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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: JE Bakery 2019 LLC DBA Broadway Bakery Issues Allergy Alert for Mislabeled Raisin Bran Muffin 6 Count Due to Undeclared Walnuts

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Undeclared walnuts

    Company Name:
    JE Bakery LLC DBA Broadway Bakery
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    Cub Foods, Jerrys Foods, Country Market

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Raisin Bran Muffin

    Company Announcement

    JE Bakery 2019, LLC, Minneapolis MN is voluntarily recalling its Raisin Bran Muffin 6 count due to a labeling error. The affected product was mislabeled and instead contains Glorious Morning Muffins, which contains Walnuts, a known allergen not declared on the label.

    The product was distributed through retail grocery stores in the Twin Cities, MN area. It is packaged in a 6 count clear muffin container with a sell by date of 2/18/2025 and a net weight of 12 oz. The muffins were labeled under the following Brands: Cub Foods, Jerrys Foods, and Country Market and contains UPC 0 29341-00233 . The mislabeling issue was discovered when one of our retail locations reported the error. All impacted stores have been notified and have since removed the mislabeled product from their shelves

    To date, no illness have been reported. However, individuals with a Walnut allergy could be at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the mislabeled product. Customers who have purchased the affected Raisin Bran Muffin 6 count package are urged not to consume it and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

    Consumers with questions may contact the retail store directly or JE Bakery 2019, LLC at (612) 509-1546.

    We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our products.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    JE Bakery 2019, LLC
    (612) 509-1546

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Free Weekends Announced for Out-of-State Snowmobilers

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced two free snowmobile weekends for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers to rev their engines and explore what New York has to offer. New York State will waive registration fees for out-of-state snowmobilers February 28-March 2 and March 7-9, 2025, encouraging out-of-state visitors to come ride the more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails in New York State.

    “New York is home to more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails, making it the perfect place to explore everything from snow peaked mountains and endless forests to pristine valleys and the Great Lakes,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of the beauty our state has to offer, and we’re making it easier with free snowmobiling weekends for adventurers to see it for themselves.”

    During the weekends, the registration requirement in New York is waived for already properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts. Participants in these free snowmobiling events must operate a snowmobile that is registered in their home state/province and must carry any applicable insurance as required. Outside of this promotion, out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers are required to register their snowmobiles with New York State before hitting the State’s trails — from the Hudson Valley to the North Country to Western New York.

    These free snowmobiling weekends, February 28-March 2 and March 7-9, 2025, help boost tourism for State and local economies, and reinforce New York’s commitment to the industry. New York State has made an ongoing commitment to snowmobile trail maintenance and our local grants program is funded by snowmobile registration fees collected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and deposited into the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. County and municipal governments distribute the grants to about 230 snowmobile clubs across the State, which in turn groom and maintain the trails.

    New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “New York State is fortunate to have many snowmobile clubs, counties, and municipalities who do great work to groom and maintain our trail network, ensuring a smooth ride and a safe, enjoyable journey for all. Our trails offer a thrilling escape into winter wonderlands—winding through pristine forests, across snowy fields, and offering breathtaking views at every turn. It’s not just a ride, it’s an adventure leaving visitors eager to return again and again and explore more of what the Empire State has to offer.”

    Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York’s free snowmobiling weekends are the perfect time for visitors to explore the state’s picturesque winter landscape and its vast network of snowmobile trails. Tourism is crucial to our regional economies, and opportunities like this help to welcome guests who stay, dine and shop in our vibrant communities, supporting local jobs and small businesses.”

    New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “Our state is enjoying an exceptional snowmobiling season, and these free weekends are the perfect opportunity for non-New Yorkers to experience all that we have to offer. Remember that visitors who snowmobile here outside of designated free weekends must obtain a temporary snowmobile registration, while New Yorkers must renew their snowmobile registrations annually online. The registration fees go toward maintaining our beautiful trail network, which all snowmobilers must enjoy safely and responsibly. That means always wearing a helmet and never riding while impaired.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “New York’s network of snowmobile trails provides extraordinary winter recreation for residents and visitors alike. I encourage the public to take advantage of these free weekends to enjoy some of the thousands of miles of trails the state has to offer and to ride safely and responsibly to protect themselves and others.”

    New York State Snowmobile Association President Rosanne Warner said, “The New York State Snowmobile Association and all of its member clubs would like to thank the Governor for promoting snowmobiling as an important part of the winter tourism economy. In-state snowmobilers as well as out-of-state visitors enjoy riding our trail system and are always pleased with the diversity of riding opportunities New York State has to offer. Snowmobilers are very important contributors to our local winter economy and we appreciate the support and recognition of Governor Hochul.”

    New York State reminds riders to observe trail conditions and safety procedures while snowmobiling. Trail conditions vary depending on snowfall amounts and other factors. Snowmobilers, fishermen, skiers and snowshoers should put safety first and to proceed with extreme caution before venturing on ice- or snow-covered bodies of water. Historically, the two leading causes of snowmobile injuries in New York State are excessive speed and operator intoxication.

    Top safety recommendations include:

    • INSPECT and properly maintain your snowmobile; carry emergency supplies
    • ALWAYS wear a helmet with DOT-certified standards and make sure you wear appropriate snowmobile gear including bibs, jackets, boots, and gloves to withstand the elements
    • ALWAYS ride with a buddy or group and tell a responsible person where you will be riding and your expected return time
    • SLOW DOWN. Ride within your ability
    • STAY ON MARKED TRAILS. Respect landowners and obey posted signs
    • NEVER drink alcohol or use drugs and ride
    • FROZEN BODIES OF WATER are not designated trails; if you plan to ride on ice, proceed with caution and be aware of potential hazards under the snow. If you choose to ride on ice, wear a snowmobile suit with flotation built-in and carry a set of ice picks as a precaution.

    Check the websites of area snowmobile clubs for information on trail conditions, including the status of grooming. Individuals operating a snowmobile should be familiar with safe riding practices and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. The New York State Snowmobile Association website provides information about snowmobiling and snowmobile clubs. Maps of the State snowmobile trail network are available on New York State Parks’ website.

    More information on planning a great snowmobile getaway and other ways to enjoy winter in New York State is available at iloveny.com/winter.

    The DMV reminds New York riders that snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. Snowmobile registration costs $100 but is decreased to $45 if the snowmobiler is a member of a local snowmobile club.

    Non-New Yorkers who wish to use a snowmobile in New York State before or after this promotional weekend can use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get a 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.

    The free snowmobile weekend complements Governor Hochul’s efforts to encourage outdoor recreation. The FY26 Executive Budget proposes $200 million for State Parks to invest in and aid the ongoing transformation of New York’s flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects throughout the park system. The Governor’s new Unplug and Play initiative also earmarks $100 million for construction and renovation of community centers through the Build Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS), $67.5 million for the Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) initiative helping New York communities construct new playgrounds and renovate existing playgrounds; and an additional $50 million for the Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative supporting municipalities in the renovation and construction of swimming facilities.

    For information on snowmobiling, visit parks.ny.gov. Visit the DEC website for more information on snowmobiling on State lands.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta, State Attorneys General Issue Statement Regarding the Vice President’s Comments on Judicial Review on February 9, 2025

    Source: US State of California

    “If a judge tried to tell a general how to conduct a military operation, that would be illegal.  If a judge tried to command the attorney general in how to use her discretion as a prosecutor, that’s also illegal. Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.”  Vice President Vance, February 9, 2025 

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released the following joint statement, signed by 17 state attorneys general, regarding Vice President Vance’s comments on judicial review made on February 9, 2025.  

    “The Vice President’s statement is as wrong as it is reckless.  As chief law enforcement officers representing the people of 17 states, we unequivocally reject the Vice President’s attempt to spread this dangerous lie. 

    “Judges do not ‘control’ executive power. Judges stop the unlawful and unconstitutional exercise of power. As Chief Justice Marshall said in Marbury v. Madison over 200 years ago, ours is ‘a government of laws, and not of men,’ and that ‘it is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.’  For those who value the original intent of the founders and our legal traditions, nothing is more firmly rooted in our legal history, tradition, and the original intent of the founders than the power of judges to stop the executive from breaking the law.

    “Americans understand the principle of checks and balances. The judiciary is a check on unlawful action by the executive and legislative branches of government. Generals, prosecutors, and all public officials are subject to checks and balances. No one is above the law.    

    “As Attorneys General, we will carefully scrutinize each and every action taken by this administration. If the Constitution or federal law is violated, we will not hesitate to act. 

    “That is why we have already filed motions in courts across this country to seek temporary restraining orders and injunctions blocking the unlawful and unconstitutional executive orders and actions, including those to ban birthright citizenship; indiscriminately freeze federal funding; cap vital medical research dollars; and grant unauthorized disclosure of Americans’ private records and data. 

    “Judges granted our motions and issued restraining orders to protect the American people, democracy, and the rule of law. That is and has always been their job.  That job is the very core of our legal system. And in this critical moment, we will stand our ground to defend it.” 

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Connecticut, Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington in signing the statement.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Battleford — Battlefords RCMP: woman missing after armed robbery

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On February 14, 2025 at approximately 5:00 a.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of an armed robbery on Railway Avenue E in North Battleford, SK.

    Officers responded immediately and determined an adult male, who was armed with a firearm, approached a vehicle with two adult females inside. The adult male threatened the vehicle occupants and stole the vehicle. One of the females, 33-year-old Leanna Frenchman, was reportedly still inside. Based on initial investigation and the report made, Battlefords RCMP has not located Leanna and therefore are considering her missing. Investigators are concerned for her wellbeing and continue to actively investigate.

    The second adult female exited the vehicle and reported no physical injuries to police.

    Initial investigation indicates Leanna Frenchman may be in the presence of an adult male, who was reportedly armed. Initial investigation has determined Leanne and the adult male are not known to one another. It is unknown where they are travelling to, but they were last seen driving in the City of North Battleford in a red 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix with Saskatchewan license plate 186 NSA.

    Leanna Frenchman is described as approximately 5’6″ tall and 105 lbs. She has brown eyes and brown hair.

    We are working to obtain further descriptors of the suspect.

    If you have seen Leanna Frenchman, the red Pontiac Grand Prix, or have information about this investigation, contact your local police at 310-RCMP immediately or 911 in an emergency. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Targeted actions prevent spread of chronic wasting disease in urban deer

    The Province, with the support of the City of Cranbrook, the City of Kimberley and ʔaq’am, is taking action to curb the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) by targeted removal and testing of urban deer.

    CWD is a fatal infection that affects species in the deer family (cervids), such as mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and caribou. The disease spreads through grooming, body fluids and shared spaces.

    The risk of spread is higher in urban deer because of population density. Urban deer populations in Cranbrook and Kimberley are of special concern because of their proximity to five positive cases of CWD detected in the Kootenay region over the past year. Targeted efforts in both communities will provide important data about the prevalence of CWD and reduce the risk of transmission.

    Conducting this work safely and humanely is a top priority. Animal handling and targeted removals are undertaken by trained professionals following strict protocols to ensure public safety and minimize stress on the animals throughout the operation.

    Deer removal will take place in Cranbrook and Kimberley from Feb. 18-28, 2025. The results of the sample testing will be shared.

    Future management decisions will be based on surveillance data, research and Indigenous knowledge with input from advisory committees.  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Arrives Locally

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the local availability of the new Galaxy S25 series. Together with One UI 7, Gemini is officially available at launch in 46 languages,1 making it easier than ever to perform seamless interactions across Samsung and Google apps.

    “The Galaxy S25 series is a fundamental shift in how we interact with our phones,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are thrilled to see how our users will enjoy this true AI companion that offers seamless and intuitive solutions in their daily lives.”
     
    On the Galaxy S25 series, AI agents with multimodal capabilities are integrated within the One UI 72 platform to perform complex tasks seamlessly across apps and enable natural user interactions through speech, text, videos and images. Now Brief3 provides tailored suggestions to guide through the day and Now Bar4 offers a new hub for ongoing activities. From enhanced productivity with Writing Assist to limitless creativity unleashed by Drawing Assist,5 the expanded capabilities of  Galaxy AI6 continue to empower users in every aspect of their daily lives.
     
    Interactions with the Galaxy S25 series are also more intuitive. With just a single command, Gemini7 can effortlessly find a user’s favourite sports team’s schedule and add it to Samsung Calendar. Additionally, Google’s enhanced Circle to Search8 now gives users more helpful information with AI Overviews and one-tap actions.

    The Galaxy S25 series further refines and enhances the core capabilities that define the Galaxy experience. Powering the Galaxy S25 series globally, the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy fuels on-device processing for more responsive AI experiences. With unique customisations for Galaxy, including ProScaler9 and Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe), the Galaxy S25 series boasts enhanced AI image processing and display power efficiency. The newly introduced 50MP ultrawide camera sensor for the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers epic shots from every range in exceptional clarity, while professional grade controls like Virtual Aperture and Samsung Log turn any photo or video into the ultimate visual experience.
     
    The Galaxy S25 series is the industry’s first smartphone lineup to support Content Credentials, based on the open technical standard from the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). Samsung has also joined the C2PA as a member, alongside industry leaders including Adobe, Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, Publicis Groupe and more, all collaborating to establish Content Credentials as the universal standard for digital content provenance. In line with its commitment to responsible mobile AI innovation, Samsung adopted this standard to enhance transparency for content created and edited with generative AI.
     
    Starting February 14, the Galaxy S25 series will be widely available through carriers and retailers and on Samsung websites. Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver and Titanium Gray. Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ come in Navy, Silver Shadow, Icyblue and Mint.
     
    All Galaxy S25 devices will come with six months of Gemini Advanced and 2TB of cloud storage at no extra cost. Gemini Advanced comes with Samsung’s most capable AI models and priority access to the newest features like Gems, custom AI experts for any topic, and Deep Research, which acts as a personal AI research assistant.
     
    1 Supported languages include Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Chinese (Simplified / Traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Farsi, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malayalam, Marathi, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu and Vietnamese.
    2The official One UI 7 release will commence with the latest Galaxy S series devices. The update is expected to gradually roll out to other Galaxy devices.
    3 Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, or apps. Some features may require a network connection.
    4 Availability of functions supported within the apps may vary by country. Some functional widgets may require a network connection and/or Samsung Account login.
    5 Drawing Assist feature requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
    6 Samsung Account login may be required to use certain Samsung AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier. Some function availability may vary by device model. Galaxy AI service may be limited for minors in certain regions with age restrictions over AI usage. Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.
    7 Gemini Extensions feature availability varies based on content. Internet connection, Android device, and set up required. Language availability varies. Results for illustrative purposes and may vary. Check responses for accuracy.
    8 Sequences shortened and simulated. Results for illustrative purposes only. Service availability may vary by country, language, or device model. Requires internet connection. Users may need to update Android and Google app to the latest version. Results may vary depending on visual or audio matches. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Works on compatible apps and surfaces, and with ambient music only. Will not identify music coming through headphones or if phone volume is off.
    9 ProScaler feature is supported on Galaxy S25+ and Ultra models. Image quality can be enhanced up to QHD+, depending on the screen resolution setting of the device.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Love Meets Art and Sound this Valentine’s Day with the Samsung Music Frame

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    This Valentine’s Day, give a gift that speaks to the heart, puts a spring in your partner’s step and music to their ears. The Samsung Music Frame allows you to blend visual memories with the soundtrack of your love story, while creating a modern, minimalistic and stylish aesthetic that fits your space.
     
    With so many fleeting moments, the Samsung Music Frame lets you capture and preserve the emotions that matter most. Whether it’s the laughter shared on a summer trip or the magic of your wedding day, the Music Frame is a meaningful addition to your shared space, making moments together even more memorable. With its customisable artwork paired with a personal soundtrack, it’s the perfect way to celebrate your love and your journey together.
     
    A Gift that Speaks to the Heart
    The Samsung Music Frame has a sleek, modern design and it’s customisable, allowing you to display a photo or message for a sentimental touch. Perhaps it’s a candid picture from a spontaneous date, or a photograph that brings back the joy of your first vacation together. Whatever the moment, the Music Frame smart speaker transforms it into a beautiful work of art.
     
    But it doesn’t stop there. The true magic of the Music Frame lies in its ability to combine the senses with visual art and the power of music. You can seamlessly integrate your partner’s favourite songs or curate a personal playlist of your shared love songs.
     
    Perfect Aesthetic for Every Room
    With its elegant design and sophisticated modern aesthetic, the Music Frame effortlessly blends into any home. Whether placed in the living room, bedroom, or study, it enhances your shared space, creating an aesthetic that’s perfect for you. Beyond the beauty of its design and functionality, the frame speaks to the effort, care, and thoughtfulness that goes into a meaningful Valentine’s Day gift – show your loved ones how special they are to you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Discarding old friends for new autocrats

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Green Party response to JD Vance speech (1)

    Green MP, and party parliamentary spokesperson on foreign affairs, Ellie Chowns said: “US Vice President JD Vance’s use of the Munich Security Conference to lambast allies rather than focus on the real chaos makers in the world is sadly predictable but no less bizarre and dangerous for that. 

    “President Trump’s administration seems determined to usher in a new world where old friends are discarded and new friends made of dangerous autocrats. The UK should have no part of that and should work with others to protect international frameworks and institutions that support co-operation and the rule of law.”

    (1) https://www.politico.eu/article/us-vice-president-jd-vance-attack-europe-migration-free-speech/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trailblazing apprenticeship programme for forestry sector reopens

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme offers an exciting career pathway into the forestry sector for people from all backgrounds

    A new call for foresters of the future has gone out for the next cohort of the innovative Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme.

    The forestry and timber sector plays a key role in ensuring our precious woods and forests are healthy and continue to flourish for generations to come, helping the country meet its net zero and environment targets, supporting economic growth, and providing multiple social benefits.

    The three-year, paid development opportunity is open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a change in career direction and a rewarding job in the natural environment – with no day the same.

    In total, the scheme has already kickstarted 78 careers in forestry, and the reopening of the programme will offer more people the chance to be part of a new cohort of foresters. The Forestry Commission kick-started the scheme in 2022, and an increasing number of other organisations and businesses have taken the opportunity to host apprentices over the subsequent years. 

    This boost for forestry comes during of National Apprenticeships Week (Monday 10 February to Sunday 16 February), which celebrates the skills and value which apprenticeships create. Kickstarting economic growth by providing good employment opportunities across the country, including in rural areas, is a crucial part of the Government’s Plan for Change and apprenticeships like these are a great way to give people access to a new career.

    Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said:

    “The Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme offers people the chance to earn while they learn. Students have a mix of academic study and technical experience in the great outdoors and at the end of the programme can achieve a bachelor’s degree and chartered forester qualifications.

    “The continued success of this unique programme is heartening to see – people from all kinds of backgrounds and ages have been able to kickstart a new career. I urge anyone who is interested in finding a vocation looking after our trees, woods and forests, and who wants to work in a sector with lots of opportunities, to apply today.”

    Apprentice foresters from previous years have pointed to the variety of daily experiences, and the access to a wide range of expertise amongst the benefits provided by this apprenticeship programme.

    Apprentices on the scheme enjoy a combination of hands-on experience with the Forestry Commission and academic studies in forestry management led by the University of Cumbria. There is also potential for wider sector placements to further develop their skills and experience and improve future employment prospects. 

    Current apprentice Zoltan Varju said:

    “Nature has been a lifelong passion of mine and getting the opportunity to work to make sure we have healthy woodlands has been fantastic.  

    “I’ve also been glad to be trained while working, so that I can earn a salary while I’m learning instead of tuition fees. I’d recommend an apprenticeship for anyone looking for a career in forestry, it offers a great variety of experiences and it’s great to learn from people with years of experience in the job.

    Current apprentice Julia Churchill-Angus said:

    “Having spent the first part of my career developing and delivering environmental policy, I wanted to get more practical environmental management experience.

    “Forestry seemed like the perfect way to do this.  As a Development Woodland Officer, I’m also completing a degree and that’s been a great compliment to my job with lots of academic and practical training as well.”

    Upon completion of the programme, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6), a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester and will be able to apply for Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

    Additional information:

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford kicks off Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 preparations with a special reception for Eccles RFC women and girls teams

    Source: City of Salford

    To launch the city’s preparations for the Women’s Rugby World Cup and celebrate the incredible contribution of women and girls’ rugby in Salford, the Ceremonial Mayor hosted a special reception at Salford Civic Centre for players, coaches, and volunteers from Eccles RFC.

    The event also recognised Eccles RFC’s achievement in receiving the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. As Salford’s largest community Rugby Union club, Eccles RFC plays a vital role in promoting rugby and supporting the local community, offering opportunities for women and girls to get involved in the game.

    Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Tanya Burch, said: “Eccles RFC is a shining example of what sport can achieve. Not only does it help people stay active, but it also brings communities together and offers fantastic opportunities for women and girls to be part of something special. Congratulations again to Eccles RFC for their well-deserved King’s Award for Voluntary Service, and thank you to everyone who continues to support and grow women’s rugby in Salford.”

    Councillor Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports and Leisure, said: “With just over six months to go until Salford Community Stadium hosts four Rugby World Cup pool games, we’re working hard to ensure the tournament leaves a lasting legacy in our city. From schools programmes to non-contact rugby sessions led by Salford Community Leisure, we’re creating exciting opportunities for more women and girls to experience and enjoy the game.”

    The Rugby World Cup 2025 will see the world’s best women’s teams compete in venues across England, with Salford Community Stadium hosting four pool games. This is a fantastic opportunity for local residents to experience international rugby at the highest level and cheer on teams like Australia, Scotland, and Wales right here in Salford. The tournament aims to inspire the next generation of players and leave a lasting legacy for women’s rugby in the city.

    Salford Community Stadium will host the following Women’s Rugby World Cup pool games:

    Saturday 23 August 2025

    • Australia vs Samoa
    • Scotland vs Wales

    Saturday 30 August 2025

    • Canada vs Wales
    • Scotland vs Fiji

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    Date published
    Friday 14 February 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Press Statement on Attack against Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Fu Cong (China):

    The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack perpetrated on 11 February against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) near the village of Zobassinda on the Ndele- Akursoubak axis, in Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture, following which one peacekeeper from Tunisia was killed. The peacekeepers were attacked while conducting a long-range patrol to protect civilians.

    The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the peacekeeper killed, as well as to Tunisia.  They also expressed their condolences to the United Nations.

    The members of the Security Council reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law.  They called on the Government of the Central African Republic to swiftly investigate this attack with the support of MINUSCA, promote accountability for such acts by bringing perpetrators to justice, and keep the relevant troop-contributing country informed of the progress consistent with Security Council resolutions 2518 (2020) and 2589 (2021).  They stressed that involvement in planning, directing, sponsoring or conducting attacks against MINUSCA peacekeepers constitutes a basis for sanctions designations pursuant to United Nations Security Council resolutions.

    The members of the Security Council expressed particular concern about reports of illicit transnational trafficking networks which continue to fund and supply armed groups in the Central African Republic.  They stressed the need to further investigate and combat this threat.

    The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for MINUSCA and expressed their deep appreciation to MINUSCA’s troop- and police-contributing countries.  The members of the Security Council further stressed the importance of MINUSCA having the necessary capacities to fulfil its mandate and promote the safety and security of the United Nations peacekeepers, pursuant to Security Council resolution 2759 (2024).

    The members of the Security Council reiterated their strong support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic, Valentine Rugwabiza, and for MINUSCA to assist the Central African Republic Government and the people of the Central African Republic in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability, as mandated by the Security Council in resolution 2759 (2024).

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: Georgia Breaks Export Records, Rises in Total Trade

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today joined the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) in announcing that the State of Georgia surpassed $53.1 billion in exports, a year-over-year increase of 6.4% that outpaced the national average of 2.3%. The state also moved up a rank to sixth in the United States for dollar value of trade, serving as a global gateway to facilitate more than $198.7 billion in trade to 222 unique countries and territories.

    “With more than 87% of Georgia exporters being small businesses, these record-breaking numbers represent economic opportunity and success in every corner of the state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “In 2024, Georgia outpaced the national average for growth in exports and moved up another rank in total trade, further demonstrating that our strategic investments and commitment to working with job creators to meet their needs are delivering results for hardworking Georgians.”

    Exporting to 219 unique destinations in 2024, Georgia retained its No. 12 ranking in the U.S. for dollar value of exports. Civilian aircraft and ancillary parts also remained the state’s No. 1 export, followed by motor vehicles, data processing machines (computers), electrical apparatus for line telephony (telephone sets), and medical devices. 

    “Georgia’s diverse industry base and connectivity to more than 200 global markets create a more resilient state economy,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia offers extensive partnerships, expert guidance on export strategies, and top-tier infrastructure – including deepwater ports, railways, highways, and airports – that empower businesses to thrive in the global market. We appreciate the General Assembly, local leaders, and statewide partners for ensuring Georgia remains the No. 1 state for business, supporting companies in expanding, investing, and moving products both statewide and worldwide.”

    The state’s international trade efforts are bolstered by representatives in key markets around the world that facilitate connections between Georgia exporters and key global customers. Markets where Georgia maintains full-time representation accounted for 66% of exports and 83% of bilateral trade in 2024.

    “A fourth consecutive year of record-breaking exports is an incredible accomplishment that requires strong partnerships at all levels, from global to local,” said Deputy Commissioner of Trade Lizann Grupalo. “Georgia’s international representatives are a key link to global markets, providing on the ground insights to navigate an ever-changing global environment. Their contributions allow our Georgia-based team members to serve Georgia’s small business exporters who otherwise may not have access to this information and opportunities.”

    Georgia is home to the busiest and most efficient airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; the fastest growing and third-busiest container gateway in the U.S. at the Port of Savannah; and one of the nation’s busiest gateways for Roll-on/Roll-off cargo at the Port of Brunswick. The Georgia Ports Authority also recently announced twelve consecutive months of year-over-year container volume growth, on top of consistent growth for multiple years prior. In addition, Georgia offers a robust rail and highway infrastructure, with more rail miles than any other state in the Southeast.

    About the Annual International Trade Report

    GDEcD’s annual International Trade Report is an overview of the state of Georgia’s annual trade activity based on data from Trade Data Monitor. Trade Data Monitor tracks the value of merchandise trade, meaning tangible products or goods only, using four-digit Harmonized System (HS) codes and origin of movement.

    To read the full report, click here.

    About GDEcD’s Trade Team

    Georgia’s nationally recognized Trade team works to bolster Georgia exports and brand the state as a competitive source of quality products and services. The team includes International Representatives located in more than a dozen strategic global markets who assist Georgia companies with expanding their sales worldwide. GDEcD’s Trade professionals provide Georgia businesses with the global insight and connections they need to successfully diversify their international customer base.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Most Europeans have positive view of AI, survey shows

    Source: European Union 2

    Most people in Europe think that digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), have a positive impact on their jobs, the economy, society, and on quality of life. This is what reveals a new Eurobarometer survey, published today. 

    More than 60% of Europeans positively view robots and AI at work and over 70% believe they improve productivity. While a majority supports using robots and AI to make decisions at work, 84% of Europeans think that AI requires careful management to protect privacy and ensure transparency in the workplace. 

    Background

    Today’s results of the survey align with one of the key objectives of the EU’s Competitiveness Compass, to integrate digital technologies and AI into workplaces to boost innovation and productivity. The EU has allocated €2 billion from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and €23 billion from the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) to Member States to support the development of digital skills. The Digital Europe Programme has also invested €580 million to advance digital skills between 2021-2027. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford managing agent fined for serious safety breaches in House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

    Source: City of Salford

    • Salford City Council inspection results in court action with a £6,600 fine, costs totalling £4,500 and a victim surcharge of £2,000. (Total cost £13,160)
    • Three offences of failing to comply with The Licensing and Management of a House in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2006, of which the most serious relates to failure to ensure adequate fire escape routes
    • HMO landlords and managing agents in Salford advised to take immediate action to ensure their properties meet the required standards

    Salford based Student-Haus Limited pleaded guilty at Tameside Magistrates’ Court following action taken by Salford City Council after an inspection at the HMO where they were found  breaching critical safety regulations. 

    In failing to comply with The Licensing and Management of HMO Regulations 2006 following an inspection in November 2023 carried out by Salford City Council, Student-Haus Limited has been ordered to pay a £6,600 fine, £4,500 in costs and a victim surcharge of £2,000 (totalling £13,160).

    Student-Haus Limited was found guilty of three offences relating to fire safety breaches.

    The three offences included breaches of:

    1. Regulation 4(1)(b) – the manager must ensure that all means of escape from fire in the HMO are maintained in good order and repair.
    2. Regulation 7(1)(a) The manager must ensure that all common parts of the HMO are maintained in good and clean decorative repair.
    3. Regulation 7(1)(b) The manager must ensure that all common parts of the HMO are maintained in a safe and working condition.

    With its commitment to building a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all, Salford City Council strongly encourages landlords to take immediate action to ensure their properties meet the required standards, focusing on key compliance areas and adopting a proactive management approach. This will not only help in avoiding financial penalties but also in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of tenants.

    Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty stated: “I’m pleased with this outcome, which clearly reinforces the importance that tenants deserve to live in safe and well managed properties. This action by the court and through civil penalty notices issued by the Council should be a warning to other landlords to check they are meeting all their obligations.

    “Negligent landlords who put tenants’ health and safety at risk have no excuse to abandon their legal duties. Residents of Salford living in HMOs can be assured that the council will take action against landlords and agents who don’t stick to the rules.”

    A HMO can be bedsit, shared house or flat occupied by more than one household and more than two people, with shared kitchens or bathrooms. If you are a landlord of an HMO you need to have a licence. Apply to Salford City Council for an HMO licence.

    Share this

    Date published
    Friday 14 February 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 14 February 2025 Departmental update Guiding maternal and perinatal health research during global pandemics

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP) have a new plan to enhance the health and well-being of pregnant women and their babies in the wake of infectious disease outbreaks.

    In the last few decades, the world has continuously grappled with epidemics of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza; mosquito-borne viral diseases including Zika and Oropouche; and haemorrhagic fevers including Ebola and Marburg virus disease and mpox. These epidemics have significantly impacted women and their babies. However, it is important to know more about how disease outbreaks affect these populations in order to create informed policies, as well as clinical guidance for effective prevention and treatment. 

    The newly launched Roadmap for research on maternal and perinatal health in the context of epidemic threats provides a comprehensive strategy to address the unique challenges pregnant women and babies face during epidemics. The Roadmap seeks to fill gaps in what we know by fostering thorough research, the sharing of findings and by delivering actionable solutions to improve outcomes for women and their babies during health emergencies.

    The Roadmap is grounded in a vision of a world where every pregnant woman and baby, no matter where they live or their economic situation, receives the highest standard of care during and after pregnancy – even in the most challenging of times.

    Four key areas for action

    The Roadmap calls on a wide range of stakeholders – including researchers, policymakers, health workers, international organizations and community advocates – to join forces in four main strategic areas:

    • improve coordination and collaboration: streamlining global research efforts to ensure effective use of resources, enhance surveillance, and share knowledge;
    • advocate for change: raising awareness, securing funding and partnerships to prioritize the health and well-being of pregnant women and their babies during epidemics;
    • build research and surveillance capacity: enhancing skills, tools and infrastructure to better study how epidemics impact pregnant women and their babies, and generate high-quality evidence – including through standardized outcome measurement; and
    • optimize timely use of evidence: by disseminating and encouraging wide accessibility and use of scientific knowledge by policymakers, health workers, researchers and women themselves.

    The development of this Roadmap followed a rigorous, systematic process, including comprehensive analyses of existing maternal and perinatal health research, and several consultative meetings with a wide range of stakeholders.

    WHO and HRP work to generate the evidence needed to better understand the effects of epidemics on women’s health, women’s perceptions and needs, and to improve relevant health system responses. Guided by this Roadmap, and in strong collaboration with all stakeholders, they will advance research, offer technical support to countries and develop guidance so that sexual and reproductive health services can be prioritized when emergencies occur.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Related Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced for drug-related charges in the Northern District of West Virginia.

    Jo-El Torres, 40, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    During a traffic stop in Clarksburg, West Virginia, a K9 officer positively alerted for the presence of drugs in a vehicle occupied by Torres. Torres was directed to exit the vehicle. At that point, Torres attempted to swallow a bag and its contents. Officers were able to subdue him and retrieve the bag. Subsequent lab tests confirmed that the bag contained fentanyl and other drugs.  This is the third federal drug conviction for Torres.

    Torres will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The matter was investigated by the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA funded initiative; the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office; the Clarksburg Police Department; and the West Virginia State Police.

    U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendant Convicted in Bank Fraud Conspiracy Case Receives Sentence in Federal Court

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Elijah D. Brown, 24, has been sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Brown was sentenced to 63 months in prison, to run consecutive to a 42-month federal prison sentence he is currently serving for illegal possession of a machine gun, for a total of 105 months (8 years, 9 months) in prison. In addition, Brown was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,254,790.

    In April 2024, a federal grand jury in Shreveport returned an indictment charging 21 defendants in connection with a federal bank fraud case in the Shreveport area. All of those defendants have now entered guilty pleas or entered into pretrial diversion agreements. A summary of the 20 remaining defendants and their status is as follows:

    Defendant Name

    Conviction/Sentence

    Destane Glass, 23,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/25

    Sharmaine Jackson, 26,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 6/5/2025

    ZarRajah Z. Watkins, 23,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 4/24/2025

    Arazhia R. Gully, 24,

    Bossier City, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 2/20/2025

    Eric D. Loud, 24,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/20/2025

    Maya L. Green, 24,

    Bossier City, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Olivia M. Deboe, 23,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 3 years supervised probation and ordered to pay $34,261.81 in restitution

    Donte N. Larrimore, 24,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 3 years supervised probation

    Shamaya S. Pouncy, 27,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 9 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,317.50

    Precious Wilbert, 25,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 3 years of supervised probation

    Cynthia R. Bryant, 22,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 4/10/2025

    Trameka McGinty, 25,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Shaquentalas B. McGinty,

    26, Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 6/5/25

    Javonte J. Lejay, 28,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Octavia L. Mitchell, 33,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/20/2025

    Shmarrian J. Taylor, 27,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Rakeydra S. Shepherd, 28,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to possession of a counterfeit security
    • Sentencing set for 2/20/2025

    Tina Marie Bryant, 43,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Entered into Pretrial Diversion Agreement

    Lakysa S. Barfield, 26,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Entered into Pretrial Diversion Agreement

    Kyra D. Washington-Bates,

    24, Shreveport, LA
    • Entered into Pretrial Diversion Agreement

    This scheme to defraud began in January 2021 and continued through October 31, 2022. The defendants admitted to their involvement in the conspiracy to defraud banks including USAA Savings Bank (“USAA Bank”), Navy Federal Credit Union, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Barksdale Federal Credit Union and Bank of America. 

    Arazhiah Gully, Maya Green and ZarRajah Watkins worked at Teleperformance, a multinational company that provided business services including a call center in Shreveport. The call center provided customer service to USAA Bank. Gully, Green and Watkins all had access to USAA Bank customer information including names of customers, their ages, account balances, and account numbers. These three defendants admitted to conspiring with Destane Glass, Elijah Brown, Sharmaine Jackson, and others to defraud USAA Bank. Gully, Green and Watkins improperly obtained account holder information so that it could be used by others to create counterfeit USAA Bank checks, and they were paid to provide the account information. Counterfeit checks traced to accounts that these defendants accessed totaled over $4 million.

    Glass, Brown and Jackson used social media and other methods to recruit individuals in the Shreveport area with bank accounts to use their accounts to deposit the counterfeit checks to make money. The co-defendants involved in the scheme would open accounts at various financial institutions under their own names and then provide their access cards and login information to other co-defendants. Counterfeit checks were then provided to these co-defendants to be deposited into their own personal bank accounts, and they were instructed to withdraw the funds in various ways, including making withdrawals at local casinos, through ATMs, Apple Cash payments, and PayPal payments. After withdrawing the money, the defendants would meet Glass, Brown, Jackson and other co-defendants in various places, including casino parking lots, and give the funds to them, with a portion of the proceeds going to the one who made the withdrawal. Activity in the casinos were captured by the surveillance cameras at those locations which helped solve the case. The counterfeit checks that were deposited were in varying amounts ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. 

    “The defendants involved in this conspiracy shamelessly targeted vulnerable elderly victims, stealing their personal identifying and bank account information and using it to take advantage of them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “We urge everyone to make a habit of checking your bank accounts regularly to avoid becoming a victim of this type of fraud. If you see suspicious transactions, report it to your bank immediately.”

    This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police and Shreveport Police Department and was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Estonian Nationals Plead Guilty in $577 Million Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme

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

    Scheme Victimized Hundreds of Thousands of People in United States and Abroad 

    Two Estonian nationals pleaded guilty yesterday for their operation of a massive, multi-faceted cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that victimized hundreds of thousands of people from across the world, including in the United States. As part of the defendants’ guilty pleas, they agreed to forfeit assets valued over $400 million obtained during the conspiracy.

    According to court documents, Sergei Potapenko and Ivan Turõgin, both 40, sold contracts to customers entitling them to a share of cryptocurrency mined by the defendants’ purported cryptocurrency mining service, HashFlare. Cryptocurrency mining is the process of using computers to generate cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, for profit.

    Between 2015 and 2019, Hashflare’s sales totaled more than $577 million, but HashFlare did not possess the requisite computing capacity to perform the vast majority of the mining the defendants told HashFlare customers it performed. HashFlare’s web-based dashboard, which purported to show customers their mining profits, instead reflected falsified data. Potapenko and Turõgin used the proceeds of the fraud conspiracy to purchase real estate and luxury vehicles and maintained investment and cryptocurrency accounts. Potapenko and Turõgin have agreed to forfeit assets worth, as of the date of the plea, more than $400 million. The forfeited assets will be available for a remission process to compensate victims of the crime. Details about the remission process will be announced at a later date.

    Potapenko and Turõgin each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They are scheduled to be sentenced on May 8 and each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Justice Department thanks the Cybercrime Bureau of the Estonian Police and Border Guard for its support with this investigation. The Estonian Prosecutor General and Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs provided substantial assistance with the extradition. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided extensive assistance to the investigation and the extradition of the defendants.

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington, Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of the FBI Seattle Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Seattle Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Adrienne E. Rosen and David Ginensky of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Friedman and Sok Jiang for the Western District of Washington are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jehiel Baer for the Western District of Washington is handling asset forfeiture aspects of the case.

    Individuals who believe they may have been a victim in this case should visit www.fbi.gov/hashflare.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Hashdex Announces Launch of Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (Ticker: NCIQ), Offering US Investors Exposure to Bitcoin and Ether Through a Single Product

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Product structured to provide crypto asset exposure by tracking the Nasdaq Crypto US™ Index (NCIUS™), a benchmark for institutional investment in certain market-leading crypto assets

    Hashdex and Nasdaq Global Indexes continue to be at the forefront of crypto index product innovation, offering investors and wealth managers access to the first multi-asset spot crypto ETP in the United States

    New York, February 14, 2025 – Hashdex Asset Management Ltd. (“Hashdex”), a leading global crypto-focused asset manager, and Nasdaq Global Indexes, which has been creating innovative, transparent indexes for more than 50 years, today announced the launch of the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (the “Product” or “NCIQ”) [Ticker: NCIQ], the first multi-asset spot crypto exchange traded product (“ETP”) available to U.S. investors. The Product, which is now trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market® under ticker NCIQ, currently offers exposure to both spot bitcoin (“BTC”) and ether (“ETH”). NCIQ’s management fee is contractually set at 0.25% per annum of the daily net asset value (“NAV”) of the Product through the end of 2025, and then 0.50% thereafter.

    The Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF provides U.S. investors with direct access to the two leading crypto assets by trading volume in the U.S., currently with a combined market capitalization of over $2.3 trillion,1 all through one tradeable product. NCIQ tracks the Nasdaq Crypto US™ Index (“NCIUS”), which was co-developed by Nasdaq Global Indexes and Hashdex to measure the performance of a material portion of the overall crypto asset market by investing in the index constituents. The NCIUS is based on strict criteria like liquidity, market capitalization, and regulatory compliance. Currently, only bitcoin and ether are eligible for inclusion in the NCIUS. The launch of NCIQ builds on Hashdex’s track record of innovation and global market leadership in crypto index-based products, with the firm currently managing the largest multi-asset crypto ETP in Europe2 and the largest ETF in Latin America.3

    “Since our founding, Hashdex has held the belief that a basket of crypto assets offers multiple benefits and is a great way for many investors to participate in the crypto ecosystem. Until today, U.S. investors have been forced to either purchase coins directly or invest in single-asset vehicles,” said Marcelo Sampaio, Co-Founder and CEO of Hashdex. “Now, with the launch of NCIQ, we are proud to deliver a familiar and readily tradeable U.S.-based product that provides seamless exposure to bitcoin and ether. Alongside our partners at Nasdaq Global Indexes, we are thrilled to take this exciting step in bringing our expertise in crypto index and crypto index-based products to U.S. investors, and we look forward to continuing to deliver innovative crypto index products as the industry and regulatory landscape further evolves.”

    The launch of NCIQ marks an important milestone in the U.S. crypto market and continues the long-term partnership between Hashdex and Nasdaq Global Indexes. Hashdex and Nasdaq Global Indexes have been among the pioneers in developing crypto index and index-based products since 2021.

    “Nasdaq Global Indexes and Hashdex share a mission of advancing crypto asset indexes and financial vehicles to meet the ever-growing demand from investors looking for access to the rapidly evolving crypto sector,” said Cameron Lilja, Vice President and Global Head of Index Product and Operations, Nasdaq Global Indexes. “Nasdaq Crypto™ Indexes offer a standardized approach to capturing the performance of a material portion of the overall crypto asset market, serving as a guidepost in the dynamic crypto asset landscape. Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in bringing a rules-based methodology-driven benchmark to US investors, adding to comparable products in Europe and Latin America.”

    Hashdex serves as the sponsor for NCIQ. Paralel Distributors LLC serves as marketing agent, and Coinbase Custody and BitGo Trust serve as crypto asset custodians. Nasdaq serves as the index administrator and listing venue. The fund administrator is U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.

    “With interest in crypto asset ETFs continuing to grow, reaching over $120 billion in U.S. AUM alone4, we believe that what investors really need is an easy, passive way to invest in a product that is constantly evolving to capture the latest trends in the broader crypto market. With a structure similar to traditional index products, NCIQ offers investors a multi-asset investment approach that is proven, familiar, and readily tradeable,” said Samir Kerbage, CIO at Hashdex. “As the crypto market continues to develop, we expect there to be ongoing volatility with newer coins that disrupt the market share of bitcoin, ether and other dominant assets, and we expect index-based products will enable wealth managers and investors to benefit from the growth of the rapidly changing sector without needing to be actively managing single asset crypto exposure.”

    Hashdex has no role in maintaining, calculating or publishing NCIUS.

    A registration statement (including a prospectus) has been filed with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates and can be found here: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2031069/000121390025013738/ea0209567-10.htm. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents that have been filed with the SEC for more complete information about NCIQ and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Hashdex will arrange to send you the prospectus, if you request it by calling toll-free 917-525-5635.

    About Hashdex
    Hashdex is a global pioneer in crypto asset management. The firm’s mission is to provide educational resources and best-in-class products that advance its efforts to help open the crypto ecosystem to investors around the world. Hashdex co-developed the Nasdaq Crypto™ Index (NCI™) with Nasdaq to provide global investors with a reliable benchmark for the crypto asset class. In 2021, Hashdex introduced the world’s first crypto ETF5 and other innovative products, enabling over 350,000 investors to simply and securely add crypto to their portfolios. Since 2018, Hashdex has established itself as a global leader in crypto index ETFs, helping to pave the way for crypto’s mainstream adoption across eight countries. Hashdex currently offers 4 index products tracking the global version of the NCI™, including the largest multi-asset crypto ETF in the world.6 Additionally, the Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index Europe ETP (“HASH”) is the largest multi-asset crypto ETP in Europe and recently won ETF Stream’s Digital Asset ETP of the year award.7 The firm’s total AUM across its range of products is more than $1.3 billion.8

    Hashdex Media Contacts:
    Kendal Till/Josh Gerth
    Dukas Linden Public Relations
    Hashdex@DLPR.com

    Legal Disclaimer

    Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing.

    Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The Product, an exchange traded product, is not an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”). Shares of the Product are not subject to the same regulations and protections as 1940 Act registered ETFs and mutual funds.

    Shares of the Product are bought and sold at a market price, not at net asset value. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

    This material expresses the opinion of Hashdex Group and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Hashdex”) for informational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation or individual needs of any one investor or a particular group of investors. Certain opinions and viewpoints expressed may reflect personal views of the authors and not necessarily those of Hashdex. We recommend consulting specialized professionals for investment decisions. Investors are advised to carefully read the prospectus or regulations before investing in their products. The information and conclusions contained in this material may be changed at any time, without prior notice. Nothing contained herein constitutes an offer, solicitation or recommendation regarding any investment management product or service. This information is not directed at or intended for distribution to or use by any person or entity located in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to applicable law or regulation or which would subject Hashdex to any registration or licensing requirements within such jurisdiction.

    Important Risks

    Investment in any investment vehicle and cryptoassets is highly speculative and is not intended as a complete investment program. It is designed only for sophisticated persons who can bear the economic risk of the loss of their entire investment and who have limited need for liquidity in their investment. There can be no assurance that the investment vehicle will achieve its investment objective or return any capital. No guarantee or representation is made that Hashdex’s investment strategy, including, without limitation, its business and investment objectives, diversification strategies or risk monitoring goals, will be successful, and investment results may vary substantially over time. Nothing herein is intended to imply that the Hashdex investment methodology or that investing in any of the Product or crypto assets referenced herein may be considered “conservative,” “safe,” “risk free,” or “risk averse.”

    Certain information contained herein (including financial information) has been obtained from published and non-published sources. Such information has not been independently verified by Hashdex. Hashdex does not provide tax, accounting or legal advice. Certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” “believe” and “seek” (or the negatives thereof) or other variations thereof. Due to various risks and uncertainties, including those discussed above, actual events or results, the ultimate business or activities of Hashdex and its investment vehicles or the actual performance of Hashdex, its investment vehicles, or crypto assets may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. As a result, investors should not rely on such forward- looking statements in making their investment decisions. No governmental authority has opined on the merits of Hashdex’s investment vehicles or the adequacy of the information contained herein.

    This material is not an offer or solicitation of any kind to buy or sell any securities outside of the United States of America.

    Product Risks

    An investment in the Product involves significant risks and you could incur a partial or total loss of your investment in the Product.

    Crypto assets generally are volatile, and instruments whose underlying investments include crypto assets are not suitable for all investors. Crypto assets represent a new and rapidly evolving industry. The value of the Product depends on the acceptance of the crypto assets, the capabilities and development of blockchain technologies and the fundamental investment characteristics of the crypto assets. Crypto platforms may be largely unregulated or may be largely or entirely non-compliant with applicable regulation and may therefore be more exposed to fraud and failure. Crypto asset markets in the U.S. exist in a state of regulatory uncertainty, and adverse legislative or regulatory developments could significantly harm the Product.

    The market for crypto assets is still developing and may be subject to periods of illiquidity. During such times it may be difficult or impossible to buy or sell a position at the desired price. Possible illiquid markets may exacerbate losses or increase the variability between the Product’s NAV and its market price. The lack of active trading markets for the Product shares may result in losses on investors’ investments at the time of disposition of the Product’s shares.

    Both the Index and the Product are new with a limited operating history.

    Nasdaq® is a registered trademark of Nasdaq, Inc. Corporations make no representation or warranty, whether express or implied, to the owners of the fund(s) or any member of the public regarding the suitability of investing in securities in general or in the fund(s) in particular, or the ability of the Nasdaq Crypto US Index to track the performance of the market for crypto assets, or any portion thereof. The information contained above is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice, either on behalf of a particular digital asset or an overall investment strategy. Neither Nasdaq, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any recommendation to buy or sell any digital asset or any representation about the financial condition of a digital asset. Statements regarding Nasdaq proprietary indexes are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should undertake their own due diligence and carefully evaluate assets before investing. ADVICE FROM A FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL IS STRONGLY ADVISED.

    1 Bitcoin’s market cap was $1.92T and ether’s market cap was $387B, according to Messari.io data as of January 13, 2025
    2 The Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index Europe ETP (HASH) is the largest multi-asset crypto ETP in Europe according to Bloomberg fund asset data for the “Western Europe” region as of January 7, 2025
    3 The Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index Fundo de Indice (HASH11) is the largest multi-asset crypto ETF in Latin America according to Bloomberg fund asset data for the “Central & South America” region as of January 7, 2025
    4 Blockworks.co data on Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in the U.S. as of February 10, 2025.
    5 The Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index ETF began trading on the Bermuda Stock Exchange on February 9, 2021.
    6 The Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index Fundo de Indice (HASH11) is the largest multi-asset crypto ETF in the world according to Bloomberg fund asset data for all regions as of January 7, 2025
    7 https://www.etfstream.com/articles/etf-stream-reveals-winners-of-etf-awards-2024
    8 Hashdex AUM data as of February 10, 2025, https://hashdex.com/en-US

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Invesco Ltd: Form 8.3 -Dowlais Group PLC; Public dealing disclosure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Invesco Ltd.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		    
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Dowlais Group plc  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 13.02.2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 Yes, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 1p ordinary GB00BMWRZ071  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 352,945 0.02      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 352,945 0.02      
       
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    		  
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    		  
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    1p ordinary GB00BMWRZ071 Sale 7,607 0.67 GBP  
       
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements, or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 14.02.2025  
    Contact name Philippa Holmes  
    Telephone number +441491417447  
       

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bybit Card Switches on AVAX Cashback Option

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has unveiled the first ecosystem partner of the Bybit Card, AVAX. First in the market to enable rewards in AVAX, the Bybit Card has expanded its auto cashback options yet again, affording users more flexibility in their crypto payment journey. The activation comes with extra perks for Bybit Card holders in a limited-time campaign for the popular altcoin. 

    AVAX is the native utility token of the Avalanche network. Avalanche is a high-performance blockchain platform designed for builders who need to scale. Engineered with a revolutionary three-part Layer 1 (L1) architecture, Avalanche is anchored by its Avalanche Consensus Mechanism, ensuring near-instant finality for transactions. The platform also features an open-source Layer 0 (L0) framework, enabling the seamless creation of interoperable Layer 1 blockchains with high throughput on both public and private networks.

    Now with the Bybit Card, users have the option to turn on AVAX Cashback, experiencing a brand new seamless on and off-ramp experience with AVAX. Supporting paying, saving, and holding with AVAX, Bybit users can earn AVAX through cashback rewards on daily spending using the Bybit Card. 

    For Avalanche’s global community, the new feature opens up a new avenue for them to foster the growth of the network with a swipe of the Bybit Card. Eligible cardholders will also qualify for extra bonuses through the Bybit Card’s year-round rewards campaigns, making their shopping sprees and holiday spending more worthwhile. 

    To celebrate the occasion, the Bybit Card is welcoming AVAX into the ecosystem with an AVAX-only perk. Eligible users may toggle their AVAX default cashback option to get up to 10% cashback in AVAX for a limited time. 

    “Bybit and the Avalanche community are synchronized in our vision for a blockchain-enabled future that benefits all. Our efforts to increase adoption of scalable smart contracts and crypto as a digital asset class are building blocks of the digital economy. And with the Bybit Card, our customers can contribute to their favorite blockchains through simple daily spendings,” said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director at Bybit. 

    The Bybit Card offers an intuitive and rewarding way for believers in crypto to use, save, and potentially earn yield on their digital assets. Card holders can experience the entire customer journey online by applying for the Bybit Card and start tapping away as soon as they receive their approved virtual card. The crypto-native payment gateway also comes with year-round benefits, up to 8% APR on eligible holdings, and no-frills cashback mechanisms. 

    #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk #TheBybitCard

    About Bybit

    Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

    For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com 

    For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

    Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/37e2ae4a-26e3-4991-89d2-e4c1d63a6aa2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: European partners urged to develop sanctions to smash people smuggling gangs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Foreign Secretary will press partners to replicate Britain’s world-first plans for a sanctions aimed at organised immigration crime gangs. 

    • Foreign Secretary urges international action on one of the defining security threats of our time – irregular migration
    • Partners pressed to replicate UK’s world-first plans for sanctions targeting people smugglers
    • £8m additional funding will short-circuit people smugglers’ business model, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change and commitment to protect UK borders

    European partners will be urged to join up with the UK’s pioneering efforts to smash the business model of people smugglers to help tackle irregular migration.

    The Foreign Secretary David Lammy will press partners at the Munich Security Conference to replicate Britain’s world-first plans for a sanctions regime aimed squarely at organised immigration crime gangs and their networks. 

    On the first day of the conference (today), the Foreign Secretary met Vice President of the US J.D. Vance. They discussed the importance of the special relationship, the war in Ukraine, their shared commitment to NATO and AUKUS, and building on our strong trade which already delivers growth and jobs for millions.

    The UK and Italy will co-host a migration roundtable on the second day of conference, gathering representatives from The Netherlands, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Germany and others to promote the use of innovative tools to tackle migrant smuggling and organised immigration crime.

    The UK’s plans to freeze the assets of and slap travel bans on smugglers who facilitate the deadly trade in people will help to cripple people-smuggling crime rings and starve them of illicit finance fuelling their operations, delivering on the government’s commitment to secure borders.    

    The Government is targeting irregular migration through a ‘whole-of-route’ approach, tackling both smugglers and the drivers of migration – such as limited opportunities in would-be migrants’ region.

    A new £8m funding package announced today will give more people in East Africa an alternative to making perilous journeys to the UK in small boats by boosting access to education alongside employment opportunities across the region.

    This programme has already helped to deliver entrepreneurship training to over 650 would-be and returned migrants in Ethiopia and Kenya, enabling many of them to set up their own businesses in their home countries, rather than migrating further afield. 

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:  

    Criminal gangs enabling irregular migration are a national security threat across Europe. We must deliver on our mandate to smash the gangs, secure this country’s borders and deliver the Plan for Change. 

    Only by working together with our neighbours will we take the wind out of their sails and degrade the appalling trade in people. 

    We must also target the root causes of migration, which is why we are boosting opportunities across Eastern Africa – making people less likely to travel to the UK in the first place.

    This will further boost this government’s progress on irregular migration. Nearly 19,000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals and other immigration offenders have been returned since the election to countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America following a major escalation in immigration enforcement by the Home Office.

    The government’s success in ramping up removals is a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver on working people’s priorities and finally restoring order to the asylum system. This new approach focusses on breaking the business model of smuggling gangs through tougher law enforcement powers than ever before, rapidly removing those who are here illegally and ending the false promise of jobs used by gangs to sell spaces on boats.

    Following a drive from this government to have more deployable enforcement staff, a renewed crackdown on those attempting to undermine the UK’s borders last month saw the highest January in over half a decade for enforcement activity.  

    Throughout January alone, Immigration Enforcement teams descended on 828 premises, including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants and car washes, marking a 48% rise compared to the previous January. Arrests also surged to 609, demonstrating a 73% increase from just 352 the previous year.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gander — Gander RCMP responds to report of impaired driver, man arrested

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 42-year-old man was arrested for impaired operation by Gander RCMP on February 13, 2025, after the report of a suspected impaired driver.

    Shortly after 10 a.m. yesterday, police received the report of a suspected impaired driver travelling through Gander. Police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver showed signs of impairment, failed a roadside breath test, and was subsequently arrested for impaired driving.

    At the detachment, the man provided breath samples that were over three times the legal limit. His driver’s licence was suspended and the vehicle was seized and impounded. The man was released from custody and is set to appear in court at a later date to answer to charges of impaired operation.

    RCMP NL thanks the public for continuing to report suspected incidents of impaired driving. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you suspect a driver is impaired, please immediately call your local police or 911 and be prepared to provide the current location and description of the vehicle, including a licence plate, if possible.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Efanesoctocog alfa approved to prevent and treat bleeding in children and adults with severe or moderate haemophilia A

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 14 February 2025, approved efanesoctocog alfa (brand name Altuvoct) to be used to treat and prevent bleeding in patients aged 2 years and above with severe or moderate haemophilia A.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 14 February 2025, approved efanesoctocog alfa (brand name Altuvoct) to be used to treat and prevent bleeding in patients aged 2 years and above with severe or moderate haemophilia A.

    Efanesoctocog alfa, the active substance, is a replacement factor VIII protein. This protein is naturally found in the body and is necessary for the blood to form clots and stop bleeding.

    People with severe haemophilia A have undetectable factor VIII and, if untreated, may experience up to about 40 episodes of bleed per year.

    This medicine is administered as an intravenously (into a vein).

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    “Patient safety is our top priority, which is why I am pleased to confirm approval of efanesoctocog alfa to treat and prevent bleeding in patients 2 years and above with severe or moderate haemophilia A.

    “We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and efficacy for the approval of this new formulation have been met.

    “As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.”

    In a study with 159 patients aged 12 and above with severe haemophilia A, weekly injections of Altuvoct as prophylaxis led to 65% patients reporting zero overall episodes of bleed over the course of the year-long study; the remaining 35% had much reduced episodes of bleed. Altuvoct was also used to treat individual bleeds.

    In a study involving 74 children under 12 years of age with severe haemophilia A, treatment with efanesoctocog alfa yielded similar results to those in older patients.

    Efanesoctocog alfa was therefore considered effective for the prophylaxis and treatment of severe haemophilia A in children aged 2yrs and above.

    The company extended the indication to those with moderate haemophilia A by means of a modelling exercise.

    Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some of the potential side effects include headaches and arthralgia (joint pain).

    For the full list of all side effects reported with this medicine, see Section 4 of the PIL or the SmPC available on the MHRA website.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.   

     ENDS  

    Notes to editors   

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted on 14 February 2025 to Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB

    • This product was submitted and approved via an international recognition  procedure. 

    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval. 

    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. 

    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 

    For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Smart Bank of the Future: How AI Enhances Human-Centricity

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Photo: Higher School of Economics

    Thanks to the rapid development of digital technologies, the banking sector is going through a period of profound transformation. One of the key changes was the transition to a human-centric model, in which priority is given to the interests and needs of the client. This topic was discussed at the webinar Laboratories of human-centeredness and leadership practices HSE and the Bank of Russia. The event brought together over 1,400 representatives of banking and financial organizations from all over Russia.

    The webinar was a logical continuation conferences “Focus on the Client”, which was attended by the Chairman of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina and top management of leading Russian banks. The moderator of the plenary session was Vladimir Solovyov, Head of the Laboratory of Human-Centricity and Leadership Practices at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (CHIL Laboratory). The experts discussed what a smart bank of the future should be like.

    The webinar participants were able to delve deeper into the theory and practice of implementing human-centricity in banks, noted Ekaterina Butova, First Deputy Head of the Service for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Ensuring the Availability of Financial Services of the Bank of Russia.

    The key event of the webinar was the presentation of the results of the study conducted last year by the CHIL Laboratory and the International Laboratory of Digital Transformation in Public Administration under the auspices of the Bank of Russia. It was based on a model developed by the CHIL Laboratory, consisting of eight key aspects that allow measuring the level of human-centricity in an organization. This tool can be used by banks to assess the current situation and further development. A survey of more than 16 thousand respondents was conducted – managers and employees of government agencies.

    “The results showed that the bank of the future is a human-centric cognitive bank, where artificial and human intelligence work in synergy to deeply understand customers and offer personalized solutions,” the head of the bank noted. International laboratory of CTSU Evgeny Styrin.

    At the same time, in-depth interviews revealed that the introduction of AI and other digital tools into banking processes has both significant advantages and a number of disadvantages, and also leads to the emergence of ethical challenges.

    “34% of respondents do not want to communicate with virtual voice assistants. At the same time, negative emotions that arise during communication with them multiply very quickly, while the emergence and consolidation of positive associations requires serious efforts,” explained Oleg Samolyanov, chief expert of the CHIL Laboratory.

    Representatives of major Russian banks shared their vision of the smart bank of the future. Nikolay Tiden, Director of the Modeling and Data Research Division of the Sales Network Block of Sberbank, believes that the basis for the development of banks of the future is personalization and security. The use of artificial intelligence at all stages of interaction with clients makes user services simpler, more convenient, more reliable and more profitable.

    “A smart bank of the future values its employees, understands its clients and knows how to adapt its products and services to their needs, including actively introducing new technologies,” says Vyacheslav Rodnishev, Director of the Customer Experience and Retail Business Coordination Department at Alfa-Bank.

    At the same time, the implementation of AI solutions in the banking sector is associated with a number of ethical challenges, including data bias, protection of personal information, responsibility for AI decisions and transparency of algorithms.

    “One of the most important aspects of monitoring the ethics and correctness of artificial intelligence is monitoring its work and quality. The user must feel that the bank’s AI is attentive to his interests, accurate in its answers and financial forecasts,” says Ivan Sidorovsky, head of products for ecosystem assistants at T-Bank.

    Currently, the issues of customer trust in smart assistants developed by banking organizations and the ethics of using artificial intelligence have not been fully resolved; their discussion in the expert community continues. The solution will require a comprehensive approach combining technological, organizational and regulatory measures.

    “From the point of view of the Central Bank as a regulator, human-centricity is the key that helps to solve the root problems underlying some disputes, misunderstandings and difficulties that arise between the consumer and the financial institution,” notes Mikhail Mamuta, Head of the Service for Consumer Rights Protection and Ensuring Accessibility of Financial Services at the Bank of Russia.

    He emphasizes that human-centricity in financial organizations should begin with caring for employees, who, in turn, will transfer it to clients. Then the financial world will become more harmonious.

    The content of the discussion about human-centricity in the context of digital transformation and the use of AI largely depends on the ability to rely on structured data and the results of sociological research.

    “Today, an important and urgent task for our team is to monitor the transformation of the banking sector towards human-centricity: what new tools are emerging, what problems organizations face and how they solve them. And artificial intelligence in all its manifestations is certainly one of the key factors influencing the development of human-centricity,” Vladimir Solovyov summarized.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Three Coventry leisure centres receive Sport England funding to boost sustainability

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry City Council has successfully secured National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) to enhance sustainability efforts at three leisure centres in the city.

    Almost £750k has been awarded to The Alan Higgs Centre, Centre AT7 and Xcel Leisure Centre, all of which are operated by CV Life.

    A capital grant of £250,000 has been awarded to install solar panels at The Alan Higgs Centre, whilst Centre AT7 has received £270k for the installation of solar panels and the replacement of fluorescent lighting with LED lighting.

    Xcel Leisure Centre will also see the installation of LED lighting as well as an upgrade to its building management system which will be covered by a £220k grant.

    Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, added: “This funding is a real boost for CV Life leisure centres, helping them to become more energy efficient and sustainable.

    “By installing solar panels, LED lighting and upgrading building management systems, we are taking steps to cut carbon emissions and reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources.

    “Not only will these upgrades lower running costs over the coming years, they also contribute to our broader efforts to make Coventry a cleaner, greener city.”

    Work to the centres started in January and is expected to be finished later this month. The installation of PV panels will contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability, ensuring long-term benefits for the facility and the local community.

    Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, added: “It’s fantastic to see that Coventry has been awarded funding from Sport England to support three hugely popular leisure centres in the city.

    “Day to day running costs of leisure centres is constantly on the rise. This funding will help the centres continue to provide high quality facilities to residents whilst reducing energy bills by around £140k per year.”

    Funding was awarded based on a selection of sites serving areas with the highest need. The allocation of funding aligns with Sport England’s national funding scheme aimed at supporting public leisure centres with swimming pools across the country.

    Steve Wiles, Chief Operating Officer at CV Life, said: “We’re delighted to have secured this funding, which will make a real difference to the sustainability of our leisure centres. 

    “These improvements will help us reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and create more environmentally friendly facilities for the community. By investing in solar panels, LED lighting, and building management upgrades, we’re ensuring that our centres remain accessible, efficient and fit for the future.”

    For further details on the Swimming Pool Support Fund, please visit the SPSF webpage.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE removes Paisas gang member wanted for homicide who illegally entered US 10 times

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Humberto Romero Avila, a 45-year-old Paisas gang member and foreign fugitive, to Mexico Feb. 13. Romero has illegally entered the U.S. 10 times and is wanted in Mexico for allegedly murdering Geovany Uriel Prado Morales, a 22-year-old Mexican national, Dec. 2, 2007, in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico.

    ICE transported Romero from the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo where he was transferred into the custody of Mexican authorities.

    Romero has been convicted four times of driving while intoxicated and once for larceny, illegal entry, and illegal reentry while in the U.S. illegally.

    “For nearly a quarter of a century, this transnational gang member has blatantly disregarded our nation’s immigration and criminal laws, putting the life of every person he’s encountered in danger,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston Field Office Director Bret Bradford. “On top of that, he’s accused of brutally gunning down an innocent 22-year-old man in Mexico in 2007. In the more than 30 years that I’ve worked in immigration enforcement, I’m not sure I’ve ever come across a more egregious offender or a better example of why immigration enforcement is so critical to maintaining public safety. Thanks to the immigration officers who worked closely with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to connect this foreign fugitive to the open warrant for homicide, he will no longer be free to reign terror on the general public, and finally face justice for his alleged involvement in that heinous crime that took place 18 years ago.”

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. March 22, 2002; June 14, 2002; June 16, 2002; June 20, 2002; and March 3, 2005. On each occasion, he was immediately apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol and voluntarily returned to Mexico the same day.

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. for a sixth time on an unknown date and at an unknown location and was not encountered until Aug. 3, 2012, at the Nacogdoches County Jail in Nacogdoches following his arrest for driving under the influence. ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the jail, and he was released into ICE custody Aug. 9, 2012, and placed into immigration proceedings. An immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered Romero removed from the U.S. to Mexico Aug. 24, 2012. ICE officers carried out that order and removed Romero to Mexico Aug. 27, 2012.

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. for a seventh time on an unknown date and at an unknown location and was encountered Aug. 31, 2013, at the Shelby County Jail in Center following his arrest for larceny and DWI (third offense). ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the jail, and he was transferred into ICE custody Jan. 14, 2014. ICE reinstated his prior order of removal, and he was removed to Mexico Jan. 16, 2014.

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. for an eighth time Feb. 7, 2014, and was immediately apprehended by the Border Patrol. His prior order of removal was reinstated and the Border Patrol removed Romero to Mexico Feb. 11, 2014.

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. for a ninth time March 7, 2014, and he was immediately apprehended by the Border Patrol. His prior order of removal was reinstated, and the Border Patrol forwarded his case for prosecution for illegal entry. Romero was convicted of illegal entry March 10, 2014, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and sentenced to 150 days incarceration. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons transferred Romero into ICE custody Aug. 1, 2014, following his release from prison and he was removed to Mexico that same day.

    Romero illegally entered the U.S. for a 10th time on an unknown date and at an unknown location and wasn’t encountered again until March 22, 2024, following his arrest for felony DWI (fourth offense) in Shelby County. ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the jail and forwarded his case for prosecution for illegal reentry. While conducting routine background checks, ICE was notified by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, that Romero was wanted for homicide in Mexico. Romero was convicted of illegal reentry Jan. 28, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and was sentenced to time served. The Bureau of Prisons transferred Romero into ICE custody Jan. 31 and his prior order of removal was reinstated.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Southeast Texas follow us on X at @EROHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Linwood — RCMP investigates fatal collision on Hwy. 104

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Antigonish County District RCMP is investigating a fatal collision that occurred on Hwy. 104 in Linwood.

    On February 13, at approximately 12:56 p.m., Antigonish County District RCMP, fire services, and EHS responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Hwy. 104 in Linwood. RCMP officers learned that a westbound Chevrolet Impala and an eastbound tractor trailer collided head on.

    The driver and sole occupant of the Impala, a 55-year-old man from Antigonish County, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the tractor trailer, a 59-year-old man from Baddeck, suffered minor injuries.

    An RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation is ongoing. Hwy. 104 was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

    Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Don’t Let a Romance Scammer Steal Your Heart and Savings

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    SACRAMENTO—February is the month of love; unfortunately, not everyone who seems to be looking for love has good intentions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office is issuing an urgent warning: perpetrators are posing as perfect partners to ensnare heart and wallets. Their schemes are very sophisticated and have harvesting and personal information and savings.

    The warning about these scams has never been more urgent. Confidence fraud and romance scams result in some of the most significant financial losses when compared to other Internet-facilitated crimes. In 2023 alone, 17,832 victims reported more than $650 million in losses. Sadly, this number is conservative. Many victims suffer in silence, too ashamed or afraid to come forward.

    While finding love on dating sites or with remote partners with whom you’ve connected with through social networks or affinity groups online isn’t impossible, heartless perpetrators lurk within online communities and platforms, seeking hearts and finances to ensnare. If you think you won’t be targeted, think again; people of all ages and backgrounds can fall victim to a romance scam.

    Romance and confidence scams start with seemingly innocent contact online and builds into a carefully orchestrated scheme. While the elements may vary to best ensnare the intended victim, thee scams often include the following elements:

    • The person harvests information about you from your online presence to establish a quick and seemingly significant bond.
    • The person showers you with attention and appears to have an unusually high number of common interests and similar background.
    • Images are exchanged and video chats are conducted using images and content that are synthetic or gleaned from online sources.

    The FBI urges the public to beware of some common red flags:

    • You have yet to physically meet your beloved and have been met with excuses when trying to arrange an in-person connection.
    • You have been asked to provide money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
    • You have been given directions for investing money on specific online platforms.
    • You have been asked to receive and send money on their behalf.
    • You have been asked to share images that you would not want posted publicly.

    If any of the red flags apply to you:

    • Immediately report any transfer of funds to your financial institution.
    • File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
    • Contact the FBI Sacramento Field Office at 916-746-7000 or your local law enforcement agency.

    If you plan to travel to meet your long-distance love, proceed with caution, especially if those plans involve travel to a foreign country. Some victims who have agreed to meet in person with an online love interest have been reported missing or have been injured, and at least one was reported dead. Always review the State Department’s Travel Advisories at http://travel.state.gov/ before travelling.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 275 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    A drone attack early this morning caused a fire on the building confining the remains of the reactor destroyed in the 1986 Chornobyl accident, a deeply concerning incident that underlines the persistent risks to nuclear safety during the military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said.

    The IAEA team based at the site – who heard the explosion at 01:50am local time followed by smoke and associated fire visible from their dormitory rooms – were informed by Ukraine that a drone had struck the New Safe Confinement (NSC), a large structure built to prevent any radioactive release from the damaged reactor unit 4 and to protect it from any external hazard.

    Fire safety personnel and vehicles arrived at the scene within minutes to extinguish the blaze, which still could be seen intermittently for several hours afterwards.

    The IAEA team could see a breach of the outer layer of the NSC that occurred following the detonation. Supplementary information from Ukraine’s regulatory body received this morning confirmed that the outer cladding of the NSC arch sustained damage, and investigations are ongoing to determine the status of the inner cladding.

    Radiation levels inside and outside the NSC building remain normal and stable, the IAEA team was informed. There were no reports of casualties.

    Coming soon after a recent increase in military activity near Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Director General Grossi said it once again demonstrated that nuclear safety remains under constant threat for as long as the conflict continues.

    “There is no room for complacency, and the IAEA remains on high alert,” he said. “I once again call for maximum military restraint around Ukraine’s nuclear sites.”

    The IAEA will provide further updates about the situation at Chornobyl as relevant information becomes available.

    Following this week’s cancellation of a planned rotation of IAEA staff based at the ZNPP, Director General Grossi said he was in contact with both sides to ensure safe passage of the Agency teams as soon as possible. The IAEA has been present at the ZNPP since September 2022 to monitor and assess nuclear safety and security and help prevent an accident. 

    MIL Security OSI –