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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Superseding Indictment Charges Two Brothers and a City Mayor’s Assistant with Tax Fraud, Public Corruption, and Money Laundering

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    CLEVELAND – A federal grand jury returned a 32-count superseding indictment charging Zubair Mehmet Abdur Razzaq Al Zubair, 42, recently of Bratenahl, Ohio, his brother Muzzammil Muhammad Al Zubair, 31, recently of Pepper Pike, Ohio, and their associate Michael Leon Smedley, 56, of Cleveland, with multiple fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, and public corruption schemes. The initial 22-count indictment was issued Jan. 24, 2024.

    All three defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and Hobbs Act conspiracy. The Al Zubair brothers were both charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 13 counts of wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, four counts of money laundering, theft of government funds, and aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Zubair Al Zubair was also charged with harboring a fugitive and willful failure to file a tax return.

    According to court documents, from June 2020 through August 2023, the Al Zubair brothers allegedly employed several deceptive strategies to obtain money and property from victims. Their schemes involved investment fraud, a Small Business Administration COVID-19 relief Emergency Income Disaster Loan, cryptocurrency mining, and commercial and residential real estate transactions.

    One scheme was international in scope and involved military munitions. After the Al Zubair brothers found a buyer who was looking to purchase military-grade weapons, they made contact with individuals in Romania, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and New York about finding sources to supply the munitions their buyer was seeking. The true intent was not the actual sale of the munitions, but rather to convince the purchaser to transfer a commission to the brothers for arranging the transaction.

    The Al Zubair brothers’ ill-gotten proceeds allowed them to acquire a trove of jewelry, luxury timepieces and vehicles, as well as more than 80 firearms. Zubair Al Zubair also leased a high-end residential property in Bratenahl, Ohio, before being evicted in August 2023.

    The superseding indictment alleges that the two made exorbitant claims about their extraordinary wealth and government connections. Zubair Al Zubair said he was a member of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates through his marriage to a princess. His brother, Muzzammil, claimed to be a hedge fund manager. According to the superseding indictment, he was not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or as a broker with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and his only education on hedge funds came from watching YouTube videos. Using the illusion of being extremely educated, successful, and well-connected, the brothers befriended a public official employed with the city of East Cleveland to help them to carry out their elaborate and deceptive plots.

    As the chief of staff and executive assistant to the mayor of East Cleveland, Smedley allegedly used his position to help navigate red-tape bureaucracy and obtain specific outcomes for the Al Zubair brothers in return for things of value including checks, food and meals at high-end restaurants, and offers of future employment. For example, Smedley secured official letters on city letterhead to sway administrative and judicial proceedings, helped obtain appointment of Zubair Al Zubair as an International Economic Advisor to the city, obtained city business cards in Zubair Al Zubair’s name, and even provided the brothers with City of East Cleveland Police Badges.

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of actors unique to this case. These include each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

    This case is being investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division and the IRS−Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Om Kakani for the Northern District of Ohio. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Paperclip SAFE to Present Keynote at The Official Cybersecurity Summit in New York

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HACKENSACK, N.J., March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paperclip Inc. (OTCMKTS:PCPJ), an innovative data security and content management company, is a presenting sponsor at The Official Cybersecurity Summit: New York on Thursday, March 6. Paperclip’s CRO Chad Walter will be presenting a keynote titled ‘Post-Quantum Readiness: Now, Later, or Never?’ The presentation will take place at 10:05 a.m. in the Metropolitan Ballroom at Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel.

    The New York Cybersecurity Summit connects C-Suite & Senior Executives responsible for protecting their companies’ critical infrastructures with innovative solution providers and renowned information security experts. This educational forum will focus on sharing best practices and innovations designed to protect highly vulnerable business applications and critical infrastructure. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the nation’s leading solution providers and discover the latest products and services for enterprise cyber-defense.

    “We’re excited to be back in New York for the Official Cybersecurity Summit after making so many great connections last year,” said Chad Walter, CRO at Paperclip. “I’ll be presenting on a topic that’s on everyone’s mind in the cybersecurity field—Post-Quantum Computing and Cryptography. As a cybersecurity community we have a responsibility to share new ideas and innovations, which is why it’s critical to bring attention to data-centric security and the latest encryption technologies.”

    Analysts are making bold statements about post-quantum cryptography, even going so far as to encourage organizations to build out post-quantum ready environments in 2025. Paperclip’s keynote presentation will explore whether the industry is ringing the alarm bell too early, the implications of jumping ahead to a post-quantum world, and distinguish other priorities that should take precedent over the post-quantum hype.

    At the event, Paperclip will also have a booth to showcase its SAFE solution, a breakthrough encryption technology that keeps private data encrypted at all points of its lifecycle. SAFE is the only always-encrypted data security platform that works at the speed of business, working with the fluidity of data instead of against it. Paperclip also specialized in secure content management, data transcription, and fully encrypted email and e-sign technologies.

    You can still register and attend Thursday’s event using Paperclip’s code CSS25-Paperclip. For more information on the Cyber Security Summits, to register for the NY event or view the show agenda, visit https://cybersecuritysummit.com/.

    About Paperclip, Inc.

    Paperclip is a proven technology partner that continues to revolutionize data security, content and document management for Fortune 1,000 companies worldwide. Every second of every day, our innovative solutions are securely processing, transcribing, storing, and communicating highly sensitive content across the internet. Maximizing efficiency to save millions annually, while maintaining absolute security and compliance. For more information, visit paperclip.com.

    About SAFE

    Paperclip SAFE builds on the foundation of trust and collaboration that Paperclip has established with its security and content management solutions over three decades. Paperclip SAFE utilizes in-depth knowledge of the database and data pipeline to secure all points within the data lifecycle. Nine of the 10 top life insurance carriers in the U.S. are currently protected by Paperclip SAFE. With Paperclip SAFE, outpace threats with data that is always encrypted and always ahead of evolving risk. For more information, visit paperclip.com/safe.

    CONTACT
    Megan Brandow, Director of Marketing & Communications
    Paperclip, Inc.
    (585) 727-0983
    mbrandow@paperclip.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Condemns Trump’s 25% Tariffs on Canada

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    WASHINGTON, March 4, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada: 

    “The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union strongly condemns the Trump administration’s reckless decision to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports. This harmful action threatens jobs, raises prices, and undermines the long-standing economic partnership between the United States and Canada.

    “The IAM has always supported trade policies that protect and grow jobs in both nations. But these tariffs are an unjustified attack on a trusted ally.

    “Canada is not the enemy. Canada is committed to fair trade practices that support workers and communities. This decision will disrupt industries that rely on integrated supply chains, hurting workers on both sides of the border.

    “The IAM represents 600,000 workers, including tens of thousands in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing—industries that depend on strong U.S.-Canada cooperation. These tariffs will destabilize those sectors, putting livelihoods and our nations’ economies at risk.

    “As our union has said previously, tariffs should be used strategically to counter bad actors, like China, that manipulate markets and undermine fair trade. 

    “Targeting Canada with punitive tariffs is not only misguided, but dangerous. It weakens North American industry and puts working families in jeopardy.

    “We urge President Trump to immediately reconsider these tariffs and pursue trade policies that strengthen, rather than weaken, the economic relationship between the United States and Canada.”

    The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

    goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Serious Negotiations Must Resume for Gaza Ceasefire, UN Chief Tells Arab League Summit, Calls for Political Framework for Reconstruction

    Source: United Nations 4

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the Extraordinary Arab League Summit on the Situation in the Middle East/Gaza today:

    President El-Sisi, thank you for convening leaders from across the Arab world to unite at this Extraordinary Arab Summit dedicated to Palestine.

    Since the horrific attacks by Hamas in Israel on 7 October, the ensuing Israeli military operations have unleashed an unprecedented level of death and destruction in Gaza, generating an immense trauma.  Palestinians in Gaza have suffered beyond measure.  And the risk of even greater devastation looms.

    This Summit is an important signal that the world has a collective responsibility to support efforts to end this war, relieve profound human suffering and secure lasting peace.  In the last few weeks, we have witnessed a meaningful improvement with the ceasefire and the hostage deal.

    Since the start of the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire, Palestinian civilians in Gaza have experienced reprieve.  Hostages were released and humanitarian aid dramatically increased.  I urge the parties to uphold their commitments and implement them in full, and Member States to use all the leverage they have to support this, especially as we start the holy month of Ramadan.

    We must avoid at all costs the resumption of hostilities that would plunge the millions back into an abyss of suffering and further destabilize the region.  And simultaneously, the territorial integrity of Lebanon and Syria must be respected.

    Serious negotiations for the ceasefire in all its facets must be resumed without delay.  All hostages must be released — immediately, unconditionally and in a dignified manner.

    The release of Palestinian detainees must be carried out per the terms of the deal and also in a dignified way.  The parties must ensure humane treatment for all those held under their power.  And all obstacles to the effective delivery of life-saving aid must be removed.

    Humanitarian aid is not negotiable.  It must flow without impediment.  The response needs to be adequately funded, and civilians — including humanitarians — must be protected.

    The United Nations has proven, together with our partners, namely the Egyptian Red Crescent, with access, the UN-coordinated response can deliver aid that people need.

    Ending the immediate crisis is not enough.  We need a clear political framework that lays the foundation for Gaza’s recovery, reconstruction and lasting stability.  That framework must be based on principles and respect for international law.

    Israel’s legitimate security concerns must be addressed, but that should not be through long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza. And I want to once again salute the dedication of UN staff and all other humanitarian workers — particularly, Palestinian colleagues — who have suffered so much and are working under near-impossible conditions.  I appeal for the urgent and full support of UNRWA’s [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] work, including financial support.

    Finally, as we widen the lens beyond Gaza, we see an alarming situation unfolding in the West Bank.  Israeli security forces have launched large-scale operations, including air strikes and also the deployment of tanks for the first time in over two decades.

    Over 40,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced in the last month — the largest displacement in the West Bank in decades.  Meanwhile, demolitions, evictions and settlement expansions continue, with settler violence on the rise.  All of this is further weakening the Palestinian Authority at a time when its role is more crucial than ever.

    I call for urgent de-escalation.  Unilateral actions, including settlement expansion and threats of annexation, must stop.  The attacks and mounting violence must end.  Israel, as the occupying Power, must comply with all its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law.  And the Palestinian Authority must be supported to govern effectively, and to do so in compliance with its own obligations under international law.

    The true foundation of recovery in Gaza will be more than concrete and steel.  It will be dignity, self-determination and security.  This means staying true to the bedrock of international law.  It means rejecting any form of ethnic cleansing.  And it means forging a political solution.

    There is no sustainable future for Gaza that is not part of a viable Palestinian State.  There can be no recovery without an end to the occupation.  No justice without accountability for violations of international law.  And no sustainable reconstruction without a clear and principled political horizon.

    The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, to chart their own future, and to live on their land in freedom and security. There must be irreversible steps now toward the realization of the two-State solution — before it’s too late.

    The only path to lasting peace is one where two States — Israel and Palestine — live side by side in peace and security, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.  The United Nations stands with you in this essential effort.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Highway 4 near Cameron Lake closed Thursday for debris cleanup

    Drivers are advised Highway 4 near Angel Rock will be temporarily closed on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. for debris cleanup.

    The work is in response to a minor rockslide on Feb. 26, 2025. The debris was intercepted by the rock-fall mitigation barrier and fencing, but the catchment that trapped the debris needs to be repaired. This requires removing the slide material and must be completed during good weather and daylight hours.

    The highway will reopen to traffic once work is complete. No further closures are planned.

    For up-to-date information about road conditions, visit: https://www.DriveBC.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Nova Scotia Advancing Critical Mineral Opportunities

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Tim Houston attended a major international mining conference to tell developers and investors that Nova Scotia is open for business and eager to advance critical minerals opportunities.

    The Premier spoke at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto today, March 4.

    “Nova Scotia has the critical minerals that the world needs for clean energy, food production, defence, healthcare and more. We can be a reliable, ethical, sustainable source of these materials and reap the economic rewards for Nova Scotians,” said Premier Houston. “We are lifting bans, breaking down barriers and inviting good companies to come talk to us about investing in Nova Scotia. We’re also taking steps in the province to better understand the full potential of our critical mineral resources.”

    The Department of Natural Resources is using $1 million from Natural Resources Canada for two projects to learn more about how the province’s critical minerals can be developed.

    The Department will use half the funding to study how critical minerals can be extracted from greenfield and brownfield sites, such as historic mine tailings sites. The study will also look at opportunities for turning the raw materials into finished products. Keeping the full value chain in the province – from exploration and mining to finished products – means more jobs and other economic benefits for Nova Scotians.

    The Department will use the rest of the money to create a model of the critical mineral potential in Nova Scotia. It will be used to encourage investment and inform development decisions in the private sector. It will also help the Department with effective land management.

    Also at the conference today, Canada’s energy and mines ministers met to discuss the country’s opportunities with critical minerals. Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton joined virtually. The ministers confirmed their commitment to working together to advance priority resource projects and to streamline regulatory processes while still upholding strong environmental and labour standards.

    Quotes:

    “The effective management of our natural resources starts with good data and ends with jobs for Nova Scotians. We are dedicated to understanding every opportunity to responsibly develop and use the critical minerals we have beneath our feet. We’re also committed to breaking down barriers within Nova Scotia and across the country to strengthen our position as we face the threat of tariffs. We’re at a pivotal moment in time where we can attract more good paying jobs, become more self-reliant and create a brighter future for everyone.”
    — Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources

    “Nova Scotia has tremendous potential for the critical minerals that are essential to achieving climate goals, such as lithium copper, and many more. Premier Houston’s attendance at Canada’s biggest mining industry event will help us attract investment in our critical minerals sector, create more jobs for Nova Scotians and generate more government revenue to help pay for programs like health and education. It tells the world that the Government of Nova Scotia supports our industry, and the province is a good place to invest.”
    — Sean Kirby, Executive Director, Mining Association of Nova Scotia

    Quick Facts:

    • Nova Scotia launched its critical mineral strategy in 2024; it lists 16 critical minerals that are critical because of their importance to global supply chains
    • Nova Scotia has a long and rich history in mining; today’s regulatory frameworks keep people and the environment safe through responsible, sustainable mining practices
    • on average, jobs in Nova Scotia’s mining industry pay more than $100,000 in wages and benefits; the industry employs at least 2,500 people in the province
    • the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference attracts 130 mining companies and more than 30,000 delegates each year

    Additional Resources:

    Nova Scotia’s Critical Mineral Strategy: https://novascotia.ca/natr/meb/docs/critical-minerals-strategy.pdf

    Investing to Make Canada a Global Critical Minerals Superpower (Natural Resources Canada): https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2025/03/investing-to-make-canada-a-global-critical-minerals-superpower.html

    Natural Resources on the X platform: https://x.com/NS_DNR

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Cruz Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Ocean Mapping for Fishing and Boating Navigation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) have introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize mapping information on public oceans in an effort to improve public safety and provide navigation guidance through a user-friendly smartphone app. The bipartisan Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans (MAPOceans) Act would require the federal government to standardize and digitize information about ocean recreation and navigation. This would create a one-stop shop that would help to ensure sportsmen and women can recreate in a safe and responsible manner.

    “Maine’s Atlantic coastline is an incredible natural treasure and one that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the country. If you want to enjoy the water, there should be an app for that purpose,” said Senator King, Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. “The bipartisan MAPOceans Act would combine all the available information about ocean recreation and navigation into a one-stop resource containing information about ocean recreation and navigation that you can hold in the palm of your hand. From deep-sea anglers to sailors and lobstermen, this legislation ensures that every person seeking adventure in Maine has the opportunity to do so safely and responsibly.”

    “Many Texans and Americans enjoy recreational fishing and boating, but it can be difficult to find reliable information about access to waterways and restricted areas,” said Senator Cruz. “I am proud to lead the effort to ensure anglers, boaters, and other users have easy access to accurate information on fishery area closures, so they can focus on appreciating what America’s beautiful waterways have to offer instead of wading through confusing agency websites.”

    Senator King is among the Senate’s leading voices for conservation of our nation’s outdoor treasures. In 2022, his bipartisan MAPLand bill to modernize park and public land mapping was signed into law. He also helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes the Restore Our Parks Act — a bill led by Senator King — and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act. The historic legislative package continues Senator King’s career-long focus on conservation efforts, dating back to his work prior to running for elected office through his years as Governor and his service in the Senate. Over the course of his time in the Blaine House, Governor King was responsible for conserving more land across Maine than all Governors before him combined. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Colleagues Blast Trump and Musk’s Plans to Gut Social Security Administration, Threaten Americans’ Social Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Murray: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are taking a wrecking ball to the Social Security Administration and putting your Social Security benefits at risk.”

    Murray: “When you make it impossible for people to meet or talk to anyone about their Social Security benefits, that’s a benefits cut. Maybe making it impossible to talk to a real person is a good business model in Silicon Valley, but it’s not how our government should treat taxpayers.”

    ICYMI: Co-President Elon Musk on Friday: “Social Security is the Biggest Ponzi Scheme of All Time

    ICYMI: FACT SHEET: Trump and Musk’s Plot to Make It Harder for Americans to Get Their Social Security Benefits

    ***VIDEO HERE***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations, joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in blasting President Trump and Elon Musk’s plans to gut the Social Security Administration (SSA) and make it harder for Americans who’ve paid into Social Security their whole lives to get the benefits they have earned.

    The Trump administration’s plans to gut the Social Security Administration come as Elon Musk calls Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.”

    Last Thursday, the Social Security Administration announced it will “soon implement agency-wide organizational restructuring that will include significant workforce reductions.” Reports indicate SSA may eliminate up to 50% of its workforce in what the agency calls “massive reorganizations,” which agencies were directed to draw up plans for in a recent Executive Order. SSA has now offered all employees incentives to leave the agency, and Trump’s acting SSA commissioner has boasted of firing employees. 90% of SSA staff work across the country outside of the agency’s headquarters. SSA staff who are not providing direct service support perform critical work that keeps the agency and Social Security system operational, including supporting SSA’s IT infrastructure.

    SSA staff ensure 73 million Americans get their Social Security benefits each month–which is more beneficiaries than ever before. They do so even though SSA’s 57,000 staff level is already at the lowest level in 50 years. Customer service at SSA has long suffered from historically low staffing levels and inadequate discretionary funding, which Democrats have pushed to increase each year while congressional Republicans push to cut non-defense funding. 

    Meanwhile, Elon Musk and DOGE are eager to close SSA field offices across the country that Americans count on. DOGE’s “Wall of Receipts” lists dozens of SSA field offices they have or will terminate leases for. In 2023, SSA field offices had nearly 120,000 Americans visit per day.

    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered, are below:

    “We’re here today because Donald Trump and Elon Musk are taking a wrecking ball to the Social Security Administration and putting your Social Security benefits at risk. 

    “People need help getting Social Security at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives—whether that’s the death of a spouse, the onset of a disability, or the loss of income that comes with retirement.

    “And despite what Elon Musk says—Social Security is not a Ponzi Scheme.

    “Social Security is a promise that the American people should be able to count on after paying into it their entire lives.

    “And part of that promise means being able to get on the phone with an actual human being without having to wait on hold for an hour, being able to visit an office in-person to get help with your benefit without having to jump through hoops or drive hundreds of miles.

    “But Trump and Elon are decimating the Social Security Administration, and without adequate staff at the agency, there will be people who can’t get their benefits—period. 

    “The American people should realize the Social Security Administration is already at its lowest level of staffing in fifty years!

    “That’s why fewer than 40% of people who call to talk to a Social Security agent can get through to talk to someone.

    “That’s why it takes on average 240 days to process a disability claim.

    “That’s why, last year, an estimated thirty thousand Americans died while waiting on a decision for their disability benefits.

    “Yet Trump and Elon are loudly declaring they want to significantly reduce staff further.

    “They told SSA to draw up plans to cut staff by 50% and their hand-picked Acting Commissioner is proudly declaring he wants to cut at least 7,000 Social Security Administration workers.

    “And Trump and Elon are now pushing all Social Security Administration employees out of the door.

    “They’re threatening all employees with future firings and forced reassignments while offering financial incentives to leave—that’s an  ‘offer’ that went to everyone at the agency.

    “I want to make sure everyone understands a few things: ninety percent of SSA staff work across the country outside of the agency’s headquarters at over 1,200 field offices to help people in every part of this country.

    “Staff who are not providing direct service support perform critical work that keeps the agency and Social Security system operational—including supporting the agency’s IT infrastructure.

    “Elon and DOGE are positively gleeful in touting these staffing reductions—and they are working to close as many Social Security offices as they can get away with.

    “DOGE has proudly listed 45 Social Security offices on their ‘Wall of Receipts’ as leases they have terminated.

    “When you make it impossible for people to meet or talk to anyone about their Social Security benefits—that’s a benefits cut.

    “Maybe making it impossible to talk to a real person is a good business model in Silicon Valley, but it’s not how our government should treat taxpayers.

    “Year after year, Democrats fight to boost funding for the Social Security Administration so they can hire more staff and modernize their systems. 

    “Elon Musk almost certainly doesn’t care, but for the friends and neighbors I grew up with—Social Security is the most important reason they could retire with some basic dignity.

    “Before he called Social Security a ‘Ponzi scheme,’ it was just last month that Elon called the American people who rely on federal programs like Social Security ‘parasites.’

    “Well maybe Elon could use a little refresher on American history. For decades, our federal tax code has said: if you have a higher income, you are going to chip in more. The radical thing is that right now, Social Security actually works in the opposite way.

    “If you make around $160,000 a year—you are paying the same amount into Social Security each year as a billionaire like Elon Musk.

    “Someone can make over 12 thousand times your salary—and yet their Social Security tax rate is a fraction of a fraction of what your rate is.

    “Think about that: billionaires like Elon are putting just a half a cent of every hundred thousand dollars they make into Social Security.

    “So, someone is leeching off the American taxpayer for sure but it’s not hard-working Americans who need Social Security to help them retire—it’s billionaires like Elon Musk, someone who is right now smugly breaking government agencies he knows nothing about, all to enrich himself with more tax cuts.

    “This is not a left or right issue—Americans of all political affiliations rely on Social Security. This is about whose side you’re on.

    “Democrats are with the workers, middle-class families, seniors—and that’s why we are telling Elon to get his hands off Social Security.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Speaks Out Against Republicans’ So-Called “Protection Of Women And Girls In Sports Act”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 03, 2025

    The bill could potentially subject women and girls to physical inspection by an adult if someone from an opposing team accused them of being transgender

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today spoke on the Senate floor against the so-called Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act—a Republican bill that would revoke federal funding from schools with athletic programs that allow trans girls to participate on sports teams for women or girls. The bill—which lacks a clear enforcement mechanism—could subject women and girls to physical inspection by an adult if someone from an opposing team accused them of being transgender. It infringes on the privacy of girls and women and is a dangerous use of the powers of government to target student athletes of all ages.

    Durbin said, “Put yourself in the shoes of these families for just a moment.  Imagine being the parent of a trans kid and telling your child they are not allowed to play on the same sports team as their friends at school because a politician said they couldn’t.”

    During his remarks, Durbin spoke about Harleigh Walker, a transgender teenage girl from Alabama, who, at 16 years old, spoke with an unwavering voice in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee about what it is like to be one of the children who are affected by these laws targeting transgender kids. Her home state of Alabama had enacted a law threatening her ability to access the care she needs to be happy and healthy. Harleigh told the Senate Judiciary Committee, “I want all of you to look at me, here and now, and hear my words. I am a very happy 16-year-old. I have wonderful friends who accept me for who I am. I’m active in my school’s debate team and other extracurricular[s]. I’m just trying to be a teenager in America. Same as any other teen, but I keep having to jump through hoops that other people my age don’t have to. I’m here in front of this Committee instead of enjoying summer vacation, just to try and ensure that my right to exist isn’t taken away.”

    “It’s that personal, it’s that important, and [because of Republicans,] we’re going to vote to give someone unspecified the right to physically inspect a girl or a young woman if the other opposing team accuses them of being transgender. My goodness,” Durbin concluded.

    During his remarks, Durbin recalled a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where he asked NCAA President Charlie Baker how many transgender collegiate athletes there are. Mr. Baker responded that there are less than 10 transgender athletes out of more than 500,000 total NCAA athletes.

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister Burke and Minister Dillon address inaugural plenary of the Employment Law Review Group

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    4th March 2025

    The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke and Minister of State for Small Businesses and Retail, Alan Dillon attended the inaugural plenary meeting of the Employment Law Review Group (ELRG). 

    Professor Michael Doherty, Chair of the ELRG welcomed the members before both Minister Burke and Minister Dillon addressed the ELRG.

    Minister Burke congratulated members on their appointments and spoke about what the Government wishes to achieve to support workers and conditions

    The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said: 

    “The Government has a strong record on strengthening workers’ rights. The ELRG will be a valuable resource in conducting ongoing assessments of employment law to ensure our legal framework is fit for purpose and adapts to changes in the evolving contemporary workplace.” 

    Minister Dillon thanked the members for their commitment to the important role in reviewing and monitoring Ireland’s employment and redundancy laws to ensure they serve their intended function.

    Minister of State for Small Businesses and Retail, Alan Dillon said:

    “It is very important that the work of the Group balance carefully the need to ensure legislation remains fit for purpose while not placing an undue or additional burden on business, in particular small and medium enterprises.”

    The ELRG will work in accordance with the work programme, which will be determined by the Minister after consultation with the Group. During the inaugural plenary, the ELRG discussed items for this work programme as part of this consultation. The relevant legislative enactments which may be considered in the work programme are listed in the appendix below.

    Following the meeting, the full membership of the Employment Law Review Group has been announced. The full membership of the group and their nominating bodies, as appointed by the Minister is as follows:

    1.

    Michael Doherty (Chair)

    Nominated by Minister for ETE

    2.

    Cathy Smith

    Nominated by Minister for ETE 

    3.

    Kevin Duffy

    Nominated by Minister for ETE 

    4.

    Claire Bruton

    Nominated by Minister for ETE 

    5.

    Desmond Ryan

    Nominated by Minister for ETE 

    6.

    Anne Lyne

    Nominated by Minister for ETE 

    7.

    Deirdre Malone

    Nominated by Minister for ETE 

    8.

    Dónal Hamilton

    Law Society of Ireland

    9.

    Mary Paula Guinness

    Employment Bar Association

    10.

    Gavin Smith

    Restructuring and Insolvency Ireland

    11.

    Nichola Harkin

    Ibec

    12.

    Rachael Ryan

    ICTU 

    13.

    John Barry

    ISME 

    14.

    Áine Maher

    DETE 

    15.

    Orlaith Mannion

    Department of Social Protection 

    16.

    Jane Ann Duffy

    Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

    17.

    Gwendolen Morgan

    Workplace Relations Commission 

    18.

    Lorraine Williams

    Chief State Solicitor’s Office 

    19.

    Deirdre O’Kane

    Office of the Attorney General 

    20.

    Jim Finn

    Courts Service 

    21.

    Appointment Pending

    Labour Court

    The ELRG’s function is to monitor, review, and advise on all aspects of employment and redundancy law, with a specific focus on promoting good workplace relations in the State, simplifying the operation of employment and redundancy law in the State, and ensuring that the State’s suite of employment rights and redundancy legislation remains relevant and fit for purpose and is updated to reflect international developments. 

    The ELRG’s focus is expert, technical, and legal rather than representative of stakeholders’ interests. Members will engage with the work programme of the ELRG and contribute to ELRG reports.

    ENDS

    APPENDIX – List of Relevant Employment and Redundancy Enactments

    Part 1 – Acts of the Oireachtas

    1. Payment of Wages Act 1991
    2. Adoptive Leave Act 1995
    3. Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996
    4. Transnational Information and Consultation of Employees Act 1996
    5. Organisation of Working Time Act 1997
    6. Parental Leave Act 1998
    7. National Minimum Wage Act 2000
    8. Carer’s Leave Act 2001
    9. Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001
    10. Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003
    11. Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2004
    12. Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts 1973 to 2005
    13. Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006
    14. Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007
    15. Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2011
    16. Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) Acts 1984 to 2012
    17. Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012
    18. Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2014
    19. Protection of Employment Acts 1977 to 2014
    20. Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994 to 2014
    21. Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016
    22. Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019
    23. Sick Leave Act 2022

    Part 2 – Provisions of Acts of Oireachtas

    1. Part IV of the Industrial Relations Act 1946
    2. Section 4 (1) of the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998
    3. Section 8A (5) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2001
    4. Section 50 of the Competition Act 2002
    5. Section 60 (3) of the Employment Permits Act 2024
    6. Section 8 of the Industrial Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004
    7. Section 55M (1) of the Health Act 2004
    8. Section 27 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
    9. Section 87 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007
    10. Section 26 (1) of the Chemicals Act 2008
    11. Section 62 (1) of the Charities Act 2009
    12. Section 223 (3) of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009
    13. Section 38 of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010
    14. Section 20 (1) of the Criminal Justice Act 2011
    15. Section 67 (5) of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011
    16. Section 35 of the Further Education and Training Act 2013
    17. Section 41 (1) of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013
    18. Section 12 (1) of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014
    19. Part 2 of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015
    20. Part 3 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023
    21. Section 6(3) of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014

    Part 3 – Statutory Instruments

    1. European Communities (Parental Leave) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 231 of 2000)
    2. European Communities (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 488 of 2000)
    3. European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 131 of 2003)
    4. European Communities (Organisation of Working Time) (Activities of Doctors in Training) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 494 of 2004)
    5. Organisation of Working Time (Inclusion of Transport Activities) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 817 of 2004)
    6. Organisation of Working Time (Inclusion of Offshore Work) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 819 of 2004)
    7. European Communities (Organisation of Working Time) (Mobile Staff in Civil Aviation) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 507 of 2006)
    8. European Communities (European Public Limited – Liability Company) (Employee Involvement) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 623 of 2006)
    9. European Communities (European Cooperative Society) (Employee Involvement) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 259 of 2007)
    10. European Union (Cross-Border Conversions, Mergers and Divisions) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 233 of 2023)
    11. European Communities (Working Conditions of Mobile Workers engaged in Interoperable Cross-border Services in the Railway Sector) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 377 of 2009)
    12. European Communities (Road Transport) (Organisation of Working Time of Persons Performing Mobile Road Transport Activities) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 36 of 2012)
    13. European Union (Posting of Workers) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 412 of 2016)

    Back to Department News

    Back to Top

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces Job Assistance Available for Displaced Federal Workers

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has brought together several programs and services to assist Connecticut residents who have been fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from their jobs with the federal government.

    “The federal government may have decided that they don’t want these skilled workers, but we want them to know that we value their public service and that Connecticut employers can use their skills,” Governor Lamont said. “Right now, Connecticut has more than 70,000 jobs available, and the Connecticut Department of Labor can help connect jobseekers to new employment, or even help them begin an entirely new career if that’s what they want to do.”

    Information specifically designed for federal workers and contractors is available on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol. It covers the steps federal workers need to take to file for unemployment benefits, how to get answers to unemployment questions, and how to find career services. At the most recent count, there were approximately 18,800 federal employees working in Connecticut.

    “This continues to be a very difficult time for federal workers, and CTDOL staff and partners are here to help,” Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said. “Filing for unemployment benefits is complex – it’s a federal system that requires workers to have specific separation documentation in order to file. In some cases, workers may have been notified of their dismissal in a non-standard way and need assistance. In other cases, workers may have severance and need career counseling and job search assistance. No matter the circumstance, CTDOL resources are available.”

    CTDOL departments – including the Rapid Response team, Business Engagement Unit, and Consumer Contact Center – have been engaged in initiatives to help laid-off workers get back into the job market quickly. In the coming months, the agency is expecting to host a job fair specifically geared towards federal workers and has five general job fairs taking place in March. Job fairs are always free for all jobseekers. All employers and jobs are vetted by CTDOL.

    Job placement and career services are also provided to all Connecticut residents at no cost through the American Job Centers. Services include resume writing, career workshops, job search assistance, and help for veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce. In person and virtual appointments are available.

    Unemployment is an eligibility program. Each unemployment application is verified and will be approved depending upon the filer’s work and salary history, place of residence, and other factors. Workers who accepted severance packages or other salary continuation payments are advised not to file until those payments end.

    CTDOL reminds jobseekers to be fraud aware. The agency does not use text, nor will it reach out by phone or email unprompted or ask for unemployment account details. Everyone is strongly advised to not give personal or unemployment account information out unless certain they are speaking to a CTDOL representative. The Consumer Contact Center can verify if the agency is trying to connect to someone. Additionally, jobseekers are advised to be wary of any employer attempting to charge them to submit a job application or for other employment services.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wyoming County Ambulance Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Christopher J. Smyth, 49, of Pineville, was sentenced yesterday, March 3, 2025, to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,616,704.76 in restitution for not paying the taxes withheld from employees’ wages at an ambulance service he operated and obstructing the IRS’ efforts to collect those taxes.

    According to court documents and evidence presented in court, from 2012 through part of 2017, Smyth operated Stat EMS LLC, an ambulance service located in Pineville. Smyth created Stat EMS after a previous ambulance business Smyth operated accrued millions of dollars of employment tax liabilities and filed for bankruptcy. Smyth caused Stat EMS to be founded in the name of a nominee owner but continued operating the business in the same manner as before.

    At Stat EMS, Smyth was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from employees’ wages and paying them to the IRS.  For years, however, Smyth did not fully pay the taxes to the IRS. Instead, he paid various personal expenses and transferred funds to businesses held by his friends and family. The IRS determined that Stat EMS accrued approximately $3.3 million in unpaid taxes.

    Eventually, the IRS assessed the unpaid taxes against Smyth personally and attempted to collect those assessments from him. When interviewed by an IRS revenue officer attempting to collect Smyth’s unpaid tax debts, Smyth stated that he had no personal bank accounts and denied that he used anyone else’s. In reality, however, he regularly deposited his paychecks into an account in a relative’s name. He also attempted to mislead the revenue officer by representing that he had nothing to do with several other businesses, even though he had signature authority over their bank accounts.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston for the Southern District of West Virginia made the announcement.

    “The jury found that Mr. Smyth failed to pay more than $4.6 million withheld from his employees’ wages and obstructed efforts to recover those withholdings,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “Ambulance services are critical to our communities, and Mr. Smyth repeatedly chose to jeopardize his by engaging in a 15-year scheme that was immense in its scope and scale. The sentence in this case serves to deter others who seek to break the law at the expense of the American taxpayer.”

    The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) investigated the case.

    Assistant Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorneys Kavitha Bondada and Andrew Ascencio of the Tax Division, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Goes for the Southern District of West Virginia, prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Marcas Cory Anglin, 30, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 2, 2020, law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Anglin in the Pool area of Nicholas County. Anglin fled from officers in his vehicle and later on foot before engaging in a standoff with officers while armed with a loaded Glock model 27 .40-caliber pistol. Officers arrested Anglin and seized the firearm.

    Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Anglin knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for armed burglary of a dwelling in Hillsborough County, Florida, Circuit Court on June 19, 2014.

    Anglin is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

    Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the West Virginia State Police.

    Senior United States District Judge David A Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case.

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

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-153.

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey and Cassidy Reintroduce Children and Teen’s Online Privacy Protection Legislation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Bill Text (PDF)
    Washington (March 4, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) today reintroduced the bipartisan Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), which would update online data privacy rules for the 21st century and ensure children and teenagers are protected online. Senator Markey first introduced this legislation to update his original COPPA law in 2011 as a member of the House of Representatives and has introduced the bipartisan legislation in every Congress since.
    “We need strong modern legislation that keeps pace with the ever-evolving digital landscape and creates a safer online environment by addressing the youth mental health crisis and protecting the personal information of our kids,” said Senator Markey. “Congress must finally pass my Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act to extend these protections to teenagers, block targeted advertising to kids and teens, and give parents of young people an eraser button to protect them from predatory data collection practices.”
    “Every kid has an iPad or smartphone. They’re going to use the internet. Parents should be confident they can do it safely,” said Dr. Cassidy. “COPPA 2.0 is the tool that will give parents the peace of mind they need and keep their children’s personal information secure.”
    The legislation is also cosponsored by Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Shelly-Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).
    Specifically, the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act would:
    Ban targeted advertising to children and teens;
    Create an “Eraser Button” by requiring companies to permit users to delete personal information collected from a child or teen;
    Establish data minimization rules to prohibit the excessive collection of children and teens’ data;
    Revise COPPA’s “actual knowledge” standard to close the loophole that allows platforms to ignore kids and teens on their site; and
    Build on COPPA by prohibiting internet companies from collecting personal information from users who are 13 to 16 years old without their consent.
    The legislation is endorsed by AASA – the School Superintendents Association, ACCESS Lab – Washington University in St. Louis, Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, American Federation of Teachers, American Psychological Association, Association of Educational Service Agencies, Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition, Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders, Center for Change, Center for Digital Democracy, Center for Humane Technology, Centerstone, CHILD USA, Children’s Justice Fund, Common Sense Media, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Watchdog, Defending the Early Years, Design It For Us, Early Childhood Work Group, Screen Time Action Network, Eating Disorder Foundation, Eating Disorders Coalition, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Fairplay, Farrington Specialty Centers, Foolproof, IFEDD – The International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians, Inseparable, International Society for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses, Issue One, Lines for Life, Marsh Law Firm PPLC, Mentari, MO Eating Disorders Council, Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, Inc. (MEDA), National Association for Pupil Transportation, National Association of School Nurses, National Federation of Families, National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), National Rural Education Association, Network for Public Education, P.E.A.C.E (Peace Educators Allied for Children Everywhere), Parents Who Fight, Phone Free Schools Movement, Public Interest Privacy Center (PIPC), Postpartum Support International, Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness, Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN), Public Citizen, PEDC, REGO Payment Architectures, Sandy Hook Promise, Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders, Student Data Privacy Project, University of Connecticut Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health, Western Youth Services, Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, and Young People’s Alliance.
    “The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act, reintroduced by Senators Markey and Cassidy and other Senate co-sponsors, is more urgent than ever. Children’s surveillance has only intensified across social media, gaming, and virtual spaces, where companies harvest data to track, profile, and manipulate young users. COPPA 2.0 will ban targeted ads to those under 16, curbing the exploitation, manipulation, and discrimination of children for profit. By extending protections to teens and requiring a simple ‘eraser button’ to delete personal data, this legislation takes a critical step in restoring privacy rights in an increasingly invasive digital world,” said Katharina Kopp, Deputy Director of the Center for Digital Democracy.
    “Common Sense Media believes Congress must update the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act to strengthen safeguards for young children and extend vital protections to teenagers. Common Sense applauds Senators Markey and Cassidy for their unwavering commitment to this critical cause. With strong bi-partisan support having carried this legislation through the Senate last year, we are optimistic about securing passage in both chambers this year – America’s families deserve no less. This bill would take decisive action by prohibiting targeted advertising to young users, requiring platforms to acknowledge and protect children on their sites, and prevent companies from exploiting youth vulnerabilities for profit. This time has come for Congress to finally pass this essential legislation,” said James P. Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media. 
    “The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act is an essential step toward addressing youth mental health and online safety. By expanding critical privacy protections to teens for the first time, banning targeted advertising, and closing loopholes that allow platforms to ignore the presence of underage users, COPPA 2.0 will disrupt the business model that capitalizes on our kids’ attention at the expense of their physical and mental wellbeing. Last year, the Senate demonstrated the importance of this landmark legislation by passing it in a historic 91-3 vote. We applaud Senators Markey and Cassidy for reintroducing it so that Congress can finish the job and pass privacy protections for all youth in the 119th Congress,” said Haley Hinkle, Policy Counsel at Fairplay.
    “National PTA is committed to making sure that safeguards are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth online,” said Yvonne Johnson, President of the National Parent Teacher Association, the nation’s oldest and largest child advocacy association. “That’s why we’ve strongly advocated for COPPA 2.0, which would provide a long-overdue and desperately needed update of federal law to better protect the personal information of children online and ban targeted advertising toward children and teens. Our association applauds Senators Markey and Cassidy for reintroducing this critical legislation.”  
    “Design It For Us strongly supports Senators Markey and Cassidy reintroducing COPPA 2.0 to better protect the privacy of young people online. As a coalition of young advocates, we are all too familiar with Big Tech’s toxic business model that collects massive amounts of data on young people and uses it to target them with ads and content. Young people deserve the critical protections COPPA 2.0 has to offer, including privacy tools and an eraser button to delete personal information,” said Zamaan Qureshi, Co-Chair of Design It For Us.
    “Social media companies generate astronomical profits off our nation’s young people by turning platforms into a playground for advertisers. They are literally selling access to our children with targeted ads designed to prey on kids’ vulnerabilities. A child as young as 13 struggling with an eating disorder will be targeted with a constant stream of deceptive ads for the next miracle diet pill. In what other setting would we ever allow that? Parents across the country are calling for common-sense age restrictions on targeted ads on social media. COPPA 2.0 is a much-needed answer to their call,” said Dr. S. Bryn Austin, Board Member at Eating Disorders Coalition and Director of the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders.
    “The Public Interest Privacy Center (PIPC) is proud to support the re-introduction of COPPA 2.0. COPPA 2.0 increases the age of individuals entitled to foundational privacy protections online from children under 13 to teens under 17. In today’s digital world, prioritizing the privacy and safety of children and teens online should no longer be optional. COPPA 2.0 will help to make this a reality,” said Amelia Vance, President of Public Interest Privacy Center.
    “AASA is proud to support the re-introduction of COPPA 2.0. This legislation is more important than ever, as it will fill the gap left by the Federal Trade Commission declining to codify long-standing guidance allowing schools to consent to edtech in their recent update to the COPPA Rule. COPPA 2.0 finds the right balance between increasing protections for children and teen privacy online while still allowing schools to provide appropriate, technology-enhanced educational opportunities for all students,” said Dr. David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
    “Public school educators and parents want kids to learn and thrive in safe, engaging and welcoming schools. However, Big Tech’s dismal failure to erect basic safeguards around its predatory social media products has resulted in a growing plague of loneliness, anxiety and depression. We must pass commonsense regulations and laws to protect children from these dangers, just as we did with lead paint and seatbelts, and as Congress almost did last year before Meta’s last minute opposition lobbying. Sen. Ed Markey’s bill, COPPA 2.0, would protect our kids by modernizing and strengthening privacy laws to reflect the online world they live in now. And it would stop Big Tech’s invasive data practices that track and traumatize kids for profit,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
    “For too long, Big Tech has evaded accountability by exploiting young users with manipulative design features and harvesting their data to fuel addictive algorithms. As long as these companies profit from hooking children and exploiting their sensitive data, they will continue to prioritize profits at-all-cost over democracy. The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act 2.0 shifts this paradigm by introducing critical protections, including data minimization requirements, a ban on targeted advertising to children and teens, and the closure of loopholes that allow platforms to ignore young users on their sites. Congress now has a crucial opportunity to stand with millions of Americans — parents, young people, and advocates — demanding common-sense safeguards for kids online,” said Alix Fraser, Vice President of Technology Reform at Issue One.
    “In the absence of a strong federal comprehensive privacy law, it’s critical that we at least protect the most vulnerable people online — kids and teens. Senator Markey and Cassidy’s Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) does this by placing critical limits on the amount of data that can be collected from young users online to what is necessary for the product or service requested by the child or teen. EPIC is proud to support COPPA 2.0,” said Caitriona Fitzgerald, Deputy Director at the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC).
    “The Young People’s Alliance supports Senator Markey and Senator Cassidy as they reintroduce COPPA 2.0, a critical step in curbing Big Tech’s exploitative revenue model. Data privacy cuts predatory platforms off at the source, limiting their ability to track, manipulate, and profit off kids. This, alongside banning targeted ads and allowing minors to delete their data will give young people more control over their online experiences, which we are extremely grateful to see,” said Ava Smithing, Advocacy Director at the Young People’s Alliance.
    “The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) is an important piece of legislation to protect young people from harmful and exploitative advertising online. We strongly support this bipartisan bill and applaud the legislators who are working to see that it passes. Kids are not just tiny adults – their young minds are incredibly vulnerable to the content they’re exposed to on social media. This can lead to terrible and tragic outcomes like violence, self-harm, and suicide. As trusted adults, we must do all we can to protect our youth from these kinds of dangerous marketing practices and online materials,” said Mark Barden, Co-Founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting.
    In December 2024, Senator Markey blasted the decision not to include COPPA 2.0 in the continuing resolution to fund the government through March 14, 2025. In September 2024, the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed COPPA 2.0 by a voice vote. In July 2024, the U.S. Senate passed the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act, which included COPPA 2.0, by a 91-3 vote. In July 2023, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee unanimously passed COPPA 2.0.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW VIDEO: Sh*t That Ain’t True? President Trump’s Vow to Lower Prices “On Day One”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress tonight, Senate Democrats are launching a new social media video push highlighting President Trump’s broken promise to lower prices.
    In August 2024 and numerous times on the campaign trail, President Trump promised to “immediately bring prices down, starting on day one” of his presidency. Instead, prices are up and American families are facing more rapidly rising costs: January’s Consumer Price Index report showed inflation accelerating to 3 percent on an annualized basis. Costs of everything are going up — food, fuel, housing, and other essentials. Egg prices have skyrocketed, if they’re even available. 
    “Every day, Americans are feeling the consequences of Trump’s empty promises to lower costs, because they feel the consequences of his inaction every day. Families know all too well that the prices of essentials like gas, groceries, and housing are going up, not down, and the problem is getting worse, not better,” said Senator Cory Booker, Chair of the Senate Democrats’ Strategic Communications Committee, which organized the action on social media. 
    “Donald Trump promised to ‘immediately bring prices down, starting on day one’ of his presidency. But he’s failed to do so, and has also failed to take meaningful action. Instead, he pardoned January 6th rioters, has let Elon Musk take a chainsaw to essential government programs and threaten Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and more, and is now working with Republicans in Congress to pave the way for tax cuts for billionaires. Trump is set to address Congress tonight, but Americans want actions that bring them relief, not more empty words.”
    This morning, dozens of Senate Democrats simultaneously posted a video fact-checking Trump’s broken promise to lower prices “on day one” across their social media platforms. The video begins with footage of Trump at a press conference last year promising to “immediately bring prices down, starting on day one” of his presidency — a promise he echoed numerous times leading up to the November election. The video then cuts to Democratic Senators setting the record straight. 
    One example of the video can be viewed at the link below; followed by a transcript. 
    LINK TO BOOKER VIDEO
    TRANSCRIPT OF BOOKER VIDEO:
    Donald Trump: When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on Day One.
    Sen. Cory Booker: Shit that ain’t true, that’s what you just saw.
    Since Day One of Donald Trump’s presidency, prices are up, not down. 
    Inflation is getting worse, not better. 
    Prices of groceries, gas, housing, rent, eggs– they’re all getting more expensive.
    Meanwhile, Donald Trump has done nothing to lower costs for you.
    Instead, he’s done things like pardon violent criminals who beat police officers on January 6th.
    He’s letting Elon Musk take a chainsaw to vital government programs for Americans and giving him access to Americans’ most sensitive data– social security numbers, tax returns, health care records and more. 
    In the most ham-handed fashion, he’s fired thousands of essential government workers. People literally who are working to make government more efficient and more accountable.
    He’s frozen federal funding for vital programs, like cancer research, veteran services, education programs, payments to family farmers, and so much more.
    Why?
    Because Trump and Musk are cutting critical services for you in order to make room for more tax cuts for billionaires like them, while still leaving you to deal with rising costs, a housing crisis, and healthcare that’s getting more expensive and not less.
    The Republican plan is simple: you lose, and billionaires win.
    And that’s the truth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW STUDY: Nearly $80 Trillion Redistributed from the Bottom 90% to the Top 1% Since 1975

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, March 4 – As Republicans prepare legislation to provide more tax breaks to billionaires with massive cuts to programs working families need, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today highlighted a new report from the nonpartisan RAND Corporation, which found that nearly $80 trillion in wealth in the United States has been redistributed from the bottom 90 percent of Americans to the top 1% over the past 50 years.
    “Over and over again, my Republican colleagues have expressed their deep concern about the redistribution of wealth in America, and they are right,” said Sanders. “The problem is that it has gone in precisely the wrong direction. Since 1975, nearly $80 trillion in wealth has been redistributed from the bottom 90% of Americans to the top 1%. The massive income and wealth inequality in America today is not only morally unjust, it is profoundly damaging to our democracy. Given this reality, we cannot provide another $1.1 trillion tax break to the top 1% by making massive cuts to healthcare, housing, education and nutrition assistance as President Trump and Republicans in Congress want to do. We must do the exact opposite.” 
    Here are the key highlights from the RAND Corporation report:
    Since 1975, $79 trillion in wealth has been redistributed from the bottom 90% to the top 1% in the United States. This represents the cumulative cost of lost wages to workers below the 90th percentile due to rising inequality from 1975 through 2023. Average real income in the top 1% grewby 321.6 percent from 1975 through 2018, nearly three times the 118 percent growth of real per capita GDP over the same period.
    In 2023 alone, $3.9 trillion in wealth has been redistributed from the bottom 90% to the top 1%. This represents the difference between what the bottom 90% of workers earned in 2023 compared to what they would have earned had income distributions remained at the more equitable 1975 levels.
    $3.9 trillion would be enough to give every full-time worker in the bottom 90% a raise of $32,000 a year raise. For perspective, $3.9 trillion is equivalent to 14% of the entire US economy.
    Working Americans have seen their share of taxable income steadily fall for 50 years. In 1975, the bottom 90% of workers received 67% all taxable income. By 2019, their share had fallen below 47% — a three point drop since just 2015.
    Median household income would be double what it is today if income inequality had remained the same as it was in 1975.
    Read the full report here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Halifax — Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit charges man with multiple human trafficking-related offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) has charged a man with offences related to human trafficking, including Procuring Person Under 18, Advertising Sexual Services, and Trafficking in Persons.

    In July 2023, the HTU received a report from a victim of human trafficking who was a youth at the time the offences began. Over the course of the investigation, the officers became aware of a second victim. Offences took place between 2017 and 2023, while the victims and the accused were in Nova Scotia.

    On February 22, 2025, officers from HTU travelled to British Columbia and arrested Simon McNamee, 31, as he was living in Vancouver at the time.

    He was transported back to Nova Scotia, where he was charged with a total of seventeen offences, including Receiving Material Benefit from Sexual Services, Procuring – Person Under 18, Advertising Sexual Services, and Trafficking in Persons.

    McNamee appeared in Halifax Provincial Court on February 26 and was released by the courts on conditions pending future court appearances.

    Cpl. Brianna Taker notes that police investigations can be guided by the needs of the victims.

    “We are here to support victims of human trafficking, which often includes laying charges and making arrests, however, we will only proceed if victims are comfortable with charges being laid,” says Cpl. Taker. “We collaborate with many other support organizations in Nova Scotia who provide resources for victims, and the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit can be reached at anytime on our Hotline – 902-449-2425. As always, call 911 if you’re in immediate danger.”

    Nova Scotia HTU worked with Vancouver Police Department and RCMP in British Columbia to advance this investigation.

    More information about human trafficking is available here, including how to recognize the signs of human trafficking.

    Note: The Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Unit is comprised of members of the Nova Scotia RCMP, Halifax Regional Police, and New Glasgow Regional Police, and is supported by police officers from across the province.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Announces Charges Against Seven Defendants in Armed Transnational Cocaine and Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracies

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Four Defendants Arrested in Three U.S. States, Along With the Seizure of More Than 350 Kilograms of Methamphetamine, 100 Kilograms of Cocaine, and Four Firearms

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Francis J. Russo, the Director of Field Operations for the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging seven defendants with narcotics trafficking and firearms offenses. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos.

    Since at least in or about October 2023, SHEHNAZ SINGH, a/k/a “SHAWN,” along with his co-conspirators, AMRITPAL SINGH, a/k/a “AMRIT,” a/k/a “Bal,” AMRITPAL SINGH, a/k/a “CHEEMA,” TAKDIR SINGH, a/k/a “ROMY,” SARBSIT SINGH, a/k/a “SABI,” and GURLAL SINGH (“GURLAL”), operated a transnational conspiracy to import cocaine into the U.S. from Colombia and distribute the drug in cities across the U.S. and into Canada.  Beginning in or about April 2024, a subset of these conspirators—led by ROMY and SABI, and joined by co-conspirators including FERNANDO VALLADARES, a/k/a “FRANCO”—stole a cache of cocaine from their original co-conspirators and agreed to distribute it out of, among other places, hotels in New York City.  Members of the two armed drug trafficking conspiracies hunted each other down, brandished a firearm, and threatened the lives of each other and innocent family members. 

    Four defendants are in custody after arrests made on the morning of February 26, 2025.  Searches of various of the defendants’ residences and vehicles conducted at the time of arrest resulted in the seizure of four firearms, approximately 391 kilograms of methamphetamine, and approximately 109 kilograms of cocaine. CHEEMA was arrested in the Eastern District of California and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker and detained; ROMY and SABI were arrested in the Northern District of Ohio and were presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Grimes Jr. and detained; and FRANCO was arrested in the Eastern District of New York, presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo, and released on certain conditions.  AMRIT and GURLAL are in custody in Pennsylvania after prior arrests.  SHAWN remains at large. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “For more than a year, Shehnaz Singh and his associates not only imported dangerous drugs to sell across the United States but also armed themselves with deadly weapons and endangered communities here in New York City and around the country.  This week, we and our law enforcement partners halted that dangerous activity and took drugs and guns off the street.  I commend the career prosecutors of the Southern District of New York, and our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for their tireless efforts to disrupt this dangerous distribution network and to keep communities safe for our country and our neighbors, too.  We hope that today’s charges bring accountability to those who push drugs and use violence to protect their criminal organizations.”

    CBP Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo said: “Every day our CBP officers and law enforcement partners relentlessly pursue the most vicious and brutal criminal drug organizations in the world who do business globally and right here in our local communities and neighborhoods. We will not stop until networks such as this one and their criminal facilitators are off the street and brought to justice. CBP will continue its unwavering commitment to keeping Americans safe from the dangers of drugs and the violence they often bring.”

    According to the allegations contained in the Indictments, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:[1]

    Since at least in or about October 2023, a group of conspirators led by SHAWN—a Canada-based drug trafficker who holds himself out as a corrupt police officer—operated a drug trafficking organization that imported cocaine into the U.S., transported it to stash houses and other distribution sites using networks of trucking companies and drivers, and sold it in communities across the U.S. and into Canada (the “Original Cocaine Conspiracy”). AMRIT and CHEEMA, served as, among other things, SHAWN’s enforcers, and helped operated the drug trafficking organization by safekeeping and distributing cocaine while armed with guns.

    Members of the Original Cocaine Conspiracy imported cocaine into the U.S. from Colombia and delivered the drug to coconspirators in the midwestern U.S., including a vacant home used by AMRIT and others in Indiana. From there, the cocaine was distributed across the U.S. and to Canada, including through and to California, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.  This cross-border trade, from Colombia to the U.S. and Canada, was lucrative. As AMRIT described it: “It costs roughly about two, four, or five thousand dollars per [kilo in Colombia]. When it reaches America, it’s worth twelve to thirteen thousand. When it reaches Canada, it’s thirty thousand.”  In total, this organization was moving more than 600 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine a week.

    Beginning in or about April 2024, a subset of the Original Cocaine Conspiracy’s members—ROMY and SABI—stole a large cache of cocaine from their co-conspirators in the Original Cocaine Conspiracy and worked with others, including FRANCO—to distribute the stolen cocaine from, among other places, two hotels in New York City (the “Stolen Cocaine Conspiracy”).  After a co-conspirator (“CC-1”) crashed a truck carrying approximately 10 kilograms of the group’s cocaine and abandoned his cargo, members of the Original Cocaine Conspiracy announced plans to travel to New York with weapons to reclaim their stolen drugs and serve vengeance on members of the Stolen Cocaine Conspiracy and their families.  As AMRIT put it: “We need our stuff.  We aren’t letting anyone go.  We are going to kill them all.”  The day before arriving in New York City, AMRIT and CHEEMA, took photos of themselves displaying weapons over a large cache of stacked cocaine.

    Once in New York, AMRIT and CHEEMA threatened members of the Stolen Cocaine Conspiracy and their family members with violence.  In just one such incident, at a meeting in front of a home on suburban Long Island, AMRIT thrust a handgun into CC-1’s teenage brother’s neck while demanding to know the location of the stolen cocaine.

    While executing arrests of certain of the defendants and searches of various residences and vehicles, law enforcement agents seized four firearms, approximately 391 kilograms of methamphetamine, and approximately 109 kilograms of cocaine.  CHEEMA was stopped while fleeing a residence in Bakersfield, California, and arrested in possession of a loaded handgun.  Three additional firearms were seized from residences or vehicles belonging to or controlled by ROMY and SABI in Cleveland, Ohio, where agents also seized approximately 391 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately 109 kilograms of cocaine.  The seized firearms and narcotics are shown below.

    Cocaine intercepted en route to ROMY and SABI

    Methamphetamine seized from SABI’s residence

    *                *                *

    A chart containing the charges and minimum and maximum penalties each defendant faces is attached. The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by a judge.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and CBP. Mr. Podolsky further thanked the New York City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the Cleveland Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) Strike Force, the Cleveland Division of Police, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office and Bakersfield Resident Agency, the FBI’s Cartel, Gang, Narcotics, & Laundering Task Force, the Cleveland Division of Police Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the Bakersfield (Calif.) Police Department, for their assistance and cooperation in the investigation.

    This prosecution is part of an OCDETF operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles criminal organizations using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys William C. Kinder and Justin Horton are in charge of the prosecution.

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

    Defendant

    Age

    Charges

    Minimum and Maximum Sentences
    SHEHNAZ SINGH, a/k/a “Shawn”

    34

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; using, carrying, and possessing firearms during and in relation to, or in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of five consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    AMRITPAL SINGH, a/k/a “Amrit,” a/k/a “Bal”

    30

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of seven consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    AMRITPAL SINGH, a/k/a “Cheema”

    26

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; using, carrying, and possessing firearms during and in relation to, or in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of five consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    TAKDIR SINGH, a/k/a “Romy”

    33

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; using, carrying, and possessing firearms during and in relation to, or in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of five consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    SARBSIT SINGH, a/k/a “Sabi”

    32

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; using, carrying, and possessing firearms during and in relation to, or in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of five consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    GURLAL SINGH

    29

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy; using, carrying, and possessing firearms during and in relation to, or in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison (cocaine distribution conspiracy); minimum of five consecutive years in prison and a maximum of life (firearms offense)
    FERNANDO VALLADARES, a/k/a “Franco”

    36

    		 Cocaine distribution conspiracy Minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: 10/2025・Trifork Group AG – Reporting of transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 10 / 2025
    Schindellegi, Switzerland – 4 March 2025


    Reporting of transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities

    Pursuant to the Market Abuse Regulation Article 19, Trifork Group AG (Swiss company registration number CHE-474.101.854) (“Trifork”) hereby notifies receipt of information of the following transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities in Trifork.

    1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
    a) Name Jørn Larsen
    2. Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status CEO
    b) Initial notification/
    Amendment    		 Initial notification
    3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name Trifork Group AG
    b) LEI 8945004BYZKXPESTBL36
    4.1 Details of the transaction(s)
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument

    Identification code

    		 Shares

    ISIN CH1111227810
    b) Nature of the transaction Sale
    c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s)
    DKK 83.55 60,000
    d) Aggregated information
    —
    Aggregated volume —
    Price    		 Total volume: 60,000

    Total price: DKK 83.55

    Total value: DKK 5,013,000
    e) Date of the transaction 3 March 2025
    f) Place of the transaction Nasdaq Copenhagen (XCSE)


    Investor and media contact
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17


    About Trifork
    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján: Trump’s Trade War Will Increase Costs for New Mexicans, Have Devastating Consequences for American Industries and Jobs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    WSJ: “Economists say American importers and businesses will likely pass along the cost of tariffs to consumers, meaning individuals are likely to see higher prices at grocery stores and car dealerships.”
    POLITICO: “The agriculture industry will take a major hit from the new 25 percent duties on Mexico and Canada that went into effect at midnight.”
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, issued the following statement on President Trump imposing sweeping tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China:
    “President Trump’s reckless Trade War will lead to higher prices for New Mexicans on groceries, energy, cars, electronics, and more. Instead of strengthening our economy, he’s putting American jobs and businesses at risk while pushing the Tax Scam 2.0 for the wealthy and gutting essential programs. These tariffs could cost American families up to $2,000 a year in higher prices.
    “We’ve seen this before. During his first term, President Trump’s tariffs cost the agriculture industry billions of dollars. Now, our farmers and ranchers are once again paying the price. Despite President Trump’s claims, it’s American families and businesses who will bear the brunt of these tariffs.
    “President Trump is doing nothing to lower costs for hardworking Americans.”  
    Fact sheets on New Mexico trade with Canada, Mexico, and China are available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Popular cycle path set for extension this summer

    Source: City of Plymouth

    The existing path at Broxton Drive

    Works on an extension to one of Plymstock’s most popular off-road walking and cycling routes will begin later this year.

    The addition to the path will extend the well-used route that runs from the Laira Bridge all the way past Saltram Meadow by opening an old blocked-off bridge under Colesdown Hill and providing a new crossing across Elburton Road.

    The attractive, traffic-free route will be accessible to walkers, cyclists, mobility scooters and parents with pushchairs. The proposal also includes lighting and a crossing of the quarry access road to ensure that the path is safe and convenient for all users.  

    This is part of a three kilometre route which has been completed in phases, as funding has allowed, since the opening of Laira Rail Bridge in 2015 to walkers and cyclists.

    Work is scheduled to begin this summer, following the approval of a £1.15million budget, funded from Section 106 contributions.

    Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport and Infrastructure, said: “I’m thrilled to be able to deliver this crucial piece of sustainable transport infrastructure.

    “We always promised that this section would be done in stages and this is the next crucial piece of the puzzle, allowing pedestrians and cyclists a traffic free route over a number of miles.

    “I look forward to work beginning.”

    The new funding will complement an existing £2.8million pot, which has been obtained from grant and Section 106 funding.

    Over the next few months, a contractor will be appointed and planning permission will be finalised before residents in the area are directly notified of a precise start date.

    With 30 per cent of our carbon emissions coming from transport, encouraging walking and cycling for all abilities is crucial to Plymouth’s overall net zero aspirations.

    More information on Plymouth’s walking and cycling programme can be found at https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymotion

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: ButcherJoseph Advises Jim’s Formal Wear on a Sale to Its Employees

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. LOUIS, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Saint Louis, MO, March 2025 – ButcherJoseph & Co. (“ButcherJoseph”) served as financial advisor to Jim’s Formal Wear (“JFW or The Company”) on a sale to its employees through the creation of a new employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”). The transaction closed on December 30, 2024.

    Founded in 1964, Jim’s Formal Wear is the largest independent provider of men’s formal wear services in the USA. The Company is headquartered in Trenton, Illinois, and has a network of seven service centers and eight delivery hubs across the country. JFW carries all garment types necessary for formal occasions, including weddings, proms, quinceañeras and other special events. Having successfully navigated to its third generation of family leadership, JFW has expanded over the years into a nationwide distributor of rental and retail formal wear garments to more than 4,500 independent retailers. These retailers include bridal shops, men’s stores, and tuxedo specialists, among others. The Company maintains long-tenured relationships with its highly diversified retailer network, with the average tenure exceeding a decade. JFW currently employs 500 full-time team members and staff and hires an additional 250-300 seasonal employees.

    “The transition to an employee stock ownership plan secures the company’s future while empowering our employees with a meaningful stake in its success,” said Steve Davis, CEO of Jim’s Formal Wear. “We chose to transition ownership to our employees as a way to honor their dedication, talent, and hard work. This move also empowers our team to take an active role in shaping and participating in the benefits of our future growth while preserving the principles and culture that define us. I believe this new structure will drive innovation and long-term success.”

    “The transition to an employee-owned company strengthens JFW’s foundation for sustained growth and stability,” said Tristan Tahmaseb, Director at ButcherJoseph. “I am confident the ESOP structure will also foster greater employee engagement and deliver lasting value for the company. It was a true pleasure collaborating with Steve and his team on this transition, and I wish them ongoing success in this new chapter.”

    About ButcherJoseph & Co.
    ButcherJoseph & Co. is a boutique investment banking firm specializing in sale transactions to strategic and financial buyers, employee ownership transactions (ESOPs), capital advisory (debt & equity), and valuations and fairness opinions for privately held businesses. ButcherJoseph is headquartered in St. Louis with a presence in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Miami, Palm Beach, Charlotte, and Scottsdale.

    About Jim’s Formal Wear
    Jim’s Formal Wear commitment to quality isn’t just a phase. It’s grounded in 60+ years of experience. JFW has seven strategically located service centers and eight regional delivery hubs nationwide. We employ 500 full-time team members and staff and hire an additional 250-300 seasonal employees. We take pride in serving more than 4,500 menswear stores, bridal shops, and other formalwear-related retailers throughout the country.

    ###

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AI-powered sales journeys: Personalization for exceptional customer experiences

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: AI-powered sales journeys: Personalization for exceptional customer experiences

    Personalized customer engagement is no longer just an advantage; it’s an expectation. Sales teams are increasingly tasked with delivering real-time, tailored interactions across multiple touchpoints, all while managing a growing number of prospects and customers. The challenge is maintaining that high level of personalization without overwhelming the team or losing the quality of engagement. 

    We see that many businesses encounter significant challenges when attempting to scale personalized interactions to meet the needs of a diverse and growing customer base. Traditional methods that worked well with smaller datasets and pipelines simply can’t keep up with the demands of a modern, fast-paced sales environment. Companies are looking for better ways to manage and orchestrate customer journeys to deliver relevant, personalized experiences at every stage. 

    Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales

    Elevate your customer experiences by personalizing them at scale. 

    The complexity of personalizing at scale 

    Using outdated CRM systems or doing things manually often means sales teams have to send out generic messages that don’t really connect with individual customers. This makes the engagement feel off, and opportunities slip through the cracks. 

    The main issue here is that most systems don’t provide real-time insights into what customers are doing. Without up-to-date data, sales teams end up reacting to customer actions instead of anticipating them. As the number of leads grows, it’s nearly impossible to maintain the kind of deep engagement needed to really connect with customers at every stage. 

    Orchestrating seamless customer journeys with Microsoft AI-driven insights 

    AI helps companies take a proactive approach to personalizing customer journeys. By analyzing customer behaviors in real-time and delivering actionable recommendations, AI gives sales teams the insights they need to anticipate customer needs and offer solutions before prospects even ask for them. 

    Beyond insights, AI orchestrates the entire customer journey, helping to ensure that interactions across channels are cohesive and relevant. Whether a prospect first interacts with a brand through email, social media, or a sales meeting, AI helps to ensure that their journey is connected, personalized, and moves them further down the funnel. 

    Dynamics 365 optimizes every step of the customer journey 

    Let’s explore how AI-powered insights optimize key stages of the sales journey, enabling sales teams to focus on high-value tasks while still delivering tailored customer experiences.

    Enhancing customer interactions with Microsoft 365 Copilot

    Effective customer interactions are built on understanding the customer’s history, preferences, and current pain points. However, gathering that information can be tedious and fragmented when done manually, leading to inconsistent and incomplete preparation. 

    With AI-generated opportunity summaries, sales teams can walk into every meeting fully prepared. Real-time insights about the customer’s journey—including previous interactions, product interests, and engagement history—help to ensure that each interaction is tailored to the customer’s needs. Instead of scrambling to piece together information, sales teams can focus on building relationships and delivering value from the outset. 

    Investec is a great example here. By using Microsoft 365 Copilot for Sales, they have been able to improve their client relationships while saving about 200 hours a year. This allows them to redirect efforts from routine tasks towards providing a personalized customer experience. 

    Streamlining post-sale engagement and follow-ups 

    Maintaining customer satisfaction post-sale is critical for retention, but many organizations struggle with post-sale engagement. Inconsistent follow-ups or delayed CRM system updates lead to disengaged customers and missed upsell opportunities. 

    AI-powered systems automate the process, ensuring timely follow-ups and engagement reminders. For example, sales reps can receive real-time notifications when a customer interaction is needed—whether it’s a check-in call, a product recommendation, or a renewal reminder. This automation helps to ensure that no opportunity falls through the cracks, supporting teams to strengthen customer relationships and increase long-term value. 

    Just look at the work that Lynk & Co is doing to transform car usage by offering flexible options for customers to buy, borrow, or subscribe to vehicles. Using Microsoft Dynamics 365 customizable tools, they were able to quickly build an infrastructure that could create unique processes and drive highly personalized experiences. 

    Creating a cohesive, multi-channel experience 

    We know that customers engage across multiple channels—email, phone, social media, webinars, and more. Managing these touchpoints individually often results in a fragmented customer journey. Customers can feel disconnected from the brand if interactions on different platforms don’t align. 

    AI-powered tools help orchestrate seamless interactions across channels, ensuring that customers receive consistent messaging regardless of how they choose to engage. Whether it’s a follow-up after a demo, a personalized offer via SMS, or an email post-webinar, AI helps to ensure that the message is both relevant and timely. Sales teams can manage more channels without sacrificing personalization, improving the customer experience and keeping prospects engaged. 

    An interesting story here is Zurich Insurance Group. To optimize processes and handle increasing customer data, they chose Microsoft solutions, including Dynamics 365 Customer Insights, to help them find new ways to reach customers and shape customer journeys. As a result, they’ve been able to increase their lead quality by over 40%. 

    AI’s role in optimizing customer journeys 

    By continuously analyzing real-time customer behavior, AI provides sales teams with recommendations on what to do next—whether that’s sending a follow-up email, scheduling a demo, or offering a personalized discount. 

    For sales leaders, this means moving beyond surface-level engagement to deep, data-driven interactions that anticipate customer needs. Rather than reacting to each customer interaction as it happens, AI supports proactive strategies that keep prospects moving smoothly through the sales funnel. 

    Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Copilot: Delivering personalization at scale 

    The challenges of scaling personalization can be daunting, but solutions like Dynamics 365 and Copilot allow businesses to turn customer data into actionable strategies, delivering relevant, personalized interactions from the first touchpoint to post-sale follow-up.  

    With Dynamics 365 and Copilot, organizations are experiencing the following benefits: 1 

    • 15% increase in revenue per customer journey. 
    • 75% time savings on customer journey development.
    • 50% reduction in physical marketing spend.

    Here’s how Dynamics 365 addresses the key challenges of scaling personalized engagement: 

    • Natural language data exploration. Sales teams can instantly access customer insights by asking questions in simple language, such as “Which customers are nearing their renewal date?”. This streamlines data access and empowers quick, targeted action.1 
    • Segment creation with Query Assist. Easily create customer segments by describing desired traits, helping sales teams target high-value groups with precision.2 
    • AI-assisted journey creation. Define customer journey goals in plain language, and Copilot builds personalized journeys across channels, boosting engagement and conversions.3 
    • Content generation and refinement. Quickly draft messages or emails with Copilot, using tone and key point inputs to tailor content. This speeds up customer response and helps to ensure alignment with brand goals.4 

    AI can scale personalized customer engagement  

    When talking to customers, it is recommended that businesses consider personalizing engagement across their large pipelines. This can indeed be a major challenge, but with AI-powered tools like Dynamics 365 and Copilot, sales teams can effortlessly maintain meaningful, personalized interactions at every stage of the customer journey. By turning data into actionable insights, AI empowers companies to create proactive and tailored experiences that drive both loyalty and growth. Using AI allows you to scale engagement without sacrificing the personal touch, making it a valuable investment for enhancing customer relationships.  

    Access the resources below to get started on your AI journey today. You can also stay connected on LinkedIn with more information about innovation and AI transformation. 

    Learn more about how to personalize at scale with Microsoft Dynamics 365. 

    Sources:

    1 “Dialog with Data.” Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Insights Documentation. Microsoft, Inc., 2024.  

    2 “Copilot Overview.” Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Insights Documentation. Microsoft, Inc., 2024. 

    3 “Use Copilot to Create a Journey.” Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Insights Documentation. Microsoft, Inc., 2024. 

    4 “Content Rewrite.” Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Insights Documentation. Microsoft, Inc., 2024. 

    Jonathan Hunt

    Corporate Vice President, Business Applications, Commercial Solution Area

    Jonathan Hunt is Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President, Business Applications. In this role, Hunt’s focus is on helping Microsoft’s customers and partners successfully navigate their digital transformation by harnessing the power of technology to understand their data, their customers, and their systems – and to achieve more within an ethical, inclusive, and secure framework. Hunt has spent 20+ years helping organizations scale through technology, process, and change management. Prior to joining Microsoft, he led Go-to-Market Strategy & Operations for Databricks and spent 11 years at Salesforce, most recently serving as COO, North America. Hunt has a wealth of knowledge and experience in optimizing and scaling Go-to-Market models, building high-performing teams and strategic partnerships, and driving business growth, both regionally and globally. Hunt lives in the San Francisco Bay area and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three children. He is an aspiring runner and cyclist and enjoys seeking adventures in the backcountry when time permits.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio meets with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó at the Department of State, on March 4, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbIUBWW7WJQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Lee Introduce Bipartisan Guarding Readiness Resources Act to Strengthen National Guard Units

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    March 03, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced bipartisan legislation that would strengthen National Guard units in Illinois and across America by helping to ensure our servicemembers have access to the funds needed for maintenance and readiness activities that keep us all safe. Specifically, the bipartisan Guarding Readiness Resources Act would provide a critical exemption from the Miscellaneous Receipts Act for State Active Duty (SAD) reimbursement payments, ensuring that these funds are directed back to the National Guard units that incurred the expenses and ultimately bolster readiness and operational efficiency.

    “The men and women of the National Guard are committed to the motto of ‘always ready, always there’—which is why it’s important our Guardsmen have the resources they need to stay mission-ready,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our bipartisan Guarding Readiness Resources Act would better ensure the Guard has access to the funds needed for the maintenance and readiness activities that help them keep our country safe.”

    “The National Guard is essential to our national defense and emergency response system,” said Senator Lee. “Our legislation eliminates unnecessary hurdles, ensuring that the funds used by states to reimburse the National Guard go directly to maintaining and preparing our equipment for future missions.”

    Along with Duckworth and Lee, the bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), James Risch (R-ID), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jim Justice (R-WV), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

    The Guarding Readiness Resources Act would address a longstanding challenge for the National Guard. While federal law allows the use of federal assets for state-directed missions, reimbursements for those expenses have been diverted to the U.S. Treasury instead of the appropriate Guard units, creating significant funding gaps. The legislation is endorsed by the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) and the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS).

    “Our National Guard members serve side by side with their active-duty counterparts, answering the call at home and abroad,” said CMSgt. Josh J. Baker, Vice President of EANGUS. “Yet, they continue to face inequities in pay, health care, and benefits that undermine their service and sacrifice. This legislation is a significant step toward correcting these imbalances and ensuring our Guardsmen are properly equipped, trained, and supported—whether they are responding to domestic emergencies or deploying overseas. EANGUS stands ready to work alongside Senator Lee and other congressional leaders to advance this bill. Our members, the backbone of the National Guard, deserve nothing less than full recognition and fair treatment for their dedication to our nation.”

    “The National Guard continuously responds to the dynamic domestic challenges this nation faces,” said retired Maj Gen. Francis M. McGinn, President of NGAUS. “Immediate response often requires significant unforeseen state expenditures. While the law allows for federal reimbursement, it is executed in such a way that states never see those much-needed funds.  This creates substantial budget gaps that threaten the readiness of the force. The Guarding Readiness Resources Act corrects this oversight and ensures the National Guard has the necessary resources to effectively fulfill their mission. We are grateful for the work of Senators Lee and Duckworth and ask for full congressional support for inclusion in the FY26 NDAA.”

    By adding a Miscellaneous Receipts exemption to section 710 of title 32, Congress would help ensure that: 

    • The U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) can direct reimbursement money back to National Guard units.
    • National Guard units can have available funding for maintenance, repair and replacement costs of federal equipment when needed.
    • National Guard equipment, property and training funds remain ready for National Guard federal missions.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan: Children as young as one raped during conflict, UNICEF warns

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    As conflict rages across Sudan, armed men are raping and sexually assaulting children, including some infants as young as one, according to the UN children’s agency (UNICEF).

    Data from gender-based violence service providers in Sudan reveals the scale of the horror: more than 220 reported cases of child rape since the start of 2024.

    “Children as young as one being raped by armed men should shock anyone to their core and compel immediate action,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

    But these figures only scratch the surface, as survivors and their families often remain silent due to stigma, lack of services and fear of retribution from armed groups.

    A war crime unfolding

    Sexual violence is being weaponised in Sudan’s conflict, putting millions of children at risk.

    The brutal reality of this violence, and the fear of falling victim to it, is pushing women and girls to leave their homes and families, only to face further dangers.

    UNICEF reports that girls often end up in informal displacement sites with scarce resources, where the risk of sexual violence is high. Of the reported child rape survivors, 66 per cent are girls.

    Meanwhile, boys face their own difficulties. With deep-seated stigma, reporting sexual assault presents its challenges, making it harder to seek help and access services.

    Shockingly, 16 of the survivors were under five years old, including four one-year-olds.

    “This is an abhorrent violation of international law and could constitute a war crime,” Ms. Russell underscored. “It must stop.”

    Efforts on the ground

    UNICEF is working with partners to establish safe spaces that provide gender-based violence services for survivors.

    The agency is training frontline workers, including social workers and psychologists to provide community-based services across Sudan as well as address harmful social norms and practices.

    A call to action

    UNICEF is calling on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international law, protect civilians – especially children – and ensure humanitarian workers can safely deliver aid.

    Stronger data systems are deemed critical, both to improve the humanitarian response and to hold perpetrators accountable.

    “Widespread sexual violence in Sudan has instilled terror in people, especially children,” Ms. Russell warned. “These scars of war are immeasurable and long-lasting.”

    Without urgent action, Sudan’s sexual violence crisis will only deepen, leaving a lasting and devastating legacy.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Illegal alien who threatened ICE agent’s life arrested in connection with human smuggling ring, deaths of 7

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES — An illegal alien from Guatemala was arrested on a four-count indictment alleging he led one of the largest human smuggling organizations in the United States. The ring allegedly smuggled approximately 20,000 illegal immigrants from Guatemala to destinations nationwide over a five-year span. The defendant held some victims in stash houses as hostages and is responsible for the deaths of seven illegal immigrants — including a 4-year-old child — who were killed in a November 2023 car accident in Oklahoma. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Border Patrol and the Inglewood Police Department are investigating the matter.

    “These arrests illuminate the dangers and victimization associated with aliens attempting to unlawfully enter our country,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “Every day, similar human smuggling organizations put profits ahead of safety in these reckless and illegal endeavors. ICE Los Angeles and our partners are committed to continue identifying and dismantling these organizations so no further lives are lost and our borders are secure.”

    Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul aka Turko, 51, of the Westlake neighborhood near downtown Los Angeles, was arrested Feb. 28 with his alleged right-hand man, Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, 49, also of the Westlake neighborhood. The defendants were arraigned the same day and ordered to stand trial April 22. A federal magistrate judge also ordered them jailed without bond.

    Renoj-Matul allegedly led one of the largest human smuggling organizations in the United States, moving approximately 20,000 illegal immigrants from 2019 through July 2024.

    Also charged in the indictment are Helmer Obispo-Hernandez aka Xavi, 41, a lieutenant in the criminal organization who is a fugitive, and Jose Paxtor-Oxlaj, 44, a driver for the smuggling organization who is incarcerated in Oklahoma in connection with the fatal November 2023 car accident.

    All the defendants are Guatemalan nationals who are or were illegally living in the United States at the time of the alleged offenses.

    All four defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States, transporting aliens in the United States, and harboring aliens in the United States for private financial gain and resulting in death.

    Additionally, Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj are charged with two counts of hostage-taking. Obispo-Hernandez and Paxtor-Oxlaj also are charged with one count of transporting aliens in the United States for private financial gain and resulting in death.

    A separate federal criminal complaint filed March 2 charges Obispo-Hernandez with threatening to cut off the heads of an ICE task force officer and members of his family. The threats were allegedly made to the federal law enforcement office Feb. 28 in the wake of search warrants being executed at Obispo-Hernandez’s residence.

    “These smuggling organizations have no regard for human life and their conduct kills,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “Their members pose a danger to the public and law enforcement. We must vigorously enforce our immigration laws so that these organizations cannot operate. The indictment and arrests here have dismantled one of the country’s largest and most dangerous smuggling organizations. This work saves lives, and the members of the organization will now face significant consequences.”

    According to the indictment returned Feb. 25 and unsealed Feb. 28, the Renoj-Matul transnational criminal organization operated for at least a dozen years and specialized in smuggling illegal immigrants from Guatemala to the United States, the transportation and movement of those illegal immigrants within the United States — especially between Phoenix and Los Angeles — and harboring, concealing and shielding of illegal immigrants within the United States.

    Renoj-Matual was assisted by associates in Guatemala who solicited illegal immigrants to come to the United States, accepted payment of between $15,000 and $18,000 for each illegal immigrant smuggled into the United States, and coordinated the illegal immigrants’ journeys from Guatemala to the United States.

    Mexican smuggling organizations transported the aliens through Mexico and across the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona, where they were held in stash houses and eventually picked up by Renoj-Matul’s lieutenants. The illegal immigrants then — for an additional fee — were transported and moved to various destinations in the United States, including Los Angeles. The immigrants who had not paid their fees were held hostage in a stash house in the Westlake neighborhood near downtown Los Angeles.

    Renoj-Matul directed that the transportation of proceeds from human smuggling be transported from Los Angeles to Phoenix, where they were given to the Mexican smuggling organization to pay the expenses incurred by Renoj-Matul’s transnational criminal organization.

    In November 2023, Paxtor-Oxlaj caused a car accident in Elk City, Oklahoma, while he was smuggling illegal immigrants from New York to Los Angeles. That car accident resulted in the deaths of seven passengers in the vehicle he drove. Of the seven people killed, three were minors, including a 4-year-old child.

    Paxtor-Oxlaj was arrested in connection with the accident and was charged in the Western District of Oklahoma with being an illegal alien found in the United States following removal. He previously had been removed from the U.S. to Guatemala in 2010 and did not have legal permission to reenter the United States.

    The indictment further alleges that, from April 2024 to July 2024, Renoj-Matul and Mejia-Chaj held hostage two Guatemalan nationals smuggled into the United States who had not paid smuggling fees. The defendants allegedly threatened to kill the victims until third parties paid for their release.

    An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

    If convicted of all charges, the defendants each face a statutory maximum sentence of death or life imprisonment.

    Also arrested Feb. 28 was Rolando Gomez-Gomez aka Chaka, 39, of South Los Angeles, who is charged with one count of being an illegal alien found in the United States following removal, and Juan Lopez Garcia aka Boxer, 41, of Downtown Los Angeles, who was arrested on a civil removal matter. Both defendants are alleged lieutenants in the Renoj-Matul transnational criminal organization.

    Assistant U.S. attorneys Shawn J. Nelson and Elia Herrera of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case. Assistant U.S. attorney Tara B. Vavere of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling the asset forfeiture portion of this case.

    Anyone with information related to human smuggling are encouraged to call the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423).

    Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to protect the U.S. economy in your community on X at @HSILosAngeles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: West Virginia Ambulance Business Owner Sentenced for Tax Crimes

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A West Virginia man was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for not paying the taxes withheld from employees’ wages at an ambulance service he operated and obstructing the IRS’ efforts to collect those taxes.

    According to court documents and evidence presented in court, from 2012 through part of 2017, Christopher Jason Smyth operated Stat EMS LLC, an ambulance service located in Pineville. Smyth created Stat EMS after a previous ambulance business Smyth operated accrued millions of dollars of employment tax liabilities and filed for bankruptcy. Smyth caused Stat EMS to be founded in the name of a nominee owner but continued operating the business in the same manner as before.

    At Stat EMS, Smyth was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from employees’ wages and paying them to the IRS.  For years, however, Smyth did not fully pay the taxes to the IRS. Instead, he paid various personal expenses and transferred funds to businesses held by his friends and family. The IRS determined that Stat EMS accrued approximately $3.3 million in unpaid taxes.

    Eventually, the IRS assessed the unpaid taxes against Smyth personally and attempted to collect those assessments from him. When interviewed by an IRS revenue officer attempting to collect Smyth’s unpaid tax debts, Smyth stated that he had no personal bank accounts and denied that he used anyone else’s. In reality, however, he regularly deposited his paychecks into an account in a relative’s name. He also attempted to mislead the revenue officer by representing that he had nothing to do with several other businesses, even though he had signature authority over their bank accounts.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston for the Southern District of West Virginia made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Assistant Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorneys Kavitha Bondada and Andrew Ascencio of the Tax Division, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Goes for the Southern District of West Virginia, prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Innovative sensory library project launches in Coventry

    Source: City of Coventry

    A community-led project to set up a sensory library at Coventry Central Library has now launched.

    The library features a range of sensory equipment such as noise cancelling headphones, weighted lap pads and various sensory lights that can be borrowed free of charge with a library card. The sensory library is predominately aimed at adults with autism but is available for anyone to use.

    This project has been set up by Alex Hilton, a Coventry resident with autism, in collaboration with community group Coventry Resting spaces, supported by local charity Grapevine. It has been funded by Heart of England Community Foundation and supported by Coventry Central Library.

    The idea came about when Alex discovered that autistic sensory processing is not typically well catered for in society. Sensory stimuli can easily cause distress for people that have autism.

    Sensory equipment can also be expensive and it can be difficult for people to know what they need.

    Alex said: “If I’d have had the chance to borrow a pair of noise cancelling headphones for example, I would have realised how much they would help years earlier and been in a better position in my life.

    “I want to support people in my community and offer them the chance to try out a range of equipment so they can see what best meets their needs before they make a purchase.”

    The sensory resources at Central Library will be a very welcome addition, helping to enhance the sensory experience and wellbeing of the local community.

    Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “What a wonderful new addition to our already well-equipped Central Library. Everyone in the city deserves to have the opportunity to access equipment that is going to help their individual needs. I’m delighted that Alex has joined forces with local communities, charities and the library to make this idea a reality.

    “The new initiative is going to be beneficial to so many people in the city and I’d encourage anyone that thinks they could benefit from the sensory library to go ahead and use it. I’m looking forward to having a look myself.”

    Coventry Resting Spaces provide free, quiet spaces, in and around the city centre where people who need a resting space can have that. They are a group with lived experiences and now have four spaces around the city centre and nearby, including at Coventry Central Library. A fifth resting space is due to open at Herbert Art Gallery in July.

    The Resting Spaces team said: “The sensory library will fit really well with our work of enabling people with hidden disabilities to better participate in our local community, so we are thrilled to be working together.”

    To keep up to date with the latest news, sign up for our Your Coventry email newsletter or follow the Council on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 4 March 2025 South Africa: applying the lessons learned from tackling HIV to accelerate action on obesity

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Therncountry has already taken some bold moves to transform the food system, enablernequitable access to healthy food and physical activity and provide healthyrnmeals to children through the National School Nutrition Programme. rnSpecifically, as part of efforts to create healthier food environments, arnsugar-sweetened beverage tax, introduced in 2018, has helped reduce sugaryrndrink purchases, and regulations to reduce salt in processed foods has reducedrnsalt intake. 

    Obesityrnchronic care programs now need to be scaled up across all levels of thernhealth system with a focus on community and primary care and referral and backrnreferral to secondary and tertiary care. “The task is now to replan, reorganizernand reorient health services and train health-care providers to expand accessrnto all those in need and offer services where people are, with an impetus neverrnseen before,” said Professor Francois Venter, Director of Ezintsha atrnthe University of the Witwatersrand. “And there are many lessons from ourrnexperience in implementing large scale HIV programmes that are highly relevant,”rnhe added.   

    Asrnwith the HIV response in the early 2000s, the voices of health advocates andrnresearchers are critical to ensuring a person-centred, rights-based response tornaddressing obesity in South Africa. Robust civil society is a strength of SouthrnAfrican society that can be leveraged to combat obesity. A key player, thernDesmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF), expanded the HIV focus of its researchrnand advocacy to cover HIV within the broader health context of NCDs and mentalrnhealth in 2020. “Obesity is the new South African epidemic, with many parallelsrnto HIV. Both require lifelong care and impact every part of society. The samernlevers that drove South Africa’s HIV response – advocacy, community engagement,rncollaboration and long-term commitment – are just as crucial for tacklingrnobesity and sustained action beyond World Obesity Day,” noted DrrnNomathemba Chandiwana, Chief Scientific Officer at DTHF. 

    Onrnthe same line, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has been runningrneducational campaigns on healthy living for decades. As well as educating thernpublic and enabling research, CANSA strives to influence policymakers on cancerrncontrol issues and advocates to protect people’s right to health care. 

             © WHO / Barry Christianson

    Torntackle obesity, action is needed across different areas of governmentrnincluding, among others, health, social services, finance, education, trade andrnurban planning.  Government efforts can be amplified by collaboration withrnresearchers who can help with problem solving and filling knowledge gaps withrntargeted research. At the same time, supportive non-governmental organizationsrn(NGOs) and community groups – joining forces with the government and scientistsrn– can call for robust, rights-based public health action.  

    Byrnharnessing the superpower of joint government, civil society and academiarnaction, and building on the hard-won success of HIV programmes, South Africa isrnleading the way and delivering the change that is needed to respond to thernobesity challenge.

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    MIL OSI United Nations News –