Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Taskforce Morpheus – National Day of Action 2025

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Law enforcement agencies from across Australia and New Zealand have targeted the Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Club (HAOMC) in a coordinated National Day of Action as part of Operation Morpheus.

    The focus of the National Day of Action was to cause maximum disruption to the HAOMC through compliance and enforcement activities across Australia and New Zealand.

    With a significant legacy of past national coordination and collaboration by law enforcement and partners in Australia and New Zealand, National Taskforce Operation Morpheus is a joint initiative. This includes all Australian state and territory police, New Zealand Police, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Defence Force, AUSTRAC, Australian Taxation Office, and Services Australia collaboratively targeting the highest threat outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) impacting Australia and New Zealand.

    The National Day of Action 2025 has resulted in law enforcement agencies around the country conducting compliance checks relating to bail, parole, firearms possession and other legislation. The agencies also seized firearms, weapons, various drugs, illicit cigarettes and tobacco products and in excess of $48,000 in cash resulting in the arrest of 23 people, involving 60 charges.

    By proactively targeting OMCG’s throughout Australia and New Zealand in a day of action using a combination of enforcement, compliance and disruption techniques Operation Morpheus generates significant intelligence holdings. Shared intelligence relating gang to membership and associates, locations and gang related premises and criminal activities play a crucial role in national and international law enforcement awareness of links with OMCG’s like HAOMC and organised crime.

    Other focuses of law enforcement were HAMC – OMCG members involved in family violence matters and those club members and associates already incarcerated within the prison populations.

    The overrepresentation of OMCG members and associates linked with family and domestic violence perpetration is a significant community issue.  As is violence and contraband within the prison systems, also well documented and a focus of this operation.

    Operation Morpheus sends the message to members of OMCG members, “It doesn’t matter if you are at freedom or in custody you will be targeted for criminal related activity, be that personal or club related business. Put simply it doesn’t pay to be a member of an OMCG or any criminal gang.”

    Australian Border Force have also identified HAMC members and associates attempting to enter Australia recently as well as targeting members and associates who may be subject to removal from Australia.

    As national organised crime continues to move into the illegal tobacco and vape industry, including OMCG involvement with other crime groups law enforcement and partners are actively focused on this activity, including the extreme violence, firearms, extortion, arson, and money laundering activities. ​

    Leveraging shared capability and technology, National Taskforce Morpheus also targets criminal assets and unexplained wealth of key OMCG members, protects vulnerable people and develops national strategies to deter gang recruitment, reduce membership and target recidivism and enablers to organised crime.

    Agency Key Results:

    South Australia Police –

    Small quantities of illicit substances seized, firearms prohibition order compliance checks completed with in-custody cell searches conducted by Dept Correctional Services. Significant additional contemporary criminal intelligence was gathered relating to HAOMC in SA.

    Victoria Police –

    9 offenders charged with 8 offences, 1 search warrant executed, small quantities of illegal prescription drugs seized, firearms prohibition order compliance checks revealing quantities of firearm ammunition, $48,000 in cash seized and subject to further investigation. Significant additional contemporary criminal intelligence gathered relating to HAOMC in Victoria.

    Western Australia Police –

    2 offenders charged with 5 offences, 2 search warrants executed, small quantities of illicit substances seized and contemporary criminal intelligence gathered relating to HAOMC in WA.

    New Zealand Police –

    3 offenders charged with 4 offences, 3 search warrants executed and 3 vehicles seized. Small quantities of both prescription and illicit substances were seized. Contemporary criminal intelligence was gathered relating to HAOMC in New Zealand.

    Australian Border Force –

    2 VISA cancellations / refusals at point of entry, a further 3 identified as potential VISA cancellations and a single Unlawful Non-Citizen detained linked with OMCGs in Australia.

    New South Wales –

    3 offenders facing 12 charges, 2 search warrants executed, small quantities of illicit substances seized, firearms prohibition order compliance checks with an additional 9 ADVO compliance checks also conducted. In-custody cell searches were also activated for OMCG members in NSW prisons.

    Queensland –

    5 offenders facing 30 charges, 2 firearms seized, 25 bail breaches (non-compliance) discovered with a significant number of traffic breaches identified with both fines and prosecutions commenced for drug and drink driving.

    Northern Territory –

    Heavy focus on traffic compliance identifying both drink (3) and drug (3) drivers apprehended.

    Tasmania –

    1 offender charged with an offence with bail and firearms prohibition order compliance checks conducted.

    Quotes attributed to: Taskforce Morpheus Chair Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly (VICPOL)

    “National Taskforce Morpheus has been an extremely successful national and international operation coordinating multiple operations that have seen Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCGs) and their members disrupted, arrested, charged and held to account.  

    “Law enforcement and partner government agencies, through National Taskforce Morpheus, share the use of a variety of capabilities to proactively target OMCGs at a state, territory, national and international level. National Taskforce Morpheus will continue to be relentless in pursuing OMCGs and will not stop disrupting and holding OMCGs to account, no matter where they are located.

    “OMCGs are motivated by profit and greed, they infiltrate communities, industry and businesses and have a negative impact on the communities. The social and economic impact of OMCGs in Australia and New Zealand is significant. OMCGs also have a culture of secrecy, that includes intimidation and propensity for extreme violence, often with public displays of violence that impacts the safety of the community. For these reasons Law Enforcement and partner Government agencies will continues to target OMCGs.”

    Quotes attributed to: Officer in Charge Serious and Organised Crime Branch (SAPOL) Detective Superintendent Shane Addison

    SAPOL recognises the risk and serious harm to the community caused by significant and violent criminal activity undertaken by and associated with Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCG) in South Australia. SAPOL is committed to reducing this threat to community safety and will relentlessly pursue members and associates of OMCGs who seek to profit from violence and all forms of illicit criminal activities. Today’s National Day of Action activities have focused on disrupting those OMCG members who pose the greatest risk to the community.

    “In collaboration with our law enforcement and supporting agency partners, SAPOL will target anyone involved with OMCGs illicit criminal and violent behaviour. This includes targeting the confiscation of their criminal assets. The results from the Operation Morpheus Day of Action in this State reflects this commitment.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Warnock Reintroduce Bill Supporting Forest Landowners Following Natural Disasters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) reintroduced legislation to help America’s landowners recover from the loss of timber after natural disasters. The Disaster Reforestation Act amends and makes improvements to the tax code to allow forest owners to deduct the value of their timber prior to the loss caused by a natural disaster.
    “Louisianans know too well the importance of natural disaster relief,” said Dr. Cassidy. “When their lives and communities are torn apart by storms, they need a tax fix like this.”
    “Our rural communities need all the help they can get after a disaster like Hurricane Helene devastates farmland and forests. The bipartisan Disaster Reforestation Act will help lessen the burden on forest owners during a recovery process following a natural disaster,” said Senator Warnock. “The forestry industry is central to Georgia’s economy and ecology, and I’m happy to work alongside Senator Cassidy in this.”
    “Landowners currently have no tools to recover after a disaster destroys their forests,” said Scott Jones CEO of the Forest Landowners Association. “The Disaster Reforestation Act is not a handout or a subsidy—it simply corrects the casualty loss deduction so landowners can claim the true value of their damaged timber. This is a necessary step to ensure family forestry businesses can survive future disasters and keep our working forests intact.”
    “Natural disasters create havoc on forest resources but more importantly on the lives of people who manage them. Often when disasters hit it is financially overwhelming for a landowner to get back on their feet and begin the recovery process. The Disaster Reforestation Act offers a helping hand to the landowner to get their land back into production as quickly as possible. The Louisiana Forestry Association supports this effort on behalf of all forest landowners throughout Louisiana and the nation,” said C.A. “Buck” Vandersteen, Louisiana Forestry Association. 
    The Disaster Reforestation Act is supported by: Alabama Forestry Association, American Forest Foundation, Arkansas Forestry Association, Association of Consulting Foresters, California Forestry Association, Florida Forestry Association, Forest Resources Association, Forestry Association of South Carolina, Georgia Forestry Association, Hardwood Federation, Iowa Coalition For Trees and Forests, Iowa Woodland Owners, Kentucky Forest Industries Association, Louisiana Forestry Association, Massachusetts Forest Alliance, Mississippi Forestry Association, National Alliance of Forest Owners, National Association of State Foresters, National Woodlands Association, North Carolina Forestry Association, Ohio Forestry Association, Oklahoma Forestry Association, Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Society of American Foresters, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Southern Group of State Foresters, Tennessee Forestry Association, Texas Forestry Association, The Carbon Fund, Trees Forever, Virginia Forestry Association, Washington Farm Forestry Association, Washington Forest Protection Association, and Wildlife Mississippi.
    “The introduction of the Disaster Reforestation Act by Senator Cassidy and Senator Warnock is a crucial step in ensuring that private forest landowners have the resources needed to recover and reforest after catastrophic events. Timber is a long-term investment, and without the certainty this legislation provides—especially as natural disasters become more frequent—the health of our forests and the stability of our wood products sector are at risk. This bipartisan bill offers a much-needed solution, recognizing the essential role private forests play in strengthening rural economies, sustaining wildlife habitats, improving air quality, and securing a reliable domestic supply of timber and wood products. We urge Congress to act swiftly on this legislation to protect these critical resources for future generations,” said Scott Jones, CEO, Forest Landowners Association.
    “All of agriculture is risky and subject to Mother Nature. Forestry and timber production are no exception. Senator Cassidy and Louisiana Farm Bureau recognize that. Our members are grateful that he and Senator Warnock are once again imploring Congress to recognize it too. The Disaster Reforestation Act would give forest landowners some sign of hope when a disaster strikes. It is only right to provide these hardworking folks some relief when they’ve been knocked down. This bill would go a long way in doing just that,” said Richard Fontenot, President, Louisiana Farm Bureau.
    Louisiana timberland play a critical role in the state’s economy, communities, and environment. There are 15 million acres of private forest in Louisiana producing enough oxygen for 148 million residents to breathe every year and sequester the emissions of 2.5 million cars annually driven on Louisiana’s roads. According to the Forest Landowners Association, they provide an impact of $13 billion on the Louisiana economy. 48,000 Louisiana jobs are supported by forestry providing $1 billion in salaries and wages and $328 million in state taxes.  
    Background
    Previous disaster relief policies and programs provide much-needed relief for agriculture crops and farmers, however, they do not provide any economic relief for farmers whose timber crops were destroyed. The Disaster Reforestation Act allows landowners to deduct the full value of timber destroyed during disaster events in the same way the tax code treats other crops.
    In the case of the loss of uncut timber from fire, storm, other casualty, or theft, the basis used for determining the amount of the deduction may not be less than the excess of (1) the appraised value of the uncut timber determined immediately before the loss was sustained, over (2) the salvage value of the timber.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump announces plans to impose 25% auto tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced plans to impose 25-percent auto tariffs, with the measures set to take effect on April 2.

    “What we’re going to be doing is a 25-percent tariff for all cars that are not made in the United States,” Trump said in the White House Oval Office. “We start off with a 2.5-percent base, which is what we’re at, and go to 25 percent.”

    “We’re signing (executive order) today. It goes into effect April 2. We start collecting on April 3,” Trump said.

    The U.S. president argued that the tariffs would encourage more production to relocate to the United States, generate new revenue for the government, and help reduce the national debt.

    Economists, however, have warned that tariffs would push up car prices, and hurt consumers, who already face elevated prices. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: EU regrets Trump’s car tariffs: von der Leyen

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday night expressed deep regrets about the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on imported European cars.

    Von der Leyen’s remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to levy a 25-percent tariff on car imports starting April 2.

    “The automotive industry is a driver of innovation, competitiveness and high-quality jobs, with deeply integrated supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic,” von der Leyen said in a statement.

    She added that tariffs “are bad for businesses, worse for consumers” in both the United States and the European Union (EU).

    “We will now assess this announcement, together with other measures the U.S. is envisaging in the coming days,” she said, noting the bloc would continue to seek negotiated solutions while protecting its economic interests. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Canadian government looking for possible retaliation against US auto tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday said his government will be looking at its options for possible retaliation against the U.S. auto tariffs, local media reported.

    The liberal leader on his election campaign tour said the tariffs are “a direct attack” against Canadian workers, regardless of how they are applied, according to CBC News.

    “We have anticipated this possibility,” he was quoted as saying. “We will take the steps that are in the interests of Canadian workers, of Canada. We’re going to stand up for Canada. We’re going to be united.”

    Previously Carney announced a “strategic response fund” which is valued at 2 billion Canadian dollars (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) to bolster the country’s auto industry.

    Carney said the money would be used to boost the auto sector’s competitiveness, protect manufacturing jobs, help workers gain expertise and build “a fortified Canadian supply chain.”

    Auto parts often cross the border multiple times, and the added costs of tariffs and counter-tariffs would quickly snowball.

    Carney called that a “huge vulnerability” and promised to build an “all-in-Canada” manufacturing network to build more car parts domestically, limiting how often they cross the border during production.

    “In the new world, that will be an advantage,” he was quoted as saying. “That will help insulate us from President Trump’s trade threats and it will grow the economy.”

    If elected on April 28, Carney said his government would also prioritize and procure Canadian-built vehicles, reported CBC News.

    U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans on Wednesday for a 25-percent tariff on all vehicles not made in the United States as of April 2. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stolen vehicle lands two in court for two separate incidents

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Officers who spotted a stolen vehicle travelling through Kaitaia managed to not only locate the vehicle and those allegedly responsible for taking it, but also link it to a nearby burglary.

    At about 11.30am yesterday, on-duty officers witnessed a vehicle travelling on Pukepoto Road which had been reported stolen the previous day.

    Far North Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Richard Garton, says the unit conducted an area search and quickly located the vehicle abandoned on Grigg Street.

    “Two people were located at a nearby address and taken into custody without incident.

    “Further enquiries established that the same vehicle had been used during a burglary in Mangonui during the early hours of the morning.”

    Senior Sergeant Garton says at about 2.26am on Wednesday the vehicle pulled up to a commercial premises on Waterfront Drive and three people got out, smashing windows to gain access to the store.

    “A number of items were taken before the group left in the same vehicle.

    “Two people remain outstanding in relation to the burglary and enquiries remain ongoing to locate them.

    “We acknowledge the concern these incidents cause to the wider community and reiterate our commitment to holding these offenders accountable.

    “We have zero tolerate for this type of behaviour in our community and will continue to work hard to ensure our community can be and feel safe.”

    A 14-year-old will appear in Kaitaia District Court today charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

    A 17-year-old was bailed to appear in Kaitaia District Court next week.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: LeddarTech Reports Annual Shareholder Meeting Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    QUEBEC CITY, Canada, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech® Holdings Inc. (“LeddarTech” or the “Corporation”) (Nasdaq: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-powered low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology, LeddarVision™, announces the voting results of its annual general and special meeting of shareholders held on March 26, 2025 (the “Meeting”). Shareholders voted on various proposals and elected directors to the board.

    Key Highlights of the Meeting

    1. Election of Directors: The full slate of six directors was elected to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until a successor is elected or appointed.

    Nominee Votes For % of Voted Votes Against % of Voted
    Frantz Saintellemy 22,429,293 99.69% 68,631 0.31%
    Charles Boulanger 22,392,108 99.53% 105,816 0.47%
    Derek Aberle 22,470,109 99.88% 27,815 0.12%
    Yann Delabrière 22,475,831 99.90% 22,093 0.10%
    Sylvie Veilleux 22,471,696 99.88% 26,228 0.12%
    Lizabeth Ardisana 22,474,890 99.90% 23,034 0.10%

    As previously disclosed, Nick Stone and Michelle Sterling, who were members of the Board up to the Meeting, have decided not to stand for reelection.

    2. Approval of Auditor: The appointment of Richter LLP as auditors of the Corporation was approved, and the board of directors of the Corporation was authorized to fix the auditors’ remuneration.

    Votes For % of Voted Votes Withheld % of Voted
    25,480,228 99.81% 49,275 0.19%


    3. Other

    3.1 The amendment to the Corporation’s omnibus equity-based incentive plan to increase the number of common shares available for issuance thereunder was approved and ratified.

    Votes For % of Voted Votes Against % of Voted Votes Abstain % of Voted
    22,187,011 98.62% 199,079 0.88% 111,834 0.50%

    3.2 A second and separate amendment to the Corporation’s omnibus equity-based incentive plan for the adoption of an evergreen provision to the omnibus equity-based incentive plan, providing for an automatic annual increase in the common shares available for issuance thereunder over the next five years, was approved and ratified.

    Votes For % of Voted Votes Against % of Voted Votes Abstain % of Voted
    15,862,324 70.51% 6,630,055 29.47% 5,545 0.02%

    For further details on each of these matters, please refer to the Corporation’s management information circular dated February 7, 2025, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Meeting will be posted on the Investor Relations section of LeddarTech.com and filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

    About LeddarTech

    A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS, autonomous driving (AD) and parking applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

    LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 170 patent applications (87 granted) that enhance ADAS, AD and parking capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

    Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

    Contact:
    Chris Stewart, Chief Financial Officer, LeddarTech Holdings Inc.
    Tel.: + 1-514-427-0858, chris.stewart@leddartech.com

    Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

    LeddarTech Holdings Inc. is a public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Highway 99 closed overnight at Duffey Lake Road due to avalanche

    Highway 99 remains closed at Duffey Lake Road just north of Pemberton on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, as the Ministry of Transportation and Transit staff and contractors work to clear avalanche debris from the road.

    A partial avalanche occurred over the highway on Path 51. With a high risk for additional avalanche activity, ministry contractors performed a heli-bombing operation to trigger the release of the remaining material. The ministry’s maintenance contractor is working to remove the debris from the road.

    With warmer temperatures and precipitation in the overnight forecast, there is a possibility of more avalanche activity. To ensure the safety of the travelling public, Highway 99 will remain closed at the location overnight and will be reassessed at first light to determine if conditions permit the safe reopening of the highway. 

    Drivers are asked to avoid the area and reminded to obey signage. People who choose to travel should prepare for delays and ensure their vehicles are properly equipped with extra supplies, including food, water and blankets.

    For up-to-date information about road conditions, travellers should continue to monitor DriveBC: https://www.drivebc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road closed: State Highway 5, Te Pohue

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A vehicle fire has closed State Highway 5 in both directions at Te Pohue.

    Emergency services were called to the scene, between Te Pohue Loop Road and Richmond Road, about 11.20am.

    The fire has spread to vegetation, and FENZ is attending.

    Motorists should expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police hone in on Waiuku offenders

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Waiuku Police have identified offenders for some recent pesky offending occurring in the community this month.

    This includes the large quantity of graffiti and two vehicles that had been putting the community at risk.

    Sergeant Michael Robinson says a large quantity of graffiti went up on buildings between 6 and 8 March.

    “This tagging was occurring in the early hours over several mornings, which our team have been investigating,” he says.

    “As a result, I can advise a search warrant was carried out locally this week, and we have now identified the young person responsible.”

    This young person will be dealt with through the Youth Aid process.

    Local Police have also impounded two vehicles seen doing skids on Waiuku’s main street on 12 March.

    “These two vehicles were seen doing skids around the roundabout in wet conditions,” Sergeant Robinson says.

    “It was idiotic behaviour that put other motorists using the road at the time at risk.”

    Police have obtained search warrants and have since impounded both vehicles involved.

    Sergeant Robinson says Police have now identified both drivers that were behind the wheel at the time.

    They are being dealt with by Youth Aid as a result of this offending.

    “I hope these results are a reminder to the Waiuku community that we are taking offending of this nature seriously, and we will continue to take action.”

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Slams Tesla Attacks, Crockett’s Rhetoric Against Fellow Texans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) blasted two of the latest examples of Democrats’ unhinged behavior because President Trump was delivered a mandate on November 5th: Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) using derogatory and unacceptable language against fellow Texans Governor Greg Abbott and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Democrats – who once considered themselves champions of electric vehicles – attacking Tesla cars and showrooms in Texas and nationwide. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “Just two days ago, police officers found what they called multiple incendiary devices at a local Tesla dealership in North Austin, where I live…This prompted a full bomb squad to respond, and an investigation is still under way.”

    “The Associated Press has reported that there have been at least 50 demonstrations around the country focused on Tesla, while more are planned, not just here in the United States, but around the world in countries like England, Spain, and Portugal.”

    “Some Tesla owners have reported incidents of vandalism on their personal vehicles. Some have even been spray painted with swastikas.”

    “We should not hesitate to call this what it is: Domestic terrorism…It’s reminiscent of the violent unrest that plagued our nation with the BLM riots that happened during the summer of 2020.”

    “We live in a democratic republic, not a banana republic.”

    “Placing bombs and lighting cars on fire is not an appropriate means of expressing dissenting views in a country like the one we are blessed to live in.”

    “I was disappointed to see one of my fellow Texans in our congressional delegation go so far as to condone these kind of activities.”

    “Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett recently made comments encouraging violent protests at a virtual rally. She said, ‘All I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down.’”

    “I would expect better than this sort of incendiary rhetoric from a member of Congress, who was elected to her position because of the very democracy we are fortunate to enjoy.”

    “This isn’t the only thing she said recently that has raised eyebrows and resulted in condemnation. Congresswoman Crockett recently commented that our governor, Governor Greg Abbott—who happens to be a paraplegic as a result of a terrible accident years ago—she referred to him as ‘Governor Hot Wheels.’”

    “Then Senator Cruz, my colleague, the junior senator from Texas, she said should ‘Be knocked over the head, like hard.’ This is disgraceful, and we should call it for what it is.”

    “This is a disturbing trend in political rhetoric, one that has turned to violence.”

    “All Americans and all Texans deserve better.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with attempted murder following Claremont, Dowsing Point, West Moonah incidents

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Man charged with attempted murder following Claremont, Dowsing Point, West Moonah incidents

    Thursday, 27 March 2025 – 9:51 am.

    A man has been charged with multiple offences including attempted murder, arson, and evade police following incidents at Claremont, Dowsing Point and West Moonah yesterday.
    He has been charged with attempted murder, arson, unlawfully setting fire to a property, common assault, do an act which resulted in the death of an animal, stealing, attempted motor vehicle stealing, motor vehicle stealing, evade police (aggravated circumstances), dangerous driving, and unlawfully injuring property.
    The 55-year-old West Moonah man was detained to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court at 10am today.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Adjusts Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into the United States

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    COUNTERING TRADE PRACTICES THAT THREATEN TO IMPAIR U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation invoking Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to impose a 25% tariff on imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts, addressing a critical threat to U.S. national security.
    President Trump is taking action to protect America’s automobile industry, which is vital to national security and has been undermined by excessive imports threatening America’s domestic industrial base and supply chains.
    The 25% tariff will be applied to imported passenger vehicles (sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans) and light trucks, as well as key automobile parts (engines, transmissions, powertrain parts, and electrical components), with processes to expand tariffs on additional parts if necessary.
    Importers of automobiles under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will be given the opportunity to certify their U.S. content and systems will be implemented such that the 25% tariff will only apply to the value of their non-U.S. content.
    USMCA-compliant automobile parts will remain tariff-free until the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), establishes a process to apply tariffs to their non-U.S. content.

    The President is exercising his authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to adjust imports to protect our national security.
    This statute provides the President with authority to adjust imports being brought into the United States in quantities or under circumstances that threaten to impair national security.

    MAINTAINING A RESILIENT DOMESTIC INDUSTRIAL BASE: President Trump is taking action to end unfair trade practices that jeopardize U.S. national security.
    The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities and choke points in global supply chains, undermining our ability to maintain a resilient domestic industrial base.
    Legislation, pre-existing trade agreements like the USMCA, revisions to the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, and subsequent negotiations have not sufficiently mitigated the threat to national security posed by imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts.
    These new tariffs aim to ensure the U.S. can sustain its domestic industrial base and meet national security needs. 
    STRENGTHENING AMERICA’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: President Trump’s decision to implement tariffs on imports of automobiles and automobile parts will protect and strengthen the U.S. automotive sector.
    Foreign automobile industries, bolstered by unfair subsidies and aggressive industrial policies, have expanded, while U.S. production has stagnated.
    In 1985, American-owned facilities in the United States manufactured 11.0 million automobiles, representing 97% of overall domestic (American- and foreign-owned) production of automobiles.
    In 2024, Americans bought approximately 16 million cars, SUVs, and light trucks, and 50% of these vehicles were imports (8 million).
    Of the other 8 million vehicles assembled in America and not imported, the average domestic content is conservatively estimated at only 50% and is likely closer to 40%.
    Therefore, of the 16 million cars bought by Americans, only 25% of the vehicle content can be categorized as Made in America.

    The United States trade deficit in automobile parts reached $93.5 billion in 2024.
    Currently, the U.S. automobile and automobile parts industry (American-owned and foreign-owned firms) employs approximately one million U.S. workers.
    Employment in automotive parts manufacturing totaled approximately 553,300 jobs in 2024, a decline of 286,000 jobs or 34% since 2000.
    In 2023, Research and Development (R&D) by American-owned automobile manufacturers amounted to only 16% of global R&D spending. R&D by American-owned firms lagged behind the EU, which controlled 53% of global R&D.
    TARIFFS WORK: Studies have repeatedly shown that tariffs can be an effective tool for reducing or eliminating threats to impair U.S. national security and achieving economic and strategic objectives.
    A 2024 study on the effects of President Trump’s tariffs in his first term found that they “strengthened the U.S. economy” and “led to significant reshoring” in industries like manufacturing and steel production.
    A 2023 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission that analyzed the effects of Section 232 and 301 tariffs on more than $300 billion of U.S. imports found that the tariffs reduced imports from China and effectively stimulated more U.S. production of the tariffed goods, with very minor effects on prices.
    According to the Economic Policy Institute, the tariffs implemented by President Trump during his first term “clearly show[ed] no correlation with inflation” and only had a temporary effect on overall price levels.
    An analysis from the Atlantic Council found that “tariffs would create new incentives for US consumers to buy US-made products.”
    Former Biden Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen affirmed last year that tariffs do not raise prices: “I don’t believe that American consumers will see any meaningful increase in the prices that they face.”
    A 2024 economic analysis found that a global tariff of 10% would grow the economy by $728 billion, create 2.8 million jobs, and increase real household incomes by 5.7%.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Autombile Parts Into the United States

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
    A PROCLAMATION
    1.  On February 17, 2019, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) transmitted to me a report on his investigation into the effects of imports of passenger vehicles (sedans, sport utility vehicles, crossover utility vehicles, minivans, and cargo vans) and light trucks (collectively, automobiles) and certain automobile parts (engines and engine parts, transmissions and powertrain parts, and electrical components) (collectively, automobile parts) on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862) (section 232).  Based on the facts considered in that investigation, the Secretary found and advised me of his opinion that automobiles and certain automobile parts are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States. 
    2.  In Proclamation 9888 of May 17, 2019 (Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts Into the United States), I concurred with the Secretary’s finding in the February 17, 2019, report that automobiles and certain automobile parts are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States.  I also directed the United States Trade Representative (Trade Representative), in consultation with other executive branch officials, to pursue negotiation of agreements to address the threatened impairment of the national security of the United States with respect to imported automobiles and certain automobile parts from the European Union, Japan, and any other country the Trade Representative deems appropriate.
    3.  The Trade Representative’s negotiations did not lead to any agreements of the type contemplated by section 232.
    4.  In Proclamation 9888, I also directed the Secretary to monitor imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts and inform me of any circumstances that, in the Secretary’s opinion, might indicate the need for further action under section 232 with respect to such imports.
    5. The Secretary has informed me that, since the February 17, 2019, report, the national security concerns remain and have escalated.  The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities and choke points in global supply chains, undermining our ability to maintain a resilient domestic industrial base.  In recent years, American-owned automotive manufacturers have experienced numerous supply chain challenges, including material and parts input shortages, labor shortages and strikes, and electrical-component shortages.  Meanwhile, foreign automotive industries, propelled by unfair subsidies and aggressive industrial policies, have grown substantially.  Today, only about half of the vehicles sold in the United States are manufactured domestically, a decline that jeopardizes our domestic industrial base and national security, and the United States’ share of worldwide automobile production has remained stagnant since the February 17, 2019, report.  The number of employees in the domestic automotive industry has also not improved since the February 17, 2019, report. 
    6.  I am also advised that agreements entered into before the issuance of Proclamation 9888, such as the revisions to the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), have not yielded sufficient positive outcomes.  The threat to national security posed by imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts remains and has increased.  Investments resulting from other efforts, such as legislation, have also not yielded sufficient positive outcomes to eliminate the threat to national security from such imports.
    7.  After considering the current information newly provided by the Secretary, among other things, I find that imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts continue to threaten to impair the national security of the United States and deem it necessary and appropriate to impose tariffs, as defined below, to adjust imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts so that such imports will not threaten to impair national security.
    8.  To ensure that the imposition of tariffs on automobiles and certain automobile parts in this proclamation are not circumvented and that the purpose of this action to eliminate the threat to the national security of the United States by imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts is not undermined, I also deem it necessary and appropriate to establish processes to identify and impose tariffs on additional automobile parts, as further described below.
    9.  Section 232 provides that, in this situation, the President shall take such other actions as the President deems necessary to adjust the imports of the relevant article so that such imports will not threaten to impair national security.  
    10.  Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) the substance of statutes affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code; section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended; and section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, do hereby proclaim as follows:(1)  Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, all imports of articles specified in Annex I to this proclamation or in any subsequent annex to this proclamation, as set out in a subsequent notice in the Federal Register, shall be subject to a 25 percent tariff with respect to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 3, 2025, for automobiles, and on the date specified in the Federal Register for automobile parts, but no later than May 3, 2025, and shall continue in effect, unless such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.  The above ad valorem tariff is in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported automobiles and certain automobile parts articles.(2)  For automobiles that qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the USMCA, importers of such automobiles may submit documentation to the Secretary identifying the amount of U.S. content in each model imported into the United States.  “U.S. content” refers to the value of the automobile attributable to parts wholly obtained, produced entirely, or substantially transformed in the United States.  Thereafter, the Secretary may approve imports of such automobiles to be eligible to apply the ad valorem tariff of 25 percent in clause (1) of this proclamation exclusively to the value of the non-U.S. content of the automobile.  The non-U.S. content of the automobile shall be calculated by subtracting the value of the U.S. content in an automobile from the total value of the automobile.(3)  If U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines that the declared value of non-U.S. content of an automobile, as described in clause (2) of this proclamation, is inaccurate due to an overstatement of U.S. content, the 25 percent tariff shall apply to the full value of the automobile, regardless of the actual U.S. content of the automobile.  In addition, the 25 percent tariff shall be applied retroactively (from April 3, 2025, to the date of the inaccurate overstatement) and prospectively (from the date of the inaccurate overstatement to the date the importer corrects the overstatement, as verified by CBP) to the full value of all automobiles of the same model imported by the same importer.  This clause does not apply to or otherwise affect any other applicable fees or penalties.(4)  The ad valorem tariff of 25 percent described in clause (1) of this proclamation shall not apply to automobile parts that qualify for preferential treatment under the USMCA until such time that the Secretary, in consultation with CBP, establishes a process to apply the tariff exclusively to the value of the non-U.S. content of such automobile parts and publishes notice in the Federal Register.(5)  For avoidance of doubt, clause (4) of this proclamation does not apply to automobile knock-down kits or parts compilations.  Clause (4) of this proclamation applies only to individual automobile parts as defined by Annex I to this proclamation that otherwise meet the requirements of clause (4) of this proclamation.(6)  The Secretary, in consultation with the United States International Trade Commission and CBP, shall determine the modifications necessary to the HTSUS to effectuate this proclamation and shall make such modifications to the HTSUS through notice in the Federal Register.  (7)  Within 90 days of the date of this proclamation, the Secretary shall establish a process for including additional automobile parts articles within the scope of the tariffs described in clause (1) of this proclamation. In addition to inclusions made by the Secretary, this process shall provide for including additional automobile parts articles at the request of a domestic producer of an automobile or automobile parts article, or an industry association representing one or more such producers, where the request establishes that imports of additional automobile parts articles have increased in a manner that threatens to impair the national security or otherwise undermines the objectives set forth in any proclamation issued on the basis of the Secretary’s February 17, 2019, report or any additional information submitted to the President under clause (3) of Proclamation 9888 or clause (9) of this proclamation. When the Secretary receives such a request from a domestic producer or industry association, the Secretary, after consultation with the United States International Trade Commission and CBP, shall issue a determination regarding whether to include the articles within 60 days of receiving the request.  Any additional automobile parts articles that the Secretary has determined to be included within the scope of the tariffs described in clause (1) of this proclamation shall be so included on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time the day after a notice in the Federal Register describing the determination of the Secretary.  The notice in the Federal Register shall be made as soon as practicable but no later than 14 days after the Secretary’s determination.(8) Any automobile or automobile part, except those eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, that is subject to the duty imposed by this proclamation and that is admitted into a United States foreign trade zone on or after the effective date of this proclamation, in accordance with clause (1) of this proclamation, must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41, and will be subject upon entry for consumption to any ad valorem rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading.(9)  The Secretary shall continue to monitor imports of automobiles and automobile parts.  The Secretary also shall, from time to time, in consultation with any senior executive branch officials the Secretary deems appropriate, review the status of such imports with respect to national security.  The Secretary shall inform the President of any circumstances that, in the Secretary’s opinion, might indicate the need for further action by the President under section 232.  The Secretary shall also inform the President of any circumstance that, in the Secretary’s opinion, might indicate that the increase in duty rate provided for in this proclamation is no longer necessary.(10)  No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed pursuant to this proclamation.(11)  The Secretary may issue regulations and guidance consistent with this proclamation, including to address operational necessity.(12)  CBP may take any necessary or appropriate measures to administer the tariffs imposed by this proclamation.(13)  Any provision of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that is inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation is superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Driver sentenced for serious crash

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Senior Sergeant Fane Troy, Taupo Police:

    A Canadian woman has been sentenced for her role in a serious two-vehicle crash near Taupō on Sunday.

    Renee Kelly Vanry, 57, of West Vancouver in Canada, appeared in the Tauranga District Court today, where she was sentenced on four charges of careless driving causing injury – relating to the serious injuries four of her passengers sustained – and another charge of careless driving – relating to the overtaking manoeuvre that caused the crash.

    Police were alerted to the two-vehicle collision on State Highway 5 in Rangitaiki, about 10.30am on Sunday 23 March. Ms Vanry was the driver of a van and had been attempting to overtake a slower vehicle near a left-hand bend, with less than 100 metres visibility. The van was still on the opposite side of the road when a Jeep rounded the corner and collided with it.

    The force of the impact caused the van to become airborne, landing backwards in a ditch across the road. Neither driver was injured, but four passengers in the van suffered a range of serious injuries and another seven were assessed and discharged that day.

    Of the four, one has flown back to Canada, with another due to return home this week, while two remain in hospital in New Zealand. All face many months of recovery.

    Ms Vanry has taken responsibility for her actions, which has allowed the judicial process to be expedited. Her misjudgement has had a profound effect on the lives of her passengers, the other driver, and her own.

    The crash, although serious, could have been so much worse if it were not for the seatbelts that everyone involved was wearing.

    At sentencing, Ms Vanry was disqualified from driving for six months and ordered to pay $1000 for emotional harm to each of the four victims, and $1500 for emotional harm to the other driver.

    Six other charges were withdrawn.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Beverly Hills Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Cannabis and Bottling Company Cons That Caused Nearly $18 Million in Losses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A Beverly Hills man was sentenced today to 300 months in federal prison for obtaining nearly $18 million from investors for sham businesses supposedly operating in hemp related industries – all while he was completing a sentence in a prior criminal case.

    Mark Roy Anderson, 70, was sentenced by United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha, who scheduled a restitution hearing for June 4.

    At today’s hearing, Judge Aenlle-Rocha said, “The magnitude of the fraud is breathtaking…the [victims’ statements reflect] the depth of the harm. Many have lost their life savings reflecting decades of hard work.” Judge Aenlle-Rocha also described Anderson as “an accomplished and incorrigible con man” and stated that “the public must be protected from him for as long as possible.”

    Anderson pleaded guilty in April 2024 to two counts of wire fraud. He has been in federal custody since May 2023.

    Anderson engaged in two separate but related schemes that swindled victims, which he committed shortly after his release from federal prison but while serving out the rest of his prison term on home confinement and, later, while on supervised release for a previous fraud conviction.

    “The defendant stole more than $18 million from dozens of investors by promising quick returns on their investments into hemp farms and other exotic investments,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “Today’s 25-year sentence takes him off the street so that he cannot harm other victims.”

               Harvest Farm Group

    In the first scheme, from June 2020 to April 2021, Anderson tricked investors into providing funding for his company, called Harvest Farm Group, to harvest hemp supposedly being grown on his farm and then process that hemp into medical-grade cannabidiol (CBD) isolate – a chemical found in marijuana – to be sold for a substantial profit.

    Anderson convinced investors to invest in Harvest Farm Group by falsely representing that, through the company, he owned and operated a hemp farm in Kern County. He also lied that had already completed successful and profitable harvests of hemp from the farm. He also falsely said he was using his own machinery and equipment to convert the hemp into CBD isolate and Delta 8, a psychoactive substance that, like CBD isolate, could be used in consumer products ranging from olive oil to body cream.

    Anderson attempted to maintain a veneer of trustworthiness by taking steps to assure investors Harvest Farm Group was legitimate and he was not the “Mark Roy Anderson” with multiple prior fraud convictions. Anderson concealed that he had been convicted of multiple federal and state felony crimes, including mail fraud, wire fraud, grand theft, forgery, preparing false evidence, and money laundering. He also concealed that he was still serving a criminal sentence and was on supervised release at the time he was soliciting investments.

    To stall victim investors from making collection efforts and reporting him to law enforcement, Anderson falsely promised victims he would pay them money from purported sales of products made to Canadian companies, that sales of products had been delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that he would otherwise return their money.

               Bio Pharma and Verta Bottling

    In the second scheme, which ran from April 2021 to May 2023, Anderson deceived investors by soliciting money for Bio Pharma and Verta Bottling, two of his sham companies, by claiming that these businesses successfully manufactured, bottled, and packaged commercial products.

    Specifically, Anderson falsely told investors Bio Pharma purportedly manufactured and sold products infused with CBD, including products such as CBD-infused avocado oil, olive oil, pain cream, gummies, tequila, and chili oil. Anderson also claimed that Verta Bottling manufactured and sold beverages and a variety of food products.

    Anderson falsely stated that his bottling companies owned and possessed millions of dollars’ worth of assets, including – in Bio Pharma’s case – hemp biomass, CBD isolate, CBD oil, and – in Verta Bottling’s case – manufacturing equipment and an assignable lease for a warehouse to manufacture and sell its products.

    Anderson’s other lies to investors included false claims that his bottling companies had at least $10 million in purchase-order contracts from suppliers. He drafted fake legal and business documents, which included fabricated purchase order contracts purporting to show agreements with third party companies to purchase tens of millions of dollars’ worth of products manufactured by the Anderson bottling companies. Anderson also provided victims samples of products purportedly manufactured by his purported bottling companies.

    Instead of investing victim funds as he promised, Anderson instead used their money on personal expenses. He has agreed to forfeit his ill-gotten gains from these schemes, including 15 cars – one of them a Ferrari – and real estate in Ojai.

    In total, Anderson solicited more than $18.8 million from 45 victims for both schemes, causing victims to lose approximately $17,745,150.

    The FBI investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Executive Pleads Guilty to a Seven-Count Indictment Two Weeks Before Trial, Admits to Longstanding Antitrust and Wire Fraud Conspiracies Affecting Wildfire Services

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    The owner of a contractor company that provided fuel truck services to the U.S. Forest Service’s wildfire fighters pleaded guilty to a seven-count indictment yesterday for his role in schemes to rig bids, allocate territories, and commit wire fraud over an eight-year period. Kris Bird, 62, pleaded guilty to all charges against him two weeks before trial, with no assurances from the government as to the sentence prosecutors will recommend to the judge. The plea follows a judicially authorized wiretap investigation that led to the indictment of two executives in December 2023. Both executives pleaded guilty and are now scheduled to be sentenced in June 2025.

    As set out in the factual basis filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, Bird admitted to conspiring with Ike Tomlinson, 61, and others to rig bids and allocate territories in the market for wildfire-fighting fuel truck services for certain dispatch centers of the U.S. Forest Service’s Great Basin wildfire dispatch region between March 2015 and March 2023, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. Bird further admitted to conspiring to commit wire fraud during the same period, and to committing five acts of wire fraud. At the change-of-plea hearing, Bird also admitted to the forfeiture allegations in the indictment.

    “Bid-rigging and other collusive, anticompetitive agreements are neither sophisticated nor lawful. As the defendants have now conceded, they selfishly damaged essential taxpayer-funded services critical to protecting the American public from wildfires,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The meticulous investigation led by the Antitrust Division’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force and its law enforcement partners left the defendant with little choice but to plead to the indictment. The Justice Department will not treat bid-rigging as business as usual.”

    “Citizens and Idaho businesses must have access to fair competition for government contracts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott for the District of Idaho. “The guilty pleas in this case help ensure equal opportunities for all Idaho businesses and protects taxpayers from paying inflated contract prices.”

    “The defendant illegally profited from American taxpayer money,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. “The FBI and our partners are committed to rooting out fraud and protecting fair competition in the bidding for government contracts.”

    “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to fight fraud in federal contracting,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations James Adams of the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General.

    A violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals and a maximum penalty of a $100 million fine for corporations. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by victims if either amount is greater than the maximum. A violation of the wire fraud statute carries 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 Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency, and General Services Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant Chief Christopher J. Carlberg and Trial Attorneys Elena A. Goldstein, Daniel B. Twomey, and Matthew Chou of the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Mazorol for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information about this investigation or other procurement fraud schemes should notify the PCSF at www.justice.gov/atr/webform/pcsf-citizen-complaint. The Justice Department created the PCSF in November 2019. It is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government—federal, state and local. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indiana Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Hammond, Ind., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing three firearms.

    Roosevelt Nevels, Jr., 35, formerly of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 8 years in federal prison without parole.

    On Nov. 7, 2024, Nevels, Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.

    On Nov. 7, 2021, officers of the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department were dispatched to Research Medical Center regarding a reported shooting. Nevels, Jr., who was the injured person, reported he was caught in between two vehicles shooting at one another at 7033 Prospect Ave., Kansas City, Mo.  Nevels, Jr. reported that he was shot in the hand.  Officers investigated Nevels Jr.’s account and were not able to locate evidence or witnesses to support his report of the shooting.

    Upon further investigation, officers responded to Nevels, Jr.’s residence in Kansas City, Mo., where they located a blood trail in front of the house, leading to the door.  The officers knocked on the front door, and a juvenile answered.  The officers observed more blood on the living room floor of the residence.

    The officers entered the residence to ensure no one inside was injured.  They observed an AR-style pistol and a large amount of blood in a bedroom.

    Investigators were granted a search warrant for the residence. While executing the search warrant, investigators recovered three firearms: a SCCY CPX-1, 9mm, pistol; a SCCY CPX-2, 9mm, pistol; and an FM-9, AR-style pistol.  All the firearms were loaded.  The AR-style pistol had damage near the trigger guard, appearing that the trigger guard was shot.  The live round of ammunition in the chamber had blood on it.

    Investigators also located a bullet fragment and two spent 9mm shell casings in the bedroom where the firearms were located and two cases containing 50 live .22 caliber rounds of ammunition in the kitchen.

    Forensic investigators determined DNA samples recovered from the grips and trigger guards of all three firearms implicated Nevels, Jr. as a major contributor.   

    Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.  Nevels, Jr. was convicted of the felony offenses of endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest in 2018.  Nevels, Jr. also has felony convictions for unlawful use of a weapon – carrying concealed and unlawful use of a weapon – discharge/shoot firearm at a motor vehicle.

    This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings.  It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

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

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alien smuggling group dismantled

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A group of five Laredoans have now been sentenced for operating an alien smuggling organization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jaquon Davis is the last to be sentenced and pleaded guilty Oct. 10, 2024.  

    U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo determined him to be the leader of the conspiracy and sentenced him to 44 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that showed Davis was a long-time alien smuggler who recruited several people.

    “This case demonstrates the Southern District of Texas’ commitment to stopping the flow of illegal aliens into our country,” said Ganjei. “That means prosecuting not only illegal aliens, but also those who support and help them in breaking our laws.” 

    On March 19, 2024, Davis and four others travelled in three cars around the I-35 checkpoint north of Laredo using the access road in an attempt to avoid law enforcement.  

    One car was used as a scout and the other two cars carried illegal aliens. Authorities ultimately pulled them over and discovered a total of 12 illegal aliens in the vehicles. One was concealed in a box located in a truck bed.

    Two of the illegal aliens claimed they had arranged to be smuggled to cities in Texas for large amounts of money. They had crossed the Rio Grande River and stayed at a stash house before being picked up by someone in the group.

    The investigation revealed the smugglers had stayed in a local motel and coordinated the event from there. Davis was the leader and coordinator of this event and had paid for the hotel rooms.

    Carlota Herrera, 34, and Ruben Campos, 30, previously received 21 and 37 months, respectively, for transporting the illegal aliens. Bobby Vaughan Hoodye, 40, was sentenced to six months for his role in providing one of the cars that was used to transport the illegal aliens, while Jakhalib Fisher, 21, was ordered to serve 33 months for coordinating and overseeing the smuggling event.

    Davis has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan L. Oliver prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Executive Pleads Guilty to a Seven-Count Indictment Two Weeks Before Trial, Admits to Longstanding Antitrust and Wire Fraud Conspiracies Affecting Wildfire Services

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    The owner of a contractor company that provided fuel truck services to the U.S. Forest Service’s wildfire fighters pleaded guilty to a seven-count indictment yesterday for his role in schemes to rig bids, allocate territories, and commit wire fraud over an eight-year period. Kris Bird, 62, pleaded guilty to all charges against him two weeks before trial, with no assurances from the government as to the sentence prosecutors will recommend to the judge. The plea follows a judicially authorized wiretap investigation that led to the indictment of two executives in December 2023. Both executives pleaded guilty and are now scheduled to be sentenced in June 2025.

    As set out in the factual basis filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, Bird admitted to conspiring with Ike Tomlinson, 61, and others to rig bids and allocate territories in the market for wildfire-fighting fuel truck services for certain dispatch centers of the U.S. Forest Service’s Great Basin wildfire dispatch region between March 2015 and March 2023, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. Bird further admitted to conspiring to commit wire fraud during the same period, and to committing five acts of wire fraud. At the change-of-plea hearing, Bird also admitted to the forfeiture allegations in the indictment.

    “Bid-rigging and other collusive, anticompetitive agreements are neither sophisticated nor lawful. As the defendants have now conceded, they selfishly damaged essential taxpayer-funded services critical to protecting the American public from wildfires,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The meticulous investigation led by the Antitrust Division’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force and its law enforcement partners left the defendant with little choice but to plead to the indictment. The Justice Department will not treat bid-rigging as business as usual.”

    “Citizens and Idaho businesses must have access to fair competition for government contracts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott for the District of Idaho. “The guilty pleas in this case help ensure equal opportunities for all Idaho businesses and protects taxpayers from paying inflated contract prices.”

    “The defendant illegally profited from American taxpayer money,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. “The FBI and our partners are committed to rooting out fraud and protecting fair competition in the bidding for government contracts.”

    “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to fight fraud in federal contracting,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations James Adams of the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General.

    A violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals and a maximum penalty of a $100 million fine for corporations. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by victims if either amount is greater than the maximum. A violation of the wire fraud statute carries 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 Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency, and General Services Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant Chief Christopher J. Carlberg and Trial Attorneys Elena A. Goldstein, Daniel B. Twomey, and Matthew Chou of the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Mazorol for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information about this investigation or other procurement fraud schemes should notify the PCSF at www.justice.gov/atr/webform/pcsf-citizen-complaint. The Justice Department created the PCSF in November 2019. It is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government—federal, state and local. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Joshawa Max Estrada Sentenced to Federal Prison for His Role in the Murder of Jedidah Iesha Moreno

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced today that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Joshawa Max Estrada, age 27, to 100 months in federal prison on one count of Accessory After the Fact for his role in the October 2018 murder of Jedidah Iesha Moreno.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Jedidah Iesha Moreno shot and killed Rosenda Strong on or about October 5, 2018, following an argument at a residence, known as the House of Souls in Wapato, Washington. Following the murder, Moreno asked for help disposing of Strong’s body, which was placed in a freezer and dumped near a towing service in Toppenish, Washington.

    The following day, October 6, 2018, Moreno and Andrew Norris Zack got into an argument at a residence known as the Estrada Ranch located in Wapato, Washington. Moreno took out a gun and fired multiple gunshots into a garage, where Zack was in the bathroom.  One of these shots struck Zack’s hand.

    Around the same time that Zack was shot, Uriel Balentin Badillo was at Legends Casino. Badillo received a call that Zack was in trouble, and Badillo drove out to the residence, where he found Moreno standing in a field. When Badillo asked about Zack, Moreno was unresponsive. Badillo then drove Moreno to the House of Souls (where Rosenda Strong had been killed the day before), to look for Zack.  When Badillo and Moreno arrived, a female came out of the House of Souls and said, “gag the bitch up.” After a sock was placed into Moreno’s mouth, Badillo and the female drove Moreno back to the Estrada Ranch.  There, Moreno was physically restrained, bound with a cargo strap and duct tape, and forced into a Chevrolet Impala. Badillo then shot into the trunk of the car several times with a .45 caliber pistol, striking Moreno.  Later that day, two juveniles transported Moreno’s body to another location on the Yakama Nation.  One of the juveniles then fired additional rounds into Moreno’s body.

    The next day, Estrada spoke to Badillo, Zack, and the juvenile.  When Estrada learned that Badillo had murdered Moreno and that her body had been dumped in a non-discrete location.  Estrada teased the juvenile for dumping the body in such a visible place. Badillo then asked Estrada to move Moreno’s body and get rid of the cargo strap around her body because Badillo was worried he might have left his DNA and/or fingerprints on the cargo strap. Estrada and the one of the juveniles then located Moreno’s body and moved it to a more secluded location near White Swan, Washington. As directed by Badillo, Estrada also removed the cargo strap from Moreno’s body.  After moving the body to a more concealed location, the juvenile fired additional gunshots into Moreno’s body.

    Later that same day, Estrada and the juvenile traveled back to Wapato to meet with Zack and Badillo. Estrada handed Badillo the cargo strap that had been removed from Moreno’s body so that Badillo could destroy the evidence.

    On November 28, 2018, a citizen discovered Moreno’s remains and immediately contacted law enforcement.

    “The families in the Rosenda Strong and Jedidah Iesha Moreno cases have waited years to obtain some measure of justice on behalf of their loved ones,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Barker.  “I am grateful for the eyewitnesses, who came forward in this case and helped the FBI and Yakama Nation Tribal Police identify those responsible for these terrible murders.  To those who have information about unsolved missing or murdered indigenous people cases, I implore you to come forward and help bring a measure of closure to the families that continue to grieve.”

    “Mr. Estrada is yet another defendant to be held accountable in this tragic case, which the FBI and our partners have been investigating since 2018.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “While prison sentences can bring justice and a sense of closure for loved ones, ultimately nothing can bring back the victims of the multiple homicides in which the defendant played a role.  I commend the investigators in this case and others involving violent crime on our state’s reservations. They consistently pursue justice, no matter how long it takes.”

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Yakama Nation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Hanlon and Michael D. Murphy.

    Defendants Andrew Norris Zack, Jamaal Antwan Pimms, Kevin Todd Brehmand Uriel Balentin Badillo have all pleaded guilty to charges in this case. Michael Lee Moody pleaded guilty to charges in this case and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. 

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Operation Shanela makes progress

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, March 26, 2025

    Operation Shanela continues to make an impact across the country, with police having arrested 12 892 suspects recently.

    “Through Operation Shanela, SAPS [South African Police Service] continues to take a bold and decisive approach to dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches, as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” SAPS said in a statement this week.

    The arrests were made in the period 17 – 23 March 2025.

    The police said 123 suspects were arrested for attempted murder; 167 suspects were arrested for murder (with the majority of these suspects, 45, arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and followed by the Western Cape with 42). The police also arrested 1 753 wanted suspects and 203 drug dealers.

    A further 1 507 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs. The majority of these suspects (689) were arrested in the Western Cape. Furthermore, 115 suspects were arrested for being in possession of illegal firearms.

    Additionally, 10 suspects were arrested for human trafficking, while 432 drivers were arrested for drunken driving.

    One hundred and nineteen firearms and 1 335 rounds of ammunition were confiscated. The police also recovered 76 hijacked and stolen vehicles.

    Curbing smuggling

    Members of the Limpopo Anti-Smuggling team conducted a successful operation along the N11 road in Mahwelereng, which resulted in the arrest of 20 Ethiopian foreign nationals, who were allegedly smuggled into the country. 

    Police also arrested suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport. A Brazilian man and South African woman arrived on the same flight from São Paulo, Brazil, and were intercepted by police. Police seized cocaine valued at over R1 million. Their arrest has now brought the total number of similar arrests at the airport to five since January 2025.

    “Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the State to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” said the SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Despite Diplomatic Progress, Security Council Told Continuing Attacks, Funding Cuts Worsening Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is worsening, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, as she both welcomed diplomatic progress and expressed deep alarm over rising attacks on civilians and severe cuts to global humanitarian funding.

    “Since 1 March, not a day has passed without an attack harming civilians,” Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the 15-member Council. The regions of Sumy, Odesa, Dnipro, Donetsk and Kharkiv have been hit especially hard in recent weeks, with extensive damage to homes, shops, warehouses and vehicles.

    Meanwhile, global funding cuts for humanitarian operations — including for Ukraine — are further reducing the UN’s capacity to provide life-saving aid.  While the announcement of a ceasefire on energy infrastructure and discussions regarding safe navigation in the Black Sea are positive steps, she noted that the impact of past attacks continue to undermine civilians’ access to electricity, gas, heating and water as the harsh winter persists.

    “We are deeply concerned by the human cost of continued fighting,” she said, noting that, as of 24 February 2022, at least 12,881 civilians — including 681 children — have been killed in Ukraine.  The true toll is likely much higher.  She reiterated that the protection of infrastructure critical to civilian survival is imperative, and that indiscriminate attacks are unequivocally prohibited under international law.

    And with almost 13 million people in Ukraine in need of humanitarian aid, she warned against funding cuts that could threaten vital services — including gender-based-violence support and safe spaces for 640,000 affected women and girls.  Thus far, only 17 per cent of the $2.6 billion needed for Ukraine’s 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan has been received.  Against that backdrop, she urged the international community to enforce compliance with international law, secure funding to save lives and push for an end to the war — all while ensuring that humanitarian needs remain central to peace talks.

    Speakers Express Concern over Increasing Attacks on Civilians, Urge Moscow to Demonstrate Commitment to Peace

    During the discussion that ensued, many speakers expressed concern over growing attacks on civilians in Ukraine.  “The death and destruction caused by this war are tremendous,” said Slovenia’s delegate, noting the over 42,000 verified casualties and reconstruction costs exceeding $500 billion.  Three years on, and the fighting does not seem to be diminishing — in February 2025, civilian casualties increased by 35 per cent compared to February 2024.  “Every human life matters and is not merely a number,” added Pakistan’s delegate, welcoming deals reached between Ukraine and the Russian Federation banning the targeting of energy sites and ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea.

    While also noting progress on those fronts, other speakers continued to call on the Russian Federation to demonstrate its commitment to peace, with France’s delegate highlighting “the gaping disconnect between [the Russian Federation’s] actions and words”.  Romania’s delegate pointed out that “the dialogue efforts and the proposals in the last weeks are yet to be met by deeds”, spotlighting new attacks by the Russian Federation since the night of 21 March.

    “It is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace,” said the representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, adding:  “There can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no negotiations that affect European security without Europe.”  Finland’s delegate, speaking also for Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, echoed that, also expressing concern that limited humanitarian access makes it hard for humanitarian workers to deliver life-saving aid — especially in front-line areas.

    “A ceasefire seems not to be enough,” observed Greece’s delegate, adding that peace should only be possible “with credible and robust security guarantees, which will deter and prevent the recurrence of war in the future”.  Any peace must be more than a mere pause that allows the aggressor to rearm and strike again — as it has done before — Poland’s delegate underscored.  “We must have enduring peace in Ukraine,” stressed the representative of the United Kingdom, adding that, until Moscow’s forces withdraw from Ukraine, “the United Kingdom will continue to work with Kyiv to achieve a just and lasting peace”.

    Meanwhile, the representative of the Republic of Korea said that interviews with soldiers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea captured in Kursk show men deceived and told they were being sent to Moscow for training.  “Pyongyang must stop sacrificing its own people to sustain the regime in exchange for military, political and economic support from Moscow,” he stressed.

    The representative of Denmark, Council President for March, spoke in her national capacity to describe the latest report by the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine as a “grim catalogue of crimes against humanity” perpetrated by the Russian Federation’s forces against civilians.  Lithuania’s delegate, also speaking for Estonia and Latvia, drew attention to the 4,000 cases against the Russian Federation in the European Court of Human Rights, all related to events in Crimea, Donbas and the wider war against Ukraine.

    Russian Federation, Ukraine Acknowledge Limited Ceasefire Agreements while Expressing Reservations

    For his part, the representative of the Russian Federation said that the European Union and the United Kingdom are trying to thwart efforts by his country and the United States to settle the Ukrainian crisis.  He went on to say that Moscow’s air forces target only military sites, and that civilian casualties in Ukraine occur because Kyiv stores ammunition in residential areas.  He also stated that Ukraine’s European supporters ignore the crimes committed by Kyiv, reiterating that Moscow’s military operation started three years ago to end the war being waged on fellow Russians.

    Regarding the agreement concerning the Black Sea, he said that this will go into effect only after a series of measures are adopted — including the lifting of sanctions against some Russian Federation banks.  And while agreement has been reached to ban strikes on energy sites both in Ukraine and in the Russian Federation, Kyiv continues to violate that agreement.  “The Russian Federation reserves the right to respond should the Kyiv regime continue on this destructive course,” he emphasized.

    Further, he asked those present if they would prefer to either continue providing weapons to “private-military-company Ukraine”, or to join the Russian Federation and the United States to “find a long-term solution that would address the root causes of the Ukraine crisis and strengthen security in Europe and the world over”.

    “Moscow speaks of peace while launching brutal strikes almost daily on densely populated residential areas” in her country, Ukraine’s delegate said, adding that the Russian Federation launched — in the first half of March alone — hundreds of strikes against her people, using approximately 2,800 guided aerial bombs, nearly 2,000 attack drones and over 100 missiles of various types.  Moscow has also sought to block Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea, forcibly transferred Ukrainian children to its territory and that of Belarus, and made use of munitions containing hazardous chemicals.

    While welcoming the United States’ mediation and Saudi Arabia’s hospitality, and reaffirming her country’s commitment to peace, she underscored:  “We won’t accept peace at any price.”  Ukraine will not recognize any of its temporarily occupied territories as belonging to the Russian Federation, and Kyiv will not agree to any foreign diktat regarding the structure or other characteristics of its defence forces.

    While Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire regarding energy facilities and in the Black Sea, she warned that this does not extend to Russian Federation warships that enter Ukraine’s territorial waters.  “Everyone should focus on Russian actions, not their statements,” she urged, noting that the coming days will be critical in determining “whether Russia is serious about peace or intends to deceive the United States and the world”.

    Nevertheless, Speakers Point to Path towards Peace

    “The war must end now,” the representative of the United States stressed, as she commended both the Russian Federation and Ukraine for taking the first steps towards a ceasefire.  If fully implemented, the agreements concerning energy infrastructure and the Black Sea will open a path towards peace.  “We call on both sides to abide by these agreements and expand on them,” she said.

    Some speakers expressed optimism about the talks under way in Riyadh.  “A window of peace is opening,” said China’s delegate, welcoming recent negotiations that the Russian Federation and Ukraine have had bilaterally with the United States.  Positive progress was made on numerous issues, he said.  Algeria’s delegate, welcoming progress, as well, added that a lasting peace must consider the legitimate concerns of both parties.  The representative of Panama, noting that maritime security is fundamental to his country, expressed optimism about the steps towards a cessation of hostilities in the Black Sea.

    Similarly, the representative of Somalia said that the agreement to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea represents a practical step towards reducing tensions and protecting vital economic infrastructure.  The recent breakthrough is “creating tangible momentum towards de-escalation”, he said.  “Even as we celebrate the modest breakthroughs,” Guyana’s delegate warned that the slightest misstep could doom millions of civilians to even more bombardment and displacement.  Sierra Leone’s representative observed that “cautious hope has begun to emerge”, but highlighted the severe impact already had on children — trauma from constant shelling, loss of loved ones, displacement and abduction.

    “Even when bombings subside, the scars of war remain,” said the Permanent Observer for the Sovereign Order of Malta, pointing to the need for psychological support for those affected by war-related trauma.  Ukraine’s health system will need restoring, he said, adding that it is also crucial to facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced families.  “The land must be restored and made habitable,” he added, as the detritus of war is cleared away.

    Quoting Pope Francis, he asked those present:  “Can we get out of this spiral of sorrow and death?  Can we once more walk and live in the ways of peace?  I would like for each one of us — from the least to the greatest, including those who are called to govern nations — to respond in one voice: ‘Yes, we want peace.’”

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Felipe De Jesus Zavala Medel falsely represented that his name was Johny Joe Olivo & that he was born in Texas

    BANGOR, Maine: A Mexican national pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to making a false statement to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent.

    According to court records, in January 2025, Felipe De Jesus Zavala Medel, 64, approached the Coburn Gore port of entry in a vehicle from the Canadian side of the international border and presented a North Dakota driver’s license in the name of “Johny Joe Olivo” along with identifying documents to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent. Zavala Medel falsely told the agent he was born in Texas. He also completed and signed a Customs Declaration form containing the false information. During questioning, he admitted that he did not have any documents that allowed him to legally enter, reside, or work in the U.S.

    Zavala Medel faces a maximum prison term of five years and a fine up to $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    CBP and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: 3D Systems Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROCK HILL, S.C., March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    • Full-year 2024 revenue of $440 million, above lower end of guidance range, inclusive of a $9 million revenue reduction in Q4 driven by a change in accounting estimates for Regenerative Medicine program milestone recognition. This change in estimate is related to the now anticipated use of pre-clinical human decedent testing, successfully demonstrated by our partner, United Therapeutics, which led to refinement of the milestone technical criteria.
    • Continued reduction in operating expenses in Q4 reflecting the company’s focus on cost savings and efficiency improvements.
    • Announcement of a new cost reduction initiative expected to deliver over $50 million in incremental annualized savings related to actions taken throughout 2025 and the first-half 2026.
    • All regulatory approvals have been obtained for sale of Geomagic software platform, with a sale price of $123 million and targeted close in early April.
    • Balance sheet cash and cash equivalents of $171 million as of December 31, 2024. Proceeds from Geomagic sale to further strengthen balance sheet in Q2.
    • Normalizing for divestiture, 2025 full-year forecast reflects return to flat to modest top line organic growth with progressive cost reductions strengthening EBITDA performance throughout the year. Target is to exit 2025 at positive adjusted-EBITDA levels, with continuing momentum in 2026.
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended
    December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    (in millions, expect per share data)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)        
    Revenue   $ 111.0     $ 114.8     $ 440.1     $ 488.1  
    Gross profit   $ 34.4     $ 44.0     $ 164.2     $ 196.4  
    Gross profit margin     31.0 %     38.3 %     37.3 %     40.2 %
    Operating expense   $ 64.8     $ 371.3     $ 441.6     $ 602.4  
    Operating loss   $ (30.4 )   $ (327.3 )   $ (277.4 )   $ (406.0 )
    Net loss attributable to 3D Systems Corporation   $ (33.7 )   $ (292.7 )   $ (255.6 )   $ (362.7 )
    Diluted loss per share   $ (0.25 )   $ (2.25 )   $ (1.94 )   $ (2.79 )
                     
    Non-GAAP measures for year-over-year comparisons (1)            
    Non-GAAP gross profit margin     31.3 %     39.8 %     37.4 %     40.6 %
    Non-GAAP operating expense   $ 58.4     $ 65.4     $ 250.3     $ 246.0  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ (19.1 )   $ (14.0 )   $ (66.4 )   $ (26.3 )
    Non-GAAP diluted loss per share   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.28 )
                                     
    (1) See “Presentation of Information in this Press Release” below for a description, and the Appendix for the reconciliation of non-GAAP measurements to the most closely comparable GAAP measure.
     

    Summary Comments on Results

    “While 2024 was a challenging year for sales, reflecting weak customer capex spending on new manufacturing plant capacity through the first three quarters, we were pleased to see a healthy uptick in the sale of new industrial printer systems and global services in the fourth quarter,” said Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president & CEO of 3D Systems. “In addition, with the largest installed base in the additive manufacturing industry, we were pleased to see a return to healthy consumable sales across most markets, reflecting higher utilization rates for existing machines. These positive changes in our core business units were unfortunately masked by the impact of an accounting estimate change in our Regenerative Medicine program related to refinement of technical acceptance criteria associated with a potential change in testing methodology for printed human lungs, which are the focus of this program. This estimate change relates to the incorporation of in vivo human decedent testing protocols, which have recently been successfully demonstrated by our partner, United Therapeutics. While this accounting estimate change was not originally contemplated in our 2024 guidance, I am pleased that our core businesses still delivered within the full-year revenue range communicated in our prior forecast, and that the market showed signs of strengthening in the fourth quarter.”

    Dr. Graves continued, “While sales were weak across our industry for the last year, for 3D Systems 2024 will be remembered as a historic year of innovation, one in which dozens of new products were launched in both our Healthcare and Industrial markets. This strength in new products was a direct reflection of the continuity in R&D investment that we maintained over this challenging period. Naming just a few key milestones, early in the year we announced the largest contract in the Company’s history, securing our leadership in the dental market for the straightening of teeth, while simultaneously building critical momentum in the even larger adjacent market for teeth replacement, culminating in the announcement of our jetted denture solution which was granted clearance by the FDA in September. In our Industrial business, our collaboration with Daimler Truck demonstrated the exceptional savings potential for integrating digital rights management with on-demand localized print capabilities using Oqton work-flow management for critical spare parts, a market that is expected to reach $8 billion for trucks by 2027. With the broadest range of metal and polymer additive manufacturing technology in the entire industry, and our application-first mindset, we believe our organic growth prospects will be a key differentiator in the path ahead.”

    Dr. Graves concluded, “With our new products now gaining traction in the market, our focus is increasingly centered on driving gross margin expansion and operating expense improvements in the face of continuing uncertainty in the global markets. Given this potential demand profile, we believe it is prudent to undertake further significant actions to reduce costs and improve operating efficiencies to support our long-term mission of delivering growth with sustainable profitability. Our latest cost initiative, which began in Q1 of 2025, is targeted at delivering over $50 million of incremental annualized savings based on actions taken over the next six quarters. Importantly, while these efforts will not be fully completed until the middle of 2026, we anticipate significant improvements associated with them, in conjunction with those taken previously, leading us to expect break-even-or-better adjusted-EBITDA performance by the fourth quarter of 2025, despite essentially flat-to-modest revenue growth. From a balance sheet perspective, having previously retired over 50% of our Convertible Notes due November 2026, the remainder of which reaches maturity in Q4 of 2026, our cash balance at 2024 year-end of $171 million, supplemented by proceeds from the sale of our Geomagic software platform for $123 million in the coming weeks, positions us well to continue reducing our leverage while supporting the investments needed to deliver long-term growth and profitability.”

    Summary of Fourth Quarter Results

    Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased 3% to $111.0 million compared to the same period last year and includes an $8.7 million reduction due to a change in accounting estimate related to refinement of milestone recognition criteria within our Regenerative Medicine program.

    Healthcare Solutions revenue, which includes revenues from our Regenerative Medicine program, decreased 21% to $40.4 million compared to the prior year period.

    Industrial Solutions revenue increased 11% to $70.7 million compared to the prior year period.

    Gross profit margin for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 31.0% compared to 38.3% in the same period last year. Non-GAAP gross profit margin was 31.3% compared to 39.8% in the same period last year and decreased primarily due to the accounting estimate changes previously described for our Regenerative Medicine program. Excluding the impact of these accounting estimate changes, non-GAAP gross profit margins were 36.3% for Q4 and 38.7% for the full year 2024, offering a perspective on our core Healthcare and Industrial business performance.

    Net loss attributable to 3D Systems Corporation improved by $259.0 million to a loss of $33.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year. The improvement in net loss primarily reflects the year-over-year change in impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets taken during the prior year period.

    Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $5.1 million to a loss of $19.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year primarily driven by lower revenue and margin due to a change in accounting estimate related to refinement of milestone recognition criteria in our Regenerative Medicine program.

    Summary of Full-Year 2024 Results

    Revenue for 2024 of $440.1 million decreased 10% compared to the prior year. The decline in revenue primarily reflects lower hardware systems sales due to macroeconomic factors that are negatively impacting demand.

    Healthcare Solutions revenue decreased 11% to $189.7 million compared to the prior year.

    Industrial Solutions revenue decreased 9% to $250.4 million compared to the prior year.

    Gross profit margin for the full year 2024 was 37.3% compared to 40.2% in the prior year. Non-GAAP gross profit margin was 37.4% for the full year 2024 compared to 40.6% in the prior year. Gross profit margin decreased primarily due to the change in accounting estimate related to refinement of milestone recognition criteria within our Regenerative Medicine program and unfavorable manufacturing variances.

    Net loss for the full year 2024 improved by $107.1 million to a loss of $255.6 million compared to the prior year. The improvement in net loss primarily reflects the year-over-year change in impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets taken during 2023.

    Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $40.1 million to a loss of $66.4 million in 2024 compared to prior year primarily driven by lower revenues and increases in consulting and outside services expenses.

    2025 Outlook

    Assuming no material change in current macroeconomic conditions and the expected divestiture of the Geomagic business in early Q2 of 2025, the Company is providing the following for its full year 2025 outlook:

    • Revenue within the range of $420 million to $435 million, representing essentially flat to modest growth when excluding Geomagic revenue for the same periods in FY’24
    • Non-GAAP Gross Profit Margin within the range of 37% to 39%
    • Non-GAAP Operating Expense within the range of $200 million to $220 million
    • Adjusted EBITDA to be break even or better in Q4 2025

    Financial Liquidity

    At December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents totaled $171.3 million and decreased $160.2 million since December 31, 2023. This decrease resulted primarily from the repurchase of our Convertible Notes due November 2026 of $87.2 million, cash used in operations of $44.9 million, and capital expenditures of $16.1 million. At December 31, 2024, the company had total debt, net of deferred financing costs of $212.0 million.

    Q4 and FY 2024 Conference Call and Webcast

    The Company will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss these results on March 27 2025, which may be accessed as follows:

    Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
    Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time
    Listen via webcast: www.3dsystems.com/investor
    Participate via telephone: 201-689-8345

    A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the live presentation at www.3dsystems.com/investor.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward looking statements can be identified by terms such as “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “anticipates” or “plans” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs, assumptions and current expectations and may include comments as to the company’s beliefs and expectations as to future events and trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company. The factors described under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made only as the date of the statement. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Presentation of Information in this Press Release

    3D Systems reports its financial results in accordance with GAAP. Management also reviews and reports certain Non-GAAP measures, including: Non-GAAP gross profit, Non-GAAP gross profit margin, Non-GAAP diluted income (loss) per share, Non-GAAP operating expense and Adjusted EBITDA. These Non-GAAP measures exclude certain items that management does not view as part of 3D Systems’ core results as they may be highly variable, may be unusual or infrequent, are difficult to predict and can distort underlying business trends and results. Management believes that the Non-GAAP measures provide useful additional insight into underlying business trends and results and provide meaningful information regarding the comparison of period-over-period results. Additionally, management uses the Non-GAAP measures for planning, forecasting and evaluating business and financial performance, including allocating resources and evaluating results relative to employee compensation targets. 3D Systems’ Non-GAAP measures are not calculated in accordance with or as required by GAAP and may not be calculated in the same manner as similarly titled measures used by other companies. These Non-GAAP measures should thus be considered as supplemental in nature and not considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    To calculate the Non-GAAP measures, 3D Systems excludes the impact of the following items:

    • amortization of intangible assets, a non-cash expense, as 3D Systems’ intangible assets were primarily acquired in connection with business combinations;
    • costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and divestitures, such as legal, consulting and advisory fees;
    • stock-based compensation expenses, a non-cash expense;
    • charges related to restructuring and cost optimization plans, impairment charges, including goodwill, and divestiture gains or losses;
    • certain compensation expense related to the 2021 Volumetric acquisition; and
    • costs, including legal fees, related to significant or unusual litigation matters.

    Amortization of intangibles and acquisition and divestiture-related costs are excluded from Non-GAAP measures as the timing and magnitude of business combination transactions are not predictable, can vary significantly from period to period and the purchase price allocated to amortizable intangible assets and the related amortization period are unique to each acquisition. Amortization of intangible assets will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. While intangible assets contribute to the company’s revenue generation, the amortization of intangible assets does not directly relate to the sale of the company’s products or services. Additionally, intangible assets amortization expense typically fluctuates based on the size and timing of the company’s acquisition activity. Accordingly, the company believes excluding the amortization of intangible assets enhances the company’s and investors’ ability to compare the company’s past financial performance with its current performance and to analyze underlying business performance and trends. Although stock-based compensation is a key incentive offered to certain of our employees, the expense is non-cash in nature, and we continue to evaluate our business performance excluding stock-based compensation; therefore, it is excluded from Non-GAAP measures. Stock-based compensation expenses will recur in future periods. Charges related to restructuring and cost optimization plans, impairment charges, including goodwill, divestiture gains or losses, and the costs, including legal fees, related to significant or unusual litigation matters are excluded from Non-GAAP measures as the frequency and magnitude of these activities may vary widely from period to period. Additionally, impairment charges, including goodwill, are non-cash. Furthermore, the company believes the costs, including legal fees, related to significant or unusual litigation matters are not indicative of our core business’ operations. Finally, 3D Systems excludes contingent consideration recorded as compensation expense related to the 2021 Volumetric acquisition from Non-GAAP measures as management evaluates financial performance excluding this expense, which is viewed by management as similar to acquisition consideration.

    The matters discussed above are tax effected, as applicable, in calculating Non-GAAP diluted income (loss) per share.

    Adjusted EBITDA, defined as net income, plus income tax (provision) benefit, interest and other income (expense), net, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation expense, and other Non-GAAP adjustments, all as described above, is used by management to evaluate performance and helps measure financial performance period-over-period.

    A reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP financial measures is provided in the accompanying schedules.

    3D Systems does not provide forward-looking guidance for certain measures on a GAAP basis. The company is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking Non-GAAP gross profit margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Non-GAAP operating expense to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measures without unreasonable effort because certain items, including litigation costs, acquisition expenses, stock-based compensation expense, intangible assets amortization expense, restructuring expenses, and goodwill impairment charges are difficult to predict and estimate. These items are inherently uncertain and depend on various factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control, and as such, any associated estimate and its impact on GAAP performance could vary materially.

    About 3D Systems

    More than 35 years ago, Chuck Hull’s curiosity and desire to improve the way products were designed and manufactured gave birth to 3D printing, 3D Systems, and the additive manufacturing industry. Since then, that same spark continues to ignite the 3D Systems team as we work side-by-side with our customers to change the way industries innovate. As a full-service solutions partner, we deliver industry-leading 3D printing technologies, materials and software to high-value markets such as medical and dental; aerospace, space and defense; transportation and motorsports; AI infrastructure; and durable goods. Each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise and passion of our employees who endeavor to achieve our shared goal of Transforming Manufacturing for a Better Future. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.

    Investor Contact: investor.relations@3dsystems.com
    Media Contact: press@3dsystems.com
       

    Tables Follow

     
    3D Systems Corporation
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands, except par value)
     
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 171,324     $ 331,525  
    Accounts receivable, net of reserves — $2,433 and $3,389   101,471       101,497  
    Inventories   118,530       152,188  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   34,329       42,612  
    Assets held for sale   3,176        
    Total current assets   428,830       627,822  
    Property and equipment, net   51,044       64,461  
    Intangible assets, net   18,020       62,724  
    Goodwill   14,879       116,082  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   50,715       58,406  
    Finance lease right-of-use assets   8,726       12,174  
    Long-term deferred income tax assets   2,063       4,230  
    Other assets   34,569       44,761  
    Total assets $ 608,846     $ 990,660  
    LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST AND EQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Current operating lease liabilities $ 9,514     $ 9,924  
    Accounts payable   41,833       49,757  
    Accrued and other liabilities   45,488       49,460  
    Customer deposits   4,712       7,599  
    Deferred revenue   27,298       30,448  
    Liabilities held for sale   10,251        
    Total current liabilities   139,096       147,188  
    Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs   211,995       319,356  
    Long-term operating lease liabilities   52,527       56,795  
    Long-term deferred income tax liabilities   2,076       5,162  
    Other liabilities   25,001       33,400  
    Total liabilities   430,695       561,901  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Redeemable non-controlling interest   1,958       2,006  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 220,000 shares; shares issued 135,510 and 133,619 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively   136       134  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,593,366       1,577,519  
    Accumulated deficit   (1,362,243 )     (1,106,650 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (55,066 )     (44,250 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   176,193       426,753  
    Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and stockholders’ equity $ 608,846     $ 990,660  
     
    3D Systems Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
     
      Three Months Ended   Year Ended
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Revenue: (unaudited)   (unaudited)        
    Products $ 70,426     $ 74,763     $ 279,178     $ 328,731  
    Services   40,598       40,085       160,943       159,338  
    Total revenue   111,024       114,848       440,121       488,069  
    Cost of sales:              
    Products   46,288       49,816       175,859       203,258  
    Services   30,291       21,075       100,084       88,390  
    Total cost of sales   76,579       70,891       275,943       291,648  
    Gross profit   34,445       43,957       164,178       196,421  
    Operating expenses:              
    Selling, general and administrative   43,360       59,549       210,132       210,172  
    Research and development   20,219       22,513       86,479       89,466  
    Asset impairment charges   1,234       289,190       144,967       302,787  
    Total operating expenses   64,813       371,252       441,578       602,425  
    Loss from operations   (30,368 )     (327,295 )     (277,400 )     (406,004 )
    Non-operating income (loss):              
    Foreign exchange gain (loss), net   3,226       (978 )     2,452       (4,825 )
    Interest income   1,502       3,781       7,302       19,511  
    Interest expense   (620 )     (689 )     (2,564 )     (3,301 )
    Other income (loss), net   (1,505 )     31,887       20,214       32,307  
    Total non-operating income (loss)   2,603       34,001       27,404       43,692  
    Loss before income taxes   (27,765 )     (293,294 )     (249,996 )     (362,312 )
    (Provision) benefit for income taxes   (4,689 )     1,045       (2,193 )     641  
    Loss on equity method investment, net of income taxes   (1,001 )     (535 )     (3,404 )     (1,282 )
    Net loss before redeemable non-controlling interest   (33,455 )     (292,784 )     (255,593 )     (362,953 )
    Less: net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest   252       (116 )           (265 )
    Net loss attributable to 3D Systems Corporation $ (33,707 )   $ (292,668 )   $ (255,593 )   $ (362,688 )
                   
    Net loss per common share:              
    Basic $ (0.25 )   $ (2.25 )   $ (1.94 )   $ (2.79 )
    Diluted $ (0.25 )   $ (2.25 )   $ (1.94 )   $ (2.79 )
                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding:              
    Basic   132,576       130,431       131,861       129,944  
    Diluted   132,576       130,431       131,861       129,944  
     
    3D Systems Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (in thousands)
     
      Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net loss before redeemable non-controlling interest $ (255,593 )   $ (362,953 )
    Adjustments to reconcile loss income to net cash used in operating activities:      
    Depreciation and amortization   33,310       33,413  
    Accretion of debt discount   1,378       2,640  
    Stock-based compensation   18,457       23,504  
    Loss on short-term investments         6  
    Non-cash operating lease expense   9,871       9,267  
    Provision for inventory obsolescence and revaluation   12,360       6,350  
    Provision for bad debts   506       595  
    Loss on the disposition of businesses, property, equipment and other assets   2,795       6  
    Gain on debt extinguishment   (21,518 )     (32,181 )
    Benefit for deferred income taxes and reserve adjustments   (952 )     (2,412 )
    Loss on equity method investment   3,404       1,282  
    Impairments of assets   144,967       304,698  
    Changes in operating accounts:      
    Accounts receivable   (6,376 )     (6,186 )
    Inventories   15,766       (20,555 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   7,049       (7,961 )
    Accounts payable   (5,812 )     (5,526 )
    Deferred revenue and customer deposits   3,602       1,245  
    Accrued and other liabilities   (6,187 )     (12,933 )
    All other operating activities   (1,914 )     (12,994 )
    Net cash used in operating activities   (44,887 )     (80,695 )
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Purchases of property and equipment   (16,121 )     (27,183 )
    Purchases of short-term investments          
    Sales and maturities of short-term investments         180,925  
    Proceeds from sale of assets and businesses, net of cash sold   96       194  
    Acquisitions and other investments, net of cash acquired   (3,000 )     (29,152 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (19,025 )     124,784  
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Repayment of borrowings/long-term debt   (87,218 )     (100,614 )
    Purchase of non-controlling interests          
    Taxes paid related to net-share settlement of equity awards   (2,662 )     (5,211 )
    Other financing activities   (1,385 )     (644 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (91,265 )     (106,469 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (5,053 )     3,516  
    Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (160,230 )     (58,864 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the year a   333,111       391,975  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the year a $ 172,881     $ 333,111  
     
    (a)  The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total of such amounts reported in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
     
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2022
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 171,324     $ 331,525     $ 388,134  
    Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets   123       119       114  
    Restricted cash included in other assets   1,434       1,467       3,727  
    Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows $ 172,881     $ 333,111     $ 391,975  
     
    Amounts included in restricted cash as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 primarily relate to guarantees in the form of a standby letter of credit as security for a long-term real estate lease. Amounts included in restricted cash as of December 31, 2022 primarily relate to $3,435 deposited into and held in an escrow account prior to its use as part of our initial investment in the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation (“NAMI”) joint venture. The remaining amounts in restricted cash in all periods presented relate to collateral for letters of credit and bank guarantees.
     
    Appendix
    3D Systems Corporation
    Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures
     
    Segment Revenue (1)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,
    (in millions)   2024       2023     $ Change   % Change
    Healthcare Solutions $ 40.4     $ 51.2     $ (10.8 )     (21.1) %
    Industrial Solutions   70.7       63.7       7.0       11.0 %
    Total revenue $ 111.0     $ 114.8     $ (3.8 )     (3.3) %
     
    (1) Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding
      Year Ended December 31,
    (in millions)   2024       2023     $ Change     % Change  
    Healthcare Solutions $ 189.7     $ 213.2     $ (23.5 )     (11.0) %
    Industrial Solutions   250.4       274.9       (24.5 )     (8.9) %
    Total revenue $ 440.1     $ 488.1     $ (47.9 )     (9.8) %
     
    (1) Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding
     

    Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin (1)

      Three Months Ended December 31,
    (in millions)   2024       2023  
      Gross Profit   Gross Profit Margin   Gross Profit   Gross Profit Margin
    GAAP $ 34.4       31.0 %   $ 44.0       38.3 %
    Amortization expense included in Cost of sales   0.2           0.4      
    Severance accrual adjustment   0.1           1.4      
    Non-GAAP (2) $ 34.7       31.3 %   $ 45.8       39.8 %
     
    (1) Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding
    (2) Calculated as non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of total revenue.
       
      Year Ended December 31,
    (in millions)   2024       2023  
      Gross Profit   Gross Profit Margin   Gross Profit   Gross Profit Margin
    GAAP $ 164.2       37.3 %   $ 196.4       40.2 %
    Amortization expense included in Cost of sales   1.0           0.5      
    Severance accrual adjustment   (0.4 )         1.4      
    Non-GAAP (2) $ 164.8       37.4 %   $ 198.4       40.6 %
     
    (1)Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding
    (2) Calculated as non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of total revenue.
     

    Non-GAAP Operating Expense(1)

      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
    (in millions)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Operating expense $ 64.8     $ 371.3     $ 441.6     $ 602.4  
    Amortization expense   (0.8 )     (2.0 )     (13.3 )     (11.6 )
    Stock-based compensation expense   (1.1 )     (8.4 )     (18.4 )     (23.5 )
    Acquisition and divestiture-related expense   (1.4 )     1.2       (2.2 )     1.1  
    Legal and other expense   (1.8 )     (3.2 )     (11.0 )     (8.1 )
    Restructuring expense   (0.1 )     (3.3 )     (1.4 )     (10.1 )
    Asset impairment charges   (1.2 )     (290.1 )     (145.0 )     (304.4 )
    Non-GAAP operating expense $ 58.4     $ 65.4     $ 250.3     $ 246.0  
     
    (1) Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding
     
    Appendix
    3D Systems Corporation
    Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures
     
    Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA (1)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
    (in millions)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net loss attributable to 3D Systems Corporation $ (33.7 )   $ (292.7 )   $ (255.6 )   $ (362.7 )
    Interest (income) expense, net   (0.9 )     (3.1 )     (4.7 )     (16.2 )
    Provision (benefit) for income taxes   4.7       (1.0 )     2.2       (0.6 )
    Depreciation expense   4.5       5.7       19.0       21.3  
    Amortization expense   1.0       2.4       14.3       12.1  
    EBITDA   (24.4 )     (288.8 )     (224.8 )     (346.1 )
    Stock-based compensation expense   1.1       8.4       18.4       23.5  
    Acquisition and divestiture-related expense   1.4       (1.2 )     2.2       (1.1 )
    Legal and other related costs   2.2       3.2       11.4       8.1  
    Restructuring expense   (0.2 )     4.8       0.7       11.5  
    Net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest   0.3       (0.1 )     0.1       (0.3 )
    Loss on equity method investment, net of tax   1.0       0.5       3.4       1.3  
    Asset impairment charges   1.2       290.1       145.0       304.4  
    Gain on repurchase of debt         (32.2 )     (21.5 )     (32.2 )
    Other non-operating (income) expense   (1.7 )     1.3       (1.2 )     4.7  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ (19.1 )   $ (14.0 )   $ (66.4 )   $ (26.3 )
     
    (1) Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding
     
    Appendix
    3D Systems Corporation
    Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures
     
    Diluted Loss per Share (1)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
    (in dollars)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Diluted loss per share $ (0.25 )   $ (2.25 )   $ (1.94 )   $ (2.79 )
    Amortization expense   0.01       0.02       0.11       0.09  
    Stock-based compensation expense   0.01       0.06       0.14       0.18  
    Acquisition and divestiture-related expense   0.01       (0.01 )     0.02       (0.01 )
    Legal expense   0.02       0.03       0.09       0.06  
    Restructuring expense         0.04       0.01       0.09  
    Asset impairment charges   0.01       2.23       1.10       2.35  
    Gain on repurchase of debt         (0.25 )     (0.16 )     (0.25 )
    Loss on equity method investment and other   0.01             0.03        
    Non-GAAP diluted loss per share $ (0.19 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.28 )
     
    (1) Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Marton

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died after a two-vehicle crash on SH1, near Marton, last night.

    Emergency services were called to the scene about 9.45pm.

    Sadly, one person died at the scene.

    Another person sustained minor injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Sky’s Not the Limit: Testing Precision Landing Tech for Future Space Missions

    Source: NASA

    Nestled in a pod under an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft wing, flying above California, and traveling up to the speed of sound, NASA put a commercial sensor technology to the test. The flight tests demonstrated the sensor accuracy and navigation precision in challenging conditions, helping prepare the technology to land robots and astronauts on the Moon and Mars. 
    The Psionic Space Navigation Doppler Lidar (PSNDL) system is rooted in NASA technology that Psionic, Inc. of Hampton, Virginia, licensed and further developed. They miniaturized the NASA technology, added further functionality, and incorporated component redundancies that make it more rugged for spaceflight. The PSNDL navigation system also includes cameras and an inertial measurement unit to make it a complete navigation system capable of accurately determining a vehicle’s position and velocity for precision landing and other spaceflight applications. 

    The aircraft departed from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, and conducted a variety of flight paths over several days in February 2025. It flew a large figure-8 loop and conducted several highly dynamic maneuvers over Death Valley, California, to collect navigation data at various altitudes, velocities, and orientations relevant for lunar and Mars entry and descent. Refurbished for these tests, the NASA F/A-18 pod can support critical data collection for other technologies and users at a low cost. 
    Doppler Lidar sensors provide a highly accurate measurement of speed by measuring the frequency shift between laser light emitted from the sensor reflected from the ground. Lidar are extremely useful in sunlight-challenged areas that may have long shadows and stark contrasts, such as the lunar South Pole. Pairing PSNDL with cameras adds the ability to visually compare pictures with surface reconnaissance maps of rocky terrain and navigate to landing at interesting locations on Mars. All the data is fed into a computer to make quick, real-time decisions to enable precise touchdowns at safe locations. 

    Since licensing NDL in 2016, Psionic has received funding and development support from NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate through its Small Business Innovative Research program and Tipping Point initiative. The company has also tested PSNDL prototypes on suborbital vehicles via the Flight Opportunities program. In 2024, onboard a commercial lunar lander, NASA successfully demonstrated the predecessor NDL system developed by the agency’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ABC Radio Adelaide Mornings with Rory McClaren

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    RORY MCCLAREN: We’ve also had another call. The Federal Minister, Catherine King, for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, has rung in. Good morning to you, Minister.

    CATHERINE KING: Good morning. How are you?

    RORY MCCLAREN: Going very well, Catherine King. We’ve been talking a lot about infrastructure across 891 this morning. We know that there is a lot of money that has already been allocated to South Australia in regards to infrastructure funding, particularly on things like the North-South Corridor, the Torrens to Darlington upgrade. How do you respond to criticism that of that $17 billion worth of money that was announced last night, only $125 million is going on one project in Adelaide’s north? 

    CATHERINE KING: Well, someone seems to have missed in the Budget, we’ve actually put $690 million into South Australia, so I’m not sure how that occurred. Of course, one of those projects is $125 million to remove the Curtis Road level crossing, and that is a huge project for the North, a really important project. So I wouldn’t underestimate how significant that is.

    But the other project, which is a really big project, is over $525 million has been committed to the High Productivity Vehicle Network. This is actually about getting upgrades between the South Eastern Freeway and the Sturt Highway, which include things like the duplication of the Swanport Bridge and Murray Bridge Township Bypass in Monarto. That is really important to enable trucks to actually not be in Adelaide, keeping trucks off Cross Road, which I understand the member for Boothby, Louise Miller-Frost, has been calling for [Indistinct]…

    RORY MCCLAREN: [Interrupts] And Catherine King, of that money, how much of that money is new money? So we’re really clear. 

    CATHERINE KING: $525 million is new money in the Budget for the High Productivity Vehicle Network. That is new money in the Budget decision that we’ve made. There’s also $40 million for Main South Road upgrades. That is, again, new money in the Budget. So over $600 million of new money in the Budget for South Australia last night. Again, as I said, Curtis Level Road Crossing removal is huge.

    But really, this Heavy Vehicle Productivity Network, we’ve been talking about it for ages. It is really great news for the people of Adelaide’s southern suburbs. You can be rest assured that there won’t be additional trucks clogging Cross Road. This is an investment we’ve been working on closely with the South Australian Government. They submitted the business case to us back in October for this network to Infrastructure Australia, and this is now us stepping up now that we’ve properly done the work, properly understood what can be done, and work with the South Australian Government to deliver this project.

    RORY MCCLAREN: Catherine King, thank you for your contribution. 

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: Oxford Lane Capital Corp. Announces Declaration of Distributions on Common Stock for the Months Ending July 31, August 31, and September 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: OXLC) (NasdaqGS: OXLCP) (NasdaqGS: OXLCL) (NasdaqGS: OXLCO) (NasdaqGS: OXLCZ) (NasdaqGS: OXLCN) (NasdaqGS: OXLCI) (NasdaqGS: OXLCG) (the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared the following distributions on the Company’s common stock as follows:

    Month Ending Record Date Payment Date Amount Per Share
    July 31, 2025 July 17, 2025 July 31, 2025 $0.09
    August 31, 2025 August 15, 2025 August 29, 2025 $0.09
    September 30, 2025 September 16, 2025 September 30, 2025 $0.09
           

    About Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

    Oxford Lane Capital Corp. is a publicly-traded registered closed-end management investment company principally investing in debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. CLO investments may also include warehouse facilities, which are financing structures intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates” and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. These factors are identified from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect subsequent events, except as may be required by law.

    Contact:

    Bruce Rubin
    203-983-5280

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Video: Oregon National Guard conducts heavy lift operations in support of Army Futures Command exercise

    Source: US National Guard (video statements)

    Oregon National Guard Soldiers use CH-47F Chinook helicopters to conduct heavy lift operations in support of Project Convergence Capstone 5. The aircraft transported Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade and equipment from Army Futures Command during field training exercises. The Oregon crews operated alongside British Soldiers and North Carolina personnel to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles and ground components with infantry forces in simulated battlefield movements. Despite variable weather conditions, the CH-47 crews executed mission objectives and gained real-world training experience through live cargo operations.
    (U.S. Army National Guard video by Aaron Perkins; edited by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brandy Fowler)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t19tdUp0Zs

    MIL OSI Video