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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs Bills into Law Supporting Military-Connected Families and Children With Disabilities; Supporting Colorado for All

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis, joined by Lt. Governor Primavera, signed SB25-073– Military-Connected Children With Disabilities, sponsored by Senators Larry Liston and Janice Marchman, and Representatives Rebecca Keltie and Matthew Martinez. The bill helps ensure that military-connected children with disabilities in Colorado are guaranteed access to their existing education program upon enrollment in a Colorado school, and prior to the start of their first day.

    “In Colorado, we recognize the sacrifices our military families make every day to keep our country safe, and that is why we are committed to ensuring military-connected families and their children, no matter their ability, receive the support needed to thrive. Thank you to the bill sponsors for your work on this important legislation that helps take care of our heroes and their children,” said Governor Polis.

    “Colorado is proud to support military families, and this bill will help ease the burden of school transitions for military-connected children with disabilities,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “By providing clarity and continuity, we’re helping ensure these students can stay on track and feel supported from day one at a new school. We are committed to supporting our military-connected children as they help ensure their parents and guardians can focus on the mission.”

    Earlier this week, Lt. Governor Primavera joined military families and children in Aurora to highlight Month of the Military Child, and celebrate Edna and John W. Mosley P-8 as a Purple Star School award recipient, recognizing the school for outstanding support for military-connected students and their families.

    Governor Polis also signed in ceremony HB25-1109 – Gender Identity Certificate of Death, sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Kyle Brown, and Senators Mike Weissman and Katie Wallace. The bill requires that death certificates reflect a person’s preferred gender.

    “In Colorado, we are committed to building a Colorado For All where everyone can thrive, no matter who they are or how they identify. Colorado is, and will continue to be a state that protects and welcomes the LGBTQ community, and I am grateful to be signing a bill that ensures the wishes of our loved ones are respected, even in death,” said Governor Polis.

    Governor Polis signed the following bills into law administratively:

    • HB25-1137 – Adopt a Shelter Pet Account Community Cats, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Elizabeth Velasco, and Senator Faith Winter
    • SB25-188 – Fiscal Year 2025-26 Legislative Appropriation Bill, sponsored by Senators James Coleman and Robert Rodriguez, and Representatives Julie McCluskie and Monica Duran
    • SB25-171 – Sunset Commodity Metals Theft Task Force, sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, and Representatives Matt Soper and Chad Clifford
    • SB25-060 – Repeated Phone Calls Obstruction of Government Operations, sponsored by Senators Marc Catlin and Dylan Roberts, and Representatives Chad Clifford and Ryan Armagost
    • HB25-1007 – Paratransit Services, sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Alex Valdez, and Senators Faith Winter and Cleave Simpson
    • HB25-1179 – Auto Insurance Coverage Child Restraint System, sponsored by Representatives Yara Zokaie and Lisa Feret, and Senators Lindsey Daugherty and Iman Jodeh
    • HB25-1085 – Public Hospital Boards of Trustees, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Dusty Johnson, and Senators Dylan Roberts and Rod Pelton
    • HB25-1059 – Food Waste Reduction in Public Schools, sponsored by Representatives Ron Weinberg and Lisa Feret, and Senators Janice Rich and Janice Marchman
    • HB25-1205 – Implement Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plans, sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Kyle Brown, and Senators Judy Amabile and Dylan Roberts
    • HB25-1203 – Misbranding Cultivated Meat Products as Meat, sponsored by Representatives Ty Winter and Karen McCormick, and Senators Rod Pelton and Kyle Mullica. Read the signing statement here.
    • SB25-062 – Failure to Appear Charges in Municipal Court, sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Mike Weissman, and Representatives Michael Carter and Lindsay Gilchrist. Read the signing statement here.

    Governor Polis vetoed the following bill:

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxford Square Capital Corp. Schedules First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call for April 25, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxford Square Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: OXSQ) (NasdaqGS: OXSQZ) (NasdaqGS: OXSQG) announced today that it will hold a conference call to discuss first quarter 2025 earnings on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM Eastern time. The toll free dial-in number is 1-800-549-8228 and the conference identification number is 26294. There will be a recording available for 30 days after the call. If you are interested in hearing the recording, please dial 1-888-660-6264. The replay pass-code number is 26294#.

    About Oxford Square Capital Corp.
    Oxford Square Capital Corp. is a publicly-traded business development company principally investing in syndicated bank loans and, to a lesser extent, debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. CLO investments may also include warehouse facilities, which are financing structures intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle.

    Contact:
    Bruce Rubin
    203-983-5280

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marathon County Woman Sentenced to 6 Years for Conspiring to Traffic Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Mercadys A. Perkins is the first defendant sentenced from trafficking organization

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Mercadys A. Perkins, 32, Weston, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Perkins pleaded guilty to this charge on January 21, 2025.

    In early 2024, investigators with the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began investigating a group of individuals who were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in the Marathon County area. Perkins was identified as a distributor for the group.

    In March and April of 2024, Perkins sold methamphetamine three times to an informant, the largest sale being 230 grams. On April 16, 2024, task force officers executed a search warrant at Perkins’s residence in Weston. Officers found over 300 grams of methamphetamine, over $2,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia during the search. Perkins later admitted to trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine.

    Further investigation revealed that between February 18, 2024, and April 12, 2024, a co-conspirator provided Perkins and another individual approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine and 6 ounces of cocaine intended for further distribution.

    At the time of these events, Perkins was serving a term of state probation for a methamphetamine possession conviction and was out on bond on four open state cases, three of which involved methamphetamine trafficking. Her state probation was revoked, and she was sentenced to 2 years in state prison, which she is currently serving. Judge Conley ordered the federal sentence to run concurrently with the remainder of Perkins’ state prison sentence.

    At sentencing, Judge Conley said Perkins participated with her co-defendants to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine in an around Marathon County. He said he weighed this serious conduct against some mitigating factors including her profound drug addiction.

    Three others were charged in connection with this drug trafficking conspiracy. Co-defendants Joshua Lake, Jessica Colby, and Dustin Brunker have all pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming weeks.

    The charge against Perkins was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and the Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Extension of Hiring Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>April 17, 2025
    MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
    SUBJECT:       Extension of Hiring Freeze
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby extend through July 15, 2025, the freeze on the hiring of Federal civilian employees within the executive branch, as initially directed in the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 (Hiring Freeze).  No Federal civilian position that is presently vacant may be filled, and no new position may be created, except as otherwise provided for in this memorandum or required by applicable law.  In addition, once a merit hiring plan has been adopted pursuant to Executive Order 14170 of January 20, 2025 (Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service), any hiring shall be consistent with that plan.
    Except as provided below, this freeze continues to apply to all executive departments and agencies (agencies) regardless of their sources of operational and programmatic funding.  This memorandum does not affect the deadline for the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit a plan for reducing the size of the Federal Government’s workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition, as provided in Executive Order 14210 of February 11, 2025 (Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative).
    This memorandum does not apply to military personnel of the Armed Forces or to positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety, and does not apply to the Executive Office of the President or the components thereof.  Positions that fall within these categories do not require review by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).  Moreover, nothing in this memorandum shall adversely impact the provision of Social Security, Medicare, or veterans’ benefits.  In addition, the Director of OPM may continue to grant exemptions from this freeze where those exemptions are otherwise necessary.  Exemptions previously granted by OPM shall remain in effect unless withdrawn by OPM.
    Contracting outside the Federal Government to circumvent the intent of this memorandum is prohibited.
    In carrying out this memorandum, the heads of agencies shall seek efficient use of existing personnel and funds to improve public services and the delivery of those services.  Accordingly, this memorandum does not prohibit making reallocations or reassignments to meet the highest priority needs; maintain essential services; and protect national security, homeland security, and public safety. 
    This memorandum does not restrict the nomination and appointment of officials to positions requiring Presidential appointment or Senate confirmation; the appointment of officials to non-career positions in the Senior Executive Service or to Schedule A or C positions in the Excepted Service; the appointment of officials through temporary organization hiring authority pursuant to section 3161 of title 5, United States Code; or the appointment of any other non-career employees or officials if approved by the head of an agency appointed by the President.  Moreover, it does not limit the hiring of personnel where such a limit would conflict with applicable law. 
    This memorandum shall remain in effect for the Internal Revenue Service until the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Director of OMB and the Administrator of the United States DOGE Service, determines that it is in the national interest to terminate the freeze and publishes notice of such determination in the Federal Register.
    This memorandum does not abrogate any collective bargaining agreement in effect on the date of this memorandum.
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unleashing American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
    A PROCLAMATION
    The Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) was established by Proclamation 8336 of January 6, 2009 (Establishment of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument), and then further expanded by Proclamation 9173 of September 25, 2014 (Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument Expansion).  Under these monument proclamations, over 400,000 square miles in the Pacific Ocean were appropriated and withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, leasing, or other disposition under the public land laws for care and management by the Federal Government.The PRIMNM was established to protect and preserve the lands and marine environment around Wake, Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands; Johnston and Palmyra Atolls; Kingman Reef; and the historic and scientific objects therein.  These objects include fish, birds, marine mammals, coral, and the general biodiversity of the ecosystems encompassed by the PRIMNM.As part of the management of the PRIMNM, commercial fishing is currently prohibited within its boundaries.  As explained herein, following further consideration of the nature of the objects identified in Proclamations 8336 and 9173 and the protection of those objects already provided by relevant law, I find that appropriately managed commercial fishing would not put the objects of scientific and historic interest that the PRIMNM protects at risk.With respect to fish in particular, fisheries in the region are effectively managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.  Management of the PRIMNM is doing little to guard fish populations against overfishing as tunas and other pelagic species found within the boundaries of the PRIMNM are migratory in nature, and do not permanently reside within the PRIMNM.As a result of the prohibitions on commercial fishing, American fishing fleets have lost access to nearly half of the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific Islands.  This has driven American fishermen to fish further offshore in international waters to compete against poorly regulated and highly subsidized foreign fleets.  This disadvantages honest United States commercial fishermen and is detrimental for United States territories like American Samoa, whose private sector economy is over 80 percent dependent on the fishing industry.Proclamations 8336 and 9173 do not list recreational fishing as a threat to local fish populations within the PRIMNM.  A host of Federal protections exist under current laws and agency management designations to protect the area’s natural resources, vulnerable marine species, and unique habitats, such as coral and seamount ecosystems.These laws include the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Endangered Species Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712), the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), the Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460k et seq.), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (Oil Pollution Act) (33 U.S.C. 2701et seq.), and Title I of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (Ocean Dumping Act), 33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.  For example, the Endangered Species Act generally prohibits the taking of listed fish and wildlife species, and also generally ensures that Federal actions, including fisheries management, are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any such species nor adversely modify designated critical habitats.  Numerous other statutes, including the Clean Water Act, the Oil Pollution Act, and the Ocean Dumping Act, address both land-based and ocean-based sources of pollution and help ensure that water quality conditions support the conservation values of the Pacific Remote Island ecosystems.Therefore, I find that appropriately managed commercial fishing would not put objects of scientific and historic interest within the PRIMNM at risk.After further consideration of the nature of the objects identified in Proclamations 8336 and 9173 and the protection of those objects already provided by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other relevant laws, I find that a prohibition on commercial fishing is not, at this time, necessary for the proper care and management of the PRIMNM or the objects of historic or scientific interest therein.NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 320301 of title 54, United States Code (Antiquities Act), hereby proclaim that:(a)  All language under the section entitled “Management of the Marine National Monument” in Proclamation 9173 is deleted and replaced with the following:“Nothing in this proclamation shall change the management of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument as specified in Proclamation 8336.  The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall have primary responsibility for management of the Monument Expansion pursuant to applicable legal authorities.  The Secretary of Commerce, through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, shall within the Monument Expansion have primary responsibility with respect to fishery-related activities regulated pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and any other applicable legal authorities.  The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior shall not allow or permit any appropriation, injury, destruction, or removal of any object of the Monument Expansion except as provided for by this proclamation as modified by the Proclamation of April 17, 2025 (Unleashing American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific).Between 50 to 200 nautical miles from the landward boundaries of the Monument, the Secretary of Commerce shall not prohibit commercial fishing within the boundaries of the Monument and the Monument Expansion in those areas where the Monument and Monument Expansion is coterminous with the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States.  The implementation of any regulation of commercial fishing within the Monument and the Monument Expansion shall be done in coordination with the Secretary of Defense.  Only United States flagged vessels shall be allowed to commercially fish within the boundaries of the Monument and the Monument Expansion, except that permits may be issued to foreign flagged vessels to transship fish harvested by United States fishermen.The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior shall take appropriate action pursuant to their respective authorities under the Antiquities Act; the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; and such other authorities as may be available to implement this proclamation, to regulate fisheries, and to ensure proper care and management of the Monument Expansion.The United States shall continue to preserve the freedom of the seas (i.e., all of the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law and enjoyed by all nations, including the conduct of military activities, exercises, and surveys in or over the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States), and to protect the training, readiness, and global mobility of the United States Armed Forces as United States national interests that are essential to the peace and prosperity of civilized nations.The Secretary of Defense shall continue to manage Wake Island and Johnston Atoll as specified in Proclamation 8336.”.(b)  The Secretary of Commerce, through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall expeditiously publish new proposed rules in the Federal Register to amend or repeal all burdensome regulations that restrict commercial fishing in the PRIMNM.Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to revoke, modify, or affect any withdrawal, reservation, or appropriation, other than the one created by Proclamations 8336 and 9173.Nothing in this proclamation shall change the management of the areas designated and reserved by Proclamations 8336 and 9173, except as explicitly provided in this proclamation.If any provision of this proclamation, including its application to a particular parcel of land, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this proclamation and its application to other parcels of land shall not be affected thereby.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand thisseventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
                                  DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Trump’s attack on AmeriCorps

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to reports that President Donald Trump has placed a majority of AmeriCorps agency staff on administrative leave. Trump had already recalled hundreds of AmeriCorps NCCC members trained to respond to emergencies from the field:

    “President Trump’s attempted destruction of AmeriCorps is alarming and will damage communities across the nation. For more than 30 years, in more than 50,000 communities, AmeriCorps members and volunteers have made our country stronger, healthier, and more resilient. AmeriCorps members are relief workers on the front lines of natural disasters, teachers improving literacy in schools, and health care workers in underserved communities. There are few better examples of government working strategically and efficiently to improve the lives of those they serve. 

    “The men and women who serve AmeriCorps as volunteers, members, and staff deserve our thanks. Instead, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are once again turning their backs on the very people who make our country great. I am working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to press the Trump Administration to reverse these unjustified cuts and restore a valued program.” 

    A 2020 non-partisan study found that for every $1 Congress appropriates to AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, the programs return more than $17 to the government and economy.

    Senator Coons is co-Chair of the Senate National Service Caucus.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow’s tram fleet to be completely renewed by 2026

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Department of Transport

    As part of the public transport modernization program, the Moscow tram fleet will be completely updated by 2026. This was announced by Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

    Moscow’s tram fleet to be fully renewed by 2026.

    Today, the upgrade is about 95-97%, and taking into account the upcoming purchase of about 100 new trams, all trams in Moscow will be new next year.

    “Today we have almost 95-97% renewal. Taking into account the purchase of this batch of trams, this year and next year all Moscow trams without exception will be only new,” Liksutov noted. He also emphasized that Moscow occupies a leading position in Europe among megacities in terms of the minimum age of trams.

    It is important to note that the old equipment that previously operated on tram lines will not be scrapped or sold. The most interesting examples will be transferred to the Museum of Transport, where they will be restored and presented at various events, which arouses great interest among city residents.

    In honor of the 126th anniversary of the Moscow tram, a tram parade will be held in the capital on April 19. Historical trams of different generations will travel along a new route: from Shabolovka Street through Serpukhovsky Val and Kholodilny Lane to Danilovskaya Manufaktura (Varshavskoe Shosse) and back. The parade will end with a large-scale exhibition of retro trams.

    In addition, as part of the infrastructure upgrade, last week the renovated P. L. Apakova depot was opened, which underwent a large-scale reconstruction. This depot will become an important part of the service system for the new tram fleet and will ensure reliable operation of tram service in Moscow.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Juan de Fuca Marine Trail remains closed, day-use areas open in park

    The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail will remain closed throughout summer to repair extensive damage caused by multiple fall and winter storms, but people can still enjoy day-use areas in Juan de Fuca Park.

    Several key sections of the 47-kilometre trail have been washed away or blocked by fallen trees, making the trail impassable and unsafe for hikers. There is also extensive damage to bridges, boardwalks, shelters and campsites. 

    Five backcountry campgrounds along the trail remain closed, including Bear Beach, Chin Beach, West Sombrio Beach, Little Kuitsche Creek and Payzant Creek. People can still enjoy backcountry camping and day use at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach. The day-use area is also open at China Beach and Botanical Beach.

    A phased reopening of the trail and backcountry campsites is planned as repairs are completed. For future updates about trail repairs and reopening timelines, people are encouraged to check here: https://bcparks.ca/juan-de-fuca-park/

    Spanning part of Vancouver Island’s southwest coast, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is designed for challenging day or multi-day hikes through rugged, coastal terrain that is often affected by wet and extreme weather.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak congratulated the faculty, students and graduates of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas on its 95th anniversary

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dear colleagues!

    On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation and on my own behalf, I congratulate the staff, students and graduates of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University) on its 95th anniversary!

    The university’s teachers and graduates make a decisive contribution to the development of the domestic oil and gas complex, which is one of the most powerful in the world.

    For decades, Gubkin University has played a key role in developing the human resources potential of the Russian oil and gas complex and related industries, providing highly qualified specialists to the critical infrastructure of the country’s fuel and energy complex.

    The University carries out fundamental and applied scientific activities in the interests of the Russian fuel and energy complex, offering new innovative solutions for industry companies in terms of the introduction of new technologies, digitalization and automation of production, and makes a significant contribution to the achievement of national goals outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    Gubkin University pays special attention to the continuity of generations, while introducing modern educational and scientific approaches, actively interacting with leading industry enterprises, advanced research centers in Russia and abroad.

    I wish all the faculty, students and graduates of the university new successes for the benefit of the Russian fuel and energy complex, good health and all the best!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The region is developing steadily – Yuri Trutnev on the rate of socio-economic growth of the Magadan Region

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the issue of socio-economic development of the Magadan Region

    April 17, 2025

    Awarding of the public and business prize “Star of the Far East”

    April 17, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev inspected the recreational complex on Zavyalova Island

    April 17, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev inspected the recreational complex on Zavyalova Island

    April 17, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev at the Military Training Center at SVGU

    April 17, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the issue of socio-economic development of the Magadan Region

    Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the issue of socio-economic development of the Magadan Region.

    “The region is developing steadily. Investments in fixed assets have grown by 3%. This is not the best indicator in the Far East, but there is positive dynamics. The industrial production index has grown by 5.9%, which is already quite a high indicator. Magadan Region confidently ranks second in the Far East in terms of wages. The growth rate of average monthly wages in 2024 was 114.8% compared to 2023. Consolidated budget revenues in 2024 increased by 30%. This is also a good result, which allows us to do a lot of useful things,” Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting.

    The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that the Russian Government continues to work to create conditions for comfortable living for people in the region. “A number of social facilities have been built and reconstructed in the region as part of the presidential unified subsidy. Thanks to the Far Eastern Mortgage program, 2,460 families have improved their housing conditions. More than 2,600 people in the region have received a Far Eastern hectare. On the instructions of the President of Russia, the master plan for the urban district of Magadan is being implemented. The plan provides for infrastructure measures totaling 159 billion rubles. The Government is working to ensure that master plans are financed on time and in full,” he said.

    Magadan Region Governor Sergey Nosov reported on the dynamics of the region’s socio-economic development. The region’s income grew by 143.6%. It was due to the price situation on the precious metals market and the growth of gold production. A record of 54 tons of gold production was achieved. The second stage of the plant at the Pavlik deposit reached its design capacity. As a result of the introduction of the flotation shop by Polyus, the metal recovery rate at the Natalkinskoye deposit was increased. Large investors in the field of mineral extraction are entering the region.

    Energy development issues were discussed. 30 investment projects with a total maximum capacity of energy receiving devices of 490.85 MW are planned for technological connection from 2025.

    Issues of support for the fishing industry were considered. In particular, in order to restore coastal fisheries, as part of the implementation of the instructions of the Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the restoration of the Magadan sea fishing port continues through the implementation of the project “Magadan Sea Logistics Center”.

    The agenda included issues of improving the quality of tourist services. This year, the opening of the first stage of the tourist center on Zavyalova Island is expected. The boutique hotel “Territory” has been built. The balneological resort “Talaya” is getting ready to open. The construction of a four-star hotel has begun. The construction of a sea tourist center continues.

    Yuri Trutnev drew the attention of those present to the introduction of new measures to support investors. The State Duma adopted in the first reading a bill on the creation of a priority development area in the region. “We hope that the result of creating a priority development area will be the development of shipbuilding and ship repair, logistics, tourism, and servicing of mining equipment,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

    On the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the implementation of the Magadan master plan continues. “We still have a lot of work ahead of us to implement the master plans approved by the Russian President. The amounts of funds that are planned to be invested in the construction of new social infrastructure, engineering infrastructure, have never been invested in the Far East. These are really very large amounts of funds. We must ensure thorough implementation of the plans. Ensure that all the money comes to the right place, that all the projects are completed,” emphasized Yuri Trutnev.

    The implementation of the Magadan master plan began in 2019. Within the framework of the master plan, 24 objects were commissioned. The most significant of them was the FOK “Presidential”. Since 2023, the master plan has been implemented within the framework of the long-term comprehensive development plan approved by the order of the Government of Russia. During this time, five objects have been commissioned. The largest of them is the airport terminal complex of Magadan airport, it began operating in December 2024. At the end of the year, a building of the polytechnic college, which had stood unfinished in the city center for more than 30 years, was also opened. An engineering school was commissioned. The Okhotsky Briz boarding house for the elderly and disabled began operating. A cultural development center was opened. A building of the martial arts school was erected with extra-budgetary funds. The improvement of the left bank of the Dukcha River has been completed, a children’s playground is being equipped in the Dukcha Park. This year, the fourth stage of Mayak Park is planned to be commissioned – a cultural and social center and a fountain.

    In 2025, four facilities are planned to be commissioned within the framework of the infrastructure menu, three of which are being built using the Far Eastern concession mechanism, including a multidisciplinary rehabilitation center for 50 people. According to the head of the region, Sergei Nosov, the work will continue in all sectors. “There can be no trifles here. The tasks have been set. The result of this meeting were very specific instructions on the issues that were voiced by people directly working on this land. The solution of the tasks set will allow us to improve the work, indicators, including revenues to the regional budget,” he noted.

    “There is a lot of work. Some of the issues are related to the work of federal ministries. We just need to solve the problems together with the region. I can only say one thing. We have no right to work carelessly. I would like to emphasize that the region is working purposefully, honestly and trying to achieve results,” Yuri Trutnev summed up the meeting.

    On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister familiarized himself with the implementation of investment projects and visited a number of sites. In particular, he arrived at the military training center at SVGU, where he familiarized himself with the presentation of UAVs manufactured within the framework of the Patriotic priority development area, inspected the construction of a marine tourist center in Nagaev Bay, inspected a recreational complex on Zavyalova Island, visited a shooting sports site under construction in the Staraya Vesyolaya microdistrict, and talked with the management of the Rynda cultural and exhibition center, an independent art venue created to develop the artistic environment of the city and the region.

    Yuri Trutnev also met with Natalia Sivakova, who became the winner of the “Everything for Victory” nomination of the seventh public and business award “Star of the Far East”. The award was given to the project of the school of unmanned aerial vehicles based on the OGUP “Aviation of Kolyma”, within the framework of which not only military personnel are trained, but also drones are assembled.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: In 2024, the Government allocated 64 billion rubles for the development of forestry

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Patrushev spoke at a meeting dedicated to the main results of the work of the forestry sector of the Russian Federation in 2024 and the tasks for 2025

    April 17, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev spoke at a meeting dedicated to the main results of the work of the forestry sector of the Russian Federation in 2024 and the tasks for 2025

    April 17, 2025

    Meeting dedicated to the main results of the forestry work of the Russian Federation in 2024 and tasks for 2025

    April 17, 2025

    Meeting dedicated to the main results of the forestry work of the Russian Federation in 2024 and tasks for 2025

    April 17, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Patrushev spoke at a meeting dedicated to the main results of the work of the forestry sector of the Russian Federation in 2024 and the tasks for 2025

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev spoke at a meeting dedicated to the main results of the work of the forestry sector of the Russian Federation in 2024 and the tasks for 2025. It was held at the site of the National Center “Russia”.

    “Russia accounts for a fifth of the world’s forest reserves. Thanks to this, our country makes a major contribution to ensuring global environmental well-being. For several years now, more forests have been appearing in Russia than are being lost. This is facilitated by the measures implemented by the Federal Forestry Agency, attracting businesses. In 2024, forest restoration was one and a half times greater than the area of felled and dead trees. We must continue to adhere to the given vector. The amount of funds allocated by the Government for the development of forestry in 2024 amounted to 64 billion rubles,” Dmitry Patrushev reported.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that, on the instructions of the President of Russia, forest users in the Northwestern Federal District were partially exempted from paying rent for 2023, which also provided businesses with the necessary support. Separate measures are also provided for wood processors.

    “The forestry complex is a solid base for the relevant industry, a significant component of the economy of most regions. Therefore, it is very important that in 2024 the systematic recovery of the industry after the introduction of sanctions continued. The rise was largely facilitated by previously adopted support measures. According to the results of last year, timber harvesting increased by more than 6 million cubic meters. We expect that in 2025 the positive dynamics will continue and harvesting volumes will exceed 200 million cubic meters,” added Dmitry Patrushev.

    During the implementation of the national project “Ecology”, the total area of new forest plantations reached almost 8 million hectares. Forest restoration was also included in the new national project “Ecological Well-Being”. The Government has allocated more than 16 billion rubles for the implementation of relevant measures until 2030.

    Special attention was paid to fighting forest fires at the meeting. Dmitry Patrushev drew attention to the need for regions to eliminate at least 80% of fires within the first 24 hours after detection. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the key to effective work is to direct adequate forces and resources to extinguishing fires.

    To strengthen interdepartmental coordination, an all-Russian headquarters dedicated to the passage of the fire season was held in March of this year.

    In 2025, the Government has allocated almost 20 billion rubles to fight forest fires, which is significantly more than last year. More than 5 billion of the total amount is allocated to expand the system of regional air bases in the most fire-prone regions and strengthen their material and technical base. In January, a new forest fire center began operating in the Far East. Its work will facilitate more rapid extinguishing of complex fires typical for this district.

    Speaking about the strategic directions of forestry development, Dmitry Patrushev reported that in accordance with the instruction of the President of Russia, the efficiency of the forestry industry continues to be improved. First of all, this concerns the issues of decriminalization and the fight against illegal logging and transportation of timber. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted the need to improve the efficiency of forest patrolling, including through the introduction of remote methods and unmanned aerial systems. As part of a separate national project, the industry will receive almost 1.5 thousand drones.

    Since January 1, 2025, the federal forestry information system has been launched, which allows real-time data on raw material routes, volumes and species composition. Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that the legalization of forestry has significantly increased budget revenues. Last year alone, the volume of funds exceeded 80 billion rubles. According to him, these funds should also be directed to the industry. For example, this year, almost 3.5 billion rubles have been allocated to increase the salaries of industry specialists. And a total of 24 billion rubles are planned to be directed by 2030.

    In conclusion, Dmitry Patrushev added that the key tasks of the forestry complex are united in the corresponding strategy, which is being updated this year. In terms of forestry, according to him, it is necessary to pay attention to advanced forest restoration, reducing the area of fires, digitalization and improving the quality of forest accounting. A special emphasis should be placed on establishing a fair price for the use of forest resources.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: This year, more than 40.5 thousand holiday camps should host about 6 million schoolchildren

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting dedicated to the organization of summer children’s recreation in 2025

    April 17, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting dedicated to the organization of summer children’s recreation in 2025

    April 17, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting dedicated to the organization of summer children’s recreation in 2025

    April 17, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting dedicated to the organization of summer children’s recreation in 2025. Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov

    April 17, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting dedicated to the organization of summer children’s recreation in 2025

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting dedicated to the organization of summer children’s recreation in 2025. The meeting was attended by Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov, Deputy Chairperson of the State Duma Anna Kuznetsova, First Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Government and Northern Affairs Galina Karelova, representatives of relevant federal departments and organizations, as well as heads of regions.

     

    Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized that the organization of summer children’s recreation is one of the priority areas of the national project “Youth and Children” and requires special attention to issues of quality and safety.

     

    “President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin said that special attention should be paid to the quality and safety of children’s recreation. To do this, we must implement comprehensive measures in these areas. The task is very large-scale. This year, more than 40.5 thousand camps should accept about 6 million schoolchildren. In the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, we must take care of the recreation of all children, and especially the children of our heroes – participants in the special military operation. I ask you to keep this issue under constant control. Patriotic shifts dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory must be held in all federal children’s centers. It is extremely important that our current heroes – participants of the SVO – tell the story of glorious victories,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

     

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that last year, approximately 165 thousand children of SVO participants spent their holidays in children’s camps.

     

    During the meeting, it was also noted that a federal law had come into force, obliging regions to establish quotas for disabled children and children with limited health capabilities in state and municipal camps. Rospotrebnadzor updated its guidelines for children’s nutrition.

     

    Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that, on the instructions of the President, this year information and analytical panels will be introduced that will help monitor the progress of the health campaign.

     

    “This is a single digital platform where key data will be concentrated: camp occupancy, fulfillment of quotas for children with disabilities, compliance with safety standards, financial accounting, and others. I ask the Ministry of Education to launch this tool across the country as early as June 1,” he added.

     

    Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized that the upcoming summer season is rich in anniversary events – the 100th anniversary of Artek, the 40th anniversary of the All-Russian Children’s Center Smena and the 65th anniversary of the All-Russian Children’s Center Orlyonok, and noted the special role of these centers in forming the correct attitude to history and spiritual and moral values among young people.

     

    The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to all participants in the preparation for the summer season, including the State Duma deputies and personally its Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, as well as the Chairman of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko.

     

    As a result, instructions were given aimed at further improving the quality, safety and accessibility of children’s summer recreation, including the launch of a camp monitoring system and collecting feedback.

     

    “In general, the education system is ready for the summer health campaign. It is important to make every effort to ensure that children’s recreation this year is organized efficiently and safely. The federal law “On the Basic Guarantees of Children’s Rights in the Russian Federation” has been amended to require websites and educational programs in children’s camps. They came into force on April 1. By summer, each camp must have its own website, developed taking into account our approximate structure and containing all the necessary information. All subjects have been sent methodological recommendations on the development of educational programs, containing event scenarios,” the Minister of Education said.

     

    Sergei Kravtsov noted that the ministry is holding district seminars for directors of children’s camps and representatives of regional resource centers, where current issues of preparation for the summer are explained.

     

    The Minister of Education reported that the federal infrastructure modernization program is being implemented. He drew the attention of regional representatives to the importance of concluding contracts and starting work within the program, and also instructed them to take measures to return previously repurposed organizations to ownership.

     

    Sergei Kravtsov pointed out that in the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, special attention should be paid to events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and corresponding thematic days should be held in each camp.

     

    Deputy Minister of Transport Alexey Shilo noted that, in accordance with the Government Resolution, since March the cost of travel on long-distance trains for all children aged 10 to 18 has been half the cost of an adult ticket. Since March 5, more than 1.1 million tickets have been issued. In addition to federal benefits, carriers and the Russian Railways holding company offer bonus programs and promotions. This is the year-round tariff plan “Big Family”, which provides a 15% discount on travel in compartment cars for families with three or more children.

     

    Chairman of the Board of the Movement of the First, Hero of Russia Artur Orlov emphasized that for the specialized shifts, the Movement of the First, together with the scientific and pedagogical community and federal children’s centers, has developed 19 programs in various areas of activity. The content of the shift programs includes events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, events that allow you to get acquainted with the mission, values, and flagship projects of the Movement of the First.

     

    Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor General’s Office, Rospotrebnadzor, Rosmolodezh, the International Children’s Center “Artek” and the “Movement of the First”, the heads of the Republic of Mari El, the Republic of Crimea, Krasnodar Krai and others also spoke during the meeting.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow’s tram fleet to be fully renewed by 2026

    Source: Moscow Department of Transport

    As part of the public transport modernization program, Moscow’s tram fleet will be fully renewed by 2026, according to Deputy Mayor for transport and industrial policy Maksim Liksutov. Currently, the renewal stands at approximately 95-97%, and with the upcoming purchase of around 100 new trams, all trams in Moscow will be new by next year.

    Moscow’s tram fleet to be fully renewed by 2026.

    Today, we have renewed about 95-97% of the fleet. With the purchase of this batch of trams, by this year and the next, all Moscow trams will be new without exception, — Maksim Liksutov noted.

    He also emphasized that Moscow leads among European megacities in having the youngest tram fleet.

    It is important to note that the old trams previously in service will not be scrapped or sold. The most interesting models will be transferred to the Transport Museum, where they will be restored and showcased at various events, generating significant interest among city residents.

    In celebration of the 126th anniversary of Moscow tram system, a tram parade will be held on April 19. Historic tram cars from different eras will travel along a new route: from Shabolovka Street to Serpukhovskiy Val and Kholodilny Lane to the Danilovskaya manufactory (Varshavskoye Highway) and back. The parade will culminate in a large-scale exhibition of retro tram cars.

    Additionally, as part of the infrastructure upgrade, the renovated P. L. Apakov tram depot was opened last week after undergoing extensive reconstruction. This depot will play an important role in maintaining the new tram fleet and ensuring reliable tram service in Moscow.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Update II – Highway reopened after fatal crash at Inkerman

    Source: New South Wales – News

    The Port Wakefield Highway has reopened following a fatal truck crash at Inkerman yesterday.

    About 6.50am on Thursday 17 April, police were called to Port Wakefield Highway near Prime Road after two trucks crashed. The trucks burst into flames upon impact.

    Firefighters spent several hours at the scene trying to extinguish the blaze and to ensure the area was safe.

    The driver of one truck, a 77-year-old man from Port Augusta, sadly died at the scene. The second driver and his passenger, a 57-year-old man from Marleston and a 39-year-old man from Elizabeth Downs, sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

    Major Crash Investigators attended the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    Southbound lanes of the highway were blocked for the entire day with traffic being diverted from Port Wakefield to Balaklava and Mallala.

    Northbound lanes remained open with speed restrictions in place.

    Port Wakefield Highway was fully reopened early this morning.

    The man’s death is the 26th life lost on SA roads this year.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chinese National Sentenced for Taking $95,000 from Elder Fraud Victim

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Thursday sentenced a man from China who took $95,000 in cash from a 79-year-old Missouri fraud victim to 21 months in prison.

    Judge Ross also ordered Dongyi Guo, 28, to repay the money.

    Guo was part of a conspiracy that targeted elderly victims. Members of the conspiracy began contacting the victim in March of 2024. In phone calls and electronic messages, they claimed to represent her financial institutions and/or the Social Security Office and falsely claimed that her financial accounts had been compromised. They told her that she needed to pay to prevent her money from being stolen, and that a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) employee would pick up the money.

    Guo flew from New York City to Chicago and then rented a car to drive to the woman’s home. On March 4, 2024, he picked up $40,000 in cash. He took another $35,000 in cash the next day, and $20,000 on March 6. Guo’s co-conspirators continued to pressure the victim into providing more money. Guo was arrested on March 7 while trying to pick up $15,000 more.

    In a letter to the court, a daughter of the victim said her mother died seven months after Guo took her money, and that the crime “unquestionably contributed” to her death. After clicking on a link that said, “You’ve been hacked. Call (this number) for assistance,” her mother was tricked and shamed into withdrawing cash and placing it in shoeboxes that she them turned over to Guo. The scammers claimed Guo would “keep her money secure while this matter was resolved.” She responded by to the crime by refusing medication, food and exercise and declining to attend church. She was left “mentally and physically broken, alone, and wanting to die.”

    Guo pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in November to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    The Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman prosecuted the case.

    If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting and provide resources and referrals. Reporting frauds can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. The Federal Trade Commission also provides a hotline at 877-FTC-HELP and a website at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov for consumer complaints.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nine facing federal immigration-related offenses in southern Illinois

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A federal grand jury has charged nine illegal aliens with immigration-related offenses in Effingham, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties over the last two months.

    “Every time an illegal immigrant unlawfully enters the United States, they commit a federal crime. But eight of these individuals are repeat offenders—often deported after earlier crimes, only to reenter and face new charges,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “The only person who wasn’t a prior offender was indicted for a firearms offense. These charges show our commitment to prioritizing repeat offenders and those who threaten public safety.”

    Josue Lopez-Serrano, 35, a Mexican national, was charged with one count of illegal reentry after deportation in Monroe County.

    Angel Carmona-Perez, 44, a Mexican national, is facing one count of illegal reentry after deportation in Madison County.

    Gaspar Lux-Lopez, 30, a Guatemalan national, was charged with one count of illegal reentry after deportation in Madison County.

    Luis Morocho-Minga, 42, an Ecuadorian national, is facing one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm in St. Clair County.

    Pedro Ramos-Garcia, 36, a Guatemalan national, was charged with one count of illegal reentry after deportation in Effingham County.

    Andres Jimenez-Santiago, 26, a Mexican national, is facing one count of illegal reentry after deportation in St. Clair County.

    Jose Ariza-Angula, 37, a Mexican national, is facing one count of illegal reentry after deportation in St. Clair County.

    Erick Roman-Roman, 49, a Mexican national, was charged with one count of illegal reentry after deportation in St. Clair County.

    Mayorie Fernandez-Ormeno, 44, a Chilean national, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, attempted access device fraud and illegal entry after deportation in Madison County and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

    In February, a southern Illinois jury convicted an illegal alien from India for participating in an imposter scam and working to exploit more than $400,000 from elderly victims across the Midwest. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 29 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis. 

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is leading the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Kapsak, Madalyn Campbell and Kathleen Howard are prosecuting the cases.

    The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rochester woman pleads guilty to defrauding Social Security

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Wendy Stone, 63, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to conversion/unlawful conveyance of government money, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that in December 2022, Victim 1 was a recipient of benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program. On December 28, 2022, Victim 1 died at a residence in Rochester. Stone discovered Victim 1’s body days after Victim 1 died. She was also aware that Victim 1 collected SSI Program benefits. But rather than inform authorities of Victim 1’s death, Stone took Victim 1’s debit card and spent SSI Program money still being deposited into Victim 1’s account for her own benefit. In furtherance of this scheme, Stone used Victim 1’s social security number to activate a new debit card in the name of Victim 1. In order to conceal Victim 1’s death and continue receiving Victim 1’s SSI Program benefits, Stone moved Victim 1’s corpse into the basement of the residence Victim 1 died in. She wrapped Victim 1’s corpse in plastic, placed it in a recycling bin, and periodically poured bleach on it. Victim 1’s corpse remained in the basement from December 2022 to September 2023. Between January 2023 and September 2023, Stone improperly collected $7,902.00 in SSI Program benefits intended for Victim 1. In addition, on February 6, 2023, Stone recertified SNAP benefits. In her recertification, Stone stated that Victim 1 still resided with her. As a result of this false information, Stone received an additional $1,072.00 in SNAP benefits that she was not entitled to receive.

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.

    Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., before Judge Geraci.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felons Arrested by DEA With Fifty Kilograms of Cocaine and Over $250,000 In Cash

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NASHVILLE – Larry S. Stoker and Calvin L. Trahan have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine after their arrest yesterday outside of a Nashville hotel, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.

    “Our law enforcement partners work diligently every day to stop loads of illegal drugs from reaching our citizens,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “The arrests of the defendants and the seizure of fifty kilos of cocaine as well as over a quarter of a million dollars in cash the latest result in our consistent efforts to stop the flow of illegal drugs into our communities.” 

    According to court documents, during a months’ long drug investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), agents identified individuals suspected of trafficking in large quantities of drugs in the Nashville area and elsewhere. Two of those individuals were identified as Deshawn Jones (a/k/a Deshaune Jones) and Larry Stoker, both convicted felons. Jones had been previously convicted in 2012 in federal court in Nashville as part of a racketeering conspiracy, and Stoker had been previously convicted of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in federal court in Texas in 2010 and is currently on federal supervised release.

    On April 15, 2025, as part of that ongoing investigation, agents determined that Jones had traveled to Nashville International Airport and picked up Stoker, who had arrived on a flight that evening. Jones then delivered Stoker to a hotel on 29th Avenue North in Nashville. That evening, agents surveilled the hotel and observed Calvin Trahan arrive in a vehicle with a Texas registration which he parked in the hotel parking lot. Trahan was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine in federal court in Illinois in 2006.

    On the morning of April 16, 2025, agents observed Stoker go to the vehicle that Trahan had previously driven to the hotel. Agents observed Trahan using a key fob from still inside the hotel. After Trahan used the key fob, Stoker then began unloading heavy bags from the vehicle. Once he had unloaded several bags from Trahan’s vehicle he returned to his hotel room with the bags. Later that morning, Jones drove to the same Nashville hotel from his apartment on Charlotte Avenue. When Jones arrived at the hotel, he met Stoker outside and the pair eventually went into the hotel together. When Jones entered the hotel, he was carrying a blue suitcase. Jones and Stoker then went to Stoker’s hotel room.

    A short time later, Jones and Stoker emerged from Stoker’s hotel room carrying the bags Stoker had unloaded from Trahan’s car as well as the blue suitcase. Once Jones and Stoker exited hotel and were observed carrying the bags, agents approached and identified themselves as law enforcement officers. Stoker and Jones dropped the bags and fled on foot. Stoker was apprehended. Jones was shot by a DEA agent during this operation. 

    In the blue suitcase and the bags abandoned by Jones and Stoker, agents found approximately fifty rectangular packages weighing approximately one kilogram each. Field tests of the packages revealed the presence of cocaine. Agents also recovered multiple bundles of banded cash which totaled over $250,000. Trahan, who had remained in the hotel, was then taken into custody inside the hotel.

    Based on the agents’ investigation, training, and experience, it appeared that Jones and Stoker had exchanged cash for drugs and swapped the contents of the bags and the suitcase as part of the transaction.

    If convicted, Stoker and Trahan face a mandatory minimum of ten years in federal prison and a maximum of life imprisonment with a maximum fine of $10 million.

    The shooting incident is being reviewed by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration per standard protocols. “The Metro Nashville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will conduct their own separate reviews of the agent-involved shooting,” added McGuire. “Once those reviews are concluded, I have asked them to share their findings with our office for appropriate action.”

    This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Wehby is prosecuting the case.

    A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    # # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey Releases 2024 Audited Financial Results and Outlines its 2025 Vision for Post Quantum Technology Convergence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey Releases 2024 Audited Financial Results and Outlines its 2025 Vision for Post Quantum Technology Convergence

    Schedules Conference Call and Webcast for Tuesday, April 22 at 10:00 am ET (4:00 pm CET)

    Geneva, Switzerland – April 17, 2025 – Ad-Hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 of SIX Listing Rules – WISeKey International Holding Ltd (NASDAQ: WKEY / SIX: WIHN) (“WISeKey” or “the Company”), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT technologies, today announced its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, and shared its strategic vision for 2025, a year expected to be defined by the convergence of foundational technologies and the emergence of Sovereign AI.

    Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey, commented: “2024 has been a pivotal year for WISeKey. We ended the year with a very strong balance sheet, strategic technological milestones, and a clear roadmap to take advantage of new opportunities ahead. From launching 17 secure satellites in partnership with SpaceX and further advancing negotiations on our semiconductor personalization center strategy, to scaling our blockchain platforms and developing post-quantum chips, we have created a solid foundation across every layer of digital trust infrastructure.

    We started 2025 on a very strong note and have now entered what I define as the ‘Year of WISeKey Convergence.’ This is more than a strategy, it is a paradigm shift. We are bringing together four foundational pillars: semiconductors, satellites, blockchain, and digital identity, into unified and interoperable ecosystems. This convergence allows us to offer end-to-end solutions where each component reinforces the other, enabling exponential innovation and resilience.

    For instance, our post-quantum secure chips, developed by our semiconductor subsidiary SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), are now being embedded into WISeSat satellites to create a secure foundation for a decentralized IoT infrastructure. Blockchain and identity platforms like SEALCOIN and WISeID are being deployed to power autonomous, tamper-proof transactions between machines, satellites, and users. Combining this with our partnership with the Hedera distributed ledger, brings transparency and immutability to these transactions. Additionally, our work with the Swiss Army is proceeding with the testing of a secure smartphone and secure communications with our WISeSat Satellites.

    This convergence approach positions WISeKey at the intersection of some of the most critical transformations of our time, such as quantum-resilient security, space-based connectivity, and the decentralized economy. We are not just adapting to the digital future, we are building it. For WISeKey, 2025 is expected to be a year of execution and scale, where our integrated business units aim to deliver tangible impact.”

    FY 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

    • $90.6 million cash balance (as of December 31, 2024) alongside a much cleaner balance sheet.
    • $11.9 million FY 2024 revenue, down from $30.1 million in FY 2023, reflects an expected decrease as a result of a transitional year with semiconductors customers gradually shifting to our next-generation quantum-resistant solutions and delayed building inventory until the release alongside the impact of the excess inventory accumulation by customers in 2023.
    • $7.0 million investments in R&D for the development of new projects and technologies, including SEALSQ’s post-quantum chip, SEALCOIN, and our WISeSat next generation satellites.
    • First engineering samples of our new quantum resistant secure microcontroller delivered in Q4 2024, in line with our semiconductors’ R&D plan initiated in 2022. We are on target to make our QVault-TPM, the next generation of secure microcontrollers built by SEALSQ on our new Secure RISC-V CPU, available on the market in Q4 2025.
    • Signed a landmark agreement with the Swiss Army to co-develop advanced cybersecurity and space-based capabilities. The first new generation WISeSat satellite under this initiative was launched in January 2025.
    • $115 million pipeline of secured and pending business opportunities over the period from 2026 to 2028 as of April 15, 2025.

    LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025

    Strong Financial Foundation to Support Strategic Growth

    WISeKey’s 2024 year-end solid cash position in excess of $90 million (predominantly secured via the over $80 million capital raised during 2024 by SEALSQ), alongside the availability of any additional financing should it be required, and its much cleaner balance sheet, place the Company in a very strong position to invest in high-growth areas such as post-quantum cybersecurity, next-generation semiconductors, satellite infrastructure, and blockchain-based ecosystems.

    Despite certain sector-wide headwinds, the Company’s overall outlook remains robust with a pipeline of secured and pending business opportunities exceeding $115 million for the period from 2026 to 2028, supported by growing public sector and defense partnerships.

    WISeKey anticipates strong growth in 2025, propelled by SEALSQ’s quantum-resistant technology developments and expanding IoT security demand. This growth is expected to be driven by the integration of chip revenue from new sources, an expansion in chip personalization services, additional revenue generated by WISeSat, and the consolidated revenue from our planned investments.

    In our semiconductors vertical, SEALSQ has been the main revenue contributor in 2024 and in prior years. We anticipate that our new Quantum-Resistant chips will be available on the market in Q4 2025. WISeKey foresees generating substantial returns from the full-scale commercial deployment of this quantum resistant chip starting in 2026.

    WISeKey has therefore taken several initiatives to develop new revenue streams and strengthen net results.

    These initiatives include:

    • Quantix Edges: Semiconductor Personalization & Design Center in Spain

    WISeKey and SEALSQ jointly, together with OdinS and TProtege, two Spanish companies with extensive experience in R&D&I (Research & Development & Innovation) worldwide and in the design and manufacturing of IoT devices and solutions, plan to establish in the Region of Murcia a “Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity and Microchips” under the financial umbrella of the Microelectronics and Semiconductors Plan (PERTE CHIP) initiated by Spain.   The project called Quantix Edges is in the final stages of the approval process by SETT, the Spanish government’s entity responsible for funding under the PERTE budgets.

    • Consolidated revenue from acquisition opportunities

    The potential IC’ALPS acquisition, if completed, would bolster SEALSQ’s Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) development, and further strengthen WISeKey’s portfolio of products.

    • WISeSat’s new generation satellites

    Six more launches are planned during 2025 and 2026, with the next one currently scheduled for June 2025.

    • SEALCOIN’s TIoT commercial launch

    Following on from the successful Proof of Concept carried out in Q1 2025, SEALCOIN is working to identify partners to perform other PoCs and further demonstrate its readiness for industrialization of its TIoT solution.

    • Quantum as a Service

    In 2025, WISeKey advanced its commitment to quantum computing by investing in ColibriTD, a pioneering quantum technology company, aiming to integrate ColibriTD’s Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) platform into its Quantum Roadmap.

    • Scaled Up Global Footprint

    WISeKey continues to strategically expand its global presence, secure key partnerships with renowned distributors and sales representatives in crucial markets. These alliances have strengthened WISeKey’s market position while fueling growth by leveraging each partner’s expertise and established networks.

    KEY DEVELOPMENTS BY SUBSIDIARY

    SEALSQ: Leadership in IoT and Post-Quantum Cryptography Era

    SEALSQ advanced the Company’s mission to secure the connected world by focusing on post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and IoT security. Through its QUASAR platform, SEALSQ developed quantum-resistant technologies to protect data against future quantum threats, aligning with global standards like those from NIST. SEALSQ’s future strategy is built around four key priorities:

    1. Commercial Launch of Post-Quantum Chips

    • Commercial launch of two new post-quantum semiconductors, targeting IoT, PC, Tablets, and various industrial applications including medical, military and automotive sectors.
    • Expansion of chip fabrication partnerships to increase output for enterprise and government security solutions.
    • SEALSQ has set an ambitious five-year target to capture 20% of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) market, a goal supported by strong market engagement. By the end of 2024, SEALSQ had secured over 60 qualified leads and one Design-IN for its TPM products, which are slated for commercial launch in 2025.
    • Developing Quantum resistant ASIC (custom design secure chips) for specific large client needs.

    2. Executing Targeted Acquisitions, Investments and Joint Ventures

    • Advanced and exclusive negotiations to acquire 100% of IC’ALPS; expected to be finalized in 2025.
    • As part of its global expansion strategy, SEALSQ is in final stage negotiations with Spanish authorities to establish an Outsourced Semiconductor Personalization and Test Center (OSPTC) in Spain. SEALSQ is exploring the development of similar OSPTCs in India, the United States, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
    • Planned continuing investment in startups engaged in quantum computing and AI initiatives as part of the SEALQUANTUM Initiative.

    3. R&D and Strategic Investments in Post-Quantum Security

    • SEALSQ is investing in the final development, qualification, certification (Common Criteria EAL5+ and FIPS 140-3 Level 3) process and the Industrialization (Wafer Test, Final Test, Packaging, Key Injection) of its Quantum-Resistant TPM 2.0 chip with a commercial launch target date set for Q4 2025. We are in discussions with over 60 interested potential customers, including major electronics manufacturers.
    • Scaling the first TPM PQC chip in broader ASIC offer for addressing the Medical, Defense, and IoT market segments.
    • First deployment of SEALSQ’s Quantum Resistant IoT chips on the WISeSat picosatellite constellation, enhancing secure connectivity in remote regions.

    4. Expanding Trust Services

    • Scaling managed PKI solutions for Matter IoT and enterprise security.
    • Expanding SSL/TLS and GSMA certificate offerings to reinforce global digital trust ecosystems.
    • Pushing adoption of INeS PKI Post quantum Cryptography latest features.

    WISeSat: Expanding Secure Space Capabilities

    WISeKey advanced its WISeSat.Space project, deploying low-earth-orbit picosatellites to provide secure IoT connectivity for remote applications. The Company continued to invest in this innovative satellite network, aiming to enhance global coverage for IoT ecosystems. With further deployments planned for 2025, WISeSat.Space is poised to address growing market demand for secure, satellite-based communication solutions, supporting critical infrastructure and underserved regions.

    Strategic Partnership with Swiss Armed Forces in the Space Sector
    In 2024, the WISeSat.Space division not only reinforced its strategic partnership with the Swiss Armed Forces in the space sector through the initiation of new projects, but it also formalized agreements with RUAG, the strategic integrator for the Swiss Armed Forces, for a national defence project focused on device-to-device communications.

    European Low Earth Orbit Satellite Constellation
    To date, WISeSat.Space has launched 17 mini-satellites with Space X into orbit through a strategic investment and partnership with FOSSA Systems, aimed at expanding its portfolio of space technology assets. Over the next 36 months, WISeSat.Space plans to deploy 88 next-generation satellites, following the January 2025 launch from California, which should significantly enhance global IoT connectivity and environmental monitoring capabilities, supporting applications such as climate change analysis, disaster response, and precision agriculture.

    Pioneering Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Transactions from Space
    In 2024, we took steps to launch a groundbreaking mission that harnesses WISeKey’s advanced security solutions in conjunction with the Hedera network to pioneer the exchange of SEALCOIN from space. Successfully tested in Q1 2025, this initiative marked the first-ever demonstration of secure digital cryptocurrency transactions conducted from orbit and established a proof-of-concept redefining boundaries of blockchain integration, a new era of space-based digital economies. Through this innovative endeavour, we reaffirmed our commitment to leading the development of digital currencies in an expanding technological landscape.

    Blockchain Ecosystem: SEALCOIN and WISe.ART

    SEALCOIN, WISeKey’s transactional IoT platform, made significant progress toward deploying decentralized digital identity solutions, leveraging blockchain to enable secure Web 3.0 transactions using our WISelD platform to incorporate Distributed Identity capabilities. With a development timeline set for key milestones in 2025, SEALCOIN aims to deliver scalable solutions for secure, trust-based interactions across digital networks, enhancing user control over identity and data.

    WISe.ART advanced its blockchain-based ecosystem for digital art and NFTs, integrating Web 3.0 technologies to ensure secure authentication and tokenization, capitalizing on the digital collectibles market. The WISe.ART platform has been developed to serve galleries, museums, and collectors, backed by WISeKey’s root-of-trust and blockchain compatible certificates of authenticity.

    WISeID: Empowering Private Digital Identity

    WISeID, WISeKey’s flagship digital identity platform, introduced biometric authentication, self-sovereign identity (SSI), and post-quantum cryptographic protocols, making it one of the world’s most secure digital identity systems.

    Complementing this, during 2024 WISeKey announced the ongoing development and planned launch of the SEALPhone, an ultra-secure smartphone designed with a privacy-by-design architecture. Currently in testing mode with several strategic clients, SEALPhone integrates WISeID and SEALCOIN, enabling secure communication, identity protection, and digital asset storage on a single hardware platform.

    FILING OF 2024 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 20-F

    WISeKey filed its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in the Form 20-F for the full year period ended December 31, 2024, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 2025. The Form 20-F can be accessed by visiting the Company’s website at www.wisekey.com.
    In addition, the Company’s stockholders may receive a hard copy of the Form 20-F, which includes complete audited financial statements, free of charge by contacting its Investor Relations Representative at lcati@equityny.com or +1 212 836-9611.

    CONFERENCE CALL

    The Company will host a conference call to review its results on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10:00 am ET (4:00 pm CET). To join, please use the following dial-in numbers:

    • Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 877-445-9755
    • International Dial-In Number: 201-493-6744

    The webcast of the call can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of WISeKey’s website at www.wisekey.com. An archived version of the call will also be made available.

    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL & OPERATIONAL DATA

    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [as reported]

      12 months ended December 31,
    USD’000, except earnings per share 2024   2023   2022
               
    Net sales 11,875   30,918   23,814
    Cost of sales (7,104)   (15,754)   (13,588)
    Depreciation of production assets (478)   (420)   (132)
    Gross profit 4,293   14,744   10,094
               
    Other operating income 184   167   2,073
    Research & development expenses (7,026)   (4,398)   (3,862)
    Selling & marketing expenses (8,550)   (6,523)   (7,275)
    General & administrative expenses (16,324)   (17,290)   (11,466)
    Total operating expenses (31,716)   (28,044)   (20,530)
    Operating loss (27,423)   (13,300)   (10,436)
               
    Non-operating income 1,629   2,374   3,937
    Debt conversion expense (32)   (562)   (827)
    Interest and amortization of debt discount (1,013)   (624)   (168)
    Non-operating expenses (2,018)   (3,107)   (5,551)
    Loss before income tax expense (28,857)   (15,219)   (13,045)
               
    Income tax income / (expense) (3,086)   (230)   3,238
    Loss from continuing operations, net (31,943)   (15,449)   (9,807)
               
    Discontinued operations:          
    Net sales from discontinued operations –   –   1,805
    Cost of sales from discontinued operations –   –   (978)
    Total operating and non-operating expenses from discontinued operations –   –   (5,274)
    Income tax recovery from discontinued operations –   –   25
    Loss on disposal of a business, net of tax on disposal –   –   (15,026)
    Income / (loss) on discontinued operations –   –   (19,448)
               
    Net loss (31,943)   (15,449)   (29,255)
               
    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (18,497)   (89)   (1,780)
    Net loss attributable to WISeKey International
    Holding Ltd    		 (13,446)   (15,360)   (27,475)
               
    Earnings per Class A Share (USD)          
    Earnings per Class A Share from continuing operations          
    Basic (0.92)   (0.50)   (0.44)
    Diluted (0.92)   (0.50)   (0.44)
    Earnings per Class A Share from discontinued operations          
    Basic –   –   (0.87)
    Diluted –   –   (0.87)
               
    Earning per Class A Share attributable to WISeKey International Holding Ltd          
    Basic (0.39)   (0.51)   (1.22)
    Diluted (0.39)   (0.51)   (1.22)
               
    Earnings per Class B Share (USD)          
    Earnings per Class B Share from continuing operations          
    Basic (9.17)   (5.01)   (4.36)
    Diluted (9.17)   (5.01)   (4.36)
    Earnings per Class B Share from discontinued operations          
    Basic –   –   (8.65)
    Diluted –   –   (8.65)
               
    Earning per Class B Share attributable to WISeKey International Holding Ltd          
    Basic (3.86)   (5.06)   (12.22)
    Diluted (3.86)   (5.06)   (12.22)
               
    Other comprehensive income / (loss), net of tax:          
    Foreign currency translation adjustments 287   (842)   (1,434)
    Reclassifications out of the OCI arising during period –   –   1,156
    Defined benefit pension plans:          
    Net gain (loss) arising during period (1,206)   (1,151)   2,934
    Other comprehensive income / (loss) (919)   (1,993)   2,656
    Comprehensive income / (loss) (32,862)   (17,442)   (26,599)
               
    Other comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (28)   (99)   (964)
    Other comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to WISeKey International Holding Ltd (891)   (1,894)   3,620
               
    Comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (18,525)   (188)   (2,744)
    Comprehensive income / (loss) attributable
    to WISeKey International Holding Ltd    		 (14,337)   (17,254)   (23,855)

    The notes are an integral part of our consolidated financial statements.

    Consolidated Balance Sheets [as reported]

      As at December 31,   As at December 31,
    USD’000 2024   2023
           
    ASSETS      
    Current assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents 90,600   15,311
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses 4,285   5,471
    Notes receivable, current 13   63
    Inventories 1,418   5,230
    Prepaid expenses 1,364   1,290
    Government assistance 2,247   1,718
    Other current assets 573   1,008
    Total current assets 100,500   30,091
           
    Noncurrent assets      
    Notes receivable, noncurrent 32   –
    Deferred income tax assets –   3,077
    Deferred tax credits 250   15
    Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation 3,275   3,392
    Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 96   96
    Operating lease right-of-use assets 1,502   2,052
    Goodwill 8,317   8,317
    Equity securities, at cost 455   486
    Other noncurrent assets 261   275
    Total noncurrent assets 14,188   17,710
    TOTAL ASSETS 114,688   47,801
           
    LIABILITIES      
    Current Liabilities      
    Accounts payable 13,496   12,863
    Notes payable 5,900   4,085
    Indebtedness to related parties, current 78   79
    Convertible note payable, current 9   190
    Deferred revenue, current 93   217
    Current portion of obligations under operating lease liabilities 607   638
    Income tax payable 2   4
    Other current liabilities 1,135   832
    Total current liabilities 21,320   18,908
           
    Noncurrent liabilities      
    Bonds, mortgages and other long-term debt 102   1,820
    Convertible note payable, noncurrent –   1,519
    Deferred revenue, noncurrent 21   24
    Indebtedness to related parties, noncurrent 1,387   –
    Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent 853   1,443
    Employee benefit plan obligation 3,877   3,001
    Other noncurrent liabilities 4   2
    Total noncurrent liabilities 6,244   7,809
    TOTAL LIABILITIES 27,564   26,717
    Commitments and contingent liabilities      
           
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Common stock – Class A 16   400
               Par value – CHF 0.01 and CHF 0.25      
    Authorized – 2,000,880 and 2,000,880 shares      
    Issued and outstanding – 1,600,880 and 1,600,880 shares      
    Common stock – Class B 359   8,170
    Par value – CHF 0.10 and CHF 2.50      
    Authorized – 6,194,267 and 6,194,267      
    Issued – 3,365,560 and 3,076,150      
    Outstanding – 3,309,052 and 2,954,097      
    Share subscription in progress 1   –
    Treasury stock, at cost (56,508 and 122,053 shares held) (502)   (691)
    Additional paid-in capital 316,431   289,448
    Accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss) 3,150   4,041
    Accumulated deficit (294,407)   (280,961)
    Total shareholders’ equity attributable to WISeKey shareholders 25,048   20,407
    Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries 62,076   677
    Total shareholders’ equity 87,124   21,084
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 114,688   47,801

    The notes are an integral part of our consolidated financial statements.

    Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by the 2024 annual report, identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting relating to an ineffective review control that was identified by the auditor.  As a result, an adjustment was made to the additional paid-in capital and noncontrolling interest in the equity accounts by the Company prior to the issuance of the financial statements ended December 31, 2024, which did not impact upon the total equity. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

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

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

    Disclaimer

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts and can be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will” and “would” or similar words. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include WISeKey’s ability to continue beneficial transactions with material parties, including a limited number of significant customers; market demand and semiconductor industry conditions; the growth of the post-quantum cryptography market; the adoption by developers and customers of quantum computing; the successful launch our post-quantum chips; our ability to sell post-quantum cryptography products to consumers; our ability to develop NIST-approved algorithms for our post-quantum semiconductor technologies; our ability to expand our chip personalization services; our ability to derive consolidated revenue from our planned investments; growth in our cybersecurity certificate and managed PKI services and acquisitions; our ability to expand our Semiconductor personalization and design facilities and semiconductor production; our ability to grow our U.S., Middle East and Asia-Pacific market presence; our ability to expand our Trust services; our development and tokenization of WISe.ART; our expansion of the WISeSat.Space project and the deployment of our next generation satellites; our proposed expansion into EMEA, North America and Asia; the deployment and commercialization of SEALCOIN and TIoT; the ongoing development and adopted of WISeID; and the risks discussed in WISeKey’s filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by WISeKey with the SEC.

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

    Press and Investor Contacts

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW: Trump Admin Halts More Than $35 Million from Wisconsin Head Start Centers, A 50% Cut

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin announced that the Trump Administration has stopped more than $35 million in funding for Wisconsin Head Start centers, putting quality preschool and child care for thousands of Wisconsin families at risk. New data shows that the Trump Administration has halted more than $35 million compared to the same period last year, a 50% cut in funding that could lead to closures of Wisconsin centers. Nationwide, the Trump administration has withheld nearly $1 billion in funding for Head Start, already forcing Head Start centers to close, with many others at risk. This new data comes as President Trump finalizes his proposal to eliminate Head Start, shutters half of the regional offices helping support local programs, including the one that serves Wisconsin, and fires scores of staff who ensure Head Start centers can serve kids and families.
     “Before our very eyes, Donald Trump is defunding Head Start – kicking kids out of the classrooms, laying off teachers and caretakers, and leaving many parents with no option for child care,” said Senator Baldwin. “The idea that the President is actively working to give the biggest corporations and wealthiest Wall Street guys a new tax break while taking away preschool and child care from Wisconsinites is beyond the pale – and I will fight it at every turn. Everywhere I travel in Wisconsin, parents tell me about the challenge of finding and affording good child care and early learning opportunities – and this move will only make it worse. We need to make child care more affordable, not shut down this lifeline, like the President is planning.”
    Across Wisconsin, 299 Head Start Centers serve nearly 15,000 children and their families, providing high-quality early childhood education and wrap-around support. Head Start programs’ grants are generally renewed at the same time each year, and Head Start programs depend on these strict funding cycles to continue serving kids and families. In 2024, $69.5 million in Head Start funding went out to Wisconsin centers from the start of the year through April 15. But during the same period this year, only $34.5 million has so far gone out, a 50% decline. 
     Last week, Senator Baldwin called on U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to answer for the closure of five regional Head Start offices across the country, including the Region 5 office in Chicago, which serves Head Start centers in Wisconsin.
    Earlier in the year, the Trump Administration froze funding for Head Start programs, and despite being forced to rescind its directive, eight Head Start programs around the state continued to experience issues accessing their federal funding, forcing one Head Start Center in Waukesha to close – leaving more than 250 families without childcare. Baldwin demanded that the Administration resolve the issue immediately and restore funding to these Wisconsin Head Start centers so they could continue serving kids and families.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Organized Labor, Energy Advocates Slam Trump Administration’s Stop Work Order on New York’s Second Largest Offshore Wind Project

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Trump Administration Illegally Ordered Construction to Cease at Empire Wind 1, Threatens Offshore Wind Projects Nationwide 

     

    Empire Wind 1 Development Employs 1,500 Union Workers, Will Power 500,000 NYC Homes Upon Completion 

     

    See Pictures and Video from Event Here

    New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) was today joined by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, organized labor, and industrial workforce and energy advocates for a press conference slamming the Trump administration’s unlawful stop work order for the fully-permitted Empire Wind 1 wind farm — the second-largest wind farm project in New York State — and urging the administration to reverse course. 

    The project employs 1,500 union workers and was set to deliver clean, renewable energy to over half a million New York City homes, provide over $100 million in supply chain economic investments across New York, and make significant progress toward the city’s climate and energy goals. 

    “Trump’s decision to halt the Empire Wind 1 project, and all offshore wind development, is a betrayal of his own ‘America first’ agenda,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “If executed, this directive would kill thousands of union jobs, reduce American manufacturing, increase energy prices, weaken our national security, and hand the clean energy future to China. In the name of his assault on climate initiatives, the President is actually undermining his own agenda and reducing American energy independence and dominance. I urge my Republican colleagues to work together to reverse this ill-advised decision.”

    Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “Donald Trump has made it clear that he is hellbent on keeping our air polluted and putting Americans out of work. The President claims to be all about creating blue collar jobs, but here he is erasing over 1,000 union jobs in what remains of Brooklyn’s working waterfront. With Empire Wind, Brooklyn is leading the nation’s transition toward renewable, reliable, and affordable energy. We won’t back down just because Trump says so. I’m proud to stand with Rep. Goldman and so many other partners today to reject this reckless decision.”

    State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “The Trump Administration’s decision to revoke approval for Empire Wind 1 is a slap in the face to all New Yorkers. Empire Wind 1 isn’t just about power generation—it’s about powering our economy with good-paying union jobs, apprenticeships for our young workers, and billions in economic investment in neighborhoods like Sunset Park and Red Hook. This project was fully permitted. Shovels were already in the ground, creating jobs. We cannot sit by quietly while this administration blocks the path toward affordable energy, resilient infrastructure, and jobs that support families.”

    Councilmember Alexa Avilés said, “I am profoundly concerned by the decision to stop the ongoing offshore wind project in New York. Our community has fought for years to ensure that Sunset Park would be part of solutions to reduce carbon emissions, build healthier and green energy, and provide new local union jobs. It is undeniable that we must build offshore wind to address our energy needs while recognizing the climate crisis. Thank you to all the community partners, city agencies, unions and Equinor for their commitment to our community and offshore wind. We stand in deep support.”

    Glen Siegel and Michael Stamatis, Managing Partners of SSBMT L.P., Operators of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, said, “We are deeply disappointed by the Trump Administration’s abrupt and shortsighted decision to halt all construction of Equinor’s Empire Wind project in federal waters. This decision undermines years of planning, investment, and collaboration between public and private partners working together to realize New York’s clean energy goals and create good-paying union jobs right here in Brooklyn. Equinor’s Empire Wind project is not only essential to our state’s energy future—it is the catalyst for revitalizing SBMT as a national hub for offshore wind staging, assembly, and operations. This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform New York’s working waterfront, drive economic development, and deliver sustainable, renewable energy to millions of residents.”

    Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and Climate Jobs New York Director, said, “Hundreds of workers were prepared to start jobs on the offshore construction of Empire Wind 1 in just a few weeks, but now, their financial futures have been pulled out from under them. Thousands more jobs supporting the offshore wind industry – on the port at South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, assembly and staging at Arthur Kill Terminal on Staten Island, and component manufacturing in Albany and across the country, to name a few – are also all now at risk. Our union members and our communities are counting on clean energy jobs. We need to protect them.”

    Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, and Climate Jobs New York Director, said, “This announcement is a blow to New York’s hardworking tradesmen and tradeswomen who are counting on this project to create high-quality, long-lasting jobs, and to everyone in New York who is struggling to afford their electric bills right now. Empire Wind was going to bolster the middle class, make our air cleaner, and bring much-needed local power to our energy grid to lower costs. This stop work order on a shovel-ready energy project is a massive step backward for union workers and our quest to build more domestic energy, and it sends a chilling effect to any developers looking to build energy projects here in America.”

    Christopher Erikson, Business Representative for Local Union No. 3 IBEW, said, “The nearly 29,000 members of Local Union No. 3, IBEW are disappointed with the federal government’s decision to pause construction on the Empire Wind 1 project. This action is detrimental to my members, other Building Trades workers, Sunset Park, and the surrounding communities who were counting on clean energy to be added to the grid to help power our neighborhoods. Local 3, IBEW members have been preparing for this project for years in anticipation of the union wages and benefits that would support them and their families. We stand in solidarity with Congressman Goldman, Equinor, and the team behind Empire Wind to express our dismay, disappointment, and anger at this shortsighted decision by the Trump administration. We hope this is only a pause, so that we can get to work on securing a clean energy future in our city and a healthier planet for ourselves and our families.”

    Jesse Solomon, Executive Director of the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Corporation, said, “For the past year, SBIDC has been working directly with small businesses in Brooklyn to help them access offshore wind contracts and prepare for a generational economic opportunity. Empire Wind 1 is central to that progress. This is one of the most important climate and economic development projects New York has ever seen – we stand with Rep. Goldman in urging the federal government to reinstate this project.” – Jesse Solomon, Executive Director, Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation.” 

    Chris Ward, Interim President and CEO at Waterfront Alliance said, “Clean, affordable, and reliable power for 500,000 homes. 1,000 jobs. A billion-dollar port. Yesterday, the Trump administration decided that New Yorkers do not need these. With the scratch of a pen, an incredible $2 billion investment to make the world better was halted. Waterfront Alliance is confident that wiser minds will prevail. We will offer every support to Equinor, the State and City of New York, and our partners in offshore wind and port development to see that this decision is reversed,”

    Esther Rosario, Executive Director of Climate Jobs New York, said, “If we stall these projects, we don’t just jeopardize our energy grid’s stability—we put workers’ livelihoods at risk. These aren’t abstract ideas — they’re real paychecks that were promised to working people in our unions and our communities. Local businesses, from bodegas to gas stations, also benefit when these projects are underway. We urge our federal government to reverse their decision to halt this project and our leaders in New York to stay the course and invest in and protect the union jobs that are rebuilding our middle class and building our future.”

    Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, “The federal government is placing American energy independence and abundance, thousands of union jobs, and clean air at risk with the reckless stop work order for Empire Wind. This project is fully permitted and will provide energy for half a million homes – there are no other ways to get that amount of energy into New York’s grid in the near term when electric demand is growing. We are proud to stand with Governor Hochul, Congressman Goldman, our friends in labor, and the environmental movement to fight this attempt to derail our clean energy future and hurt New York’s nation-leading progress to develop offshore wind power.”

    Allyson Samuell, Sierra Club’s Senior Campaign Organizer in New York said, “Offshore wind creates good jobs with good salaries and doesn’t pollute our air and water. This is the future for our energy system. The downstate New York region is incredibly dense, we don’t have a lot of space for large scale energy infrastructure on land. Offshore wind projects, like Empire Wind 1, are the ideal solution for providing electricity to the entire New York City metro-area. This project is essential to helping downstate New York meet the rising demand for electricity and ensure reliable energy for families. For New Yorkers, this is local power that is generated near where it’s needed, bringing us closer to energy independence.”

    Spurred by clean energy subsidies in President Biden and House Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project would be the first of its kind to plug directly into the New York City power grid, ultimately powering over 500,000 homes. The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal would also be the largest offshore wind Operations and Maintenance hub as well as staging area in the United States.  

    Congressman Goldman has championed the Empire Wind 1 project and offshore wind energy as a national security and economic imperative since taking office. 

    Last June, Congressman Goldman joined elected officials to break ground on the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, which would serve as the largest offshore wind staging and maintenance port in the nation and connect offshore wind power to over 500,000 homes across New York City. 
    Last Spring, Congressman Goldman led a walking tour of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal to tout the role that Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits played in making Brooklyn the future offshore wind capital of America.  
    Congressman Dan Goldman is a member of the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus, which pushes for policies to improve offshore wind technology, increase investment in the offshore wind workforce, and position the United States as a global leader in the industry. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EUROPE/ITALY – Farewell to Father Angelo Lazzarotto, a great friend of Chinese Catholics

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    photo Lino Giudice

    by Gianni ValenteRancio di Lecco (Agenzia Fides) – The old group photo chosen to accompany this memory portrays him in civilian clothes, just behind Deng Xiaoping. It was May 22, 1978. At 53 years old, the priest and PIME missionary – his friend Lino Giudice tells us today – had managed to be included in the delegation, accredited in his visa application as a “spiritual advisor” to the Milanese politician Vittorino Colombo, visible in the photo to the left of the “Little Helmsman.”Colombo, a Christian Democrat senator, was at the time one of the “bridge builders” with post-Maoist China led by Deng on the path of open-minded reforms. Father Angelo took advantage of even the smallest opportunity to reach out and see how he could support the Chinese Catholic communities, severely affected by the turbulent years of the Red Guards and Cultural Revolution.Father Lazzarotto died this Tuesday, April 15, at the nursing home for missionaries of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) in Rancio di Lecco, where he had been receiving care since 2017. He would have turned 100 on May 14. The photo published in the “Quotidiano del Popolo” in 1978 sums up a long and passionate life dedicated to bearing witness to Christ, with a special love for his Chinese brothers and sisters.Born in Falzè di Piave, in the province of Treviso, Father Angelo discovered his missionary vocation during high school in Conegliano Veneto. He entered the PIME high school seminary in Genoa at the age of 15 and was soon impressed by the stories of faith shared by missionaries in China. He was ordained a priest on December 20, 1947, and the following year began studies in Missiology at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, where he earned a degree three years later. In 1955, he also earned a degree in Missionary Law from the same university. During his time in Rome, he became acquainted with the Focolare Movement and immersed himself in the spirituality of unity and communion of Chiara Lubich.Throughout his life, Father Lazzarotto served the universal Church and especially the Church in China in many ways. Sent for the first time to Hong Kong in 1956, then a British colony, he experienced first-hand the difficulties faced by Chinese Catholic communities. After several years of service at his missionary Institute, he returned to Hong Kong in 1979. From 1985 to 1990, he was appointed Rector of the Pontifical Urban College of Propaganda Fide, by Cardinal Prefect Jozef Tomko. Later, in the 1990s, as the PIME website notes, “he actively collaborated with the CUM (United Center for the Missionary Cooperation among Churches ) in Verona, especially in the sections dedicated to Africa and Asia, for which he was responsible.”His passion for the Church in China can also be seen in his countless publications, books, articles, conferences, speeches and numerous trips to maintain contact with Chinese Catholic communities, listening first-hand to their desires, sufferings and prayers.Father Angelo was part of that group of missionary-Sinologists who, with different sensibilities but a common passion, helped in the decades following the Cultural Revolution to understand and accompany the reality of the Catholic Church in China and its journey in following the faith of the Apostles. Among them were Frenchman Jean Charbonnier, Polish Roman Malek, and his PIME confrere Giancarlo Politi, who preceded him in eternal rest.His intentions and speeches, always aimed at recognizing living faith in the midst of difficulties, promoted paths of communion and reconciliation, encouraging Chinese Catholic communities to overcome, or at least not exacerbate, contrasts and divisions.Father Lazzarotto’s funeral will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the PIME house in Rancio, Lecco. His remains will rest in the PIME Missionaries Cemetery in Villa Grugana, in the province of Lecco, Lombardy (Italy). (Agenzia Fides, 16/4/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN/GENERAL AUDIENCE – Pope Francis and the parable of the Prodigal Son: “Wherever we are lost, and however we are lost, God always comes looking for us”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 16 April 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – After meditating on Jesus’ encounters with some figures from the Gospels, Pope Francis, continuing the cycle of catechesis dedicated to the life of Christ read in the light of the themes of the Holy Year, begins a new chapter, dedicated to the parables of Jesus. They are “stories that draw on images and situations from everyday reality”, explains the Pontiff in the text released only in written form for the General Audience that he was supposed to hold today, and “that is why they also touch our lives. They provoke us. And they ask us to take a position: where am I in this story?”.The Pope then analyzes what he himself defines as “the most famous parable, the one that perhaps we all remember”, that of the prodigal son: “In this we find the heart of the Gospel of Jesus, namely God’s mercy”.The evangelist Luke, explains the Pope, “says that Jesus tells this parable for the pharisees and the scribes, who lamented that He ate with sinners. This is why it could be said that it is a parable addressed to those who are lost, but do not know it, and judge others. The Gospel is intended to give us a message of hope, because it tells us that wherever we are lost, and however we are lost, God always comes looking for us!”.The Pope invites us to reflect on the behavior of the two sons. Indeed, both have lost their way: “the youngest because he got tired of being in a relationship that he felt was too demanding; but the eldest is also lost, because it is not enough to stay at home if there is pride and resentment in his heart”.”Love,” the Bishop of Rome points out, “is always a commitment, there is always something that we must lose in order to go towards the other. But the younger son in the parable thinks only of himself. Like all of us, hungers for affection, he wants to be loved. But love is a precious gift; it must be treated with care. Instead, he squanders it, he disregards it, he does not respect himself. He realizes this in times of famine, when no-one cares for him. The risk is that in those moments we beg for affection and attach ourselves to the first master we chance upon.”.It is these experiences, adds the Pope, ” that give rise within us to the distorted belief that we can only be in a relationship as servants, as if we had to atone for a guilt or as if true love could not exist”. And indeed “the younger son, when he hits rock bottom, thinks he will go back to his father’s house to pick up a few crumbs of affection from the ground”.In reality, the Pontiff emphasizes, “only those who truly love us can free us from this false view of love.” He then cites a work by Rembrandt, who in depicting the young man’s return home, depicts “the young man’s head is shaven, like that of a penitent, but it also looks like the head of a child, because this son is being born again. And then the father’s hands: one male and the other female, to describe the strength and tenderness in the embrace of forgiveness.”But it is the eldest son, the Bishop of Rome points out, “who represents those for whom the parable is told: he is the son who always stayed at home with his father, yet was distant from him, distant in heart. This son may have wanted to leave too, but out of fear or duty he stayed there, in that relationship. When you adapt unwillingly, however, you begin to harbour anger within you, and sooner or later this anger explodes. Paradoxically, it is precisely the eldest son who in the end risks being left out, because he does not share his father’s joy.” And the father “goes towards him too. He does not reproach him or call him to duty. He wants only that he feels his love. He invites him to enter and to leave the door open”.”That door remains open for us too. Indeed, this is the reason for hope: we are able to hope because we know that the Father is waiting for us, He sees us from afar, and He always leaves the door open”, concludes the Pope. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 16/4/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/MADAGASCAR – Appointment of Bishop of Fenoarivo Atsinanana

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 17 April 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Francis has appointed the Rev. Fr. Marek Ochlak, O.M.I., currently Provincial Superior of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Poland, as Bishop of the Diocese of Fenoarivo Atsinanana (Madagascar),.His Exc. Msgr. Marek Ochlak, O.M.I., was born on March 14, 1966 in Nowe Miasto Lubawskie (Poland). He entered the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and attended the O.M.I. Minor Seminary in Markowice and novitiate in Koderi. He received his philosophical and theological formation in the O.M.I. Major Seminary in Obra. He made his perpetual profession in 1990 and was ordained a priest in 1992.He has held the following positions: Parish assistant of St. Eugène de Mazenod in Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Poland (1992-1994); preparation for the mission in Madagascar in France (1994-1995); Missionary in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Toamasina (1995-2002); Head of the Apostleship of the Sea (2002-2006); Parish priest of Notre-Dame de Lourdes (2006-2009); Assistant in the Council of the O.M.I. Delegation, in Madagascar (1995-2008); Superior of the O.M.I. Delegation in Madagascar (2009-2015); Parish Priest of Befasy, Diocese of Morondava (2016-2021); In charge of the missions in the Province of Poland (2021-2022). Since 10 January 2023 he has been Provincial Superior of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Poland. (Agenzia Fides, 17/4/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI USA: Inaugural UConn Hunger Symposium

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Congresswoman Jahana Hayes visited UConn Health to speak at the first UConn Hunger Symposium about the vital importance of nutrition access in Connecticut.

    Congresswoman Jahana Hayes speaking at the UConn Hunger Symposium.

    “Food is a basic need,” Hayes shared, even in America. “Hunger is a policy choice, that is something we can solve for! This one is actually one we can fix.”

    Husky Harvest food pantry at UConn Health.

    “I would like to welcome you all to the first-ever symposium on hunger,” shared Dr. Adam Perrin, director of Student Wellness and faculty co-director of Student Affairs at UConn School of Medicine. “Hopefully there will be many more to follow. As a family medicine doctor I always ask my patients about this social determinant of health. It’s amazing how much food insecurity is out there. It’s a harsh reality in our communities.”

    At the UConn Hunger Symposium Hayes emotionally shared her own past, personal journey with food insecurity, and the struggles she also witnessed in her students as a former public school teacher in Connecticut stressing that, “children need food to learn.”

    “We need to ensure food is getting to people. It’s so deeply personal to me, I understand how important these programs are,” said Hayes who recounted her first visit to the UConn Waterbury campus when she was first running for Congress. “Food insecurity came up and they were starting a food pantry at the school.”

    UConn President Radenka Maric with Congresswoman Jahana Hayes at the first UConn Hunger Symposium.

    Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of the non-profit CT FoodShare, also participated in the Symposium and applauded UConn for its dedication to now having Husky Harvest food pantries on each of its 7 campuses.

    Hayes pointed out startlingly how 3.8 million college students last year experienced food insecurity, and how she has introduced The Closing the College Hunger Gap Act to help them as the Ranking Member of the Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture Subcommittee. She also works closely in Connecticut with CT Foodshare that has also generously donated food and resources to the Husky Harvest food pantries.

    Congresswoman Hayes touring the UConn Health campus food pantry on April 17. 2025.

    “Thanks for all that you do,” shared Hayes with the leadership of UConn, UConn Health, its faculty, staff and medical and dental students attending the symposium. “I applaud what you are doing, and in your clinical curriculum. I know the students who train here will be a kind, different type of doctor.”

    Dr. Adam Perrin of UConn School of Medicine and Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of CT FoodShare.

    “Food insecurity is real. We have food pantries on each of our campuses. This is very dear to my heart as president of the University,” shared Radenka Maric, president of UConn. “I’m so proud this symposium is taking place.”

    The medical school staff including Suzanne Tate and student volunteers founded UConn Health campus’ Husky Harvest food pantry back in 2023 after a survey showed that even 30 percent of its students may struggle at times with food insecurity.

    UConn School of Medicine Dean Dr. Bruce T. Liang and Congresswoman Hayes.

    “Our students are taught as part of their 4-year curriculum about the vital importance healthy food plays on one’s health,” shared Dr. Bruce T. Liang, dean of UConn School of Medicine. “As a cardiologist I know how critical good nutrition is for a person’s health. As we do more research innovations, nutrition is going to be even more important.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USAO Committed to Prosecuting Those Who Sexually Exploit and Abuse Children

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLEVELAND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Ohio is raising awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April by bringing attention to the some of the youngest victims of crime.

    While child abuse can take many forms, the USAO specifically handles online cases where children have been sexually exploited by adults. Federal law prohibits the production, advertisement, transportation, distribution, receipt, sale, access or possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) utilizing a means of interstate commerce. The law further prohibits the online coercion or enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The USAO also prosecutes cases where offenders travel to engage in sexual activity with a minor under 16 or who transport a minor across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

    Although the term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statues, the term “pornography” can conjure up a false connection to adult pornography that is created by consenting adults 18 years and older. Instead, child pornography consists of videos and images of victims ranging in age from newborn to 17 years old, and who are physically tortured, sexually abused, extorted, manipulated, or simply incapable of comprehending the ramifications of their material posted online. Therefore, organizations who work to combat child exploitation prefer that these actions be referred to as “CSAM” as it reflects the abuse and exploitation depicted in the images and videos that result in prolonged trauma to children.

    “Offenders use the easy access of the internet to perpetuate this type of criminal behavior against our most vulnerable. Unbeknownst to parents, they connect with children online through social media, video games and other apps. In other cases, victims know their abuser. It could be a trusted friend, neighbor, coach, religious leader, babysitter −or even a parent−committing these crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik for the Northern District of Ohio. “Our office is determined to go after these perpetrators and will continue to dedicate time and resources to investigate and prosecute CSAM offenders so that we can protect and rescue the children of our District as well as those in the worldwide internet community.”

    With the proliferation of the internet, the Department of Justice launched the Project Safe Childhood initiative in 2006 to combat technology-facilitated crimes that involve the sexual exploitation of children. Sexual predators use online avenues such as social media, to solicit children for physical sexual contact. Increasingly offenders entice, coerce or groom minors into producing CSAM. They accomplish this by gaining their trust in a number of ways quickly. Some minors report chatting with offenders for less than an hour before being asked to provide sexually explicit photos of themselves. Minors who comply with the request oftentimes become the victims of sextortion, where the perpetrator threatens to blackmail them in some way.

    Recent USAO cases involving child exploitation and sexual abuse include:

    U.S v. Rudra – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. He admitted to picking her up in his vehicle to drive her to a hotel for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual acts with her. He was also found to possess CSAM on his electronic devices.

    U.S. v. Chesser – A former firefighter from Maumee, Ohio, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a two-year-old and produced child pornography of the toddler. He sexually exploited a second minor who was a teenager.

    U.S. v. Walker – A Rocky River, Ohio, man was sentenced to 35 years in prison after admitted to harming his victims and recording the sexual abuse on his cellphone. He connected with an 11-year-old victim through a children’s app and coerced her to send him sexually explicit photos. Two additional victims were identified as toddlers at a home daycare where he visited a friend who resided there.

    U.S. v. Patterson – A Canton, Ohio, man was sentenced to 26 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges including possessing hundreds of CSAM images that included children under the age of 12. Some of the images were of a minor who was unaware that she was being surreptitiously recorded by a hidden camera.

    U.S. v. Hughes – A Piqua, Ohio, man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for admitting his intention to engage in sexual activity with a purported seven-year-old daughter of an undercover agent.

    U.S. v. Reebel – A federal jury convicted a Toledo, Ohio, man of receiving and distributing CSAM, for nearly eight years. Investigators also discovered that he used social media for years to chat with minors and send them sexually explicit messages and photos of himself. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2025.

    U.S. v. Greulich – A Cleveland man pleaded guilty to gaining the trust of a 14-year-old girl through a social media app and then driving to her home in New York on two separate occasions to take her to a hotel where he violently and sexually abused her which he recorded on a digital device. Sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2025.

    To report child sexual abuse, please visit www.cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eight Individuals Charged with Multi-Million Dollar Fraudulent Lending Scheme Targeting Small Business Owners Across the United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – Eight individuals have been charged in connection with a large-scale lending scheme that targeted the owners of small businesses from across the United States, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    The complaint charges the defendants with multiple counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  Joseph Rosenthal, 33, of Holmdel, New Jersey; Nicholas Smith, 31, of Bradley Beach, New Jersey; James Missry, 40, of New York City, New York; Paul Cotogno, 31, of Long Branch, New Jersey; Blaise Cotogno, 32, of Tinton Falls, New Jersey; and Adam Akel, 30, of Long Branch, New Jersey, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark, III in Newark federal court and were released on bail.  Matthew Robertson, 31, of Miami, Florida, who was arrested in the Southern District of Florida, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué A. Lett and was released on bail.  Nicholas Winter, 38, of Asbury Park, New Jersey is currently in custody on unrelated state charges.

    “These defendants perpetrated a years’ long scheme to defraud hard-working business owners in New Jersey and across the United States, stealing millions of dollars from thousands of victims.  These charges reflect our Office’s commitment to holding accountable those who prey on small business owners trying to support their communities and earn a decent living.”

    – U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

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

    Since June 2020, the defendants enriched themselves by defrauding small business owners interested in obtaining financing for their businesses.  Through misrepresentations and falsehoods, the defendants promised their victims that in exchange for money provided upfront, the defendants would ultimately extend a loan or line of credit to the victims.  In reality, once a victim provided the upfront payment to the defendants, the defendants did not extend financing to the victim.  Instead, the defendants kept the victims’ money and broke off communication.  As a result of the scheme, the defendants defrauded thousands of victims out of millions of dollars.

    The wire fraud conspiracies charged in Counts One and Two of the criminal complaint each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents and intelligence analysts of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence Reilly in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James H. Graham of the Special Prosecutions Division and Blake Coppotelli of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eau Claire Man Sentenced to 110 Months for Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Corey Hobbs, 39, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 110 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Hobbs pleaded guilty to this charge on January 7, 2025.

    In November and December 2023, Hobbs sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on three occasions. During the largest buy on December 6, 2023, Hobbs sold 261.09 grams of methamphetamine to the informant. Officers arrested Hobbs on December 31, 2023, and when they searched him and his vehicle, they found $10,610 in cash.                                                      

    At sentencing, Judge Peterson highlighted Hobbs’s lengthy criminal history, saying it showed a “sustained pattern of drug dealing.” Judge Peterson also emphasized the pounds of methamphetamine attributed to Hobbs as relevant conduct.

    The charges against Hobbs were the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force, the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Remington and Colleen Lennon prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans and Mississippi Men Indicted for Conspiracy and Interstate Transport of Stolen Vehicles

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JARED THOMAS (“THOMAS”), age 32, a resident of New Orleans; TERRENCE ROBINSON a/k/a Brian Jacobs (“ROBINSON”), age 39, a resident of Carriere, Mississippi; CHRISTOPHER MEYERS (“MEYERS”), age 33, a resident of Slidell; HANNIF BEY (“BEY”), age 34, a resident of Metairie; and JALEN HILLS (“HILLS”), age 22, a resident of Lacombe, were charged on April 11, 2025, in a six-count indictment.  In Count One, ROBINSON, THOMAS, BEY, MEYERS, ROBINSON, and HILLS were charged for conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  In Counts Two through Six, MEYERS, THOMAS, and ROBINSON were charged with interstate transport of stolen vehicles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2312. 

    According to the indictment, THOMAS, BEY, MEYERS, ROBINSON, and HILLS devised a scheme to create fake credit profiles to secure funding for auto loans.  The credit profiles used both stolen and fake social security numbers, drivers’ license numbers, and dates of birth. Once they secured the loan they would purchase Audi vehicles at Audi of New Orleans.  After the group would take possession of the vehicles, they would never pack back the auto loan, sell the vehicles for their personal enrichment, or use the vehicles for their personal enjoyment.      

    If convicted of Count One, THOMAS, BEY, MEYERS, ROBINSON, and HILLS face up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. If convicted of Counts Two through Six, THOMAS, MEYERS, and ROBINSON face up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MJH Healthcare Holdings, LLC Agrees to Pay $2 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Postage Rates

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – MJH Healthcare Holdings, LLC, its subsidiary, MJH Life Sciences, LLC, and several affiliates of MJH Life Sciences, LLC (collectively MJH), have agreed to pay $2,006,424 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly certifying their eligibility to use the periodicals postage rate offered by the United States Postal Service when they were ineligible for that rate.  MJH, based in Cranbury, New Jersey, publishes educational and promotional materials aimed at healthcare providers and patients.

    The United States alleged that for 40 mailings of MJH publications between October 2021 and June 2024, MJH calculated the required postage based on the periodicals postage rate.  The periodicals rate is only available for publications where more than half of the mailed issues have been requested by recipients.  However, in calculating the percentage of these issues that were requested by the addressee, MJH certified figures to the Postal Service that were inaccurate in two ways.  First, it allegedly included among the “requesters” addressees appearing on lists received from third-party sources that had not qualified the listed individuals to be requesters, as required.  Second, MJH counted requests that had aged out.  Under Postal Service rules, requests must be less than three years old to qualify for the periodicals rate.  Had MJH excluded these categories from its calculations, as required, the percentage of requesters would have been less than 50 percent of recipients.  MJH should not have certified that its requester figures were accurate and that it was eligible for the lower periodicals rate for these mailings.

    “The United States relies on individuals and companies doing business with it to accurately report what they owe the government.  When they do not, we will not hesitate to take appropriate steps to protect the public fisc.”

    – U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

    “The USPS OIG will continue to aggressively investigate companies that defraud the Postal Service,” said Tammy Hull, Inspector General U.S. Postal Service. “This settlement demonstrates that our special agents will work with the United States Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office to identify companies that misrepresent their eligibility for lower postage rates.”

    The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by John Burke, a former employe of one of the MJH affiliates.  Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Mr. Burke will receive $341,092 under this resolution. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Burke v. MJH Healthcare Holdings, LLC, et al., No. 3:22-cv-07367 (D. N.J.).

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey with assistance from the United States Postal Service’s Office of the Inspector General.

    The matter was investigated by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Kaufman and Trial Attorney Wesley Heath.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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    MIL Security OSI –