Displaying items by tag: criminal activity

On 21 February, In a coordinated effort across four German states, with cooperation from France and Belgium, law enforcement agencies launched a targeted operation against a suspected human-smuggling gang at dawn. This response to illegal trafficking reflects growing concerns over such activities in Europe. It aimed not just to make arrests but to dismantle the entire network. The raid sheds light on the human suffering behind smuggling, emphasising the need for international collaboration to address its root causes. It underscores the importance of comprehensive strategies prioritising human dignity and safety. While there are questions about its long-term impact, the move represents a pivotal moment in the struggle against trafficking. It serves as a beacon of hope for a future where exploitation does not thrive on the vulnerabilities of the desperate.

Asghar Gheshalghian, a 48-year-old from Iran, has been jailed for eight years for money laundering in connection with people smuggling gangs involved in Channel crossings. He operated an unregistered money transfer business in North London, serving as a middleman for migrants and their families. He collected payments and, upon the migrants' safe arrival in the UK, passed the money to the gangs, earning a commission. His illicit activities were masked by a front business in rug dealing. Arrested in 2021 after a two-year investigation, Gheshalghian's premises were searched, resulting in the seizure of around £50,000. Phone evidence linked him to many Iranian migrants who claimed asylum in the UK. In total, he channelled about £1.6 million through his bank accounts. Evidence in his trial included covert recordings where Gheshalghian boasted about his criminal business. In sentencing him, Mr Justice Griffith emphasised his significant role in facilitating illegal immigration. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat organised immigration crime.

The EU, along with European port authorities, has launched a new public-private alliance aimed at combating drug smuggling and organised crime. This initiative comes as the EU faces record levels of cocaine seizures, with over 300 metric tons seized every year. The home affairs commissioner, Ylva Johansson, said, ‘Europe has a huge problem of organised crime, and we know its source of income is drugs’. Nearly 70% of all drug seizures by customs occur at ports, making them a crucial focus for tackling drug trafficking. The partnership, which involves Europol and Eurojust, will allocate 200 million euros to support EU customs, raise awareness, and assist port authorities in addressing this problem. It will aim to enhance security and protect port workers from criminal threats and exploitation.

During COP28, a panel discussed the urgent need to address the vast and damaging illegal wildlife trade. The panel highlighted the severe consequences of this trade, which ranks as the fourth-largest illicit trade globally, valued at over $23 billion annually, mainly controlled by criminal networks. It poses a significant threat to biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate. It disrupts natural balance, impacting global sustainability. This illegal trade is transnational and organised, generating enormous profits; it was pointed out that banks have regulatory obligations to combat financial system abuse by such criminals. DP World, a major global supply chain solutions provider, revealed that a high portion of illegal wildlife trade products is transported by the maritime sector. The panel called for greater cooperation among stakeholders, including the financial sector, transport industry, and law enforcement, to combat this critical issue.

On 7 November, sixteen alleged leaders and associates of the Gambino crime family were arrested in the US and Italy. The charges against them include racketeering, extortion, witness retaliation, conspiracy and fraud. Another suspect is still at large. The US-based suspects were due to appear in court in New York on Wednesday. Prosecutors have outlined a pattern of intimidation and violent assaults intended to embezzle funds and defraud unions and employee benefit plans. The defendants were also charged with threatening witnesses, money laundering and firearms offences. The Gambino family is one of the five prominent New York-area mafia syndicates collectively known as La Cosa Nostra. The defendants face maximum sentences of between twenty and 180 years in prison.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has sent texts to nearly two thousand individuals whose phone numbers were discovered during drug raids. These texts contain advice on substance misuse and aim to address the growing demand for illicit drugs in Northern Ireland. Drug seizures and drug-related arrests have both increased by 10% this year. The PSNI's recent focus has been on the supply of Class A and Class B drugs through social media apps and groups. This trend has transformed the drugs market in Northern Ireland over the past few years. Paramilitary groups are working closely with organised crime groups to import and distribute drugs: about sixty criminal gangs currently operate in the region. The PSNI is working with national and international law enforcement partners to target suppliers and supply lines. It is also collaborating with Border Force to prevent drug smuggling through Northern Ireland's ports.

Over fifty officers were involved in an operation at a Russian businessman's multi-million-pound London home to investigate potential criminal activity by oligarchs. They arrested a 58-year-old man on suspicion of money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the Home Office, and conspiracy to commit perjury. He was also charged with obstructing an officer when trying to leave with a bag containing thousands of pounds in cash. Another man who is the former boyfriend of the businessman's current partner was arrested at his home in Pimlico for money laundering and conspiracy to defraud. The National Crime Agency (NCA), which was established this year, is having ‘significant success’ investigating potential criminal activity by oligarchs.

Joseph Nee, a drug dealer and thief, was being chased by a man with a handgun. As Olivia’s mum opened the door to see what the noise was outside, he ran into the house. Her mother was shot twice as she tried to shut the door, and Olivia was also killed. The gunman ran away. Nee escaped to hospital in a car while Olivia and her mother were left bleeding. Olivia's school teacher said, ‘Olivia was a ray of sunshine and very popular with all her peers’. Nee is stable in hospital and will be returned to prison (he was out on licence to keep the peace). He has no links to the family. In the hunt for the gunman police have been given the same name by two different sources. Police said the investigations into Olivia's death is high-priority, as are the deaths of two other innocent victims this week, Ashley Dale and Sam Rimmer.

On 12 July the Gardaí seized €1.1m worth of cocaine and arrested three men at Dublin Airport with support from German and South American police and revenue officers. Investigations are still ongoing. The previous day, an Uzi machine gun, silencer and two magazines of ammunition were found in Dublin, the second such discovery since March. Before 2012 the guns were issued to the Gardai. The weapons will be analysed to establish if they were used in any recent attacks. No arrests have been made and the investigation is continuing.

Citizens Advice is warning of different cost-of-living tactics used by scammers. Over 75% of UK adults report being targeted by scammers this year, including emails claiming to be from Ofgem asking people to enter their bank details to get the £400 energy rebate, or claiming the government is giving £200,000 at random to pensioners, disabled or on low income. The director of National Trading Standards said, ‘Criminals are exploiting people’s worries as household bills rise. Consumers are put under increasing pressure from waves of scam emails, or imposters cold calling. Legitimate organisations would never put you on the spot in this way.’ Popular scams are people saying they are from postal or courier delivery services, from the government or HMRC with rebates and refunds, online shopping, energy, medical or fake investments.