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  • MIL-OSI USA: There Must Be Some Way Out of Here

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    [1]Five years ago, I remarked that “figuring out how to deal with the SEC on crypto issues [was] like a regulatory version of an escape room.”[2] Now it is time to help open the door. The Task Force, which is composed of exceptional Commission staff, is working on the unlock with other expert, dedicated staff across the Commission. Greater crypto clarity, however, requires the public’s input. We welcome input from anyone in the public with an interest in these topics, and a wide range of perspectives (including from skeptics) will make that input richer. This document invites such input by posing some of the questions with which the Task Force is wrestling. The Task Force is actively considering solutions to many of the issues presented. However, your input can significantly aid in that process.

    As always, let me start with several disclaimers. My views are my own as a Commissioner and not necessarily those of the Commission or my fellow Commissioners. These questions are not a roadmap to actions the Commission or its staff will take. They are not meant to limit the discussion, so feel free to pose and answer other questions and to address topics that we have not raised. The scope of this inquiry is expansive and calls on the particularized knowledge of a broad range of people. The Task Force welcomes your responses to as many of the questions as you would like to address, but do not feel compelled to swim outside your lane.

    To aid readers, we have drafted questions with a potential taxonomy in mind:

    • First, crypto assets that are securities because they have the intrinsic characteristics of securities;
    • Second, crypto assets that are offered and sold as part of an investment contract, which is a security, even though the crypto asset may not itself be a security;
    • Third, tokenized securities; and
    • Finally, all other crypto assets, which are not securities, in my view, and are currently the biggest category.

    The Task Force welcomes your thoughts as to the best paths to improve this taxonomy.

    The questions below identify some statutes and rules that may present challenges to firms seeking to innovate with crypto assets and blockchain technology, but please identify other federal laws, or state corporate or commercial laws, that present challenges to innovation by Commission registrants. We are looking for creative solutions that comport with the Commission’s statutory framework. The Commission’s three-part mission will guide our work: 1) protecting investors, 2) maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and 3) facilitating capital formation. Because we hope to make rapid progress and would like to foster a dynamic discussion among respondents, we would appreciate your timely responses but will welcome input at any time. We plan to continue making progress in the meantime, so the earlier we receive your input the more likely it is to inform the options for consideration. Thank you in advance for your help.

    Finally, as the Task Force works on the issues below, the Commission’s efforts continue unabated to combat fraud involving securities, including crypto assets that are securities or that were offered and sold as part of an investment contract, and tokenized securities. The Commission welcomes the public’s tips about securities violations.[3]

    Security Status

    Blockchain technology has given rise to novel assets that rely on cryptographic protocols for their existence (“crypto assets”). Market participants have expressed a reasonable desire to determine with ease whether such an asset is a security or is being offered or sold as part of an investment contract. When crypto assets that are sold along with promises of future work to develop the ecosystem within which those assets operate, analyzing them under Howey’s investment contract test can be difficult.[4] Market participants have expressed concern that the Howey test, as the Commission has applied it, is a complex analysis that can be difficult to apply consistently. One of the Task Force’s goals is to make it easier for investors, market participants, and the Commission to categorize crypto assets and crypto asset transactions. To that end, the Task Force is considering questions, including the following:

    1. What type of regulatory taxonomy would provide a predictable, legally precise, and economically rational approach to determining the security status of crypto assets and transactions in such assets without undermining settled approaches for evaluating the security status of non-crypto assets and transactions?
    2. Should the Commission address when crypto assets fall within any category of financial instruments, other than investment contracts, that are specifically listed in the definition of “security” in the federal securities laws?[5]
    3. Certain crypto assets are used in a variety of functions inherent to the operation of a blockchain network, such as mining or staking as part of a consensus mechanism or securing the network, validating transactions or other related activities on the network, and paying transaction or other fees on the network. These technology functions may be conducted directly or indirectly, such as through third-party service providers. What types of technology functions are inherent to the operation of a blockchain network? Should the Commission address the status of technology functions under the federal securities laws and, if so, what issues should be addressed?
    4. Users of liquid staking applications receive a so-called “liquid staking token.” This token represents their staked crypto asset, and the token can be used in other activities, all while continuing to participate in the proof-of-stake protocol. Should the Commission address the status of liquid staking tokens under the federal securities laws, and, if so, what issues should it address?

    Scoping Out

    The Commission may be able to provide greater clarity to investors and other market participants by identifying categories of crypto assets (and transactions) that do not fall within its authority. In some cases, these types of crypto assets may be within another regulator’s authority. In determining what falls outside the Commission’s authority, the Commission should look to the economic reality of what is being offered or sold. Simply saying something is not a security does not mean it is not a security.

    1. Should the security status of certain categories of crypto assets be addressed, such as stablecoins, wrapped tokens, and NFTs?
    2. How can the Commission establish a workable taxonomy while remaining merit- and technology-neutral?

    Public Offerings

    People who have conducted or attempted to conduct registered or qualified token offerings have expressed frustration about the cost and feasibility of registration. Tokens and their issuers can differ significantly in some aspects from traditional securities and their issuers. Allowing token issuers to use appropriately tailored registration regimes may protect investors better than insisting that they use registration forms and mechanisms that are designed for other types of securities offerings.

    1. Could disclosure guidance and/or targeted relief address the concern, or are new forms or other mechanisms needed?
    2. Should the Commission develop tailored disclosure requirements for offerings or classes of specific categories of crypto assets? What types of disclosures would be important for investor protection? Should disclosure occur both at the time of sale and on an ongoing basis? If so, what information should the ongoing disclosure contain and how should that disclosure occur?
    3. Does Regulation A under the Securities Act, including the disclosure and ongoing reporting requirements, provide a useful vehicle to conduct offerings of crypto assets? Would revising aspects of Regulation A make it more useful for crypto asset offerings?

    Safe Harbor from Registration

    I previously proposed that the Commission consider putting in place a non-exclusive safe harbor—provisionally called Rule 195—that would, among other things, provide a time-limited exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act for offers and sales of crypto assets during the development of a blockchain project.[6] My motivation for suggesting such a safe harbor was to enhance and encourage disclosure and provide network developers with a grace period within which, under certain conditions, they can facilitate broad participation in and the development of a functional or decentralized network. At the end of the safe harbor’s term, token transactions may not be securities transactions if the network had matured into a decentralized or functioning network that is not dependent on a single person or group to carry out the essential managerial or entrepreneurial efforts. The safe harbor, which would include tailored disclosures subject to the antifraud provisions in the federal securities laws, is intended to respond to the concern that the disclosure requirements under the federal securities laws applicable to registration and offering statements, as well as ongoing reporting, are not tailored for blockchain projects and crypto assets. To be clear, any safe harbor the Task Force recommends will not offer protection for perpetrators of securities fraud.

    1. Should the Commission consider a version of Rule 195, my proposed token safe harbor? Is the iteration on my proposed safe harbor known as “Safe Harbor X,”[7] or some other iteration, a better approach?
    2. Should the safe harbor be available retroactively for projects that comply with the disclosure requirements?
    3. If a safe harbor of some form is the right approach, what disclosure requirements would be feasible for early-stage projects to provide to token purchasers the material information regarding the blockchain project, crypto assets, and development team? What information should be required to be updated on an ongoing basis, and how should that information be provided?
    4. At the expiration of the safe harbor as envisioned, if the network were sufficiently decentralized or functional, registration of the tokens would not be required. If decentralization is used as an indicator of network maturity, should the Commission define objective quantitative thresholds (such as percentage thresholds for ownership and control) to provide greater clarity for issuers, developers, or minters of tokens regarding whether their networks and protocols are sufficiently decentralized and to allow third parties to verify decentralization?
      1. Is dispersion of control a better framework than decentralization? If so, how should ownership of governance tokens and voting rights be considered in assessing dispersion of control? How should the delegation of voting rights be taken into account?
      2. If an exit marker is achieved, who should be responsible for notifying the Commission?
    5. How should the decentralization of a deployed protocol best be evaluated? How should permissioned aspects of crypto-adjacent software or participant roles, such as validators, relayers, and sequencers, be considered? Are there tech-neutral thresholds that can be agreed upon for determining thresholds for decentralization?

    Trading

    Secondary market trading of crypto assets raises a variety of issues, some of which may fall within the Commission’s authority. The Commission’s authority in secondary markets generally is limited to assets that themselves are securities based on their intrinsic economic properties or rights, so we have to grapple with how to regulate platforms and market participants that trade securities alongside non-securities.

    1. Should the Commission create a new entity registration status with tailored registration requirements for any platform that trades crypto assets that are securities? Should the Commission use or adapt the existing requirements for national securities exchange registration or the alternative trading system exemption from such registration, and if so, how?
    2. What updates to the Commission rulebook are needed for side-by-side pairs trading of securities and non-security crypto assets to allow for enhanced interoperability and composability in finance?
    3. Does execution in offchain order books or on blockchain networks pose complexities for broker-dealers in satisfying any applicable best execution obligations? Does onchain execution pose complexities for broker-dealers in satisfying their best execution obligations, given onchain complexities such as transaction ordering and block construction? Should any rules, guidelines, or disclosures be modified to address broker-dealer execution reasonably available under the circumstances in offchain and onchain trading environments?
    4. The crypto markets are inherently transparent because they use open-source data, from public blockchains to open application programming interfaces (“APIs”). Are there programmatic/technological ways that crypto market participants, intermediaries, potential self-regulatory organizations, or regulators can monitor crypto markets using open-source data? How would this take into consideration nested accounts on centralized exchanges, given that this activity may not appear in public ledgers? Is open-source data sufficient for the market to monitor trading and therefore what non-public information might warrant mandatory disclosure? What sort of open-source tools can be used for enhanced transparency, such as proof of reserves, or proof of holdings? What are the limitations of such tools and such data?
    5. With the understanding that both APIs and public ledgers can provide order books, what would be a good strategy for regulators to efficiently ingest and analyze order book data? How can the regulators leverage publicly available data to become more efficient and alleviate regulatory burdens?
    6. How should Commission registrants assess Maximal Extractable Value (“MEV”) when they consider building or transacting in these environments? How best should Commission registrants delineate between the different types of MEV occurring onchain? In what ways is the market addressing the MEV in which MEV extractors order or re-order transactions to engage in front running, back running, or so-called “sandwich attacks”?

    Custody

    Market participants have broad and specific questions regarding custody requirements for Commission regulated entities—broker-dealers, investment advisers, and investment companies—including whether existing requirements suffice for custodying crypto assets. The Task Force is seeking input on answers to these questions so that individuals and organizations can safely, legally, and practicably custody client crypto assets themselves or with a third party.

    1. Should the Commission amend existing rules, propose new rules, or provide guidance to facilitate custody arrangements for crypto assets? If so, what rule amendments or new rules would be appropriate, and to which types of activities should they apply? Should the Commission propose any specific changes to its rules to accommodate the self-custody of crypto assets by entities registered with the Commission? If so, what conditions should apply to self-custody arrangements to mitigate any related risks? Should the requirements for crypto assets that are securities and those that are not differ?
    2. Public, permissionless blockchains are being used to tokenize permissioned assets. To the extent the custody rules for broker-dealers, investment advisers, and investment companies are implicated, how should the Commission differentiate between native crypto assets of permissionless blockchains and tokenized permissioned assets? Does either type of crypto asset present greater risks of theft or loss?
    3. Are there commonly accepted practices and standards for auditing and accounting for crypto asset investments and transactions, including those related to valuation? How about with respect to verifying the existence and valuation of crypto assets, both among auditors and attestation providers (including non-accountant providers)? Should the Commission propose additional or specific requirements to address the unique nature of crypto assets?

    Broker-Dealer Custody and Other Financial Responsibility Requirements

    1. Should the Commission modify its Special Purpose Broker-Dealer Statement (“SPBD Statement”) or formally withdraw it? If the former, what should those modifications be? For example, should the Commission expand the SPBD Statement to cover broker-dealers that custody crypto asset securities alongside crypto assets that are not securities? If the Commission decides to eliminate the SPBD Statement, should the Commission propose any modifications to the customer protection rule (17 CFR 240.15c3-3) to address crypto assets?
    2. The net capital rule (17 CFR 240.15c3-1) requires a broker-dealer to maintain sufficient liquid assets to meet all liabilities, including obligations to customers, counterparties, and other creditors and to have adequate additional resources to wind down its business in an orderly manner, without the need for a formal proceeding if the firm fails financially.
      1. Under the net capital rule, assets held by a broker-dealer must be readily convertible into cash to count as allowable for meeting minimum net capital requirements (e.g., intangible assets, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and most unsecured receivables are not readily convertible into cash under the rule and, therefore, do not qualify as allowable net capital). How should a given crypto asset be evaluated to assess whether it is readily convertible into cash?
      2. Under the net capital rule, securities and commodities are treated as readily convertible into cash. However, they are subject to deductions (known as haircuts) to account for the market, credit, liquidity, basis, and other risks inherent in the instrument. The haircuts range from 0 to 100 percent. For example, exchange-traded equity securities have a 15 percent haircut, while securities without a ready market (e.g., securities that are not exchange traded) are subject to haircuts as high as 100 percent. Commodities are subject to a 20 percent haircut. How should crypto assets be evaluated to determine the appropriate haircut to apply?
    3. The recordkeeping rules for broker-dealers (17 CFR 240.17a-3 and 17 CFR 240.17a-4) require the creation and maintenance of accounting and operational records designed to assist a firm in tracking and understanding its assets, liabilities, positions, and obligations to customers (e.g., cash owed to customers and securities held for customers).
      1. What challenges, if any, do the requirements of these recordkeeping rules present with respect to crypto assets that are not an issue for traditional securities? What modifications to the rules could address these challenges?
      2. Should crypto assets generally be treated as if they are traditional securities for purposes of these recordkeeping rules?

    Investment Adviser Custody and Other Requirements

    1. What challenges do registered investment advisers (“RIAs”) face in complying with the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”) as it relates to investments in crypto assets that are securities? What common practices, if any, have developed to address these challenges?
      1. Could best execution or recordkeeping obligations, or compliance with Form ADV or Form PF disclosure requirements, be clearer in the crypto asset context?
      2. Do any crypto asset characteristics or market structures place advisory client crypto assets at a greater or different risk of theft, loss, or misappropriation? If so, how can those risks be addressed?
    2. Can RIAs trade, stake, vote, or otherwise participate without moving crypto assets outside a qualified custodian? Should the Commission amend the existing RIA custody rule to provide an exception to allow RIAs to move client crypto assets temporarily out of qualified custodial arrangements to engage in staking, voting, or other novel participatory features of crypto assets? If so, should that exception be subject to time limits or other limitations or requirements?
    3. What clarifications, if any, are needed in the Advisers Act regulations to address the cold or hot storage of crypto assets held in custody on behalf of a client?
      1. What requirements, if any, should the Commission consider for the custody of crypto assets held in each type of wallet on behalf of a client? Should the requirements be the same for both types of wallets?
      2. How would a requirement to maintain custody of some or all crypto assets in either cold or hot storage affect an adviser’s ability to transact in those crypto assets or otherwise implement its investment strategy?
      3. What means are available to mitigate the risks related to maintaining crypto assets in hot storage?

    Investment Company Custody

    1. What challenges do registered investment companies (“funds”) face in complying with section 17(f) of the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder (governing custody) with respect to investments in crypto assets? Are any specific requirements of section 17(f) or the rules thereunder categorically inconsistent with custody of crypto assets? Do funds anticipate that custodians currently eligible to act as fund custodians under the Investment Company Act and the custody rules (e.g., banks, foreign banks, broker-dealers) will offer fund custodial services for crypto assets?
    2. Can a fund comply with the requirements of section 17(f) and the rules thereunder when trading, staking, voting, or otherwise engaging with crypto assets in which it invests? Should the Commission consider any changes to rule 17f-2 (the self-custody rule) or any other rules to facilitate transactions in crypto assets, and if so, what tailored conditions should the Commission propose to mitigate any related risks?
    3. Should any provisions relating to investment company custody be revised to account for investment activities or other transactions that are unique to crypto assets (e.g., staking, mining, airdrops)? Do the existing custody rules present obstacles to such activities or transactions? How might these activities or transactions place a fund’s assets at risk of theft or loss?

    Crypto Lending

    Crypto platforms may offer custodial and noncustodial services through which people can lend their crypto assets in return for interest. Crypto lending concepts vary widely, challenging many traditional notions of financial products. I would welcome any input you have on these diverse products to ensure the Commission has an adequate understanding.

    1. How should the Commission approach various crypto lending concepts in a way that doesn’t stifle the potential opportunities they provide?
    2. Participation in traditional securities lending programs, such as fully paid securities lending programs offered by broker-dealers, generally does not represent a new securities transaction or implicate Investment Company Act registration requirements. How are crypto lending programs similar to or different from traditional securities lending programs?

    Crypto Exchange-Traded Products (“ETPs”)

    Exchange Act Section 6(b)(5) requires that an exchange’s rules be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices. In reviewing listing applications for crypto asset-based ETPs, the Commission previously has considered whether the exchange has a comprehensive surveillance-sharing agreement (“SSA”) with a regulated market of significant size related to the underlying or reference assets. How should the Commission address listing applications for crypto asset-based ETPs going forward?

    1. If the listing exchange does not have an SSA with a regulated market and no regulated market for the crypto asset underlying an ETP exists, could the listing exchange address concerns regarding fraud and manipulation based on the size and liquidity of the underlying spot market? What would be an appropriate measure of size and liquidity that would address these concerns? Are there more appropriate ways to address concerns regarding fraud and manipulation?
    2. How should the Commission consider market capitalization, unique number of wallets, trading volume, the number of spot markets, geographic distribution of spot markets, size and frequency of price divergences, or speed of price convergence/arbitrage?
    3. How should the Commission consider crypto asset-based ETPs that are investing in assets that are already referenced in crypto asset-based exchange-traded funds registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act?
    4. What factors should the Commission consider with respect to an SSA between an
      exchange listing an ETP on a crypto asset and a spot crypto market?
    5. How should the Commission weigh the reliability, frequency, and dissemination of pricing information on the crypto assets underlying the ETP in its consideration?

    Tokenized Securities

    Creating a digital representation of a security on a blockchain or issuing a security directly on a blockchain does not change the substance of the security but may benefit issuers and investors. Moreover, the use of a blockchain-based database may be more secure in some respects than using a centralized database with a single point of failure. Tokenization also may give rise to unique risks and challenges.

    1. Tokenization enables dematerialized securities to be mobilized (i.e., not held in and confined to a single centralized ledger). Are there any provisions under the federal securities laws that prevent these securities from being used in new blockchain-based transactions and applications, and, if so, what steps should the Commission consider taking to facilitate this innovation while mitigating any related risks? Are there amendments or new rules that the Commission should consider to ensure a merit- and technology-neutral approach to tokenization? Does the type of blockchain used (i.e., permissioned versus permissionless) bear on this risk assessment?
    2. How do the programmability and composability properties of blockchain technology and blockchain-based technologies, such as smart contracts, affect the role of a transfer agent? Are there provisions in the transfer agent rules that prevent transfer agents from using blockchain technology for this purpose to the fullest extent possible? Is an offchain record still needed as an official or a complementary record in a tokenization arrangement? Are there any legal or regulatory impediments to using onchain identity solutions?
    3. Does the tokenization of redeemable registered investment company securities, such as those of a mutual fund or money market fund, raise any unique issues under the Investment Company Act or the rules thereunder? Would secondary transactions in these securities (e.g., peer-to-peer transactions or transactions occurring on or through an ATS) require relief from any provisions of the Investment Company Act? If so, should the Commission propose any changes to facilitate tokenization of registered investment company securities, and what should any such conditions be?
    4. How should the Commission approach tokenized securities that seek to maintain a stable value and may be designed to be used as a means of payment or settlement? What are the challenges and impediments to the usability and transferability of these tokenized securities, particularly securities issued by offchain entities (e.g., registered investment companies)? Should transactions involving the use of these tokenized securities as a means of payment be treated differently from other security-based transactions?
    5. Do other federal laws, or state corporate or commercial laws present challenges to firms seeking to issue tokenized securities or engage in activities involving tokenized securities?
    6. The Commission recently adopted rule amendments to shorten the standard settlement cycle for most broker-dealer transactions from “T+2” to “T+1,” subject to certain exceptions. Tokenization is often characterized as an innovation that facilitates instant or simultaneous settlement (“atomic settlement”) if all parts of a transaction are executed and settled on the same blockchain. What are the benefits of atomic settlement, and what are the risks? Should the Commission consider taking any actions that would encourage adoption of atomic settlement?
    7. What issues are raised by the tokenization of securities subject to National Market System (“NMS”) requirements? Should the Commission clarify any requirements or provide relief from any requirements under Regulation NMS? Are there any other SEC rules that should be clarified or amended to address the trading of tokenized equity or debt securities?

    Sandbox and Related International Issues

    Last year, I proposed the creation of a micro-innovation sandbox (“Sandbox”), which could be used for small-scale projects, including tokenization and blockchain projects.[8]

    1. Would the Sandbox help foster tokenization and blockchain innovation? What types of products and services across the fintech landscape would firms like to test in the Sandbox? What regulatory, technical, and operational barriers pose the biggest challenges to innovation in this space? Could the Sandbox mitigate those challenges?
    2. Could a cross-border Sandbox address challenges that U.S. and non-U.S. firms face when attempting to innovate in multiple jurisdictions? If so, how should the Commission structure it to operate globally? Do sandboxes in other jurisdictions serve as a good model?

    How to Provide Feedback

    Members of the public interested in providing input on these or other related matters may do so using the written submission form for input to the Crypto Task Force on the Commission’s website. Members of the public also may request a meeting to discuss their feedback on these and other related matters via the meeting request form on the Commission’s website.

    [1] Hat tip to Bob Dylan. See Bob Dylan, “All Along the Watchtower,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xpphVwyLMQ. Dylan’s dialogue is between a joker and a thief. The lack of regulatory clarity has fostered an environment in which jokers and thieves thrive, while legitimate crypto projects struggle. This document is part of the effort to change that environment.

    [4] SEC v. W.J. Howey Co., 328 U.S. 293 (1946).

    [5] Under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the definition of “security” means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, security-based swap, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, preorganization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security, certificate of deposit, or group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase any of the foregoing. The definition of “security” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is virtually identical.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed Robber Who Also Assaulted a Correctional Officer Gets 104 Month Prison Term

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Donnell Godfrey, 19, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to 72 months in prison for robbing a stranger at gunpoint and a consecutive 32 months in prison for assaulting a D.C. Department of Corrections officer while incarcerated at the D.C. Jail, for a combined sentence of 104 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Godfrey pleaded guilty to one count of robbery while armed with a firearm in May 2024 and one count of assault with significant bodily injury in November 2024, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.  

                According to the government’s evidence, on November 21, 2023, at approximately 3:27 a.m., Godfrey and two other individuals approached a stranger on a residential street. The victim was parking his car and had just exited his vehicle. Godfrey and the two other individuals, all armed with firearms, pointed their guns at the victim and demanded his property. Godfrey and the two other assailants stole the victim’s phone and car keys, demanding that he unlock his phone and let them into his home. The victim refused. Godfrey and the two other assailants returned to their vehicle with the victim’s stolen phone and drove away. The victim tracked his stole phone to a nearby location, where the officers apprehended Godfrey and a co-defendant. A black Glock pistol, the victim’s phone, and keys to a Nissan vehicle were recovered from Godfrey’s pockets. The victim positively identified Godfrey as one of his assailants. Officers canvassed the area near the location where Godfrey was apprehended and located a Nissan Maxima, which was reported stolen the prior day, November 20, 2023, during a gunpoint armed carjacking.

                Furthermore, on April 24, 2024, while incarcerated at D.C. Jail on the above-mentioned armed robbery case, Godfrey assaulted a correctional officer. The officer was monitoring inmates during an education period when Godfrey attempted to turn on a television. When the officer instructed Godfrey not to turn on the television, Godfrey responded by retrieving a broom, despite having no custodial duties at the time. After remarking that he should smack the officer, Godfrey proceeded to hold the broom like a baseball bat and swung it directly into the officer’s face.  The blow caused the officer to suffer a fractured orbital bone in his left eye socket area and a fractured jaw, requiring two surgeries and additional treatment, during which the officer was unable to work for months.

                In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and D.C. Department of Corrections. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Toogun, Valerie Tsesarenko and Ariel Lieberman, who investigated and prosecuted the cases.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand jury indicts 4 separate cases involving immigration offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury indicted four new immigration cases in Columbus this week.

    According to their court documents, two defendants have prior convictions for drug trafficking, one defendant’s prior convictions include a firearms crime and driving under the influence, and the final defendant was allegedly smuggling illegal aliens across the United States.

    Juan Carlos Garcia-Vasquez, 45, is a Mexican national who was charged with illegally reentering the United States. He was previous convicted in Franklin County for cocaine trafficking.

    Ricardo Martinez-Nunez, 29, has prior convictions in Franklin County for improperly handling a firearm in a vehicle and driving under the influence. Martinez-Nunez is also charged with illegally reentering the United States. He is a Mexican national.

    Previous convictions for Lino Mendiola-Vanegas, 45, include cocaine trafficking and forgery in Franklin County. He is charged with illegally reentering the United States and is a Mexican national.

    Finally, it is alleged that Adalberto Calixto Tolentino, 21, was transporting four illegal aliens across the United States for financial gain.

    According to his court documents, on Jan. 23, investigators with the Licking County Sheriff’s Office received information from Customs and Border Patrol located in Southern Arizona that a Toyota Highlander with an Arizona license plate was allegedly involved in human smuggling.

    Sheriff’s deputies stopped Tolentino in Licking County and discovered four individuals in the vehicle as well as an envelope with $8,000 cash. When interviewed by law enforcement, one passenger said he had paid $10,000 to be helped crossing the border of Mexico into the United States. He was picked up in the desert in Arizona and eventually transported by Tolentino.

    Tolentino was originally charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Jan. 24. He has remained in federal custody since that time. If convicted as charged, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

    Illegally reentering the United States is a federal crime punishable by up to two years in prison. If the offender has multiple prior misdemeanor charges, the penalty is increased to 10 years in prison, and if the offender has been previously convicted of an aggravated felony, the defendant faces up to 20 years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, and Robert Lynch, Field Office Director, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Detroit Field Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth F. Affeldt and Tyler J. Aagard are representing the United States in these cases.

    An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    These cases are being prosecuted as part of the Southern District of Ohio Immigration Enforcement Task Force, which dedicates agents, attorneys and other staff to investigating and prosecuting immigration violations.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texan extradited to face multiple firearms charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old resident of Laredo is back on U.S. soil on charges of aiding and abetting straw purchasing, being a felon in possession of a firearm and transferring a firearm to a prohibited person, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jesus Guadalupe Covarrubias had previously fled to Mexico. He is expected to make his initial appearance Feb. 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song at 9:30 a.m.

    A federal grand jury returned an indictment against him and others Oct. 5, 2021.

    In August 2021, authorities had been conducted surveillance at a house in Laredo, according to the charges. During the operation, they allegedly observed Covarrubias and others as they exited and entered the house or garage and appeared to be placing items into nearby vehicles. The charges allege Covarrubias eventually left the house with two others and went to a second home.

    There, law enforcement observed the movement of three rifles from a truck into the house and took Covarrubias and others into custody.

    The charges allege they had been involved in fraudulently purchasing firearms since Dec. 4, 2019.   

    Covarrubias is a convicted felon, according to the charges. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

    After his arrest, he was permitted release on bond and fled to Mexico where he was ultimately arrested and later returned to United States authorities.

    If convicted, Covarrubias faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    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 Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Indicted After Traffic Stop for Alleged Criminal Possession of a Firearm

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    AUSTIN, Texas – A federal grand jury in Austin returned an indictment this week charging a Mexican national with one count of possession of firearm by illegal alien.

    According to court documents, Marcelo Olvera-Moreno was stopped while driving in Hutto, Jan. 24. A Williamson Country Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted the traffic stop after allegedly observing the passenger in Olvera-Moreno’s vehicle fire a handgun from the front passenger window. Olvera-Moreno admitted to law enforcement that he knew that he was illegally and unlawfully in the United States and that he had purchased the pistol at a flea market approximately three months prior.

    Olvera-Moreno made his initial court appearance Jan. 28. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

    Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Williamson Country Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel Cohen and Daniel Castillo are prosecuting the case.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden at ENR Hearing: Musk’s Business Dealings in China and Workforce Purge at BPA Threaten National Security

    US Senate News:

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

    February 21, 2025

    WATCH: Wyden’s Exchange with University of Oregon’s Presidential Chair in Science, Dr. Richmond Here 

    Washington, D.C. — During a hearing held today in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., underscored that Elon Musk’s business dealings in China pose a serious threat to national security. 

    According to public reporting, Elon Musk is running the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as a federal employee while remaining Tesla’s largest shareholder. Public filings indicate Tesla invested billions of dollars in China and annually produces nearly 1 million cars at a factory in Shanghai on land owned by the Chinese government.

    “According to public reporting, Tesla’s contract allows the Chinese government to revoke Tesla’s lease on the land at any time if it determines doing so is in the public interest,” Wyden said. “Now, on this committee, every one of us works for the AMERICAN public interest. And given that is our highest priority, I intend to come back and ask further questions about this in the days ahead.”

    Senator Wyden also questioned Dr. Geraldine Richmond, Presidential Chair in Science at the University of Oregon and former Under Secretary for Science and Innovation at the Department of Energy, on the national security consequences of Musk’s decision to make drastic and abrupt workforce cuts at the Bonneville Power Administration. Dr. Richmond emphasized that these cuts would undermine the grid’s safety and drive up energy prices for working families across America. 

    Last week, Senator Wyden demanded answers from the Trump administration in a letter regarding Musk’s workforce cuts at the Bonneville Power Administration. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dodgy crane safety inflicts misery for teen worker

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    Old equipment repurposed by businesses must be safe to use, WorkSafe New Zealand says, following sentencing of a Rotorua company whose modified crane became a weapon that changed the life of a teenage contractor.

    Harrison Gilbert was struck in the face by an untethered 412-kilogram steel beam being manoeuvred by the mobile crane at Lakeland Steel in Rotorua, on the day of his seventeenth birthday in October 2022.

    Mr Gilbert was knocked unconscious and received over 100 stitches in his face, a broken eye socket, a broken nose, several smashed or lost teeth, and skull fractures. He required facial reconstruction surgery and has more to come.

    A WorkSafe investigation found the mobile crane had no certificate of inspection, no load safety devices fitted, and unclear labelling on its controls. The load should have had a tag line or tether to steady it. The crane appears to have originally been a log skidder bought in the 1970’s by the previous owner of Lakeland Steel. At some point in time, it was modified into a crane which was inherited by the current owners who did not maintain it.

    Mr Gilbert had not been trained in any of the activities associated with the crane, and was dividing his attention between the load and working with the crane operator when he was hit.

    “This young worker was traumatically let down through no fault of his own. Simply put, the crane should not have been operational,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Paul West.

    “Businesses must manage their risks. This includes regularly checking all their equipment to check it’s fit for purpose and compliant. Pay extra attention to modified or older equipment so it doesn’t get neglected while still operational.”

    The Crane Association says the incident highlights the importance of ensuring freely suspended crane loads are controlled by a tag line or tether.

    “In an industry full of risks, it’s important to understand all the elements that contribute to working safely. Businesses must train their staff in selecting and properly using tag lines, because you don’t want injuries like these on your conscience if things go wrong,” says the Association’s chief executive Sarah Toase.

    WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action.

    Read more from the Crane Association on tag line safety(external link)

    Background

    • Lakeland Steel Limited was sentenced at Rotorua District Court on 20 February 2025.
    • A fine of $234,000 was imposed, and reparations of $54,131 were ordered
    • Lakeland Steel was charged under sections 36(1)(a), 48(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
      • Being a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, including Harrison Gilbert, while the workers are at work in the business or undertaking, namely using a T-Lift Mobile Crane to move steel beams, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed the workers to risk of serious injury or death.
    • The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.

    Media contact details

    For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

    Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Marks Artemis Progress With Gateway Lunar Space Station

    Source: NASA

    NASA and its international partners are making progress on Gateway – the lunar space station that will orbit the Moon as a centerpiece of the agency’s Moon to Mars architecture.

    Through the Artemis campaign, NASA will send astronauts on missions to and around the Moon. The agency and its international partners report progress continues on Gateway, the first space station that will permanently orbit the Moon, after visiting the Thales Alenia Space facility in Turin, Italy, where initial fabrication for one of two Gateway habitation modules is nearing completion.
    Leaders from NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and the Italian Space Agency, as well as industry representatives from Northrop Grumman and Thales Alenia Space, were in Turin to assess Gateway’s HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) module before its primary structure is shipped from Italy to Northrop Grumman’s Gilbert, Arizona site in March. Following final outfitting and verification testing, the module will be integrated with the Power and Propulsion Element at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    “Building and testing hardware for Gateway is truly an international collaboration,” said Jon Olansen, manager, Gateway Program, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “We’re excited to celebrate this major flight hardware milestone, and this is just the beginning – there’s impressive and important progress taking shape with our partners around the globe, united by our shared desire to expand human exploration of our solar system while advancing scientific discovery.”

    To ensure all flight hardware is ready to support Artemis IV — the first crewed mission to Gateway – NASA is targeting the launch of HALO and the Power and Propulsion Element no later than December 2027. These integrated modules will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket and spend about a year traveling uncrewed to lunar orbit, while providing scientific data on solar and deep space radiation during transit.
    Launching atop HALO will be ESA’s Lunar Link communication system, which will provide high-speed communication between the Moon and Gateway. The system is undergoing testing at another Thales Alenia Space facility in Cannes, France.
    Once in lunar orbit, Gateway will continue scientific observations while awaiting the arrival of Artemis IV astronauts aboard an Orion spacecraft which will deliver and dock Gateway’s second pressurized habitable module, the ESA-led Lunar I-Hab. Thales Alenia Space, ESA’s primary contractor for the Lunar I-Hab and Lunar View refueling module, has begun production of the Lunar I-Hab, and design of Lunar View in Turin.

    Northrop Grumman and its subcontractor, Thales Alenia Space, completed welding of HALO in 2024, and the module successfully progressed through pressure and stress tests to ensure its suitability for the harsh environment of deep space.
    Maxar Space Systems is assembling the Power and Propulsion Element, which will make Gateway the most powerful solar electric propulsion spacecraft ever flown. Major progress in 2024 included installation of Xenon and chemical propulsion fuel tanks, and qualification of the largest roll-out solar arrays ever built. NASA and its partners will complete propulsion element assembly, and acceptance and verification testing of next-generation electric propulsion thrusters this year.

    SpaceX will provide both the Starship human landing system that will land astronauts on the lunar surface during NASA’s Artemis III mission and ferry astronauts from Gateway to the lunar South Pole region during Artemis IV, as well as provide logistics spacecraft to support crewed missions.
    NASA also has selected Blue Origin to develop Blue Moon, the human landing system for Artemis V, as well as logistics spacecraft for future Artemis missions. Having two distinct lunar landing designs provides flexibility and supports a regular cadence of Moon landings in preparation for future missions to Mars.
    CSA (Canadian Space Agency) is developing Canadarm3, an advanced robotics system, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) is designing and testing Lunar I-Hab’s vital life support systems, batteries, and a resupply and logistics vehicle called HTV-XG.
    NASA’s newest Gateway partner, the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) of the United Arab Emirates, kicked off early design for the Gateway Crew and Science Airlock that will be delivered on Artemis VI. The selection of Thales Alenia Space as its airlock prime contractor was announced by MBRSC on Feb. 4.
    Development continues to advance on three radiation-focused initial science investigations aboard Gateway. These payloads will help scientists better understand unpredictable space weather from the Sun and galactic cosmic rays that will affect astronauts and equipment during Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.
    The Gateway lunar space station is a multi-purpose platform that offers capabilities for long-term exploration in deep space in support of NASA’s Artemis campaign and Moon to Mars objectives. Gateway will feature docking ports for a variety of visiting spacecraft, as well as space for crew to live, work, and prepare for lunar surface missions. As a testbed for future journeys to Mars, continuous investigations aboard Gateway will occur with and without crew to better understand the long-term effects of deep space radiation on vehicle systems and the human body as well as test and operate next generation spacecraft systems that will be necessary to send humans to Mars.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Average electricity supply in rural areas has increased from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 22.6 hours in 2025, and in urban areas to 23.4 hours in 2025: Shri Manohar Lal

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Average electricity supply in rural areas has increased from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 22.6 hours in 2025, and in urban areas to 23.4 hours in 2025: Shri Manohar Lal

    Non-fossil power capacity has increased by 180% compared to 2014: Shri Manohar Lal

    1 lakh EV charging stations will be installed by 2030:Shri Manohar Lal

    AT&C losses have reduced from 22.62% in 2014 to 15% in 2025: Shri Manohar Lal

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 7:54PM by PIB Delhi

    “It is our goal to make power accessible to everyone and all times and the government is aiming for 100% electrification of households across the country,” said Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal while addressing a press conference in New Delhi today.

    1. Power Accessibility and Special Focus on Tribal and Border Areas

    Union Minister informed that with the help of initiatives like  Deeen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) ,  PM Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA), Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG ) the accessibility to power has increased significantly in the last 10 years.

    Shri Manohar Lal said that average electricity supply in rural areas has increased from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 22.6 hours in 2025 and in urban areas to 23.4 hours in 2025.

    2. Fossil and Non-Fossil Power Generation

    Union Minister informed that fossil based power capacity has increased from 168 GW in 2014 to 246 GW in Jan 2025 which shows an increase of around 46 percent.

    He also informed that the increase in non fossil capacity has increased from around 80GW in 2014 to around 220 GW in 2025 (as of 31 January 2025 ) which is around 180 percent increase .

    3. Transmission Growth and Projections

    Highlighting the addition and transmission network, Shri Manohar Lal informed that the Transmission Network has increased from 2.91 lakh ckm in 2014 to 4.92 lakh ckm in 2025.

    Transmission Network Expansion:

    Year

    Total Transmission Network (lakh ckm)

    2014

    2.91

    2024

    4.85

    2025

    4.92

    4. Power Import and Export: India as a Net Exporter

    Addressing the media, the Union Minister informed that India has become net exporter of power and the net export in 2025 amounts to 1625 MU. He also informed that in 2014 India was a net importer of power.

    Year

    Power Import (MU)

    Power Export (MU)

    Net Export (MU)

    2014

    5,555

    2,288

    -3,267 (Importing Nation)

    2024

    3,863

    8,576

    +4,713

    2025

    8,365

    9,980

    +1,625

    5. Power Distribution: Declining Shortage Gap

    The Union Minister informed that energy shortage has reduced from 4.2% in 2014 to 0.1% in 2025. He also said that the steps are being taken to overcome the current energy shortage.

    6. DISCOMs: Reduction in Losses

    AT&C losses have reduced from 22.62% in 2014 to 15% in 2025, and this will be further reduced to 10% by 2030.

    7. Smart Meters: Achievements and Targets

    Union Minister informed that around 2.13 Cr smart meters have been installed. He further informed that 19.8 Cr smart meters, 52.5 lakh DTRs and 2.1 lakh feeders have been sanctioned.

    8. Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction

    Shri Manohar Lal said that consistent efforts since 2014 have led to a savings in annual energy consumption of 53 MTOE in 2024 in the Indian economy.  The corresponding savings in emissions has been 321 Mn tons CO2. He also informed that government has launched sustainable building codes to improve energy efficiency of commercial and residential buildings.

    9 Transport Sector: Focus on Electric Vehicles

    Shri Manohar Lal said that the government is focused on promoting electric vehicles. He added that by 2030, 1 lakh EV charging stations will be installed to facilitate electric mobility.

    Click here for more details.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Upgrade to iPhone 16e and save with incredible offers from Verizon

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Upgrade to iPhone 16e and save with incredible offers from Verizon

    NEW YORK – Verizon will offer iPhone 16e, a new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup, featuring breakthrough battery life, the fast performance of the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence1, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system — all at an incredible value. Customers can pre-order the new iPhone 16e starting Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28. Visit verizon.com for complete pricing and availability details,

    Major savings and value on iPhone 16e at Verizon

    Starting February 21, Verizon customers can get:

    • Switch to Verizon or add a new line and can get iPhone 16e for $5 a month for 36 months on myPlan2.
    • Want to trade in your phone? Get iPhone 16e on us when you trade-in your current iPhone, Samsung or Google phone — in any condition — and sign up for a new line on myPlan3.
    • Verizon Business customers: For a limited time, get iPhone 16e on us with a new activation on either the Business Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Pro plan with a Verizon Device Payment agreement4. And, eligible Public Sector customers can get a new 128GB iPhone 16e on us on a qualifying two year agreement5.

    Verizon myPlan gives you ultimate access to Apple One

    Supercharge your iPhone 16e with Verizon myPlan, built to give you more flexibility, more perks and more value. Whether you’re upgrading to the latest iPhone for yourself or keeping your business running smoothly with a Verizon Business Unlimited Plan, you’ll stay connected with Verizon’s ultra-fast 5G network—built for whatever life throws your way.

    With myPlan, you’re in control. Pick the perks that matter to you, like Apple One for just $10/month (Individual Plan) or $20/month (Family Plan), plus get deals on entertainment, shopping and more. It’s your phone, your plan, your way — only with Verizon.

    Everything you need to know about the iPhone 16e

    iPhone 16e offers powerful capabilities at a more affordable price. It delivers fast, smooth performance and the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1, the first cellular modem designed by Apple. iPhone 16e is also built for Apple Intelligence, the intuitive personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence while taking an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI. The 48MP Fusion camera takes gorgeous photos and videos, and with an integrated 2x Telephoto, it is like having two cameras in one, so users can zoom in with optical quality. When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, iPhone 16e can use Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite.

    With custom-designed components and deeply integrated software, iPhone 16e users can stay connected and get help when it matters most6. iPhone 16e will be available in two elegant matte finishes — black and white — with colorful cases available to accessorize.

    iPhone 16e can be activated with an eSIM, a more secure alternative to a physical SIM card. With eSIM, users can quickly activate their cellular plan, store multiple cellular plans on the same device, and stay connected. Verizon supports eSIM Quick Transfer which allows users to transfer their existing plan to their new iPhone.

    Visit verizon.com on February 28 to order your new iPhone 16e.

    For more details on Apple products, please visit www.apple.com.

    1 Apple Intelligence is available in localized English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K., and the U.S. Additional languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India) will be available in April. Some features, applications, and services may not be available in all regions or all languages.

    2 $599.99 (128 GB only) purchase w/new smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan req’d. Less $419.99 promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. Offer may not be combined with other offers. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later.

    3 $599.99 (128 GB only) purchase w/new smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d. Less $600 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. Trade-in must be from Apple, Google or Samsung; trade-in terms apply. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later.

    4 Taxes & fees apply. New line w/device payment purchase agmt & Business Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Pro plan req’d. $599.99 credit applied to acct. over the term of your agmt (up to 36 mos, 0% APR); promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Credits begin in 2-3 bills & will include appropriate credit amounts from order date. Cannot be combined with other device offers. This device supports only 5G Ultra Wideband mid-band (C-band), 5G and 4G LTE. iPhone 16e 128GB monthly fee after credit: $0. Offer ends 3.31.2025.

    5 iPhone 16e offer only. Plan Requirements: Fed – $15+ with data feature; State & Local – $19.99+ with data feature; State of TN – flat rate plan with data feature (must meet PP requirement). Available to government-liable subscribers only and subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of Verizon Wireless-approved government contracting vehicles. An Offer Recovery Fee (ORF) will be assigned to NASPO MA 152 customer lines that take advantage of select quarterly offers and will be charged on the customer’s bill if the line is disconnected before the end of the line term. 5G and 5G UWB may not be available to all government customers. See terms and conditions of your contract. Pricing excludes taxes and fees and is subject to change without notice. Offer ends 3.31.2025.

    6 Apple’s satellite features are included for free for two years starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 16e . For Emergency SOS via satellite availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426. Messages via satellite will be available in the U.S. and Canada in iOS 18 or later. SMS availability will depend on carrier. Carrier fees may apply. Users should check with their carrier for details. Roadside Assistance via satellite is currently available in the U.S. with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance, and in the U.K. with Green Flag. Participating roadside assistance providers may charge for services, and iPhone users who are not members can take advantage of their roadside assistance services on a pay-per-use basis. Apple’s satellite features were designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky. Performance may be impacted by obstructions such as trees or surrounding buildings.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Balancing green transition goals and the competitiveness of Europe’s car industry – E-002976/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The CO2 emission standards for new cars and vans[1], including a 100% emission reduction target from 2035 onwards , provide long-term certainty and predictability for investors, while allowing sufficient lead time for a fair transition .

    They will drive the transition towards zero-emission mobility and support the competitiveness of the EU industry in view of global trends, and are essential to deliver the EU objective of becoming climate neutral by 2050.

    It is clear that manufacturers need to act to reduce their emissions and comply in 2025, but it is premature to draw any conclusion on specific compliance situations.

    These targets were agreed by the co-legislators in 2019 and confirmed in 2023, providing manufacturers with the necessary lead-time to set-up their compliance strategies, which may include selling more zero-emission cars, hybrids and plug-in hybrids, but also deploying smaller and more efficient conventional vehicles.

    Several European manufacturers are launching new and cheaper electric car models, which should increase the attractiveness of zero-emission vehicles for a broader audience.

    The President of the Commission has convened on 30 January 2025 a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Car Industry in Europe to urgently address the current challenges and design concrete strategies and solutions to ensure this key industry has a solid future in Europe[2].

    As part of the dialogue, solutions will be identified to safeguard industry’s capacity to invest, by looking at possible flexibilities to make sure the EU industry remains competitive, without lowering the overall ambition of the 2025 targets[3].

    The dialogue will feed into an EU industrial action plan for the automotive sector, to be presented on 5 March 2025.

    • [1] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/851/oj
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_299
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/10017eb1-4722-4333-add2-e0ed18105a34_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: During a working visit, Marat Khusnullin inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    During a working visit, Marat Khusnullin inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways

    February 21, 2025

    During a working visit, Marat Khusnullin inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways

    February 21, 2025

    During a working visit, Marat Khusnullin inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways

    February 21, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    During a working visit, Marat Khusnullin inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways

    Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, during a working trip by car from Moscow to Kazan through the Vladimir and Nizhny Novgorod regions, inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways.

    “The federal highway M-12 “Vostok” is our largest new infrastructure project of the last decades. The highway is part of the transport route “Russia” from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. I can say that the condition of the road surface, which I inspected during the trip, is excellent, the road is covered with a stable mobile connection, it is comfortable to drive to the desired location and, what is important, noticeably faster. On the way, I visited a multifunctional zone with a gas station in the Vladimir region, where an entire complex has been built and all the conditions for high-quality service, rest, there is a parking lot for heavy vehicles and an area for walking pets. I believe that such a level of MFC should be on all highways in the country. The section of the M-12 from Moscow to Kazan, which the President opened a little over a year ago, remains consistently in demand among motorists – during this time, more than 30 million trips have been recorded. Despite the fact that in some places the M-12 and M-7 routes are duplicated, we are actively upgrading the M-7 Volga highway, improving its quality. It is also in good condition. Everyone can find the most convenient route for themselves, choose a toll or free road. We will certainly continue to develop highways within the framework of the national project Infrastructure for Life, so that ultimately the quality of life of people only improves,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the territories of regions located in the area of attraction of highways are noticeably developing. Highways contribute to an increase in the volume of housing construction, investment activity, the opening of new enterprises, recreation areas, and the creation of jobs.

    During his working visit to Vladimir Oblast, Marat Khusnullin held a meeting with the head of the region, Aleksandr Avdeyev, on issues of the region’s socio-economic development, including the creation of the new city of Dobrograd. In Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, he and Governor Gleb Nikitin inspected the construction of new stations of the Nizhny Novgorod metro and a world-class IT campus.

    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 Canada: Bolstering efforts to combat human trafficking

    [. 22 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and Alberta’s government is reaffirming its commitment to combatting this unthinkable crime. Human trafficking is a violation of fundamental human rights that takes advantage of vulnerable people, subjecting victims to forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse. It perpetuates cycles of poverty and trauma, affecting individuals and communities across the province.

    Alberta’s government recognizes the urgent need to address human trafficking and provide comprehensive supports for survivors. Introduced in December 2024, the Combatting Trafficking in Persons grant helps organizations prevent human trafficking, protect at-risk people and empower survivors. Since being introduced, organizations that play a critical role in ending human trafficking and supporting survivors have applied for the grant and 19 will receive funding to support their critical work.

    “Human trafficking leaves lasting scars on victims, survivors and communities. We are taking a strong stance against traffickers and bolstering support networks for survivors. This funding will empower community-based organizations to provide specialized services that protect vulnerable individuals and disrupt the cycle of exploitation. With these community grants, we are ensuring traffickers are held accountable and survivors have the support they need from organizations such as The Alberta Centre to rebuild their lives.”

    Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

    Collaboration and community partnerships are vital to combatting human trafficking. These grants strengthen the capacity of organizations to work with law enforcement, non-profits and Indigenous communities to deliver critical supports where they are needed most. These grants provide resources to empower survivors with the tools and services they need to recover and thrive. By investing in prevention, we are addressing the root causes of trafficking and reducing exploitation in our communities.

    The Combatting Trafficking in Persons grants focus on three areas: prevention, protection and empowerment. Funded projects aim to prevent human trafficking by increasing public awareness of its signs and risk factors, supporting community engagement and fostering collaboration. Protection efforts will provide emergency support and help victims navigate legal and health care systems, while empowerment initiatives will assist survivors through peer support networks, skill-building programs and advocacy efforts.

    “With the Alberta Centre leading the way, we now have a dedicated, community-led organization working in partnership with the Government of Alberta and focused on disrupting trafficking networks and empowering survivors. This centre brings hope for vulnerable individuals and a safer future for all Albertans. Our work is focused on empowering those affected by trafficking, disrupting networks of exploitation, and fostering safer, more resilient communities.”

    Paul Brandt, founder and CEO, #NotInMyCity, and co-chair, Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons

    “With the funding from the Government of Alberta, RESET Society of Calgary will increase the capacity within our program and decrease our waitlist to support survivors as they transition from situations of sex trafficking to healing, empowerment and sustaining stable lives for themselves and their children. Proactive initiatives like this from the Alberta government will bring agencies and partners together to provide critical trauma-informed programs and supports.”

    Theresa Jenkins, executive director, RESET Society of Calgary

    “Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) is thankful to the Alberta government for its ongoing commitment to address human trafficking in Alberta and for support to continue our work to prevent human trafficking in friendship centre communities across the province. ANFCA looks forward to working in partnership with our member friendship centres, the Alberta government and other stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking in the province.”

    Jeannette MacInnis, director of partnerships, Alberta Native Friendship Centres

    Priority consideration was given to initiatives that meaningfully include persons with lived experience of human trafficking, as well as Indigenous-led programs. This approach ensures that funding supports culturally relevant, survivor-centered services with the greatest impact on vulnerable populations.

    Quick facts

    • The 19 organizations receiving provincial funding include:
      • Alberta Native Friendship Centres
      • ALERT
      • Buckspring Foundation
      • Catholic Social Services
      • CEASE
      • Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
      • Chiniki First Nation
      • Goodstoney First Nation
      • HER Victory
      • Hull Services
      • Kainai Transition Centre Society
      • Métis Nation of Alberta
      • Narrow Road Society
      • REACH
      • RESET Society
      • Salvation Army
      • The Alberta Centre for Human Trafficking
      • Tsuut’ina Nation
      • Waypoints
    • Recipients of the Combatting Trafficking in Persons Grant must be located in Alberta. To be eligible to apply, applicants must be one of the following:
      • A registered not-for-profit/charitable organization in Alberta.
      • A community-based coalition or network (with a designated fiscal agent).
      • An Indigenous community, including Tribal Councils, First Nations and Metis Settlements.

    Related information

    • Combatting Trafficking in Persons Grant

    Related news

    • Empowering survivors of human trafficking (Dec. 13, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seventeen Defendants Sentenced To Prison In Multi-State Drug Trafficking And Money Laundering Conspiracy

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Dudzinski Poole and sixteen co-conspirators to federal prison terms ranging from six years, up to life, imprisonment in a multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy. Poole was the leader of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that was responsible for distributing thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine and fentanyl with sources of supply or distributors in California, multiple other states, and China. The organization also laundered millions of dollars in drug money. Two of Poole’s co-conspirators (Michael Chester and George King, Jr.) were convicted after a ten-day jury trial in July 2024. The rest of the defendants entered guilty pleas. A summary chart of the sentences is below:

    Name (Age, Residence)

    Charges

    Sentence

    Dudzinski Edwinn Poole

    a/k/a “Zink”

    (50, Apopka, FL)

    Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

    (two counts)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 21 years, 10 months’ imprisonment

    Melvin Tyrone Patterson, Jr.

    a/k/a “Goon”

    (34, Wildwood, FL)

    Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (two counts)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 18 years, 7 months’ imprisonment

    Andrew Woodruff, Jr.

    a/k/a “Smurf”

    (40, Mount Dora, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 30 years’ imprisonment

    Jose Ivan Carbajal

    a/k/a “Primo”

    (35, California)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 40 years’ imprisonment

    Antonio Holmes

    a/k/a “Tone”

    (36, Davenport, FL)

    Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    		 15 years, 8 months’ imprisonment

    Diego Navarro- Martinez

    a/k/a “Shooter”

    (34, California)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 15 years’ imprisonment

    Michael Andre Chester

    a/k/a “Dre”

    (50, Apopka, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 Life in prison

    Samantha Tiesha King

    a/k/a “Mamp”

    (34, Altamonte Springs, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 17 years, 6 months’ imprisonment

    George Nelvin King, Jr.

    (47, Altamonte Springs, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 14 years, 8 months’ imprisonment

    Felisha Denise Williams

    a/k/a “Lil Momma”

    (35, Apopka, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 12 years, 7 months’ imprisonment

    Nathaniel Donnell, Jr.

    a/k/a “Bob”

    (60, Wildwood, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 13 years’ imprisonment

    Rodrieka Lashay Manning

    a/k/a “Drieka”

    (27, Apopka, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 11 years, 3 months’ imprisonment

    Mohammed McDowell

    a/k/a “Mo”

    (45, Wildwood, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 10 years, 10 months’ imprisonment

    Janice Denise Anderson

    a/k/a “Butter”

    (67, Mount Dora, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 10 years, 4 months’ imprisonment

    Latonya Sharee Conley

    a/k/a “Hershey”

    (47, Mount Dora, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 10 years’ imprisonment

    Oveda Denise Miller

    a/k/a “Gangsta Granny”

    (62, Mount Dora, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 10 years’ imprisonment

    Roland Richardson

    (65, Mount Dora, FL)

    Drug trafficking conspiracy

    Money laundering conspiracy

    		 6 years’ imprisonment

    According to court records and the evidence presented at trial, between 2017 and 2023, the DTO operated largely out of Lake County, Florida, where Poole received hundreds of shipments of methamphetamine and fentanyl from sources of supply in California, including Jose Carbajal. The drugs were transported or shipped via commercial planes and through the mail. DEA seized more than 250 pounds of drugs (mostly methamphetamine and fentanyl) during the course of the investigation.

    The defendants played various roles in the DTO, such as suppliers, distributors, couriers, and courier coordinators. The couriers would fly to California from Florida with large sums of cash to purchase drugs and transport checked luggage full of drugs back to Florida on commercial flights. The conspirators sometimes purchased tickets and checked the suitcases full of drugs or cash at the airport but did not fly on the plane. The suitcases would travel to the destination where they would be picked up by other conspirators awaiting their arrival. Nearly all the flights were between the Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida and the Palm Springs Airport (PSP) or the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California. Flight records during a two-year period show more than 400 flights between California and Orlando among the various conspirators.

    The DTO also used couriers to transport large amounts of methamphetamine from Orlando to Virginia via train. In April 2022, one of these couriers was arrested at a train station in Virginia with approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine inside a suitcase.

    In addition to transporting drugs on commercial flights and trains, Poole and his associates had multiple stash houses and received hundreds of mailed packages of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California and other drugs, including fentanyl, from China. Poole’s source of supply in California (Carbajal) would ship packages that contained an average of five to ten pounds of drugs at a time. Poole would provide Carbajal various addresses to ship the drugs, including co-conspirators’ residences. Investigators identified almost 400 packages that were shipped from California as part of this conspiracy from 2019 to 2023.

    The members of this DTO also conspired with one another to engage in money laundering. Poole developed an entertainment business that he used to promote concerts with famous rap artists, whom he paid with drug proceeds. Poole then commingled the profits from the ticket sales with the drug proceeds in the same business account. Members of the conspiracy also used drug proceeds to pay for various expenses of the DTO (such as flights) or funneled the proceeds through numerous financial accounts into purchases of expensive jewelry, vehicles, residences, and payments to coconspirators.

    “This multi-state drug trafficking organization used a vast network to move methamphetamine and fentanyl to poison our communities,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “I’m proud of the way our agents and numerous law enforcement partners worked together to bring this criminal element to justice.”

    “Greed is the biggest motivation these criminal organizations know,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “Motivated by money, they will try to place themselves above the law to the detriment of our communities. Fortunately, our agents and staff are extremely skilled at following the money to ensure these perpetrators face justice. We are proud to work alongside our partner agencies to put a stop to these dangerous drug trafficking organizations and ensure they are held accountable.”  

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Secret Service; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the Orlando Police Department’s Special Enforcement Division and Crime Center and Forensics Division; the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s including the Gang Enforcement Unit; the Florida Highway Patrol; the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office; the Casselberry Police Department; the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation; the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office; the Marion County Sheriff’s Office; the Lake County Sheriff’s Office; the Kissimmee Police Department; the St. Cloud Police Department; the Winter Park Police Department; the St. Cloud IRS Financial Crimes Task Force; and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (California). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Belkis H. Callaos.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orange Park Man Sentenced To Two Years’ Imprisonment For Firearms Violation

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Jacksonville, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced D’eante Corker (25, Orange Park) to two years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Corker was found guilty on November 26, 2024, following a bench trial.  

    According to court documents, on March 27, 2024, a deputy from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Corker. During the stop, a canine officer arrived at the scene and his canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle, which led to a search of Corker’s vehicle. During the search, a loaded Smith & Wesson pistol was found under the hood of the vehicle. Corker admitted to knowing about the firearm under the hood and that he was unable to lawfully possess firearms as a convicted felon.

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clay County Sherriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. 

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director General in Japan Supporting Nuclear Safety and Remediation

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    During the Director General’s visit to Kashiwazaki Kariwa, Japan’s largest nuclear power plant, he viewed improvements in safety response and secure access facilities, as well as enhanced seismic and tsunami proofing.

    There he met with TEPCO President Tomoaki Kobayakawa and Site Vice President Takeyuki Inagaki, a former IAEA safety officer who was working at the Fukushima Daiichi plant when it was struck by the tsunami in 2011.

    “Needless to say, it was the most bitter experience in my life with many lessons learned that needed to be reflected,” said Mr Inagaki. “Now as Site Vice President of the Kashiwazaki Kariwa station, I am determined to never let such an accident happen again.”

    After viewing the improvements at the station, the Director General spoke to local media, and said he was “very satisfied with the progress” he had seen.

    “Nuclear safety and security are an everyday effort. One by one all the recommendations made by IAEA experts have been duly and correctly addressed here.”

    During his trip, the Director General also joined an ongoing IAEA effort to monitor marine radioactivity near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. On a boat off the coast in front of the station, Mr Grossi worked with scientists from the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and Switzerland, to collect seawater samples together.

    The samples will be now be analysed by the IAEA laboratories in Monaco, and national laboratories in Japan and the participating countries, each members of the IAEA’s Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) network, chosen to ensure a high level of proficiency.

    Read more about the Director General’s sampling trip and the additional measures aim to facilitate broader participation in the monitoring of the ALPS-treated water being released from the station.

    “Through these efforts, third parties can independently verify that water discharge levels are, and will continue to be, in strict compliance and consistent with international safety standards,” said Director General Grossi.

    Additional remediation efforts being managed by Japan in the region are focused on soil removal and recycling, another area where the IAEA is providing safety guidance.

    “In this area, the presence of the IAEA is as intense and systematic as in other areas in the decommissioning effort,” said Mr Grossi.

    Read more about the IAEA’s safety review of Japan’s plan for the managed recycling and the final disposal of removed soil and radioactive waste around the Fukushima Daiichi site.

    During his trip the Director General also met with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other key political leaders, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Takeshi Iwaya, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto, and the Minister of Environment Keiichiro Asao.

    Mr Grossi also had an extended meeting and joint press conference with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, where they discussed their strong cooperation, and Japanese support to IAEA work, including non-proliferation worldwide, nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, cancer care through the Rays of Hope initiative, food security and more.

    On his final day in the country the Director General strengthened IAEA cooperation with the Japanese private sector, by signing a practical arrangement with the Sumitomo Corporation and addressing the Japanese business federation, Keidanren. Read more about the meetings with industry here.

    The Director General also signed practical arrangements on cooperation for IAEA educational and training activities with Sophia University and engaged with students and faculty members on IAEA contributions to global issues.

    During his visit to Tokyo, Rafael Mariano Grossi also met with Japan Atomic Energy Agency President Masanori Koguchi and signed practical arrangements on cooperation for both nuclear power and non-power applications.

    View images from the Director General’s entire trip.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – Rwandan soldiers and M23 militiamen disguised as Congolese soldiers

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “The riots that precede the capture of the cities by the M23 are a constant”, explains a local source in Bukavu to Fides, referring to what happened to Bishop Sébastien Joseph Muyengo Mulombe of Uvira, who was robbed yesterday, February 20, along with two of his collaborators (see Fides, 21/2/2025) by alleged soldiers of the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo).The Fides source points out that the uniform worn does not always correspond to the actual affiliation to the regular army. “In Kamanyola, according to the testimonies we collected, a large group of soldiers in FARDC uniforms had arrived. When some M23 commanders arrived, these soldiers took off their Congolese army uniforms and it became apparent that they were wearing M23 uniforms or even uniforms of the Rwandan army (Rwanda Defense Force-RDF).”The M23 has now entered the city,” said the source on the situation in Uvira, “their trucks were seen.” The conflict involves the forced recruitment of children and young people. “We have received news that an armed group, which we do not know which it is, has entered a school in Uvira to kidnap students and then recruit them into their ranks,” reports the source. Meanwhile, in Uvira, during the advance of the pro-Rwandan forces, riots and incidents broke out between the fleeing FARDC soldiers and the “Wazalendo” self-defense groups, which left dead and injured (see Fides, 20/2/2025). “The latter,” says our source, “wanted to force the fleeing FARDC soldiers to stay and fight with them, or at least to give up their weapons. This led to firefights with those who refused to give up their weapons. Here too, there is a suspicion that these are militiamen wearing M23 or RDF uniforms under the uniform of the Congolese army.””So the advance continues and Burundi is on high alert because Uvira is on its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. If nothing is done at the international level, the Rwandan forces and their local allies will continue to advance because the Congolese civil and military institutions are too weak and infiltrated by their opponents or at least incompetent,” reports the Fides source.”Finally, the civilian population is tired of this war, and perhaps they are not so hostile to a change,” says the source. In fact, the M23 presents itself as a stabilizing force in the territories it conquers. The source warns: “We are still in the phase of friendly behavior; but we have seen in previous wars the true behavior of these forces, which, although they had different names, are essentially the same.””I remember the Lenten letter of the then Archbishop of Bukavu, Archbishop Emmanuel Kataliko, in 1999, in which he addressed the suffering faithful, telling them that God is not far away, because Jesus Christ is this suffering people, he is in the heart of the people who are experiencing cruel pain. A people who are being deceived today, because this war is accompanied by a great deception,” concludes the source. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 21/2/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Career Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

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

    RICHMOND, Va. – A North Carolina man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute parafluorofentanyl and fentanyl.

    According to court documents, on the evening of September 17, 2023, Jaron James Starkey, 35, of Charlotte, and formerly of New Castle County, Delaware, was driving erratically southbound on I-95 in Caroline County. Other drivers traveling on I-95 called 911 to report the erratic driving. Virginia State Police (VSP) responded to the area and upon arrival observed that Starkey had crashed his Jeep. Starkey, who was alone in the car, was speaking incoherently and his eyes were bloodshot. He was transported to the Mary Washington Hospital emergency room.

    Upon approaching the vehicle, the responding VSP officers also observed thousands of glassine baggies, each of which appeared to contain a white powder, scattered throughout Starkey’s car. A total of 4,497 blue glassine baggies collected contained Parafluorofentanyl, with a net weight of over 122 grams. Also in the vehicle were 120 white glassine baggies containing fentanyl.

    Starkey has 21 prior convictions as an adult, including two previous drug trafficking convictions, convictions for possessing firearms as a convicted felon, and conspiracy to commit burglary, among others.   

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office; Lt. Colonel Matt Hanley, Virginia State Police Interim Superintendent; and Brian Layton, Chief of Fredericksburg Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. The Fredericksburg Regional Narcotics Task Force assisted in the investigation of this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Mastandrea prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-58.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Verdict in Georgia Tax Fraud Case, Defendant’s Second Federal Fraud Conviction

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident with a prior federal conviction for tax fraud in Florida was found guilty by a federal jury seated in Albany of a fraudulent tax filing scheme.

    Reginald Knight, 52, of Arlington, Georgia, was found guilty of one count of making and subscribing a false tax return on Feb. 19, following a two-day trial that began on Feb. 18. Knight faces a maximum of three years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $100,000 fine. Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner is presiding over the case. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court.

    “The defendant was claiming millions in refunds for a business that never generated income or incurred any losses, fabricating these claims in yet another attempt by the defendant to steal from taxpayers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “We are grateful to the IRS investigators who collaborated with our office to help bring a repeat fraudster to justice.”

    “The guilty verdict serves as a notice to unscrupulous tax preparers that filing fraudulent tax returns will lead them to a criminal court date,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lisa Fontanette, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue to investigate and recommend prosecution for those individuals who commit tax crimes.”

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Knight filed a tax return with the IRS on March 13, 2018, falsely claiming $3,211,907 in wages, $2,586,551 in withholdings, $1,848,000 in Schedule C (Form 1040) losses and claimed a refund of $2,165,154. As part of the scheme, Knight fabricated W-2s and Schedule Cs for two separate business entities; however, neither business ever generated the income, paid the withholdings or suffered the losses Knight claimed on his return. The financials Knight submitted on the signed tax form were entirely fabricated. The IRS did not issue a refund. The IRS began investigating Knight in 2021, discovering that Knight filed tax returns with similarly exorbitant financials for the non-operating business for tax years 2014, 2015 and 2016; the IRS did not issue a refund for tax years 2014 and 2015. The IRS did issue a $745,953 refund to Knight for tax year 2016 on June 7, 2017. Knight used the refund from the false claim to pay for the construction of a new home in Albany, made transfers to his investment account, purchased a vehicle and paid for personal living expenses totaling $442,667.30. The IRS recovered $315,466.97.

    Knight has a prior federal conviction in the Southern District of Florida for one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the Government through False Claim for a Tax Refund and False Claim for a Tax Refund on Nov. 22, 2005, and was sentenced to serve five months in prison per charge, to be served concurrently.

    The IRS Criminal Division and IRS Special Enforcement Program are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Hansis is prosecuting the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: China: Xi Jinping has learned from Trump’s first trade war and is ready to fight back

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tom Harper, Lecturer in International Relations, University of East London

    The start of 2025 has been good for China and its reputation as a high-tech innovator. The unveiling of the Chinese-made artificial intelligence (AI) tool, DeepSeek, caused consternation on the US stock exchange and from potential competitors in Silicon Valley.

    Chinese firms are increasingly at the forefront of key high-level technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) and AI, as reflected by the success of China’s electric vehicles, BYD, and now DeepSeek.

    These moves have made the Chinese economy more self sufficient than it was during Trump’s first term, and has made Beijing more confident about pushing back politically against Trump.

    This is all underlined by a high-level meeting hosted by President Xi Jinping at China’s Great Hall of the People this week. He told the heads of China’s leading tech firms it was time for them “to give full play to their capabilities” and spoke of it as a patriotic duty, according to official accounts.

    This comes as China starts being hit by US tariffs of an additional 10% on its goods, as well as a slew of anti-China rhetoric from the Trump government.

    But China’s high tech industries are on the up, and this is a significant boost for Xi. For instance, in January this year, sales of the Chinese EVs exceeded those of Tesla in the UK for the first time.

    Part of the Chinese EV’s success could be attributed to a backlash against Tesla’s co-founder Elon Musk, after he started backing far-right parties around the world.

    Another factor that Chinese high-tech goods have in their favour are lower prices. Prices for Chinese EVs start at £7,697 in the UK, for example – much lower than Tesla’s Model 3 at £25,490.

    This price difference will be significant in the latest phase of the Sino-US trade war, particularly in countries struggling with a cost-of-living crisis. China is also hoping its cheap prices and tech innovations will help it find new trading allies to counteract Washington’s proposed tariffs.

    What China has to offer

    China is a fast-growing economic and political power and is expected to account for nearly a quarter of the global economy by 2030.

    The success of BYD and DeepSeek comes at a time where Beijing feels more prepared for Trump’s tough tariffs and tension with Washington, than it did in his previous term. China has responded to Trump’s threats with reciprocal tariffs on US coal and liquefied gas, as well as a ban on the export of critical minerals. These are a key component for many US military technologies varying from communications equipment to missiles.

    China accounts for 72% of all rare earth imports for the US. Such measures contrast with the cautious approach taken by Beijing in 2017, when US tariffs during Trump’s first term met little retaliation from Beijing.

    The changes in China’s tactics can partly be attributed to what Beijing learned from the previous trade war. In 2017 there were weaknesses in the supply chains of many Chinese firms, most notably ZTE and Huawei.

    They struggled when Washington pressurised its own chipmakers and those of allied states, such as Britain’s Arm, to stop sales of semiconductor technology to China. As a result, finding long-term alternatives to US technology in the supply chain has become a key priority for Beijing.

    What is Deep Seek?

    Xi has recognised the value of firms such as Huawei and BYD in aiding China’s wider technological (and geopolitical) ambitions, most notably as part of the Made in China 2025 strategy, a national strategy to make China a leader in high-tech technology.



    Read more:
    DeepSeek: how China’s embrace of open-source AI caused a geopolitical earthquake

    Traditionally, China was seen as the home of cheap, low-quality goods, which had been central to its development in the 1980s and 1990s. But many of companies producing these products are increasingly moving to south-east Asia to take advantage of lower labour costs.

    However, Chinese industries are now gaining ground in fields that have traditionally been the preserve of developed nations. For instance, Huawei has developed a spin off, Honor, which has gone from producing cheap, simple smartphones and into AI technology.

    Meanwhile, the success of BYD and DeepSeek have demonstrated that China is, in some ways at least, far better placed for a prolonged trade war. Beijing is feeling more confident, which explains its willingness to push back against Washington this time.

    So the White House will have to deal with higher prices for US goods going into China, as well as additional trade spats with the EU, Canada and the UK. It might be a bumpy ride for US consumers.

    How Beijing responds and its new-found clout may determine the course of this new trade war, and potentially add to its long-term standing in the world.

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

    – ref. China: Xi Jinping has learned from Trump’s first trade war and is ready to fight back – https://theconversation.com/china-xi-jinping-has-learned-from-trumps-first-trade-war-and-is-ready-to-fight-back-250101

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A Palestinian film is an Oscars favorite − so why is it so hard to see?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Drew Paul, Associate Professor of Arabic, University of Tennessee

    Directors Basel Adra, left, and Yuval Abraham on stage at the 62nd New York Film Festival on Sept. 29, 2024. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

    For many low-budget, independent films, an Oscar nomination is a golden ticket.

    The publicity can translate into theatrical releases or rereleases, along with more on-demand rentals and sales.

    However, for “No Other Land,” a Palestinian film nominated for best documentary at the 2025 Academy Awards, this exposure is unlikely to translate into commercial success in the U.S. That’s because the film has been unable to find a company to distribute it in America.

    “No Other Land” chronicles the efforts of Palestinian townspeople to combat an Israeli plan to demolish their villages in the West Bank and use the area as a military training ground. It was directed by four Palestinian and Israeli activists and journalists: Basel Adra, who is a resident of the area facing demolition, Yuval Abraham, Hamdan Ballal and Rachel Szor. While the filmmakers have organized screenings in a number of U.S. cities, the lack of a national distributor makes a broader release unlikely.

    Film distributors are a crucial but often unseen link in the chain that allows a film to reach cinemas and people’s living rooms. In recent years it has become more common for controversial award-winning films to run into issues finding a distributor. Palestinian films have encountered additional barriers.

    As a scholar of Arabic who has written about Palestinian cinema, I’m disheartened by the difficulties “No Other Land” has faced. But I’m not surprised.

    The role of film distributors

    Distributors are often invisible to moviegoers. But without one, it can be difficult for a film to find an audience.

    Distributors typically acquire rights to a film for a specific country or set of countries. They then market films to movie theaters, cinema chains and streaming platforms. As compensation, distributors receive a percentage of the revenue generated by theatrical and home releases.

    The film “Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat,” another finalist for best documentary, shows how this process typically works. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024 and was acquired for distribution just a few months later by Kino Lorber, a major U.S.-based distributor of independent films.

    The inability to find a distributor is not itself noteworthy. No film is entitled to distribution, and most films by newer or unknown directors face long odds.

    However, it is unusual for a film like “No Other Land,” which has garnered critical acclaim and has been recognized at various film festivals and award shows. Some have pegged it as a favorite to win best documentary at the Academy Awards. And “No Other Land” has been able to find distributors in Europe, where it’s easily accessible on multiple streaming platforms.

    So why can’t “No Other Land” find a distributor in the U.S.?

    There are a couple of factors at play.

    Shying away from controversy

    In recent years, film critics have noticed a trend: Documentaries on controversial topics have faced distribution difficulties. These include a film about a campaign by Amazon workers to unionize and a documentary about Adam Kinzinger, one of the few Republican congresspeople to vote to impeach Donald Trump in 2021.

    The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, of course, has long stirred controversy. But the release of “No Other Land” comes at a time when the issue is particularly salient. The Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing Israeli bombardment and invasion of the Gaza Strip have become a polarizing issue in U.S. domestic politics, reflected in the campus protests and crackdowns in 2024. The filmmakers’ critical comments about the Israeli occupation of Palestine have also garnered backlash in Germany.

    Locals attend a screening of ‘No Other Land’ in the village of A-Tuwani in the West Bank on March 14, 2024.
    Yahel Gazit/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

    Yet the fact that this conflict has been in the news since October 2023 should also heighten audience interest in a film such as “No Other Land” – and, therefore, lead to increased sales, the metric that distributors care about the most.

    Indeed, an earlier film that also documents Palestinian protests against Israeli land expropriation, “5 Broken Cameras,” was a finalist for best documentary at the 2013 Academy Awards. It was able to find a U.S. distributor. However, it had the support of a major European Union documentary development program called Greenhouse. The support of an organization like Greenhouse, which had ties to numerous production and distribution companies in Europe and the U.S., can facilitate the process of finding a distributor.

    By contrast, “No Other Land,” although it has a Norwegian co-producer and received some funding from organizations in Europe and the U.S., was made primarily by a grassroots filmmaking collective.

    Stages for protest

    While distribution challenges may be recent, controversies surrounding Palestinian films are nothing new.

    Many of them stem from the fact that the system of film festivals, awards and distribution is primarily based on a movie’s nation of origin. Since there is no sovereign Palestinian state – and many countries and organizations have not recognized the state of Palestine – the question of how to categorize Palestinian films has been hard to resolve.

    In 2002, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences rejected the first ever Palestinian film submitted to the best foreign language film category – Elia Suleiman’s “Divine Intervention” – because Palestine was not recognized as a country by the United Nations. The rules were changed for the following year’s awards ceremony.

    In 2021, the cast of the film “Let It Be Morning,” which had an Israeli director but primarily Palestinian actors, boycotted the Cannes Film Festival in protest of the film’s categorization as an Israeli film rather than a Palestinian one.

    Film festivals and other cultural venues have also become places to make statements about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and engage in protest. For example, at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017, the right-wing Israeli culture minister wore a controversial – and meme-worthy – dress that featured the Jerusalem skyline in support of Israeli claims of sovereignty over the holy city, despite the unresolved status of Jerusalem under international law.

    Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev wears a dress featuring the old city of Jerusalem during the Cannes Film Festival in 2017.
    Antonin Thuillier/AFP via Getty Images

    At the 2024 Academy Awards, a number of attendees, including Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo and Mahershala Ali, wore red pins in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, and pro-Palestine protesters delayed the start of the ceremonies.

    So even though a film like “No Other Land” addresses a topic of clear interest to many people in the U.S., it faces an uphill battle to finding a distributor.

    I wonder whether a win at the Oscars would even be enough.

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

    – ref. A Palestinian film is an Oscars favorite − so why is it so hard to see? – https://theconversation.com/a-palestinian-film-is-an-oscars-favorite-so-why-is-it-so-hard-to-see-249233

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From ancient emperors to modern presidents, leaders have used libraries to cement their legacies

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Myrsini Mamoli, Lecturer of Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology

    The Library of Celsus was a famous landmark in its time – and today. Myrsini Mamoli

    Here in Atlanta, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum has been part of my daily life for years. Parks and trails surrounding the center connect my neighborhood to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park downtown and everything in between.

    At the end of December 2024, thousands of people walked to the library to pay their respects to the former president as he lay in repose. The cold, snow and darkness of the evening were a stark contrast to the warmth of the volunteers who welcomed us in. Our visit spiraled through galleries exhibiting records of Carter’s life, achievements and lifelong work promoting democracy around the world.

    U.S. presidents have been building libraries for more than 100 years, starting with Rutherford B. Hayes. But the urge to shape one’s legacy by building a library runs much deeper. As a scholar of libraries in the Greek and Roman world, I was struck by the similarities between presidential and ancient libraries – some of which were explicitly designed to honor deceased sponsors and played a significant role in their cities.

    Trajan’s library

    The Ulpian Library, a great library in the center of Rome, was founded by Emperor Trajan, who ruled around the turn of the second century C.E. Referenced often by ancient authors, it could have been the first such memorial library.

    Trajan’s Column now stands at the center of Rome.
    AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito

    Today, someone visiting Rome can visit Trajan’s Column, a roughly 100-foot monument to his military and engineering achievements after conquering Dacia, part of present-day Romania. A frieze spirals from bottom to top of the column, depicting his exploits. The monument now stands on its own. Originally, however, it was nestled in a courtyard between two halls of the Ulpian Library complex.

    Most of what scholars know about the library’s architecture comes from remains of the west hall, an elongated room almost 80 feet long, whose walls were lined with rectangular niches and framed by a colonnade. The niches were lined with marble and appear to have had doors; this is where the books would have been placed. Writers from the first few centuries C.E. describe the library having archival documents about the emperor and the empire, including books made of linen and books bound with ivory.

    Trajan dedicated the column in 113 C.E. but died four years later, before the library was complete. Hadrian, his adoptive son and successor, oversaw the shipment of Trajan’s cremated remains back to Rome, where they were placed in Trajan’s Column. Hadrian completed the surrounding library complex in 128 C.E. and dedicated it with two identical funerary inscriptions to his adopted parents, Trajan and Plotina. Scholars Roberto Egidi and Silvia Orlandi have argued that Trajan’s remains could later have been transferred from the column into the library hall.

    Memorial model

    Either way, I would argue that Trajan’s decision to have his remains included in the library complex, instead of in an imperial mausoleum, established a model adopted by other officials at a smaller scale. In the eastern side of the Roman empire – what is now Turkey – at least two other library-mausoleum buildings have been identified.

    One is the library at Nysa on the Maeander, a Hellenistic city named for the nearby river. Under the floor of its entry porch is a sarcophagus with the remains of a man and a woman, possibly the dedicators, that dates to the second century C.E., the time of Hadrian’s reign.

    The ruins of the library at Nysa on the Maeander.
    Myrsini Mamoli

    Another is the Library of Celsus, the most recognizable ancient library today, found in the ancient city of Ephesus. Named after a regional Roman consul and proconsul during the reign of Trajan, the building was founded by Celsus’ son, designed as both a place of learning and a mausoleum.

    The library’s ornate, sculpted facade contained life-size female statues, making it an immediately recognizable landmark. Inscriptions identify the statues as the personifications of Celsus’ character, elevating him into a role model: virtue, intelligence, knowledge and wisdom.

    Upon entering the room, the funerary character of the library became quite literal. The hall was designed like the Ulpian Library, but a door gave access to a crypt underneath. This held the marble sarcophagus with the remains of Celsus, the patron of the library. The sarcophagus itself was visible from the hall, if one stood in front of the central apse and looked down through two slits in the podium.

    An endowment covered the library’s operational expenses in ancient times, as well as annual commemorations on Celsus’ birthday, including the wreathing of the busts and statues and the purchasing of additional books.

    The life-size statues on the facade of the Library of Celsus.
    Myrsini Mamoli

    Power and knowledge

    These two provincial libraries highlight how sponsors hoped to be associated with the virtues a library fosters. Books represent knowledge, and by dedicating a library, one asserted his possession of it. Providing access to learning was an instrument of power on its own.

    Beyond the handful of memorial libraries, many other ancient Roman public libraries were great cultural centers, including the Forum of Peace in Rome, dedicated by Emperor Vespasian; the Library of Hadrian in Athens; and the Gymnasium in Side, a city in present-day Turkey.

    The most magnificent libraries combined access to manuscripts and artworks with spaces for meetings and lectures. Several had great leisure areas, including landscaped sculptural gardens with elaborate water features and colonnaded walkways. Literary sources and material evidence testify to the treasures that were held there: busts of philosophers, poets and other accomplished literary figures; statues of gods, heroes and emperors; treasures confiscated as spoils of war and exhibited in Rome.

    A model of how Hadrian’s Library may have looked, complete with a landscaped courtyard.
    Joris/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Like the Ulpian Library itself, they continued the long tradition of Hellenistic public libraries, established by the most famous library of antiquity: the Library of Alexandria. Founded and lavishly endowed by the Hellenistic kings of Egypt, the Ptolemies, the building was meant to portray the king as a patron of intellectual activities and a powerful ruler, collecting knowledge from conquered civilizations.

    In ancient Greece and Rome, anybody who could read had access to public libraries. Rules of use varied: For example, literary sources imply that the Ulpian Library in Rome was a borrowing library, whereas an inscription from the Library of Pantainos in Athens explicitly forbid any book to be taken out.

    But these buildings were also meant to shape their sponsors’ legacies, portraying them as benevolent and learned. Presidential libraries in the United States today follow the same principle: They become monuments to the former presidents, while giving back to their local communities.

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

    – ref. From ancient emperors to modern presidents, leaders have used libraries to cement their legacies – https://theconversation.com/from-ancient-emperors-to-modern-presidents-leaders-have-used-libraries-to-cement-their-legacies-248423

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Onex Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    All amounts in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated

    TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onex Corporation (TSX: ONEX) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    “Our focus, every day, is growing long-term shareholder value,” said Bobby Le Blanc, CEO and President. “In private equity, we are investing in strategies and verticals that have the strongest potential for future risk-adjusted returns. Overall, the PE teams raised over $1.5 billion in 2024. Our Structured Credit platform had another active quarter and an outstanding year, having raised or extended more than $13 billion of fee-generating assets during 2024 while growing fee related earnings. Shareholders continue to benefit from our strong balance sheet and liquidity position, and most recently through our substantial issuer bid.”  

    Financial Results
    ($ millions except per share amounts)

    Quarter Ended Dec. 31

    Year Ended Dec. 31
      2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Net earnings (loss) $ (2 ) $ 373   $ 303   $ 529  
    Net earnings (loss) per diluted share $ (0.02 ) $ 4.81   $ 4.00   $ 6.65  
                     
    Investing segment net earnings $ 29   $ 326   $ 344   $ 815  
    Asset management segment net earnings   18     46     21     2  
    Total segment net earnings (1) $ 47   $ 372   $ 365   $ 817  
    Total segment net earnings per fully diluted share(2) $ 0.62   $ 4.80   $ 4.74   $ 10.23  
    Asset management fee-related earnings(3) $ 6   $ 3   $ 6   $ 12  
    Total fee-related earnings (loss)(4) $ (1 ) $ (2 ) $ (21 ) $ (14 )
    Distributable earnings(5) $ 231   $ 139   $ 617   $ 797  


    Highlights

    • Onex had approximately $8.3 billion of investing capital, or $113.70 (C$163.54) per fully diluted share(6) at December 31, 2024. Onex’ investing capital per fully diluted share returned 6% for the year ended December 31, 2024 or 15% in Canadian dollars. Over the last five years, investing capital per fully diluted share has had a compound annual return of 13%.
    • Onex’ private equity investments had net gains of $11 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2023: net gains of $250 million). Investments in Credit strategies generated net gains of $16 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2023: net gains of $66 million).
    • Onex raised approximately $2.8 billion in fee-generating capital across its Private Equity and Credit platforms in the fourth quarter and $8.8 billion in fiscal 2024.
    • The Onex Partners Opportunities Fund has raised aggregate commitments of approximately $1.2 billion, including affiliated vehicles and Onex’ commitment of $400 million. The Fund completed its second acquisition in December.
    • ONCAP V has reached aggregate commitments of approximately $1.1 billion, including Onex’ commitment of $250 million, with a final close expected at the end of Q1 2025. In December, ONCAP II and ONCAP III completed the sale of PURE Canadian Gaming.  
    • Collectively, our private equity teams returned approximately $3.0 billion of capital to Limited Partners in 2024, including approximately $1.0 billion to Onex.
    • Onex Credit raised or extended a total of $13.0 billion of fee-generating assets across its CLO platform in 2024. Fee-generating assets under management (FGAUM) within the Structured Credit platform increased 34% in 2024. Activity in Q4 includes closing of five new CLOs for approximately $2.6 billion in new fee-generating assets. The Credit platform contributed $27 million of fee-related earnings (FRE) in 2024, with year-end run-rate FRE of $40 million.
    • Onex repurchased 2,277,722 Subordinate Voting Shares (SVS) in the fourth quarter for a total cost of $185 million (C$266 million) or an average cost per share of $81.18 (C$116.82). Onex repurchased 5,693,741 SVS in 2024, capturing approximately $215 million of value for remaining shareholders.
    • Onex had $35.2 billion of FGAUM at December 31, 2024, a 17%(7) increase over the last 12 months. Run-rate management fees(8) increased to $195 million at December 31, 2024.
    • Unrealized carried interest from funds managed by Onex was $286 million at December 31, 2024.
    • Onex’ cash and near-cash(9) balance was $1.6 billion or 19% of Onex’ investing capital as of December 31, 2024 (December 31, 2023 – $1.5 billion or 17%).

    Dividend Declaration

    The Board of Directors has declared a first quarter dividend of C$0.10 per Subordinate Voting Share payable on April 30, 2025, to shareholders of record on April 10, 2025.

    Webcast

    Onex management will host a webcast to review Onex’ fourth quarter 2024 results on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET. The webcast will be available in listen-only mode from the Presentations and Events section of Onex’ website, https://www.onex.com/events-and-presentations. A 90-day on-line replay will be available shortly following the completion of the event.

    Additional Information

    Enclosed are supplementary financial schedules related to Onex’ consolidated net earnings, investing capital, fee-related earnings (loss), distributable earnings, and cash and near-cash changes for the three and 12 months ended December 31, 2024. The financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the results, are posted on Onex’ website, www.onex.com, and are also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. A supplemental information package with additional information is available on Onex’ website, www.onex.com.

    About Onex

    Onex invests and manages capital on behalf of its shareholders and clients across the globe. Formed in 1984, we have a long track record of creating value for our clients and shareholders. Our investors include a broad range of global clients, including public and private pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, banks, insurance companies, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. In total, Onex has approximately $51.1 billion in assets under management, of which $8.3 billion is Onex’ own investing capital. With offices in Toronto, New York, New Jersey and London, Onex and its experienced management teams are collectively the largest investors across Onex’ platforms.

    Onex is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ONEX. For more information on Onex, visit its website at www.onex.com. Onex’ security filings can also be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain, without limitation, statements concerning possible or assumed future operations, performance or results preceded by, followed by or that include words such as “believes”, “expects”, “potential”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “intends”, “plans” and words of similar connotation, which would constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees. The reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve significant and diverse risks and uncertainties that may cause actual operations, performance or results to be materially different from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by Canadian securities law, Onex is under no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein should material facts change due to new information, future events or other factors. These cautionary statements expressly qualify all forward-looking statements in this press release.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures which have been calculated using methodologies that are not in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. The presentation of financial measures in this manner does not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS Accounting Standards and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar financial measures presented by other companies. Onex management believes these financial measures provide useful information to investors. Reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to information contained in the consolidated financial statements have been presented where practical.

    For Further Information:

    Jill Homenuk
    Managing Director – Shareholder
    Relations and Communications
    Tel: +1 416.362.7711    		 Zev Korman
    Vice President, Shareholder
    Relations and Communications
    Tel: +1 416.362.7711


    Supplementary Financial Schedules

        Quarter ended December 31
        2024(i) 2023(i)
    		  
    ($ millions except per share amounts)   Investing     Asset Management     Total   Total
    		  
    Segment income $ 29   $ 70   $ 99   $ 435  
    Segment expenses   –     (52 )   (52 )   (63 )
    Segment net earnings $ 29   $ 18   $ 47   $ 372  
                     
    Stock-based compensation expense             (33 )   (33 )
    Amortization of property, equipment and intangible assets, excluding right-of-use assets (3 )   (4 )
    Restructuring expenses, net       (10 )   (6 )
    Unrealized carried interest included in segment net earnings – Credit   (5 )   (6 )
    Realized performance fees previously recognized in segment net earnings   2     5  
    Contingent consideration recovery   –     42  
    Impairment reversal of property and equipment   –     2  
    Integration expenses   –     (1 )
    Other   1     2  
    Earnings (loss) before income taxes   (1 )   373  
    Provision for income taxes   (1 )   –  
    Net earnings (loss)           $ (2 ) $ 373  
                     
    Segment net earnings per fully diluted share $ 0.38   $ 0.24   $ 0.62   $ 4.80  
    Net earnings (loss) per share                
    Basic           $ (0.02 ) $ 4.82  
    Diluted           $ (0.02 ) $ 4.81  

    (i) Refer to pages 27 and 28 of Onex’ 2024 Annual MD&A for further details concerning the composition of segmented results.

        Year ended December 31
        2024(i) 2023(i)
    		  
    ($ millions except per share amounts)   Investing     Asset Management     Total   Total
    		  
    Segment income $ 344   $ 252   $ 596   $ 1,098  
    Segment expenses   –     (231 )   (231 )   (281 )
    Segment net earnings $ 344   $ 21   $ 365   $ 817  
                     
    Stock-based compensation expense             (36 )   (75 )
    Amortization of property, equipment and intangible assets, excluding right-of-use assets (15 )   (24 )
    Restructuring expenses, net       (21 )   (46 )
    Carried interest from Falcon Funds previously recognized in segment net earnings   25     –  
    Unrealized carried interest included in segment net earnings – Credit   (10 )   (17 )
    Unrealized performance fees included in segment net earnings   (3 )   –  
    Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment   –     (162 )
    Contingent consideration recovery   –     42  
    Integration expenses   –     (4 )
    Other   –     1  
    Earnings before income taxes   305     532  
    Provision for income taxes   (2 )   (3 )
    Net earnings           $ 303   $ 529  
                     
    Segment net earnings per fully diluted share $ 4.45   $ 0.29   $ 4.74   $ 10.23  
    Net earnings per share                
    Basic           $ 4.01   $ 6.66  
    Diluted           $ 4.00   $ 6.65  

    (i) Refer to pages 27 and 29 of Onex’ 2024 Annual MD&A for further details concerning the composition of segmented results.

    Investing Capital(i)

    ($ millions except per share amounts)

    		 December 31, 2024
    		   December 31, 2023
    		  
    Private Equity            
    Onex Partners Funds $ 4,072   $ 4,445  
    ONCAP Funds   795     929  
    Other Private Equity   587     407  
    Carried Interest   264     252  
        5,718     6,033  
    Private Credit          
    Investments   924     904  
    Carried Interest   22     29  
        946     933  
               
    Real Estate   –     18  
    Cash and Near-Cash   1,578     1,466  
    Other Net Assets (Liabilities)   31     (17 )
    Investing Capital $ 8,273   $ 8,433  
    Investing Capital per fully diluted share (U.S. dollars)(ii) $ 113.70   $ 107.82  
    Investing Capital per fully diluted share (Canadian dollars)(ii) $ 163.54   $ 142.61  

    (i) Refer to the glossary in Onex’ Q4 2024 Annual MD&A for further details concerning the composition of investing capital.

    (ii) Fully diluted shares for investing capital per share were 72.8 million at December 31, 2024.

    Fee-Related Earnings (Loss) and Distributable Earnings

    ($ millions) Quarter Ended
    December 31, 2024    		   Quarter Ended
    December 31, 2023    		  
    Private Equity
    Management and advisory fees

    $

    25

    		  

    $

    26

    		  
    Total fee-related revenues from Private Equity $ 25   $ 26  
    Compensation expense   (17 )   (24 )
    Support and other net expenses   (8 )   (10 )
    Net contribution $ –   $ (8 )
             
    Structured Credit        
    Management and advisory fees $ 21   $ 16  
    Total fee-related revenues from Structured Credit $ 21   $ 16  
    Compensation expense   (6 )   (5 )
    Support and other net expenses   (3 )   (1 )
    Net contribution $ 12   $ 10  
             
    Other Credit
    Management and advisory fees
    Performance fees    		 $ 4
    1    		   $ 15
    4    		  
    Total fee-related revenues from Other Credit $ 5   $ 19  
    Compensation expense   (6 )   (9 )
    Support and other net expenses   (5 )   (9 )
    Net contribution $ (6 ) $ 1  
             
    Asset management fee-related earnings $ 6   $ 3  
             
    Public Company and Onex Capital Investing        
    Compensation expense $ (3 ) $ (1 )
    Other net expenses   (4 )   (4 )
    Total expenses $ (7 ) $ (5 )
             
    Total fee-related earnings (loss) $ (1 ) $ (2 )
             
    Realized carried interest(i) $ 2   $ 7  
    Net realized gain on corporate investments   230     134  
    Distributable earnings $ 231   $ 139  

    (i) Includes realized carried interest from the Falcon Funds, when applicable.

    ($ millions) Year Ended
    December 31, 2024    		   Year Ended
    December 31, 2023    		  
    Private Equity
    Management and advisory fees    		 $ 93   $ 112  
    Total fee-related revenues from Private Equity $ 93   $ 112  
    Compensation expense   (76 )   (85 )
    Support and other net expenses   (38 )   (39 )
    Net contribution $ (21 ) $ (12 )
             
    Structured Credit
    Management and advisory fees
    Performance fees    		 $ 76
    4    		   $ 61
    –    		  
    Total fee-related revenues from Structured Credit $ 80   $ 61  
    Compensation expense   (24 )   (22 )
    Support and other net expenses   (12 )   (9 )
    Net contribution $ 44   $ 30  
             
    Other Credit
    Management and advisory fees
    Performance fees    		 $ 31
    4    		   $ 79
    13    		  
    Other income   2     2  
    Total fee-related revenues from Other Credit $ 37   $ 94  
    Compensation expense   (23 )   (48 )
    Support and other net expenses   (31 )   (52 )
    Net contribution $ (17 ) $ (6 )
             
    Asset management fee-related earnings $ 6   $ 12  
             
    Public Company and Onex Capital Investing        
    Compensation expense $ (13 ) $ (11 )
    Other net expenses   (14 )   (15 )
    Total expenses $ (27 ) $ (26 )
             
    Total fee-related earnings (loss) $ (21 ) $ (14 )
             
    Realized carried interest(i) $ 19   $ 16  
    Net realized gain on corporate investments   619     795  
    Distributable earnings $ 617   $ 797  

    (i) Includes realized carried interest from the Falcon Funds, when applicable.

    Fee-related earnings (loss) and distributable earnings are non-GAAP financial measures. The tables below provide reconciliations of Onex’ net earnings (loss) to fee-related earnings (loss) and distributable earnings during the quarters and years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

    ($ millions) Quarter Ended
    December 31, 2024    		   Quarter Ended
    December 31, 2023
    		  
    Net earnings (loss) $ (2 ) $ 373  
    Provision for income taxes   1     –  
    Earnings (loss) before income taxes   (1 )   373  
    Stock-based compensation expense   33     33  
    Amortization of property, equipment and intangible assets, excluding right-of-use assets 3     4  
    Restructuring expenses, net   10     6  
    Unrealized carried interest included in segment net earnings – Credit 5     6  
    Realized performance fees previously recognized in segment net earnings (2 )   (5 )
    Contingent consideration recovery –     (42 )
    Impairment reversal of property and equipment –     (2 )
    Integration expenses –     1  
    Other   (1 )   (2 )
    Total segment net earnings   47     372  
    Investing segment net earnings   (29 )   (326 )
    Net gain from carried interest(i)   (19 )   (48 )
    Total fee-related earnings (loss)   (1 )   (2 )
    Realized carried interest(i)   2     7  
    Realized gain on corporate investments   230     134  
    Total distributable earnings $ 231   $ 139  

    (i) Includes carried interest Onex is entitled to from the Falcon Funds.

    ($ millions) Year Ended
    December 31, 2024
    		   Year Ended
    December 31, 2023
    		  
    Net earnings $ 303   $ 529  
    Provision for income taxes   2     3  
    Earnings before income taxes   305     532  
    Stock-based compensation expense   36     75  
    Amortization of property, equipment and intangible assets, excluding right-of-use assets 15     24  
    Restructuring expenses, net   21     46  
    Carried interest from Falcon funds previously recognized in segment net earnings (25 )   –  
    Unrealized carried interest included in segment net earnings – Credit 10     17  
    Unrealized performance fees included in segment net earnings 3     –  
    Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and property and equipment –     162  
    Contingent consideration recovery –     (42 )
    Integration expenses –     4  
    Other   –     (1 )
    Total segment net earnings   365     817  
    Investing segment net earnings   (344 )   (815 )
    Net gain from carried interest(i)   (42 )   (16 )
    Total fee-related earnings (loss)   (21 )   (14 )
    Realized carried interest(i)   19     16  
    Realized gain on corporate investments   619     795  
    Total distributable earnings $ 617   $ 797  

    (i) Includes carried interest Onex is entitled to from the Falcon Funds.

    Cash and Near-Cash

    The table below provides a breakdown of cash and near-cash at Onex as at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

    ($ millions) December 31, 2024
    		   December 31, 2023
    		  
    Cash and cash equivalents – Investing segment(i) $ 840   $ 142  
    Management fees and recoverable fund expenses receivable(ii)   464     615  
    Cash and cash equivalents within Investment Holding Companies(iii)   156     398  
    Treasury investments   83     –  
    Subscription financing and short-term loan receivable(iv)   35     114  
    Treasury investments within Investment Holding Companies   –     197  
    Cash and near-cash $ 1,578   $ 1,466  

    (i) Excludes cash and cash equivalents allocated to the asset management segment related to accrued incentive compensation ($89 million (December 31, 2023 – $108 million)). The December 31, 2023 balance also excludes $15 million of cash and cash equivalents allocated to the asset management segment concerning the contingent consideration related to the 2020 acquisition of Onex Falcon.

    (ii) Includes management fees and recoverable fund expenses receivable from certain funds which Onex has elected to defer cash receipt from.

    (iii) Cash and cash equivalents is reduced by Onex’ share of uncalled expenses payable by the Investment Holding Companies of $36 million (December 31, 2023 – $35 million) and $2 million payable by the Investment Holding Companies for Onex’ management incentive programs related to a private equity realization (December 31, 2023 – less than $1 million). The December 31, 2023 balance also includes $22 million of restricted cash and cash equivalents for which the Company can readily remove the external restriction or for which the restriction will be removed in the near term.

    (iv) Includes $35 million of subscription financing receivable, including interest receivable, attributable to third-party investors in Onex Partners V and ONCAP V Funds (December 31, 2023 – $77 million attributable to third-party investors in certain Credit Funds, Onex Partners V and ONCAP V Funds). The December 31, 2023 balance also includes $37 million related to a short-term loan receivable from an Onex Partners operating company, which was repaid during 2024.

    The table below provides a reconciliation of the change in cash and near-cash from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024.

    ($ millions)    
    Cash and near-cash at December 31, 2023 $ 1,466  
    Private equity realizations and distributions   1,009  
    Private equity investments   (409 )
    Net private credit strategies investment activity   56  
    Repurchase of share capital of Onex Corporation (417 )
    Net stock-based compensation paid (60 )
    Cash dividends paid (23 )
    Reversal of Onex Falcon contingent consideration 15  
    Net other, including cash flows from asset management activities, operating costs and changes in working capital   (59 )
    Cash and near-cash at December 31, 2024 $ 1,578  

    (1) Refer to pages 27, 28 and 29 of Onex’ 2024 Annual MD&A for further details concerning the composition of segment net earnings. A reconciliation of total segment net earnings to net earnings (loss) is provided in the supplementary financial schedules in this press release.
    (2) Refer to the glossary in Onex’ 2024 Annual MD&A for details concerning the composition of fully diluted shares.
    (3) Asset management fee-related earnings excludes Onex’ public company expenses and other expenses associated with managing Onex’ investing capital and is a component of total fee-related earnings (loss).
    (4) Total fee-related earnings (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure that does not have a standardized meaning prescribed under International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS Accounting Standards”). Therefore, it may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other companies. The most directly comparable financial measure under IFRS Accounting Standards to fee-related earnings (loss) is Onex’ net earnings (loss). Refer to the 2024 Results & Activity section of Onex’ 2024 Annual MD&A and the supplementary financial schedules in this press release for further details concerning fee-related earnings (loss).
    (5) Distributable earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure that does not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS Accounting Standards. Therefore, it may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other companies. The most directly comparable financial measure under IFRS Accounting Standards to distributable earnings is Onex’ net earnings (loss). Refer to the 2024 Results & Activity section of Onex’ 2024 Annual MD&A and the supplementary financial schedules in this press release for further details concerning distributable earnings.
    (6) Refer to the glossary in Onex’ 2024 Annual MD&A for details concerning the composition of investing capital per fully diluted share. The percentage changes in investing capital per share exclude the impact of capital deployed in Onex’ asset management segment, where applicable, and dividends paid by Onex.
    (7) Adjusted to exclude the impact from the transfer of Onex Falcon.
    (8) Refer to the glossary in Onex’ 2024 Annual MD&A for details concerning the composition of run-rate management fees.
    (9) Cash and near-cash is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated using methodologies that are not in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. The presentation of this measure does not have a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore might not be comparable to similar financial measures presented by other companies. The most directly comparable financial measure under IFRS Accounting Standards to cash and near-cash is Onex’ consolidated cash and cash equivalents balance, which was $929 million at December 31, 2024 (December 31, 2023 – $265 million). Refer to the Cash and Near-Cash section of Onex’ 2024 Annual MD&A and the supplementary financial schedules in this press release for further details concerning Onex’ cash and near-cash.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Japan partnership rooted in brotherhood, democracy,culture and economic cooperation: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India Japan partnership rooted in brotherhood, democracy,culture and economic cooperation: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal

    The partnership reflects a unique fusion of Sushi and Spices, distinct yet complementary: Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 5:07PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal stated that India and Japan share a globally recognized strategic partnership rooted in brotherhood, democracy, culture, and economic cooperation. This was stated by the Minister at his keynote address at the India-Japan Economy and Investment Forum today.

    The Minister highlighted that the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan have origins in Indian tradition, underscoring the deep cultural ties between the two nations. He noted that the relationship between India and Japan reflected Sushi and spices, a fusion of distinct yet complementary elements, contributing to an extraordinary partnership. Japan has been a key ally in India’s economic growth, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Japan exceeding $43 billion between 2000 and 2024, making it India’s fifth-largest source of foreign investment, added the Minister.

    The Minister highlighted that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2011 has significantly strengthened bilateral trade, with over 1,400 Japanese companies operating in India and 11 industrial townships across eight states hosting Japanese enterprises. He pointed out that major infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail and metro systems in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai reflect Japan’s active participation in India’s development. He expressed optimism about the commencement of the Shinkansen bullet train service between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in the near future.

    The Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the ‘Make in India’ initiative launched in 2014 has provided a significant boost to India’s manufacturing sector. He stated that India and Japan are collaborating to build globally competitive brands, citing the example of Maruti exporting vehicles to various countries, including Japan. He reiterated the objective of increasing the share of manufacturing in India’s GDP to 25%, with Japan playing a crucial role in achieving this target.The Minister cited the Prime Minister, emphasizing that trade, technology, tourism, and investment will remain key pillars of India’s international economic strategy, with the partnership with Japan playing a crucial role in strengthening economic ties.

    He also noted India’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, emphasizing that ease of doing business improvements are being implemented at both central and state levels. Infrastructure development, public-private partnerships in innovation, and a strengthened R&D ecosystem, supported by recent budget announcements, reflect the government’s strategic focus on economic growth. He underscored that India has the world’s largest number of STEM graduates, with women accounting for 43% of them, contributing to the country’s skilled workforce.

    The Minister pointed out five key drivers of India’s economic growth—decisive leadership, demographic dividend, democracy, diversity, and demand generated by 1.4 billion people—stating that these factors collectively shape India’s growing economy. He reiterated that large-scale investments will coexist in India with MSMEs to provide global solutions.

    Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi “ Today’s India inspires confidence in the world”, Shri Goyal added that  with a young and skilled workforce India today is a destination to invest and a destination to source goods and services.

    On quality standards, the Minister stated that Japan serves as a benchmark for excellence and that India seeks to adopt similar high standards in manufacturing. He noted that Indian manufacturers are being encouraged to embrace ‘Kaizen’ (continuous improvement) and Lean Six Sigma principles to enhance quality and efficiency. He further stated that efforts are being made to balance trade between India and Japan, with a focus on increasing Indian exports to ensure reciprocal benefits.The Minister invited participation in India’s growth story, particularly in green energy, renewable energy, high-tech manufacturing of semiconductors, electronic goods, and artificial intelligence. He emphasized that digital technologies will drive progress towards prosperity, reinforcing India’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2105293) Visitor Counter : 120

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled seafood worth about $1.39 million at Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 20) detected a suspected smuggling case involving a cross-boundary goods vehicle at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port. A batch of suspected smuggled seafood, including about 1 450 kilograms of oysters, 1 150kg of fish, 300kg of lobsters, with a total estimated market value of about $1.39 million, was seized.

         Based on risk assessment, Customs yesterday intercepted an outgoing goods vehicle at the HZMB Hong Kong Port. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of unmanifested cargo items inside the vehicle.

         A 57-year-old male driver was arrested and was put on bail pending further investigation.

         Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

         Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. 

         Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk in Dongguan (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKSAR Government sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk in Dongguan (with photos)
    HKSAR Government sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk in Dongguan (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​To advance the development of a digital government, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is collaborating with Guangdong Province to promote the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced today (February 21) the setting up of a Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Dongguan to enable residents and enterprises in Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to access public services of Hong Kong without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person.      Starting today, the public can use the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk located on 2/F, Dongguan Citizen Service Center to access various public services of Hong Kong. The opening hours of the kiosk in the Center are 9am to noon and 1pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays on the Mainland). For details, please visit the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services thematic website at www.crossboundaryservices.gov.hk/en/home/index.html.      Following the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks that commenced operation earlier in Guangzhou, Qianhai and Futian in Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Foshan as well as Huizhou, the Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Dongguan also provides over 70 public services from 12 government bureaux and departments as well as related organisations, encompassing eight areas commonly used by enterprises and the public including taxation, company registration, property and vehicle enquiry and registration, application for personal identification documents and entry of talent, welfare and education, healthcare, immigration clearance, urgent assistance as well as culture and tourism. Members of the public can use the self-service kiosks to perform data entry, document scanning and result printing to enjoy one-stop access when applying for various public services.       An “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk is also set up at the Dongguan location to enable Hong Kong residents working and living on the Mainland to register for “iAM Smart+” and directly use the “iAM Smart” mobile app for one-stop public services, covering more than 400 Hong Kong public services, such as renewal of a vehicle licence, enrolment for the Contactless e-Channel, and application for student grant. For details and registration requirements, please visit the “iAM Smart” thematic website at www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html.      A spokesman for the DPO expressed sincere gratitude to the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data for its strong support, and to the Center for its full co-operation. The DPO will continue to discuss with the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data to set up self-service and self-registration kiosks in more Mainland cities of the GBA to cope with the demands of residents and enterprises in the GBA for public services of Hong Kong.           To implement the State Council’s Guiding Opinions to all provincial governments on Cross-provincial Public Services and their comprehensive deployment, the HKSAR Government and the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data jointly commenced work of the GBA Cross-boundary Public Services in 2021, and jointly introduced a dedicated service area/thematic website for Cross-boundary Public Services in November 2023. The initiative enables enterprises and the public in both regions to enjoy simple and convenient cross-boundary services, with a view to facilitating the provision of public services and investment in the GBA, and enhancing the satisfaction and sense of contentment of enterprises and the public in accessing services across the boundary.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 21, 2025Issued at HKT 15:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BCP clearance services, transportation and other arrangements for 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    BCP clearance services, transportation and other arrangements for 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event
    BCP clearance services, transportation and other arrangements for 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event
    ******************************************************************************************

         The 2025 Shenzhen-Hong Kong marathon and the 15th National Games (NG) athletics (marathon) test event will be held on Sunday (February 23). The entire track is 42.195 kilometres long, of which the section in Hong Kong is 21.841km. Setting off from the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, the races will enter Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Port, run along the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and Kong Sham Western Highway Viaduct, then turn back to the Shenzhen Bay Port through the same route, and finally end at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. The event comprises men’s and women’s races, with the women’s group to depart at 7am and the other to set off at 7.30am. The athletes will enter the Hong Kong section upon completion of approximately 2km of the race route. Both groups are expected to spend around two hours in the Hong Kong section.      To facilitate the smooth running of the race, clearance services of the Shenzhen Bay Port (including all passenger and cargo clearance services) will be suspended during part of the morning on the event day, while temporary control measures will be implemented on the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and other related roads that day. Members of the public and travellers should pay attention to the following key points:      Arrival and departure clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Port will be suspended from 2am to 11am on the event day, and passengers and vehicles will be prohibited from entering the port. In the meantime, temporary control measures will be implemented on Shenzhen Bay Bridge, Kong Sham Western Highway and Ha Tsuen Interchange. During the temporary control period, Shenzhen Bay Bridge, Kong Sham Western Highway and Ha Tsuen Interchange will be closed to all vehicular traffic from eastbound and westbound of Yuen Long Highway and Ha Tsuen Road.      Cross-boundary vehicles (including good vehicles, passenger vehicles and private cars) with valid closed road permits for the Shenzhen Bay Port may choose to use the Lok Ma Chau, Heung Yuen Wai and Man Kam To boundary control points (BCP) according to the operating hours of the relevant control points on the event day. The above special arrangement will cease upon the reopening of the Shenzhen Bay Port.      Cross-boundary coach services running between Hong Kong and the Mainland via the Shenzhen Bay Port as well as local public transport services serving the Shenzhen Bay Port, including franchised buses, green minibuses (GMB), urban and New Territories taxis, will be suspended during the implementation of the temporary control at the Shenzhen Bay Port on the day of event. The bus companies and GMB operators will display notices at termini and en-route stops of the affected routes to inform affected passengers. Travellers should choose other control points to Shenzhen.      During the suspension of the Shenzhen Bay Port departure service, the Transport Department (TD) expects that the roads leading to the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Station Public Transport Interchange, Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang, Man Kam To and Heung Yuen Wai BCPs, including San Tin Interchange, San Sham Road and Lok Ma Chau Road, will be busy with traffic. The full clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Port are expected to resume at around 11am that day, by then traffic will be expected to be relatively busy. Therefore, the TD appeals to travellers and drivers who plan to use all BCPs concerned on that day to plan their trips in advance. Cross-boundary private cars and other drivers are also advised to avoid driving to the above districts during the relevant hours unless necessary. Depending on the prevailing traffic conditions in the different areas, the Police will deploy appropriate manpower and implement corresponding crowd management measures or special traffic arrangements at the affected control points and relevant road sections.      For details of the special traffic and transport arrangements for the test event, please refer to the Transport Department Notice (www.td.gov.hk/en/traffic_notices/index_id_79334.html) and the Police’s press release on the special traffic arrangements for the test event (www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/13/P2025021300398.htm).      The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) has liaised with relevant government departments and organisations to disseminate information of the relevant BCP clearance services and transportation arrangements to be implemented for the event to the public, travellers and stakeholders through various channels.      The TD will liaise with public transport operators to suitably adjust the services to cater for passenger demand, and issue transport departmental notice of the traffic and transport arrangements for the test event and appeal for cross-boundary and local travellers and members of the public via various channels to take heed of arrangements for various public transport travelling to and from the Shenzhen Bay Port and plan their journeys early, including the HKeMobility mobile application, variable messages signs at strategic roads and tunnels, public announcement at MTR stations, Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk) as well as the social media platform of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.      The Marine Department has liaised with cross-boundary ferry operators, with a view to working out manpower and sailing schedule arrangements for ferry services to and from Shekou, Shenzhen, in advance.      The Home Affairs Department has disseminated the relevant message through the district network (including District Councils, Area Committees and District Committees, Youth Committees, as well as District Services and Community Care Teams). On the day of the test event, the Care Teams will deploy staff to inspect the districts of Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, and provide appropriate assistance to members of the public in need (e.g. responding to enquiries).      Hong Kong Customs has informed the transport trades of the traffic arrangements on that day and to use other land BCPs as far as possible for entry and exit. Customs has also posted notices at the clearance facilities of the Hong Kong Port and informed the public through its website (www.customs.gov.hk/en/home/index.html) and social media platform.      The Immigration Department (ImmD) will update the situation of the control points in real time through its mobile application on the event day. Travellers are advised to check the waiting time situation of the Shenzhen Bay Control Point and other land BCPs through the ImmD’s mobile application before travelling to make better planning for their itinerary and minimise waiting time.      The Police will also remind the public of the temporary traffic control arrangements through its social media platform (www.facebook.com/HongKongPoliceForce).      The Tourism Commission (TC) has informed the hotel sector through their trade associations to remind their guests of the special transportation arrangements. The TC has also informed licensed travel agents through the Travel Industry Authority and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong to avoid bringing tour groups across the Shenzhen Bay Bridge on the event day. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has also notified its trade partners and disseminated the relevant information on its website (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.html) to facilitate visitors’ itinerary planning.      Shenzhen will broadcast the event online, while Hong Kong has also arranged for live webcast by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) (RTHK weblink: www.rthk.hk/nationalgames and RTHK YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/RTHK).      A spokesperson for the NGCO said as the NG is the country’s highest-level event, this marathon test event has to meet stringent requirements in terms of the selection of race course and the organisational arrangements to ensure the safety of athletes. Relevant departments will work together to facilitate the special traffic and transportation arrangements to minimise the impact on the public and travellers who usually use the Shenzhen Bay Port. The spokesperson thanked members of the public and travellers for their understanding, as well as the contributions of various organisations and departments to implementing the relevant arrangements.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 21, 2025Issued at HKT 12:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Applications selected for 53rd personalised vehicle registration marks exercise

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Applications selected for 53rd personalised vehicle registration marks exercise
    Applications selected for 53rd personalised vehicle registration marks exercise
    *******************************************************************************

    　　The Transport Department (TD) announced today (February 21) that the application numbers of the 1 500 personalised vehicle registration mark (PVRM) applications selected by lot for the 53rd exercise have been published on its website (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/pvrm_application/index.html) and posted on the notice boards of the TD’s licensing offices. 　　”The applicants have already been sent an acknowledgement of receipt bearing an application number. They may check the list to see whether their applications have been selected. Applicants will also be notified of the ballot results by post in batches,” a department spokesman said. 　　The department will later check the proposed PVRMs selected against the basic combination requirements. If, among the selected applications, more than one applicant proposes the same PVRM, only the one on which the lot falls first out of those applications will be further processed. 　　If the selected PVRMs meet the basic requirements, the department will send notices by registered mail to the applicants in batches, requiring them to pay a deposit of $5,000 within the period specified in the notice. If an applicant fails to pay the deposit within that period, his or her application will be cancelled automatically and will not be further processed. 　　Upon receipt of the deposit, the Commissioner for Transport will determine, with the assistance of a vetting committee, whether an application should be approved or rejected. PVRMs approved in the 53rd exercise will be put up for auction in batches. Auction details will be published in newspapers and on the TD’s website in due course. 　　For enquiries, applicants can call the TD Hotline at 2804 2600.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 21, 2025Issued at HKT 11:05

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Guiding Orion: Jorge Chong’s Mission to Advance Deep Space Exploration 

    Source: NASA

    Jorge Chong is helping shape the future of human spaceflight, one calculation at a time. As a project manager for TRON (Tracking and Ranging via Optical Navigation) and a guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) test engineer in the Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division, he is leading efforts to ensure the Orion spacecraft can navigate deep space autonomously. 

    “GNC is like the brain of a spacecraft. It involves a suite of sensors that keep track of where the vehicle is in orbit so it can return home safely,” he said. “Getting to test the components of a GNC system makes you very familiar with how it all works together, and then to see it fly and help it operate successfully is immensely rewarding.” 
    His work is critical to the Artemis campaign, which aims to return humans to the Moon and pave the way for Mars. From developing optical navigation technology that allows Orion to determine its position using images of Earth and the Moon to testing docking cameras and Light Detection and Ranging systems that enable autonomous spacecraft rendezvous, Chong is pushing the limits of exploration. He also runs high-fidelity flight simulations at Lockheed Martin’s Orion Test Hardware facility in Houston, ensuring Orion’s software is ready for the demands of spaceflight. 
    Chong’s NASA career spans seven years as a full-time engineer, plus three years as a co-op student at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. In 2024, he began leading Project TRON, an optical navigation initiative funded by a $2 million Early Career Initiative award. The project aims to advance autonomous space navigation—an essential capability for missions beyond Earth’s orbit. 

    Thanks to Chong’s work, the Artemis Generation is one step closer to exploring the Moon, Mars, and beyond. He supported optical navigation operations during Artemis I, is writing software that will fly on Artemis II, and leads optical testing for Orion’s docking cameras. But his path to NASA wasn’t always written in the stars. 
    “I found math difficult as a kid,” Chong admits. “I didn’t enjoy it at first, but my parents encouraged me patiently, and eventually it started to click and then became a strength and something I enjoyed. Now, it’s a core part of my career.” He emphasizes that perseverance is key, especially for students who may feel discouraged by challenging subjects. 
    Most of what Chong has learned, he says, came from working collaboratively on the job. “No matter how difficult something may seem, anything can be learned,” he said. “I could not have envisioned being involved in projects like these or working alongside such great teams before coming to Johnson.” 

    His career has also reinforced the importance of teamwork, especially when working with contractors, vendors, universities, and other NASA centers. “Coordinating across these dynamic teams and keeping the deliverables on track can be challenging, but it has helped to be able to lean on teammates for assistance and keep communication flowing,” said Chong.
    And soon, those systems will help Artemis astronauts explore places no human has gone before. Whether guiding Orion to the Moon or beyond, Chong’s work is helping NASA write the next chapter of space exploration. 
    “I thank God for the doors He has opened for me and the incredible mentors and coworkers who have helped me along the way,” he said. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC – 20 02 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 20 FEBRUARY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.375p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 9,033,371 1.1399    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 9,033,371 1.1399    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.375p ORDINARY SALE 51,000 99.2002p
    0.375p ORDINARY SALE 55,375 99.201p
    0.375p ORDINARY SALE 2,000 99.2131p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 21 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –