NewzIntel.com

Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Cooperation Between United States and Mexico Results in Mexican Takedown of Cartel-Linked Alien Smugglers

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Last night, extensive bilateral cooperation between the United States and Mexico resulted in the Mexico Attorney General’s Office “Fiscalía General de la República” (FGR) conducting a significant enforcement operation to dismantle a prolific transnational alien smuggling organization operating in Juarez, Chihuahua, along the U.S.-Mexico border.

    The targeted alien smuggling organization, a group based in Juarez, Mexico, utilizes smuggling corridors centered in the Anapra, Chihuahua / Santa Teresa, New Mexico area, employs Mexican nationals, many of whom are current and former members of various Mexico-based cartels, and is alleged to be responsible for illegally smuggling large numbers of individuals, including children, from Central America into El Paso, Texas. The criminal organization is also alleged to have kidnapped aliens seeking to enter the United States illegally and extorted their families for money before completing their smuggling journey. The enforcement operation included the execution of two arrest warrants in Mexico for alleged alien smugglers Brian Alan Torres Gonzalez and Soledad Morales Nava. Torres and Morales are Mexican citizens and will be prosecuted in Mexico in part with evidence provided by the United States.

    “On her first day in office, the Attorney General directed the Department of Justice to prioritize efforts to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and empowered Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) to increase their contributions to this fight,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s action by Mexican authorities is the latest example of how JTFA provides critical contributions to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department, and its law enforcement partners, to target human smugglers and enhance coordination in transnational law enforcement efforts to better combat these criminal organizations.”

    U.S. authorities provided assistance to the Mexico Attorney General’s Office through coordination under JTFA, which, since its creation in 2021, has marshalled the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Colombia, and Panama. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has elevated JTFA to the Office of the Attorney General, to be jointly supervised by the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. The task force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, and endanger migrants, pose national security threats, or are involved in organized crime. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border, along with dedicated prosecutor support by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; the Office of Enforcement Operations; the Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 350 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 245 defendants sentenced, including significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial seizures and forfeitures of assets and contraband including millions of dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) El Paso assisted foreign investigative efforts in the United States, working in concert with the U.S. Border Patrol. Support from ICE HSI-Mexico City was critical in providing coordination between American and Mexican law enforcement agencies. The Justice Department — including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas in El Paso, HRSP, and the Office of the Judicial Attache in Mexico City — provided significant assistance in this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Owner of Durable Medical Equipment Companies Charged in Nearly $30 Million Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant allegedly used proceeds to purchase two Ferraris, a Mercedes-Benz Model S, at least three Rolex watches

    BOSTON – The owner of Pharmagears, LLC (Pharmagears) and RR Medco, LLC (RR Medco) has been charged in connection with a nearly $30 million fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME), including orthotics such as back and knee braces.

    Raju Sharma, 61, of Sharon, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Sharma was arrested this morning and later released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.

    “As alleged, Mr. Sharma exploited vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries and defrauded the system of millions of dollars meant for legitimate medical care. His actions caused millions of dollars of waste on DME products beneficiaries did not need and did not want. He did this to enrich himself – and allow him to purchase luxury cars and high-end watches – all at the expense of the American people,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “This office will continue to hold accountable those who undermine the integrity of our healthcare system for personal gain. Fraudsters who think they can manipulate the system without consequence should take heed: we will investigate you, we will prosecute you, and we will hold you accountable to ensure that justice is served.”

    “Today’s arrest underscores HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting patients and taxpayers from fraudulent schemes that exploit our health care system and are motivated by pure greed,” stated Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations that individuals and entities are profiting from deceiving and abusing federal health care programs.” “Today’s arrest underscores HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting patients and taxpayers from fraudulent schemes that exploit our health care system and are motivated by pure greed,” stated Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations that individuals and entities are profiting from deceiving and abusing federal health care programs.”

    “Raju Sharma apparently thought he had hit upon a surefire moneymaker when he allegedly conspired with others to fraudulently bill Medicare for almost $30 million worth of durable medical equipment that was unwanted, unnecessary and useless to patients so he could purchase luxury vehicles and expensive watches for himself,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division. “Health care fraud isn’t some quick and easy way to bulk up your bank account. It’s a costly, consequential federal crime that strains the system and cheats the taxpayers who fund it. Anyone involved in, or entertaining, similar activity should know that the FBI will pursue anyone trying to steal from this country’s vital health care system.”

    According to the charging documents, between February 2021 and February 2025, Sharma, on behalf of Pharmagears and RR Medco, entered into contracts with telemarketing companies that generated DME orders by targeting Medicare beneficiaries. Sharma then allegedly billed Medicare for this medically unnecessary DME, which Medicare beneficiaries often did not want or could not use and/or a medical practitioner ordered without having met or examined the beneficiary or were ordered by the fraudulent use of practitioners’ national provider identifiers without their knowledge or assent. It is alleged that these DME orders were also obtained in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, because although Sharma agreed in the contracts to pay the marketing companies a flat fee for their services, Sharma in fact paid the marketing companies on a per-lead, or per-order, basis.  

    It is further alleged that Sharma worked with multiple other co-conspirators, including family and acquaintances, to open and operate additional DME companies in the same fraudulent manner. In total, the companies owned, operated, or connected with Sharma allegedly billed Medicare approximately $29.6 million for these fraudulent DME orders and were paid approximately $15.8 million. According to the charging documents, Sharma made substantial profits from this alleged fraud, which he used to purchase luxury goods, including two Ferraris, a Mercedes-Benz Model S and at least three Rolex watches. The Court issued seizure warrants for these luxury goods in connection with today’s charges.

    The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, supervised release for up to three years, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    U.S. Attorney Foley, HHS-OIG SAC Coviello and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals and the Sharon Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Graber and Sarah Hoefle of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Illinois Police Officer Admits Assaulting Handcuffed Man

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A former police officer in Venice, Ill. on Thursday admitted striking a handcuffed man in the face after a police chase.

    Justin Gaither, 34, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, namely the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force. He admitted that on Nov. 20, 2022, while working in full uniform and on duty with the Venice Police Department, he began pursuing a car that was displaying stolen license plates. The car drove over spike strips that Gaither deployed, then over the McKinley Bridge and into St. Louis. A Brooklyn (Illinois) Police Department officer was also pursuing the car. The pursuit ended in the 3800 block of Parnell Avenue in St. Louis and all of the vehicle’s occupants ran away from the car. Gaither and the Brooklyn officer, accompanied by that officer’s K9, chased the driver. The driver was bitten while climbing over a fence, fell and was then handcuffed by the Brooklyn officer. As Gaither lifted the driver from the ground to escort him to a police vehicle, he struck the driver twice in the face without justification and without a legitimate purpose, the plea agreement says. The driver suffered a broken nose.

    Gaither is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2. The charge carries penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and fine.

    The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oakland Resident Convicted Of Dealing Firearms Without A License And Illegally Possessing Firearm And Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OAKLAND – Robert Davis was convicted of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and firearms possession by a federal jury, announced Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jennifer L. Cicolani.

    The jury found Davis, 31 of Oakland, California, guilty of selling for profit firearms that he purchased illegally in Texas.  The jury also found that on a separate occasion Davis illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition as a felon.  The jury acquitted Davis of an additional charge that Davis had possessed and shipped firearms. The verdicts followed a week-long jury trial before the Honorable Araceli Martínez-Olguín, U.S. District Judge.

    Evidence at trial showed that Davis travelled back and forth between California and Texas, where he illegally bought firearms at gun shows. After purchasing the firearms, the defendant shipped the firearms back to the Bay Area where he advertised and sold them for profit, principally using Instagram.  The evidence further showed that on December 22, 2021, law enforcement searched the defendant’s residence and found a loaded 5.7mm firearm in his home. Law enforcement also found more than 100 rounds of ammunition throughout the apartment as well as in Davis’s vehicle. Because Davis previously had been convicted of a felony, he was ineligible to possess the firearm and the ammunition.

    Davis is currently in custody pending sentencing which has not yet been scheduled.

    The maximum statutory penalty for the violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A) is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, and the maximum statutory penalty violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) is ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000.  However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan Mateer and Jonah Ross are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kevin Costello, Mark DiCenzo, and Amala James.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and Fort Worth (TX) Police Department.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: Senate GOP Will Secure the Border, Restore Peace Through Strength, and Unleash American Energy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor about the Senate Budget Resolution.

    Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

    Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

    “The Democrat Leader has a lot to say about the Senate Budget Resolution. None of it is accurate.

    “I have the budget resolution with me. The key section is five pages long. That’s it. Every American can read it for themselves.

    “This resolution focuses on three things.

    “First, securing the border.

    “Second, restoring peace through strength.

    “Third, unleashing American energy.

    “It’s not complicated. It’s common sense. Americans overwhelmingly support these goals.

    “Senate Republicans are moving forward.

    “Let’s talk about border security.

    “This budget allocates $175 billion to secure our border. That includes funding for President Trump’s successful executive orders to deport criminal illegal immigrants.

    “Border Patrol Agents and ICE Agents need more resources.

    “There are currently more than 600,000 illegal immigrants with criminal records in our country.

    “President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are moving at lightning speed to deport them. That makes our communities safer.

    “Their strong actions have led to double the number of arrests of illegal immigrants compared to arrests under President Biden.

    “These arrests are making our communities safer and sending a message to would-be illegal immigrants around the world. They are turning around and going home.

    “Illegal border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico are at their lowest in 5 years.

    “President Trump’s actions are working.

    “They are working so well that the Trump administration says it is running out of money for deportations.

    “Border Czar Tom Homan told us that. Secretary Noem told us that. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told us that. Attorney General Pam Bondi told us that.

    “Senate Republicans will act quickly to get the administration the resources they requested and need.

    “This budget will allow us to finish the wall.

    “It is a step towards hiring more border agents.

    “It means more detention beds so dangerous criminals are off the streets.

    “It means more deportation flights so dangerous criminals are out of our country.

    “Now, let’s talk about our national security.

    “This bill allocates $150 billion to restore peace through strength.

    “We live in a dangerous world. The threats against the United States are higher than we’ve seen in decades.

    “There is the threat of terrorism. You saw the danger of terrorism in New Orleans this year.

    “There is the threat of the Chinese Communist Party. They are rapidly building up their military. Meanwhile, over the past four years, weak leadership undermined our military.

    “There is the threat of Iran. They are the largest state sponsor of terrorism. They are also racing towards a nuclear bomb.

    “Weakness invites conflict. Strength deters war.

    “This budget is a big step towards rebuilding our military and protecting our nation after four years of weakness.

    “We are already seeing a surge of young people who want to join the military.

    “Under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, recruitment is at its highest levels in 15 years.

    “With this budget, America will be stronger. Our military will be more lethal.

    “Now let’s talk about American energy dominance.

    “This bill would take the handcuffs off of American energy production.

    “The previous administration caused painfully high prices with its energy blunders. It locked up affordable, reliable, American-made energy.

    “Families suffered from soaring prices. Our economy struggled.

    “Passing this budget allows us to reject the energy failures of the past four years. It puts a premium on affordable, reliable American energy.

    “The federal government would also see its revenue increase as we produce more American energy.

    “If you listen to Senate Democrats, it’s abundantly clear that they do not support these goals.

    “Democrats are opposed to securing our border, rebuilding our military, and unleashing American energy.

    “Democrats are standing in the way of common-sense priorities that Americans overwhelmingly support.

    “Democrats are a party in panic mode. Their high prices and open border agenda
    are out of touch with the American people.

    “Democrats used this very process a few years ago to raise taxes and pass trillions of dollars in Wasteful Washington Spending.

    “They wasted taxpayer money to subsidize electric vehicles for the rich. They sent stimulus checks to criminals like the Boston Marathon Bomber.

    “The federal government is too big and spends too much.

    “Republicans will end the Wasteful Washington Spending and get America back on track.

    “After 4 years of high prices and open borders, Americans deserve a path to safety and prosperity.

    “Starting with the Republican budget, they will finally get it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bradford Exchange in Court over alleged misleading representations about subscriptions

    Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

    The ACCC has instituted legal proceedings in the Federal Court against The Bradford Exchange Ltd (Bradford) for allegedly making false or misleading representations in its advertising of collectable coins and ingots in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.

    A global retailer of coins and memorabilia, Bradford allegedly made misleading representations to consumers in over 300 newspaper and magazine advertisements for collectable coins and ingots across Australia.

    It is alleged that, in many cases, Bradford represented that it would send consumers a single advertised item, when in fact Bradford sent consumers multiple items subject to a subscription (in some cases up to 24 items) and charged them for those items.

    Bradford also allegedly represented that, if consumers responded to the relevant advertisements, they would be treated as only agreeing to purchase the single item identified in the advertisement, when this was not the case.

    Subsequent items in these collections were typically far more expensive than the originally advertised item, for example, costing $79.99 after the first item was priced at $29.99.

    The ACCC alleges that Bradford applied direct debits, or invoiced consumers for these subsequent items. Consumers who did not pay an invoice were sent follow up invoices, some of which incurred a ‘reminder charge’. If the invoice remained unpaid, consumers would ultimately be referred to a debt collection agency which charged additional fees.

    “We are alleging Bradford’s actions amounted to a ‘subscription trap’ for consumers who thought they were buying one coin or ingot but were treated as if they had agreed to subscribe to receive an entire series and be charged accordingly,” ACCC Commissioner Liza Carver said.

    Subscription traps occur when businesses mislead consumers into signing up for a subscription by representing that the consumer is only making a one-off purchase, or by making cancellation of a subscription difficult.

    The ACCC action relates to alleged misleading representations between 1 January 2021 and 26 June 2023 in advertisements by Bradford for collectable commemorative coins and ingots in various print newspapers and magazines across Australia such as the Herald Sun, the Courier Mail, Woman’s Day magazine and New Idea magazine.

    The advertisements featured a large image of a single coin or ingot, often with historical or nostalgic themes such as Queen Elizabeth II, World War 1, Phar Lap, and the 1971 Ford Falcon.

    In addition, the ACCC alleges Bradford’s advertisements prominently stated a single price for that item and did not state the total price of all the items in each collection.

    “Businesses must be open and transparent when signing consumers up to subscriptions, including by stating the total price of goods or services being purchased,” Ms Carver said.

    “There have been a large number of complaints about this company from consumers who purchased a single item from Bradford but were then sent and charged for additional items.”

    “We consider Bradford’s actions deprived consumers of the ability to make an informed choice about whether to buy an entire collection of items. As a result, many consumers are likely to have paid for subsequent items they did not want or intend to buy and some are likely to have experienced distress and financial loss when Bradford charged them for items they did not intend to purchase,” Ms Carver said.

    The ACCC is seeking penalties, declarations, injunctions, costs and other orders for Bradford’s alleged contraventions.

    Example of Bradford advertisements:

    Bradford exchange platinum jubilee coin ( PDF 2.71 MB )

    Background

    Bradford is a US-based, retailer of limited-edition memorabilia and collectables including coins and ingots, jewellery, prints, model cars, ornaments and figurines. A significant proportion of Bradford’s revenue comes from the sale of collections. Bradford advertises its products through mainstream newspapers and magazines, as well as on its website and social media accounts.

    The Bradford Exchange Group operates globally across fifteen countries including the US, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Germany. Bradford has operated in Australia for 34 years.

    Concise Statement

    ACCC v Bradford Exchange – Concise Statement ( PDF 3.75 MB )

    This document contains the ACCC’s initiating court document in relation to this matter. We will not be uploading further documents in the event these initial documents are subsequently amended.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: A Secret in South Philly

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

    Asking a community to come forward

    Investigators are confident that the same tightknit South Philly community that raised Richard—and served as a partial backdrop to his love story with Danielle—is keeping the secret of what happened to the couple.

    “The city of Philadelphia is more like a town than a city,” Blessington explained. “Everybody knows everybody. Everybody kind of looks out for everybody.”

    While some area residents have shared information with the FBI, Blessington said, others may be worried about being seen as traitors to their community. But as the what-ifs of the case continue to haunt the victims’ families into a third decade, investigators ask that potential tipsters come out of hiding.

    “…What I can tell those people—and there are people who know things—[is]: If we only do one thing very, very well, we protect the people that are brave enough and try and help us out,” Blessington said. 

    You can learn more about Danielle and Rich, as well as view their pictures, at fbi.gov/missing.

    Investigators encourage anyone with information about the whereabouts of Danielle, Richard, and/or his truck—a black 2001 Dodge Dakota with Pennsylvania license plates YFH 2319—to call the FBI Philadelphia Field Office directly at 215-418-4000. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the disappearance of Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone.

    And the case team can help potential tipsters work through any concerns, navigate difficult emotions, and work through different legalities related to coming forward.

    “After 20 years, we really need to bring Rich and Danielle home,” Blessington said.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing for Fatal DUI Crash on Navajo Nation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man was sentenced to 75 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, stemming from a fatal drunk driving crash on the Navajo Nation in November 2022.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on the evening of November 25, 2022, Jane Doe and John Doe were driving from Colorado to visit family in Tse Bonito, NM when their sedan broke down. Jane Doe’s family members came to assist, and her nephew began towing the sedan with his SUV.

    As the group traveled on Navajo Route 12, Olan Jumbo, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, who had been drinking alcohol while driving, crashed his speeding truck into the back of the sedan. The collision caused severe damage to the sedan, resulting in Jane Doe’s death at the scene and serious injuries to John Doe. Jumbo fled the scene but was apprehended two days later.

    Investigation revealed Jumbo was driving between 74-82 mph in a 45-mph zone at the time of impact and had multiple prior drunk-driving related convictions. Open containers of alcohol were found in Jumbo‘s vehicle after the crash.

    Upon his release from prison, Jumbo will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Norman Gray, Founder and CEO Of Biomedical Company, Sentenced For Defrauding Investors Of More Than $13 Million

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that NORMAN GRAY, the founder and CEO of a biomedical company (the “Biomedical Company”), who defrauded investors of over $13 million, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer to 10 years in prison.  GRAY was convicted of wire fraud at trial on May 29, 2024.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Norman Gray preyed upon people who wanted to invest in developing life-saving medicine for children with a rare and generally fatal disease.  Gray gained his victims’ trust by lying about everything from his educational background and to his supposed access to off-shore trusts he could use to fund his company alongside the investors.  He even submitted false patent applications, invented a fake mortgage company, and forged FBI background check records.  Thanks to the work of the career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners, Gray has now received just punishment.”

    According to the Superseding Indictment, public filings, public court proceedings, the evidence presented at trial and in connection with sentencing:

    At all relevant times, GRAY was the founder and CEO of the Biomedical Company, which is headquartered in Hamden, Connecticut.  GRAY presented himself to investors (including “Victim-1” and “Victim-2”) and others as a billionaire scientist and successful entrepreneur with a Ph.D. from MIT at the helm of a company he was personally funding that was potentially worth hundreds of millions of dollars.  GRAY claimed to have previously created a successful medical equipment company (“Prior Company”) with over 1,000 employees, which was earning approximately $900 million in revenues before GRAY sold it to a foreign pharmaceutical company.  GRAY claimed that he put the profits from the sale of the Prior Company into his offshore trust (“Offshore Trust”), which he claimed held more than $300 million, and which he was using to self-fund the Biomedical Company.  In reality, GRAY did not have a Ph.D., had not created or sold a nearly billion-dollar company, did not have access to hundreds of millions of dollars to fund Biomedical Company, and, as of 2020, both he and the Biomedical Company were in significant debt. 

    Beginning in 2016, GRAY also claimed to employees and investors in Biomedical Company, including Victim-1 and Victim-2, and in written investment materials, that a flagship medication being developed by Biomedical Company was approved for compassionate treatment in Saudi Arabia, where it was saving the lives of two specific children who were suffering from a rare and generally fatal disease known as MVID.  Victim-2 sent $200,000 to GRAY to continue funding this supposed program.  GRAY submitted treatment data from the supposed program in patent applications for the flagship drug.  But the program did not exist.

    Based on GRAY’s misrepresentations, between 2018 and 2020, Victim-2 invested approximately $7.6 million in the Biomedical Company through wire transfers into accounts controlled by GRAY.  In May 2020, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, GRAY fraudulently induced Victim-2 to invest into a joint venture with GRAY to purchase personal protective equipment (“PPE”) and resell it to hospitals and universities in the United States and Spain. GRAY provided Victim-2 with fabricated purchase orders from two New York-area hospitals purporting to show that he had close to $8 million of committed sales. Victim-2 sent three wire transfers totaling $1,751,342 to GRAY’s account.  Ultimately, the PPE that GRAY purchased  could not be sold, because it was defective or otherwise not fit for market, and Victim-2 lost the $1.75 million supposedly invested by GRAY into the PPE project.

    In or about August 2020, GRAY induced Victim-1 to send him $250,000 as a purported investment in the Biomedical Company.  Rather than purchase equity for Victim-1, GRAY used nearly all of Victim-1’s $250,000 payment to repay a loan that GRAY had taken out from a tenant in the same building where the Biomedical Company is headquartered in order to make payroll. In the ensuing weeks, GRAY extracted an additional $1,217,000 from Victim-1, representing that Victim-1’s funds would be invested in deals involving the procurement of PPE for two major universities in the tristate area who committed to close to $8 million in sales in essentially the same amounts as GRAY’s prior fabricated purchase orders sent to Victim-2.  Notwithstanding the losses Victim-2 had already experienced through GRAY’s venture, GRAY falsely represented to Victim-1 that his prior PPE deals had turned a 40% profit within 90 days, that he already had purchase orders in hand for PPE worth nearly $8 million, and that, therefore, the risk was “virtually zero.” In reality, over the preceding months, GRAY had accumulated a vast inventory of unsellable PPE, the purported purchase orders were recycled fakes, and GRAY did not invest Victim-1’s funds in PPE. Instead, GRAY misappropriated Victim-1’s funds, in part, to purchase himself a nearly $1 million home, a $50,000 luxury SUV, and to pay down $200,000 of his and his family’s credit card debt.

    As part of his scheme to defraud Victim-1, and as a means of dispelling Victim-1’s concern that an investment with GRAY might require Victim-1 to forego the purchase of a home, GRAY offered Victim-1 a mortgage from a purported boutique mortgage company of which he was the sole investor.  GRAY directed Victim-1 to a purported mortgage broker that worked for this boutique mortgage company.  In reality, both the mortgage company and the mortgage broker were completely fabricated by GRAY and did not exist.  To further this aspect of the fraud on Victim-1, GRAY registered an internet domain in the name of the purported mortgage company and created an email address in the name of the invented mortgage broker contemporaneously with making his false representations to Victim-1.   As GRAY’s fraud began to unravel in or about early November 2020, GRAY promised to return all of Victim-1’s money.  Ultimately, GRAY never returned any money to Victim-1 and, after Victim-1 asked GRAY to provide her with the purported PPE purchase orders from the two universities, she never heard from GRAY again.

    Victim-2 was a board member of the Biomedical Company at the time that GRAY defrauded Victim-1.  Following Victim-1’s report of GRAY’s fraud to the board in November 2020, accompanied by publicly available evidence of GRAY’s prior criminal history, GRAY reassured Victim-2 that he had no criminal history beyond driving infractions.  GRAY also produced to the board a fraudulent record purportedly from the FBI disclaiming any criminal history and falsely asserting that GRAY had a “top secret” clearance status renewed on November 14, 2016.  After being reassured by GRAY that Victim-1’s allegations were meritless, Victim-2 provided approximately over $2.3 million in loans separate from his over $7.5 million of Vanessa investments and $1.75 million of PPE investments.

    At trial, GRAY obstructed justice by attempting to introduce into evidence a false document supposedly drafted after GRAY’s fraud on Victim-1 was complete and purporting to memorialize an agreement by Victim-1 to “convert” her PPE investment into shares of Biomedical Company.

    *                *                *

    In addition to the prison term, GRAY, 69, of Hamden, Connecticut, was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release.  GRAY also was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $1,467,000 and to forfeit his interest in the home and luxury vehicle discussed above.  The Court also ordered restitution of $1,533,675 to Victim-1.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of Homeland Security Investigations.  Mr. Podolsky also thanked the New Haven Police Department, as well as law enforcement authorities in the United Kingdom and Spain and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, for their assistance.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin A. Gianforti, Vladislav Vainberg, and Jessica Greenwood are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $29 million set aside for Queensland roads and rail crossings

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Roads and rail crossings across Queensland will receive important safety upgrades thanks to almost $29 million in new Albanese Government funding. 

    $14.6 million will go towards 50 high-priority improvements to railway level crossings across the state’s regional road network. Projects will increase safety at these critical junctures, with potential works including upgrades to boom gates, flashing lights, signage, sealing and more. 

    The Albanese Government recognises that local governments are crucial to maintaining and upgrading transport infrastructure.

    A further $14.17 million will help fund the following four new projects under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP):

    • Almost $4.5 million to the Mareeba Shire Council for widening Leadingham Creek Road and upgrading the culvert at Sandy Creek in Dimbulah. 
    • $5 million to theQueensland Department of Transport and Main Roads for a new heavy vehicle rest area on the Kennedy Highway (Cairns–Mareeba) at Koah.
    • Almost $3 million to the Moreton Bay Regional Council for the Caboolture River Road Safety Upgrades in Upper Caboolture & $1.7 million for the O’Mara Road Upgrade at Narangba. 

    The SLRIP is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to support the delivery of safer roads across Australia. 

    Investment for the level crossings falls under the Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF), which aims to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents that have a devastating impact on communities.

    Further information on the information on the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is available here, and Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund here.

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

    “The Albanese Government recognises that local governments are crucial to maintaining and upgrading transport infrastructure.

    “We have increased funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to make sure we continue to invest in better, safer local roads across Queensland and Australia. 

    “We are committed to delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety and in a way that reduces the burden on them, allowing more money to be spent on projects and less on administration.”

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

    “Councils know their local road networks inside out, that’s why we’re backing four much needed roads projects thanks to the additional $14.17 million.

    “But it’s not just roads, our state’s growing dependence on rail transport for freight is why we’re working with the State Government on improving rail crossing safety across Queensland.

    “The $14.6 million worth of funding will support the delivery of low-cost treatments such as boom gates, signage, flashing lights and rumble strips, which aim to better alert motorists and pedestrians approaching regional rail crossings.”

     

    Funded projects – Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund:

    Project / Railway crossing

    Project location 

    Jambin Dakenba Road (ID6025)

    Earlsfield

    105 Callemondah Drive (ID6090)

    Callemondah

    105 Callemondah Drive (ID708)

    Callemondah

    Saville Road level crossing improvement works

    Allenview

    Booroondarra Road

    Middlemount

    Bulliwallah Rd Level Crossing Upgrade Project

    Belyando

    Tolmies Road

    Blackwater

    Tryphinia Road

    Locality – Wallaroo

    Stratford Rd Level Crossing Upgrade Project

    Mt Cooloon

    Mourindilla Road

    Dingo

    Robino Road Crossing Light Installation

    Braemeadows

    Camp Creek Road level crossing upgrade to active controls

    Running Creek

    Sarina upgrade

    Sarina

    Jambin Dakenba Road (ID6554)

    Earlsfield

    BSL Greatheads

    Woongarra

    Alma Street Crossing Light Installation

    Halifax

    BSL Managers House

    Qunaba

    BSL Ashfield

    Ashfield

    BSL Klotzs

    Windermere

    BSL Golcherts

    Woongarra

    BSL Bargara School

    Qunaba

    Yarrawonga Road

    Blackwater

    Innisfree Road

    Emerald

    533 Marian – Eton Road Ch 0.344km

    Marion

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 5

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 6

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    Wilson St and Kennedy Development Rd intersection

    Winton

    88A Bowen Developmental Road (Bowen-Collinsville) Ch32.6km

    Bowen

    10G Bruce Highway (St Lawrence – Mackay) Ch142.28km

    Mackay

    10G Bruce Highway (St Lawrence – Mackay) Ch 144.307km

    Mackay

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 1

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 2

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 3

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 4

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 5

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 6

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 7

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    614 OLC Upgrade project – Site 8

    Ingham / Trebonne / Abergowrie

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 1

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 2

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 3

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 4

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 7

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 8

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 9

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    824 OLC Upgrade project site 10

    Ingham / Halifax / Bemerside

    Whitsunday Coast Airport access road (Lascelles Avenue)

    Gunyarra

    Alice Street Mitchell

    Mitchell

    Cunningham Street Dalby

    Dalby

    Nicolson Street Dalby

    Dalby

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta and Secretary of State Weber Respond to Appellate Court’s Prompt Order in Huntington Beach Voter ID Lawsuit

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, February 20, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. today issued the following statements in response the unanimous order by a three-judge panel of the California Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three, on the petition for writ of mandate that the state filed last week concerning Huntington Beach’s Measure A. Measure A amended the city’s charter to purportedly allow the city to impose additional voting restrictions prohibited by state law for all municipal elections starting in 2026. According to the order, the lower court’s “conclusion that this matter is not ripe for decision is problematic” and the city’s argument that “it had a constitutional right to regulate its own municipal elections free from state interference . . . is also problematic.”

    “We are grateful for, and encouraged by, the appellate court’s prompt action,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Our priority remains the same: making sure that Huntington Beach’s Measure A is struck down as quickly as possible.” 

    “We are pleased with the court’s order and direction this case is headed,” said Secretary of State Shirley Weber. “I look forward to a resolution that protects California voters.”

    In the order, the California Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three, instructs the lower court — the Orange County Superior Court — to notify the appellate court by February 28, 2025 whether it intends to modify its order granting the city’s motion to dismiss the case. If the lower court does not modify its earlier order, the parties are invited to file briefs with the appellate court by March 10, 2025 responding to the appellate court’s tentative analysis.

    In response to the appellate court’s order, the lower court has scheduled a hearing in the case. The hearing is scheduled for February 25, 2025.

    A copy of the appellate court’s order can be found here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, Glassford Road, Otago

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died following a serious crash on Glassford Road, Otago overnight.

    Police were alerted to the single-vehicle crash at around 11pm.

    Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

    The Serious Crash Unit examined the scene overnight.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gang Member Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Narcotics Distribution Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A member of the East Side Money Gang with multiple prior convictions was sentenced today for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Gang operated in Chelsea, Mass. and surrounding communities.

    Henry Del Rio, a/k/a “Junior,” 28, of Chelsea, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 78 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In May 2024, Del Rio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Del Rio was arrested and charged in January 2023 along with co-defendant Jose Perez.

    In December 2022, police officers attempted to stop a vehicle speeding through Lexington, Mass. that Perez was driving. Perez accelerated and engaged in a high-speed escape attempt, traveling more than 85 miles per hour on residential streets, crashing head-first into another vehicle, and ultimately losing control and colliding into a post. As Perez exited the vehicle, a loaded Glock 34X 9mm semi-automatic handgun dropped to the ground. Perez and Del Rio, the sole passenger, fled and led officers on a foot chase through a parking lot. Once the two men were apprehended, approximately 63 grams of cocaine and a bag containing 44 smaller, individually wrapped bags of fentanyl, totaling approximately 53 grams, were found where Del Rio had fled. A third bag containing approximately 49 grams of cocaine was recovered in the vehicle.

    At the time of the offense, Del Rio was on federal supervised release after serving a five-year prison sentence for multiple felony convictions, including drug and firearms offenses, arising from a prior East Side Money Gang-related case.

    In December 2024, Perez was sentenced to 142 months in prison after being convicted by a federal jury in August 2024.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lexington, Chelsea and MBTA Police Departments and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Crowley and Sarah Hoefle of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grand Jury Indicts Convicted Felon For Firearms Offense

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

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury in Charlotte returned a criminal bill of indictment charging Anil Dabydeen, 39, of Charlotte, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for allegedly shooting at vehicles on I-485, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making today’s announcement.

    According to the indictment and a filed criminal complaint, on January 8, 2025, at 3:49 p.m., CMPD officers were dispatched to I-485 at the South Tryon Street exit for a reported shooting. Court documents allege that CMPD received several 911 calls describing a male operating a white Honda sedan on the highway who was shooting at passing vehicles. Law enforcement arrived on the scene and located two victims who had been struck by gunfire. The victims told the officers that they were traveling south on I-485 when their vehicle was struck by gunfire. While on the scene, the officers reviewed a video shot by a witness. It is alleged that the video showed a white sedan stopped on the side of the highway, and an individual, later identified as Dabydeen, walking around the vehicle brandishing a firearm and pointing it at passing vehicles.

    According to allegations in court documents, while the officers were investigating the incident, they observed a white Honda sedan traveling south at a high rate of speed. The officers recognized the vehicle as the one observed during the shooting and began to pursue the vehicle. After a brief pursuit, Dabydeen stopped the vehicle, and he was taken into custody. It is alleged that, over the course of the arrest, officers recovered from Dabydeen a live round of 9mm ammunition, and a Taurus, Model G3c, 9mm pistol that had been reported stolen. It is further alleged that Dabydeen has a prior felony conviction for 1st Degree Manslaughter in New York, and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

    Dabydeen is currently in custody. The charge of possession of a firearm by a felon carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

    The charges against Dabydeen are allegations, and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron thanked the ATF and CMPD for leading the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Halloween getaway driver convicted

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    VICTORIA, Texas – A federal jury sitting in Victoria has returned a guilty verdict against a 27-year-old Houston man for armed robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    The jury deliberated for less than two hours before convicting Jordan Javon Ashton following a three-day trial.

    The robbery took place at the Morelos Supermercardos in Victoria Oct. 31, 2023, and involved a stolen vehicle with stolen plates and a stolen gun.

    On that Halloween evening, Latrayveon McNeal and Jerrell Potts – wearing masks and brandishing firearms – entered the supermarket and approached the Barri money services counter. They pointed weapons and yelled at the cashier, store employees and customers. Fearing for their lives, the employees complied with demands and provided U.S. currency and a large amount of cashed checks.   

    McNeal and Potts fled in a stolen white truck and met up with Ashton who was armed and waiting for them a few blocks away from the store. Ashton then drove the robbers from the scene leaving the white truck in the middle of the road with the motor still running.

    The jury saw numerous exhibits to include several photographs and surveillance video from the supermarket, the weapons used in the crime and heard excerpts of 911 calls made on that day.

    They also heard that Ashton had previously been convicted of a felony and was on parole during the commission of this crime.

    The defense attempted to convince the jury that he withdrew from the conspiracy. They did not believe those claims and found Ashton guilty as charged.

    McNeal, 26, and Potts, 25, both of Houston, previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the crime. Potts received 87 months in federal prison, while McNeal is pending sentencing.

    U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over trial and set sentencing for May 29. At that time, Ashton faces up to 20 and 15 years for the robbery and the firearms charges, respectively, as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    He will remain in custody pending that hearing.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Victoria Police Department, Victoria County Sheriff’s Office and Victoria County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Indicted for Possession of Loaded Gun After High-Speed Chase

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging David Garcia, 32, of Fresno, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, on Jan. 23, 2025, law enforcement officers located a vehicle suspected in several recent catalytic converter thefts. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver, Garcia, sped off across an apartment complex lawn before leading officers on a high-speed chase in which he drove the wrong way on the road, collided with another vehicle, and ran multiple red lights and stop signs. In an attempt to escape officers, Garcia tried to drive through a fence into Scandinavian Middle School but his vehicle was disabled. Garcia is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions in Fresno County.

    According to court documents, officers found a loaded Glock 22 handgun with an extended magazine in Garcia’s vehicle. The handgun and vehicle were both reported stolen.

    This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.

    If convicted, Garcia faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    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 U.S. Department of Justice 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 USA: California Department of Justice Releases Report on Officer-Involved Shooting of Pedro Morales Lopez

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Thursday, February 20, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

     

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), today released a report on Pedro Morales Lopez’s death from an officer-involved shooting in Nowalk, California, on February 17, 2022. The incident involved officers from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office (LASD). The report is part of the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The report provides a detailed analysis of the incident and outlines DOJ’s findings. After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case. 

    “The loss of life is always tragic,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We recognize the considerable challenges and difficulties faced by all those impacted, including Mr. Lopez’s family, the law enforcement agencies involved, and the community at large. The California Department of Justice is dedicated to collaborating with all law enforcement entities to maintain a legal system that is fair, transparent, and accountable to every Californian.”

    At approximately 7:00 PM on February 17, 2022, three officer-involved shooting (“OIS”) incidents occurred on Foster Road in the City of Norwalk, Los Angeles County. During an attempt to apprehend Andre M. Mora, the suspect of a carjacking and assault with a firearm that occurred three days earlier, Mr. Mora pointed a semiautomatic handgun at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective who fired ten rounds at Mr. Mora (OIS #1). Mr. Mora fled on foot and pointed a handgun at another LASD detective. The detective fired nine rounds at Mr. Mora (OIS #2). Mr. Mora made ran into the front yard of a private residence and then into a narrow side yard crowded with various objects. Mr. Mora then pointed a handgun at the detective, who fired fourteen rounds at Mr. Mora (OIS #3). Mr. Mora—who was shot multiple times but survived—then entered the residence through a side door and barricaded himself inside. An uninvolved resident of the location, Mr. Lopez, was in the side yard during the time of OIS #3. Mr. Lopez was fatally struck in the back of the head by a single bullet.

    Under AB 1506, which requires DOJ to investigate all incidents of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian in the state, DOJ conducted a thorough investigation into this incident and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officers involved acted without the intent to defend themselves and others from what each of them reasonably believed to be the imminent risk of death or serious bodily injury. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of the officers. As such, no further action will be taken in this case. 

    As part of its investigation, DOJ has identified one policy recommendation regarding body worn cameras (BWC). It is recommended that LASD issue BWCs to all LASD deputies, including plain clothes deputies. It is also recommended that LASD develop policies on the circumstances in which deputies, who are in plain clothes or otherwise not in uniform, can and must activate BWCs. 

    A copy of the report can be found here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Missouri Couple Arrested for Abducting and Sexually Abusing a 13-Year-Old That They Groomed Online

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

    Defendants Sexually Assaulted Teen Victim in Their Van and Apartment Over Several Days

    ROANOKE, Va. – A married couple from Springfield, Missouri, was arrested recently and charged with transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

    Justin Johiah Curtright, 40, and Christin Marie Curtright, 32, groomed the 13-year-old victim over the internet, traveled from Missouri to pick her up from her home in Virginia, then repeatedly sexually assaulted her in their van and at their Springfield, Missouri apartment until she was rescued by police.

    According to the federal criminal complaint filed last week, in May 2024 the victim met Justin Curtright on Discord, an online group chat platform, where the two talked for hours.  The victim initially used an alias and claimed she was 18 years old. Justin Curtright soon began talking in sexual overtones and eventually sent the victim a sexually explicit video of himself.

    The next morning, Justin added the victim to a private Discord channel that included him and his wife, Christin Curtright.  From that point, the three talked extensively, both online and by phone.  The victim eventually admitted she was only 13 years old.

    The Curtrights also engaged in sexually explicit acts on-camera while video chatting with the victim. Justin would frequently pretend to be the victim’s father.

    At some point near the end of June, the Curtrights devised a plan to drive to southern Virginia to abduct the victim and take her to their Springfield apartment. On the morning of July 24, 2024, as planned, the Curtrights met the victim near her home in Virginia. The victim got in the Curtrights’ vehicle, and they transported her back to Missouri.

    During the trip back to Missouri, the Curtrights each took turns sexually assaulting the victim while the other drove. Once they reached their apartment, they continued their sexual abuse and exploitation of the victim for several more days.

    On July 27, 2024, officers with the Springfield Police Department went to the Curtrights’ apartment, where they found the victim hiding in the back of a closet in the Curtrights’ bedroom.  The victim had a debit card and false ID that Justin Curtright gave her, which represented her as Justin’s 15-year-old daughter.

    Springfield officers seized the Curtrights’ phones, which held recordings of the Curtrights’ video chats grooming and sexually exploiting the victim, as well as images of the victim being abused during the drive to Missouri.

    If convicted, the Curtrights face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum punishment of life in prison.

    Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, made the announcement today.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Springfield Police Department, and various local law enforcement agencies investigated the case.

    Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is prosecuting the case for the United States.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Unplugs Biden’s Green Dreams

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – In her latest fight to prioritize taxpayers in Washington, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is defunding another billion-dollar Biden boondoggle.
    Ernst is introducing the Unplug the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Programs Act to end the failed electric vehicle (EV) charging station programs from the so-called infrastructure bill that resulted in just 59 stations being built nationwide in over three years despite the $7.5 billion price tag.
    “Joe Biden’s green dreams short-circuited, and it is time to pull the plug,” said Ernst. “The EV charger boondoggle is a textbook example of waste and inefficiency that needs to be eliminated. Instead of spending hundreds of millions per charging station, I am doing something truly revolutionary in Washington – putting taxpayers first.”
    Congressman Tony Wied (R-Wis.) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    “I am proud to stand with Senator Ernst in introducing the Unplug the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Programs Act,” said Wied. “The fact that the Biden Administration was only able to produce 59 stations nationwide with a $7.5 billion budget is the exact reason why the American people overwhelmingly support President Trump in reducing waste and inefficiencies in our government. As a small business owner, I could have built 1,500 more gas stations with that kind of money. It is time to repeal this funding and put an end to President Biden’s wasteful vanity project.”
    Click here to view the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Repairs to the westbound I-82 Yakima River Bridge near Selah starts Feb. 21

    Source: Washington State News 2

    YAKIMA – The Washington State Department of Transportation has a plan to fix a damaged a section of the westbound Interstate 82 Yakima River Bridge near Selah. A semi-truck crashed into it on Jan. 28, 2025. 

    Work begins Friday, Feb. 21, to straighten bridge truss and repair guardrail. Crews are expected to finish the project in early March. 

    Detour route

    Westbound traffic on I-82 toward Selah will be diverted to Selah Road (commonly known as the Selah bypass). Travelers continuing westbound toward Ellensburg will be able to cross over back to I-82 after the Twin Bridges. Signs will direct travelers through the detour. Plan for added travel time. Oversized loads are prohibited.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Finds Convicted Felon Guilty of Firearm Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – A federal jury convicted a San Antonio man Wednesday for one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dante Delray Vecera, 33, was found unresponsive in a locked and running vehicle blocking two lanes of traffic on the 410 frontage road. Police officers observed a bag containing white powder, a marijuana cigarette, and a bag of what appeared to be black tar heroin inside the vehicle. The officers provided Vecera with Narcan, fearing an overdose. While waiting for EMS to arrive on scene, officers looked for Vecera’s driver’s license in an attempt to identify him and located an unholstered pistol in the pocket of his pants. While removing the weapon, Vecera regained consciousness. He refused all field sobriety tests and was taken into custody after being medically cleared.

    Prior to this arrest Vecera had been convicted of several violent felonies, including two prior Nevada convictions for burglary and coercion (sexually motivated), and a Texas conviction for violation of a protective order and assault. Vecera faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

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

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, San Antonio Police Department and the Castle Hills Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karina O’Daniel and Amy Hail are prosecuting the case.

    This is a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Initiative case. VAWA was first enacted in 1994 as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. It initially focused on providing resources and training to improve the responses and policies of law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts, to support victim services, and to address crimes historically treated as private matters. Recognizing that domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking require a coordinated community response that extends beyond the justice system, Congress subsequently reauthorized VAWA, enhancing its policies and expanding grant funding streams, in 2000, 2005, 2013, and 2022. The Office on Violence Against Women has issued more than $11 billion in funding authorized by VAWA in its lifetime.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges Inmate with Assaulting Detention Officer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A To’hajiilee man is facing a new charge for allegedly assaulting a federal detention officer at the Cibola County Correctional Facility while awaiting trial on another federal case.

    According to court documents, on November 5, 2024, Antonio Chaco, 41, while in custody at the Cibola County Correctional Facility awaiting trial on charges of second-degree murder and kidnapping resulting in death, assaulted a detention officer and employee of CoreCivic, Inc. The assault occurred while the detention officer was assisting the U.S. Marshals Service with the supervision of federal detainees. During the assault, Chaco struck, pinned down, and choked the officer.

    If convicted, Chaco faces up to 20 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    Chaco is scheduled to stand trial for second-degree murder and kidnapping resulting in death on April 21, 2025. If convicted of those charges, Chaco faces life in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and David Barnett, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico, made the announcement today.

    The U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting both cases.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Vicor Corporation Reports Results for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vicor Corporation (NASDAQ: VICR) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. These results will be discussed later today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, during management’s quarterly investor conference call. The details for the call are below.

    Revenues for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024 totaled $96.2 million, a 3.8% increase from $92.7 million for the corresponding period a year ago, and a 3.2% sequential increase from $93.2 million in the third quarter of 2024.

    Gross margin increased to $50.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $47.3 million for the corresponding period a year ago and increased from $45.7 million for the third quarter of 2024. Gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 52.4% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 51.1% for the corresponding period a year ago and 49.1% for the third quarter of 2024. Operating expenses increased to $41.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $40.0 million for the corresponding period a year ago, and increased sequentially from $40.4 million for the third quarter of 2024.

    Net income for the fourth quarter was $10.2 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, compared to net income of $8.7 million or $0.19 per diluted share, for the corresponding period a year ago and net income of $11.6 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2024.

    Cash flow from operations totaled $10.1 million for the fourth quarter, compared to cash flow from operations of $21.5 million for the corresponding period a year ago, and cash flow from operations of $22.6 million in the third quarter of 2024. Capital expenditures for the fourth quarter totaled $1.7 million, compared to $7.2 million for the corresponding period a year ago and $8.5 million for the third quarter of 2024. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024 increased 3.6% sequentially to approximately $277.3 million compared to approximately $267.6 million as of September 30, 2024.

    Backlog for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024 totaled $155.5 million, a 3.3% decrease from $160.8 million for the corresponding period a year ago, and 3.3% sequential increase from $150.6 million at the end of the third quarter of 2024.

    Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased 11.4% to $359.1 million, from $405.1 million for the prior year. Gross margin, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 51.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 50.6% for the prior year. Net income for 2024 was $6.1 million, or $0.14 per diluted share and 1.7% of revenues, compared to $53.6 million, or $1.19 per diluted share and 13.2% of revenue in the prior year. Cash flows from operations totaled $50.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a 31.8% decrease from cash flows from operations of $74.5 million for the prior year.

    Commenting on fourth quarter performance, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Patrizio Vinciarelli stated: “Revenues and gross margins improved. Further margin improvements depend upon higher utilization of our ChiP fab and increased licensing income. These revenue and income streams are synergistic as our standard license provides royalty discounts commensurate to the Licensee’s annual purchases of Vicor modules. Licensing has been gaining traction with companies whose computing hardware is increasingly dependent on high density power system solutions pioneered and patented by Vicor, including NBMs. Avoiding infringement is the ethical choice, but hyper-scalers also want to avoid the risk of their computing hardware being excluded from importation into the United States. Patent infringement has severe consequences.”

    “Perfecting our 2nd generation, high density VPD for leading AI applications has taken longer than expected, with the fab out of a new ASIC raising the bar on the density and bandwidth of our current multipliers. 2nd generation VPD will enable AI processors to set new standards for performance and power system efficiency. We are focused on completing development of a high density VPD system for a lead customer ahead of providing demo systems to processor chip companies and hyper-scalers.”

    For more information on Vicor and its products, please visit the Company’s website at www.vicorpower.com.

    Earnings Conference Call

    Vicor will be holding its investor conference call today, Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Vicor encourages investors and analysts who intend to ask questions via the conference call to register with Notified, the service provider hosting the conference call. Those registering on Notified’s website will receive dial-in info and a unique PIN to join the call as well as an email confirmation with the details. Registration may be completed at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2025. For those parties interested in listen-only mode, the conference call will be webcast via a link that will be posted on the Investor Relations page of Vicor’s website prior to the conference call. Please access the website at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to register and, if necessary, download and install any required software. For those who cannot participate in the live conference call, a webcast replay of the conference call will also be available on the Investor Relations page of Vicor’s website.

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statement in this press release that is not a statement of historical fact is a forward-looking statement, and, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” “assumes,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “continue,” “prospective,” “project,” and other similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also include statements regarding bookings, shipments, revenue, profitability, targeted markets, increase in manufacturing capacity and utilization thereof, future products and capital resources. These statements are based upon management’s current expectations and estimates as to the prospective events and circumstances that may or may not be within the company’s control and as to which there can be no assurance. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those economic, business, operational and financial considerations set forth in Vicor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, under Part I, Item I — “Business,” under Part I, Item 1A — “Risk Factors,” under Part I, Item 3 — “Legal Proceedings,” and under Part II, Item 7 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K may not be exhaustive. Therefore, the information contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read together with other reports and documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including Forms 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K, which may supplement, modify, supersede or update those risk factors. Vicor does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of future events or developments.

    Vicor Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets modular power components and complete power systems based upon a portfolio of patented technologies. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Vicor sells its products to the power systems market, including enterprise and high performance computing, industrial equipment and automation, telecommunications and network infrastructure, vehicles and transportation, and aerospace and defense electronics.
      
    For further information contact:
            
    James F. Schmidt, Chief Financial Officer
    Office: (978) 470-2900
    Email: invrel@vicorpower.com

    VICOR CORPORATION              
                   
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS      
    (Thousands except for per share amounts)              
                   
      QUARTER ENDED   YEAR ENDED
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
                   
      DEC 31,   DEC 31,   DEC 31,   DEC 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023
                   
                   
    Product revenue $ 80,392     $ 85,524     $ 312,463     $ 389,187
    Royalty revenue   15,774       7,128       46,595       15,872
    Net revenues   96,166       92,652       359,058       405,059
    Cost of product revenues   45,806       45,308       175,060       200,130
             Gross margin   50,360       47,344       183,998       204,929
                   
    Operating expenses:              
              Selling, general and administrative   24,171       22,694       96,886       85,714
              Research and development   16,984       17,301       68,922       67,857
              Litigation-contingency expense                       –                           –       19,500                           –
                 Total operating expenses   41,155       39,995       185,308       153,571
                   
    Income (loss) from operations   9,205       7,349       (1,310 )     51,358
                   
    Other income (expense), net   2,553       3,243       11,797       8,886
                   
    Income before income taxes   11,758       10,592       10,487       60,244
                   
    Less: Provision for income taxes   1,516       1,928       4,348       6,644
                   
    Consolidated net income   10,242       8,664       6,139       53,600
                   
    Less: Net (loss) income attributable to              
      noncontrolling interest   (4 )     (4 )     10       5
                   
    Net income attributable to              
      Vicor Corporation $ 10,246     $ 8,668     $ 6,129     $ 53,595
                   
                   
    Net income per share attributable              
      to Vicor Corporation:              
               Basic $ 0.23     $ 0.19     $ 0.14     $ 1.21
               Diluted $ 0.23     $ 0.19     $ 0.14     $ 1.19
                   
    Shares outstanding:              
               Basic   45,161       44,455       44,912       44,320
               Diluted   45,296       45,017       45,168       45,004
                   
    VICOR CORPORATION      
           
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET    
    (Thousands)      
           
           
      DEC 31,   DEC 31,
        2024       2023  
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    Assets      
           
    Current assets:      
            Cash and cash equivalents $ 277,273     $ 242,219  
            Accounts receivable, net   52,948       52,631  
            Inventories   106,032       106,579  
            Other current assets   26,781       18,937  
                      Total current assets   463,034       420,366  
           
    Long-term deferred tax assets   261       296  
    Long-term investment, net   2,641       2,530  
    Property, plant and equipment, net   152,705       157,689  
    Other assets   22,477       14,006  
           
                      Total assets $ 641,118     $ 594,887  
           
    Liabilities and Equity      
           
    Current liabilities:      
            Accounts payable $ 8,737     $ 12,100  
            Accrued compensation and benefits   10,852       11,227  
            Accrued expenses   6,589       5,093  
            Accrued litigation   26,888       6,500  
            Sales allowances   1,667       3,482  
            Short-term lease liabilities   1,716       1,864  
            Income taxes payable   59       746  
            Short-term deferred revenue and customer prepayments   5,312       3,157  
           
                     Total current liabilities   61,820       44,169  
           
    Long-term deferred revenue   –       1,020  
    Long-term income taxes payable   3,387       2,228  
    Long-term lease liabilities   5,620       6,364  
                     Total liabilities   70,827       53,781  
           
    Equity:      
      Vicor Corporation stockholders’ equity:      
            Capital stock   408,187       384,395  
            Retained earnings   302,803       296,674  
            Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1,495 )     (1,273 )
            Treasury stock   (139,424 )     (138,927 )
                 Total Vicor Corporation stockholders’ equity   570,071       540,869  
      Noncontrolling interest   220       237  
            Total equity   570,291       541,106  
           
                      Total liabilities and equity $ 641,118     $ 594,887  
           

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CarGurus Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q4’24 Marketplace revenue grew 15% YoY

    Q4’24 International revenue grew 26% YoY and OEM Advertising revenue grew double-digit YoY

    Q4’24 Consolidated GAAP Net Income of $45.9 million; Q4’24 Non-GAAP Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $76.4 million, up 25% YoY

    BOSTON, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CarGurus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CARG), the No. 1 visited digital auto platform for shopping, buying, and selling new and used vehicles*, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    “We delivered exceptional results in 2024, with sustained revenue acceleration and significant margin expansion across geographies. Our Marketplace business achieved double-digit growth, driven by continued migration to premium tiers, strong OEM advertising demand, and growing adoption of our value-added products and services,” said Jason Trevisan, Chief Executive Officer at CarGurus. “Our relentless focus on product innovation and our ability to enhance dealers’ ROI throughout their workflow resulted in higher engagement and increased wallet share as dealers consolidate their investment with the highest-yielding online marketplaces. Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited about the opportunity to further consolidate our leadership position, leveraging our data-driven actionable insights and our unique ability to deliver dealer-specific competitive intelligence.”

    Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Highlights

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31, 2024     December 31, 2024  
        Results
    (in millions)    		     Variance from Prior Year     Results
    (in millions)    		     Variance from Prior Year  
    Revenue                        
    Marketplace Revenue   $ 210.2       15 %   $ 796.6       14 %
    Wholesale Revenue     9.9       (55 )%     51.2       (49 )%
    Product Revenue     8.5       (55 )%     46.6       (60 )%
    Total Revenue   $ 228.5       2 %   $ 894.4       (2 )%
                             
    Gross Profit (1)   $ 199.0       18 %   $ 738.9       13 %
    % Margin     87 %   1,176 bps       83 %   1,136 bps  
                             
    Operating Expenses (2)   $ 145.7       (23 )%   $ 725.5       17 %
                             
    GAAP Consolidated Net Income (3)   $ 45.9     NM(5)     $ 21.0       (5 )%
    % Margin     20 %   NM(5)       2 %   (7) bps  
                             
    Non-GAAP Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (4)   $ 76.4       25 %   $ 247.2       26 %
    % Margin (4)     33 %   602 bps       28 %   623 bps  
                             
    Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments   $ 304.2       (3 )%   $ 304.2       (3 )%

    (1)  During the three months ended December 31, 2024, no impairment was recorded. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a $9.9 million impairment-related charge in cost of revenue.
    (2)  During the three months ended December 31, 2024, no impairment was recorded. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a $134.5 million impairment-related charge in operating expenses.
    (3)  During the three months ended December 31, 2024, no impairment was recorded. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a $144.4 million impairment-related charge.
    (4)  For more information regarding our use of non-GAAP Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and other non-GAAP financial measures, please see the reconciliations of GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial measures and the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Business Metrics” below.
    (5)  Not meaningful.

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31, 2024     December 31, 2024  
        Results     Variance from Prior Year     Results     Variance from Prior Year  
    Key Performance Indicators (1)                        
    U.S. Paying Dealers (2)     24,692       2 %     24,692       2 %
    International Paying Dealers (2)     7,318       11 %     7,318       11 %
    Total Paying Dealers (2)     32,010       3 %     32,010       3 %
                             
    U.S. QARSD (2)   $ 7,337       12 %   $ 7,337       12 %
    International QARSD (2)   $ 2,072       17 %   $ 2,072       17 %
    Consolidated QARSD (2)   $ 6,144       12 %   $ 6,144       12 %
                             
    Transactions     7,066       (48 )%     34,395       (47 )%
                             
    U.S. Average Monthly Unique Users (in millions) (3)     29.3     N/A(5)     N/A(5)     N/A(5)  
    U.S. Average Monthly Sessions (in millions) (3)     74.6     N/A(5)     N/A(5)     N/A(5)  
                             
    International Average Monthly Unique Users (in millions) (3)     9.1     N/A(5)     N/A(5)     N/A(5)  
    International Average Monthly Sessions (in millions) (3)     19.2     N/A(5)     N/A(5)     N/A(5)  
                             
    Segment Reporting (in millions)                        
    U.S. Marketplace Segment Revenue   $ 193.4       15 %   $ 733.7       13 %
    U.S. Marketplace Segment Operating Income   $ 56.1       30 %   $ 182.7       43 %
    Digital Wholesale Segment Revenue   $ 18.3       (55 )%   $ 97.8       (55 )%
    Digital Wholesale Segment Operating Loss (4)   $ (5.5 )   NM(6)     $ (179.3 )   NM(6)  

    (1)  For more information regarding our use of Key Performance Indicators, please see the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Business Metrics” below.
    (2)  Metrics presented as of December 31, 2024.
    (3)  CarOffer website is excluded from the metrics presented for users and sessions.
    (4)  During the three months ended December 31, 2024, no impairment was recorded. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a $144.4 million impairment-related charge.
    (5)  As a result of the change from Google Universal Analytics (“Google Analytics”) to Google Analytics 4 (“GA4”) on July 1, 2024, we are unable to provide comparable monthly unique users or monthly sessions information for this period. For more information regarding the change in methodology for monthly unique users or monthly sessions, please see the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Business Metrics” below.
    (6)  Not meaningful.

    First Quarter 2025 Guidance

    The table below provides CarGurus’ guidance, which is based on recent market trends, industry conditions, and management’s expectations and assumptions as of today.

      Guidance Metrics Range
      Total revenue $216 million to $236 million
      Marketplace revenue $209 million to $214 million
      Non-GAAP Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA $60 million to $68 million
      Non-GAAP EPS $0.41 to $0.47

    The first quarter 2025 non-GAAP EPS calculation assumes 107.0 million diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding.

    The assumptions that are built into guidance for the first quarter 2025 regarding our pace of paid dealer acquisition, churn, and expansion activity for the relevant period are based on recent market trends and industry conditions. Guidance for the first quarter 2025 excludes macro-level industry issues that result in dealers and consumers materially changing their recent market trends or that cause us to enact measures to assist dealers. Guidance also excludes any potential impact of future foreign currency exchange gains or losses.

    CarGurus has not reconciled its guidance of non-GAAP consolidated adjusted EBITDA to GAAP consolidated net income or non-GAAP EPS to GAAP EPS because reconciling items between such GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures, which include, as applicable, stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, impairment, depreciation expenses, non-intangible amortization, transaction-related expenses, other income, net, the provision for income taxes, and income tax effects, cannot be reasonably predicted due to, as applicable, the timing, amount, valuation, and number of future employee equity awards and the uncertainty relating to the timing, frequency, and effect of acquisitions and the significance of the resulting transaction-related expenses, and therefore cannot be determined without unreasonable effort.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information

    CarGurus will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results and business outlook at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time today, February 20, 2025. To access the conference call, dial (877) 451-6152 for callers in the U.S. or Canada, or (201) 389-0879 for international callers. The webcast will be available live on the Investors section of CarGurus’ website at https://investors.cargurus.com.

    An audio replay of the call will also be available to investors beginning at approximately 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time today, February 20, 2025, until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 6, 2025, by dialing (844) 512-2921 for callers in the U.S. or Canada, or (412) 317-6671 for international callers, and entering passcode 13750508. In addition, an archived webcast will be available on the Investors section of CarGurus’ website at https://investors.cargurus.com.

    About CarGurus

    CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG) is a multinational, online automotive platform for buying and selling vehicles that is building upon its industry-leading listings marketplace with both digital retail solutions and the CarOffer online wholesale platform. The CarGurus platform gives consumers the confidence to purchase and/or sell a vehicle either online or in person, and it gives dealerships the power to accurately price, effectively market, instantly acquire, and quickly sell vehicles, all with a nationwide reach. The Company uses proprietary technology, search algorithms, and data analytics to bring trust, transparency, and competitive pricing to the automotive shopping experience. CarGurus is the most visited automotive shopping site in the U.S.*

    CarGurus also operates online marketplaces under the CarGurus brand in Canada and the U.K. In the U.S. and the U.K., CarGurus also operates the Autolist and PistonHeads online marketplaces, respectively, as independent brands.

    To learn more about CarGurus, visit www.cargurus.com, and for more information about CarOffer, visit www.caroffer.com.

    *Source: Similarweb, Traffic Report (Cars.com, Autotrader, TrueCar, CARFAX Listings
    (defined as CARFAX Total visits minus Vehicle History Reports traffic), Q4 2024, U.S.

    CarGurus® and Autolist® are each a registered trademark of CarGurus, Inc., and CarOffer® is a registered trademark of CarOffer, LLC. PistonHeads® is a registered trademark of CarGurus Ireland Limited in the United Kingdom and the European Union. All other product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

    © 2025 CarGurus, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

    Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements. Other than statements of historical facts, all statements contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future financial and operating results; our first quarter 2025 financial and business performance, including guidance; our business and growth strategy and our plans to execute on our growth strategy; our ability to grow our business profitably and efficiently; our capital allocation and investment strategy; the attractiveness and value proposition of our current offerings and other product opportunities; our ability to maintain existing and acquire new customers; addressable opportunities; our expectation that we will continue to invest in growth initiatives; our ability to quickly make transformations necessary for our business to achieve long-term goals; and the impact of macro-level issues on our industry, business, and financial results, are forward-looking statements. The words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “guide,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “strive,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions and their negatives are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events.

    These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including risks related to our growth and our ability to grow our revenue; our relationships with dealers; competition in the markets in which we operate; market growth; our ability to innovate; our ability to realize benefits from our acquisitions and successfully implement the integration strategies in connection therewith; impairment of the carrying value of our goodwill, intangible assets, right-of-use assets, or other assets; increased inflation and interest rates, global supply chain challenges, and other macroeconomic issues; changes in our key personnel; natural disasters, epidemics, or pandemics; and our ability to operate in compliance with applicable laws as well as other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other reports we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, we operate in very competitive and rapidly changing environments. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance, achievements, or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will occur. We are under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results or revised expectations, except as required by law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

    Investor Contact:
    Kirndeep Singh
    Vice President, Head of Investor Relations
    investors@cargurus.com

    Media Contact:
    Maggie Meluzio
    Director, Public Relations and External Communications
    pr@cargurus.com

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)

        As of December 31,  
        2024     2023  
    Assets            
    Current assets:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 304,193     $ 291,363  
    Short-term investments     —       20,724  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $788 and $610, respectively     44,248       39,963  
    Inventory     338       331  
    Prepaid expenses, prepaid income taxes and other current assets     27,868       25,152  
    Deferred contract costs     12,523       11,095  
    Restricted cash     2,036       2,563  
    Total current assets     391,206       391,191  
    Property and equipment, net     130,010       83,370  
    Intangible assets, net     11,767       23,056  
    Goodwill     46,167       157,898  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     121,484       169,682  
    Deferred tax assets     106,672       73,356  
    Deferred contract costs, net of current portion     13,196       12,998  
    Other non-current assets     4,034       7,376  
    Total assets   $ 824,536     $ 918,927  
    Liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and stockholders’ equity            
    Current liabilities:            
    Accounts payable   $ 26,410     $ 47,854  
    Accrued expenses, accrued income taxes and other current liabilities     35,975       33,718  
    Deferred revenue     21,661       21,322  
    Operating lease liabilities     9,005       12,284  
    Total current liabilities     93,051       115,178  
    Operating lease liabilities     183,739       182,106  
    Deferred tax liabilities     26       58  
    Other non–current liabilities     6,031       4,733  
    Total liabilities     282,847       302,075  
    Stockholders’ equity:            
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
    no shares issued and outstanding    		     —       —  
    Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 500,000,000 shares
    authorized; 89,002,571 and 92,175,243 shares issued and outstanding at
    December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively    		     89       92  
    Class B common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 100,000,000 shares
    authorized; 14,986,745 and 15,999,173 shares issued and outstanding at
    December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively    		     15       16  
    Additional paid–in capital     169,013       263,498  
    Retained earnings     375,119       354,147  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (2,547 )     (901 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     541,689       616,852  
    Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and stockholders’ equity   $ 824,536     $ 918,927  

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statements
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Revenue                        
    Marketplace   $ 210,194     $ 182,250     $ 796,599     $ 698,236  
    Wholesale     9,850       22,035       51,201       100,908  
    Product     8,494       18,838       46,584       115,098  
    Total revenue     228,538       223,123       894,384       914,242  
    Cost of revenue(1)                        
    Marketplace     13,899       14,190       54,950       60,020  
    Wholesale(2)     7,068       22,286       54,340       90,066  
    Product     8,582       18,612       46,149       112,702  
    Total cost of revenue     29,549       55,088       155,439       262,788  
    Gross profit     198,989       168,035       738,945       651,454  
    Operating expenses:                        
    Sales and marketing     76,448       73,827       322,249       304,070  
    Product, technology, and development     35,948       36,737       144,432       146,169  
    General and administrative     28,384       75,667       112,066       152,757  
    Impairment     —       —       134,501       —  
    Depreciation and amortization     4,931       4,069       12,285       15,831  
    Total operating expenses     145,711       190,300       725,533       618,827  
    Income (loss) from operations     53,278       (22,265 )     13,412       32,627  
    Other income, net:                        
    Interest income     3,126       5,093       12,189       18,430  
    Other (expense) income, net     (1,066 )     782       (944 )     630  
    Total other income, net     2,060       5,875       11,245       19,060  
    Income (loss) before income taxes     55,338       (16,390 )     24,657       51,687  
    Provision for income taxes     9,457       6,213       3,685       29,634  
    Consolidated net income (loss)     45,881       (22,603 )     20,972       22,053  
    Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest     —       (4,698 )     —       (14,889 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to CarGurus, Inc.   $ 45,881     $ (17,905 )   $ 20,972     $ 36,942  
    Deemed dividend on redemption of noncontrolling interest     —       5,838       —       5,838  
    Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders   $ 45,881     $ (23,743 )   $ 20,972     $ 31,104  
    Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:                        
    Basic   $ 0.44     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.20     $ 0.27  
    Diluted   $ 0.43     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.20     $ 0.19  
    Weighted–average number of shares of common stock used in computing net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:                        
    Basic     103,838,821       110,988,515       104,535,572       113,240,139  
    Diluted     106,116,888       110,988,515       106,263,886       114,188,834  

    (1)  For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, there was depreciation and amortization of $2,107, $8,692, $13,075, and $32,643, respectively, in cost of revenue.
    (2)  For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, no impairment was recorded in cost of revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded impairment of $9,930 and $184, respectively in cost of revenue.

    Unaudited Segment Revenue
    (in thousands)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Segment Revenue:                        
    U.S. Marketplace   $ 193,395     $ 168,897     $ 733,688     $ 647,284  
    Digital Wholesale     18,344       40,872       97,785       216,005  
    Other     16,799       13,354       62,911       50,953  
    Total   $ 228,538     $ 223,123     $ 894,384     $ 914,242  

    Unaudited Segment Income (Loss) from Operations
    (in thousands)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Segment Income (Loss) from Operations:                        
    U.S. Marketplace   $ 56,068     $ 43,281     $ 182,738     $ 127,724  
    Digital Wholesale     (5,500 )     (67,199 )     (179,315 )     (96,383 )
    Other     2,710       1,653       9,989       1,286  
    Total   $ 53,278     $ (22,265 )   $ 13,412     $ 32,627  

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (in thousands)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Operating Activities                        
    Consolidated net income (loss)   $ 45,881     $ (22,603 )   $ 20,972     $ 22,053  
    Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:                        
    Depreciation and amortization     7,038       12,761       25,360       48,474  
    Gain on sale of property and equipment     —       —       —       (460 )
    Currency loss (gain) on foreign denominated transactions     1,205       (532 )     971       (283 )
    Other non-cash (income) expense, net     —       (80 )     (816 )     88  
    Deferred taxes     13,996       (5,735 )     (33,348 )     (37,864 )
    Provision for doubtful accounts     517       131       2,051       378  
    Stock-based compensation expense     15,658       19,968       62,272       63,737  
    Amortization of deferred financing costs     128       128       515       515  
    Amortization of deferred contract costs     3,734       3,188       13,975       11,817  
    Impairment     —       —       144,431       184  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                        
    Accounts receivable     527       10,638       (4,866 )     10,975  
    Inventory     (261 )     (3,001 )     (112 )     1,958  
    Prepaid expenses, prepaid income taxes, and other assets     (8,720 )     (7,525 )     (1,627 )     (1,498 )
    Deferred contract costs     (4,394 )     (4,752 )     (15,701 )     (18,440 )
    Accounts payable     (15,433 )     903       (4,663 )     2,080  
    Accrued expenses, accrued income taxes, and other liabilities     6,465       (4,435 )     3,897       (3,419 )
    Deferred revenue     (193 )     270       362       9,067  
    Lease obligations     9,589       3,172       41,821       15,165  
    Net cash provided by operating activities     75,737       2,496       255,494       124,527  
    Investing Activities                        
    Purchases of property and equipment     (10,236 )     (15,515 )     (75,173 )     (24,563 )
    Proceeds from sale of property and equipment     —       —       —       460  
    Capitalization of website development costs     (3,462 )     (4,875 )     (18,776 )     (16,648 )
    Purchases of short-term investments     —       (1,268 )     (494 )     (98,016 )
    Sale of short-term investments     —       72,462       21,218       77,462  
    Advance payments to customers, net of collections     —       2,649       259       (259 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities     (13,698 )     53,453       (72,966 )     (61,564 )
    Financing Activities                        
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options     4,848       —       4,923       74  
    Payment of withholding taxes on net share settlements of restricted stock units     (7,500 )     (3,859 )     (24,891 )     (15,597 )
    Repurchases of common stock     —       (101,115 )     (146,180 )     (208,524 )
    Payment of excise taxes on repurchases of common stock     (1,584 )     —       (1,584 )     —  
    Payment of finance lease obligations     (19 )     (18 )     (75 )     (70 )
    Payment of tax distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest holders     —       —       —       (38 )
    Acquisition of remaining interest in CarOffer, LLC     —       (25,014 )     —       (25,014 )
    Change in gross advance payments received from third-party transaction processor     (118 )     48       (822 )     (4,475 )
    Net cash used in financing activities     (4,373 )     (129,958 )     (168,629 )     (253,644 )
    Impact of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash     (2,178 )     981       (1,596 )     475  
    Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash     55,488       (73,028 )     12,303       (190,206 )
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period     250,741       366,954       293,926       484,132  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period   $ 306,229     $ 293,926     $ 306,229     $ 293,926  

    Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP Consolidated Net Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Consolidated Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders and GAAP Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders to Non-GAAP Net Income Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders:
    (in thousands, except per share data)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    GAAP consolidated net income (loss)   $ 45,881     $ (22,603 )   $ 20,972     $ 22,053  
    Stock-based compensation expense     15,658       14,071       62,492       57,913  
    Stock-based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units(1)     —       55,543       —       55,543  
    Amortization of intangible assets     507       7,513       3,655       30,062  
    Impairment(2)     —       —       144,431       184  
    Transaction-related expenses     421       1,044       1,536       1,044  
    Income tax effects and adjustments     (3,767 )     (16,807 )     (49,798 )     (27,489 )
    Non-GAAP consolidated net income   $ 58,700     $ 38,761     $ 183,288     $ 139,310  
    Non-GAAP net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest     —       (456 )     —       (1,686 )
    Non-GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders   $ 58,700     $ 39,217     $ 183,288     $ 140,996  
    GAAP net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:                        
    Basic   $ 0.44     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.20     $ 0.27  
    Diluted   $ 0.43     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.20     $ 0.19  
    Non-GAAP net income per share attributable to common stockholders:                        
    Basic   $ 0.57     $ 0.35     $ 1.75     $ 1.25  
    Diluted   $ 0.55     $ 0.35     $ 1.72     $ 1.23  
    Shares used in GAAP and Non-GAAP per share calculations                        
    Basic     103,839       110,989       104,536       113,240  
    Diluted     106,117       110,989       106,264       114,189  

    (1)  CarOffer, LLC Units consist of CO Incentive Units, Subject Units (each as defined in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2025), and payments made to noncontrolling interest holders. 
    (2)  During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we updated the table to disclose impairment in Non-GAAP Consolidated Net Income and Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders; the three months and year ended December 31, 2023 have been updated for comparison purposes.

    Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest to Non-GAAP Net Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
    (in thousands)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    GAAP net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest   $ —     $ (4,698 )   $ —     $ (14,889 )
    Stock-based compensation expense(1)     —       144       —       783  
    Stock-based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units (1)     —       2,249       —       2,249  
    Amortization of intangible assets(1)     —       1,849       —       10,171  
    Non-GAAP net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest   $ —     $ (456 )   $ —     $ (1,686 )

    (1)  These exclusions are adjusted to reflect the noncontrolling interest of 38% for the period prior to our acquisition of the remaining minority equity interests in CarOffer, LLC in December 2023 (the “2023 CarOffer Transaction”).

    Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP Consolidated Net Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA and GAAP Consolidated Net Income (Loss) Margin to Non-GAAP Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin
    (in thousands)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    GAAP consolidated net income (loss)   $ 45,881     $ (22,603 )   $ 20,972     $ 22,053  
    Depreciation and amortization     7,038       12,761       25,360       48,474  
    Impairment     —       —       144,431       184  
    Stock-based compensation expense     15,658       14,071       62,492       57,913  
    Stock-based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units     —       55,543       —       55,543  
    Transaction-related expenses     421       1,044       1,536       1,044  
    Other income, net     (2,060 )     (5,875 )     (11,245 )     (19,060 )
    Provision for income taxes     9,457       6,213       3,685       29,634  
    Non-GAAP consolidated adjusted EBITDA     76,395       61,154       247,231       195,785  
    Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest     —       (303 )     —       83  
    Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA   $ 76,395     $ 61,457     $ 247,231     $ 195,702  
                             
    GAAP consolidated net income (loss) margin     20 %     (10 )%     2 %     2 %
    Non-GAAP consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin     33 %     27 %     28 %     21 %

    Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest to Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
    (in thousands)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    GAAP net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest   $ —     $ (4,698 )   $ —     $ (14,889 )
    Depreciation and amortization (1)     —       1,989       —       10,863  
    Impairment (1)     —       —       —       67  
    Stock-based compensation expense (1)     —       144       —       783  
    Stock-based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units (1)     —       2,249       —       2,249  
    Other expense, net (1)     —       13       —       985  
    Provision for income taxes (1)     —       —       —       25  
    Adjusted EBITDA attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest   $ —     $ (303 )   $ —     $ 83  

    (1)  These exclusions are adjusted to reflect the noncontrolling interest of 38% for the period prior to the 2023 CarOffer Transaction.


    Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP Gross Profit to Non-GAAP Gross Profit and GAAP Gross Profit Margin to Non-GAAP Gross Profit Margin
    (in thousands, except percentages)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Revenue   $ 228,538     $ 223,123     $ 894,384     $ 914,242  
    Cost of revenue     29,549       55,088       155,439       262,788  
    GAAP gross profit     198,989       168,035       738,945       651,454  
    Stock-based compensation expense included in Cost of revenue     105       186       492       699  
    Stock-based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units included in Cost of revenue     —       1,671       —       1,671  
    Amortization of intangible assets included in Cost of revenue     —       5,250       875       21,016  
    Transaction-related expenses included in Cost of revenue     —       —       92       —  
    Impairment included in Cost of revenue (1)     —       —       9,930       184  
    Non-GAAP gross profit   $ 199,094     $ 175,142     $ 750,334     $ 675,024  
                             
    GAAP gross profit margin     87 %     75 %     83 %     71 %
    Non-GAAP gross profit margin     87 %     78 %     84 %     74 %

    (1)  During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we updated the table to disclose impairment in Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Profit Margin; the three months and year ended December 31, 2023 have been updated for comparison purposes.


    Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP Expense to Non-GAAP Expense
    (in thousands)

        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024  
        GAAP expense     Stock-based
    compensation
    expense    		     Stock-Based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units     Amortization of
    intangible assets    		     Impairment (2)     Transaction-related expenses     Non-GAAP
    expense    		  
    Cost of revenue   $ 29,549     $ (105 )   $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ 29,444  
    Sales and marketing     76,448       (3,035 )     —       —       —       (3 )     73,410  
    Product, technology, and development     35,948       (6,278 )     —       —       —       (283 )     29,387  
    General and administrative     28,384       (6,240 )     —       —       —       (135 )     22,009  
    Impairment     —       —       —       —       —       —       —  
    Depreciation & amortization     4,931       —       —       (507 )     —       —       4,424  
    Operating expenses(1)   $ 145,711     $ (15,553 )   $ —     $ (507 )   $ —     $ (421 )   $ 129,230  
    Total cost of revenue and operating expenses   $ 175,260     $ (15,658 )   $ —     $ (507 )   $ —     $ (421 )   $ 158,674  
                                               
        Three Months Ended December 31, 2023  
        GAAP expense     Stock-based
    compensation
    expense    		     Stock-Based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units     Amortization of
    intangible assets    		     Impairment (2)     Transaction-related expenses     Non-GAAP
    expense    		  
    Cost of revenue   $ 55,088     $ (186 )   $ (1,671 )   $ (5,250 )   $ —     $ —     $ 47,981  
    Sales and marketing     73,827       (2,701 )     (2,273 )     —       —       (1 )     68,852  
    Product, technology, and development     36,737       (5,408 )     (2,458 )     —       —       (3 )     28,868  
    General and administrative     75,667       (5,776 )     (49,141 )     —       —       (1,040 )     19,710  
    Impairment     —       —       —       —       —       —       —  
    Depreciation & amortization     4,069       —       —       (2,263 )     —       —       1,806  
    Operating expenses(1)   $ 190,300     $ (13,885 )   $ (53,872 )   $ (2,263 )   $ —     $ (1,044 )   $ 119,236  
    Total cost of revenue and operating expenses   $ 245,388     $ (14,071 )   $ (55,543 )   $ (7,513 )   $ —     $ (1,044 )   $ 167,217  
                                               
        Year Ended December 31, 2024  
        GAAP expense     Stock-based
    compensation
    expense    		     Stock-Based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units     Amortization of
    intangible assets    		     Impairment (2)     Transaction-related expenses     Non-GAAP
    expense    		  
    Cost of revenue   $ 155,439     $ (492 )   $ —     $ (875 )   $ (9,930 )   $ (92 )   $ 144,050  
    Sales and marketing     322,249       (12,176 )     —       —       —       (573 )     309,500  
    Product, technology, and development     144,432       (24,443 )     —       —       —       (346 )     119,643  
    General and administrative     112,066       (25,381 )     —       —       —       (525 )     86,160  
    Impairment     134,501       —       —       —       (134,501 )     —       —  
    Depreciation & amortization     12,285       —       —       (2,780 )     —       —       9,505  
    Operating expenses(1)   $ 725,533     $ (62,000 )   $ —     $ (2,780 )   $ (134,501 )   $ (1,444 )   $ 524,808  
    Total cost of revenue and operating expenses   $ 880,972     $ (62,492 )   $ —     $ (3,655 )   $ (144,431 )   $ (1,536 )   $ 668,858  
                                               
        Year Ended December 31, 2023  
        GAAP expense     Stock-based
    compensation
    expense    		     Stock-Based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units     Amortization of
    intangible assets    		     Impairment (2)     Transaction-related expenses     Non-GAAP
    expense    		  
    Cost of revenue   $ 262,788     $ (699 )   $ (1,671 )   $ (21,016 )   $ (184 )   $ —     $ 239,218  
    Sales and marketing     304,070       (11,437 )     (2,273 )     —       —       (1 )     290,359  
    Product, technology, and development     146,169       (23,476 )     (2,458 )     —       —       (3 )     120,232  
    General and administrative     152,757       (22,301 )     (49,141 )     —       —       (1,040 )     80,275  
    Impairment     —       —       —       —       —       —       —  
    Depreciation & amortization     15,831       —       —       (9,046 )     —       —       6,785  
    Operating expenses(1)   $ 618,827     $ (57,214 )   $ (53,872 )   $ (9,046 )   $ —     $ (1,044 )   $ 497,651  
    Total cost of revenue and operating expenses   $ 881,615     $ (57,913 )   $ (55,543 )   $ (30,062 )   $ (184 )   $ (1,044 )   $ 736,869  

    (1)  Operating expenses include sales and marketing, product, technology, and development, general and administrative, impairment, and depreciation & amortization. 
    (2)  During the three months ended June 30, 2024, we updated the table above to disclose impairment in Non-GAAP Expense; the three months and year ended December 31, 2023 have been updated for comparison purposes.


    Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Provided by Operating Activities to Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow
    (in thousands)

        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    GAAP net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities   $ 75,737     $ 2,496     $ 255,494     $ 124,527  
    Purchases of property and equipment     (10,236 )     (15,515 )     (75,173 )     (24,563 )
    Capitalization of website development costs     (3,462 )     (4,875 )     (18,776 )     (16,648 )
    Non-GAAP free cash flow   $ 62,039     $ (17,894 )   $ 161,545     $ 83,316  

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Business Metrics

    To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”), we provide investors with certain non-GAAP financial measures and other business metrics, which we believe are helpful to our investors. We use these non-GAAP financial measures and other business metrics for financial and operational decision-making purposes and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures and other business metrics provide useful information about our operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.

    The presentation of non-GAAP financial information and other business metrics is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. While our non-GAAP financial measures and other business metrics are an important tool for financial and operational decision-making and for evaluating our own operating results over different periods of time, we urge investors to review the reconciliation of these financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures included above, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

    While a reconciliation of non-GAAP guidance measures to corresponding GAAP measures is not available on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort due to, as applicable, the timing, amount, valuation, and number of future employee equity awards and the uncertainty relating to the timing, frequency, and effect of acquisitions and the significance of the resulting transaction-related expenses, we have provided a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures and other business metrics to the nearest comparable GAAP measures in the accompanying financial statement tables included in this press release.

    We monitor operating measures of certain non-GAAP items including non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP expense, non-GAAP consolidated net income, non-GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders, and non-GAAP net income per share attributable to common stockholders. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude the effect of stock-based compensation expense, stock-based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units, amortization of intangible assets, impairments, and transaction related-expenses. Non-GAAP consolidated net income, non-GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders, and non-GAAP net income per share attributable to common stockholders also exclude certain income tax effects and adjustments. Non-GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders and non-GAAP net income per share attributable to common stockholders also exclude non-GAAP net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest. We define non-GAAP net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest as net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest, adjusted to exclude: stock-based compensation expense, stock-based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units, and amortization of intangible assets. These exclusions are adjusted for redeemable noncontrolling interest, as applicable. Our calculations of non-GAAP net income per share attributable to common stockholders utilize applicable GAAP share counts as included in the accompanying financial statement tables included in this press release. In addition, we evaluate our non-GAAP gross profit in relation to our revenue. We refer to this as non-GAAP gross profit margin and define it as non-GAAP gross profit divided by total revenue. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about our operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.

    We define Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated net income (loss), adjusted to exclude: depreciation and amortization, impairments, stock-based compensation expense, stock-based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units, transaction-related expenses, other income, net, and provision for income taxes.

    We define Adjusted EBITDA as Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA adjusted to exclude: Adjusted EBITDA attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest.

    We define Adjusted EBITDA attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest as net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest, adjusted to exclude: depreciation and amortization, impairments, stock-based compensation expense, stock-based compensation expense for CarOffer, LLC Units, other expense, net, and provision for income taxes. These exclusions are adjusted for redeemable noncontrolling interest of 38% by taking the noncontrolling interest’s full financial results and multiplying each line item in the reconciliation by 38%. We note that we use 38%, versus 49%, to allocate the share of loss because it represents the portion attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interest. The 38% is exclusive of CO Incentive Units, Subject Units, and 2021 Incentive Units (as each term is defined in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2025), which are liability-classified awards that do not participate in the share of loss. Adjusted EBITDA attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest is reflective of the 2023 CarOffer Transaction. Following the 2023 CarOffer Transaction there was no redeemable noncontrolling interest as of December 1, 2023, and as a result, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is equivalent to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024.

    In addition, we evaluate our Non-GAAP consolidated Adjusted EBITDA in relation to our revenue. We refer to this as Non-GAAP consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin and define it as Non-GAAP consolidated Adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenue.

    We have presented Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin because they are key measures used by our management and Board of Directors to understand and evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans, and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of capital. We believe Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA help identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be masked by the effect of the expenses that we exclude. Accordingly, we believe that Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results, enhancing the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects, and allowing for greater transparency with respect to key financial metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision making. We have presented Adjusted EBITDA attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest because it is used by our management to reconcile Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA. It represents the portion of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA that is attributable to our redeemable noncontrolling interest and enables an investor to gain a clearer understanding of the portion of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA that is attributable to our redeemable noncontrolling interest. Adjusted EBITDA attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest is not intended to be reviewed on its own.

    We define Free Cash Flow as cash flow from operations adjusted to include: purchases of property and equipment and capitalization of website development costs. We have presented Free Cash Flow because it is a measure of our financial performance that represents the cash that we are able to generate after expenditures required to maintain or expand our asset base.

    We define a paying dealer as a dealer account with an active, paid marketplace subscription at the end of a defined period. The number of paying dealers we have is important to us and we believe it provides valuable information to investors because it is indicative of the value proposition of our marketplace products, as well as our sales and marketing success and opportunity, including our ability to retain paying dealers and develop new dealer relationships.

    We define Quarterly Average Revenue per Subscribing Dealer (“QARSD”), which is measured at the end of a fiscal quarter, as the marketplace revenue primarily from subscriptions to our Listings packages and Real-time Performance Marketing, our digital advertising suite, and other digital add-on products during that trailing quarter divided by the average number of paying dealers in that marketplace during the quarter. We calculate the average number of paying dealers for a period by adding the number of paying dealers at the end of such period and the end of the prior period and dividing by two. This information is important to us, and we believe it provides useful information to investors, because we believe that our ability to grow QARSD is an indicator of the value proposition of our products and the return on investment that our paying dealers realize from our products. In addition, increases in QARSD, which we believe reflect the value of exposure to our engaged audience in relation to subscription cost, are driven in part by our ability to grow the volume of connections to our users and the quality of those connections, which result in increased opportunity to upsell package levels and cross-sell additional products to our paying dealers.

    We define Transactions within the Digital Wholesale segment as the number of vehicles processed from car dealers, consumers, and other marketplaces through the CarOffer website within the defined period. Transactions consists of each unique vehicle (based on vehicle identification number) that reaches “sold and invoiced” status on the CarOffer website within the defined period, including vehicles sold to car dealers, vehicles sold at third-party auctions, vehicles ultimately sold to a different buyer, and vehicles that are returned to their owners without completion of a sale transaction. We exclude vehicles processed within CarOffer’s intra-group trading solution (Group Trade) from the definition of Transactions, and we only count any unique vehicle once even if it reaches sold status multiple times. The Digital Wholesale segment includes the purchase and sale of vehicles between dealers, or Dealer-to-Dealer transactions, and Sell My Car – Instant Max Cash Offer transactions. We view Transactions as a key business metric, and we believe it provides useful information to investors, because it provides insight into growth and revenue for the Digital Wholesale segment. Transactions drive a significant portion of Digital Wholesale segment revenue. We believe growth in Transactions demonstrates consumer and dealer utilization and our market share penetration in the Digital Wholesale segment.

    Historically, we have used data from Google Analytics to measure two of our key business metrics: monthly unique users and monthly sessions. Effective July 1, 2024, GA4 replaced Google Analytics. The methodologies used in GA4 are different and not comparable to the methodologies used in Google Analytics. As discussed below, we also make certain adjustments to the GA4 data in order to improve the accuracy of the reported monthly unique users and monthly sessions. Due to the change in methodology, we are unable to provide comparable monthly unique user and monthly session information for prior periods, including any periods prior to June 30, 2024.

    For each of our websites (excluding the CarOffer website), we define a monthly unique user as an individual who has visited any such website and taken a Visitor Action (as defined below) within a calendar month, based on data as measured by GA4. We calculate average monthly unique users as the sum of the monthly unique users of each of our websites in a defined period, divided by the number of months in that period. Effective July 1, 2024, we count a unique user the first time a computer or mobile device with a unique device identifier accesses any of our websites or application during a calendar month and takes an action on such website or in such application, such as performing a search, visiting vehicle detail pages, and connecting with a dealer, which we refer to as a Visitor Action. If an individual accesses a website or application using a different device within a given month, the first Visitor Action taken by each such device is counted as a separate unique user. If an individual uses multiple browsers on a single device and/or clears their cookies and returns to our website or application and takes a Visitor Action within a calendar month, each such Visitor Action is counted as a separate unique user. We eliminate any duplicate unique users that may arise when users visit a webview within our native application. We view our average monthly unique users as a key indicator of the quality of our user experience, the effectiveness of our advertising and traffic acquisition, and the strength of our brand awareness. Measuring unique users is important to us and we believe it provides useful information to our investors because our marketplace revenue depends, in part, on our ability to provide dealers with connections to our users and exposure to our marketplace audience. We define connections as interactions between consumers and dealers on our marketplace through phone calls, email, managed text and chat, and clicks to access the dealer’s website or map directions to the dealership.

    We define monthly sessions as the number of distinct visits to our websites (excluding the CarOffer website) that include a Visitor Action that take place each month within a given time frame, as measured and defined by GA4. We calculate average monthly sessions as the sum of the monthly sessions in a defined period, divided by the number of months in that period. Effective July 1, 2024, a session is defined as beginning with the first Visitor Action from a computer or mobile device and ending at the earliest of when a user closes their browser window or after 30 minutes of inactivity. We eliminate any duplicate monthly sessions that may arise when users visit a webview within our native application. We believe that measuring the volume of sessions in a time period, when considered in conjunction with the number of unique users in that time period, is an important indicator to us of consumer satisfaction and engagement with our marketplace, and we believe it provides useful information to our investors because the more satisfied and engaged consumers we have, the more valuable our service is to dealers.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust Will Host Q4 2024 Quarterly Webinar on March 5, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust (NYSE: XFLT) (the “Trust”) today announced that it plans to host the Trust’s Quarterly Webinar on March 5, 2025 at 11:00 am (Eastern Time). Kevin Davis, Managing Director at XA Investments (“XAI”) will moderate the Q&A style webinar with Kimberly Flynn, President at XAI, and Lauren Law, Senior Portfolio Manager at Octagon Credit Investors.

    TO JOIN VIA WEB: Please go to the Knowledge Bank section of xainvestments.com or click here to find the online registration link.

    TO USE YOUR TELEPHONE: After joining via web, if you prefer to use your phone for audio, you must select that option and call in using a number below, based on your current location.

    Dial: (312) 626-6799 or (267) 831-0333 or (646) 558-8656 or (213) 338-8477 or (720) 928-9299
    Webinar ID: 829 2498 4014

    REPLAY: A replay of the webinar will be available in the Knowledge Bank section of xainvestments.com.

    The investment objective of the Trust is to seek attractive total return with an emphasis on income generation across multiple stages of the credit cycle. The Trust seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a dynamically managed portfolio of opportunities primarily within the private credit markets. Under normal market conditions, the Trust will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in floating rate credit instruments and other structured credit investments. There can be no assurance that the Trust will achieve its investment objective.

    The Trust’s common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “XFLT,” and the Trust’s 6.50% Series 2026 Term Preferred Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “XFLTPRA.”

    About XA Investments
    XA Investments LLC (“XAI”) serves as the Trust’s investment adviser. XAI is a Chicago-based firm founded by XMS Capital Partners in April 2016. In addition to investment advisory services, the firm also provides investment fund structuring and consulting services focused on registered closed-end funds to meet institutional client needs. XAI offers custom product build and consulting services, including development and market research, sales, marketing, fund management and administration. XAI believes that the investing public can benefit from new vehicles to access a broad range of alternative investment strategies and managers. XAI provides individual investors with access to institutional-caliber alternative managers. For more information, please visit www.xainvestments.com.

    About XMS Capital Partners
    XMS Capital Partners, LLC, established in 2006, is a global, independent, financial services firm providing M&A, corporate advisory and asset management services to clients. It has offices in Chicago, Boston and London. For more information, please visit www.xmscapital.com.

    About Octagon Credit Investors
    Octagon Credit Investors, LLC (“Octagon”) serves as the Trust’s investment sub-adviser. Octagon is a 25+ year old, $33.4B below-investment grade corporate credit investment adviser focused on leveraged loan, high yield bond and structured credit (collateralized loan obligation debt and equity) investments. Through fundamental credit analysis and active portfolio management, Octagon’s investment team identifies attractive relative value opportunities across below-investment grade asset classes, sectors and issuers. Octagon’s investment philosophy and methodology encourage and rely upon dynamic internal communication to manage portfolio risk. Over its history, the firm has applied a disciplined, repeatable and scalable approach in its effort to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its investors. For more information, please visit www.octagoncredit.com.

    XAI does not provide tax advice; please consult a professional tax advisor regarding your specific tax situation. Income may be subject to state and local taxes, as well as the federal alternative minimum tax.

    Investors should consider the investment objectives and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of the Trust carefully before investing. For more information on the Trust, please visit the Trust’s webpage at www.xainvestments.com.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    NOT FDIC INSURED     NO BANK GUARANTEE

    Paralel Distributors, LLC – Distributor

    		 MAY LOSE VALUE
         

    Media Contact:

    Kimberly Flynn, President
    XA Investments LLC
    Phone: 312-374-6931
    Email: kflynn@xainvestments.com
    www.xainvestments.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Signs of ‘Historic Progress’ towards Peace Emerge, Central African Republic’s Delegate Tells Security Council, Requesting Donor Support for 2025 Elections

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    UN Official Notes Fragility in Border Areas despite Overall Security Improvement

    The Central African Republic has made significant progress towards the 2025 elections, the head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country told the Security Council today, while also noting overall security improvements and persistent fragility in border areas.

    Valentine Rugwabiza, Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), emphasized that the upcoming electoral cycle represents a historic opportunity to lay the foundation for decentralized governance.  Recently, national authorities along with MINUSCA’s support were able to register 570,000 new voters and had opened the first-ever multiservice post at the country’s border with Chad.

    However, despite this important progress, serious pockets of insecurity persist, particularly in areas where armed groups try to control mining sites and transhumance corridors, she continued.  Implementation of the national border-management policy requires additional support as the conflict in Sudan also threatens to spill over.  While welcoming the dissolution of 9 out of 14 armed groups who signed the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation six years ago, she also said that more needs to be done — in collaboration with regional partners — to facilitate the return of armed group leaders and ensure their disarmament.

    On the human rights front, she urged the Government to launch the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission, through the appointment of its new commissioners.  “If left unaddressed, [human rights] crimes could undermine the hard-earned security gains and further erode social cohesion,” she warned. Paying tribute to a 29-year-old Tunisian peacekeeper recently killed in an ambush in Bamingui-Bangoran, she urged the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

    “We need your support to build a stronger and more inclusive economy in the Central African Republic,” said Portia Deya Abazene, President of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs of the Central African Republic, via video link.  Despite the adoption of international conventions and a constitution guaranteeing equal rights, “harmful practices continue to hinder the progress of women in [Central African Republic]”, she said, highlighting the low representation of women in leadership positions.  Women represent only 15.52 per cent of business owners in certain sectors and face constraints in accessing land, means of production, education, financing, markets and decent employment.

    Women Key to Economic Development

    Ms. Abazene’s organization provides a space for experience-sharing among women entrepreneurs at the local level, as well as training programmes in leadership, management, financial education and digital marketing.  “The achievements of Central African women in entrepreneurship are the result of their determination and political will,” she underscored, calling for policies promoting female entrepreneurship and easier access to financing.  “The Central African Republic will not reach its potential as long as more than 51 per cent of its population” —  women —  continue to be marginalized, she said. 

    Council members emphasized the need to address human rights violations in the country, urged its authorities to seize the opportunity to hold credible elections, and highlighted MINUSCA’s vital role in helping to expand State authority.  Several speakers, however, offered differing views on the root causes of Bangui’s instability.

    United States, United Kingdom, Russian Federation Trade Barbs 

    “It is clear that Kremlin-backed actors, purporting to be security partners, are undercutting Central African Republic’s authorities and undermining peace with the primary goal of stealing [Central African Republic] resources without contributing to its development,” said the representative of the United States. . “It is unacceptable that a member of this Council continues to disseminate disinformation that diminishes the credibility and effectiveness of MINUSCA,” he added, expressing serious concern over the violation of the Status of Forces Agreement, namely the blocking of MINUSCA fuel trucks.

    The United Kingdom’s delegate said his country has information “that proxies directed by the Russian State have plans to interfere with [Central African Republic] elections, including through suppressing political voices and conducting disinformation campaigns to interfere in political debate”.  They are acting without regard for the country’s sovereignty and jeopardizing the dedicated UN role, he said.  Also highlighting reports of Wagner Ti Azande and other armed groups committing atrocities against civilians, he called on all actors to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international law.

    The representative of the Russian Federation said that, given the considerable security improvements in the Central African Republic, it is “surprising” that the United States and United Kingdom continue “whipping the dead horse of their campaign to smear” her country.  This campaign has run out of steam.  Moscow remains committed to cooperating with Bangui to achieve lasting peace and security.  As far as the security situation, she expressed concerns for the area bordering Sudan, which has become an “additional burden” of human rights concerns.  Successful municipal elections in July will be a “milestone on the road to peaceful life” in the Central African Republic.

    The representative of China, Council President for February, speaking in his national capacity, said the situation in the country “is good, in general”, with progress in enhancing governance capacity and consolidating political gains.  MINUSCA must prioritize support for election preparations, he said, adding that the international community should avoid undue external interference.

    Democratic, Inclusive, Fair Elections

    The representative of Somalia, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Sierra Leone, welcomed the inauguration of “the first-ever multiservice border post in the Central African Republic” built with MINUSCA’s support. Despite security, logistical and financial challenges — preparations towards local, legislative and presidential elections are progressing.  Emphasizing the need for open and constructive dialogue between the Government and opposition parties, he also called for “concerted” efforts to ensure that all eligible citizens are registered to vote.  “We wish to underline that the success of the local election process is essential for the strengthening of direct democracy, legitimacy, local development and the extension of State authority throughout the national territory,” he added.

    Other speakers also said that the upcoming elections were a unique opportunity for the Central African Republic, with Panama’s delegate emphasizing that 2025 is a “pivotal year” for Bangui.  “These will be the first local elections in more than three decades,” he said, urging the Government to guarantee that “these elections will be carried out in a peaceful environment”.  Slovenia’s delegate said that, while local elections can signify a major step in the further decentralization of the country, they “will only be considered credible and democratic, if all eligible voters are able to register and cast their vote, including women, youth, minorities, internally displaced persons, returnees and refugees”.

    Fear of Sudan Conflict Spillover

    Joining others in expressing concern over the spillover of the conflict in Sudan, the representative of the Republic of Korea said that the presence of the Rapid Support Forces — a paramilitary group in Sudan — in the Central African Republic “only brings more risk to the already-fragile landscape”.  Similarly, Greece’s representative said that recent gains in border-management policy “are undermined by the transiting of armed groups across the porous north-eastern region”.

    Pakistan’s delegate noted that his country had contributed 1,300 troops to MINUSCA and expressed concern over the shortfall in funding.  “As of 4 February, unpaid assessed contributions to the Special Account for MINUSCA amounted to $570.7 million,” he said.  Other Council members also stressed the need to provide financial and material support for the Central African Republic, with France’s delegate noting that Paris has allocated €2 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Bangui’s upcoming elections, and €200,000 to enable the country’s Special Criminal Court to function.  Peacebuilding “depends on progress achieved in combating impunity”, he stressed.

    The representative of the Central African Republic, detailing his country’s “considerable progress in pursuing peace” since the signing of the 2019 peace agreement, reported that 9 of 14 armed groups have dissolved, 7,000 combatants have disarmed and demobilized, and 20,000 weapons of various calibres have been collected.  “This is a sign of historic progress,” he stressed, while noting the “one major challenge” remaining — “the complete eradication of isolated armed groups, which continue to carry out atrocities against civilians”.  To the armed groups that remain, he underscored:  “The door for dialogue remains wide open.”

    He went on to stress:  “Insecurity directly threatens the democratic process that we intend to consolidate.” Noting that the crisis is Sudan is seriously impacting his own, he called on the international community to support Bangui’s forces; provide training, logistical and intelligence support; and strengthen MINUSCA’s mandate so the Mission can be more proactive in addressing security threats.  And for the ongoing electoral process — “a fundamental pillar for stability and lasting peace” — he appealed for financial support amounting to $7 million. “By supporting this process, the international community will be directly contributing to peace and development in our country,” he said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 55 Years Ago: Preps for Apollo 13 and 14, Apollo 12 Crew on World Tour

    Source: NASA

    With two months to go before flight, the Apollo 13 prime crew of James Lovell, Thomas Mattingly, Fred Haise, and backups John Young, John Swigert, and Charles Duke continued to train for the 10-day mission planned to land in the Fra Mauro highlands region of the Moon. Engineers continued to prepare the Saturn V rocket and spacecraft at the launch pad for the April 11, 1970, liftoff and completed the Flight Readiness Test of the vehicle. All six astronauts spent many hours in flight simulators training while the Moon walkers practiced landing the Lunar Module and rehearsed their planned Moon walks. The crew for the next Moon landing mission, Apollo 14, participated in a geology field trip as part of their training for the flight then planned for October 1970. Meanwhile, NASA released Apollo 12 lunar samples to scientists and the Apollo 12 crew set off on a Presidential world goodwill tour.  
    At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineers completed the Flight Readiness Test of the Apollo 13 Saturn V on Feb. 26. The test ensured that all systems are flight ready and compatible with ground support equipment, and the astronauts simulated portions of the countdown and powered flight. Successful completion of the readiness test cleared the way for a countdown dress rehearsal at the end of March. 

    One of the greatest challenges astronauts faced during a lunar mission entailed completing a safe landing on the lunar surface. In addition to time spent in simulators, Apollo mission commanders and their backups trained for the final few hundred feet of the descent using the Lunar Landing Training Vehicle at Ellington Air Force Base near the Manned Spacecraft Center, now NASA’s Johnson Space Center, in Houston. Bell Aerosystems of Buffalo, New York, built the trainer for NASA to simulate the flying characteristics of the Lunar Module. Lovell and Young completed several flights in February 1970. Due to scheduling constraints with the trainer, lunar module pilots trained for their role in the landing using the Lunar Landing Research Facility at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Haise and Duke completed training sessions at the Langley facility in February. 

    The astronauts trained for moonwalks with parabolic flights aboard NASA’s KC-135 aircraft that simulated the low lunar gravity, practicing their ladder descent to the surface. On the ground, they rehearsed the moonwalks, setting up the American flag and the large S-band communications antenna, and collecting lunar samples. Engineers improved their spacesuits to make the expected longer spacewalks more comfortable for the crew members by installing eight-ounce bags of water inside the helmets for hydration. 

    During their 35 hours on the Moon’s surface, Lovell and Haise planned to conduct two four-hour spacewalks to set up the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP), a suite of four investigations designed to collect data about the lunar environment after the astronauts’ departure, and to conduct geologic explorations of the landing site. The four experiments included the: 

    Charged Particle Lunar Environment Experiment designed to measure the flexes of charged particles 

    Cold Cathode Gauge Experiment designed to measure the pressure of the lunar atmosphere 

    Heat Flow Experiment designed to make thermal measurements of the lunar subsurface 

    Passive Seismic Experiment designed to measure any moonquakes, either naturally occurring or caused by artificial means 

     As an additional investigation, the astronauts planned to deploy and retrieve the Solar Wind Composition experiment, a sheet of aluminum foil to collect particles from the solar wind for analysis by scientists back on Earth after about 20 hours of exposure on the lunar surface. 

    With one lunar mission just two months away, NASA continued preparations for the following flight, Apollo 14, then scheduled for October 1970 with a landing targeted for the Littrow region of the Moon, an area scientists believed to be of volcanic origin. Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard, Stuart Roosa, and Edgar Mitchell and their backups Eugene Cernan, Ronald Evans, and Joe Engle  learned spacecraft systems in the simulators. Accompanied by a team of geologists led by Richard Jahns, Shepard, Mitchell, Cernan, and Engle participated in a geology expedition to the Pinacate Mountain Range in northern Mexico Feb. 14-18, 1970. The astronauts practiced using the Modular Equipment Transporter, a two-wheeled conveyance to transport tools and samples on the lunar surface. 

    On Feb. 13, 1970, NASA began releasing Apollo 12 lunar samples to 139 U.S. and 54 international scientists in 16 countries, a total of 28.6 pounds of material. On Feb. 16, Apollo 12 astronauts Charles Conrad, Richard Gordon, and Alan Bean, accompanied by their wives and NASA and State Department officials, departed Houston’s Ellington Air Force Base for their 38-day Bullseye Presidential Goodwill World Tour. They first traveled to Latin America, making stops in Venezuela, Peru, Chile, and Panama before continuing on to Europe, Africa, and Asia. 
    The groundbreaking science and discoveries made during Apollo missions has pushed NASA to explore the Moon more than ever before through the Artemis program. Apollo astronauts set up mirror arrays, or “retroreflectors,” on the Moon to accurately reflect laser light beamed at them from Earth with minimal scattering or diffusion. Retroreflectors are mirrors that reflect the incoming light back in the same incoming direction. Calculating the time required for the beams to bounce back allowed scientists to precisely measure the Moon’s shape and distance from Earth, both of which are directly affected by Earth’s gravitational pull. More than 50 years later, on the cusp of NASA’s crewed Artemis missions to the Moon, lunar research still leverages data from those Apollo-era retroreflectors. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Summary of the Joint NASA LCLUC–SARI Synthesis Meeting

    Source: NASA

    Introduction
    The NASA Land-Cover and Land-Use Change (LCLUC) is an interdisciplinary scientific program within NASA’s Earth Science program that aims to develop the capability for periodic global inventories of land use and land cover from space. The program’s goal is to develop the mapping, monitoring and modeling capabilities necessary to simulate the processes taking place and evaluate the consequences of observed and predicted changes. The South/Southeast Asia Research Initiative (SARI) has a similar goal for South/Southeast Asia, as it seeks to develop innovative regional research, education, and capacity building programs involving state-of-the-art remote sensing, natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences to enrich land use/cover change (LUCC) science in South/Southeast Asia. Thus it makes sense for these two entities to periodically meet jointly to discuss their endeavors.
    The latest of these joint meetings took place January 1–February 2, 2024, in Hanoi, Vietnam. A total of 85 participants attended the three-day, in-person meeting—see Photo.  A total of 85 participants attended the three-day, in-person meeting. The attendees represented multiple international institutions, including NASA (Headquarters and Centers), the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), other American academic institutions, the Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC, the event host), the Vietnam National University’s University of Engineering and Technology, and Ho Chi Minh University of Technology, the Japanese National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES), Center for Environmental Sciences, and the University of Tokyo. In addition, several international programs participated, including GEO Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM), the System for Analysis, Research and Training (START), Global Observation of Forest and Land-use Dynamics (GOFC–GOLD), and NASA Harvest.

    Meeting Overview
    The purpose of the 2024 NASA LCLUC–SARI Synthesis meeting was to discuss LUCC issues – with a particular focus on their impact on Southeast Asian countries. Presenters highlighted ongoing projects aimed to advance our understanding of the spatial extent, intensity, social consequences, and impacts on the environment in South/Southeast Asian countries. While presenters reported on specific science results, they also were intentional to review and synthesize work from other related projects going on in Southeast Asia. 
    Meeting Goal
    The meeting’s overarching goal was to create a comprehensive and holistic understanding of various LUCC issues by examining them from multiple angles, including: collating information; employing interdisciplinary approaches; integrating research; identifying key insights; and enhancing regional collaborations. The meeting sought to bring the investigators together to bridge gaps, promote collaborations, and advance knowledge regarding LUCC issues in the region. The meeting format also provided ample time between sessions for networking to promote coordination and collaboration among scientists and teams. 
    Meeting and Summary Format
    The meeting consisted of seven sessions that focused on various LUCC issues. The summary report that follows is organized by day and then by session. All presentations in Session I and II are summarized (i.e., with all speakers, affiliations, and appropriate titles identified). The keynote presentation(s) from Sessions III–VI are summarized similarly. The technical presentations in each of these sessions are presented as narrative summaries. Session VII consisted of topical discussions to close out the meeting and summaries of these discussions are included herein. Sessions III–VI also included panel discussions, but to keep the article length more manageable, summaries of these discussions have been omitted. Readers interested in learning more about the panel discussions or viewing any of these presentations in full can access the information on the Joint LCLUC–SARI Synthesis meeting website.
    DAY ONE
    The first day of the meeting included welcoming remarks from the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam (Session I), program executives of LCLUC and SARI,  as well as from national space agencies in South and Southeast Asia (Session II), and other LCLUC-thematic/overview presentations (Session III).
    Session 1: Welcoming Remarks
    Garik Gutman [NASA Headquarters—LCLUC Program Manager], Vu Tuan [VNSC’s Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST)—Vice Director General], Chris Justice [University of Maryland, College Park (UMD)—LCLUC Program Scientist], Matsunaga Tsuneo [National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan], and Krishna Vadrevu [NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center—SARI Lead] delivered opening remarks that highlighted collaborations across air pollution, agriculture, forestry, urban development, and other LUCC research areas. While each of the speakers covered different topics, they emphasized common themes, including advancing new science algorithms, co-developing products, and fostering applications through capacity building and training.
    After the opening remarks, special guest Marc Knapper [U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam] gave a presentation in which he emphasized the value of collaborative research between U.S. and Vietnamese scientists to address environmental challenges – especially climate change and LUCC issues. He expressed appreciation to the meeting organizers for promoting these collaborations and highlighted the joint initiatives between NASA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to monitor environmental health and climate change, develop policies to reduce emissions, and support adaptation in agriculture. The U.S.–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership emphasizes the commitment to address climate challenges and advance bilateral research. He concluded by encouraging active participation from all attendees and stressed the need for ongoing international collaboration to develop effective LUCC policies.
    Session-II: Programmatic and Space Agency Presentations
    NOTE: Other than Ambassador Knapper, the presenters in Session I gave welcoming remarks and programmatic and/or space agency presentations in Session II,.
    Garik Gutman began the second session by presenting an overview of the LCLUC program, which aims to enhance understanding of LUCC dynamics and environmental implications by integrating diverse data sources (i.e., satellite remote sensing) with socioeconomic and ecological datasets for a comprehensive view of land-use change drivers and consequences. Over the past 25 years, LCLUC has funded over 325 projects involving more than 800 researchers, resulting in over 1500 publications. The program’s focus balances project distribution that spans detection and monitoring, and impacts and consequences, including drivers, modeling, and synthesis. Gutman highlighted examples of population growth and urban expansion in Southeast Asia, resulting in environmental and socio-economic impacts. Urbanization accelerates deforestation, shifts farming practices to higher-value crops, and contributes to the loss of wetlands. This transformation alters the carbon cycle, degrades air quality, and increases flooding risks due to reduced rainwater absorption. Multi-source remote sensing data and social dimensions are essential in addressing LUCC issues, and the program aims to foster international collaborations and capacity building in land-change science through partnerships and training initiatives. (To learn more about the recent activities of the LCLUC Science Team, see Summary of the 2024 Land Cover Land Use Change Science Team Meeting.)
    Krishna Vadrevu explained how SARI connects regional and national projects with researchers from the U.S. and local institutions to advance LUCC mapping, monitoring, and impact assessments through shared methodologies and data. The initiative has spurred extensive activities, including meetings, training sessions, publications, collaborations, and fieldwork. To date, the LCLUC program has funded 35 SARI projects and helped build collaborations with space agencies, universities, and decision-makers worldwide. SARI Principal Investigators have documented notable land-cover and land-use transformations, observing shifts in land conversion practices across Asia. For example, the transition from traditional slash-and-burn practices for subsistence agriculture to industrial oil palm and rubber plantations in Southeast Asia. Rapid urbanization has also reshaped several South and Southeast Asian regions, expanding both horizontally in rural areas and vertically in urban centers. The current SARI solicitation funds three projects across Asia, integrating the latest remote sensing data and methods to map, monitor, and assess LUCC drivers and impacts to support policy-making.
    Vu Tuan provided a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s advances in satellite technology and Earth observation capabilities, particularly through the LOTUSat-1 satellite (name derived from the “Lotus” flower), which is equipped with an advanced X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor capable of providing high-resolution imagery [ranging from 1–16 m (3–52 ft)]. This satellite is integral to Vietnam’s efforts to enhance disaster management and climate change mitigation, as well as to support a range of applications in topography, agriculture, forestry, and water management, as well as in oceanography and environmental monitoring. The VNSC’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to build national expertise and self-reliance in satellite technology, such as developing a range of small satellites (e.g., NanoDragon, PicoDragon, and MicroDragon) that progress in size and capability. Alongside satellite development, the VNSC has established key infrastructure, facilities, and capacity building in Hanoi, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City to support satellite assembly, integration, testing, and operation. Tuan showcased the application of remotely sensed LUCC data to map and monitor urban expansion in Ha Long city from 2000–2023 and the policies needed to manage these changes sustainably – see Figure 1.

    Tsuneo Matsunaga provided a detailed overview of Japan’s Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) series of satellites, data from which provide valuable insights into global greenhouse gas (GHG) trends and support international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement.
    Matsunaga reviewed the first two satellites in the series: GOSAT and GOSAT-2, then previewed the next satellite in the series: GOSAT-GW, which is scheduled to launch in 2025. GOSAT-GW will fly the Total Anthropogenic and Natural Emissions Mapping Observatory–3 (TANSO-3) – an improved version of TANSO-2, which flies on GOSAT-2. TANSO-3 includes a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS-3) that has improved spatial resolution [10.5 km (6.5 mi)] over TANSO-FTS-2 and precision that matches or exceeds that of its predecessor. TANSO-FTS-3 will allow estimates with precision better than 1 ppm for carbon dioxide (CO2) and 10 ppb for methane (CH4), as well as enabling nitrogen dioxide (NO2) measurements. GOSAT–GW will also fly the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR3) that will monitor water cycle components (e.g., precipitation, soil moisture) and ocean surface winds. AMSR3 builds on the heritage of three previous AMSR instruments that have flown on NASA and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) missions.
    Matsunaga also highlighted the importance of ground-based validation networks, such as the Total Carbon Column Observing Network, COllaborative Carbon Column Observing Network, and the Pandora Global Network, to ensure satellite data accuracy.
    Son Nghiem [NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)] addressed dynamic LUCC in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The synthesis study examined the factors that evolve along the rural–urban continuum (RUC). Nghiem showcased this effort using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission to map a typical RUC in Bac Lieu, Vietnam – see Figure 2.

    Nghiem described the study, which examined the role of rapid urbanization, agricultural conversion, climate change, and environment–human feedback processes in causing non-stationary and unpredictable impacts. This work illustrates how traditional trend analysis is insufficient for future planning. The study also examined whether slower or more gradual changes could inform policy development. To test these hypotheses, his research will integrate high-resolution radar and hyperspectral data with socioeconomic analyses. The study highlights the need for policies that are flexible and responsive to the unique challenges of different areas, particularly in “hot-spot” regions experiencing rapid changes.
    Peilei Fan [Tufts University] presented a study that synthesizes the complex patterns of LUCC, identifying both the spatial and temporal dynamics that characterize transitions in urban systems. The study explores key drivers, including economic development, population growth, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and policy shifts. She emphasized the importance of understanding these drivers for sustainable land management and urban planning. For example, the Yangon region of Myanmar has undergone rapid urbanization – see Figure 3. Her work reveals the need for integrated approaches that consider both urban and rural perspectives to manage land resources effectively and mitigate negative environmental and social impacts. Through a combination of case studies, statistical analysis, and policy review, Fan and her team aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the interactions between human activities and environmental changes occurring in the rapidly transforming landscapes of Southeast Asia.

    Session III: Land Cover/Land Use Change Studies
    Tanapat Tanaratkaittikul [Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), Thailand] highlighted GISTDA activities, which play a crucial role in advancing Thailand’s technological capabilities and addressing both national and global challenges, including Thailand Earth Observation System (THEOS) and its successors: THEOS-2 and THEOS-2A. THEOS-1, which launched in 2008, provides 2-m (6-ft) panchromatic and 15-m (45-ft) multispectral resolution with a 26-day revisit cycle, which can be reduced to 3 days with off-nadir pointing. Launched in 2023, THEOS-2 includes two satellites – THEOS-2A [a very high-resolution satellite with 0.5-m (1.5-ft) panchromatic and 2-m (6-ft) multispectral imagery] and THEOS-2B [a high-resolution satellite with 4-m (12-ft) multispectral resolution] – with a five-day revisit cycle. GISTDA also develops geospatial applications for drought assessment, flood prediction, and carbon credit calculations to support government decision-making and climate initiatives. GISTDA partners with international collaborators on regional projects, such as the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund Project.
    Eric Vermote [NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center] presented a keynote that focused on atmospheric correction of land remote sensing data and related algorithm updates. He highlighted the necessity of correcting surface imaging for atmospheric effects, such as molecular scattering, aerosol scattering, and gaseous absorption, which can significantly distort the satellite spectral signals and lead to potential errors in applications, such as land cover mapping, vegetation monitoring, and climate change studies.
    Vermote explained that the surface reflectance algorithm uses precise vector radiative transfer modeling to improve accuracy by incorporating atmospheric parameter inversion. It also adjusts for various atmospheric conditions and aerosol types – enhancing corrections across regions and seasons. He explained that SkyCam – a network of ground-based cameras – provides real-time assessments of cloud cover that can be used to validate cloud masks, while the Cloud and Aerosol Measurement System (CAMSIS) offers additional ground validation by measuring atmospheric conditions. He said that together, SkyCam and CAMSIS improve satellite-derived cloud masks, supporting more accurate climate models and environmental monitoring. Vermote’s work highlights the ongoing advancement of atmospheric correction methods in remote sensing.
    Other presentations in this session included one in which the speaker described how Yangon, the capital city in Myanmar, is undergoing rapid urbanization and industrial growth. From 1990–2020, the urban area expanded by over 225% – largely at the expense of agricultural and green lands. Twenty-nine industrial zones cover about 10.92% of the city, which have attracted significant foreign direct investment, particularly in labor-intensive sectors. This growth has led to challenges with land confiscations, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental issues (e.g., air pollution). Additionally, rural migration for employment has resulted in informal settlements, emphasizing the need for comprehensive urban planning that balances economic development with social equity and sustainability.
    Another presentation highlighted varying LUCC trends across Vietnam. In the Northern and Central Coastal Uplands, for example, swidden systems are shifting toward permanent tree crops, such as rubber and coffee. Meanwhile, the Red River Delta is seeing urban densification and consolidation of farmland – transitioning from rice to mixed farming with increased fruit and flower production. Similarly, the Central Coastal Lowlands and Southeastern regions are experiencing urban growth and a shift from coastal agriculture – in this case, to shrimp farming – leading to mangrove loss. The Central Highlands is moving from swidden to tree crops, particularly fruit trees, while the Mekong River Delta is increasing rice cropping and aquaculture. These changes contribute to urbanization, altered farming practices, and biodiversity loss. Advanced algorithms (e.g., the Time-Feature Convolutional Neural Network model) are being used to effectively map these varied LUCC changes in Vietnam.
    Another presenter explained how 10-m (33-ft) resolution spatially gridded population datasets are essential to address LUCC in environmental and socio-demographic research. There was also a demonstration of PopGrid, which is a collaborative initiative that provides access to various global-gridded population databases, which are valuable for regional LUCC studies and can support informed decision-making and policy development.
    DAY TWO
    The second day’s presentations centered around urban LUCC (Session IV) as well as interconnections between agriculture and water resources. (Session V).
    Session IV: Urban Land Cover/Land Use Change
    Gay Perez [Philippines Remote Sensing Agency (PhilSA)] presented a keynote focused on PhilSA’s mission to advance Philippines as a space-capable country by developing indigenous satellite and launch technologies. He explained that PhilSA provides satellite data in various categories, including sovereign, commercial, open-access, and disaster-activated. He noted that the ground infrastructure – which includes three stations and a new facility in Quezon – supports efficient data processing. For example, Perez stated that in 2023, PhilSA produced over 10,000 maps for disaster relief, agricultural assessments, and conservation planning.
    Perez reviewed PhilSA’s Diwata-2 mission, which launched in 2018 and operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit around 620 km (385 mi) above Earth. With a 10-day revisit capability, it features a high-precision telescope [4.7 m (15ft) resolution], a multispectral imager with four bands, an enhanced resolution camera, and a wide-field camera. Since launch, Diwata-2 has captured over 100,000 global images, covering 95% of the Philippines. Looking to the near future, Perez reported that PhilSA’s launch of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite is planned for 2025. He explained that MULA will capture images with a 5-m (~16-ft) resolution and 10–20-day revisit time, featuring 10 spectral bands for vegetation, water, and urban analysis.
    Perez also described the Drought and Crop Assessment and Forecasting project, which addresses drought risks and mapping ground motion in areas, e.g., Baguio City and Pangasinan. Through partnerships in the Pan-Asia Partnership for Geospatial Air Pollution Information (PAPGAPI) and the Pandora Asia Network, PhilSA monitors air quality across key locations, tracking urban pollution and cross-border particulate transport. PhilSA continues to strengthen Southeast Asian partnerships to drive sustainable development in the region.
    Jiquan Chen [Michigan State University] presented the second keynote address, which focused on the Urban Rural Continuum (URC). Chen emphasized the importance of synthesizing studies that explore factors such as population dynamics, living standards, and economic development in the URC. Key considerations include differentiating between two- and three-dimensional infrastructures and understanding constraints from historical contexts. Chen highlighted critical variables from his analysis including net primary productivity, household income, and essential infrastructure elements, such as transportation and healthcare systems. He advocated for integrated models that combine mechanistic and empirical approaches to grasp the dynamics of URC changes, stressing their implications for urban planning, environmental sustainability, and social equity. He concluded with a call for collaboration to enhance these models and tackle challenges arising from the changing urban–rural landscape.
    Tep Makathy [Cambodian Institute For Urban Studies] discussed urbanization in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He explained that significant LUCC and infrastructure developments have been fueled by direct foreign investment; however, this development has resulted in environmental degradation, urban flooding, and infrastructure strain. Tackling pollution, congestion, preservation of green spaces, and preserving the historical heritage of the city will require sustainable urban planning efforts.
    Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang [Vietnam Japan University, Vietnam National University, Hanoi] explained how flooding poses a significant annual threat to infrastructure and livelihoods in Can Tho, Vietnam. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate climate change considerations into land-use planning by enhancing the accuracy of vegetation layer classifications. Doing so will improve the representation of land-cover dynamics in models that decision-makers use when planning urban development. In addition, Hang reported that a more comprehensive survey of dyke systems will improve flood protection and identify areas needing reinforcement or redesign. These studies could also explore salinity intrusion in coastal agricultural areas that could impact crop yields and endanger food security.
    In this session, two presenters highlighted how SAR data, which uses high backscatter to enhance the radar signal, is being used to assist with mapping urban areas in their respective countries. The phase stability and orientation of building structures across SAR images aid in consistent monitoring and backscatter, producing distinct image textures specific to urban settings. Researchers can use this heterogeneity and texture to map urban footprints, enabling automated discrimination between urban and non-urban areas. The first presenters showed how Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar techniques, such as Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) and Persistent Scatterer (PS) have been highly effective for mapping and monitoring land subsidence in coastal and urban areas in Vietnam. This approach has been applied to areas along the Saigon River as well as in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The second presenter described an approach (using SAR data with multitemporal coherence and the K-means classification method) that has been used effectively to study urban growth in the Denpasar Greater Area of Indonesia between 2016 and 2022. The technique identified the conversion of 4376 km2 (1690 mi2) of rural to built-up areas, averaging 72.9 hectares (0.3 mi2) per year. Urban sprawl was predominantly observed in the North Kuta District, where the shift from agricultural to built-up land use has been accompanied by severe traffic congestion and other environmental issues.
    Another presenter showed how data from the QuikSCAT instrument, which flew on the Quick Scatterometer satellite, and from the Sentinel-1 C-band SAR can be combined to measure and analyze urban built-up volume, specifically focusing on the vertical growth of buildings across various cities. By integrating these datasets, researchers can assess urban expansion, monitor the development of high-rise buildings, and evaluate the impact of urbanization on infrastructure and land use. This information is essential for urban planning, helping city planners and policymakers make informed decisions to accommodate growing populations and enhance sustainable urban development.
    Session V – LUCC, Agriculture, and Water Resources
    Chris Justice presented the keynote for this session, in which he addressed the GEOGLAM initiative and the NASA Harvest program. GEOGLAM, initiated by the G20 Agriculture Ministers in 2011, focuses on agriculture and food security to increase market transparency and improve food security. These efforts leverage satellite-based Earth observations to produce and disseminate timely, relevant, and actionable information about agricultural conditions at national, regional, and global scales to support agricultural markets and provide early warnings for proactive responses to emerging food emergencies. NASA Harvest uses satellite Earth observations to benefit global food security, sustainability, and agriculture for disaster response, climate risk assessments, and policy support. Justice also emphasized the use of open science and open data principles, promoting the integration of Earth observation data into national and international agricultural monitoring systems. He also discussed the development and application of essential agricultural variables, in situ data requirements, and the need for comprehensive and accurate satellite data products.
    During this session, another presentation focused on how VNSC is engaged in several agricultural projects, including mapping rice crops, estimating yields, and assessing environmental impacts. VNSC has created high-accuracy rice maps for different seasons that the Vietnamese government uses to monitor and manage agricultural production. Current initiatives involve using satellite data to estimate CH4 emissions from rice paddies, biomass mapping, and monitoring rice straw burning. For example, in the Mekong Delta, numerous environmental factors, including climate change-induced stress (e.g., sea-level rise), flooding, drought, land subsidence, and saltwater intrusion, along with human activities like dam construction, sand mining, and groundwater extraction, threaten the sustainability of rice farming and farmer livelihoods. To address these challenges, sustainable agricultural practices are essential to improving rice quality, diversify farming systems, adopt low-carbon techniques, and enhance water management.
    Presentations highlighted the importance of both optical and SAR data for LUCC studies, particularly in mapping agricultural areas. A study using Landsat time-series data demonstrated its value in monitoring agricultural LUCC in Houa Phan Province, Laos, and Son La Province, Vietnam. Land cover types were classified through spectral pattern analysis, identifying distinct classes based on Landsat reflectance values. The findings revealed significant natural forest loss alongside increases in cropland and forest plantations due to agricultural expansion. High-resolution imagery validated these results, indicating the scalability of this approach for broader regional and global land-cover monitoring. Another study showcased the effectiveness of SAR data from the Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-2 (PALSAR-2) on the Japanese Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) for mapping and monitoring agricultural land use in Suphanburi, Thailand. This data proved particularly useful for capturing seasonal variations and diverse agricultural practices. Supervised machine learning methods, such as Random Forest classifiers, combined with innovative spatial averaging techniques, achieved high accuracy in distinguishing various agricultural conditions.
    In the session, presenters also discussed the use of Sentinel-1 SAR data for mapping submerged and non-submerged paddy soils was highlighted, demonstrating its effectiveness in understanding water management issues see – Figure 4. Additionally, large-scale remote sensing data and cloud computing were shown to provide unprecedented opportunities for tracking agricultural land-use changes in greater detail. Case studies from India and China illustrated key challenges, such as groundwater depletion in irrigated agriculture across the Indo-Ganges region and the impacts on food, water, and air quality in both countries.

    The session also focused on Water–Energy–Food (WEF) issues related to the Mekong River Basin’s extensive network of hydroelectric dams, which present both benefits and challenges. While these dams support sectors such as irrigated agriculture and hydropower, they also disrupt vital ecosystem services, including fish habitats and biodiversity. Collaborative studies integrating satellite and ground data, hydrological models, and socio-economic frameworks highlight the need to balance these benefits with ecological and social costs. Achieving sustainable management requires cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation, as well as the incorporation of traditional knowledge to address WEF trade-offs and governance challenges in the region.
    DAY THREE
    The third day included a session that explored the impacts of fire, GHG emissions, and pollution (Session VI) as well as a summary discussion on synthesis (Session VII).
    Session VI: Fires, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Pollution
    Chris Elvidge [Colorado School of Mines] presented a keynote on the capabilities and applications of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Nightfire [VNF] system, an advanced satellite-based tool developed by the Earth Observation Group. VIIRS Nightfire uses four near- and short-wave infrared channels, initially designed for daytime imaging, to detect and monitor infrared emissions at night. The system identifies various combustion sources, including both flaming and non-flaming activities (e.g., biomass burning, gas flaring, and industrial processes). It calculates the temperature, source area, and radiant heat of detected infrared emitters using physical laws to enable precise monitoring of combustion events and provide insight into exothermic and endothermic processes.
    Elvidge explained that VNF has been vital for near-real-time data in Southeast Asia. The system has been used to issue daily alerts for Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Recent updates in Version 4 (V4) include atmospheric corrections and testing for secondary emitters with algorithmic improvements – with a 50% success rate in identifying additional heat sources. The Earth Observation Group maintains a multiyear catalog of over 20,000 industrial infrared emitters available through the Global Infrared Emitter Explorer (GIREE) web-map service. With VIIRS sensors expected to operate until about 2040 on the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) platforms, this system ensures long-term, robust monitoring and analysis of global combustion events, proving essential for tracking the environmental impacts of industrial activities and natural combustion processes on the atmosphere and ecosystems.
    Toshimasa Ohara [Center for Environmental Science, Japan—Research Director] continued with the second keynote and provided an in-depth analysis of long-term trends in anthropogenic emissions across Asia. The regional mission inventory in Asia encompasses a range of pollutants and offers detailed emissions data from 1950–2020 at high spatial and temporal resolutions. The study employs both bottom-up and top-down approaches for estimating emissions, integrating satellite observations to validate data and address uncertainties. Notably, emissions from China, India, and Japan have shown signs of stabilization or reduction, attributed to stricter emission control policies and technological advancements. Ohara also highlighted Japan’s effective air pollution measures and the importance of extensive observational data in corroborating emission trends. His presentation emphasized the need for improved methodologies in emission inventory development and validation across Asia, aiming to enhance policymaking and environmental management in rapidly industrializing regions.
    Several presenters during this session focused on innovative approaches to understand and mitigate GHG emissions and air pollution. One presenter showed how NO2 data from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the European Sentinel-5 Precursor have been validated against ground-based observations from Pandora stations in Japan, highlighting the influence of atmospheric conditions on measurement accuracy. Another presenter described an innovative system that GISTDA used to combine satellite remote sensing data with Artificial Intelligence (AI). This system was used to monitor and analyze the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere in Thailand. (In this context fine is defined as particles with diameters ≤ 2.5 µm, or PM2.5.) These applications, which are accessible through online, cloud-based platforms and mobile applications for iOS and Android devices, allow users, including citizens, government officers, and policymakers, to access PM2.5 data in real-time through web and mobile interfaces.
    A project under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Thailand is focused on improving air quality monitoring across the Asia–Pacific region by integrating satellite and ground-based data. At the core of this effort, the Pandora Asia Network, which includes 30 ground-based instruments measuring pollutants such as NO₂ and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), is complemented by high-resolution observations from the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) aboard South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GK-2B) satellite. The initiative also provides training sessions to strengthen regional expertise in remote sensing technologies for air quality management and develops decision support systems for evidence-based policymaking, particularly for monitoring pollution sources and transboundary effects like volcanic eruptions. Future plans include expanding the Pandora network and enhancing data integration to support local environmental management practices.
    PM2.5 levels in Vietnam are influenced by both local emissions and long-range pollutant transport, particularly in urban areas.The Vietnam University of Engineering and Technology, in conjunction with VNSC, continues to map and monitor PM2.5 using satellites and machine learning while addressing data quality issues that stem from missing satellite data and limited ground monitoring stations – see Figure 5.
    In addition to mapping and monitoring pollutants, another presentater explained that significant research is underway to address their health impacts. In Hanoi, exposure to pollutants ( e.g., PM2.5, PM10, and NO2) has led to increased rates of respiratory diseases (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma) among children,  as well as elevated instances of cardiovascular diseases among adults. A substantial mortality burden is attributable to fine particulate matter – particularly in densely populated areas like Hanoi. Compliance with stricter air quality guidelines could potentially prevent thousands of premature deaths. For example, preventive measures enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in reduced pollution levels that were associated with a decrease in avoidable mortality rates. In response to these challenges, Vietnam has implemented air quality management policies, including national technical regulations and action plans aimed at controlling emissions and enhancing monitoring; however, current national standards still fall short of the more stringent guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization. Improved air quality standards and effective policy interventions are needed to mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution in Vietnam.

    Another presenter explained how food production in Southeast Asia contributes about 40% of the region’s total GHG emissions – with rice and beef production identified as the largest contributors for plant-based and animal-based emissions, respectively. Another presentation focused on a study that examined GHG emissions from agricultural activities, which suggests that animal-based food production – particularly beef – generates substantially higher GHG emissions per kg of food produced compared to plant-based foods, such as wheat and rice. Beef has an emission intensity of about 69 kg of CO2 equivalent-per-kg, compared to 2 to 3 kg of CO2 equivalent-per-kg for plant-based foods. The study points to mitigation strategies (e.g., changing dietary patterns, improving agricultural practices) and adopting sustainable land management. Participants agreed that a comprehensive policy framework is needed to address the environmental impacts of food production and reduce GHG emissions in the agricultural sector.
    In another presentation, the speaker highlighted the fact that Southeast Asian countries need an advanced monitoring, reporting, and verification system to track GHG emissions – particularly within high-carbon reservoirs like rice paddies. To achieve this, cutting-edge technologies (e.g., satellite remote sensing, low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles, and Internet of Things devices) can be beneficial in creating sophisticated digital twin technology for sustainable rice production and GHG mitigation.
    Another presentation featured a discussion about pollution resulting from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, which is significantly impacting air quality. Indonesia’s tropical peatlands – among the world’s largest and most diverse – face significant threats from frequent fires. Repeated burning has transformed forests into shrubs and secondary vegetation regions, with fires particularly affecting forest edges and contributing to a further retreat of intact forest areas. High-resolution data is essential to map and monitor changes in forest cover, including pollution impacts.
    Another speaker described a web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) application that has been developed to support carbon offsetting efforts in Laos – to address significant environmental challenges, e.g., deforestation and climate change. Advanced technologies (e.g., remote sensing, GIS, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems) are used to monitor land-use changes, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem health. By integrating various spatial datasets, the web GIS app enhances data collection precision, streamlines monitoring processes, and provides real-time information to stakeholders for informed decision-making. This initiative fosters collaboration among local communities, government agencies, and international partners, while emphasizing the importance of government support and international partnerships. Ultimately, the web GIS application represents a significant advancement in Laos’s commitment to environmental sustainability, economic growth, and the creation of a greener future.
    Session VII. Discussion Session on Synthesis
    The meeting concluded with a comprehensive discussion on synthesizing themes related to LUCC. The session focused on three themes: LUCC, agriculture, and air pollution. The session focused on trends and projections as well as the resulting impacts in the coming years. It also highlighted research related to these topics to inform more sustainable land use policies. A panel of experts from different Southeast Asian countries addressed these topics. A summary of the key points shared by the panelists for each theme during the discussion is provided below.
    LUCC Discussions
    This discussion focused on the challenges of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability in Southeast Asian countries, e.g., mining in Myanmar, agriculture in Vietnam, and rising land prices in Thailand. More LUCC research is needed to inform decision-making and improve land-use planning during transitions from agriculture to industrialization while ensuring food security. The panelists also discussed urban sprawl and infrastructure development along main roads in several Southeast Asian countries, highlighting the social and environmental challenges arising from uncoordinated growth. It was noted that urban infrastructure lags behind population increases, resulting in traffic congestion, pollution, and social inequality. Cambodia, for example, has increased foreign investments, which presents similar dilemmas of economic growth accompanied by significant environmental degradation. Indonesia is another example of a Southeast Asian nation facing rapid urbanization and inadequate spatial planning, leading to flooding, groundwater depletion, and pollution. These issues further highlight the need for integrated satellite monitoring to inform land-use policies. Finally, recognizing the importance of public infrastructure in growth management, it was reported that the Thai government is already using technology to manage urban development alongside green spaces.
    Panelists agreed that LUCC research is critical for guiding policymakers toward sustainable land-use practices – emphasizing the necessity for improved communication between researchers and policymakers. While the integration of technologies (e.g., GIS and remote sensing) is beginning to influence policy decisions, room for improvement remains. In summary, the discussions stressed the importance of better planning, technology integration, and policy-informed research to reconcile economic growth with sustainability. Participants also highlighted the need to engage policymakers, non-government organizations, and the private sector in using scientific evidence for sustainable development. Capacity building in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, where GIS and remote sensing technologies are still developing, is crucial. Community involvement is essential for translating research findings into actionable policies to address real-world challenges and social equity.
    Agriculture Discussions
    These discussions explored the intricate relationships between agricultural practices, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in Southeast Asia. As an example, despite national policies to manage the land transition in Vietnam, rapid conversions from forest to agricultural land and further to residential and industrial continue. While it is recognized that strict land management plans may hinder future adaptability, further regulation is needed. These rapid shifts in land use have increased land for economic development – especially in industrial and residential sectors – and contribute to environmental degradation, e.g., pollution and soil erosion. In Thailand, land is distributed among agriculture (50%), forest (30%), and urban (20%) areas. Despite a long history of agricultural practices, Vietnam faces new challenges from climate change and extreme weather.
    Thailand, meanwhile, is exploring carbon credits to incentivize sustainable farming practices – although this requires significant investment and time. The nation is well-equipped with a robust water supply system, and ongoing efforts to enhance crop yields on Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, salinity levels, and flooding intensity have increased as a result of the rise in incidents of extreme weather, prompting advancements in rice farming mechanization to be implemented that are modeled after practices that have been successfully used in the Philippines.
    Despite these advances, issues (e.g., over-application of rice seeds) remain. The dominant land cover type in Malaysia is tropical rainforest, although agriculture – particularly oil palm plantations – also plays a significant role in land use. While stable, it shares environmental concerns with Indonesia. The country is integrating solar energy initiatives, placing solar panels on former agricultural lands and recreational areas, which raises coastal environmental concerns. In Taiwan, substantial land use changes have stemmed from solar panel installations to support green energy goals but have led to increased temperatures and altered wind patterns.
    All panelists agreed that remote sensing technologies are vital to inform agricultural policy across the region. They emphasized the need to transition from academic research to actionable insights that directly inform policy. Panelists also discussed the challenge of securing funding for actionable research – underlining the importance of recognizing the transition required for research to inform operational use. Some countries (e.g., Thailand) have established operational crop monitoring systems, while others (e.g., Vietnam) primarily depend on research projects. Despite progress in Malaysia’s monitoring of oil palm plantations, a comprehensive operational monitoring system is still lacking in many areas. The participants concluded that increased efforts are needed to promote the wider adoption of remote sensing technologies for agricultural and environmental monitoring, with emphasis on developing operational systems that can be integrated into policy and decision-making processes.
    Air Pollution Discussions
    The discussion on air pollution focused on various sources in Southeast Asia, which included both local and transboundary factors. Panelists highlighted that motor vehicles, industrial activities, and power plants are major contributors to pollutants, such as PM2.5, NO2, ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). Forest fires in Indonesia – particularly from South Sumatra and Riau provinces – are significantly impacting neighboring countries, e.g., Malaysia. A study found that most PM2.5 pollution in Kuala Lumpur originates from Indonesia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pollution levels dropped sharply due to reduced economic activity; however, data from 2018–2023 shows that PM2.5 levels have returned to pre-pandemic conditions.
    The Indonesian government is actively working to reduce deforestation and emissions, aiming for a 29% reduction by 2030. Indonesia is also participating in carbon markets and receiving international payments for emission reductions. Indonesia’s emissions also stem from energy production, industrial activities, and land-use changes, including peat fires. The Indonesian government reports anthropogenic sources – particularly from the energy sector and industrial activities, forest and peat fires, waste, and agriculture – continue to escalate. While Indonesia is addressing these issues, growing population and energy demands continue to drive pollution levels higher.
    Vietnam and Laos are facing similar challenges related to air pollution – particularly from agricultural residue burning. Both governments are working on expanding air quality monitoring, regulating waste burning, and developing policies to mitigate pollution. Vietnam has been developing provincial air quality management plans and expanding its monitoring network. Laos has seen increased awareness of pollution, accompanied by government measures aimed at restricting burning and improving waste management practices.
    The panelists agreed that collaborative efforts for regional cooperation are essential to address air pollution. This will require collaboration in research and data sharing to inform policy decisions. There is a growing interest in leveraging satellite technology and modeling approaches to enhance air quality forecasting and management. To ensure that research translates into effective policy, communication of scientific findings to policymakers is essential – particularly by clearly communicating complex research concepts in accessible formats. All panelists agreed on the importance of improving governance, transparency, and scientific communication to better translate research into policy actions, highlighting collaborations with international organizations – including NASA – to address air quality issues. While significant challenges related to air pollution persist in Southeast Asia, noteworthy efforts are underway to improve awareness, research, and collaborative governance aimed at enhancing air quality and reducing emissions.
    Conclusion
    The LCLUC–SARI Synthesis meeting fostered collaboration among researchers and provided valuable updates on recent developments in LUCC research, exchange of ideas, integration of new data products, and discussions on emerging science directions. This structured dialogue (particularly the discussions in each session) helped the attendees identify priorities and needs within the LUCC community. All panelists and meeting participants commended the SARI leadership for their proactive role in facilitating collaborations and discussions that promote capacity-building activities across the region. SARI activities have significantly contributed to enhancing the collective ability of countries in South and Southeast Asia to address pressing environmental challenges. The meeting participants emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding these collaborative efforts, which are crucial for fostering partnerships among governments, research institutions, and local communities. They urged SARI to continue organizing workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing platforms that can equip stakeholders with the necessary skills and resources to tackle environmental issues such as air pollution, deforestation, climate change, and sustainable land management.
    Krishna VadrevuNASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centerkrishna.p.vadrevu@nasa.gov
    Vu TuanVietnam National Science Center, Vietnamvatuan@vnsc.org.vn
    Than NguyenVietnam National University Engineering and Technology, Vietnamthanhntn@vnu.edu.vn
    Son NghiemJet Propulsion Laboratoryson.v.nghiem@jpl.nasa.gov
    Tsuneo MatsunagaNational Institute of Environmental Studies, Japanmatsunag@nies.go.jp
    Garik GutmanNASA Headquartersggutman@nasa.gov
    Christopher JusticeUniversity of Maryland College Parkcjustice@umd.edu

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Distributor Caught with Massive Amounts of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine as Well as Firearms, Body Armor, and Silencer Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison

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

    Tacoma – A 32-year-old Renton, Washington resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 13 years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking ring connected to Aryan prison gangs, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Shawn Ellis was arrested in March 2023, when federal agents moved in following a two-year investigation of drug trafficking activities. A search of Ellis’ car turned up buckets filled with fentanyl pills and kilos of methamphetamine, as well as four firearms – including a machine gun. At today’s sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “We’re talking about a significant amount of controlled substances,” and added, “What is really significant and obviously scary for the community is the firearms.”

    According to records filed in the case, Ellis was a prolific drug redistributor. He obtained drugs from one branch of the drug conspiracy and sold the drugs to other customers for profit. Ellis would order as much as 30 pounds of methamphetamine at a time. When Ellis was arrested, agents seized the buckets of fentanyl and methamphetamine as well as cocaine and fake Xanax pills. Ellis carried four guns in the car to protect his drugs – a loaded pistol between the driver’s seat and center console, an SK-15 rifle hidden in a violin case, a shotgun and a second loaded pistol. He also had body armor in the vehicle.

    In a storage shed Ellis controlled were five additional firearms, a large amount of ammunition, additional body armor and a homemade silencer. Ellis also stored cash, jewelry, precious metals, coins and other collectibles in the shed – proceeds of his drug trafficking.

    Ellis has two prior felony drug convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    In asking for a 15-year sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “But the danger Ellis posed to the community does not stop (with his possession of a silencer). He carried guns in his car along with his drugs, including a pistol which he kept close at hand near the driver’s seat. Ellis also kept in the car a second pistol, a shotgun, and an AR-15 type rifle that he hid in a violin case. This rifle proved to be a machinegun that fires fully automatically. As a felon, Ellis could not legally possess any firearms, much less a silencer or a machinegun.”

    Law enforcement made two dozen arrests on federal charges on March 22, 2023. The coordinated takedown involved ten swat teams and more than 350 law enforcement officers. On that day law enforcement seized 177 firearms, more than ten kilos of methamphetamine, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills and more than a kilo of fentanyl powder, three kilos of heroin, and more than $330,000 in cash from eighteen locations in Washington and Arizona. Earlier in the investigation law enforcement seized 830,000 fentanyl pills, 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of heroin, 5 pounds of cocaine, $388,000 in cash, and 48 firearms.

    The top-level leader of the drug trafficking ring, Jesse Bailey, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13, 2025, and his wife and co-conspirator Candace Bailey, is scheduled for sentencing on May 16, 2025.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    This investigation was led by the FBI with critical investigative teamwork from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and significant local assistance from the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout this investigation the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon, Max Shiner, and Jehiel Baer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Distributes Sanitation Kits and Ayushman Cards under the NAMASTE Scheme to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Distributes Sanitation Kits and Ayushman Cards under the NAMASTE Scheme to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers in Mumbai

    Waste pickers are also beneficiaries of NAMASTE Scheme, along with Sewer and Septic Tank Workers: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar

    NAMASTE Scheme aims to take Death Rate of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers to Zero by providing them Proper Training and safety Measures

    Profiling of more than 2400 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers done in Mumbai

    Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 6:16PM by PIB Mumbai

    : Mumbai, February 20, 2025

    Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar distributed Sanitation Kits and Ayushman Health Cards to Safai Karamcharis under the Central Government’s National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme, in Mumbai today. In addition, Sanction Letters for subsidized low rate loan for purchase of mechanized cleaning vehicles under Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) were also distributed to some of the beneficiaries. The event witnessed the reaffirmation of Government’s commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged. This dedication to prioritizing the marginalized reflects the Government’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat where every individual has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from India’s development journey.

    Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar informed that the NAMASTE Scheme, which is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has an objective of ensuring dignity and safety of sanitation workers and empowering them socially and economically. This scheme aims to formalize and institutionalize the persons engaged in hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks and also promote safe and mechanized cleaning through trained sanitation workers. On the occasion the Union Minister also informed that waste pickers are also included as beneficiaries in the NAMASTE Scheme, along with sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) and their profiling has also started.     

    Dr. Kumar said that NAMASTE scheme aims to take down the death rate to zero by providing training to the sanitation workers or ‘swachhata senani’ of the country. In these training programmes, the engineers and related municipality workers will also take part so that the whole system becomes well-prepared. For this purpose, profiling of sanitation workers has started in all municipalities around the country, to ensure safe working conditions and providing them with PPE kits and other safety devices.

    Applauding the spirit of the swachhata workers, Dr. Virendra Kumar said that their hard work round the year keeps the citizenry free from diseases. Calling them the most important section of society, he said that it is our duty to ensure that the sanitation workers have a safe working environment. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is holding meetings with the Social Welfare Departments of all the states for this purpose. The Union Minister also urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation sanitation workers present on the occasion to inform their fellow colleagues in other regions of the country about the benefits to be yielded from the NAMASTE scheme.

    Dr. Ashwani Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner, BMC informed that 2485 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers have been profiled in Mumbai city and the benefits of NAMASTE scheme will be extended to them. The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 is followed in letter and spirit in Mumbai where cent percent sewer connectivity will be achieved by 2027, she further informed.   

    Shri Amit Yadav, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, informed that 65,060 SSWs have been profiled under the scheme and 32,734 of them have been provided with PPE kits, while 15,153 workers have been provided with Ayushman health cards till date.

    The National Safai Karmacharis Finance Development Corporation (NSKFDC) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) is the implementing agency of ‘NAMASTE’.

    Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, Principal Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Ms. Yogita Swaroop, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Shri Kiran Dighavkar, Dy. Municipal Commissioner, Mumbai, Shri Prabhat Kumar Singh, Managing Director, National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation and Shri Lahuraj Mali, Managing Director, Mahatma Phule Backward Classes Development Corporation Limited, Mumbai were also present amongst the dignitaries.

     

    PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka/Priti

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –