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Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Awards – Workplace wellbeing champions from across Aotearoa are celebrated at the 2025 Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards

    Source: Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards

     

    The winners of the 2025 Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards were announced Thursday, March 20, at a ceremony in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland.

     

    Taking home gold across the six categories in recognition of achievements by individuals and organisations, were Waikato-Tainui, ASB, ORIX New Zealand, Netsafe, Jen Southan (ORIX NZ) and Dominic Quin (Foodstuffs). 

     

    The Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards encourage businesses to innovate in workplace wellbeing, driving employee engagement and business success, and to celebrate those who have made wellbeing central to their strategy and part of their organisation’s culture.

     

    Nick Astwick, CEO Southern Cross Health Insurance says, “Our 2024 Healthy Futures report confirmed that 89% of people agree they, and the businesses they work for, would flourish if employers made workplace health and wellbeing a priority. The Wayfinder Awards acknowledge those organisations which have made the concerted decision to put their people’s wellbeing front and centre and are therefore reaping the benefits of their innovation and commitment.

     

    “To hear their stories and see the increased productivity, reduced turnover and high levels of engagement, particularly against a tough operating environment, was truly inspiring for me and the panel of expert judges who helped determine our winners for 2025.”

     

    Three of the awards – Small Business, Medium Business and Large Business – celebrate companies which have woven workplace wellbeing into their core strategy.

     

    Netsafe won gold in the Small Business Award category. Dr Ellen Joan Ford said, “One of the things that really stood out was where businesses offered flexibility as part of their wellbeing initiatives. I am a firm believer in flexibility and think this is the way of the future – we should be focusing on outputs not hours. (Netsafe) has Super impressive employee engagement scores and I love their ‘Flexible First’ work policy.

     

    The gold Medium Business Award went to ORIX NZ, with judge Rob Holmes from PaperKite saying, “ORIX balances fiscal priorities with holistic wellbeing, and has created a workplace where employees feel valued and can thrive.”

     

    ASB was awarded gold for the Large Business Award, with Dr Quinlan noting, “ASB is leading the way for other large organisations in New Zealand, setting new standards for employee care and benefits. Aligning benefits with their people promise, they have listened and designed the benefits that meet their people’s needs. It’s a carefully considered approach that employees are already appreciating.”

     

    Waikato-Tainui is the recipient of the gold New Horizon award which focuses on innovation in workplace wellbeing. The iwi is committed to addressing the unique health challenges faced by kaumaatua, who are disproportionately affected by health issues and struggle to access healthcare.

     

    Judge Melanie Beirne (Ngāi Tahu) said, “This initiative (from Waikato-Tainui) taps into the powerful influence and potential of iwi, creating a direct pathway to connect with hard-to-reach, under-served communities. By removing cost barriers, it opens up access to health, well-being, and financial stability. Its innovative approach is not just transforming lives of kaumaatua — it’s setting a new way of working and standard that has the potential to inspire other iwi to follow suit. If adopted, the ripple effect of this change has the potential to uplift communities across Aotearoa.”

     

    The first of the individual awards was won by Jen Southan of ORIX NZ. The Star Wayfarer Award recognises someone who has made a tangible difference and impact to wellbeing within the workplace. Rob Holmes said, “Jen’s relentless passion for wellbeing has inspired transformative change at ORIX, creating an inclusive culture where employees feel supported and valued.”

     

    The True North Award acknowledges a people-leader who has made an outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of their team. Recipient Dominic (Dom) Quin of Foodstuffs was acknowledged as exceptional by his team and the judges, in fact Dr Denise Quinlan said, “can we clone this leader?”.

     

    Nick Astwick concurred, saying “Dom deeply believes “anyone can be a leader” and he coaches and inspires his team to engage in courageous conversations. He shifted the team from an outcomes-led business to a human led business with stunning results. A truly high performing leader.”

     

    Reflecting on the Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards, Astwick was struck by one key theme which stood out for most successful entries.

     

    “The health and wellbeing needs of people change with age, stage, and personal situations. One of the innovations this year was a focus on personalising health and wellbeing programmes to ensure they are relevant for all.

     

    “Our purpose at Southern Cross Health Insurance is to empower our members to live well for longer. More than half of our members are with us through group schemes offered by organisations which understand that good health is good for business. It is so heartening, even as many businesses, even ours, have faced so many economic headwinds that leading New Zealand companies of all shapes and sizes are investing in their people’s wellbeing and taking people’s circumstances into account,” said Astwick.

     

    He added, “We’d like to acknowledge all the entries we received from across New Zealand and whakamihi/congratulate our gold, silver, and bronze winners. You are leading the way for business in Aotearoa.” 

     

    The strong line-up of health industry and business leaders who joined Nick Astwick, on the Wayfinder Awards judging panel, included:

     

    • Dr Denise Quinlan, MAPP, PhD – Director of the NZ Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience 
    • Dr Ellen Joan Ford, MBA, PhD – Award winning Leader, Military Veteran,
      International Speaker and Facilitator
    • Melanie Beirne (Ngāi Tahu) – Gallup certified coach, Entrepreneur, Leader, Facilitator, and Māmā of two
    • Rob Holmes, Discovery Director, PaperKite and an inaugural winner of the 2023 Wayfinder True North Award

     

    The 2025 Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards winners are:

     

    Star Wayfarer Award

    Gold – Jen Southan, ORIX NZ

    Silver – Tracey Chaplin, Ceres New Zealand LLC

    Bronze – Corrina McIndoe, Spectrum Consulting Limited and Caley Staveley, Outerdawn

     

    True North Award*

    Gold – Dominic Quin, Foodstuffs NZ

    Silver – Lorraine Bryant, Spectrum Consulting Ltd

     

    Small Business Award

    Gold – Netsafe NZ

    Silver – Ceres New Zealand LLC

    Bronze – Content & Co NZ Ltd

     

    Medium Business Award

    Gold – ORIX NZ

    Silver – SBS Bank

    Bronze – StraitNZ

     

    Large Business Award

    Gold – ASB

    Silver – Foodstuffs North Island / NZ

    Bronze – Douglas

     

    New Horizon Award

    Gold – Waikato-Tainui

    Silver – Te Wānanga o Aotearoa – Tau Ora

    Bronze – Eliot Sinclair

     

    For more information on the 2025 Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards: https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/business/wayfinder-awards

     

    For a copy of the Healthy Futures Report: https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/business/healthy-futures

     

    *Bronze was not awarded for this category in 2025

     

    About Southern Cross Health Insurance

    Southern Cross Health Insurance has been supporting New Zealanders on their health journeys since 1961. Today, we provide cover for nearly one in five New Zealanders every year.

    As a Friendly Society, Southern Cross Health Insurance operates solely for the benefit of members, rather than shareholders or overseas owners.

     

    We pay more claims than any other New Zealand health insurer and are proud of our industry-leading rate of return[1]. In FY24 we returned $1.498 billion in claims from $1.605 billion received in premiums, representing more than 93 per cent of premiums returned to members by way of claims.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israeli army starts ‘ground activity’ in northern Gaza as Hamas fires rockets at Israel

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Israeli military said on Thursday its forces had begun ground operations in northern Gaza, while Hamas’ armed wing claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on central Israel, including Tel Aviv, escalating hostilities as a weeks-long ceasefire collapses.

    Israeli troops began what the military described as “ground activity” overnight in the Beit Lahia area of northern Gaza, near the coastal border. Images released by the military showed soldiers and armored vehicles advancing, though it did not specify the scale or duration of the operation.

    The move follows a “targeted ground operation” launched Wednesday in central and southern Gaza aimed at establishing a “buffer zone” to separate northern and southern parts of the enclave, according to Israeli authorities.

    Shortly after the military’s announcement, air raid sirens sounded in central and southern Israel on Thursday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said three rockets were fired from southern Gaza, with one intercepted and the others landing in open areas. Loud explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, though no casualties were immediately confirmed.

    Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades said it had launched a rocket barrage at Tel Aviv in retaliation for what it called Israel’s “massacres against civilians.”

    Israel resumed strikes in Gaza on Tuesday after a ceasefire that began on Jan. 19 unraveled, with officials stating the renewed campaign targets Hamas militants.

    Gaza health authorities reported over 470 Palestinian deaths since Tuesday. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense, said on Thursday that at least 71 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli airstrikes on residential areas since dawn, accusing Israel of targeting civilians. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appeal for vehicle sightings in relation to Operation Sove

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan, Hutt Valley Police:

    Police investigating the murder of Ian David Moller and the arsons at his property are releasing images of a vehicle believed to be involved, as we continue to appeal for information from the Stokes Valley community.

    Since the launch of the homicide investigation in November 2024, four people have been arrested and charged in relation to the incident. However, Police would still like to hear from anyone with information that may be of interest to us.

    Police have identified and subsequently located a silver Mazda Atenza, registration LKA609, and are speaking with the current owners of the vehicle who are assisting in our investigation.

    The vehicle, captured on CCTV footage, travelled on Stokes Valley Road and George Street between 1.40am and 3am on Tuesday 5 November 2024.

    Police urge those who have seen this Mazda Atenza within Stokes Valley in recent times to come forward and speak with us, as we would like to identify those who have recent known links to this vehicle.

    Although several months have passed since the last arson, resulting in Mr Moller’s murder, Police are also appealing to the Stokes Valley community to review their CCTV or dashcam footage from the early hours of Thursday 10, Monday 14, and Saturday 19 October, alongside Tuesday 5 November 2024.

    Police encourage anyone who may have information, CCTV or dashcam footage of this vehicle or its occupants to please get in touch with us.

    The investigation team are working diligently on these incidents, and we are yet to contact a number of people within the community who we believe know details of the three arsons and Mr Moller’s murder, including why these offences were committed and who is involved.

    We ask them, and anyone else with information, to come forward and speak with us before we knock on their door.

    The four people charged in relation to this incident have been remanded in custody and have court-imposed name suppression. They are due to reappear in the High Court at Wellington on Friday 4 April.

    If you have information that could help Police’s investigation, please contact us at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.

    Please use the reference number 241105/2249 and quote Operation Sove.

    You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Trafficking Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Marcus Stokes, 45, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for possessing over 40 grams of fentanyl intended for distribution. This sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Stokes pleaded guilty to this charge on December 18, 2024.

    On May 15, 2024, law enforcement stopped a vehicle driven by the defendant in Monroe County, Wisconsin. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found a plastic bag under the driver’s seat that contained three separate bags, each bag contained over 90 grams of fentanyl. The defendant picked up the fentanyl from Milwaukee and was on his way to deliver it to La Crosse.

    At sentencing, Judge Conley considered that Stokes had spent most of his adult life in state prison or on supervision for drug distribution offenses. Judge Conley balanced this criminal history with his recent period of employment. Judge Conley concluded that Stokes has the potential to turn his life around but cautioned that if he returns to drug dealing again, he could face decades in prison.

    The charge against Stokes was the result of an investigation conducted by the Monroe County Sherriff’s Office and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon prosecuted this case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The search for missing plane MH370 is back on. An underwater robotics expert explains what’s involved

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stefan B. Williams, Professor of Marine Robotics, Australian Centre for Robotics, University of Sydney

    Armada 7805, similar to the 7806 vessel that will support the new MH370 search. Ocean Infinity

    More than 11 years after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, the Malaysian government has approved a new search for the missing debris of the aircraft.

    Malaysia announced the push for a renewed search last year, ten years after the tragedy that claimed the lives of 239 people.

    Seabed exploration firm Ocean Infinity, which conducted an unsuccessful search in 2018, prepared a new proposal to which Malaysia’s government agreed in principle in December last year.

    Now, the company has returned to the southern Indian Ocean 1,500 kilometres west of Perth – with a suite of new high-tech tools.

    A search area the size of Sydney

    Ocean Infinity is involved in projects surveying for offshore oil and gas reserves, and for suitable locations for offshore renewable energy projects.

    But it has also proved it is capable of locating underwater wreckage in the past. For example, in 2018, the company found a missing Argentinian navy submarine nearly 1,000 metres underwater in the Atlantic Ocean. And last October, it found the wreck of a US Navy ship that had been underwater for 78 years.

    The new search area for MH370 is roughly the size of metropolitan Sydney. It was identified in collaboration with experts based on refined analysis of information received after the aircraft disappeared. This information included weather, satellite data and the location of debris attributed to the aircraft which washed up along the coast of Africa and islands in the Indian Ocean.

    For this search, Ocean Infinity will be using a new 78 metre offshore support vessel, the Armada 7806. It was built by Norwegian shipbuilder Vard in 2023.

    Advanced sonar technology

    The Armada 7806 is equipped with a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles manufactured by the Norwegian firm Kongsberg.

    These 6.2m long vehicles are capable of operating independently of the support vessel at depths of up to 6,000m for up to 100 hours at a time. They are equipped with advanced sonar technology, including sidescan, synthetic aperture, multibeam and sub-bottom profiling sonar.

    Sonar systems are essential for underwater mapping and object detection surveys. They use acoustic pulses to look for echoes from the seafloor.

    Sidescan sonar captures high-resolution images of the seafloor by sending out pulses of sound and detecting objects that reflect the sound pulses back.

    Synthetic aperture sonar is a technique for combining the results from multiple “pings” to effectively make the scanner bigger and more powerful, seeing further, and producing more detailed images.

    Multibeam sonar, in contrast, maps the seafloor topography by emitting multiple sonar beams in a fan-shaped pattern below the platform.

    Finally, sub-bottom profiling sonar operates at lower frequencies and penetrates the seabed to reveal underlying geological structures. This is useful for archaeological studies, sediment analysis and identifying buried objects.

    Together, these sonar technologies provide complementary data for underwater exploration, search and recovery, and geological assessments.

    Camera systems and lights on the vehicles may be used to confirm potential targets. Once a target of interest is detected using sonar, the vehicles would be programmed with missions designed to operate significantly closer to the seafloor. This would allow them to capture imagery of the search area with which to identify the targets.

    Such a search would only be conducted once a target of interest is identified, as the area covered by each image is significantly smaller than that covered by sonar, therefore requiring much denser survey tracks.

    Significant advancements in robotics

    Since its previous search in 2018, Ocean Infinity has made significant advancements in its marine robotics and data analytics capabilities. It has demonstrated its capacity to simultaneously deploy multiple vehicles at depths of up to 6,000m.

    This significantly increases the coverage area, as each vehicle covers its own patch of seafloor. This will allow for a more efficient and comprehensive survey of the designated search zone.

    The data being collected by the vehicles will be downloaded once the vehicles are brought back onboard, and stitched together to provide detailed maps of the search areas.

    Difficult conditions, above and below the surface

    Conditions in the search region are expected to be difficult. Weather on the surface will likely provide challenges for the support vessel and the crew. Underwater vehicles will have to contend with complex conditions on the seafloor, including steep slopes and rough terrain.

    The operation is expected to take up to 18 months. Weather conditions are most likely to be favourable between January and April.

    If Ocean Infinity succeeds in finding the wreckage of MH370, the Malaysian government will pay it US$70 million.

    The next steps would be trying to retrieve the plane’s black boxes, which would enable investigators to piece together what happened in the final moments before the plane plunged into the ocean. The Armada 7806 is likely to have remotely operated vehicles onboard equipped with cameras and manipulator systems, which may be used to verify the wreck site and in any future salvage operations.

    If Ocean Infinity fails, it will receive no payment. And the investigation into the location of the plane will essentially be back to square one.

    Stefan B. Williams receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC), Australian Economic Accelerator (AEA) program and the Inkfish Foundation.

    – ref. The search for missing plane MH370 is back on. An underwater robotics expert explains what’s involved – https://theconversation.com/the-search-for-missing-plane-mh370-is-back-on-an-underwater-robotics-expert-explains-whats-involved-252732

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Indicted For Possession Of Stolen Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident who has prior felony convictions made his initial court appearance Wednesday before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe for allegedly being in possession of nearly 30 stolen firearms.

    According to allegations contained in the indictment and statements made in court, on or about January 25, 2025, Francisco Iniguez (37) possessed 28 stolen firearms. Some of the stolen firearms included handguns, rifles and shotguns. He has prior felony convictions including possession of a firearm by a felon, driving or taking a vehicle without consent, grand theft, identity theft, and burglary in the second degree, all occurring in Los Angeles County, California. Iniguez is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm due to his prior felony convictions.

    A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Iniguez with one count of possession of stolen firearms and one count of prohibited person in possession of firearms. A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on May 19, 2025, before United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva.

    If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 25 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by ATF and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

    If you have information about illegal firearms activity, you are urged to submit a tip to ATF by calling the hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (1-800-283-4867) or through the ReportIt mobile app.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Zadeh Kicks Owner and Chief Financial Officer Plead Guilty in $80 Million Wire Fraud and Bank Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EUGENE, Ore.— The former owner and former chief financial officer of Zadeh Kicks LLC, a now-defunct Oregon corporation that sold limited edition and collectible sneakers online, pleaded guilty today for perpetrating a fraud scheme that cost customers more than $65 million in unfulfilled orders and defrauded financial institutions out of more than $15 million.

    Michael Malekzadeh, 42, a Eugene resident, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiring to commit bank fraud. Bethany Mockerman, 42, also of Eugene, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit bank fraud.

    According to court documents, Malekzadeh started his business in 2013 by purchasing limited edition and collectible sneakers to resell online. Beginning as early as January 2020, Zadeh Kicks began offering preorders of sneakers before their public release dates, allowing Malekzadeh to collect money upfront before fulfilling orders. Malekzadeh advertised, sold, and collected payments from customers for preorders knowing he could not satisfy all orders placed. By April 2022, Malekzadeh owed customers more than $65 million in undelivered sneakers.

    In her role as chief financial officer at Zadeh Kicks, Mockerman conspired with Malekzadeh to provide false and altered financial information to numerous financial institutions—including providing altered bank statements—on more than 15 bank loan applications. Together, Mockerman and Malekzadeh received more than $15 million in loans from these applications.

    During the investigation, agents seized millions of dollars in cash and luxury goods that Malekzadeh acquired with the proceeds of his fraud, including luxury watches, jewelry and hundreds of handbags. Additionally, almost $7.5 million was seized from the sale of Malekzadeh’s residence in Eugene, his watches, and luxury cars manufactured by Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche.

    On July 29, 2022, Malekzadeh was charged by criminal information with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and money laundering, and Mockerman was charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

    Malekzadeh faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release for wire fraud, and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Mockerman faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Malekzadeh will be sentenced on August 12, 2025, and Mockerman will be sentenced on August 26, 2025, before a U.S. District Judge.

    As part of their plea agreements, Malekzadeh and Mockerman have agreed to pay restitution in full to their victims and if needed forfeit any criminally-derived proceeds and property used to facilitate their crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing.

    This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Oregon Intellectual Property Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture proceedings are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie C. de Villiers, also of the District of Oregon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Germany

    Source:

    We’ve reviewed our travel advice for Germany and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism. Attacks can occur at any time. There have been multiple attacks using vehicles or knives in the last year. Be alert in public places and report suspicious activity to the police (see ‘Safety’). There are temporary border checks at all German land borders until 15 September.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The SA-made ute at the cutting edge of electronic warfare

    Source: New South Wales Bureau of Health Information

    The vehicle helping our defence industry and researchers test and refine advanced technologies.

    Modern cars come with all kinds of smart add-ons as features these days – but not many are capable of testing cutting edge electronic warfare technologies on the go.

    Meet EWTE – the Electronic Warfare Tactical Engagement vehicle – a nation-first from defence leader Raytheon.

    And while – at first glance – it might look like a normal Ford Ranger, the vehicle actually assists local defence industry and researchers test and refine advanced electronic warfare technologies, such as blocking or intercepting enemy signals, while stopping the detection of our own.

    The custom-built vehicle was developed at Raytheon Australia’s Mawson Lakes facility, in collaboration with South Australian company REDARC Defence & Space, which created and installed the vehicle power sub-system and provided critical modifications to support electronic warfare equipment and operational needs.

    Last year, REDARC was able to expand its workforce after securing $2 million from the State Government towards Stage 1 of establishing an Advanced Manufacturing & Technology Hub, as part of the $154 million Economic Recovery Fund.

    Electronic warfare (EW) plays a crucial role in modern military operations. Australia is investing in advanced EW capabilities to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) situational awareness and communications in contested environments, as part of the AUKUS agreement.

    Raytheon Australia’s vehicle demonstrates the important contribution local industry is making in strengthening EW capabilities and providing technologies to all three AUKUS partners.

    Raytheon Australia Managing Director Ohad Katz said: “What we have launched here today showcases the art of the possible through innovation and collaboration with Defence industry and provides an opportunity for local industry and universities to be involved in this national initiative, which is a first of its kind for Australia.”

    “By investing to develop a state-of-the-art electronic warfare test environment, Raytheon Australia is ready to best support the ADF in the next generation of threat environment analysis and to provide a step change to our national security endeavours.”

    REDARC Defence & Space Executive General Manager Scott Begbie said the company was “excited to partner with Raytheon Australia on the groundbreaking Electronic Warfare Tactical Engagement (EWTE) vehicle”.

    “Our close collaboration with Raytheon Australia, leveraging our expertise in vehicle integration of power and distribution systems, has delivered a robust and reliable mobile power solution,” Mr Begbie said.

    “This custom-built system is critical for supporting the EWTE vehicle’s cutting-edge electronic warfare technologies, enhancing Australia’s Defence capabilities and demonstrating the power of sovereign innovation.”

    South Australia is home to Raytheon Australia’s Centre for Joint Integration, the company’s largest operation, which employs more than 390 staff and delivers programs across sea, land, air and space domains.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Lawyers in our compliance spotlight

    Source:

    We expect everyone to meet their tax obligations, but our recent work with the legal profession has revealed some lawyers are failing to lodge returns, are making errors, or not paying their taxes on time.

    While most lawyers do the right thing, unfortunately we’re seeing too many who aren’t. In fact, our reviews of over 250 lawyers show that 85% didn’t lodge returns, including some with multiple years overdue. By securing outstanding lodgments and detecting omitted income in returns we’ve raised $28 million.

    One thing we see too often is lawyers incorrectly reporting distributions from partnerships and associated service trusts. If you redirect your legal firm income to an associated entity, you may come to our attention as high risk. To help you, our comprehensive online resource lets you self-assess your risk of inappropriate alienation of income and understand the compliance action we take.

    To help lawyers fulfill their tax obligations, we’ve undertaken compliance actions including:

    • reviews and audits
    • default assessments
    • garnishees
    • payment arrangements
    • prosecutions.

    To give you just 2 examples, our compliance actions have addressed:

    • A lawyer who hadn’t lodged returns for several years and assigned income to related entities that also didn’t lodge returns. Our review of their group identified $8.6 million in liabilities which have been partially paid with the balance under a payment arrangement.
    • A lawyer who didn’t declare income received as director’s fees. Our review found this income was related to services the lawyer personally performed and the failure to declare them led to $400,000 in liabilities, including penalties.

    To avoid these kinds of outcomes:

    • make sure your lodgment is up to date, including income tax, goods and services tax, fringe benefits tax, super and any other obligations
    • check trust and partnership distributions are recorded and lodged correctly
    • account for all income
    • lodge on time, every time
    • voluntarily disclose any tax obligations you may have missed
    • make sure you’re complying with PCG 2021/4

    Prosecution could lead to findings that you’re not a fit and proper person to practice law and you could be struck off your states’ registers.

    For example, the Queensland Civil Administration Tribunal recently upheld the Bar Association of Queensland’s decision that a barrister was not fit to hold a practising certificate due to multiple failures, including unpaid tax liabilities since 2019. In his decision Justice Bradley stated:

    ‘He knew the money he spent on any other thing was money he was denying the ATO. This was wrong … To describe it as an administrative failure is inadequate. Most right-thinking members of the community expect people to honour their obligations to meet their debts, if they can.’

    To find out more about our approach to practices like yours, see our Private Wealth Adviser Program resource.

    Keep up to date

    We have tailored communication channels for medium, large and multinational businesses, to keep you up to date with updates and changes you need to know.

    Read more articles in our online Business bulletins newsroom.

    Subscribe to our free:

    • fortnightly Business bulletins email newsletterExternal Link
    • email notifications about new and updated information on our website – you can choose to receive updates relevant to your situation. Choose the ‘Business and organisations’ category to ensure your subscription includes notifications for more Business bulletins newsroom articles like this one.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Eliminates Waste and Saves Taxpayer Dollars by Consolidating Procurement

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    CONSOLIDATING PROCUREMENT:  Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order consolidating federal procurement for common goods and services in the General Services Administration (GSA)—the agency designed to conduct procurement—which will eliminate waste, inefficiencies, and duplication and enable agencies to focus on their core mission of delivering excellent services to the American people.
    Since January 20th, 2025, GSA has coordinated the termination or economization of over 6,000 contracts across the federal government.  This Executive Order expands upon those efforts by directing:
    Agency Heads to submit proposals to GSA for consolidating domestic procurement functions for common goods and services within GSA, the agency with expertise in such procurement.
    GSA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop a comprehensive plan for consolidating common goods and services procurement across the government to eliminate waste and duplication, while delivering the best possible services to the American people. 
    Agencies to designate GSA as the executive agent for the administration of government-wide acquisition contracts.

    RESTORING COMMON SENSE TO ACQUISITION: President Trump believes that a streamlined, centralized approach to procurement is essential to ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently.
    The government spends about $490 billion per year on federal contracts for common goods and services, making it the largest buyer of goods and services in the world.
    For too long, agencies have independently purchased office productivity software, leading to numerous challenges and inefficiencies, including pricing inconsistencies.
    For example, the cost of a comprehensive suite of Microsoft Office 365 services could vary between agencies by more than $200 per license.
    Consolidating the acquisition of this software in GSA could result in more than $100M in savings per year. 

    Agencies buy a wide range of common goods like band saw blades and televisions, which could be centralized in GSA and result in major savings for the American taxpayer.
    For a 32-7/8″ band saw blade, GSA’s average purchase price is 22% lower than that available through other government procurement vehicles and on the commercial market.
    For a 50-inch flat screen TV, GSA’s average purchase price is 20% lower than that available through other government procurement vehicles, and almost 30% lower than commercial market pricing.

    The federal government routinely handles sensitive information and buys identity protection services to prevent and respond to data breaches—however, these are purchased in a decentralized manner, leading to inconsistent pricing and underutilization of volume-based discounts.
    GSA has an established purchasing solution that channels government-wide demand and saved $150 million in FY 24 alone.

    Every government agency needs to purchase computers for their employees to effectively serve the American people, totaling well over $1 billion annually.
    Over the last 10 years, almost $6 billion has gone through GSA, which realizes an average savings rate of 38%.
    While NASA, NIH, Army, and GSA have set up a program to establish minimum computer standards and leverage the volume of government purchasing to achieve savings, not every agency has taken advantage of the program to reduce their costs.

    Centralizing and standardizing procurement will make purchasing as simple and efficient as possible.   
    Using the aforementioned savings examples as a proxy, a 10% reduction in spending through this consolidation initiative could result in approximately $50 billion in savings to the taxpayers per year.
    ELIMINATING WASTE: Since Day One, President Trump has been laser focused on eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.
    This Executive Order builds on his administration’s broader commitment to fiscal responsibility, cutting unnecessary bureaucratic bloat and redirecting resources to priorities that directly benefit the American people.
    President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has already identified more than $100 billion in estimated savings from a “combination of asset sales, contract/lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Eastern European Organized Crime Leaders Convicted Of Murder-For-Hire Targeting U.S.-Based Journalist On Behalf Of The Iranian Government

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The Iranian Government Hired Polad Omarov and Rafat Amirov to Kill Masih Alinejad in Exchange for $500,000

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that a jury returned guilty verdicts against RAFAT AMIROV, a/k/a “Farkhaddin Mirzoev,” a/k/a “Pᴎᴍ,”  a/k/a “Rome,” and POLAD OMAROV, a/k/a “Araz Aliyev,” a/k/a “Polad Qaqa,” a/k/a “Haci Qaqa,” on all five counts in the Superseding Indictment, which included murder-for-hire and attempted murder in aid of racketeering charges, in a trial before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon.  AMIROV and OMAROV are scheduled to be sentenced on September 17, 2025.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “For years, the Government of Iran has attempted to silence an outspoken Iranian journalist, author, activist and critic of their regime through any means necessary, including harassment, violence, intimidation, and even attempted murder.  Chillingly, the plot to murder this Iranian dissident culminated over 6,000 miles from Iran, on U.S. soil, right here in New York, when a hitman with an AK-47 camped outside her home to kill her.  I commend the career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners at the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division for their tireless work in bringing these defendants to justice.  This verdict should send a clear message around the world:  if you target U.S. citizens, we will find you, no matter where you are, and bring you to justice.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge Leslie R. Backschies said: “The convictions of Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov send a clear message to all foreign governments who violate our laws and attempt to commit violence against Americans — they and their proxies will face justice for any attempt to silence Americans on U.S. soil.  The Iranian government’s shameless conduct and attempt to violate our laws and assassinate a critic of their human rights atrocities will not be tolerated.  The FBI is determined to disrupt any effort by foreign governments to use violence to repress our citizens’ freedoms, here or abroad.”

    As reflected in the Superseding Indictment and the evidence presented at trial:

    AMIROV and OMAROV were high-ranking members of an Azeri faction of the Russian Mob (the “Organization”) who worked with other members of the Organization to attempt to kill Masih Alinejad on instructions from high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”). Alinejad has previously been the target of plots by the Government of Iran to intimidate, harass, and kidnap her for her work as a journalist, author, and human rights activist who has publicized the Government of Iran’s human rights abuses around the world.  As recently as 2020 and 2021, Iranian intelligence officials and assets plotted to kidnap Alinejad from within the U.S. for rendition to Iran in an effort to silence her criticism of the Iranian regime.

    After these brazen efforts to kidnap Alinejad from the U.S. failed, the IRGC turned to AMIROV and OMAROV to locate, surveil, and murder her.  Beginning in approximately July 2022, AMIROV sent targeting information—which he had received directly from IRGC officials in Iran—about Alinejad to OMAROV.  In turn, OMAROV communicated this information to Khalid Mehdiyev, another member of the Organization who had been residing in Yonkers, New York, so that Mehdiyev could surveil Alinejad and murder her. In turn, Mehdiyev sent photographs and videos of Alinejad’s residence to OMAROV, who shared these materials with AMIROV and the IRGC officials who orchestrated the plot in Iran.  AMIROV and OMAROV then arranged for a $30,000 cash payment to Mehdiyev, who used a portion of this payment to buy an AK-47 style assault rifle, two magazines, and at least 66 rounds of ammunition; as Mehdiyev boasted in electronic communications, a “war machine” he could use to kill Alinejad.

    In late July 2022, Mehdiyev repeatedly traveled to Alinejad’s neighborhood to surveil her.  Mehdiyev sent reports of his surveillance to OMAROV, who passed them to AMIROV.  On July 24, 2022, Mehdiyev reported to OMAROV from Alinejad’s residence that he was “at the crime scene.”  On July 27, 2022, OMAROV told AMIROV that Mehdiyev was ready to kill Alinejad, writing “this matter will be over today.  I told them to make a birthday present for me.  I pressured them, they will sleep there this night.”  On July 28, 2022, Mehdiyev sent OMAROV a video taken from inside the car that Mehdiyev was driving with the assault rifle and a message reading “we are ready.”  AMIROV sent an image of the interior of Alinejad’s home to OMAROV to be forwarded to Mehdiyev, writing “this is the house where she stays.”  As OMAROV continued to update AMIROV about Mehdiyev’s readiness, AMIROV cautioned OMAROV “let him keep the car clean.”  When Mehdiyev subsequently drove from where he was surveilling the residence, he was stopped after a traffic violation and, during a subsequent search of the vehicle, police officers found the assault rifle, 66 rounds of ammunition, approximately $1,100 in cash, and a black ski mask.

    After Mehdiyev was arrested and placed into custody, OMAROV contacted Mehdiyev’s mother and threatened to kill her and her other son if she did not locate Mehdiyev. 

    *               *                *

    AMIROV, 46, of Iran; OMAROV, 40, of the country of Georgia, were convicted on five counts:  murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison (Count One); conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison (Count Two); conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison (Count Three); attempted murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison (Count Four); and possession and use of a firearm in connection with the attempted murder, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison (Count Five).

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and its New York Field Office Counterintelligence-Cyber Division and the New York FBI Iran Threat Task Force.  Mr. Podolsky also thanked the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) and the NYPD Intelligence Bureau, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, for their assistance. Mr. Podolsky also thanked the authorities in the Czech Republic.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Lockard, Jacob H. Gutwillig, and Matthew J.C. Hellman are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from paralegal specialist Owen Foley and Trial Attorneys Christopher Rigali and Leslie Esbrook of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Ministry of Ayush Takes Proactive Steps to Safeguard Public Health Regarding Heatwave”

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

    In the wake of rising temperatures and India Meteorological Department (IMD) advisories issued to various regions, the Ministry of Ayush has initiated a nationwide sensitisation drive through its network of institutions spread across the country. The efforts aim to spread awareness about heatwave preventive measures.

    Institutes and organisations under the Ministry of Ayush are conducting a range of activities to educate citizens about heatwave prevention, including awareness sessions, distribution of IEC materials etc. The drive emphasises tips and traditional wellness practices backed up by scientific evidence to help citizens stay safe during extreme heatwave conditions.

    Dr. MM Rao, CARI, Bhubaneswar

    The Jamnagar-based Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) has taken proactive steps to shield the local population from the damaging effects of warming temperatures. As part of its ongoing commitment to public health, ITRA conducted a vital activity on March 20, 2025, to educate and protect residents—particularly those who visit its Outpatient Department (OPD) from the risks associated with heat epidemics.

    Educational pamphlets were dispersed throughout the ITRA Hospital and the surrounding area during the campaign. These bilingual booklets provide important tips and practical guidance on preventing heat-related illnesses, such as drinking lots of water, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and recognizing the early warning signs of heat stress. The program’s objective is to provide people with the knowledge they require.

    Dr. Jayprakash Ram delivered an inspiring and informative lecture on Heatwave Awareness: Knowledge, Prevention, and Treatment. Hosted at RARI Ahmedabad, this vibrant event brought together OPD patients, their families, and the institution’s dedicated staff for a collective awakening to tackle the perils of loo (heatwave) with confidence and care.

    Attendees engaged in lively discussions during the event, and many went home with pamphlets and a renewed determination to stay cool.

    Dr. Preeti from the Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy, Jhajjar, guided patients and staff on Heatwave Awareness through the healing powers of Yoga & Naturopathy.

    Dr. Jaiprakash Ram, RARI, Ahmedabad

    Addendum from Public Health Advisory from Ayush Vertical under Director General of Health Services regarding prevention of Heatwave

    • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated. You can also include buttermilk, coconut water, and fruit juices to maintain fluid levels and stay cool.
    • Use Cooling Beverages: Incorporate naturally cooling drinks into your routine, such as coconut water, lemon juice, or fruit-based drinks. These help to lower body temperature and keep you refreshed.
    • Avoid Direct Sunlight: When going outside, use an umbrella or wear a wide-brimmed hat to minimize sun exposure. This helps prevent heatstroke and sunburn.
    • Eat Light Meals: Before leaving the house, opt for light, easy-to-digest meals. Avoid heavy or oily foods, as they can increase body heat.
    • Wear Appropriate Clothing: Dress in full-sleeved, loose-fitting clothes made from fabrics like cotton. This provides better protection against direct sunlight and helps to keep you cool.
    • Use Cooling Water Infusions: Prepare your drinking water with cooling ingredients like khus (vetiver), sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), jeera (cumin), and dhanyaka (coriander seeds). This can help reduce body heat.
    • Enjoy Sattu-based Refreshments: Consume sattu (a coarse powder made from roasted barley or Bengal gram) mixed with jaggery or rock salt for a cooling and refreshing treat.
    • Eat Cooling Snacks: Include foods like falsa (Indian blackberry), munakka (raisins), laja (parched paddy), and petha (candied ash gourd) in your diet for their cooling properties.
    • Apply Cooling Pastes: Use pastes made from aromatic medicinal plants like sandalwood and vetiver on your skin to help cool down during hot weather.
    • Include Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables: Consume fruits and vegetables that contain high water content, such as grapes, cucumber, watermelon, water chestnut, muskmelon, mango, and sugarcane juice. Bael sharbat is also an excellent option to beat the heat.
    • Drink Milk with Sugar: A simple way to stay hydrated and maintain energy is by drinking milk with added sugar.
    • Take a Midday Nap: Resting during the hottest part of the day can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and keep your energy levels up. A short nap can be refreshing and beneficial in hot weather

    DONT’s

    • Avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm, when the sun is at its strongest.
    • If you must be outside in the afternoon, avoid strenuous activities to prevent overheating and dehydration.
    • Do not go outside barefoot to avoid burning your feet on hot surfaces.
    • Avoid cooking during the hottest parts of the day. If you must cook, ensure proper ventilation by opening doors and windows to let in fresh air.
    • Reduce or avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks with high sugar content. These can lead to increased fluid loss or cause stomach cramps.
    • Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a short time. The temperature inside can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.

    For more details on Addendum Public Health Advisory from Ayush Vertical under Director General of Health Services regarding : Extreme Heat/Heatwave, visit https://ayush.gov.in/resources/pdf/aechives/PublicHealthAdvisory.pdf

    ****

    MV/AKS

     

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government measures to increase Ethanol Blending beyond 20%

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 3:37PM by PIB Delhi

     The National Policy on Biofuels – 2018, as amended in 2022, inter-alia advanced the target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol to Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26 from 2030. Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) achieved the target of 10% ethanol blending in petrol in June 2022 i.e. five months ahead of the target during ESY 2021-22. Blending of ethanol further increased to 12.06% in ESY 2022-23, 14.60% in ESY 2023-24 and 17.98% in ESY 2024-25 upto 28th February 2025. So far, no decision has been taken by the Government for increasing ethanol blending beyond 20%.

    According to the Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25, prepared by an inter-ministerial committee, using 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) results in marginal reduction in fuel efficiency for four-wheelers designed for E10 and calibrated for E20. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) had informed the committee that with modifications in engine hardware and tuning, the efficiency loss due to blended fuel can be reduced. The committee report has also highlighted that no major issues were observed in vehicle performance, wear of engine components, or engine oil deterioration with E20 fuel.

    The National Policy on Biofuels permits use of food grains during surplus phase as declared by the National Biofuel Coordination Committee. This Policy also promotes and encourages use of feedstock such as corn, cassava, rotten potatoes, damaged food grains like broken rice, food grains unfit for human consumption, maize, sugarcane juice & molasses, agriculture residues (Rice straw, cotton stalk, corn cobs, saw dust, bagasse etc.). The extent of utilization of individual feedstock for ethanol production varies annually, influenced by factors such as availability, costs, economic feasibility, market demand, and policy incentives. Any diversion of sugarcane juice, its by-products, maize etc. for ethanol production is carefully calibrated in consultation with relevant stakeholders.  

    Further, Government, since 2014, has taken several measures to encourage farmers and ethanol producers to scale up production under the EBP Programme which include expanding feedstock for ethanol production, implementing an administered price mechanism for the procurement of ethanol under the EBP Programme, lowering the GST rate to 5% on ethanol for the EBP Programme, amending the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act to facilitate intrastate and interstate movement of ethanol, simplifying the ethanol procurement process by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), and advancing the target for 20% ethanol blending in petrol to the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26 from 2030. Additionally, during 2018-22, the Government introduced various Ethanol Interest Subvention Schemes (EISS) for ethanol production from both molasses and grains to establish ethanol plants. Long Term Offtake Agreements (LTOAs) were also signed by OMCs with Dedicated Ethanol Plants (DEPs).

    This information was given by the THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    Monika

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: City Man Who Robbed Northeast Philadelphia Business, Carjacked a Mother and Daughter Outside Their Home Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Amir Harvey, 25, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Paul S. Diamond to 96 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and restitution of $717, in connection with the armed robbery of a commercial business and a carjacking, both in Northeast Philadelphia.

    Harvey was arrested and charged by complaint in September of 2022 and then indicted in October of that year. In October 2024, he pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery, carjacking, and possession of ammunition by a felon.

    As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, on September 9, 2022, at approximately 11 p.m., he and three others approached the Hook and Reel restaurant, located at 9763 Roosevelt Boulevard. Upon encountering an employee of the restaurant outside, Harvey entered and held the employee at gunpoint, ransacked the office, stole about $400 from the cash drawers, and fled.

    In the early morning hours of September 19, 2022, Philadelphia police officers responded to a report of a robbery in progress on the 8900 block of Maxwell Place, where the victim reported that her car had just been stolen by an armed individual as she and her teenage daughter were about to leave for school.

    The victim stated that around 6:15 a.m., she started her vehicle using an application on her cell phone. A short time later, she and her daughter exited their house and walked to the car parked in the front driveway, when they were approached by an armed individual, later identified as the defendant, who pointed an imitation firearm, fitted with a high-capacity magazine, at their heads.

    The defendant grabbed the victim’s keys and purse and sped away in her vehicle. The victim then used its location tracking feature on her cell phone app and informed police, who responded to that location on the 2000 block of Griffith Street, about 2½ miles from the victim’s home. Using neighborhood video surveillance footage, investigators traced the movement of the victim’s vehicle and the defendant to a nearby apartment complex.

    “This armed robbery and carjacking were violent crimes targeting absolutely innocent victims,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Amir Harvey ambushed a restaurant employee on a break, and a mother and daughter heading off to school. Offenses like these inject fear into our community and affect our quality of life. The Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force is working every day to hold perpetrators accountable. Public safety is our top priority.”

    “Amir Harvey is going to federal prison for many years for this brazen and calculated carjacking and robbery,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “We hope this case deters those willing to use violence in our community. Working with our partners in our Carjacking Task Force and applying ATF’s unique forensic and investigative tools, we will continue to prevent and prosecute violent crime and make our streets safer.”

    The swift action to investigate and federally charge this defendant is the work of the Philadelphia Carjacking Task Force, which comprises members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crime Unit; the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Philadelphia Police Department. The goal of the Task Force is to stem the wave of armed carjackings and violent crimes through investigative and enforcement techniques meant to identify, and refer for federal prosecution, all who terrorize innocent victims through commission of these offenses within Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. Eckert and Lauren E. Stram.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chatham County man sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to violent robbery, shooting of a store employee

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAVANNAH, GA:  A Chatham County man has been sentenced to federal prison for the armed robbery of a grocery store employee that left two people wounded.

    Jordan Richardson, 25, of Savannah, was sentenced to 240 months in prison after pleading guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker also ordered Richardson to pay $23,793 in restitution and to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Jordan Richardson wounded two people during his brief but violent criminal outburst,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “His crime illustrates the importance of keeping our community safe by taking guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them.”

    As described in court documents and testimony, in July 2022, Richardson waited outside the Jones Red and White Food Store on Ogeechee Road in Savannah for an employee to exit the business with a cash deposit. Richardson brandished a pistol and attempted to rob the employee, who drove away as Richardson fired a shot. Richardson, in his own vehicle, then chased the employee and fired at least six times at the employee’s vehicle when it stopped at an intersection, wounding the employee and a nearby worker. Richardson then took the deposit bag and fled.

    Several days later, Savannah police officers captured Richardson after an extended vehicle chase through neighborhood streets in which he crashed into two patrol cars. During searches subsequent to the robbery, investigators found the Glock pistol used in the robbery and shootings.

    At the time of the robbery, Richardson was on probation for a prior state conviction that included robbery and gun possession. His probation was revoked after his arrest, and Richardson was remanded to custody in the Georgia Department of Corrections pending federal sentencing. 

    “The blatant violence Richardson committed against these store employees followed by the complete disregard for the safety of the public and the police officers during the commission of his crimes is completely reprehensible,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is proud to work with our local partners to convict repeat offenders, like Richardson, at the federal level, where he faces a stiff penalty with no opportunity for parole.”

    “I am extremely proud of our officers, investigators, and our federal partners involved in this case,” said Lenny B. Gunther, Savannah Chief of Police. “Due to their hard work and expertise, Mr. Richardson is being held accountable for his actions.”

    The case was investigated by the Savannah Police Department and the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Financial losses for the EU following the bankruptcy of Northvolt – E-001074/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001074/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Charlie Weimers (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR)

    Northvolt, once regarded as Europe’s flagship company in the electric vehicle battery sector, has now filed for bankruptcy in Sweden after failing to secure financing.[1] The company benefited from EU-backed financial instruments, including loans from the European Investment Bank, raising concerns about the potential financial losses for the EU and the effectiveness of due diligence in high-risk investments.[2]

    In response to question E-002656/2024 the Commission stated that these types of high risk project are funded by the EU because they align with political goals and would not be funded at reasonable rates by the market.[3]

    In light of recent developments and following up on the previous question:

    • 1.What is the total estimated financial loss to the EU budget from the Northvolt bankrupcy, including potential write-offs of loans provided by the European Investment Bank and other funding instruments?
    • 2.What measures will the Commission take to minimise EU taxpayer losses and ensure accountability in this case?
    • 3.What lessons has the Commission learned from Northvolt’s failure, and how will future strategic investments be better safeguarded against financial and operational risks?

    Submitted: 12.3.2025

    • [1] https://www.ft.com/content/21dbc9fa-2503-4a1d-a14c-7ac2b6f44303.
    • [2] https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2024-011-eib-finances-northvolt-s-battery-factory-with-over-usd1-billion.
    • [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-002656_EN.html.
    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Elimination of the warning triangle and replacement with light-signalling devices connected to national traffic control centres – E-001043/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001043/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE)

    Statistics indicate that the stopping of vehicles due to breakdowns or accidents on high-speed roads is one of the situations in which accidents occur most frequently. In Europe, this accounts for 13.89% of fatalities on motorways and dual carriageways – in 2019, of the 1 800 deaths on high-capacity roads, 250 were pedestrians. Traditionally, the solution for signalling a broken-down vehicle has been the warning triangle, but rather than reducing danger, the placing of these triangles creates more danger.

    For this reason, Spain passed a regulation establishing the obligation to carry a light-signalling device in vehicles, which will gradually replace the warning triangles. This device will also have to be connected to the national Traffic Management Centre to provide information on the position and to warn the drivers of other vehicles.

    In order to increase road safety and to standardise rules and eliminate differences, does the Commission intend to recommend banning the use of warning triangles and replacing them with light-signals connected wirelessly to national traffic management centres?

    Submitted: 11.3.2025

    Last updated: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal government partnering with Siemens Canada to establish new R&D centre in Oakville, Ontario

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Proposal would see the establishment of an R&D hub focused on battery technologies

    March 20, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario

    The Government of Canada recognizes the critical role batteries and battery components play in the global movement toward a net-zero economy. As the world shifts to electric vehicles and cutting-edge technologies, the demand for batteries is surging, and Canada has a unique opportunity to capitalize on this demand by fostering strategic investments.

    Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building Canada’s clean energy future by announcing her support for Siemens Canada’s proposal to establish a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Centre for Battery Production in Canada. This centre will focus on pioneering research and development aimed at advancing battery efficiency and production methods, ensuring Canada remains competitive in the race to lead the clean energy revolution.

    By supporting this initiative, the Government of Canada is positioning the country as a global leader in the battery industry and reinforcing its commitment to building a robust national ecosystem. This project will foster collaboration between academia, industry leaders and researchers to accelerate battery innovations, solidifying Canada’s role as a key player in the green economy.

    This announcement is a significant step in the government’s strategy to strengthen Canada’s position in the global supply chain, reduce emissions and build a clean, competitive economy that delivers good jobs and lasting prosperity for Canadians. The Government of Canada is sending a clear message: We are committed to a cleaner, more resilient future, and we will take bold action to ensure Canada thrives in a low-carbon world.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Final Defendant Sentenced in Meth Conspiracy Tied to Officer’s Murder

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The Defendants Conspired with Michael White and Others to Distribute Methamphetamine

    ABINGDON, Va. – The final defendant who participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine tied to the murder of Big Stone Gap, Virginia Police Officer Michael Chandler, was sentenced this week in federal court.

    Brian Carroll, 43, of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to 108 months.

    Previously sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy were: Timothy Ray Jones – 235 months; Charles Ryan Bowman – 120 months; Elicia Amber Burns – 172 months; James Brian Mullins – 180 months; Justin Dwayne Skaggs – 132 months; Anthony Curtis Steven Holmes – 130 months; Tyler Lee Westmoreland – 54 months; Hailee Dietz and Paul Jones, each sentenced to 121 months; James Ray Worley – 120 months; Kacie Lynn Werner – 36 months; Amanda Nicole Blanton – 36 months; Lucille Vanover – 24 months and 17 days; Christopher Adam Dewayne Bates – 78 months; Misty Lynn Ward – 30 months; Keri Leann Corbin – 24 months and 19 days; and Tiny Westmoreland – 60 months.

    Michael White was sentenced to 100 years for his murder of Officer Chandler in furtherance of the drug conspiracy.

    A total of 19 defendants were charged and convicted of conspiring to distribute in total more than 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as heroin and fentanyl. According to court documents, beginning in August 2021 and continuing until their arrest, the 19 defendants participated in a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine from Tennessee and other states into southwest Virginia, and then further distribute it throughout Wise County, Virginia.

    Tragically, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on November 13, 2021, Officer Chandler responded to a welfare check call at 2505 Orr Street in Big Stone Gap, known locally as “the red house.” Upon arriving at the Orr Street address, Officer Chandler encountered a vehicle outside the residence and was immediately shot by Michael Donivan White. Officer Chandler died later that evening from his injuries. White was later located at a motel in Kingsport, Tennessee, and a subsequent search of the motel room revealed a Taurus, 9mm pistol. Further testing ultimately proved this firearm to be the same one that fired the shots that killed Officer Chandler.  Michael Donivan White was indicted on federal and state charges for killing Officer Chandler and has since pled guilty and been sentenced to 100 years of active incarceration in both cases.

    Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.

    The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Virginia State Police, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Norton Virginia Police Department, the Kingsport Tennessee Police Department, the Big Stone Gap Police Department, the Wise County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the East Tennessee Drug Task Force, and the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the Virginia State Police, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Wise County Sheriff’s Office, City of Norton Police Department, and Big Stone Gap Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lena L. Busscher and Danielle Stone are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Defendants with Felony Convictions Sentenced to a Total of 15 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                 MONROE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the resolution of four separate firearm cases in the Western District of Louisiana today. Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced the following four defendants:

               Quinntavious Crump, 25, from Monroe, Louisiana was sentenced to 24 months (2 years) followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  On June 27, 2021, After the stop, the LSP Trooper asked Crump to step out of the car and asked for consent to search the car. Crump granted consent and stated that he was going to jail because there was a gun in the car and that he was a convicted felon. Thereafter, a Glock pistol, model 23Gen4; caliber 40 loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition was found in the vehicle. 

               Andreveon Kyles, 20, from Monroe, Louisiana was sentenced to 60 months (5 years)    followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On July 15, 2024, Andreveon Kyles was the passenger in a vehicle stopped by Ouachita Parish Sheriff deputies for a traffic violation. During the stop, deputies found that Kyles was in possession of a Taurus pistol; model: G2C (PTlll G2A); caliber: 9mm, and ammunition and determined that he was a convicted felon.  Lyles subsequently pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on December 13, 2024, admitting that he knew he was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition. 

               Charles Montgomery, 40, from Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced to 42 months (3.5 years) followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On June 20, 2022, Charles Montgomery was stopped by Ouachita Parish Sheriff deputies for a traffic violation. During the stop, deputies searched vehicle and located a Canik pistol, model: TP9 SF Elite; caliber: 9×19. Montgomery admitted to possessing the firearm and told deputies how he obtained the firearm. He knew at the time of the offense that he was a convicted felon. He was arrested and charged with felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty and admitted to the charge on December 13, 2024.

                   Zachary Coburn, 25, from Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced to 56 months (4 years and 8 months)  followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  On May 13, 2024, Zachary Coburn entered S&W Pawn Shop in West Monroe, Louisiana. While there, he stole a Kel-Tec CNC Inc Rifle; Model: RDB; Caliber: 5.56, and ammunition and exited the shop. On May 15, 2024, an arrest warrant was executed at Coburn’s West Monroe residence, and the rifle was found in the laundry room of the home. Post-Miranda, he admitted to possessing the rifle. Prior to possessing the rifle, Coburn had been convicted of a felony offense. He pled guilty on December 19, 2024 to the charge. 

               These cases were prosecuted as 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 make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

                These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police.  The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Reeg, Robert F. Moody, Cheyenne Wilson, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Catherine L. Semmes.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IP Bryant, GVP Bennett Visit IAM Rail Division Local 2741 Members Building New Amtrak Trainsets

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM Union International President Brian Bryant, Special Assistant to the International President for the Rail Division Josh Hartford, and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett recently visited Alstom Transportation’s Hornell, N.Y., plant where IAM Local 2741 (District 19) members build and refurbish locomotives, commuter and passenger rail cars, and track equipment, including the next-generation Acela trainsets for Amtrak. 

    Members of Alstom’s international leadership joined the IAM delegation for a site tour.

    Click here for photos of the visit. 

    “We are here to assist in every way we can when the membership benefits,” said Bryant. “We want Alstom to thrive because we want our members to thrive. We hope to aid Alstom in growing demand for rail projects and building a strong, enduring workforce to supply it.”

    IAM Union recently organized Alstom employees at their Plattsburgh, N.Y., location as well, and the union has worked to help the company acquire contracts that will require more hiring to meet demand. The IAM is currently bargaining a first contract for Alstom members in Plattsburgh.

    “We worked very closely together with the company throughout the pandemic,” said Hartford. “It’s a good relationship. We are all invested in passenger rail flourishing for our country and in supporting the workers who will make it happen.”

    “We are all looking forward to the future of passenger train service, including high speed rail, in the United States,” said Bennett. “We’re incredibly proud to represent these members.”

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Crapo, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Correct Biden-Harris Attack on Louisiana Commuters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and a group of Republican colleagues reintroduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to repeal the aggressive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tailpipe rule from President Biden and Vice President Harris amid their efforts to phase out gas-powered cars and trucks. The CARS Act protects Louisianans’ right to choose what cars they drive and works to prevent future regulations on affordable, reliable vehicles. “Making Louisiana families pay for EV tax breaks for rich peoples’ cars was one of the many bad things the Biden Administration did,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The CARS Act helps fix this damage!”“The rule-making process under the previous Administration pushed a radical green agenda that harmed consumer choice in the automobile industry,” said Senator Crapo. “Americans deserve to have access to affordable, reliable vehicles fueled by American-made energy products. However, the EPA’s tailpipe rule will hurt everyday Americans while simultaneously helping China. Consequences of rules and regulations such as these restrict consumer choice and raise costs for the average American family.”
    Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the EPA finalized a rule titled “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles,” which sets stringent emissions standards for criteria pollutants and greenhouse gasses for these vehicles and is a de facto EV mandate.  Under the rule, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles–which still represent the overwhelming majority of new car sales–can make up no more than 30 percent of new sales by 2032.  
    The average price of an electric vehicle (EV) is still significantly higher than the average price of a gas-powered vehicle, even with massive government subsidies for EVs paid for by American taxpayers.  EV mandates threaten to hurt everyday Americans and cost auto workers their jobs while simultaneously helping China, given that China continues to dominate the EV supply chain.  In recent years, demand for EVs made up less than ten percent of new car sales.
    The CARS Act would:
    Rescind the EPA tailpipe emissions rule;
    Prohibit the use of authority under the Clean Air Act to issue regulations that mandate the use of any specific technology or that limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on that vehicle’s engine type.  This includes any regulation prescribed on or after January 1, 2021;
    Require the EPA to update any regulations since January 1, 2021, that result in the limited availability of new vehicles based on that vehicle’s engine within two years; and
    End the EPA’s radical agenda, which is driving up costs for people and handing the keys of America’s auto industry to China.
    Cassidy and Crapo were joined by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Florida), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) in cosponsoring the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the Moscow Aviation Institute on its 95th anniversary

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    March 20, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the Moscow Aviation Institute on its 95th anniversary.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted the rich history of the university and its outstanding graduates. Among them are one of the founders of Russian cosmonautics Mikhail Reshetnev, helicopter designer Sergei Mikheev, physicist Sergei Kapitsa and many others.

    “The Moscow Aviation Institute makes an important contribution to the development of the research and development sphere and successfully works to achieve technological leadership – the national goal set by our President Vladimir Putin. The university is one of the universities participating in the Priority 2030 program of the Youth and Children national project, and an advanced engineering school has been created there. I am sure that MAI will have many more new achievements and victories in the future,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that, by decree of the head of state, the Moscow Aviation Institute is participating in a pilot project to improve the higher education system.

    “Today, almost 20 thousand students study at the university. More than 40% of them are in specialties related to such important areas as aviation and rocket and space technology. I wish them interesting studies, further professional development and work for the benefit of our entire country,” added Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    MAI students participate in the creation of breakthrough technologies. For example, they are involved in the design of unmanned aircraft systems and their components. Students participate in the development of manufacturing and certification technologies for composite structures, as well as methods for computational and experimental research, which make it possible to significantly reduce the time and cost of their testing.

    The advanced engineering school of the Moscow Aviation Institute is working on projects that are important for the industry. Thus, specialists from the Moscow Aviation Institute have developed a series of electric motors for small and medium-sized drones. In addition, an engine for heavy vehicles weighing up to 120 kg has already passed flight tests.

    In addition, within the framework of the Decade of Science and Technology announced by President Vladimir Putin, MAI employees are implementing media projects to popularize science and engineering activities and are developing a program of popular science tourism.

    In honor of the 95th anniversary of the university’s foundation, thematic events will be held. In March, there will be a gala evening and exhibition “MAI in Faces” on Rozhdestvensky Boulevard, and in May, a technology festival.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brighton — Traffic stop leads to impaired driving and drug trafficking charges

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A traffic stop by the Digby RCMP Detachment has resulted in impaired driving and drug trafficking charges.

    On March 14, at approximately 10:30 p.m., an RCMP officer observed a vehicle driving erratically on Hwy. 101 in Brighton and conducted a traffic stop. The driver showed signs of impairment, failed a roadside sobriety test and was arrested.

    At the Digby RCMP Detachment, a qualified Drug Recognition Expert completed an evaluation of the driver, which indicated drug impairment.

    Jacob Netherton, 38, of Mount Uniacke, was charged with Impaired Operation by Drug. He was released from custody to attend Digby Provincial Court on May 12.

    After Netherton’s arrest and a subsequent search of his vehicle, officers located and seized:

    • More than 90 grams of cocaine
    • Over 300 prescription pills, pre-packaged in baggies
    • Unstamped cigarettes
    • Cell phones

    As a result of the vehicle search, Netherton was arrested on March 19 and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking and Failure to Comply with a Court Order.

    Netherton is due back in court today.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: My team discovered ‘dark oxygen’ on the seafloor – now we’re trying to understand how it was made

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Sweetman, Professor of Seafloor Ecology and Biogeochemistry, Scottish Association for Marine Science

    Love Employee/Shutterstock

    Children are always asking “Why?” As they experience things for the first time, it’s natural to want to find out more. But as children grow into adults, they often dismiss something new that challenges their experience and understanding.

    This is what happened to me when I discovered a source of oxygen production in the deep sea – but ignored it for nine years.

    In 2013, I was conducting experiments to measure seafloor carbon cycling in the Clarion-Clipperton zone of the Pacific Ocean in 2013. I deployed a lander system (a remote-operated platform used to carry scientific equipment) to a depth of 4,000 metres and it came back with bubbles inside it. This was highly unusual, so two years later, when we returned to the same site, I took some optodes (oxygen sensors) with me.

    These are designed to measure oxygen consumption, but instead they were showing me oxygen production, the exact opposite of what I was expecting. Instead of questioning why I was getting these results, I dismissed the reading as the result of a faulty sensor.

    We are all taught from very early on in our education that oxygen is only produced through photosynthesis and that requires light – something in short supply at thousands of metres below the sea surface. It took me until 2021, when I measured oxygen production with a second method, that I realised we’d found something exceptional: dark oxygen – oxygen that’s produced without sunlight.

    In the summer of 2024, my team and I published our findings in the journal Nature Geoscience.



    Read more:
    Deep sea rocks suggest oxygen can be made without photosynthesis, deepening the mystery of life

    The discovery of dark oxygen has shifted our understanding of the deep sea and potentially life on Earth. But we still don’t know for sure how this oxygen is produced, and to what extent, and whether it is ecologically significant to the deep-sea ecosystems where it happens.

    In our paper, we suggest that the source could be polymetallic nodules, rock-like formations composed of lots of different metals, including manganese, which can create differences in electrical potential when interacting with seawater. We proposed that these could produce a voltage sufficient to split the seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. A new Chinese study has just shown that oxygen can potentially be produced when these manganese nodules are forming.

    More ‘why’ questions

    This year, thanks to funding from The Nippon Foundation, we will probe some of these scientific questions. If we show that oxygen production is possible in the absence of photosynthesis, this discovery would change the way we look at the possibility of life on other planets too.

    Indeed, we are already in conversation with experts at Nasa who believe that dark oxygen could reshape our understanding of how life might be sustained on other ocean worlds like Enceladus and Europa, moons that have ice crusts that limit sunlight penetration to the ocean below.

    We’re also in the process of analysing the potential of dark oxygen in the central Pacific Ocean and developing purpose-built and autonomous landers, or rigs. This will be the UK’s first opportunity to sample below depths of 6,000m. These vehicles will carry specialist instrumentation to depths of 11,000 metres, where the pressure is more than one tonne per square centimetre (that’s equivalent to 100 elephants sitting on top of you).

    We will investigate whether hydrogen is released during the creation of dark oxygen, and whether it is used as an energy source for an unusually large community of microbes in parts of the deep ocean. We also want to find out more about how climate change might impact biological activity in the deep sea.

    This project is the first of its kind to directly explore these processes. My team will be able to study the deep seafloor into the hadal zone, an area which reaches 6,000 – 11,000 metres depth and makes up around 45% of the entire ocean. This habitat, full of deep ocean trenches, is still poorly understood.

    The discovery of dark oxygen clearly has potential implications for the deep-sea mining industry. Deep-sea mining would extract polymetallic nodules that contain metals such as manganese, nickel and cobalt, which are required to produce lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and mobile phones.

    We don’t yet know how an industry such as this would affect the seabed, but our research over the coming years should help to answer many of the questions posed and perhaps better inform where the seabed should be more protected from deep-sea mining. One thing is for sure: whatever we find, I’ll try and feed my childlike sense of enthusiasm and be sure to ask “Why?”

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

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

    Andrew Sweetman receives funding from The Nippon Foundation.

    – ref. My team discovered ‘dark oxygen’ on the seafloor – now we’re trying to understand how it was made – https://theconversation.com/my-team-discovered-dark-oxygen-on-the-seafloor-now-were-trying-to-understand-how-it-was-made-250445

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Ranks 7th in the Nation for Energy Efficiency

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Colorado’s smart energy policies and programs that cut costs and pollution rank #7 on the ACEEE 2025 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard

    STATEWIDE –  Colorado is 7th in the nation for energy efficiency according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) 2025 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, which cited Colorado’s policies and programs that advance smart energy use and save Coloradans money.

    “Colorado continues to raise the bar on advancing energy efficiency, expanding clean transportation, and strengthening sustainable building practices that save people and businesses money. As the nation’s leader in EV adoption, we’re focused on making smart investments to lower costs and build a cleaner future across Colorado,” said Gov. Polis.

    Colorado is also among the “most improved” states since the last scorecard in 2022, jumping six spots in the rankings as a result of Governor Polis’ leadership to promote clean vehicles, reduce energy use in buildings, and adopt strong appliance efficiency standards.

    “Our improvement in these rankings highlights Colorado’s national leadership in energy efficiency and clean energy,” said Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor. “We are committed to pursuing innovative strategies to achieve net-zero emissions in Colorado by 2050, while saving Coloradans money on energy costs, improving air quality, and creating new economic opportunities and good-paying jobs across the state.”

    Colorado is taking an innovative sector-based approach to reduce emissions across the economy. ACEEE notes Colorado’s significant progress in the transportation sector, which has included adopting clean vehicle and truck standards that make more zero-emission vehicles available to Coloradans. The report also mentions Colorado’s appliance efficiency standards, building performance standards for large buildings, and first-in-the-nation clean heat standards for regulated gas utilities as key improvements.

    In addition to the State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, the ACEEE also ranked Colorado third in its 2023 State Transportation Electrification Scorecard. Colorado currently leads the nation in EV sales, with EVs making up 31.5% of new car sales in the last quarter of 2024.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: STAR Systems International Granted Patent for Invisity Anti-Tamper Feature for Sticker Transponders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — STAR Systems International, a leader in automatic vehicle identification solutions, is proud to announce the approval of its latest patent for the cutting-edge Invisity security feature, specifically engineered to make sticker transponders more tamper resistant. Invisity’s patented design will cause a transponder’s antenna to break upon removal while simultaneously allowing for full color high-resolution printing on both sides of the transponder. Invisity ensures superior security while also providing aesthetically pleasing and visually distinctive transponder designs.

    As automatic vehicle identification technology continues to play an increasingly integral role in a variety of applications, the demand for reliable and secure systems is more pressing than ever. STAR Systems is continuously innovating and revolutionizing transponder security and integrity to offer the best-in-class solutions. Invisity prevents sticker transponders from being transferred from one vehicle to another and improves transponder authentication without compromising performance, ensuring seamless integration into existing systems.

    Invisity is one of multiple security features that STAR Systems offers. Security printing such as invisible UV print and holographic print are also available to enhance physical security. Furthermore, Gen2V2 offers optional embedded cryptographic authentication features which allow transponders and readers to authenticate each other. STAR Systems’ TITAN PRO and TARVOS PRO readers both support Gen2V2 and also support the new Gen2V3 features as well.

    “Our commitment to high-performance and innovation drives everything we do,” said Robert Karr, CEO of STAR Systems International. “Invisity features custom printed graphics on both sides, allowing visually appealing designs while maintaining optimal performance and security. The introduction of Invisity reflects our commitment to providing innovative solutions that address critical security challenges faced by industries worldwide.”

    For more information about Invisity and other security features that STAR Systems International offers, contact STAR Systems at salesinquiry@star-int.net.

    About STAR Systems International 
    Founded in 2013, STAR Systems International is a world leader in Automatic Vehicle Identification Technologies. STAR Systems focuses on providing best-in-class transponders, readers and professional consulting services for Smart City Initiatives, including Electronic Tolling (ETC), Congestion/Road Use Charging, Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR), Express/HOT Lane, Fleet Management, Parking and Secure Access Control applications.

    STAR Systems strives to ensure customer success by leveraging the Company’s technical expertise and implementation experience. For more information, please visit www.star-int.net. 

    Media Contact

    Zhihan Chen
    +(1) 469-838-2649
    zhihan.chen@star-int.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon extradited from Mexico pleads guilty to illegally acquiring multiple firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old resident of Laredo has entered a guilty plea for his role in a scheme to straw purchase multiple firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Between the February 2021 and July 2021, Jesus Guadalupe Covarrubias aided and abetted the straw purchasing of multiple rifles.

    In July 2021, authorities discovered the theft of approximately 10 AK-style and 20 AR-style rifles at a ranch Covarrubias owned. As a convicted felon, Covarrubias is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law. 

    Further investigation led law enforcement to his residence in Laredo where they observed Covarrubias and others placing items into nearby vehicles. Covarrubias left the house with two others and went to a second home.

    At that location, authorities observed the movement of three rifles from a truck into the house and took Covarrubias and others into custody. 

    Covarrubias admitted to knowing he was a convicted felon and unable to possess firearms and ammunition. As part of his guilty plea, he acknowledged sending others to stores to purchase firearms on his behalf. 

    After his arrest in August 2021, Covarrubias was permitted release upon posting bond but fled to Mexico. Law enforcement eventually took him into custody. He was returned to U.S. authorities Feb. 21.  

    “This case is an important reminder to criminals that they may run from justice, but they can’t hide,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas is appreciative of the efforts of all those, both in the United States and in Mexico, that made Mr. Corvarrubias’ extradition happen, so he could face justice.”

    “Straw purchasing is not only a direct violation of the law, but it also endangers our communities by enabling prohibited incidentals to gain access to firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “These dangerous actions jeopardize public safety and undermine the trust that we place in our justice system. It is imperative that we hold accountable those who engage in straw purchasing, ensuring that our laws are enforced, and that justice is served to prevent the illegal flow of firearms into the wrong hands.”

    U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Covarrubias faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum find.

    Covarrubias will remain in custody pending that hearing.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive conducted the investigation with assistance from the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Covarrubias. U.S. Marshals Service completed the removal of Covarrubias from Mexico to the Southern District of Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: All-action launch reveal plans for Armed Forces Day

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A high-speed commando race across the sound marked the official launch of Plymouth Armed Forces Day – 100 days before we celebrate on Plymouth Hoe.

    The adrenalin fuelled launch saw an all-action military exercise, as part of a Royal Marines recruitment drive to inspire the next generation of Commandos. The event included a high-speed on-water display, bringing eight Royal Marines from the recruiting team of the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, across Plymouth Sound National Marine Park in their new Commando Raiding Craft, flying the Armed Forces and sponsor’s flag.

    After landing on the Hoe foreshore, the Royal Marines climbed the 70ft walls of The Royal Citadel to the battlements, before the Armed Forces flag was presented to the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Tina Tuohy. The flag was proudly flown from the battlements of the Citadel. The Marines departed by abseiling the Citadel walls and returning to their craft.

    Today’s launch revealed the epic programme of displays, parades, demonstrations and entertainment that is planned for Armed Forces Day, in association with defence company Babcock International Group (Babcock), which owns and operates the Devonport Royal Dockyard. It’s a cracking way to remember to put a date in the diary for Saturday 28 June!

    The launch party watched this thrilling exercise from battlements of The Royal Citadel. This included: WO2 Battery Sergeant Major Jim Feasey from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Deputy Lord Mayor and Consort, Managing Director of Babcock‘s Devonport facility John Gane, representatives from Plymouth City Council and each Military Service, including Veterans, Cadets and Military Kids Club Heroes.

    Plymouth Armed Forces Day is a celebration and a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. It is expected that over 45,000 people will flock to Plymouth Hoe, to enjoy the free family-fun event.

    This year’s line-up will see audiences wowed by the all-day arena and stage programme, parades, hands-on displays and challenges, military vehicles and equipment, thrilling demonstrations and entertainment. 

    Cabinet Member for Events, Councillor Sally Haydon, said: “Armed Forces Day is not only a brilliant day out, filled with fun for the whole family, but an important opportunity to show our support for all members of the armed forces and thank them for their hard work and dedication.

    “Plymouth is incredibly proud of its military history and our Armed Forces based in the city. Thank you also to Babcock for their continued support, and all the other sponsors of this great event.”

    John Gane, Managing Director of Babcock’s Devonport facility, said: “We recognise the important role our Armed Forces play in keeping our country safe and we are proud to work alongside them, which is why we always look forward to celebrating this great event. As the main sponsors of Plymouth Armed Forces Day for more than a decade, we’re delighted to be able to support bringing our community together and showcase the many career opportunities available with us.”  

    Regimental Sergeant Major Stefan Spink from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, said: “We are delighted to host this year’s Plymouth Armed Forces Day launch at The Royal Citadel on The Hoe and support the Royal Marines recruitment drive. Armed Forces Day brings communities together – strengthening the connection between the military and the local people, we look forward to playing our part on the 28 June.”

    Plymouth Armed Forces Day will open at 10am, with the Parade of Standards at 11am – open to all veterans – which will see Veterans and Cadets parade across the Hoe Promenade, led by the City of Plymouth Pipe Band, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

    There will be plenty of action-packed activities and displays to experience throughout the day, including the Royal Navy Dive Tank. Visitors can chat to service personnel, with representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and British Army in attendance. Members of the Fire Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, RNLI and Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth will also be there on the day, all with lots of hands-on equipment to try.

    The Veteran’s Village will be full of charities and organisations that offer support and advice for both serving personnel and veterans.

    Foster for Plymouth, sponsors of the pre-school entertainment, will be providing lots of free fun activities suitable for young children including glitter tattoos and appearances from some very popular characters in the afternoon. Find them in the marquee on the Hoe promenade where you can also speak to the team to learn more about fostering in Plymouth. 

    The event offers a multitude of entertainment and thrills, with Cadet displays, Junior Field Gun tournaments, demonstrations from REORG Jiu Jitsu members and Team Endeavours Punishers Wheelchair Rugby, plus live music from the City of Plymouth Pipe Band, Military Wives Choir, Rock Choir and much more.

    The entertainment continues into the evening with a free outdoor music concert from 5.30pm to 10.30pm, sponsored by C&G Catering, featuring the jive jump band Company B, Not the Cowboys and Oasis tribute – Be Here Now. The evening will finish with a dazzling, energy-packed performance from Good Times, which will have the crowds dancing to the raw funk, soul and disco dynamics of Nile Rodgers’ music.

    For all the latest information about Plymouth Armed Forces Day, visit: plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk. For further information about Babcock International, visit: babcockinternational.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –