NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia plans to open rail service to Laos via China — Russian President V. Putin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 31 /Xinhua/ — Given the growing flow of goods to and from Laos, Russia intends to open a railway connection with that country via China, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday following talks with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith.

    The Russian leader pointed out that trade between Russia and Laos is currently actively developing. “Last year, trade turnover increased by 65 percent, and this year its growth rate was about 20 percent,” V. Putin noted.

    The Lao President is currently on an official visit to Russia. On Wednesday, he met with the chairman of the United Russia party and deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: State Council executive meeting calls for high-quality economic performance in second half of 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China’s State Council held an executive meeting on Thursday, calling for consolidating and accelerating the momentum of China’s economic recovery and improvement in the second half of 2025.

    The meeting, chaired by State Council Premier Li Qiang, focused on studying and implementing the main ideas outlined in an important speech by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping on the current economic situation and economic work in the second half of the year.

    The meeting emphasized the need for a deep understanding of the CPC Central Committee’s scientific judgment on the economic situation, as well as further strengthening the sense of mission and responsibility in the context of carrying out high-quality economic work in the second half of the year.

    As noted, in implementing the annual development goals and targets, greater efforts should be made to improve the effectiveness of macroeconomic policies, more attention should be paid to stimulating the internal driving forces of economic growth, and development and security should be more effectively coordinated.

    The meeting participants also reviewed and approved a document on the large-scale commercial application of artificial intelligence, gave instructions on the implementation of a policy of subsidizing interest rates on consumer loans for personal purposes and loans for business entities in the service sector, and discussed and fundamentally approved a bill on the protection and improvement of the quality of arable land. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: BC Coroners Service shares unregulated drug toxicity data for May, June 2025

    According to preliminary data, 145 people in May and 147 people in June 2025 died due to unregulated drug toxicity, as reported by the BC Coroners Service.

    The unregulated drug deaths dashboard includes a new occupation industry page, which includes deaths where occupation industry was known. The two most common industries of current or past employment are trades, transport and equipment operators, and sales and service.

    In 2025, deaths among those between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 69% of drug-toxicity deaths in the province, and 78% were male.

    By health authority, in 2025, the highest number of unregulated drug deaths were in Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities (269 and 238 deaths respectively), making up 55% of all such deaths this year.

    Fentanyl and its analogues continue to be the most common substance detected in expedited toxicological testing. Decedents who underwent expedited testing in 2025 were found to have fentanyl in their systems (70%), followed by methamphetamine (52%) and cocaine (51%). The number of deaths where carfentanil was detected has increased in recent months.

    It is important to note that data from the report is preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicological results are received and investigations conclude.

    Additional key findings in 2025 include:

    • The number of unregulated drug deaths in May and June were 4.7 and 4.9 deaths per day respectively.
    • The cities experiencing the highest number of unregulated drug deaths so far in 2025 are Vancouver, Surrey and Greater Victoria.
    • The highest rates of deaths reported were in Northern Health (44 per 100,000).
    • Forty-seven per cent of deaths reported occurred in a private residence, compared with 21% outdoors.
    • Smoking continues to be the primary mode of consumption of unregulated toxic drugs, with 64% of investigations indicating the decedent smoked their substances.

    Learn More:

    May and June 2025 drug-toxicity deaths:
    https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiOTRlYmI1NzQtZDhiYy00N2EyLTk2YTktMjQwZjRhYjIyMWVjIiwidCI6IjZmZGI1MjAwLTNkMGQtNGE4YS1iMDM2LWQzNjg1ZTM1OWFkYyJ9

    Youth unregulated drug-toxicity deaths, 2019-23:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/statistical/youth_unregulated_drug_toxicity_deaths_in_bc_2019-2023.pdf

    BC Coroners Service Death Review Panel: An Urgent Response to a Continuing Crisis: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/death-review-panel/an_urgent_response_to_a_continuing_crisis_report.pdf

    B.C. Ministry of Health mental-health and substance-use supports: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

    BC Centre on Substance Use: https://www.bccsu.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hunters and landowners called to action: National Wild Goat Hunting Competition returns

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  01 August 2025

    The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition is a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the environmental and agricultural damage caused by wild goats.

    Running from 1 August to 26 November 2025, the competition encourages hunters and landowners across Aotearoa New Zealand to tackle the growing wild goat population.

    Wild goats are prolific breeders and pose a serious threat to native biodiversity and farmland. This competition is a practical and rewarding way for communities to contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying the outdoors.

    Already, ten landowners have registered their interest with the competition to get help reducing wild goat numbers on their land. Many are motivated not just by wild goat control, but by the opportunity to support conservation.

    Doug Jacobs, an NZDA member, took part in the 2024 competition with a focus on hunting responsibly on private land.

    “I put up a light-hearted post on our local rural community Facebook page,” Doug says. “I mentioned the DOC/NZDA National Wild Goat Hunting Competition, my NZDA membership, and the protections that come with it. I also talked about the Landowner Assist process, which helps set clear ground rules between hunters and landowners.”

    The Landowner Assist process, developed by NZDA, with input from DOC, Federated Farmers, and Forestry Owners Association, provides a clear framework for safe and respectful hunting on private property. It covers access boundaries, carcass disposal, and meat handling ensuring transparency and trust. Landowners can view the Landowner Assist document online via the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition website to see how it works and what to expect.

    Doug’s post caught the attention of a landowner dealing with wild goats crossing over from a neighbouring property. “We met up and went through the Landowner Assist document together,” Doug explains. “We covered where I could hunt, what to do with the carcasses, and how we’d handle the meat. It was all very straightforward.”

    The landowner later told Doug that without the professional framework provided by NZDA and the Landowner Assist documentation, they wouldn’t have responded at all. That trust and clarity made all the difference.

    Just a week later, Doug had four goat tails to submit for the competition, nine kilograms of salami on the way, and plans for a few hearty curries. “It was a rewarding experience,” he says. “Not just for the meat, but for the connection it built and the contribution to managing a local wild goat problem.”

    The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition is about more than just hunting. It’s about protecting native ecosystems, supporting farmers, and encouraging responsible community involvement.

    This year, the competition has the private landowner category open again. Landowners who register can be paired with vetted NZDA hunters and go in the draw to win over $3,200 worth of prizes from Bushnell and Hunting & Fishing NZ Ltd.

    The hunter categories also have great prizes up for grabs, including gear from Hunting & Fishing NZ, thermal monoculars from Nocpix, a tent from M.I.A, binoculars from Bushnell, freeze dried meals from Real Meals, a wild goat hunt with the NZ Hunter crew, and more. There’s over $70,000 worth of prizes, it’s a great time to get involved.

    “We want to see wild goat hunting become a regular feature in the hunting calendar,” says Mike Perry, Wild Animals Manager at DOC.

    Thinking of entering this year’s comp? Entries are open from 1 August to 26 November. Whether you’re hunting on public land or teaming up with a local landowner, you never know where it might take you.

    The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition is brought to you by the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association. It is supported by Federated Farmers of NZ, Hunting & Fishing NZ, and Te Tari Pūreke Firearms Safety Authority.

    Contact

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Violations of the Animal Transport Regulation – E-002984/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002984/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maria Noichl (S&D), Thomas Waitz (Verts/ALE), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Michal Wiezik (Renew), Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Anja Hazekamp (The Left), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D)

    In spring 2025, the non-governmental organisations Soko Tierschutz and The Marker documented systematic violations of the EU Animal Transport Regulation[1]. One specific case is the transport of more than 34 000 calves, which were just a few weeks old, from Austria and Germany to Spain. Here, they were fattened in some cases in serious violation of their rights, and were later slaughtered without stunning in North Africa and the Middle East. It is particularly barbaric that the calves’ documented travel time was over 22 hours without sufficient rest breaks or care, which is a clear violation of the applicable EU regulations. Criminal charges have been filed with the Augsburg Public Prosecutor’s Office.

    • 1.Does the Commission recognise a violation of the EU Animal Transport Regulation in the documented case, and what concrete steps is the Commission taking, in cooperation with the Member States concerned, (Germany, Austria and Spain) to clarify the case?
    • 2.Does the Commission have information on comparable cases of systematic infringements in other Member States?
    • 3.What measures does the Commission propose to prevent such structural abuse in the future – in particular with regard to controls, transparency and sanctioning mechanisms?

    Submitted: 17.7.2025

    • [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 (OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2005/1/oj).
    Last updated: 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB supports €100 million initiative to improve Cyprus’s road network

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB funds Cypriot government €100 million to make road travel easier and safer
    • The financial agreement is second tranche of €200m total funding to co-finance network upgrades and extensions
    • Works to include environmental management systems such as better water collection and drainage systems.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is funding Cyprus a further €100 million for a range of road improvements in the country. The EIB credit will cover 50% of the costs of planned renovations and extensions to make road travel in Cyprus easier and safer.

    The agreement is part of a €200 million approved EIB financing package for Cypriot road infrastructure. The first tranche of €100 million was signed in December 2024. The works, which will cover road networks and infrastructure improvement in various areas across the country, are due to be completed by 2029.

    “Investing in essential infrastructure like road networks is vital for strengthening social cohesion and driving economic growth in Cyprus” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris. “This project will have a real and lasting impact on the daily lives of Cypriots — improving mobility, enhancing safety, and boosting climate resilience”.

    The EIB’s agreement supports a multiyear national plan by the Cypriot Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works. The plan includes a wide range of works, from upgrading motorways, regional and rural roads, and building new bridges, tunnels and walking and cycling lanes, to upgraded traffic management systems and drainage systems.

    “This new financing agreement with the EIB reflects our strong and long-standing partnership. It will allow us to implement essential infrastructure projects that enhance road safety, connectivity, and sustainable mobility across Cyprus. We are grateful for the EIB’s continued support and its role as a key partner in our development efforts”, said Cypriot Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos.

    “The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, with the support of the European Investment Bank, promotes strategic land transport projects in urban and interurban areas, with the aim of improving accessibility in less privileged-isolated areas of Cyprus, enhancing road safety, addressing the impacts of climate change, promote alternative – sustainable travel options, as well as to improve the socio-economic cohesion of our island”, said Eleftherios Eleftheriou, Director of Public Works Department in his speech on behalf of the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeadis.

    EIB road financing in Cyprus

    With this new financing, total EIB’s investment in critical road projects in Cyprus has exceeded €670 million since 1998. Before the two recent €100m accords, the most recent EIB financing for this area in Cyprus was a 112 million loan in 2021 to support four projects in Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos as well as the Vasilikos Energy Centre road.

    Background information  

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    EIB supports €100 million initiative to improve Cyprus’s road network
    EIB supports €100 million initiative to improve Cyprus’s road network
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Soy leghemoglobin – E-002948/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002948/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Martin Häusling (Verts/ALE)

    Following the Commission reply that ‘the data submitted concerned the actual strain used for producing this soy leghemoglobin (MXY0541)’[1], I have further questions.

    • 1.The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) explicitly states that it evaluated 14- and 28-day rat feeding studies on LegHPrep derived from the GM yeast strain MXY0291 – not the strain intended for commercialisation (MXY0541). Why did the EFSA’s Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) and GMO Panel analyse studies from an irrelevant strain and derive favourable safety conclusions?
    • 2.The findings in Impossible Foods’ peer-reviewed 90-day study[2], which used the strains MXY0291 and NRRL Y-11430 rather than MXY0541, appear to be the same as the findings in the study analysed by the FAF Panel. Therefore, it seems that they are the same study and that the 90-day study that EFSA evaluated used an irrelevant strain. Will the Commission release the full details of the 90-day study that EFSA evaluated, including details of the GM yeast strain that was used, and if it is a different study from the 90-day peer-reviewed one, will it state that and explain how two different studies on LegHPrep that found similar adverse effects are not an indication of food safety risk?

    Submitted: 17.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-001090-ASW_EN.html.
    • [2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10581837/.
    Last updated: 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Erayak Power Solution Group. Announces $7 Million Registered Direct Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Wenzhou, China, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Erayak Power Solution Group Inc. (NASDAQ: RAYA) (“Erayak” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer, designer, and exporter of high-quality products in the power supply industry, today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 107,692,307 shares of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”) (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) at a purchase price of $0.065 per share in a registered direct offering. The purchase price for the pre-funded warrants is identical to the purchase price for Shares, less the exercise price of $0.0001 per share.

    The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of this offering are expected to be approximately $7 million. The transaction is expected to close on or about August 1, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

    Craft Capital Management is acting as the sole placement agent for the offering. 

    The registered direct offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-278347) previously filed by the Company and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 16, 2024.

    The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. The prospectus supplement describing the terms of the public offering will be filed with the SEC prior to the closing and will form a part of the effective registration statement, available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov.

    Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from Craft Capital Management, 377 Oak St., Lower Concourse, Garden City, NY 11530, Attention: Syndicate Dept.; email: info@craftcm.com

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

    About Erayak Power Solution Group Inc.

    Erayak specializes in the manufacturing, research and development, and wholesale and retail of power solution products. Erayak’s product portfolio includes sine wave and off-grid inverters, inverter and gasoline generators, battery and smart chargers, and custom-designed products. Our products are used principally in agricultural and industrial vehicles, recreational vehicles, electrical appliances, and outdoor living products. Our goal is to be the premier power solutions brand and a solution for mobile life and outdoor living. For more information, visit www.erayakpower.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Erayak Power Solution Group Inc.
    No. 528, 4th Avenue
    Binhai Industrial Park
    Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province
    People’s Republic of China 325025

    Email: investor@erayakpower.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Van Hollen, Castro, Jacobs Demand U.S. Security Companies Answer for Deadly Actions in Gaza 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    Bicameral lawmakers warn Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) and UG Solutions (UG) that they have put American veterans at risk of criminal and civil liability for de facto “military operations” in Gaza  
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51) in leading an effort to demand answers from U.S.-based security companies, Safe Reach Solutions, LLC (SRS) and UG Solutions, LLC (UG) about their activities in Gaza, which according to press reports, include using lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians at aid distribution sites.  
    The lawmakers warned SRS and UG that the companies and personnel—many of them American military veterans hired as private security contractors—may be subject to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws prohibiting torture, war crimes, and forced deportation. The lawmakers also requested the preservation of all documents and communication related to the security companies’ contracts and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). 
    “We were horrified by reporting this week on your companies’ deadly security operations in Gaza. Your operations have exposed hundreds of brave American veterans to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws criminalizing war crimes, torture, and forced deportation,” wrote the lawmakers. “Reports and firsthand witnesses have indicated to us that your personnel —American veterans hired as private security contractors—were brought into Israel on tourist visas inappropriate for the intended purpose of their travel, sent to Gaza armed for combat, and ordered by Israeli officials to use lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians. We have also learned that under Israeli orders, your personnel are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray—all in an active military zone under direct supervision by Israeli military officers.” 
    The lawmakers continued: “As a result, we are deeply concerned that you may have failed to alert your personnel —or investors—of the immense legal risks they face for conducting what amounts to military operations on behalf of the Israeli government on land outside of the State of Israel.” 
    Read and download the letter here and below:  
    Mr. Govoni, Mr. Reilly,  
    We were horrified by reporting this week on your companies’ deadly security operations in Gaza. Your operations have exposed hundreds of brave American veterans to future criminal and civil liability under U.S. laws criminalizing war crimes, torture, and forced deportation.  
    Reports and firsthand witnesses have indicated to us that your personnel —American veterans hired as private security contractors—were brought into Israel on tourist visas inappropriate for the intended purpose of their travel, sent to Gaza armed for combat, and ordered by Israeli officials to use lethal force against unarmed and starving Palestinian civilians. We have also learned that under Israeli orders, your personnel are conducting crowd control at food distribution sites by firing live rounds over the heads of civilians and using stun grenades and pepper spray—all in an active military zone under direct supervision by Israeli military officers.  
    As a result, we are deeply concerned that you may have failed to alert your personnel —or investors—of the immense legal risks they face for conducting what amounts to military operations on behalf of the Israeli government on land outside of the State of Israel.   
    Even before the latest revelations, press had reported on Israeli military actions that include the wanton destruction of civilian homes, the use of human shields, rules of engagement resulting in disproportionate civilian casualties, and blockage of medicine and food. More than 50,000 children have already been killed or injured in Gaza, and as we write, infant boys and girls are starving to death. Prime Minister Netanyahu, in response to a question concerning remaining legitimate targets to strike, is reported to have said “I don’t care about the targets” and ordered military officials to “destroy the homes, bomb everything in Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is reported to have said, “Gaza will be totally destroyed… They will be totally despairing… and will be looking for relocation to begin a new life in other places.” As a result of these actions, U.S. allies have already cut off the supply of offensive weapons to Israel. 
    We, therefore, ask that you urgently respond to the following questions: 

    What are the Rules of Engagement currently in effect for your staff in Gaza and what is the nature of their command-and-control relationship with Israeli military officers and government officials? 

    Did you inform your investors and staff prior to their departure from the United States that they are subject to U.S. criminal law prohibiting torture, war crimes, and forced deportation, including under the War Crimes Act? And further, that they could be held legally responsible for crimes by Israeli forces when those actions were enabled or facilitated by your operations? 

    Did you inform prospective staff and investors that they could face civil suits upon return to the United States under the Torture Prevention Act by Americans and the families of Americans harmed in Gaza? 

    Did you inform your staff that the International Criminal Court and third states may exercise jurisdiction over war crimes in Gaza and that they could consider your American staff as combatants for purposes of liability, potentially limiting future freedom of travel to other countries?  

    How is your organization documenting activities in Gaza and what happens to that data? We request that you preserve all documents and communications related to your contracts and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. 

    We respectfully request a response withing two weeks.  
    Sincerely, 
     CC: 

    Charles J. Africano (“Chuck”/“Joe”), Safe Reach Solutions (SRS) 

    Kevin Sullivan, UG Solutions 

    Jennifer C, UG Solutions 

    Lou Rassey, Chief Executive Officer, McNally Capital, Chicago IL 

    Ward McNally, Founder, Co-CEO, and Managing Partner, McNally Capital, Chicago IL 

    Brian Grogan, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer, McNally Capital, Chicago IL 

    Ravi Shah, Partner, McNally Capital, Chicago IL 

    Joel Revill, Chief Executive Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY  

    Albert Forkner, Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY 

    Dustin Sventy, Chief Investment Officer, Two Ocean Trust, Jackson Hole WY  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Announces Actions to Get Americans the Best Prices in the World for Prescription Drugs

    Source: US Whitehouse

    REDUCING DRUG PRICES FOR AMERICANS AND TAXPAYERS: Today, President Donald J. Trump sent letters to leading pharmaceutical manufacturers outlining the steps they must take to bring down the prices of prescription drugs in the United States to match the lowest price offered in other developed nations (known as the most-favored-nation, or MFN, price). The steps include:

    • Calling on manufacturers to provide MFN prices to every single Medicaid patient.
    • Requiring manufacturers to stipulate that they will not offer other developed nations better prices for new drugs than prices offered in the United States.
    • Providing manufacturers with an avenue to cut out middlemen and sell medicines directly to patients, provided they do so at a price no higher than the best price available in developed nations.
    • Using trade policy to support manufacturers in raising prices internationally provided that increased revenues abroad are reinvested directly into lowering prices for American patients and taxpayers.

    The letters inform manufacturers that if they “refuse to step up,” the federal government “will deploy every tool in our arsenal to protect American families from continued abusive drug pricing practices.”

    Letters were sent to AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Genentech, Gilead, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi.

    ENDING GLOBAL FREELOADING ON AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL INNOVATION:  President Trump is taking decisive action to rebalance a system that allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer low prices to other wealthy nations while charging Americans significantly higher prices. 

    • According to recent data, the prices Americans pay for brand-name drugs are more than three times the price other Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development nations pay, even after accounting for discounts manufacturers provide in the U.S.
    • The United States has less than five percent of the world’s population, yet roughly 75% of global pharmaceutical profits come from American taxpayers.
    • Drug manufacturers benefit from generous research subsidies and enormous healthcare spending by the U.S. Government. Instead of passing that benefit through to American consumers, drug manufacturers then discount their products abroad to gain access to foreign markets and subsidize those discounts through high prices charged in America. Americans are subsidizing drug-manufacturer profits and foreign health systems, both in development and once the drugs are sold.

    ONCE AGAIN DELIVERING ON PROMISES TO PUT AMERICAN PATIENTS FIRST: Today’s letters are an important step in President Trump’s work to get Americans the best deal in the world on prescription drugs.

    • On May 12, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order titled: “Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients” directing the Administration to take numerous actions to bring American drug prices in line with those paid by similar nations.
    • Following the Order, the Administration engaged pharmaceutical manufacturers in discussions to achieve MFN pricing in the United States. Today’s letters indicate that industry proposals have fallen short, and from this point forward, President Trump will only accept from drug manufacturers a commitment that provides American families immediate relief from vastly inflated drug prices and an end to the freeriding by European and other developed nations on American innovations.
    • President Trump has been relentless in his effort to address the unfair and outrageous prices Americans pay for prescription drugs:
      • President Trump: “In case after case, our citizens pay massively higher prices than other nations pay for the same exact pill, from the same factory, effectively subsidizing socialism aboard [abroad] with skyrocketing prices at home. So we would spend tremendous amounts of money in order to provide inexpensive drugs to another country. And when I say the price is different, you can see some examples where the price is beyond anything — four times, five times different.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: The White House Announces White House Ballroom Construction to Begin

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Washington, D.C. — For 150 years, Presidents, Administrations, and White House Staff have longed for a large event space on the White House complex that can hold substantially more guests than currently allowed. President Donald J. Trump has expressed his commitment to solving this problem on behalf of future Administrations and the American people.
     
    The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world, yet the White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders and other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance. The White House State Ballroom will be a much-needed and exquisite addition of approximately 90,000 total square feet of innately designed and carefully crafted space, with a seated capacity of 650 people — a significant increase from the 200-person seated capacity in the East Room of the White House.
     
    In recent weeks, President Trump has held several meetings with members of the White House Staff, the National Park Service, the White House Military Office, and the United States Secret Service to discuss design features and planning. 
     
    President Trump has chosen McCrery Architects as lead architect, which is well-known for their classical architectural design and based in our nation’s capital. CEO Jim McCrery said: “Presidents in the modern era have faced challenges hosting major events at the White House because it has been untouched since President Harry Truman. I am honored that President Trump has entrusted me to help bring this beautiful and necessary renovation to The People’s House, while preserving the elegance of its classical design and historical importance.”
     
    The construction team will be headed by Clark Construction, and the engineering team will be led by AECOM. 
     
    The project will begin in September 2025, and it is expected to be completed long before the end of President Trump’s term. 
     
    President Trump, and other patriot donors, have generously committed to donating the funds necessary to build this approximately $200 million dollar structure. The United States Secret Service will provide the necessary security enhancements and modifications. 
     
    The White House Ballroom will be substantially separated from the main building of the White House, but at the same time, it’s theme and architectural heritage will be almost identical. The site of the new ballroom will be where the small, heavily changed, and reconstructed East Wing currently sits. The East Wing was constructed in 1902 and has been renovated and changed many times, with a second story added in 1942. 
     
    The White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said the following: “President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail. The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserving the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future Administrations and generations of Americans to come.” 
     
    The White House will continue to provide the American public with updates on this project at whitehouse.gov/visit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz Condemns Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

    Palm Desert, CA – Today Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) issued the following statement:

    “The extreme hunger and starvation unfolding in Gaza is a dire humanitarian emergency. Reports of Palestinians—including children—dying from hunger and malnutrition are heartbreaking and unacceptable. This is a man-made crisis, and urgent action is needed. Time is of the essence. Every day that food, water, and life-saving medical care are blocked from reaching civilians, more lives will be lost, especially children.

    “That’s why I sent letters to President Trump and Secretary Rubio demanding that they increase humanitarian resources to Gaza, and urge Israel and Hamas to end the war, and release all hostages. 

    “They must guarantee safe and unfettered access for international humanitarian organizations and the United Nations that abide by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence to provide food, clean water, sanitation, and urgent medical care. 

    “We need immediate, coordinated action. Lives are on the line. We need this now.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Installs Key ‘Sunblock’ Shield on Roman Space Telescope

    Source: NASA

    Technicians have successfully installed two sunshields onto NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s inner segment. Along with the observatory’s Solar Array Sun Shield and Deployable Aperture Cover, the panels (together called the Lower Instrument Sun Shade), will play a critical role in keeping Roman’s instruments cool and stable as the mission explores the infrared universe.

    The team is on track to join Roman’s outer and inner assemblies this fall to complete the full observatory, which can then undergo further prelaunch testing.
    “This shield is like an extremely strong sunblock for Roman’s sensitive instruments, protecting them from heat and light from the Sun that would otherwise overwhelm our ability to detect faint signals from space,” said Matthew Stephens, an aerospace engineer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
    The sunshade, which was designed and engineered at NASA Goddard, is essentially an extension of Roman’s solar panels, except without solar cells. Each sunshade flap is roughly the size of a garage door — about 7 by 7 feet (2.1 by 2.1 meters) — and 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) thick.
    “They’re basically giant aluminum sandwiches, with metal sheets as thin as a credit card on the top and bottom and the central portion made up of a honeycomb structure,” said Conrad Mason, an aerospace engineer at NASA Goddard.
    This design makes the panels lightweight yet stiff, and the material helps limit heat transfer from the side facing the Sun to the back—no small feat considering the front will be hot enough to boil water (up to 216 degrees Fahrenheit, or 102 degrees Celsius) while the back will be much colder than Antarctica’s harshest winter (minus 211 Fahrenheit, or minus 135 Celsius). A specialized polymer film blanket will wrap around each panel to temper the heat, with 17 layers on the Sun side and one on the shaded side.
    The sunshade will be stowed and gently deploy around an hour after launch.

    “The deploying mechanisms have dampers that work like soft-close hinges for drawers or cabinets, so the panels won’t slam open and rattle the observatory,” Stephens said. “They each take about two minutes to move into their final positions. This is the very first system that Roman will deploy in space after the spacecraft separates from the launch vehicle.”
    Now completely assembled, Roman’s inner segment is slated to undergo a 70-day thermal vacuum test next. Engineers and scientists will test the full functionality of the spacecraft, telescope, and instruments under simulated space conditions. Following the test, the sunshade will be temporarily removed while the team joins Roman’s outer and inner assemblies, and then reattached to complete the observatory. The mission remains on track for launch no later than May 2027 with the team aiming for as early as fall 2026.

    Download high-resolution video and images from NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio
    The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is managed at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, with participation by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California; Caltech/IPAC in Pasadena, California; the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore; and a science team comprising scientists from various research institutions. The primary industrial partners are BAE Systems Inc. in Boulder, Colorado; L3Harris Technologies in Rochester, New York; and Teledyne Scientific & Imaging in Thousand Oaks, California.
    By Ashley BalzerNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Invites Proposals to Lease Aircraft Hangar in Cleveland

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is seeking proposals for the use of its historic aircraft hangar, along with a parking lot, tarmac, and a small neighboring office building. Proposals are due by 1 p.m. EDT on Nov. 28.  
    The hangar, formally known as the Flight Research Building, is available for lease by signing a National Historic Preservation Act agreement for a 10-year base period and two optional five-year extensions.
    NASA first announced plans to lease the Flight Research Building and other facilities in May 2024 under the government’s Enhanced Use Lease authority. These lease agreements allow space, aeronautics, and other related industries to use agency land and facilities, reducing NASA’s maintenance costs while fostering strategic partnerships that spur innovation.
    “Glenn is making great progress as we modernize our Cleveland and Sandusky campuses to support NASA’s future missions,” said Dr. Jimmy Kenyon, Glenn’s center director. “Through Enhanced Use Leases, we’re ensuring full use of land and facilities while preserving an iconic, historic building and creating regional economic opportunities.”
    The property available for lease includes up to 6.7 acres of land, which contains the heated aircraft hangar, Operations and Integration Building, parking lot, and tarmac. The hangar is 160 feet by 280 feet, and the Operations and Integration Building is 5,947 square feet. Proceeds from this lease will be used to maintain Glenn facilities and infrastructure. 
    Visible from Brookpark Road and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Glenn’s hangar was the first building completed after the center was established in 1941. It has sheltered many unique aircraft used to perform vital research. From studying ice accumulation on aircraft wings to the first use of laser communications to stream 4K video from an aircraft to the International Space Station, Glenn flight research has contributed to aviation safety, atmospheric studies, and cutting-edge technology development.
    Interested parties should contact both Carlos Flores at carlos.a.flores-1@nasa.gov and Diana Munro at diana.c.munro@nasa.gov to sign up for a walk-through from Monday, Sept. 8, to Friday, Sept. 12, or the week of Oct. 6.  
    For a 360-degree virtual tour of the Flight Research Building, visit:
    https://www3.nasa.gov/specials/hangar360/
    -end-
    Jan WittryGlenn Research Center, Cleveland216-433-5466jan.m.wittry-1@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Ends Unfair “De Minimis” Tariff Exemption, A Major Victory in Securing the Homeland

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: President Trump Ends Unfair “De Minimis” Tariff Exemption, A Major Victory in Securing the Homeland

    President Trump’s Executive Order empowers DHS to continue cracking down on smuggling and unfair trade practices
    WASHINGTON – President Trump signed an Executive Order suspending duty-free de minimis tariff exemptions for low-value shipments from all countries
    His order empowers Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to close this loophole which was used to avoid tariffs and smuggle deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl into the United States

    “For decades, bad actors have taken advantage of America’s de minimis process by smuggling in deadly narcotics, harmful products, and other contraband in hidden products,” said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
    “This loophole led to the death of thousands of Americans, fueled the opioid crisis, and harmed US
    consumers
    This decision to end de minimis will save American lives, increase revenue, and protect the American consumer and entrepreneur”
    Under the de minimis treatment, imported goods that are valued at or under $800 were exempt from tariff duties
    Countries exploited this system to flood the American market with cheap goods that undercut American manufacturers and cost American jobs
    This exemption also allowed drug cartels and other criminal organizations to smuggle drugs and other contraband into our country

    Over the past decade the volume of de minimis shipments to the United States exploded, growing from 134 million shipments in 2015 to over 1
    36 billion shipments in 2024
    De minimis shipments accounted for 90% of all cargo seizures in FY 24
    These shipments often broke the law with 98% of narcotics seized from cargo falling under the de minimis exemption, as well as 97% of counterfeit items seized

    Now, thanks to President Trump’s Executive Order, this loophole is closed
    US Customs and Border Protection is empowered to enforce tariffs on these goods and can continue to protect the homeland from the smuggling of deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl and counterfeit goods
    This will save American lives, protect American jobs, and restore billions in lost revenue

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MECHANICSBURG – Shapiro Administration Encourages Pennsylvanians to Become Organ Donors on PA Donor Day

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    August 01, 2025 – Mechanicsburg, PA

    ADVISORY – MECHANICSBURG – Shapiro Administration Encourages Pennsylvanians to Become Organ Donors on PA Donor Day

    Officials from the Departments of Health and Transportation will join area health care providers, organ donation and tissue donation groups, and those impacted by organ donation at UPMC West Shore in Mechanicsburg to encourage all Pennsylvanians to register as organ donors, as part of PA Donor Day.

    PA Donor Day is celebrated on August 1, or 8/1, because one organ donor can save up to eight lives. At any given time, more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are on the state’s transplant list awaiting an organ donation.

    Regrettably, thousands of Americans die every year waiting for a donated organ. One organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, and enhance the lives of 75 others through tissue donation. Tissue donation helps patients recover from spinal injuries, burns, vision loss, and more.

    In Pennsylvania, nearly half of current driver’s license and identification card holders are registered as organ donors, or about five million residents. However, increasing the number of residents who are organ donors is key to saving and improving lives throughout the Commonwealth.

    WHO:
    Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen
    Department of Transportation Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet
    UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community Osteopathic, and UPMC West Shore President Elizabeth Ritter
    UPMC Kidney Transplant Program Surgical Director Dr. Manish Gupta
    Rev. Brenda Alton, Governor’s Organ Donation Advisory Committee
    CJ Adams, organ recipient
    Marilyn Michelle Reynolds, organ donor

    WHEN:
    Friday, August 1, 1:00 PM

    WHERE:
    UPMC Outpatient Services
    2015 Technology Parkway
    Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
    (Entrance #5)

    MEDIA RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP with the name of the reporter and photojournalist to ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gunrunner Who Illegally Trafficked More than 200 Firearms to DC Area Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Michael Pittman, 30, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison in connection with trafficking more than 200 illegal firearms from Georgia and North Carolina to the Washington D.C. area where he sold many of them to convicted felons, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                Pittman pleaded guilty on April 14, 2025, to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking.

                In addition to the 84-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ordered Pittman to serve three years of supervised release.

                Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                According to court documents, from at least April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman rented cars and drove to Georgia and North Carolina where he purchased guns from illegal firearm suppliers. Pittman re-sold the firearms in the D.C. area, advertising them through different means. He took photos of the firearms displayed on his bed with prices.

                Between April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman obtained, advertised, or sold 200 or more firearms.

                On May 30, 2024, Virginia State Police arrested Pittman in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, as he was returning to D.C. from a buying trip. Pittman fled from a traffic stop before he crashed and ran into the nearby woods. Police recovered Pittman’s backpack which contained 16 firearms, an additional firearm he had dropped, and two firearms he had left in his vehicle.

                Law enforcement subsequently obtained a warrant and searched Pittman’s residence. In Pittman’s home, law enforcement recovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition, firearm cleaning and repair tools, firearm magazines, and three additional firearms. Law enforcement also observed the same red-and-black patterned bed spread observed in the images from Pittman’s phone.

                Pittman has one prior felony conviction for second degree assault in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison suspended as to all but 30 days.

                This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division with valuable assistance from the Virginia State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Tepfer and Sarah Martin.

    24cr296

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Serial Armed Robber and Rapist Sentenced for “Nightmarish” Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – Today, Deandre Martece Williams was sentenced to 327 months in prison on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and kidnapping, in connection with a series of armed robberies, non-fatal shootings, and rapes he committed in 2023, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced. In sentencing Williams, United States District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith stated that Williams’s “utter disregard for human dignity is breathtaking in the worst sense of the word” and referred to his conduct as “nightmarish.” During a three month stretch in 2023, Williams victimized fifteen people in eight separate incidents, seriously injuring four people, and raping three at gunpoint.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Detroit Field Division, Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Police Department (DPD), and Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor.

    During the investigation, DPD collected fired cartridge casings from the scene of multiple shootings. With the help of the ATF and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), they identified a pattern of targeting sex workers and their customers. The ATF and DPD methodically pieced together other evidence from the crime scenes and identified Williams as a suspect. On October 20, 2023, ATF agents executed a federal search warrant at Williams’s house, arrested him, and found the gun used in the robberies.

    Williams frequently found his victims in parked cars along neighborhood streets. Williams commonly approached on foot, placed his handgun through an open window or door, and robbed his victims. After the robberies, Williams shot at several of the victims as they tried to flee. Several of the victims were injured by gunfire. Williams raped two of his victims during the robberies.

    Through their investigation of the robberies, the ATF and DPD uncovered evidence linking Williams to a rape and adult kidnapping. Williams and that victim had agreed to meet over a dating app. When Williams arrived at the victim’s hotel room, he pulled out a handgun and held the victim at gunpoint for several hours while repeatedly raping the victim.

    Williams’s arrest for the robberies also led to DNA evidence linking him to an unsolved Criminal Sexual Conduct from 2012. Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Circuit Court in Detroit for those offenses and was sentenced in March to 10 years 6 months up to 20 years prison in the Wayne County Third Circuit Court.

    “We should all hate robbery and cruelty. And this sinister man did plenty of both. For years, he was prowling around our streets. But through ingenuity and hard work, the ATF and DPD made our city safer,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.

    “Deandre Williams is a ruthless predator who used firearms to dominate, violate, and destroy lives,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “He didn’t just break the law — he shattered families, preyed on the vulnerable, instilled fear, and left a trail of mayhem wherever he went. ATF’s unique firearm expertise will continue to be the bedrock of gun violence reduction efforts in Detroit.  This expertise enables ATF and our law enforcement partners to identify AND target the most prolific shooters across the Detroit metropolitan community for federal prosecution.  Mr. Williams is a poster child for what this partnership does: removing violent thugs from the community. Williams will now need to pack a suitcase because he will be behind bars.  Exactly, where he deserves to be.”

    “The investigation of Deandre Williams yielded an unexpected dividend.  WCPO was able to successfully prosecute Williams on a 2012 sexual assault case as a direct result of evidence collected in his federal cases.  We are pleased that all of his victims will see him receive the justice he deserves,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Detroit Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CEO and Medical Director Charged in $500M COVID-19 Test Billing Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – Two individuals were charged for their involvement in a $500 million, nationwide scheme that involved billing Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and other health insurance programs for COVID-19 testing services that were never rendered, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced today.

    Cemhan “Jimmy” Biricik (age 46) of Boca Raton Florida, and Dr. Martin Perlin (age 74) of Fairfield, Connecticut were charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and more than 50 substantive counts of health care fraud. Biricik was the sole member and Chief Executive Officer of Fast Lab Technologies, LLC (Fast Lab).  Dr. Perlin was Fast Lab’s Medical Director and provider responsible for ordering the majority of the tests. Both defendants were arrested this morning.

    According to the Indictment, during the Covid-19 pandemic, New York-based Fast Lab operated a website offering “free” covid tests.  When individuals went to the website to order tests, they were asked to provide their insurance information.  Fast Lab then used this insurance information to fraudulently bill Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and numerous private insurances for both antigen (“rapid”) and PCR (“laboratory) tests, across multiple dates for each beneficiary. Specifically, Fast Lab’s claims represented that (1) the antigen tests had been observed by medical professionals, (2) saliva samples were collected by medical professionals, and (3) PCR testing was performed on those samples.  In reality, the vast majority of antigen tests—if taken at all—were taken at home and not observed by medical professionals; saliva samples were never collected nor returned to Fast Lab; and PCR testing was never performed. Dr. Perlin was the ordering physician for these tests, despite not having a treating relationship with the beneficiaries.  Further, Fast Lab would regularly submit insurance claims before the test kits were even delivered to the beneficiaries.  In total, Biricik billed or caused to be billed more than $500 million in claims and was paid more than $50 million.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division; Special Agent in Charge Derek M. Holt of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General; Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration Janet Dhillon (DOL-EBSA); Detroit Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Silvestro, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller, Detroit Field Office, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Special Agent in Charge Megan Howell, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG); Acting Inspector in Charge Sean McStravick, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Owen Cypher, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Michigan and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU).

    The public is reminded that an Indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This case is being investigated by Special Agents from HHS-OIG, FBI, OPM-OIG, DOL-EBSA, DCIS, MFCU, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, USPIS, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Regina R. McCullough and Ryan A. Particka.  Assistant United States Attorney Ryan T. Nees of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York also provided assistance. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Carronade Shares Perspectives on Viasat

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Carronade Supports Spin-Off or IPO of the Defense and Advanced Technologies Business

    Potential 215% to 520% Upside in the Stock if Company Completes a Separation

    Defense and Advanced Technologies is Worth $50/share Alone

    DARIEN, Conn., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carronade Capital Management, LP on behalf of its managed entities (“Carronade Capital”, “our” or “we”), have beneficial ownership of approximately 2.6% of the outstanding shares of Viasat, Inc., (NASDAQ: VSAT) (“Viasat” or the “Company”) today issued the following open letter outlining its perspective on Viasat’s ongoing strategic review and offering a clear and effective way to unlock the substantial, unrealized value embedded within the Company.

    Carronade’s letter underscores a compelling case for separating the undervalued and underappreciated Defense and Advanced Technologies (“DAT”) segment, which could be one of the most attractive pure-play defense-technology platforms in the market today, with best-in-class margins, double-digit revenue growth and significant exposure to next-gen defense technologies. Carronade believes a successful execution of a DAT separation would crystallize value for shareholders, empower both DAT and Communications Services segments to chart focused, capital-efficient growth strategies and bolster financial flexibility to drive the share price up to $100 per share. Carronade believes the remaining Communications Services segment would have less debt and be positioned for free cash flow generation.

    Carronade urges Viasat’s Board and management team to prioritize a DAT spin as the key outcome of the ongoing strategic review and believes it would garner strong investor support.

    The full letter follows:

    Carronade Capital Management, LP on behalf of its managed entities (“Carronade Capital,” “our,” or “we”) have beneficial ownership of approximately 2.6% of the outstanding shares of Viasat, Inc., (“Viasat” or the “Company”), making us one of Viasat’s top investors. We have been investors in Viasat since 2023 and are long-term believers in the Company’s mission, the strength of its leadership team, and the extraordinary strategic position the Company holds at the intersection of secure communications, global connectivity, and aerospace and defense technology.

    Today, we wanted to share our view that the current valuation of Viasat fails to reflect the value of its most important asset — the Defense and Advanced Technologies (“DAT”) business. We believe that the time has come to separate this crown jewel through a spin-off or IPO, a step which we believe should unlock tremendous value and can result in the pre-event Viasat shares trading at a range of ~$50 to $100+ per share. With the strategic review process already underway, we believe this is the clearest, most effective way to unlock the substantial, unrealized value embedded within the Company.

    Highlight A Premier High-Growth Aerospace and Defense Tech Platform

    The case for separation is compelling. In our view, the DAT segment could be one of the most attractive standalone defense-technology platforms in the public markets today. With best-in-class margins, double-digit revenue growth, and significant exposure to next-generation defense and dual-use technologies, DAT is already delivering on a vision to which many public and private peers can only aspire.

    Excluding the non-recurring contribution from the litigation settlement in Q2 FY2024, as reported revenue within DAT grew almost 17% in the last 12 months, with LTM EBITDA margins of 28%. Demonstrating the continued rapid trajectory of this business, the Company reported in Q4 FY2025 that the backlog within DAT grew 50% year over year with a book-to-bill of 1.2x. These figures also screen extremely well under the “Rule of 40”, combining profitability with robust growth, and we strongly believe the business would be rewarded accordingly on a standalone basis.

    We believe DAT’s business lines span critical and rapidly growing areas. This is further enhanced by market share gains, driving growth that continues to exceed overall TAM growth. DAT has the potential to benefit across the following new initiatives and new technologies:

    • Golden Dome – falls under Tactical Networking and Space & Mission Systems within DAT (providing encrypted mesh networking, battle management systems, ISR integration)
      • DAT’s tactical networking and secure communications systems are highly applicable to layered air and missile defense systems such as the Golden Dome. Its encrypted mesh networks and ISR data links can help integrate interceptors, radars, and command nodes in contested environment        
    • Next-Generation Encryption – part of Information Security & Cyber Defense, a core DAT unit
      • Develops advanced, Type 1-certified encryption for high-assurance military communications. As defense agencies adopt edge-resilient encryption, we believe DAT stands to benefit from long-cycle upgrades across satellites, tactical radios, and classified networks
    • Drones (UAVs and UAS) – spans Tactical Networking and Space & Mission Systems
      • Anti-jam networking solutions for a wide range of unmanned aerial systems. As demand accelerates for autonomous ISR and strike platforms, we believe DAT is well positioned to scale its footprint across drone technology
    • Direct-to-Device (D2D) – supported by both Advanced Technology & Other and Space & Mission Systems
      • DAT is advancing D2D capabilities through both government waveform programs and a commercial joint initiative with UAE-based Space42, focused on developing a global, 3GPP-compliant multi-orbit NTN platform designed to enable future connectivity directly to unmodified smartphones and IoT devices using licensed L-band and S-band spectrum
    • Low Earth Orbit (LEO) – squarely in Space & Mission Systems
      • The Space & Mission Systems team provides space-qualified hardware, optical inter-satellite links, and advanced ground integration tools that support LEO network resilience. As multi-orbit architectures gain traction, they benefit from integration roles across both government and commercial constellations

    The above are all long-cycle, durable growth markets with deep commercial and government demand, and we believe DAT is already winning. Yet despite this backdrop, from our perspective the market is barely valuing DAT at all — its performance is being obscured by broader investor concerns with respect to Communication Services, as evidenced by a nearly 20% short interest in the stock.

    Carronade’s Analysis Supports $50 – $100+ per Share Valuation

    This disconnect is further underscored by the current valuation environment for DAT’s aerospace and defense peers. Mid-cap defense-technology companies such as Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, AeroVironment, Karman Holdings, Redwire, and Mercury Systems (“Comp Set”) have historically traded between 20x-40x EV/EBITDA, and in many cases are significantly higher today, as public investors seek exposure to the growth in the aerospace and defense industry. By contrast, the market appears to be pricing Viasat as a structurally challenged communications conglomerate. We believe this framing fails to recognize both the profitability and the growth trajectory of DAT.

    It is not an overstatement to say that from a value perspective, Viasat is an aerospace and defense tech focused company first, that also happens to be in the satellite communications business. Our analysis suggests, utilizing a 20% discount to the median 2025E EBITDA multiple of the DAT Comp Set, less overall net debt, a valuation of over $50/share – more than 3x the current stock price – excluding any value for the $1.3 billion EBITDA Communication Services business or the $8/share in value from the Ligado Networks settlement. In total, using the historical ranges for the DAT Comp Set and 4.0x1 on the Communication Services business, we believe the stock is worth between ~$50-$100/share, and well in excess of $100/share if DAT trades at the current median of the Comp Set.

    While each peer has a distinct focus, they are all aerospace and defense technology companies that we believe are well positioned to benefit from similar tailwinds. Over the past five years, this Comp Set has generally traded at 20x to 40x EBITDA, with further multiple expansion seen in 2025. The chart below illustrates the implied Viasat share price after applying these historical ranges to DAT, alongside a fixed 4.0x multiple for Communication Services and our assumptions for the present value of the recent Ligado Networks settlement.

    DAT’s implied size, revenue growth, leading margins, and exposure to the most exciting aerospace and defense themes, highlight the favorable comparability to the Comp Set as shown below. With 50% year over year backlog growth, strong book-to-bill, and new recent awards, we believe growth trends are supported into 2026 and beyond.

    We believe the separation of DAT would not only catalyze a re-rating of that business but also deliver material benefits to the remaining company. Viasat could retain a portion of the spin-off for future monetization. If an IPO were pursued, proceeds could be used to de-lever the balance sheet, bolstering capital flexibility, while reducing financial risk. Moreover, the current stock price implies standalone valuation near the lows after adjusting for the approximately $8/share Ligado Networks settlement value that was unanticipated by most market participants. Finally, we believe separating DAT would allow both businesses to be valued on their own strategic and financial merits and create transparency into the dramatically different growth, TAMs, margin profiles, and capital requirements of each.

    Resilient Global Communications Business

    Carronade also believes the Communications Services segment is materially misunderstood by the market with competitors such as Starlink and Kuiper catalyzing a substantial amount of pessimism on the shares. We believe a separation will help shine a light on the positive trajectory of this business.

    With five-to-ten year contract terms in the in-flight connectivity (“IFC”) business, this unit of Communication Services has approximately 1,600 additional commercial aircraft that will be put into service under existing customer agreements with commercial airlines over time, on top of the 4,120 currently in-service aircraft, representing 39% growth2. The durability of IFC growth, coupled with a high-growth government business and an inflecting maritime business, as evidenced by NexusWave recently exceeding 1,000 vessel orders3, in our view demonstrates the long-term viability of the core satellite business. Critically, in our view Communication Services is set to generate consistent positive free cash flow in the coming quarters, and more significantly, the long-term cash generation of the satellite business is set to inflect strongly after the successful deployment of the ViaSat-3 F2 and F3 satellites. According to a research report from Deutsche Bank on March 24th4, each new ViaSat-3 satellite has the potential to add 2 to 3 percentage points of growth to Communication Services revenue, while also shifting the revenue mix toward higher-margin, internally provisioned capacity and reducing reliance on low-margin wholesale sales. Once capital expenditures for the ViaSat-3 constellation are complete, we expect annual capex to decline to below $1 billion (from ~$1.3 billion in FY2026), creating substantial room for accelerated free cash flow generation and debt paydown.

    Given all of the above, we believe our valuation of 4.0x on the Communication Services segment is conservative and unjustifiably below similar business valuations. SES, when accounting for the present value of 100MHz of possible C-band monetization, and pro forma for the Intelsat acquisition, trades at 4.25x-4.50x on the base business. Similarly, both Eutelsat and Iridium trade at high-single-digit EBITDA multiples5. In our view, the growth opportunities, end customers, and stickiness of contracts are significantly more attractive for Viasat’s Communication Services business.

    As a result of the settlement with Ligado Networks, the Company is set to receive $568 million in fiscal year 2026, coupled with a lease stream through 2107 that increases 3% per year6 that is worth north of $500 million from a present value perspective, which positions it for further de-levering. The Company’s remaining spectrum portfolio offers substantial flexibility for future monetization to which we ascribe no value in this analysis. In our view, these dynamics are obscured in the current structure and would be far more visible in a standalone Communications Services business.

    The Time to Act is Now

    With strong commercial momentum across both segments, from NexusWave surpassing 1,000 vessel orders and sustained growth in in-flight connectivity for the Communication Services business, and a proven track record of growth and profitability within DAT, we believe Viasat is at a critical inflection point. In our view, the growth and profitability of DAT is only set to accelerate due to rapidly increasing investment within drone technology, direct-to-device, advanced encryption, Golden Dome, and LEO. Yet we are seeing that public markets continue to discount the stock due to a misplaced narrative. We believe executing a spin-off or IPO of DAT, the Company’s most valuable asset, would not only crystallize value for shareholders, it would empower both businesses to chart focused, capital-efficient growth strategies with improved investor visibility.

    We applaud management exploring various paths to unlock portfolio value, drive returns and shareholder value, but urge them to consider our proposed path forward. We believe a spin-off or IPO of DAT would be met with broad investor support and would position Viasat to emerge as two distinct, category-leading companies: one a premier, high-growth aerospace and defense tech platform; the other a resilient, cash-generating global connectivity business while unlocking tremendous value resulting in ~$50 to $100+ per share.

    About Carronade Capital

    Carronade Capital Management, LP (“Carronade Capital Management”) is a multi-strategy investment firm based in Connecticut with approximately $2.5 billion in assets under management that focuses on process driven investments in catalyst-rich situations. Carronade Capital Management, founded in 2019 by industry veteran Dan Gropper, currently firm employs 14 team members and is based in Darien, Connecticut. Carronade Capital was launched on July 1, 2020. Dan Gropper brings with him nearly three decades of special situations credit experience serving in senior roles at distinguished investment firms, including Aurelius Capital Management, LP, Fortress Investment Group and Elliott Management Corporation.

    Important Disclaimers

    Not an Offer or Solicitation. This press release is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein in any state to any person.

    Not Financial Advice. This press release does not recommend the purchase or sale of a security. There is no assurance or guarantee with respect to the prices at which any securities of Viasat, Inc. (the “Company”) will trade, and such securities may not trade at prices that may be implied herein. In addition, this press release and the discussions and opinions herein are for general information only, and are not intended to provide financial, legal or investment advice. Each shareholder of the Company should conduct their own financial research and analysis and make a decision that aligns with their own financial interests, consulting with their own advisers, as necessary.

    Forward-Looking Statements. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may include projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations, services, product development and potential, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “will be” and similar expressions. Although Carronade Capital and its affiliates believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties—many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of Carronade Capital or the Company—that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. In addition, the foregoing considerations and any other publicly stated risks and uncertainties should be read in conjunction with the risks and cautionary statements discussed or identified in the Company’s public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including those listed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q . The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and, other than as required by applicable law, Carronade Capital does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.

    Data and Analysis. Certain information included in this press release is based on data obtained from sources considered to be reliable. Any analysis provided herein is intended to assist the reader in evaluating the matters described herein and maybe based on subjective assessments and assumptions and may use one among alternative methodologies that produce different results. Accordingly, any analysis should not be viewed as factual and should not be relied upon as an accurate prediction of future results. Projected information presented herein is generated using an internal Carronade model and is therefore inherently limited. This information is generated based on certain estimates and assumptions which are subject to change based on prevailing market and economic conditions, as well as Carronade’s ongoing assessment of the Company. All figures are estimates and, unless required by law, are subject to revision without notice.

    Holdings and Trading. Certain of the funds(s) and/or account(s) (“Accounts”) managed by Carronade Capital Management, LP (“Carronade Capital Management”) currently beneficially own shares of the Company. Carronade Capital Management in the business of trading (i.e., buying and selling) securities and intends to continue trading in the securities of the Company. You should assume the Accounts will from time to time sell all or a portion of its holdings of the Company in open market transactions or otherwise, buy additional shares (in open market or privately negotiated transactions or otherwise), or trade in options, puts, calls, swaps or other derivative instruments relating to such shares. Consequently, Carronade Capital Management’s beneficial ownership of shares of, and/or economic interest in, the Company may vary over time depending on various factors, with or without regard to Carronade Capital Management’s views of the Company’s business, prospects, or valuation (including the market price of the Company’s shares), including, without limitation, other investment opportunities available to Carronade Capital Management, concentration of positions in the portfolios managed by Carronade Capital Management, conditions in the securities markets, and general economic and industry conditions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event of a change in the Company’s share price on or following the date hereof, Carronade Capital Management may buy additional shares or sell all or a portion of its Account’s holdings of the Company (including, in each case, by trading in options, puts, calls, swaps, or other derivative instruments relating to the Company’s shares). Carronade Capital Management also reserves the right to change the opinions expressed herein and its intentions with respect to its investment in the Company, and to take any actions with respect to its investment in the Company as it may deem appropriate, and disclaims any obligation to notify the market or any other party of any such changes or actions, except as required by law.

    Media Contact:
    Paul Caminiti / Jacqueline Zuhse
    Reevemark
    (212) 433-4600
    Carronade@reevemark.com

    Investor Contacts:
    Andy Taylor / Stas Futoransky
    Carronade Capital Management, LP
    (203) 485-0880
    ir@carronade.com

    1Derived by using a discount to SES SA, Eutelsat Communications, and Iridium Communications as the peer set for Communications Services; for illustrative purposes only.
    2Viasat 2025 Annual Report
    3Viasat July 1, 2025 Press Release
    4Deutsche Bank report “Multiple Paths to Unlocking Value; Upgrade to Buy”
    5Source: Bloomberg
    6Viasat June 13, 2025 Press Release

    Charts accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b382282-b275-4da4-a882-c526b3387fc4

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/710e4232-9a2e-4280-9767-20bd501b699a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1786b60d-3b34-4f9e-8100-77a6b4c15b9a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 2025 FIRST HALF RESULTS : MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES DELIVERS SOLID GROWTH

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

       
    PRESS RELEASE
      
    Paris, 31st July 2025 

      
     

    2025 FIRST HALF RESULTS :
    MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES DELIVERS SOLID GROWTH

    Mobilize Financial Services records a progression in new financing by 3.8% in the first semester of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This performance reflects a rise in the average amount financed and the commercial dynamics of Renault Group’s brands, Nissan and Mitsubishi, supported by a robust growth in registrations.

    With a progression of pre-tax profit by 9.7%, Mobilize Financial Services confirms the relevance of its strategy and its commitment to more sustainable mobility, in line with new uses.

    This performance confirms Mobilize Financial Services’ ability to efficiently support the strategy of its automotive partners, while meeting the expectations of customers in quest of flexible and competitive financing solutions.

    KEY INDICATORS

    Commercial performance1

    • The amount of new financing progresses by 3.8% compared to the first semester of 2024, driven by a sustained commercial dynamic.
    • 632,994 contracts were financed in the first semester of 2025, a slight increase in volume compared to the same period of the previous year (+0.8%).
    • The penetration rate on electric vehicles reached 43.9% at the end of June 2025, a positive difference of 6.5 points compared to other motorization.

    Financial performance

    • The Average Performing Assets (APAs) register a growth of 7.3% compared to the end of June 2024, confirming the robustness of the portfolio.
    • The Net Banking Income progressed by 5.3% over one year, to reach 1,132 million euros in the first semester of 2025.
    • The pre-tax income of the group increased to 607 million euros, increasing by 9.7% compared to the first semester of 2024.

    “In the beginning of the year 2025, we reaffirmed our ambition to support our customers as they transition to more sustainable mobility, by offering products and services in line with new uses. The half-year results support the robustness of our economic model and concretely illustrate our commitment to driving more responsible mobility, fully aligned with the ambitions of Renault Group”, declares Martin Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Mobilize Financial Services.

    A SUSTAINED COMMERCIAL DYNAMIC, IN A RECOVERING MARKET

    In an automotive market with slight progression by 0.7%, the volumes of Renault Group, Nissan and Mitsubishi reached 1.19 million vehicles, increasing by 2.3% compared to the first semester of 2024. In this context, Mobilize Financial Services records a growth of its new financing by 3.8% (excluding cards and personal loans), for a total of 11.1 billion euros, driven by an increase in registrations and increases of the average financed amount.

    Excluding companies consolidated by equity method, the overall penetration rate stands at 39.6%, slightly down by 0.4 point compared to the same period of last year. The penetration rate on electrified vehicles, as for it, reaches 43.9% at the end of June 2025, +6.5 points compared to other types of motorization.

    In total, 632,994 new contracts were financed in the first semester of 2025, an almost stable volume (+0.8 %) compared to 2024. The financing activity of used vehicles recorded a slight decrease by 0.4% with 153,759 contracts financed.

    Benefitting from a growing operational leasing market, Mobilize Lease&Co financed in the first semester of 2025, 120,039 operational leasing contracts for private and professional customers and reached a fleet under management of 655,000 vehicles, representing a growth by 4% compared to the first semester of 2024.

    The Average Performing Assets (APAs) reached 58.9 billion euros, increasing by 7.3% compared to the first semester of 2024. APAs related to customer activity (private and professional) rose to 47.4 billion euros (+7%), whereas those related to dealership activity progressed by 8.6% to each 11.5 billion euros.

    Finally, 1.8 million insurance and service contracts were sold during the semester, confirming the relevance of the additional offers proposed by Mobilize Financial Services.

    A ROBUST FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND A DIVERSIFIED RE-FINANCING STRATEGY

    In the first semester of 2025, the Net Banking Income (NBI) of Mobilize Financial Services amounted to 1,132 million euros, increasing by 5.3 % compared to the end of 2024. This performance is mainly the result of an improvement in the financial margin as well as the growth of outstanding loans.

    The operating costs reached 389 million euros, increasing by 24 million euros compared to last year. This change is explained by the present of non-recurring items having reduced the expenses in the first semester of 2024. Reported to the Average Productive Assets, operating expenses remain stable at 1.33%.

    The pre-tax income stands at 607 million euros, against 553 million, one year earlier, a progression by 9.7 %, driven by the rise of NBI. The share of income from associate companies progressed slightly by +0.9 million euros.

    In a context marked by investor caution in the face of economic and geopolitical uncertainties, the group raised 1.3 billion euros on the bond market in the first semester of 2025. Three public issued were carried out:

    • 2 senior bonds in Euros of 850 million euros (3 years) and 500 million euros (5 years, Green Bond)
    • 1 Tier subordinated debt issue of 500 million euros

    This latest transaction enables expending the maturity profile of the subordinated debt and falls within an active capital management strategy, aiming to maintain a solid financial structure and robust safety margins. Besides, the subsidiaries of the group in Argentina, Brazil, Korea, Morocco and Poland raised a total of 500 million euros on local bond markets.
    In the securitization market, the group placed 624 million euros in automobile loan-backed securities via its German branch. Private securitization transactions in the United States (automobile loans) and in Germany (leasing) saw their revolving period extended by two years.

    Finally, the savings collection activity, launched in 2012 and present in seven European countries (France, Germany, Austria, United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherland and Poland) continues to play a key role in the diversification of financing sources. The deposits collected reached 30.5 billion euros representing 49.1% of net assets at the end of June 2025.

    1 The factoring contracts for short-term rental companies were excluded from 2025 onwards. These contracts represented 32,000 contracts in the first half of 2024, representing a positive impact of 2.8 points on the penetration rate. A hypothetical calculated based on the 2024 figures.

    Press contacts

    William Servigne

    william.servigne@mobilize-fs.com

    Hopscotch PR for Mobilize Financial Services

    +33 (0)1 41 34 23 06

    mobilize@hopscotch.fr

    About Mobilize Financial Services

    Attentive to the needs of all its customers, Mobilize Financial Services, a subsidiary of Renault Group, creates innovative financial services to build sustainable mobility for all. Mobilize Financial Services, which began operations over 100 years ago, is the commercial brand of RCI Banque SA, a French bank specializing in automotive financing and services for customers and networks of Renault Group, and also for the brands Nissan and Mitsubishi in several countries. 

    With operations in 35 countries and over 4,000 employees, Mobilize Financial Services financed more than 1,2 million contracts (new and used vehicles) in 2023 and sold 3,7 million service contracts. 

    At the end of June 2025, average earning assets stood at58.9 billion euros of financing and the pre-tax income at 607 million Euros.

    Since 2012, the group has deployed deposits collecting activity in several countries. At the end of June 2025, the net amount of deposits collected represented 30.5 billion euros, representing 49.1% of the company’s net assets.

    To find out more about Mobilize Financial Services: www.mobilize-fs.com/

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Telnyx Supercharges European Voice AI with Paris GPU Edge, Breaking 200ms Latency Barrier

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Telnyx, the vertically integrated operator powering low-latency voice AI agents, today lit up a new GPU-accelerated Voice-AI Point-of-Presence (PoP) in Paris, France.

    By embedding its inference stack directly inside the same data halls as its pan‑European telephony core, Telnyx now delivers sub‑200 ms round-trip time (RTT) to end users across the continent. RTT, the time it takes for audio to travel from the end user to Telnyx and back, is critical for creating engaging conversations that don’t lag behind the flow of natural speech.

    “Latency is the silent killer of Voice AI,” said Ian Reither, COO of Telnyx. “Every millisecond counts. By colocating our GPU inference with our private backbone in Paris, we’re redefining what ‘real time’ means for European businesses. We shave off delay at its source and deliver voice AI experiences that feel instantaneous and lifelike, without your data ever leaving the region.”

    Built for speed, built for sovereignty

    By performing speech recognition, orchestration, and synthesis directly at the Paris PoP, audio never routes through a distant cloud, sharpening Telnyx’s edge in delivering high-impact Voice AI Agents to customers in Europe.

    Solutions like intelligent IVRs and fully conversational AI agents can reliably handle high-volumes in over 30 languages, while keeping all data and AI prompts within EU borders for full GDPR, DORA, and local retention compliance.

    Momentum that compounds

    The Paris launch caps a summer of rapid Voice AI innovation on the Telnyx platform, designed to give customers the fastest path from prototype to production.

    In-house NaturalHD neural voices to deliver lifelike speech synthesis, one-line web widgets that embed AI agents in minutes, a canary and versioning toolkit for safely A/B testing voice flows, and native MCP server mode for orchestrating complex multi-agent scenarios.

    Powering Europe’s next wave of real-time automation

    From retailers and fintechs to logistics operators and public-sector hotlines, businesses can now deploy compliant, human-like voice agents that route calls, verify transactions, and handle multilingual support quickly, eliminating trans-Atlantic backhaul delays and reducing dependence on costly legacy call centers.

    About Telnyx

    Telnyx is the full‑stack provider powering the future of intelligent, global communications. From private IP infrastructure and GPU‑accelerated inference to lifelike voices, orchestration tools, and carrier‑grade network services, Telnyx delivers everything enterprises need to build next‑generation voice and messaging applications at scale.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 161, She DRIVES Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 161 would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct additional crash tests for motor vehicles using devices that represent female drivers. The agency does not currently use such devices for all test types. The bill also would require NHTSA to issue rules requiring the use of newer, more advanced crash test devices by both the agency and vehicle manufacturers. Finally, S. 161 would require NHTSA to report to the Congress twice on its plans to incorporate additional advanced crash test devices—once within a year of enactment and again in 2031.

    Based on information from the agency, CBO expects that NHTSA would spend about $3 million annually, beginning in 2027, for additional test vehicles and about $500,000 annually for additional staff and equipment. On that basis, and accounting for anticipated inflation, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $14 million over the 2025-2030 period. CBO expects the bill’s rulemaking requirements would largely codify NHTSA’s planned rulemaking processes and would have an insignificant cost. Based on the costs of similar activities, CBO estimates that the two reports would cost less than $500,000. Any increase in spending to implement the bill would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 400 (transportation).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under S. 161
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		  
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2025-2030

    Estimated Authorization

    *

    *

    2

    4

    4

    4

    14

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    *

    2

    4

    4

    4

    14

    * = between zero and $500,000.

    S. 161 would impose private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) by requiring vehicle manufacturers to use advanced crash test devices and to conduct additional tests using devices that represent females in the driver’s seat.

    The cost of compliance for manufacturers would stem from two, one-time expenditures as manufacturers replace their inventories of testing devices. Based on information from the automotive industry, CBO estimates that each device would cost about $1 million. Because manufacturers own some of the devices required for front-impact testing, CBO estimates the cost to replace existing testing devices with advanced devices would total between $50 million and $60 million. When standards for side-impact testing devices are finalized, we estimate the cost to replace existing side impact testing devices would be between $150 million and $160 million. CBO estimates that the cost of additional testing would incrementally increase the annual cost of testing by a small amount. Because those costs would occur over multiple years, CBO estimates that the total cost of the mandates in a single year would fall below the threshold established in UMRA for private-sector mandates ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    The bill would not impose intergovernmental mandates as defined in UMRA.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Willow Latham-Proença (for federal costs) and Lucy Marret (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: Overnight Closures Planned for Route 102 in Burrillville

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    On Sunday night, August 3, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will temporarily close a section of Route 102 (Broncos Highway) in the Glendale section of Burrillville as part of ongoing rehabilitation of the structurally deficient Joslin Road Bridge, which carries Route 102 over Joslin Road and the Branch River.

    The closure will be repeated periodically, during evening and overnight hours when traffic volumes are lowest, through the end of the summer. RIDOT will post closure notices on its website as they are scheduled, at www.ridot.net/TravelAdvisories#NorthernRI.

    During the closure, motorists on Route 102 will use Glendale Bypass, Victory Highway and East Avenue to detour. Local traffic will be permitted between East Avenue and the bridge.

    Rehabilitation of this bridge is part of a $18.8 million, multibridge project in Burrillville. The Joslin Road Bridge carries approximately 16,000 vehicles per day. The entire project will be finished in spring 2026.

    All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.

    The rehabilitation of the Joslin Road Bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment

    Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced the following District Attorney appointment:

    Matthew T. Wareham as District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 4, serving Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties. Wareham is filling the vacancy created after the Honorable Scott Thomas retired.

    • Wareham currently serves as the Chief Assistant District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 4. From 2017 to 2024, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in the same office. He also served for almost three years as an Assistant District Attorney in Alamance County. Wareham received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from East Carolina University and his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

    “Matt has spent his entire career in public service, serving as a prosecutor for more than a decade in Alamance, Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in his new role.” 

    Jul 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses

    NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses
    jawerner

    As summer temperatures continue to soar, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging caution when spending time outdoors or in areas that are not air conditioned. Halfway through the summer season, from May 1 to July 12, 2025, NCDHHS has documented more than 3,300 emergency department visits for heat-related illness, the highest number in the last five years. In comparison, there was an average of 1,675 heat-related illness emergency department visits in the same time period in 2020 to 2024.

    “We are seeing more people coming to emergency departments across the state with heat-related illnesses this summer,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, but some groups are at higher risk, including outdoor workers, infants and children, older adults, pregnant people, athletes, low-income individuals and people with underlying health conditions.”

    Recognizing the symptoms of heat illness is key to preventing serious complications, including death. Some signs and symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, racing or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, and nausea or vomiting.

    To help prevent heat-related illness, the NCDHHS Heat Health Alert System sends out heat alerts when the forecast is projected to reach unhealthy levels. From May 1 to July 18 of this year, more than 900 county-level alerts were distributed in English and Spanish across the state. Visit the NCDHHS Climate and Health webpage to sign up for heat alerts. 

    NCDHHS also recommends the following tips to stay safe in hot weather:

    • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid or reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
    • Limit time outside: Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day if possible. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning.
    • Seek air conditioning: If you don’t have air conditioning and it’s hotter than 95 degrees, go to a public building where it’s cooler.
    • Stay informed: Sign up for NCDHHS heat alerts and stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can safely plan outdoor activities.

    The NCDHHS Division of Public Health continues to provide reports and outreach to minimize extreme heat impacts. In addition to the Heat-Related Illness Surveillance System and Heat Health Alert System, the NCDHHS Climate and Health Team provides other services to prevent heat-related illness, including:

    • Providing 1,300 high-velocity cooling fans to farmworkers across the state and to partners in the sandhills region;
    • Creating training for doctors and care teams to treat and prevent heat-related illnesses in farmworkers in collaboration with the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health;
    • Distributing educational materials to populations at risk of extreme heat exposure, including water bottles, cooling towels and hats that include guidance on heat prevention strategies; and
    • Supporting the NC Department of Environmental Quality in planning and leading the Extreme Heat Cohort Program for local governments and partners to develop a heat action plan.

    A medida que las temperaturas del verano continúan aumentando, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte urge en tener precaución al pasar tiempo al aire libre o en áreas que no tienen aire acondicionado. A mitad de la temporada de verano, entre el 1 de mayo al 12 de julio de 2025, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés), ha documentado más de 3,300 visitas al departamento de emergencias debido a enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, siendo el número más alto en los últimos cinco años. En comparación, hubo un promedio de 1,675 visitas al departamento de emergencia por enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en el mismo período de 2020 a 2024.

    “Estamos viendo a más personas acudiendo a los departamentos de emergencias en todo el estado con enfermedades relacionadas con el calor este verano”, dijo el Dr. Zack Moore, epidemiólogo estatal de NCDHHS. “Las enfermedades relacionadas con el calor pueden afectar a cualquier persona, independientemente de su edad o condición física, pero algunos grupos corren un mayor riesgo, incluso los trabajadores al aire libre, los bebés y los niños, los adultos mayores, las personas embarazadas, los atletas, las personas de bajos ingresos y las personas con afecciones de salud subyacentes”.

    Reconocer los síntomas de la enfermedad por calor es clave para prevenir complicaciones graves, incluso la muerte. Algunos signos y síntomas incluyen sudoración intensa, palidez, calambres musculares, pulso acelerado o débil, mareos, dolor de cabeza, desmayos y náuseas o vómitos.

    Para ayudar a prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor de NCDHHS envía alertas de calor cuando se prevé que el pronóstico del calor alcanzará niveles insalubres. Del 1 de mayo al 18 de julio de este año, se distribuyeron más de 900 alertas a nivel de condado en inglés y español en todo el estado. Visite la página web NCDHHS Clima y Salud para suscribirse a las alertas de calor. 

    NCDHHS también recomienda los siguientes consejos para mantenerse a salvo en climas cálidos:

    • Manténgase hidratado: beba mucha agua durante todo el día y no espere hasta que tenga sed para beber. Evite o reduzca el consumo de alcohol y cafeína.
    • Limite el tiempo al aire libre: evite la actividad al aire libre durante el tiempo más caluroso del día si es posible. Use ropa ligera y suelta y tome descansos frecuentes en la sombra o en el aire acondicionado.
    • Busque aire acondicionado: si no tiene aire acondicionado y la temperatura está más elevada que 95 grados, vaya a un edificio público donde hace más fresco.
    • Manténgase informado: suscríbase a las alertas de calor de NCDHHS y manténgase actualizado sobre los pronósticos meteorológicos locales para que pueda planificar actividades al aire libre de manera segura.

    La División de Salud Pública de NCDHHS continúa proporcionando informes y actividades de alcance para minimizar los impactos del calor extremo. Además del Sistema de Vigilancia de Enfermedades Relacionadas con el Calor y el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor, el Equipo de Clima y Salud de NCDHHS proporciona otros servicios para prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, incluso:

    • Proporcionando 1,300 ventiladores de alta velocidad a los trabajadores agrícolas en todo el estado y a los colaboradores en la región de Sandhills;
    • Creando capacitación para médicos y equipos de atención para tratar y prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en trabajadores agrícolas en colaboración con la Oficina de Salud Rural de NCDHHS;
    • Distribuyendo materiales educativos a las poblaciones en riesgo de exposición al calor extremo que incluyen orientación sobre estrategias de prevención para el calor, además botellas de agua, toallas refrescantes y sombreros; y
    • Apoyando al Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Carolina del Norte en la planificación y dirección del Programa cohorte de calor extremo para que los gobiernos locales y los colaboradores desarrollen un plan de acción contra el calor.
    Jul 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand, Britt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Seniors From Financial Fraud

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Aging Committee, and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act to protect seniors from financial frauds and scams.

    The GUARD Act would allow grantees of several existing federal grant programs to use funds to increase resources and personnel specifically to utilize the blockchain for investigating financial fraud. It would also permit federal law enforcement to assist state and local law enforcement with tracing tools for blockchain technology, bolstering their ability to catch fraudsters who use cryptocurrency to facilitate their crimes.

    “Every day, scammers target our seniors, often robbing them of their hard-earned savings and stealing their personal information,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact these scams have on older Americans and their families. Far too often, local law enforcement agencies lack the resources they need to track down these criminals and hold them accountable. Our GUARD Act would enhance law enforcement capabilities and foster much-needed cooperation between federal and local agencies to combat fraud and bring scammers to justice. I look forward to working with Senator Britt to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”

    “For too long, scammers have preyed upon the elderly, one of our nation’s most vulnerable populations, and stolen life-changing amounts of money from Americans who often live on fixed incomes. To make matters worse, these scammers exploit gaps in state and local law enforcement capabilities that often allow them to escape prosecution,” said Senator Britt. “I’m proud to lead the GUARD Act with Senator Gillibrand to give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to bring these faceless cowards to justice and take meaningful steps to combat financial fraud at large.”

    According to the FBI, seniors lost over $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024, with an average loss of $83,000. Cryptocurrency was used to facilitate the crime in over 30,000 reports of fraud against seniors, resulting in a net loss of about $2.84 billion. “Pig butchering” schemes – when scammers gain victims’ trust, entice them to invest in fake cryptocurrency projects, and then stealthier contributions – have become a growing threat against older adults.

    Blockchain technology has been useful in helping federal law enforcement and national security agencies prevent pig butchering. When targeting their victims, pig butchering scammers can leave a trail of clues on the blockchain after they swap the illegally obtained funds at a crypto exchange platform. This exchange can reveal a Bitcoin address belonging to the scammer, which can then be identifiable by federal and local law enforcement agencies. By increasing the capacity of law enforcement for blockchain investigations, the GUARD Act will help protect seniors from these fraudulent ploys.

    The senators’ legislation is endorsed by AARP. The bill is a Senate companion to H.R.2978, which was introduced by Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) earlier this year.

    Senator Gillibrand has worked to prevent financial fraud throughout her time in office. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, she has led the fight to protect seniors from frauds and scams, raised awareness about predatory scammers targeting seniors, and demanded answers from those attempting to cut funding for agencies like the CFPB. She has also introduced legislation such as the Stop the Scammers Act, the Senior Financial Empowerment Act, and the DO NOT CALL Act, as well as the SNAP Theft Protection Act, the core of which was passed into law in 2022.

    The full text of the GUARD Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mother-Daughter Duo Sentenced in Elder Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A mother and daughter have been sentenced for their involvement in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

    U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Mykia L. Henderson, 32, of Moody, to 87 months in prison, and Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, of Fairfield, to 57 months in prison. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to the plea agreements, between December 2020 and February 2022, Mixon and Henderson were the in-home caretakers for the elderly victim. In their role as caretakers, Henderson and Mixon had access to the victim’s financial information, which they shared with one another and with other members of the conspiracy. The defendants devised a scheme to defraud the victim by using fake and fraudulent accounts they set up through Square, Inc. and Stripe, Inc. Through the scheme, the defendants charged the victim’s credit cards through the Square and Stripe accounts and then deposited the funds into their bank accounts or shared the proceeds with one another. The defendants hid the charges from the victim by including false “descriptions” to prevent their discovery. The defendants also wrote unauthorized checks to themselves that were drawn on the victim’s bank accounts. In total, members of the conspiracy stole nearly $500,000 from the victim.   

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mountain Brook Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage prosecuted the case.

    Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements’ efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mother-Daughter Duo Sentenced in Elder Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A mother and daughter have been sentenced for their involvement in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

    U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Mykia L. Henderson, 32, of Moody, to 87 months in prison, and Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, of Fairfield, to 57 months in prison. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to the plea agreements, between December 2020 and February 2022, Mixon and Henderson were the in-home caretakers for the elderly victim. In their role as caretakers, Henderson and Mixon had access to the victim’s financial information, which they shared with one another and with other members of the conspiracy. The defendants devised a scheme to defraud the victim by using fake and fraudulent accounts they set up through Square, Inc. and Stripe, Inc. Through the scheme, the defendants charged the victim’s credit cards through the Square and Stripe accounts and then deposited the funds into their bank accounts or shared the proceeds with one another. The defendants hid the charges from the victim by including false “descriptions” to prevent their discovery. The defendants also wrote unauthorized checks to themselves that were drawn on the victim’s bank accounts. In total, members of the conspiracy stole nearly $500,000 from the victim.   

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mountain Brook Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage prosecuted the case.

    Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements’ efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Iran: Officials responsible for finger-amputations must face accountability for torture

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the Iranian authorities’ use of a guillotine machine to amputate the fingers of three men in Urumieh Central Prison on 30 July as corporal punishment imposed after a grossly unfair, torture-tainted trial, Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said:  

    “The amputations carried out on Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharafian and Mehdi Shahivand are a stark reminder of Iran’s prolific use of corporal punishment and the inhumanity of a justice system that legalizes brutality. Amputation constitutes torture, which is a crime under international law, and is a flagrant and abhorrent assault on human dignity. For six years, these men lived in a waking nightmare, knowing the authorities could at any moment irreversibly mutilate their bodies with a judicial seal.  

    We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all further plans to carry out such cruel and inhuman sentences and urgently abolish all forms of corporal punishment in law and practice including flogging and blinding.

    Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

    “We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all further plans to carry out such cruel and inhuman sentences and urgently abolish all forms of corporal punishment in law and practice including flogging and blinding. They must provide these three men full reparations, including compensation, rehabilitation, medical and psychological care, and social and legal services, and guarantees of non-repetition. 

    “Iran’s judicial system is a vital cog in the machinery of torture. With systematic impunity in Iran, these unspeakably cruel punishments will be repeated unless the international community takes sustained action to bring an end to the Iranian authorities’ crimes. We call on all states to forcefully condemn this crime of torture and do everything in their power to pressure the Iranian authorities to immediately abolish corporal punishments. We further urge states to exercise universal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute Iranian officials suspected of criminal responsibility for such crimes under international law.” 

    Background  

    At 10pm on 30 July 2025, prison authorities at Urumieh Central Prison, West Azerbaijan province, transferred Hadi Rostami (38), Mehdi Sharafian (42), and Mehdi Shahivand (29) to the office for the implementation of sentences to carry out their amputations. Blindfolded, handcuffed and shackled, the men had four fingers on their right hands amputated by 12am. Prison authorities used a guillotine machine to cut off the men’s fingers in the presence of senior prison and prosecution officials whose names are on record with Amnesty International. The prison authorities briefly took the men to a medical clinic to have their fingers stitched and bandaged before returning them to prison where the specialist physical and mental healthcare they urgently require is unavailable. 

    The authorities denied the men access to lawyers before their trial and used forced “confessions” which the men said were obtained under torture and other ill-treatment, including beatings, flogging, rape threats, and being hung from their wrists and feet, to convict them. Hadi Rostami was never allowed access to a lawyer, even at trial. 

    Iran is among a handful of countries in the world that retains corporal punishments. The Iranian authorities have carried out amputation sentences of multiple other prisoners in recent years. Amnesty International knows of two other men – Kasra Karami and Morteza Esmaeilian – who are currently under finger-amputation sentences in Urumieh Central prison, West Azerbaijan province, and Tabriz prison, East Azerbaijan province, respectively. Scores of others are also at risk. 

    To read more about the cases of Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharafian, and Mehdi Shahivand, see this Urgent Action.  

    MIL OSI NGO –