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Two Russian Nationals Charged in $1 Billion Money Laundering Scheme, U.S. Seizes Crypto Exchange Domains

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Two Russian Nationals Charged in $1 Billion Money Laundering Scheme, U.S. Seizes Crypto Exchange Domains

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday a series of coordinated actions targeting Russian money laundering operations, including charges against two Russian nationals and the seizure of websites associated with illicit cryptocurrency exchanges.

Sergey Ivanov, known online as “Taleon,” has been charged with conspiracy to commit and aid and abet bank fraud, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Ivanov allegedly operated as a professional cyber money launderer for nearly two decades, providing services to cybercrime marketplaces, ransomware groups, and hackers responsible for major data breaches of U.S. companies.

Investigators claim Ivanov created and operated Russian payment and exchange services UAPS, PinPays, and PM2BTC, which conducted transactions totaling approximately $1.15 billion in cryptocurrency between July 2013 and August 2023. Approximately 32% of these transactions allegedly originated from addresses associated with criminal activity.

In the same indictment, Timur Shakhmametov, known as “JokerStash” and “Vega,” faces charges of conspiracy to commit and aid and abet bank fraud, conspiracy to commit access device fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Shakhmametov allegedly operated the carding website Joker’s Stash, which offered data from approximately 40 million payment cards annually.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated, “Today’s actions highlight the Department’s continued disruption of malicious cyber actors and their criminal ecosystem. The two Russian nationals charged today allegedly pocketed millions of dollars from prolific money laundering and fueled a network of cybercriminals around the world.”

In a separate action, the U.S. Secret Service seized domain names associated with the cryptocurrency exchange Cryptex.net. Court records indicate that Cryptex facilitated over 37,500 transactions involving bitcoin addresses, amounting to approximately $1.4 billion. About 31% of this amount, or $441 million, allegedly originated from cryptocurrency addresses linked to criminal conduct.

The operations involved collaboration with international partners, including Dutch authorities who seized servers hosting PM2BTC and Cryptex, recovering over $7 million in cryptocurrency.

U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia emphasized the relentless pursuit of cybercriminals, stating, “Every step cybercriminals take in their pursuit of money leaves another track that leads us to their doorstep.”

In coordination with these actions, the U.S. Department of State has issued reward offers totaling up to $11 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Ivanov, Shakhmametov, and their associates. Additionally, the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has identified PM2BTC as a “primary money laundering concern,” while the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned Cryptex and Ivanov.

This multi-agency effort, involving domestic and international law enforcement partners, underscores the ongoing challenges in combating cybercrime and the increasing focus on disrupting the financial infrastructure supporting these illegal activities.

DOJ

Equatorial Guinea’s President Meets Putin in Moscow for Diplomatic Talks

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Equatorial Guinea’s President Meets Putin in Moscow for Diplomatic Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Teodoro Obiang Nguema, the President of Equatorial Guinea, to Moscow on Thursday for diplomatic talks focusing on energy cooperation and bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Putin emphasized the successful collaboration between Russia and the oil-rich West African nation within international energy organizations. “Your country is our partner in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. We have also been successfully cooperating with Equatorial Guinea in OPEC+ for a long time,” Putin stated.

The Russian leader highlighted the shared objective of stabilizing global energy markets, noting, “Our common task, of course, is to stabilize world energy markets. And in general, together with partners within these organizations, we manage to solve this task quite effectively.”

The Kremlin announced that the two leaders would also address various international and regional issues during their talks, in addition to discussing bilateral relations.

Eswatini Opposition Leader Allegedly Poisoned in South Africa, Party Claims Assassination Attempt

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Eswatini Opposition Leader Allegedly Poisoned in South Africa, Party Claims Assassination Attempt

Eswatini’s main opposition party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), has reported that its leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, 46, has been poisoned in what they describe as an assassination attempt. Makhanya, who has been living in exile in South Africa for the past two years, is currently receiving treatment in a Pretoria hospital.

“Our president has been stabilised but he is still in a critical condition,” Pudemo said in a statement. The party claims the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday inside Makhanya’s residence in Pretoria, allegedly involving an unnamed “young boy” whom they describe as an “agent of evil intent by Swazi government.”

Wandile Dludlu, Pudemo’s deputy president, stated in a press briefing that an “extremely dangerous and fatal” pesticide poison was used in the attack. The Swaziland News website reported that Makhanya was rushed to a hospital under South African police escort and later moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Eswatini government spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo denied state involvement, stating, “Government does not kill or poison suspects.” He emphasized that law enforcement agencies adhere to strict ethical and professional standards.

This alleged assassination attempt comes amid ongoing political tensions in Eswatini, Africa’s last remaining absolute monarchy. Pudemo says the incident precedes planned protests next month calling for multi-party elections in the kingdom, where political parties are banned from participating in elections.

Makhanya fled to South Africa in 2022 after his home in Eswatini was reportedly firebombed in an attack allegedly carried out by state agents. His party, Pudemo, is one of the leading pro-democracy organizations in Eswatini but is prohibited from participating in elections.

The incident has drawn attention to the broader political situation in Eswatini, where King Mswati III has ruled by decree since 1986. Critics accuse the monarch of suppressing dissent and maintaining an extravagant lifestyle while much of the population lives in poverty.

As investigations continue, Pudemo has appealed for international support to ensure Makhanya’s security and that of his family. The Swaziland Solidarity Network, a group of Swazis in South Africa, has called on the South African government to take action against what they term Swazi state agents targeting exiled pro-democracy activists.

This alleged poisoning follows a series of violent crackdowns on pro-democracy protesters in Eswatini, including deadly clashes in 2021 that reportedly resulted in at least 46 deaths, according to Human Rights Watch.

As Makhanya receives treatment, the incident has reignited debates about political freedom and human rights in Eswatini, with potential implications for regional stability and democratic movements in southern Africa.

Benin Arrests Three Men, Including Ex-Minister, in Alleged Coup Plot

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Benin Arrests Three Men, Including Ex-Minister, in Alleged Coup Plot

Benin’s state prosecutor announced the arrest of three men, including a former minister and the head of President Patrice Talon’s security detail, on suspicion of plotting a coup. The arrests have sent shockwaves through the small West African nation’s political landscape.

Former sports minister Oswald Homeky was apprehended on Tuesday while allegedly handing over six bags of money to Elonm Mario Metonou, the head of the Republican Guard. Investigators claim that Col Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre was being bribed to not resist a coup d’état planned for Friday.

The third detainee is businessman Olivier Boko, a friend of President Talon who had recently expressed political ambitions. Boko’s lawyers and supporters have condemned what they term his “abduction” and are demanding his immediate release.

The state prosecutor, addressing a press conference, stated that investigations are ongoing to identify additional suspects.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of growing concerns about Benin’s democratic trajectory. Once praised as a multi-party democracy, the country has reportedly taken a more autocratic turn under President Talon’s administration, according to rights groups.

President Talon had recently announced he would not seek a third term in the 2026 elections, a move that was seen as potentially easing political tensions.

The arrests in Benin come amid a wider context of political instability in the region, with eight military takeovers and several coup attempts reported in West and Central Africa since 2020.

As the investigation unfolds, this alleged coup plot has raised questions about political stability in Benin and highlights the ongoing challenges to democratic governance in West Africa.

Pakistan Military Kills 8 Militants in North Waziristan Raid

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Pakistan Military Kills 8 Militants in North Waziristan Raid

The Pakistani military announced on Thursday that it had killed eight militants during an overnight raid in North Waziristan, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. The operation targeted a former stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

In a statement, the armed forces said they had sent eight militants “to hell” during the operation. While the military did not specify the affiliation of the killed militants, such operations frequently target the TTP.

The military reported that weapons and ammunition were seized following a violent shootout. The statement asserted that the militants were “involved in terrorist activities against security forces” and the killing of innocent civilians.

North Waziristan, once a base for the TTP and foreign militants, has been the focus of a series of security operations in recent years aimed at driving extremist groups from the area.

The TTP, while separate from the Afghan Taliban, maintains close ties with the group that seized power in neighboring Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistani officials have expressed concern that the Taliban takeover in Kabul has emboldened the TTP to continue its militant operations within Pakistan.

At Least 43 Drown During Hindu Festival in India’s Bihar State

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At Least 43 Drown During Hindu Festival in India’s Bihar State

At least 43 people, including 37 children, drowned on Thursday while participating in celebrations for the Jitiya Parv Hindu festival in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, local officials reported.

The tragic incidents occurred across various locations in Bihar as worshippers took part in the festival, which involves bathing in local rivers and streams. Jitiya Parv is a festival observed by mothers for the wellbeing of their children.

A local official, speaking to AFP, stated, “People ignored dangerous water levels in rivers as well as ponds while bathing.” The official added that the families of the victims will receive compensation from the state government.

This incident underscores the ongoing safety concerns surrounding religious gatherings in India. Deadly accidents are not uncommon at places of worship during festivals. Just a year ago, 22 people, including 15 children, lost their lives during the same festival.

Russian Army Claims Capture of Ukrainsk in Eastern Donetsk Region

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Russian Army Claims Capture of Ukrainsk in Eastern Donetsk Region

The Russian Defense Ministry announced Thursday that its forces have captured the town of Ukrainsk in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, marking the latest in a series of territorial gains for Moscow’s advancing troops.

In a daily briefing posted on Telegram, the ministry stated that Russian troops had “liberated” Ukrainsk, a town that had a pre-war population of over 10,000 residents. Ukrainsk is situated approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) west of the regional capital, Donetsk.

This capture represents one of the more significant conquests in recent weeks for Russian forces, which have been steadily claiming control over small villages and settlements as they push forward in the region.

The announcement follows similar claims made on Wednesday, when Moscow reported the “liberation” of the settlements of Hostre and Hryhorivka, also in the Donetsk region. Hostre is a small village about 30 kilometers west of Donetsk city, while Hryhorivka is located near the strategically important hilltop town of Chasiv Yar.

Russian forces are aiming to gain control of the entire Donetsk region, demanding that Kyiv withdraw its troops from the area. Moscow has also stated that Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions is a precondition for opening peace talks.

These recent advances come as part of Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine, which began with the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The conflict has resulted in significant territorial changes and continues to impact the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe.

themoscowtimes

Russia Returns 9 Ukrainian Children to Families with Qatari Mediation

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Russia Returns 9 Ukrainian Children to Families with Qatari Mediation

Russia has returned nine Ukrainian children to their families with the assistance of Qatari mediators, according to an announcement Thursday by Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s presidential commissioner for children’s rights.

Lvova-Belova shared images on Telegram showing her alongside Qatari Ambassador Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, interacting with the children at the Qatari Embassy in Moscow. The group included eight boys aged 12 to 17 and one 17-year-old girl who had been living with her grandmother in Crimea and wished to reunite with her mother in Kyiv.

This repatriation is part of a broader effort that has seen Qatar facilitating the return of Ukrainian children from Russia and occupied territories since July 2023. Lvova-Belova stated that her office has aided in the return of 80 children from Ukraine and third countries, as well as 13 children from families with relatives in Russia.

The move comes amid ongoing accusations from Kyiv that Moscow has unlawfully taken over 19,000 Ukrainian children since the full-scale invasion began, a claim Russian authorities deny. To date, fewer than 400 children have been returned to Ukraine. In April, Ukraine submitted a list of 561 children whose return it is seeking from Russia, utilizing Qatari mediators.

This issue has garnered international attention, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants last year for President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of unlawfully deporting children from Ukraine.

themoscowtimes

Unclaimed $139.3 Million Powerball Prize Sold at Ohio Walmart as Deadline Looms

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Unclaimed $139.3 Million Powerball Prize Sold at Ohio Walmart as Deadline Looms

Lottery officials are urging Powerball players to check their tickets as a $139.3 million prize from the July 3 drawing remains unclaimed. The winning ticket was purchased at a Walmart in Huber Heights, Ohio, approximately 60 miles from Cincinnati.

The Ohio Lottery Commission has issued a reminder that winners have 180 days from the draw date to claim their prizes, putting pressure on the potential multimillionaire to come forward. This deadline is specific to Ohio, as claiming periods vary across states.

When the winner does step forward, they will face a significant decision regarding how to receive their windfall. Options include taking the full jackpot in 29 annual payments, which increase by 5% each year, or opting for a lump sum payment estimated at around $65 million before taxes.

Tax implications will significantly impact the final amount received. The Internal Revenue Service will apply a 24% federal tax on winnings over $5,000, with the possibility of additional taxes pushing the winner into a higher income tax bracket. Additionally, Ohio imposes a 4% state tax on lottery winnings of $600 or more.

The decision between lump sum and annuity payments has sparked debate among financial advisers. Lawyer Andrew Stoltmann told The U.S. Sun that approximately 90% of winners make the mistake of taking the lump sum, often lacking the financial structure to manage such a large amount effectively.

Financial adviser Robert Pagliarini suggested that winners might be “better off” choosing the annuity option, while certified accountant Jared James noted that annuity payments could help winners manage requests for money from friends and family.

As the clock ticks on this unclaimed prize, the case highlights the complexities and responsibilities that come with sudden wealth. It also serves as a reminder for lottery players to regularly check their tickets and be prepared for the life-changing decisions that follow a major win.

The Ohio Lottery Commission continues to encourage players to come forward, emphasizing the importance of proper ticket verification and the need for winners to seek professional financial and legal advice before claiming their prize.

Trump Threatens to ‘Blow Iran to Smithereens’ Amid Reported Assassination Threats

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Trump Threatens to ‘Blow Iran to Smithereens’ Amid Reported Assassination Threats

Former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Wednesday, threatening to “blow Iran to smithereens” if the Islamic Republic attempts to harm him or any other presidential candidate. Trump’s comments came during a speech at a furniture factory in Mint Hill, North Carolina, a crucial battleground state for the 2024 election.

The 78-year-old Republican candidate’s threats were in response to reports of a “real and specific” danger to his life, allegedly originating from Iran. U.S. intelligence officers have reportedly informed Trump and his advisors of an increasing threat that has “heightened in the past few months.”

“If I were the president, I would inform the threatening country, in this case Iran, that if you do anything to harm this person, we are going to blow your largest cities, and the country itself, to smithereens,” Trump declared. He added, “We’re going to blow it to smithereens. You can’t do that. And there would be no more threats.”

Trump emphasized that his proposed response would apply regardless of whether the threatened candidate was a Democrat or Republican. However, he suggested that neither President Joe Biden nor Vice President Kamala Harris possesses the strength to respond with similar force.

The former president also acknowledged recent bipartisan action in Congress, thanking Democrats for voting in favor of a law that guarantees him and Vice President Harris the same level of Secret Service protection as the sitting president.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier on Wednesday stated that the U.S. government is “intensely tracking” Iran’s continuous threats against current and former U.S. officials.

President of Iran

This development comes amid heightened international tensions, particularly concerning Iran’s role in supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon, where Israel has been targeting locations linked to the Tehran-backed group.

Trump, who reportedly survived a second assassination attempt earlier this month, used the platform to criticize the current administration’s leadership, stating, “But right now we don’t have that leadership or the necessary people, the necessary leaders.”

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