Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ruahine Forest Park: A Collaborative Path to Restoration |

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Ruahine Forest Park’s majestic beech forests and delicate understories are home to taonga species, yet these ecosystems are under pressure from browsing wild deer. But a new approach is taking root—one that brings communities, iwi, hunters and conservationists together to restore this cherished place. 

    ???

    ” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ruahine-Forest-Park.-Dean-Richards.jpg?fit=300%2C146&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ruahine-Forest-Park.-Dean-Richards.jpg?fit=580%2C282&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ruahine-Forest-Park.-Dean-Richards.jpg?resize=580%2C282&ssl=1″ alt=”” class=”wp-image-56543″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ruahine-Forest-Park.-Dean-Richards.jpg?resize=1024%2C498&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ruahine-Forest-Park.-Dean-Richards.jpg?resize=300%2C146&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ruahine-Forest-Park.-Dean-Richards.jpg?resize=768%2C373&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ruahine-Forest-Park.-Dean-Richards.jpg?resize=1536%2C747&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ruahine-Forest-Park.-Dean-Richards.jpg?resize=2048%2C996&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ruahine-Forest-Park.-Dean-Richards.jpg?resize=1200%2C583&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ruahine-Forest-Park.-Dean-Richards.jpg?w=1740&ssl=1 1740w” sizes=”(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

    📷: Ruahine Forest Park – Dean Richards

    What’s the issue?

    The issue is that our national monitoring and reporting system show introduced wild browsing animals like deer are increasing in number, contributing to a decline in common tree species and changing the make-up of forests. 

    This is threatening the habitats where many of our native species live. 

    Localised monitoring in Ruahine Forest Park indicated relatively high numbers of ungulates (primarily deer) compared to national averages. Important understory plants, which help a forest regenerate and stabilise slopes, are disappearing. 

    This is not good! 

    What we saw was that taller plants preferred by deer and goats were very rare, while plants they avoid were common. This suggests that wild deer, goats, and pigs may have affected forest composition. Previously common plants like kamahi, broadleaf, mahoe, pate and tree fuchsia are now rare in Ruahine Forest Park. 

    The Plan: Adaptive Management

    To address these very negative impacts, alongside local iwi/hapū, we are taking an adaptive management approach. 

    Basically, we’re taking a flexible, science-based approach. 

    And what this really means is trying different solutions, monitoring their effectiveness, and adjusting as we learn more, ensuring actions are guided by real-time insights. 

    Ruahine Forest Park presents unique challenges, including rugged terrain and a high risk of reinvasion by wild deer from surrounding areas. At the same time, the park is deeply valued by a wide range of users, from those who enjoy the outdoors and nature, to community restoration & conservation groups, adjoining landowners, recreational and commercial hunters. 

    Hunting for kai/food and sport have a long history here – common since red deer were first established in the park, with around 5,000-6,000 hunters visiting the Park annually. 

    So, the health of Ruahine Forest Park is our shared responsibility. 

    What we’re aiming to do is to enhance the effectiveness of deer removal efforts, to reduce the browsing impact of wild deer. To achieve this, together with our Treaty Partners we will focus on better aligning our work, the aspirations of iwi, wild animal recovery operations, recreational hunting, and work of other stakeholders. 

    Trevor Gratton, the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association’s Lower North Island Board Rep & Hutt Valley Branch President says, “As hunters, we value the opportunity to hunt in Ruahine Forest Park, but we also understand the need to manage deer numbers to protect the forest. A healthy forest ensures a sustainable habitat for all wildlife and preserves this special place for future generations.” 

    The adaptive management approach seeks to find solutions that addresses the conservation and management challenges of the park and maintains cultural and recreational values. 

    📷: Iwi visit to Ruahine Forest Park to discuss deer impacts. – DOC

    Te Ao Māori: A Deep Connection to the Land

    According to Māori kōrero tuku iho – stories passed from generation to generation – the range is part of the spine of the ika/fish Māui hauled up, known as Te Ika-a-Māui/the North Island. The Park holds significant value to tangata whenua, with deep connections through pā punanga/refuges, mahinga kai/food-gathering sites, the whakapapa/genealogy to the land that comes with place names, stories and wāhi tapu/sacred places. Kaitiakitanga/guardianship of the ngāhere/forest and the taonga/treasured flora and fauna is central to the role of tangata whenua. 

    Why Now?

    When we assumed responsibility for the park in 1987, deer numbers were relatively low due to active commercial aerial hunting through the 1970’s to 1980’s.  Since then, deer control has relied largely on recreational and commercial hunting, which has been declining over time. Thanks to additional funding, we are now expanding efforts to reduce deer numbers and monitor the effects on the forest. This builds on successful goat control programs and complements predator control projects happening in the park. 

    Pittosporum turneri from the Ruahine Corner Area -May 2018

    ” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Turners-kohuhu-Behrens-Anthony.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Turners-kohuhu-Behrens-Anthony.jpg?fit=580%2C870&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Turners-kohuhu-Behrens-Anthony.jpg?resize=580%2C870&ssl=1″ alt=”” class=”wp-image-56546 c2″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Turners-kohuhu-Behrens-Anthony.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Turners-kohuhu-Behrens-Anthony.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Turners-kohuhu-Behrens-Anthony.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Turners-kohuhu-Behrens-Anthony.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Turners-kohuhu-Behrens-Anthony.jpg?resize=1365%2C2048&ssl=1 1365w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Turners-kohuhu-Behrens-Anthony.jpg?resize=1200%2C1800&ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Turners-kohuhu-Behrens-Anthony.jpg?w=1740&ssl=1 1740w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px”/>

    📷: Turner’s kohuhu – Behrens, Anthony

    What’s Next?

    Together with local iwi/hapū we are drafting a deer management plan and getting advice from a newly established Community Deer Advisory Group.  

    Trial actions are taking place this autumn, and findings will help inform our longer-term management approach: 

    • NZ Deerstalkers Association hunt: We worked with the Lower Hutt Branch to make it easier for hunters to fly by helicopter into the Western/Central area of Ruahine Forest Park. The hunt took place on 14-17 March 2025. Around 80 deer were removed. Hunters targeted hinds and the branch will provide DOC with track logs and kill way points, and hunter observations. This will help us assess the effectiveness of the hunt. 
    • DOC aerial management: In May and June, we will carry out aerial control in the remote and hard to access North-West deer Management Unit (MU) – an area of 12,056 hectares. This work also complements possum and rat control being carried out in the Northern Ruahine’s high priority ecosystem unit, an area which contains a rich and diverse range of habitats and species. Where practical and within budget limitations, we will work with community to harvest meat from this operation.  
    • Industry/WARO incentivisation: We have contracted the commercial venison industry to harvest 300 deer, operating under normal WARO permit conditions. Lower weight deer harvest is being incentivised. The work will start May 2025 and finish when the harvest target is met. 

    All three actions combined, make a start in addressing Ruahine deer impacts. We’ll continue working with the community to assess the effectiveness of each action and refine the deer management approach. 

    Stay tuned for updates on this exciting collaboration. In the meantime, explore the beautiful Ruahine Forest Park this summer and consider getting involved in community conservation projects. 

    Ruahine Forest Park’s future depends on all of us. Together, with adaptive deer management and a commitment to te taiao/the environment, we can ensure this precious ecosystem thrives for generations to come. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI China: Bulgarian saffron, Croatian tuna granted Chinese market access

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NINGBO, May 22 — Bulgarian saffron and Croatian tuna were granted Chinese market access on Thursday, adding to the list of imported agricultural and food products from Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) for Chinese consumers.

    Import access was approved for these products during the fourth China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair, which opened on Thursday in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province.

    According to data released by China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) on the same day, a total of 126 types of agricultural and food products from CEECs have been granted access to China.

    China has streamlined its approval processes and enhanced its customs clearance efficiency in recent years, allowing CEEC delicacies such as Polish amber beer and Latvian canned fish to enter the Chinese market more easily.

    Against the backdrop of a complex international landscape, China-CEEC cooperation is providing greater certainty and vitality to the world economy, according to GAC deputy chief Zhao Zenglian.

    China’s expansion of agricultural imports has bolstered bilateral trade. Customs data shows that China-CEEC trade totaled 142.27 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 — up 6.3 percent year on year and outpacing China’s overall import-export growth by 2.5 percentage points.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Western China trade fair inks deals worth over 200 billion yuan

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    CHONGQING, May 22 — The 7th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade kicked off in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality on Thursday, with on-site project agreements exceeding 200 billion yuan (about 27.8 billion U.S. dollars).

    The event invited Thailand as the guest country of honor, Sichuan Province as the permanent guest province, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as a newly added guest city.

    The fair attracted over 1,300 enterprises from 39 countries and regions, including 56 central state-owned enterprises, 47 Fortune Global 500 companies, 93 multinational corporations, and 286 leading private firms.

    According to the organizing committee, manufacturing and modern service industries accounted for over 75 percent of the total contracted projects, spanning sectors such as aerospace, advanced materials, energy, and smart equipment.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, Dutch FMs hold talks, reach six-point consensus

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Caspar Veldkamp in Beijing, capital of China, May 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Caspar Veldkamp in Beijing on Thursday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to enhance communication with the Netherlands, deepen practical cooperation and strengthen multilateral collaboration, thereby making new contributions to the development of China-EU relations, the recovery of the world economy and the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

    Wang said China has introduced a number of new opening-up measures and welcomes the Netherlands to seize opportunities. He expressed the hope that the Dutch side will provide a just, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.

    Veldkamp said the Dutch side adheres to the one-China policy, and is willing to work with China to enhance high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation and uphold multilateralism.

    He said the relationship between Europe and China is of vital importance, and the Netherlands is willing to make active efforts to enhance EU-China relations.

    Following a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views, the two sides reached six points of consensus.

    Both sides agreed to maintain close exchanges and deepen practical cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, science and technology, agriculture and water conservancy.

    They agreed to maintain close communication concerning cooperation in multiple fields, including semiconductor technology, via existing channels.

    They reaffirmed support for multilateralism, pledged to adhere to free trade and the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and promised to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as climate adaptation and green transformation.

    Both sides reaffirmed the goal of jointly promoting the realization of equal rights for all, especially women and girls, which requires significant actions on a global scale.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-Evening Report: How should central banks respond to US tariffs? The RBA provides some clues

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stella Huangfu, Associate professor, University of Sydney

    Lightspring/Shutterstock

    With the return of Donald Trump to the White House, the United States has signalled a return to aggressive tariff policies, upending economic forecasts around the world.

    This leaves central banks with a tricky dilemma: how to respond when inflation and global growth are being shaped by political decisions rather than economic fundamentals?

    Tariffs lift import prices and disrupt trade, which could lead to higher inflation. But they can also dampen consumer demand and undermine business confidence, which would slow economic growth.

    This leaves central banks balancing two opposing forces – do they raise interest rates to control inflation, or cut interest rates to support growth?

    Three big shocks in a row

    This week, Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock addressed this challenge in a press conference after cutting interest rates for the second time this year.

    She described the current period as one of “shifting and unusual uncertainty”.

    Central banks, she noted, have faced three major shocks in succession: the global financial crisis, the COVID pandemic, and now the fallout from Trump’s trade policies.

    Each, she said, is different – this latest one being political in nature and harder to categorise. Bullock stressed the difficulty of judging whether such shocks are supply-driven or demand-driven, or both, and emphasised the need to prepare for a range of outcomes.

    So, the Reserve Bank took the unusual step of outlining three alternative global scenarios – trade war, trade peace, and a central baseline. Each one has distinct implications for Australian monetary policy.

    It’s a clear example of how central banks can remain flexible and forward-looking in a world where the next shock may look nothing like the last.

    Looking at three global scenarios

    1. Trade war (escalation)

    In this scenario laid out in the Reserve Bank’s quarterly statement on monetary policy, the US imposes sweeping new tariffs. That prompts retaliation and a slowdown in global trade. Supply chains are hit and business confidence falls.

    Australia would feel the consequences quickly: weaker export demand, rising import prices, and a difficult mix of slower growth and temporary inflation. Here, the Reserve Bank would likely look past short-term price increases and focus on deteriorating demand. A rate cut would become more likely, despite inflation being above target in the short run.

    2. Trade peace (de-escalation)

    If the US backs away from new tariffs and tensions ease, global confidence improves and trade stabilises. Australia benefits from stronger global demand, a rebound in commodity exports and rising investment.

    In this setting, inflation rises gradually due to higher activity – not import price shocks. The Reserve Bank might hold rates steady, or even consider hiking rates if inflation pressures build. But this scenario also carries risk: if the recovery is faster than expected, interest rates may be left low for too long.

    3. Baseline scenario

    In the bank’s central case, trade tensions persist but do not escalate. Global growth slows moderately and firms adjust to ongoing strain in supply chains.

    Australia sees subdued but stable economic growth. Inflation remains within the 2-3% target band in the near term, and the Reserve Bank would stay open to either raising or lowering interest rates, depending on how risks evolve.

    Other central banks face similar choices

    Australia’s central bank is not alone in navigating these challenges.

    At the Bank of England, the decision to cut rates in May showed a divided Monetary Policy Committee. While the majority supported a 0.25% cut, two members – including trade expert Swati Dhingra – called for a larger 0.5% move to better support growth. The split highlights the difficulty of gauging how aggressively to respond in an uncertain environment.

    In the US, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has warned of the risks posed by Trump’s new tariffs. Speaking in April, Powell said the impact could be “larger than expected”, threatening both growth and inflation.

    With trade policy largely out of the Fed’s hands, he noted, the central bank must still monitor developments on tariffs closely because of their potential to disrupt both employment and prices.

    The road ahead

    The re-emergence of US tariffs adds to the complexity facing central banks. As Bullock noted, this is not just another economic shock – it’s a politically driven one, which is harder to model and forecast.

    The Reserve Bank’s response offers a practical framework: map out potential scenarios, weigh their implications and stand ready to move. In an uncertain world, monetary policy must be based not just on data, but on judgement, flexibility and contingency planning.




    Read more:
    What are tariffs?


    Stella Huangfu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. How should central banks respond to US tariffs? The RBA provides some clues – https://theconversation.com/how-should-central-banks-respond-to-us-tariffs-the-rba-provides-some-clues-257329

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gazettal of amendments to subsidiary legislation relating to intellectual property registration and litigation matters

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government today (May 23) gazetted the Rules of the High Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2025, the Patents (General) (Amendment) Rules 2025, the Registered Designs (Amendment) Rules 2025 and the Trade Marks (Amendment) Rules 2025 to streamline the intellectual property (IP) litigation processes in the High Court and the proceedings before the statutory registries of the Intellectual Property Department (IPD).
     
         The three statutory registries of the IPD are responsible for registration matters of patents, registered designs and trade marks. The proceedings before and the operation of the registries are governed by the relevant IP subsidiary legislation. The amendments to the subsidiary legislation introduce provisions on the reference of proceedings to the court for determination, and enhance other proceedings before the registries and their operational arrangements.
     
         In addition, the Rules of the High Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2025 repeal the existing Orders 100 and 103 of the Rules of the High Court, substitute new Orders 100 and 103 and introduce a new Order 122. The new Orders respectively govern trade marks, patents and registered designs litigation processes in the Court of First Instance of the High Court, enabling more effective management and handling of cases by the High Court.
     
         “Establishing legal rights in IP through registration and enforcing such rights through litigation in court are essential elements of the IP system. The legislative amendments will further enhance Hong Kong’s IP legal framework, aligning with the national strategies of building an IP powerhouse and developing new quality productive forces. The legislative exercise is also one of the policy measures under the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a regional IP trading centre,” a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said.
     
         The above amendments to the subsidiary legislation will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 28 for negative vetting. Subject to the completion of the necessary legislative process, they will come into effect on October 1 this year.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Dutch Foreign Ministers Reach Six-Point Consensus During Beijing Talks

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his visiting Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp on Thursday.

    During the talks, Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, said China is willing to step up communication and dialogue with the Netherlands, deepen practical cooperation and strengthen cooperation in multilateral formats, thereby making new contributions to the development of China-EU relations, global economic recovery and the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

    China has introduced a series of new opening-up measures and welcomes the Netherlands to seize the opportunities, Wang said, also expressing hope that the Netherlands will provide a fair, honest and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.

    K. Veldkamp, in turn, stated that the Dutch side adheres to the one-China policy and is ready to work with China to further strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation and maintain commitment to multilateralism.

    According to him, relations between Europe and China are of vital importance and the Netherlands is ready to make active efforts to strengthen EU-China relations.

    Following the negotiations, the parties reached a six-point consensus.

    Mutual readiness was expressed to maintain close exchanges and deepen practical cooperation in the trade, economic, scientific, technical, agricultural and water management fields.

    The parties agreed to maintain close communication on cooperation in various areas, including semiconductor technologies, through existing channels.

    Both sides reaffirmed their support for multilateralism, pledging to uphold the principles of free trade and the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, and strengthening exchanges and cooperation in areas such as climate change adaptation and green transformation.

    The parties also agreed that serious global action is required to ensure equal rights for all, especially women and girls, and expressed their commitment to work together to achieve this goal. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Eastern European Organized Crime Leaders Convicted of Murder for Hire Targeting U.S.-Based Journalist on Behalf of Iranian Government

    Source: US FBI

    Iranian Government Hired Polad Omarov and Rafat Amirov to Kill Masih Alinejad in Exchange for $500,000

    A federal jury returned guilty verdicts yesterday on all five counts in the superseding indictment against Rafat Amirov, also known as Farkhaddin Mirzoev, Pᴎᴍ, and Rome, 46, of Iran; and Polad Omarov, also known as Araz Aliyev, Polad Qaqa, and Haci Qaqa, 40, of Georgia. The defendants were convicted of murder-for-hire and attempted murder in aid of racketeering charges, in a trial before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon. Amirov and Omarov are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 17.

    “The Iranian regime’s brazen plot to silence and murder Americans will not be tolerated,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This verdict underscores the Department’s commitment to finding and holding accountable those who threaten our citizens and our freedoms. With the great work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, we are now one step closer to justice.”

    “For years, the Government of Iran has attempted to silence an outspoken Iranian journalist, author, activist and critic of their regime through any means necessary, including harassment, violence, intimidation, and even attempted murder,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky for the Southern District of New York. “Chillingly, the plot to murder this Iranian dissident culminated over 6,000 miles from Iran, on U.S. soil, right here in New York, when a hitman with an AK-47 camped outside her home to kill her. I commend the career prosecutors of this office, and our law enforcement partners at the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division for their tireless work in bringing these defendants to justice. This verdict should send a clear message around the world: if you target U.S. citizens, we will find you, no matter where you are, and bring you to justice.”

    “The defendants participated in a brazen plot to kill an Iranian American dissident in New York who criticized the regime in Iran,” said Acting Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “Thanks to the good work of the FBI and our partners their plan failed. This verdict demonstrates the FBI will not tolerate Iran’s attempts to threaten, silence, or harm American citizens.”

    According to court documents, Amirov and Omarov were high-ranking members of an Eastern European organized crime group (the Organization) who worked with other members of the Organization to attempt to kill Masih Alinejad on instructions from high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Alinejad has previously been the target of plots by the Government of Iran to intimidate, harass, and kidnap her for her work as a journalist, author, and human rights activist who has publicized the Government of Iran’s human rights abuses around the world. As recently as 2020 and 2021, Iranian intelligence officials and assets plotted to kidnap Alinejad from within the U.S. for rendition to Iran in an effort to silence her criticism of the Iranian regime.

    After these brazen efforts to kidnap Alinejad from the U.S. failed, the IRGC turned to Amirov and Omarov to locate, surveil, and murder her. Beginning in approximately July 2022, Amirov sent targeting information—which he had received directly from IRGC officials in Iran—about Alinejad to Omarov. In turn, Omarov communicated this information to Khalid Mehdiyev, another member of the Organization who had been residing in Yonkers, New York, so that Mehdiyev could surveil Alinejad and murder her. In turn, Mehdiyev sent photographs and videos of Alinejad’s residence to Omarov, who shared these materials with Amirov and the IRGC officials who orchestrated the plot in Iran. Amirov and Omarov then arranged for a $30,000 cash payment to Mehdiyev, who used a portion of this payment to buy an AK-47 style assault rifle, two magazines, and at least 66 rounds of ammunition; as Mehdiyev boasted in electronic communications, a “war machine” he could use to kill Alinejad.

    In late July 2022, Mehdiyev repeatedly traveled to Alinejad’s neighborhood to surveil her. Mehdiyev sent reports of his surveillance to Omarov, who passed them to Amirov. On July 24, 2022, Mehdiyev reported to Omarov from Alinejad’s residence that he was “at the crime scene.” On July 27, 2022, Omarov told Amirov that Mehdiyev was ready to kill Alinejad, writing “this matter will be over today. I told them to make a birthday present for me. I pressured them, they will sleep there this night.”  On July 28, 2022, Mehdiyev sent Omarov a video taken from inside the car that Mehdiyev was driving with the assault rifle and a message reading “we are ready.” Amirov sent an image of the interior of Alinejad’s home to Omarov to be forwarded to Mehdiyev, writing “this is the house where she stays.”  As Omarov continued to update Amirov about Mehdiyev’s readiness, Amirov cautioned Omarov “let him keep the car clean.”  When Mehdiyev subsequently drove from where he was surveilling the residence, he was stopped after a traffic violation and, during a subsequent search of the vehicle, police officers found the assault rifle, 66 rounds of ammunition, approximately $1,100 in cash, and a black ski mask.

    After Mehdiyev was arrested and placed into custody, Omarov contacted Mehdiyev’s mother and threatened to kill her and her other son if she did not locate Mehdiyev.

    Amirov and Omarov were convicted on five counts: murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison (Count One); conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison (Count Two); conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison (Count Three); attempted murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison (Count Four); and possession and use of a firearm in connection with the attempted murder, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison (Count Five).

    The FBI New York Field Office Counterintelligence-Cyber Division and the New York FBI Iran Threat Task Force are investigating the case, with assistance from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the NYPD Intelligence Bureau. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance. The Justice Department thanked the authorities in the Czech Republic for their assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Lockard, Jacob H. Gutwillig, and Matthew J.C. Hellman for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal specialist Owen Foley and Trial Attorneys Christopher Rigali and Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Private Investigator Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Acting as an Illegal Agent of the People’s Republic of China

    Source: US FBI

    Michael McMahon, a Former New York City Police Department Sergeant, Was Convicted at Trial for Participating in a Scheme to Stalk and Coerce a U.S. Resident to Return to the PRC as Part of the PRC’s “Operation Fox Hunt”

    Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Michael McMahon was sentenced by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to 18 months in prison for acting as an illegal agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as well as for interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit such acts in connection with his participation in a scheme to coerce a U.S. resident to return to the PRC as part of its international repatriation effort known as “Operation Fox Hunt.”  McMahon and co-defendants Zhu Yong and Congying Zheng were convicted by a federal jury in June 2023 following a three-week trial.  As part of his sentence, McMahon was also ordered to pay a fine of $11,000.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Terence G. Reilly, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Field Office (FBI); and Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York) announced the sentences. 

    “McMahon, a former law enforcement officer who swore an oath to protect the public, went rogue and dishonorably engaged in a scheme at the direction of the People’s Republic of China, terrorized victims living in the New York metropolitan area, and shattered their sense of safety and security,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “Thanks to the efforts of law enforcement, the defendants’ plan to coerce the victims to return to China failed, and the defendants have instead been brought to justice for their role in China’s insidious Operation Fox Hunt.  My Office remains unwavering in its commitment to exposing and undermining efforts by foreign governments to perpetrate transnational repression schemes that threaten our national security interests and harm individuals living in the United States.” 

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and the FBI’s New York Field Office for their work on the case. 

    “Most private investigators operate within the bounds of the law and ethical conduct. McMahon knew exactly what he was doing—and at trial, we proved his knowing and willing participation in this scheme,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Reilly.  “His client, the People’s Republic of China, has invested years and millions of dollars trying to silence dissent beyond its borders. When those efforts cross into our country, they threaten our national security.  The PRC needs to understand: we will not tolerate it.”

    “This defendant allowed himself to become a partner in the PRC’s cruel harassment and intimidation campaign,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Alfonso.  “HSI, together with our federal counterparts, will continue to outfox our adversaries’ attempts to circumvent U.S. regulations, undermine national security, and target the American public.”

    As proven at trial, between approximately 2016 and 2019, McMahon and his co-conspirators participated in an international campaign to threaten, harass, surveil, and intimidate John Doe #1 and his family in order to force him and his wife, Jane Doe #1, to return to the PRC to face purported corruption charges.  Beginning in 2012, John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1 had been targeted for repatriation as part of the PRC’s transnational repression programs known as “Operation Fox Hunt” and “Operation Sky Net.”  John Doe #1 and his family had accordingly sought to keep their address out of public records.

    Yong hired McMahon, a retired NYPD sergeant working as a private investigator, to locate John Doe #1.  McMahon obtained sensitive information about John Doe #1, which he then reported back to Zhu and others, including a PRC police officer.  McMahon also conducted surveillance outside the New Jersey home of John Doe #1’s relative and provided Zhu and PRC officials with detailed reports of what he observed.  The operation was supervised and directed by several PRC officials, including a PRC police officer and a PRC prosecutor.

    As proven at trial, McMahon knew the operation was intended not only to locate John Doe #1, but to coerce him to return to the PRC by exerting pressure on his family members.  In April 2017, PRC officials threatened to jail John Doe #1’s sister, who lived in the PRC, in order to coerce John Doe #1’s then-82-year-old father to travel from the PRC to their relative’s home in New Jersey.  John Doe #1’s father, who had recently suffered a brain hemorrhage, was so frail that a doctor accompanied him for the trip.  McMahon followed John Doe #1’s father from the relative’s New Jersey home, and, by doing so, was able to learn John Doe #1’s address. McMahon immediately provided this information to a PRC operative. 

    On September 4, 2018, Zheng and another co-conspirator drove to the New Jersey residence of John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1 – at the address that McMahon had provided – where they pounded on the front door, attempted to enter the house, and then peered through the windows in the back of the home.  They left a note on the front door informing John Doe #1 that his “wife and children will be okay” if John Doe #1 surrendered himself to face a ten-year prison term in the PRC.

    McMahon knew that the subjects of his investigation were wanted by the PRC government, a fact that he texted about with another investigator he hired to help him.  Following his arrest, McMahon acknowledged knowing that his employers wanted to get the victim back to China “so they could prosecute him.”  After providing the victims’ address, McMahon told his surveillance partner that he was “waiting for a call” to find out what to do next.  McMahon’s partner responded, “Yeah.  From NJ State Police about an abduction,” to which McMahon responded “Lol.”  McMahon later suggested to a PRC co-conspirator that they “harass” John Doe #1 by “[p]ark[ing] outside his home and let[ting] him know we are there.”  McMahon took other investigative steps designed to harass the victims, such as researching their daughter’s university residence and college major.

    McMahon was paid more than $19,000 in total for his role in the illegal repatriation scheme.  In an apparent attempt to conceal the source of payments from his PRC clients, McMahon deposited those payments into his son’s bank account, the only time he had done so with client payments.

    Previously, in January 2025, Zhu and Zheng were sentenced respectively to 24 months’ and 16 months’ imprisonment.  Three additional co-defendants pleaded guilty in connection with their roles in the PRC-directed harassment and intimidation campaign.  They are awaiting sentencing.  Five co-defendants in the indictment, Hu Ji, Li Minjun, Tu Lan, Zhu Feng, and Zhai Yongqiang are fugitives.

    The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States.  If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith A. Arfa and Irisa Chen are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Christine A. Bonomo and Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.  Paralegal Specialist Rebecca Roth also has provided valuable assistance.

    The Defendants:

    MICHAEL MCMAHON
    Age: 57
    Mahwah, New Jersey

    ZHU YONG
    Age: 68
    East Elmhurst, New York

    CONGYING ZHENG
    Age: 29
    Brooklyn, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-265 (S-1) (PKC)

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Siblings of Fraud; Defendants Made Tens of Millions of Dollars from Lying to Manufacturers in Years-Long Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    SAN DIEGO – Adriana Camberos (formerly Adriana Shayota) and Andres Camberos, sister and brother, were convicted by a federal jury of multiple fraud charges on October 25, 2024.

    Their illegal scheme involved lying to manufacturers to sell wholesale groceries and other goods at steep discounts by promising the goods would be sold in Mexico, or to prisons or rehabilitation facilities. Instead, the defendants sold the products at higher prices to U.S. distributors, for the U.S. market. Wire fraud charges arose from the numerous wire transfers, as well as other interstate communications, the defendants made as they bought products from the manufacturers, transferred money among their own companies to facilitate the scheme, and then re-sold the products at higher prices to U.S. customers.

    Following an 11-day trial, the jury found the defendants guilty of eight of 11 counts that went to the jury. Adriana and Andres Camberos were both found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and seven wire fraud counts, and not guilty of three mail fraud counts.

    According to evidence presented at trial, the defendants owned and controlled three businesses: Tradeway International, Inc., doing business as Baja Exporting (owned by Adriana Camberos); Specialty Foods International, Inc., doing business as Promix Co., Prison Food Depot, Rehab Food Depot and Specialty Foods International (owned by Andres Camberos); and Baja Foodservice S.R.L. de C.V. (95% owned by Andres Camberos and managed by Adriana Camberos). Specialty Foods International and Baja Exporting shared a warehouse and office space in San Diego. Baja Foodservice had a warehouse in Tijuana. All three operated together, as sister companies.

    Baja Exporting claimed to be an exporter of grocery items and consumer goods to Baja California, Mexico. Similarly, Specialty Foods International, claimed to be a regional distributor of groceries and other goods to retailers in Baja California, Mexico, and to correctional facilities and rehabilitation and wellness facilities within the United States. Baja Foodservice likewise claimed to be a regional distributor in Baja California, Mexico.

    The defendants used the three companies—especially Baja Foodservice—to tell manufacturers that they would sell the manufacturers’ products in Mexico, and based on that, they received significant discounts for purported sales, distribution, and exporting to the Baja California market. The defendants also sought discounted goods for Specialty Foods International, d/b/a Prison Food Depot and Rehab Food Depot, based on the claim that they sold products to prisons and rehab facilities.

    But the defendants lied. In a years-long scheme, they used their three companies to get those lower prices from manufacturers and resell the products at higher prices to U.S. customers—often the same distributors the victim companies were already selling their products to. Between 2019 and September 2023 alone, Baja Exporting and Specialty Foods International sold hundreds of millions of dollars of products to U.S. distributors; less than a tenth of one percent of their sales were to any Mexican retailer or distributor, and they did no business with prisons or rehab centers.

    The defendants took other numerous steps to conceal and perpetuate their fraud. For example, the defendants removed GPS tracking devices from manufacturers’ shipments; removed Spanish-language labels or packaging intended for the Mexican market; obtained Mexican customs documents to try to prove to manufacturers that products were being exported; arranged “market visits” in Tijuana, taking manufacturers’ representatives to various stores in Baja California where they placed the manufacturers’ products—often alongside models who were hired by the defendants’ companies and associates—to create the appearance the products were being sold as promised; had a fake “office” in Mexico City to meet with manufacturers, in an effort to make the companies think the defendants did substantial business in Mexico; and otherwise doubled down on their lies when the victim companies suspected the defendants were diverting their products  and defrauding them.

    Baja Exporting and Specialty Foods International made over $58 million in gross profits between January 2019 and September 2023. As owners, the defendants made millions each. In the same time period, Adriana Camberos took in over $12 million from Baja Exporting, and Andres Camberos paid himself over $14 million from Specialty Foods International. This caused manufacturers to lose tens of millions of dollars—money they would have made in the normal course of selling to U.S. distributors, but for the defendants’ lies.

    With the money they made from the scheme, Adriana and Andres Camberos made extensive luxury purchases and investments. They bought or financed a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, a Lamborghini Huracan, and multiple Range Rovers; purchased multiple homes in the San Diego area; purchased a condominium at the beach in Coronado; and put the money in multiple investment accounts, life insurance policies, a cryptocurrency account, and other assets. These and other items are subject to forfeiture.

    “These defendants’ deception led to millions in illegal profits, but the gain was fleeting,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “When this elaborate scheme unraveled, justice prevailed.”

    “The Camberos siblings built a multimillion-dollar empire solely on fraud,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “This conviction should send a clear message that fraud — no matter the scale — will be thoroughly investigated and those found guilty of perpetrating such schemes will be brought to justice.”

    The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Mellor, Peter Horn and Jordan Arakawa.

    DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 23-CR-1916-BAS                            

    Adriana Isabel Camberos (aka Adriana Shayota)      Age: 54                       San Diego, CA

    Andres Enrique Camberos                                          Age: 45                       San Diego, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1349

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison

    Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343

    Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Iran Sanctions

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Ray Hunt, also known as Abdolrahman Hantoosh, Rahman Hantoosh and Rahman Natooshas, 70, of Owens Cross Roads, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to export U.S.-origin goods to the Islamic Republic of Iran in violation of trade sanctions.

    According to court documents, in May 2014, Hunt registered Vega Tools, LLC with the Alabama Secretary of State, listing the nature of the business as “the purchase/resale of equipment for the energy sector.” He operated Vega Tools, including purchasing, receiving, and shipping U.S.-origin goods, from locations in Madison County, Alabama. Beginning at least as early as 2015, Hunt conspired with two Iranian companies located in Tehran, Iran, to illegally export U.S.-manufactured industrial equipment for use in Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

    Hunt engaged in a series of deceptive practices to avoid detection by U.S. authorities, including using third-party transshipment companies in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and routing payments through UAE banks, as well as lying to shipping companies about the value of his exports to prevent the filing of Electronic Export Information to U.S. authorities. Hunt lied to suppliers and shippers by claiming the items he purchased on behalf of the Iranian co-conspirators were destined for end-users in Turkey and UAE, while knowing the exports were ultimately destined for Iran. Hunt lied also to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers regarding the nature and existence of his business when questioned upon his return from a March 2020 trip to Iran.   

    Hunt pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security is investigating the case with valuable assistance provided by the FBI. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan “Jack” Harrington, Jonathan Cross, and Henry Cornelius and Trial Attorneys Emma Ellenrieder and Adam Barry of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: CEO of CardReady LLC Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for $19 Million Credit Card Laundering Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    Defendant Created Phony Merchant Accounts to Obtain Credit Card Processing for Fraudulent Telemarketing Scheme

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that BRANDON BECKER, the former CEO of CardReady, LLC (“CardReady”), was sentenced today to seven years in prison for operating a credit card laundering scheme in which BECKER and his co-conspirators stole over $19 million based on false promises that they could reduce thousands of customers’ debt burdens. As part of this scheme, BECKER and his co-conspirators created dozens of sham merchant accounts and false merchant applications, defrauding a credit card processing company and federally insured bank into processing victim payments. BECKER previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, who also imposed today’s sentence.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Over a two-year period, Brandon Becker and his co-conspirators preyed on nearly 20,000 victims who were trying to reduce their debt burdens. Becker tasked co-conspirators at CardReady to recruit straw owners for shell companies, and deceived credit card payment processors into fraudulently processing more than $19 million in stolen funds. With today’s sentence, Becker faces the consequences of this massive fraud, sending the clear message that corporate executives who facilitate fraud will be held accountable for their crimes.”

    According to the Superseding Indictment, court filings, and statements made in Court:

    BECKER was the CEO of CardReady, a Los-Angeles based company acting as a sales agent in the credit card processing industry.  As part of its business as a sales agent, CardReady found merchants who wanted credit card processing services, and submitted merchant applications on behalf of those merchants to an Independent Sales Organization (“ISO”), referred to in the Indictment as the “New York ISO.”  The New York ISO then evaluated the merchant applications, and referred acceptable merchant accounts for processing up the chain to Payment Processor-1 and to Bank-1.  Bank-1 and Payment Processor-1, in turn, processed payments to merchants for purchases by customers who had used credit cards.

    In or about 2012, BECKER negotiated a deal with co-defendant STEVEN SHORT, the former head of Florida-based E.M. Systems & Services LLC and affiliated companies (collectively, “E.M. Systems”).  Under this deal, CardReady would retain approximately one-third of E.M. Systems’ credit card sale transactions in exchange for providing E.M. Systems access to the credit card processing network.  For roughly the next two years, SHORT and telemarketers working in boiler rooms for E.M. Systems cold-called customers and offered services, including debt consolidation and interest-rate reduction, which were prohibited by the applicable guidelines from Bank-1 and other associated processing entities (the “Guidelines”), and which – as BECKER knew – would produce chargebacks from dissatisfied customers far in excess of the number and rate of chargebacks permitted under the Guidelines.

    In securing payment card processing for E.M. Systems, BECKER concealed that E.M. Systems was the true underlying merchant.  Instead, BECKER and his subordinates and co-conspirators, created approximately 26 sham merchant companies, each headed by a “signer” (the “Sham Merchants” and the “Sham Merchant Accounts”).  The 26 signers for the 26 Sham Merchants typically had no business of their own, and lacked knowledge of E.M. Systems’ business.  In return for signing the paperwork provided to them, the signers were paid a nominal fee from CardReady. 

    BECKER and his co-conspirators prepared and coordinated fraudulent merchant applications for each of the Sham Merchants, through merchant applications that falsely described the Sham Merchants to make them look like legitimate independent businesses and to make it more likely that the associated Sham Merchant Account would be approved for processing by the New York ISO, Payment Processor-1, and Bank-1.  The merchant application for each Sham Merchant also concealed the Sham Merchant’s true association with E.M. Systems.

    By steering E.M. Systems’s payment processing through these Sham Merchant Accounts, BECKER accomplished a number of fraudulent purposes.  First, the use of these Sham Merchant Accounts made it possible for E.M. Systems and other high-risk merchants to conceal their identities from Payment Processor-1 and Bank-1 and to maintain payment card processing.  This was particularly relevant, as Payment Processor-1 repeatedly required CardReady to close individual Sham Merchant Accounts because of excessive chargebacks and reports of sales of prohibited services.  BECKER then caused CardReady to quickly replace the closed Sham Merchant Accounts with new Sham Merchant Accounts, precluding Payment Processor-1 from shutting down its processing of E.M. Systems and other high-risk merchants.  Second, the fraudulent processing scheme enabled E.M. Systems and other high-risk merchants to spread out their charges, refunds, and chargebacks across multiple Sham Merchant Accounts.  This enabled them to evade chargeback monitoring programs operated by Bank-1, Payment Processor-1, and the New York ISO.

    BECKER’s use of signers to deceive payment processors was not limited to the E.M. Systems scheme. BECKER and his agents and employees at CardReady systematized the recruitment of over 270 signers and the creation of over 800 Sham Merchant Accounts to be used by more than 30 high risk clients other than E.M. Systems between approximately 2012 and 2016, both before and after the E.M. Systems scheme.

    *                *                *

    BECKER, 53, of Los Angeles, California, pled guilty on August 30, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.  In addition to the prison sentence, BECKER was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,910,600.05, and forfeiture of $11,405,964.00.

    STEVEN SHORT, 48, of Tampa, Florida, pled guilty on August 16, 2022, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.  On May 2, 2023, SHORT was sentenced to 78 months in prison and three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,910,600.05 and forfeiture of $8,833,889.69.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and thanked the Federal Trade Commission for its assistance.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vladislav Vainberg and Timothy Capozzi are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: FRO – First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FRONTLINE PLC REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2025

    Frontline plc (the “Company”, “Frontline,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), today reported unaudited results for the three months ended March 31, 2025:

    Highlights 

    • Profit of $33.3 million, or $0.15 per share for the first quarter of 2025.
    • Adjusted profit of $40.4 million, or $0.18 per share for the first quarter of 2025.
    • Declared a cash dividend of $0.18 per share for the first quarter of 2025.
    • Reported revenues of $427.9 million for the first quarter of 2025.
    • Achieved average daily spot time charter equivalent earnings (“TCEs”)1 for VLCCs, Suezmax tankers and LR2/Aframax tankers in the first quarter of $37,200, $31,200 and $22,300 per day, respectively.
    • Entered into three senior secured credit facilities in February 2025 for a total amount of up to $239.0 million to refinance the outstanding debt on three VLCCs and one Suezmax tanker maturing in 2025 and, in addition, provide revolving credit capacity in a total amount of up to $91.9 million.
    • Entered into one senior secured term loan facility in April 2025 in an amount of up to $1,286.5 million to refinance the outstanding debt on 24 VLCCs approximately three and a half years prior to maturity to reduce the margin.

    Lars H. Barstad, Chief Executive Officer of Frontline Management AS, commented:

    “The first quarter of 2025 came in line with the previous quarter, somewhat muted relative to the economic and political backdrop during the period. In times of uncertainty, it’s comforting to operate in an industry that maintains business as usual, transporting oil and products around the world at a steady pace. Utilization on the larger ships has improved during the quarter and with continued pressure and enforcement on sanctioned trades, we have seen healthy developments in activity across the segments that Frontline deploys. Fleet growth remains slow, and ordering has again stalled, continuing to support the long-term fundamental story for tankers, where Frontline is ideally positioned with its cost-focused business model and spot-exposed, modern fleet.”

    Inger M. Klemp, Chief Financial Officer of Frontline Management AS, added:

    “Through our refinancings in 2025, we have further strengthened our strong liquidity, leaving the Company with no meaningful debt maturities until 2030, and further reduced our borrowing costs and cash breakeven rates. We continue to focus on maintaining our competitive cost structure, breakeven levels and solid balance sheet to ensure that we are well positioned to generate significant cash flow and create value for our shareholders.”

    Average daily TCEs and estimated cash breakeven rates

    ($ per day) Spot TCE Spot TCE currently contracted % Covered Estimated average daily cash breakeven rates for the next 12 months
      Q1 2025 Q4 2024 2024 Q2 2025  
    VLCC 37,200 35,900 43,400 56,400 68% 29,700
    Suezmax 31,200 33,300 41,400 44,900 69% 24,300 
    LR2 / Aframax 22,300 26,100 42,300 36,100 66% 23,300

    We expect the spot TCEs for the full second quarter of 2025 to be lower than the spot TCEs currently contracted, due to the impact of ballast days during the second quarter of 2025. See Appendix 1 for further details.

    The Board of Directors
    Frontline plc
    Limassol, Cyprus
    May 22, 2025

    Ola Lorentzon – Chairman and Director
    John Fredriksen – Director
    James O’Shaughnessy – Director
    Steen Jakobsen – Director
    Cato Stonex – Director
    Ørjan Svanevik – Director
    Dr. Maria Papakokkinou – Director

    Questions should be directed to:

    Lars H. Barstad: Chief Executive Officer, Frontline Management AS
    +47 23 11 40 00

    Inger M. Klemp: Chief Financial Officer, Frontline Management AS
    +47 23 11 40 00

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Matters discussed in this report may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements, which include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

    Frontline plc and its subsidiaries, or the Company, desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. This report and any other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. When used in this document, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “expect” and similar expressions, terms or phrases may identify forward-looking statements.

    The forward-looking statements in this report are based upon various assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    In addition to these important factors and matters discussed elsewhere herein, important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include:

    • the strength of world economies;
    • fluctuations in currencies and interest rates, including inflationary pressures and central bank policies intended to combat overall inflation and high interest rates and foreign exchange rates;
    • the impact that any discontinuance, modification or other reform or the establishment of alternative reference rates have on the Company’s floating interest rate debt instruments;
    • general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values;
    • changes in the supply and demand for vessels comparable to ours and the number of newbuildings under construction;
    • the highly cyclical nature of the industry that we operate in;
    • the loss of a large customer or significant business relationship;
    • changes in worldwide oil production and consumption and storage;
    • changes in the Company’s operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry docking, crew costs and insurance costs;
    • planned, pending or recent acquisitions, business strategy and expected capital spending or operating expenses, including dry docking, surveys and upgrades;
    • risks associated with any future vessel construction;
    • our expectations regarding the availability of vessel acquisitions and our ability to complete vessel acquisition transactions as planned;
    • our ability to successfully compete for and enter into new time charters or other employment arrangements for our existing vessels after our current time charters expire and our ability to earn income in the spot market;
    • availability of financing and refinancing, our ability to obtain financing and comply with the restrictions and other covenants in our financing arrangements;
    • availability of skilled crew members and other employees and the related labor costs;
    • work stoppages or other labor disruptions by our employees or the employees of other companies in related industries;
    • compliance with governmental, tax, environmental and safety regulation, any non-compliance with U.S. or European Union regulations;
    • the impact of increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, lenders and other market participants with respect to our Environmental, Social and Governance policies;
    • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or other applicable regulations relating to bribery;
    • general economic conditions and conditions in the oil industry;
    • effects of new products and new technology in our industry, including the potential for technological innovation to reduce the value of our vessels and charter income derived therefrom;
    • new environmental regulations and restrictions, whether at a global level stipulated by the International Maritime Organization, and/or imposed by regional or national authorities such as the European Union or individual countries;
    • vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hire;
    • the impact of an interruption in or failure of our information technology and communications systems, including the impact of cyber-attacks upon our ability to operate;
    • risks associated with potential cybersecurity or other privacy threats and data security breaches;
    • potential conflicts of interest involving members of our Board of Directors and senior management;
    • the failure of counter parties to fully perform their contracts with us;
    • changes in credit risk with respect to our counterparties on contracts;
    • our dependence on key personnel and our ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees;
    • adequacy of insurance coverage;
    • our ability to obtain indemnities from customers;
    • changes in laws, treaties or regulations;
    • the volatility of the price of our ordinary shares;
    • our incorporation under the laws of Cyprus and the different rights to relief that may be available compared to other countries, including the United States;
    • changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities;
    • government requisition of our vessels during a period of war or emergency;
    • potential liability from pending or future litigation and potential costs due to environmental damage and vessel collisions;
    • the arrest of our vessels by maritime claimants;
    • general domestic and international political conditions or events, including “trade wars”;
    • any further changes in U.S. trade policy that could trigger retaliatory actions by the affected countries;
    • potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, environmental factors, political events, public health threats, international hostilities including the war between Russia and Ukraine and possible cessation of such war, the conflict between Israel and Hamas and related conflicts in the Middle East, the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, acts by terrorists or acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels;
    • the impact of restriction on trade, including the imposition of tariffs, port fees and other import restrictions by the United States on its trading partners and the imposition of retaliatory tariffs by China and the EU on the United States, and potential further protectionist measures and/or further retaliatory actions by others, including the imposition of tariffs or penalties on vessels calling in key export and import ports such as the United States, EU and/or China;
    • the length and severity of epidemics and pandemics and their impact on the demand for seaborne transportation of crude oil and refined products;
    • the impact of port or canal congestion;
    • business disruptions due to adverse weather, natural disasters or other disasters outside our control; and
    • other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    We caution readers of this report not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. These forward-looking statements are no guarantee of our future performance, and actual results and future developments may vary materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.


    1 This press release describes Time Charter Equivalent earnings and related per day amounts and spot TCE currently contracted, which are not measures prepared in accordance with IFRS (“non-GAAP”). See Appendix 1 for a full description of the measures and reconciliation to the nearest IFRS measure.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former CIA Analyst Pleads Guilty to Transmitting Top Secret National Defense Information

    Source: US FBI

    A former CIA analyst pleaded guilty today to retaining and transmitting Top Secret National Defense Information to people who were not entitled to receive it, information which was publicly posted on a social media platform in October 2024.

    According to court documents, Asif William Rahman, 34, of Vienna, was an employee of the CIA since 2016 and had a Top-Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

    “Mr. Rahman betrayed the trust of the American people by unlawfully sharing classified national defense information he swore an oath to protect,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that the Justice Department will spare no effort to swiftly find and aggressively prosecute those who harm the United States by illegally disclosing our national security secrets.”

    “Asif Rahman is pleading guilty in federal court three months to the day that he disclosed top secret American documents in violation of his oath, his responsibility, and the law,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This District, in partnership with federal law enforcement and the intelligence community, exemplified dedication, skill, and speed to bring him to justice expeditiously. Mr. Rahman’s actions placed lives at risk, undermined U.S. foreign relations, and compromised our ability to collect vital intelligence in the future.”

    “With today’s plea, Asif Rahman acknowledges he betrayed the trust of his country by sharing classified information in spite of the risk to the United States and our allies,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Government employees who are granted security clearances and given access to our nation’s classified information must promise to protect it. Rahman blatantly violated that pledge and took multiple steps to hide his actions. The FBI will use all our resources to investigate and hold accountable those who illegally transmit classified information and endanger the national security interests of our country.”

    “Today’s plea demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to deploy the necessary tools and authorities to identify, locate, and bring to justice a government clearance holder who violated the oath he took to support and defend the U.S. Constitution,” said Assistant Director David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “This is a good reminder to all clearance holders that the FBI and our Intelligence Community partners will spare no resource to immediately find and hold accountable those who violate the law and disclose classified information without authorization, no matter where in the world they are located.”

    According to court documents, on Oct. 17, 2024, Rahman accessed and printed two Top Secret documents containing National Defense Information regarding a U.S. foreign ally and its planned actions against a foreign adversary. Rahman removed the documents, photographed them, and transmitted them to individuals he knew were not entitled to receive them. By Oct. 18, 2024, the documents appeared publicly on multiple social media platforms, complete with the classification markings.

    After Oct. 17, 2024, Rahman deleted and edited journal entries and written work product on his personal electronic devices to conceal his personal opinions on U.S. policy and drafted entries to construct a false narrative regarding his activity. Rahman also destroyed multiple electronic devices, including a personal mobile device and an internet router he used to transmit classified information and photographs of classified documents, and discarded the destroyed devices in public trash receptacles in an effort to thwart potential investigations into him and his unlawful conduct.

    Beginning in the spring of 2024 and continuing through November 2024, Rahman repeatedly accessed and printed classified National Defense Information, including documents classified up to the Top Secret level, to take them to his residence. There, Rahman reproduced the documents and, while doing so, altered them in an effort to conceal their source and his activity. Rahman then communicated Top Secret information that he learned in the course of his employment to multiple individuals he knew were not entitled to receive it.

    Rahman was indicted by a grand jury on Nov. 7, 2024, and was arrested by the FBI as he arrived to work on Nov. 12, 2024. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

    Rahman pleaded guilty to two counts of willful retention and transmission of classified information related to the national defense. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2025. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for both counts in the plea agreement. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy A. Edwards Jr. for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Brett Reynolds of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gosar Lauds Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement after voting in favor of passage of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

    “Following the four disastrous years of the failed and corrupt Biden administration that created historic inflation, destroyed our economy and welcomed nearly 20 million illegal aliens into our country, I am very pleased to have voted in favor of legislation advancing President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. 

    This bill will secure our southern border and empower border patrol agents to deport the millions of illegal aliens welcomed into our country by Joe Biden.  As a border state, Arizonans know all too well the heavy toll that Biden’s open border policy has taken on our great state.  Crime has ravaged our neighborhoods, deadly drugs, especially fentanyl, have destroyed our families and our communities are withering under the economic strain on public resources needed to combat Biden’s border invasion.

    Importantly, the One Big Beautiful Bill also strengthens and protects Medicaid by first helping those most in need of assistance – expectant mothers, our seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families while ending taxpayer-funded free health care for 1.4 million illegal aliens. 

    The bill eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, slashes taxes on Social Security for seniors, reduces wasteful spending by $1.6 trillion, updates our air traffic control system, halts taxpayer funds going to abortion clinics, ensures our military’s readiness and unlocks America’s full energy potential.

    Lastly, the One Big Beautiful Bill cuts taxes for families and hard-working Arizonans. My constituents voted overwhelmingly for President Trump last November and their message was resoundingly clear: do not raise our taxes!  Without this much-needed legislation, the average taxpayer in my district would see a 23% tax hike.  To put that into perspective, a family of four making a median income of $75,000 would see a $1,555 tax increase. That is worth about seven weeks of groceries for my constituents.  There is not a snowball’s chance in hell that I will ever to vote to raise taxes on hardworking families in Arizona.  

    With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, families can expect to receive $7,800 to $13,300 more in annual pay.  I look forward to the Senate quickly passing and President Trump signing into law this historic legislation, so Americans can begin receiving the much-need relief this bill ensures,” concluded Congressman Paul Gosar.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Silvercrest Asset Management Group Appoints Van Martin as Head of U.S. Consultant Relations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silvercrest Asset Management Group (NASDAQ: SAMG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Van Martin as Head of U.S. Consultant Relations. In this role, Mr. Martin will oversee the firm’s initiatives to strengthen its partnerships with new and existing institutional investors, deepen consultant relationships, and expand the growth of Silvercrest’s institutional business in the U.S.

    Since joining Silvercrest in 2014, Mr. Martin has been instrumental in expanding the firm’s intermediary and institutional client base, building relationships with broker-dealers, consulting firms, and key U.S.-based institutional investors. As a Partner and Managing Director at Silvercrest, Mr. Martin brings over a decade of experience and a deep understanding of the firm’s U.S.-based investment capabilities.

    Allen Gray, Global Head of Silvercrest’s Institutional Business, remarked, “We are immensely proud of Van’s contributions and his longstanding collaboration with our U.S.-focused equity investment teams over the past 11 years. We are very pleased to have Van leading our Consultant Relations efforts in the U.S. Marketplace.”

    Mr. Martin is based in the firm’s headquarters in New York City and will report to Allen Gray, Global Head of Silvercrest’s Institutional Business. The team will leverage their combined experience and market knowledge to optimize consultant and client activities, ensuring the best outcomes for institutional clients both in the U.S. and around the globe.

    “I am thrilled to lead Silvercrest’s U.S. institutional consultant relations efforts,” Mr. Martin commented. “I look forward to working with our clients and partners to strengthen our relationships and build upon Silvercrest’s legacy of delivering an exceptional client experience through the high-quality expertise of our talented investment teams.”

    About Van Martin

    Van Martin is a Managing Director and Head of U.S. Consultant & Client Relations, focusing on Silvercrest’s Institutional Asset Management business. Prior to joining Silvercrest in 2014, Mr. Martin held various roles in the Equity Capital Markets division of Sterne Agee & Leach (now Stifel Nicolaus), where he served as an Associate on the Institutional Equity Sales & Trading desk and later as the Associate Director of the newly formed Equity Product Management desk. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Martin attended the University of Mississippi, where he graduated with a B.A. in Managerial Finance, a B.A. in Banking & Commerce, and a Minor in Real Estate Finance.

    About Silvercrest Asset Management

    Silvercrest was founded in April 2002 as an independent, employee-owned registered investment adviser. With offices in New York, Boston, Virginia, Atlanta, New Jersey, California, Wisconsin, and Singapore, Silvercrest provides traditional and alternative investment advisory and family office services to wealthy families and select institutional investors. As of March 31, 2025, the firm reported assets under management of $34.3 billion.

    Contact:
    J. Allen Gray
    Managing Director, Head of Institutional Business
    212-649-0765
    agray@silvercrestgroup.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: XenDex Presale Ends in 6 Days, Buy $XDX And Don’t Miss Out on XRP’s Fastest-Growing Decentralized Exchange With Lending & Borrowing Feature

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the crypto world continues to turn its attention toward the XRP Ledger, one project is rising fast, XenDex. With only 6 days remaining in its presale, time is running out for investors to buy $XDX tokens at pre-launch pricing before the token is listed on major exchanges like Binance, Gate.io, MEXC, BitMart, FirstLedger, and MagneticX.

    Read on to learn why XenDex is creating so much excitement across the XRP community.

    What is XenDex On XRP Blockchain?

    Purchase $XDX At A low Price & Earn Rewards

    XenDex is the first all-in-one decentralized exchange (DEX) built specifically for the XRP Ledger. It combines fast, secure trading with advanced features previously missing from XRPL, all within a user-friendly interface. It’s built to be scalable, efficient, and inclusive for both beginners and professional traders.

    Features and Problems XenDex Aims to Solve on XRP Ledger

    Until now, XRPL lacked key DeFi tools such as:

    • Lending & borrowing
    • AI copy trading
    • Cross-chain interoperability
    • DAO governance

    XenDex is solving these limitations with its feature-rich platform, designed to empower the XRP community with the full functionality expected in modern DeFi.

    Advantages of $XDX

    Holding $XDX, the native utility token of XenDex, comes with powerful benefits:

    • Governance and voting rights
    • Staking rewards and yield farming
    • Discounted fees on the platform
    • Early access opportunities, exclusive to XDX holders

    Where Can I Trade $XDX?

    After the presale, $XDX will be listed and traded on top exchanges including Binance, Gate.io, BitMart, MEXC, MagneticX, and FirstLedger. The project team assures a good increment in $XDX price upon listing.

    Buy $XDX Now Before Listing On Binance

    Is XenDex a Legit Project on XRP?

    Yes. XenDex is built transparently with a passionate, crypto-native team. The platform is undergoing smart contract audits to ensure security and reliability before its launch. It is an XRP based crypto project that aims to bring various features live on the Ripple ledger, and aims to become the best DEX on Ripple blockchain.

    How Do I Buy $XDX?

    Visit https://xendex.net/presale, connect your XRP-compatible wallet (e.g., Xaman), and contribute a minimum of 150 XRP. Current rate: 1.25 XRP = 10 XDX. For more information on how to buy $XDX, please visit https://tinyurl.com/k3e75va9

    XenDex Presale Details

    • Soft Cap: Filled
    • Hard Cap: Almost Filled
    • Presale Ends: In 6 days
    • Presale Rate: 150 XRP = 1200 $XDX

    Join XenDex Community

    Stay connected and informed:

    Website: xendex.net
    Presale: xendex.net/presale
    Telegram: t.me/xendexcommunity
    Twitter/X: x.com/xendex_xrp
    Docs: xdxdocs.gitbook.io

    Contact:
    Frank Richards
    Frank@xendex.net

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d9a647a2-6389-46e2-9cf6-0df4a01213bb

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission File Statement of Interest on Anticompetitive Uses of Common Shareholdings to Discourage Coal Production

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Today, the Justice Department, joined by the Federal Trade Commission (the “Agencies”) filed a statement of interest in the Eastern District of Texas in the case of Texas et al. v. BlackRock, Inc. The States’ lawsuit—led by the Texas Attorney General—alleges that BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard used their management of stock in competing coal companies to induce reductions in output, resulting in higher energy prices for American consumers. This is the first formal statement by the Agencies in federal court on the antitrust implications of common shareholdings.

    On Jan. 29, President Trump issued Executive Order 14156, declaring a national energy emergency. On April 8, Executive Order 14261 called for “increase[d] domestic energy production, including coal.” As the Agencies’ statement makes clear, protecting competition for coal furthers these policies by enabling the free market to unleash America’s energy security and economic dynamism.

    “The President has declared a national energy emergency, and we need competition in coal production now more than ever to help fuel American energy dominance,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail A. Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “American consumers suffer when institutional asset managers use shareholdings in competing companies to orchestrate output reductions. As the Supreme Court has held, ‘social justifications’ for anticompetitive conduct ‘do not make it any less unlawful.’ We will not hesitate to stand up against powerful financial firms that use Americans’ retirement savings to harm competition under the guise of ESG.”

    Today’s statement of interest explains that while antitrust safe harbors for passive investment protect most index fund investing and beneficial corporate governance advocacy, they do not protect the use of commonly managed stock in competitors to encourage market-wide reductions in output. The statement explains how the law protects typical shareholder behavior, how the States’ complaint alleges an anticompetitive campaign, and how the law should properly be applied to the States’ claims.

    The Antitrust Division routinely files statements of interest and amicus briefs in federal court where doing so helps protect competition and consumers, including by encouraging the sound development of the antitrust laws. A collection of these statements of antitrust and amicus filings is publicly available on the Division’s website. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission File Statement of Interest on Anticompetitive Uses of Common Shareholdings to Discourage Coal Production

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Today, the Justice Department, joined by the Federal Trade Commission (the “Agencies”) filed a statement of interest in the Eastern District of Texas in the case of Texas et al. v. BlackRock, Inc. The States’ lawsuit—led by the Texas Attorney General—alleges that BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard used their management of stock in competing coal companies to induce reductions in output, resulting in higher energy prices for American consumers. This is the first formal statement by the Agencies in federal court on the antitrust implications of common shareholdings.

    On Jan. 29, President Trump issued Executive Order 14156, declaring a national energy emergency. On April 8, Executive Order 14261 called for “increase[d] domestic energy production, including coal.” As the Agencies’ statement makes clear, protecting competition for coal furthers these policies by enabling the free market to unleash America’s energy security and economic dynamism.

    “The President has declared a national energy emergency, and we need competition in coal production now more than ever to help fuel American energy dominance,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail A. Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “American consumers suffer when institutional asset managers use shareholdings in competing companies to orchestrate output reductions. As the Supreme Court has held, ‘social justifications’ for anticompetitive conduct ‘do not make it any less unlawful.’ We will not hesitate to stand up against powerful financial firms that use Americans’ retirement savings to harm competition under the guise of ESG.”

    Today’s statement of interest explains that while antitrust safe harbors for passive investment protect most index fund investing and beneficial corporate governance advocacy, they do not protect the use of commonly managed stock in competitors to encourage market-wide reductions in output. The statement explains how the law protects typical shareholder behavior, how the States’ complaint alleges an anticompetitive campaign, and how the law should properly be applied to the States’ claims.

    The Antitrust Division routinely files statements of interest and amicus briefs in federal court where doing so helps protect competition and consumers, including by encouraging the sound development of the antitrust laws. A collection of these statements of antitrust and amicus filings is publicly available on the Division’s website

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Executive Branch Nominees During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 22, 2025
    Durbin pushed all nominees to answer if they believe a litigant—including the Executive Branch—can lawfully deny a court order
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned Joseph Edlow, nominated to be the Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); Elliot Gaiser, nominated to be the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC); John Squires, nominated to be the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO); and Stanley Woodward, nominated to be the Associate Attorney General, during a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing.
    Durbin began by asking all nominees if they believe a litigant—including officials in the Executive Branch—can lawfully defy a court order.
    Mr. Woodward first responded that he “take[s] issue with the premise of the question insofar as district court judges are not holding that President Trump’s orders are illegal or unconstitutional.”
    Durbin pushed back by saying, “If you would stick to my hypothetical—an approach that is very clear… Do you believe that officials in the Executive Branch can lawfully defy a court order, yes or no?”
    Mr. Woodward responded that he believes President Trump will follow “any” order of the Supreme Court.
    Mr. Squires also said that they believe the Supreme Court orders will be followed by the Executive Branch. However, neither answered as to whether a government official can lawfully defy a lower court order.
    “Do you believe any executive official can lawfully defy a court order?” Durbin asked.
    Mr. Gaiser responded “no.” Mr. Edlow responded to the question by saying, “I am not here [as an] attorney, but I am here as a [nominee].”
    Durbin responded, “I don’t believe you need a law degree to answer this question. Can an executive official lawfully defy a court order?”
    Mr. Edlow responded, “given the speculative nature [to] the question—my answer is the same.”
    “No response. This is what troubles me greatly. If we cannot agree on this as the basic premise of our rule of law, where in the world are we headed as a nation?” Durbin asked.
    Durbin then asked Mr. Squires about President Trump’s executive order against Perkins Coie—a law firm where he was a partner.
    “Mr. Squires, have you ever engaged in dishonest and dangerous activity at a law firm?” Durbin asked to Mr. Squires, and Mr. Squires responded that he has not.
    In March, President Trump issued an executive order targeting Perkins Coie by, among other actions, suspending the firm’s lawyers’ security clearances and terminating its federal contracts.
    “Did you read the position on your former law firm? The executive order claimed that the firm’s ‘dishonest and dangerous activity […] has affected this country for decades.’ The order further alleged that the firm is ‘undermining democratic elections, the integrity of our courts, and honest law enforcement.’ Did you see any evidence of that activity when you were a member of that firm?” Durbin asked.
    After first deflecting the question, Mr. Squires responded, “in my areas of responsibility, I saw no evidence of wrongdoing.”
    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Euronext announces the success of its offering of bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares (“OCEANEs”) for a nominal amount of €425 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext announces the success of its offering of bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares (“OCEANEs”) for a nominal amount of €425 million

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 22 May 2025 – Euronext (ISIN Code: NL0006294274) (the “Company”), the leading European capital market infrastructure, announces today the success of its offering of senior unsecured bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares of the Company (“OCEANEs”) (the “Bonds”), by way of a placement to qualified investors only (within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (as defined below)), for a nominal amount of €425 million (the “Offering”).

    On 17 April 2025, the Company entered into a bridge loan facility with, among others, affiliates of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering, to finance the acquisition of Admincontrol. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for the repayment of a portion of the bridge financing and general corporate purposes.

    Main terms of the Bonds

    The Bonds will be issued with a denomination of €100,000 each (the “Principal Amount”), will be convertible and/or exchangeable into new and/or existing shares of Euronext (the “Shares”) and will pay a fixed coupon at a rate of 1.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrear on 30 May and 30 November of each year (or on the following business day if this date is not a business day), and for the first time on 30 November 2025.

    The initial conversion price of the Bonds is set at €191.1654, representing a conversion premium of 35% above the Company’s reference share price on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (“Euronext Paris”). The reference share price is €141.6040, being equal to the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Shares recorded on Euronext Paris from the launch of the Offering today until the determination of the final terms (pricing) of the Bonds. Settlement and delivery of the Bonds is expected to take place in the Euronext Securities Milan system on 30 May 2025 (the “Issue Date”).

    Unless previously converted, exchanged, redeemed or purchased and cancelled, the Bonds will be redeemed at par on 30 May 2032 (or on the following business day if such date is not a business day) (the “Maturity Date”).

    The Bonds may be redeemed prior to the Maturity Date at the option of the Company, under certain conditions.

    In particular, the Bonds may be fully redeemed early at par plus any accrued interest at the Company’s option, subject to a prior notice of at least 30 (but not more than 60) calendar days, (i) at any time from 20 June 2030 (inclusive), if the arithmetic average, calculated over a period of 10 consecutive trading days chosen by the Company from among the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the day of the publication of the early redemption notice, of the daily products on each of such 10 consecutive trading days of the volume weighted average price of the Shares on Euronext Paris over the applicable conversion price on each such trading day, exceeds 130%; or (ii) at any time if 80% or more in principal amount of the Bonds issued (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, include any tap issues of the Bonds) have been converted/exchanged and/or redeemed and/or purchased by the Company and cancelled.
    Bondholders will be granted the right to convert or exchange the Bonds into new and/or existing Shares (the “Conversion/Exchange Right”) which they may exercise at any time from the 41st day (inclusive) following the Issue Date up to the 7th business day (inclusive) preceding the Maturity Date or, as the case may be, the relevant early redemption date.

    The conversion ratio of the Bonds is set at the Principal Amount divided by the prevailing initial conversion price, i.e. 523.1072 Shares per Bond, subject to standard adjustments, including anti-dilution and dividend protections, as described in the terms and conditions of the Bonds. Upon exercise of their Conversion/Exchange Right, holders of the Bonds will receive at the option of the Company new and/or existing Shares, carrying in all cases all rights attached to existing Shares as from the date of delivery.

    Application will be made for the admission of the Bonds to trading on Euronext AccessTM in Paris to occur within 30 calendar days from the Issue Date.

    Legal framework of the Offering and placement

    The Bonds will be issued by way of a placement to qualified investors only (within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”)) (excluding the United States of America, Australia, Japan, Canada or South Africa), pursuant to the authorization granted by the Company’s annual general meeting held on 15 May 2025 (15th and 16th resolution), without an offer to the public (other than to qualified investors) in any country.

    Existing shareholders of the Company shall have no preferential subscription rights, and there will be no priority subscription period in connection with the issuance of the Bonds or any underlying new Shares to be issued upon conversion.

    Lock-up undertaking

    In the context of the Offering, the Company has agreed to a lock-up undertaking with respect to its Shares and securities giving access to share capital of the Company for a period starting from the announcement of the final terms of the Bonds and ending 90 calendar days after the Issue Date, subject to certain customary exceptions or waiver from the joint global coordinators appointed in the context of the Offering.

    Dilution

    As a result of the Offering of a €425 million principal amount of Bonds and the initial conversion price of €191.1654, the potential dilution would represent approximately 2.1% of the Company’s outstanding share capital, if the Conversion/Exchange Right was exercised for all the Bonds and the Company decided to deliver new Shares only upon exercise of the Conversion/Exchange Right.

    Available information

    Neither the offering of the Bonds, nor the admission of the Bonds to trading on Euronext AccessTM is subject to a prospectus approved by the Stichting Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) in Netherlands or the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in France. No key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation or the UK PRIIPs Regulation (as defined below) has been or will be prepared. Detailed information about Company, including its business, results, prospects and the risk factors to which the Company is exposed are described in the Company’s universal registration document for the financial year ended 31 December 2024, filed with the AFM on 28 March 2025 and the Company’s first quarter 2025 results press release which includes the unaudited financial statements of the Company as at and for the three months ended 31 March 2025, which are all available on the Company’s website (https://www.euronext.com/en/investor-relations).

    Important information

    This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for or to sell securities to any U.S. person or to any person in the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada or South Africa or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer is unlawful, and the Offering of the Bonds is not an offer to the public in any jurisdiction (other than to qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation) or an offer to retail investors as such term is defined below.

    CONTACTS  

    ANALYSTS & INVESTORS ir@euronext.com

    Investor Relations        Aurélie Cohen                 

            Judith Stein        +33 6 15 23 91 97          

    MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com 

    Europe        Aurélie Cohen         +33 1 70 48 24 45   

            Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13 

    Belgium        Marianne Aalders         +32 26 20 15 01                 

    France, Corporate        Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella        +33 1 70 48 24 45                 

    Ireland        Catalina Augspach        +33 6 82 09 99 70                

    Italy         Ester Russom         +39 02 72 42 67 56                 

    The Netherlands        Marianne Aalders         +31 20 721 41 33                 

    Norway         Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund        +47 41 69 59 10                 

    Portugal         Sandra Machado        +351 91 777 68 97                                 

    About Euronext  

    Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal.

    As of March 2025, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host nearly 1,800 listed issuers with €6.3 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.

    For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.

    © 2025, Euronext N.V. – All rights reserved. 

    The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.

    Disclaimer

    The contents of this announcement have been prepared by and are the sole responsibility of the Company.

    The information contained in this announcement is for information purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness.

    This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Prospectus Regulation.

    This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, Bonds to any U.S. person or to any person in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The Bonds and the Shares, if any, to be issued upon exercise of the Conversion/Exercise Right (together, the “Securities”) referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or offered in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    In addition, until 40 days after the commencement of the Offering, an offer or sale of Bonds within the United States by a dealer (whether or not it is participating in the Offering) may violate the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The offer and sale of Securities referred to herein has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. Subject to certain exceptions, the Bonds referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. There will be no public offer of the Securities in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or elsewhere.

    In member states of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), this announcement and any offer is directed exclusively at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (“Qualified Investors”). In the United Kingdom this announcement and any offer is directed exclusively at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”), (ii) who fall within Article 49(2)(A) to (D) of the Order, or (iii) to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together with Qualified Investors in the EEA being referred to herein as “Relevant Persons”). This document is directed only at Relevant Persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons.

    This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “will” or “should” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current view with respect to future events and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company’s and its group’s business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth or strategies. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

    Each of the Company, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Each of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering is acting exclusively for the Company and no-one else in connection with the Offering. They will not regard any other person as their respective client in relation to the Offering and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offering, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

    In connection with the Offering, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may take up a portion of the Bonds in the Offering as a principal position and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell for their own accounts such Bonds and other securities of the Company or related investments in connection with the Offering or otherwise. Accordingly, references to the Bonds being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates acting in such capacity. In addition, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may enter into financing arrangements (including swaps, warrants or contracts for differences) with investors in connection with which the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Bonds and/or Shares. The joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

    None of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available, or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

    Information to Distributors: Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements of Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended and supplemented (“MiFID II”) and local implementing measures (together, the “Product Governance Requirements”), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any “manufacturer” (for the purposes of the Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Bonds have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that: (i) the target market for the Bonds is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) all channels for distribution of the Bonds to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the Bonds (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturers’ target market assessment; however, a distributor (for the purposes of the Product Governance Requirements) is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Bonds (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers’ target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

    The target market assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual or legal selling restrictions in relation to any offering of the Bonds.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the target market assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Bonds.

    PRIIPs Regulation / Prospectus Regulation / Prohibition of sales to EEA and UK retail investors – The Bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK. For these purposes, a “retail investor” means (a) in the EEA, a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 as amended or superseded (the “Insurance Distribution Directive”), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a Qualified Investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation and (b) in the UK, a person who is one (or more) of (i) a retail client within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No. 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the UK (the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No. 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or (iii) not a Qualified Investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “EU PRIIPs Regulation”) or the EU PRIIPS Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPS Regulation”) for offering or selling the Bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA or UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK may be unlawful under the EU PRIIPs Regulation and/or the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: AM Best affirms ratings of Coface’s main operating subsidiaries

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AM Best affirms ratings of Coface’s main operating subsidiaries

    Paris, 22 May 2025 – 18.00

    The rating agency AM Best affirmed today the Financial Strength Rating (IFS rating) of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICRs) of ’a+’ (Excellent) of Compagnie française d’assurance pour le commerce extérieur (la Compagnie), Coface North America Insurance Company (CNAIC) and Coface Re. The outlook for these ratings is “stable”.

    In its press release, AM Best highlights that this rating reflects, “Coface group’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, favourable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management”.

    This strength is underpinned by a consolidated risk-adjusted capitalization at the strongest level as measured by the Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR) score.

    AM Best also believes that “the group’s prospective performance may be subject to volatility, driven by the uncertain global operating environment. However, the group is able to take prompt risk-mitigating actions on non-performing business when required” and AM Best expects “cross-cycle performance metrics to remain supportive of the strong assessment”.

    Last, in its release, the rating agency underscores that this note reflects Coface’s “leading position in the global credit insurance market, which is characterised by high barriers to entry”.

    CONTACTS

    ANALYSTS / INVESTORS
    Thomas JACQUET: +33 1 49 02 12 58 – thomas.jacquet@coface.com
    Rina ANDRIAMIADANTSOA: +33 1 49 02 15 85 – rina.andriamiadantsoa@coface.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS
    Saphia GAOUAOUI: +33 1 49 02 14 91 – saphia.gaouaoui@coface.com
    Adrien BILLET: +33 1 49 02 23 63 – adrien.billet@coface.com

    FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2025
    (subject to change)
    H1-2025 results: 31 July 2025 (after market close)
    9M-2025 results: 3 November 2025 (after market close)

    FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    This press release, as well as COFACE SA’s integral regulatory information, can be found on the Group’s website: http://www.coface.com/Investors

    For regulated information on Alternative Performance Measures (APM), please refer to our Interim Financial Report for H1-2024 and our 2024 Universal Registration Document (see part 3.7 “Key financial performance indicators”).

    Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust.
    You can check the authenticity on the website www.wiztrust.com.
     

    COFACE: FOR TRADE
    As a global leading player in trade credit risk management for more than 75 years, Coface helps companies grow and navigate in an uncertain and volatile environment.
    Whatever their size, location or sector, Coface provides 100,000 clients across some 200 markets with a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring.
    Every day, Coface leverages its unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to make trade happen, in both domestic and export markets.
    In 2024, Coface employed ~5,236 people and registered a turnover of €1.84 billion.

    www.coface.com

    COFACE SA is quoted in Compartment A of Euronext Paris
    Code ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA

    DISCLAIMER – Certain declarations featured in this press release may contain forecasts that notably relate to future events, trends, projects or targets. By nature, these forecasts include identified or unidentified risks and uncertainties, and may be affected by many factors likely to give rise to a significant discrepancy between the real results and those stated in these declarations. Please refer to chapter 5 “Main risk factors and their management within the Group” of the Coface Group’s 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with AMF on 5 April 2024 under the number D.25-0227 in order to obtain a description of certain major factors, risks and uncertainties likely to influence the Coface Group’s businesses. The Coface Group disclaims any intention or obligation to publish an update of these forecasts, or provide new information on future events or any other circumstance.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Launches #YouMake Offers In The UK

    Source: Samsung

     
    LONDON, U.K. – May 22, 2025: Samsung Electronics has unveiled a range of offers perfect for families, wellness and travel enthusiasts. Samsung’s intelligent technology empowers users to nuture bonds with loved ones and enrich their everyday. From appliances that can do the thinking for you when it comes to the right wash cycles, to wearables that provide personalised insights into your health and routine, there is something for everyone.
    Available in-store at Samsung KX, or on Samsung.com, offers and discount codes include:
     
    Mobile, Wearable and Computing

    Get £100 off Galaxy Tab S10 FE 256GB. Plus, get a guaranteed £100 off when you trade in[1]
    Save £150 – £200 when you buy a Galaxy Tab S10 Plus or S10 Ultra[2]
    Save £150 when you buy a Galaxy Watch Ultra3
    Save £75 when you buy a Galaxy Watch73

     
    Monitors

    Save up to £300 on selected monitors[3]
    Save up to 20% on selected monitors. Use code YOUMAKE[4]

     
    Home Appliances

    Save 20% when you buy 2 or more selected home appliances together[5]
    Get 10% off selected home appliances: use code COOL10[6]
    Save up to £500 on selected fridge freezer, plus claim up to £500 cashback[7]
    Claim up to £200 cashback on selected vacuums[8]

     
    For more information and full terms & conditions, visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/youmake/
     
     
    [1] Purchase from samsung.com by 03/06/25.£100 value based on any tablet or Android smartphone, in any condition. Charges apply if you don’t send us your Trade In device. T&Cs apply.
    [2] Purchase from samsung.com by 03/06/25.
    [3] Purchase from Samsung.com by 10.06.25.
    [4] Purchase from Samsung.com/uk by 10.06.25. Enter code at checkout. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
    [5] Purchase from Samsung.com/uk by 03.06.2025. Discount applied automatically at checkout when two or more qualifying products in basket. Excludes all Vacuum Cleaners, Microwaves & accessories. Not in conjunction with any other offer. While stocks last.
    [6] Purchase from samsung.com/uk by 27.05.25. Enter code at checkout to redeem. Offer applicable on selected models only. Offer cannot be combined with other voucher codes.
    [7] Purchase from samsung.com/uk by 03.06.25. For cashback, purchase between 14.05.25-01.07.25. Claim between 30-90 days of purchase. Max 4 claims per household. To claim, and for full T&Cs, see https://www.samsung.com/uk/moneytalks
    [8] For cashback, purchase between 14.05.25-01.07.25. Claim between 30-90 days of purchase. Max 4 claims per household. To claim, and for full T&Cs, see https://www.samsung.com/uk/moneytalks. Only available at Samsung.com.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI: Best 5 No Credit Check Loans Same Day Guaranteed Approval In 2025: Top Online Loans Same Day Guaranteed Approval – RadCred

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Glendale, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RadCred, a trusted online financial platform, is being spotlighted as the top choice for Americans seeking no credit check loans with same-day guaranteed approval in 2025. In an era where traditional banks often turn away those with poor credit, RadCred’s innovative lending marketplace offers a lifeline, providing quick, secure access to emergency funds without the usual hurdles. 

    This comprehensive report explores how RadCred has emerged as the best no credit check loan provider for fast, guaranteed approvals and what borrowers can expect when using this service.

    Key Takeways

    • How to find the best no credit check loans with same-day guaranteed approval in 2025 – and why RadCred stands out as the #1 platform for fast, hassle-free funding.
    • Why RadCred has become a leading online loan marketplace for urgent borrowing, especially for consumers with bad or no credit.
    • The specific features that make a no credit check loan safe, fast, and accessible – from instant approvals to flexible terms – and how RadCred delivers on these criteria.
    • The exact steps to apply for a personal loan through RadCred’s simple, three-step system, including how the platform works and what to expect at each stage.
    • Real-world scenarios and customer testimonials that highlight how RadCred’s same-day loans have solved urgent financial challenges for everyday people.
    • A detailed look at RadCred’s eligibility criteria, pros and cons, and commitment to customer safety and data security, including how it protects borrowers from fraud.
    • A comparison of RadCred vs. traditional lenders, illustrating how RadCred’s no-credit-check, fast approval approach offers a superior alternative for those with less-than-perfect credit.
    • Important disclaimers on “guaranteed” approvals, interest rates, and responsible borrowing practices to ensure readers make informed financial decisions in 2025.

    Best No Credit Check Loans Same Day Guaranteed Approval in 2025 – RadCred Tops the List. 

    For U.S. borrowers with poor or no credit history—over 28 million adults carry a FICO® score below 600—getting approved for a bank loan can feel impossible..This article explains why RadCred is the best solution in 2025 for no credit check loans with same-day approval, offering a fast, reliable way to obtain emergency cash when traditional lenders won’t help. We break down how

    RadCred connects users with a broad network of third-party lenders for quick loans, often providing near-instant approvals and funds deposited by the next business day. 

    You’ll learn how RadCred’s easy online application (with no hard credit checks), flexible loan options, and robust security measures make it a standout choice for those in a financial crunch. 

    We also compare RadCred’s service to conventional loans from banks, outline the platform’s pros and cons, share real customer reviews, and provide tips on safe borrowing. If time is short and credit is low, here’s why RadCred is the go-to platform for fast, guaranteed-approval loans in 2025.

    Low credit score holding you back? Click “Apply Now” to unlock instant, no-credit-check approvals up to $5,000.

    Why Getting a Loan with Bad Credit Feels Impossible?

    For millions of Americans, trying to secure a loan when you have bad credit feels like hitting a brick wall. Many people with less-than-perfect credit find themselves shut out of traditional financing, whether it’s due to unexpected medical bills, a job layoff, or an emergency expense that led to debt. Banks and credit unions typically demand high credit scores, extensive paperwork, and even collateral to approve a loan. 

    As a result, borrowers with poor credit scores are often left with no options or offered only predatory, high-interest products. It’s not uncommon for a bank to outright reject an application if the applicant’s FICO score doesn’t meet a strict threshold. In short, the conventional lending system hasn’t been kind to those who don’t have excellent credit.

    Yet life doesn’t wait for your credit score to catch up. When urgent expenses strike car repairs, medical emergencies, rent due by tomorrow, you name it – people need a quick solution, not a drawn-out loan process. 

    This is exactly the situation countless Americans faced in recent years, fueling a search for alternatives that don’t rely on the traditional credit check. Enter the rise of no credit check loans, a form of lending designed to serve folks the banks turn away.

    Need rent money fast? Start with RadCred and match to lenders ready to deposit cash by tonight—no collateral required.

    Rise of No Credit Check Loans in 2025

    No credit check loans in 2025 have moved from the fringes to the financial mainstream, thanks to digital platforms that specialize in fast approvals for people with bad credit. 

    These loans bypass the lengthy credit verification that banks insist upon. Instead, lenders focus on what really matters to desperate borrowers: speed, accessibility, discretion, and control. Here’s why this type of loan has surged in popularity:

    • Speed: Applications can take mere minutes, and some lenders are able to fund loans within 24 hours of approval. There’s no waiting weeks for an answer – decisions are often made almost instantly.
    • Accessibility: Most no-credit-check lenders require only basic personal and income information. There are no hard credit inquiries, meaning applying won’t ding your credit score, and even those with a rocky credit history can qualify.
    • Discretion: Because the process is online, borrowers avoid the embarrassment or judgment that can come with an in-person bank denial. Everything is handled privately through a secure website.
    • Control: Borrowers can receive multiple offers and choose the one that best fits their needs, with no obligation to accept any particular offer. You’re not at the mercy of a single bank’s decision; you have options.

    Online money sites now use smart computer programs to match people with lenders fast. Even if your credit score is low, you can fill out one short form and see loan offers in minutes—no bank visit, no long wait. These sites save you time and keep your information private. 

    RadCred is the best of these services, giving no-credit-check loans with same-day approval. The next parts show why RadCred shines and how it can put cash in your account quickly.

    Overview of RadCred – A Top Platform for Same-Day No Credit Check Loans

    RadCred is a relatively new but rapidly growing player in the online lending space, and it has quickly earned a reputation as one of 2025’s best no credit check loan providers. In essence, RadCred operates as an online loan marketplace or intermediary – it is not a direct lender itself, but rather a platform that connects borrowers with a vast network of trusted third-party lenders

    This network is one of RadCred’s greatest strengths. With plenty of lenders in its system, the chances of finding a loan offer for a qualified borrower are very high, even if you have a poor credit score.What RadCred Offers: Quick Bad-Credit

    Loans, $300 – $35,000

    RadCred’s marketplace lets borrowers request no credit check loans as small as $300 or personal-installment loans up to $35,000—higher than most rivals. One short form reaches dozens of partner lenders, covering payday cash advances and larger debt-consolidation options.

    Guaranteed Approval for Low Scores

    RadCred’s partners run only a soft inquiry, so your score stays untouched. Because lenders focus on income (≥ $800 / month) instead of FICO, approval rates top 80 percent for applicants with scores under 600—far better than a single bank’s odds.

    Same-Day or Next-Day Funding

    Speed matters: accept an offer before noon on a weekday, and you could see money in your checking account that evening; later approvals usually fund the following morning. RadCred aims for a < 24-hour turnaround whenever banking hours allow.

    Zero Platform Fees, No Hidden Costs

    Applying is 100 percent free. RadCred never adds charges; any interest or fees come directly from the lender’s transparent offer. You’re free to decline and walk away.

    Trusted, Secure, and Educative

    With 2 million+ users and OLA membership, RadCred meets strict ethical-lending standards. The site uses 256-bit SSL encryption and publishes scam-avoidance tips, underscoring its commitment to consumer safety.

    Bottom line: RadCred blends speed, access, and trust to deliver fast cash for bad-credit borrowers without the usual headaches.

    Emergency medical bill? Tap “Get Started” for a quick, same-day cash advance without hurting your credit.

    RadCred vs. Top Competitors

    Here’s how RadCred compares to other known lenders in the market.

    Platform Credit Check Type Approval Time Max Loan Funding Speed APR Range
    Radcred Soft only to match 1–5 min $5,000 Same day–24 h 6 %–35.99 %
    MoneyMutuall None/Soft 5 min $5,000 24 h 60 % + (payday)
    CashUSA Soft 3 min $10,000 24 h 5.99 %–35.99 %
    BadCredit Loans Soft 4 min $10,000 24 h 5.99 %–35.99 %
    Personal Loans Soft-hard at funding 5 min $35,000 1–2 days 5.99 %–35.99 %

    *APR ranges compiled from lender disclosures and CFPB complaint data (2024–2025).

    Self-employed and denied elsewhere? RadCred welcomes 1099 income—apply free and secure fast funding.

    No Credit Check Loans: RadCred’s 3-Step Online Application for Instant Approval & Same-Day Funding

    Getting money with RadCred is super easy. Forget big bank forms and long lines. Just open the RadCred site, fill out a short five-minute online loan application (no hard credit check), and hit submit. Right away, bad-credit lenders review your info and send offers. 

    Pick the deal you like, sign online, and cash can land in your bank often the same day. Fast, simple, and perfect when you need an online payday loan alternative without the hassle.

    1. Five-Minute Online Application

    Visit RadCred, hit Apply Now,” and complete a brief form containing your name, phone number, state, monthly income, bank details, and desired amount. No uploads, faxing, or collateral. RadCred pulls only a soft inquiry, so your score is untouched while you shop for bad credit personal loan options or small payday loans online.

    2. Real-Time Lender Matching

    RadCred’s algorithm instantly compares your profile with 60 + lending partners that specialize in fast cash for bad credit. Within 1–3 minutes, you’ll see multiple offers displaying loan limit, APR, fees, and repayment term. 

    This side-by-side view lets you choose the lowest rate or most comfortable payment—no obligation, no upfront fees.

    3. E-Sign & Get Same-Day Funds

    Select an offer, sign electronically, and the lender initiates an ACH transfer. Many borrowers receive money the same day; late-day approvals fund the next morning. Use it for car repairs, medical bills, or any quick emergency loan need.

    Because everything is digital, no branch visits, no piles of paperwork, RadCred moves you from application to cash in under 24 hours, delivering no credit check loan same day without a hard credit check.

    Looking for debt relief? Consolidate high-interest balances today with one easy, no-credit-check application.

    Eligibility Criteria for RadCred No Credit Check loans Same day Guaranteed Approval 

    One reason RadCred has become so popular among people with poor credit is that the eligibility requirements are very accessible. You do not need a perfect credit score, a high income, or any collateral to use the platform. 

    In fact, RadCred’s basic requirements mirror those of similar reputable bad-credit loan providers and are quite minimal. Essentially, if you meet the following basic criteria, there’s a good chance you can qualify to use RadCred and get matched with a lender:

    • At Least 18 Years Old: You must be a legal adult (18 or older). This is a standard requirement for any loan contract. RadCred will verify your age by asking for info like your date of birth and possibly requiring a government-issued ID during the lender’s final approval stage
    • U.S. Residency: RadCred’s services are available only to U.S. residents/citizens. You should be a legal citizen or permanent resident of the United States with a valid U.S. address
    • Steady Income Source: You don’t need to be traditionally “employed” in a 9-to-5 job, but you do need a regular source of income to show you can repay the loan. This income could be from a job, self-employment, gig work, disability, Social Security benefits, or even a pension. 

    RadCred’s application will ask you to report your monthly income. Generally, lenders in the network expect at least roughly $800 per month or more in income, but this can include various income types. There’s flexibility here – the key is you have some money coming in that you could use to make loan payments.

    • Active Checking Account: To receive your funds (and to make automated repayments), you’ll need an active checking account in your name. This is where lenders will deposit the loan money if you’re approved. It also allows for convenient electronic withdrawals for your repayments. You’ll provide your bank routing and account number during the application.
    • Contact Details: You should have a valid email address and phone number so lenders can reach you if needed and so RadCred can communicate updates. During the process, you may receive an email confirmation or even a phone call if a lender needs to clarify something. Accurate contact info is important to keep things moving quickly.

    You don’t need a high credit score, car title, or other collateral to start with RadCred. As long as you’re an adult U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a checking account in your name, and earn steady income, you unlock the no credit check loan application. 

    RadCred’s engine then filters out any lender whose rules don’t match your profile, sparing you wasted effort. Borrowers under 18, with no bank account, or without verifiable income are screened out automatically.

    This simple checklist makes RadCred the best option for bad credit personal loans, welcoming self-employed workers, freelancers, part-timers, and anyone with past credit problems. Meet the basics, and you’ll see tailored offers that can lead to instant approval, same-day funding, and the fast cash traditional banks won’t provide.

    Need a $1,000 boost? Fill out RadCred’s short form and get matched to real lenders—no hard inquiry, no pressure.

    Pros and Cons of Using RadCred For No Credit Check Loans Guaranteed Approval

    Every financial service has its advantages and drawbacks. As part of an honest review of RadCred as the best no credit check loan platform of 2025, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons. Below, we outline the key benefits that make RadCred stand out, as well as some potential limitations to be aware of.

    Pros of RadCred:

    • High Approval for Bad Credit
      This platform focuses on bad-credit personal loans, so approvals come far more often than at banks. Its large lender pool means someone almost always says yes, even with a sub-600 score.
    • Same-Day Funding
      Thanks to an all-digital flow, many borrowers receive instant approval and cash in their accounts within 24 hours, a true lifesaver when emergencies strike.
    • No Hard Inquiry
      The initial request triggers only a soft credit check, protecting your score while you shop multiple no credit check loan offers.
    • Zero Fees, No Obligation
      Submitting a request is free, and you can walk away from any loan quote that doesn’t fit—risk-free comparison shopping.
    • Flexible Loan Sizes
      Choose anything from a $300 online payday loan to a $35,000 installment product for debt consolidation or large expenses.
    • Transparent, Vetted Lenders
      All partners follow Online Lenders Alliance guidelines; APR, fees, and terms are shown upfront—no hidden costs.
    • Bank-Level Security
      Data moves through 256-bit SSL encryption and daily security scans, keeping personal information safe.
    • Responsive Support
      Live agents are available weekdays, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. PT, plus email assistance 24/7, which is valuable when questions arise.
    • Strong User Ratings
      An average 4.3-star score highlights quick approvals, an easy process, and overall customer satisfaction.

    Cons of RadCred:

    • U.S.–Only Availability
      The platform serves American borrowers exclusively. In certain states with strict rules on payday or installment products, lender options for no credit check loans may be limited or unavailable.
    • Intermediary, Not Lender
      It acts as a marketplace, connecting you to third-party providers. Questions about APR, repayment dates, or late fees must be directed to the chosen lender, adding an extra communication step.
    • Higher APR for Bad Credit
      Rates on bad credit loans can range roughly 6 %-35.99 %, and short-term online payday loans may cost more. Borrow only what you can comfortably repay.
    • Short Terms on Small Loans
      Amounts under $500 often require payoff by your next payday, making monthly payments steep. Larger installment offers give multi-month terms but still demand discipline.
    • Possible Follow-Up Calls
      Submitting a request can trigger emails or calls from competing lenders. While some welcome the extra offers, others may find the outreach inconvenient.
    • Bank Account and Income Required
      A checking account and verifiable income- salary, gig earnings, or benefits- remain mandatory for instant-approval matching.

    Overall, the pros of RadCred far outweigh the cons for the audience it serves. The platform delivers exactly what its target users need: fast and accessible loans when others say no. The drawbacks are mostly inherent to the industry (higher interest for higher-risk borrowers, etc.) or minor inconveniences. 

    Borrowers should be aware of the terms and only borrow amounts they can reasonably repay. RadCred provides the tools and opportunities, but it’s up to each individual to use them wisely.

    Bad credit payday loan alternative. Secure funds privately—apply in minutes, repay flexibly.

    Real Customer Case Studies & Testimonials

    Case Study 1: Emergency Medical-Bill Loan for a Single Dad

    Name: Brian K.
    Location: Orlando, FL

    Situation: Brian’s young son needed an unexpected outpatient procedure that required a $750 up-front payment the following morning. With a FICO score in the low 500s, Brian’s bank rejected a personal-loan request, and his credit-card cash-advance limit was only $300.

    Solution: At 9 p.m. Brian completed RadCred’s five-minute form on his phone. He was matched instantly with a lender that offered an $800 short-term installment loan, no hard credit inquiry required. Funds landed in his checking account by 10 a.m., in time to cover the hospital payment.

    “RadCred felt like a lifesaver. They didn’t grill me about my score, just got me the money before the doctor’s office opened.”

    Case Study 2: Emergency Utility-Relief Loan for a Single Mom

    Name: Jasmine L.
    Location: Richmond, VA

    Situation: Jasmine, a single mom, fell behind on utilities after a week of unpaid sick leave. Two traditional lenders declined her $500 request because of a 560 credit score and a recent late payment.

    Solution: Through RadCred, she received three competing offers within minutes; the winning lender approved $600 without a hard pull and wired the money the next business morning. High approval odds—even after prior denials—spared her a shut-off notice and late-fee penalties.

    “I’d started to think nobody would help me. RadCred connected me with a lender who said ‘yes’ when everyone else said ‘no.’”

    Case Study 3: Transparent Debt-Consolidation Loan for a Gig-Worker

    Name: Marco D.
    Location: Albuquerque, NM

    Situation: Marco juggles rideshare driving and freelance design. He wanted to consolidate two payday balances totalling $1,200, but was wary of hidden fees after past bad experiences with storefront lenders.

    Solution: Marco applied via RadCred during a ride-share break. Within five minutes, he received an offer for a $1,500 six-month installment loan at a clearly stated 29.9 % APR, with no origination fee and the option to prepay without penalties. The terms he accepted matched exactly what was advertised on the offer page.

    “Everything was up front. No surprises at signing or in the repayment schedule. That transparency made me comfortable going ahead.”

    Key Takeaways Across Cases

    RadCred Promise Real-World Outcome
    Speed Same-day or next-day funding in all three cases
    Ease Five-minute mobile application; no collateral or paperwork uploads
    High Approval Odds Borrowers previously denied elsewhere received affirmative offers
    Transparency & Trust Loan terms delivered matched online disclosures; no bait-and-switch reports

    These stories mirror RadCred’s 4.3-star average rating: borrowers consistently praise the platform for fast approvals, clear terms, and dependable support, qualities that have propelled RadCred to the forefront of no-credit-check loans lending in 2025.

    Apply for a bad credit loan online—30-second form, no hard inquiry.

    RadCred vs. Traditional Lenders: No Credit Check, Same-Day Loan Advantage

    It’s worth comparing RadCred’s approach to lending with more traditional options (like banks or credit unions) and even other online lenders. For a consumer with bad credit, these differences are often what make RadCred such an attractive choice in 2025. Here’s a side-by-side look at how RadCred compares to conventional lenders in several key areas:

    Credit Requirements

    Traditional banks insist on hard pulls, high scores (600-650+), and often collateral. By contrast, this online loan marketplace uses a soft inquiry only, welcoming applicants with limited or bad credit– even those below 580. 

    Approval hinges on present income and repayment ability, not past mistakes, and no car title or property is needed. That makes the platform dramatically more accessible than a bank, giving everyday borrowers a realistic shot at fast cash when other doors slam shut.

    Speed of Approval & Funding

    Bank underwriting takes days; weekend requests stall until Monday. Here, the entire no credit check loan process runs on internet speed. Applications finish in minutes, offers appear almost instantly, and ACH deposits often arrive the same day, or the next morning for late-evening approvals. 

    This around-the-clock service is crucial when rent or car repairs can’t wait. Some online lenders in the network have funded users within hours, proving lifesaving during tight deadlines.

    Convenience & Accessibility

    Branch visits, appointments, and paper forms are still common at traditional lenders. In contrast, this platform is fully mobile-friendly: self-employed workers, gig drivers, or part-timers can apply anytime, anywhere. The user interface is straightforward, guiding applicants through each field without jargon. 

    Because the service operates 24 / 7, customers receive help on their own schedule, not the banker’s. It’s true on-demand financial assistance, replacing legacy bureaucracy with click-to-cash simplicity.

    Loan Terms & Flexibility

    Bank loans may advertise low APRs, but qualifying is tough, and minimum amounts can be rigid. The marketplace, however, offers a wide menu- small payday loan alternatives for $300 or installment loans up to $35,000 with terms reaching 73 months. 

    Early repayment is generally allowed, and many lenders will negotiate extensions if you hit a snag. This flexibility lets borrowers tailor the loan size and timeline to their actual needs rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all package.

    Cost & Fees

    Interest is higher than prime bank rates because lenders assume greater risk on bad credit personal loans. Still, marketplace offers are often cheaper than credit-card cash advances, pawn shops, or storefront payday lenders charging triple-digit APRs. 

    The platform itself is fee-free, has no application charge, and has no rate-shopping penalty. Competitive pressure among online lenders helps keep rates within the 6 %-35.99 % bracket for installment products, allowing cost-conscious borrowers to choose the best available deal.

    Transparency & Choice

    A single bank grants one yes-or-no verdict. Here, multiple vetted lenders bid for your business, promoting a competitive environment that can lower rates or fees. All offers show APR, monthly payment, and total cost upfront, no hidden fine print. 

    Comparative shopping tools let you sort by rate, amount, or funding speed in seconds. The result is a clear, consumer-driven experience that transforms loan hunting from opaque guesswork into an informed, side-by-side decision.

    RadCred’s online marketplace beats banks on access, speed, and privacy for subprime borrowers. Their no credit check loans and bad-credit personal loans deliver near-instant approval and same-day funding, eliminating traditional lenders’ paperwork and collateral demands. 

    Where a bank might dismiss you, the platform matches you to receptive lenders in minutes, quietly and securely, right from your phone. That discreet, user-first model turns a once-impossible task of getting cash with a low score into a fast, dignified, and dependable solution.

    Conclusion: Why RadCred is the Best Choice in 2025 for No Credit Check, Same-Day Loans

    In conclusion, RadCred has earned its position as the premier destination for no credit check, same-day loans in 2025 by combining technological innovation with a human-centric understanding of borrowers’ challenges. Its platform proves that “bad credit” does not have to mean “no options.” Instead, RadCred flips the script, giving consumers a fast, safe option to obtain cash when it’s needed, all while treating them with respect and dignity.

    RadCred has proven that when it comes to helping people weather life’s financial storms, it truly “has your back.” If you’re in a bind and worried that your credit score will hold you back, RadCred may well be the lifeline to get you through quickly, safely, and with your peace of mind intact.

    FAQ

    1. How fast can I get money from a no-credit-check loan?

    Most online marketplaces return offers within minutes; accepted loans are often deposited the same or next business day, depending on bank cut-off times and lender policies. 

    2. Does it cost anything to apply through RadCred?

    No. Submitting the online form is free; the platform is paid by participating lenders, so borrowers face no application fees or hidden platform charges. 

    3. Are no-credit-check loans safe to use?

    They’re safe when obtained from vetted, licensed lenders using encrypted websites; avoid advance-fee demands, unsecured pages, or unsolicited offers to steer clear of common personal-loan scams. 

    4. What’s the typical APR on bad-credit personal loans?

    Installment products on reputable networks range roughly 6 %–35.99 % APR, while short-term payday loans can exceed 200 % in permissive states—compare offers carefully before signing. 

    5. Who qualifies for no-credit-check loans?

    Applicants must be at least 18, possess an active U.S. checking account, and show steady income; hard credit scores are not mandatory for approval.

    Disclaimer: RadCred is an online loan marketplace, not a direct lender. Loan approval, terms, APRs, and funding speeds are determined by third-party lenders and state regulations. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or specific terms. Borrow responsibly and read all lender disclosures before accepting any offer.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey Updates on the Negotiations to Acquire 100% of IC’ALPS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey Updates on the Negotiations to Acquire 100% of IC’ALPS

    Geneva, Switzerland – May 22, 2025 – Ad-Hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 of SIX Listing Rules – WISeKey International Holding Ltd (NASDAQ: WKEY / SIX: WIHN) (“WISeKey” or “the Company”), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT technologies, today shares an update on the exclusive negotiations entered into by its subsidiary, SEALSQ Corp (“SEALSQ”), a leading developer and provider of Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software solutions, to acquire 100% of the share capital and voting rights of IC’ALPS SAS (“IC’ALPS”), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) design and supply specialist based in Grenoble, France (“the Acquisition”).

    These exclusive negotiations result from the execution of a Letter of Intent with IC’ALPS and its shareholders (the “Sellers”). This proposed strategic Acquisition (subject to the signing of a Share Purchase Agreement and satisfaction of closing conditions) is expected to reinforce SEALSQ’s commitment to advancing its ASIC development to meet the growing demand in the sector and would add approximately 100 highly skilled staff based out of IC’ALPS’ current centers in Grenoble and Toulouse.

    SEALSQ and the Sellers have reached an agreement in principle to sign a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) based on the following elements:

    • A fixed purchase price of EUR 12.5 million (subject to a ‘No Leakage’ undertaking clause) comprised of EUR 10 million consideration payable in cash and EUR 2.5 million consideration to be paid to one of the Sellers in fully paid and non-assessable Ordinary Shares of SEALSQ, the number of which would be calculated based on the volume weighted average price of an Ordinary Share of SEALSQ on the Nasdaq Stock Market during the ninety trading days ending on the trading day immediately prior to the closing of the Acquisition.
    • An earn-out payment in Ordinary Shares of up to EUR 4 million in value based on IC’ALPS achieving revenue in excess of EUR 11 million in the twelve months ending on December 31, 2025 (revenue to be accounted for in accordance with US GAAP and audited by SEALSQ’s statutory auditors).
    • The Ordinary Shares of SEALSQ to be issued as part of the equity consideration would be subject to a mandatory holding period of one hundred and eighty days from their date of issuance, during which the relevant Seller would be restricted from selling, transferring, or otherwise disposing of the SEALSQ Ordinary Shares.
    • Conditions precedent to the closing of the Acquisition include, among others, approval of the Acquisition by the French Ministry of the Economy in accordance with articles L.151-3 and R.151-1 et seq of the French Financial and Monetary Code (code monétaire et financier).

    During the year ended December 31, 2024, based solely on the draft unaudited revenue of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ using French GAAP was EUR9,756,000 with a net loss of EUR2,016,000. In the previous year, the audited revenue of IC’ALPS, based solely on the audited revenue of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ, using French GAAP was EUR 8,465,000 with a net income of EUR318,000. As further detailed below, upon completion of the Acquisition, it is anticipated that SEALSQ would prepare full audited financial statements using US GAAP for both years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and that this might lead to material adjustment to these numbers.

    We note that the net loss of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 included sales to SEALSQ in an amount of approximately EUR 615,000. Excluding the sales to SEALSQ, the net loss of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 would amount to a net loss in the amount of EUR (2,631,000), based on the draft unaudited revenue of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ. We note that the net income of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 included sales to SEALSQ in an amount of approximately EUR 1,168,000. Excluding the sales to SEALSQ, the net income of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 would amount to a net loss in the amount of EUR (850,000) based on the audited revenue of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ.

    Although the conversion of the financial information of IC’ALPS from French GAAP to US GAAP has not been initiated, we expect that material adjustments may arise upon conversion to US GAAP in relation to French GAAP based net sales, operating expenses and income tax income reflected in the IC’ALPS income statement for twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and in relation to French GAAP based intangible assets, current liabilities, and pension and debt liabilities reflected in the balance sheet as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, as reflected in the numbers provided by IC’ALPS to SEALSQ and disclosed in the preceding paragraphs.

    About IC’ALPS:
    IC’ALPS is your one-stop-shop ASIC partner. Based in France (HQ in Grenoble, two design centers in Grenoble and Toulouse), the company provides customers with a complete offering for Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Systems on Chip (SoC) development from circuit specification, mastering design in-house, up to the management of the entire production supply chain. Its 100+ engineers’ areas of expertise include analog, digital and mixed-signal circuits (sensor/MEMS interfaces, ultra-low power consumption, power management, high-resolution converters, high voltage, signal processing, ARM and RISC-V based multiprocessors architectures, hardware accelerators) on technologies from 0.18 µm down to 1.8 nm, and from multiple foundries (TSMC, Global Foundries, Tower Semiconductor, X-FAB, STMicroelectronics, Intel Foundry, etc.). The company is active worldwide in medical, industrial, automotive, IoT, IA, mil-aero, and digital identity & security sectors. IC’ALPS is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, EN 9100:2018, Common Criteria certified, IATF16949-ready, member of TSMC Design Center Alliance (DCA), Intel Foundry Accelerator Design Services Alliance and Value Chain Alliance (DSA & VCA), ams Osram Preferred Partner and X-FAB’s partner network.
    More information: www.icalps.com and  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ic-alps

    About SEALSQ:
    SEALSQ is a leading innovator in Post-Quantum Technology hardware and software solutions. Our technology seamlessly integrates Semiconductors, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), and Provisioning Services, with a strategic emphasis on developing state-of-the-art Quantum Resistant Cryptography and Semiconductors designed to address the urgent security challenges posed by quantum computing. As quantum computers advance, traditional cryptographic methods like RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are increasingly vulnerable.

    SEALSQ is pioneering the development of Post-Quantum Semiconductors that provide robust, future-proof protection for sensitive data across a wide range of applications, including Multi-Factor Authentication tokens, Smart Energy, Medical and Healthcare Systems, Defense, IT Network Infrastructure, Automotive, and Industrial Automation and Control Systems. By embedding Post-Quantum Cryptography into our semiconductor solutions, SEALSQ ensures that organizations stay protected against quantum threats. Our products are engineered to safeguard critical systems, enhancing resilience and security across diverse industries.

    For more information on our Post-Quantum Semiconductors and security solutions, please visit www.sealsq.com.

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

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

    Disclaimer

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts and can be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will” and “would” or similar words. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the actual adjustments that arise upon conversion of the financial information of IC’ALPS to US GAAP in relation to net sales, operating expenses and income tax income in the income statement for twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and in relation to intangible assets, current liabilities, and pension and debt liabilities in the balance sheet as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, in comparison with the French GAAP ; the entering into of definitive documents, the authorization by French regulatory authorities and the successful closing of the Acquisition; ; and the risks discussed in WISeKey’s filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by WISeKey with the SEC.

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

    Press and Investor Contacts

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Communique: UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Joint Communique: UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework

    Communiqué on the establishment of a Strategic Partnership Framework between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Mauritius.

    Today, with the conclusion of the agreement on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Mauritius enter a new era. In recognition of this, we – the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs for the United Kingdom, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade for Mauritius – agree to a new Strategic Partnership Framework, to cement and boost our flourishing relationship for the benefit of both nations.

    The United Kingdom and Mauritius enjoy deep historical ties and strong partnerships across a full range of shared strategic interests including economic growth, security, and climate change. We are both Commonwealth democracies, committed to upholding human rights, the rule of law, and the rules-based international system.

    Our new governments will work together to deliver the clear mandates for reform we were given in our elections last year, to support the change our people want to see. In agreeing to this partnership, we also demonstrate our continued shared commitment to the pursuit of a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific that delivers security and prosperity for all.

    From 2025, the United Kingdom and Mauritius will strengthen our cooperation, addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities of our time, with a particular focus on: boosting mutual economic growth and trade, strengthening the international rules-based system, reinforcing maritime security, and tackling climate change.

    Building on our vibrant bilateral trade relationship currently worth £1.2 billion annually, we will increase mutual trade and investment to boost long-term growth for both our countries, supporting Mauritius’s aim to transition to a high income country and putting more money into hardworking people’s pockets. This will include:

    • deepening our existing trade relationship under the United Kingdom-Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement

    • maximising growth and development by cooperating on competitive financing through UK Export Finance, with at least £5 billion in market risk appetite, to deliver British business opportunities and growth and jobs in Mauritius

    • new government-to-government initiatives on digital trade and health, and a United Kingdom/Mauritius Business Forum

    • delivering a set of formal partnerships with Mauritian and British institutions across priority sectors, including hospitals, the civil and public service, universities, and City of London financial institutions

    We also commit to work together to strengthen the international rules-based system and in particular to build resilience against corruption and illicit finance, including by enhancing Mauritius’s status as a regional financial hub and instilling further confidence in Mauritius as an investment destination. This will include:

    • developing a bilateral Economic Security Partnership to counter corruption and illicit finance, including measures to support Mauritius’s next Financial Action Taskforce review
    • expanding law enforcement cooperation, in particular cyber training and investigations, to reduce crime

    • identifying opportunities for Mauritian judicial reform and support

    We will explore ways to strengthen our democracies and shared values by forging deeper connections between our Parliaments and increasing our collaboration in international and multilateral fora such as the Commonwealth and regional Indian Ocean organisations.

    On maritime security and irregular migration, we will deepen our cooperation to fight the scourges of irregular migration, drugs trafficking, piracy, and illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, supporting safer streets in our countries and protecting mutual prosperity. This will include:

    • cooperation agreements and capacity building to secure Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone

    • consideration of patrolling capability across the Chagos Archipelago to support a secure maritime domain

    • cooperation to counter and manage irregular migration

    • provision of training and institutional partnerships to boost Mauritian maritime security capability and strengthen fisheries protection

    We further commit to tackle one of the defining global challenges of our time together: climate change. Our shared objectives are to deliver Mauritius’s transition to energy independence through sustainable renewable energy, to protect biodiversity including rare indigenous species, and to increase Mauritius’s long-term climate resilience. This will include:

    • a £12 million Access to Climate Finance programme, to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds through private sector partnerships and international green funds

    • mitigation and adaptation projects to tackle the immediate effects of climate change including coral restoration, coastal erosion and indigenous species conservation

    • technical expertise to develop and manage the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area, pursuant to the agreement on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago

    The new UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework will provide a comprehensive mechanism for delivering, together, for our countries. Our Ministers will meet in the coming months to finalise the partnership and will then meet in an Annual Strategic Dialogue to review and keep evolving it as necessary to support the security and prosperity of our countries into the future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New UK-Japan partnership to boost economic growth and cultural exchanges

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New UK-Japan partnership to boost economic growth and cultural exchanges

    Boost for UK businesses and growth as new Musubi Initiative strengthens UK-Japan connections

    • Innovative public-private partnership to encourage investment and grow the next generation of UK and Japanese leaders, while creating new opportunities for sports programmes, youth scholarships and cultural exchanges
    • Backed by major partners including UCL, Liverpool FC International Academy, SSE Pacifico and Hello Kitty presented by Sanrio

    Current and future business leaders across the UK and Japan will benefit from a range of new opportunities thanks to the innovative Musubi Initiative launched at the World Expo in Osaka by UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy today.

    The initiative, which begins a new phase of UK-Japan cooperation, will draw in private funding to support a diverse range of programmes to create lasting connections spanning youth scholarships, sport, cultural exchanges, science, innovation and opportunities for women in business in both countries. It builds upon the UK and Japan’s increasingly strong relationship, reflected in collaboration on defence, security, digital innovation and expanding trade through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Hiroshima Accord.

    Named after the Japanese word for ‘connection’, the Musubi Initiative is a first-of-its-kind for the UK-Japan partnership and will strengthen ties and grow the international talent pool needed to grasp future opportunities.

    Unveiled as part of the UK National Day celebrations at World Expo 2025 Osaka, it represents another step forward in delivering the Government’s Plan for Change by fostering international relationships that drive economic growth and opportunity.

    UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy said:

    The UK’s vibrant display in Osaka demonstrates the breadth of creativity and innovation from across our four nations and our strong partnership with Japan. From BBC Planet Earth and Paddington to our world-famous musicians, the UK’s creative industries are a truly global hit, worth £125 billion to our economy and vital to our Plan for Change – it’s great to see them in the spotlight today as part of UK National Day.

    I am delighted that we have deepened our relationship with Japan further through this new Musubi Initiative, which will create even more opportunities for businesses in both the UK and Japan now and in the future.

    Pioneer Partners

    The Culture Secretary announced the first group of Musubi Pioneer Partners, who will help deliver the initiative’s vision, including:

    Sports programmes: 

    • Liverpool Football Club International Academy sports programme supported by Musubi developing young players and providing opportunities to build leadership qualities. 
    • The UK Ekiden, inspired by Japan’s famous relay race, with UK and Japanese university students participating. 

    Educational programmes: 

    • A new Musubi Scholarship with University College London supported by Amano Enzyme Inc. for Japanese students, building on an over 160-year relationship between the university and Japan. 
    • A Youth Offshore Wind Scholarship Programme with SSE Pacifico to foster future talent in the offshore wind sector, including study abroad opportunities in Scotland. 
    • The Robert Walters career development programme to help bright young people, including Chevening Scholars, reach their full potential.

    Leadership programmes: 

    • An event focussed on Women’s Economic Empowerment and strengthening relationships between female exporters in Japan and the UK, co-hosted by the UK and Japan at Osaka Expo.   
    • The Musubi Alumni programme will bring together the talent and potential of alumni across our programmes. 

    Representing the strong links between the UK and Japan, Hello Kitty presented by Sanrio, the globally popular Japanese brand, will be the Musubi Friendship Ambassador, while Japanese firm Dentsu PR Consulting Inc. will be providing PR advisory services.

    The programmes under the Musubi Initiative will be delivered with an ambition to create a long-lasting legacy and network of alumni that will become champions of their communities, their country and of UK-Japan relations.

    The Culture Secretary has also been in Japan to promote Britain’s creative industries overseas, push British brands within Japanese markets, and attract trade and investment into the UK that can be redistributed across the country to the places where it is needed the most. 

    Yesterday (21 May) the Culture Secretary met with Minoru Kiuchi, a senior Japanese minister with responsibility for the Cool Japan Strategy, in Tokyo to discuss strengthening creative industries collaboration. She also met with executives from major video games organisations, including Bandai Namco and Nintendo, as well as the Japanese cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. 

    Japan is currently the UK’s 6th largest investor, with an inward Foreign Direct Investment stock of more than £86 billion at the end of 2023, and with bilateral trade worth £31 billion in 2024. Japanese investment into the UK has already roughly doubled over the last decade, with nearly 1,000 Japanese companies sustaining 200,000 UK jobs.

    Exports Minister Gareth Thomas said: 

    The UK and Japan enjoy a dynamic and enduring trading relationship, with £86 billion in investment to the UK economy.

    As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, initiatives like the Musubi Initiative and Expo 2025 are helping to strengthen our ties with key economic partners, creating new opportunities for businesses and deepening people-to-people connections across the world.

     Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said:

    It is connections between people that develop our societies and serve as a foundation for exchanges between countries. 

    In the Japan-UK Hiroshima Accord, issued by the leaders of Japan and the UK in 2023, we also confirmed our cooperation in revitalising people-to-people exchanges, including in the key areas of tourism, studying abroad, culture, and the working holiday programme.

    I hope this initiative will strengthen our “Musubi (bonds)” especially among the younger generation and that our partnership, now stronger than ever, will continue to grow.

    The UK’s presence at World Expo 2025 is providing a global showcase for British companies and creative talent.

    To mark UK National Day (22 May), there were musical performances from all four UK nations featured across Yumeshima Island, from bagpipes to bass guitars. This was followed by the Japanese premiere of BBC’s ‘Planet Earth III Live in Concert’.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    • Supporting VisitBritain’s new Starring GREAT Britain campaign, beloved characters including Paddington, Peter Rabbit and Shaun the Sheep made appearances outside the UK Pavilion, delighting visitors as the campaign trailer played across the Expo site.

    • UK National Day highlighted creative collaborations between British and Japanese performers, with Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performers joined by traditional Japanese Taiko Drummers, music from BBC Planet Earth III performed by the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, and British rapper Shao Dow performing in Japanese.

    • The British Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom, said: “We want Musubi to live up to its name, creating and supporting the leaders of tomorrow by fostering long-term, meaningful connections between people in the UK and Japan. The relationship between the UK and Japan is stronger than ever, and we want to invite as many even more businesses and organisations to join us as we look to build the shared leadership needed to grasp future opportunities and tackle future challenges.”

    • UK Commissioner General for Expo 2025, Carolyn Davidson said: “With an estimated audience of over 28 million expected Japanese and international visitors and more than 150 countries represented, Expo 2025 Osaka offers a unique platform to raise awareness of the UK as a dynamic and innovative country on the world stage. Our National Day is a representation of the best of British and Japanese fusion from across our creative industries, and I am delighted that our countries’ close partnership will be further enriched through Project Musubi, boosting our people-to-people connections and delivering projects that invest in the next generation of UK and Japanese leaders.”

    • Images and b-roll from UK National Day: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCeHb4

    • Musical Performances at UK National Day included:

    o   The Japanese premiere of BBC Planet Earth III Live in Concert with music performed by the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, conducted by British conductor Matthew Freeman, featuring a score by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and Sara Barone

    o   The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, accompanied by Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten Taiko drummers

    o   Shao Dow (England), :Panic :Over (Northern Ireland), Nina Nesbitt (Scotland), and Strawberry Guy (Wales) – all former recipients of the UK’s Music Export Growth Scheme Awards

    • World Expo 2025 Osaka runs from 13 April – 13 October 2025, and is expected to attract 28 million visitors. For more information: https://www.ukatexpo2025.uk/

    • The “Starring GREAT Britain” campaign launched by VisitBritain in January 2025 promotes UK tourism through iconic film and TV locations.

    •  The UK’s presence at Expo 2025 forms part of the UK Government’s GREAT Campaign, which promotes the UK internationally and has delivered billions in economic returns.

    Notes to Editors on the Musubi Initiative:

    The Musubi Friendship Ambassador – Hello Kitty presented by Sanrio. We are grateful to Sanrio for providing Hello Kitty as the Friendship Ambassador for the Musubi Initiative. Sanrio’s vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles” aligns with Musubi’s objective to build positive people-to-people relationships and we look forward to working with Sanrio’s world-famous characters to achieve this. Hello Kitty was born and raised in London as a schoolgirl and now an iconic Japanese character, she is not only a great representative for our two countries, but she also represents the deep desire among our people to feel joy and happiness. We look forward to working with her to reinforce connections between people of the UK and Japan.  

    We are grateful to the Japanese firm Dentsu PR Consulting Inc. for joining the Musubi Initiative as a Pioneer Partner providing PR advisory services. We welcome their support as we work to showcase the best of Musubi – and UK-Japan – connections.

    Full details of the initial programmes to be supported through the Musubi Initiative include: 

    Educational programmes: 

    • Musubi UCL scholarship: The Musubi scholarship with University College London, supported by Amano Enzyme Inc., gives Japanese students the opportunity to study a one-year Masters programme at UCL. The scholarship will form part of UCL’s Global Scholarships targeting students from various background with the aim of increasing diversity. 

    • SSE Pacifico Offshore Wind Scholarship Programme supported by Musubi: With a focus on fostering future talent in the dynamic offshore wind sector, SSE Pacifico, in collaboration with Musubi, will launch a scholarship programme to support young students from Japan. This initiative will offer short-term study opportunities in the UK, with the goal of upskilling and empowering the next generation of young leaders. 

    • Musubi Robert Walters career development programme: Robert Walters Japan, a Specialist Recruitment & Talent Advisory firm with roots in the UK and 25 years of expertise in Japan, will deliver a tailored career development programme for the 2025-26 recipients of the UK Government’s Chevening scholarship, with a view to extending this to future Musubi scholars. 

    Sports programmes: 

    • Liverpool Football Club International Academy sports programme supported by Musubi: With a commitment to empowering disadvantaged young people, 2025 Premier League winners Liverpool Football Club offer their LFC International Academy Japan soccer programme in connection to the Musubi initiative. Drawing on the power of sport to build connections and confidence, this will focus on developing young players and providing opportunities to learn new skills and build leadership qualities.

    • UK Ekiden: Musubi is proud to be connected to the UK Ekiden – a team relay race inspired by Japan’s beloved running tradition. With university students leading the main event and school children joining through the Mini Ekiden programme, it brings people together across generations. More than a race, it’s a celebration of teamwork, connection, and the growing friendship between the UK and Japan. Like the Musubi initiative, the UK Ekiden builds personal connections and unites different cultures. 

    Leadership programmes: 

    • Women’s Economic Empowerment: British Embassy Tokyo and Japan will host a joint Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum at the UK Expo Pavillion. This will focus on strengthening relationships between female exporters in Japan and the UK and is the first in-person event the UK and Japan have run under the Women’s Economic Empowerment chapter in the UK-Japan Free Trade Agreement. We hope that this event will be the first of many Musubi activities investing in female leaders of the future.    

    • Musubi Alumni: Our Alumni programme will bring together the talent and potential of Alumni across our programmes.  This Network will give our Alumni the connection, inspiration and empowerment to help realise their ambitions of building a better world.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Outlines Efforts to Strengthen Market Opportunities for U.S. Cattle Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    05.22.25
    Senator Discusses Need for More Competitive & Transparent Cattle Market, Urges Nominee to Push Back on Barriers to U.S. Beef Exports
    WASHINGTON – At a hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee this week, Senator John Hoeven discussed efforts to strengthen market opportunities for the nation’s cattle industry. With Mr. Dudley Hoskins, the nominee to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Hoeven outlined the need to:
    Fully enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act to help ensure more competitive and transparent cattle markets.
    As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to provide additional funding for the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to enforce the law and investigate anti-competitive practices.
    Hoskins highlighted the Cattle Contract Library pilot program that Hoeven established as an example of how to create greater price transparency for cattle producers.

    Secure fair access to foreign markets for U.S. beef producers and push back against artificial barriers impacting U.S. exports.

    “There is a real need for greater price discovery in cattle markets, which would provide our ranchers with more transparency and access to a more competitive market. That’s a win for both producers and consumers,” said Hoeven “Between our efforts to ensure enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, advance my Cattle Contract Library pilot program and reinstate MCOOL, we’re working to strengthen the U.S. domestic cattle market. At the same time, we need to remove artificial trade barriers used to block U.S. livestock producers from accessing foreign markets. That’s why we support the Trump administration as it works to secure better trade deals for U.S. ag producers. We look forward to working with Mr. Hoskins to continue advancing these priorities.”
    In addition, Hoeven invited Dr. Scott Hutchins, the nominee to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education and Economics, to visit North Dakota to learn firsthand about:
    The state’s leadership in precision agriculture technology development, including the innovative work occurring under the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) partnership at Grand Farm.
    The Agricultural Risk Policy Center (ARPC) that Hoeven has worked to stand up at North Dakota State University (NDSU). The center will:
    Help address farm and agribusiness challenges through in-depth policy and economic analysis.

    • • Complement the work conducted at similar centers currently housed at the University of Missouri, Texas A&M University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: CSGO Betting Sites: Thunderpick Named the Top U.S. Sportsbook for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thunderpick has redefined the CSGO betting experience for players across the U.S., offering everything a serious bettor could want in one streamlined platform. With competitive odds, real-time match coverage, and a robust selection of betting markets, it caters to casual fans and seasoned esports gamblers alike.

    JOIN THE TOP CSGO BETTING SITE: THUNDERPICK

    Why Thunderpick Stands Out Among U.S. CSGO Betting Sites

    Thunderpick offers a tailor-made experience for CSGO bettors who value reliability, diversity, and a professional-grade user interface. Its betting markets cover everything from major tournaments like ESL and BLAST to daily matchups, offering a constant stream of opportunities to win. Whether you want to bet on map winners, pistol rounds, or total kills, the platform supports it all with up-to-the-minute odds.

    The 100% bonus up to $600 gives new users a competitive edge from the get-go, while reload offers and loyalty perks keep returning players well-rewarded. Thunderpick’s unique points system allows players to earn extra rewards simply by placing bets, which can later be exchanged for additional bonuses.

    Its design is optimized for both desktop and mobile users, making it seamless to place bets from anywhere. Real-time score updates and betting slips that adjust instantly ensure that live betting is both fast and fun. Compared to other platforms, Thunderpick consistently offers better odds and quicker bet confirmation.

    Overall, Thunderpick isn’t just another sportsbook—it’s a full-service CSGO betting hub designed to deliver a premium experience from first bet to final payout.

    GET A 100% BONUS UP TO $600

    How to Sign Up for the Best CSGO Betting Site, Thunderpick

    Getting into CSGO betting with Thunderpick is quick, intuitive, and designed for new users who want to dive straight into the action. Here’s how to get started:

    1. Visit Thunderpick and click the “Join Now” button.
    2. Register your account with a valid email, secure password, and preferred currency.
    3. Verify your email to unlock deposit and withdrawal features.
    4. Make your first deposit—you can choose from a variety of payment options, including credit cards.
    5. Claim your 100% bonus up to $600 automatically after your first deposit.
    6. Explore upcoming CSGO matches in the esports section of the site.
    7. Place your bets on your chosen matches, maps, or rounds.

    Once you’re in, you’ll find Thunderpick’s layout easy to navigate. Betting markets are clearly labeled, and live matches are highlighted with dynamic odds updates. You can favorite teams, track ongoing wagers, and even set notifications for match outcomes.

    The mobile site is just as smooth, giving you the full Thunderpick experience on Android and iOS devices. No lag, no clutter—just fast, focused betting wherever you are.

    New users can start small, learning the ropes with low-stakes bets and live odds tracking. Tutorials and FAQs are readily available for anyone needing guidance. Thunderpick makes sure you’re never more than a few clicks away from your next winning wager.

    Important Factors When Selecting the Best CSGO Betting Site

    Choosing the right CSGO betting site is essential for a safe, enjoyable, and profitable experience. At Thunderpick, every key criterion is covered, making it the clear leader among esports sportsbooks. Here’s what to look for and how Thunderpick excels:

    Range of Betting Markets: A top-tier platform offers more than just match winners. Thunderpick supports dozens of betting options, including first kills, map totals, and clutch rounds. This depth gives players more control and engagement.

    Live Betting Support: In-play wagering is vital for esports, where momentum shifts quickly. Thunderpick provides real-time odds and rapid bet placement so users can respond to live gameplay.

    User Interface and Experience: Navigation, loading speed, and betting layout should be seamless. Thunderpick’s modern, mobile-friendly interface makes it easy for both beginners and veterans to find what they need.

    Competitive Odds: Winning more starts with better odds. Thunderpick consistently offers strong value compared to industry averages, especially on marquee CSGO events.

    Bonuses and Promotions: A generous welcome bonus, like Thunderpick’s 100% up to $600, sets the tone. Regular offers, VIP rewards, and loyalty points further enhance the value.

    Banking Options: Players should have access to fast, flexible deposits and withdrawals. Thunderpick supports ewallets, allowing for instant, secure transactions with low fees.

    Security and Licensing: Always choose a site with proper encryption and verified licensing. Thunderpick uses SSL protection and maintains strict anti-fraud protocols to ensure player safety.

    Customer Support: A responsive support team can make all the difference. Thunderpick’s 24/7 live chat is staffed by agents who understand esports and betting.

    Reputation and Reviews: User feedback and industry recognition help validate a platform. Thunderpick has earned top marks from players and experts alike.

    When these factors align, you know you’ve found a site you can trust—and that’s exactly what Thunderpick delivers.

    Best CSGO Matches to Bet on Right Now at Thunderpick

    CSGO betting is at its most thrilling during major tournaments and regional qualifiers, and Thunderpick makes it easy to access the hottest matchups in real time. Whether you’re backing tier-one giants like FaZe Clan, G2 Esports, or Team Vitality, or exploring underdog value in up-and-coming rosters, there’s always a game to follow.

    Thunderpick currently features action from high-stakes events like the BLAST Premier, ESL Pro League, and CCT Championships. These tournaments not only draw elite teams but also offer varied betting opportunities, from outright winner markets to detailed in-play props.

    For casual fans, betting on outright winners is a great way to stay engaged. But experienced bettors will appreciate markets such as first blood, total rounds played, or the outcome of pistol rounds. These micro-bets allow for precision predictions and higher-risk, higher-reward wagering.

    Live betting is another major draw. Thunderpick’s real-time odds adjust instantly based on in-game developments, allowing bettors to capitalize on momentum swings, surprise upsets, and clutch plays. This creates a dynamic betting experience that mirrors the pace of competitive CSGO.

    If you’re looking to spot value, matches featuring evenly matched teams or fresh roster changes often present favorable odds. Thunderpick provides pre-match analysis and team stats to help guide your picks. You can also view historical performance and head-to-head records for deeper insights.

    Understanding CSGO Odds and Betting Markets at Thunderpick

    Betting on CSGO requires more than just picking a winner—it’s about understanding the odds and choosing the right markets to match your risk appetite. At Thunderpick, the odds are displayed in both decimal and American formats, allowing players to bet in the way that suits them best.

    The most common market is the match-winner, where you predict which team will emerge victorious. But Thunderpick offers far more. You can wager on map winners, total maps, correct score, and even whether a match will go to overtime.

    Live betting markets are also robust. As a match unfolds, Thunderpick updates its odds in real time, giving you the chance to bet on things like the next map’s outcome or the winner of the current round. This feature keeps bettors engaged from start to finish.

    Understanding the odds helps you evaluate risk. For example, betting on a favorite with low odds yields smaller returns, but higher certainty. Underdogs offer bigger payouts, but come with greater risk. Thunderpick’s platform helps visualize these dynamics with a clean, responsive design and instant bet confirmation.

    For strategy-minded bettors, prop markets are a goldmine. Betting on whether a team wins both pistol rounds or if a player secures 30+ kills adds depth to the experience. Thunderpick’s wide selection lets users create customized bets based on individual game scenarios.

    CSGO Betting Sites: Conclusion

    Thunderpick delivers an elite CSGO betting experience that combines functionality, variety, and innovation. From its massive betting market coverage to its dynamic live odds and peer-to-peer systems, it offers something far beyond the standard sportsbook.

    New users can jump in quickly thanks to a sleek interface and generous 100% bonus up to $600. The platform’s commitment to secure payments, 24/7 support, and payment flexibility further enhances its reputation as the best in the game.

    Whether you’re betting on major tournaments or casual clashes, Thunderpick offers top-tier value and a truly immersive environment. For any CSGO fan looking to elevate their betting experience, Thunderpick is the smart, reliable choice.

    Editorial Note

    This article is provided solely for informational and entertainment purposes. Nothing within should be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers should carry out their own research before participating in any gambling activities or signing up with any online casinos mentioned. 

    Gambling Caution

    Online gambling comes with financial risks and may lead to addictive behavior or monetary loss. We urge all readers to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) can be contacted at 1-800-522-4700 or visited online at www.ncpgambling.org.

    21+ only. It is up to each individual to verify whether online gambling is permitted under their local, state, or federal laws. Neither the publisher, the authors, nor any syndication partners condone or support unlawful gambling. Participation in online gambling is done at the reader’s own discretion and risk.

    Affiliate Transparency

    This article may include affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase or register, a commission may be earned, at no extra cost to you.

    Syndication and Liability Disclaimer

    Any third-party publishers, media platforms, or syndication partners that republish this content do so understanding that it is meant for informational purposes only. These entities are not responsible for the legality, accuracy, or interpretation of the material.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Commission recommends conditional approval of MultiChoice acquisition

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the proposed acquisition of MultiChoice by Groupe Canal+ SAS, subject to certain conditions. 

    This recommendation comes after the Commission’s (which is an agency of the of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition) investigation into the large merger notification submitted on 30 September 2024.

    The Commission is one of three independent statutory bodies established in terms of the Competition Act to regulate competition between firms in the market. 

    Canal+, along with its ultimate controllers and the companies they control, are referred to collectively as the “acquiring group.”
    The acquiring group is a French media and entertainment company involved in the production, commissioning, and supply of audiovisual content, the provision of advertising services, the development of video games, and the publication of books. 
    LicenceCo is a proposed company within the merged group, containing local license rights and subscribers, which will broadcast content through DStv. 

    Meanwhile, the Target Group provides audiovisual content via its streaming service, Showmax.

    “The Commission is of the view that the proposed transaction is unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in any market. 

    “However, in recognition of the important role played by the Target Group within the broader audiovisual ecosystem in South Africa, and to address public interest concerns raised by various stakeholders, the Commission has recommended approval of the merger subject to a number of conditions.”

    The conditions include, but are not limited to, addressing employment concerns, increasing the shareholding of historically disadvantaged persons (HDP) and workers in Orbicom and LicenceCo, committing to supplier development, ensuring the merged entity continues to operate from South Africa, promoting a diversity of television news, and encouraging export activities.

    According to the Commission, the parties involved in the merger have agreed to a three-year moratorium on layoffs following the merger implementation date.

    “The merger parties have also committed that the majority of LicenceCo’s shareholders will be HDPs and workers. Moreover, the parties have agreed to continue certain corporate social responsibility initiatives such as skills development in the audiovisual industry and sports development.” 

    Canal+ has committed to ensuring that MultiChoice remains incorporated and headquartered in South Africa, promotes exports, and seeks a secondary inward listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Limited.

    The merged entity has also made supplier development commitments that include expenditure on local audiovisual content, the promotion of South African audiovisual content in new markets, and procurement from HDPs and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).  

    “Finally, the parties have agreed that LicenceCo will continue to procure local news content for DStv and will ensure the diversity of the news content it broadcasts.” 

    The total value of all the public interest commitments advanced by the merger parties based on past spend by MultiChoice is projected at a total amount of about R26 billion over the next three years. 

    “In large mergers, the Commission is required to assess and to ultimately make a recommendation to the Tribunal. The Commission is satisfied that the conditions attached to this merger sufficiently address the concerns raised during the investigation. 

    “The matter is now before the Tribunal for a final determination,” Deputy Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu explained.  – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa