Home Blog Page 674

New York Catholic Diocese Reaches $323 Million Settlement in Sex Abuse Cases

By
admin
-
0

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island, New York, announced Thursday a landmark $323 million bankruptcy settlement to compensate approximately 530 survivors of childhood sexual abuse by priests. This agreement marks a significant turnaround from earlier this year when the diocese expressed doubt about reaching a settlement.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Martin Glenn, overseeing the case in Manhattan, called the deal “enormous progress” after the bankruptcy proceedings had come “within a hair’s breadth” of failure. The settlement represents a substantial increase from the diocese’s previous $200 million offer, which survivors had rejected.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Rockville Centre diocese will contribute $234.8 million to the settlement fund. Four insurers will provide an additional $85.3 million, with further funding coming from another insurer undergoing liquidation in a separate insolvency proceeding and from attorneys representing abuse survivors.

Rev. Eric Fasano, spokesperson for the diocese, stated that the settlement would ensure “the equitable compensation of survivors of abuse while allowing the Church to continue her essential mission.”

The Rockville Centre diocese, which serves about 1.2 million Catholics in Nassau and Suffolk counties, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2020, citing the financial burden of lawsuits filed by childhood victims of clergy sexual abuse. This filing came in the wake of New York state enacting laws that temporarily allowed victims to file lawsuits over decades-old crimes.

This settlement could provide a new model for dozens of other Catholic dioceses that have filed for bankruptcy to address sex abuse claims. It addresses challenges posed by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Purdue Pharma case, which limited bankruptcy courts’ ability to grant legal protections to non-bankrupt entities contributing to settlement funds.

Rockville Centre’s solution involved having all its parishes file for bankruptcy, allowing them to gain legal protections in exchange for subjecting their assets and liabilities to court oversight. This strategy enabled insurers to agree to buy back their policies from the diocese and parishes, ending their responsibility for covering sex abuse claims.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell Barred from Charity Trusteeship in UK After Investigation

By
admin
-
0

British supermodel Naomi Campbell has been barred from serving as a charity trustee in England and Wales for five years, following a three-year investigation into the financial activities of her charity, Fashion for Relief, the Charity Commission announced Thursday.

The commission, which regulates charities in England and Wales, found “multiple instances of misconduct and/or mismanagement” in the charity’s operations. Notably, only 8.5% of the charity’s overall expenditure went towards charitable grants over a six-year period from 2016.

Among the findings, the investigation revealed that thousands of pounds of charity funds were used to cover Campbell’s luxury hotel stay in Cannes, France, including spa treatments, room service, and cigarettes. The regulator reported that trustees failed to provide evidence supporting their claim that hotel costs were typically covered by a donor.

Campbell, 54, responded to the findings during an event in France where she was named a knight in the Order of Arts and Letters. “I was not in control of my charity, I put the control in the hands of a legal employer,” she stated, adding that an investigation on her part was underway. “We are investigating to find out what and how, and everything I do and every penny I ever raised goes to charity.”

The commission’s inquiry also implicated fellow trustees Bianka Hellmich and Veronica Chou. Hellmich received approximately 290,000 pounds ($385,000) in unauthorized funds for consultancy services, violating the charity’s constitution, and has been disqualified as a trustee for nine years. Chou has been barred from trusteeship for four years.

Tim Hopkins, deputy director for specialist investigations and standards at the Charity Commission, emphasized the legal requirements for trustees to act in their charity’s best interests and comply with their duties and responsibilities.

Fashion for Relief, founded by Campbell in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina, was dissolved and removed from the charity register earlier this year. The charity claimed to have raised over $15 million for various causes through fashion initiatives in cities including New York, London, Cannes, Moscow, Mumbai, and Dar es Salaam.

As a result of the investigation, approximately 344,000 pounds ($460,000) has been recovered, and an additional 98,000 pounds of charitable funds have been protected and redirected to other charities previously supported by Fashion for Relief.

AP

Saudi Foreign Minister Urges G20 to Support Palestinian Statehood, UN Reform

By
admin
-
0

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, called on G20 nations to support a “reliable” path towards an independent Palestinian state and enable a ceasefire in Gaza during the second G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.

In his address, Prince Faisal emphasized the critical role of the G20 in global leadership, stating, “The fact that our meeting is being held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly is an indication of the importance of the G20 and its leadership in ensuring the health of the global economy, enhancing multilateral cooperation, and finding innovative solutions to common challenges.”

The Saudi minister highlighted the urgent need for collective action and reform of international institutions, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts. He criticized the handling of the humanitarian crisis in Palestine by some international bodies, stating that their failure “creates a gap in international action and a crisis of confidence that undermines their legitimacy.”

Addressing the situation in Gaza, Prince Faisal warned that prolonging the conflict “deepens the suffering of the Palestinian people, threatens international peace and security, and undermines the chances of achieving comprehensive peace in the region.” He called on G20 countries to intensify efforts to confront Israel’s “serious violations of international laws and norms” and work towards a ceasefire and Palestinian statehood.

The Saudi Foreign Minister also advocated for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, especially the Security Council. He stressed the need for “radical reform to compensate for the defects in addressing crises, responding to the needs of people, and keeping pace with international transformations and development requirements.”

Prince Faisal affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the Security Council’s credibility and effectiveness, viewing such reform as crucial in addressing contemporary global challenges and contributing to “a more just, secure and stable world.”

Burst Sewage Pipe Creates ‘Poo-cano’ in Chinese City, Drenching Cars and Pedestrians

By
admin
-
0

A burst sewage pipe in the southern Chinese city of Nanning created a dramatic and unsanitary spectacle on September 24, propelling human waste up to 33 feet (10 meters) into the air and drenching nearby vehicles and pedestrians.

The incident, quickly dubbed a “poo-cano” on social media, occurred around 11 a.m. local time on a section of road undergoing construction work. Dashcam footage captured the moment a billowing cloud of orange-tinged sewage erupted from the ground, raining down on unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians.

Local authorities reported that the pipe ruptured during a pressure test of newly-laid sewage infrastructure. The force of the explosion was significant enough to overturn a nearby digger, though officials stated that no injuries were reported.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as drivers and motorcyclists attempted to navigate through the sudden deluge of waste. One affected driver told local media, “I’m drenched in poo, my car is splattered yellow. It’s ruined.”

The aftermath left a sea of excrement covering the road, with several vehicles sustaining damage. Pedestrians and cyclists were seen attempting to traverse the contaminated area, forced to make their way through the squalid conditions.

City officials quickly mobilized a clean-up operation, deploying crews to sanitize the affected area. The local government has also launched an investigation into the causes of the incident, aiming to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This unusual event highlights potential issues with urban infrastructure and the challenges faced by rapidly developing cities in maintaining and upgrading their sewage systems. It also underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols during construction

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

By
admin
-
0

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

By
admin
-
0

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

By
admin
-
0

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

By
admin
-
0

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

By
admin
-
0

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.

1...673674675...989Page 674 of 989