Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drug and Alcohol Testing – Recent data indicates an increase in amphetamine-type substances and opioids

    Source: Botica Butler Raudon

    Imperans Q4 Report, State of Workplace Drug Use from TDDA.

    AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 25 February 2024 – The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider has released its Q4 2024 workplace drug and alcohol findings.  

    The Imperans Report provides New Zealand employers with an analysis of drug and alcohol usage trends, combining results from the nation to empower businesses to engage in proactive workplace risk management.  

    This quarter, 3.99 per cent of the screens conducted by TDDA indicated the presence of drugs. THC (cannabis) continues to be the most prevalent substance detected in workplace drug tests, accounting for 59.1 per cent of cases. Recent data also indicates a sharp increase in amphetamine-type substances and opioids compared to the same quarter last year. This suggests shifting patterns in substance use that requires greater employer awareness and policy reinforcement, especially around non-medical use of pharmaceuticals.  

    Below are the most prevalent substances detected nationally in TDDA testing:

    • THC (cannabis): 59.1 per cent (down from 63.8 per cent in Q4 2023) 
    • Amphetamine-type substances (including methamphetamine): 24.4 per cent (up from 18.8 per cent in Q4 2023) 
    • Opioids (including oxycodone): 12.1 per cent (up from 11.9 per cent in Q4 2023) 
    • Benzodiazepines: 3.5 per cent  
    • Cocaine: 1.1 per cent.

    “New Zealand workplaces must remain vigilant in addressing substance use. Working under the influence of amphetamines is also a major workplace hazard,” says Glenn Dobson, CEO, TDDA.  

    “These substances impair vision, cause dizziness, and adversely affect coordination, increasing the risk of serious accidents. In high-risk environments like construction, transport, and manufacturing, impairment can be the difference between a routine workday and a fatal incident.”

    “The increase in amphetamine detections a real issue, but opioid detections are what concerns me more. Until now, New Zealand has largely avoided the opioid epidemic seen overseas, so any rise in detection rates is worth examination. As a workplace risk, opioids are at the top. Legally prescribed or illegally procured, they can cause workplace accidents, long-term addiction and lead to the loss of life in more way than one.”  

    With shifting patterns in substance use, Kiwi employers can benefit from reviewing their testing protocols and support systems to ensure both compliance and workforce well-being. As members of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) and the California Narcotic Officers Association (CNOA), TDDA closely follows and acts on global drug trends.  

    TDDA recommends that companies update drug and alcohol policies to include stronger measures addressing opioids and amphetamines, train managers to recognise impairment, particularly the subtle signs of opioid use, and ensure regular and random drug testing to deter misuse and protect workplace safety.  

    “Employers need to stay ahead of these trends, enforce policies consistently, and provide education to their workforce to prevent harm,” says Dobson. “With the right measures in place, businesses can protect their employees and maintain a safe, productive environment.”

    In Q4 2024 tests from 27 sterile clinic locations and over 60 mobile clinics throughout New Zealand were used. All tests were taken between 1 October 2024 and 31 December1.  Data is anonymised and aggregated using TDDA’s Imperans system, a bespoke IT platform for testing services, data recording, and reporting.  

    TDDA drug tests screen for amphetamines; benzodiazepines; cocaine; methamphetamine; opiates and opioids; cannabis; and synthetic drugs like synthetic cannabis.

    1 Total figures on testing volumes or testing results by industry and region are commercially sensitive.

    Methodology  
    Testing data from 1 October 2024 and 31 December 2024 is aggregated and anonymised from 27 clinic and 60 mobile clinic operations throughout Australasia. Data from preemployment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into the TDDA Imperans system, anonymised, and represents a snapshot of drug trends across Australasian workplaces and industries.  

    About The Drug Detection Agency
    The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processing more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA’s full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at https://tdda.com/.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Western Sydney gets its first truck rest stop

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Truck drivers travelling across Sydney will soon be able to stop at the city’s first dedicated heavy vehicle rest area, with the Australian and NSW governments identifying a six-hectare piece of land located close to a key junction of the motorway network.

    The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will each contribute $40 million as a first step towards transforming the greenfield site at Eastern Creek into a purpose-built rest stop where truckies can shower and take a break from the road.

    Developing the first dedicated truck stop in Western Sydney was an election commitment by NSW Labor, and the Eastern Creek site will deliver a much-needed rest area for truck drivers between Pheasants Nest to the south of Sydney and Wyong to the north – a distance of 180 kilometres and nearly two hours driving.

    The site is located five minutes from the M7 and ten minutes from the M4 and will be of particular benefit to drivers hauling freight through Sydney between Victoria and Queensland.

    A survey of 800 truckies – overwhelmingly long-haul drivers of B-doubles and semi-trailers – found safety and security was their highest priority for a rest area, as well as the provision of separate toilet and shower facilities for female drivers.

    Based on driver feedback and industry consultation, the rest area will provide flushing toilets, clean drinking water, hot showers, ample available parking including secluded bays for sleeping, and shaded areas for time outside the truck cabin.

    The new rest stop will provide space for a range of heavy vehicles, including oversize overmass, and it will give truckies a safe and accessible area to rest and mange fatigue as part of their journey.

    For more information click here Heavy Vehicle Rest Stopping Improvements | Transport for NSW

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “The safety of our truckies is a priority of our government and improving the number and quality of heavy vehicle rest areas is critical for that.

    “We’ve listened to our truck drivers, and will deliver what they’ve asked for – shelter, toilets, hot showers, drinking water, shade and bays to sleep.

    “These are things that we often take for granted at our own workplace but are not easily accessible for our truckies while they are working on the road.

    “Availability of adequate rest areas helps truckies to better manage fatigue and avoid incidents on the road, ultimately saving lives.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Transport and Roads John Graham:

    “Sydney has a reputation for being Australia’s least friendly city for truck drivers. We are changing that.

    “Truckies are the backbone of our economy and they deserve a place in Sydney to rest and recharge. It was our promise to deliver a dedicated truck rest area in Western Sydney and identifying this six-hectare site is the critical step.

    “This land is close by the heart of the motorway network where the M7 and the M4 meet at Eastern Creek making it the ideal site.

    “At the moment there is a 180-kilometre gap from the southern outskirts of Sydney to the Central Coast in which truck drivers must make do with service stations and local roads to get a break. This is not fair.

    “By ensuring our truck drivers are well-rested we are also ensuring the safest possible motorway network for all drivers.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for McMahon Chris Bowen:

    “We know that Western Sydney is the beating heart of Australia’s economy.

    “The Eastern Creek industrial complex is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

    “That requires measures to ensure that local truckies stay safe when delivering for our community.

    “This is what the community wanted, and we’re delivering”.

    Quotes attributable to the Steering Committee Chair Senator Glenn Sterle:

    “The Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative aims to increase heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through vital new and upgraded rest areas across their journey.

    “We want to keep our truck drivers and communities safe and these new and upgraded rest stops will help drivers reduce their fatigue as they keep goods moving across the country.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Creating a more accessible Australia

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The Albanese Labor Government is committed to building inclusive communities in Australia, where people with disability, including those with complex needs, can experience our extraordinary country.

    The Government has today announced a $17.1 million investment to work in partnership with states and territories to increase accessibility in community spaces across Australia through the new Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative.

    Accessible Australia builds on the Government’s Changing Places initiative to include funding for additional accessible infrastructure projects in national parks, beaches and play spaces nationwide.

    The Federal Government will fund up to 100 per cent of eligible accessible infrastructure for inclusive national parks, beaches and portable Changing Places facilities.

    This includes funding for all terrain or beach wheelchairs and accessible paths or mobi-matting.

    It will also fund up to 50 per cent of build cost for fixed Changing Places facilities and inclusive play spaces to include features like liberty swings and sensory play platforms, with remaining build costs and ongoing maintenance to be met by state and territory governments.

    Minister for Social Services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Amanda Rishworth, said Accessible Australia continues our Government’s strong focus on inclusion for people with disability across all aspects of our society and in every community.

    “Changing Places is already building facilities in 39 communities across the country, providing the highest level of accessible bathrooms for people with complex needs, helping to remove the barriers some face in participating fully in their community,” Minister Rishworth said.

    “Through Accessible Australia, we are significantly broadening the types of accessible infrastructure and amenities that will be built across Australia, providing access – for the first time for many – to national parks, beaches and play spaces.

    “These new facilities will be in addition to Changing Places projects recently announced, as we bolster our efforts to increase inclusion and promote accessible tourism.”

    The Australian Government will also provide funding to state and territory governments to help with the design, development and delivery of Accessible Australia projects.

    “People with disability have the same rights to be included in our communities, to access the spaces we gather in, and to experience our beautiful natural environment.

    “By working together, we can make Australia truly accessible for all,” Minister Rishworth said.

    For more information about the Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative, visit the Department of Social Services website.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: BlackRock® Canada Announces Final February Cash Distributions for the iShares® Premium Money Market ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the final February 2025 cash distributions for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF. Unitholders of record on February 25, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable on February 28, 2025.

    Details regarding the final “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    Fund Name Fund
    Ticker
    Cash
    Distribution
    Per Unit
    iShares Premium Money Market ETF CMR $0.123

    Further information on the iShares ETFs can be found at http://www.blackrock.com/ca.

    About BlackRock
    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @BlackRockCA

    About iShares ETFs
    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.2 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.  

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Xtract One Announces Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies Inc. (TSX: XTRA) (OTCQX: XTRAF) (FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”), a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution that prioritizes the patron access experience by leveraging AI, today announced that it will release fiscal 2025 second quarter results after the close of trading on March 12, 2025. Peter Evans, Xtract One CEO and Director, and Karen Hersh, CFO and Corporate Secretary, will host a webcast and conference call at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time the following day, March 13, 2025, to review the three months ended January 31, 2025.

    The webcast and presentation will be accessible on the company’s website, and the telephone number for the conference call is 844-481-3016 (412-317-1881 for international callers). Management will provide an overview of the interim financial results along with management’s outlook for the business, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    About Xtract One Technologies
    Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution leveraging AI to provide seamless and secure patron access control experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that are designed to assist facility operators in prioritizing- and delivering improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while enhancing safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn

    About Threat Detection and Security Solutions
    Xtract One solutions, when properly configured, deployed, and utilized, are designed to help enhance safety and reduce threats. Given the wide range of potential threats in today’s world, no threat detection system is 100% effective. Xtract One solutions should be utilized as one element in a multilayered approach to physical security.

    For further information, please contact:
    Xtract One Inquiries: info@xtractone.com, http://www.xtractone.com    
    Media Contact: Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations, 212-206-1645, kristen@jmgpr.com
    Investor Relations: Chris Witty, Darrow Associates, 646-438-9385, cwitty@darrowir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Video: National Guard vehicle maintainers keep missions moving on southern border

    Source: US National Guard (video statements)

    National Guard members supporting Operation Lone Star play a vital role in providing assistance to state and federal authorities to help secure the southern border. Operating under Task Force East in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, members of the Tactical Maintenance Platoon help ensure mission readiness by managing recovery operations and maintaining critical vehicles. From recovering stuck vehicles with specialized equipment to repairing essential systems like air conditioning in extreme heat, their work keeps Soldiers and Airmen safe and operations moving. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Amber Monio)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwQU74e5G8c

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI USA: OP-ED: Firing Military Officers for Perceived Political Disloyalty Endangers the Nation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    The following op-ed by U.S. Senator Jack Reed appeared exclusively in The Washington Post:

    Donald Trump’s quest for power is endangering our military.

    On Friday evening, the president dismissed Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the chief of naval operations, and a number of other senior officers — including the judge advocates general for the Army, Navy and Air Force — for perceived political disloyalty. He is also reportedly considering dismissing additional officers who lack “requisite leadership qualities.”

    The implications for our national security cannot be overstated. A clear message is being sent to military leaders: Failure to demonstrate personal and political loyalty to Trump could result in retribution, even after decades of honorable service. In particular, firing the military’s most senior legal advisers is an unprecedented and explicit move to install officers who will yield to the president’s interpretation of the law, with the expectation they will be little more than yes men on the most consequential questions of military law.

    Trump has already fired the Coast Guard’s top admiral, Linda Fagan, for reasons that appear political. He has taken partisan steps by stripping retired Gen. Mark A. Milley and former defense secretary Mark T. Esper of their protective details and removing their portraits from the Pentagon.

    The firings are sure to create a dangerous ripple up and down the ranks. Leaders might hesitate to refuse illegal orders, speak their minds about best practices or call out abuses of power.

    A commitment to provide the “best military advice” exists at every level in the ranks. Commanders expect their troops to give them the facts, straight and true, because lives are on the line. But firing officers as a political litmus test poisons this military ethos. It sends an immediate signal to service members that the best military advice might have career-ending consequences.

    Congress expects the same candor from senior officers as presidents have enjoyed for decades. Lawmakers like me rely on senior officers to provide their best judgments — without fear of retribution — for both the security of our country and that of the 2 million service members who put themselves in harm’s way.

    As retired Gen. Martin Dempsey and Peter Feaver recently wrote: “Preemptively firing generals would only politicize the military and make it less candid, less ready, less professional and less lethal.”

    Trump’s advisers have defended the firings and their “warrior board” proposal by pointing to Gen. George C. Marshall’s “plucking board” of 1940, which removed senior military officers who had languished in the service for years. Marshall’s actions did lead to a number of generals being dismissed. But the current administration fails to acknowledge that Marshall’s board was not designed to cull senior leaders for their personal beliefs but rather to quickly create promotion opportunities for promising junior officers ahead of America’s entrance to World War II.

    The comparison is not relevant. Young officers at that time were stymied by a promotion system that rewarded seniority above merit, unlike today’s system.

    Further, Marshall was able to carry out his review board only because Congress — through the Second Supplemental Appropriation Act of 1940 — reformed the criteria for military promotions by prioritizing merit over seniority. Trump is endangering our security by ignoring existing law and injecting politics and nonmerit principles into the military promotion system.

    As in Marshall’s era, the United States will face threats in the years ahead, and we must ensure that the rising generation of military leaders is prepared to meet them.

    U.S. service members, like the nation they represent, are extremely diverse in racial, socioeconomic and political backgrounds. All of them should expect that they can have successful careers in the military. However, if young Americans perceive the military to be a place where leaders are punished at the whims of politicians, we will lose countless potential recruits.

    When I joined the Army in the early 1970s, the military was rife with racial tension, women were prohibited from many roles and entire communities of Americans were banned from serving. Today, our military is fully integrated and every qualified individual, regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation may pursue a military career. By no coincidence, our military is more lethal than ever.

    We need it to remain so. Trump is entitled to a staff of civilians who are politically loyal to him. For the safety of all Americans, however, his military officers must remain free to give their best military advice without fear of reprisal.

    Jack Reed, a Democrat, represents Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate and is a former Army paratrooper.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Rebukes Trump’s Politically Charged Firing of Military Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    WASHINGTON, DC – Tonight, after President Trump fired a number of senior U.S. military officers, including General Charles “CQ” Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Chief of Naval Operations, General James Slife, the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, all Judge Advocates General for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and is reportedly considering firing a number of other senior U.S. military officers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:
    “I am troubled by the nature of these dismissals. This appears to be part of a broader, premediated campaign by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth to purge talented officers for politically charged reasons, which would undermine the professionalism of our military and send a chilling message through the ranks.
    “I salute General CQ Brown, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, General James Slife, and their fellow officers for their outstanding service. Each of them have had brilliant careers and led with great courage, honor, and distinction. We owe all of them a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
    “America has the strongest, most capable military in the world. But firing uniformed leaders as a type of political loyalty test, or for reasons relating to diversity and gender that have nothing to do with performance, erodes the trust and professionalism that our servicemembers require to achieve their missions.
    “A professional, apolitical military that is subordinate to the civilian government and supportive of the Constitution rather than a political party is essential to the survival of our democracy. For the sake of our troops and the well-being of every American, elected leaders—especially Senate Republicans—must defend that enduring principle against corrosive attempts to remake the military into a partisan force.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement on Life & Legacy of Judge Bruce M. Selya

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed
    PROVIDENCE, RI – After the recent passing of Judge Bruce M. Selya, 90, a proud son of Providence who became the first Jewish person to ascend to the federal bench in Rhode Island — serving as a senior U.S. circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and later as chief judge of the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review — U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement today hailing Judge Selya’s remarkable life and legacy:
    “Rhode Island has lost a legal legend whose outstanding contributions to the community and the people of Rhode Island go well beyond his four decades of remarkable service on the federal bench. 
    “As a judge, Bruce Selya was nationally renowned and respected and set a high bar that many others in his profession admire and aspire to reach.  As a man, he will be remembered for his exemplary devotion to the law and uplifting others, particularly those in his beloved hometown of Providence.
    “A man of great wisdom, integrity, modesty, wit, and high ethical standards, Judge Selya was known for his thoughtfulness, keen intellect, and judicial temperament.  He touched countless lives in his courtroom and beyond, including legions of law clerks he mentored over the years, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson.
    “Over the course of his impressive legal career, he had a hand in over 1,800 opinions, many written in his signature, concise writing style that brings complex issues into focus.  He participated in notable cases that helped shape and influence the nation’s jurisprudence.
    “An inspiration to many, his example will continue to serve as a guiding light to future generations of lawyers and judges.  And his philanthropic work will continue to make a positive difference.
    “Our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Cindy, their children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends.  We join them in mourning a great loss, and in celebrating a life well lived.  Thank you, Your Honor, for a lifetime of service to others and for your undying dedication to the people of Rhode Island and the principles of democracy and justice for all.”
    Born and raised in Providence, Selya attended Classical High School before going on to graduate with honors from Harvard Law School.  In 1982, Selya was nominated to U.S. District Court by President Ronald Reagan and later elevated to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1986.
    In 2000, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist appointed Selya to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, a position Selya held until 2004.  In 2005, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts appointed Selya to the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review, and in 2008 Selya was appointed to the chief judgeship of the Court of Review.
    Selya contributed his time and talents to many community causes and public service endeavors, including leadership roles on numerous and diverse institutional boards.  He taught law school students and received honorary degrees from Bryant University, Roger Williams University, and Brandeis University.
    In 2023, the City of Providence designated Fulton Street as Judge Selya Way.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Employee Admits Embezzling At Least $300,000 from St. Louis County Company

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man from Charlotte, North Carolina has admitted embezzling at least $300,000 from a St. Louis County company, U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming announced Monday.

    Scott H. Foster, 48, pleaded guilty Friday to one count of wire fraud. He admitted as part of his plea that he committed the crime from January 2018 to December 2022, while employed as a mid-level executive of the company. Foster manipulated the human resources systems to create an employee account for his paramour, triggering wages and benefits totaling more than $273,000.00 to be paid to his paramour over nearly five years, despite this individual performing little or no actual work for the company. Foster also used a corporate American Express card to pay for more than $33,000 in personal travel for himself, his paramour and other friends and acquaintances.

    Foster is scheduled to be sentenced May 22.

    The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Old Dutch Mustard Co. Pleads Guilty to Violating the Clean Water Act by Polluting the Souhegan River

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD – A New York man and Old Dutch Mustard Co., a mustard and vinegar manufacturing company, pleaded guilty in federal court to knowingly discharging acidic water into the Souhegan River, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division announce.

    Charles Santich, 59, of New York, and Old Dutch Mustard Co., Inc., d/b/a Pilgrim Foods, Inc. (“Old Dutch Mustard”) pleaded guilty to knowing discharging a pollutant without a permit. U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2025.

    The Clean Water Act “CWA” prohibits the discharge of any pollutant into navigable waters of the United States without a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. Due to a long history of CWA non-compliance dating back to the 1980s, Old Dutch Mustard has been subject to several enforcement actions by the EPA, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (“NH DES”), and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. As a result of these actions, EPA and NH DES have required continuous monitoring of an Unnamed Brook that flows underneath and in front of the facility, eventually flowing into the Souhegan River. The Souhegan River is one of nineteen New Hampshire rivers that the State of New Hampshire has designated as an important natural resource.

    Charles Santich is the president and owner of Old Dutch Mustard, a New York corporation with a manufacturing facility in Greenville, New Hampshire. Old Dutch Mustard manufactures vinegar and mustard products, which generates acidic wastewater. In addition, stormwater flows through the property, including an outdoor area where the company stores their product in large tanks. Both the wastewater and stormwater at Old Dutch Mustard becomes acidic and is categorized as a pollutant under the CWA, and Old Dutch Mustard did not have the necessary permit to discharge the acidic wastewater or stormwater into the environment. Instead, Old Dutch was required to store the polluted water in tanks and pay a trucking company to haul all the wastewater off-site to a publicly owned treatment plant.

    Beginning in the spring of 2015, Santich hired an excavation company to bury a pipe from the Old Dutch Mustard facility to discharge the acidic wastewater and stormwater in the general direction of the Souhegan River along an abandoned railroad bed. This discharge point was downstream of, and not detectible by, the continuous environmental monitoring required by the EPA and State of New Hampshire.

    Santich directed Old Dutch Mustard employees to repeatedly pump acidic wastewater and stormwater through the underground pipe to the abandoned railroad bed. Santich also directed employees not to tell anyone about the pipe.

    In May of 2023, state inspectors from NH DES discovered wastewater from the facility, with low pH and smelling of vinegar, flowing from a manmade ditch at the top of the hill on the Old Dutch Mustard property into the Souhegan River. In August 2023, EPA agents executed a search warrant at the Old Dutch Mustard facility and observed liquid that smelled like vinegar discharging from the end of the underground pipe into the ditch. The wastewater discharge had a low pH of 3.6. The agents then conducted a dye test. The dye discharged from the underground pipe at the top of the hill and flowed along the drainage ditch and down to the river.

    EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division investigated this case. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and Trial Attorney Ronald A. Sarachan of the Environment and Natural Resources Division are prosecuting the case with the assistance of EPA Senior Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Dianne G. Chabot.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Deported Mexican National with Prior Convictions Arrested for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – A Mexican national was arrested in San Antonio on criminal charges related to his alleged illegal possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents, Sergio Lopez Rodriguez, 48, was arrested during a surveillance operation conducted by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) on Feb. 20. Federal law enforcement agencies had learned that Rodriguez was in the United States illegally and had previously been removed from the country in 2015. In addition to the deportation, Rodriguez was convicted of theft in 2009, of forgery in 2013, and also had been arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. A state arrest warrant was issued for Rodriguez on Jan. 28.

    A filed criminal complaint alleges that, on Feb. 20, LSFTF members surrounded Rodriguez’s vehicle while he was parked a gas station pump. During the arrest, officers allegedly located a handgun, a magazine and .40 caliber ammunition, along with a glass pipe, torch lighter and .9 grams of a crystal-like substance. The complaint also alleges that Rodriguez informed officers that he possessed an AK-47 magazine inside a bag located in the vehicle.

    Rodriguez was booked into the Bexar County Jail for his outstanding warrant and, due to his immigration status, Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer. He is federally charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    The U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case, along with the Office of the Texas Attorney General, Bexar County District Attorney’s Criminal Investigation Division and Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Fidel Esparza III is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    A handgun, magazine, and .40 caliber ammunition allegedly seized during the arrest in San Antonio, Feb. 20, 2025.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Men Sentenced to Prison for Carjackings and Armed Robberies in Chicago

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHICAGO — Three men who committed multiple carjackings and robberies in Chicago, including carjacking a vehicle with an infant in the back seat and pistol-whipping a convenience store clerk, have been sentenced to federal prison terms ranging from 15 to 22 years.

    DAMANDRE HENLEY, DWIGHT HASBERRY, TYLER OATES-NELSON, and DAVARIO MCDOWELL engaged in a series of carjackings and robberies in Chicago in the overnight hours of Sept. 28 and 29, 2022.  The four defendants pleaded guilty last year to federal carjacking, armed robbery, and firearm charges. 

    On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Manish Shah sentenced Oates-Nelson, 29, of Chicago, to 15 years in federal prison. On Wednesday, Judge Shah sentenced McDowell, 25, of Chicago, to 18 years.  On Feb. 11, 2025, Judge Shah sentenced Henley, 28, of Chicago, to 22 years. Hasberry, 31, of Chicago, is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Shah on March 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

    Four of the carjackings occurred in the early morning hours of Sept. 28, 2022.  The carjacking involving the infant occurred late that evening, when the four men carjacked a Volkswagen Tiguan in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. After the men drove to the neighborhood in Oates-Nelson’s vehicle, Henley, Hansberry, and McDowell pointed guns at the driver and the infant in a rear car seat and ordered them out of the vehicle.  One of the carjackers patted down the driver and removed a registered handgun from his pocket.  The driver removed the infant from the car before Henley, Hansberry, and McDowell got into the Tiguan and drove away.

    A short time later, the four men, now all traveling in the stolen Tiguan, drove to Chicago’s Ravenswood Manor neighborhood, where Henley, McDowell, and Hansberry robbed one victim at gunpoint of their cell phone, wallet, and keys, and another victim of their backpack.

    The four men then robbed a nearby 7-Eleven convenience store.  With Oates-Nelson waiting in the stolen Tiguan, Henley, McDowell, and Hansberry entered the store carrying guns.  Henley used his gun to strike a store clerk in the head while forcing him to open the cash register.  The defendants fled the store with cash, cigarettes, and liquor bottles.

    The sentences were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elie Zenner.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hartford Man Admits Fraudulently Collecting Social Security, Unemployment, and Food Stamp Benefits

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc. H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICARDO SANTIAGO, 59, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to a fraud offense related to a scheme to fraudulently obtain Social Security, unemployment, and Food Stamp benefits.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2002 and 2024, Santiago held jobs with more than 20 employers and earned income totaling more than $580,000.  Santiago concealed his income from federal and state government agencies by providing to employers false identification, including a Social Security number and card belonging to another individual, and, in at least one instance, a false Social Security card.

    In 2002, Santiago applied for Retirement Survivors Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits, representing to the Social Security Administration that he was unable to work due to disability.  As a result, he began receiving RSDI payments in September 2002.  In 2017, Santiago completed paperwork to maintain his benefits in which he asserted that he remained disabled and had not worked for the past two years.  Santiago ultimately collected more than $316,000 in RSDI payments to which he was not entitled.

    In February 2017, Santiago submitted to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (CT-DSS) an application for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (“Food Stamps”), representing to the CT-DSS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture that he earned no income from employment.  He began receiving SNAP benefits in March 2017 and subsequently completed forms to renew his SNAP benefits on which he again represented that he had no change in his income and that he earned no money from employment.  Santiago made more than $18,000 in purchases with SNAP benefits to which he was not entitled.

    In April 2020, Santiago applied to the Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) for Unemployment Insurance benefits.  On the application, Santiago used a Social Security number belonging to another individual, and he represented to the CT-DOL and U.S. Department of Labor that he was unemployed but available for work and physically able to work.  He subsequently completed weekly certifications making the same representations.  From April 2020 through February 2021, Santiago received more than $36,000 in payments to which he was not entitled.

    Santiago has agreed to pay restitution of $371,686.

    Santiago pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for May 22.

    Santiago was arrested on May 7, 2024.

    This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlotte Sex Trafficker And Co-Conspirator Are Sentenced To Prison

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. –  A Charlotte man and his co-conspirator were sentenced to prison today for sex trafficking a minor, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina joins Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making today’s announcement.

    Tawaan Batten, 34, also known as “Slicc,” was sentenced to 34 years in prison followed by 30 years of supervised release. In December 2023, Batten was convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor, and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in commercial sexual activity. Batten’s co-conspirator, Kristi Heather King, 34, of Locust, N.C., was sentenced to 42 months in prison and a period of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor.

    “Batten and his then-girlfriend preyed on a vulnerable child and repeatedly subjected her to physical and psychological harm for their profit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message: federal prosecutors and law enforcement are committed to ensuring that sex traffickers will face the full force of justice.”

    “It is difficult to fathom that someone would sell a child for sex. But that is exactly what Batten and King did and now both of them will do federal prison for their crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge DeWitt. “The FBI works tirelessly to hold accountable those who carry out crimes against children, and we devote significant resources to help sex trafficking victims recover from the trauma they suffer.”

    According to evidence presented at Batten’s trial, witness testimony, and court documents, from July 2021 to December 2021, Batten, at times assisted by King, sex trafficked a 15-year-old minor victim. Batten met the minor victim, who had run away from her home, in a hotel parking lot in Charlotte. Batten then introduced the minor victim to King, who was Batten’s girlfriend at the time. The minor victim began engaging in commercial sex transactions shortly after meeting Batten.

    Trial evidence showed that Batten, at times assisted by King, created and posted advertisements of the minor victim on commercial sex websites and arranged for the minor victim to engage in sexual encounters with customers, usually multiple times a day. Most of these encounters took place in hotel rooms booked by Batten in North Carolina and South Carolina. Other times, Batten and King drove the minor victim to a customer’s location to engage in commercial sex. Batten kept the money the victim earned from these commercial sexual encounters and continued to have the victim work even when she was not feeling well.

    According to testimony and evidence at Batten’s trial, Batten gave the minor victim drugs. Batten also controlled the minor victim through intimidation and manipulation, including branding the minor victim with tattoos. Batten also physically assaulted King multiple times.

    Batten remains in federal custody pending placement to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.

    In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron commended the FBI for leading this investigation and thanked the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their invaluable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Spaugh and Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.

    If you are the victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please call the FBI, local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888.  NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year related to potential trafficking victims, suspicious behaviors, and/or locations where trafficking is suspected to occur. To submit a tip to the NHTRC online please visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/report-trafficking.

     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Alaris Equity Partners Provides Corporate Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES.
    FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW.

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (all numbers in this release are in US dollars (US$) unless otherwise noted) Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust (the “Trust“) (TSX: AD.UN) is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Alaris Equity Partners USA Inc. (collectively, with the Trust and its other subsidiaries, “Alaris“) has made an investment of $21.0 million into Berg Demo Holdings, LLC (“Berg“) (the “Berg Investment”) and $61.1 million into Professional Electric Contractors of Connecticut, Inc. (“PEC“) (the “PEC Investment“). Alaris is also pleased to announce the redemption of Alaris’ investment in Unify Consulting LLC (“Unify“), which closed in December, and resulted in gross proceeds of $12.3 million to Alaris (the “Unify Redemption“).

    “A productive start to 2025 with the closing of two new partnerships and the successful exit of another. Berg and PEC both signify the forming of partnerships with very strong entrepreneurs. David Berg and Jim Bisson from Berg and PEC respectively are exactly what we look for in partners. Long track records of success and a strong passion to continue to grow their businesses. Both partners have the capacity and desire to grow through acquisitions in addition to continued organic growth.

    I’d like to thank Darren Alger and his team at Unify for a wonderful eight years as our partner. Alaris originally funded a management buyout for Darren and we are proud of how well he has done as majority owner. Crystallizing another investment with an IRR of 20% is also an excellent result for our management team,” said Steve King, Chief Executive Officer, Alaris.

    Berg Investment

    The Berg Investment consists of: (i) $17.15 million (the “Berg Preferred Contribution“) of preferred equity, entitling Alaris to an initial annualized distribution of $2.40 million (the “Berg Distribution“); and (ii) $3.85 million (the “Berg Common Equity“) for a minority common equity ownership in Berg. The Berg Distribution will reset annually based on the percentage change in gross profit, subject to a collar of +/- 7%.

    Berg has an earnings coverage ratio between 1.5x and 2.0x based on Berg’s trailing twelve-month financial results and giving effect to certain other changes to Berg’s capital structure. The Berg Investment will be used for capital investment and to provide partial liquidity to equity holders.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Alaris, a partnership that strengthens our leadership team’s ability to drive future growth. As a third-generation demolition, scrap, and hazardous materials company, Berg has built a legacy of excellence. With Alaris’s strategic support and expertise, we are confident that Berg will continue to thrive as an industry leader for generations to come,” said David Berg, Founder, Berg.

    Berg is a leading demolition solutions provider serving public, commercial and industrial end markets in the Baltimore and DC, Maryland & Virginia (“DMV”) metropolitan area in the United States. Founded in 1998 by David Berg and headquartered in Baltimore, MD, Berg has become the preeminent hazardous material abatement, selective structural and building razing operation in the region.

    PEC Investment

    The PEC Investment of $61.1 million consists of a $37.0 million investment in debt and preferred equity (the “PEC Contribution“) as well as an investment of $24.1 million in exchange for a minority common equity ownership in PEC (the “PEC Common Equity“). Included within the $37.0 million PEC Contribution is $10.0 million of preferred equity redeemable at par. The PEC Contribution will result in an annualized cash distribution to Alaris of $5.18 million (the “PEC Distribution“), an initial combined annual yield of 14% and will reset annually +/- 7% based on changes in PEC’s revenue. The proceeds from the PEC Investment were used for partial liquidity to existing PEC shareholders.

    PEC has an earnings coverage ratio between 1.5x and 2.0x, based on PEC’s trailing twelve-month financial results and giving effect to changes to PEC’s capital structure following the Alaris investment.

    “When we first met Alaris, we liked their people and their unique model immediately; Alaris’ combination of financial strength and M&A acumen will allow us to focus on growth, while their approach recognizes our desire to protect and preserve PEC’s culture, which has always been a competitive advantage and our defining attribute,” said Jim Bisson, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, PEC.

    PEC is a full-service electrical contracting firm with a broad range of capabilities ranging from commercial installations, historical structural retrofits and large scale Photovoltaic (PV) projects. In addition, through its subsidiary North American Renewables, Inc, PEC is a leading solar engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) contractor. PEC serves the Greater New England and New York area.

    Unify Redemption

    Alaris successfully exited its partnership with Unify after eight years resulting in total gross proceeds over the life of the investment of CAD$51.6 million. Alaris’ total return on the Unify investment is CAD$38.6 million, equating to an unlevered IRR of 20% and MOIC of 1.9x.

    Following the Berg and PEC Investment, and the Unify Redemption, Alaris will have approximately CA$412.9 million drawn on its senior credit facility (the “Facility“) and $87.1 million available for investment purposes while the total senior debt to EBITDA on a proforma basis is approximately 2.43x. Alaris estimates its run rate payout ratio to be approximately 57.6% following today’s announcement.

    About Alaris:

    The Trust, through its subsidiaries, invests in a diversified group of private businesses (“Private Company Partners“) primarily through structured equity. The primary goal of our structured equity investments is to deliver stable and predictable returns to our unitholders through both cash distributions and capital appreciation. This strategy is enhanced by common equity positions, which allow us to generate returns in alignment with the founders of our Private Company Partners.

    NON-IFRS MEASURES:

    Earnings Coverage Ratio refers to the Normalized EBITDA of a Partner divided by such Partner’s sum of debt servicing (interest and principal), unfunded capital expenditures and distributions to Alaris. Management believes the earnings coverage ratio is a useful metric in assessing our partners continued ability to make their contracted distributions.

    Normalized EBITDA refers to EBITDA excluding items that are non-recurring in nature and is calculated by adjusting for non-recurring expenses and gains to EBITDA. Management deems non-recurring charges to be unusual and/or infrequent charges that our Partners incur outside of its common day-to-day operations.

    EBITDA refers to earnings determined in accordance with IFRS, before depreciation and amortization, net of gain or loss on disposal of capital assets, interest expense and income tax expense. EBITDA is used by management and many investors to determine the ability of an issuer to generate cash from operations.

    IRR is a supplementary financial measure and refers to internal rate of return, which is a metric used to determine the discount rate that derives a net present value of cash flows to zero. Management uses IRR to analyze partner returns. The Trust’s method of calculating this supplementary financial measure may differ from the methods used by other issuers. Therefore, it may not be comparable to similar measures by other issuers.

    MOIC is a supplementary financial measure and refers to multiple of capital invested, which is a financial metric used to evaluate the value of an investment relative to the initial capital. Management uses MOIC to analyze partner returns. The Trust’s method of calculating this supplementary financial measure may differ from the methods used by other issuers. Therefore, it may not be comparable to similar measures by other issuers.

    The terms Earnings Coverage Ratio, Normalized EBITDA, EBITDA, IRR and MOIC (the “Non-IFRS Measures“) are not standard measures under IFRS. Alaris’ calculation of the Non-IFRS Measures may differ from those of other issuers and, therefore, should only be used in conjunction with the Trust’s annual audited and unaudited interim financial statements, which are available under the Trust’s (and its predecessor’s) profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of “safe harbor” provisions under applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). Statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this news release may be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, management’s expectations, intentions and beliefs concerning the Berg and PEC Investments and the Unify redemption. Many of these statements can be identified by words such as “believe”, “expects”, “will”, “intends”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “continues” or similar words or the negative thereof. Forward looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements regarding: the annualized distributions for the Berg and PEC Investments; the earnings coverage ratios for Berg and PEC; and Alaris’ outstanding indebtedness and use of the balance of the Facility. Any forward-looking statements herein which constitute a financial outlook or future-oriented financial information (including the impact on Run Rate Payout Ratio) were approved by management as of the date hereof and have been included to provide an understanding of Alaris’ financial performance and are subject to the same risks and assumptions disclosed herein. There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which these forward-looking statements are based will occur.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements require Alaris to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Assumptions about the performance of the Canadian and U.S. economies over the next 24 months and how that will affect Alaris’ business and that of its Partners are material factors considered by Alaris management when setting the outlook for Alaris. Key assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions that: interest rates will not rise in a matter materially different from the prevailing market expectations over the next 12 to 24 months; no widespread global health crisis will impact the economy or any Partners’ operations in a material way in the next 12 months; the businesses of the majority of our Partners will continue to grow; the businesses of new Partners and those of existing partners will perform in line with Alaris’ expectations and diligence; more private companies will require access to alternative sources of capital and that Alaris will have the ability to raise required equity and/or debt financing on acceptable terms. Management of Alaris has also assumed that the Canadian and U.S. dollar trading pair will remain in a range of approximately plus or minus 15% of the current rate expectations over the next 6 months. In determining expectations for economic growth, management of Alaris primarily considers historical economic data provided by the Canadian and U.S. governments and their agencies as well as prevailing economic conditions at the time of such determinations.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and should not be read as guarantees or assurances of future performance. The actual results of the Trust and the Partners could materially differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of certain risk factors, including, but not limited to: the ability of our Partners and, correspondingly, Alaris to meet performance expectations for 2025 and beyond; any change in the senior lenders’ outlook for Alaris’ business; management’s ability to assess and mitigate the impacts of any local, regional, national or international health crises like COVID-19 or its variants; the dependence of Alaris on the Partners; reliance on key personnel; general economic conditions in Canada, North America and globally; failure to complete or realize the anticipated benefit of Alaris’ financing arrangements with the Partners; a failure of the Trust or any Partners to obtain required regulatory approvals on a timely basis or at all; changes in legislation and regulations and the interpretations thereof; risks relating to the Partners and their businesses, including, without limitation, a material change in the operations of a Partner or the industries they operate in; inability to close additional Partner contributions in a timely fashion, or at all; a change in the ability of the Partners to continue to pay Alaris’ distributions; a material change in the unaudited information provided to Alaris by the Partners; a failure of a Partner (or Partners) to realize on their anticipated growth strategies; a failure to achieve the expected benefits of the third-party asset management strategy or similar new investment structures and strategies; conflicts of interest that may arise under the asset management strategy or otherwise; a failure to achieve resolutions for outstanding issues with Partners on terms materially in line with management’s expectations or at all; and a failure to realize the benefits of any concessions or relief measures provided by Alaris to any Partner or to successfully execute an exit strategy for a Partner where desired. Additional risks that may cause actual results to vary from those indicated are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements” in the Trust’s Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is filed under the Trust’s profile at www.sedar.com and on its website at www.alarisequitypartners.com.

    This news release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about increases to the Trust’s net operating cash from activities and revenues, each of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth above. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on FOFI and forward-looking statements. Alaris’ actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and FOFI, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Trust will derive therefrom. The Trust has included the forward-looking statements and FOFI in order to provide readers with a more complete perspective on Alaris’ future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Alaris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information contained in this news release as a number of factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in the forward-looking statements. Statements containing forward-looking information reflect management’s current beliefs and assumptions based on information in its possession on the date of this news release. Although management believes that the assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

    The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and Alaris does not undertake or assume any obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new events or circumstances except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

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

    For further information please contact:

    ir@alarisequity.com
    P: (403) 260-1457
    Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust
    Suite 250, 333 24th Avenue S.W.
    Calgary, Alberta T2S 3E6

    www.alarisequitypartners.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: U.S. cuts to HIV/AIDS funding will be detrimental for vulnerable groups in Kenya

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Toby Le, PhD Candidate in Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba

    On his first day in office, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to freeze foreign aid funding. This was followed by a stop-work order for dozens of life-saving humanitarian programs.

    One of the programs affected by this announcement is the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This program has invested more than US$100 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response since it was founded in 2003. This makes the U.S. the largest funder of HIV/AIDS programs worldwide.

    Although a 90-day waiver has since been issued which temporarily allows life-saving HIV drugs to continue being delivered, the impact of this executive order is already being felt across the globe — including in Africa, where PEPFAR funding has been integral in controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

    If PEPFAR funding ends when the waiver expires — or resumes but doesn’t allow funding for services to all key populations — this will have severe impacts on those in the continent living with HIV or at high-risk of infection.

    HIV/ AIDS research

    For 45 years, the University of Manitoba has been part of an important initiative in Nairobi, Kenya — partnering with the Sex Worker Outreach Program (SWOP and local agency Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA) to develop effective strategies against HIV that can be employed in the region and communities worldwide. The approach, developed in 1985 by Elizabeth Ngugi, a public health nurse, and Francis Plummer, a University of Manitoba researcher, has empowered the community to share knowledge and to advocate for their rights. It has been vital in reducing HIV prevalence.

    This partnership between the University of Manitoba and SWOP has been funded by PEPFAR since 2003. It receives an average of US$1.5 million annually to deliver reproductive health, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infection and HIV services to key populations. Currently, this funding allows the program to operate nine clinics in Kenya, which annually provide services to over 40,000 female sex workers, 12,000 men who have sex with men and 1,400 transgender people.

    The program offers safe spaces and tailors services to address the specific needs of each group and reduces health-care barriers. Our research team assessed gaps and refined approaches so that this partnership could serve the most vulnerable — transforming engagement with key groups.

    Groundbreaking research findings have also emerged because of this partnership. University of Manitoba research conducted with the SWOP community was among the first to show that STIs increase the risk of HIV infection, that breastfeeding heightens the risk of transmitting HIV to babies, that male circumcision helps prevent HIV and that some people exposed to HIV have a natural immunity to the virus.

    These findings have informed global prevention strategies and highlight the partnership’s significant impact.

    Critical funding

    If PEPFAR funding does indeed end in April once the temporary waiver expires, it would have a serious impact on the HIV/AIDS programs being delivered not only in Kenya but around the globe.

    SWOP clinics have been instrumental in curbing HIV infections among sex workers. HIV prevalence among female sex workers accessing SWOP clinics declined from 44 per cent in 2008 to 12 per cent in 2017. This 67 per cent reduction can be attributed to an increase in HIV testing, community education and STI treatment. The program also highlighted the prevalence of HPV anal lesions in men who have sex with men and the importance of early detection. The cessation of PEPFAR funding will jeopardize STI and HIV services.

    After much advocating, the SWOP clinics servicing female sex workers were able to resume some of their activities last week (Feb. 12, 2025). However, the waiver specified that PEPFAR-funded HIV care and treatment services could only be offered to certain groups. This meant we were unable to resume HIV prevention services for all key groups.

    Without a strong contingency plan, the abrupt end to PEPFAR funding will have devastating consequences. It would mean an immediate end to SWOP activities. This would mean no more HIV testing, preventive treatment and anti-retroviral therapy — which would increase the risk of transmission, leading to an increase in cases and even a greater number of deaths in people living with HIV.

    Key groups accessing SWOP are among the most marginalized in Kenya. Without access to dedicated clinics, the majority will avoid seeking care due to fear of stigma, discrimination and harassment in clinics designed for the general public.

    SWOP partners with local agencies to provide empowerment, legal support and counselling. Closing these clinics could leave the communities they serve more vulnerable to violence, exploitation and human rights abuse.

    On the research front, funding cuts would mean ongoing projects would be halted and new ones couldn’t be started. Three already-funded University of Manitoba studies are planned to start this year. These aim to further investigate the impact of HIV on women living in the region and understand how women’s health can be improved not only in Kenya but worldwide.

    But without SWOP’s infrastructure (such as their clinics and outreach team) we won’t be able to start these new studies. Furthermore, the implementation of research-based programs that aim to prevent HPV-related cancers would be stopped.

    Cuts to HIV/AIDS funding could threaten the 40 years of work that has gone into ending the AIDS epidemic — potentially putting the lives of millions of people at risk.

    The PEPFAR program has saved over 25 million lives since its beginning in 2003. Ending the PEPFAR program would have serious impacts on services for key populations and the LGBTQ+ communities. If the funding does end after the waiver expires in April, it will be necessary for Canada’s provincial and federal governments to step in and become leaders in global health and the fight against HIV.

    Toby Le receives funding from CIHR and Research Manitoba.

    Julie Lajoie receives funding from Grand Challenge Canada, Canadian Institute of Health Research, CANFAR and MMSF (Manitoba Medical Service Fundation).

    Keith Fowke receives funding from CIHR and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

    ref. U.S. cuts to HIV/AIDS funding will be detrimental for vulnerable groups in Kenya – https://theconversation.com/u-s-cuts-to-hiv-aids-funding-will-be-detrimental-for-vulnerable-groups-in-kenya-250001

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Francis − a pope who has cared deeply for the poor and opened up the Catholic Church

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mathew Schmalz, Professor of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross

    Pope Francis during the Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square on April 2, 2023, in Vatican City. Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

    Pope Francis, who remains in critical condition and hospitalized as he battles pneumonia in both lungs, was elected pope on March 13, 2013, after the surprise resignation of Benedict XVI.

    Prior to becoming pope, he was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires, and was the first person from the Americas to be elected to the papacy. He was also the first pope to choose Francis as his name, thus honoring St. Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century mystic whose love for nature and the poor have inspired Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

    Pope Francis chose not to wear the elaborate clothing, like red shoes or silk vestments, associated with other popes. As a scholar of global Catholicism, however, I would argue that the changes Francis brought to the papacy were more than skin deep. He opened the church to the outside world in ways none of his predecessors had done before.

    Care for the marginalized

    Pope Francis reached out personally to the poor. For example, he turned a Vatican plaza into a refuge for the homeless, whom he called “nobles of the street.”

    The Argentinian Jorge Mario Bergoglio, ordained for the Jesuits in 1969 at the Theological Faculty of San Miguel.
    Jesuit General Curia via Getty Images

    He washed the feet of migrants and prisoners during the traditional foot-washing ceremony on the Thursday before Easter. In an unprecedented act for a pope, he also washed the feet of non-Christians.

    He encouraged a more welcoming attitude toward gay and lesbian Catholics and invited transgender people to meet with him at the Vatican.

    On other contentious issues, Francis reaffirmed official Catholic positions. He labeled homosexual behavior a “sin,” although he also stated that it should not be considered a crime. Francis criticized gender theory for “blurring” differences between men and women.

    While he maintained the church’s position that all priests should be male, he made far-reaching changes that opened various leadership roles to women. Francis was the first pope to appoint a woman to head an administrative office at the Vatican. Also for the first time, women were included in the 70-member body that selects bishops and the 15-member council that oversees Vatican finances. Shortly before his death, he appointed an Italian nun, Sister Raffaella Petrini, as President of the Vatican City.

    Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 18, 2022.
    Stefano Spaziani/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

    Not shy of controversy

    Some of Francis’ positions led to opposition in some Catholic circles.

    One such issue was related to Francis’ embrace of religious diversity. Delivering an address at the Seventh Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan in 2022, he said that members of the world’s different religions were “children of the same heaven.”

    While in Morocco, he spoke out against conversion as a mission, saying to the Catholic community that they should live “in brotherhood with other faiths.” To some of his critics, however, such statements undermined the unique truth of Christianity.

    During his tenure, the pope called for “synodality,” a more democratic approach to decision making. For example, synod meetings in November 2023 included laypeople and women as voting members. But the synod was resisted by some bishops who feared it would lessen the importance of priests as teachers and leaders.

    In a significant move that will influence the choosing of his successor, Pope Francis appointed more cardinals from the Global South. But not all Catholic leaders in the Global South followed his lead on doctrine. For example, African bishops publicly criticized Pope Francis’ December 2023 ruling that allowed blessings of individuals in same sex couples.

    His most controversial move was limiting the celebration of the Mass in the older form that uses Latin. This reversed a decision made by Benedict XVI that allowed the Latin Mass to be more widely practiced.

    Traditionalists argued that the Latin Mass was an important – and beautiful – part of the Catholic tradition. But Francis believed that it had divided Catholics into separate groups who worshiped differently.

    This concern for Catholic unity also led him to discipline two American critics of his reforms, Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, and Cardinal Raymond Burke. Most significantly, Carlo Maria Viganò, the former Vatican ambassador, or nuncio, to the United States was excommunicated during Francis’ tenure for promoting “schism.”

    In the last days of his pontificate, Pope Francis also criticized the Trump administration’s efforts to deport migrants. In a letter to US Bishops, he recalled that Jesus, Mary and Joseph had been emigrants and refugees in Egypt. Pope Francis also argued that migrants who enter a country illegally should not be treated as criminals because they are in need and have dignity as human beings.

    Writings on ‘the common good’

    In his official papal letters, called encyclicals, Francis echoed his public actions by emphasizing the “common good,” or the rights and responsibilities necessary for human flourishing.

    Pope Francis washes the foot of a man during the foot-washing ritual at a refugee center outside of Rome on March 24, 2016.
    L’Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP

    His first encyclical in 2013, Lumen Fidei, or “The Light of Faith,” sets out to show how faith can unite people everywhere.

    In his next encyclical, Laudato Si’, or “Praise Be to You,” Francis addressed the environmental crisis, including pollution and climate change. He also called attention to unequal distribution of wealth and called for an “integral ecology” that respects both human beings and the environment.

    His third encyclical in 2020, Fratelli Tutti, or “Brothers All,” criticized a “throwaway culture” that discards human beings, especially the poor, the unborn and the elderly. In a significant act for the head of the Catholic Church, Francis concluded by speaking of non-Catholics who have inspired him: Martin Luther King Jr., Desmond Tutu and Mahatma Gandhi.

    In his last encyclical, Dilexit Nos, or “He Loved Us,” he reflected on God’s Love through meditating on the symbol of the Sacred Heart that depicts flames of love coming from Jesus’ wounded heart that was pierced during the crucifixion.

    Francis also proclaimed a special “year of mercy” in 2015-16. The pope consistently argued for a culture of mercy that reflects the love of Jesus Christ, calling him “the face of God’s mercy.”

    A historic papacy

    Francis’ papacy has been historic. He embraced the marginalized in ways that no pope had done before. He not only deepened the Catholic Church’s commitment to the poor in its religious life but also expanded who is included in its decision making.

    The pope did have his critics who thought he went too far, too fast. And whether his reforms take root depends on his successor. Among many things, Francis will be remembered for how his pontificate represented a shift in power in the Catholic Church away from Western Europe to the Global South, where the majority of Catholics now live.

    Mathew Schmalz is Roman Catholic and a political independent.

    ref. Francis − a pope who has cared deeply for the poor and opened up the Catholic Church – https://theconversation.com/francis-a-pope-who-has-cared-deeply-for-the-poor-and-opened-up-the-catholic-church-164362

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Mission And Purpose On Full Display As Truman Returns To Sea

    Source: United States Navy

    “Our ship remains operationally ready to complete deployment with mission and purpose on full display by the entire crew,” said Capt. Chris Hill, commanding officer of Harry S. Truman. “We are out here launching and recovering aircraft, ready to ‘Give ‘em Hell’ with combat credible power.”

    The U.S. Navy’s ability to rapidly repair its warships anywhere in the world is a testament to our lethality and the warfighting advantage of relationships with Allies and partners.

    Led by Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC), Truman completed the five-day ERAV at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece. In an all-hands effort, Sailors worked with FDRMC personnel, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and local industry partner Theodoropoulos Group to assess damage, develop a repair plan, and restore weathertight integrity to the ship following the collision on Feb. 12.

    “FDRMC is focused on keeping our forward-deployed naval forces mission-ready across 5th and 6th Fleets, maintaining critical combat readiness for the ships and their Sailors,” said Capt. Mollie Bily, FDRMC commanding officer. “The rapid repair effort on Truman was a testament to our expeditionary maintenance expertise and the exceptional collaboration with our Norfolk Naval Shipyard teammates and industry partners.”

    Since deploying, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 has flown over 5,500 sorties, including two self-defense strikes into Houthi-controlled Yemen territory and a large force strike against ISIS-Somalia targets in Northeast Somalia in coordination with U.S. Africa Command. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group continues to provide maritime security and regional stability in support of its component commanders.

    The carrier strike group includes the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, with eight embarked aviation squadrons; staffs from CSG-8, CVW-1, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout (DDG 55), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).

    HSTCSG’s mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea and maintain a forward presence through sea control and power projection capabilities. For more information, visit DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN75.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden: Trump Devastates Oregon’s Rural Communities with Federal Funding Cuts and Mass Firings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 24, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley, the former top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Ron Wyden demanded recently confirmed U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins immediately reverse disastrous actions at the USDA that have harmed Oregon farmers and families.

    Their letter follows President Donald Trump’s illegal executive orders cutting federal funds which support farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners and mass firings across the federal government, impacting researchers at units in Burns, Newport, Hood River, and Pendleton.

    “These funding freezes and mass firings are cutting jobs, stopping essential investments for our farmers and rural communities, and making our communities less resilient to market volatility from climate, supply chain disruptions, tariffs, and natural disasters,” wrote the Senators. “These agency actions must be immediately reversed.”

    The Senators stressed the effects on Oregon by saying, “Many of our constituents have already started much-needed infrastructure projects – such as irrigation modernization under the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program to help farmers in drought-prone areas upgrade their irrigation practices to increase efficiency and conserve water – under the assurance that they would receive their grant money. Halting these payments means that a project in Hood River County will not only be delayed for over 100 days but will put the irrigation district at risk of insolvency. Even if funds are restored immediately, the current delay will ultimately increase the overall costs of this and other urgent projects while also costing hardworking Americans their jobs. Preventing grant recipients from finishing their projects is not a cost-effective or efficient approach to governance and is irresponsible stewardship of Congressionally appropriated taxpayer dollars.”

    “While there are reports that some funds have been released, in accordance with the Constitution and federal law, we direct you to immediately release all funds under these grants to ensure these projects stay on schedule, on budget, and preserve jobs. Further, we direct you to stop these senseless firings and restore these dedicated public servants to their jobs to enhance our agriculture industry, protect food safety, and bolster jobs in rural communities and throughout Oregon,” the Senators directed.

    Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here and follows below:

    Dear Secretary Rollins,

    On the same day he was sworn in, President Trump signed an Executive Order effectively halting all investments under the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation Reduction Act, jeopardizing vital programs that support Oregon farmers and families. Despite court intervention at other agencies pausing these harmful cuts, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to freeze critical funding, which continues to cause severe disruption to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who are implementing projects under these landmark pieces of legislation. Since then, the Trump Administration has also fired an estimated 4,200 dedicated public servants in Oregon and across the country, grinding critical work and research to a halt across the agency.

    These funding freezes and mass firings are cutting jobs, stopping essential investments for our farmers and rural communities, and making our communities less resilient to market volatility from climate, supply chain disruptions, tariffs, and natural disasters. These agency actions must be immediately reversed.

    Critical research partnerships with universities and local farmers and ranchers through the USDA Agricultural Research Service are devastated with uncertain futures after public servants at research stations in Pendleton, Burns, Hood River, Corvallis, and Newport were fired. This vital work helps Oregon’s leading agricultural sectors find solutions toward improving soil health, dealing with wildfire smoke exposure in wine grapes, protecting the rangeland for both ranchers and ecosystems, and navigating threats like disease and pests to reliably bring global-class products to market.

    Many of our constituents have already started much-needed infrastructure projects – such as irrigation modernization under the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program to help farmers in drought-prone areas upgrade their irrigation practices to increase efficiency and conserve water – under the assurance that they would receive their grant money. Halting these payments means that a project in Hood River County will not only be delayed for over 100 days but will put the irrigation district at risk of insolvency. Even if funds are restored immediately, the current delay will ultimately increase the overall costs of this and other urgent projects while also costing hardworking Americans their jobs. Preventing grant recipients from finishing their projects is not a cost-effective or efficient approach to governance and is irresponsible stewardship of Congressionally appropriated taxpayer dollars.

    Other projects, such as programs that partner with farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in over half of Oregon’s 36 counties – including in Baker, Coos, Crook, Douglas, Grant, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Polk, Umatilla, Union, and Wheeler counties – to confront the challenges of drought and other extreme weather events have had the rug pulled out from under them. These landowners have already started projects amounting to tens of millions in investments to build operational and environmental resiliency into our food systems by implementing innovative production practices, increasing market competitiveness, and supporting local manufacturing.

    Other longer-term grants for wildfire resiliency through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, such as a $22.25 million investment for work in Jackson County, has also been frozen. This has paused vital work to help ensure local landowners can not only recover from past devastating wildfires but are able to protect their neighbors and communities from future wildfires.

    Grant recipients are expecting reimbursement or payment for projects already underway and instead have been met with the message that their projects were either being paused or completely stopped. Many of these recipients are now scared to come forward for fear of further retribution and loss of vital federal support.

    While there are reports that some funds have been released, in accordance with the Constitution and federal law, we direct you to immediately release all funds under these grants to ensure these projects stay on schedule, on budget, and preserve jobs. Further, we direct you to stop these senseless firings and restore these dedicated public servants to their jobs to enhance our agriculture industry, protect food safety, and bolster jobs in rural communities and throughout Oregon.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council agrees extra funding for vital care services in 2025/26 budget

    Source: City of Plymouth

    An annual budget that injects more than £30 million of additional funding to meet ongoing cost and demand pressures in essential social care and homelessness services has been agreed by Plymouth City Council. 

    The additional funds have been included in the £253.4 million revenue budget for 2025/26 approved by at the Full Council meeting on Monday (24 February). 

    Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “Despite the huge financial challenges we continue to face, we have not only managed to balance the books but also delivered a budget that remains hugely ambitious for growing Plymouth’s prosperity and delivering what Plymouth residents say matters most – creating jobs, more affordable housing, improving health, increasing safety and most importantly, supporting the elderly and protecting the most vulnerable children in Plymouth. 

    “It is also a budget that protects and enhances valued services such as libraries, grass cutting, street cleansing and repairing our roads and pavements.  

    “This is a budget that allow Plymouth to continue to do remarkable things in difficult circumstances.” 

    The additional funding includes £16 million additional funding for protecting vulnerable children, £2 million for school transport for children with a Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND), £12 million for adult social care and £724,000 to support the homeless. 

    An extra £770,000 has also been allocated to help reduce the Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) waiting list. 

    The additional funding means that 83 per centof the Council’s total revenue budget is now spent on social care services. 

    The 2025/26 budget also maintains a £300,000 uplift in the grass cutting budget and an additional £425,000 to increase the staff resource in the Street Services team, which manages grass cutting, street cleansing and waste collection services. 

    It also includes an additional £250,000 to support funding the Council’s Net Zero commitment, an extra £141,000 to support the Council’s leisure provider Plymouth Active Leisure and £226,000 to support foster carers with an additional allowance. 

    To deliver a balanced budget the Council needs to continue to transform how it operates to increase efficiency and reduce cost. The agreed budget requires that a total of £9.6 million savings need to be delivered by all Council departments.  

    They include £3.1 million of savings plans through the ongoing transformation of Children’s Services and £2.7 million of savings in the Adults, Health and Communities directorate through its modernisation plans and contract savings.  

    To support the budget a Council Tax increase of 2.99 per cent and a two per cent precept to support adult social care services was agreed.  

    The full council also agreed a capital programme of £395.8 million for 2024/25 to 2028/29. 

    This includes funding for the transport improvement schemes, such as the Woolwell to The George scheme; the rail station regeneration scheme; investment in housing projects and tackling homelessness; projects delivering the city’s net zero ambitions; introducing zero emission buses; delivering Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, the Armada Way regeneration scheme; highway maintenance, drainage and essential engineering projects; and the regeneration of key waterfront assets such as Tinside Lido through the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Eastern DR Congo: Crisis deepens amid a surge in crime and insecurity

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Peace and Security

    The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is worsening as M23 rebel attacks continue to drive tens of thousands from their homes and claim hundreds of lives, UN humanitarians warned on Monday.

    According to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA, aid workers have been among those killed, and widespread human rights violations have been reported, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at a regular news briefing in New York.

    “In Lubero Territory, north of Goma, clashes last week forced more than 100,000 people – about half of them children – to flee their homes,” Mr. Dujarric said.

    Several local health facilities had to suspend activities, and our partners report widespread human rights violations, including rape.

    Escalating violence in North and South Kivu

    The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as M23 rebels push deeper into the region, capturing key towns and displacing thousands. The security situation remains volatile, with increasing reports of crime and targeted violence.

    In Goma, criminal activity has surged, with home invasions, kidnappings and vehicle hijackings targeting humanitarian agencies. Some incidents have resulted in deaths.

    A similar increase in crime and insecurity has been reported in South Kivu, particularly in Bukavu and Uvira, where rape and looting have also been documented, according to UN aid partners.

    In North Kivu, a humanitarian worker was struck by a stray bullet during clashes in Masisi Territory on 20 February and died from his injuries on Saturday, bringing the total number of aid workers killed in the region since January to six.

    “OCHA calls on all parties to conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” Mr. Dujarric said.

    Unstable and highly unpredictable

    The UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MONUSCO) also warned that the security situation in areas seized by M23 rebels remains “unstable and highly unpredictable”, with reports indicating further advances by the group towards Lubero.

    Mr. Dujarric reported MONUSCO’s ability to deliver on its mandate remains “significantly restricted” in M23-controlled areas in North Kivu.

    “However, the Mission continues to provide protection to thousands of people who have sought refuge within its various bases while seeking ways to ensure their safe transfer out of Goma,” he added.

    Earlier in the day, MONUSCO facilitated the medical evacuation of 19 troops from the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) from the eastern regional capital, Goma.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrio Azteca Gang Leader and Member Extradited from Mexico to the United States to Face Charges Related to 2010 U.S. Consulate Murders in Juarez

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Two alleged members of the Barrio Azteca (BA), a transnational criminal organization allied with the Juarez Cartel, were extradited from Mexico to the United States to face charges related to the March 2010 murders of U.S. Consulate employees in Juarez, Mexico. Eduardo Ravelo, also known as Tablas, Tablero, and T-Blas, and Enrique Guajardo Lopez, also known as Kiki, arrived in the United States on Feb. 20 and made their initial appearances today in the Western District of Texas. Ravelo, a former FBI Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, and Guajardo were charged in a 12-count third superseding indictment unsealed in March 2011.

    “The defendants allegedly participated in the murder of three U.S. Consulate employees in Mexico in March 2010, along with many other acts of senseless violence,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “No U.S. citizen, on either side of our border with Mexico, should have to live in fear of Barrio Azteca, any other violent border gang, or any drug cartel. The defendants’ extradition to the United States is an example of the Department’s unwavering commitment to eliminating transnational criminal organizations and the pursuit of justice for the victims of those tragic murders in Juarez, Mexico.”

    “The extradition and U.S. custody of these two defendants, who are both alleged to be members of Barrio Azteca operating along the border, is essential to our mission of disrupting and dismantling these dangerous criminal organizations,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “With the help of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, this U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute Ravelo and Guajardo throughout this case for their alleged participation in the 2010 Consulate murders and other gang related activity.”

    “These extraditions demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to holding violent criminals accountable, no matter where they flee,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively pursue the Barrio Azteca and other transnational gangs wherever they operate and seek justice for the victims affected by their violent actions.”

    “The extradition of these two members of the Barrio Azteca transnational criminal organization brings us another step closer to justice for the victims of the 2010 U.S. Consulate murders in Juarez,” said Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “DEA never forgets and we never give up. Our commitment to pursue the members of violent criminal organizations threatening American lives is as strong as ever, and our message is clear — DEA will use every resource we have to get justice for American lives lost as a result of these violent networks.”

    A total of 35 BA members and associates based in the United States and Mexico were charged in the third superseding indictment for allegedly committing various criminal acts, including racketeering, narcotics distribution and importation, retaliation against persons providing information to U.S. law enforcement, extortion, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and murder. Of the 35 defendants, 10 Mexican nationals, including Ravelo and Guajardo, were charged with the March 13, 2010, murders in Juarez of U.S. Consulate employee Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton; her husband, Arthur Redelfs; and Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros, the husband of another U.S. Consulate employee. All the defendants have been apprehended, and 28 have pleaded guilty. Three defendants have been convicted at trial, one committed suicide before the conclusion of his trial, and one is awaiting extradition from Mexico.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at co-defendant trials, the BA is a violent street and prison gang that began in the late 1980s and expanded into a transnational criminal organization. In the 2000s, the BA formed an alliance in Mexico with “La Linea,” which is part of the Juarez Drug Cartel (also known as the Vincente Carrillo Fuentes Drug Cartel or VCF). The purpose of the BA-La Linea alliance was to battle the Chapo Guzman Cartel and its allies for control of the drug trafficking routes through Juarez and Chihuahua. The drug routes through Juarez, known as the Juarez Plaza, are important to drug trafficking organizations because they are a principal illicit drug trafficking conduit into the United States.

    The gang has a militaristic command structure and includes captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and soldiers — all with the purpose of maintaining power and enriching its members and associates through drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, intimidation, violence, threats of violence, and murder.

    According to court documents, Ravelo and Guajardo participated in BA activities, including narcotics trafficking and acts of violence by BA members, both in Mexico and the United States. If convicted, Ravelo and Guajardo each face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Ravelo’s and Guajardo’s extraditions are the result of close coordination between U.S. law enforcement and the government of Mexico in the investigation and prosecution of this case. The cooperation and assistance of the government of Mexico was essential to achieving the successful extraditions.

    The FBI El Paso Field Office; FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Las Cruces Resident Agency; DEA Juarez Division; and DEA El Paso Division investigated the case. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Diplomatic Security Service; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; El Paso Police Department; El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; El Paso Independent School District Police Department; Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission; New Mexico State Police; Dona Ana County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Office; Las Cruces, New Mexico Police Department; Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility and Otero County Prison Facility New Mexico.

    Trial Attorney Jay Bauer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Spitzer for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the Criminal Division’s Office of Enforcement Operations provided significant assistance in this case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Barrio Azteca Gang Leader and Member Extradited from Mexico to the United States to Face Charges Related to 2010 U.S. Consulate Murders in Juarez

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Two alleged members of the Barrio Azteca (BA), a transnational criminal organization allied with the Juarez Cartel, were extradited from Mexico to the United States to face charges related to the March 2010 murders of U.S. Consulate employees in Juarez, Mexico. Eduardo Ravelo, also known as Tablas, Tablero, and T-Blas, and Enrique Guajardo Lopez, also known as Kiki, arrived in the United States on Feb. 20 and made their initial appearances today in the Western District of Texas. Ravelo, a former FBI Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, and Guajardo were charged in a 12-count third superseding indictment unsealed in March 2011.

    “The defendants allegedly participated in the murder of three U.S. Consulate employees in Mexico in March 2010, along with many other acts of senseless violence,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “No U.S. citizen, on either side of our border with Mexico, should have to live in fear of Barrio Azteca, any other violent border gang, or any drug cartel. The defendants’ extradition to the United States is an example of the Department’s unwavering commitment to eliminating transnational criminal organizations and the pursuit of justice for the victims of those tragic murders in Juarez, Mexico.”

    “The extradition and U.S. custody of these two defendants, who are both alleged to be members of Barrio Azteca operating along the border, is essential to our mission of disrupting and dismantling these dangerous criminal organizations,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “With the help of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, this U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute Ravelo and Guajardo throughout this case for their alleged participation in the 2010 Consulate murders and other gang related activity.”

    “These extraditions demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to holding violent criminals accountable, no matter where they flee,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively pursue the Barrio Azteca and other transnational gangs wherever they operate and seek justice for the victims affected by their violent actions.”

    “The extradition of these two members of the Barrio Azteca transnational criminal organization brings us another step closer to justice for the victims of the 2010 U.S. Consulate murders in Juarez,” said Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “DEA never forgets and we never give up. Our commitment to pursue the members of violent criminal organizations threatening American lives is as strong as ever, and our message is clear — DEA will use every resource we have to get justice for American lives lost as a result of these violent networks.”

    A total of 35 BA members and associates based in the United States and Mexico were charged in the third superseding indictment for allegedly committing various criminal acts, including racketeering, narcotics distribution and importation, retaliation against persons providing information to U.S. law enforcement, extortion, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and murder. Of the 35 defendants, 10 Mexican nationals, including Ravelo and Guajardo, were charged with the March 13, 2010, murders in Juarez of U.S. Consulate employee Leslie Ann Enriquez Catton; her husband, Arthur Redelfs; and Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros, the husband of another U.S. Consulate employee. All the defendants have been apprehended, and 28 have pleaded guilty. Three defendants have been convicted at trial, one committed suicide before the conclusion of his trial, and one is awaiting extradition from Mexico.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at co-defendant trials, the BA is a violent street and prison gang that began in the late 1980s and expanded into a transnational criminal organization. In the 2000s, the BA formed an alliance in Mexico with “La Linea,” which is part of the Juarez Drug Cartel (also known as the Vincente Carrillo Fuentes Drug Cartel or VCF). The purpose of the BA-La Linea alliance was to battle the Chapo Guzman Cartel and its allies for control of the drug trafficking routes through Juarez and Chihuahua. The drug routes through Juarez, known as the Juarez Plaza, are important to drug trafficking organizations because they are a principal illicit drug trafficking conduit into the United States.

    The gang has a militaristic command structure and includes captains, lieutenants, sergeants, and soldiers — all with the purpose of maintaining power and enriching its members and associates through drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, intimidation, violence, threats of violence, and murder.

    According to court documents, Ravelo and Guajardo participated in BA activities, including narcotics trafficking and acts of violence by BA members, both in Mexico and the United States. If convicted, Ravelo and Guajardo each face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Ravelo’s and Guajardo’s extraditions are the result of close coordination between U.S. law enforcement and the government of Mexico in the investigation and prosecution of this case. The cooperation and assistance of the government of Mexico was essential to achieving the successful extraditions.

    The FBI El Paso Field Office; FBI Albuquerque Field Office, Las Cruces Resident Agency; DEA Juarez Division; and DEA El Paso Division investigated the case. Special assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Diplomatic Security Service; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; El Paso Police Department; El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; El Paso Independent School District Police Department; Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission; New Mexico State Police; Dona Ana County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Office; Las Cruces, New Mexico Police Department; Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility and Otero County Prison Facility New Mexico.

    Trial Attorney Jay Bauer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Spitzer for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the Criminal Division’s Office of Enforcement Operations provided significant assistance in this case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police response to Lake Rotokākahi protest

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Seven people were arrested at a protest at Lake Rotokākahi last night, after refusing to leave a worksite related to a Rotorua Lakes Council project.

    The seven people were given trespass notices and formal warnings, and were released without charge.

    Police recognise that this is a complex and sensitive issue for everyone involved, including mana whenua who consider the site tapu. 

    We would like to extend our thanks to the vast majority of protesters at the site, who exercised their legal right to protest but also engaged positively with Council and police staff, and co-operated with Council staff in moving vehicles away from the work site.

    Police’s role at the site was to uphold the law and ensure the safety of all involved – Council staff, members of the public, and the protesters themselves.

    Around 80 officers were deployed across two shifts overnight, when council road blocks were in place to allow contractors to establish the worksite.

    A smaller number of officers will remain at the site over the coming days.
     

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Eric Kruger Named as UConn’s New VP of Facility Services and University Planning

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A seasoned facilities operations professional with extensive experience at UConn and in the private sector has been selected as the University’s new vice president of facility services and University planning.

    Eric Kruger, currently UConn Health’s vice president for facilities development and operations, will oversee the comprehensive planning and management of all facilities operations and the physical infrastructure of all UConn campuses.

    He starts in his new role on March 21, leading a team that provides a wide range of essential services that touch the daily lives of all who work, learn, and visit UConn.

    They include the design and operations of campus buildings, infrastructure maintenance, space planning, sustainability and energy management, landscape design and grounds maintenance, logistics management, parking and transportation operations, custodial services, and skilled trades services.

    “Eric’s extensive knowledge of the University and its myriad operations will enable him to quickly and smoothly transition into his new role, which will greatly benefit our campus communities,” says Jeffrey Geoghegan, UConn’s executive vice president for finance and chief financial officer.

    “We are fortunate to have someone in this position with Eric’s expertise, vision, and proven track record of dedication to UConn,” he says.

    Eric Kruger, UConn Health vice president of facilities, development, and operations speaks about the innovative pilot project to be deployed on the Farmington campus to bolster the state’s efforts for delivering energy cost savings on August 28, 2024. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo)

    Kruger came to UConn in 2014 as executive director of facilities and operations and was promoted in 2022 to his current role at UConn Health. He previously was as an operations and engineering manager at Eversource and had a 20-year career with the U.S. Naval Submarine Force, from which he retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer / Submarine Senior Chief Electrician’s Mate.

    His wide range of experience gives him insight into all aspects of UConn’s operations, including the financial management and strategic vision required for his new position and the synergistic operations of the teams in facilities management and university planning.

    “I am thrilled to be selected to lead the Facilities Services and University Planning team,” Kruger says. “This exciting opportunity to combine the experience and knowledge shared by the dedicated staff on these two teams will improve our ability to provide consistent, customer-focused support to the UConn community.”

    He also has demonstrated his commitment to responsiveness, transparency, and communications in his roles at UConn since he joined the University, and has established strong and trusting relationships with fellow employees, administrators, and other stakeholders.

    Kruger holds an MBA from UConn with a management concentration; a master’s degree in history from Southern New Hampshire University; a B.S.A.S.T in nuclear engineering technology from Thomas Edison State University; and an associate’s degree in general studies from Columbia College.

    He also holds a transmission system operator certification from the North American Electrical Reliability Corp. (NERC), a credential signifying an advanced skill set in running power systems connected to the national electrical grid.

    Those skills were key to his previous roles that included overseeing the safe and reliable operation of UConn’s on-campus power generation at Storrs, which distributes electrical service and additional utilities such as steam, chilled water, domestic water, fire main, storm water, and sewage throughout campus.

    He also oversaw facilities operations at the regional campuses in Hartford, Avery Point, Stamford, Waterbury, and the School of Law, giving him a holistic view of the full scope of services at each location and establishing connections with those campus and community leaders.

    “I look forward to identifying opportunities to control costs and leveraging shared services to improve efficiency while still providing high quality services to our world-class faculty, staff, and students,” Kruger says.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fourteen Members of Extensive Alien Smuggling Organization Charged and Eight Arrested for Smuggling Hundreds of Illegal Aliens into the United States

    Source: US State of California

    Note: View the indictment here.

    Fourteen alleged members of a prolific alien smuggling organization were charged for their roles smuggling aliens from South and Central America into the United States via the southern border.

    A grand jury in Las Cruces, New Mexico, returned an indictment on Feb. 19 against 14 individuals for conspiracy to transport, harbor, and bring in illegal aliens to the United States. Eight of those charged were arrested on Feb. 20 and 21.

    “Today’s indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in a sophisticated conspiracy to smuggle aliens into and throughout the United States at great danger to the aliens, resulting in the death of one person,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department worked with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to dismantle an alien smuggling organization based in Mexico that has allegedly smuggled hundreds of illegal aliens, including unaccompanied children, through New Mexico and South Texas. We are committed to eliminating transnational alien smuggling organizations that exploit migrants purely for profit and undermine our national security.”

    According to the indictment unsealed today, the defendants participated in a conspiracy to illegally bring undocumented aliens from Mexico into the United States via the U.S. southern border. The indictment alleges that the defendants were also responsible for transporting the aliens within the United States and concealing them in “stash houses” along the way. During some of the smuggling events, the defendants allegedly evaded law enforcement by travelling at high rates of speed on the road and instructing aliens how to flee U.S. Border Patrol and evade checkpoints. Additionally, the indictment alleges that one undocumented alien died from heat exposure during a smuggling event and was abandoned in the desert.

    “Human smuggling organizations threaten our national security and exploit vulnerable individuals for profit, putting their lives at risk and undermining public safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Mexico is committed to continuing to work with our federal, state and local partners to dismantle transnational human smuggling organizations, hold their leaders accountable, and seize the illicit proceeds generated by these exploitative enterprises.”

    “We are appreciative of our brave law enforcement partners for their continued vigilance in investigating and apprehending members of transnational criminal organizations who conspire to undermine our nation’s immigration laws for their profit, with a callous and reckless disregard for the sanctity of life,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. “As this case sadly demonstrates, human smuggling is a crime that takes lives and puts the public at risk. ICE HSI is passionately devoted to using its abundant authority to identify, investigate, and arrest criminals who prey on the vulnerabilities of people they treat as human cargo.”

    Michelle Martinez, 29, of El Paso, Texas; Jesus Calvillo, 44, of El Paso; Jorge Calvillo, 25, of El Paso; Abel Aguilar-Cano, 53, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Jose Palomino, 27, of El Paso, made their initial court appearances today in the District of New Mexico and remain in U.S. custody. Edna Valdez-China, 48, of El Paso; Leslie Nicole Calvillo, also known as Leslie Jaramillo, 24, of El Paso; and Melissa Vargas, 22, of El Paso, are in U.S. custody and will make their initial appearances on Feb. 25 in the District of New Mexico. Jorge Alberto De La Cruz-Dominguez, also known as Guero, 54, of Juarez, Mexico; Jorge Valdez China, also known as Lolo, 23, of El Paso; Jonathan Valdez-China, also known as China and Dior, 24, of Juarez; and Alma Guadalupe Valdez-China, 41, of Juarez, are also charged in the indictment.

    Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to bring to, transport, and harbor illegal aliens in the United States. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    ICE HSI El Paso investigated the case. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ICE HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and the Texas Department of Public Safety provided substantial assistance with the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson R. Hehr for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Jenna Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) are prosecuting the case.

    These actions are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was established in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Justice Department, in partnership with DHS, to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous alien smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourteen Members of Extensive Alien Smuggling Organization Charged and Eight Arrested for Smuggling Hundreds of Illegal Aliens into the United States

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Note: View the indictment here.

    Fourteen alleged members of a prolific alien smuggling organization were charged for their roles smuggling aliens from South and Central America into the United States via the southern border.

    A grand jury in Las Cruces, New Mexico, returned an indictment on Feb. 19 against 14 individuals for conspiracy to transport, harbor, and bring in illegal aliens to the United States. Eight of those charged were arrested on Feb. 20 and 21.

    “Today’s indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in a sophisticated conspiracy to smuggle aliens into and throughout the United States at great danger to the aliens, resulting in the death of one person,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department worked with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to dismantle an alien smuggling organization based in Mexico that has allegedly smuggled hundreds of illegal aliens, including unaccompanied children, through New Mexico and South Texas. We are committed to eliminating transnational alien smuggling organizations that exploit migrants purely for profit and undermine our national security.”

    According to the indictment unsealed today, the defendants participated in a conspiracy to illegally bring undocumented aliens from Mexico into the United States via the U.S. southern border. The indictment alleges that the defendants were also responsible for transporting the aliens within the United States and concealing them in “stash houses” along the way. During some of the smuggling events, the defendants allegedly evaded law enforcement by travelling at high rates of speed on the road and instructing aliens how to flee U.S. Border Patrol and evade checkpoints. Additionally, the indictment alleges that one undocumented alien died from heat exposure during a smuggling event and was abandoned in the desert.

    “Human smuggling organizations threaten our national security and exploit vulnerable individuals for profit, putting their lives at risk and undermining public safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Mexico is committed to continuing to work with our federal, state and local partners to dismantle transnational human smuggling organizations, hold their leaders accountable, and seize the illicit proceeds generated by these exploitative enterprises.”

    “We are appreciative of our brave law enforcement partners for their continued vigilance in investigating and apprehending members of transnational criminal organizations who conspire to undermine our nation’s immigration laws for their profit, with a callous and reckless disregard for the sanctity of life,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens. “As this case sadly demonstrates, human smuggling is a crime that takes lives and puts the public at risk. ICE HSI is passionately devoted to using its abundant authority to identify, investigate, and arrest criminals who prey on the vulnerabilities of people they treat as human cargo.”

    Michelle Martinez, 29, of El Paso, Texas; Jesus Calvillo, 44, of El Paso; Jorge Calvillo, 25, of El Paso; Abel Aguilar-Cano, 53, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Jose Palomino, 27, of El Paso, made their initial court appearances today in the District of New Mexico and remain in U.S. custody. Edna Valdez-China, 48, of El Paso; Leslie Nicole Calvillo, also known as Leslie Jaramillo, 24, of El Paso; and Melissa Vargas, 22, of El Paso, are in U.S. custody and will make their initial appearances on Feb. 25 in the District of New Mexico. Jorge Alberto De La Cruz-Dominguez, also known as Guero, 54, of Juarez, Mexico; Jorge Valdez China, also known as Lolo, 23, of El Paso; Jonathan Valdez-China, also known as China and Dior, 24, of Juarez; and Alma Guadalupe Valdez-China, 41, of Juarez, are also charged in the indictment.

    Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to bring to, transport, and harbor illegal aliens in the United States. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    ICE HSI El Paso investigated the case. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ICE HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and the Texas Department of Public Safety provided substantial assistance with the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson R. Hehr for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Jenna Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) are prosecuting the case.

    These actions are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was established in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Justice Department, in partnership with DHS, to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous alien smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Zoom Communications Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Fourth quarter total revenue of $1,184.1 million, up 3.3% year over year as reported and 3.6% in constant currency; full fiscal year total revenue of $4,665.4 million, up 3.1% year over year as reported and 3.3% in constant currency
    • Fourth quarter Enterprise revenue of $706.8 million, up 5.9% year over year; full fiscal year Enterprise revenue of $2,754.2 million, up 5.2% year over year
    • Fourth quarter operating cash flow of $424.6 million, up 20.9% year over year; full fiscal year operating cash flow of $1,945.3 million, up 21.7% year over year; full fiscal year operating cash flow margin of 41.7%
    • Fourth quarter GAAP operating margin of 19.0%, up 430 bps year over year, and non-GAAP operating margin of 39.5%, up 80 bps year over year; full fiscal year GAAP operating margin of 17.4%, up 580 bps year over year, and non-GAAP operating margin of 39.4%, up 20 bps year over year
    • Number of customers contributing more than $100,000 in trailing 12 months revenue up 7.3% year over year
    • Repurchased approximately 4.3 million shares of common stock in fourth quarter and approximately 15.9 million shares of common stock during full fiscal year

    SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM), an AI-first work platform for human connection, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 31, 2025.

    “In FY25, Zoom AI Companion emerged as the driving force behind our transformation into an AI-first company, enabling our customers to discover enhanced productivity opportunities. As Zoom AI Companion becomes increasingly agentic, we look forward to continuing to help our customers fully realize the benefits of AI and discover what’s possible with AI agents,” said Eric S. Yuan, Zoom’s founder and CEO. “Both Contact Center and Workvivo had incredible years capped by excellent Q4s in terms of strategic logo wins, upmarket momentum and broader customer growth. As we rapidly innovated for our customers, we delivered a robust 5.8-point expansion in FY25 GAAP operating margin driven by increased focus on prioritizing investments and controlling share-based compensation, and grew FY25 operating cash flow 21.7% year over year to nearly $2 billion, representing an operating cash flow margin of 41.7%.”

    Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Highlights:

    • Revenue: Total revenue for the fourth quarter was $1,184.1 million, up 3.3% year over year. After adjusting for foreign currency impact, revenue in constant currency was $1,188.0 million, up 3.6% year over year. Enterprise revenue was $706.8 million, up 5.9% year over year, and Online revenue was $477.3 million, down 0.4% year over year.
    • Income from Operations and Operating Margin: GAAP income from operations for the fourth quarter was $225.1 million, compared to GAAP income from operations of $168.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP income from operations, which adjusts for stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes, and acquisition-related expenses, was $468.0 million for the fourth quarter, compared to non-GAAP income from operations of $443.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024. For the fourth quarter, GAAP and non-GAAP operating margin was 19.0% and 39.5%, respectively, up from 14.7% and 38.7%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024.
    • Net Income and Diluted Net Income Per Share: GAAP net income for the fourth quarter was $367.9 million, or $1.16 per share, compared to GAAP net income of $298.8 million, or $0.95 per share in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024.

      Non-GAAP net income, which adjusts for stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes, gains on strategic investments, net, acquisition-related expenses, and the tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments, was $446.9 million for the fourth quarter. Non-GAAP net income per share was $1.41 in the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, non-GAAP net income was $444.0 million, or $1.42 per share.

    • Cash and Marketable Securities: Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, excluding restricted cash, as of January 31, 2025 was $7.8 billion.
    • Cash Flow: Net cash provided by operating activities was $424.6 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $351.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, up 20.9% year over year. Free cash flow, which is net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment, was $416.2 million in the fourth quarter, compared to $332.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, up 25.1% year over year.

    Full Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Highlights:

    • Revenue: Total revenue for the fiscal year was $4,665.4 million, up 3.1% year over year. After adjusting for foreign currency impact, revenue in constant currency was $4,675.0 million, up 3.3% year over year. Enterprise revenue was $2,754.2 million, up 5.2% year over year, and Online revenue was $1,911.2 million, up 0.2% year over year.
    • Income from Operations and Operating Margin: GAAP income from operations for the fiscal year was $813.3 million, compared to GAAP income from operations of $525.3 million for fiscal year 2024. Non-GAAP income from operations, which adjusts for stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes, litigation settlements, net, and acquisition-related expenses, was $1,837.9 million for the fiscal year, compared to non-GAAP income from operations of $1,774.9 million for fiscal year 2024. For the fiscal year, GAAP and non-GAAP operating margin was 17.4% and 39.4% respectively, up from 11.6% and 39.2%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024.
    • Net Income and Diluted Net Income Per Share: GAAP net income for the fiscal year was $1,010.2 million, or $3.21 per share, compared to GAAP net income of $637.5 million, or $2.07 per share for fiscal year 2024.

      Non-GAAP net income, which adjusts for stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes, litigation settlements, net, gains on strategic investments, net, acquisition-related expenses, and the tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments, was $1,744.8 million for the fiscal year. Non-GAAP net income per share was $5.54. In fiscal year 2024, non-GAAP net income was $1,608.0 million, or $5.21 per share.

    • Cash Flow: Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,945.3 million for the fiscal year, compared to $1,598.8 million for fiscal year 2024 up 21.7% year over year. Free cash flow, which is net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment, was $1,808.7 million, compared to $1,471.9 million for fiscal year 2024, up 22.9% year over year.

    Customer Metrics: Drivers of revenue included acquiring new customers and expanding across existing customers. At the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, Zoom had:

    • Approximately 192,600 Enterprise customers.
    • A trailing 12-month net dollar expansion rate for Enterprise customers of 98%.
    • 4,088 customers contributing more than $100,000 in trailing 12 months revenue, up approximately 7.3% from the same quarter last fiscal year.
    • Online average monthly churn of 2.8% for the fourth quarter, down 20 bps from the same quarter last fiscal year.
    • At the end of the fourth quarter, the percentage of total Online MRR from Online customers with a continual term of service of at least 16 months was 75.1%, up 90 bps year over year.

    As Zoom continues to expand and evolve, we have seen an increasing overlap between our Enterprise and Online customer categories. Over time, customers with lower MRR are expected to move from Enterprise to Online as we optimize our sales strategies. While these moves do not have a material impact on other customer metrics, the number of customers between these two groups has become less meaningful as a customer metric. Therefore, beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, we will no longer report the number of Enterprise customers as a customer metric. However, we will continue to provide this metric in the appendix of our investor deck through the end of fiscal year 2026, which will be accessible on our investor relations website (investors.zoom.us).

    Financial Outlook: Zoom is providing the following guidance for its first quarter of fiscal year 2026 and its full fiscal year 2026.

    • First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026: Total revenue is expected to be between $1.162 billion and $1.167 billion and revenue in constant currency is expected to be between $1.168 billion and $1.173 billion. Non-GAAP income from operations is expected to be between $440.0 million and $445.0 million. First quarter non-GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be between $1.29 and $1.31 with approximately 316 million non-GAAP weighted average shares outstanding.
    • Full Fiscal Year 2026: Total revenue is expected to be between $4.785 billion and $4.795 billion and revenue in constant currency is expected to be between $4.803 billion and $4.813 billion. Non-GAAP income from operations is expected to be between $1.850 billion and $1.860 billion. Full fiscal year non-GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be between $5.34 and $5.37 with approximately 318 million non-GAAP weighted average shares outstanding. Full fiscal year free cash flow is expected to be between $1.680 billion and $1.720 billion.

    The EPS and share count figures do not include any impact from $1.6 billion of authorized share repurchase remaining as of January 31, 2025.

    Additional information on Zoom’s reported results, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP results to their most comparable GAAP measures, is included in the financial tables below. A reconciliation of non-GAAP guidance measures to corresponding GAAP measures is not available on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainty of expenses that may be incurred in the future, although it is important to note that these factors could be material to Zoom’s results computed in accordance with GAAP.

    A supplemental financial presentation and other information can be accessed through Zoom’s investor relations website at investors.zoom.us.

    Zoom Video Earnings Call

    Zoom will host a Zoom Video Webinar for investors on February 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the company’s financial results, business highlights and financial outlook. Investors are invited to join the Zoom Video Webinar by visiting: https://investors.zoom.us/ 

    About Zoom

    Zoom’s mission is to provide an AI-first platform for human connection. Reimagine teamwork with Zoom Workplace — Zoom’s open collaboration platform with AI Companion empowers teams to be more productive. Together with Zoom Workplace, Zoom’s Business Services for sales, marketing, and customer care teams, including Zoom Contact Center, strengthen customer relationships throughout the customer lifecycle. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Get more information at zoom.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains express and implied “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding Zoom’s financial outlook for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 and full fiscal year 2026, Zoom’s market position, opportunities, and growth strategy, product initiatives, including future product and feature releases and the potential of agentic AI, and go-to-market motions and the expected benefits resulting from the same, market trends, and Zoom’s stock repurchase program. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “predict,” “potential,” “target,” “explore,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks, including factors beyond our control, that could cause actual results, performance or achievement to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the statements, including: declines in new customers, renewals or upgrades, or decline in demand for our platform, difficulties in evaluating our prospects and future results of operations given our limited operating history, competition from other providers of communications platforms, the effect of macroeconomic conditions on our business, including tariffs and trade tensions, inflationary pressures and market volatility, lengthened sales cycles with large organizations, delays or outages in services from our co-located data centers, failures in internet infrastructure or interference with broadband access, compromised security measures, including ours and those of the third parties upon which we rely, and global security concerns and their potential impact on regional and global economies and supply chains. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2024. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made and are based on information available to Zoom at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events. Zoom assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, except as required by law.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Zoom has provided in this press release financial information that has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Zoom uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally in analyzing its financial results and believes that use of these non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors as an additional tool to evaluate ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing Zoom’s financial results with other companies in its industry, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures.

    Non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP financial measures and should be read only in conjunction with Zoom’s condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of Zoom’s historical non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures has been provided in the financial statement tables included in this press release, and investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation.

    Non-GAAP Income from Operations and Non-GAAP Operating Margin. Zoom defines non-GAAP income from operations as income from operations excluding stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes, acquisition-related expenses, restructuring expenses, and litigation settlements, net. Zoom excludes stock-based compensation expense because it is non-cash in nature and excluding this expense provides meaningful supplemental information regarding Zoom’s operational performance and allows investors the ability to make more meaningful comparisons between Zoom’s operating results and those of other companies. Zoom excludes the amount of employer payroll taxes related to employee stock plans, which is a cash expense, in order for investors to see the full effect that excluding stock-based compensation expense had on Zoom’s operating results. In particular, this expense is dependent on the price of our common stock and other factors that are beyond our control and do not correlate to the operation of the business. Zoom views acquisition-related expenses when applicable, such as amortization of acquired intangible assets, transaction costs, and acquisition-related retention payments that are directly related to business combinations as events that are not necessarily reflective of operational performance during a period. Restructuring expenses are expenses associated with a formal restructuring plan and may include employee notice period costs, severance payments, and other related expenses. Zoom excludes these restructuring expenses because they are distinct from ongoing operational costs and Zoom does not believe they are reflective of current and expected future business performance and operating results. Zoom excludes significant litigation settlements, net of amounts covered by insurance, that we deem not to be in the ordinary course of our business. In fact, Zoom believes the consideration of measures that exclude such expenses can assist in the comparison of operational performance in different periods that may or may not include such expenses and assist in the comparison with the results of other companies in the industry. Zoom defines non-GAAP operating margin as non-GAAP income from operations divided by GAAP revenue.

    Non-GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income Per Share, Basic and Diluted. Zoom defines non-GAAP net income as GAAP net income adjusted to exclude stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes, acquisition-related expenses, restructuring expenses, gains on strategic investments, net, litigation settlements, net, income tax benefits from discrete activities, and the tax effects of all non-GAAP adjustments. Zoom excludes these items because they are considered by management to be outside of Zoom’s core operating results. These adjustments are intended to provide investors and management with greater visibility to the underlying performance of Zoom’s business operations, facilitate comparison of its results with other periods, and may also facilitate comparison with the results of other companies in the industry. Zoom defines non-GAAP net income per share, basic and diluted, as non-GAAP net income divided by the number of shares outstanding, basic and diluted, calculated in accordance with GAAP.

    Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Margin. Zoom defines free cash flow as GAAP net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment. Zoom considers free cash flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors regarding net cash provided by operating activities and cash used for investments in property and equipment required to maintain and grow the business. Zoom defines free cash flow margin as free cash flow divided by GAAP revenue.

    Revenue in Constant Currency. Zoom defines revenue in constant currency as GAAP revenue adjusted for revenue reported in currencies other than United States dollars as if they were converted into United States dollars using the average exchange rates from the comparative period rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. Zoom provides revenue in constant currency information as a framework for assessing how Zoom’s underlying businesses performed period to period, excluding the effects of foreign currency fluctuations.

    Customer Metrics

    Zoom defines a customer as a separate and distinct buying entity, which can be a single paid user or an organization of any size (including a distinct unit of an organization) that has multiple users. Zoom defines Enterprise customers as distinct business units that have been engaged by either our direct sales team, resellers, or strategic partners. All other customers that subscribe to our services directly through our website are referred to as Online customers.

    Zoom calculates net dollar expansion rate as of a period end by starting with the annual recurring revenue (“ARR”) from Enterprise customers as of 12 months prior (“Prior Period ARR”). Zoom defines ARR as the annualized revenue run rate of subscription agreements from all customers at a point in time. Zoom calculates ARR by taking the monthly recurring revenue (“MRR”) and multiplying it by 12. MRR is defined as the recurring revenue run-rate of subscription agreements from all Enterprise customers for the last month of the period, including revenue from monthly subscribers who have not provided any indication that they intend to cancel their subscriptions. Zoom then calculates the ARR from these Enterprise customers as of the current period end (“Current Period ARR”), which includes any upsells, contraction, and attrition. Zoom divides the Current Period ARR by the Prior Period ARR to arrive at the net dollar expansion rate. For the trailing 12 months calculation, Zoom takes an average of the net dollar expansion rate over the trailing 12 months.

    Zoom calculates online average monthly churn by starting with the Online customer MRR as of the beginning of the applicable quarter (“Entry MRR”). Zoom defines Entry MRR as the recurring revenue run-rate of subscription agreements from all Online customers except for subscriptions that Zoom recorded as churn in a previous quarter based on the customers’ earlier indication to us of their intention to cancel that subscription. Zoom then determines the MRR related to customers who canceled or downgraded their subscription or notified us of that intention during the applicable quarter (“Applicable Quarter MRR Churn”) and divides the Applicable Quarter MRR Churn by the applicable quarter Entry MRR to arrive at the MRR churn rate for Online Customers for the applicable quarter. Zoom then divides that amount by three to calculate the online average monthly churn.

    Public Relations

    Colleen Rodriguez
    Head of Global Public Relations
    press@zoom.us 

    Investor Relations

    Charles Eveslage
    Head of Investor Relations
    investors@zoom.us 

    Zoom Communications, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands)

        As of January 31,
          2025     2024
    Assets   (unaudited)    
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,349,380   $ 1,558,252
    Marketable securities     6,442,329     5,404,233
    Accounts receivable, net     495,228     536,078
    Deferred contract acquisition costs, current     188,358     208,474
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     200,679     219,182
    Total current assets     8,675,974     7,926,219
    Deferred contract acquisition costs, noncurrent     123,464     138,724
    Property and equipment, net     330,475     293,704
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     55,900     58,975
    Strategic investments     591,481     409,222
    Goodwill     307,295     307,295
    Deferred tax assets     749,759     662,177
    Other assets, noncurrent     154,073     133,477
    Total assets   $ 10,988,421   $ 9,929,793
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity        
    Current liabilities:        
    Accounts payable   $ 8,345   $ 10,175
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     558,562     500,164
    Deferred revenue, current     1,336,387     1,251,848
    Total current liabilities     1,903,294     1,762,187
    Deferred revenue, noncurrent     17,274     18,514
    Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent     37,406     48,308
    Other liabilities, noncurrent     95,363     81,378
    Total liabilities     2,053,337     1,910,387
             
    Stockholders’ equity:        
    Common stock     305     307
    Additional paid-in capital     5,130,271     5,228,756
    Accumulated other comprehensive income     4,990     1,063
    Retained earnings     3,799,518     2,789,280
    Total stockholders’ equity     8,935,084     8,019,406
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 10,988,421   $ 9,929,793
                 

    Note: The amount of unbilled accounts receivable included within accounts receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheets was $118.5 million and $124.8 million as of January 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

    Zoom Communications, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

        Three Months Ended January 31,   Year Ended January 31,
          2025     2024     2025     2024
    Revenue   $ 1,184,138   $ 1,146,457   $ 4,665,433   $ 4,527,224
    Cost of revenue     287,355     276,307     1,129,627     1,077,801
    Gross profit     896,783     870,150     3,535,806     3,449,423
    Operating expenses:                
    Research and development     217,121     205,282     852,415     803,187
    Sales and marketing     358,903     371,052     1,427,384     1,541,307
    General and administrative     95,696     125,286     442,712     579,650
    Total operating expenses     671,720     701,620     2,722,511     2,924,144
    Income from operations     225,063     168,530     813,295     525,279
    Gains on strategic investments, net     150,357     101,296     177,142     109,770
    Other income, net     74,899     83,057     325,147     197,263
    Income before provision for income taxes     450,319     352,883     1,315,584     832,312
    Provision for income taxes     82,454     54,051     305,346     194,850
    Net income     367,865     298,832     1,010,238     637,462
                     
    Net income per share:                
    Basic   $ 1.20   $ 0.98   $ 3.28   $ 2.12
    Diluted   $ 1.16   $ 0.95   $ 3.21   $ 2.07
    Weighted-average shares used in computing net income per share:                
    Basic     306,553,952     305,822,936     307,981,971     300,748,162
    Diluted     316,693,346     313,467,303     315,069,582     308,519,897
                             

    Zoom Communications, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Unaudited, in thousands)

        Three Months Ended January 31,   Year Ended January 31,
          2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Cash flows from operating activities:                
    Net income   $ 367,865     $ 298,832     $ 1,010,238     $ 637,462  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
    Stock-based compensation expense     222,939       254,373       931,309       1,057,161  
    Deferred income taxes     (18,416 )     (136,735 )     (90,551 )     (116,679 )
    Amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs     71,063       66,793       282,103       270,701  
    Gains on strategic investments, net     (150,357 )     (101,296 )     (177,142 )     (109,770 )
    Depreciation and amortization     34,591       27,272       122,632       104,451  
    Provision for accounts receivable allowances     2,983       6,182       20,022       35,244  
    Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains)     12,364       (11,022 )     17,165       12,259  
    Non-cash operating lease cost     6,205       5,225       24,066       21,066  
    Amortization of discount/premium on marketable securities     (16,871 )     (17,463 )     (71,636 )     (50,770 )
    Other     630       (2,419 )     4,048       (7,670 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
    Accounts receivable     (47,632 )     (18,723 )     26,640       53,270  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     (11,360 )     53,208       (17,114 )     (71,247 )
    Deferred contract acquisition costs     (79,932 )     (68,303 )     (246,727 )     (214,657 )
    Accounts payable     (1,686 )     (2,158 )     (3,133 )     (4,416 )
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     65,245       51,989       62,277       51,974  
    Deferred revenue     (26,253 )     (48,637 )     79,995       (46,719 )
    Operating lease liabilities, net     (6,812 )     (5,893 )     (28,884 )     (22,824 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities     424,566       351,225       1,945,308       1,598,836  
    Cash flows from investing activities:                
    Purchases of marketable securities     (919,938 )     (1,120,371 )     (4,622,104 )     (4,083,968 )
    Maturities of marketable securities     919,856       773,341       3,610,274       3,131,419  
    Sales of marketable securities           1,191       47,482       1,191  
    Purchases of property and equipment     (8,334 )     (18,540 )     (136,560 )     (126,953 )
    Purchases of strategic investments     (5,000 )     (17,727 )     (18,500 )     (70,527 )
    Proceeds from strategic investments     8,530       62,823       13,384       170,067  
    Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired                       (204,918 )
    Net cash used in investing activities     (4,886 )     (319,283 )     (1,106,024 )     (1,183,689 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:                
    Cash paid for repurchases of common stock     (354,567 )           (1,093,878 )      
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock for employee stock purchase plan     19,745       21,584       54,008       54,097  
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options     867       1,859       4,619       10,195  
    Proceeds from employee equity transactions to be remitted (remitted) to employees and tax authorities, net     4,984       791       7,174       (4,106 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (328,971 )     24,234       (1,028,077 )     60,186  
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash     (12,150 )     11,077       (15,170 )     (10,196 )
    Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash     78,559       67,253       (203,963 )     465,137  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year     1,282,858       1,498,127       1,565,380       1,100,243  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of year   $ 1,361,417     $ 1,565,380     $ 1,361,417     $ 1,565,380  
                                     

    Zoom Communications, Inc.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures
    (Unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

        Three Months Ended January 31,   Year Ended January 31,
          2025       2024       2025       2024  
    GAAP income from operations   $ 225,063     $ 168,530     $ 813,295     $ 525,279  
    Add:                
    Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes     232,983       262,754       966,732       1,076,212  
    Litigation settlements, net                 16,250       52,500  
    Acquisition-related expenses     9,916       12,465       41,618       47,904  
    Restructuring expenses                       72,993  
    Non-GAAP income from operations   $ 467,962     $ 443,749     $ 1,837,895     $ 1,774,888  
    GAAP operating margin     19.0 %     14.7 %     17.4 %     11.6 %
    Non-GAAP operating margin     39.5 %     38.7 %     39.4 %     39.2 %
                     
    GAAP net income   $ 367,865     $ 298,832     $ 1,010,238     $ 637,462  
    Add:                
    Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes     232,983       262,754       966,732       1,076,212  
    Litigation settlements, net                 16,250       52,500  
    Gains on strategic investments, net     (150,357 )     (101,296 )     (177,142 )     (109,770 )
    Acquisition-related expenses     9,916       12,465       41,618       47,904  
    Restructuring expenses                       72,993  
    Income tax benefits from discrete activities           (8,272 )           (8,272 )
    Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments     (13,461 )     (20,512 )     (112,945 )     (161,006 )
    Non-GAAP net income   $ 446,946     $ 443,971     $ 1,744,751     $ 1,608,023  
                     
    Net income per share – basic and diluted:                
    GAAP net income per share – basic   $ 1.20     $ 0.98     $ 3.28     $ 2.12  
    Non-GAAP net income per share – basic   $ 1.46     $ 1.45     $ 5.67     $ 5.35  
    GAAP net income per share – diluted   $ 1.16     $ 0.95     $ 3.21     $ 2.07  
    Non-GAAP net income per share – diluted   $ 1.41     $ 1.42     $ 5.54     $ 5.21  
                     
    GAAP and non-GAAP weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share – basic     306,553,952       305,822,936       307,981,971       300,748,162  
    GAAP and non-GAAP weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share – diluted     316,693,346       313,467,303       315,069,582       308,519,897  
                     
    Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 424,566     $ 351,225     $ 1,945,308     $ 1,598,836  
    Less: Purchases of property and equipment     (8,334 )     (18,540 )     (136,560 )     (126,953 )
    Free cash flow (non-GAAP)     416,232       332,685       1,808,748       1,471,883  
    Net cash used in investing activities   $ (4,886 )   $ (319,283 )   $ (1,106,024 )   $ (1,183,689 )
    Net cash provided by financing activities   $ (328,971 )   $ 24,234     $ (1,028,077 )   $ 60,186  
    Operating cash flow margin (GAAP)     35.9 %     30.6 %     41.7 %     35.3 %
    Free cash flow margin (non-GAAP)     35.2 %     29.0 %     38.8 %     32.5 %
                     
        Three Months Ended January 31,   Year Ended January 31,
          2025       2025  
        Revenue   YoY Revenue Growth (%)   Revenue   YoY Revenue Growth (%)
    GAAP revenue   $ 1,184,138       3.3 %   $ 4,665,433       3.1 %
    Add: Constant currency impact     3,835       0.3 %     9,545       0.2 %
    Revenue in constant currency (non-GAAP)   $ 1,187,973       3.6 %   $ 4,674,978       3.3 %

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government to consider Special Economic Zones

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Marsden Point could become the heart of a bold vision to boost New Zealand’s fuel and energy security, and an attractive option for overseas investors seeking to be part of our economic growth story, Resources, Regional Development and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says.

    “New Zealand is a small and remote nation. Our reliance on petrol, diesel and jet fuel being imported from overseas following the shutdown of the Marsden Point refinery carries risks. Global and domestic supply chain disruptions, price shocks and ageing infrastructure could cost the New Zealand economy billions of dollars,” Mr Jones says.

    “Cabinet will consider a range of options to ensure we are better protected against these risks. Options could include creating energy precincts and special economic zones (SEZs), which are widely used overseas.

    “Channel Infrastructure NZ, formerly Refining NZ, is already working to turn the Marsden Point refinery site into an energy precinct. Creating an SEZ there would not only help ensure New Zealand’s fuel and energy resilience, it could provide an attractive option for overseas investors.”

    SEZs, which are expected to be considered by Cabinet in the first half of this year, could include business-friendly regulations, infrastructure and facilities, investment support, and customs and trade facilitation.

    SEZs would not be restricted to energy sites but could apply to any strategically important areas of the country where infrastructure, ease of doing business and investment are critical to the economic interests of New Zealand.

    A Fuel Security Study released by Minister Jones today details the risks of an insecure fuel supply and the negative impacts disruptions could have on Kiwis and the economy. Also detailed in the report are possible actions that could be taken to mitigate the risks and the impacts. A separate report released today details an investigation into reopening the Marsden Point refinery, which was agreed in coalition negotiations between New Zealand First and the National Party

    “The Government will have to carefully weigh up the costs and benefits of the actions suggested in the fuel study. These reports show there are going to have to be trade-offs if New Zealand is to have secure fuel supply. The reports will also be incredibly helpful in forming our Fuel Security Plan, being developed this year.

    “Channel Infrastructure released its energy precinct concept in October last year which contained a number of exciting options, including a biofuel refinery. If SEZs can help smooth the path for prospective investors and tenants, the Government is willing to consider them, along with other options” Mr Jones says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News