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Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

    Source: Scottish Government

    Zone declared in Scotland and England.

    Following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and other captive birds, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer from Scotland and Chief Veterinary Officer from England have declared a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and other captive birds.

    This means that from 12:00 noon on Saturday 25 January, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Scotland and England to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu.

    Surveillance has indicated that the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus is currently circulating in wild birds in the UK and their risk to poultry and other captive birds is currently assessed as being very high. Maintaining strict biosecurity is the most effective method of protecting birds from the virus.

    Keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleansed and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading. Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

    Public Health Scotland advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and Food Standards Scotland advises that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

    Scotland’s Deputy Chief Vet Officer Jesus Gallego said;

    “While the risk to public health is very low, we are currently experiencing a heightened risk of an incursion from this virus and so it is vital that appropriate precautions are taken to protect poultry and other captive birds from infection.  The introduction of this zone is a preventative measure, aimed at minimising the effect that this, often devastating virus, can have on Scottish kept birds”.

    Background

    Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks – gov.scot

    Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease – gov.scot

    Wild bird surveillance – Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease – gov.scot

    The AIPZ means bird keepers across Scotland and England must:

    • Keep free ranging birds within fenced areas, and ponds, watercourses and permanent standing water must be fenced off (except in specific circumstances, e.g. zoo birds)
    • Cleanse and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;
    • Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures;
    • Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas
    • Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultr
    • Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources;
    • Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;

    Keepers should familiarise themselves with our avian flu advice at http://www.gov.scot/avianinfluenza and report suspicion of disease to your local APHA Field Services Office.

    The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of bird flu.

    Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find. Wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to people. In Great Britain, if you find at the same time:

    • a single dead bird of prey, swan, goose, duck or gull or
    • five or more dead wild birds of any other species

    you should report them on gov.uk’s report dead wild birds page.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Pleas from Two Zuni Men in Armed Assault Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – Two men from Zuni, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon after admitting to committing an armed assault involving four victims.

    According to court documents, on April 8, 2023, Kamron Kallestewa, 24, and Kaden Panteah, 20, both enrolled members of the Pueblo of Zuni, armed themselves with pistols and went to a residence within the exterior boundaries of the Zuni Pueblo, where they assaulted four individuals.

    There, Kallestewa struck John Doe 1 in the face and head with a pistol, causing bruising, and then pointed the weapon at John Doe 2, placing the muzzle on the back of his head. He further escalated the violence by pointing the pistol at Jane Doe 1’s head and striking Jane Doe 2 in the face, resulting in a cut under her eye.

    Panteah participated in the assault by putting the muzzle of his pistol to the back of John Doe 2’s head. Additionally, Panteah discharged a weapon in the direction of all four victims with the intent to cause bodily harm.

    Kallestewa and Panteah will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, they each face up to 10 years in prison. Upon their release from prison, Kallestewa and Panteah will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez 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 Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Mia Ulibarri-Rubin and Jesse Pecoraro are prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Safety improvements, barriers coming to Highway 4 near Cathedral Grove

    Drivers are advised that concrete roadside barriers will be installed along the shoulders of Highway 4 through MacMillan Provincial Park over two nights, on Sunday, Jan. 26 and Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

    Single-lane-alternating traffic will be in effect from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. both nights. Drivers should expect minor delays.

    Approximately 200 metres of concrete barriers will be placed on each side of the highway shoulder through the existing no parking areas of Cathedral Grove to reduce ongoing safety challenges faced by drivers and pedestrians when vehicles are illegally parked along the highway during heavy tourist seasons. The roadside barricades will make it safer for pedestrians and help ensure that vehicles are parked in safe, designated parking areas.  

    Drivers travelling through the area overnight should allow extra time to account for possible delays. Drivers are reminded to observe all signs and traffic-management personnel in the area and drive with caution in active construction zones.

    With proper permits and advance notice, over-width vehicles will be able to move through this section of the corridor during construction.

    For up-to-date information about road conditions or any changes to the construction schedule, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN rights office raises alarm over escalating violence in occupied West Bank

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    The UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Friday expressed grave concerns over escalating violence in the Jenin area of the occupied West Bank, condemning the use of “unlawful lethal force” by Israeli security forces.

    OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan added that the Israeli military operation in and around the Jenin refugee camp had involved “disproportionate” use of force, including airstrikes and shootings that reportedly targeted unarmed residents.

    “The deadly Israeli operations in recent days raise serious concerns about unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, including methods and means developed for war fighting, in violation of international human rights law, norms and standards applicable to law enforcement operations.”

    OHCHR verified that at least 12 Palestinians – most reportedly unarmed – have been killed since Tuesday and a further 40 injured. Those injured include a doctor and two nurses, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

    Obligation to protect civilians

    Mr. Al-Kheetan reiterated that Israel, as the occupying power, has a responsibility under international law to protect civilians living under occupation.

    He stressed the need for investigations into alleged unlawful killings, warning that a lack of accountability risks perpetuating violence.

    “All killings in a law enforcement context must be thoroughly and independently investigated and those responsible for unlawful killings must be held to account,” he said.

    “By persistently failing, over the years, to hold accountable members of its security forces responsible for unlawful killings, Israel is not only violating its obligations under international law, but risks encouraging the recurrence of such killings,” he warned.

    Impact on communities

    The ongoing violence has displaced over 3,000 families in Jenin, and essential services such as water and electricity have been severely disrupted for weeks.

    The Israeli military has closed off major entrances to Palestinian cities, including Hebron, restricting movement, and paralyzing daily life. Thirteen new iron gates have reportedly been installed at other towns’ entrances across the West Bank.

    Briefing the Security Council on Thursday, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher also warned of record-high levels of casualties, displacement and access restrictions, since October 2023.

    Settler violence and settlement expansion

    Beyond military operations, there has been an uptick in settler attacks on Palestinian villages and the stoning of vehicles, in which several Palestinians have been injured.

    Houses and vehicles have been set on fire, according to the OHCHR spokesperson.

    He also voiced concern over some Israeli officials’ repeated comments about plans for further settlement expansion – in breach of international law.

    “We call for an immediate end to the violence in the West Bank. We also call on all parties, including third States with influence, to do everything in their power to ensure peace is achieved in the region,” Mr. Al-Kheetan stated.

    He reiterated High Commissioner Volker Türk’s call for Israel to halt settlement expansion and evacuate all settlements as required by international law.

    “We call on all parties, including third States with influence, to do everything in their power to ensure peace is achieved in the region,” Mr. Al-Kheetan urged.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Government Contractor Convicted of Defrauding FEMA and Georgia-Based Litigation Funding Company

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Following an eight-day trial, Tiffany Brown was found guilty by a jury of defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) in connection with a nearly $156 million contract she was awarded to provide self-heating meals to the residents of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, and for fraudulently obtaining $700,000 in litigation advances from the Litigation Funding Group of Georgia (“LFG”) by falsely claiming that she had settled with a logistics company who failed to deliver the meals to FEMA. 

    “Brown resorted to extraordinary lengths to defraud FEMA during a critical period when individuals were in desperate need of food resources during the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Our Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will remain vigilant in pursuing and prosecuting individuals who exploit the devastation caused by natural disasters as an opportunity to commit fraud.”

    “We will continue to investigate and support the prosecution of fraudsters who target vulnerable populations for their own gains,” said DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D.

    “Brown greedily deceived the federal government during a natural disaster to enrich herself,” said Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue any person who seeks to defraud the government, especially during times of tragedy.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges and other information presented in court: On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Puerto Rico. In its wake, FEMA issued a solicitation for 40 million self-heating meals per week to deliver to the island. Meals requiring a microwave or an external heating source, such as for boiling water, were unacceptable. FEMA issued the meal solicitation because it had exhausted its existing supply of self-heating meals from its own warehouses, primary vendors, and federal agency partners in responding to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma— both Category 4 hurricanes that impacted broad swaths of Texas, Louisiana, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    On September 28, 2017, Brown submitted a proposal to FEMA falsely representing that her Georgia-based company, Tribute Contracting LLC, could provide the necessary self-heating meals. In doing so, Brown misrepresented that Tribute: (a) could deliver 10 million meals per day utilizing 210 trucks; (b) would provide 300,000 meals prepositioned; and (c) had partnered with C.H. Robinson, a major shipping and logistics broker, to meet FEMA’s delivery requirements.

    But Tribute was incapable of delivering 10 million meals, never prepositioned any meals, and did not have the claimed partnership. A FEMA contacting officer spoke with Brown after receiving Tribute’s proposal. The contracting officer knew that U.S.-based manufacturers could not produce the number of meals that Brown claimed in her proposal. In response, Brown falsely represented that she was procuring the self-heating meals from Action Meals, a Canadian manufacturer. Brown sent FEMA a doctored image of an Action Meals package with a fraudulent expiration date.

    Based on her conversation with the contracting officer, Brown submitted a revised proposal falsely representing that she had firm confirmation from her “core suppliers for 30 million self-heating meals in 30 days” and that she could begin delivering one million meals a day beginning on October 7, 2017.

    On October 3, 2017, FEMA awarded Tribute and Brown a $155,982,000 contract requiring the delivery of 30 million self-heating meals between October 7 and October 23, 2017. FEMA had to confirm that Tribute’s proposed meal was “technically acceptable” before approving the delivery. FEMA approved Brown’s proposal in part because it understood that Brown would deliver self-heating meals manufactured by Action Meals. Unbeknownst to FEMA, Brown had not secured a supplier when she was awarded the FEMA contract. After being awarded the contract, Brown repeatedly mispresented to FEMA the status of her suppliers and timing of deliveries.

    On October 19, 2017, FEMA terminated its contract with Brown and Tribute. Before doing so, however, FEMA paid Brown $255,000 based on her submission of fraudulent invoices and bills of ladings claiming that she had successfully delivered 50,000 self-heating meals. Brown in fact had delivered 50,000 non-compliant, dehydrated meals. After FEMA terminated the contract, Brown continued making false representations to FEMA. For example, Brown submitted fraudulent invoices in December 2017 and June 2019 claiming to have purchased tens of thousands of dollars of heaters.

    In March 2019, Brown falsely represented to LFG that she had a tentative $5 million settlement with a logistics company, Total Quality Logistics (“TQL”). Brown claimed that TQL was willing to settle with her because it failed to timely deliver meals to FEMA, which she claimed was the reason FEMA terminated her contract. In truth, TQL obtained a default judgment against Brown for unpaid deliveries.

    To secure the fraudulent litigation financing, Brown provided LFG with a mix of actual and fabricated documents. For instance, she provided the real FEMA contract, but a fraudulent tentative settlement agreement, and fabricated emails between TQL’s general counsel and “Jerry Rosenstein,” Tribute’s purported in-house counsel. Brown further perpetrated the fraud by using her attorney to create the illusion that she was a successful government contractor who was negotiating directly with TQL. Brown later falsely claimed she settled with TQL for $6.5 million, which she evidenced by an agreement that TQL’s CEO supposedly signed. The scheme unraveled when TQL did not pay the $6.5 million, and Brown’s attorney received an email from a “James Wilson,” who was supposedly an in-house attorney at TQL. “James Wilson” wrote that he was willing to release the settlement funds in exchange for $500,000. Investigators later determined that Brown was responsible for creating the fake “Jerry Rosenstein” and “James Wilson” personas.   

    Tiffany Brown, 45, of Atlanta, Georgia is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. by U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr.  Brown was found guilty by a federal jury on January 17, 2025, of 11 counts of major disaster fraud, 17 counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government money, and three counts of money laundering.

    This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Office of Chief Counsel.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex R. Sistla and Jessica C. Morris are prosecuting the case.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: U-BX Technology Ltd. Announced Receipt of Notification Letter from Nasdaq

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — U-BX Technology Ltd. (the “Company” or “U-BX”) (NASDAQ:UBXG), a leading company providing value-added services using artificial intelligence-driven technology to businesses within the insurance industry, including insurance carriers and brokers, today announced that it has received written notifications (the “Notification Letters”) from the Listings Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) on Oct. 21, 2024. The Notification Letters advised the Company that for the last 31 consecutive business days, the minimum closing bid price per share for the Company’s ordinary shares was below the $1.00 per share requirement for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). The Notification Letters also advised the Company that for the last 30 consecutive business days, the minimum Market Value of Listed Securities (MVLS) of the Company was below the $35 million requirement for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(2).

    The Company would like to clarify that the Notification Letters have no current effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s securities on Nasdaq. Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rules 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has been granted a compliance period of 180 calendar days, until April 21, 2025, to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). If, at any time during this compliance period, the closing bid price of the Company’s ordinary shares reaches US$1.00 per share or higher for a minimum of ten consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide the Company with written confirmation of compliance, and the matter will be resolved. In the event the Company does not regain compliance by April 21, 2025, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar days. In addition, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rules 5810(c)(3)(C), the Company has been granted a compliance period of 180 calendar days, until April 21, 2025, to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(2). If, at any time during this compliance period, the Company’s MVLS closes at $35 million or more for a minimum of ten consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide the Company with written confirmation of compliance, and the matter will be resolved.

    The Company intends to actively monitor the bid price for its shares and the MVLS, and will evaluate available options to regain compliance with the continued listing requirements.

    About U-BX Technology Ltd.

    Headquartered in Beijing, UB-X Technology Ltd. is a provider of insurance technology in China. The Company focuses on providing value-added services using artificial intelligence-driven technology to businesses within the insurance industry. The Company’s services and products primarily include: 1) Digital promotion services. The Company helps institutional clients boost their social media visibility and generate revenue through consumer engagement and client promotions. 2) Risk assessment services. The Company has developed a unique algorithm named “Magic Mirror” that calculates payout risks for auto insurance coverage based on vehicle information. Insurance carriers purchase the personalized risk reports generated by the algorithm. Magic Mirror utilizes AI and optical character recognition technology to produce detailed risk assessments, including accident likelihood, potential claims, and estimated settlement amounts. and 3) Value-added bundled benefits to insurance carriers. The benefits packages include auto maintenance services, auto value added services, vehicle moving notification services etc. For more information, please visit: https://www.u-bx.com/ .

    Forward-Looking Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s statements regarding the expected trading of its Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market and the closing of the Offering. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the initial public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement filed with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at http://www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    For more information, please contact:

    U-BX Technology Ltd.

    Investor Relations Department

    ir@u-bx.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Calls for Independent Audit of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is calling for an independent audit of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system in an effort to increase public transparency and accountability of the higher education system’s financial management practices. The governor today submitted a letter to Comptroller Sean Scanlon requesting that his office conduct the review.

    “Recent reports of controversial spending decisions have raised serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of CSCU’s financial management,” Governor Lamont said. “As CSCU has recently implemented measures such as tuition increases and program reductions to address significant budget shortfalls, it is imperative that the public have complete transparency into how public funds are being utilized.”

    In particular, the governor is calling for the audit to include but not be limited to:

    1. An itemized report of purchases made using procurement cards (P-Cards), identifying vendors and purposes.
    2. A review of all expenditures for meals and entertainment including costs for dining with stakeholders/vendors, conferences and related events.
    3. Information on the use of state-owned vehicles by CSCU personnel, including logs of usage, fuel costs and mileage reimbursement.
    4. Any information regarding tax reporting involving CSCU leadership.
    5. Audit the financial practices of the entire CSCU system, including discretionary spending, travel and procurement activities.
    6. Assess whether public funds have been managed in accordance with state financial policies and in alignment with the educational mission of the CSCU system.

    **Download: Letter from Governor Lamont to Comptroller Scanlon requesting audit of CSCU

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chicago Rapper Lil Durk Arrested on Complaint Alleging He Ordered Murder Attempt that Resulted in Fatal Shooting Near Beverly Center

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A Grammy Award-winning Chicago rapper has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint alleging he conspired with others to murder a rival rapper, resulting in a shooting and murder that took place at a gas station near the Beverly Center shopping mall in Los Angeles in August 2022 – an attack that resulted in a family member of the rival being shot and killed, the Justice Department announced today.

    Durk Banks, 32, a.k.a. “Lil Durk,” was arrested near Miami International Airport late Thursday on a complaint charging him with conspiracy to use interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death.   

    He made his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and remains in federal custody. His arraignment is expected to occur in Los Angeles federal court in the coming weeks.

    “Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rival’s family member,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Not only that, the shooting occurred in the open, at a gas station at a busy intersection, endangering many others in the area. Violent gun crime of this sort is devastating to our community and we will have zero-tolerance for those who perpetrate such callous acts of violence.” 

    “The apprehension of Mr. Banks as he attempted to leave the United States is once again proof that the FBI and our extraordinary partners at the Los Angeles Police Department have a long reach” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “No excuse can justify this violent act and let me be clear: While you’re going about your life, thinking you ‘got away with it,’ the FBI is piecing together the facts that will serve as your undoing.”

    “Cases like these that span multiple states and jurisdictions are complicated and can oftentimes only be resolved through the collaboration of multiple departments,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi. “This arrest is the culmination of the combined efforts of our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and LAPD’s Operation West Bureau Homicide detectives who discovered that Durk D a.k.a. Lil Durk was involved in this heinous murder. The hundreds of hours spent on the investigation included surveillance, authoring numerous search warrants, using forensic technology, and tireless investigative travel and collaboration alongside our federal partners led to this arrest. I am appreciative of the dedication of those involved.”

    According to the complaint filed Thursday night, Banks is the leader of the Chicago-based rap collective known as “Only the Family” or “OTF.” Law enforcement believes OTF also acts as a group of individuals who engage in violence – including murder and assault – at Banks’ direction and to maintain their status in OTF.

    Banks feuded with a victim, identified in court documents as “T.B.” The feud stemmed from a November 6, 2020, murder in which an associate of T.B. shot and killed an OTF rapper named Dayvon Bennett, a.k.a. “King Von.” Bennett and Banks were close friends. 

    In response to Bennett’s murder, Banks allegedly put a bounty on T.B.’s life.

    On August 19, 2022, several OTF members and associates used two vehicles and worked in tandem to track, stalk, and attempt to murder T.B. for hours, culminating in a shooting at a gasoline station located near the Beverly Center mall. The co-conspirators fired at least 18 rounds at T.B.’s vehicle, striking and killing a victim identified in court documents as “S.R.,” who was T.B.’s family member who had been traveling with T.B.

    Banks allegedly ordered T.B.’s murder and the hitmen used money from Banks and OTF-related finances to carry out the hit. Bank and flight records show that an OTF member and close associate of Banks coordinated and paid for five co-conspirators to travel from Chicago to California on the day before the murder. Around the time the one-way flights were purchased, Banks told the OTF associate booking the flights, “Don’t book no flights under no names involved wit [sic] me.”

    The same day the hitmen traveled from Chicago to California, Banks also traveled to California in a private jet with another conspirator, Kavon London Grant, 28, a.k.a. “Cuz” and “Vonnie.” Later that day, Grant allegedly purchased ski masks for the shooters to use to commit the murder and paid – using a credit card in Banks’ name – for the other co-conspirators’ hotel room.

    On Thursday morning, federal and local law enforcement in the Chicago area arrested Grant and four other defendants charged in a four-count federal grand jury indictment alleging their roles in the murder-for-hire plot. After law enforcement made the arrests and executed search warrants in Chicago, the FBI learned that Banks had been booked on three international flights scheduled to leave the United States on Thursday. When banks arrived near one of the departing airports – in Miami, specifically – law enforcement personnel arrested him.

    In additional to Grant, the defendants charged in the separate indictment, which a grand jury returned on October 17, are:

    • Deandre Dontrell Wilson, 33, a.k.a. “DeDe,” of Chicago;
    • Keith Jones, 33, a.k.a. “Flacka,” of Gary, Indiana;
    • David Brian Lindsey, 33, a.k.a. “Browneyez,” of Addison, Illinois; and
    • Asa Houston, 36, a.k.a. “Boogie,” of Chicago.

    These four defendants along with Grant are charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one count of using, carrying and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death. Jones faces and additional count of possession of a machine gun.

    These defendants made their initial appearances on Thursday in the Northern District of Illinois and are expected to be arraigned in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks. 

    A complaint and indictment contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    If convicted, Banks and the five defendants charged in the separate indictment each would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

    The FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating this matter. 

    Assistant United States Attorneys Ian V. Yanniello of the General Crimes Section and Daniel H. Weiner of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section are prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: People encouraged to prepare for seasonal weather

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    As weather in British Columbia transitions into fall, people can expect seasonal stormy conditions and are encouraged to take steps to prepare for cooler temperatures and the increased possibility of rain, snow and flooding.

    Currently, there are no active flood warnings or advisories in the province. However, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) forecasts a storm arriving Friday evening, bringing precipitation throughout B.C. through the weekend. This storm is anticipated to be weaker than last weekend’s atmospheric river event, and will likely bring generally moderate precipitation to coastal regions and parts of the Columbia-Kootenays. There are no anticipated widespread flood hazards at this time, but saturated ground conditions in low-lying areas could lead to reduced drainage and faster runoff.

    Wind warnings are in effect for Haida Gwaii and northern Vancouver Island. Strong winds are also expected for southern Vancouver Island, the southern Gulf Islands, east Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, the Strait of Juan De Fuca and Strait of Georgia.

    Seasonal freezing levels in the Interior could result in snow at mid and high elevations.

    While the current weekend’s forecast for wet and stormy weather is seasonally typical, as the fall/winter storm season is underway, the Province continues to monitor conditions closely and works with communities to support preparedness and response actions.

    The B.C. River Forecast Centre continues to closely monitor forecasts and will issue updates as conditions warrant.

    The Province is taking a number of actions to keep people and communities safe in the event of flooding at all times of the year, including:

    • The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) is working closely with communities on preparedness activities, including weekly natural hazard information calls with First Nations, communities and partner agencies.
    • The forecast centre is monitoring weather patterns and river conditions and remains vigilant for any shifts toward extreme wet weather.
    • The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will have maintenance contractors monitoring conditions, clearing culverts, and pre-positioning crews and equipment to respond quickly to potential flooding or debris buildup during this weather event, to ensure safe and clear roadways.
    • EMCR is prepared to release four million sandbags to communities to protect homes and public infrastructure.
    • EMCR is prepared to deploy or pre-position sandbag machines to areas of flood concern or potential flood concern throughout the province.
    • EMCR is prepared to deploy 12 kilometres of gabions, wall-like structures filled with sand, and 30 kilometres of tiger dams, which are stackable orange tubes filled with water.
    • EMCR is able to issue broadcast intrusive alerts as requested by First Nations and local governments to warn people in areas where there may be imminent threats due to flooding.

    People are asked to take precautions this season to ensure personal safety, including developing a household plan, putting together emergency kits, connecting with neighbours and learning about the local government emergency response plan for their area.

    If you are placed under evacuation alert for any reason, you should immediately:

    • Get prepared to leave your home on short notice.
    • Get your grab-and-go bags ready (which should include several days of clothing, toiletries and medications), your emergency plan, copies of important documents (including flood and home insurance) and important mementos.
    • Listen to local emergency officials for further information on the situation.

    If you are placed under evacuation order for any reason, you must:

    • Leave the area immediately.
    • Follow the directions of local emergency officials and evacuate using the route(s) they have identified.
    • Do not return home until you have been advised that the evacuation order has been rescinded.

    Following any disaster, property owners and residents are advised to contact their insurance provider immediately to obtain advice about their next steps in cleanup and repairs resulting from the disaster.

    As well, people can take the following steps:

    Protect your home:
    People are advised to prepare for possible flooding of low-lying areas by moving equipment and other assets to higher ground, where possible. Clear perimeter drains, eavestroughs and gutters. Sandbags also help and can be made available through your local government.

    Create grab-and-go bags:
    Assemble an individual grab-and-go bag for each member of the household with the essentials they will need if asked to evacuate.

    Recognize the danger signs:
    If you live near a waterway, a change in water colour or rapid change in water level, especially a drop, could indicate a problem upstream. Call your local fire, police or public works department immediately if you suspect something is out of the ordinary.

    If you face a threatening flood, park vehicles away from streams and waterways, move electrical appliances to upper floors and make sure to anchor fuel supplies. Listen to local officials if you are asked to evacuate.

    In the event of flooding, some tips about what to avoid:

    Steer clear of river shorelines:
    Keep away from river edges and shorelines. During periods of high flow, river banks may be unstable and more prone to sudden collapse. Stay away and keep young children and pets away from the banks of fast-flowing streams and flooded areas or bridges.

    Do not drive through flood water:
    Extensive water pooling on roads can be expected. Never attempt to drive or walk in flood water. Approximately 15 centimetres (six inches) of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, and 61 cm (two feet) of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks.

    Landslide risk:
    Heavy rain may contribute to landslides and dangerous debris in creeks and waterways. Be safe and do not go to watch the rushing water. If you notice trees beginning to lean or bend near your home, or cracks developing in the hillside, consult an engineer or contact local authorities.

    There are more details in PreparedBC’s Flood Preparedness Guide. The guide contains useful information to help British Columbians better protect themselves and their homes and understand what to do if their home or community is at risk of flooding.

    Driving safety:
    Crashes can be prevented when motorists are prepared. Some helpful tips for travelling in wet weather and winter driving conditions:

    • Research road conditions before you leave at DriveBC’s website. More than 1,000 highway webcam views are available at more than 450 locations throughout the province.
    • Check the weather forecast and consider postponing travel. If travel is necessary, wait until conditions improve.
    • Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement while driving. Bring warm clothing, such as winter boots, coat, gloves and hat, in case you need to get out of the vehicle.
    • Have an emergency plan. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with a full tank of fuel, a windshield scraper and snow brush, food and water, a first-aid kit and other emergency supplies.
    • Do not panic if you get stuck or stranded. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth.
    • If you have a cellphone, call for roadside assistance. For emergencies, call 911.

    Learn More:

    Flood-risk information and active evacuation alerts and orders can be found at @EmergencyInfoBC on X (formerly Twitter), or: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

    River Forecast Centre: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/

    Environment and Climate Change Canada for up-to-date forecasts and alerts: http://www.weather.gc.ca

    PreparedBC Flood Preparedness Guide: https://www.preparedbc.ca/floods  

    For tips about how to create an evacuation plan and prepare grab-and-go bags, visit: https://preparedbc.ca/EmergencyReady  

    To pre-register with Emergency Support Services, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

    For the latest road conditions, visit: http://www.drivebc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Customs and Border Protection Officer Sentenced for Receiving Bribes to Allow Drug-Laden Vehicles and Unauthorized Immigrants to Enter the U.S.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Leonard Darnell George was sentenced in federal court today to 23 years in prison for accepting bribes to allow unauthorized migrants and vehicles containing methamphetamine and other illicit drugs to pass through the border into the U.S.

    “What’s important to remember about the story of Leonard George is that his corruption was discovered and defeated.” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Our commitment to the integrity of the badge brought justice to a corrupt officer in this case who will spend decades behind bars.”

    “Public corruption as in this case is the betrayal of trust that erodes the foundation of the very principals of law enforcement and undermines the public’s perception of those held to a higher standard,” said Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. “Today’s sentencing is a result of HSI’s commitment to investigating transnational criminal organizations and holding all individuals that aid these criminals accountable for their actions. The success of this multiagency investigation is due to everyone’s commitment of honor and integrity.”

    “Mr. George should have used his position of authority and trust to protect the United States; however, he used it for his own financial gain,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “The entire law enforcement profession is tarnished when an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve. The FBI will always vigorously and relentlessly investigate anyone who violates that sacred oath.”

    “CBP does not tolerate misconduct within its ranks,” said Special Agent in Charge Elizabeth Cervantes of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, San Diego Field Office. “OPR’s efforts in this case and this latest court decision are a testament to CBP’s commitment to preserving the honor of its overwhelmingly professional workforce, and to its core values of Vigilance, Integrity, and Service to country.”

    Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., said, “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that federal employees who violate the law will be held accountable. DHS Office of Inspector General is grateful for our continued partnership with our law enforcement partners as we fight corruption along the Southern Border.”

    During the trial, several witnesses testified that George agreed to allow drug-laden vehicles to enter the U.S. through his lane in late 2021. George would notify members of a drug trafficking organization when he was at work, what lane he was on, and that they had one hour to reach his lane. However, in February 2022, after an alert placed by law enforcement agents on a suspected drug smuggling vehicle was flagged entering George’s Lane, George was forced to send the vehicle to secondary inspection, later revealing approximately 222 pounds of methamphetamine.

    Undeterred, George allowed a second drug-laden vehicle affiliated with the drug trafficking organization and traveling directly behind the flagged vehicle to enter the U.S. with over 200 pounds of drugs. Text messages sent by George the following day reveal he received approximately $13,000 for the vehicle he allowed to enter the U.S. On the same day he received his bribe payment, George purchased a 2020 Cadillac CT5 for an associate of the drug trafficking organization as a gift. George delivered the Cadillac CT5 to the associate in Ensenada on Valentine’s Day.

    Over the course of six months, George continued to allow vehicles containing undocumented individuals to enter the U.S. through his lane. George repeatedly omitted passengers and the true names of drivers coming through his lane, instead entering the names of others to conceal his criminal activities. Law enforcement agents and prosecutors identified approximately 19 crossings associated with the criminal organizations during the six-month time period. Text messages confirmed George agreed to allow vehicles through his lane for $17,000 per vehicle, $34,000 for two vehicles, $51,000 for three vehicles, or $65,000 for four vehicles. One text message confirmed that George received $68,000 after he allowed four vehicles from one organization to enter his lane in June 2022.

    Testimony from a witness confirmed that George purchased vehicles, motorcycles, and jewelry with the proceeds of his illicit activities. Additionally, on George’s days off, he travelled to Tijuana to visit Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club where he spent approximately $5,000 per trip. He would stand on the second level of the club and throw cash over the balcony to the dancers below, “showering” them with money. He would also buy bottles of alcohol, and occasionally gifts, for dancers.

    The extent of George’s relationship with traffickers revealed itself when prosecutors admitted a photograph of one of George’s trafficking associates taking a selfie in George’s CBP uniform jacket.

    The case was tried and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bianca Calderon-Peñaloza and Brandon J. Kimura.

    DEFENDANT                                Case Number 23CR1291

    Leonard Darnell George                  Age: 42                          San Diego               

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES                                   

    Receiving Bribe by Public Official – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 201

    Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison

    Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances – Title 21 U.S.C., Sections 952, 960, 963

    Maximum penalty: Life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum

    Bringing in Certain Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 18 U.S.C., Section 371, Title 8 U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)

    Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison

    Bringing in Certain Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 18 U.S.C., Section 371, Title 8 U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)

    Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

    Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG)

    Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

    Customs and Border Protection – Office of Professional Responsibility (CBP OPR)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Third Man Sentenced to Prison for Robbing U.S. Postal Service Letter Carriers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – A third St. Lucie County man, responsible for a string of robberies of U.S. Postal Service (USPS) letter carriers for their Postal keys, was sentenced to federal prison yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge K. Michael Moore sitting in Ft. Pierce, Fla.  Two other defendants were previously sentenced.

    “The defendants brazenly terrorized loyal public servants, U.S. Postal Service letter carriers working in Florida, at gunpoint for their postal keys with the intent to steal mail from collection boxes. Their sentencing shows that the safety of U.S. Postal Service employees is of the utmost importance,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Armed assaults on letter carriers negatively impact our entire community, which relies on the U.S. Postal Service for the safe delivery of the mail.”

    “The prison sentences handed down to these defendants should serve as a reminder that violent acts committed against U.S. Postal Service employees providing service to the community will not be tolerated and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our law enforcement partners, will ensure that those committing these acts will be pursued and justly punished for their crimes,” said Juan A. Vargas, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division.

    Bernard Jerome Davis III, 20, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., was sentenced to 192 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of armed Postal/U.S. property robbery, a single count of brandishing a firearm during and in furtherance of a crime of violence, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and Hobbs Act robbery.  

    Jalen Dennis Elliott, 19, of Port St. Lucie, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 2 years’ supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and Hobbs Act robbery.

    Jamal Travon Brown Weathers, 23, of Fort Pierce, was sentenced to 162 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, armed Postal/U.S. property robbery, and brandishing a firearm during and in furtherance of a crime of violence.

    According to the court record, to include factual proffers in support of the defendants’ guilty pleas, between Nov. 19, 2022, and Oct. 21, 2023, Brown Weathers, Davis and Elliott robbed at least six USPS letter carriers in St. Lucie, Brevard, Orange and Miami-Dade counties in Florida.

    On Nov. 19, 2022, a USPS letter carrier was delivering mail inside an apartment complex in Port St. Lucie. While the carrier was at the mailboxes, Brown Weathers demanded “Give me the key.” Brown Weathers then grabbed and started yanking the letter carrier’s keys, which were attached to her uniform pants. Brown Weathers then brandished a semi-automatic handgun and demanded “Give me the f—— key. You got five seconds to give up the key.” At that point the letter carrier unhooked her arrow key and handed it over to Brown Weathers, who fled in a vehicle driven by Davis. The vehicle, belonging to Brown Weathers’ mother, was later chased by a St. Lucie County Sheriff’s deputy in Fort Pierce. The occupants fled and a K-9 deputy recovered the firearm used in the robbery along the path of flight.

    A Postal arrow key is an accountable property assigned to U.S. Post Office(s) that is only authorized to be used by USPS employees in an official capacity. A Postal arrow key is used by USPS employees to open mail receptacles within a geographic area to collect and deliver mail.

    On May 12, 2023, Brown Weathers and Davis robbed two USPS letter carriers at gunpoint in the Middle District of Florida. At approximately 12:13 p.m., a USPS letter carrier was delivering mail in Melbourne, Fla., when Davis approached the letter carrier with a black firearm and demanded the letter carrier’s Postal arrow key. Once the letter carrier handed over the key, Davis fled the scene in a Nissan Altima that he rented. At approximately 1:20 p.m., another USPS letter carrier was on his mail delivery route in Orlando, Fla., when a Nissan Altima stopped behind his Postal vehicle. Brown Weathers exited the Nissan Altima, ran towards the letter carrier while holding a black firearm, grabbed the letter carrier by the shirt, and demanded the letter carrier give him the arrow key. The letter carrier removed the arrow key from his belt loop and gave it Brown Weathers, who fled in the vehicle rented and driven by Davis.

    On Aug. 1, 2023, a USPS letter carrier was delivering mail in Fort Pierce when a white Pontiac Grand Prix began to follow her and pulled up behind her USPS vehicle. The letter carrier observed Davis carrying a black semi-automatic firearm and walking toward the Postal vehicle.  Fearing a robbery, the letter carrier quickly drove away and called 911. The same white vehicle followed another letter carrier, who also called 911.

    On Oct. 11, 2023, a USPS letter carrier was delivering mail in Fort Pierce when Davis approached the driver’s side of the Postal vehicle brandishing a black semi-automatic handgun and demanded that the letter carrier give him the key. Once the letter carrier handed the Postal arrow key to Davis, he entered a white vehicle and drove away.

    On Oct. 21, 2023, a USPS letter carrier was delivering mail in an apartment community in Miami Beach, Fla. when she was confronted by Davis who shouted, “give me the keys.” Davis ripped the keys, including a Postal arrow key, from the letter carrier’s hand, causing an injury. Davis then fled to a waiting black BMW SUV, driven by Elliott.

    U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, Chief Wayne A. Jones of the City of Miami Beach Police Department, Sheriff Keith Pearson of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Diane Hobley-Burney of the Fort Pierce Police Department, Sheriff John W. Mina of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Wayne Ivey of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. 

    The USPIS, Miami Beach Police Department, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Pierce Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case. The Port St. Lucie Police Department provided assistance. Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Lineberger prosecuted the case.

    This case is the result of Project Safe Delivery (PSD), a joint U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service initiative aimed at countering postal crime and safeguarding postal employees. Announced in May 2023, in direct response to a rise in threats and attacks on letter carriers and mail theft incidents, PSD seeks to protect Postal employees and the mail stream, prevent incidents through education and awareness, and enforce the laws that protect our nation’s mail stream.  Since the launch of PSD, postal inspectors, working with law enforcement partners, have arrested more than 287 individuals for postal-related robberies through June 30, 2024. In the first six months of the fiscal year, the number of arrests for postal-related robberies rose 72% versus the same period the previous year, while the number of postal-related robberies dropped 21%. Meanwhile, the number of mail theft complaints received during that period decreased 35%, suggesting the PSD approach is achieving the intended result.

    Customers are encouraged to report stolen mail as soon as possible by submitting an online complaint to the Postal Inspection Service at http://www.uspis.gov/report or calling 877-876-2455. The Postal Inspection Service is authorized to issue monetary rewards for the forcible assault, robbery or attempted robbery of any custodian of any mail, money, or other property of the United States under the control and jurisdiction of the Postal Service.  Additionally, individuals are encouraged to report allegations of Postal Service employee misconduct, including attempts to corrupt a Postal Service employee, to the USPS OIG at 1-888-877-7644 or http://www.uspsoig.gov.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-14053.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Finds Man Guilty of Shooting a Man in Broad Daylight in Northwest DC

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Cornellius Ruffin, 41, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of assault with significant bodily injury while armed and other charges in a mid-day shooting that took place in Northwest in April of 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Ruffin also was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The verdict was returned on October 24, 2024, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Judith Pipe scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2025. Ruffin faces a five-year mandatory minimum prison sentence on the charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

                According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 12:30 p.m., on April 12, 2021, Ruffin was standing near the intersection of Q Street, NW, and Florida Avenue, NW, when he fired a handgun four times at the victim. One of the bullets fired by Ruffin struck the victim in the left leg. After the shooting, Ruffin handed the firearm to a nearby woman and then fled the area on a red Capital Bikeshare bicycle.

                Eyewitnesses to the shooting provided police with descriptions and photographs of the shooter and the woman he handed the gun to after the shooting. Minutes after the shooting, police located and stopped the woman and recovered a firearm from one of her bags. Ruffin was located and arrested by police the following day, on April 13, 2021.

                This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Helfand and Valerie Tsesarenko of the Major Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Possession of Ammunition Leads to 15 Year Prison Sentence for Little Rock Man

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

          LITTLE ROCK—James Kasmire, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.

          On January 4, 2023, Kasmire, 46, of Little Rock, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Kasmire to three years supervised release. Kasmire was indicted on October 4, 2022, in a superseding indicting on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

          An investigation revealed that on October 20, 2020, officers from the Sherwood Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Jacksonville Cutoff Road. During the stop, officers detected the odor of marijuana and observed several open bottles of alcohol in the vehicle. Officers observed the passenger, Kasmire, who admitted there was marijuana in the vehicle, move his left hand near his seatbelt buckle. For the safety of the officers, he was then asked to step out of the vehicle. While conducting a search of Kasmire, officers located a 9mm Luger ammunition round in his pants pocket that he admitted belonged to him.

          During a search of the vehicle, officers located in the front passenger seat a bag containing methamphetamine and over 13 grams of marijuana. In between the seatbelt buckle and center console, officers located a Star, Bonifacio Echevarria S.A. model 30M1, PPU 9mm Parabellum caliber firearm. 

           Kasmire is classified as an armed career criminal offender due to his criminal history that includes violent and drug-trafficking offenses, including multiple convictions for delivery of cocaine, delivery of  marijuana, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, conspiracy to deliver cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, aggravated assault, domestic battery third degree, possession of Xanax, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Hydrocodone, and possession of firearms by certain persons. There is no parole in the federal system.

           The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Sherwood Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Peters.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on President Biden’s Formal Apology for Indian Boarding School Era

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    10.25.24
    Cantwell Statement on President Biden’s Formal Apology for Indian Boarding School Era
    YAKIMA, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released this statement regarding President Biden’s formal apology for the federal Indian Boarding School era.
    “The Indian Boarding School era left lasting, intergenerational scars on tribal families and communities. I hope President Biden’s actions today will serve as an important step towards addressing these historical wrongs and healing the pain indigenous communities have endured.”
    In 2023, Sen. Cantwell, along with 26 Senate colleagues, introduced the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act, which would establish a formal commission to investigate, document, and acknowledge the injustices of the federal government’s Indian boarding school policies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former postal manager who stole drugs from the mail sentenced on drug and gun charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ralph Minni, 55, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, who handled the case, stated that on multiple occasions between May 2018, and May 2, 2022, Minni used his position as the Greece Post Office station manager to take parcels containing controlled substances, such as marijuana, out of the mail stream and into his private office, remove the contents, and then return the empty packages back into the mail stream. Minni then transported the controlled substances to his residence, where he would store and redistribute the narcotics to other individuals. On three occasions in March and April of 2022, Minni distributed quantities of cocaine to a coworker, who then proceeded to snort the cocaine off Minni’s office desk in his presence. On May 2, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Minni’s residence during which investigators recovered quantities of marijuana, approximately 700 grams of cocaine, approximately 40 firearms, and over 19,000 rounds of ammunition. Minni was arrested that same day after leaving the Greece Post Office. Officers recovered a quantity of marijuana from inside his vehicle, which he had removed from a mailed package and planned to take back to his residence for subsequent sale and distribution.

    The sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi; and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. Additional assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Acting Troop Commander Kevin Sucher.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bennet, Neguse, Colorado Leaders Come Together to Oppose Hazardous Oil Trains Along the Colorado River

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet

    Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse joined Colorado leaders to support Eagle County’s position before the U.S. Supreme Court in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado. Eagle County is urging the Court to uphold the August 2023 D.C. Circuit Court decision to overturn the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) approval of the Uinta Basin Railway project based on flawed environmental review and violations of federal laws. Eagle County’s arguments are supported by amicus briefs filed by the Colorado Attorney General and a broad coalition of Colorado communities that would be affected by the proposed railway.

    “Anyone who has spent time along the Colorado River understands what the risks really are for our environment, our local economies, and our state. That’s why I’ve worked for years to urge federal agencies to adequately account for the full threat that the proposed Uinta Basin Railway poses to Colorado. This train has no business increasing the transport of hazardous oil from Utah through our state, and I’ll continue to stand with a broad coalition of local leaders and community members to oppose this dangerous project,” said Bennet. “I hope the Supreme Court seriously considers Eagle County’s arguments, the concerns raised by Colorado’s Attorney General and numerous local governments in their amicus briefs, and the implications for those most deeply affected by a potential derailment in the headwaters of the Colorado River.”

    “The Uinta Basin Railway Project poses a significant threat to our state’s water resources, wildlife habitats, outdoor recreation, and the broader interests of the Colorado River Basin. With these concerns and the well-being of our communities at the forefront, Senator Bennet and I have led an effort for years opposing this project,” said Neguse. “As the Supreme Court prepares to hear Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, we stand united with the community and local leaders in opposing this rail line and protecting our shared environment.” 

    In their brief, Eagle County argues that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has long required agencies to consider the “reasonably foreseeable” environmental consequences of their actions, which was codified in recent amendments to the Act. Eagle County further argues that the proposed railway project and the miles of oil trains traveling through Colorado each day will foreseeably affect Eagle County – namely, through increased wildfire risk and the potential for oil spills from train accidents.  

    If completed, the Uinta Basin Railway would enable the shipment of up to 4.6 billion gallons of waxy crude oil per year from Utah through Colorado to the Gulf Coast on as many as five trains per day. These trains would run over 100 miles directly alongside the headwaters of the Colorado River – a vital water supply for nearly 40 million Americans, 30 Tribal nations, and millions of acres of agricultural land. A train derailment that spills oil in the headwaters of the River would be catastrophic to Colorado’s water supplies, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation. In addition, an accident on the proposed railway would also increase wildfire risk as the West faces a 1,200-year drought.

    “The downline effects of the Uinta line within Eagle County, and our state as a whole, are potentially catastrophic. These potential impacts, including significant wildfire and safety risks, and pollution to the Colorado River, should be fully and thoughtfully considered. We are confident the Supreme Court will agree with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to invalidate the Uinta approval for failing to consider those and other impacts,” said Matt Scherr, Commissioner, Eagle County.

    “The Colorado River is among the most critical natural resources in our state—and our most critical water source. The risk to our state and others from shipping hundreds of thousands of oil barrels along the river daily is significant—from wildfires caused by rail track sparks and oil car leaks contaminating the river to, at worst, derailments, and spills. The risk of harm to our state and mountain communities and others affected by this rail line are simply too great to ignore. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals was correct to throw out this project’s approval for not having fully grasped the magnitude of its impacts to the environment. The Supreme Court should apply the letter of our federal laws and uphold the appellate court’s decision,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.

    “It is imperative that the Supreme Court recognize that communities along the Colorado River would be impacted by the proposed Uinta Basin Railway and the ensuing downline effects caused by additional miles-long trains filled with heavy waxy crude oil. As our amicus brief explains, the National Environmental Policy Act is a crucial tool giving voice to communities like Glenwood Springs that stand to bear the environmental and economic consequences that such a project can have on our rivers and public lands and the businesses that depend upon them. We hope that the justices will consider our communities’ unique perspectives in these vital economic matters,” said Ingrid Wussow, Mayor, City of Glenwood Springs.

    “Water is an important part of the Western Slope way of life. Protecting our waters is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry, and ensuring the foundation for Colorado’s agricultural economy. The Uinta Basin Railway project will send hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil along the Colorado River, posing a major threat to this water source that over 40 million Americans rely on. A Supreme Court ruling will have significant implications for the future of the Colorado River, and I hope the justices consider the long-term impacts this project could have on Colorado’s environment and our communities,” said Julie McCluskie, Colorado State Representative and Speaker of the House.

    “I continue to stand in strong support of Eagle County’s demand for a robust environmental review of this proposed project and commend their efforts in bringing this need for accountability all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Dylan Roberts, Colorado State Senator. “My constituents in Eagle County and all along the Colorado River deserve the very highest protection of our water and I am proud to be amongst many national, state, and local leaders and governments in supporting Eagle County’s effort.”

    “The Colorado River is the heart of Garfield County. A train derailment from the Uinta Project would have catastrophic environmental consequences on our agricultural and recreational communities. Given the potential impacts to my constituents’ livelihoods, we need to alleviate people’s fear and provide a full environmental review before this project moves forward. I understand that energy security equals national security, however protecting the communities I represent is just as important,” said Perry Will, Colorado State Senator.

    “Water is the lifeblood of the Western Slope, supporting daily household needs, tourism, agriculture, local economies and everything in between. Keeping Colorado’s waterways clean is essential and the Uinta Basin Railway will jeopardize our freshwater supply. I stand alongside the people of Eagle County and the more than 40 million Americans who rely on the Colorado River for fresh, clean water – our way of life depends on it. I hope the Supreme Court recognizes the gravity of the situation and the impact their ruling will have on our community,” said Meghan Lukens, Colorado State Representative.

    “The people of my district would be hugely impacted, and they deserve better. The Uinta Basin Railway would double the amount of oil transported by rail in the U.S. and increase hazardous materials transport TENFOLD right through our communities. It puts our lives at risk: the potential for catastrophic wildfire, water contamination and accidents is too great. Our jobs, our wildlife, our ranches and our drinking water are threatened,” said Elizabeth Velasco, Colorado State Representative. “This project should never have been approved in the first place. I support Glenwood Springs filing an Amicus Brief to urge the Supreme Court to support our communities and the industries that rely on the Colorado River Basin and reject this dangerous effort to send significantly more shipments of oil through Glenwood Canyon, and through the heart of small towns in Garfield County.” 

    “Although we understand that oil needs to be transported from point A to point B, we are also the headwaters of the Colorado River. We have significant concerns about the impact a derailment and spill in Grand County would have on the ability to deliver clean, high-quality water to our own communities, and those throughout Colorado. Additionally, a waxy crude spill in Grand County would be catastrophic to our recreation- and ag-based economy,” said Merrit Linke, Chair of Board of County Commissioners, Grand County.

    “Routt County is proud to support Eagle County and their effort to ensure rail safety and the protection of the Colorado River Basin. As this case makes its way through the legal system, it is apparent that the approval process for the Uinta Basin Railway did not fully consider the significant risks to Colorado’s communities, our precious water resources, and the environment. Routt County continues to stand with so many of our local government colleagues in support of Eagle County,” said Sonja Macys, Commissioner, Routt County.

    “America doesn’t need Uinta’s low quality, dirty oil, and 40 million Americans who depend upon the Colorado River certainly do not need the catastrophic consequences of the inevitable oil train derailment in the Glenwood Canyon. Citizens of western Colorado and Utah deserve better. Pitkin County stands with Eagle County in defending our river and our livelihood from this train wreck of a plan,” said Greg Poschman, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, Pitkin County. 

    “Boulder County is proud to stand with Eagle County and a bipartisan coalition of local governments and communities who oppose the construction of a railway that will bring railcars brimming with crude oil through pristine Colorado landscapes. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals correctly determined that the Surface Transportation Board violated the National Environmental Protection Act by failing to consider the environmental impacts of the proposed railway. Given the risks of train derailment for miles-long oil trains traveling through difficult mountainous terrain, Boulder County is justifiably concerned about accidents, wildfires, river contamination, and destruction of private property inevitably caused by the Surface Transportation Board’s decision. The briefing before the U.S. Supreme Court demonstrates that the D.C. Circuit court’s decision should be upheld and that federal law requires further evaluation and analysis before the railway can be approved,” said Claire Levy, Marta Loachamin, and Ashley Stolzmann, Commissioners, Boulder County. 

    “Chaffee County Board of County Commissioners wishes to reiterate our strong opposition to the proposed activation and expansion of the Uinta Basin Railway (UBR) Project. Chaffee County leadership share the common opinion of others directly within the path and “downline” of the UBR corridor that the risks of transporting hundreds-of-thousands of barrels of toxic waxy crude oil through our mountain communities are simply too great for our residents and for the millions of visitors that journey to experience our region each year.” said P.T. Wood, Commissioner, Chaffee County.

    “As representatives of the City of Grand Junction and its residents, we know the importance of ensuring that our community’s interests are considered during the regulatory process for any project with the potential to have a significant impact on communities like ours. We urge the honorable United States Supreme Court to uphold the rulings of two lower courts, and simply ensure that down-line impacts of the proposed project are taken into account during the NEPA process,” said Abram Herman, Mayor, City of Grand Junction.

    “Minturn is thankful for the ongoing support from Senator Bennet in his effort to protect our environmental future. The outcome of this issue is collectively important to the communities of Eagle County and Senator’s Bennet’s commitment to our goals has been outstanding,” said Earle Bidez, Mayor, Town of Minturn.

    “Opening up the rail line along the Colorado River for oil transportation is a guaranteed water quality catastrophe that will impact millions who are dependent on the Colorado River,” said Eric Heil, Manager, Town of Avon. 

    “Red Cliff, Colorado, a town of 280 residents nestled between Beaver Creek and Vail along the Colorado Scenic Byway (Highway 24), is deeply concerned about the potential impact of a railroad coming through our town, particularly near the waterways and natural areas we rely on. As a community surrounded by pristine wilderness, we understand all too well the dangers that a single wildfire can pose, not only to our tourism-based economy but also to the health and safety of our residents. The risk of a train derailment or sparks from passing trains igniting a wildfire is especially alarming, given the dense fuel loads in and around Red Cliff. Even more concerning is the potential derailment of trains carrying crude oil, which could result in catastrophic damage to our environment—particularly to our water quality, a vital resource for both residents and wildlife. Any of these types of events could devastate our water supply, cause landslides, debris flows, and road closures, and cripple our town’s economy for years to come. We urge policymakers to take these concerns seriously and prioritize measures that mitigate both wildfire risks and environmental threats posed by rail transport,” said Duke Gerber, Mayor, Town of Red Cliff.

    “The Town of Crested Butte has joined the amicus brief in support of Eagle County’s work to ensure appropriate environmental review of federal actions through the National Environmental Protection Act, or NEPA. It is understandable why the residents of Eagle County want to have full disclosure of federal decision-making. Trains traveling through a complicated mountain terrain will be carrying oil that if spilled, could pollute streams, increase the risk of wildfire, and undercut private property values. More generally, while NEPA does not require a particular outcome to a decision-making process, it has been fundamental to laying bare the logic of federal decisions. Why would anyone think that it is in the best interests of our communities and private property values to let the government make decisions without disclosing the impacts of those decisions? Anybody who is worried about the heavy hand of government should take pause with how the Surface Transportation Board failed to go through the NEPA process,” said Ian Billick, Mayor, Town of Crested Butte.

    “What happens in one place in the Colorado watershed affects all communities that are located within the watershed. That is why the Town of Basalt is proud to sign onto the amicus brief in support of Eagle County’s position before the Supreme Court. Protecting the waters that support our communities is paramount to our economy and our way of life. The proposed Uinta Basin Railway would jeopardize all of that,” said David Knight, Mayor, Town of Basalt. 

    “The Colorado River is one of our state’s most vital resources, and the risk posed by transporting large quantities of oil along its banks is too great to ignore. From potential fires and oil spills to devastating derailments, the consequences for our water, wildlife, and local economies could be catastrophic. The D.C. Circuit Court’s decision to reject the project’s approval was necessary to protect these resources, and we urge the Supreme Court to uphold it,” said Alyssa Shenk, Council Chair, Northwest Colorado Council of Governments.

    An amicus brief submitted in support of Eagle County was signed by the municipalities of Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Minturn, Avon, Red Cliff, Crested Butte, and Basalt, and Grand, Routt, Boulder, and Pitkin Counties, as well as the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments. 

    Bennet and Neguse have consistently raised concerns about the proposed Uinta Basin Railway and its risks to Colorado’s communities, water, land, air, and climate. In January, Bennet and Neguse applauded the U.S. Forest Service’s withdrawal of their Record of Decision that would have authorized the issuance of a special use permit for the Uinta Basin Railway. In August 2023, the lawmakers also welcomed the D.C. Circuit Court’s decision to overrule STB approval of the project, vacating their environmental review, and ordered a new review. Leading up to these decisions, Bennet and Neguse led several letters to federal agencies urging additional environmental review of the risks to Colorado from the proposed project – including to the Council on Environmental Quality in July 2022, and to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency in March 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to California Businesses and Residents Affected by the Chinatown Apartment Complex Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    “As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California businesses and residents affected by the Chinatown Apartment Complex Fire that occurred Sept. 13, announced Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward of the California Office of Emergency Services, on Oct. 24.

    The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties in California.

    “When disasters strike, our Disaster Loan Outreach Centers are key to helping business owners and residents get back on their feet,” said Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “At these centers, people can connect directly with our specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey.”

    “Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster,” Sánchez continued. “Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 29, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Sánchez added. The center will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary.

    LOS ANGELES COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Chinatown Service Center/Medical Center
    711 W. College St., Rm. 100
    Los Angeles, CA  90012

    Opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29

    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    Closes at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5

    Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez said. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

    Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to apply for property damage is Dec. 24, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 25, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PNG bus shooting: ‘This sort of revenge killing is unheard of’

    By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist

    Papua New Guinea police say 10 people have been tragically killed after a series of violent “revenge killings” along the Laiagam-Sirunki Highway in the Highlands province of Enga.

    The attacks, which occured last Friday and Monday, are believed to be connected to an unresolved death that took place in March earlier this year.

    Police said that gunmen from the Mulapin tribe ambushed a vehicle packed with passengers from the Sakare clan near Tambitanis Health Centre in Sirunki on October 11 at 8am.

    The vehicle, carrying a body, was fired upon in a surprise attack. A woman lost her life, several others sustained serious injuries, and the gunmen escaped.

    An hour later on the same day, the Sakare clan retaliated by shooting the driver and his passenger from close range. They reached a nearby hospital but succumbed to their injuries on arrival.

    The leadership of the Kunalin and Lyain tribes is urging restraint and for the clans not to resort to violence, police said.

    They have also called for the immediate surrender of suspects from both the Mulapin and Sakare tribes to law enforcement.

    Investigation into ‘root causes’
    Assistant Police Commissioner Joseph Tondop, who is responsible for the state of emergency in Enga, is calling for an investigation into the root causes of the recent conflict.

    “This sort of revenge killing is unheard of in the history of tribal conflicts in Enga Province where innocent people unrelated to the conflicts where killed,” he said.

    “All tribal clans taking part in the conflicts (Sakars, Mulapian, Kunalins, Myom and people form Kulapi 4 in Porgera) are all under the scope and ordered to refrain from further escalating the situation.”

    The investigative teams will start their work immediately, and individuals or groups found to be involved will be apprehended, he said.

    “This task force is given strict orders to carry out a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned.”

    RNZ Pacific’s correspondent in PNG, Scott Waide, said the public was frustrated that police were yet to make arrests.

    He said police found it difficult to deal with the clans and arrest people who were armed.

    Waide said people were reluctant to give up weapons because it gave them a sense of security in tribal conflicts.

    “It is a difficult situation that both lawmakers, citizens and police are in. The longer this drags on and guns are in the hands of ordinary people, killing will continue.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamestown man pleads guilty to meth charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Willie C. Graham, 43, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of imprisonment of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that on September 6, 2023, Jamestown Police officers initiated a traffic stop on a car that Graham was a passenger in. Officers located numerous items of drug paraphernalia in the car, as well as a quantity of fentanyl on Graham’s person.

    On March 2, 2024, Graham was a passenger in a car that fled from law enforcement officers trying to conduct a traffic stop. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 11.6 grams of methamphetamine drug paraphernalia, and $1,134.00 cash.

    On April 30, 2024, Jamestown Police officers located and arrested Graham. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of 10 assorted bank and benefit cards, some of which were issued to individuals other than Graham, a quantity of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and $185.

    The plea is a result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

    Sentencing is scheduled for February 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.

    # # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: East Bay Man Sentenced To Two Years In Federal Prison For Fraud And Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OAKLAND – Freddie Lee Davis III, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to 24 months and a day in federal prison.  The sentence was handed down on Oct. 24, 2024, by the Hon. Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, United States District Judge.  Davis’ co-defendant, Sene Malepeai, also pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, and has yet to be sentenced.

    Davis and Malepeai, both 27, were charged by criminal complaint on June 30, 2023.  Davis was remanded to federal custody on Aug. 31, 2023, and has remained in custody since then.  Both defendants were charged by superseding information on July 19, 2024, with one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

    The criminal complaint describes that on June 17, 2021, officers responded to a report of a robbery in the parking lot of a Costco in San Leandro. The victim of the robbery was an Asian female (identified in the complaint as “Q.D.”). The robbery took place in the store’s parking lot after the victim exited Costco. As she was walking to her vehicle, a car drove alongside Q.D. and an individual reached out of a window and grabbed hold of her purse from the moving car.  Q.D. held onto her purse and was dragged the width of several cars.  The car then sped away and Q.D. let go of her purse and fell to the ground, resulting in bodily injuries, including abrasions to her leg and swelling on her hand.  Several witnesses heard Q.D. scream, heard her body hit the asphalt, and saw a black Honda speed away from the incident.  Surveillance cameras revealed that the car had a license plate number registered to Davis.

    On Aug. 1, 2024, Davis pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  In Davis’ plea agreement, he acknowledged this robbery and admitted that he received some of the stolen items, including Q.D.’s MasterCard credit card.  Davis further admitted that days after the robbery, he knowingly and unlawfully possessed the credit card knowing it belonged to Q.D., and possessed it in relation to a violation of wire fraud.  In particular, he and co-defendant Malepeai used Q.D.’s credit card, while misrepresenting Malepeai as the lawful user of the credit card, to fraudulently purchase merchandise at a shoe store in San Leandro and make a number of other fraudulent purchases.

    In addition to sentencing Davis to 24 months and a day in federal prison, Judge Gonzalez Rogers ordered him to pay restitution in an amount to be determined and to serve three years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed.  

    “Community members should be able to live their lives without fear of being robbed and having items stolen from them used fraudulently,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey.  “We will vigorously prosecute these crimes and make sure that defendants like Mr. Davis face serious consequences for their misconduct.”

    On Sept. 17, 2024, Davis’ co-defendant Malepeai also pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  Malepeai admitted that, on the day of the robbery, she was a passenger in a vehicle with three other individuals.  As detailed in Malepeai’s plea agreement, earlier that day, the three other occupants of the vehicle had discussed “going to Chinatown to rob Asian women with purses or jewelry.”  They first drove to Chinatown to look for Asians with purses, then went to the parking lot of a retail store, and eventually ended up at a Costco in San Leandro.  Two of the occupants in the vehicle had previously stated that they “preferred robbing Asians because they thought they have more money, and because Asians are ‘easy targets’ who don’t fight back,” according to Malepeai’s plea agreement.  After the robbery, the three other occupants of the vehicle divided up the stolen goods from Q.D.’s purse, including cash, credit cards, a checkbook, and two cell phones, as Malepeai admitted.  Malepeai further admitted to using Q.D.’s credit card, while misrepresenting herself as the lawful user of the credit card, to fraudulently purchase merchandise at a shoe store in San Leandro and make a number of other fraudulent purchases.

    Malepeai’s next hearing before Judge Gonzalez Rogers is set for Nov. 7, 2024.  

    The mandatory minimum penalty for aggravated identity theft is two years in prison, and the maximum statutory penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison.  However, any sentence following a conviction is imposed by a 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.

    The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Cheng and Molly Priedeman are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Mimi Lam. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the San Leandro Police Department.  
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multiple Massachusetts Fugitives Arrested in Maine

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Portland, ME – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in Maine, announce the arrest of multiple Massachusetts fugitives in the towns of Madison and Skowhegan, Maine.

    On October 24, 2024, the USMS, Maine Violent Offender Task Force (MVOTF) located and apprehended a fugitive following a vehicle stop in Madison, Maine. The fugitive, identified as a juvenile, had warrants issued out of Bristol County, Massachusetts Superior Court for carrying a loaded firearm without license, carrying a firearm without license, assault & battery with a firearm, discharging a firearm within 500ft of a building, vandalizing property, and malicious damage to a motor vehicle. A firearm and an alleged
    quantity of drugs were also recovered.

    Today, Oct 25th, Kvon Brooks, 18, was located and apprehended in Skowhegan, Maine, on warrants issued out of Fall River, Massachusetts District Court for attempted murder, strangulation or suffocation, assault & battery on a family/household member, assault & battery on a pregnant victim, and vandalizing property. Brooks was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by U.S. Marshal Task Force members earlier this morning.

    Concurrent to Brooks’ arrest, another passenger, identified as a juvenile, was found to have outstanding warrants out of Bristol County, Massachusetts Superior Court for carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without license, possession of ammunition without FID card, possession of large capacity firearm, and trespass.

    The Massachusetts, the USMS New England HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Fugitive Task Force, Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS), and the New Bedford, Massachusetts Police Department, worked collaboratively and provided information to the U.S. Marshals, Maine Violent Offender Task Force. All three subjects were arrested without incident and charged as fugitives from justice.

    The USMS, Maine Violent Offender Task Force is comprised of members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Maine Department of Corrections, Biddeford Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Maine National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

    If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of any state or federal fugitive, please contact the United States Marshals Service at MED.TIPLINE@usdoj.gov, or submit a web tip.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 2, Eskdale closed

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 2, Eskdale is closed following a crash.

    The single vehicle crash was reported just after 2:40pm.

    Three people have been seriously injured.

    There are currently no detours available. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qinzhou Port sees surge in NEV parts exports in S China’s Guangxi

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Qinzhou Port sees surge in NEV parts exports in S China’s Guangxi

    Updated: October 26, 2024 10:08 Xinhua
    A truck transports containers carrying new energy vehicle (NEV) parts at a station in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 24, 2024. By Oct. 22 this year, new energy vehicle (NEV) parts made in Liuzhou of Guangxi and transported from Qinzhou Port have reached more than 11,370 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which is about 71 times of the quantity in 2019, according to statistics of China Railway Nanning Group Co., Ltd. The export destinations have reached more than 40 countries and regions from Southeast Asia to Latin America and the Middle East. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows a container ship carrying new energy vehicle (NEV) parts at the Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows cranes transporting containers carrying new energy vehicle (NEV) parts at a station in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows a train leaving Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 22, 2024 shows the Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A worker transports new energy vehicle (NEV) parts in a logistics center in Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 23, 2024 shows workers preparing containers carrying new energy vehicle (NEV) parts in a logistics center in Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A new energy vehicle (NEV) moves at an autorack in a logistics center in Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows the automatic container terminal at the Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, EU reiterate willingness to solve EV dispute via dialogue

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China and the European Union(EU) have reiterated willingness to solve the dispute over EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles through dialogue.

    The two sides have decided to continue to make price commitment as the solution to the case, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Commerce after a talk held via video link on Friday between China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.

    There are strong calls and high expectations from various sectors in China and Europe for the proper handling of the case, said Wang.

    Since Sept. 20, intensive negotiations have been conducted between the two sides regarding the price commitment, with some positive progress made in certain aspects, but significant differences still exist on issues of core concern to the business communities in China and Europe, he said.

    Wang noted that China will unswervingly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises. He also expressed the hope that both sides will continue to advance negotiations based on the previous stage of consultations, and achieve substantive breakthroughs as soon as possible.

    In the next stage of price commitment negotiations, consultations should be conducted based on mutual consideration of core concerns, and in accordance with the principles of pragmatism and balance, said Wang, adding that both the effectiveness of the agreement and the core interests of enterprises should be taken into account.

    A bilateral communication mechanism should be established for the implementation and supervision of price commitment on the basis of mutual trust, he explained.

    The European side has put forward specific suggestions regarding the price commitment plan and proposed that technical teams from both sides engage in video consultations on this matter. The Chinese side agrees to immediately start the next stage of negotiations and welcomes the European technical team to come to China as soon as feasible.

    The two sides also exchanged views on the trade remedy investigations initiated by China against certain EU goods, such as brandy, pork and dairy products.

    The Chinese side emphasized that these investigations were initiated at the request of domestic industries, in full compliance with the rules of the World Trade Organization, as well as Chinese laws and regulations.

    China will continue to conduct the investigations in accordance with the law and regulations, and fully safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all parties involved, according to the ministry. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Horsford Applauds New Lithium Project Bringing Jobs and Critical Minerals to Nevada

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressmen Steven Horsford (NV-04)

    NORTH LAS VEGAS – Today, Congressman Steven Horsford applauded the approval of the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron project, an important milestone towards advancing America’s clean energy future and securing a domestic supply of critical minerals. As an early supporter of the project, Congressman Horsford played a key role in ensuring its progress, working closely with the Department of the Interior and the Council on Environmental Quality. 

    “I’m proud to have America’s most advanced new lithium project right here in Nevada’s Fourth Congressional District,” said Congressman Horsford. “This project reinforces Nevada’s leadership as the only state with significant lithium production and strengthens our country’s domestic reliance on a critical mineral essential for fighting climate change. The Rhyolite Ridge project will power our transition to clean energy, create hundreds of good-paying jobs, and boost our local economy.” 

    The Rhyolite Ridge project will provide enough lithium to power nearly 370,000 electric vehicles annually, supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s climate goals. Located in Nevada’s Fourth District, this project cements Nevada’s role as a leader in lithium production and ensures long-term economic benefits through the creation of up to 500 construction jobs and 350 permanent jobs during operations. The mine is expected to generate $125 million in annual wages, providing significant economic support to local communities, including job training and scholarship opportunities. 

    Environmental protections are a key part of the project’s design. The Bureau of Land Management and the project developers collaborated with federal agencies to protect Tiehm’s buckwheat, a rare plant found only in the project area. Conservation measures include redesigning project features to limit impacts on the plant and developing a formal protection plan. 

    The Rhyolite Ridge mine will also produce boron, a material essential for industries such as glass and semiconductors, further expanding the project’s economic and technological significance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese rocket startup plans to launch commercial spaceflights in 2027

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese rocket startup Deep Blue Aerospace recently announced that it plans to carry out commercial suborbital flights in 2027, projecting a ticket price of about 1.5 million yuan (210,674 U.S. dollars).

    The suborbital flights will last approximately 12 minutes, during which time the spacecraft will fly to an altitude of 100 kilometers, but will not enter orbit, according to Deep Blue.

    The manned spacecraft has six panoramic windows, can accommodate up to six passengers, and is designed to be used over 50 times, the company said.

    The spacecraft is approximately 4 meters tall, with a maximum diameter of 3.5 meters and a takeoff weight of 7.9 tonnes. It is expected to ascend to altitudes between 100 kilometers and 150 kilometers, providing a zero-gravity experience that will last up to five minutes, according to Deep Blue.

    The company pre-sold two tickets for its 2027 suborbital flights during an e-commerce livestream activity on Thursday, with each ticket charged at a discounted price of 1 million yuan.

    The successful purchasers have paid a deposit of 50,000 yuan per ticket, but Deep Blue requires interested customers to sign contracts offline and visit the company before making their final payment.

    The startup plans to subject its Nebula-1 rocket to multiple recovery and reuse tests in 2025, and complete dozens of tests on its manned spacecraft and rocket combination in 2026.

    The oxygen and kerosene-fueled Nebula-1 is Deep Blue’s first reusable launch vehicle. It completed 10 of its 11 key verification tasks during its first high-altitude vertical recovery flight test last month, but experienced an anomaly in the final landing phase, leading to a fracture in the body of the rocket.

    Despite these imperfect results, Zhao Ya, executive president of Deep Blue, says that the test has provided valuable data and experience to help the company identify problems and deficiencies, and to improve the performance and reliability of the rocket.

    Deep Blue has said that its decision to sell tickets three years in advance stems from a deep awareness of the complexities and risks involved in rocket technology. The company is dedicated to rigorous research and development, extensive testing and performance optimization to ensure its rocket meets the highest safety standards.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cielo Provides Virtual AGM Reminder and Announces Extension of Proxy Voting Deadline

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. (TSXV:CMC; OTC PINK:CWSFF) (“Cielo” or the “Company”), a company fueling renewable change, wishes to remind its shareholders that its forthcoming Annual General Meeting of shareholders (the “AGM”) will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. MT. As the AGM will be held virtually, shareholders will not be able to attend in person.

    To attend the AGM, shareholders will have to access the following link online: https://teams.microsoft.com/CieloAGM2024 (meeting ID 218 185 286 033, passcode 5A4kx6). Shareholders will have an equal opportunity to participate at the AGM by video conference regardless of their geographic location. Additional details related to the AGM, including the method of attending the AGM virtually, are described in the Company’s meeting materials, which are available on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company’s website (http://www.cielows.com/investors).

    Proxy Deadline

    In addition, the Company has elected to extend the deadline for submission of proxies related to the AGM to Monday, October 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. MT, to allow shareholders additional time for voting. Management encourages voting in advance of the AGM by proxy to allow for a more efficient AGM. Those who vote in advance of the AGM by proxy will still have an opportunity to participate in the AGM, including during the planned question and answer period.

    ABOUT CIELO

    Cielo is fueling renewable change with a mission to be a leader in the wood by-product-to-fuels industry by using environmentally friendly, economically sustainable and market-ready technologies. We are proud to advance our non-food derived model based on our exclusive licence in Canada for patented Enhanced Biomass to Liquids (EBTL™) and Biomass Gas to Liquids (BGTL™) technologies and related intellectual property, along with an exclusive licence in the US for creosote and treated wood waste, including abundant railway tie feedstock. We have assembled a diverse portfolio of projects across geographic regions and secured the ability to leverage the expertise of proven industry leaders. Cielo is committed to helping society ‘change the fuel, not the vehicle’, which we believe will contribute to generating positive returns for shareholders. Cielo shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “CMC,” as well as on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “CWSFF.”

    For further information please contact:

    Cielo Investor Relations

    Ryan Jackson, CEO
    Phone: (403) 348-2972
    Email: investors@cielows.com

    CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should” or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements and information are based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and are subject to certain factors and assumptions. Cielo is making forward-looking statements, with respect to, but not limited to: the AGM, including timing and the proxy deadline.

    Investors should continue to review and consider information disseminated through news releases and filed by the Company on SEDAR+. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

    Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AI-powered drone swarms transform industries beyond defense, reveals GlobalData’s Technology Foresights

    Source: GlobalData

    AI-powered drone swarms transform industries beyond defense, reveals GlobalData’s Technology Foresights

    Posted in Disruptor

    While drone swarms have been an area of technological development for many years, their practical applications have only recently gained significant momentum, particularly following increased attention during the Russia-Ukraine war, as reflected in Google search trends. The rapid advancement in AI technologies has further accelerated drone swarm control capabilities, enabling the integration of computer vision algorithms and geospatial data to recognize patterns and automate previously impossible operations. This evolution has led to drone swarms finding diverse applications across multiple industries, earning recognition as a high-impact innovation, according to Technology Foresights, an innovation intelligence platform by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    The latest advancement in drone swarm technology significantly enhances operational efficiency by eliminating the traditional requirement of one operator per drone. This breakthrough achieves advanced autonomy through onboard intelligent agents, developed using human-in-loop and trustworthy AI systems. These agents can independently assess their surroundings, exchange target data with other drones, and make mission-priority decisions without requiring constant communication with the control station. This innovation addresses a critical weakness in swarm-based warfare systems, where electronic warfare tactics frequently overwhelm communication systems and disrupt the data connection between drones and their control stations.

    Sourabh Nyalkalkar, Practice Head of Innovation Products at GlobalData, comments: “In an era marked by escalating geopolitical tensions, drone warfare has emerged as a pivotal element in modern military operations, with armed forces globally embracing unmanned aerial vehicles for a diverse range of tactical and reconnaissance missions. In a significant development, defense industry major Thales recently showcased a full-scale demonstration of drone swarm deployment, featuring multiple autonomy levels that significantly reduce operator cognitive burden. The company’s expertise in this domain has not gone unnoticed, as Thales has been recognized as one of the leaders in drone swarm control innovation, according to Technology Foresights.”

    In response to the current geopolitical climate and growing military demand for advanced drone capabilities, drone swarm control technology is expected to experience significant growth. Patent analysis reveals that over 50% of technology patents in this field have been granted within the past three years, with major corporations holding the majority share.

    Though smaller in proportion, startup-owned patents are rapidly increasing, accompanied by growing investment activity in the sector. Recent developments highlight this trend, as demonstrated by Ukrainian startup Swarmer securing $2.7mn in funding for the development and commercialization of its AI-based swarm control technology, Styx, while another US-based startup, EchelonAI, entered into M&A with Skyfire.

    Nyalkalkar continues: “The innovation landscape in drone swarm control technologies extends well beyond the defense sector, with significant developments emerging from the communications and networking industry. Telecommunication companies are rapidly adopting drone swarms for various applications, including network optimization, infrastructure monitoring, and emergency coverage deployment in critical areas.”

    The technology’s development ecosystem is diverse and competitive, with over 100 companies actively innovating in this space. While defense industry leaders like Thales, RTX, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems continue to advance military applications, specialized drone manufacturers such as SZ DJI, Skydio, and Tevel are making significant contributions.

    Additionally, major telecommunications players including Qualcomm, Ericsson, Verizon, and AT&T are developing their own drone swarm solutions, while geospatial solution providers like Here and Geofrenzy are expanding the technology’s capabilities.

    Nyalkalkar concludes: “The rapid advancement of AI technology has catalyzed unprecedented growth in drone swarm applications across diverse sectors. Retail and logistics giants such as Amazon, Walmart, and UPS are developing autonomous master-slave drone networks for last-mile delivery, while agritech companies such as Nileworks are creating innovative solutions for crop monitoring.

    “As drone swarm control technologies continue to evolve beyond traditional entertainment and light shows, this dynamic field promises exciting developments and transformative applications across multiple industries in the coming years.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel completes strike on Iranian targets

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Israel has completed what it called a retaliatory attack on military targets in Iran, said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) early Saturday morning.

    The IDF launched “precise and targeted” air strikes on targets in several areas in Iran, in response to the attacks from Iran in recent months, it said in a statement.

    The IDF statement was issued about three and a half hours after it announced the start of the operation.

    Israeli aircraft struck missile manufacturing facilities, surface-to-air missile arrays, and additional Iranian aerial capabilities, according to the statement.

    Israel’s state-owned Kan TV News reported that dozens of jets, including F35, F16 and F15, attacked 20 military targets in Iran.

    IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a video statement that the operation has foiled immediate threats to Israel, warning Iran against further response if there’s a new round of escalation.

    Iranian eyewitnesses said early Saturday that big explosions were heard around the country’s capital Tehran. Shortly afterward, Iranian state-run IRIB TV reported that Iran’s air defense was engaged against Israeli strike attempts.

    On Oct. 1, Iran fired approximately 180 missiles at Israeli targets, describing the action as retaliation for the assassinations of several leaders of regional resistance groups, among other grievances.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, EU seek dialogue to resolve EV dispute

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China and the European Union(EU) have reiterated willingness to solve the dispute over EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles through dialogue.

    The two sides have decided to continue to make price commitment as the solution to the case, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Commerce after a talk held via video link on Friday between China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.

    There are strong calls and high expectations from various sectors in China and Europe for the proper handling of the case, said Wang.

    Since Sept. 20, intensive negotiations have been conducted between the two sides regarding the price commitment, with some positive progress made in certain aspects, but significant differences still exist on issues of core concern to the business communities in China and Europe, he said.

    Wang noted that China will unswervingly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises. He also expressed the hope that both sides will continue to advance negotiations based on the previous stage of consultations, and achieve substantive breakthroughs as soon as possible.

    In the next stage of price commitment negotiations, consultations should be conducted based on mutual consideration of core concerns, and in accordance with the principles of pragmatism and balance, said Wang, adding that both the effectiveness of the agreement and the core interests of enterprises should be taken into account.

    A bilateral communication mechanism should be established for the implementation and supervision of price commitment on the basis of mutual trust, he explained.

    The European side has put forward specific suggestions regarding the price commitment plan and proposed that technical teams from both sides engage in video consultations on this matter. The Chinese side agrees to immediately start the next stage of negotiations and welcomes the European technical team to come to China as soon as feasible.

    The two sides also exchanged views on the trade remedy investigations initiated by China against certain EU goods, such as brandy, pork and dairy products.

    The Chinese side emphasized that these investigations were initiated at the request of domestic industries, in full compliance with the rules of the World Trade Organization, as well as Chinese laws and regulations.

    China will continue to conduct the investigations in accordance with the law and regulations, and fully safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all parties involved, according to the ministry. 

    MIL OSI China News –