Police allege that Suzuki took the body of his 33-year-old wife, Yui, to the zoo and burned it around March 31. They cited him as admitting to the charge. Investigators began questioning him after a relative reported on April 23 that his wife was missing.

According to police, the suspect indicated before his arrest that he had abandoned her body in the incinerator at night while the zoo was closed. Authorities also said he suggested that he had killed his wife and is suspected of having threatened her by saying he would burn her until nothing remained.

Asahiyama Zoo opened for the summer season on Friday, two days later than scheduled due to the police investigation.

On the main count, the court sentenced Malema to five years in prison. He received a further two-year sentence on a second count, while on the remaining three counts he was ordered to pay a fine of R20,000 or serve six months’ imprisonment. The court directed that the sentences run concurrently with the main term.

The case arose from the EFF’s fifth anniversary event in Mdantsane in 2018, where Malema was seen taking a rifle and firing shots into the air before a crowd.

In court, the defence argued that the firearm was not live and suggested it may have been a toy or loaded with blank rounds. The court dismissed that version, finding that the weapon was real and that the conduct amounted to a serious breach of the law .

In sentencing Malema, the magistrate said the fact that the shots were allegedly fired in celebration did not lessen the gravity of the offence. The court held that using a firearm in a public setting, particularly in a crowd, created an obvious risk and could not be excused as part of a political event.

The magistrate also said the evidence showed the act was deliberate, not accidental, and stressed that public stature could not shield anyone from criminal accountability.

Malema’s lawyer, Advocate Lawrence Hodes SC, indicated immediately after sentencing that the ruling would be challenged.

His remarks, which also referenced civilian casualties in the Middle East , triggered immediate outrage in the chamber. Poland’s parliamentary speaker condemned the display as “unjustified” and said penalties would be proposed for using a banned symbol.

The Embassy of Israel in Warsaw denounced the incident as an “antisemitic horror,” urging Polish authorities to respond.

The controversy comes as Poland marked the annual March of the Living at the former Nazi death camp Auschwitz, amplifying sensitivities around Holocaust imagery.

Berkowicz’s intervention also unfolded against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions. Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon have continued despite a ceasefire agreed in October 2025, with reported casualties in the thousands and widespread displacement.

Researchers analysed the impact of a decision to extend hours from 4.5 to 8 per day in high schools under the Full-Time Schools Programme introduced in 2007.

They found that robberies dropped 11% following the change, but that there was little impact on more serious crimes or minor offences.

The biggest effects were found in children aged between 12 and 14 and in lower-income areas.

With less spare time on their hands, the students simply had less opportunity to break the law , the researchers surmised.

Crime is a significant problem across Latin America , imposing direct costs on the region's economies of almost 3.5% of GDP - that would cover three-quarters of all the education budgets.

In Mexico in particular, young people aged between 12 and 17 account for 39% of total convictions.

Increasing the school day likely has other significant benefits to society as well, the study's authors Francisco Cabrera-Hernández and Bárbara A. Zárate-Tenorio. Their research was published in the World Development journal. 

Image: Depositphotos.com

Lyons was arrested on March 28 at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport after arriving from Singapore, when immigration systems flagged him as the subject of an Interpol Red Notice. 

Who is Steven Lyons?

Lyons is identified by law enforcement agencies as a senior figure in an international crime syndicate and the alleged leader of the Lyons crime group in Scotland. Police said the group has been involved in a long-running and violent feud with a rival organization for more than two decades.

Lyons previously lived in Spain before relocating to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He has been on Spain’s wanted list for about two years, following a 2024 killing linked to investigations in the country. His wife was also arrested in Dubai in a related operation, and both are wanted by Spanish authorities.

Indonesian police said Lyons is suspected of leading a transnational criminal network operating across multiple jurisdictions, including Spain, Scotland, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey.

What is he wanted for?

Spanish authorities are seeking Lyons over allegations of drug trafficking, money laundering and membership in a criminal organization. Investigators from Spain’s Civil Guard estimate that funds laundered by the network exceed €30 million.

Officials said the group allegedly used shell companies across Europe and the Middle East to conceal illicit proceeds and facilitate financial flows linked to narcotics trafficking routes between Spain and the United Kingdom.

The case is part of a broader multinational investigation involving Indonesian, Spanish and Scottish authorities, with coordinated raids carried out in locations including Glasgow, Barcelona and Malaga. Additional arrests have been reported in Turkey, the Netherlands and the UAE, with support from Europol.

What Indonesian authorities said

Indonesian officials described Lyons as a “mafia boss” and Interpol fugitive, emphasizing that his deportation reflects the country’s stance against international criminal activity.

“We will not allow Indonesian territory, especially Bali, to become a haven or operational base for international criminals,” said Bugie Kurniawan, head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office.

Bali police chief Daniel Adityajaya said Lyons was believed to be the leader of a “large-scale transnational criminal organisation engaged in drug trafficking and money laundering.”

Untung Widyatmoko, secretary of Interpol’s Indonesia bureau, said the group’s operations spanned multiple regions, underscoring the cross-border nature of the investigation.

Authorities added that two associates who arrived in Bali on the same flight as Lyons remain unaccounted for, with no arrest warrants currently issued against them.

But can’t they really?

About the ICC

The ICC was created by the Rome Statute as a court of last resort. It prosecutes individuals, not states, and covers four core crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression. 

It is meant to step in only when national authorities are unwilling or unable genuinely to investigate and prosecute. Its jurisdiction is also limited. In general, the court can act when the alleged crimes were committed on the territory of a state party, by a national of a state party, or when the UN Security Council refers a situation to it. 

As of now, 125 countries are parties to the Rome Statute : 33 African States, 19 Asia-Pacific States, 20 countries from Eastern Europe, 28 Latin American and Caribbean States, and 25 Western European and other States.

Important to note: the United States and Israel are not parties to the statute. 

Most of ICC’s defendants are from the Global South

That legal architecture helps explain why the ICC’s public defendants list remains heavily weighted towards weaker or more internationally exposed states. 

ICC’s website currently lists 74 defendants. The roster is dominated by African situations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (6), Uganda (5), Sudan (7), the Central African Republic (12), Kenya (9), Libya (14), Côte d’Ivoire (3) and Mali (3). The remainder stretches across places such as Afghanistan (2), Georgia (3), Ukraine (6), the State of Palestine (3) and the Philippines (1). 

An overwhelming majority — 51 defendants — face war crimes allegations. These include Sudan’s Abd-Al-Rahman, who is suspected of 31 counts of war crimes and is in ICC custody, and Libya’s Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, better known as “El Hishri.”

Warrants for Netanyahu, Putin

That is not to say the court has never tried to go after bigger fish.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is the subject of an ICC arrest warrant for the alleged war crimes of unlawfully deporting and transferring Ukrainian children. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant are also the subjects of ICC warrants after judges said there were reasonable grounds to believe they bore criminal responsibility for, among other acts, starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution and intentionally directing attacks against civilians in Gaza. 

Those cases show that the court can, at least on paper, move against leaders backed by strong states. But a warrant is not an arrest, and the court has no police force of its own. It depends on state cooperation.

Can they get Trump?

The Iran war illustrates the next barrier. There are already credible traces of conduct that international humanitarian law treats as potentially criminal. 

For instance, attacks on civilian installations can constitute war crimes if they fail the tests of military necessity, distinction and proportionality. Trump’s threats against bridges and power plants therefore fall squarely within such conduct.

In a joint letter published on April 2, more than 100 US-based international law experts expressed “serious concerns about violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes.”

They cited Trump’s threats to Iran’s energy infrastructure, as well as the February 28 strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, which resulted in the deaths of at least 175 people, many of them children.

“The strike likely violates international humanitarian law, and if evidence is found that those responsible were reckless, it could also be a war crime. The strike is among the deadliest single attacks by the U.S. military on civilians in recent decades,” the lawyers noted.

So can the ICC get Trump or Netanyahu? Netanyahu is already within the court’s reach because the judges have said the court has jurisdiction in the State of Palestine and have rejected Israel’s challenge. 

Trump is a different case. 

Washington has gone beyond non-membership and moved to punish the court itself. In a February 2025 order, the White House called the ICC’s actions against the US and Israel “illegitimate and baseless,” said neither country had accepted the court’s jurisdiction, and authorised sanctions, asset blocking and visa restrictions against ICC officials and those assisting them. 

In practice, that leaves the ICC confronting the same problem critics have long identified: it can name the powerful, but it is far better equipped to jail the weak.

Footage from the scene on Friday showed reporters gathered outside the nursery as bloodstains and other signs of the attack remained visible inside the compound, much of which was sealed off by police.

Minister for Higher Education John Chrysestom Muyingo visited the school and said its management had been ordered to submit a full report on the circumstances leading to the children ’s deaths. He said the education ministry would support the bereaved families.

Local media identified the suspect as 39-year-old Christopher Onyum, who reportedly posed as a parent to gain entry to the school before carrying out the attack, Viory report.

Authorities in Guatemala discovered cell phones and illegal drugs during a security search at the women’s prison located in Zone 18 of Guatemala City. Prison officials carried out the operation as part of routine efforts to clamp down on contraband items that are often used by inmates to coordinate criminal activities outside prison walls. During the search , officers reportedly combed through several sections of the prison, inspecting personal belongings and shared spaces used by inmates. The operation resulted in the confiscation of multiple mobile devices and narcotics, which authorities say pose a significant security threat within the prison system. Officials noted that such items are frequently smuggled into facilities through illicit networks involving visitors or corrupt intermediaries.

Search at Pavoncito prison 

A separate security operation at Pavoncito prison led to the seizure of various illegal items, authorities reported. The search was conducted by prison officials aiming to reinforce order within the correctional facility and prevent inmates from maintaining criminal operations while behind bars. Such inspections have become increasingly frequent as authorities attempt to tighten control in Guatemala’s prison system. During the operation , officers searched cells and communal areas within the prison complex. Several items considered prohibited under prison regulations were confiscated, though officials did not immediately provide a full list of the materials recovered.

Pool tragedy in Sakerti

What began as a relaxing afternoon at a swimming pool in the Sakerti neighborhood of Zone 7 ended in tragedy after a fatal incident occurred at the site. Local reports indicate that the gathering was meant to be a casual recreational outing before the situation suddenly turned into an emergency. Authorities were called to the scene after the incident was reported. Emergency responders arrived and attempted to manage the situation, but the individual involved was later confirmed dead. Details surrounding the exact cause of the tragedy were not immediately clear, prompting officials to launch an investigation to determine what led to the fatal outcome. W

Armed attack leaves one police officer dead and another injured

An armed attack in Guatemala’s northern Petén region left one police officer dead and another injured, according to authorities. The assault occurred while officers were carrying out their duties. The injured officer was reportedly taken for medical treatment following the incident, while security forces quickly moved to secure the area. Authorities launched an investigation and began searching for those responsible for the attack. Police and other security agencies have since intensified operations in the area as part of efforts to track down suspects. Officials have also reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice for the fallen officer. 

Three men killed and a woman injured

Three men were killed and a woman injured after gunmen opened fire in a separate armed attack in Guatemala, according to local reports. The violent incident has added to concerns about crime and public safety in parts of the country where armed assaults continue to occur. The three male victims were confirmed dead, while the injured woman was transported to a medical facility for treatment. Officials have not yet released details about the identities of those involved or the possible motive behind the attack. Investigators have opened a case and are working to identify the suspects responsible for the shooting. Security forces say they are gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses as part of the inquiry.

His lead counsel, Enayat Qasimi, told Semafor that Ofori-Atta has a “pathway to residency” that he intends to pursue instead of returning home, arguing that his client fears he would not get a fair trial in Ghana. Qasimi said there are “serious questions” about the independence of the Ghanaian judiciary and described the case as a “political witch hunt.”

Ghana has filed an extradition request for Ofori-Atta, and US officials told Semafor the request has been received. Ghana’s Attorney-General’s office declined to comment, according to the report.

Ofori-Atta is facing multiple allegations, including corruption, money laundering and using public office for profit, with prosecutors alleging that the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contract caused a financial loss of more than GH¢1.4 billion to the state.

The case has drawn wide attention in Ghana, where Ofori-Atta oversaw the Finance Ministry from 2017 to 2024 during a period that ended with the country’s worst economic crisis in a generation. His prosecution has also become a high-profile test of President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to crack down on corruption.

Prosecutors allege the network fraudulently registered some medical facilities and then submitted claims for procedures that were never performed, draining about KSh 28 million  (approx. US$217,000) from public health funds.

The DPP has also recommended criminal charges against eight facilities named in the case: Kaafi Nursing Home, Dimtu Nursing Limited, Mama Nerbeel Nursing Home, Kamsihawa Medical Centre, Adfeel Kids Care Medical Centre Limited, Julun Nursing Home, Danaba Care Hospital Limited and Alati Nursing Home.

The approved charges include conspiracy to de fraud , operating unlicensed health facilities, acquisition and use of proceeds of crime, unauthorised access to computer systems, computer fraud, obtaining money by false pretence and abuse of office. Investigators believe the scheme relied on fake patient claims, questionable billing practices and access to digital health systems.

In a related case arising from the same probe, Harun Liluma has already been charged and pleaded not guilty. He was released on a KSh 1 million (approx. US$7,700 - 7,800) bond with two sureties or KSh 500,000 (between US$3,850 - 3,900) cash bail, and the matter is due back in court on March 12, 2026, as authorities continue tracing the remaining suspects over alleged offences committed between January 30 and August 25, 2025.

“My instructions are not to proceed with the bail applications,” Hodes said, adding that the pair intend to enter plea discussions with the state.

Hodes asked that the matter be transferred back to the regional court to facilitate the negotiations. The state confirmed the arrangement and requested a postponement. The case returns to court on March 17.

Mugabe and Matonhodze were arrested following a shooting at Mugabe’s home in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, on February 19, in which a 23-year-old gardener was seriously injured.

They face charges including attempted murder , possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, pointing a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice. Mugabe also faces a separate charge of being in South Africa illegally under the Immigration Act.

Investigators allege the couple persuaded an unnamed foreign national to channel funds into a series of purported ventures, including stock market investments, property developments, energy projects and the purchase of a private jet. 

Authorities said the suspects cultivated credibility over time, promising returns of up to 11%, before the victim transferred more than one billion baht (approximately $31.8 million).

The Criminal Court approved warrants on charges of fraud and money laundering.

The CIB said the case formed part of a broader effort to dismantle transnational scam operations that have proliferated across mainland Southeast Asia in recent years. 

Smith was previously linked to alleged scam networks operating out of Cambodia, an epicentre of a fast-growing illicit industry that has drawn increasing regional and international scrutiny.

Last week, Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office said it had moved to seize assets worth more than $410 million connected to Smith and other individuals under investigation in related fraud cases.

Thailand's Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said the warrants were consistent with the government’s policy of pursuing financial crime “regardless of who they are.” 

In December, Anutin acknowledged he knew Smith but said they were not close.

Vircoulon, who said his findings were based on testimonies from recruits and their families, described what he called a mix of public recruitment and a “discreet” form of coercion involving quick visa approvals arranged through groups posing as work-and-travel agencies.

“Once in the hands of the Russian army, they are sent for basic military training, then deployed to do the most dangerous work on the frontlines,” Vircoulon is quoted by the Citizen .

Gaudio alleged that some recruits were offered unskilled work and that “it has become a business” for recruiters in high-volume countries. He also accused Russian recruiters of manipulating visa extensions, claiming migrants were misled into signing documents before being handed military gear.

Inpact’s research, the speakers said, identified 1,417 African men allegedly recruited by Russia between 2023 and 2025, based on a list of African prisoners of war captured by Ukrainian forces. The recruits were reportedly aged 18 to 57, with an average age of 31. Inpact listed 32 South Africans, while Egypt and Cameroon had the largest numbers cited.

Vircoulon said the MK Party was among the South African actors mentioned in connection with recruitment, linking it to Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. The party was contacted for comment, but did not respond by publication time, according to the organisers’ account.

Vircoulon argued the alleged tactics reflected rising costs and recruitment pressures for Russia . “Russian soldiers are more and more costly, and luring foreigners is a form of cheaper labour. It is about exploiting the migrants,” he said.

In November 2025, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla , the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, resigned from Parliament after allegations that she helped lure 17 men to fight as mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Her resignation followed a police announcement that she was under investigation over claims she had enticed South Africans to travel to Russia. The allegations emerged after a group of men aged 20 to 39 reportedly ended up on the front lines of the war in Ukraine.

At a recent African Union summit, reparations for the mass human trafficking, colonialism and apartheid were designated as a flagship priority of the Union. The move marks a significant moment in a long-running effort to coordinate Africa’s position on one of the gravest chapters in global history.

Ghana has been tasked with leading the development of a unified proposal. Situated on the West African coast, Ghana - like several neighbouring countries - became a major hub in the trafficking of enslaved Africans. Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children were forcibly taken from its shores and transported across the Atlantic in appalling conditions.

For decades, there was little international consensus about how to address this history. Many of the countries responsible sought to frame slavery as a closed chapter. Some African states prioritised other urgent post-independence challenges. Caribbean nations, whose populations include many descendants of enslaved Africans, developed their own approaches shaped by different political and economic realities.

Now, however, the African Union is attempting to bring together African states and the wider diaspora behind a common position.

The gravest crime

At the heart of the new initiative is a draft declaration that characterises the trafficking and enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.

Slavery is already prohibited under international law as a peremptory norm - a jus cogens principle from which no derogation is permitted. The proposed resolution builds on this legal foundation and rests on three pillars - historical accuracy, legal defensibility and continental and diaspora alignment.

The language has been deliberately refined. The draft title reads: Declaration of the Trafficking in Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity . Supporters argue that such precision matters. It recognises the systematic trafficking of millions of Africans, the racialised and institutional nature of chattel enslavement, and the unprecedented scale and enduring consequences of these crimes.

The emphasis on describing slavery as a crime - rather than merely a trade or an economic system - reflects a broader shift in tone. For many African leaders, justice begins with acknowledgement: first, that a crime occurred, and second, an understanding of its nature and consequences.

A 15-point plan

Although the full text of the new declaration has yet to be published, its direction is informed by the 2023 Accra Proclamation on Reparations.

That proclamation sets out a 15-point plan. It includes the creation of a reparations fund, but extends far beyond financial compensation. It calls for reform of international financial institutions to produce a fairer global system for countries subjected to slavery and colonial exploitation. It demands the return of cultural artefacts removed during periods of enslavement and colonial rule. It urges the formation of a joint front across nations and peoples who suffered as a result of these systems.

The proclamation also links historical injustice to contemporary global inequalities. It highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on the Global South and argues that patterns of extraction and dependency established during colonialism continue today through economic and cultural dependence on former colonial powers.

In this framing, reparations are not simply about calculating a monetary sum for historical suffering. They are about restructuring relationships and correcting systemic imbalances that trace their origins to slavery and colonial rule.

It's not (only) about the money

African leaders have been clear that the issue of reparations and restitutive justice goes beyond money.

Setting the historical record straight is seen as a central objective. Around 12 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic. An estimated 2 million died during the Middle Passage - some from disease and brutality, others thrown overboard, and some choosing death over a life in bondage.

The argument is that this historical reality must be formally recognised at the highest international level. Supporters stress that no single payment or lump sum could meaningfully account for the scale of suffering or the generational harm inflicted. The damage extended far beyond those who were taken. Entire societies were destabilised. Generations of descendants across Africa and the diaspora continue to live with the social and economic consequences.

Questions of financial quantum are still under research, and leaders suggest that any eventual settlement would not simply involve distributing money to governments. Instead, they envision a broader programme of transformation - returning stolen artefacts, addressing structural inequities, and restoring opportunity to affected communities.

A Changing Global Context

The renewed push comes at a time of uncertainty in the international system. The multilateral order established after the Second World War is under strain. Nations increasingly act unilaterally and prioritise domestic interests. Humanitarian assistance and overseas development funding to Africa and other parts of the Global South are declining.

In this context, African leaders argue that the continent cannot remain a passive actor, appealing for aid while global priorities shift. Instead, they say Africa must take its destiny into its own hands and assert its moral and legal claims on the world stage.

The past cannot be undone. But it can be acknowledged. For those leading this initiative, acknowledgement is the first step towards justice.

After centuries in which the suffering of enslaved Africans was minimised, reframed or ignored, many across the continent believe the moment has come to secure formal recognition - and to begin reshaping the systems that grew out of that injustice.

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

The controversy surrounding former official Juan Cardama has escalated into a major political dispute in Uruguay. Cardama is accused of alleged irregularities and possible fraud linked to state management and public funds , though the legal process is still ongoing. While some lawmakers argue there are sufficient grounds to investigate potential misuse of resources, others warn against turning the process into political persecution. Commentators describe Parliament as a “war zone”, reflecting the intense institutional and partisan confrontation sparked by the case. The debate now centres not only on whether Cardama committed wrongdoing, but also on how the investigation should proceed and under what majority rules.

Senate researcher suggests majority backing for a Cardama investigation commission

A Senate pre-investigator recommended to legislators that a majority vote should be sufficient to create a commission to investigate the Cardama case, rather than a qualified majority. The suggestion reflects growing political pressure to examine alleged irregularities tied to state contracts and public funds. Lawmakers are now debating whether to establish the special commission, with supporters arguing it will enhance transparency and critics warning it may fuel political polarisation. The move signals rising institutional scrutiny of corruption allegations.

Government expands drought aid measures to 12 departments

Uruguay’s Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) announced it is extending emergency assistance measures for drought relief to 12 departments, as parts of the country face serious water deficits affecting crops, livestock and rural livelihoods. The package includes support for water access, feed assistance and flexible loan conditions for affected farmers. Officials stressed the need for coordinated regional responses and early planning to mitigate ongoing climate stress. Local governors welcomed the announcement but urged faster implementation in the hardest-hit areas.

Well-known Punta del Este businessman charged; daughter under investigation in US

A prominent Punta del Este entrepreneur has been formally charged in Uruguay in a high-profile case that has drawn significant media attention. Authorities also revealed that the businessman’s daughter, currently in the United States, is being investigated by US law enforcement for her alleged involvement in related activities. Details of the case remain under judicial seal, but sources say the charges relate to financial misconduct and possible cross-border elements. The development has raised questions about accountability and international cooperation in complex financial crime cases.

Emails and parties reveal link between Epstein and famous Italian businessman in Uruguay

Investigative reporting has uncovered emails and social events suggesting a connection between Jeffrey Epstein and a well-known Italian businessman who spent significant time in Uruguay. The correspondence and social records indicate that Epstein and the businessman attended overlapping events and had contact over the years, prompting renewed scrutiny of elite networks tied to Epstein’s global activities. Journalists say the links shed light on how powerful figures moved within common social circles, with implications for understanding Epstein’s reach beyond the United States.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers were called to the scene after neighbours reported hearing two to three gunshots.

SAPS spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the arrest. “The police can confirm that the two men that were brought in for questioning in relation to a shooting that occurred earlier today at Hyde Park have been officially arrested and are expected to appear before Alexandra Magistrates’ Court soon on charges of attempted murder. Police investigations continue,” she said .

Police are investigating a case of attempted murder . Authorities said cartridges were found at the scene, but no firearm has yet been recovered.

Nevhuhulwi added, “According to information at hand, the victim is an employee at this residence and has been taken to hospital.”

Police sources said Mugabe allegedly locked himself inside the house for about two hours before officers were able to detain him and another individual for questioning. A multidisciplinary team, including K-9 units and forensic investigators, later returned to the property to continue searching for the weapon.

“The K9 unit, Bramley station detectives and Forensic Crime Scene Management are processing the scene,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Speaking to SABC, a man identifying himself as “Batista,” who said he is part of the family’s private security team, said he had received a call requesting assistance. He also expressed frustration after being denied entry to the Hyde Park property.

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe is the third child of the late Robert Mugabe and his second wife, Grace Mugabe. Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe from 1980 until he was removed from office in 2017.

In a statement shared on X, George said the government presented evidence available to it concerning allegations that Luilkov engaged in non-consensual recordings of women. 

He stressed that authorities are committed to enforcing Section 67 of Ghana’s Cyber Security Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which criminalises the non-consensual capture and distribution of intimate images.

“My colleague and I reiterate our commitment to using all legal means at our disposal to ensure that the protections of Ghanaian citizens are enforced at all times,” George said.

Working with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, the government has now escalated the matter to an international level.

“We have activated international legal action through INTERPOL to ensure that once the individual sets foot outside Russia , we have a legal route to make him answer for his actions within Ghana,” the minister added.

The move means Ghana could seek cooperation from other countries if the suspect travels abroad, potentially paving the way for arrest or extradition proceedings. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the investigation, and the Russian embassy has yet to issue a public response.

The so-called “Epstein files” include millions of pages of emails and records detailing his social and professional contacts.

Speaking to reporters hours after Gandhi’s address, Puri said he encountered Epstein “three or four times at most” while serving with the New York-based International Peace Institute (IPI), where his then-supervisor knew the financier. 

“Our interactions had nothing to do with the crimes he is accused of,” Puri said, adding that references to him in the documents were limited.

He said one email exchange, in which Epstein was copied, related to discussions about India’s digital economy and outreach to technology investors, including LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. 

Puri said the correspondence focused on India’s internet growth and investment opportunities and did not concern Epstein’s personal activities. In another exchange from 2014, Puri said, Epstein referred to him as “two-faced,” which the minister cited to argue that he was not part of Epstein’s inner circle.

Gandhi’s remarks are part of a broader political offensive by India’s main opposition party, which has sought to question the government over references to Indian public figures in the US disclosures. 

The government has dismissed such references as irrelevant or misleading. 

Last month, India’s foreign ministry rejected as “trashy ruminations” an email mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2017 visit to Israel, stressing that official travel details were publicly known and unrelated to any wrongdoing.

The US Justice Department last month released a new tranche of records under transparency rules aimed at shedding light on what authorities knew about Epstein’s abuse of underage girls and his connections with influential figures. 

While the documents list a wide range of global business leaders and politicians, inclusion in the records does not in itself imply criminal conduct.

There is no indication that any of the lobbying activities were illegal.

The files indicate that Epstein met Wade and travelled with him on his private jet in 2011. As minister for air transport, among other roles, Wade appears to have personally secured landing permission for Epstein.

After his father's defeat to Macky Sall in the 2012 election Wade was imprisoned on corruption charges, which he claimed were politically motivated. He was also fined the equivalent of $228 million. Shortly after the Supreme Court rejected his appeal, Wade's personal assistant contacted Epstein , asking him to pay a legal firm to lobby for the US to intervene.

Subsequent emails suggest that as the bill rose to $150,000, Epstein asked Wade's representatives to forward him payment so he could settle the bill. They then a sked if they could pay in cash instead of wiring the money.

Further correspondence shows the law firm Nelson Mullins informing Epstein of an opportunity to contact members of Congress to help push the case. That email came a month before Sall announced he would pardon and free Wade, who subsequently moved to Qatar.

The documents, which include emails and other correspondence, reportedly mention meetings involving Epstein and an unnamed head of state from Djibouti. One exchange described plans that were later cancelled and characterised the individual as being “a lot of fun,” a descriptor that has attracted wide public interest as portions of the files are gradually made public.

Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has been President of Djibouti since 1999 and is one of Africa’s longest-serving national leaders. He was first elected after succeeding his uncle and has since been re-elected multiple times, most recently in 2021 amid opposition boycotts and allegations of limited political competition. Guelleh’s long tenure has drawn criticism from human rights groups and observers for weak political pluralism and restrictions on freedoms, though he is also credited with maintaining stability in the strategically important Horn of Africa nation.

While inclusion in the Epstein documents has generated public interest, it is important to note that being referenced in unsealed material does not imply wrongdoing or legal action. The Department of Justice has been releasing millions of pages of files in response to legislation aimed at transparency, and many individuals mentioned in the records are not accused of any criminal conduct. Prosecutors have also emphasised that redactions are extensive to protect victims and sensitive information.

Some countries deploy large numbers of police officers to manage crime, protests, and internal stability, while others rely on smaller forces supported by social services, community policing, or private security.

The number of officers per 100,000 people is often shaped by a country’s history, political system, and recent experiences with unrest or violence, making policing levels a revealing indicator of how states balance safety with civil liberties.

At the top end of the scale are countries like Russia and several Eastern European states, where police officer ratios exceed 600 officers per 100,000 people. This places them among the most heavily policed nations in the world.

Russia’s high ratio reflects a legacy of extensive state security structures dating back to the Soviet era, as well as ongoing efforts to maintain public order across a vast territory with diverse challenges.

In South America , Argentina and Chile also show up with high police ratios. Argentina’s figure has been linked in part to provincial policing structures; each province maintains its own force, contributing to overall high numbers.

Chile similarly expanded its national police force during periods of social unrest in the 2010s and 2020s, aiming to respond to both crime and large-scale protests. These numbers often attract debate: higher policing levels don’t necessarily correspond to lower crime rates, but they do reflect governments’ emphasis on visible law enforcement.

Across Africa and Asia, countries such as South Africa and Thailand show elevated policing ratios compared with many of their neighbours. In South Africa, sustained concerns about violent crime and public safety have driven investment in policing, even as critics argue that resources might be better allocated toward community services and economic opportunity.

Thailand’s police presence is similarly robust, shaped by both internal security priorities and political protests that have marked recent years.

In contrast, many countries in Western Europe, parts of Africa, and Southeast Asia report far lower numbers of officers per capita. Nations with smaller police forces often rely more on community policing, private security partnerships, and crime prevention strategies rather than large uniformed forces.

According to the president, Wedding voluntarily presented himself at the United States embassy in Mexico City before being transferred to US authorities. Sheinbaum underlined that Mexico’s constitution and national security laws prohibit joint operations by foreign investigative agencies, allowing only cooperation through the exchange of information between governments.

Sheinbaum added that this position has been clearly communicated to Washington, noting that while Mexico maintains security cooperation with the US, it does so strictly within its legal framework. Her remarks come amid heightened international scrutiny of cross-border security coordination between the two countries, particularly in cases involving organised crime and extradition.

Argentine President Javier Milei released a Christmas message on Wednesday, December 24, reviewing his administration’s first year in office, highlighting the elimination of the fiscal deficit, a drop in inflation, the lifting of currency controls and recent electoral gains by La Libertad Avanza (LLA). In a video shared on Instagram, Milei said the consolidated deficit had been reduced from 15% of GDP to zero and claimed that inflation had been brought under control, lifting 12 million people out of poverty. He also praised Security Minister Patricia Bullrich for ending roadblocks, tightening crime policy and creating a Federal Directorate of Investigations. Milei celebrated the adoption of the Single Paper Ballot and LLA’s performance in the legislative elections, which made the party the largest minority in the Chamber of Deputies and secured 20 Senate seats. He closed the message by urging Argentines to “fasten your seatbelts,” signalling further reforms as Congress prepares to debate the 2026 Budget.

Government pushes for Senate approval of 2026 Budget

President Javier Milei’s La Libertad Avanza gained backing from four senators in the Convicción Federal caucus, boosting government confidence that the 2026 Budget bill will pass its first reading in the Senate. If approved, it would be the first budget sanctioned under Milei since he took office in December 2023. The main uncertainty centres on Article 30, which proposes repealing laws that earmark funding for education, science and technical schools. While the government expects broad support for the overall bill, several Peronist senators backing the budget have said they will not vote for that article. The Casa Rosada is seeking to secure more than 40 votes and avoid reopening debate after setbacks in the Chamber of Deputies, where lawmakers failed to repeal university funding and disability emergency laws.

Economy minister signals shift away from Wall Street debt

Economy Minister Luis Caputo said the government will try to avoid issuing new debt under New York law in January, as part of a strategy to reduce Argentina’s reliance on U.S. financial markets. Writing on X, Caputo said the aim is to make Wall Street only a marginal source of financing. His comments followed a recent US$1 billion bond auction that drew higher yields and weaker demand than expected. Caputo said Argentina’s market debt is equivalent to about 25% of GDP, with Wall Street exposure accounting for less than five points. He added that proposed labour reforms include a severance assistance fund that could help develop a domestic capital market of around US$4 billion per year.

San Juan launches Argentina’s first solar highway

The province of San Juan inaugurated Argentina’s first solar highway on the Avenida Circunvalación, integrating photovoltaic generation into road infrastructure. The project includes 36 solar systems mounted on metal monopoles that feed electricity into the grid during the day and power road lighting at night. Developed entirely with local labour and expertise, the initiative aims to optimise existing infrastructure without using additional land. Provincial authorities say the project reduces emissions, cuts long-term energy costs and positions San Juan as a national leader in renewable energy and sustainable urban development.

Report shows sharp rise in security incidents

A national report by private security firm Verisure recorded a 20% year-on-year increase in security incidents across Argentina, highlighting a fragmented and regionalised crime pattern. Tucumán topped the ranking with a 65% rise, followed by Córdoba at 50% and Mendoza at 40%. The Atlantic coast saw a 30% increase, while Buenos Aires Province registered a 15% rise overall, masking a sharp increase in violent robberies in the Greater Buenos Aires area over the past decade. Despite the rise in robberies and violent incidents, Argentina’s homicide rate stood at 3.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, the lowest in two decades. According to the report, 74% of Argentines now cite insecurity as their main concern, pointing to public safety as a key social and political challenge.

The boys, aged between 11 and 15, disappeared during a military security operation in the southern neighbourhood of Las Malvinas on 8 December 2024. Witness testimony and evidence presented at trial indicated that the children were detained by soldiers and later found dead in a rural area outside Guayaquil, with severe injuries prior to their deaths.

Five additional soldiers received shorter sentences of 2.5 years for their cooperation with prosecutors, while one officer was acquitted. The trial, which followed months of investigation and international attention, highlighted both procedural scrutiny and demands for accountability from civil society groups and rights organisations.

The convictions come amid wider debate in Ecuador over the use of military forces in civilian security operations. The case has drawn attention beyond the country’s borders, underscoring broader global concerns about human rights and the conduct of armed forces in internal security roles. Observers say the ruling could have implications for how other nations address allegations of abuse during counter‑crime operations.

In February alone, hackers drained around $1.5 billion from the exchange Bybit, accounting for nearly half of all funds stolen this year. This incident highlighted how one breach can now dominate the industry’s annual losses.

Behind much of the damage sits North Korea. Despite carrying out fewer confirmed attacks, hackers linked to the Democratic People ’s Republic of Korea stole at least $2.02 billion in 2025 — a 51% jump from the year before and the highest annual total ever recorded.

North Korean groups were responsible for about 76% of all major service compromises this year. Overall, estimates suggest the country has now stolen at least $6.75 billion in cryptocurrency over time.

Investigators say Pyongyang’s success increasingly relies on deception. Operatives infiltrate crypto firms by posing as IT workers, recruiters, or even investors, using fake job offers and business meetings to gain access. 

Evolving method

While eye-catching exchange hacks grab headlines, the pattern of theft is shifting. Attacks on individual users’ personal wallets have risen sharply in recent years, reflecting how everyday investors are increasingly being targeted alongside large firms.

At the same time, centralised crypto services continue to suffer devastating blows. Even with professional security teams, exchanges and custodians remain vulnerable when private keys are compromised. These incidents are rare, but when they happen the losses are enormous.

As a result, crypto crime is becoming more extreme. In 2025, the three biggest hacks alone made up 69% of all losses suffered by services. The gap between a “typical” theft and the largest attacks has never been wider.

This year marked a grim milestone. For the first time, the biggest single hack was more than 1,000 times larger than the median theft, surpassing even the peaks seen during the 2021 crypto boom.

Authorities say the syndicate was operating large-scale drug-processing laboratories hidden inside residential homes and industrial buildings. Among the properties raided was a three-storey bungalow that had been converted into a drug lab.

Police seized massive quantities of cocaine, ketamine and MDMA in both liquid and powder form, along with chemical equipment used to process and package the drugs. Investigators estimate the drugs could have supplied more than 60 million users.

According to the police, the syndicate had been active since April and was supplying drugs to overseas markets. One suspect is believed to have acted as a chemist, while others managed storage and processing sites. The foreign women arrested were described as partners of the male suspects.

In addition to the drugs, police seized several vehicles and other assets as part of the investigation. The suspects remain in custody as authorities continue to track possible links to international trafficking networks.

In 2019 , Malaysian authorities seized nearly 3,700kg of ketamine and cocaine worth about $161m in the country’s biggest drug haul to date. Malaysia has, over the years, become a key transit point for illegal narcotics, with authorities seizing record amounts of crystal methamphetamine in the past year.

State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Abka Fitz-Henley, said the decline reflects years of deliberate policy-making and closer cooperation between the government and security forces. While stressing that any loss of life remains unacceptable, he said the progress should be recognised in context.

“This did not happen by chance,” Fitz-Henley said. “It is the result of sustained planning, effective leadership and strong partnerships with our security forces,” the Jamaica Observer quotes.

He pointed to the Plan Secure Jamaica initiative, introduced by the government in the 2017 - 2018 budget, as a turning point. The strategy focuses on boosting intelligence capabilities, investing heavily in border security to stem the flow of illegal guns, and using technology to support law enforcement operations.

Targeted action against criminal gangs has also played a key role, alongside new legislation such as Zones of Special Operations, stronger anti-gang laws and the use of DNA evidence. The government has also increased support for police officers, including improving working conditions and expanding their presence on the ground.

So far this year, murders have fallen by about 43%, according to the government. However, Fitz-Henley said authorities are not celebrating prematurely.

“There is no victory lap,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Andrew Holness and National Security Minister Horace Chang remain focused on sustaining the gains and strengthening public safety.

The government says further measures are being developed as it seeks to lock in the progress and make Jamaica a safer place in the long term.

Indonesian police said the arrest followed an investigation into two suspicious packages sent to Ahchee from England . Authorities believe he intended to distribute the drugs locally, although Ahchee denied knowing the packages contained cocaine.

Delivering the verdict on Thursday, Judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima said the large quantity of drugs posed a serious risk to public safety and could harm Bali’s tourism industry. The court also cited Ahchee’s lack of cooperation during the investigation as an aggravating factor.

The sentence was harsher than prosecutors had requested. In addition to the prison term, Ahchee was fined two billion rupiah (about US$120,000).

Indonesia has some of the world’s strictest drug laws and remains a major target for international trafficking networks, according to the United Nations . More than 500 people, including dozens of foreigners, are currently on death row in the country, most for drug-related offences.

Algerian police in Bechar have recovered gold jewellery valued at more than 3 billion centimes, along with 500 million centimes in cash, following a robbery at a family residence. The operation was carried out by the search and intervention squad of the provincial judicial police service, El Khabar reports. Three suspects, including two women, were arrested on charges of forming a criminal gang and carrying out theft using counterfeit keys. After obtaining authorisation from prosecutors, police searched the suspects’ homes, recovering most of the stolen items. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the suspects have been referred to the competent prosecution office.

Libraries embrace digitisation

Experts and academics have called for accelerated digitisation of Algeria’s cultural heritage, as the Third National Forum on the Role of Libraries in Documenting, Digitising and Promoting Cultural Heritage concluded in Constantine. Hosted by the Mustafa Natour Public Reading Library, the forum emphasised that libraries are no longer just repositories of books but have become digital gateways safeguarding national memory. Speakers highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and digital mediation in preserving manuscripts and making heritage more accessible to younger, tech-savvy generations. Presentations included case studies on manuscript digitisation, AI-assisted cataloguing, and the integration of archives and libraries to ensure both authenticity and public access to cultural heritage.

Algeria emerges as a key energy hub in Africa

Energy and Renewable Energies Minister Mourad Adjal has declared Algeria a major energy hub at the continental level, citing large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at transforming the country’s energy landscape. Speaking at the launch of an 82-megawatt solar power plant in Ghardaia, the minister highlighted the “energy century project,” which will connect northern and southern Algeria through an electricity grid spanning over 1,600 kilometres, El Massa reports. The Ghardaia facility, covering 200 hectares, is expected to strengthen photovoltaic capacity and create jobs during construction and operation. Adjal also inspected works on a high-voltage substation designed to boost electricity supply to households, farms, and industries, urging faster completion before the end of next year.

Law criminalising French colonialism

Algeria’s National Defence Committee has held consultations on a proposed law criminalising French colonialism, describing it as a step toward justice, accountability, and preservation of national memory. The draft law , spanning five chapters and 27 articles, seeks to legally define colonial crimes committed between 1830 and 1962, demand official recognition and apology from France, and provide for material and moral compensation. It also includes provisions against glorifying colonialism and calls for the cleanup of nuclear test sites, return of archives and cultural property, and repatriation of remains of resistance figures. The proposal is expected to be debated in the People’s National Assembly next week.

32 online fraud networks dismantled

Algerian security services have dismantled 32 criminal networks specialising in online fraud and scams, arresting 197 people, including suspects linked to an international network operating from Asia. Authorities said the networks used phishing, malware, social engineering, and impersonation tactics, causing financial losses exceeding 52.9 billion centimes, alongside additional sums in foreign currencies. Suspects are expected to be presented before regional prosecutors.

Castro said the President strongly objected to what he described as sweeping and misleading characterisations of the Philippines as an “ISIS training hotspot."

According to the NSC, there is currently no validated information confirming that the suspects underwent any form of extremist training while in the country, despite reports circulating in foreign media.

“The Philippine authorities, in coordination with international partners, continue to verify all available information, but no evidence has been presented to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training,” the NSC said in a statement read by Castro.

This follows reports by overseas outlets that described the Philippines, particularly parts of the south, as an ISIS-linked training hub. 

For example, a New York Post report claimed the suspects had spent time in a “Third World ISIS hotspot” before the attack, citing unnamed sources. Separately, the New York Times reported that the suspects had travelled to southern Philippines, where ISIS-linked groups have operated, but said their activities there remained unclear.

The NSC said reports failed to reflect the current security situation in the Philippines, noting that ISIS-affiliated groups have been significantly weakened since the 2017 siege of Marawi.

It cited assessments by the United Nations and the United States government indicating that these groups now operate in a fragmented and diminished capacity, with violence in Mindanao largely driven by long-standing local conflicts and clan feuds rather than organised ISIS operations.

The council said the country’s domestic security environment had seen major improvements in recent years as a result of sustained counterterrorism efforts.

“These developments reflect the continued work of our security forces and the resilience of our communities in promoting peace , order and development across the nation,” the NSC said.

Castro added that Marcos has instructed the Anti-Terrorism Council and other security agencies to remain vigilant against any potential threats and to continue strengthening cooperation with international partners to protect national security.

Kenya’s High Court on December 11 issued temporary orders halting the implementation of the $1.6 billion Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework. The ruling came after the Consumers Federation of Kenya filed a petition warning that the agreement could permit the transfer of confidential medical and epidemiological data belonging to citizens. The orders suspend any steps to operationalise the pact “insofar as it provides for or facilitates the transfer, sharing or dissemination of medical, epidemiological or sensitive personal health data.” The legal challenge, filed under HCCHRPET/E809/2025, marks the first major attempt to scrutinise the deal signed on December 4. 

AfDB and KCB sign $150m green financing package

The African Development Bank Group and KCB Bank Kenya have entered a $150 million partnership to expand climate-smart investments and green lending in Kenya. The deal includes a $100 million subordinated debt facility to strengthen KCB’s Tier II capital and a $50 million transaction guarantee to cover non-payment risks on letters of credit. The collaboration supports KCB’s commitment to allocate 25% of its portfolio to green initiatives by 2031, targeting renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture. AfDB East Africa Director General Alex Mubiru praised the partnership as a boost for Africa’s green transition. KCB Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai said the bank aims to deepen its role in financing energy transition, e-mobility and climate adaptation. Last year, KCB issued $402 million in green loans, increasing its green portfolio to 21.32%.

Danish Queen begins three-day state visit to Kenya

Denmark’s Queen Mary arrived in Nairobi on the night of December 9 for a three-day official visit, her second trip to Africa in two months. She was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, alongside Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano. During her visit, the Queen will tour conservation projects for endangered species at the coast, inspect waste-management and circular-economy initiatives, and attend meetings at the United Nations Office in Nairobi. The trip aims to strengthen cooperation between Kenya and Denmark in renewable energy, climate action and environmental protection.

Study reveals most homicide victims in Kenya killed by people they knew

A National Crime Research Centre study has found that Kenya recorded more than 1,000 homicides over the past year, with most victims killed by people they knew. Of the 1,011 cases analysed, eight in ten victims had a prior relationship with their attackers. Men were often killed in disputes involving land, cattle rustling, mob justice and alcohol, while women were mostly victims of domestic conflicts and intimate-partner violence. Nairobi recorded the highest number at 80 cases, concentrated in informal settlements such as Starehe, Mathare, Kayole, Embakasi and Kariobangi. Rural counties, including Kilifi, Homa Bay, Narok and Trans-Nzoia, also reported high levels of fatal violence linked to land and inter-communal disputes. The report warns that economic pressures, substance abuse and weakened community support systems are fuelling preventable confrontations.

Kenya launches National Plastics Action Partnership

Kenya has formally joined the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), establishing the Kenya National Plastics Action Partnership (NPAP Kenya) in a deal presided over by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei on December 10. The collaboration positions Kenya within a 25-country network advancing solutions to plastic pollution affecting more than 1.5 billion people. The partnership aims to accelerate Kenya’s transition to a circular plastics economy, building on the country’s environmental milestones, including the 2017 ban on plastic bags—which eliminated an estimated 6.2 billion bags—and the 2020 prohibition on single-use plastics in protected areas. Kenya has also championed the EAC Single-Use Plastics Bill, which seeks to harmonise environmental regulations across the region to curb cross-border plastic leakage.

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, now facing a potential Interpol red notice request, has claimed that the ICC has issued a war rant for Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa over his role in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drug war. Roque offered no source for his information.

“Sen. Bato, your warrant of arrest is out! Don’t let yourself be kidnapped!” Roque said in a Facebook post, urging the senator to insist on being brought before a Philippine court first. His warning also echoed the “kidnapping” narrative that supporters tried to frame Duterte’s arrest in.

The Department of Justice has yet to confirm the claim. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed in November that an ICC warrant already existed, though the document has never been made public. Since then, Dela Rosa has stopped attending Senate sessions.

Dela Rosa asked the Supreme Court to compel the Ombudsman to release the supposed warrant, but the high court rejected his petition. The Office of the Solicitor General maintains there is no official basis for fears of an ICC arrest.

Dela Rosa, Duterte’s former police chief, is considered one of the architects of Oplan Tokhang , the anti-drug campaign that killed at least 6,000 people according to government data. Human rights groups estimate the death toll at up to 30,000.

On Monday, Dela Rosa’s lawyer, Atty. Israelito Torreon, said the senator is simply waiting for official procedure before facing any ICC order — if it exists. He said neither Dela Rosa nor his legal team has seen an actual warrant.

“We should have clear-cut implementing rules,” Torreon said, adding that cooperation with the ICC must follow both the Rome Statute and Philippine law . He said he believes a warrant may already have been issued but cannot confirm it.

Torreon also defended Dela Rosa’s continued absence from the Senate, saying it stemmed from legitimate concerns for the senator’s safety. He warned that Dela Rosa could be picked up and taken to the ICC without legal safeguards, which he called unacceptable.

Despite criticism, Torreon said they welcome public scrutiny: “It means they are really keeping an eye on Sen. Bato.”

Tse was handed a non-parole period of 10 years in the County Court of Victoria after admitting to conspiring to traffic large quantities of illicit drugs within Australia. With credit for time already served, he could walk free in just over five years.

Prosecutors said Tse attempted to move 20 kilograms of methamphetamine — valued at around 4.4 million Australian dollars — between Sydney and Melbourne over a 12-month period from March 2012 to March 2013. 

His conviction followed an Australian Federal Police (AFP) probe that targeted Sam Gor, the transnational crime syndicate he was accused of leading.

Sam Gor, also known as “The Company,” has been linked to industrial-scale production and distribution of meth across the Asia-Pacific region. At its height, Australian authorities believe it was the country’s largest supplier of the drug, pushing tonnes of product through a vast international network of traffickers.

Tse’s fall began in 2021, when Dutch police arrested him at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport at the request of the AFP. He spent months contesting extradition before being sent to Australia in late 2022 to face charges.

His sentencing brings to a close more than a decade of investigative work. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the outcome marked the conclusion of “one of the most high-profile investigations in the AFP’s history ,” describing it as a testament to the force’s global reach.

While Tse did not face charges relating to the full spectrum of Sam Gor’s alleged activities, his conviction represents a symbolic victory for Australian authorities, who have long viewed him as a central figure in the region’s drug trade.

Law enforcement agencies across Asia, Europe and North America have spent years trying to dismantle the syndicate, which they allege operated with a level of sophistication comparable to the world’s most notorious cartels.

For now, the man once regarded as the most influential meth trafficker in the Asia-Pacific is behind bars in Melbourne. But authorities say the wider fight against the networks he helped build is far from finished.

The Senate does not implement a “no work, no pay” rule for its members, according to Senate President Vicente Sotto III. Other senators have confirmed that Dela Rosa failed to submit any formal excuse for missing work.

Dela Rosa was scheduled to defend the defense department’s budget — a key responsibility assigned to him — but skipped the hearings. According to Senator Win Gatchalian, he received only a text message from Dela Rosa’s staff asking him to take over the task.

Sotto expressed disappointment but admitted that the chamber has no mechanism to sanction absentee senators.

An ICC legal assistant, Kristina Conti, criticized Dela Rosa for “hiding” instead of fulfilling his duties, saying he was elected to serve the public, not to shield the former president.

Philippine officials have issued conflicting statements about the supposed ICC warrant. While the justice chief has insisted he has a copy, his own agency says it has not received one. The ICC itself has not confirmed the warrant’s existence.

Dela Rosa, a former national police chief, is considered a central figure in Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which is under ICC investigation for thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings.

While Dela Rosa remains absent from the Senate, he continues to post on social media.

Survivors described desperate scenes: families escaping at night, many forced to abandon their homes with nothing but what they carried. Coastal towns like Saint‑Marc have seen a flood of displaced people , anger rising as residents demand protection from a government many say has failed to act.

The violence continues a trend of escalating gang power across Haiti. According to recent UN-linked reports, gang violence killed more people in 2024 than in previous years, while armed groups now dominate key regions, including the capital and central territories. The attacks over the weekend underscore how fragile state control has become and how vulnerable civilians are where armed groups operate freely.

Humanitarian organisations warn that the impact goes beyond deaths and displacement: huge numbers face food insecurity, lack of shelter, disrupted access to healthcare and education , and psychological trauma from repeated violence. For many families, survival has turned into a daily struggle, with uncertainty over whether they’ll ever return home or even remain safe while fleeing.

As Haiti’s government and international actors assess next steps, this crisis highlights the urgent need for sustained humanitarian and security responses. Without a coordinated strategy to curb gang power and protect civilians, regions like Artibonite risk sinking deeper into chaos, and thousands more could be forced to abandon everything they know.

Jakkaphong and JKN are accused of misleading him on the investment’s viability, according to the court.

JKN, which bought Miss Universe from IMG in 2022, has been in financial crisis since defaulting on bond payments last year. The company entered rehabilitation proceedings in 2024, declaring roughly 3 billion baht (US$93 million) in debt. It later sold half its stake in Miss Universe to Mexico ’s Legacy Holding Group.

Jakkaphong stepped down from all executive posts in June after the Securities and Exchange Commission accused her of falsifying 2023 financial records, though she remains the largest shareholder. 

Her location is currently unknown. She did not attend the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok earlier this month.

As with its co-owner, Miss Universe itself was dogged by controversy this year, including accusations of mismanagement, two judges withdrawing over alleged rigging, and a police probe into illegal online gambling promotions tied to event marketing.

Miss Universe has said the legal case is unrelated to its operations.

On Monday, JKN denied rumours that Jakkaphong had liquidated assets and fled Thailand. The company has not commented on the arrest warrant, and attempts to reach her were unsuccessful.

Tinubu said he cancelled his planned trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to personally oversee security efforts at home. He added that he continues to receive “continuous updates from the frontline” as operations to locate remaining victims continue.

“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued. I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered,” he wrote.

“Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people ,” Tinubu said. “Let me be clear: I will not relent.”

The president’s comments come after rising public pressure over repeated mass abductions and attacks by armed groups in several parts of the country. While security forces have reported several successful rescue operations in recent months, Nigerians continue to express concerns over the pace of reforms and the capacity of the government to prevent future kidnappings .

Tinubu praised the military, police and intelligence agencies for their efforts and urged citizens to remain calm as operations continue. Officials have not yet released details about the conditions of the rescued victims or whether any arrests were made during the operations.

Torres said Mexico requires urgent international cooperation to address what he characterised as a deepening erosion of law and order. Speaking from the capital’s legislature, he delivered a direct message to foreign partners, stating: “And here from the Mexico City Congress, we call upon the international community, the European Parliament, and the US Congress to raise your voice on what's going on in Mexico. Unfortunately, the Lopez Obrador regime left a narco state, and there are a lot of Mexicans begging for help.”

His comments come at a time of escalating political tension between Mexico and the United States. Washington has issued increasingly forceful warnings about drug trafficking networks, with US President Donald Trump suggesting potential strikes or even deployment of personnel, proposals firmly rejected by President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. Mexico’s government has accused critics of using security challenges for political purposes, insisting that the country’s institutions remain strong.

Torres also criticised Mexico’s handling of recent protests , pointing to clashes between riot police and members of the “Gen Z” movement earlier this month. He argued that the scenes, widely circulated on international media, damaged the country’s reputation and reflected poorly on federal decision-making. According to Torres, the government failed to protect young demonstrators’ rights, undermining public trust and projecting instability to the world.

Referencing the Global Organised Crime Index 2025, the legislator noted that Mexico now ranks among the countries most affected by criminal networks, with high levels of corruption and violence linked to organised groups. He argued that the country’s vulnerability is being exacerbated by officials embedded in corrupt systems, and reiterated his call for greater international scrutiny as Mexico attempts to confront its security challenges.

According to court documents, McKechnie argued that he has a right to eat Vegemite because it constitutes “his culture as an Australian.” 

His complaint specifically points to Victoria’s human rights charter, which affirms that no person should be denied the opportunity to “enjoy their culture.”

The Vegemite ban inside Victoria’s jails is not new and has been in place since 2006. 

The restriction was put in place over concerns that the yeast-laden spread could be used to ferment and brew makeshift alcoholic drinks, often referred to as “pruno” or “hooch.”

Additionally, the sticky paste of Vegemite is listed as a banned item because inmates could allegedly smear it across contraband to mask its smell from prison sniffer dogs.

The spread holds a significant cultural place in Australia. It was first created in Melbourne in the early 1920s as a substitute for British Marmite during wartime shortages. 

In 2022, a Melbourne council even declared that the distinctive smell emanating from a local Vegemite factory held “significant” heritage value.

The lawsuit brings international attention to the highly polarizing spread.

In 2018, Vegemite was featured at Sweden’s “Disgusting Food Museum,” ranking alongside items like fermented herrings and maggot-infested cheese.

They were hit by a car while crossing a junction near Seoul’s Dongdaemun district. The mother died, and the daughter suffered major injuries.

The two had just started a three-day “mother-daughter trip” in South Korea. 

Police arrested the driver, a man in his 30s who told officers, “I don’t know how I was driving,” after being apprehended. 

Investigators said he had consumed several bottles of shochu, a traditional Japanese hard liquor, and could not recall his actions at the time of the crash.

A similar incident took place on October 25 in Seoul’s Gangnam district, where a Canadian man was fatally struck by a drunk driver. 

In both cases, the drivers’ blood alcohol levels exceeded the limit at which a licence would be cancelled.

Official data shows more than 11,000 drunk-driving accidents occurred in the country in 2024. 

Analysts say lighter sentencing practices may be one reason why such incidents remain high.

South Korean law allows for heavy penalties, including long prison terms, for deadly drunk-driving cases. However, sentencing guidelines are far lower in practice, and suspended sentences are common. The rate of repeat offences is also high.

The wanted notice names Pa Chiung and Chen Po-yuan, a rapper known by his stage name Mannam PYC. Police in Quanzhou, a city facing Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait, said the two had long been “publishing and inciting separatist views.”

Authorities said anyone who helps capture the men could receive a reward of up to 250,000 yuan ($35,098).

Both influencers dismissed the accusations in posts on their Threads accounts. “I stand up for myself. The greater the wind , the more stable I am,” Chen wrote.

Pa Chiung said he learned about the news after waking up. “So it seems I have become Puma Shen,” he added, referring to the Taiwanese lawmaker China began investigating last month for alleged “separatist” activity.

Chen and Pa are known for their criticism of China. Taiwan’s government said Beijing is spreading “red terror,” referring to the ruling Communist Party’s colour, and using “long-armed jurisdiction” to accuse Taiwanese citizens of “separatism.”

Shen, who was in Berlin on Wednesday to testify at a German parliament hearing on disinformation, said China was threatening to have him arrested abroad but that he was not afraid. “China has long sought to silence the people of Taiwan through intimidation. I want to tell everyone that, as brave Taiwanese, we will not back down because of this,” he said.

Taiwan’s government has rejected China’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide their future.

“The Chinese government agreed on a plan to stop fentanyl precursors,” Patel said at a White House briefing, describing his trip to China last week. “These substances are now banned, and they will no longer be utilised by the Mexican drug trafficking organisations or any other [drug trafficking organisations] around the world to make this drug.”

“Essentially, President Trump has shut off the pipeline that creates fentanyl that kills tens of thousands of Americans,” he added.

Patel arrived in Beijing on November 7 and stayed for about a day, Reuters reported. It was the first visit by an FBI director to China in over a decade, where Patel met his Chinese counterpart to address the issue directly.

In exchange for China’s actions, Washington halved US tariffs from 20 percent to 10 percent on Chinese goods linked to the fentanyl crisis. The synthetic opioid claimed an estimated 48,422 American lives last year, compared with 76,282 in 2023, according to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

On Monday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the country would adjust its list of drug-related precursor chemicals and require licences for exports of certain chemicals to the US, Canada and Mexico .

China’s National Narcotics Control Commission also issued a circular calling on exporters to follow international conventions and “laws and regulations of importing countries, especially high-risk countries such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico.” It urged them to ensure overseas customers “fulfil import legal procedures in accordance with their own national laws and regulations.”

Bhat’s DNA samples matched those of his mother’s, collected in Pulwama and brought to Delhi for comparison with remains preserved at Lok Nayak Hospital. 

Experts at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) confirmed the match, identifying Bhat as the driver whose body had been severely damaged in the explosion.

Investigators said DNA profiling was critical to the identification, as the remains were beyond recognition.

Police officials suspect Bhat was the leader of a “white-collar” terror cell composed largely of doctors. The group was allegedly part of an “inter-state and transnational” module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. 

Seven suspects were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir just hours before the Red Fort blast.

Investigators believe Bhat was “steering and motivating” the module, which included other medical professionals. A red Ford EcoSport linked to him was recovered from a farmhouse in Khandawali village, Haryana, on Wednesday. Forensic and ballistic teams examined the vehicle after it was seized.

The SUV, police said, was mainly used by Dr. Muzamil Shakeel Ganai, another doctor from Pulwama and one of the seven arrested suspects. Ganai worked alongside Bhat at the School of Medical Sciences and Research Centre at Al Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana.

Bhat, a resident of Koil village in Pulwama, had previously studied medicine in Srinagar and briefly worked as a senior resident at the Government Medical College in Anantnag.

Former colleagues later described him as negligent and abrasive, with a pattern of absenteeism and patient complaints.

Two other doctors from Al Falah University — Dr. Ganai and Dr. Shaheen Shahid Ansari of Lucknow — were detained in the days before the explosion.

Authorities are now focusing on whether the group planned further attacks and how a trained doctor became the alleged mastermind of one of Delhi’s deadliest blasts in years.

Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies is currently debating a controversial anti-gang bill that has ignited sharp political tensions across the country. The proposed legislation, which aims to strengthen criminal penalties and enhance the government’s ability to dismantle organised crime networks, has drawn criticism from the Federal Police and several government officials. Detractors argue that the bill could open the door to misuse of authority and may undermine civil rights protections. At the same time, supporters claim it is essential to address the growing threat of gang-related violence in major cities. The debate reflects the delicate balance between bolstering public safety and safeguarding democratic freedoms.

Brazil’s new crime commission: A fight for control and credibility

Brazil’s Senate has launched a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission to investigate organised crime. However, this move has not come without controversy. Political analysts and opposition figures have raised concerns about the inquiry's independence, suggesting that political manoeuvring could compromise its integrity. The commission, intended to expose corruption and strengthen national security , risks becoming another political battleground where competing factions vie for influence. Questions about transparency and impartiality are now shaping public opinion, with critics urging reforms to ensure that accountability, not politics, remains at the heart of the investigation.

Criminal crisis unites right, signalling ‘post-Bolsonaro’ era

A deadly police operation in Rio de Janeiro has thrust Brazil’s public security policies back into the national spotlight and stirred a major political realignment. The crisis has united opposition figures on the right, many of whom were previously divided under the influence of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Analysts say this moment may mark the beginning of a “post-Bolsonaro” era , as right-wing leaders increasingly seek to redefine their identity around law and order rather than personality-driven politics. The renewed focus on policing and crime control underscores how security has become one of the defining issues in Brazil’s shifting political landscape

Lula secures ally to lead Senate inquiry into organised crime

In a strategic political move, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government has successfully secured leadership of a Senate inquiry into organised crime. The decision has sparked debate over potential political interference in what is meant to be an impartial investigation. Supporters of the government argue that Lula’s allies can ensure more effective oversight and results-oriented action. However, opposition groups and civil society watchdogs warn that this concentration of control risks undermining the inquiry's credibility. The development reflects ongoing tensions between executive authority and institutional independence, as Brazil navigates complex challenges at the intersection of politics, crime, and governance .

The materials were not disclosed to the US Customs and Border Protection, thus the charge.

According to the US Department of Justice, the materials were transported through several shipments from a Chinese researcher from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan.

While Bai and Fengfan Zang were charged with smuggling, Zhiyong Zhang’s charge stems from the false statements he had made to a federal agent. All three individuals held a J-1 visa, which is granted to foreign nationals conducting research at a US university.

The Chinese researcher who sent the materials to the US, Chengxuan Han, had been deported from the US before the three were arrested, also for smuggling and making false statements.

Xi, Fengfan Zhang and Zhiyong Zhang had all been terminated from the University of Michigan following their refusal to participate in a meeting and internal investigation by the US school.

Roblox Corporation, in a meeting with Malaysian authorities, pledged to strengthen its safety features.

“They gave their assurance that they would enhance safety through the use of AI technology and human monitoring, and are willing to work with the Malaysian government, especially when it comes to data sharing and compliance with government regulations,” Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh wrote on Facebook on Monday.

The stabbing has shocked households across Malaysia, where Roblox has more than one million users.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said he bans his own children from playing the game, citing its addictive nature and impact on behaviour.

“As a 12-year-old boy, it’s better that he is out playing with his friend,” Fahmi said.

In 2024, Roblox reported 85 million daily active users worldwide — a number that has likely grown as the multi-game platform continues to attract younger audiences.

While this stabbing is one of the most tragic incidents linked to Roblox, there have long been concerns over the platform’s safety features.

Parents have reported cases of grooming by adults posing as children, incidents often blamed on the platform’s inadequate real-time age verification, which relies heavily on AI moderation.

Roblox founder and CEO Dave Baszucki has previously said that while the company enforces rules on in-game behaviour, parents ultimately bear responsibility for monitoring their children’s access.

Fahmi echoed that view: “Devices cannot replace parents. Devices are not nannies.”

“117 narco-terrorists were neutralised. So far, 99 have been identified. Of these, 42 had pending arrest warrants. Among the rest, 78 had a significant criminal record for various serious crimes such as murder, drug trafficking , robbery, among others,” Curi stated.

The operation took place in the Penha and Alemão complexes, areas authorities describe as strongholds of Comando Vermelho — one of Brazil ’s most powerful drug trafficking organisations. According to Curi, the action was aimed at dismantling the group’s local command structure.

The state’s Secretary of Security, Victor Santos, praised the coordination and intelligence work behind the operation and expressed solidarity with injured officers and the families of those affected.

“My presence here is, in fact, once again to reinforce the work of the police, to commend the planning and intelligence that served as the basis for the operation to unfold as planned, and to provide support, obviously, to the families of the police officers who died and those still hospitalised. One officer lost a leg. Three colleagues remain in serious or critical condition,” Santos said.

Operation Contention involved around 2,500 officers and was aimed at serving over 100 arrest warrants. The death toll has prompted concern from human rights groups, while the state government continues to defend the operation as a necessary response to organised crime in Rio’s favelas.

The operation revealed how terrorism financing networks often overlap with other criminal enterprises, including money laundering, cyber fraud, kidnapping for ransom, Ponzi schemes, and the misuse of cryptocurrencies. Of those arrested, 21 were linked to terrorism, 28 to financial fraud and money laundering, 16 to cyber-enabled scams, and 18 to the illicit use of virtual assets.

Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said the joint initiative marks a turning point in counter-terrorism collaboration on the continent. “This is the first time financial crime, cybercrime, and counter-terrorism units from multiple African countries have joined forces to target terrorism financing,” he said.

Afripol Executive Director Ambassador Jalel Chelba hailed the cooperation between agencies, calling it a model for regional security. “Operation Catalyst illustrates how coordinated action between member states, facilitated by AFRIPOL and INTERPOL, can effectively address complex and evolving threats,” he said.

The operation was further supported by private-sector intelligence from Binance, Moody’s, and Uppsala Security.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed that it is still unable to verify the whereabouts of those 80 people and is comparing its records with police data to ensure accuracy. A team led by the second vice-foreign minister is being sent to Cambodia this week to coordinate search and rescue efforts with local authorities.

The disappearances mark a sharp escalation in cases involving South Koreans in Cambodia. Parliamentary data shows that only a handful of incidents were recorded in 2023, but the number surged tenfold in 2024 and grew even further this year. 

Lawmakers say the majority of victims were misled by online job postings offering unusually high salaries, only to be coerced into fraudulent work after arrival.

Many victims are believed to have been taken to compounds run by organised criminal groups. Once inside, they are forced to run online scams targeting foreign victims, sometimes including fellow South Koreans. Those who refuse to cooperate are often subjected to violence , confinement, or extortion, according to officials familiar with the cases.

The issue drew national outrage after the death of a young South Korean student in Cambodia, who investigators say was kidnapped and tortured before he died. His case has fuelled demands for stronger government protection and more decisive action against criminal operations abroad.

President Lee Jae Myung has ordered urgent measures to safeguard citizens, describing the situation as deeply distressing and warning that the number of victims is “not small.” He told ministers that the government must act quickly to reunite families and prevent further incidents.

South Korean authorities say they are also seeking the release of about 60 nationals currently detained by Cambodian police and are believed to have been forced to participate in illegal schemes run by larger criminal networks.

In response, the Foreign Ministry is tightening travel restrictions to parts of Cambodia known for scam activity. Officials are also considering raising the country’s travel warning and urging job seekers to be wary of overseas offers that appear unusually generous.

The crisis comes amid a regional surge in online fraud operations, many of them based in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Thousands of people from across Asia have been trafficked into such compounds, where they are compelled to work under harsh conditions .