Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casino Bonus: Latest Promo Codes 2025 – Get Free Spins & Welcome Bonuses! – By 7Bit Casino

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OKLAHOMA CITY, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 7Bit Casino has earned its place among the top-rated real money online casinos in 2025. In a rapidly evolving iGaming world, it stands out with its seamless crypto integration and generous no-deposit bonuses, making it a favorite for players seeking instant rewards and hassle-free signups.

    “We’re proud to be recognized as a leading real money online casino in 2025. At 7Bit, our mission has always been to blend innovation with fairness, offering fast payouts, transparent promotions, and a gaming experience that puts players first.”

    For many players, real money online casinos with no deposit bonuses offer the perfect entry point, letting them try out slots, table games, and live dealers without spending upfront. 7Bit Casino has fully embraced this, launching refined bonus codes and features that cater to both crypto-savvy users and casual gamers.

    In 2025, 7Bit Casino raised the bar yet again, delivering instant-access no deposit spins, smooth mobile gameplay, and one of the most exciting welcome packages in the industry- all without compromising on speed, security, or entertainment value.

    <<>>

    7Bit Casino delivers a top-tier gaming experience loaded with the best online casino bonuses, exciting promotional offers, and thrilling tournaments. This crypto-friendly platform blends retro charm with modern features, making it a favorite among players worldwide. With frequent promos and competitive events, the action never stops at 7Bit Casino.

    Whether you prefer slots or table games, there’s always something rewarding to enjoy. Explore nonstop entertainment and discover why 7Bit Casino is a standout destination for those seeking big wins and nonstop excitement.

    How to Join 7Bit Casino? Step By Step Guide
    Joining 7Bit Casino is fast and easy:

    1. Click here to visit the 7Bit Casino Official Page.
    2. Click the green “Sign Up” button and fill in your email, password, and preferred currency.
    3. Agree to the terms and submit your registration.
    4. (Optional) Verify your email for added security- crypto users can skip this.
    5. Log in, head to the “Cashier” section, and deposit using crypto or fiat.
    6. Claim your welcome bonus: 325% up to 5.25 BTC + 250 free spins across four deposits.

    <<>>

    A Player-Centric Review of 7Bit Casino

    To understand why 7Bit excels in offering the best online casino bonus, iGaming experts conducted a detailed review, zeroing in on key player priorities. They evaluated:

    • Licensing and Regulation
    • Game Fairness and Transparency
    • Game Variety and Quality
    • Bonus Value and Promotions
    • Payment Methods and Speed
    • Security and Data Protection
    • Mobile Gaming Experience
    • Customer Support Quality
    • Responsible Gambling Tools
    • VIP Program Benefits
    • No KYC for Crypto Users
    • Tournaments and Leaderboards
    • Crypto-Specific Features
    • Seasonal Promotions
    • Community Engagement
    • Software Provider Partnerships

    7Bit shone in every category, earning its reputation as a safe online casino. The review team highlighted the platform’s use of RNGs and provably fair algorithms, audited by independent firms, ensuring fairness. This transparency makes 7Bit a trusted online casino for players chasing real money wins with the best online casino bonus.

    Unpacking the Best Online Casino Bonus at 7Bit

    7Bit’s no-deposit bonus is a game-changer. By registering and entering 7BITCASINO20, you unlock 20 free spins on select slots. This offer lets you dive into the action without spending a cent, making it one of the best online casino bonuses for risk-free play. It’s perfect for testing the platform and potentially pocketing some winnings.

    Bonus & Promotions

    For players ready to deposit, 7Bit’s welcome package is a powerhouse, offering a 325% match bonus up to 5.25 BTC plus 250 free spins across four deposits. Here’s the breakdown:

    • First Deposit: 100% match up to 1.5 BTC + 100 free spins (no code needed).
    • Second Deposit: 75% match up to 1.25 BTC + 100 free spins (code: 2DEP).
    • Third Deposit: 50% match up to 1.25 BTC (code: 3DEP).
    • Fourth Deposit: 100% match up to 1.25 BTC + 50 free spins (code: 4DEP).

    With wagering requirements of 35x–40x, lower than many competitors, 7Bit makes cashing out easier, reinforcing its status as a real money online casino with the best online casino bonus.

    Ongoing Promotions for Endless Rewards

    7Bit keeps the excitement alive with a robust lineup of promotions:

    • Monday Reload: 25% match bonus + 50 free spins.
    • Wednesday Free Spins: Up to 100 free spins based on deposit size.
    • Weekend Cashback: Up to 20% cashback on losses.
    • New Game Offer: 45 free spins on new releases.
    • Telegram Exclusives: 50 free spins for Telegram members, plus Friday (111 free spins) and Sunday (66 free spins) offers.
    • Tournaments: Weekly slot races with prize pools up to $25,000, including Titans’ Arena ($8,000) and Platipus Rush (€2,000).

    These offers ensure players have frequent opportunities to claim the best online casino bonus, keeping every session rewarding.

    <<>>

    A Massive Game Library for Every Player

    7Bit’s 10,000+ games are a cornerstone of its appeal as a top real money online casino. Partnering with nearly 100 providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming, the platform offers:

    • Slots: Classics like Book of Dead, modern titles like Wolf of 7Bit Street, and progressive jackpots like Mega Moolah.
    • Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker variants for strategic players.
    • Live Dealer Games: Authentic casino experiences with live blackjack, roulette, and game shows.
    • Crypto Games: Provably fair options like Plinko, Aviator, and Crash for crypto enthusiasts.
    • Specialty Games: Keno, bingo, and scratch cards for casual fun.

    This diverse selection ensures players using the best online casino bonus have endless entertainment options.

    Fast and Secure Payments at an Instant Payout Casino

    As an instant payout casino, 7Bit prioritizes quick transactions. Crypto withdrawals (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether) are processed in minutes, while fiat options (Visa, Mastercard, Skrill) take 1–3 days. Supported methods include:

    • Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and more.
    • Fiat Options: Visa, PayID, Neosurf, and bank transfers.

    Transparent limits and no hidden fees make 7Bit a trusted online casino for hassle-free banking.

    Responsible Gambling: A Safe Online Casino

    7Bit’s dedication to player well-being sets it apart among safe online casinos. Their responsible gambling tools include:

    • Deposit and loss limits to control spending.
    • Session reminders to monitor playtime.
    • Self-exclusion options for breaks or account closure.
    • Links to support organizations like GambleAware.

    “Safe online casinos prioritize player safety, and 7Bit excels here,” the review team noted. This commitment ensures that chasing the best online casino bonus remains fun and responsible.

    Tournaments and Leaderboards: Competitive Fun

    7Bit’s weekly slot races and tournaments offer cash prizes and free spins, adding excitement to the best online casino bonus. Open to all players, these events feature leaderboards that spark a competitive spirit, making every spin more thrilling.

    Crypto-Friendly Features for Modern Players

    7Bit’s crypto focus makes it a standout real money online casino. Provably fair games allow players to verify outcomes, while crypto-exclusive bonuses, like extra spins for Bitcoin deposits, add value. The no-KYC policy for crypto users ensures privacy and swift withdrawals, making 7Bit the best online casino without payout delays for digital currency fans.

    VIP Program: Rewards for Loyalty

    The 12-level VIP program at 7Bit offers:

    • Up to 20% cashback on losses.
    • Weekly free spins for VIPs.
    • Exclusive bonuses for high rollers.

    This program enhances the value of the best online casino bonus, rewarding loyal players at a trusted online casino.

    Mobile Gaming: Play Anywhere

    7Bit’s HTML5-powered mobile site delivers a seamless experience on iOS and Android. Access all 10,000+ games, claim bonuses like the 20 free spins with 7BITCASINO20, and manage your account on the go. No app is needed, making 7Bit a top mobile-friendly platform for the best online casino bonus.

    Customer Support: Always Available

    7Bit’s 24/7 support via live chat and email (support@7bitcasino.com) is responsive and professional. Whether you’re troubleshooting a bonus or withdrawal, the team has you covered, reinforcing 7Bit’s status as a safe online casino.

    Seasonal Promotions: Year-Round Excitement

    7Bit keeps things fresh with seasonal promotions, like Halloween-themed bonuses or Christmas free spins. These limited-time offers provide extra chances to claim the best online casino bonus, ensuring ongoing fun.

    Community Engagement: Connecting Players

    Through social media and player forums, 7Bit fosters a vibrant community. Giveaways, polls, and game discussions create a welcoming atmosphere, setting 7Bit apart as a trusted online casino that values its players.

    Software Provider Partnerships: Top-Tier Games

    7Bit’s partnerships with nearly 100 providers, including BGaming and NetEnt, ensure a constantly updated game library. New releases drop regularly, keeping the experience fresh and reinforcing 7Bit’s position as a leader in delivering the best online casino bonus.

    Player Testimonials: Real Stories, Real Wins

    Players rave about 7Bit’s bonuses and experience:

    • Emma L., Canada: “I used 7BITCASINO20 for 20 free spins and won $30 without depositing! The games are fantastic, and payouts are quick.”
    • Liam S., Australia: “7Bit’s game variety is unreal. The no deposit bonus was a great start, and now I’m hooked. It’s the best online casino without payout issues.”
    • Sophie R., UK: “Crypto withdrawals are so fast—my Bitcoin was in my wallet in minutes. The free spins with 7BITCASINO20 were a fun way to try the slots.”
    • Carlos M., Brazil: “The tournaments are a blast. 7Bit’s bonuses keep me coming back.”

    These testimonials highlight why 7Bit is a top real money online casino.

    Tips to Maximize Your 7Bit Experience

    To get the most out of the best online casino bonus at 7Bit:

    • Use 7BITCASINO20 for 20 free spins to start risk-free.
    • Explore slots, live dealer games, and crypto titles.
    • Join tournaments for extra rewards.
    • Use crypto for faster withdrawals and exclusive bonuses.
    • Set limits with responsible gambling tools.
    • Check seasonal offers for extra spins or cash.

    These tips ensure you fully enjoy 7Bit’s online casino bonus offerings.

    Why Choose a No Deposit Bonus Casino?

    No deposit bonuses, like 7Bit’s, let you test a casino without risking money. They’re ideal for exploring games, learning the platform, or winning real cash. The best online casino bonuses, like those at 7Bit, pair low wagering requirements with a robust game selection, delivering a rewarding experience.

    The Rise of Crypto Casinos

    Crypto casinos are booming, and 7Bit leads with the best online casino bonus. Fast transactions, anonymous play, and provably fair games appeal to modern players. 7Bit’s support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more, plus its instant payout casino status, makes it a top pick for crypto enthusiasts.

    Gamification in Online Casinos: 7Bit’s Edge

    Gamification is a growing trend in 2025, and 7Bit embraces it to enhance the best online casino bonus experience. Features like progress bars, achievement badges, and interactive challenges make gameplay more engaging. For example, 7Bit’s tournaments and VIP program incorporate gamified elements, rewarding players for milestones like consecutive logins or high scores in slot races. This approach keeps players invested, making 7Bit a real money online casino that feels fresh and dynamic.

    Emerging Technologies Shaping Online Casinos

    The online casino industry is evolving with technologies like VR, AR, and blockchain. 7Bit stays ahead by integrating blockchain for provably fair games, ensuring transparency in outcomes. While VR and AR casinos are still emerging, 7Bit’s mobile-optimized platform and crypto focus position it as a leader in adopting tech trends, enhancing the value of the best online casino bonus.

    Understanding Player Psychology: Why Bonuses Work

    Bonuses like 7Bit’s tap into player psychology by offering instant gratification and low-risk opportunities. The no deposit bonus (7BITCASINO20 for 20 free spins) appeals to players’ desire to try before they buy, while the welcome package encourages loyalty with staggered rewards. By aligning bonuses with player motivations, 7Bit creates a compelling experience, solidifying its reputation as a trusted online casino.

    How to Spot the Best Online Casino Bonus

    Not all bonuses are created equal. To find the best online casino bonus, look for:

    • Low Wagering Requirements: 7Bit’s 35x–40x is player-friendly.
    • Game Eligibility: Bonuses should apply to a wide range of games.
    • Transparency: Clear terms prevent surprises.
    • Value: High match percentages or free spins, like 7Bit’s offers, maximize rewards.

    7Bit checks all these boxes, making it a top choice for savvy players.

    The Social Aspect of Online Casinos

    Online casinos are increasingly social, and 7Bit fosters this through community engagement. Their Telegram channel offers exclusive bonuses, like 50 free spins, while forums and social media create spaces for players to share tips and experiences. This social layer enhances the best online casino bonus by building a sense of belonging.

    7Bit’s Role in Responsible Gaming Advocacy

    Beyond tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion, 7Bit advocates for responsible gaming by educating players. Their website features guides on managing budgets and recognizing problem gambling signs. This proactive approach makes 7Bit a safe online casino, ensuring the best online casino bonus is enjoyed responsibly.

    The Future of Online Casino Bonuses

    As the industry evolves, bonuses are becoming more personalized. AI-driven platforms may tailor offers based on player habits, but 7Bit’s current approach—combining universal no deposit bonuses with crypto-specific rewards- already feels customized. By staying innovative, 7Bit ensures its online casino bonus remains competitive.

    Conclusion: Will 7Bit Stay #1 in 2026?

    The online casino industry moves fast, with new platforms emerging monthly. 7Bit’s no deposit bonus, crypto focus, and player-first approach make it the top choice for the best online casino bonus in 2025. The review team plans to reassess in 2026. “7Bit’s innovation is unmatched, but we’ll see if it holds the crown,” they said. For now, 7Bit is the ultimate real money online casino for rewards and fun.

    << 7BITCASINO20 TODAY!>>>

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Online Casino Bonus

    1. Can I play at 7Bit without verifying my identity?
      Yes, crypto users can play anonymously with no mandatory KYC, making 7Bit a trusted online casino.
    2. How fast are withdrawals at 7Bit?
      As an instant payout casino, 7Bit processes crypto withdrawals in minutes.
    3. Do I need to deposit to claim bonuses?
      No! Use 7BITCASINO20 for 20 free spins without depositing, one of the best online casino bonuses.
    4. Is there a VIP program?
      Yes, 7Bit’s 12-level VIP program offers cashback, free spins, and exclusive bonuses.
    5. What makes 7Bit a top casino?
      A vast game library, fast payouts, and generous bonuses make 7Bit a leading real money online casino.

    Email: support@7bitcasino.com

    Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

    The information in this article is for informational and promotional purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are made regarding completeness or timeliness. Readers should verify information independently. The publisher and affiliates are not liable for losses or consequences from using this content.

    This article may contain affiliate links, which may earn a commission at no cost to readers. Affiliate relationships do not influence editorial integrity, and all evaluations are based on independent research. Gambling is intended for those of legal age (19+ in some jurisdictions) and carries financial risks. Gamble responsibly and seek help from organizations like GambleAware if needed.

    All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This content is not endorsed by any brands unless stated.

    By reading this article, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk and hold the publisher and affiliates harmless from any liability.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/043e8662-26bf-4783-82ba-3b018574cb79

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f78911c1-bc34-4528-ae9b-c40862459049

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5357c1fb-d904-4e5b-b025-854400630dbb

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How woodland funding helped Lowther Estate to create Ladybeck Wood

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    How woodland funding helped Lowther Estate to create Ladybeck Wood

    Read how funding from the Woodland Creation Planning Grant and England Woodland Creation Offer helped to create woodland in Cumbria.

    Key facts

    • site: Ladybeck Wood, Cumbria
    • size: 51 hectares
    • type: mixed broadleaf
    • species: wild cherry, sycamore, silver birch, sessile oak, crab apple, hawthorn, Scots pine, field maple, common alder, aspen, hazel, goat willow and native black poplar
    • date planted: December 2023
    • grants: Woodland Creation Planning Grant, England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO), and Countryside Stewardship
    • main objective: to bolster existing farmer and timber enterprises with native woodland

    Tree seedlings growing on Ladybeck Wood. Copyright Lowther Estate.

    Ladybeck Wood in the Lake District is an inspiring landscape of seedlings and whips. In December 2023, around 51 hectares of new woodland was planted on Lowther Estate across 2 locations bordering the Eastern Lakes in Cumbria.

    The newly planted woods promise to be a boon for nature recovery in the area as the trees grow and mature. The predominantly broadleaf woodlands are just the latest planted on the estate, which also boasts large timber crops.

    With local biodiversity and business resilience in mind, the new woods show how planting under EWCO can help to provide benefits to landowners, nature and the wider community.

    Choosing woodland creation

    The woodland project at Ladybeck Wood began when a large section of land came back under the management of Lowther Estate. The retirement of a long-term tenant meant the estate had big decisions to make about the best use for this land. They considered further expanding the estate’s food production enterprises, however, due to the soil quality, this was unlikely to be a profitable venture.

    Ultimately, woodland creation was chosen for the environmental benefits and the diversification it offered the estate – allowing them to make their income streams more resilient. Producing carbon credits on top of grant funding would provide additional income and allow the estate to offset some of their own emissions which made the woods an appealing option.

    David Bliss, CEO Lowther Estate. Copyright Lowther Estate.

    The planning stages

    Ladybeck Wood was initially planned across 97 hectares with 2 locations between Tirril, Askham and Helton. Lowther Estate applied for the Woodland Creation Planning Grant, which helped them plan the scheme and further assess the viability of planting woodland in the area.

    Half of the proposed site was inside the bounds of a National Park and World Heritage Site. This required consultation around the visual impact of woodland on the National Park area.

    It was decided that tree planting in this area would be as wood pasture, as this would blend better with the landscape, whilst allowing the estate to use it for grazing cows as part of its extensive beef production business. The wood pasture was funded under a Natural England wood pasture scheme through Countryside Stewardship.

    The portion of land from the Ladybeck Wood plan that was outside of the National Park required an Environmental Impact Assessment screening, Landscape Impact Assessment and breeding wader surveys. The planning grant assisted with the funding for the required surveys and the costs of producing their UK Forestry Standard compliant woodland creation plan.

    Funding the woodland creation project

    In total, around 51 hectares were planted outside the National Park with support from EWCO which covered 100% of standard costs. The sites were eligible for additional stackable payments under EWCO for delivering wider benefits to nature recovery and the environment.

    Blocks were eligible for nature recovery (£69,000), water quality (£20,400) and flood risk (£21,800) contributions, providing over £111,000 in stackable payments. However, the landowner opted not to take water quality and flood risk payments to take advantage of third-party funding to support the landowners’ objectives. Yearly maintenance payments of £400 from EWCO will help to establish the woodland as it grows.

    The woodland is registered with Forest Carbon, who act as an intermediary and project developer for the Woodland Carbon Code. This allows the estate to use and sell carbon credits as their woodland matures.

    The current strategy is to sell a third of the credits, which will help provide income from the woods. Lowther Estate will then use two thirds of these credits for offsetting their own carbon emissions.

    Kelvin Archer, Forestry and Conservation Manager, Lowther Estate. Copyright Lowther Estate.

    Looking forward

    Planting took place between November and December 2023 and the EWCO agreement will continue for the next 15 years.

    The planting of Ladybeck Wood will help Lowther Estate to reap benefits from areas of their land that were difficult to farm. As the woodland grows, it will also provide benefits for the land, and the wider community through water quality and nature recovery improvements.

    Top tips

    Lowther Estate landowners recommend the following:

    • seek advice from the Forestry Commission Woodland Officers and Land Use Advisors as early as possible
    • think big: scale was important to Lowther Estate’s woodland creation ambitions and allowed the estate to the make the most of the financial incentives on offer
    • consider registering your land with the Woodland Carbon Code before planting, as this offers the estate long-term income from slower growing broadleaf species

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: NPA internal report on Omotoso acquittal expected in June

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is pushing ahead with an international investigation into the first team of prosecutors who were involved in the Timothy Omotoso matter, following a public outcry when the verdict was delivered.

    In the stinging judgement, Judge Irma Schoeman noted that the prosecution’s cross-examination of the accused was “shallow and lacking the intention to uncover the truth” – leading to the acquittal of Omotoso as the prosecution did not prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.

    “Since the judgment, the scope of the investigation has been extended to include both prosecution teams, with a view to identify, if necessary, disciplinary steps to be taken against persons involved. 

    “After the court’s judgment, the NPA appointed additional officials to assist with the investigation due to its extended scope. The report from the investigation is expected in June 2025,” the prosecutorial body revealed in a statement.

    Fighting back

    The NPA, which is appealing Omotoso’s acquittal, acknowledged that the outcome of the case has had an impact on the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the country.

    “While in our appeal we maintain that the judge erred in certain of her findings, the Omotoso judgment has had a tragic impact on the victims involved and seriously dented confidence in the NPA and the justice system to address SGBV matters.

    “Although this judgment has been a setback, it should not detract from the important support that the NPA and its partners provide to victims of SGBV, including in the most complex cases,” the statement read.

    The prosecutorial body urged victims and survivors of GBV not to be discouraged to report their cases and access the help they need, including that from Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs).

    “The TCCs are world-class multi-agency facilities that provide the most comprehensive support services to victims on their journey to becoming survivors. 

    “Thousands of victims are receiving such support from our country’s 66 TCCs, which we plan to expand significantly over the coming years. The NPA achieves a 77% conviction rate for the thousands of cases flowing through the TCCs that are successfully prosecuted,” the NPA said in a statement.

    Furthermore, the NPA assured that it has demonstrated capabilities and experience to successfully prosecute cases of this nature.

    “This was demonstrated most recently by the team of Advocate Zelda Swanepoel and Advocate Aradhana Heeramun, who together with the SAPS investigation team, successfully prosecuted the case of trafficking in persons for purposes of exploitation and kidnapping relating to the little girl, Joshlin Smith in the Western Cape. 

    “Another case involved the successful prosecution of a former police officer, Thembalethu Gqeku, who has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for raping a 17-year-old victim of domestic violence inside the Komga police station in the Eastern Cape. 

    “Moreover, targeted interventions in respect of serial rapists and traffickers have ensured the successful prosecution of several serial rapists, such as S V Prince Themba Shongwe, convicted of 9 rapes and 4 murders of children between 11 and 16 years old in Mpumalanga,” the NPA said.

    The prosecutorial body also called on communities to work with law enforcement to crack down on SGBV.

    “SGBV remains an unacceptable scourge in our country. This is a crisis that requires holistic and whole-of-society responses to address. 

    “The NPA remains committed to providing victims of these crimes with the support they need, and the prosecutorial expertise required to ensure that perpetrators are held to account,” the NPA said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH launches Community Dental Support Programme to further enhance dental services for underprivileged (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH launches Community Dental Support Programme to further enhance dental services for underprivileged (with photo) 
    At the end of last year, the DH invited eligible non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to participate in the CDSP to provide additional service points. To date, 32 NGOs (see Annex) have been assessed and are participating in the CDSP, providing nearly 80 dental service points covering all 18 districts in Hong Kong. At the same time, in addition to tooth extraction and pain relief services, the scope of dental services will expand and provide tooth filling services when deemed appropriate by dentists to encourage retaining tooth. Furthermore, compared to the current GP sessions which address one tooth per visit, participants under the CDSP can receive treatment for up to three teeth at each visit.  
     
    The Government, in December 2024, formulated the Oral Health Action Plan according to the development strategies and recommendations made by the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care. The CDSP focuses on providing subsidised dental services to the underprivileged who have difficulties in accessing dental care. Service users of the CDSP must be a holder of a Hong Kong identity card, be enrolled in the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth), and be a current beneficiary or recipient of any of the following measures:
     Under the CDSP, each service user can apply for subsidised dental services which cover preventive and curative oral health and dental care services once every 180 days. Subject to the assessment by the attending registered dentist, a service user will be provided with specified subsidised dental services, including:
     Each service user is required to pay an administration fee of $50 directly to the NGO for each tooth (teeth filling or teeth extraction services), of which a maximum fee of $150 is required (treatment for a maximum of three teeth will be provided for every 180 days). If the service user receives IHCS (Frail Cases), EHCCS or HSS (Level 1 fee charge or co-payment category) of the SWD, or is eligible under the Medical Fee Waiver (full waiving) of the HA (including recipients of OALA aged 75 or above), the Government will subsidise the administration fee in full. While current beneficiaries of the CSSA Scheme under the SWD may apply for the CDSP, they can also make use of the dental grants under the CSSA to receive comprehensive dental services.
     
    Through the eHealth app, service users can check their consultation records, including consultation date and treatment items. Later this year, relevant electronic oral health records will also be available through the app to help service users better understand and monitor their dental conditions.
     
    The DH is organising briefing sessions for the District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) in various districts to introduce the background and details of the CDSP so that the underprivileged with financial difficulties in the community can better understand and participate in the CDSP through the Care Teams’ district networks.
     
    The DH has set up a dedicated webpage (www.communitydental.gov.hk/en/cdsp/ 
    Optimising arrangements for dental general public sessions
    —————————————————————–
     
    On the other hand, the DH will increase the service quotas of the GP sessions by nearly 30 per cent from June onwards and optimise the registration process for the convenience of the public.
     
    The online registration system for dental general public session (ORDGP) has been operating smoothly since its launch on December 30, 2024. Members of the public, especially the elderly, no longer need to go to the dental clinics to queue up in the early morning to compete for a service quota. The DH further introduced an over-subscription ballot and waiting list mechanism to optimise the use of public resources. Since the launch of the ORDGP four months ago, the average utilisation rate of the GP sessions is as high as 99 per cent.
     
    Following the passage of the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the Legislative Council in July last year and introduction of new pathways for qualified non-locally trained dentists, the DH has made progress in dentist recruitment, with more than 65 new recruits, including nine non-locally trained dentists with limited registration. The actual manpower ratio of active dentists has increased from 69 per cent (as at September 1, 2024) to 81 per cent at present. With improved manpower supply, the DH will increase the total service quotas of GP sessions by about 30 per cent starting from next month.
     
    Furthermore, in order to make it more convenient for the general public in using the service, the ORDGP will introduce enhancements at the end of June to streamline the registration process, including real-time identity authentication by logging in to the “iAM Smart” or “eHealth” apps, an auto-complete function to minimise the need for repeated entries, the addition of an appointment cancellation function and an upgraded waiting list mechanism by replacing the current manual process with automatic distribution of service quotas from the waiting list. These enhancements will improve the operational efficiency of the ORDGP. Details will be announced in due course.

    The DH will implement the development strategies and recommendations made by the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care, and continue to help members of the public manage their own oral health through publicity, education, promotion and development of primary oral health and dental care, emphasising on prevention, early identification, and timely intervention to encourage people to retain their teeth. The DH will also focus on the provision of essential dental services to the underprivileged who have difficulties in accessing dental care services, including those with financial difficulties, persons with disabilities or special needs and high-risk groups, through public or subsidised models.
    Issued at HKT 19:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Revitalising health infrastructure towards equitable healthcare

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    By Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko

    In recent weeks, pressing infrastructure challenges facing our public hospitals have been in the spotlight. The recent incidents including the patient complaint at Helen Joseph Hospital and two alarming fires at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, have intensified the public discourse around the state of our healthcare facilities. As the MEC for Health and Wellness in Gauteng, I want to assure residents that we are committed to revitalising our health infrastructure for quality patient care.

    We understand and acknowledge the public concerns and we are taking active steps to address these issues. The establishment of in-house Infrastructure Unit at the Gauteng Department of Health is a positive step towards accelerating our efforts to improve the health infrastructure in the province. This Unit has developed a maintenance and refurbishment plan and collaborates closely with facility managers to expedite necessary upgrades.

    This initiative is a fundamental shift on how we manage health infrastructure which previously was mainly overseen by our sister Department of Infrastructure Development. Since the formation of Unit, several facilities have already undergone maintenance and refurbishments. Notable projects include the overhaul of several areas at Mamelodi Regional Hospital such as Radiology department, ART Waiting Area, HOD’s Offices, Eye Clinic, Rest Rooms and Triage and Casualty waiting area. In addition, three wards have been extended, namely, the Female Medical Ward, Male Surgical Ward and Paediatric Ward to increase the bed capacity to take in more patients.

    Significant progress continues at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where we have completed numerous projects, including the new Psychiatric Admission Ward, ICU wards and extensions to the Adult Burns Unit. The Poly Clinic, Paediatric Ward mother’s waiting area, new outpatient waiting area and restrooms at Edenvale Hospital have also been refurbished. Maintenance and the renovation of critical departments at Rahima Moosa Hospital are at an advanced stage towards completion, so far, renovations of the Breast Milk Bank in Dietetics department and Neonatal isolation room are complete. 

    Helen Joseph Hospital’s Emergency Department which we opened in May 2024, boast eight resuscitation and two isolation rooms, 15 medical rooms, 10 surgical rooms and 6 rooms for critically stable patients. The building has been restructured, receiving new ceiling and roofing, flooring, plumbing, electrification and HVEC as well as an enhanced IT system. It also has improved units for persons living with disabilities and improved staff workstations, including those for porters and cleaners. 

    Another facility that has raised public concerns is Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Since the fire incident that occurred four years ago, key milestones and progress has been made in restoring the hospital to its full capacity. The appointment of a contractor to undertake the ongoing remedial work project has been completed and the process of destruction and reconstruction is actively underway and progressing well. This remedial work project is being implemented in a phased approach to ensure continuity of the healthcare delivery throughout the reconstruction process. To date, several areas have been completed including the Radiation Oncology Unit, Accident and Emergency Department, access ramp was constructed to allow staff members to easily access 300 parking bays at P3. A new state-of-the-art dry store facility has been constructed to improve storage and accessibility. 

    These projects are just key highlights of our infrastructure revitalisation plan that is underway across all five health districts in the province. A comprehensive maintenance and refurbishment plan developed will ensure that every hospital and clinic undergo the necessary upgrades. We must understand that many of our public hospitals were built decades ago and the aging infrastructure we now face creates challenges for our healthcare system. 

    It is also important to also mention that Gauteng is a populous province with around 16 million residents, many of whom rely on public healthcare services. We also see the influx of patients from nearby provinces and neighbouring countries, this growing population contributes to an increased demand for quality healthcare, further straining the existing facilities. However, we understand that access to healthcare is a Constitutional right for everyone and we continue striving to serve all our patients with compassion and care.  

    As the country gears towards the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), we recognise the urgency to prepare our facilities to meet the set criteria for NHI rollout. Amid the fiscal constraints, we are doing our best to address the infrastructure challenges in the public healthcare system. Our plans include not only rehabilitating existing infrastructure but also constructing new facilities to meet the increasing demand. As announced by the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi when delivering the State of the Province Address, work is ongoing to accelerate the land suitability investigations and business cases towards the construction of the four new hospitals in Daveyton, Diepsloot, Orange Farm and Soshanguve. These projects will go a long way in alleviating the pressure on the public health system and further expanding access to the much-needed healthcare for the residents of Gauteng. 

    As government, we recognise the importance of private-public partnerships and in Gauteng Health, we have seen the generosity of our partners and donors who continue to play their part in ensuring that our facilities are well maintained and equipped to meet the needs of the communities we serve. These private-public partnerships are a testament of what we can achieve when we work together to improve lives and communities. 

    *Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko is the Member of Executive Council in Gauteng Provincial Government responsible for Health and Wellness portfolio. 
     

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: NPA to appeal Omotoso judgement

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Tuesday, May 13, 2025

    The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will appeal the judgement in the case against controversial televangelist, Timothy Omotoso and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho.

    The trio were acquitted on 32 serious charges including rape, racketeering and human trafficking in the Gqeberha High Court last month.

    “This decision follows a thorough consideration of the matter by an NPA internal team of experienced prosecutors, as well as a legal opinion sourced from Senior Counsel. The decision could not be rushed due to the complexity of the matter and the voluminous transcript that needed to be interrogated.

    “The NPA takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process. A convicted person may appeal a conviction on both facts and the law. However, the state can only appeal an acquittal judgment on a question of law [as opposed to facts], in terms of Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act [CPA],” the NPA said.

    The prosecutorial body explained that the first step – which is already underway by filing papers with the court registrar – is to “request for the judge to clarify factual findings”.

    “Once a clarification of the factual findings is received from the Judge, the NPA’s legal team will finalise the papers on the reservation of questions of law and file this application with the Registrar of the High Court. 

    “Even though Section 319 of the CPA does not prescribe the timeframe for the filing of such papers, we undertake to file the application within a reasonable period to avoid any undue delay,” the NPA said.

    Meanwhile, Omotoso was arrested at East London on Saturday and is currently facing charges relating to the contravention of Immigration Act. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Police Ministry grateful for support shown to families of fallen Constables

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Ministry of Police has extended its gratitude to communities, the Free State provincial government and the people of South Africa at large, for the support shown to the families of three Constables who died in a car crash, three weeks ago.

    The police constables were accorded official funerals held last Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

    The bodies of constables Keamogetswe Buys, Boipelo Senoge and Cebekhulu Linda were found in the Hennops river, near the N1 highway in Centurion in Pretoria.

    “The tragic loss of these brave officers has deeply affected the nation, and the dignity with which their lives were honoured is a testament to the unity and collective respect shown in times of mourning,” the Police Ministry said in a statement. 

    READ I Missing police constables found dead in Gauteng

    The Ministry said it remains committed to supporting the families during this difficult time and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

    “The Ministry further wishes to express concern over the continued stubbornness and brutality of criminal elements, particularly in the KwaZulu-Natal province. These criminals have brazenly posted on social media and boasted about their criminal nature, making mention that they recruit others into this life of crime. 

    “The Inanda community, in recent months, has come under sustained attack from organised groups intent on terrorising residents and undermining public safety. Despite these threats, the SAPS in KZN has demonstrated commendable resolve in confronting these criminals,” the Ministry said.

    The SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, informed the Ministry of an incident which took place yesterday in Hammersdale, where police were confronted and shot at by five suspects and in Inanda, where three suspects shot at police. 

    In both instances, police responded with lethal fire to protect themselves while dealing criminality a blow. 

    Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said: “The recent developments are a direct result of relentless, intelligence-driven police work and strong community cooperation. Their actions are a clear message to those who think they can operate above the law, we will not allow our communities to be terrorised by criminals.”

    He said it was clear that criminals are determined to pose a threat to communities and declare themselves enemies to all.

    “…We will intensify our fight against them. In the past, we have made strong statements that anyone who attempts to attack police, is actually attacking the state and will face dire consequences. 

    “Our officers acted with bravery and precision in the face of imminent danger; we commend their courage and professionalism. A total of six illegal firearms have now been removed from society. 

    “Community members continue to play a crucial role in assisting police operations, and for that, we express our sincere thanks. The community-policing partnerships remain vital. We urge our communities to continue standing with law enforcement against criminality,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mashatile explores tourism’s potential to boost Africa’s economy

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 officially kicked off today, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile using the platform to highlight the continent’s vast, untapped tourism potential. 

    Speaking at the opening ceremony in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Deputy President Mashatile highlighted Africa’s rich cultural heritage and economic opportunities in the tourism sector.

    According to the Deputy President, tourism is projected to contribute 10.4% to Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, currently standing at 6.8%. 

    However, according to Mashatile, South Africa alone sees tourism contributing 8.9% to its GDP and supporting 1.6 million jobs, with plans to expand this to over two million jobs by 2030.

    Africa’s Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for a vast array of African leisure tourism products.

    The three-day event, held during Africa Month, celebrates the continent’s unity and potential, with a focus on promoting inter-African travel and breaking down barriers. 
     

    PICTURES | Africa’s Travel Indaba 

    “This month, we are reminded to forge unity, strengthen the bonds of solidarity, and cooperation among the African states. This is a call we must never forsake until we witness a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.”

    Key themes include sustainable tourism, regional integration, and leveraging the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit to showcase the continent’s global economic significance.

    He also stressed the importance of intra-African trade, infrastructure development, and digital transformation to boost tourism.

    The leader also reflects on late President Nelson Mandela’s speech at the Indaba International Tourism Workshop, emphasising the commitment to boosting Africa’s tourism industry.

    The Deputy President also highlighted the contributions of African leaders like Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, and Thomas Sankara in achieving political independence and transforming the continent.

    “Due to their contributions in achieving political independence, Africa is now welcoming many tourists to explore its beauty, marvels, hospitality, and culture. Many travellers are drawn to uncover the roots that shaped these remarkable men and women of our continent, and for this, we should be proud.” 

    He believes that Africa’s attractions and influx of tourists also mean that the continent is an important part of the world’s economy, politics, growth, and humanity. 

    “Despite being separated by man-made borders, the humanity of the African people permeates the veins of all African countries.

    “Our unity is cemented by social cohesion.”

    He is of the view that this is a reminder of how unique Africans are, created with love, compassion, and care that are inextricably linked to their identities. 

    “Our humanity makes us stand out in the world’s melting pot of cultures, traditions, and heritage.”

    He acknowledged the challenges Africa faces, including political strife, poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which have led to widespread misery and violence.

    However, he took the time to call for collective action to confront these challenges and uncover enduring solutions, stressing the role of tourism as a significant economic engine and catalyst for social change.

    The Indaba serves as a platform for African nations to collaborate, showcase their attractions, and develop strategies for inclusive tourism growth that benefits local communities, women, youth, and people with disabilities.

    With the theme “Unlimited Africa,“ the conference aims to position the continent at the centre of global economic conversations and tourism development.

    READ | Africa Travel Indaba the ‘pride of African tourism’

    According to the Deputy President, Africa needs to invest more in skills development and digital transformation for the tourism sector to thrive. 

    “We must foster innovation and sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic growth. Let us celebrate the bond that unites Africa, honouring the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the incredible people that make this continent shine with brilliance.

    “Let us demonstrate to the world that Africa is ready for business.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Community radio gets vital government funding boost

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Community radio gets vital government funding boost

    Community radio stations across the UK are to benefit from a £600,000 funding uplift this year to help them thrive and keep providing a vital platform for local voices.

    • Much-loved community radio stations supported to grow with £600,000 uplift from government, taking total funding to £1 million for 2025/6 
    • Grants from Community Radio Fund to help stations create jobs, train volunteers and reach wider audiences
    • Builds on government action to protect communities and support economic growth through Plan for Change

    Community radio stations across the UK are to benefit from a £600,000 funding uplift this year, ensuring they can continue to thrive and provide a vital platform for local voices.  

    The uplift from Government will help stations in need of support to invest in staff, train volunteers, develop business plans and reach wider audiences. It takes the total funding available for community stations this year to £1 million.

    There are more than 300 community radio stations in the UK, which provide a crucial service by producing local content that keeps people and communities connected, engaged and entertained.

    The majority of the funding available (£900,000) will be awarded to stations in the form of grants from the Community Radio Fund (CRF), delivered by the media regulator Ofcom.

    The remaining £100,000 will be managed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), working with the sector to develop new initiatives that support community radio, such as audience measurement research and supporting potential new services in underserved areas.

    The Government’s decision to boost community radio funding by £600,000 for 2025/6 is part of its Plan for Change, supporting economic growth by creating more jobs and training opportunities.

    Media Minister Stephanie Peacock said:

    Community radio plays an important role in the lives of many people across the UK, helping to keep them informed, entertained and connected to the world around them.

    We are committed to ensuring the growth and sustainability of the sector, which is why we have boosted funding to help stations create more jobs, build their businesses and reach even more listeners.

    Unlike commercial radio, community stations are run as not-for-profit organisations. They typically cover a small geographic area and must benefit their area or community to be eligible for an operating licence from Ofcom. This could involve catering to under-represented groups or offering training opportunities for young people interested in careers in the media.

    The CRF was launched in 2005 and since then has supported more than 150 community radio stations to ensure their long-term sustainability. 

    Stations are able to submit applications for grants, which are then assessed and awarded by an independent panel facilitated by Ofcom. Grants awarded are usually in the range of £5,000 to £30,000.

    Mark Jones, Chair of the Community Radio Fund, said:

    With the fund more than doubling for this year, we’ll be able to support new roles at even more stations. This will help community radio stations operate sustainably and continue to serve their local areas with creative and distinctive programming.

    Ofcom will shortly announce more details about how they will manage the process for the 2025/26 fund, which will open for bids in September.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors: 

    • The Government is currently developing a new local media strategy to support the sustainability of regional news.

    Further quotes:

    Vijay Umrao, Chair of the Community Media Association, said: 

    The increase in funding will help the Community Radio Fund achieve its primary role of providing grants to help fund the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed community radio stations, enabling the stations to continue their pivotal work of serving their local communities, something the sector has been doing for 20 years.

    We are also particularly pleased that part of the funding will be supporting potential services in underserved areas, something we know our members will be excited about.

    Martin Steers, Director of the UK Community Radio Network, said: 

    We welcome this uplift in support of the vital work community radio stations are doing across the country, now quite often the only local radio stations serving local communities, providing a platform for their issues, encouraging community cohesion, and holding local councils and others to account.

    While it’s great to have this boost in funding for this year, it’s vital that the government looks to permanently increase the funding support available to community radio stations. This funding is needed more than ever to support the social gain and the vital service that these stations provide to their communities.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on Pier Road Car Park work13 May 2025 From Wednesday 14 May 2025, levels 12, 13 and 14 of Pier Road Car Park will be closed to both motorists and pedestrians for a period of four weeks as part of the ongoing maintenance project. During… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    13 May 2025

    From Wednesday 14 May 2025, levels 12, 13 and 14 of Pier Road Car Park will be closed to both motorists and pedestrians for a period of four weeks as part of the ongoing maintenance project. 

    During this phase of works: 

    • Pedestrian access to Fort Regent and La Petite Ecole nursery will remain available via the stairs and escalators located on Level 10
    • There will be no pram or wheelchair access to Fort Regent via the car park for the duration of this closure. Alternative parking and accessible routes should be used. 

    We thank all users for their continued patience and cooperation as this essential improvement programme progresses.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New scheme offers month-long e-cycle loans

    Source: City of Leicester

    PEOPLE living in Leicester can sign up to a new scheme offering them a free four-week loan of an electric cycle.

    The Leicester e-cycles loan scheme is a city council-led project that aims to encourage more people to consider using an e-cycles as an alternative to the car for short journeys.

    To be eligible for the free e-cycle loan, people need to live in the city and have an Active Leicester membership. It’s quick and easy to sign up for a free pay as you go membership, and there will be no charge for the loan. Applicants must be over 16 years of age.

    The scheme aims to encourage more people to take up cycling for regular trips and leave the car at home for short journeys.

    People who borrow an e-cycle and complete a travel diary showing how it was used will be eligible for a voucher towards the cost of a potential e-cycle purchase.

    The scheme is fully funded through Active Travel England and around 100 e-cycles will be available to borrow as part of the two-year pilot project.

    Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “We’re pleased to be launching this new and completely free electric cycle loan scheme, thanks to funding from Active Travel England. It will offer people a chance to try before they buy and hopefully encourage more people to discover the benefits of cycling for short journeys.

    “It’s also a great opportunity for people to explore the city by bike.”

    All the e-cycles on loan as part of the scheme meet all current UK rules regarding electrically assisted pedal cycles. This means that they have a ‘continuous rated power’ output of no more than 250 watts and a motor that is unable to propel the bike when it’s travelling at more than 15.5mph, which is the current legal limit for electrical assistance.

    To find more about the Leicester e-cycles loan scheme, including how to apply for Active Leicester membership, visit www.leicester.gov.uk/cycleleicester

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [GLOBALDATA PLC – 12 05 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
    N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    GLOBALDATA PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    12 MAY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.01p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 11,080,280 1.3738    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 11,080,280 1.3738    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.01p ORDINARY SALE 900 190.15p
    0.01p ORDINARY PURCHASE 1,510 190.74p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD
    Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
    Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.
    Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option
    Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion
    Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 13 MAY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx to Launch Singapore Gold Kilobar Futures and Physically-Allocated Gold Pool on June 12, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, indirect majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd. (“Abaxx Singapore”), the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, today announced that it will be expanding its product suite to include precious metals with the launch of Gold kilobar futures on June 12, 2025.

    Abaxx Singapore Gold Futures are purpose-built for the needs of Asia’s physical bullion trade, reflecting the region’s preferred kilobar format and supporting more accurate pricing by aligning futures settlement with physical market practices. The contract is designed to provide a globally accessible, regionally anchored benchmark that supports effective price discovery, reliable hedging, and physical delivery in one of the world’s leading gold trading hubs. Abaxx’s Gold Singapore Futures contract is a US dollar-denominated, kilobar-sized, physically-deliverable product, with delivery into approved vaults in Singapore.

    “Gold is one of the few assets trusted across all borders, yet its market infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with how and where it’s traded,” said Abaxx Founder, Josh Crumb. “By aligning physically-deliverable futures with the kilobar format and delivery location preferred by Asia’s bullion market, we’re eliminating structural mismatches that have long distorted pricing and impeded risk management. This contract reflects the way gold actually moves through the global system, and delivers the tools needed to hedge and settle accordingly.”

    Introducing Abaxx Spot

    Abaxx is also preparing to launch Abaxx Spot¹, a new physically-allocated (through the undivided interest structure) gold trading platform in Singapore. The platform is designed to align spot and futures gold markets in the same location, facilitate secure physical trading and efficient OTC transfer of kilobars, and aims to enhance market access and transparency through direct participation in a pre-funded central limit order book (CLOB).

    Initial services for Abaxx Spot will begin on June 12, 2025. Abaxx Spot is designed to allow participants to complete delivery obligations for Abaxx Exchange’s gold futures contracts, with the goal of establishing a more integrated and smarter infrastructure for gold markets.

    ¹Abaxx Spot Pte. Ltd. is a registered dealer under the Precious Stones and Precious Metals (Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Act 2019 (PSPM Act), and is exempted from holding a spot commodities brokers license under the Commodity Trading Act 1992. Abaxx Spot Pte. Ltd. is not regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a financial institution, but operates in compliance with the regulatory framework established by the PSPM Act.

    About Abaxx Technologies
    Abaxx Technologies is building Smarter Markets: markets empowered by better tools, better benchmarks, and better technology to drive market-based solutions to the biggest challenges we face as a society, including the energy transition.

    In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is the indirect majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte. Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, and the parent company of wholly owned subsidiary Abaxx Spot Pte. Ltd., the operator of Abaxx Spot.

    Abaxx Exchange delivers the market infrastructure critical to the shift toward an electrified, low-carbon economy through centrally-cleared, physically-deliverable futures contracts in LNG, carbon, battery materials, and precious metals, meeting the commercial needs of today’s commodity markets and establishing the next generation of global benchmarks.

    For more information, visit abaxx.tech | abaxx.exchange | abaxxspot.com | basecarbon.com | smartermarkets.media

    For more information about this press release, please contact:

    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: +1 647-490-1590

    Media and investor inquiries:

    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 246 271 0082
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

    Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes, but is not limited to: Abaxx’s objectives, goals or future plans; completion and timing of the launch of its gold contracts; benefits of the introduction of its gold contracts; introduction of new precious metals products; and positive impacts from the growth of global precious metal demand. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions; protection of intellectual property rights; contractual risk; third-party risk; clearinghouse risk; malicious actor risks; third- party software license risk; system failure risk; risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; and changes in the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains, and the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bread Financial Provides Performance Update for April 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bread Financial® Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BFH), a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S. consumers, provided a performance update. The following tables present the Company’s net loss rate and delinquency rate for the periods indicated:

      For the
    month ended
    April 30, 2025
      For the
    month ended
    April 30, 2024
      (dollars in millions)
    End-of-period credit card and other loans $ 17,721     $ 17,891  
    Average credit card and other loans $ 17,712     $ 18,006  
    Year-over-year change in average credit card and other loans   (2 %)     2 %
    Net principal losses (1) $ 114     $ 127  
    Net loss rate (1)   7.8 %     8.6 %
      As of
    April 30, 2025
      As of
    April 30, 2024
      (dollars in millions)
    30 days + delinquencies – principal $ 933     $ 993  
    Period ended credit card and other loans – principal $ 16,264     $ 16,492  
    Delinquency rate   5.7 %     6.0 %
                   

    (1) As a result of hurricanes Helene and Milton we froze delinquency progression for cardholders in Federal Emergency Management Agency identified impact zones for one billing cycle, which resulted in modestly lower Net principal losses and Net loss rate in the fourth quarter of 2024, and consequently these actions will negatively impact Net principal losses and Net loss rate in the second quarter of 2025.

    About Bread Financial®
    Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel through our private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products providing choice and value to our shared customers.

    To learn more about Bread Financial, our global associates and our sustainability commitments, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements give our expectations or forecasts of future events and can generally be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” “likely,” “may,” “should” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding, and the guidance we give with respect to, our anticipated operating or financial results, future financial performance and outlook, future dividend declarations, and future economic conditions.

    We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements, however, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, in many cases, beyond our control. Accordingly, our actual results could differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, and no assurances can be given that our expectations will prove to have been correct. Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the following: macroeconomic conditions, including market conditions, inflation, interest rates, labor market conditions, recessionary pressures or concerns over a prolonged economic slowdown, and the related impact on consumer spending behavior, payments, debt levels, savings rates and other behaviors; global political and public health events and conditions, including significant shifts in trade policy, such as changes to, or the imposition of, tariffs and/or trade barriers and any economic impacts, volatility, uncertainty and geopolitical instability resulting therefrom, as well as ongoing wars and military conflicts and natural disasters; future credit performance, including the level of future delinquency and write-off rates; the loss of, or reduction in demand from, significant brand partners or customers in the highly competitive markets in which we compete; the concentration of our business in U.S. consumer credit; inaccuracies in the models and estimates on which we rely, including the amount of our Allowance for credit losses and our credit risk management models; the inability to realize the intended benefits of acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic initiatives; our level of indebtedness and ability to access financial or capital markets; pending and future federal and state legislation, regulation, supervisory guidance, and regulatory and legal actions, including, but not limited to, those related to financial regulatory reform and consumer financial services practices, as well as any such actions with respect to late fees, interchange fees or other charges; impacts arising from or relating to the transition of our credit card processing services to third party service providers that we completed in 2022; failures or breaches in our operational or security systems, including as a result of cyberattacks, unanticipated impacts from technology modernization projects or otherwise; and any tax or other liability or adverse impacts arising out of or related to the spinoff of our former LoyaltyOne segment or the bankruptcy filings of Loyalty Ventures Inc. (LVI) and certain of its subsidiaries and subsequent litigation or other disputes. The foregoing factors, along with other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements, are described in greater detail under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year, which may be updated in Item 1A of, or elsewhere in, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed for periods subsequent to such Form 10-K. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise.

    Contacts
    Brian Vereb — Investor Relations
    Brian.Vereb@breadfinancial.com

    Susan Haugen — Investor Relations
    Susan.Haugen@breadfinancial.com

    Rachel Stultz — Media
    Rachel.Stultz@breadfinancial.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Cielo Announces Private Placement of Units

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES
    OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. (TSXV: CMC; OTC PINK: CWSFF) (“Cielo” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement finding for gross proceeds of up to C $3,000,000 through the issuance of up to 60,000,000 units (each a “Unit, collectively the “Units”) at a price of $0.05 per Unit (the “Offering”).

    Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a “Common Share“) and one whole Common Share purchase warrant (each, a “Warrant“) of the Company, each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.07 per Common Share for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance.

    Net proceeds of the Offering are anticipated to be used for the development and early-stage engineering of the Company’s proposed waste-to-hydrogen facility in British Columbia (the “BC Facility”), including regulatory and incentive application work, as well as general working capital purposes, including the payment of approximately $750,000 under the terms of the Settlement Agreement (as defined in and further described in the Company’s news release dated April 30, 2025).  

    Closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the approval of TSX Venture Exchange (the “Exchange”). While the Offering is non-brokered, the Company may pay finder’s fees in cash or securities to certain arm’s length finders engaged in connection with the Offering, subject to the approval of the Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus one day from the date of issuance and applicable securities legislation.

    Ryan C. Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Cielo, commented: “While the Offering will result in some dilution, the expected cancellation of at least approximately 40,000,000 shares through an unrelated transaction, as announced in our April 30 press release, will help mitigate the impact on Cielo’s capital structure and support shareholder value.”

    Proposed Project – Cielo Aligns with Hydrogen Market Poised for Significant Growth

    Cielo’s remains committed to its core mission of generating enduring environmental and economic value from waste. As the global demand for alternative fuels and sustainable energy solutions continues to accelerate, the Company intends to strategically position itself for growth by applying its expertise to a scalable, forward-facing model designed to attract structured support and enhance shareholder value.

    The Company’s decision to pursue this path is grounded in economic pragmatism and aligns with a sector Cielo believes is poised for substantial growth worldwide. This initiative is not a speculative shift but a deliberate and strategic entry into a global market driven by an increasing need for alternative fuels, energy security, and environmentally regenerative models.

    The BC Facility, the Company’s priority project, aims to tackle a significant environmental challenge by offering a sustainable disposal solution for scrap railway ties while generating hydrogen as part of the process. Designed to adhere to tightening regulatory requirements, the facility is also expected to enable Cielo to participate in targeted clean energy funding programs, including British Columbia’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and federal initiatives.

    Mr. Jackson continued: “Through each stage of Cielo’s evolution, we have gained valuable perspective that has sharpened our approach and focus on discipline, transparency, and measurable results.”

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons as defined under applicable United States securities laws unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    ABOUT CIELO

    Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. is a publicly traded company focused on transforming waste materials into high-value products. Cielo seeks to address global waste challenges while contributing to the circular economy and reducing carbon emissions. Cielo is fueling environmental change with a mission to be a leader in the wood waste to usable products industry by using environmentally friendly, economically sustainable and market-ready technologies. Cielo is committed to helping society by providing environmental waste solutions, which the Company believes will contribute to generating positive returns for shareholders. Cielo shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “CMC,” as well as on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “CWSFF.”

    For further information please contact:

    Cielo Investor Relations

    Ryan C. Jackson, CEO
    Phone: (403) 348-2972
    Email: investors@cielows.com

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should” or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Cielo, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements and information are based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and are subject to certain factors and assumptions. The Company is making forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, with respect to: the terms of the Offering and the anticipated closing thereof; the anticipated cancellation of at least approximately 40 million shares and impact thereof; the BC Facility and related matters, including but not limited to the characteristics of the market as well as funding opportunities.

    Investors should continue to review and consider information disseminated through news releases and filed by Cielo on SEDAR+. Although the Company has attempted to identify crucial factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

    Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Cielo’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Farmers of Salem Proudly Spotlights Breast Cancer Survivor and Employee, Loraine Lester, for Her Generous Charitable Giving Work

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Farmers of Salem, a regional mutual insurance company specializing in insurance for home and business owners, is proud to support employee involvement in charitable activities that improve the quality of life in those communities where our employees live. Today, we spotlight Loraine Lester, AVP, Product & Underwriting Development, who is celebrating her 10-year career with Farmers.

    Back in 2016, Loraine was new to Delaware and struggling to find the right oncologist after her 1st diagnosis. At her doctor’s office she was handed a pamphlet about the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC). “This organization has been there in my good times, when my cancer went into remission, and in the bad times, when I was diagnosed with a reoccurrence that progressed to Stage IV. I have developed a network of survivors who have been through the same process as me. We share our war stories and compare notes.”

    Loraine is a committee member of DBCC’s Lights of Life Gala, held annually, while also serving as a peer mentor for the Peer Mentor Program. For the Gala, Loraine helps backstage with the Survivor Showcase – organizing doctors and/or industry escorts with survivors, in a backstage manager role. Loraine also, chips in where needed with the Gala event setup, organizing meetings, decorations, etc. Next year’s Gala will be on March 7, 2026, held at Bally’s in Dover, DE.

    The mission of DBCC is to empower the community by raising awareness of breast health issues and increasing access to care through outreach, education and support services, and to facilitate early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Their vision is to create a caring community where barriers to breast cancer screenings are removed and all persons at risk, served by DBCC, have access to quality care and treatment. DBCC will ensure each individual diagnosed receives resources to become a thriving survivor, armed with the knowledge and support needed to conquer this disease.

    Commenting on her volunteer work as a Peer Mentor, Loraine said, “I’ve been fortunate to meet and help many mentees over the years. Once we are trained, we are matched with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients that have a similar diagnosis to ours. We are, basically, an outlet for support, a shoulder to cry on, and a resource for the individual to fully understand all that DBCC can provide the survivor on their cancer journey.”

    Not only does Loraine volunteer for the organization, but she continues to use their services. Loraine says, “The Nurture with Nature service is one of my favorites. This program allows cancer survivors to come together to be nurtured and healed by experiencing the power, beauty, and serenity of nature. I also actively participate in their support groups for metastatic thrivers and young survivors, to name a few.”

    Regarding Loraine’s long career at Farmers, she stated: “I really enjoy my job, it offers lots of variety. I also appreciate and enjoy working with my colleagues. They are an extension of my family.”

    For more information about Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, visit www.debreastcancer.org

    About Farmers of Salem
    Founded in 1851, and located on the Riverfront in Wilmington DE, Farmers of Salem provides insurance coverage to homeowners and businesses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland through a network of independent agents. Rated A- Excellent by A.M. Best Company and a Financial Stability Rating of A Exceptional by Demotech, Inc. “We pride ourselves in providing Superior Service with Personal Attention,” says Kim Lorenzini, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development.

    Farmers of Salem provides compensated Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to full-time employees for use during their regular workday. Farmers’ recognizes volunteering provides employees with a valuable opportunity to meaningfully support their chosen charitable missions and is very proud of their employee’s service to others.

    For more information about Farmers of Salem, visit www.farmersofsalem.com

    As a mutual corporation, fundamentally rooted in serving our community, we engage in corporate philanthropy, giving annually to an array of organizations and causes. Through our giving, in local markets where we have a presence, Farmers of Salem has supported educational development, physical education, and health and wellness programs that provide communities in most need with essential services, opportunities to improve the quality of their lives and provide them with assets to create a better future.

    A partial list of events and organizations that Farmers of Salem supports annually:

    • Autism Delaware
    • Serviam Girls Academy
    • Vehicles for Veterans
    • Salem County Humane Society
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • VFW Post #253
    • Operation Legacy
    • Keeping Hope Alive, Inc.
    • Temple University 
    • Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
    • Holiday Service Project – Thanksgiving Food Baskets – Salvation Army
    • Make A Wish
    • American Red Cross
    • American Cancer Society
    • Longwood Gardens
    • Bo Lends a Paw Pet Pantry

    Contact: Kim Lorenzini
    856-628-0150
    klorenzini@fosnj.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c27967d8-52cc-4447-968e-f386484557cb

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casinos Canada: Find Out The Top Canadian Crypto Casino Of 2025! – By Jackbit Casinos

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After evaluating several options using strict criteria, our expert team identified the best crypto casinos in Canada. By analyzing game variety, bonuses, security features, and overall user experience, we’ve carefully selected the top crypto casino Canada platforms that truly stand out. Our research, combined with feedback from local players, highlights these casinos as providing the most remarkable and secure online gambling experiences.

    VISIT JACKBIT CRYPTO CASINO NOW & GET YOUR WELCOME BONUSES!

    Among the options, JACKBIT emerges as a leading platform for 2025, receiving a 4.9/5 rating. Launched in 2022, this Bitcoin casino Canada offers a no KYC policy, fast crypto transactions, and a vast selection of over 6,600 games, positioning it as a prime choice for the best online crypto casino play. In this detailed review, we’ll discuss why JACKBIT is one of the best crypto casinos in Canada with a focus on its features, bonuses, game offerings, and more.

    JACKBIT: A Leading Crypto Casino in Canada

    JACKBIT checks all the boxes for the best crypto casino Canada, making it our top recommendation for 2025. Operating under a Curacao eGaming license, JACKBIT ensures compliance with international standards for fair play and security. With its no KYC policy, Canadian players can register and play without providing personal information, a crucial benefit for those seeking privacy in crypto gambling in Canada. Its rapid crypto withdrawals, processed in just seconds, fulfill the needs of players who prefer a high-payout Canadian crypto casino, ensuring fast access to their winnings.

    The platform’s attractive welcome bonus includes a 30% rakeback, no KYC, and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, giving players immediate value to explore the extensive game library. Regular promotions, including VIP rakeback and tournaments, further enhance the Bitcoin casino bonus offerings. With a catalog of over 6,600 games from 91 top providers, along with a comprehensive sportsbook, JACKBIT stands out as a premier Bitcoin casino in Canada.

    VISIT JACKBIT CASINO AND CLAIM YOUR WELCOME BONUS!

    JACKBIT – Best Crypto Casino Canada for Fast Payouts & Instant Withdrawals

    Since its debut in 2022, JACKBIT has set new standards for the best crypto casino Canada experience, offering innovative features and a player-focused platform. The no KYC policy enables Canadian players to sign up and start playing immediately, without submitting personal details, ensuring maximum privacy.

    As a crypto casino in Canada, JACKBIT processes cryptocurrency transactions instantly, allowing players to deposit, play, and withdraw winnings in just a few minutes—a hallmark of new-generation crypto casinos.

    New players can take advantage of an attractive 30% rakeback, no KYC, and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements on select promotions, making it one of the most appealing Bitcoin casino bonuses available. Regular promotions include a VIP Rakeback Club offering up to 30% rakeback, weekly giveaways with $10,000 prize pools, and Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins tournaments with a €2,000,000 prize pool, adding significant value for crypto gambling Canada enthusiasts.

    With a game library powered by top providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and Play’n GO, JACKBIT offers over 6,600 titles, ranging from high-RTP slots to live dealer games and a sportsbook covering over 140 sports.

    The platform’s sleek, user-friendly interface is available in 10 languages, including English, ensuring it’s accessible to Canadian players. Enhanced by SSL encryption for data protection and 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, JACKBIT is a top contender among Canadian crypto casinos.

    Pros and Cons of JACKBIT Casino

    To offer a comprehensive view, here are the key advantages and potential disadvantages of JACKBIT as a crypto casino Canada:

    Pros:

    • Operates as a no-KYC crypto casino, ensuring complete privacy for Canadian players.
    • Offers instant crypto deposits and withdrawals, perfect for crypto gambling in Canada.
    • Features over 6,600 games, including slots, live dealer games, and sports betting options.
    • Provides a 30% Rakeback + No KYC + 100 free spins with no wagering requirements.
    • Supports 16+ cryptocurrencies, ensuring secure and seamless transactions.
    • Offers 24/7 multilingual customer support through live chat and email.
    • Optimized for mobile play, making it one of the best crypto casinos Canada for gaming on the go.
    • Includes high-payout games with competitive RTPs, perfect for online casino real money play.

    Cons:

    • Being a newer platform (launched in 2022), it doesn’t have the long-standing reputation of older Bitcoin casinos Canada.
    • Some bonuses may come with specific terms or wagering requirements that need review.
    • Traditional payment withdrawals may take 1-3 days, slower than crypto transactions.
    • Availability could be restricted in certain regions due to licensing limitations.

    How to Join JACKBIT – The Best Crypto Casino Canada

    Getting started at JACKBIT, widely considered one of the best crypto casinos Canada, is a quick and straightforward process designed to get Canadian players playing in minutes:

    1. Visit JACKBIT Casino: Click here to head to JACKBIT Casino and access the registration page.
    2. Create Your Account: Click on “Sign Up” and provide an email address and password. Thanks to the no KYC crypto casino policy, you won’t need to submit personal details, ensuring a fast registration.
    3. Make Your First Deposit: Head to the cashier, choose your payment method (such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Visa, or MasterCard), and deposit at least $10 or its equivalent to qualify for the welcome bonus. For crypto deposits, you can scan the QR code or copy the wallet address.
    4. Claim Your Bonus: Enjoy 100 free spins, credited instantly, which you can use on top slots like Gates of Olympus.
    5. Start Playing: Dive into over 6,600 games or place bets on sports, making use of your Bitcoin casino bonus for your online gambling adventures.

    Pro Tip: Confirm your email and check the promotions page for the latest bonus codes to ensure smooth activation. Save your wallet address for quicker future deposits to enhance your crypto casino Canada experience.

    How We Selected JACKBIT as the Best Crypto Casino Canada

    Our decision to recommend JACKBIT as the best crypto casino Canada involved a thorough evaluation process tailored to the needs of Canadian players looking for crypto gambling Canada. Here’s a breakdown of the essential criteria we considered, each carefully assessed to confirm JACKBIT’s excellence:

    • Licensing and Regulation

    JACKBIT holds a Curacao eGaming license, ensuring compliance with international standards for fair play and security. We verified its licensing details to confirm its legitimacy as a trusted online casino.

    • Security Measures

    Advanced SSL encryption and provably fair games ensure player data is protected, and outcomes remain transparent. Regular third-party audits by independent agencies further verify game fairness, building player trust.

    • Game Variety and Quality

    A diverse and high-quality game library is essential. With over 6,600 games from 91 providers, including slots, table games, live dealer options, and a comprehensive sportsbook, JACKBIT offers variety for every preference, cementing its place among the best online crypto casinos.

    Bonuses and Promotions

    Generous Bonuses and Promotions

    JACKBIT offers some of the most generous and fair bonuses, adding great value to the player experience. Its welcome offer—30% rakeback + 100 free spins with no wagering requirements on select promotions—outshines many competitors. Ongoing promotions like VIP rakeback, weekly giveaways, and Drops & Wins tournaments provide extra incentives for players.

    Other Promotions Include:

    • 3+1 FreeBet
    • Bet Insurance
    • Social Media Bonuses
    • NBA Playoffs Cashback

    CLAIM YOUR 30% RAKEBACK + 100 FREE SPINS AT JACKBIT

    Tournaments and Prize Pools

    JACKBIT thrives on competition, providing exciting opportunities for players to join casino and sports tournaments with prize pools often reaching six figures. Key tournaments include:

    • Daily Tournament – 1,000 Free Spins
    • Weekly Tournament – Prize pool up to $10,000
    • Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins Campaign – Reward pool up to €2,000,000

    Payment Methods

    JACKBIT supports over 16 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, offering instant, fee-free transactions. It also provides traditional options like Visa, MasterCard, and bank transfers for added flexibility. We thoroughly reviewed transaction speeds, fees, and limits to ensure they align with the standards of instant withdrawal casinos.

    Customer Support

    Reliable, accessible support is essential. JACKBIT provides 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, ensuring quick resolution for any queries. Our team tested response times and support quality to verify their reliability.

    User Experience

    The platform boasts a mobile-optimized, intuitive interface, perfect for online crypto casino play. With a responsive design available in 10 languages, JACKBIT ensures seamless navigation across devices. We assessed site performance, mobile compatibility, and overall user feedback to ensure an excellent experience.

    Player Feedback and Reputation

    Player reviews from platforms like Trustpilot (4.4/5) emphasize JACKBIT’s strengths in payout speed and game variety, although some mention complexity in bonus terms. We cross-referenced this feedback to ensure it matches the reputation of the best Bitcoin casino Canada.

    Responsible Gambling Measures

    JACKBIT offers essential tools like deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion to maintain a safe and responsible environment for crypto gambling Canada. We evaluated these measures to ensure they align with ethical gambling practices.

    Market Position and Innovation

    As a newer platform, JACKBIT stands out for adopting emerging cryptocurrencies like Solana and offering provably fair games, positioning itself as a forward-thinking crypto casino Canada. We assessed its technological innovations to ensure it meets the demands of modern online crypto casinos.

    JACKBIT’s impressive performance across these areas, particularly its no KYC crypto casino policy and instant withdrawals, solidifies its status as the best crypto casino Canada for 2025, providing a secure and rewarding experience for Canadian players.

    Best Crypto Casino Canada Games at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT offers an impressive collection of over 6,600 games from 91 providers, establishing itself as a best crypto casino Canada choice. Below is a breakdown of its offerings, designed to cater to every gaming preference and ideal for online casino real money play:

    Online Slots:

    • Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play, 96.50% RTP): A 6×5 slot featuring a mythological theme, tumbling reels, multipliers up to 500x, and a maximum win of 5,000x, perfect for Bitcoin casino Canada players seeking high payouts.
    • Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play, 96.49% RTP): A candy-themed 6×5 slot with a pay-anywhere system, tumbling feature, and a 21,175x max win, great for online casino real money enthusiasts.
    • Book of Dead (Play’n GO, 96.21% RTP): A 5-reel, 10-payline adventure slot with expanding symbols during Free Spins, offering a 5,000x max win, a favorite for crypto gambling Canada players.
    • Mega Moolah (Microgaming, 88.12% RTP): A progressive jackpot slot with multi-million-dollar payouts, ideal for online casino real money players chasing life-changing wins.
    • Wolf Gold (Pragmatic Play, 96.01% RTP): A 5-reel, 25-payline slot with stacked wilds, Money Respin feature, and a 5,000x max win, a popular choice for Bitcoin casinos Canada players.
    • Starburst (NetEnt, 96.09% RTP): A 5-reel, 10-payline slot with expanding wilds and a 500x max win, renowned for its vibrant visuals and frequent payouts.

    Table Games:

    • Blackjack: Variants like Classic, Multi-Hand, and European Blackjack provide low house edges (0.5% with optimal strategy), perfect for online casino real money play.
    • Roulette: Options like European (2.7% house edge), American, and French Roulette offer diverse betting opportunities, appealing to crypto gambling Canada players.
    • Poker: Games such as Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, and Texas Hold’em offer skill-based gameplay and high payout potential, enhancing the best online crypto casino experience.
    • Baccarat: Classic and Punto Banco variants offer simple rules and competitive payouts, favored by high rollers.

    Live Dealer Games:

    Over 250 live tables powered by Evolution Gaming, including:

    • Lightning Roulette: This game features multipliers up to 500x, ideal for Canadian crypto casino players who enjoy instant crypto payouts.
    • Infinite Blackjack: Unlimited player participation with side bets for greater win potential, offering an immersive Bitcoin casino Canada experience.
    • Crazy Time: A vibrant, interactive game show with bonus rounds, perfect for online gambling for real money entertainment.
    • Baccarat Squeeze: Real-time dealer interaction with suspenseful card reveals, catering to online casino real money enthusiasts.

    Sportsbook:

    JACKBIT’s sportsbook covers 140+ sports, with more than 82,000 live events monthly and 75,000+ pre-match events, including popular leagues like NHL, NBA, Premier League, niche sports such as table tennis, darts, and esports (CS:GO, Dota 2). The platform also offers live betting, cash-out options, and over 4,500 betting types (e.g., over/under, parlays, player props), providing diverse online gambling for real money opportunities. NHL betting is especially appealing for Canadian players.

    Specialty Games:

    • Scratch Cards: Quick-win games like Scratch Dice offer instant payouts, ideal for casual online casino real money play.
    • Keno: Lottery-style games with customizable bets, offering a fun, easy experience for crypto gambling Canada players.
    • Virtual Sports: Simulated events like virtual football and horse racing provide fast-paced betting options, perfect for Canadian crypto casino users.

    START WINNING NOW WITH A HUGE SELECTION OF GAMES AT JACKBIT!

    This broad and high-quality game selection, consistently updated with fresh titles, solidifies JACKBIT as a top crypto casino Canada, offering endless entertainment and opportunities to win for online casino real money players.

    Best Crypto Casino Canada Payment Methods at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s payment system is built for speed, security, and flexibility, making it an ideal choice as a no KYC crypto casino for online casino real money play in Canada. Below is a comprehensive look at its payment options, highlighting their advantages for crypto gambling Canada players:

    Payment Method Type Processing Time Minimum Deposit Notes
    Bitcoin (BTC) Cryptocurrency Instant $10 Fee-free, anonymous
    Ethereum (ETH) Cryptocurrency Instant $10 High security, smart contracts
    Tether (USDT) Cryptocurrency Instant $10 Stablecoin, low volatility
    Solana (SOL) Cryptocurrency Instant $10 Low fees, fast transactions
    Binance Coin (BNB) Cryptocurrency Instant $10 Versatile, ecosystem support
    Visa/MasterCard Traditional Instant (deposits), 1-3 days (withdrawals) $10 Familiar, widely accepted
    Bank Transfer Traditional 1-5 days $50 Suitable for high rollers
    Skrill/Neteller E-Wallet Instant (deposits), 1-2 days (withdrawals) $10 Secure, private transactions
             

    Cryptocurrencies:

    JACKBIT supports over 16 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, Binance Coin, and others, offering several advantages for crypto gambling Canada players:

    • Instant Transactions: Deposits and withdrawals are completed within seconds, meeting the standards of instant withdrawal casinos.
    • Privacy: The no KYC crypto casino policy guarantees player anonymity, a key feature for those prioritizing privacy.
    • Security: Blockchain technology ensures secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions, reducing the risk of fraud.
    • Low Fees: Minimal or no transaction fees compared to traditional methods, providing better returns for Bitcoin casino Canada users.

    For instance, depositing Bitcoin is simple—choose BTC in the cashier, scan a QR code or copy the wallet address, confirm the transaction, and the funds are available instantly.

    Traditional Methods:

    • Visa/MasterCard: Instant deposits with a $10 minimum, widely accepted for online casino real money players. Withdrawals take 1-3 days, which is typical for traditional payment options, making it accessible for those who don’t use crypto.
    • Bank Transfers: Suitable for larger deposits, though withdrawals can take 1-5 days and may incur fees. These methods are less ideal for instant withdrawal needs but are still a reliable option for high rollers seeking online gambling for real money.

    E-Wallets:

    • Skrill and Neteller: These secure e-wallets allow private transactions without sharing bank details, with instant deposits and withdrawals typically completed within 1-2 days, enhancing the online casino real money experience. They are ideal for players who prefer alternatives to cryptocurrencies or credit cards.

    JACKBIT’s focus on cryptocurrencies, combined with its support for traditional payment options and e-wallets, ensures flexibility and quick transactions, making it one of the best crypto casinos Canada for seamless online casino real money play. The no KYC policy streamlines the entire process, allowing Canadian players to focus on the gaming experience without unnecessary paperwork.

    ENJOY FAST, SECURE TRANSACTIONS AND BIG WINS AT JACKBIT!

    Why Choose Crypto Casinos in Canada?

    Crypto casinos provide significant advantages over traditional online casinos, making them a popular choice for crypto gambling Canada:

    • Privacy and Anonymity: No KYC crypto casinos, like JACKBIT, offer anonymous play, protecting player identities—a major benefit for Canadian crypto casino enthusiasts.
    • Speed and Efficiency: Cryptocurrency transactions are nearly instantaneous, with deposits and withdrawals completed within seconds, far quicker than traditional banking methods, aligning with the expectations of instant withdrawal casinos.
    • Enhanced Security: Blockchain technology ensures secure and transparent transactions, lowering fraud risks and increasing trust in Bitcoin casinos Canada.
    • Lower Transaction Costs: Cryptocurrency transactions typically come with minimal or no fees, boosting player returns when compared to credit card or bank transfer fees, making it ideal for crypto casinos Canada.
    • Innovative Features: Many crypto casinos feature provably fair games, allowing players to verify the outcomes, increasing trust in the best online crypto casino platforms.
    • Global Accessibility: Cryptocurrencies bypass regional banking restrictions, making online crypto casinos accessible to Canadian players, subject to local regulations.

    These benefits, combined with JACKBIT’s robust offerings, position it as a leading new crypto casino for 2025, meeting the evolving demands of Canadian gamblers.

    The Rise of Crypto Gambling in Canada: Why JACKBIT Leads

    The crypto gambling market in Canada is seeing rapid growth, fueled by increased adoption of cryptocurrencies and the demand for privacy-focused gaming options. Global industry reports predict the crypto gambling market could reach $65 billion by 2027, with Canada playing a significant role due to its progressive stance on digital currencies and gambling.

    Canadian players are attracted to crypto gambling sites because they offer fast, secure, and anonymous transactions, bypassing some of the restrictions of traditional banking methods.

    JACKBIT is leading this trend by blending cutting-edge technology with player-focused features. Its no KYC policy addresses privacy concerns, while support for emerging cryptocurrencies like Solana positions it as a forward-thinking Bitcoin casino Canada.

    The platform’s 30% rakeback welcome bonus and extensive game library offer unbeatable value. As cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow in Canada, JACKBIT’s innovative approach makes it the go-to Canadian crypto casino for players seeking a secure and rewarding experience.

    Tips for Winning Big at JACKBIT

    To maximize your success at JACKBIT, considered by many as the best crypto casino Canada, here are expert strategies tailored to Canadian players:

    • Choose High-RTP Games: Select slots like Gates of Olympus (96.50% RTP) or Book of Dead (96.21% RTP), available at JACKBIT. These games offer better odds for consistent returns, improving your Bitcoin casino Canada winnings.
    • Leverage Bonuses Wisely: Take full advantage of JACKBIT’s 30% rakeback and 100 free spins welcome bonus with no wagering requirements. Use free spins on high-RTP slots to grow your crypto casino Canada bankroll without risking your own funds. Regularly check the promotions page for exclusive Bitcoin casino bonus offers.
    • Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for each session and stick to it. For instance, allocate $50 per session to prolong your playtime, increasing your chances of hitting a win at this Canadian crypto casino.
    • Learn Game Strategies: For skill-based games like blackjack or poker, study basic strategies to reduce the house edge. Canadian players can find resources online to improve their skills, leading to better returns in online casino real money play at JACKBIT.
    • Participate in Tournaments: Join events like Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins, offering a €2,000,000 prize pool. These tournaments add excitement and potential rewards to your crypto gambling Canada experience, with random cash drops and weekly competitions.
    • Bet Smart on Sports: JACKBIT’s sportsbook covers 140+ sports, including hockey and esports. Research teams and take advantage of live betting options like over/under or parlays for higher payouts. With over 4,500 betting types available, JACKBIT offers extensive opportunities for online gambling for real money.
    • Use Responsible Gambling Tools: Utilize JACKBIT’s deposit, loss, and session time limits to maintain control, ensuring a sustainable online gambling for real money experience.
    • Stay Informed: Follow JACKBIT on social media or subscribe to their newsletters for exclusive Bitcoin casino bonus offers, such as additional free spins or cash rewards, enhancing your crypto casinos Canada play.

    By applying these strategies, Canadian players can optimize their crypto casino Canada experience at JACKBIT, increasing their chances of winning while enjoying a safe and responsible gaming environment.

    JACKBIT Conclusion: The Best Crypto Casino Canada for 2025

    After a comprehensive review of various crypto casinos Canada, JACKBIT stands out as the best crypto casino Canada for 2025. Its no KYC policy ensures the highest level of privacy, allowing Canadian players to enjoy anonymous gaming without sacrificing security. With instant crypto transactions processed in seconds, it provides unparalleled convenience for depositing and withdrawing funds, a signature feature of top Bitcoin casinos Canada.

    With an impressive library of over 6,600 games from 91 leading providers, JACKBIT offers something for everyone. From high-RTP slots like Sweet Bonanza to live dealer games and a comprehensive sportsbook covering 140+ sports, including NHL hockey and esports like CS:GO, Canadian players are guaranteed a rich gaming experience.

    The generous welcome bonus, offering 30% rakeback and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, delivers immediate value. Ongoing promotions like VIP rakeback, weekly giveaways, and Drops & Wins tournaments further enhance the crypto gambling Canada experience.

    JACKBIT supports over 16 cryptocurrencies, along with traditional methods like Visa and MasterCard, offering flexibility for Canadian players. Advanced SSL encryption and provably fair games ensure a secure and transparent environment. Additionally, 24/7 customer support in English provides prompt assistance. The platform is mobile-optimized, offering seamless gaming on smartphones and tablets, making it accessible from anywhere, at any time.

    Furthermore, JACKBIT prioritizes responsible gambling by providing tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion, promoting a safe and enjoyable environment for all Canadian players. If you’re looking for the ultimate Canadian crypto casino experience, JACKBIT is the clear choice. Join JACKBIT Casino today to start your online casino real money journey at the best crypto casino Canada!

    DON’T WAIT! VISIT JACKBIT NOW AND START WINNING BIG!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What makes JACKBIT the best crypto casino in Canada?

    JACKBIT excels with its no KYC privacy, instant crypto withdrawals, over 6,600 games, and a 30% rakeback bonus, making it the top choice for Canadian players seeking crypto gambling Canada.

    • Is JACKBIT legal for Canadian players?

    Licensed by Curacao eGaming, JACKBIT is available to Canadian players, but users should verify compliance with local gambling laws for crypto casinos Canada.

    • What cryptocurrencies does JACKBIT accept?

    JACKBIT supports 16+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and Binance Coin, providing flexibility for Bitcoin casino Canada transactions.

    • How fast are withdrawals at JACKBIT?

    Crypto withdrawals are processed instantly, while traditional payment methods like Visa or bank transfers take 1-3 days, ensuring quick access for Canadian crypto casino players.

    • Does JACKBIT offer a welcome bonus?

    Yes, new players receive a 30% rakeback and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, enhancing the Bitcoin casino bonus experience.

    • What games are available at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT offers a wide variety of games, including slots, table games, live dealer games, and a sportsbook featuring 140+ sports, catering to diverse crypto gambling Canada preferences.

    • Is there customer support at JACKBIT?

    Yes, JACKBIT provides 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, ensuring timely assistance for crypto casino Canada players.

    • How does the no KYC policy work at JACKBIT?

    Crypto users can register and play without identity verification, which is a key benefit of no KYC crypto casinos.

    • Are there fees for transactions at JACKBIT?

    Crypto transactions are fee-free, while traditional methods may incur standard banking fees, which is typical for Bitcoin casinos Canada.

    • What responsible gambling tools does JACKBIT provide?

    JACKBIT offers deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion options to encourage safe and responsible crypto gambling Canada practices.

    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Legal Disclaimer

    This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not offer legal, financial, or gambling advice. Information is provided “as is” without any guarantee of accuracy. It’s your responsibility to verify details and follow local gambling laws. Gambling carries financial risks and the potential for addiction—bet only what you can afford to lose. If needed, seek help from organizations like GamCare or BeGambleAware. Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no extra cost to you. JACKBIT is licensed outside the UK and may not be available in all regions.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eb828174-f73e-41dd-afb1-afe2cae2cbe2
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c8393df2-2213-4d13-9e71-05729912997a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin announced plans to expand Moscow’s tram fleet

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    100 new single-section trams “Lvenok-Moscow” will be delivered to the capital. This was announced by Sergei Sobyanin in his telegram channel.

    “The first half of the cars will arrive in

    Depot named after P.L. Apakova this year, the second one next year, and we will completely complete the renovation of Moscow’s tram fleet,” the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    The Lvenok-Moscow tram will be able to carry up to 150 passengers, with 41 seats in the cabin. The car will have everything necessary for a comfortable trip: climate control, multimedia screens, sockets for charging mobile devices, places for strollers and bicycles.

    The new trams will be equipped with an innovative system for extended autonomous running. Thanks to the onboard energy storage system, they can travel at least four kilometers without contact with the grid (on average, about seven kilometers).

    Innovative trams will replace the previous generation. Thanks to this, the tram fleet will expand, intervals on existing routes will be reduced, and new lines will appear.

    The Moscow tram system is very popular among residents and visitors of the city. On weekdays, about 750 thousand trips are made, and the number of passengers increases every month.

    In addition, new routes are emerging and historical routes are being revived. For example, they are currently laying line on Academician Sakharov Avenue, and on Trifonovskaya Street they are restoring the section from Obraztsova Street to Rizhskaya Square.

    What the Lion Cub Can Do: We Tell You About Russia’s First Unmanned Tram

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12722050/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 6 May 2025 Strengthening alcohol control and road safety policies

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The African Region has one of the highest burdens of alcohol-related deaths globally – averaging 70 deaths per 100,000 people – second only to Europe. In some countries, this rises to 84 deaths per 100,000. With rapid population growth, even more people are expected to be affected unless stronger policies are implemented. Yet across much of the continent, comprehensive alcohol policies remain scarce, outdated or poorly enforced, leaving countries ill-equipped to tackle the rising harm from alcohol consumption.

    In April, 60 representatives from 15 countries across the World Health Organization’s (WHO) African Region gathered in Accra, Ghana for a landmark SAFER inter-country learning workshop aimed at strengthening collaboration and accelerating implementation of alcohol control and road safety policies. The workshop was jointly hosted and supported by WHO, the WHO-led SAFER Initiative, and the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), with financial support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Government of Norway.

    The synergy between the SAFER Initiative and Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) is critical, as both initiatives share a common goal of reducing alcohol-related harm and improving road safety. Let us seize this opportunity to work together for a safer, healthier Ghana and Africa.

    Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, Ghana

    The 15 country teams included representatives from the ministries of health, transport, finance, and justice, as well as from the offices of the attorneys general, to accelerate the implementation of high-impact alcohol control and road safety policies.

    Multisectoral collaboration is essential – not optional – for achieving lasting public health outcomes. Today’s complex health challenges demand coordinated action across government sectors, civil society, and the private sector, all working together with communities. Only through shared responsibility and joint efforts can we ensure sustainable improvements in population health and wellbeing.

    Dr Adelheid Onyango, Director of Healthier Populations Cluster, WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO).

     

    Participants came from Angola, Burkina Faso, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, and Uganda.

    This event built on two WHO-led workshops in 2023:

    • The SAFER inter-country learning workshop held in October 2023 in Addis Ababa, which focused on alcohol policy development in seven countries.
    • The BIGRS workshop held in May 2023 in Kampala, which addressed alcohol-related road safety and legislative change in four countries.

    The Accra workshop brought together countries continuing SAFER and BIGRS implementation with 8 newly engaged countries, creating a regional platform for peer learning and collaboration.

    “We have acquired more knowledge on the SAFER package and learned from other countries which started earlier.”  Participant feedback.

    A strategic and evidence-informed approach

    The workshop was grounded in key WHO global and regional strategies, including the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022–2030, which sets out a roadmap for reducing harmful alcohol use through national leadership, cross-sectoral coordination, and evidence-based interventions.Regionally, it built on the WHO African Region’s Multisectoral Strategy to Promote Health and Wellbeing (2023–2030) and the Regional Framework for Alcohol Control, both of which call for  integrated approaches and policy coherence for alcohol control within public health systems.

    “This workshop helped us break down our national action plan into implementable strategies.” Participant feedback.

    In line with these frameworks, the workshop followed a structured and evidence-informed approach to support policy progress:

    • Pre-work included virtual orientation sessions and bilateral meetings to review country status and update plans
    • During the in-person sessions in Accra, teams engaged in landscape assessments, delivery plan development, and peer-to-peer support
    • Expert panels with remote participation from Vital Strategies, Movendi International and University of Sterling, explored issues like alcohol industry interference and monitoring and evaluation
    • Countries used the WHO Global Survey on Alcohol and Health to guide planning

    “Policy integrity must be protected from alcohol industry interference,”  Dr. Frank John Lule, WHO Ghana Representative

    Multilingual participation

    The workshop was conducted in four working languages English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish – to accommodate the diversity of countries involved. While this presented logistical challenges, it also created a dynamic, inclusive atmosphere where participants engaged across language and regional boundaries. The investment in multilingual participation paid off, encouraging deeper exchange and regional solidarity.

    “It helped us understand how our strategies are faring compared to our neighbours, even when we speak different languages.” Participant feedback.

    Opportunities for strategic exchange

    One of the most engaging moments of the workshop was the gallery walk – a participatory session where country teams set up “stations” to present their group work and delivery plans. Other delegations walked from station to station, discussing strategies, offering feedback, and exchanging ideas with their peers.

    “The gallery walk was a huge opportunity for knowledge exchange and helped us sharpen our thinking.” Participant feedback.

    This format sparked spontaneous discussions on barriers, solutions, and opportunities. It fostered a sense of ownership and reflection and was widely seen as a powerful tool for strategic thinking and applied learning.

    Workshop outcomes and commitments

    This workshop marks a pivotal moment in shifting from planning to coordinated action. With renewed commitment, shared purpose, and regional momentum, countries are better equipped than ever to reduce alcohol-related harm and improve public health.

    As a result of the workshop:

    • 15 countries finalized or revised SAFER delivery plans
    • 8 new countries presented landscape assessments and implementation strategies
    • Country teams shared commitment statements
    • WHO and partners identified case studies for future dissemination
    • Clear next steps were agreed on for monitoring, technical support, and cross-country exchange

    Country teams identified 2 to 3 priority measures from among the high-impact SAFER interventions to accelerate national action and reduce the substantial harm caused by alcohol consumption. These priority actions reflect growing momentum for evidence-based policy change and examples include: raising excise taxes on alcoholic beverages to reduce affordability and curb consumption; establishing a national minimum legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol; regulating the density and location of alcohol retail outlets; tightening drink-driving laws by lowering legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits to ≤ 0.5 g/dl in line with international best practice; and integrating alcohol screening, brief interventions, and treatment for alcohol use disorders into mental health and primary care through the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).

    Looking ahead, WHO will continue to support countries in implementing their delivery plans, provide tailored technical assistance, foster cross-country learning and regional collaboration and track progress through global surveys and country follow-up.

    Evaluation

    Post-workshop feedback indicated high levels of satisfaction and provided valuable suggestions for improving future events. All respondents reported being satisfied with the workshop, with over half “very satisfied” and one in five “extremely satisfied.”  Participants valued the interactive format – combining group work, peer learning, and facilitator-led sessions – and praised the facilitators’ expertise and responsiveness. Many noted that the workshop strengthened cross-sector collaboration and provided a clearer sense of direction, renewed motivation, and practical next steps to advance national SAFER alcohol control plans. Comments such as “we are not alone in this struggle” and it “enhanced my knowledge and triggered my commitment” reflected both solidarity and strengthened resolve among participants.

    About SAFER and BIGRS:

    The SAFER Initiative supports countries with five key interventions:

    • Restricting availability of alcohol
    • Enforcing drink-driving countermeasures
    • Expanding access to brief interventions and treatment
    • Banning alcohol marketing and sponsorship
    • Raising alcohol prices through fiscal measures

    The BIGRS Initiative complements SAFER by strengthening road safety legislation, especially for drink-driving and other key risk factors. The Accra workshop demonstrated the value of integrating these initiatives into a shared platform for action.

    The workshop was also the result of collaboration across all three levels of the WHO – headquarters, regional offices, and country offices – demonstrating the multidisciplinary and coordinated approach needed to address the harms of alcohol consumption.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García’s Statement on the Firing of Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the unjustified firing of Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden:

    “Donald Trump’s decision to fire the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, one year before her term was set to expire, is unjustified. This is another example of the Trump administration’s pattern of firing leaders who are trying to ensure all aspects of the American experience are visible through the work of our cultural institutions.

    “Dr. Carla Hayden led the Library of Congress with distinction and honor, spearheading efforts to ensure America’s Library was accessible to all Americans. From her early work as Chicago’s chief librarian to her time as the Nation’s top librarian, Dr. Hayden dedicated her career to ensuring libraries serve their communities. The next Librarian of Congress must continue to build upon Dr. Hayden’s legacy of inclusivity and expansion, ensuring that the Library serves all Americans, and not a regime’s ideology.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Payday weekend just got better with Samsung’s #PreekendSpecial Deals

    Source: Samsung

    A unique shopping experience is set to transform the way South African consumers discover and purchase their favourite Samsung products. Premiering live on YouTube, on the 22nd of May at 8pm, The Preekend Special gives shoppers an opportunity to enjoy good music while shopping for the best Samsung deals, from the comfort of their home.
     
    During the livestream, consumers will enjoy discounts of up to 45% OFF Samsung mobile, accessories, home appliances and TVs. The discounts will be revealed every 20 minutes during live DJ sets from our exciting DJ line up. The discounted products include; Galaxy S25+, Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy Tab S10FE WIFI, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, 43” Serif TV, Freestyle Projector 2nd Gen, 19kg AI top loader washing machine, and premium Q-Series Soundbar.
     
    How it works:
    Consumers will have to download the Samsung Shop App [Download Link]
    Watch the livestream and enjoy the music played by the DJs, as new offers are revealed every 20 mins.
    Scan the QR code on screen, or click on link provided, which will direct them to the offer page on the Shop App.
    Add desired products to cart
    Discounts will be applied at Checkout.
     
    DJs on the night will be Franabenzo and LINDO:
    Franabenzo is a DJ duo made up of Francesco Mbele, and Lenzo Mangonyane. They’re music choice: house music, baile funk, underground hip hop and gqom – Franabenzo has you covered.
     
    Also joining the line up is LINDO; a South African DJ and cultural curator who uses music and style to tell stories about where he’s from. Blending Afro Tech, Gqom, and other electronic sounds, his sets are rooted in moving both body and spirit.
     

     
    Anesu Malisa, Head of Gen Z Marketing at Samsung South Africa said “With the Preekend Special, we’re looking to introduce a unique shopping experience that we believe South Africans will love, appreciate, and look forward to the next one. By bringing culture and commerce together, we want to create an engaging experience that ensures that you’re going to have a good time, whether you’re there for the good deals or good music”
     
    Additional Shop App Benefits include:
    An extra 10% OFF your first purchase on the Shop App.
    Multiple payment options including: Float, Mobicred, and PAYJUSTNOW.
    Free delivery
    Exclusive app deals and personalized offers
     
    Don’t skip the beat, click on the link below to sign up for live updates:
    https://www.samsung.com/za/samsung-live/?cid=za_pd_social_pr-publication_none_launch_social_video_preekend-special-sign-up-link_broad

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – MEPs push for more coordination and resilience in European electricity grids

    Source: European Parliament 3

    MEPs adopted proposals for enhancing grid resilience, integrating renewable energy sources, and simplifying processes to meet the EU’s energy goals.

    In proposals adopted on Tuesday, MEPs from the Industry, Research and Energy Committee put forward ways to modernise Europe’s electricity grid infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for renewable energy, ensure a resilient decarbonised electricity system, and support the EU’s energy goals.

    The adopted text calls for the implementation of an EU grid action plan and highlights the need for significant investment and infrastructure upgrades to modernise and increase cross-border transmission capacity.

    Better integration of national energy infrastructures

    MEPs highlight that significant investment and upgrades are required to increase cross-border and national-level transmission capacity and to modernise infrastructure. This includes the need for closer supervision by authorities to ensure a decarbonised, flexible, and resilient electricity system.

    The report calls for clearer and more effective rules and procedures to attract private investment in addition to public funding mechanisms, and ensure that network tariffs reflect real costs. It emphasises the need for investment to address grid bottlenecks and prevent the curtailment – the deliberate reduction of production due to grid capacity limits – of renewable energy.

    MEPs stress the importance of a more coordinated and fully pan-European electricity system planning to connect borders, sectors, and regions. They say that renewable energy sources need to be better integrated into electricity grids and that there should be more cross-border interconnections. Ensuring public acceptance and effective communication with citizens are crucial for the successful implementation of new grid projects, MEPs say.

    Quote

    “The Iberian blackout was a painful demonstration of how vulnerable our grids remain. It was a reminder that Europe’s energy transition will fail unless we invest just as strategically in infrastructure as in renewables. The blackout did not prove the failure of the Energy Union – quite the opposite. Thanks to cross-border interconnectors, France was able to step in immediately. Now the Commission must act decisively to prioritise planning and coordination on grids and storage – or we will keep lurching from one crisis to the next,” lead MEP Anna Sturgkh (Renew, Austria) said.

    “We are sending a clear and strong signal to the Commission to keep a well-financed Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF-E) within the upcoming multi-annual budget proposal. EU funds managed by member states must also be more available for grid updates,” she added.

    Next Steps

    The report was adopted with 52 votes to nine, with two abstentions. It will be put to a vote by the full House during the 16-19 June 2025 plenary session in Strasbourg.

    Background

    The electricity system blackout that occurred in the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France on 28 April 2025 underscored the critical importance of enhancing EU grid resilience. The modernisation of Europe’s electricity grids is essential for achieving the EU’s clean energy transition and delivering renewable energy while supporting economic growth and prosperity. According to the European Commission, €584 billion is necessary for electricity grids this decade. This includes cross-border interconnectors and the adaptation of distribution grids to the energy transition.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Launches Helios Consensus to Power 10,000+ TPS and Smartphone Mining via Nova App

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new era in blockchain performance and accessibility is being ushered in by Bitcoin Solaris. At its core is Helios Consensus, a next-generation protocol architecture that delivers 10,000+ transactions per second, instant finality, and seamless smart contract functionality — all while enabling smartphone-based mining with the soon-to-launch Nova App.

    Engineered for Modern Blockchain Demands

    Helios Consensus is a hybrid, dual-layer design combining several innovative consensus mechanisms:

    • Base Layer: Built with Proof-of-Stake (PoS) and Proof-of-Capacity (PoC) to provide secure, energy-efficient validation.
    • Solaris Layer: Uses Proof-of-History (PoH) and Proof-of-Time (PoT) to drive ultra-fast execution of decentralized applications and token interactions.

    This architecture provides sub-2-second finality and the throughput needed for real-time applications — while preserving decentralization and minimizing energy consumption.

    Key Features of Bitcoin Solaris:

    • 10,000+ TPS performance
    • Smart contract support via a high-speed, Solana-like virtual machine
    • 2-second block finality
    • Dual-layer infrastructure for scalability and security
    • Low energy requirements with smartphone mining support

    Mining with Just a Phone: Nova App Launch Incoming

    Bitcoin Solaris is not just for developers and enterprises — it’s for everyone. The upcoming Nova App enables mobile mining that rewards users with BTC-S tokens daily for participation and uptime.

    With the Nova App:

    • No specialized hardware is needed
    • No staking or token lockups
    • Daily rewards based on activity and uptime
    • Designed for global mobile-first users

    The Nova App democratizes mining, turning any smartphone into a tool for earning crypto.

    Tokenomics: Fixed Supply, Built-In Scarcity

    Bitcoin Solaris mirrors proven deflationary token models with:

    • A hard cap of 21 million BTC-S
    • Halving-based emission schedule
    • Zero inflation or centralized supply manipulation

    Currently in Presale Phase 3, BTC-S tokens are available at 3 USDT. Only 4.2 million tokens (20%) are allocated to presale participants. Phase 4 will increase the token price to 4 USDT, ahead of the public mobile mining launch.

    Independently Audited and Verified

    To build trust with early adopters and institutional partners, Bitcoin Solaris has undergone:

    • Cyberscope Audit
    • Freshcoins Audit
    • Full KYC Verification

    These steps ensure transparency, technical soundness, and operational integrity.

    The Road Ahead

    Bitcoin Solaris is built for real-world scale — supporting smart contracts, enabling mobile mining, and delivering the transaction speeds needed for decentralized applications to thrive. With Helios Consensus and the Nova App, it offers a blockchain that’s fast, fair, and open to all.

    Website: https://bitcoinsolaris.com
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris
    Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris

    Media Contact:
    Xander Levine
    info@bitcoinsolaris.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. 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.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b093644a-d11a-4f89-bf2b-3b225ab00e04
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25a6df8e-4f34-4b53-a442-16fe293ed0ab
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/089570b6-dc97-4d36-be16-dca2e03818d5

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Last Month in the Field – April 2025

    Source: Frontex

    In April 2025, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, demonstrated its broad commitment to keeping Europe’s borders secure through a range of impactful operations and collaborations. From cracking down on smugglers in Eastern Europe to saving lives at sea in the Mediterranean, and from embracing new border technologies to strengthening partnerships across the continent, the month showcased Frontex’s dedication to a safer and more cooperative Europe. The following highlights recap how Frontex and national authorities worked hand-in-hand over the past month, underscoring a professional and proactive approach to European border management. 

    Bulgarian authorities and Frontex scored a victory against cross-border crime this month by stopping a haul of counterfeit goods at the Lesovo border crossing with Turkey. In a joint operation, the Bulgarian Border Police and Customs officers, supported by Frontex Standing Corps officers, intercepted two vehicles loaded with fake designer clothing and footwear. More than 1,400 garments and 900 pairs of shoes bearing logos of famous brands were seized – items that would have been worth an estimated €70,000 on the black market had they slipped through. Some illicit products even carried price tags up to €600 for a single T-shirt, a sign of how convincing the fakes appeared. 

    This success at the EU’s external border was a direct result of vigilant cooperation. As one Frontex officer put it, “It is not easy to tell a fake from an original when it comes to counterfeit goods. But working together with professionals every day, we have become a serious obstacle for smugglers.” The operation highlighted the excellent partnership between Frontex and the Bulgarian authorities in protecting EU consumers and legitimate businesses. The Frontex officer’s praise for his Bulgarian colleagues underscores the fruitful cooperation on the ground. The confiscated counterfeit items will now be used as evidence, preventing them from entering EU markets, while the perpetrators face legal consequences. This case sends a clear message: through close collaboration, border agencies are effectively shutting down smuggling routes for fake goods. 

    Another major enforcement success in April took place on the Romania–Ukraine border, where a joint team from the Romanian Border Police, Romanian Customs, and Frontex thwarted a large-scale cigarette smuggling attempt. In under an hour, officers apprehended two individuals attempting to illegally bring over 2.6 million cigarettes into the EU. The smugglers had gone to great lengths to hide their contraband, using some truly creative compartments to try to evade detection. The team’s discovery was all the more impressive given the inventive hiding places employed, including: 

    Thanks to the sharp eyes and expertise of the border guards, these concealments were uncovered before the illicit cargo could move further into Europe. The Frontex officer supporting the operation – known among colleagues as a veteran in fighting smuggling – played a key role in detecting the contraband. Romanian officials and Frontex supervisors alike praised the operation’s success. One colleague lauded the involved officer as “a true professional with a special and inexhaustible flair for detecting cross-border crime.” This compliment underscores the high level of skill present in such joint teams. The “hats off” accolades went to all Romanian and Frontex personnel involved, highlighting how teamwork and shared intelligence can foil even the most elaborate smuggling schemes. The seizure of 2.6 million cigarettes not only represents a financial blow to organised crime but also protects EU markets and taxpayers from the illegal tobacco trade. It stands as yet another example of effective Frontex support at EU borders, keeping illicit goods out of circulation. 

    As warmer spring weather set in, April saw a surge in irregular migration across the Central Mediterranean, testing the readiness and solidarity of EU border forces. Within just a few days, over 1,100 migrants had arrived on Italian shores, many taking to the sea in flimsy boats launched from North Africa. This sudden influx – more than one thousand people in a 72-hour span – put considerable strain on Italy’s reception facilities and underscored the ongoing challenges in this maritime corridor. In response, Frontex and several EU Member States mobilised swiftly to ensure lives were protected and borders monitored. 

    European solidarity was on full display during these rescues. Danish and Lithuanian patrol boats deployed under Frontex’s coordination helped the Italian authorities save nearly 400 people from five small, unseaworthy vessels in the central Mediterranean. Operating under Italy’s lead, the crews from Denmark and Lithuania worked tirelessly to transfer men, women, and children from overcrowded, unsafe boats to the relative safety of EU vessels. At the same time, Frontex aerial surveillance teams intensified patrol flights over the sea. Frontex aircraft spotted multiple migrant boats in distress from the air, relaying precise coordinates to rescue units. This early detection enabled timely life-saving interventions by the Italian Coast Guard and other assets, preventing potential tragedies at sea. 

    Over the course of three days, dozens of rescue operations were carried out by a combination of national and Frontex-deployed resources. Such joint efforts demonstrate the value of a truly integrated European approach: Member States lending support to one another via Frontex when migratory pressure spikes in a particular region. The Executive Director of Frontex noted that every person saved is a testament to the collective commitment of the EU to protect lives. While the Central Mediterranean route remains difficult and dangerous, April’s experience showed how coordinated action can meet these challenges. By pooling vessels, aircraft, and expertise from across Europe, Frontex and its partners helped ensure that a surge in crossings did not turn into a humanitarian disaster. The Agency continues to work closely with Italy and other front-line states, not only to manage irregular migration flows but also to go after the criminal networks exploiting vulnerable migrants. Saving lives at sea remains at the core of Frontex’s mission, alongside securing the EU’s external borders. 

    In April, Frontex achieved a significant milestone in enhancing border security technology and cooperation. Thanks to a new agreement with Cyprus, Frontex officers now have direct access to Cyprus’s national border database at crossing points. This development means that Frontex personnel deployed in support of Cypriot authorities can instantly check traveler information and other border data just as national officers do. The immediate benefits of this integration are clear, leading to: 

    • Faster, more secure screening at airports and other entry points, reducing wait times for travelers while enhancing security through better information sharing. 

    By plugging into Cyprus’s databases, Frontex can help close information gaps and streamline operations on the ground. This is one of the first practical outcomes of a broader initiative to improve data-driven border management. Importantly, preparations are underway for the full rollout of Frontex’s access to the Schengen Information System (SIS) – Europe’s largest security database – which will take cooperation to the next level in the near future. Gaining SIS access will enable Frontex officers to spot persons or objects of interest (such as stolen documents or wanted individuals) across all of Europe’s borders in real time, greatly amplifying their effectiveness. 

    This deepening tech integration with Member States exemplifies Frontex’s push for “smart borders.” It shows how investing in modern IT solutions can make border control both faster and more secure, without compromising on thoroughness. Cypriot authorities have welcomed Frontex’s connectivity to their systems, noting that it serves as a force multiplier for national border guards. Together, Frontex and Cyprus are building a border management approach that is fast, fair, and future-ready – one that leverages the best of technology and teamwork to protect the EU’s external frontiers. 

    This month marked two years since the launch of the joint operation between Frontex and North Macedonia, a partnership that has significantly bolstered border security in the Western Balkans. In April 2023, North Macedonia became the first Western Balkan country to host Frontex border teams under a special status agreement, and two years on, the results of this cooperation are evident and worth celebrating. Frontex Standing Corps officers have been working side by side with North Macedonian Border Police along the country’s borders, sharing expertise and helping to manage migratory movements and security threats in the region. Together, over the past 24 months, they have achieved several important milestones in border management, including: 

    • Joint patrols conducted along North Macedonia’s borders with neighbouring countries, enhancing surveillance and the ability to intercept irregular crossings or illicit activities. These mixed teams have increased the visibility and reach of border control, acting as a deterrent to smugglers and traffickers. 

    • Delivery of modern equipment and technical assets to North Macedonia’s authorities. Frontex has provided patrol vehicles, document inspection devices, and other specialist tools to strengthen the country’s border infrastructure. This upgraded equipment means local border guards are better equipped to spot fake documents, hidden contraband, or unauthorised entries. 

    • Stronger overall border protection for North Macedonia and Europe. By reinforcing a key section of the Balkan migration route, the cooperation has contributed to greater security for the entire EU external border. It has helped manage migration flows more effectively and cracked down on cross-border crime, from migrant smuggling to contraband trafficking, benefitting all Europeans. 

    Frontex and North Macedonia’s officials commemorated the two-year anniversary by reflecting on these successes and looking ahead to continued collaboration. The presence of European border guards in North Macedonia underscores the EU’s commitment to working with its neighbours to tackle shared challenges. It also provides invaluable experience to all the officers involved, creating a spirit of camaraderie and mutual understanding. According to Frontex’s leadership, this partnership is a model of EU–Western Balkans cooperation, showing how aligning procedures and sharing resources can lead to concrete improvements in security and border management. As the operation enters its third year, Frontex plans to maintain its support, including further training for North Macedonia’s officers and ongoing joint patrols, thereby maintaining the positive momentum. The past two years have laid a solid foundation for even closer ties and a more secure region in the future. 

    Frontex’s activities in April were not limited to field operations – they also extended to strategic dialogue at the highest levels. A noteworthy event took place at the Frontex Operational Headquarters in Piraeus, Greece, where Commander Georgios Pyliaros (the Frontex Field Commander in Greece) hosted a high-level meeting with Admiral José António Vizinha Mirones, the Commander of the Portuguese Maritime Police. Admiral Mirones visited the Piraeus headquarters as part of a Joint Coordination Board discussion, focusing on the current operational situation and challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly regarding migration flows affecting Greece and Cyprus. 

    During this visit, both leaders exchanged insights on maritime border security and reinforced their commitment to close cooperation. Commander Pyliaros expressed, on behalf of Frontex’s chain of command, sincere appreciation for Portugal’s continued contribution to Frontex-led operations. He highlighted the professionalism and dedication displayed by the Portuguese crews operating coastal patrol vessels in Greek waters. These Portuguese Maritime Police teams, deployed under Frontex, have been instrumental in joint patrols and search-and-rescue missions in the Aegean Sea, and their exemplary performance and seamless integration with Frontex units have not gone unnoticed. Admiral Mirones, for his part, conveyed gratitude for the opportunity to visit and engage with Frontex’s Greece office. He commended the collective effort being made to safeguard Europe’s maritime borders and stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration. Both officials agreed that maintaining strong partnerships – such as the one between Frontex and Portugal – is crucial in addressing migration and security challenges at sea. 

    The meeting concluded on a highly positive note, symbolising the unity of purpose among European border and coast guard services. In a ceremonial gesture, commemorative coins were exchanged between Frontex and the Portuguese Maritime Police, underscoring mutual respect and teamwork. This high-level maritime dialogue not only strengthened bilateral ties but also provided strategic guidance for field operations. With Portugal’s vessels and crews continuing to serve in Frontex missions, such coordination ensures that everyone is rowing in the same direction. The result is a more effective response to irregular migration by sea and a safer maritime environment for all. These talks in April set the stage for even more synchronised efforts in the months to come, reaffirming that European partners stand stronger together in protecting the EU’s external borders. 

    Frontex also invested in long-term security capacity this month by focusing on the fight against illicit firearms. Firearms trafficking is a growing threat to EU internal security, especially in times of war and instability when weapons can more easily find their way onto the black market. In April, within the framework of the EU’s EMPACT initiative (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats), Frontex led a specialised training programme in Poland aimed at sharpening the skills of border guards in intercepting illegal arms. The training was hosted at the Polish Border Guard Academy in Kętrzyn – a centre known for advanced law enforcement training – and brought together officers from 10 EU Member States. These participants, all of them frontline border or customs officers, underwent intensive instruction on how to better detect and stop the smuggling of firearms at EU borders. 

    Over the course of the training, the multinational group of officers learned about concealment methods and detection techniques for firearms. Experts shared real-case examples of smugglers attempting to hide weapons and ammunition in vehicles, cargo, or personal luggage, highlighting red flags to watch for. The trainees practiced using x-ray scanners, metal detectors, and other tools to identify weapons hidden in creative ways. They also exchanged intelligence on smuggling routes and the latest trends in gun trafficking, recognising that traffickers are constantly adapting their methods. By simulating realistic scenarios, the course enabled officers to hone their decision-making under pressure – for instance, when discovering a hidden handgun during a routine vehicle inspection at a border crossing. The overarching goal was to equip frontline officers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to intercept firearms before those weapons can reach our streets and communities. 

    This EMPACT-supported training in Poland is part of a broader EU effort to cut off the supply of illegal firearms that can fuel organised crime or even terrorism. By investing in people and skills, Frontex and its partners are strengthening a critical line of defence against gun trafficking. The officers who completed the course in Kętrzyn will take their enhanced expertise back to their home countries – from Scandinavia to Southern Europe – multiplying the impact. They form a network of trained specialists who can also share best practices with colleagues, thus raising overall capacity across the EU. Frontex officials highlighted that such cooperative training not only improves technical know-how but also builds trust and communication channels among European border agencies. Ultimately, this means better coordinated operations and information-sharing when it comes to stopping dangerous weapons from crossing into the EU. The training concluded with participants and instructors affirming their commitment to stay one step ahead of firearms traffickers. As new security challenges emerge, continuous professional development like this ensures that Europe’s border guards remain vigilant and prepared. 

    April 2025 showcased the full spectrum of Frontex’s mission – from frontline enforcement and lifesaving rescues to technological advancement and international partnership. As Europe’s external border challenges continue to evolve with the changing seasons and geopolitical context, Frontex is moving ahead with resolve. The Agency is leveraging the momentum from April’s successes to further strengthen cooperation, whether by expanding joint operations in partner countries or by welcoming more contributions from Member States. It is accelerating the adoption of modern technology and information systems to give border guards an edge in both speed and accuracy. Equally, Frontex remains committed to investing in its people – through training, leadership development, and a culture of shared expertise – recognising that a well-prepared human element is key to any high-tech solution. In the coming months, Frontex will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with EU countries at their borders, upholding European values of security and solidarity. By building on the foundations laid in April, the European Border and Coast Guard will be even better equipped to tackle whatever challenges the future holds – protecting the EU’s borders and the people who depend on them, with professionalism, compassion, and unity. 

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Child sexual abuse: updated rules to address new technological risks

    Source: European Parliament 3

    On Tuesday, the Civil Liberties Committee endorsed legislative changes to improve EU countries’ capacity to fight child sexual abuse effectively.

    Updating the EU-wide definitions of the crimes linked to child sexual abuse (CSA), the proposal endorsed by MEPs also adapts them to new technologies. The aim is to improve cooperation between national authorities on investigations and prosecutions and on victim support.


    Higher punishments and no limitation periods

    In their amendments, MEPs propose to raise the maximum punishments for a number of CSA offences, including for sexual activities with children above the age of sexual consent who do not consent. Other examples are recruiting children for exploitation in prostitution, possessing or distributing CSA material, and offering remuneration for certain CSA crimes.

    MEPs also want to abolish limitation periods for crimes covered by the updated law, since statistics show that the majority of victims only speak about their experiences a long time after the offence occurred. Victims should also be able to seek compensation indefinitely.


    New technological crimes

    To bring EU laws up to date with technological developments, MEPs want to criminalise explicitly the use of artificial intelligence systems “designed or adapted primarily” for CSA crimes. They have also endorsed provisions on the livestreaming of CSA, and dissemination online of related material.

    To make investigations more effective, MEPs are pushing for the possibility to conduct undercover investigations and employ covert surveillance methods, including “honeypots”.


    Definition of consent and exemptions for peers

    MEPs want a new definition of consent specifically for children who are above the age of sexual consent. No member state should criminalise consent-based interactions between peers, if it involves no abuse of trust or dependency, they argue. Pretending to be a peer should, however, be a punishable aggravating circumstance.


    Reporting and victim support

    Child victim support should be free of charge and include medical and forensic examinations, help with documenting evidence, gender-sensitive medical care and access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. MEPs want this to be in line with the Barnahus model, where services come together under one roof to support child victims.

    The committee report states that reporting mechanisms should have adequate funding and be user-friendly and gender-sensitive. Third parties, such as civil society organisations, should also be able to report crimes.


    Quote

    Rapporteur Jeroen Lenaers (EPP, Netherlands) said: “We need to make sure our laws to fight child sexual abuse are up to date and that we criminalise new phenomena, including so-called “instruction manuals” that facilitate abuse, livestreamed abuse and deep-fake CSA material. We also want tougher punishments and more mechanisms for reporting abuse. Because it often takes decades for victims to come forward, we need to abolish the limitation periods for these crimes. We owe it to victims to support them properly through the legal process and ensure that justice is done.”


    Next steps

    The Civil Liberties Committee adopted the draft position by 57votes in favour, 0 against, and with 0 abstentions. Parliament will debate and vote on this position in plenary during its 16-19 June session, after which negotiations with Council on the final form of the law can begin.


    Background

    The recast directive on sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children, child sexual abuse material and solicitation of children includes measures to harmonise EU countries’ definitions of and punishments for crimes, covering both online and offline activity.

    A separate proposal for a regulation on child sexual abuse material is also being discussed by lawmakers. The European Parliament adopted its position on the draft regulation in 2023; legislative talks can begin once Council reaches a common position.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • In birthright citizenship case, US Supreme Court gets two controversies in one

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    One of President Donald Trump’s most contentious policies – his attempt to restrict automatic birthright citizenship – arrives at the U.S. Supreme Court this week with an unusual twist: The justices may focus on something else entirely.

    Federal judges in Washington state, Massachusetts and Maryland issued orders blocking Trump’s January executive order nationwide, finding the directive likely violated language in the U.S. Constitution concerning citizenship for babies born in the United States.

    But through an emergency filing, Trump’s administration has focused the Supreme Court’s attention not on the legality of the action by the Republican president but rather on the permissibility of the actions by the three judges – whether federal judges should have the power to issue broad orders that block challenged polices on a nationwide, or “universal,” basis.

    The administration asked the court to narrow the injunctions to let the government enforce Trump’s directive – part of his hardline approach to immigration – to the greatest extent possible while the legal fight over the policy plays out.

    The court may do so “without considering the underlying merits” of Trump’s action, the administration asserted.

    That approach would set up the possibility of the court, which has as a 6-3 conservative majority, allowing broad enforcement of the policy without assessing whether or not it is legal.

    The matter came to the court on a compressed timeline and with minimal written briefing.

    The way the court is considering the case “seems quite strange,” said Alan Trammell, a professor at Washington and Lee University School of Law in Virginia, because “even though the substantive question of birthright citizenship technically isn’t before the court, it still looms large.”

    “It concerns one of the most important provisions of the Constitution and implicates a raging political debate,” Trammell said.

    Trump’s order, signed on his first day back in office, directed federal agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of U.S.-born children who do not have at least one parent who is an American citizen or lawful permanent resident.

    Trump’s order was challenged by Democratic attorneys general from 22 states as well as individual pregnant immigrants and advocacy groups. The plaintiffs have said the directive violates a right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which was ratified in 1868 and long has been understood to confer citizenship to virtually anyone born in the United States.

    Trammell noted that the administration has not contested whether the injunctions should have been issued, asking the justices only to scale back their nationwide effect to protect just the plaintiffs in the cases.

    “The situation would be very odd indeed if the court concluded that the plaintiffs’ view of the merits is correct, yet gave only the individual plaintiffs the benefit of that ruling,” Trammell said.

    ‘BIRTH TOURISM’

    The 14th Amendment states that all “persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.”

    The administration contends that the 14th Amendment does not extend to immigrants who are in the country illegally or even to immigrants whose presence is lawful but temporary, such as university students or those on work visas.

    Automatic birthright citizenship does not reflect the best reading of the 14th Amendment and it encourages “birth tourism” by expectant mothers traveling the United States to give birth and secure citizenship for their children, the administration argued in court filings.

    At the Supreme Court, the administration has targeted only the universal scope of the injunctions, content to leave them in place to protect only the people who sued as well as the residents of the 22 states, assuming the Supreme Court finds that these states have the necessary legal standing to bring their cases. That outcome would let Trump’s order go into effect in the 28 states that did not sue, aside from any plaintiffs from those states.

    The Justice Department said the issuance of broad judicial injunctions has bedeviled administrations of both parties, Republican and Democratic, and must be urgently rectified by the Supreme Court. Trump himself on March 20 called the situation “toxic” and urged the Supreme Court to act.

    Since Trump returned to office, many of his numerous executive orders and other initiatives have been impeded by judges, including through universal injunctions.

    “The need for this court’s intervention has become urgent as universal injunctions have reached tsunami levels,” the Justice Department said in a written filing.

    If the justices agree to scale back the judicial blocks, it could lead to a nation geographically fractured between places where babies are born with automatic citizenship and places where they are not, the plaintiffs said.

    “An infant would be a United States citizen and full member of society if born in New Jersey, but a deportable noncitizen if born in Tennessee,” the plaintiffs in the Maryland case told the justices.

    IDAHO TRANSGENDER CASE

    The Justice Department has cited the Supreme Court’s action in a case last year to back up its request to narrow the injunctions. In that case, called Labrador v. Poe, Idaho asked the justices to let the state enforce a Republican-backed ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors after a federal judge blocked it as unconstitutional.

    The Supreme Court, over the dissent of its three liberal members, granted Idaho’s request that the statewide injunction be pared back to cover only the transgender plaintiffs who actually sued.

    The scope of an injunction is significant, the Justice Department told the Supreme Court, and ensuring that lower courts do not act beyond their limited judicial power “is just as critical as merits review,” meaning an assessment of an action’s legality.

    A Justice Department spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

    Some legal experts said the cases differ for numerous reasons. For instance, they said, the Idaho case involved one state, not a presidential executive order applying nationally.

    Even though the administration has made the dispute primarily about universal injunctions, some court observers have said the justices could decide to rule on the legality of Trump’s order anyway.

    It is unusual for the court “to be considering an emergency application in this context,” University of Chicago law professor William Baude said.

    “Because of that, we won’t know what the court is going to focus on until the oral arguments start,” Baude added.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on latest MERS situation in Saudi Arabia

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Update on latest MERS situation in Saudi Arabia 
    Seven of the nine abovementioned cases were found to be epidemiologically linked. After one patient was hospitalised and confirmed to have MERS, six health and care workers who had cared for the patients were also confirmed through contact tracing, with four of them being asymptomatic and two showing mild symptoms. They were suspected to be infected in the healthcare facility and had recovered.
     
    The WHO maintains its overall risk assessment of MERS in Saudi Arabia and expects that more cases of MERS will be reported in the Middle East or other countries where the virus is circulating in dromedaries. According to the latest information, 2 627 cases of MERS (including 946 deaths) have been notified by the WHO since 2012, and Saudi Arabia has notified 2 218 cases (including the above patients). The CHP will maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities to monitor the activity and trends of MERS.
     
         “Scientific evidence shows that dromedary camels are reservoirs for MERS-CoV. Dromedary camels infected with MERS-CoV may not show any signs of infection. Infected animals may shed MERS-CoV through their nasal and eye discharge and faeces, and potentially in their milk and urine. The virus can also be found in the raw offal and meat of infected animals. Among the reported cases in the Middle East, most of the patients had been in contact with dromedary camels, consumed camel milk, or had contact with patients who had been diagnosed with MERS. The CHP recommends travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to refrain from arranging for visitors to ride dromedary camels or to participate in any activities involving direct contact with dromedary camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS-CoV. Moreover, travellers to the region should avoid visiting farms, barns or markets where there are dromedary camels, as well as contact with patients and animals, especially dromedary camels,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
     
          “As the Hajj pilgrimage will begin soon, pilgrims visiting Mecca in Saudi Arabia should be vigilant against MERS. Those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic renal disease and immunodeficiency, are more likely to develop severe infections if they are exposed to MERS-CoV. Pilgrims should hence consult healthcare providers before travel to review the risk and assess whether a pilgrimage is advisable. Pilgrims visiting Mecca may refer to the DH’s advice         
    The public may visit the MERS page of the 
    CHPIssued at HKT 18:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: High Arctic Announces 2025 First Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAW

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — High Arctic Energy Services Inc. (TSX: HWO) (the “Corporation” or “High Arctic”) released its first quarter 2025 financial and operating results. The unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements, and the management discussion & analysis (“MD&A”), for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on High Arctic’s website at www.haes.ca. All amounts are denominated in thousands of Canadian dollars (“CAD”), unless otherwise indicated.

    Mike Maguire, Interim Chief Executive Officer commented:

    “Our business has had a solid start to 2025, despite some pull back in well completion rates in Canada resulting from market uncertainty and customer consolidation events.

    Our investment in and amalgamation of Delta Rental Services continues to deliver financial performance in line with our pre-transaction expectations and we anticipate consistent results through the coming months with significant upside potential as gas well completion rates increase in anticipation of first gas through the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

    Decisive action by the management of Team Snubbing in Alaska has set a platform for improved value creation from our 42% holding of Team Snubbing. 

    High Arctic is well positioned to benefit from upstream energy service activity levels in the western Canadian oil and gas industry.”

    In the following discussion, the three months ended March 31, 2025 may be referred to as the “quarter” or “Q1 2025” and the comparative three months ended March 31, 2024 may be referred to as “Q1 2024”. References to other quarters may be presented as “QX 20XX” with X/XX being the quarter/year to which the commentary relates.

    2025 FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

    • Revenue from continuing operations of $2,335, a decrease of 22% compared to Q1 2024.
    • Achieved an increase in oilfield services operating margin percentage for Q1 2025 of 53.1% compared to 49.4% in Q1 2024.
    • Realized adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $504 in the quarter, 22% of revenue.
    • Maintained operational excellence and safety, as evidenced by the continuation of recordable incident-free work.
    • Achieved expected reductions in general and administrative expenses, a reduction of 59% compared to Q1 2024.
    • Equity investment in Team Snubbing is essentially unchanged at $7.4 million as at March 31, 2025. Unaudited Team Snubbing financial results delivered a modest positive net income inclusion for the quarter, with key highlights being a sequential improvement in Alaskan results, and reduced debt.
    • Exited Q1 with positive working capital of $3,199, including cash of $3,183.

    2025 Strategic Objectives
    With the corporate restructuring and spinoff of the PNG business complete, the Corporation’s 2025 strategic objectives include:

    • Relentless focus on safety excellence and quality service delivery;
    • Grow the core businesses through selective and opportunistic investments;
    • Actively manage direct operating costs and general and administrative costs;
    • Steward capital to preserve balance sheet strength and financial flexibility; and
    • Execute on accretive acquisitions in Canada to drive shareholder value and optimize available tax loss carry-forwards.

    RESULTS OVERVIEW

    The following is a summary of select financial information of the Corporation:

        Three months ended March 31,  
    (thousands of Canadian Dollars, except per share amounts)     2025   2024  
    Operating results from continuing operations:        
    Revenue – continuing operations     2,335   2,988  
    Net income (loss) – continuing operations     (120 ) 182  
    Per share (basic & diluted) (1)     (0.01 ) 0.01  
    Oilfield services operating margin – continuing operations (2)     1,187   1,431  
    Oilfield services operating margin as a % of revenue (2)     53.1 % 49.4 %
    EBITDA – continuing operations (2)     459   232  
    Per share (basic & diluted) (1) (4)     0.04   0.02  
    Adjusted EBITDA – continuing operations (2)     504   92  
    Per share (basic & diluted) (1) (4)     0.04   0.01  
    Operating loss – continuing operations (2)     (128 ) (1,070 )
    Per share (basic & diluted) (1) (4)     (0.01 ) (0.09 )
    Cash flow from continuing operations:        
    Cash flow from continuing operating activities     31   271  
    Per share (basic & diluted) (1) (4)     0.00   0.02  
    Funds flow from continuing operating activities (2)     495   197  
    Per share (basic & diluted) (1) (4)     0.04   0.02  
    Capital expenditures – continuing operations     382   308  
              As at  
    (thousands of Canadian Dollars, except per share amounts and
    common shares outstanding)
        Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024  
    Financial position:        
    Working capital (2)     3,199   2,692  
    Cash and cash equivalents     3,183   3,123  
    Total assets     29,989   30,867  
    Long-term debt (non-current)     3,134   3,178  
    Shareholders’ equity     21,315   21,105  
    Per share (5)     1.68   1.70  
    Common shares outstanding (3)     12,696,959   12,448,166  

    (1)  The weighted average number of common shares used in calculating both basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) per share, Adjusted EBITDA per share, operating income (loss) per share, cash flow from operating activities per share, funds flow from operating activities per share, and shareholders’ equity per share is detailed in Note 13 of the Financial Statements.
    (2)  Readers are cautioned that oilfield services operating margin, EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization), Adjusted EBITDA, operating income (loss), funds flow from operating activities and working capital do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for additional details on the calculations of these measures.
    (3)  Pursuant to the de facto four-to-one consolidation of the Corporation’s outstanding common shares effective August 12, 2024, the number of common shares outstanding and all per-share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to effect the stock consolidation.
    (4)  The number of weighted average common shares used in per share basic calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was 12,522,804 (13,023,166 diluted per share) and for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was 12,280,576 (12,624,412 diluted per share).
    (5)   Shareholders’ equity per share calculated based on common shares outstanding as at the relevant date.


    First Quarter 2025 Summary

    • Revenue from continuing operations for Q1 2025 was $2,335 compared to $2,988 in Q1 2024.
      • Revenue was negatively impacted by softening demand driven primarily by deferral of some completions activity as customers have taken a cautious approach to the timing of the deployment of their 2025 capital budgets given the recent general economic uncertainty due to ongoing geopolitical events.
    • Oilfield services operating margin from continuing operations was $1,187 in the current year quarter compared to $1,431 in the prior year quarter.
      • Operating margin percentage improved to 53.1% for Q1 2025 compared to 49.4% for Q1 2024 benefiting from a reduction in lower margin third-party rentals in the current year quarter which offset in part, the reduction in revenue.
    • Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $504 in the current year quarter compared to $92 in the prior year quarter. EBITDA from continuing operations benefitted from the improvement in gross margin percentage combined with a significant reduction in general and administrative expenses.
    • Operating loss from continuing operations of $128 for Q1 2025 compared to $1,070 in Q1 2024. The decrease in operating loss is attributable to significantly reduced general and administrative expense. Prior year quarter general and administrative expenses were impacted by elevated corporate and professional fees related to the Arrangement and integration costs related to the acquisition of Delta.
    • Net loss from continuing operations was $120 in Q1 2025 compared to net income from continuing operations of $182 in Q1 2024. Net loss from continuing operations was also impacted by the same items impacting operating loss, as above, combined with reduced interest income, net higher non-cash accretion expense and reduced income from equity accounted investments.

    Operating Results

    Rental services segment

        Three months ended March 31,  
    (thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise noted)     2025   2024  
    Revenue     2,237   2,894  
    Expenses     (1,050 ) (1,463 )
    Oilfield services operating margin (1)     1,187   1,431  
    Oilfield services operating margin (%) (1)     53.1 % 49.4 %

    (1)   See “Non-IFRS Measures”


    Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Three months ended Mar 31,  
    (thousands of Canadian Dollars)     2025   2024  
    Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations:        
    Operating activities     31   271  
    Investing activities     164   (308 )
    Financing activities     (135 ) (131 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash       665  
    Increase in cash from continuing operations     60   497  
    (thousands of Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise noted)     As at
    Mar 31, 2025
      As at
    Dec 31, 2024
     
    Current assets     6,717   7,221  
    Working capital (1)     3,199   2,692  
    Working capital ratio (1)     1.9:1   1.6:1  
    Cash and cash equivalents     3,183   3,123  

    (1)   See “Non-IFRS Measures”


    Operating activities

    In Q1 2025, cash from operating activities from continuing operations was $31 compared to $271 for Q1 2024. Funds flow from operating activities from continuing operations totaled $495 in the quarter compared to $197 in the prior year comparative quarter (see “Non-IFRS Measures”). In Q1 2025, changes in non-cash operating working capital from continuing operations totaled an outflow of $464 compared to an inflow of $74 in Q1 2024.

    Changes in cash from operating activities from continuing operations and funds from operating activities from continuing operations for Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, were largely the result of reduced general and administrative expenses combined with the impact of changes in non-cash working capital (as noted above).

    Investing activities

    During the first quarter, the Corporation’s net cash from investing activities from continuing operations totaled $164 compared to a usage of $308 in the prior year comparative quarter. The change in cash flows from investing activities from continuing operations is due to payments received related to notes receivable and the settlement of a portion of the contingent consideration payable utilizing common shares of the Corporation, resulting in a positive non-cash working capital change, both of which more than offset Q1 2025 property and equipment expenditures of $382. Investing cash outflows of $308 in the prior year quarter consisted solely of the purchase of property and equipment.

    Financing activities

    During the first quarter, the Corporation’s net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations of $135 was comparable to $131 in the prior year comparative quarter. Financing related cash flows relate to the normal course payments on the Corporation’s lease liabilities and long-term debt.

    Working capital

    As at March 31, 2025, the Corporation’s working capital balance was $3,199 compared to $2,692 as at December 31, 2024. The increase in working capital is largely due to positive EBITDA generated during Q1 2025 combined with a portion of the year one contingent consideration associated with the acquisition of Delta being settled in common shares during the first quarter.

    Long-term debt

    (thousands of Canadian Dollars)     As at
    Mar 31, 2025
      As at
    Dec 31, 2024
     
    Current     175   175  
    Non-current     3,134   3,178  
    Total     3,309   3,353  

    The Corporation has mortgage financing secured by lands and buildings owned by High Arctic located within Alberta, Canada. The mortgage has a remaining initial term of under two years with a fixed interest rate of 4.30%; payments occur monthly. The mortgage financing contains certain non-financial covenants requiring the lender’s consent, including changes to the underlying business. As at March 31, 2025, the Corporation was compliant with all covenants associated with the mortgage financing.

    Outlook

    The first quarter of 2025 has provided High Arctic with a solid start to the year. General and administrative expenses have taken a step change downward resulting in a reduced run rate. The significant and strategic importance of the equity investment in Team Snubbing has been reinforced through enhanced Board of Director and management oversight. The late 2023 acquisition of Delta Rental Services Ltd. (“Delta”) is fully integrated into High Arctic’s rental services business, positively contributing to improved profit margins. Rental services revenue, while at the lower end of expectations, led to capital preservation through modest growth in new equipment additions and insight as to the outlook for the remainder of 2025.

    High Arctic’s business is driven by the underlying economics associated with its customers’ cash flows. These cash flows are driven by their oil and natural gas commodity price hedging and expectations. As customers embark on drilling new oil and natural gas wells, High Arctic’s business outlook is reliant on decisions on the subsequent activity to complete these wells for production. Therefore, High Arctic’s rental assets and investment in the snubbing industry are highly dependent on fundamentals associated with both drilling and hydraulic fracturing completion trends in the WCSB.

    To this point, 2024/25 winter drilling rig activity in the WCSB has been resilient despite softening commodity price trends. As the industry enters the seasonal second quarter spring breakup period, activity remains comparable to 2024 levels. However, customer capital allocation decisions to complete wells are showing signs of deferral. Recent OPEC moves to increase oil supply, changes in global trade tariffs, and geopolitical risk have increased investment uncertainty.

    This uncertainty is offset by positive developments specific to Canada. The completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline system expansion in 2024, and expectations for west coast LNG exports commencing in the second half of 2025, are positive infrastructure developments supporting improved long-term fundamentals for the upstream energy service business.

    Based on these near-term headwinds and favourable long-term fundamentals, High Arctic will continue to prudently preserve capital while working with our customers to deliver service efficiency and productivity.

    The outlook for 2025 is dependent on the financial performance of High Arctic’s investment in Team Snubbing. High Arctic is carrying total assets of $9.8 million related to its investment in Team Snubbing, comprised of a $7.4 million equity investment and a $2.4 million note receivable. Success will be defined by Team Snubbing’s ability to establish profitability in their international operations.

    In summary, for 2025 the Corporation expects to continue to execute on the initial phases of its strategic objectives, with progress to date being evidenced by safety performance, balance sheet preservation, general and administrative expense reductions, selective capital expenditure investments, and oversight of equity investments.

    Non-IFRS Measures
    This Press Release contains references to certain financial measures that do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to the same or similar measures used by other companies. High Arctic uses these financial measures to assess performance and believes these measures provide useful supplemental information to shareholders and investors. These financial measures are computed on a consistent basis for each reporting period and include EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization), Adjusted EBITDA, oilfield services operating margin, operating income (loss), Funds flow from operating activities and working capital. These do not have standardized meanings.

    These financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss), cash from operating activities, current assets or current liabilities, cash and/or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with IFRS.

    For additional information regarding non-IFRS measures, including their use to management and investors and reconciliations to measures recognized by IFRS, please refer to the Corporation’s MD&A, which is available online at www.sedar.com and through High Arctic’s website at www.haes.ca.   

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This Press Release contains forward-looking statements. When used in this document, the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “seek”, “propose”, “estimate”, “expect”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Corporation’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause the Corporation’s actual results, performance, or achievements to vary from those described in this Press Release.

    Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this Press Release as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Specific forward-looking statements in this Press Release include, among others, statements pertaining to the following: general economic and business conditions, which will include, among other things, the outlook for the energy industry inclusive of commodity prices, producer activity levels (inclusive of drilling and completions activity) and general energy supply and demand fundamentals that may impact the energy industry as a whole and more specifically as it relates to the Corporation’s customers in western Canada and Alaska, United States; expectations related to current and future LNG export projects; the impact (if any) of geo-political events, changes in government, changes to tariffs or related trade policies and the potential impact on the Corporation’s ability to execute its 2025 strategic objectives; fluctuations in commodity prices; and the performance of the Corporation’s investment in Team Snubbing.

    With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release, the Corporation has made assumptions regarding, among other things, its ability to: maintain its ongoing relationship with major customers; successfully market its services to current and new customers; devise methods for, and achieve its primary objectives; source and obtain equipment from suppliers; successfully manage, operate, and thrive in an environment which is facing uncertainty; remain competitive in all its operations; attract and retain skilled employees; obtain equity and debt financing on satisfactory terms and manage its liquidity risk; raise capital and manage its debt finance agreements; manage general and administrative costs; maintain a strong balance sheet and related financial flexibility; scale the Canadian business; and seek and execute accretive acquisitions in a timely manner and achieve operational and financial benefits therefrom.

    Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: economic and financial conditions, including volatility in commodity prices; volatility in interest and exchange rates and capital markets; the level of demand and financial performance of the energy industry; changes in customer demand; and developments and changes in laws and regulations, including in the energy industry.

    The Corporation’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors set forth above and elsewhere in this Press Release, along with the risk factors set out in the most recent AIF filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. These statements are given only as of the date of this Press Release. The Corporation does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    About High Arctic Energy Services
    High Arctic is an energy services provider. High Arctic provides pressure control equipment and equipment supporting the high-pressure stimulation of oil and gas wells and other oilfield equipment ‎on a rental basis to exploration and production companies, from its bases in Whitecourt and Red Deer, Alberta‎.

    For further information contact:

    Lonn Bate
    Chief Financial Officer 
    P: 587-318-2218
    P: +1 (800) 688 7143 

    High Arctic Energy Services Inc.
    Suite 2350, 330 – 5th Ave SW
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0L4
    website: www.haes.ca
    Email: info@haes.ca

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Using a Mythic agent to optimize penetration testing

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: Using a Mythic agent to optimize penetration testing

    Introduction

    The way threat actors use post-exploitation frameworks in their attacks is a topic we frequently discuss. It’s not just about analysis of artifacts for us, though. Our company’s deep expertise means we can study these tools to implement best practices in penetration testing. This helps organizations stay one step ahead.

    Being experts in systems security assessment and information security in general, we understand that a proactive approach always works better than simply responding to incidents that have already occurred. And when we say “proactive”, we imply learning new technologies and techniques that threat actors may adopt next. That is why we follow the latest research, analyze new tools, and advance our pentesting expertise.

    This report describes how our pentesters are using a Mythic framework agent. The text is written for educational purposes only and intended as an aid for security professionals who are conducting penetration testing with the system owner’s consent.

    It’s worth noting that Kaspersky experts assign a high priority to the detection of the tools and techniques described in this article as well as many similar others employed by threat actors in real-world attacks.

    These efforts to counter malicious actors use solutions like Kaspersky Endpoint Security that utilize the technologies listed below.

    • Behavioral analysis tracks processes running in the operating system, detects malicious activity, providing added security for critical OS components such as the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service process.
    • Exploit prevention stops threat actors from taking advantage of vulnerabilities in installed software and the OS itself.
    • Fileless threats protection detects and blocks threats that, instead of residing in the file system as traditional files, exist as scheduled tasks, WMI subscriptions, and so on.
    • There are many others too.

    However, it’s worth noting that since our study discusses a sophisticated attack controlled directly by a malicious actor (or a pentester), more robust defense calls for a layered approach to security. This must incorporate security tools to help SOC experts quickly detect malicious activity and respond in real time.

    These include Endpoint Detection and Response, Network Detection and Response and Extended Detection and Response solutions as well as Managed Detection and Response services. They provide continuous monitoring and response to potential incidents. Usage of threat intelligence to acquire up-to-date and relevant information about attacker tactics and techniques is another cornerstone of comprehensive defense against sophisticated threats and targeted attacks.

    This study is the product of our exploration and analysis: how we as defenders can best prepare and what we should expect. What follows is part one of the report in which we compare pentesting tools and choose the option that suits the objectives of our study. Part two deals with how to communicate with the chosen framework and achieve our objectives.

    An overview of ready-made solutions

    Selecting pentesting tools can prove a challenging task. Few pentesters can avoid detection by EPP or EDR solutions. As soon as a pentesting tool gains popularity among attackers, defensive technologies begin detecting not only its behavior, but also its individual components. Besides, the ability to detect the tool becomes a key performance indicator for these technologies. As a result, pentesters have to spend more time preparing for a project.

    At the same time, many existing solutions have flaws that impede pentesting. Ethical hackers, for example, frequently use Cobalt Strike. The Beacon agent uses a specific opcode sequence in platform version 4.9.1. To avoid detection by security solutions, opcodes must be changed, but that breaks the agent.

    Immutable opcode sequence for Cobalt Strike agent

    Another example is Metasploit’s Meterpreter payload, whose signatures appear in Microsoft’s antivirus database more than 230 times, making the tool significantly more difficult to use in projects.

    The Sliver framework is an open-source project. It is in active development, and it can handle pentesting tasks. However, this project has a number of drawbacks, too.

    1. The size of a payload generated by the framework is 8–9 megabytes. This reduces flexibility because the ideal size of a pentesting agent that ensures versatility is about 100 KB.
    2. Stability issues. We’ve seen active sessions drop. The framework once lacked support for automatically using a proxy server from the Windows configuration, which also complicated its use. This has since been addressed.

    The Havoc framework and its Demon payload are currently gaining popularity: both are evolving, and both support evasion techniques. However, the framework currently suffers from a lack of compliance with operational security (OPSEC) principles and stability issues. Additionally, payload customization in Havoc is limited by rigid parameters.

    As you can see, we cannot fully rely on open-source projects for pentesting due to their significant shortcomings. On the other hand, creating tools from scratch would require extra resources, which is inefficient. So, it’s crucial to strike the right balance between building in-house solutions and leveraging open-source projects.

    Payload structure

    First, let’s define what kind of payload is required for pentesting. We had decided to split it into three modules: Stage 0, Stage 1 and Stage 2. The first module, Stage 0, creates and runs the payload. It must generate an artifact, such as a shellcode, a DLL or EXE file, or a VBA script, and provide maximum flexibility by offering customizable parameters for running the payload. This module also handles the circumvention of security measures and monitors the runtime environment.

    The second module (Stage 1) must allow the operator to examine the host, perform initial reconnaissance, and then use that information to establish persistence via a payload maintaining covert communications. After successfully establishing persistence, this module must launch the third module (Stage 2) to perform further activities such as lateral movement, privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and credential harvesting.

    Three payload modules

    The Stage 0 module has to be written from scratch, as available tools quickly get detected by security systems and become useless for penetration testing. To implement the Stage 1 module, we settled on a hybrid approach: partially modifying existing open-source projects while implementing some features in-house. For the third module (Stage 2), we also used open-source projects with minor modifications.

    This article details the implementation of the second module (Stage 1) in detail.

    Formulating requirements

    In light of the objectives outlined above, we will formulate the requirements for the Stage 1 module.

    1. Dynamic functionality, or modularity, for increased resilience. In addition, dynamic configuration allows adding techniques via new modules without changing the functional core.
    2. Ensuring that the third payload module (Stage 2) runs.
    3. Minimal size (100–200 KB) and minimal traces left in the system.
    4. The module must comply with OPSEC principles and allow operations to run undetected by security controls. This means we must provide a mechanism for evading signature-based memory scanning.
    5. Employing non-standard (hidden) communication channels, outside of HTTP and TCP, to establish covert persistence and avoid network detection.

    Choosing the best solution

    While defining the requirements, we recognized the need for a modular design. To begin, we need to determine the best way to add new features while running the tasks. One widely used method for dynamically adding functionality is reflective DLL injection, introduced in 2008. This type of injection has both its upsides and downsides. The ReflectiveLoader function is fairly easy to detect, so we’d need a custom implementation for a dynamic configuration. This is an effective yet costly way of achieving modularity, so we decided to keep looking.

    The PowerShell Empire framework, whose loader is based on reflective PowerShell execution, gained popularity in the mid-2010s. The introduction of strict monitoring and rigid policies surrounding PowerShell marked the end of its era, with .NET assemblies, executed reflectively using the Assembly.Load method, gaining popularity. Around this time, toolkits like SharpSploit and GhostPack emerged. Cobalt Strike’s execute-assembly feature, introduced in 2018, allowed for .NET assembly injection into a newly created process. Process creation followed by injection is a strong indicator of compromise and is subject to rigorous monitoring. Injecting code requires considerable planning and tailored resources, plus it’s easily detectable. It’s best used after you’ve already performed initial reconnaissance and established persistence.

    The next stage of framework evolution is the execution of object files in memory. An object file (COFF, Common Object File Format) is a file that represents a compiled version of the source code. Object files are typically not full-fledged programs: they are needed to link and build a project. An object file includes several important elements ensuring that the executable code functions correctly.

    • Header contains information about the architecture, timestamp, number of sections and symbols, and other metadata.
    • Sections are blocks that may include assembly code, debugging information, linker directives, exception information, and static data.
    • Symbol table contains functions and variables, and information about their location in memory.

    Using object files allows you to avoid loading a CLR environment into the process, such as when using a .NET assembly and the Assembly.Load method.

    Moreover, COFF is executed in the current context, without the need to create a process and inject the code into it. The feature was introduced and popularized in 2020 by the developers of the Cobalt Strike framework. And in 2021, TrustedSec developed the open-source COFF Loader that serves the same purpose: the tool loads a COFF file from disk and runs it. This functionality perfectly aligns with our objectives because it enables us to perform the required actions: surveying, gaining persistence within the system and initiating the next module via an object file – if we incorporate network retrieval and in-memory execution of the file in the project. In addition, when using COFF Loader, the pentester can remain undetected in the system for a long time.

    To interact with the agent in this study, we decided to use BOFs (Beacon Object Files) designed for Cobalt Strike Beacon. The internet offers a wide variety of open-source tools and functions created for BOFs. By using different BOFs as separate modules, we can easily add new techniques at any time without modifying the agent’s core.

    Another key requirement for Stage 1 is a minimal payload size. Several approaches can achieve this: for instance, using C# can result in a Stage 1 size of around 20 KB. This is quite good, but the payload will then have a dependency on the .NET framework. If we use a native language like C, the unencrypted payload will be approximately 50 KB, which fits our needs.

    Our payload requirements are supported by the Mythic framework. Its microservice architecture makes it easy to add arbitrary server-side functionality. For example, the module assembly process takes place inside a container and is fully defined by us. This allows us to replace specific strings with arbitrary values if detected. Furthermore, Mythic supports both standard communication protocols (HTTPS, TCP) and covert channels, such as encrypted communication over Slack or Telegram. Finally, the use of C ensures a small payload size. All of these factors make the Mythic framework and the agent interacting with it to execute BOFs an optimal choice for launching the second module.

    Communication model

    In the communication process between the agent and the framework, we need to focus on three elements: payload containers, C2 profile containers, and the translation container. Payload containers hold the agent’s source code and are responsible for building the payload. C2 profile containers are responsible for communicating with the agent. They must receive traffic from the agent and send it to Mythic for further processing. The translation container handles the encryption and decryption of network traffic. We’ll be using HTTP when interacting with Mythic, so the C2 profile will be a web server listening on ports 80 and 443.

    Communication flow between the agent and the Mythic framework

    Loading an object file

    To load and execute an object file, the agent must read the .text section and replace all zeros with relative addresses of external functions and static data. This is known as symbol relocation, which addresses references within a particular section of the object file. Furthermore, the agent places these symbols in memory, for example, after the code section.

    To find external functions, we’ll have to analyze the libraries specified in the linker directives of the object file. To do this, we used the functions LoadLibrary, GetModuleHandle and GetProcAddress.

    The diagram below clarifies how an object file is loaded and memory is allocated for its components.

    Object file representation on disk (left) and in memory (right)

    The downsides of the solution

    The method described above has a number of shortcomings. Because object file execution is blocking, multiple tasks cannot run simultaneously. For long-term tasks, other methods such as process injection are necessary; however, this is not a critical flaw for the second module, as it is not intended for long-running tasks.

    Several other shortcomings are difficult to mitigate. For example, since the object file is executed in the current thread, a critical error will terminate the process. Furthermore, during the execution of the object file in memory, the VirtualAlloc function is used for section mapping and relocation. A call to this WinAPI might alert the security system.

    Implementing additional functionality during development and compilation can help complicate analysis and detection for more efficient pentesting and a longer agent life cycle.

    Conclusion

    Mythic’s features make it a convenient pentesting tool that covers the bulk of pentesting objectives. To utilize this framework efficiently, we created an agent that extends ready-made solutions with our own code. This configuration gave us suitable flexibility and enhanced protection against detection, which is most of what a pentester asks of a working tool.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green party dismisses immigration white paper as ‘panicked and misguided’

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Green party co-leader Carla Denyer MP has slammed the government over its immigration white paper proposals and rhetoric. She said:

    “The prime minister has decided to use divisive language lifted straight out of Reform’s playbook. These ill-thought-through reforms are the triumph of a panicked and misguided rush to create headlines and try to win back Reform voters.

    “From closed down youth centres to shuttered pubs, people in all parts of the UK are feeling the bonds that hold their communities together dissolving. And whether it’s rebuilding intergenerational relationships, or helping those who come here from abroad to integrate, strengthening those bonds requires support and crucially funding from central government. But far from rebuilding our communities, this government’s reforms are going to make things worse.

    “In particular, at a time when the care sector is already stretched to breaking point, and public support for people coming from overseas to work in our care sector is consistently strong, it’s wild that this government is ignoring public opinion and making it even harder to recruit badly-needed care staff.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom