed maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment.
    • Introduce a new offence in section 93ZA of the Crimes Act 1900 directed at the display of a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue, with an increased maximum penalty to 2 years’ imprisonment, and clarify that that graffiti is a ‘public act’.
    • Expand the aggravating circumstance that applies on sentence when an offence is motivated by hatred or prejudice to ensure that it applies whether a crime is partially or wholly motivated by hatred or prejudice.
    • Amend the Graffiti Control Act 2008 to create an aggravated offence for graffiti on a place of worship.
    • Introduce a new offence in the Crimes Act 1900 to stop people in or near a place of worship from intentionally blocking access to the place of worship without reasonable excuse, or from harassing, intimidating or threatening people accessing places of worship, and provide police with associated move on powers. This new offence is proposed to have a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment.

    In addition to these strengthened laws, the Minns Labor Government is also announcing:

    • Increased funding to support the crucial work of the NSW Police Force Engagement and Hate Crime Unit by $525,000.  This will allow for boosted engagement and communications with the community, including additional synagogue and school visits.
    • An increase to the NSW Local Government Social Cohesion Grants Program by $500,000.
    • Training to support local governments address rising prevalence of hate crimes.

    These reforms build on the significant work of the police over the summer:

    • The NSW Police Force launched Operation Shelter on 11 October 2023 to respond to public safety in relation to the current conflict in the Middle East.
    • More than 300 proactive patrols are conducted under Operation Shelter every day. These centre around significant sites such as places of worship.
    • Resources from Traffic and Highway Patrol, the Regional Enforcement Squad, dog unit and Pol Air have also been brought in to help local police on the ground.
    • Strike Force Pearl has been established to investigates these hate crimes – and doubled its fulltime dedicated detectives from 20 to 40.

    The reforms send a strong message about the seriousness of committing acts of racial hatred and antisemitism, and the NSW Government’s commitment to send a clear message to perpetrators that they will be held responsible for these acts.

    Premier Chris Minns said:

    “We have seen disgusting acts of racial hatred and antisemitism.

    “These are strong new laws, and they need to be because these attacks have to stop.

    “NSW is a multicultural state, and these acts designed to intimidate and divide will not work.

    “These laws have been drafted in response to the horrifying antisemitic violence in our community but it’s important to note that they will apply to anyone, preying on any person, of any religion.

    “If you commit these acts, you will face severe penalties, and we make no apologies for that.”

    Attorney General Michael Daley said:

    “Blocking access to places of worship, graffitiing sacred sites, or inciting hatred are wholly unacceptable behaviours that have no place in our society. These proposed changes strengthen penalties and expand police powers to maintain order across the community.

    “The Minns Government is expanding the criminal law to send a clear message that inciting hatred is not just unacceptable, it will soon be criminal.

    “The entire community will be safer as a direct result of these changes. The proposed changes will mean that divisive and hateful behaviours will not succeed in dividing our community.”

    Minister for the Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

    “Police are doing everything they can to disrupt and investigate these vile crimes. Today’s announcement will further strengthen their capability to continue this critical work.

    “Our community thrives on diversity and mutual respect. We refuse to let those driven by hate divide us.”

    Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

    “Our multicultural society is one of our greatest achievements, but it is not something we can afford to take for granted. It requires our constant attention.

    “The Minns Government will continue to proactively address bad faith actors and explore every avenue to ensure social harmony and that our multicultural society is protected.”

    Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

    “It’s vital that all tiers of government are united in the effort to stop antisemitism.

    “I welcome the additional support and training for councils so that they can expand their work promoting unity and harmony within local communities.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling from Employer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – The former finance director of a Florida-based company pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $5.7 million from his employer.

    Paul Schnitzer, 51, of Clermont, Fla., pleaded guilty to wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for May 6, 2025. Schnitzer was first charged in May 2024, indicted by a grand jury in June 2024, and detained in October 2024 after violating his conditions of pretrial release.

    Between January 2022 and May 2024, Schnitzer made more than 100 transfers out of his employer’s operating bank account into an investment account he controlled, disguised as “equity distributions.” To hide these transfers, Schnitzer falsified financial reports to the Massachusetts-based investment firm that owned the company. Schnitzer also secretly used a line of credit to replenish the balance in the company’s operating account after he had stolen from it.

    The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the loss to the victim. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Provo Man Accused of Attempting to Receive Carfentanil for Distribution in Utah is Detained

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah County man was ordered to detention in federal court today after he was indicted by a federal grand jury last week and charged with a federal drug crime for allegedly attempting to have carfentanil shipped to Utah for distribution.

    Carfentanil is most commonly used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine, and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which itself is 50 times more potent than heroin.

    According to court documents, Clint James Pendleton, 29, of Provo, Utah, attempted to receive a package containing approximately 20 grams of carfentanil on January 22, 2025. The package was destined for an address in Payson, Utah, but was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Los Angeles International Airport in California. The package was opened and the suspected carfentanil was tested and presumptively identified as carfentanil and weighed approximately 20 grams. Subsequently, the package was tracked to Pendleton who had signed up to receive tracking updates on the package. Additionally, law enforcement discovered Pendleton allegedly had a history of his criminal activity written in a notebook that included amounts of controlled substances purchased, prices, and tracking numbers, including for carfentanil. The DEA has identified carfentanil as “crazy dangerous” and a serious growing concern as it is becoming more prevalent in our communities.

    Pendleton is charged with attempted possession of carfentanil with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment was February 5, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

    United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force (UCMC).

    Special Assistant United States Attorney Pete Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four sentenced in conspiracy using victim’s Social Security numbers to steal funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CORPUS CHRISTI – A 41-year-old Newark man has been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identify theft, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Cory Scott Becker pleaded guilty Oct. 24, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now imposed a 36-month-term of imprisonment for Becker. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence of his and others’ roles and the scheme to steal funds. 

    Christopher Carr, 37, Corpus Christi, previously received 12 months and a day in prison, while Joseph Aguilar, 37, Corpus Christi, and Emmett Jimenez, 45, Yoakum, received 12 and 18 months, respectively.

    The investigation began after a complainant reported $30,000 was taken out of her account at a credit union in Corpus Christi. The bank’s risk management team discovered that from Feb. 16, 2022, until approximately March 8, 2022, 44 unauthorized transactions occurred from approximately 18 accounts. 

    Law enforcement interviewed account owners and verified the unauthorized withdrawals. The investigation revealed they were made through an interactive teller machine which allows fund withdrawals using a holder’s Social Security and bank account numbers.

    Authorities subsequently discovered Becker, Carr, Aguilar and Jimenez conspired to use the numbers and accounts to illegally withdraw funds from credit union account holders. 

    Becker was permitted to remain on bond pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Liesel Roscher prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of deadly human smuggling ring sent to prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 28-year-old Roma man has been sentenced for conspiring to smuggle illegal aliens resulting in multiple deaths, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jose Refugio Torres pleaded guilty Sept. 27, 2023, admitting he conspired to transport illegal aliens from the Rio Grande Valley to destinations within the United States.

    U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now imposed a 36-month-term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the severity of human smuggling involving death and admonished Torres that should he ever return to the smuggling business, he could be facing potential life in federal prison.

    “As this case sadly demonstrates, human smuggling is a crime that takes lives and puts the public at risk,” said Ganjei. “Securing the border is the Southern District of Texas’ number one priority, and breaking up these smuggling rings is a key component of that. We will continue to use all available resources to aggressively pursue those that flout our immigration laws and put profit ahead of human lives.”

    “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is dedicated to collaborating with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and security of citizens across all communities in the United States,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge, Craig Larrabee. “We will remain focused on investigating and dismantling transnational criminal organizations that jeopardize the well-being of individuals.”

    Jose Refugio Torres was involved in the attempted smuggling of illegal aliens in March 2019 by motor vehicle from the Rio Grande Valley to destinations within the United States. During this failed attempt in Duval County, a vehicle rolled over and caused the deaths of four people with serious injuries to six others.

    The victims included citizens of Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador as well as a 17-year-old boy from Ecuador.

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

    Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol; Coast Guard; Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations; police departments in Port Mansfield and South Padre Island; Texas Rangers; Texas Game Wardens; sheriff’s offices in Kenedy, Duval and Willacy Counties; and the Willacy County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose E. Arreola Jr. and Jose Esquivel Jr. prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 5 Arrested in Law Enforcement Operation Targeting Fraudulent Withdrawal of Benefits Designated for Low-Income Families

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A multi-agency law enforcement operation has resulted in the arrest of five illegal aliens who allegedly used information from “skimmed” electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to “clone” counterfeit cards and steal funds that had been disbursed to low-income individuals by the State of California, the Justice Department announced today.

    Three of the defendants have been ordered detained without bond, and two of the five defendants arrested on Sunday are expected to make their initial appearances in United States District Court today.

    During the operation on Sunday, approximately 70 law enforcement officers began monitoring ATM locations across the Los Angeles area to identify individuals who were making multiple cash withdrawals with cards encoded with information that had been stolen from cards used by the California Department of Social Services (DSS) to provide CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits to qualified recipients.

    Authorities made arrests after determining that the suspects making withdrawals at the ATMs were not entitled to access funds that had been deposited into accounts belonging to legitimate EBT beneficiaries.

    “These defendants who are illegally in the United States targeted and stole from some of the poorest members of our community,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “This fraudulent activity has contributed to significant financial losses, undermining an essential lifeline for struggling families. The U.S. Attorney’s office, in close collaboration with our law enforcement counterparts, will continue to root out this criminal conduct and protect our most vulnerable citizens from further exploitation.”

    “This successful operation targeted transnational criminal organizations that have been stealing from our less fortunate neighbors and the taxpayers,” said HSI Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “HSI Los Angeles and our partners will work day and night to ensure that this help continues to be available to those who need it most, and not in the pockets of greedy criminals.”

    Late Monday, federal prosecutors filed three criminal complaints charging the five defendants with the use of unauthorized access devices (the cards with stolen EBT account numbers and PINs used to make the cash withdrawals). The defendants arrested Sunday allegedly made unauthorized withdrawals, obtaining as much as $25,480. The defendants named across three criminal complaints are:

    • Marcel Musat, 53, of Romania, who is charged with one count of use of unauthorized access devices and allegedly had approximately 45 cloned cards on his person when he was arrested. Musat admitted to investigators he had overstayed his visa and therefore is illegally in the United States. At a hearing Tuesday afternoon, Musat was ordered held without bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned on March 11.
    • Ionut Calciu, 31, of Romania, who is charged with one count of use of unauthorized access devices and allegedly possessed 10 counterfeit EBT cards when he was arrested. According to court documents, Calciu previously was convicted of aggravated robbery in Romania. Calciu, who is an illegal alien, is scheduled to appear in court today.
    • Florian Serban, 51, of Romania, who is charged with one count of use of unauthorized access devices and he allegedly possessed 58 re-encoded California EBT cards. Serban is due to appear in court today.
    • Wesley David Adrian Dimoua-Moua, 36, of France, who is charged with one count of use of unauthorized devices and allegedly had 11 counterfeit EBT cards when he was arrested. Dimoua-Moua is a visa overstay illegally present in the United States. At a hearing Tuesday afternoon, Dimoua-Moua was ordered held without bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned on February 24.
    • Hichem Mohamed El Mabrouk, 35, of France, who is charged with one count of use of unauthorized access devices and allegedly was in possession of 37 re-encoded California EBT cards when he was arrested. At a hearing Tuesday afternoon, El Mabrouk was ordered held without bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned on March 11.

    DSS detected more than $126.8 million stolen from victim EBT cards in 2024, according to court documents. This fraud has targeted CalWORKs and CalFresh (previously known as “food stamps”), both of which are intended to help low-income beneficiaries purchase food and provide for basic needs.

    The investigation has revealed that the fraudulent withdrawal of these benefits is done with “cloned” cards, which are debit cards, gift cards or other devices with magnetic strips that have been encoded with information from legitimate EBT cards. Court documents allege that at least some of those involved in the fraudulent withdrawals also possessed “skimming” devices that could be used to record personal identification information from victims.

    Criminal complaints and indictments contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Homeland Security Investigation’s El Camino Real Task Force, which includes special agents with HSI and the United States Secret Service, as well as officers with the Los Angeles Police Department, is conducting the investigations in this matter.

    A number of law enforcement agencies provided significant support during Sunday’s operation, including the California Department of Social Services, the United States Marshals Service, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Hermosa Beach Police Department, the Baldwin Park Police Department, the Culver City Police Department, the El Monte Police Department, the Inglewood Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Roldán, Alexander H. Tran and Sophia Carrillo of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting these cases.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Sentenced To 84 Months In Prison For Conspiring To Engage In Multimillion Dollar Wire Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced. 

    Terrell Fuller, 34, of Baldwin, New York, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to an information charging him with conspiring to commit wire fraud.

    According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

    Fuller and his co-conspirators submitted a fraudulent application to the Small Business Administration, which caused the SBA to provide them with approximately $1,200,000. In addition, Fuller and his co-conspirators opened bank accounts in the names of various entities and individuals, deposited illegally obtained or fraudulent checks into those accounts, and then withdrew and attempted to withdraw money from the accounts. Further, Fuller, using stolen personal identifying information, fraudulently rented locations to live in New York and failed to pay more than $400,000 in rent and fees for those locations. Through the conspiracy, Fuller and his co-conspirators obtained more than $2,000,000 in money and property through their fraudulent actions.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Chesler sentenced Fuller to 3 years of supervised release and $2,289,816.06 in restitution.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Franklin Township Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, and special agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Kogan of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.

                                         ###

    Defense counsel: Scott Leemon, New York City, New York

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Statement on the Privacy, Technology, and the Law Subcommittee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the statement below following her appointment to the Senate Judiciary Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights and Privacy, Technology, and the Law subcommittees.

    “Tech innovation strengthens our economy and touches every aspect of our lives, but there is still so much we must do to put guardrails in place and protect Americans – from children exposed to harmful content and illegal drugs to consumers who have no privacy protections. We also must continue the momentum on reforms to ensure we strengthen our antitrust laws to lower costs and ensure American markets are strong and breed innovation through competition.  

    Senator Blackburn – the Chair of the Technology Subcommittee – and I and a number of the other members of the subcommittee have worked together on legislation in this area, and I look forward to working with her and the entire committee. As Ranking Member of the Privacy, Technology, and the Law Subcommittee and a member of the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, I will work across the aisle to make progress on these crucial issues.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to protect opportunities for women and girls to compete in safe and fair sports, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Policy and Purpose.  In recent years, many educational institutions and athletic associations have allowed men to compete in women’s sports.  This is demeaning, unfair, and dangerous to women and girls, and denies women and girls the equal opportunity to participate and excel in competitive sports.

    Moreover, under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX), educational institutions receiving Federal funds cannot deny women an equal opportunity to participate in sports.  As some Federal courts have recognized, “ignoring fundamental biological truths between the two sexes deprives women and girls of meaningful access to educational facilities.”  Tennessee v. Cardona, 24-cv-00072 at 73 (E.D. Ky. 2024). See also Kansas v. U.S. Dept. of Education, 24-cv-04041 at 23 (D. Kan. 2024) (highlighting “Congress’ goals of protecting biological women in education”). 

    Therefore, it is the policy of the United States to rescind all funds from educational programs that deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities, which results in the endangerment, humiliation, and silencing of women and girls and deprives them of privacy.  It shall also be the policy of the United States to oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports more broadly, as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.

    Sec. 2.  Definitions.  The definitions in Executive Order 14168 of January 20, 2025 (Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government), shall apply to this order.

    Sec.3.  Preserving Women’s Sports in Education.  (a)  In furtherance of the purposes of Title IX, the Secretary of Education shall promptly:

    (i)    in coordination with the Attorney General, continue to comply with the vacatur of the rule entitled “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance” of April 29, 2024, 89 FR 33474, see Tennessee v. Cardona, 24-cv-00072 at 13-15 (E.D. Ky. 2025), and take other appropriate action to ensure this regulation does not have effect;

    (ii)   take all appropriate action to affirmatively protect all-female athletic opportunities and all-female locker rooms and thereby provide the equal opportunity guaranteed by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, including enforcement actions described in subsection (iii); to bring regulations and policy guidance into line with the Congress’ existing demand for “equal athletic opportunity for members of both sexes” by clearly specifying and clarifying that women’s sports are reserved for women; and the resolution of pending litigation consistent with this policy; and

    (iii)  prioritize Title IX enforcement actions against educational institutions (including athletic associations composed of or governed by such institutions) that deny female students an equal opportunity to participate in sports and athletic events by requiring them, in the women’s category, to compete with or against or to appear unclothed before males.

    (b)  All executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall review grants to educational programs and, where appropriate, rescind funding to programs that fail to comply with the policy established in this order.

    (c)  The Department of Justice shall provide all necessary resources, in accordance with law, to relevant agencies to ensure expeditious enforcement of the policy established in this order. 

    Sec. 4.  Preserving Fairness and Safety in Women’s Sports.  Many sport-specific governing bodies have no official position or requirements regarding trans-identifying athletes.  Others allow men to compete in women’s categories if these men reduce the testosterone in their bodies below certain levels or provide documentation of “sincerely held” gender identity.  These policies are unfair to female athletes and do not protect female safety.  To address these concerns, it is hereby ordered:

    (a)  The Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy shall, within 60 days of the date of this order:

    (i)   convene representatives of major athletic organizations and governing bodies, and female athletes harmed by such policies, to promote policies that are fair and safe, in the best interests of female athletes, and consistent with the requirements of Title IX, as applicable; and

    (ii)  convene State Attorneys General to identify best practices in defining and enforcing equal opportunities for women to participate in sports and educate them about stories of women and girls who have been harmed by male participation in women’s sports.

    (b)  The Secretary of State, including through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Sports Diplomacy Division and the Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, shall:

    (i)   rescind support for and participation in people-to-people sports exchanges or other sports programs within which the relevant female sports category is based on identity and not sex; and

    (ii)  promote, including at the United Nations, international rules and norms governing sports competition to protect a sex-based female sports category, and, at the discretion of the Secretary of State, convene international athletic organizations and governing bodies, and female athletes harmed by policies that allow male participation in women’s sports, to promote sporting policies that are fair, safe, and in furtherance of the best interests of female athletes.

    (c)  The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall review and adjust, as needed, policies permitting admission to the United States of males seeking to participate in women’s sports, and shall issue guidance with an objective of preventing such entry to the extent permitted by law, including pursuant to section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(6)(C)(i)).

    (d)  The Secretary of State shall use all appropriate and available measures to see that the International Olympic Committee amends the standards governing Olympic sporting events to promote fairness, safety, and the best interests of female athletes by ensuring that eligibility for participation in women’s sporting events is determined according to sex and not gender identity or testosterone reduction.

    Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    (d)  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        February 5, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Distributor of Child Sexual Abuse Material Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – A West Palm Beach federal judge has sentenced 38-year-old Texas man James William Latta to 20 years in prison followed by 25 years supervised release for advertising and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through social media. 

    During the summer of 2024, Latta used a social networking application to communicate with a person he believed was the mother of an eight-year-old child. Latta sent sexually explicit videos of himself during the exchanges and asked about sex between the mother and child. Latta also created and operated chat rooms on the social networking application through which he distributed CSAM. In one chatroom – with dozens of members – Latta distributed CSAM more than 200 times over two months, posting a hyperlink to a website with more than 3,000 images and videos of CSAM. Latta was identified and arrested in Texas. After his arrest, he was transferred to the Southern District of Florida, where he pled guilty.

    In addition to imposing prison and supervised release terms, District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks ordered Latta to register as a sex offender. A hearing will be scheduled to determine the amount of restitution Latta must pay his victims. 

    U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of HSI Miami made the announcement.

    HSI West Palm Beach investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller is prosecuting it. 

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/project-safe-childhood.

    Anyone with information regarding child sexual exploitation and abuse is encouraged to call (877) 4-HSI-TIP [(877) 447-4847].

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-80115.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury convicts a man of possessing 80 grams of meth for distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – On Jan. 28, a federal jury found a Jensen Beach man guilty of possession with intent to distribute meth.

    On June 14, 2023, law enforcement officers stopped Otis Furman Crabbe, III, 54, of Jensen Beach, Fla., because of the dark window tinting of his white Mercedes Benz sedan, while he was driving in downtown Stuart, Fla. Crabbe told the officers that he was partially blind and that he needed the dark tinting due to light sensitivity. The law enforcement officers conducted a canine inspection of Crabbe’s vehicle and discovered a suitcase in his trunk containing approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine.

    A sentencing hearing is scheduled on April 17 at 11:30 a.m. Crabbe faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Division and Sheriff John Budensiek, of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), made the announcement.

    The HSI Fort Pierce Field Office and MCSO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Breezye Telfair prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-14037.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Steele County Man Sentenced to Over 17 Years for International Sexual Exploitation of Children

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Blooming Prairie man has been sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by ten years of supervised release, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, beginning in April 2022, Steven John Sokel, 61, began communicating over the internet with the mother of a pre-pubescent minor victim in Thailand. On September 1, 2022, Sokel traveled to Thailand and stayed with the victim and the mother for almost a full month. During his time abroad, Sokel produced images of the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit activity.

    According to court documents, on September 29, 2022, Sokel left Thailand and had a layover in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Abu Dhabi airport has a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facility for passengers flying to the United States. After finding items like sexual pleasure devices, handcuffs, and condoms in Sokel’s luggage, CBP officers conducted a search and found the child sexual abuse material on Sokel’s password-protected laptop.

    Sokel was sentenced in U.S. District Court by Judge Eric T. Tostrud on one count of sexual exploitation of children.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso, Colleagues Introduce Enhancing Energy Recovery Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced legislation to enhance carbon capture incentives and energy production.

    The Enhancing Energy Recovery Act (S. 425) would create parity under the Section 45Q carbon capture tax credit by giving across-the-board, equal treatment for carbon captured for increased energy production, utilization, and sequestration.

    “Wyoming proudly leads the way on carbon capture projects. We have used this technology to take carbon out of the air and find alternate, productive uses for it,” said Senator Barrasso. “Using carbon for enhanced oil and natural gas recovery has proven to significantly increase energy production while reducing carbon emissions. Changes to Section 45Q made it harder for American energy producers and manufacturers to take advantage of this credit. Our bill will fix this policy and ensure equal treatment for energy production, utilization, and sequestration. By bolstering our national energy security, we can support Wyoming’s energy workers and lower costs for Americans across the country.”

    “Investing in the infrastructure to capture carbon means investing in tens of thousands of Louisiana jobs. And with Louisiana’s primacy over permitting, it will also create tens of billions of dollars of other investment,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Let’s help Louisiana continue to lead as an energy and manufacturing state.”

    “North Dakota is leading the way in cracking the code on carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies. This legislation will help to advance these technologies by making the tax credit for enhanced oil recovery and utilization the same as the tax credit for storage,” said Senator Hoeven. “Streamlining these benefits will enable more businesses to invest in these advanced technologies, boost economic growth, and help make America not only energy secure but energy dominant.”

    This legislation is supported by the Wyoming Energy Authority, Petroleum Association of Wyoming, Carbon Utilization Research Council (CURC), Domestic Energy Producers Alliance (DEPA), Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), National Rural Electric Cooperatives, CO2 Solutions Coalition, and the Compressed Gas Association.

    “At a time where energy demand is soaring, it is more important than ever to ensure that the United States relies on domestic energy sources for our security. Wyoming has long been a leader in carbon management, whether it be using CO2 as a commodity for enhanced oil recovery or paving the way with CCUS technologies. Capturing CO2 and using it to increase our domestic production, keeping energy reliable and affordable for all Americans, is a win for our nation. This bill is a crucial piece of legislation to ensure a level playing field for the growing markets that use CO2. We applaud Senator Barrasso’s continued leadership and efforts to support Wyoming’s energy industry.” – Rob Creager, Executive Director of the Wyoming Energy Authority

    “Senator Barrasso’s Enhancing Energy Recovery Act is the right approach for Wyoming’s oil and gas producers, and for national energy policy. In Wyoming, CO2 is a useful commodity, not a waste product, and so long as there is equal tax treatment for using CO2 to recover oil and gas, I’m confident Wyoming will benefit. We applaud Senator Barrasso and urge speedy passage of the Enhancing Energy Recovery Act.” – Pete Obermueller, President, Petroleum Association of Wyoming

    “The Carbon Utilization Research Council (CURC) is pleased to support Senator Barrasso’s Enhancing Energy Recovery Act. As a coalition focused on the responsible use of our nation’s fossil resources, CURC commends the Senator’s efforts to create parity under the Section 45Q carbon sequestration tax credit by giving equal treatment for CO? captured for increased energy production, utilization, and sequestration. Expanding the use of CO? for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) not only helps facilitate the development of large-scale CCS deployment across the country, but also promotes a practical, market-driven approach to lowering emissions and producing a lower CO?-intensity barrel of oil. CURC looks forward to working with Senator Barrasso to advance this legislation as well as other policies that accelerate the development and deployment of CCS solutions.” – Shannon Angielski, Executive Director, CURC

    The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) supports Senator Barrasso’s Enhancing Energy Recovery Act. Providing parity between carbon sequestration and utilization within the tax code ensures that CO2 is captured and stored in the most economically viable manner possible. The bill further incentivizes companies to continue to use direct air capture technology, fostering ongoing development and deployment of these cutting-edge emissions reduction technologies with the promise of working toward the goals of overall emissions reduction in the United States. IPAA thanks Senator Barrasso for taking a pragmatic, forward looking approach to management of carbon dioxide emissions.” – Jeff Eshelman, President & CEO, Independent Petroleum Association of America

    “We are pleased to express our strong support for Senator Barrasso’s Enhancing Energy Recovery Act, which takes a critical step forward in leveling the playing field for carbon dioxide sequestration. This balanced approach provides a powerful incentive for the oil and gas industry to continue its leadership in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) while also recognizing the role of EOR in safely managing carbon dioxide and extending the productive life of oil fields. Senator Barrasso’s vision for equitable treatment of carbon management technologies aligns with the industry’s commitment to reducing emissions, enhancing energy security, and delivering economic benefits to rural communities.” – Jerry R. Simmons, President & CEO, Domestic Energy Producers Alliance

    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    Background:

    The Enhancing Energy Recovery Act will:

    • Increase the effective value of the 45Q tax credit for captured carbon used in enhanced oil recovery and utilization to match that of sequestration.
    • Currently, the full tax credit incentive for carbon used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and utilization is $60/metric ton, while the value for sequestration is $85/metric ton. This bill sets all three values at $85/metric ton for EOR, utilization, and sequestration.
    • Additionally, the bill creates equal treatment for carbon captured through Direct Air Capture (DAC). It increases the value of DAC-captured carbon used for EOR and utilization by increasing the incentive from $130/metric ton, up to $180/metric ton, consistent with the current value of captured carbon used in sequestration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Guterres calls for full Gaza ceasefire, rejecting ‘ethnic cleansing’

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community to continue pushing for a full ceasefire and the release of all hostages in Gaza, and “to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing” in the enclave, in a speech in New York on Wednesday. 

    He was addressing the opening of the latest session of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, which met to elect a new bureau and adopt a programme of work for the year.

    The UN chief spoke in the wake of comments made by United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday night in the Oval Office, who suggested the US could “take over” the Gaza Strip, calling on Palestinians living there to leave.

    Prior to the Committee meeting, journalists asked UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric at the noon briefing in New York if the Secretary-General believed the President’s plan amounted to ethnic cleansing: “Any forced displacement of people is tantamount to ethnic cleansing,” he responded.

    Rights at risk

    Addressing Committee members, the Secretary-General stated that “at its essence, the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people is about the right of Palestinians to simply live as human beings in their own land.”

    He noted, however, that “we have seen the realization of those rights steadily slip farther out of reach” as well as “a chilling, systematic dehumanization and demonization of an entire people.”

    Death, destruction and displacement

    He stressed that “of course, nothing justifies the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7” or “what we have seen unfold in Gaza over these last many months.” 

    He pointed to “the catalogue of destruction and unspeakable horrors”, with nearly 50,000 people reportedly killed, mainly women and children, and most of the civilian infrastructure in Gaza destroyed.

    Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of the population has faced repeated displacement, hunger and disease, while children have been out of school for over a year – “a generation, left homeless and traumatized.”

    Permanent ceasefire now

    The Secretary-General welcomed the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, announced last month.  He thanked mediators Egypt, Qatar and the United States for their continued efforts to ensure implementation. 

    “Now it is time to be crystal clear about objectives going forward,” he said.  

    “First, we must keep pushing for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages without delay. We cannot go back to more death and destruction.”

    The UN is working around the clock to reach Palestinians in need and scale up support, he said, which requires humanitarian access that is rapid, safe, unimpeded, expanded, and sustained. 

    He appealed to Member States, donors, and the international community to fully fund humanitarian operations and meet urgent needs, and again urged countries to support the essential work of UNRWA, the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees.

    Avoid ‘ethnic cleansing’

    “In the search for solutions, we must not make the problem worse,” he continued. 

    “It is vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law.  It is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing.” 

    His third and final point called for reaffirming the two-State solution between Israelis and Palestinians. “Any durable peace will require tangible, irreversible and permanent progress toward the two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part,” he said. 

    He insisted that “a viable, sovereign Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel is the only sustainable solution for Middle East stability.” 

    End West Bank violence

    The Secretary-General turned to the situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, voicing grave concern over rising violence by Israeli settlers and other violations.

    “The violence must stop,” he said.  “As affirmed by the International Court of Justice, Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territory must end.” 

    He said the international community must work toward preserving the unity, contiguity, and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. 

    He said a strong and unified Palestinian governance is crucial and urged countries to support the Palestinian Authority in this regard.

    Halt ‘enemies of peace’: Committee chair

    The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People was established some 50 years ago by the UN General Assembly. It comprises 25 Member States, with 24 others serving as observers. 

    Ambassador Coly Seck of Senegal, the newly elected chair of the 2025 session, said the ceasefire was a decisive step forward in terms of providing aid and safety, including for people in Gaza to return home, but the past days have seen “worrisome statements” seeking to undermine this.

    “We need to reinvent strategies to block the way for those enemies of peace on Palestinian ground that is so dear to us,” he said, noting that “these postures indeed exacerbate the already difficult situation on the ground.”

    He added that civilians continue to be affected following attacks by the Israeli army, while the provision of aid is suffering due to the recent entry into force of two Israeli laws banning UNRWA operations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

    “Whilst firmly condemning these unilateral legal measures against the Palestinian people, I would call upon the international community to rise up against these measures, to defend this people long oppressed, which has the right, as do all peoples of the world to live in peace on the land of their ancestors,” he said.

    More to follow… 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Guilty Plea in Domestic Assault Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man pleaded guilty to assault after admitting to attacking the victim during a domestic dispute.

    According to court documents, Orlyn Vigil, 48, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, admitted that on November 16, 2021, he assaulted Jane Doe during an argument. Vigil stated that he became upset and struck Jane Doe, placed his hands around her neck, and threw her into trash cans, causing her to strike her head on the bar of the trash can holder. When Jane Doe attempted to go outside to call the police, Vigil pushed her to the ground from behind. As Jane Doe walked toward her vehicle, Vigil knocked her to the ground at a slow speed using his vehicle.

    Vigil will remain on condition of release pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Vigil faces up to 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made the announcement today.

    The Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Mia Ulibarri-Rubin and Nicholas J. Marshall are prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mehtab Syed Named Special Agent in Charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office

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

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation has named Mehtab Syed as the special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City Field Office. Ms. Syed most recently served as special agent in charge of Cyber and Counterintelligence Division in the Los Angeles Field Office.

    Ms. Syed entered on duty as an FBI special agent in August 2005. She was assigned to the New York Field Office, where she worked counterterrorism investigations and was a member of the crisis negotiation team and the rapid deployment team. 

    In 2008, Ms. Syed deployed to Islamabad, Pakistan, and served as acting assistant legal attaché. She was responsible for conducting extensive coordination between law enforcement, intelligence, and security services of multiple governments. She then returned to the New York Field Office until 2012.

    Ms. Syed was assigned to an 18-month temporary duty assignment (TDY) at the Counterterrorism Division at FBI Headquarters in 2012. She worked as the program manager for extraterritorial counterterrorism cases in the Pakistan/Afghanistan region. 

    In April 2015, Ms. Syed reported to LEGAT Amman as the assistant legal attaché. Ms. Syed returned to the New York Field Office as a supervisor for the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force (NY JTTF) in 2017. Ms. Syed was promoted to acting assistant special agent in charge of the NY JTTF’s Extraterritorial Branch in 2020.

    In November 2020, Ms. Syed was selected as the assistant special agent in charge of the cyber and counterintelligence branch of the Newark Field Office. In 2022, Ms. Syed was promoted to section chief of China Operations II Branch of the Counterintelligence Division at FBI Headquarters. In April of 2023, Ms. Syed served as special agent in charge of Cyber and Counterintelligence Division in the Los Angeles Field Office

    Prior to her career as a special agent for the FBI, Ms. Syed served at the Bureau as a contract linguist from 2004-2005. She has also worked as a financial analyst at the corporate office of Cosi, a restaurant chain with locations throughout the U.S. Ms. Syed received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Adelphi University in 2001. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Year-end AUM: $1.25 billion at December 31, 2024
    • Book Value was $42.14 per share at year-end 2024 which reflects $2.20 per share of dividends paid vs. Book Value of $42.11 per share a year ago
    • Sold 1.15 million shares of GAMCO to GAMCO for proceeds of $30.4 million
    • Ended 2024 with cash and investments of $40.78 per share
    • Returned $58.6 million, or $2.72 per share, to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2024
    • Completed shareholder-designated charitable contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations bringing the total to $42 million since our 2015 spin-off

    GREENWICH, Conn., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“AC” or the “Company”), a diversified financial services company, today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year-ended December 31, 2024.

    Financial Highlights – GAAP basis            
    ($’s in 000’s except AUM and per share data)            
                 
        Fourth Quarter     Full Year  
    (Unaudited)    2024     2023     2024     2023  
    AUM – end of period (in millions)   $ 1,248     $ 1,591     $ 1,248     $ 1,591  
    AUM – average (in millions)     1,291       1,581       1,410       1,659  
                                     
    Revenues     5,154       5,636       13,175       12,683  
    Operating loss before management fee (Non-GAAP)     (3,059 )     (2,451 )     (12,883 )     (11,501 )
    Investment and other non-operating income, net     4,372       26,672       71,488       63,812  
    Income before income taxes     1,179       21,850       52,735       46,865  
                                     
    Net income     4,280       16,342       44,328       37,451  
    Net income per share – basic and diluted   $ 0.20     $ 0.76     $ 2.08     $ 1.72  
                                     
    Class A shares outstanding (000’s)     2,234       2,587       2,234       2,587  
    Class B “ “     18,951       18,951       18,951       18,951  
    Total “ “     21,185       21,538       21,185       21,538  
    Book Value per share   $ 42.14     $ 42.11     $ 42.14     $ 42.11  
                                     

    Fourth Quarter Financial Data

    • Assets under management ended the quarter at $1.25 billion versus $1.34 billion at September 30, 2024.
    • At December 31, 2024, book value per share was $42.14 per share, reflecting the $2.20 per share of dividends paid versus $42.11 per share at December 31, 2023.

    Fourth Quarter Results

    Fourth quarter revenues were $5.2 million compared to $5.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Revenues generated by the GAMCO International SICAV – GAMCO Merger Arbitrage (the “SICAV”) were $1.0 million versus $0.8 million in the prior year period. All other revenues were $4.2 million compared to $4.8 million in the year ago quarter.

    Starting in December 2023, the Company began recognizing 100% of the merger arbitrage SICAV revenues received by Gabelli Funds, LLC (“Gabelli Funds”). In turn, AC pays the marketing expenses of the SICAV previously paid by Gabelli Funds and remits an administrative fee to Gabelli Funds for administrative services provided. This change better aligns the financial arrangements with the services rendered by each party. The net effect of this change had no material impact on our net operating results.

    Total operating expenses, excluding management fee, were $8.2 million in the fourth quarter 2024 compared to $8.1 million in the comparable 2023 period.

    Net investment and other non-operating income was $4.4 million for the fourth quarter versus $26.7 million in the year ago quarter, reflecting interest income in the current quarter offset partially by shareholder designated contribution expense.

    The fourth quarter of 2024 includes a Management fee of $0.1 million versus $2.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Our provision for income taxes was a benefit of $3.1 million for the quarter, resulting from deferred tax benefits from the sale of GAMCO shares, compared to expense of $5.6 million in the comparable period of 2023.

    Full Year Results

    Revenues for the year ended 2024 were $13.2 million compared to $12.7 million in 2023. Revenues generated by the GAMCO International SICAV – GAMCO Merger Arbitrage were $5.0 million versus $3.7 million in the prior year period. All other revenues were $8.2 million compared to $9.0 million in the year ago quarter.   

    For 2024, the operating loss before Management fee was $12.9 million compared to $11.5 million in 2023.

    The full year 2024 net investment and other non-operating income was $71.5 million versus $63.8 million, primarily due to higher dividend income from GAMCO Investors, Inc. (“GAMCO”) in 2024.

    In 2024, Management fee was $5.9 million compared to $5.4 million in 2023.

    Our income tax rate for the year was 15.8% compared to 19.5% for the prior year primarily driven by deferred tax benefits from the sale of GAMCO shares that reduced the current period’s effective tax rate.

    Assets Under Management (AUM)

    Assets under management ended the year at $1.25 billion, $343 million less than year-end 2023, reflecting net outflows of $363 million and the impact of currency fluctuations in non-US dollar denominated classes of investment funds of $29 million, offset partially by market appreciation of $49 million. In the merger arbitrage strategy, most of the outflows ($198 million) were tied to GAMCO Merger Arbitrage UCITS (a Luxembourg entity organized as an Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferrable Securities). These outflows were generally driven by our clients including wealth managers, bank platforms and insurance companies reallocating funds to other asset classes.

    AUM since spin-off:

          December 31,  
    ($ in millions)     2024     2023     2022       2021       2020       2019       2018       2017       2016     2015  
    Merger Arbitrage   $ 1,003   $ 1,312   $ 1,588     $ 1,542     $ 1,126     $ 1,525     $ 1,342     $ 1,384     $ 1,076     $ 869  
    Long/Short Value(a)     209     244     222       195       180       132       118       91       133       145  
    Other     36     35     32       44       45       59       60       66       63       66  
    Total AUM   $ 1,248   $ 1,591   $ 1,842     $ 1,781     $ 1,351     $ 1,716     $ 1,520     $ 1,541     $ 1,272     $ 1,080  

    (a) Assets under management represent the assets invested in this strategy that are attributable to AC.

    Alternative Investment Management

    The alternative investment strategy offerings center around our merger arbitrage strategy, which has an absolute return focus of generating returns independent of the broad equity and fixed income markets. We also offer strategies utilizing fundamental, active, event-driven and special situations investments.

    Merger Arbitrage

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, our longest continuously offered fund in the merger arbitrage strategy generated gross returns of 0.95% (0.57% net of fees). For the full year, gross returns were 5.83% (3.82% net of fees), adding to its historical record of positive net returns in 38 of the last 40 years. A summary of the performance is as follows:

                              Full Year                  
    Performance%(a)   4Q ’24     4Q ’23         2024     2023     2022     2021     2020     5 Year(b)     Since 1985(b)(c)  
    Merger Arb                                                                            
    Gross     0.95       3.19           5.83       5.49       4.47       10.81       9.45       7.18       9.98  
    Net     0.57       2.35           3.82       3.56       2.75       7.78       6.70       4.90       7.06  

    (a) Net performance is net of fees and expenses, unless otherwise noted. Performance shown is for an actual fund in this strategy. The performance of other funds in this strategy may vary. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

    (b) Represents annualized returns through December 31, 2024

    (c) Inception Date: February 1985

    Since its inception in 1985, our longest continuously offered fund in the merger arbitrage strategy has consistently outperformed the return on 90-day T-Bills. The summary historical performance is as follows:

    Merger Arbitrage (1)
    Percent Return (%)
    Year Gross Return Net Return 90 Day
    T-Bills
    2024 5.83 3.82 5.45
    2023 5.49 3.56 5.26
    2022 4.47 2.75 1.50
    2021 10.81 7.78 0.05
    2020 9.45 6.70 0.58
    2019 8.55 5.98 2.25
    2018 4.35 2.65 1.86
    2017 4.69 2.92 0.84
    2016 9.13 6.44 0.27
    2015 5.33 3.43 0.03
    2014 3.89 2.29 0.03
    2013 5.33 3.43 0.05
    2012 4.32 2.63 0.07
    2011 4.89 3.07 0.08
    2010 9.07 6.35 0.13
    2009 12.40 9.15 0.16
    2008 0.06 -0.94 1.80
    2007 6.39 4.26 4.74
    2006 12.39 8.96 4.76
    2005 9.40 6.63 3.00
    2004 5.49 3.69 1.24
    2003 8.90 6.26 1.07
    2002 4.56 2.45 1.70
    2001 7.11 4.56 4.09
    2000 18.10 13.57 5.96
    1999 16.61 12.31 4.74
    1998 10.10 7.21 5.06
    1997 12.69 9.21 5.25
    1996 12.14 8.84 5.25
    1995 14.06 10.27 5.75
    1994 7.90 5.53 4.24
    1993 12.29 8.91 3.09
    1992 7.05 4.78 3.62
    1991 12.00 8.76 5.75
    1990 9.43 6.67 7.92
    1989 23.00 17.55 8.63
    1988 45.84 35.66 6.76
    1987 -13.67 -14.54 5.90
    1986 33.40 26.14 6.24
    1985 30.47 22.64 7.82
           
    Average 10.34 7.31 3.32
           

    (1) The performance above refers to our longest continuously offered fund in the merger arbitrage strategy (net and gross returns). Net returns are net of management and incentive fees. Individual investment returns may differ due to timing of investment and other factors. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

    Worldwide mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) totaled $3.2 trillion in 2024, an increase of 10% compared to 2023, with strength across all major geographies. The US remained the preferred venue for dealmaking, with volume of approximately $1.4 trillion, an increase of about 5% and accounting for 45% of worldwide M&A. European deal activity increased 22% to $700 billion, and cross-border M&A totaled approximately $1.1 trillion, a 12% increase compared to 2023. Technology returned to the top sector for deals with approximately $500 billion in 2024, an increase of 32% compared to 2023 and accounting for 16% of total deals. Energy & Power accounted for 15% of deal activity ($477 billion), while Financials accounted for 14% of total volume ($453 billion), an increase of 51% compared to 2023. Private Equity firms remained acquisitive with $706 billion of announced deals, accounting for 22% of total M&A and increasing 24% compared to 2023.

    With the change at the White House and Congress we are seeing a “changing of the guard” with respect to several M&A – related regulatory appointments, some of which will have a material impact on M&A investing:  most notably, the Chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and the U.S. Attorney General who heads The Department of Justice (“DOJ”). These changes are likely to facilitate an increase in deal activity as corporate sentiment shifts to move ahead with transformational transactions for their businesses.

    The Merger Arbitrage strategy is offered by mandate and client type through partnerships and offshore corporations serving accredited as well as institutional investors. The strategy is also offered in separately managed accounts, a Luxembourg UCITS and a London Stock Exchange listed investment company, Gabelli Merger Plus+ Trust Plc (GMP-LN).  

    Acquisitions

    Associated Capital Group’s plan is to accelerate the use of its capital. We intend to leverage our research and investment capabilities by pursuing acquisitions and alliances that will broaden our product offerings and add new sources of distribution. In addition, we may make direct investments in operating businesses using a variety of techniques and structures to accomplish our objectives.

    Giving Back to Society – (Y)our “S” in ESG

    AC seeks to be a good corporate citizen by supporting our community through sponsoring local organizations. On August 7, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a $0.20 per share shareholder designated charitable contribution (“SDCC”) for registered shareholders. Based on the program created by Warren Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway, our corporate charitable giving is unique in that the recipients of AC’s charitable contributions are chosen directly by our shareholders, rather than by our corporate officers. In the first quarter of 2025, we completed the distribution of approximately $4.0 million to various organizations selected by our shareholders for our 2024 program. Since our spin-off as a public company, the shareholders of AC have donated approximately $42 million, including the most recent SDCC, to over 200 501(c)(3) organizations that address a broad range of local, national and international concerns.

    Shareholder Dividends and Buybacks

    At its meeting on November 8, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual dividend of $0.10 per share, which was paid on December 19, 2024 to shareholders of record on December 5, 2024. For the full year, the Company paid dividends of $46.8 million, or $2.20 per share.

    During the fourth quarter, AC repurchased 63,075 Class A shares, for $2.3 million, at an average price of $35.87 per share. Furthermore, for the full year AC repurchased 353,116 Class A shares, for $11.8 million, at an average price of $33.53 per share.

    The Company intends to continue to repurchase additional shares, but share repurchases may vary from time to time and will take into account macroeconomic issues, market trends, and other factors that the Company deems appropriate.

    Since our spin-off from GAMCO on November 30, 2015, AC has returned $184.2 million to shareholders through share repurchases and exchange offers, and paid dividends of $83.2 million.

    At December 31, 2024, there were 2.234 million Class A shares and 18.951 million Class B shares outstanding.

    About Associated Capital Group, Inc.

    Associated Capital Group, Inc. (NYSE:AC), based in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a diversified global financial services company that provides alternative investment management through Gabelli & Company Investment Advisers, Inc. (“GCIA”). We have also earmarked proprietary capital for our direct investment business that invests in new and existing businesses. The direct investment business is developing along several core pillars, including Gabelli Private Equity Partners, LLC (“GPEP”), formed in August 2017 with $150 million of authorized capital as a “fund-less” sponsor. We also created Gabelli Principal Strategies Group, LLC (“GPS”) in December 2015 to pursue strategic operating initiatives.

    Operating Loss Before Management Fee

    Operating loss before management fee represents a non-GAAP financial measure used by management to evaluate its business operations. We believe this measure is useful in illustrating the operating results of the Company, as management fee expense is based on pre-tax income before management fee expense, which includes non-operating items including investment gains and losses from the Company’s proprietary investment portfolio and interest expense.

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
    ($ in 000’s)   2024     2023     2024     2023  
                                     
    Operating loss – GAAP   $ (3,193 )   $ (4,822 )   $ (18,753 )   $ (16,947 )
                                     
    Add: management fee expense (1)     134       2,371       5,870       5,446  
                                     
    Operating loss before management fee – Non-GAAP   $ (3,059 )   $ (2,451 )   $ (12,883 )   $ (11,501 )

    (1) Management fee expense is incentive-based and is equal to 10% of Income before management fee and income taxes and excludes the impact of consolidating entities. For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, Income before management fee, income taxes and excluding consolidated entities was income of $1,340 and $23,710, respectively. As a result, $134 and $2,371 was accrued for the 10% management fee expense in 2024 and 2023 periods, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, Income before management fee, income taxes and excluding consolidated entities was income of $58,699 and $54,456, respectively. As a result, $5,870 and $5,446 was accrued for the 10% management fee expense in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    Table I

    ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
    (Amounts in thousands, except share data)    		  
              December 31,  
              2024     2023  
    ASSETS                        
    Cash, cash equivalents and US Treasury Bills           $ 367,850     $ 406,642  
    Investments in securities and partnerships             487,623       420,706  
    Investment in GAMCO stock             16,920       45,602  
    Receivable from brokers             27,634       30,268  
    Income taxes receivable, including deferred tax assets, net             6,021       8,474  
    Other receivables             4,778       5,587  
    Other assets             24,463       26,518  
    Total assets           $ 935,289     $ 943,797  
                             
    LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY  
                             
    Payable to brokers           $ 5,491     $ 4,459  
    Compensation payable             17,747       15,169  
    Securities sold short, not yet purchased             8,436       5,918  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities             5,317       5,173  
    Total liabilities             36,991       30,719  
                             
    Redeemable noncontrolling interests             5,592       6,103  
                             
    Total Associated Capital Group, Inc. equity             892,706       906,975  
                             
    Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity           $ 935,289     $ 943,797  
                             

    Notes:
    (1) Certain captions include amounts related to a consolidated variable interest entity (“VIE”) and voting interest entity (“VOE”). Refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 10-K report to be filed for the year ended December 31, 2024 for more details on the impact of consolidating these entities.

    (2) Investment in GAMCO stock: 699,749 and 2,386,295 shares, respectively.

    Table II

    ASSOCIATED CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

    		  
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		     Year Ended
    December 31,    		  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
                             
    Investment advisory and incentive fees   $ 5,049     $ 5,535     $ 12,755     $ 12,324  
    Other     105       101       420       359  
    Total revenues     5,154       5,636       13,175       12,683  
                                     
    Compensation     6,316       5,809       18,293       17,246  
    Other operating expenses     1,897       2,278       7,765       6,938  
    Total expenses     8,213       8,087       26,058       24,184  
                                     
    Operating loss before management fee      (3,059 )     (2,451 )     (12,883 )     (11,501 )
                                     
    Net investment gain/(loss)     (41 )      21,398       42,767       43,033  
    Dividend income from GAMCO     92       96       5,454       384  
    Interest and dividend income, net     7,384       7,591       26,779       24,412  
    Shareholder-designated contribution     (3,063 )     (2,413 )     (3,512 )     (4,017 )
    Investment and other non-operating income, net     4,372       26,672       71,488       63,812  
                                     
    Income before management fee and income taxes     1,313       24,221       58,605       52,311  
    Management fee     134       2,371       5,870       5,446  
    Income before income taxes     1,179       21,850       52,735       46,865  
    Income tax expense/(benefit)     (3,108 )      5,551       8,307       9,137  
    Income before noncontrolling interests     4,287       16,299       44,428       37,728  
    Income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests     7       (43 )     100       277  
    Net income attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.’s shareholders   $ 4,280     $ 16,342     $ 44,328     $ 37,451  
                                     
    Net income per share attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.’s shareholders:                                
    Basic   $ 0.20     $ 0.76     $ 2.08     $ 1.72  
    Diluted   $ 0.20     $ 0.76     $ 2.08     $ 1.72  
                                     
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                                
    Basic     21,222       21,576       21,347       21,771  
    Diluted     21,222       21,576       21,347       21,771  
                                     
    Actual shares outstanding – end of period     21,185       21,538       21,185       21,538  

    SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    The financial results set forth in this press release are preliminary. Our disclosure and analysis in this press release, which do not present historical information, contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements convey our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements because they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. They also appear in any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance of our products, expenses, the outcome of any legal proceedings, and financial results. Although we believe that we are basing our expectations and beliefs on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of what we currently know about our business and operations, the economy and other conditions, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from what we expect or believe. Therefore, you should proceed with caution in relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance.

    Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, some of which are listed below, that are difficult to predict and could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations or beliefs include a decline in the securities markets that adversely affect our assets under management, negative performance of our products, the failure to perform as required under our investment management agreements, and a general downturn in the economy that negatively impacts our operations. We also direct your attention to the more specific discussions of these and other risks, uncertainties and other important factors contained in our Form 10 and other public filings. Other factors that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We do not undertake to update publicly any forward-looking statements if we subsequently learn that we are unlikely to achieve our expectations whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Ian J. McAdams
    Chief Financial Officer
    (914) 921-5078
    Associated-Capital-Group.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d3637934-12dd-409f-93dd-27bbb1388a85

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Chief of Naval Operations Hosts Thailand’s Head of Navy for Counterpart Visit

    Source: United States Navy

    Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti hosted Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) for an official counterpart visit, Feb. 3-5. 

    Jirapol’s trip to Washington D.C. was part of a five-day trip to the United States, that also included stops in Annapolis, Md., and Norfolk, Va., where the delegation visited Navy commands and spoke with Navy leaders and Sailors.

    “The U.S. and Thailand have enjoyed 191 years of friendly and diplomatic relations,” said Franchetti. “Thailand’s support to our Navy-Marine Corps team builds our interoperability and strengthens peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific.”

    Jirapol began his trip visiting the U.S. Naval Academy, where he met with Superintendent Vice Adm. Yvette Davids and participated in a wreath laying ceremony.

    Franchetti hosted Jirapol for a full-honors welcoming ceremony and an office call, where she discussed the Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy, highlighting the value of strong cooperation with Allies and partners.

    During their office call, Franchetti and Jirapol discussed the importance of strengthening the RTN, building interoperability and combined participation in exercises such as Cobra Gold and CARAT Thailand (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training).  

    While in Washington D.C., Jirapol also conducted an office call with the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith, and Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet, Vice Adm. Craig Clapperton.

    “I greatly thank Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Gen. Eric Smith, and all the senior U.S. Navy officials for their honorable welcome with exceptional hospitality,” said Jirapol. “This is the first time in 13 years since RTN leadership has had an office call with the Chief of Naval Operations. During the visiting, we had in-depth exchange of view to understand each other’s strategic standpoint and to enhance common view on maritime domain awareness for future cooperation, as well as to validate our shared interests and challenges in order to narrow the gap between Bangkok and Washington D.C..”

    He added, “Our invaluable relationship has been mindfully preserved to reach 191 years. Our engagement transmits common intent to prolong and strengthen lasting friendship.”

    Jirapol and the RTN representatives traveled to Norfolk to visit with leadership from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, tour USS New Mexico (SSN 779) and Norfolk’s Submarine Learning Facility. 

    Thailand is a major non-NATO ally, one of five U.S. treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific, and a leader within the Association of Southern Asian Nations (ASEAN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Cohen Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Improve Roadway Safety and Uplift Victim Voices at DOT

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, reintroduced the DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act to create a new role designated as the “National Roadway Safety Advocate” at the Department of Transportation (DOT) who will be responsible for working directly with roadway safety crash victims, survivors, and their families. Specifically, this new role will be responsible for building relationships with victims and survivors, providing education on DOT activities, and providing the victim perspective to the Secretary of Transportation and other DOT officials throughout the process of Department decision-making. U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    After suffering from a traffic crash, victim-advocates often don’t know where to go to make their voice heard and prevent crashes like theirs from happening to others. In addition, latest projections from the National Highway and Traffic Administration (NHTSA) estimate that 40,990 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023 and millions more each year are involved in non-fatal crashes. Many of these crashes are preventable with the right policies in place to save lives.

    “In New Mexico and across the country, far too many families know the pain of losing a loved one to a traffic crash. More must be done to address traffic safety issues, and that includes having an advocate for victims at the Department of Transportation,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to partner Representative Cohen to reintroduce the DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act to make this position a reality and ensure victims have a permanent seat at the table. As a victim and survivor of a drunk driving crash myself, I understand the necessity and importance of improving roadway safety and providing victims of roadway safety crashes with the support they deserve. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill signed into law.”

    “Traffic accident victims and their families deserve an advocate in the Department of Transportation to listen to their ideas for improving roadway safety, especially after the experience of suffering from a traffic accident. The DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act will help ensure that victim-advocates have a point of contact to work with at DOT and give them a permanent and respected voice in DOT decision-making.  I’m pleased to partner with Senator Luján on this important legislation,” said Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9).

    This legislation is supported by a number of New Mexican advocates, including Eric Hein, IST Board Member; Barbara Toth, Vulnerable Road Users NM; and Linda Unruh, Bobby’s Law, NM. National supporters of this legislation include Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, National Safety Council, Truck Safety Coalition, League of American Bicyclists, Institute for Safer Trucking, Families for Safe Streets, AnnaLeah & Mary For Truck Safety, Stop Underrides – In Loving Memory of Roya, StopDistractions.org, The Kiefer Foundation, Safe Kids Worldwide. Quotes from supporters are available here.

    Senator Luján is a longtime advocate of comprehensive safety measures to save lives and keep our roadways safe. In 2021, Luján championed the HALT/RIDE Act, which was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and implements drunk and impaired driving measures to prevent drunk driving and help save thousands of lives each year. In March 2024, Luján called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to swiftly move forward with its rulemaking process to implement the HALT/RIDE Act, and to do so in a way that protects’ drivers privacy. Since the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Luján has supported a number of efforts encouraging the Department of Transportation to make positive progress to make our roadways safer, including putting an end to underride crashes and distracted driving, and completing vital rulemakings.

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Border Patrol Announce Arrest in Smuggling Case Involving Unaccompanied Juveniles

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Mexican national faces federal charges after U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested him for allegedly attempting to smuggle two undocumented juveniles through New Mexico.

    According to the complaint, on January 23, 2025, Border Patrol agents encountered Jesus Antonio Rodriguez-Bermudez, a Mexican national who had entered the United States illegally in December 2024, driving on New Mexico State Road 26, a highway that has been exploited by smugglers. After observing suspicious driving behavior, agents conducted a traffic stop. During the stop, agents discovered two unaccompanied juvenile males concealed under a blanket in the back of the vehicle. It was later determined that the two juveniles are brothers, ages 7 and 9.

    When questioned by the agents, Rodriguez-Bermudez allegedly admitted to transporting the juveniles, who were not U.S. citizens, from El Paso, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico as part of a smuggling scheme.

    Rodriguez-Bermudez will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Rodriguez-Bermudez faces up to 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement today.

    The U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Ry Ellison is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sorrento Man Indicted For Circle K Robberies In Lake And Orange Counties

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jose Flores Avila (33, Sorrento) with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Each robbery offense carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. The firearm offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years, up to life, in federal prison, which must be served after any prison term imposed for the robberies.

    According to the indictment, Avila robbed a Circle K store in Zellwood, Florida, on May 23, 2024. During the robbery, Avila brandished a firearm and took currency and cigarettes from an employee of the business. Two days later, on May 25, 2024, Avila robbed a second Circle K store in Sorrento, Florida. In that robbery, he again took currency and cigarettes from a store employee.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Violent Illegal Immigrant

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Atlanta, GA – On January 30, 2025, Marcel Pierre Grant, a citizen of Jamaica with a history of violence and illegal immigration, was captured by the United States Marshals Service in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Despite being deported, over many years, Marcel Grant has committed numerous, serious crimes.

    In 2001, Marcel Grant was charged with carrying and possessing a firearm in public. In 2002, he was arrested for armed robbery with a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, bank robbery utilizing a firearm, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and numerous other crimes. In 2003, he was charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated bank robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. In 2006, he was arrested as a deportable alien.

    More recently, in 2022, Grant was arrested for illegal re-entry of a previously removed alien. He was also detained for possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of methamphetamine. In 2023, he was again charged with possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

    Despite his long history, in 2024, Grant was released from custody. He remained in the United States. Grant was required to submit to monitoring under the authority of United States Probation. However, Grant failed to follow the guidelines of this monitoring.

    Due to Grant’s failure to comply, the U.S. Marshals became responsible for the case. On January 30, 2025, Grant was arrested without incident. The arrest unit included officers from the U.S. Marshals Service for the Northern District of Georgia and the Southeast Regional Fugitive Taskforce.

    As of today, Grant is being detained and will soon answer for his crimes.

    About Grant’s arrest, United States Marshal Thomas Brown said, “Let the message go out to all criminals, both foreign and domestic. If you do harm to the citizens of the United States, you will not be allowed a moment of peace. You will not find shelter. If you illegally come to our communities to wreak havoc, you will be caught, and you will answer for your crimes.”

    The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal agency charged with conducting fugitive investigations throughout the country. The U.S. Marshals Service regularly works in concert with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to seek out and arrest violent fugitives and sex offenders. The U.S. Marshals Service has established task forces throughout the nation, and professional relationships worldwide, to facilitate the apprehension of fugitives.

    If you have further questions about the United States Marshals, please call (703)740-1699. The U.S. Marshals for the Northern District of Georgia can be reached at (404) 331-6833.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Takes Action to Protect Conservatives, Taxpayers from Political Discrimination by Banks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to reintroduce the Fair Access to Banking Act, which protects fair access to financial services and ensures banks operate in a safe and sound manner. The legislation requires that lending and services decisions must be based on impartial, risk-based analysis, not political or reputational favoritism. 

    In recent years, prominent American banks have engaged in a discriminatory practice, referred to as debanking. Banks and financial institutions use their economic standing to categorically exclude law-abiding, legal industries by refusing to lend or provide services to them. This includes industries such as firearms, ammunition, crypto, federal prison contractors, as well as energy producers. 

    “Banks should make lending decisions based solely on economic factors – not woke political concerns,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Big banks are bowing to pressure from woke activists who oppose loans being given to businesses that don’t fall in line with the left’s agenda. No financial institution should be pressured to cut off lending to a legitimate business. Financial discrimination is un-American and unacceptable. I’m proud to support the Fair Access to Banking Act to push back against attempts to weaponize the banking sector for political reasons.”

    “When progressives failed at banning these entire industries, what they did instead is they turned to weaponizing banks as sort of a backdoor to carry out their activist goals,” said Sen. Cramer. “Financial institutions are backed by taxpayers, for crying out loud! They should be obligated to provide services in an unbiased, risk-based manner. The Fair Access to Banking Act ensures that banks provide fair access to services and enacts strict penalties for categorically discriminating against legal industries and individuals.”

    The Fair Access to Banking Act is endorsed by several organizations, including the National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Rifle Association, North Dakota Petroleum Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, The Digital Chamber, Blockchain Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Online Lenders Alliance, Day 1 Alliance, GEO Group, the Lignite Energy Council, and National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.

    Joining U.S. Senators Tuberville and Cramer in cosponsoring this bill are U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

    U.S. Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives. 

    Click here for bill text. 

    BACKGROUND:

    Specifically, this legislation penalizes banks and credit unions with over $10 billion in total consolidated assets, or their subsidiaries, if they refuse to do business with any legally compliant, credit-worthy person. It also prevents payment card networks from discriminating against any qualified person because of political or reputational considerations. The bill requires qualified banks to provide written justification for why they are denying a person financial services. Further, the Fair Access to Banking Act would penalize providers who fail to comply with the law by disqualifying institutions from using discount window lending programs, terminating status as an insured depository institution or credit union, or imposing a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. 

    The bill is based on President Trump’s Fair Access Rule, which was introduced during his first administration and required financial institutions to make individual risk assessments rather than broad decisions regarding entire industries or categories of customers. The Biden administration paused the rule’s implementation in early 2021.

    The Senators’ legislation is a response to United States banks and financial institutions increasingly using their economic standing to categorically discriminate against legal industries and conservatives. For example, Citigroup instituted a policy in 2018 to withhold project-related financing for coal plants, and in 2020, five of the country’s largest banks announced they would not provide loans or credit to support oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, despite explicit congressional authorization. Such exclusionary practices also extend to industries protected by the Second Amendment, with Capital One, among other banks, previously including “ammunitions, firearms, or firearm parts” in the prohibited payments section of its corporate policy manual, and payment services like Apple Pay and PayPal denying their services for transactions involving firearms or ammunition. First Lady Melania Trump and technology companies alike allege banks have debanked them or refused to do business. During his address to the World Economic Forum in January, President Trump highlighted big banks and their discriminatory practices of targeting conservatives.  

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

    MIL OSI USA News –