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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the Victorians started the modern health obsession with collagen

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol

    Dream79/Shutterstock

    Shimmering, wobbling and painstakingly prepared, jelly was a staple of elite Victorian dining tables. But beneath its elegant presentation lay a deeper significance – one that reveals much about the era’s understanding of bone, health and scientific progress.

    By examining what jelly meant to the Victorians, we gain a fascinating insight into how food, science, and social status were entwined, and why our modern fascination with bone broth and collagen supplements is nothing new.

    To the Victorians, food was not merely sustenance but spectacle, and few dishes displayed culinary prowess as effectively as jelly.

    The ability to produce a flawless, quivering mould showed not only a cook’s technical skill but also a household’s refinement and affluence. A beautifully set table featuring jewel-toned jellies and savoury aspics signified sophistication, wealth and control over one’s domestic sphere.

    Despite its seemingly effortless appearance, jelly was among the most labour-intensive dishes a Victorian cook could prepare. Before the advent of commercially available gelatin, creating the perfect jelly required hours of patient work, beginning with the extraction of gelatin from animal bones.

    Beneath the quivering surface of a Victorian jelly lies a remarkable structural conversion that begins deep within bone.

    The key to jelly is collagen, the most abundant protein in the body and a fundamental component of bone. Collagen provides bone with tensile strength and flexibility, working alongside hydroxyapatite, a crystalline form of calcium phosphate, which lends bone its rigidity.

    In its natural state, collagen exists as a tightly wound triple-helix structure – a molecular arrangement that resists breakdown under normal conditions. However, through prolonged exposure to heat and water, this resilient protein undergoes hydrolysis, breaking apart into gelatin — a substance capable of setting liquids into the delicate, tremulous form so prized by the Victorians.

    The process begins with the slow simmering of bones, a practice familiar to both culinary and medical traditions.

    When bones are boiled in water over extended periods, heat disrupts the hydrogen bonds stabilising the collagen fibrils, causing them to unravel. This process, known as thermal denaturation, leads to the gradual breakdown of collagen’s highly ordered triple helix, transforming it into smaller, soluble protein fragments.

    The longer the bones are boiled, the more collagen dissolves, releasing a rich, proteinaceous broth — the precursor to both gelatin and the contemporary trend of bone broth, a healthy soup made by boiling animal bones.

    As hydrolysis progresses, collagen loses its fibrous structure, forming a loose network of protein chains that remain suspended in the liquid. Unlike intact collagen, which is rigid and insoluble, these denatured fragments possess the unique ability to trap water molecules within a gel matrix when cooled.

    This transformation is the defining characteristic of gelatin: once heated, it dissolves readily into a liquid, but upon cooling, the reformation of weak intermolecular bonds allows it to set into a flexible, semi-solid state.

    The final stages of gelatin extraction involve purification and clarification. Victorian kitchens employed traditional methods of refining the broth, often using egg whites to bind to impurities, which were then skimmed from the surface. Once sufficiently clarified, the liquid was left to cool, allowing the gelatin to set into its characteristic wobbly structure.

    Unlike modern commercial gelatin, which undergoes industrial processing for uniformity and ease of use, Victorian gelatin varied in strength and purity depending on the bones used and the duration of boiling.

    Some bones yielded a stronger gelatin than others, influencing both its setting properties and clarity. Calves’ feet were among the most prized sources, rich in collagen and capable of producing a firm, well-setting jelly.

    In contrast, ox bones, though commonly used for broths, contained less collagen and required prolonged boiling to extract enough gelatin, often resulting in a weaker set.

    Boiling time was critical in determining gelatin strength. A long, slow simmer (12–24 hours) was optimal. Shorter boiling times, often used for poultry or lighter broths (and lighter bones), resulted in weaker gelatin. However, overboiling (beyond 24–36 hours) risked breaking down the protein structure too much, preventing the gelatin from setting properly.

    Collagen and health

    The link between gelatin and bone health was not lost on Victorian society. Medical texts of the period frequently recommended gelatin-rich broths for invalids, children, and the elderly, reinforcing the belief that consuming gelatin could replenish and strengthen the body’s own systems.

    This intuitive logic mirrors contemporary claims that bone broth supports joint health, digestion and skin elasticity. However, while broth provides collagen and minerals, scientific evidence for its direct functional benefits remains limited.

    Collagen from food is broken down during digestion and does not directly restore cartilage or connective tissue. Despite its nutrient content, bone broth is no more beneficial than other protein sources, with its resurgence driven more by slow food and wellness trends than firm scientific backing.

    In many ways, the gelatinous dishes that graced Victorian dining tables were as much a product of scientific curiosity as they were of culinary tradition. The transformation of bone into jelly encapsulated an era fascinated by both anatomy and domestic mastery, offering a rare but not exclusive intersection between the dinner table and the laboratory.

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

    – ref. How the Victorians started the modern health obsession with collagen – https://theconversation.com/how-the-victorians-started-the-modern-health-obsession-with-collagen-249215

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s claim that US debt calculation may be fraudulent could put the economy in danger

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gabriella Legrenzi, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Finance, Keele University

    Deacons docs/Shutterstock

    The US president, Donald Trump, is challenging official figures around the country’s federal debt, suggesting possible fraud in its calculation. The president’s remarks have added a controversial twist to an issue that is both complex and consequential for the United States. And it has implications for the global economy and financial markets too.

    US federal debt is the total amount of money the US government owes from years of borrowing to cover budget deficits (spending beyond its revenues). Over time, this amount has grown significantly, becoming a focal point for political debates and economic forecasts.

    The US debt clock indicates an amount of debt of above US$36 trillion (£28.5 trillion), corresponding to US$107,227 (£84,795) per US citizen.

    This figure is based on the US total public debt series. It is undeniable that the US debt has grown remarkably since the 2008 recession, with a further acceleration during the COVID pandemic. This brings the US federal debt in at around 121% of the size of the entire economy (GDP). For comparison, the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility puts British national debt at 99.4% of GDP in 2024.

    This pattern is common across advanced economies, given the necessity to spend to support their economies during recessions.

    Trump has also claimed that, as the result of this alleged fraud, the US might have less debt than was thought. Potential fraud aside, it is common knowledge that the headline debt figure overstates the amount of federal debt. This is because it includes debt that one part of the US government owes to another part, as well as debt held by the Federal Reserve Banks.

    Subtracting these debts from the US federal debt data gives us the debt held by the public. This is much lower but it still shows a similar growing pattern over time.

    How US national debt has grown as a share of GDP:

    The conventional wisdom (courtesy of Mr Micawber, a character in Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield) is that an income greater than expenditure equals happiness, while the opposite results in misery. But this does not necessarily apply to public debt.

    This is ultimately a debt we have with ourselves (and our future generations). What really matters is its long-term sustainability, meaning that the debt-to-GDP ratio is not following an explosive pattern. This kind of pattern could increase the risk premium (effectively the interest) demanded by investors, with a negative impact on private investments and growth prospects. Also, it potentially raises the risk of default.

    Our research has shown that there is no universally accepted threshold where debt becomes unsustainable. Instead, each case requires context-specific analysis looking at macroeconomic fundamentals such as inflation and unemployment, financial crises as well as the (potentially self-fulfilling) market expectations.

    Trump’s take

    Recently, Trump has questioned not only the size of federal debt but also the integrity of the methods used to calculate it, without presenting any evidence. He claims that the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) has uncovered potential fraud. If confirmed, these findings could significantly alter perceptions of the country’s financial position.

    Reports have also highlighted his controversial allegation that the US is “not that rich right now. We owe US$36 trillion … because we let all these nations take advantage of us.” These claims are puzzling, as the large size of US debt reflects decades of fiscal policy decisions in the wake of numerous shocks to the economy. Debt itself is not a cause of alarm for analysts.

    While the amount of US federal debt held by foreign stakeholders has risen over time, it is currently less than 30% of GDP. This is down from an all-time high of 35% during Trump’s first term back in 2020 during the pandemic.

    Of the US federal debt held by foreign countries, the largest amounts are owned by Japan, China, and the UK. Yet, when other countries hold US federal debt, it has nothing to do with “taking advantage” of the US.

    In fact, the US dollar is the world’s dominant vehicle currency. It is on one side of 88% of all trades in the foreign exchange market, which has a global daily turnover of US$7.5 trillion.

    As such, the US benefits from a so-called “exorbitant privilege”. This advantage comes from the international demand for the “safe haven” status of US Treasury securities and the US dollar, and has allowed the US to issue debt at a relatively low interest rate.

    Research suggests that this “safe haven” status of the US dollar has increased the maximum sustainable debt for the US by around 22%. What’s more, it’s estimated to have saved the US government 0.7% of GDP in annual interest payments.

    These advantages rely on the fact that US Treasury bonds are traditionally viewed as risk-free assets. This is particularly the case during times of global financial stress, as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the US government. The US has a longstanding record of meeting its debt obligations.

    But Trump’s comments risk shaking the confidence of financial markets, leading traders to reassess the reliability of official data and the potential risks associated with US Treasury bonds. Whether truth or tale, such remarks touch on sensitive issues regarding fiscal responsibility and transparency in government.

    Any suggestion that the US government’s debt figures are unreliable could be destabilising. This is because they could call into question the reliability of the US fiscal system among the international investors and foreign governments that hold these securities.

    Much like Trump’s tariff threats, alleging other countries who hold a substantial portion of US federal debt have been opportunistic could be risky.

    The president could end up straining diplomatic bilateral relations with key creditors, which may cause broader uncertainties in global financial markets.

    With Trump in the White House, distinguishing between politically charged rhetoric and fiscal sustainability of the US federal debt will be essential for maintaining trust in the US economy and the health of the global financial system.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump’s claim that US debt calculation may be fraudulent could put the economy in danger – https://theconversation.com/trumps-claim-that-us-debt-calculation-may-be-fraudulent-could-put-the-economy-in-danger-250538

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Barragán Introduce Bicameral Bill to Codify DOJ’s Office of Environmental Justice

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Barragán Introduce Bicameral Bill to Codify DOJ’s Office of Environmental Justice

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.-44) introduced bicameral legislation to permanently codify the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act follows Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent order eliminating all environmental justice efforts at the DOJ on her first day as Attorney General.
    Bondi’s directive followed President Trump’s executive order dismantling all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives across federal agencies. As a result, programs designed to combat pollution in communities of color, indigenous communities, and low-income areas were effectively shut down. The Trump Administration also terminated several ENRD attorneys responsible for prosecuting environmental violations, including cases like the Volkswagen emissions scandal and the East Palestine train derailment.
    “The Trump Administration’s systematic elimination of environmental justice efforts completely abandons millions of Americans whose communities have suffered from toxic pollution for decades,” said Senator Padilla. “Every federal agency has a responsibility to provide justice to these communities, and I remain committed to guaranteeing clean air and water for all. Our legislation would ensure that the Department of Justice holds polluters accountable for environmental crimes and works directly with communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis to rectify longstanding environmental harms.”
    “The Trump Administration’s elimination of environmental justice safeguards at DOJ is a gift to corporate polluters. It has left communities of color and low-income communities vulnerable to disproportionate pollution and harm, with no protection,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “Our bill reestablishes and permanently codifies the Office of Environmental Justice to protect impacted communities and ensure polluters face accountability. No community should bear the health consequences of environmental injustice.”
    The legislation will strengthen efforts at the Department of Justice to enforce environmental laws, hold polluters accountable, and support state and local environmental enforcement capacity. The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act would also authorize $50 million in annual grant funding to assist state and local governments with their own environmental enforcement efforts.
    During the Biden Administration, Padilla and Barragán introduced a version of this bill, which led to the DOJ establishing the Office of Environmental Justice. This office undertook the responsibilities that the lawmakers outlined in their original bill. Padilla has since led an appropriations push to provide $1.4 million annually to this office.
    The Main Functions of the Environmental Justice Office include:
    Developing and updating the environmental justice strategy for the DOJ
    Promoting the right of the public to participate in DOJ’s environmental justice work and mission
    Providing support to state and local governments on how to address environmental justice issues
    Funding $50 million in annual grants to boost local and state agency capacity to hold polluters accountable
    Managing a Senior Advisory Council made up of different components at DOJ to advise the Natural Resource Division’s Assistant Attorney General on matters of environmental justice
    In the Senate, the Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). In the House, the legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.-03), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-01), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas-30), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.-01), Tim Kennedy (D-N.Y.-26), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.-AL), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12).
    Senator Padilla is a champion for ensuring all communities can breathe clean air and drink clean water in California and across the country, including through improved enforcement on environmental violations. In addition to calling for the establishment of the Office of Environmental Justice, Padilla outlined recommendations to former Attorney General Merrick Garland to strengthen its environmental justice program to advance the nation’s environmental justice goals. Padilla has also called on the Department of Justice to improve enforcement of environmental laws in the Central District of California and explain their policy regarding the use of non-prosecution agreements that spare corporate polluters of criminal liability, specifically in communities in the Los Angeles area, which are severely impacted by multiple sources of pollution.
    Last year, Senator Padilla helped secure $216.5 million the Inflation Reduction Act for 15 California projects to advance local, on-the-ground projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and strengthen workforce development. Following multiple pushes from Padilla, the EPA proposed to add the Exide Technologies – Vernon site, located in Vernon, California, to the Superfund National Priorities List last year. Padilla also applauded the EPA’s release of the strongest national greenhouse gas standards in history for heavy-duty vehicle emissions to begin in model year 2027, protecting environmental justice communities following a series of efforts he led.
    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: New York Foreign Press Center Briefing on Strategic Deterrence and the U.S. Air Force Bomber Force

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

    New York Foreign Press Center Briefing on Strategic Deterrence and the U.S. Air Force Bomber Force, on February 19, 2025.

    Transcript: https://www.state.gov/briefings-foreign-press-centers/strategic-deterrence-and-the-us-air-force

    The mission of the Foreign Press Centers is to assist foreign media in their coverage of the United States by providing firsthand access to both government and non-government experts to gain a deeper understanding of U.S. politics, history, values, and culture. The views expressed by briefers not affiliated with the Department of State or U.S. government are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of State or the U.S. government. Participation in Foreign Press Center programming by briefers not affiliated with the Department of State or U.S. government does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation of their views.
    ———-
    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.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN927AKMEz4

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TRA proposes keeping measures on organic coated steel from China

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    TRA proposes keeping measures on organic coated steel from China

    The TRA has recommended extending anti-dumping and countervailing measures on organic coated steel imported from China until 2029.

    The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today (Tuesday 25 February) published initial findings, proposing that anti-dumping and countervailing measures on organic coated steel (OCS) imported from China be maintained for an additional five years, until May 4, 2029.  

    In its Statements of Essential Facts (SEF), the TRA found that dumping and subsidisation would likely recur if the measures were removed, potentially causing injury to UK industry. The measures have been largely effective, usually keeping Chinese imports below 1,000 tonnes annually since 2013. Tata Steel UK (TSUK) is the sole producer of OCS in the UK, manufacturing it at the Shotton facility in North Wales. TSUK contributes approximately £222 million to the UK economy annually, including sales of OCS, and employs around 8,100 people across all its operations. 

    OCS is used to maintain the durability of various structures, especially in the construction industry, as well as in metal furniture, heating and ventilation ducting and casings and in several domestic appliances.  

    Current anti-dumping duties on Chinese OCS imports range from 5.9% to 26.1% while countervailing duties range from 13.7% to 44.7%, depending on the exporter. 

    Businesses that may be affected by these findings can submit comments to the TRA by 18 March 2025 and can do so through the TRA’s public file.

    Notes to editors 

    • The Trade Remedies Authority is the UK body that investigates whether new trade remedy measures are needed to counter unfair import practices and unforeseen surges of imports.  

    • Trade remedy investigations were carried out by the EU Commission on the UK’s behalf until the UK left the EU. A number of EU trade remedy measures of interest to UK producers were carried across into UK law when the UK left the EU and the TRA has been reviewing these to assess whether they are suitable for UK needs. 

    • Anti-dumping duties allow a country or union to act against goods which are being sold at less than their normal value – this is defined as the price for ‘like goods’ sold in the exporter’s home market. 

    • Countervailing, or subsidy duties counteract imports being subsidised by their place of origin that cause material injury to a domestic industry.  

    • This transition review was initiated on 15 April 2024, examining data from the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, with injury assessment covering 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2024.  

    • The Statement of Essential Facts (SEF) represents the TRA’s interim findings. All interested parties can submit comments before the TRA makes its final recommendation to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Crisis in the DRC: what’s happening?

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    This backgrounder was written by Lesley Myers, Editor for UN peacekeeping’s Strategic Communications team. Lesley is a political analyst and strategic planner with over 15 years’ experience in data-driven politics, development, and peacekeeping.

     

     

     

    There’s a crisis happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has led to immense human suffering, displacement, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. It has also sparked fears of a broader, regional war.  

    What’s happening?  

    In January, the M23 armed group rapidly advanced into North Kivu province in DRC’s east, reinforced with troops and equipment from Rwanda’s armed forces, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). The M23 has taken control of Goma, a trade hub with a population of over two million people, and the capital of DRC’s North Kivu province. In its latest push, the M23 has now moved into South Kivu province, capturing its capital city, Bukavu, and reports of heavy fighting continue. 

    The ongoing fighting has left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands displaced,  deepening the country’s already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Civilians are facing shortages of food and water, overwhelmed hospitals, and a growing use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war. They are impeding the movement of UN personnel and obstructing humanitarian corridors as civilian casualties continue to rise.  

    The human rights situation has also deteriorated significantly, with documented cases of forced recruitment, looting of displacement sites, and searches of hospitals and homes by M23 in search of both soldiers and civilians who they perceived to be opposed to their group. 

     

    Who are the M23? 

    The M23 are an armed group that  emerged in 2012 amidst tensions between countries in the region, supported by the RDF. They have been accused of war crimes and human rights violations, and have been sanctioned by the UN for committing serious violations of international law involving the targeting of women and children in situations of armed conflict in the DRC including killing and maiming, sexual violence, abduction, and forced displacement.  

    At the time, the group violently seized territory in eastern DRC but were successfully repelled by the DRC’s national army, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, as well as international pressure on Rwanda.  

    However, in 2021, regional tensions reached new heights, triggering a re-emergence of the M23. The group has been progressively taking control of territories in eastern DRC, establishing a parallel administration and levying “taxes” on local populations, while mass killings and rape continue to be reported.  

    The M23’s resurgence has also contributed to the militarization of mining sites in eastern DRC, which is exceptionally rich in natural resources critical to making electronics like cell phones and electric cars.  

     

    What is UN Peacekeeping doing?  

    MONUSCO has been protecting vulnerable populations and unarmed Congolese defense forces who have sought refuge in its premises. The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office receives daily requests for individual protection from social actors who face threats of reprisals from the M23. 

    MONUSCO is also supporting demining efforts, and working to protect human rights defenders, journalists, and members of civil society organizations.  However, the M23 is severely restricting MONUSCO’s freedom of movement, hampering MONUSCO’s ability to fulfill these critical tasks. 

    Other UN organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organization (WHO), the UN aid coordination office (OCHA), and  UN’s Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), are also working to provide life-saving assistance to communities in need. 

     

    What’s next?  

    Long-term peace requires a political solution at the regional level. MONUSCO’s leadership is engaging in diplomatic efforts to push for peace. The UN and the Security Council have called on Rwanda to end its support for the M23 and withdraw its forces from the DRC. The UN Secretary-General has called on both countries to remain engaged in peace talks to bring an end to the violence. 

     

    Why have UN peacekeepers been in DR Congo for 65 years? Learn more here. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Stronger consumer protections coming for people in B.C.

    Proposed amendments to consumer protection laws in B.C. will crack down on predatory sales practices and ensure people are better protected when making new purchases. 

    “For too long, people in B.C. have faced unfair contract terms and predatory sales practices on everyday items,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “These new amendments will better protect people from unfair business practices in an increasingly complex marketplace.”

    The proposed legislative changes modernize the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCPA) to reflect contemporary business practices. The amendments are designed to promote contract fairness and transparency and to strengthen consumer rights.

    Key proposed changes in the legislation will:

    • require businesses to provide important contract terms up front, including improved remedies for consumers related to renewal, cancellation, return and refund policies, particularly for online orders, bringing more transparency to pre-purchase contracts;
    • introduce notification requirements for automatic subscription renewals and restrict significant contract changes without the customer’s consent;
    • prohibit contract terms that restrict participation in class-action lawsuits, restrict consumer reviews or require private arbitration for disputes;
    • ban direct sales of high-cost household products, such as air conditioners and furnaces, and prohibit offering credit as part of a direct sale, reducing the risk of predatory sales tactics;
    • provide clearer pathways for consumers to cancel contracts under specified conditions; and
    • give consumers the ability to use the Civil Resolution Tribunal to adjudicate disputes under the BPCPA.

    “Our office hears from seniors who have fallen victim to scams and purchased an item or service they didn’t need due to high-pressure sales tactics,” said Dan Levitt, B.C. seniors advocate. “Many older British Columbians live on fixed incomes and take great care with their finances. Therefore, giving seniors and others space to review contracts in advance and prohibiting home sales will reduce the opportunities for older people to buy products and services they don’t need and can’t afford.”

    The amendments were developed based on public and stakeholder engagement to ensure that B.C.’s most vulnerable consumers, including seniors, newcomers and people with lower incomes or disabilities, are aware of their rights and are protected.

    The Province will continue to work with Consumer Protection BC and stakeholders to support a smooth transition to the changes and provide businesses with reasonable time to adjust their practices to meet the new requirements.

    Learn More:

    For more information about consumer protections for people in British Columbia, visit: https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/

    To read the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, visit: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/04002_00

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Minas — Southwest Nova District RCMP charge 21 people after executing search warrants at illegal cannabis storefronts

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Southwest Nova District RCMP has charged 21 people with more than 50 offences after executing search warrants at illegal cannabis storefronts throughout the District.

    “Our teams, together with many partners, did an exceptional job of investigating and then coordinating enforcement across communities safely and with minimal disruption to residents,” said Supt. Jason Popik, District Policing Officer, Southwest Nova RCMP District, at a media availability today in New Minas. “Organized crime groups are among the suppliers of illicit cannabis and, as such, profit directly from the illegal sale of the product; they’re exploiting opportunities within our communities for their own benefit.”

    The operation, dubbed Project Highfield, began in October 2024 and involved search warrants at 13 illegal storefronts in Kings, Lunenburg, Annapolis and Queens counties between February 4 and 13. Project Highfield was assisted by Kentville, Bridgewater, and Annapolis police services and involved multiple RCMP units. It resulted in the seizure of:

    • 141.4 kgs of dried cannabis
    • 189.29 kgs of cannabis edibles
    • 46 kgs of liquid cannabis
    • 23.4 kgs of hashish
    • 9.5 kgs of psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
    • 958 cartons of unstamped tobacco
    • 18 firearms (17 long guns and a handgun)
    • $16, 143.14 in cash
    • 3 ATMs
    • 7 shed-like structures

    Twenty-one people are facing 52 charges under the Cannabis Act, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Excise Act and the Criminal Code, including:

    • Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling
    • Unauthorized Sale of Cannabis
    • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (psilocybin)
    • Possession of Unstamped Tobacco
    • Possession of Unstamped Cannabis
    • Careless Use of a Firearm
    • Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition

    Project Highfield has been assisted by the Service Nova Scotia Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division, and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

    The individuals charged will begin their court appearances in June. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests and charges are expected.

    Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 2024-1683286

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rockland, Kings County — Missing person: Anthony Schofield has been missing for more than a year. Can you help?

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Kings District RCMP is appealing to the public for assistance in locating 47-year-old Anthony Schofield, from Rockland. He was last seen in Halifax on February 20, 2024.

    Schofield is described as approximately 5-foot-7, 170 lbs. He has brown hair and blue eyes. Schofield doesn’t have access to a vehicle and was riding a bicycle when he was last seen.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Anthony Schofield is asked to contact the Kings District RCMP at 902-765-3317. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

    File #: 2024-288428

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and DEA Announce Guilty Plea in High-Speed Chase and Drug Trafficking Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – An El Paso man pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges after fleeing a Border Patrol checkpoint in Otero County, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a head-on collision with a motorcyclist and the discovery of nearly 10 kilograms of pure methamphetamine in his vehicle.

    According to court documents, on November 8, 2023, Jeffery Christopher Saint Louis, 28, drove through the Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 54 in Otero County. Upon being referred to secondary inspection, Saint Louis fled from the checkpoint towards Alamogordo. During his escape, Saint Louis drove at a high rate of speed on the wrong side of the road, resulting in a head-on collision with a motorcyclist.

    Following the incident, the Otero County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for Saint Louis‘s vehicle. During the search, law enforcement discovered 9.982 kilograms of pure methamphetamine in a suitcase in the trunk of his vehicle. In his plea agreement, Saint Louis acknowledged that he was aware of the methamphetamine in his vehicle and admitted that it was his intention to distribute the drugs to other individuals.

    At sentencing, Saint Louis faces not less than ten years and not more than life in prison, followed by up to five years supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division, made the announcement today.

    The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with the assistance of the U.S. Border Patrol, Alamogordo Police Department, Otero County Sheriff’s Office and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Aragon Martinez and Maria Armijo are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: The UK farmer protests you probably haven’t heard about

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alex Heffron, PhD Candidate in Geography, Lancaster University

    Fruit pickers and farm workers protesting labour abuses on British farms. Peter Marshall

    Farm owners have besieged parliament with tractors in order to protest new subsidy schemes and inheritance tax arrangements. The farm workers who milk cows, drive machinery and pick crops have grievances too, yet their demands have been less publicised. So, what do they want?

    I am a farmer based in the south-west of Wales and a researcher of farming policy. I recently joined a protest by a group of Latin American farm workers known as “Justice is Not Seasonal”, outside the Home Office in London.

    The group accused soft fruit supplier Haygrove, which operates farms on three continents and supplies veg box delivery schemes including Riverford and Abel and Cole, of presiding over poor living and working conditions, failing to pay workers and charging inflated flight costs for overseas workers. Haygrove has an annual turnover in excess of £50 million.

    Haygrove denies these allegations. In response to a case brought forward by the trade union United Voices of the World and the charity Anti Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit, the Home Office has made an interim decision stating there are reasonable grounds that one of the affected workers, Julia Quecaño Casimiro, has been subjected to human trafficking and modern slavery.

    The case tribunal is due to be held soon although it has been a slow, arduous process reaching this point.

    In an article for the BBC, a spokesperson for Haygrove said that Casimiro’s claims were “materially incorrect and misleading”. Haygrove’s practices are audited by third-party organisations including the Home Office, and the company takes “great care” in ensuring fair recruitment and working processes, the spokesperson said.

    Various trade unions and organisations attended the protest, including the Landworkers’ Alliance, United Voices of the World, Independent Workers’ union of Great Britain, Unite and Solidarity Across Land Trades.

    Conspicuously absent was the National Farmers’ Union, which predominantly represents farm owners. This highlights the divergent class interests that exist within terms like “farmer”.

    More workers and more exploitation

    There are 160,000 UK farm workers (as opposed to owners and managers). Of these, some of the most gruelling agricultural work is done by around 45,000 seasonal migrant workers, either in fields in all weather or in the sweltering heat of polytunnels.

    The UK attracts migrant farm workers with six-month temporary visas. A United Nations special rapporteur, Tomoya Obokata, an expert in human rights law and modern slavery, has suggested that the UK is breaking international law with its seasonal work scheme by failing to investigate instances of forced labour. Claims of exploitation and bullying on UK farms are also becoming more common. Meanwhile, in an effort to appease farm managers, the UK government recently announced a five-year extension of this scheme.

    Food and farming organisations have urged the UK to produce more fruit and vegetables as part of a wider shift towards a less carbon-intensive food system.

    To scale up domestic production will require more workers harvesting crops in poor conditions, especially migrant workers who don’t have the same legal rights as British citizens.

    Seasonal migrant workers, for example, cannot bring family members to the UK and have no access to benefits, while their visas are often tied to one place of work which typically includes accommodation which leaves them particularly vulnerable to abuse. A call for increased labour, without a call for improved conditions, could mean more exploitation on British farms.

    Exploitation is not limited to the allegations of a few bad apples either. It is so widespread that it threatens the resilience of the UK’s food system.

    A recent report found that more than half of migrants at risk of labour abuse work in the food system. A more resilient food supply will require better working conditions, pay and housing for workers in this sector, the report concludes.

    Higher prices don’t mean better welfare

    It’s tempting to ask consumers to pay more for their food so that farm workers might earn more. However, higher prices are no guarantee of better conditions. Leaving aside rising inflation and stagnating wages which make it harder for consumers to buy ethically, organic farms already sell produce at a premium and some are also among those accused of mistreating workers.

    This is even a problem among small-scale organic food producers, as documented by Solidarity Across Land Trades. A report by this land worker’s union found that some small farms use bogus traineeships to justify paying workers as little as £1.41 per hour. This is despite the produce usually being sold for more than conventional supermarket prices.

    Greener diets depend on increased fruit and vegetable production.
    Framarzo/Shutterstock

    The structural problems of the food system are more complicated than the price consumers pay for food. There is also the question of who gets to be heard, who is valued and who is deemed worthy of rights and dignity when food production takes place under a system of class-based exploitation. These challenges cannot be solved at the checkout alone.

    The ecological crisis demands transitions away from diesel-powered machinery and chemical fertilisers and herbicides produced with fossil fuels. Farm workers are needed to carry out the transition towards more sustainable practices, but there will be no green transition unless these workers have a stake in it.

    This idea of “a just transition” has gained traction in recent years, and it is just as relevant to farmers and farm workers as it is to workers in other sectors, such as oil and gas. But what might it look like?

    The demands made by Justice Is Not Seasonal are a good place to start: an end to forced labour and exploitation on UK farms and full accountability for those responsible, fair wages and safe working conditions, residency rights and access to justice and remediation.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

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

    – ref. The UK farmer protests you probably haven’t heard about – https://theconversation.com/the-uk-farmer-protests-you-probably-havent-heard-about-249414

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mexico’s drug corruption has more to do with US demand than crooked politicians

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nathaniel Morris, Honorary Lecturer in the Department of History, UCL

    The US president, Donald Trump, asserted in early February that Mexican drug-trafficking organisations have an “intolerable alliance” with the government of Mexico. His remarks have cast a pall over bilateral relations already strained by recent talk of tariffs and military interventions.

    Although the two nations have sometimes clashed in the past, Mexico is today a close US ally. It is America’s top trading partner, with two-way commerce totalling US$807 billion (£640 billion) in 2023. And joint US-Mexican anti-narcotics collaborations stretch back nearly a century.

    Trump’s accusation was, therefore, as unexpected as it was explosive. It has brought figures from across the Mexican political spectrum together in condemnation of what Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, called “baseless slander”.

    The Mexican government is, on paper, a resolute enemy of the drug trade. However, the undeniable existence of drug-related corruption in Mexico means the reality is a little more complex.

    Since the birth of the Mexico-US drug trade in the early 20th century, certain government officials have turned a blind eye to the activities of drug traffickers in exchange for bribes. This “indirect” government involvement in the drug trade has always been by far the most prevalent form of drug-related corruption in Mexico.

    From the 1930s onwards, political bosses, police chiefs and military commanders in Mexico’s so-called “golden triangle” states of Sinaloa, Durango and Chihuahua taxed illicit opium production in the areas under their authority.

    They also sabotaged anti-drugs campaigns waged by other branches of government, in order to avoid conflict with their constituents and take a cut of their profits. Similar intrigues took place in the key trafficking hubs on the US-Mexico border, like Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and Nuevo Laredo.



    Read more:
    How the ‘Mexican miracle’ kickstarted the modern US–Mexico drugs trade

    Over the second half of the 20th century, Mexican and US drug enforcement efforts created an ever-more profitable black market. Low-level corruption accompanied the expansion of drug production and trafficking south into other areas of Mexico like Nayarit, Michoacán and Guerrero.

    Nowadays, the indirect involvement of local representatives of the Mexican government in the drug trade has become a fact of life in such places. But zones of drug production or trafficking still constitute only a fraction of Mexico’s total territory. This means corrupt local officials comprise a tiny minority of the overall government workforce.

    There are, however, also cases in which higher-level representatives of the Mexican state – or even entire government institutions – have participated directly in the production, transport or sale of illegal drugs.

    Such cases are relatively rare. But, they are inherently higher profile than the more routine, “looking the other way” kind of corruption. They are, therefore, more likely to make headlines in the US and from there inform popular and even national political discourse.

    The earliest such case is probably that of revolutionary military commander Esteban Cantú. Between 1915 and 1920, Cantú constructed a powerful political regime and funded important local development projects in the northern state of Baja California. He did so by taxing the import, sale and production of smoking opium first legally and then, when President Venustiano Carranza banned the practice, illegally.

    High-level official involvement in the drug trade became more frequent as the trade itself became ever more illicit and profitable. In 1940, Sinaloa governor Rodolfo Loaiza cut a series of deals with the up-and-coming drug trafficking organisations of his native state. An attempt to double-cross them cost Loaiza his life in 1944.

    Around the same time, political campaign manager Carlos Serrano looked to regional drug smugglers to help fund Miguel Alemán’s successful run for the presidency. Serrano was rewarded with command of the newly created, US-backed Federal Directorate of Security (DFS) secret police force. He soon used this position to move directly into opium trafficking himself.

    After US president Richard Nixon declared a “war on drugs” on both sides of the border in 1971, increasing crackdowns provided more opportunities for the same Mexican officials charged with enforcing prohibition to cut deals with traffickers. Resulting squeezes on supply also caused prices to soar and made such deals increasingly lucrative for government officials.

    By the mid-1980s, the DFS had become so deeply immersed in the drug trade that several of its agents were implicated in the Guadalajara Cartel’s murder of US Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. The agency was disbanded soon after.

    But US demand for drugs continued unabated through the 1990s and into the 21st century. The profits offered by involvement in the drug trade proved hard to resist for a select number of high-ranking government officials, including members of the federal cabinet and state governors.

    Even Genaro García Luna, the architect of Mexico’s modern “war on drugs” ended up on the take. He is now serving 38 years in a US prison for colluding with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s Sinaloa Cartel.

    Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán being led away by Mexican law enforcement personnel after his arrest in 2014.
    Octavio Hoyos / Shutterstock

    An ‘intolerable alliance’?

    The indirect involvement of Mexican government officials remains far more common than direct or institutional involvement in the drug trade.

    Such corruption is largely opportunistic, rather than systematic, which is why it remains concentrated in areas where drug production and trafficking are particularly prevalent. It is also not limited to the Mexican side of the border. Plenty of crooked American cops and politicians have cut deals with traffickers over the years, too.

    Trump’s recent attacks on the Mexican government are not an accurate diagnosis of a uniquely Mexican problem. They are more of a headline-grabbing shot across the bows in the context of the renegotiation of many different aspects of the US-Mexico relationship.

    In the end, the issue of drug-related corruption in Mexico has less to do with its own government and more to do with American society’s own insatiable demand for drugs. Crackdowns on the cartels inevitably cause the price of drugs to rise, increasing the temptation of Mexican officials to try and grab a piece of the pie.

    As a businessman like Trump should be able to see, it’s not government corruption that drives the US-Mexican drug trade, but the iron laws of supply and demand.

    Nathaniel Morris has previously received funding from the Leverhulme Trust, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and University College London for research that has fed into this article. He is also a member of Noria Research.

    – ref. Mexico’s drug corruption has more to do with US demand than crooked politicians – https://theconversation.com/mexicos-drug-corruption-has-more-to-do-with-us-demand-than-crooked-politicians-249991

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Trump really wants Ukraine’s minerals – China has put theirs off limits

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dafydd Townley, Teaching Fellow in International Security, University of Portsmouth

    Donald Trump is demanding reparations from Ukraine for the assistance that it has given to Kyiv during the Russian invasion. Trump has demanded Ukraine sign a US$500 billion (£394 billion) deal that would give the US access to, and revenue from, Ukraine’s rare and critical minerals, an essential resource in 21st century economy.

    Trump has said that this would form part of a repayment of the aid given by the US to Ukraine. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has so far refused to sign such an agreement stating that the aid was a grant and not a loan, as agreed by Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden and the Republican-controlled Congress.

    A key reason behind Trump’s push for this mineral deal is the US reliance on rare minerals such as gallium, which is critical for advanced defence technologies but is not readily available domestically.

    China, a leading supplier of gallium, has used its control over the resource as leverage against the US. It has imposed a ban on rare minerals being exported to the US, as part of its retaliation to increased US tariffs on Chinese goods.

    Other minerals are crucial for military technology such as missile system, electronics and electric vehicles. In Ukraine, there are deposits for 22 of the 34 minerals identified by the European Union as critical.

    The problem for the US is that China currently accounts for a high proportion of certain crticial mineral imports.

    So Trump sees a resolution to the Ukraine war as an opportunity to secure alternative sources of critical minerals, reducing US dependency on China and allowing Trump to take a more aggressive approach towards it. He also may not have predicted that China would hit back against the US tariffs with restrictions on these vital resources quite so quickly.

    Gallium is valued by the defence manufacturing industry because it is reliable and durable. In particular, the element is seen as a crucial tool enhancing radar, satellite communication systems, and electronic warfare systems. It is also used in multi-chip modules utilised by navigation and air traffic control systems.

    In addition to gallium, Ukraine has vast resources of graphite, an element that is used in the construction of electric vehicles and nuclear reactors, and a third of Europe’s supply of lithium, which is used in batteries.

    Trump’s focus on critical minerals has also influenced his interest in Greenland which possesses significant reserves of critical minerals, making it a potential alternative to Chinese-controlled resources.



    Read more:
    Trump’s Greenland bid is really about control of the Arctic and the coming battle with China

    Which minerals does Trump want?

    Why is China so important?

    Trump’s concern over China is also driving his negotiations with Russia more generally. One of Trump’s core concerns is China’s partnership with Russia. There is no doubt that China is now the dominant force in the Sino-Russian alliance.

    Given the increasing cooperation between the two nations in military, economic, and technological areas, Trump believes that China’s influence in global affairs needs to be countered aggressively. The Trump administration has sought to undermine the alliance by softening the US’s approach to Russia, a move that has shocked European leaders.

    Trump has long viewed China as the major threat to the US, considering it their biggest economic rival and a significant obstacle to making America “great again”.

    His economic policies have targeted Chinese trade practices, supply chain dependencies and geopolitical manoeuvres. One of his key trade advisers has argued American businesses are at a disadvantage from China’s state-controlled economy, intellectual property theft and trade imbalance.

    The recent tariffs imposed by the US on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese imports, were intended to make US products more competitive by driving up the cost of Chinese imports, thereby encouraging businesses and consumers to buy domestic goods instead.

    At the same time, Trump sought to weaken China’s export economy by making it more difficult for Chinese companies to sell goods in the US. His tariff policies extended beyond China, with similar measures being considered for Europe.

    By targeting multiple regions, Trump aimed to shift global supply chains and solidify the US as a manufacturing powerhouse. By ending the war in Ukraine, Trump believes the US can redirect funds and resources used in Europe toward countering China’s growing influence.

    Trump has tried to justify the tariffs on China by claiming Chinese manufacturers are responsible for the mass production of fentanyl, which is then trafficked into the US through various channels. Trump has proposed stricter measures to curb the flow of fentanyl, including sanctions and tariffs on Chinese firms allegedly involved in its production.

    Following China’s retaliation, Trump needs peace in Ukraine and the consequential mineral agreement with Kyiv before China’s ban on exports to the US affects critical US manufacturing. Such an agreement would then allow him to take an even more aggressive posture with China with fewer consequences.

    However, Zelensky recently claimed that Russia has taken control of 20% of Ukraine’s minerals since the invasion. And it’s possible it will be years before any American investor gets any return on their money due to a chronic lack of investment in Ukraine’s minerals sector for almost a decade.

    Even if Trump does get the deal he wants, he will have to wait a while before Ukraine’s minerals will fulfil all of the US’s needs.

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

    – ref. Why Trump really wants Ukraine’s minerals – China has put theirs off limits – https://theconversation.com/why-trump-really-wants-ukraines-minerals-china-has-put-theirs-off-limits-250546

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘I thought about escaping every day’: how survivors get out of Southeast Asia’s cybercrime compounds – Scam Factories podcast, Ep 3

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    Every day that he was locked up in a scam compound in Southeast Asia, George thought about how to get out. “We looked for means of escaping, but it was hard,” he told The Conversation.

    George, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, managed to secretly contact a rescue organisation in Myanmar, where he was being held. That set in motion a chain of events that would eventually lead to his freedom, but it would take months before he made it back home to his family in Uganda.

    Hundreds of thousands of people like George are estimated to have been caught up in the brutal scamming industry in Southeast Asia, many forced into criminality against their will.

    Scam Factories is a podcast series from The Conversation Weekly taking you inside these brutal fraud compounds. It accompanies a series of multimedia articles on The Conversation.

    In our third and final episode, Great Escapes, we find out the different ways people manage to escape and at what costs, what it takes for them to get home, and what is being done to clamp down on the industry.

    The Conversation collaborated for this series with three researchers: Ivan Franceschini, a lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Melbourne; Ling Li, a PhD candidate at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and Mark Bo, an independent researcher.

    They’ve spent the past few years researching the expansion of scam compounds in the region for a forthcoming book. They’ve interviewed nearly 100 survivors of the compounds, analysed maps and financial documents related to the scam industry and tracked scammers online to find out how these compounds work.

    Read an article by Ivan Franceschini and Ling Li which accompanies this episode.

    The Conversation contacted all the companies mentioned in this multimedia series for comment, except Jinshui who we could not contact. We did not receive a response from any of them.

    This episode was written and produced by Gemma Ware, with assistance from Mend Mariwany and Katie Flood. Leila Goldstein was our producer in Cambodia and Halima Athumani recorded for us in Uganda. Hui Lin helped us with Chinese translation. Sound design by Michelle Macklem and editing help from Ashlynee McGhee and Justin Bergman.

    Newsclips in this episodes are from CNA, Reuters and Al Jazeera English.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    Mark Bo, an independent researcher who works with Ivan Franeschini and Ling Li, is also interviewed in this podcast series. Ivan, Ling, Mark, and others have co-founded EOS Collective, a non-profit organisation dedicated to investigating the criminal networks behind the online scam industry and supporting survivors.

    – ref. ‘I thought about escaping every day’: how survivors get out of Southeast Asia’s cybercrime compounds – Scam Factories podcast, Ep 3 – https://theconversation.com/i-thought-about-escaping-every-day-how-survivors-get-out-of-southeast-asias-cybercrime-compounds-scam-factories-podcast-ep-3-250673

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Crisis in the DRC: What is it about?

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    This backgrounder was written by Lesley Myers, Editor for UN peacekeeping’s Strategic Communications team. Lesley is a political analyst and strategic planner with over 15 years’ experience in data-driven politics, development, and peacekeeping.

     

     

     

    There’s a crisis happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has led to immense human suffering, displacement, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. It has also sparked fears of a broader, regional war.  

    What’s happening?  

    In January, the M23 armed group rapidly advanced into North Kivu province in DRC’s east, reinforced with troops and equipment from Rwanda’s armed forces, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). The M23 has taken control of Goma, a trade hub with a population of over two million people, and the capital of DRC’s North Kivu province. In its latest push, the M23 has now moved into South Kivu province, capturing its capital city, Bukavu, and reports of heavy fighting continue. 

    The ongoing fighting has left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands displaced,  deepening the country’s already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Civilians are facing shortages of food and water, overwhelmed hospitals, and a growing use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war. They are impeding the movement of UN personnel and obstructing humanitarian corridors as civilian casualties continue to rise.  

    The human rights situation has also deteriorated significantly, with documented cases of forced recruitment, looting of displacement sites, and searches of hospitals and homes by M23 in search of both soldiers and civilians who they perceived to be opposed to their group. 

     

    Who are the M23? 

    The M23 are an armed group that  emerged in 2012 amidst tensions between countries in the region, supported by the RDF. They have been accused of war crimes and human rights violations, and have been sanctioned by the UN for committing serious violations of international law involving the targeting of women and children in situations of armed conflict in the DRC including killing and maiming, sexual violence, abduction, and forced displacement.  

    At the time, the group violently seized territory in eastern DRC but were successfully repelled by the DRC’s national army, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, as well as international pressure on Rwanda.  

    However, in 2021, regional tensions reached new heights, triggering a re-emergence of the M23. The group has been progressively taking control of territories in eastern DRC, establishing a parallel administration and levying “taxes” on local populations, while mass killings and rape continue to be reported.  

    The M23’s resurgence has also contributed to the militarization of mining sites in eastern DRC, which is exceptionally rich in natural resources critical to making electronics like cell phones and electric cars.  

     

    What is UN Peacekeeping doing?  

    MONUSCO has been protecting vulnerable populations and unarmed Congolese defense forces who have sought refuge in its premises. The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office receives daily requests for individual protection from social actors who face threats of reprisals from the M23. 

    MONUSCO is also supporting demining efforts, and working to protect human rights defenders, journalists, and members of civil society organizations.  However, the M23 is severely restricting MONUSCO’s freedom of movement, hampering MONUSCO’s ability to fulfill these critical tasks. 

    Other UN organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organization (WHO), the UN aid coordination office (OCHA), and  UN’s Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), are also working to provide life-saving assistance to communities in need. 

     

    What’s next?  

    Long-term peace requires a political solution at the regional level. MONUSCO’s leadership is engaging in diplomatic efforts to push for peace. The UN and the Security Council have called on Rwanda to end its support for the M23 and withdraw its forces from the DRC. The UN Secretary-General has called on both countries to remain engaged in peace talks to bring an end to the violence. 

     

    Why have UN peacekeepers been in DR Congo for 65 years? Learn more here. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon In Possession Of Multiple Illegal Firearms Including A Machinegun Is Sentenced To Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – David Christopher Ballard, 45, of Catawba, N.C., was sentenced today to 87 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for possession of multiple illegal firearms including a machinegun, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, andSheriff Donald G. Brown II of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, join Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making today’s announcement.

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on December 27, 2022, deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve Ballard with outstanding arrest warrants for domestic assault and communicating threats. Law enforcement located Ballard traveling in a vehicle on I-40, and Ballard was arrested without incident. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that when Ballard realized the vehicle was being pulled over by the police and he would be arrested, he contacted another individual with instructions to get rid of his machinegun.

    Upon learning this information, deputies were dispatched to Ballard’s residence. When they arrived at the residence, deputies conducted a search and found numerous loaded firearms and ammunition including a machinegun, that being a Spikes Tactical ST-15 rifle, modified to shoot automatically more than one shot without manual reloading and loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition; a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver loaded with five rounds; a Glock 22 .45 caliber pistol loaded with a 15-round magazine; a Bushmaster XM-15 riffle loaded with a 30-round magazine; a Mossberg 12 Gauge 500 shotgun loaded with an additional ammunition drum; a Surefire Suppressor; a Rugged Suppressor; a satchel with seven loaded magazines; .40 caliber and .45 caliber barrels; and additional loaded magazines. The investigation revealed that Ballard had threatened to shoot his ex-wife on multiple occasions and had held the Spikes Tactical rifle to her head.

    During an interview with law enforcement, Ballard admitted that he possessed all the seized firearms and ammunition, and that he had converted the rifle into a fully automatic weapon. Court records show that Ballard has prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

    Ballard remains in federal custody. He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron thanked the ATF and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Boykin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

    The 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. For more information about PSN in the Western District, please visit our website.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Recidivist Sex Offender Is Sentenced To 14+ Years For Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The Defendant Was on Federal Supervised Release for A 2016 Federal Conviction for Similar Offenses Involving Material Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Children

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Lenoir, N.C. man was sentenced today to a total of 169 months in prison and a lifetime term of supervised release for possession and access with intent to view child sexual abuse material (CSAM) while on federal supervised release, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Joshua Lynn Cook, 40, was also ordered to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison. The Court further ordered Cook to pay $17,000 in special assessments pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making today’s announcement.

    “Despite prior convictions and strict court supervision, Cook broke the law once again and revictimized children by accessing and possessing horrific material depicting their sexual abuse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron. “Cook’s sentence reflects the consequences awaiting those who continue to ignore the law and harm vulnerable children.”

    “This federal prison sentence reinforces the message; the FBI and our partners will not tolerate the victimization of children. We will continue to meticulously investigate these crimes, which cause irreparable harm and trauma to innocent victims,” said Special Agent in Charge DeWitt.

    According to court documents, Cook was on federal supervised release for a 2016 federal conviction for transportation, receipt, and possession of CSAM. Under the terms of Cook’s federal supervision, he was not permitted to own an electronic device capable of accessing the internet, including a cell phone. Cook was also subject to periodic home inspections by the U.S. Probation Office (USPO) to ensure compliance with his probationary terms. Court records show that, on February 8, 2024, during a home inspection, USPO found Cook in possession of an unauthorized phone in his bedroom. Cook admitted to using the phone to access CSAM around the time that he first gained access to the phone, which was within one month of his release from prison. The phone and an SD card were seized and forensically examined by the FBI. The examination revealed that these devices contained images and videos depicting CSAM, including toddlers.  

    On October 9, 2024, Cook pleaded guilty to possession and access with intent to view child pornography involving prepubescent minors. Today, the Court sentenced Cook to 151 months of incarceration for possession and access with intent to view CSAM, and 18 months, to run consecutive, for committing this offense while on federal supervised release, for a total of 169 months of incarceration. Cook will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

    The FBI with the assistance of the USPO investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Profile: A Woman’s Mission to Advance Nuclear Information Management

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Dibuleng Mohlakwana speaking at the ‘Innovative Technologies for Nuclear Information Management’ side event during the 68th IAEA General Conference in September 2024. (Photo: IAEA)

    The IAEA profiles employees to provide insight into the variety of career paths that support the Agency’s mission of Atoms for Peace and Development and to inspire and encourage readers, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or STEM-adjacent fields. Read more profiles of women at the IAEA.   

    Technology is increasingly shaping how we share and retrieve information, and demand for information continues to grow. As a result, information science stands at the forefront of innovation and knowledge sharing.

    “Information is key to driving performance in organizations, just like financial and human resources. Every decision relies on available data and information,” said Dibuleng Mohlakwana, Head of the IAEA Nuclear Information Section. “My mission at the IAEA is to help people make informed decisions and navigate the vast amount of information available today.”

    With nearly 30 years of experience in information, knowledge and records management, Mohlakwana oversees the collection and management of nuclear information accessible to the IAEA and the public. Her role also involves introducing innovative tools and techniques to help the IAEA continuously improve how it shares, organizes and makes information accessible.

    Born in Limpopo Province, South Africa, Mohlakwana grew up in a family of educators and agriculturalists. From a young age, her family instilled in her the value of hard work, resilience and education, as well as the independence to carve her own path. This gave her a strong foundation for pursuing her ambitions.

    “Information science chose me,” Mohlakwana said. “At 17, I was drawn to information science while studying at the University of Limpopo. I realized effective information management is crucial for organizational success, motivating me to ensure that the right information reaches the right people at the right time.” She went on to earn a master’s degree in information and knowledge management and a PhD in information science.

    Mohlakwana began her career as a librarian and credits her network and mentors for shaping her along the way.  Prior to joining the IAEA, she was Director of the eResearch Knowledge Centre in South Africa where she was responsible for research support, library and information services, and the accessibility of research outputs and data via an open access repository.

    As her career progressed, Mohlakwana was motivated by the desire to help address international challenges, particularly energy solutions.

    “As I witnessed the growing energy challenges in South Africa, from aging infrastructure to heavy reliance on coal, and the country’s need for solutions like nuclear power expansion, I realized that both the challenges and the solutions were not just local—but global,” said Mohlakwana. “Joining the IAEA was a chance to be part of something larger, to contribute to the global effort in shaping a more sustainable energy future for all.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: 5 years on, COVID remains NZ’s most important infectious disease – it still demands a strong response

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Baker, Professor of Public Health, University of Otago

    Getty Images

    This Friday, February 28, marks five years since COVID-19 was first reported in Aotearoa New Zealand. At a population level, it remains our most harmful infectious disease, with thousands of hospitalisations and 664 deaths last year.

    Understandably perhaps, many people want to move on from the early pandemic years, and there is a temptation to minimise COVID’s threat now the emergency response has passed.

    But it deserves a proportionate response that draws on the rich evidence we now have of how to minimise the harms of respiratory infections and the health and economic benefits that come from managing them well.

    The epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to change. Hospitalisations provide the most consistent measure of incidence trends. Wastewater testing shows similar successive waves of infection.

    The past five years divide into a successful elimination response from March 2020 to late 2021 and a mitigation period from February 2022 onwards.

    The mitigation phase, which has now lasted three years, has been driven by Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, with seven waves of generally decreasing size (see graph above).

    Total hospitalisations have dropped from a peak of more than 22,000 in 2022 to about 9,000 in 2024 (a 60% decline). Deaths attributed to COVID have also decreased from 2,757 in 2022 to 664 in 2024 (a 76% decline). These drops are likely to reflect changes in both the virus and population immunity arising from vaccination and infection.

    The timing and size of COVID waves remain unpredictable. They are not following a seasonal pattern like influenza. Only two of the seven Omicron waves peaked in the flu season (see graph above).

    Although further declines are likely, it is possible a large-scale change in the virus could emerge – as we’ve seen with Delta and Omicron variants – and reverse this pattern. We still need to plan for the possibility of severe future variants as well as for other types of pandemics that might be becoming more likely.

    Health and economic impacts of Long COVID

    Despite a favourable downward trend, deaths and hospitalisations from COVID are still higher than those estimated for influenza, which is probably our next most burdensome infectious disease.

    It is also a major cause of health inequities with significantly worse infection outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples.

    Continuing high rates of repeat infections are also driving Long COVID, with the risk estimated at 4-14% per infection. Long COVID occurs with infections of all intensities, with both initial infection and reinfections.

    Consequently, the prevalence of Long COVID is likely to increase over time, with substantial health and economic consequences.

    How to respond to the ongoing pandemic

    We know what works to reduce the harms from COVID. Above all, we need an evidence-informed national plan, clear communication, engagement with key partners (including the health sector, public and Māori), resources and implementation. Key elements include:

    1. Continuing and enhancing highly effective COVID surveillance

    Surveillance systems include use of wastewater testing and whole-genome sequencing which guide our response. We need to add a focus on hospital-acquired COVID which is an important source of infections and deaths, estimated to have caused about 14% of COVID deaths in New South Wales in 2023, which would represent about 150 deaths that year in New Zealand.

    2. Promoting regular repeat vaccinations

    The currently available Pfizer JN.1 vaccine provides a reasonable match with the circulating strain of the virus. This vaccine is very safe and effective at reducing many adverse effects of infection, including Long COVID, but requires regular additional doses for all age groups to maintain effectiveness.

    3. Using public health and social measures to reduce infections

    These measures include improving indoor air quality and promoting testing and self-isolation for those with respiratory symptoms. Reintroducing free RAT tests and sick-leave support would help.

    Wearing respirator masks (for example, N95) is highly effective, particularly in confined indoor environments such as public transport. Given the severe effects of hospital-acquired COVID, health settings need particular attention. Evidence supports the effectiveness and value of admission testing of patients and staff wearing N95 masks.

    4. Taking specific measures to reduce and manage Long Covid

    This means active steps to reduce both the incidence of infection (with public health and social measures) and the severity and duration of illness (with vaccination and antivirals). New Zealand needs to offer more than a single additional dose for younger age groups to improve their protection from Long COVID.

    5. Updating and implementing our pandemic preparedness and response plan

    The Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID delivered a set of recommendations based on the pandemic experience. Now is the time to implement them.

    Our capacity could be supported through a New Zealand Centre for Disease Control and a pandemic cooperation agreement with Australia. Developing these pandemic capabilities would help to minimise COVID and other respiratory infections, including influenza.

    All of these measures would be supported by a strong, systematic response to the corrosive effects of misinformation and disinformation.

    The past five years have taught us a great deal about pandemic diseases and how to manage them. A key lesson from New Zealand’s highly successful early elimination response was the importance of good evidence-informed leadership and a cohesive plan.

    Such leadership is still needed now to mitigate the harm from COVID which remains an ongoing threat to individual and societal wellbeing.

    Michael Baker’s employer, the University of Otago, has received funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand and the New Zealand Ministry of Health for research he has carried out on COVID-19 epidemiology, prevention and control.

    Matire Harwood is a member of the Hauora Māori Advisory Committee to the Minister of Health.

    Amanda Kvalsvig, John Donne Potter, and Nick Wilson do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. 5 years on, COVID remains NZ’s most important infectious disease – it still demands a strong response – https://theconversation.com/5-years-on-covid-remains-nzs-most-important-infectious-disease-it-still-demands-a-strong-response-246873

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green parliamentarians write to Defence Secretary over defence spending principles

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    • Green MPs and peers call for defence spending decisions to be based on “core principles”
    • Ellie Chowns MP calls foreign aid cut announcement “cruel and unncecessary” 
    • Green letter highlights growing security threats relating to climate breakdown, food security and cyber security

    The six Green Party parliamentarians have written to the Defence Secretary John Healey setting out a series of “core principles” they say any decisions about defence spending should be based on [1]. 

    The letter comes as Keir Starmer announced that a rise in the defence budget will be funded by cuts to foreign aid. 

    In the letter, the MPs and peers call on Healey to ensure that all decisions on defence spending “tackle the biggest threats to long term human security, including climate chaos, food insecurity, and cyber-attacks on democracy”. 

    They also urge an increase in spending on diplomacy, peace-building and overseas aid in order to improve our security. 

    Responding to Starmer’s announcement today, Ellie Chowns MP said: 

    “It’s horrifying to see Keir Starmer follow Trump’s lead, gutting our international aid budget to increase defence spending. This is naive populism playing with life-and-death decisions. 

    “How many people will fall ill or die because they cannot access health services; how many more will go hungry? And how many children will be denied an education as a result of this decision? Cutting aid risks making the world more volatile and more dangerous, not safer. Real security means tackling hunger, poverty, and climate chaos. 

    “Taking money from the poorest in the name of defence is both cruel and unnecessary – we could and should instead be taxing the wealthiest who can afford to contribute more. 

    “The idea that the only way to strengthen our defences is by taking from those with the least is immoral. It’s a choice and it’s the wrong one.”

    Notes: 

    1. The full text of the letter reads: 

    Dear John,

    We are writing to set out the importance of any decisions about future defence spending being underpinned by core principles. In an ever more insecure world, made more unstable by the comments and actions of the US President, and with the ongoing need to stand up to Putin, it is vital that genuine long-term stability, safety and security is a priority. Alongside addressing the threats posed by the international political situation, the government must also address the significant and growing security threats relating to climate breakdown, food security and cyber security. 

     As such, we call on you to uphold the following principles:

    • Tackle the biggest threats to long term human security, including climate chaos, food insecurity, and cyber-attacks on democracy
    • Increase spending on diplomacy, peace-building and overseas aid, as key to security and defence policy
    • Don’t cut spending from other departmental budgets to increase defence spending
    • Strengthen our ties with Europe
    • Uphold international law, the rule of law and the right to self-determination
    • Recognise that a global prohibition on nuclear weapons will make everyone safer
    • Address the underlying causes of conflict and insecurity such as poverty, human rights abuses and resource scarcity
    • Restore UK sovereignty by decoupling from reliance on the US
    • Use economic levers such as sanctions on companies still operating in the UK and complicit in Russian fossil fuel exports

     We look forward to your response and to working constructively with the government towards enduring safety and security.

     Yours sincerely, all Green parliamentarians

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Urges Leaders to Strengthen Non-Proliferation Tools, Concerted Action towards Nuclear-Weapon-Free World in International Observance Message

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, observed on 5 March:

    Humanity’s future depends on investing in the machinery of peace, not the machinery of war.

    Yet global tensions are increasing, the nuclear threat is rising, and guardrails are eroding.  Meanwhile, small arms and light weapons are proliferating, and rapidly evolving technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing are deepening the dangers.

    On this International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness, I urge leaders to strengthen the systems and tools that prevent the proliferation, testing and use of deadly weapons and live up to their disarmament obligations.

    I also call for a concerted effort in meeting the disarmament commitments contained in the recently adopted Pact for the Future.  These commitments include working towards a world free of nuclear weapons, and new strategies to prevent the use of chemical and biological weapons, and to address the weaponization of outer space and the use of lethal autonomous weapons.

    It’s time for leaders to put words into action and invest in disarmament solutions and the peaceful future every person deserves.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Podcast with Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Podcast with Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios

    SPEAKER 1: Games in this podcast range from E to M.

    TINA AMINI: Hello, and welcome to the official Xbox Podcast. I’m here with a very special guest today, I get the great pleasure of introducing you all to Craig Duncan, our new Head of Xbox Game Studios. Welcome to Xbox Studio, not to be confused with your Xbox Game Studios.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: So I’m in charge of this as well? This is new, like this is — that’s, I didn’t realize that.

    TINA AMINI: We don’t make games here–

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Good to see you, Tina.

    TINA AMINI: Good to see you too. Yeah, so we don’t make games here, we do make games marketing here, as well as this lovely podcast. So yes, thank you so much for joining the podcast. I do want to start with kind of giving the community a little bit of context about your very storied history and career in games. You’ve been in games for two decades, so you’ve seen a lot, you’ve seen the ups and down of the industry, the literal ups and downs.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah.

    TINA AMINI: You’ve also been lauded where you were Studio Head at Rare for many years. You’ve been lauded for your work there. The studio culture, obviously you shipped Rare Replay, you’ve been in charge of Sea of Thieves for its millions, aka seven years it’s been ongoing now. And you actually have been working with Ninja Theory and Compulsion before this new role. So you’ve been around the block, as they say.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, it’s been a fun couple of decades, and I love what I do, like that’s why I do what I do. And very lucky to see a bunch of the transition on the games industry, joined back in 2002, I worked for a European publisher called Codemasters that was kind of my learn how to make games, made a bunch of different kind of games; action games, sports games, then a little bit of (inaudible) midway games, a little bit of (inaudible) digital, and then joined Rare to lead them. And I’ve seen Xbox evolve and change over, I guess 14 years I’ve been with Xbox now. And really, the part of the job I love more than anything is working with studios. I think everyone’s role is important, and I think my job as a leader is to help create the right environment for our teams to be successful, create a culture where they can support each other, help each other. Making games is really hard, it’s not any easier now than it was 20 years ago. In fact, it’s harder than ever, competition is higher, player expectations are higher. So, I think my job is about creating the culture and supporting our leaders, supporting our teams to do the very best work they can, because I think if I do that, then hopefully that shows in the games we make and what goes to our players.

    TINA AMINI: Yeah, absolutely. Honestly a favorite part of my job too, just getting to know all of our talent at our studios. Like incredible talent, so an incredible job that you have in front of you. But well-suited to the role, obviously, since you’ve had a lot of that pedigree, which is —

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah.

    TINA AMINI: — exciting and I’m happy for the studios and how we’re moving forward. So, I’d love to talk about that as well, like we’ve got a big and exciting year ahead of us. We kicked off the year with Developer Direct. I want to talk about the games that were in Developer Direct, because we’ve got a chance to talk about the release dates so we know what’s coming, when it’s coming. But we also just released Avowed, Obsidian’s latest game. So I’ve been spending the weekend playing that myself. How about you?

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, I mean, again, the lucky part of this job, spend time with all the teams, spent a bunch of time with the Obsidian team. And then really, like I feel like I’ve been playing Avowed for like three or four months, because we’ve — yeah, we obviously look at what we’re building. But just seeing the reaction of players, seeing the reviews, seeing just people share the same love for the (inaudible), they’ve got so much passion, Carrie, Feargus, all of the team, so much passion into the game. And yeah, it’s a wonderful game, it’s got wonderful story. If you haven’t checked it out, go check it out. But just seeing all the reviews and it’s a real personal moment for a team when you put a game out there.

    TINA AMINI: Absolutely.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: And just seeing the reactions and just some of the hype around the game, and people really enjoying it, I think’s been great to see.

    TINA AMINI: Yeah, I’m unfortunately only five hours in, so immediately when we wrap up I’m going home and I’m playing some more.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Okay, yeah.

    TINA AMINI: This has been officially sanctioned. But even five hours in there’s so much depth and richness.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah.

    TINA AMINI: And we’ve had the pleasure of having Carrie Patel, Game Director, out on the podcast before. She’s been on Extended with me, so I’ve gotten to talk to her quite a bit. I love Carrie, shout out to Carrie.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, absolutely. And just Obsidians play the game your way, and just like Avowed, sure it’s a game you can play through the story and through the side quests, but there’s actually quite a lot of the way you load out with your character, that you can really play the game in very, very different ways and I love that. >> Yeah. It’s both the game play, but then it’s also the exploration which is really cool. I was just at DICE and a lot of my journalist friends were telling me, oh, my God, the verticality! And it’s like yes, we’ve been basically talking about the verticality in the podcast with Carrie and there is so much to do and there is that sense of, I see that thing in the distance and I want to go engage with that thing. And there’s something in that environment for you to do. Yeah, yeah.

    TINA AMINI: And it’s like my kind of game, and been seeing a lot of good reviews out there.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, and just like the story and the setting and like I’m super happy for Obsidian and —

    TINA AMINI: World-class storytellers, I’m loving Kai so far. He’s like scratching my like New Yorker sarcasm itch. So it’s personality-wise, we’re a good fit.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Good, I love that.

    TINA AMINI: Well, we also had a bunch of other games showcased in Developer Direct this year. First off, I just have to say, I absolutely love working on that show. It’s both because we get to like really embed with the studios, like at their studio, so all of the audience gets to see what is the studio environment and like what is the culture, how are people working together. And it’s just such a beautiful storytelling format, I think, if I’m —

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, I love the format and I think just, and I think you said it well earlier, just putting our talent, like we have so many — so much talent across our studios and just the more you put them — I always feel a little bit of a shill when I come and do this thing. It’s like, you don’t really want to hear from me talking about our games, you want to hear from our team members, and Developer Direct is just a really great setting for them to talk about the games and the passion and yeah, like South of Midnight was on there, which obviously a team I’ve worked super closely with. And hearing them tell the story and the inspiration, it’s a great format.

    TINA AMINI: Yeah, I love the Compulsion team, this is actually their third ever game, which is pretty incredible.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yep.

    TINA AMINI: They have a very unique style, if you’ve, if the community our there has played their previous two games as well. People were really celebrating the storytelling, the performances, and there’s so much heart in that game and I love to see people enjoying that when I’ve seen the reviews.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, it’s a, and again, very, very lucky I’ve been playing it a lot. The creatures, the storytelling, the southern gothic, like there’s no game I can think of that’s been in a setting that they’ve realized and it’s beautiful, the art’s beautiful. The, like I said, storytelling, the creatures, the audio, the music —

    TINA AMINI: The music too, yes. Especially the music, you always, in every game the music is definitely matching the tone, like the ambience. Are you in a boss fight, or are you just in an environmental kind of more peaceful setting. But the way that the music’s like literally speaking to the bosses.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: It’s the storytelling.

    TINA AMINI: It’s their theme song. Exactly.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: It’s incredible.

    TINA AMINI: I thought it was so clever. Yeah. So I was really happy to have that in our show, that one’s coming out April 8, we announced in Developer Direct. Fun fact actually, before we talk about the other games, is Art Director, Whitney Clayton, who opened the (inaudible) for South of Midnight, she actually designed their whole studios too. The studio space itself. And it is gorgeous.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: It’s a wonderful place, yeah.

    TINA AMINI: — I wanted to steal her over and help design our of offices and he said, absolutely not. So that’s not happening.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: See, I went for a different thing, I’m like hey, I can just be based in here. Because —

    TINA AMINI: Yes.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: — it just feels so creative and it’s back to back, you want to be surrounded by the things that inspire you.

    TINA AMINI: Yes and you feel the creativity when you’re there.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, absolutely.

    TINA AMINI: I very much love their space and that’s the beauty of Developer Direct, you get to see some of that in the environmental storytelling that we do in the show. But we also had a very exciting reveal with Ninja Gaiden 4. So that’s been in the works for some time. What is our backstory with that franchise?

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, and I love the story behind that. So, not only Team Ninja, but along with Platinum Games and I know there was a lot of, what are Platinum Games working on, really prestigious developer. Ninja Gaiden, I mean it’s a franchise started on arcade and then home computers. And I guess, I think the original Nintendo there was a Ninja Gaiden version, if my memory serves me correctly. But it’s also a franchise that’s been synonymous with Xbox over the years in multiple generations. So, just to bring a super up-to-date, highly polished, just seeing just the pace of combat, the excitement, the boss — like it’s got so much. And I think fans are going to be blown away by the game. They’re going to enjoy it. I actually love the shadow drop of Ninja Gaiden 2 as well.

    TINA AMINI: Yes, a little bonus surprise, yes.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: And just the fact that we get to have those kind of surprises in the shows and people can go play it immediately on Game Pass is really great, and look forward to Ninja Gaiden 4 later this year.

    TINA AMINI: Exactly, it’s such a good way to just kind of set it back up and scratch that nostalgia itch, and then remind the community about like the great prowess and —

    CRAIG DUNCAN: It’s been a while since the last one —

    TINA AMINI: Yes, exactly. Yeah.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, just putting it back on people’s radars and what was great about the franchise, but the publishing team really excited about it. Everything we’re seeing, like we think the game’s shaping up really well. So.

    TINA AMINI: Yes, we have so much love for Ninja Gaiden internally. The producer on my team that took on that particular segment and flew to Japan and worked with the studio, used to back in the day work for IGN, 10 years ago was begging for the return of Ninja Gaiden, so very special for a lot of us internally at Xbox, to be kind of bringing this out into the world with those teams and get the community as excited as we are —

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, it’s a great franchise.

    TINA AMINI: — really special. Yes, absolutely. Well, we also had third-party friends show up —

    CRAIG DUNCAN: You did?

    TINA AMINI: — with a new studio, Sandfall Interactive, this is their first game that they’re ever shipping together as a team, and it’s Expedition 33. It looks gorgeous.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: I’m excited to play this one. Like, and again, this is the bit where it’s not part of my job, but it was the, it was the game in the show that I’m like hey, I really like it. JRPG, plus unique setting, plus new IP. Yeah, I’m really excited to play. I think I’ve seen as much as anyone else has seen, but —

    TINA AMINI: The only one you can say that with.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Absolutely, but what I love about Developer Direct again, is it showcasing a new studio, a new IP, and I love that we can do that on the biggest stage and show that to the world. So.

    TINA AMINI: Yeah, and that team is really wonderful. I got to spend time with them working on their segment together. Their love for JRPGs is just so apparent. They were so embedded in their segment it was like such a pleasure to work with them and help them tell their story.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Incredible.

    TINA AMINI: Yes, absolutely, they really have their own like unique positioning on it, and like really making it their own. It’s very fun to learn from the behind the scenes, like just how much they’re putting into this game, and we announced it’s coming out April 24, so —

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yes, very soon.

    TINA AMINI: — another, yeah, another one to make for a busy year. And there was one other game in Developer Direct, of course, our big closer, our summer blockbuster if you will, for DOOM: The Dark Ages, announced for May 15. So very exciting to have that one close out the show.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, and again, super excited for the game, the team, and just it’s an amazing franchise, very storied franchise, DOOM. And again, I don’t want to speak for them, but like I think it’s going to be an amazing version of DOOM, very different, but yeah. Just —

    TINA AMINI: It feels that way to me too.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Super cool.

    TINA AMINI: Speaking of it being a storied franchise, they did such a good job, both Hugo and Marty just kind of drawing back on like the previous DOOMs, the role that you played, and then what that is compared to Dark Ages.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah.

    TINA AMINI: And that kind of like big mecca, like gob smacking chaos that you’re going to be finding yourself in. So, definitely that big summer blockbuster vibe for May 15 release date. We did also prevails announce that DOOM was going to be coming to other platforms. And since then we’ve had a bunch of other news about other games of ours coming to other platforms. Speaking of Bethesda, also Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yep, of course.

    TINA AMINI: And brief sidebar for Indiana Jones, that won, took home three awards from DICE actually.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, huge, congratulations.

    TINA AMINI: Yeah, I had the pleasure of congratulating Todd in person, like the team was really excited. It was so great to see MachineGames on stage, taking home three awards. So they won Adventure Game of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Character, which of course went to Trip Baker for Indie himself, and Achievement in Story. All super well-deserved.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Well-deserved.

    TINA AMINI: I loved playing that game. I think I devoured it in two days, doing nothing else with my life, but I think it was well-spent hours I would say.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, me too, and again kind of got to play it pre-launch, but what they built was incredible and well-deserving of all the awards.

    TINA AMINI: Yeah, absolutely. Very happy for that team.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, me too.

    TINA AMINI: But on that note, some of the games that are going to be coming to other platforms, they’re some of our like long-standing kind of flagship series if you will. So I’m just curious what you think the Xbox community should take away from the fact that we’ve made that decision to bring more games to more platforms.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, I think it’s good for gamers, I think it’s good for our studios. Our studios make amazing games, and we want to give those games the chance to reach the broadest audience possible. So, even if I think back to when I had my Studio Head of Sea of Thieves hat on, having to see if these reach their multiple platforms, being able to remove barriers so those players could play together. And then we announced Forza Horizon 5, which one of the biggest games on Xbox. I’m very biased, of course, because I know the team super well, but arguably I think probably one of the best racing games ever, ever, ever, ever made.

    TINA AMINI: I think a lot of people agree with you.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: I just think it’s good for gamers, it’s good to have our games reach more places.

    TINA AMINI: It’s some of that quality of life element for gamers, but also happy for our developers that get a chance to share their art with more people.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Everyone that makes a game wants it to reach as many players as possible. So.

    TINA AMINI: Exactly.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: I love that we can give that opportunity.

    TINA AMINI: Absolutely. Well, there’s one other highly anticipated game —

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yes!

    TINA AMINI: — that people would be very excited about, that we haven’t talked about yet, and that’s Fable.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yes.

    TINA AMINI: So where are we at with Fable?

    CRAIG DUNCAN: So, I just want to start with really excited, really excited about progress, really excited where Playground are. We previously announced the date for Fable as 2025, we are actually going to give Fable more time and it’s going to ship in 2026 now. While I know that’s not maybe the news people want to hear, what I want to assure people of is that it’s definitely worth the wait. And I just, I have unequivocal confidence in the Playground team. If you think about their history and legacy for Forza Horizon, the last two games critically acclaimed (inaudible) —

    TINA AMINI: Award-winning.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Award-winning, beautiful, played great. And just what they’re bringing to Fable as a franchise, just think of the visuals of what you expect of Playground Games, plus amazing game play, British humor, Playground’s version of Albion, so inspired by what’s gone before with the franchise, but their take. And quite frankly, the most beautifully realized version of Albion you’ve ever seen. So really excited about the plans and really excited about the future and I want the community to understand that we do these things for the best of the games, and the teams, and ultimately that results in the best games, or the best game for the community.

    TINA AMINI: And I think from your visit you actually managed to bring over some footage for us to see some of those beautiful visuals as well.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah. So, I think we’re going to show some of the, some of the footage, this isn’t a trailer or anything. We thought as we were going to talk about the game, it was important to show some of the things.

    TINA AMINI: Yeah, we get to see some of these scenes, like kind of both just walking through environments where, and there will be some combat, some city walking scenes, just really seeing how the beautiful variety in environments that are in the game.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, and I’ve played some aspects of it that are in the city based, and again, I’m trying to be very careful that I don’t spoil anything. Ralph and the team won’t forgive me if I spoil something. But I played some of the city elements, I played some of the quests, I played some of the combat, I played a boss battle, I’ve used magic. Like it felt amazing, and I had a great time, and again, I remember the originals and the scene, I’ve played that in game play. I’m not going to spoil the backstory of what’s going on, but as you can see, genuinely beautiful. Plays great.

    TINA AMINI: Just seeing like the cinematics and then cutting to the actual like fight over here, it’s gorgeous. It can barely tell the difference, which is such a seamless transition.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah. It’s very real, everything you’re seeing here is very playable. I’ve seen a bunch more than that, I’m very excited. So take my word for it. But hopefully what the team can see here is enough to build excitement.

    TINA AMINI: I love the little details, it’s great to see how much emphasis is being put into all of that.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, and there’s no bigger fans of Fable as a franchise as the Playground team that are making it. So I think it’s a really fun balance between what are the game tenets that are true to Fable, and what’s some modern day reimagining of what is Playground Games’ version of Fable.

    TINA AMINI: Yeah, absolutely. The modern retelling of Fable. Very excited myself, I’ve been a massive Fable player since day one. So, I’m excited for 2026.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah.

    TINA AMINI: Alright, well that’s all the news that we have for this particular episode and for what’s coming up for the rest of the year. But before we send you back off to go hang out with other studios and see all of their games and tell me about all the things that you’re seeing there, I would just love to know like what are you playing, what are you looking forward to the rest of the year, maybe something non-Xbox Studios.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, it’s kind of tricky, because this job is full on, like as you would imagine. And so I spend a lot of time, so obviously I’m over in Redmond this week. I’ve got a Steam Deck that’s full of XGS games, so I spend a lot of our time playing our own games. We’ve got a bunch of stuff we haven’t announced, so obviously I spend a bunch of time with that. I think as we’ve talked about earlier, I think Expedition 33 I think is something I’m looking forward to playing. Was cool to see the Switch 2 announcement, so like always curious and excited about what Nintendo do, so I think that will be cool. But yeah, just like we have lots going on.

    TINA AMINI: We do.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: So I try and spend as much time as I can playing our own games. Yeah, so.

    TINA AMINI: We’ll call it research.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: Yeah, yeah.

    TINA AMINI: It’s fun research.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: It is fun research.

    TINA AMINI: That’s me playing Avowed later.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: It’s the best part of the job.

    TINA AMINI: Continue my journey, yes, exactly. Well, thank you so much for coming by, I hope we have you again here at Xbox Studio, not to be confused with Xbox Game Studios.

    CRAIG DUNCAN: That is confusing.

    TINA AMINI: — many locations, we are but one location, here in Redmond as well. And yeah, we’re looking forward to seeing more the rest of the year, and I hope everyone else at home watching is similarly excited. And we’ll see you at the next show.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Crapo Celebrate Senate Passage of Bipartisan Resolution To Designate February As American Heart Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    February 24, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Caucus, today celebrated Senate passage of their bipartisan resolution to designate February 2025 as American Heart Month.  The resolution reaffirms the government’s commitment to fighting cardiovascular disease by supporting research and improving access to affordable, quality care to reduce long-term disability and mortality.
    “As the leading cause of death in the U.S., heart disease has touched nearly every American family.  It’s critical that we advance clinical research and treatments to support those suffering from cardiovascular diseases,” said Durbin.  “I’m encouraged that my Senate colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, saw the value in raising awareness around the damaging impacts of cardiovascular disease by passing my resolution with Senator Crapo.  I hope together we can use American Heart Month to build support for our efforts.”
    “Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in Idaho and in the United States.  We can all make changes to our lifestyle that will decrease our risk of heart disease, as well as the risk to our family members.  This month, the Senate reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to fighting cardiovascular disease,” said Crapo.
    In 2022, cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of more than 940,000 Americans, making it the leading cause of death in the United States.  Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects women and communities of color.  Increased awareness of cardiovascular disease can lead to prevention or treatment, ultimately saving thousands of lives annually.  
    Durbin is a strong advocate for advancing research and treatments for cardiovascular diseases, particularly through his work on the Senate Committee on Appropriations to secure increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  In November 2024, Durbin’s bipartisan Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 was signed into law, extending funding for public health efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve childhood survival rates, prevent premature death and disability, and increase quality of life for the 2.5 million Americans living with congenital heart disease (CHD).  Specifically, this funding supports data collection, research, and awareness efforts at the CDC for congenital heart defects, the most common and deadliest birth defect.  Since 2018, Durbin has increased appropriations for the cause from $4 million to $8.25 million. 
    A copy of the resolution can be found here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lab Operator Convicted of $4M Medicare Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A federal jury in Detroit convicted a California man today for his role in defrauding Medicare of over $4 million in fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary urine drug testing for patients receiving pain management treatment.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sherif Khalil, 50, of Redondo Beach, conspired with others to submit claims to Medicare for the highest-reimbursing urine drug testing panels, which doctors did not want or order.

    Sherif Khalil operated Spectra Clinical Labs, a toxicology lab located in Gardena, California. As the owner of Spectra, Khalil implemented a scheme to pay marketers a percentage of Medicare reimbursements and incentivize them to obtain doctors’ orders for expensive drug testing panels. Khalil concealed Spectra’s payments to marketers by routing the payments through nominally independent marketing companies that Khalil secretly controlled. To maximize Spectra’s profits and their own commission payments, Spectra’s marketers then trained staff members at doctors’ offices to send Spectra orders for medically unnecessary urine drug tests that doctors did not actually want or authorize. Khalil also knew that orders Spectra received from physician practices were not supported by documentation of medical necessity.

    The medically unnecessary laboratory tests ordered in exchange for illegal kickbacks to marketers caused Medicare to pay more than $4 million to the Spectra Clinical Labs.

    Khalil was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay, offer, receive, and solicit health care kickbacks. Khalil is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 7 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud count and five years in prison on the count for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay, offer, receive, and solicit health care kickbacks. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys S. Babu Kaza, Jeffrey A. Crapko, and Kelly Warner and Assistant Chief Shankar Ramamurthy of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: 91st Missile Wing ushers in a new era of MMIII transporters

    Source: United States Strategic Command

    MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D.  –  

    MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – For the past 37 years the Transporter Erector (TE) has been a fundamental piece of equipment for operational readiness of the Minuteman III (MMIII) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system. These vital pieces of equipment are responsible for transporting MMIII across vast distances, utilizing public roads to reach strategic locations, and ensuring precise emplacement or removal at launch facilities. Due to maintenance requirements becoming harder to meet with the older model, these units will be replaced with newer, modernized equipment. The 91st Missile Wing is the last unit using the old TE systems, as the Roughriders are regularly relied upon to sunset programs being modernized.

    “The retirement of these ‘legacy’ TE’s marks the end of a proud and extraordinary 37 years of service and life across thousands of personnel,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ethan Bowman, missile handling section team chief assigned to the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron.

     The retirement of the old TE systems also ushers in an opportunity to transition to more efficient and modernized equipment to support the MMIII weapon system more effectively. The TE’s being retired were made to the highest standard when they were designed in the late 1980s. The systems have served nearly four decades, reliably facilitating transportation, erection, and removal operations at critical ICBM launch facilities across the country.

    “Milestones such as this demonstrate the commitment of the 91st Missile Wing Roughrider men and women to strategic deterrence,” said U.S. Col. Jimmy Schlabach, commander of the 91st Missile Wing. “Proud Airmen have operated the legacy TE systems, serving the most powerful weapon system in the world, the Minuteman III, admirably for decades.”

    The decision to phase out the Legacy TE units is not just a practical choice but a strategic necessity. Replacing these aging units with modernized transporters ensures the MMIII can remain a credible component of the United States’ nuclear deterrence strategy. New units will incorporate advancements in materials, engineering, and technology to enhance reliability and reduce maintenance burdens. This modernization will enable smoother operations and better support for hoisting, transportation, and emplacement activities at operational wings and storage facilities.

    “These replacements ensure that the 91st Missile Wing will continue to provide always-ready lethal combat capability, without rest, to enable strategic deterrence so critical to our national defense for decades to come,” said Schlabach. “President Theodore Roosevelt famously said, ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.’ The Roughriders have used the TE systems to carry the nation’s biggest stick, and will use the new units to continue that legacy.”

    The retirement of the Legacy TEs is a moment of reflection, honoring the remarkable engineering and unwavering commitment of the individuals who kept these systems operational for over three decades. Their contributions ensured the continuous support of one of the nation’s most critical defense assets, allowing the MMIII to remain a cornerstone of deterrence strategy.

    As the Legacy TEs make way for their modern replacements, the Air Force is embracing the opportunity to improve mission effectiveness and long-term sustainability. This transition represents not only the end of an era, but also the beginning of a more robust and capable logistics infrastructure to support the MMIII weapon system until its eventual retirement. By investing in modernization, the United States ensures its strategic forces remain ready and reliable, reinforcing the principles of deterrence for decades to come.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force’s safe, effective deterrent

    Source: United States Strategic Command

    BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  –  

    A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single telemetered joint test assembly re-entry vehicle Feb. 19 at 1 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

    The Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base serves as the primary testing ground for the Air Force Global Strike Command’s ICBM deterrent architecture. This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities designed to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective in deterring 21st-century threats and reassuring our allies. With over 300 similar tests conducted in the past, this particular test is part of the Nation’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent and is not a response to current world events.

    “Today’s Minuteman III test launch is just one of the ways the Department of the Air Force demonstrates the readiness, precision, and professionalism of U.S. nuclear forces,” said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth. “It also provides confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission.”

    AFGSC Commander Gen. Thomas Bussiere added, “The nuclear triad is the cornerstone of the national security of our country and allies around the globe.”

    “This test launch is demonstrative of our nation’s ICBM readiness and reliability,” he said. “Because of the skill sets and expertise of our maintenance personnel and our missile crews, our freedoms and the homeland remain secure.”

    Vandenberg’s 377th Test and Evaluation Group, located at Vandenberg SFB, oversaw the test launch. It is the nation’s only dedicated ICBM test organization professionally executing tests that accurately measure the current and future capability of the ICBM force.

    “During this test, we collected and analyzed performance and other key data points to evaluate current missile system competencies,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, 377th TEG commander. “This allows our team to analyze and report accuracy and reliability for the current system while validating projected missile system improvements. The data we collect and analyze is crucial for maintaining Minuteman III while we pave the way for Sentinel.”

    The ICBM’s reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site located within Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Kwajalein Atoll. Reagan Test Site sensors, including high-fidelity metric and signature radars, as well as optical sensors and telemetry, support the research, development, test and evaluation of America’s defense and space programs. For these tests, RTS team members collect radar, optical and telemetry data in the terminal phase of flight to evaluate system performance.

    “The Reagan Test Site serves as the supporting range for all Glory Trip missions,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Casey Rumfelt, RTS range director. “It’s a vital national asset used to support operational and developmental tests of our nation’s offensive and defensive systems. RTS provides a unique suite of instrumentation and an ideal geographic location to meet many of the U.S. testing needs that cannot be accomplished anywhere else in the world.”

    The test launch is a culmination of months of preparation that involve multiple government partners.

    Airmen from all three missile wings were selected for the task force to support the test launch, while maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Force Base, Wyoming, supported maintenance requirements. The missile bases within Air Fore Global Strike Command have crew members standing alert 24 hours a day, year-round, overseeing the nation’s ICBM alert forces. 

    The ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and U.S. Strategic Command, uses data collected from test launches for continuing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States’ ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners.

    The Air Force is committed to ensuring Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: MH-139 completes first IOT&E flight, advancing nuclear security operations

    Source: United States Strategic Command

    F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo.  –  

    The 582nd Helicopter Group achieved a major milestone in its modernization efforts as the MH-139 Grey Wolf completed its first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flight in support of nuclear security operations on January 28, 2025.

    The flight, conducted by the 550th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base, tested the aircraft’s ability to support intercontinental ballistic missile convoy operations, a crucial mission for securing the nation’s strategic deterrence forces.

    “This marks a significant step forward in ensuring the MH-139 is ready for full operational capability,” said Lt. Col. Douglas Lincoln, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center IOT&E test director. “This was the first of 37 planned flight events, and our objective was to integrate the MH-139 into convoy security operations while testing communication networks between air and ground forces.”

    The MH-139 Grey Wolf brings enhanced speed, payload capacity and endurance, far surpassing the UH-1N Huey, which has been in service since the Vietnam era. As Twentieth Air Force transitions to the MH-139, the increased capabilities will streamline nuclear security operations and improve response times for Tactical Response Force teams.

    “The MH-139 Grey Wolf fundamentally changes how we support nuclear security,” said Col. Philip Bryant, 582nd HG commander. “It can carry twice as many security forces, fly 1.5 times as fast and has a considerably longer loiter time than the UH-1N, which greatly strengthens our mission to protect the missile fields.”

    During this first test event, the aircraft flew alongside a 341st Missile Wing convoy, validating mission effectiveness and operational suitability. The aircrew assessed the MH-139’s ability to insert and extract tactical response teams while maintaining seamless communication with ground forces.

    IOT&E is scheduled to continue through June 2025.  The 550 HS will be performing tests at all three Missile Wings and at multiple ranges to fully analyze the MH-139’s performance for all its operational missions.

    “Our Airmen are adapting quickly to this new platform,” said Bryant. “The MH-139 provides a game-changing advantage for our nuclear security forces, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition from the UH-1N to the MH-139 Grey Wolf.”

    As testing progresses, 20 AF remains focused on delivering a modernized, effective nuclear security force, ensuring the protection of America’s ICBM fleet against evolving threats.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guardians of the North, 28th Maintenance Group mobilizes entire B-1 Fleet

    Source: United States Strategic Command

    ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D.  –  

    Raider maintainers from the 34th & 37th Bomber Generation Squadrons recently mobilized Ellsworth’s entire fleet of B-1B Lancers; while most will temporarily relocate to Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., some made their way to Anderson AFB, Guam for a Bomber Task Force deployment.

    The temporary relocation is necessary to complete a runway construction project tied to the future bed down of the B-21 Raider and as the last B-1 departed January 25, 2025, it marked the first time in 30 years the Ellsworth flightline was empty of Lancers.

    Generating aircraft sorties, especially B-1B Lancer sorties, requires an exceptional team of aircraft maintainers. “The mighty B-1 has been around for over 40 years and the foundational mission remains the same: win today, dominate tomorrow” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Andrew Feigen, 37th Bomber Generation Squadron commander. “From production to the technicians to the lowest level, elevating the lethality of the B-1 maintainer in partnership with Grand Forks will cause pause in our enemies.”

    Before the wheels of a B-1 lift off the ground, maintainers are tasked to ensure aircraft are serviceable, safe and combat ready. They conduct detailed inspections, apply necessary repairs, and log every maintenance action for accountability.

    “It’s a very high paced mission from where I stand. You’re always going from one job to the next. The game plan is always changing, quite literally by the minute on the flight line,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lane Benefield, 37th Bomber Generation Squadron B-1 crew chief. “This gave [our team] the opportunity to step up into different roles, showing great flexibility from enduring the cold and being away from family and loved ones,”

    B-1 Maintainers work around the clock in all types of weather and conditions. Grand Forks is known for challenging winters, but the Raider maintainer’s work ethic remains, and the team ensures there are always combat-ready B-1s available. The Airmen of Grand Forks are also steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the B-1 mission continues.

    “It’s been a long effort in coordination with our partners here at Grand Forks and our supporting agencies back home,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Mount, 28th Maintenance Squadron commander. “This is a once in a career moment for the B-1 community to relocate our fleet completely. It’s not every day that runway repair is done at wholescale. There’s a pride that follows in knowing all of our teams are succeeding in their mission and continue to present a credible threat to our adversaries through power projection.”

    Whether from North Dakota, South Dakota or from a forward operating base Raider maintainers have the capability and capacity to enable long range strike, anytime, anywhere.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eco Atlantic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Speak at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Amid Orange Basin Expansion

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, February 25, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Gil Holzman, President & CEO, Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas, will speak at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum 2025 in Paris this May as the company expands its presence in the Orange Basin, offshore South Africa.

    The Canada-headquartered Eco Atlantic has recently expanded its presence in Africa through strategic transactions and exploration initiatives. In June 2024, Eco Atlantic farmed into Block 1 in the Orange Basin, further strengthening its exploration portfolio in the region. The block has extensive 2D and 3D seismic data already completed, with no additional seismic acquisition or well drilling planned during the three-year carried period. During this time, Eco will focus on interpreting and analyzing the existing data to inform its planned Work Program, leveraging its in-house exploration team. The company also holds interests in Blocks 2B and 3B/4B in South Africa, along with four licenses in Namibia.

    IAE 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/3ETVwbj) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Eco Atlantic’s approach centers on exploring low-carbon intensity oil and gas in stable emerging markets close to infrastructure, aiming to deliver material value for its stakeholders while contributing to the energy transition. The company prioritizes efficient exploration strategies that minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource potential.

    By focusing on proven basins with existing infrastructure, Eco Atlantic seeks to accelerate development timelines and enhance economic viability in its operating regions. The upcoming forum will highlight how oil and gas independents like Eco Atlantic are navigating Africa’s evolving energy landscape, driving investment and sustainable resource development.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    February 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lab Operator Convicted of $4M Medicare Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A federal jury in Detroit convicted a California man today for his role in defrauding Medicare of over $4 million in fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary urine drug testing for patients receiving pain management treatment.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sherif Khalil, 50, of Redondo Beach, conspired with others to submit claims to Medicare for the highest-reimbursing urine drug testing panels, which doctors did not want or order.

    Sherif Khalil operated Spectra Clinical Labs, a toxicology lab located in Gardena, California. As the owner of Spectra, Khalil implemented a scheme to pay marketers a percentage of Medicare reimbursements and incentivize them to obtain doctors’ orders for expensive drug testing panels. Khalil concealed Spectra’s payments to marketers by routing the payments through nominally independent marketing companies that Khalil secretly controlled. To maximize Spectra’s profits and their own commission payments, Spectra’s marketers then trained staff members at doctors’ offices to send Spectra orders for medically unnecessary urine drug tests that doctors did not actually want or authorize. Khalil also knew that orders Spectra received from physician practices were not supported by documentation of medical necessity.

    The medically unnecessary laboratory tests ordered in exchange for illegal kickbacks to marketers caused Medicare to pay more than $4 million to the Spectra Clinical Labs.

    Khalil was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay, offer, receive, and solicit health care kickbacks. Khalil is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 7 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud count and five years in prison on the count for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay, offer, receive, and solicit health care kickbacks. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys S. Babu Kaza, Jeffrey A. Crapko, and Kelly Warner and Assistant Chief Shankar Ramamurthy of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 26, 2025
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