Home Blog Page 696

UK Court Sentences Nigerian Nurse to Prison for Fatal Child Neglect

admin
-
0
UK Court Sentences Nigerian Nurse to Prison for Fatal Child Neglect

Ruth Auta, a 28-year-old Nigerian nurse working in the United Kingdom, has been sentenced to three years in prison for child neglect resulting in the death of her 10-week-old son, Joshua Akerele.

The incident occurred on December 20, 2022, when Auta, a single mother employed at the Royal Bolton Hospital, left her infant son alone in her nurse’s accommodation for eight hours while she completed her shift. Upon returning, she found Joshua unresponsive in his cot and immediately called emergency services.

Despite resuscitation efforts, Joshua was pronounced dead an hour after the ambulance arrived. Post-mortem tests suggested the infant may have overheated due to excessive layers of clothing and bedding.

Auta pleaded guilty to charges of cruelty to a child at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 24, 2024. Her sentencing, initially scheduled for late May, was delayed by a month.

In a twist to the case, Auta was apprehended on June 6 at Gatwick Airport while attempting to board a flight to Nigeria with a one-way ticket.

The investigation revealed discrepancies in Auta’s account of events. She initially told police she had collected Joshua from a childminder, fed him, and then fell asleep with him on her bed, claiming she found him unresponsive upon waking. However, CCTV footage showed Auta leaving and returning to her accommodation without Joshua, and text messages indicated she had instructed her childminder to falsely state she was caring for Joshua that day. The childminder later confirmed she had not seen the baby for several days.

Sara Davie, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, stated in her judgment, “Ruth Auta failed to provide the care her baby needed and chose to leave him alone. As a nurse, she should have been aware of the dangers of leaving her child unattended. Her attempts to evade justice further demonstrate her lack of remorse.”

This case has raised concerns about childcare arrangements for healthcare workers and the pressures faced by single parents in demanding professions. It also highlights the importance of thorough investigations in cases involving child welfare and the potential consequences of false statements to law enforcement.

The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities parents hold, particularly those in caregiving professions. It also underscores the tragic outcomes that can result from child neglect, even when unintentional.

As the case concludes, it leaves lingering questions about support systems for working parents in healthcare and the need for accessible, affordable childcare options for essential workers.

Nigerian Man, Christopher Agbaje, Sentenced in North Dakota for International Fraud Scheme

admin
-
0
Nigerian Man, Christopher Agbaje, Sentenced in North Dakota for International Fraud Scheme

United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that on September 11, 2024, United States District Court Judge Daniel M. Traynor sentenced Nigerian citizen Christopher Agbaje to serve 142 months’ imprisonment, and to pay $188,935.74 in restitution to a North Dakota law firm, on charges of 1) Money Laundering; 2) Aiding and Abetting Wire Fraud; and 3) Aiding and Abetting Mail Fraud. On May 16, 2024, after a four-day trial, a federal jury found Agbaje guilty on these charges while also finding him not guilty on charges of 1) Wire Fraud; and 2) Mail Fraud. In February 2024, Agbaje was extradited from the United Kingdom to North Dakota to face these charges.

As demonstrated by evidence introduced at trial, between November and December 2020, Agbaje participated with others in a sophisticated scheme to defraud a North Dakota law firm out of $198,336.68. As part of this fraud scheme, individuals falsely purported to be a business owner in a legal dispute with a Bismarck, North Dakota, company and entered into a fictious attorney-client relationship with this law firm.

Through email communications, these individuals made false statements and promises, upon which the law firm relied to their determinant. Thereafter, the law firm received a parcel containing a fraudulent Citibank check payable to the law firm in the amount of $198,850.00 and deposited this check in the law firm’s bank account. Subsequently, at the purported business owner’s request, the law firm sent a $198,336.68 wire transfer to Agbaje’s business partner.

A short time later, Agbaje directed his business partner to fraudulently initiate a $180,000.00 international wire transfer with the intent to conceal the location, ownership, and control of the law firm’s money. When Agbaje became aware that law enforcement was conducting a fraud investigation in connection with the wire transfer he and his business partner had received, Agbaje instructed his business partner to “press on,” gain “leverage,” and claim “naivety.”

“This strong sentence shows that international fraudsters cannot hide from justice,” Schneider said. “When North Dakotans are the victims of fraud, our prosecutors and law enforcement partners will work internationally to hold defendants accountable in a federal courtroom in Bismarck or Fargo.” 

“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that no fraud scheme is beyond the reach of justice, no matter its complexity or scope,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Those who engage in fraudulent schemes will be met with swift and decisive action. The FBI will continue to work with partners across the globe to protect the financial security of the American people from those who seek to exploit it.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan J. O’Konek and Nick Baker. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance with securing the arrest and extradition of Agbaje.

If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of cybercrime, please consider filing a report at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https://www.ic3.gov/

Credit: DOJ

Taylor Swift’s Endorsement Sparks Surge in Voter Registrations

admin
-
0
Taylor Swift’s Endorsement Sparks Surge in Voter Registrations

Pop star Taylor Swift’s recent political endorsement has led to a significant increase in voter registration activity, according to a nonprofit organization tracking electoral participation.

Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, reported Wednesday that their online voter registration tool on VOTE411.org has seen a nearly 100% increase in usage over the past two days. This surge coincides with Swift’s Tuesday night endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Stewart noted a remarkable shift in user demographics. While the largest age group using the tool on Monday was 55-to-65-year-olds, by Wednesday, the 18-to-24-year-old demographic had become the most active. The CEO praised Swift’s impact, stating that when celebrities promote civic participation, it’s a “win for democracy.”

The surge in registrations and the shift towards younger voters aligns with observations made by former Tennessee congressman Jim Cooper, who previously noted Swift’s significant influence in the political field.

This development comes amid conflicting views on celebrity political endorsements. While some political figures, including former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, have dismissed the impact of Swift’s endorsement, claiming she is out of touch with average Americans, the registration data suggests a tangible effect on voter engagement.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, emphasizes the importance of voters researching candidates and issues independently. Stewart expressed appreciation for Swift’s encouragement of her fans, known as “Swifties,” to engage in the political process.

This voter registration surge highlights the potential influence of celebrity endorsements on political participation, particularly among younger voters. It also underscores the evolving landscape of political engagement in the digital age, where social media and popular culture increasingly intersect with civic duties.

As the 2024 election season approaches, political analysts and campaign strategists will likely be paying close attention to the impact of high-profile endorsements on voter turnout and engagement, especially among younger demographics traditionally less likely to participate in elections.

The long-term effects of this surge in voter registrations remain to be seen, but it clearly demonstrates the potential of celebrity influence to shape political engagement in contemporary American democracy.

Jennifer Lopez in Talks to Purchase Famed Azria Estate in Los Angeles

admin
-
0
Jennifer Lopez in Talks to Purchase Famed Azria Estate in Los Angeles

Pop star and actress Jennifer Lopez is reportedly in negotiations to purchase the Azria Estate, a renowned piece of Los Angeles real estate located in the exclusive Holmby Hills neighborhood, according to sources close to the matter.

The 30,000-square-foot mansion, formerly owned by late BCBG fashion mogul Max Azria, is currently listed at $55 million. However, sources indicate that Lopez is attempting to negotiate the price down to between $30 million and $39 million.

The luxurious estate boasts 14 bedrooms and sits on a sprawling 3-acre lot. It features extensive amenities including gardens, a greenhouse, a guest house, an infinity pool with a sauna, an in-home theater, and a game room.

The potential purchase is complicated by an ongoing legal dispute. Earlier this year, the estate was put up for auction, with billionaire investor Ron Burkle placing the winning bid at $30 million. Burkle is now reportedly embroiled in a lawsuit with Max Azria’s widow, Lubov Azria, over an alleged breach of contract.

Sources say Lopez began showing renewed interest in the property in August, having previously toured it in March 2023 with then-partner Ben Affleck. In recent weeks, she has reportedly taken several tours of the estate.

The singer and actress is said to be negotiating with both Burkle and Lubov Azria in an attempt to reach a deal. Lopez has prior connections to the property, which served as a filming location for her movie “Atlas.”

The Azria Estate is situated in a star-studded neighborhood, sharing a property line with music mogul Diddy’s recently listed $61 million home. Other notable neighbors include fashion designer Tom Ford, tech entrepreneur Sean Parker, and music producer Jimmy Iovine.

Representatives for The Beverly Hills Estates’ Branden and Rayni Williams, who hold the listing, have not yet responded to requests for comment.

This potential real estate move comes in the wake of Lopez’s recent separation from actor Ben Affleck, suggesting the singer may be seeking a fresh start in a new home. The ongoing negotiations and legal complexities surrounding the Azria Estate underscore the intricate nature of high-end real estate transactions in Los Angeles, particularly those involving celebrity buyers and historically significant properties.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether Lopez will successfully acquire the Azria Estate, adding another chapter to the property’s storied history in the entertainment and fashion worlds.

TMZ

Controversial Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori Dies at 86

admin
-
0
Controversial Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori Dies at 86

Alberto Fujimori, Peru’s former president whose decade in power was marked by economic reforms, a crackdown on guerrilla violence, and human rights abuses, died Wednesday in Lima at the age of 86, his children announced.

“After a long battle with cancer, our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord,” his children Keiko, Hiro, Sachie and Kenji Fujimori stated on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Fujimori, who led Peru from 1990 to 2000, leaves behind a complex and divisive legacy that continues to shape the country’s political landscape. The son of Japanese immigrants, he gained popularity for steering Peru’s economy onto a more stable path during his tenure. He was widely credited for quelling the violent insurgency of the Shining Path rebel group, a feat that many Peruvians still regard as his most significant achievement.

While praised by supporters for his decisive action against terrorism, critics reviled Fujimori for his authoritarian style of governance. His presidency was marred by allegations of human rights abuses and corruption.

Fujimori was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2009 for human rights violations, including his role in killings and kidnappings by death squads targeting suspected insurgents in the 1990s. In December 2022, he was released from prison on humanitarian grounds after serving two-thirds of his sentence. The release came after Peru’s Constitutional Court reinstated a 2017 pardon, which had been previously revoked by the country’s Supreme Court.

Fujimori’s influence extended beyond his presidency, with his children playing significant roles in Peruvian politics. His daughter Keiko, a former presidential candidate herself, had recently suggested that her father planned to run for Peru’s presidency for the fourth time in 2026, despite his advanced age and health issues.

Fujimori’s death marks the end of an era in Peruvian politics, but the debate over his legacy is likely to continue. Supporters remember him as the leader who stabilized Peru’s economy and defeated terrorism, while critics point to the human rights abuses and corruption that occurred under his watch.

As Peru processes the news of Fujimori’s passing, the country faces ongoing political instability and economic challenges, issues that have persisted in the decades since his controversial presidency. The former president’s death is likely to reignite discussions about Peru’s recent history, the balance between security and human rights, and the long-term impacts of authoritarian governance in Latin America.

Jury Convicts Homeless Man in Brutal Murder of UCLA Student Brianna Kupfer

admin
-
0
Jury Convicts Homeless Man in Brutal Murder of UCLA Student Brianna Kupfer

A jury on Tuesday found Shawn Laval Smith, 34, guilty of first-degree murder in the 2022 killing of UCLA student Brianna Kupfer, with prosecutors revealing disturbing details about the attack.

Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian told the court that Smith, described as homeless, had been “hunting for a woman alone” when he attacked 24-year-old Kupfer at the furniture store where she worked. Prosecutors said Smith stabbed Kupfer 46 times and left her to die.

Key evidence presented at the trial included:

1. An audio recorder found at the scene, which Smith allegedly used to document the attack.

2. A filet knife, bent from the assault and bearing both Kupfer’s blood and Smith’s DNA.

3. Recordings from a month before the attack, in which Smith reportedly discussed wanting to murder women.

“This man hated women,” Balian said in his closing argument, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. “It’s easier probably to sleep at night to think something is wrong with him rather than face the truth that this man was on a crusade to hunt, to destroy and to kill for the mere fact that she was female.”

The prosecution portrayed Smith as a calculated killer who targeted Kupfer specifically because she was alone. Balian argued that Smith “used her kindness against her,” catching her off guard before the brutal attack.

Defense attorney Robert Haberer contested the premeditation aspect, suggesting Smith’s actions were impulsive rather than planned. “It sounds like he was blowing off steam, probably because he was pissed off about something in that moment. Who the hell knows what it was?” ABC 7 quoted Haberer as saying.

Kupfer, who was pursuing graduate studies in architecture at UCLA, was working alone in the store when the attack occurred.

Smith, who has a lengthy criminal record, now faces a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, before sentencing, a judge must determine whether Smith was sane at the time of the attack.

The case has shocked the Los Angeles community and reignited discussions about public safety and the handling of individuals with violent tendencies. It also highlights the vulnerability of workers in retail environments, especially those working alone.

As the legal process moves forward, Kupfer’s family and the UCLA community continue to mourn the loss of a promising young student whose life was cut tragically short.

The conviction brings some closure to a case that has gripped Los Angeles for over a year, but also raises questions about preventing such heinous crimes in the future.

Israel Offers Hamas Leader Safe Passage in Exchange for Hostages, Official Says

admin
-
0
Israel Offers Hamas Leader Safe Passage in Exchange for Hostages, Official Says

An Israeli official has claimed that Israel offered to ensure the safe exit of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar from Gaza in exchange for the release of remaining hostages, a proposal that could significantly shift the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.

Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for hostages and the missing, told Bloomberg that the offer was made earlier this week during tense ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.

“I’m ready to provide safe passage to Sinwar, his family, whoever wants to join him,” Hirsch stated. “We want the hostages back. We want demilitarization, de-radicalization of course — a new system that will manage Gaza.”

This revelation follows similar comments Hirsch made in a CNN interview on Sunday, where he referred to Sinwar as “the new Hitler” but indicated Israel’s willingness to facilitate his departure from Gaza.

The proposal, if confirmed, marks a significant development in Israel’s approach to ending the conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7 attack. It potentially offers a way out for Sinwar, who is considered the mastermind behind that assault.

However, it remains unclear whether Hamas has responded to this offer. The group’s negotiation team met with Egyptian and Qatari mediators on Wednesday, but no official statement has been made regarding this specific proposal.

Hamas previously stated it is not open to accepting new conditions in the ceasefire negotiations, specifically referencing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintain control of the Philadelphi Route along the Gaza-Egypt border.

Interestingly, reports last month suggested that Sinwar himself had proposed a similar idea, claiming that a ceasefire deal would be possible if Israel could guarantee his safety.

The offer of safe passage for Sinwar appears to contradict the IDF’s repeated vows to hunt down and eliminate the Hamas leader. Sinwar was last reported to have been seen fleeing through Gaza’s tunnel network with his family on October 10, just days after the initial attack on Israel.

This development comes amid ongoing international pressure for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides and a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely to see if this unconventional offer could lead to a breakthrough in the hostage situation and potentially pave the way for an end to the current phase of the conflict.

The Israeli government has not officially confirmed this offer, and it remains to be seen how such a proposal would be received by the Israeli public and the international community, given Sinwar’s role in the October 7 attacks.

Ghana Hikes Cocoa Price by 45% to Combat Smuggling, Support Farmers

admin
-
0
Ghana Hikes Cocoa Price by 45% to Combat Smuggling, Support Farmers

Ghana’s government announced Wednesday a substantial 45% increase in the producer price of cocoa for the 2024/2025 crop season, a move aimed at curbing smuggling and improving the welfare of cocoa farmers.

Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong revealed that the new price, effective immediately, raises the payment for a 64-kilogramme bag of cocoa beans to $192, up from $132. This adjustment brings the farm gate price to $3,063 per tonne, marking a dramatic 129% increase from the opening price of $1,335 per tonne for the 2023/2024 season.

“This is an unprecedented increase of 129.36 percent,” Acheampong stated. “This appreciable increment in the producer price of cocoa signifies the government’s commitment to improve the sector and the livelihoods of the Ghanaian cocoa farmer.”

The price hike follows a mid-season adjustment last year when the government raised prices from $1,335 per tonne to $2,113 per tonne, responding to soaring international cocoa prices. Recently, New York cocoa futures have surged above $7,000 per tonne due to poor harvests in Ghana and Ivory Coast, the world’s top producers.

Experts suggest that increasing the farm gate price could reduce incentives for illegal cross-border sales, allowing farmers to reinvest in their cocoa farms and potentially ease the global supply shortfall. Ghana’s cocoa harvest has declined in recent years due to weather challenges, disease, inadequate inputs, and smuggling.

The cocoa sector, accounting for about 10% of Ghana’s GDP, relies heavily on smallholder farmers. However, the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, which has lost over 20% of its value against the dollar this year, has further squeezed farmers’ margins — even as international prices reached $10,000 per tonne in March before retreating.

Production costs have also soared, with fertilizers and other essential materials becoming increasingly expensive. Poor road networks have pushed up transport costs, adding to farmers’ challenges.

The sector has also been grappling with the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease, which has devastated nearly 500,000 hectares of cocoa farms in recent years, representing about 29% of Ghana’s total cocoa production area.

This price increase is part of a broader strategy to address the multifaceted challenges facing Ghana’s cocoa industry. By offering more competitive prices, the government hopes to not only discourage smuggling but also to incentivize farmers to maintain and potentially expand their cocoa production.

The move comes at a critical time for the global cocoa market, with supply constraints driving up prices worldwide. Ghana’s decision could have ripple effects across the industry, potentially influencing pricing strategies in other cocoa-producing nations and affecting global chocolate prices.

As the 2024/2025 crop season begins, industry observers will be watching closely to see if this significant price hike achieves its dual goals of reducing smuggling and improving farmer livelihoods, while also contributing to a more stable global cocoa supply.

Russia Claims ‘Terrorist Act’ Behind Freight Train Derailment Near Ukraine Border

admin
-
0
Russia Claims ‘Terrorist Act’ Behind Freight Train Derailment Near Ukraine Border

Russian authorities reported Wednesday that a freight train derailed overnight in the Belgorod region of southwestern Russia, near the Ukrainian border, alleging it was caused by a “terrorist act.”

The incident occurred in the Novooskolsky district, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the Ukrainian border. A locomotive and several wagons derailed shortly before midnight due to unspecified “interference,” according to the regional branch of state-owned Russian Railways.

South East Railways, the operator, stated there were no casualties, and efforts to restore rail traffic were underway Wednesday morning. The company reported that 11 empty railcars were affected, while the train’s driver and assistant escaped injury.

Russia’s Investigative Committee, responsible for probing major crimes, announced that its transportation division had launched a criminal investigation into terrorism, citing significant property damage.

Unverified reports from Baza, a Telegram news channel with alleged ties to Russian security services, claimed the train struck an explosive device.

This derailment follows a series of suspicious fires and derailments across Russia’s rail network in recent months. While Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s incident, Russian authorities have previously blamed such occurrences on Ukraine and its allies.

The location and timing of the derailment have raised concerns about potential cross-border activities related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, official sources have not provided specific evidence linking the incident to Ukrainian forces or their supporters.

Russian Railways and security services continue to investigate the cause of the derailment, with heightened attention to rail security in border regions.

Former CIA Officer Gets 10-Year Sentence for Spying for China

admin
-
0
Former CIA Officer Gets 10-Year Sentence for Spying for China

Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, a 71-year-old former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison for conspiring to gather and deliver classified national defense information to the People’s Republic of China.

Ma, arrested in August 2020, admitted to an undercover FBI employee that he had facilitated the provision of classified information to intelligence officers of China’s Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB).

Court documents reveal that Ma worked for the CIA from 1982 to 1989. A blood relative, identified as co-conspirator #1 (CC #1), also worked for the CIA from 1967 to 1983. Both held Top Secret security clearances and signed nondisclosure agreements.

In March 2001, Ma and CC #1 met with SSSB intelligence officers in Hong Kong. During three days of meetings, CC #1 provided classified U.S. national defense information in exchange for $50,000. They agreed to continue assisting the SSSB.

Ma later applied for a job as a contract linguist at the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office in 2003. The FBI, aware of Ma’s ties to Chinese intelligence, hired him as part of a ruse to monitor his activities. Ma worked part-time for the FBI from August 2004 to October 2012.

In February 2006, Ma convinced CC #1 to identify at least two individuals from photographs for the SSSB, compromising classified information.

Ma confessed to knowingly conspiring with CC #1 and SSSB officers to communicate information that would harm the United States or benefit China.

The government noted that Ma’s conviction for years-long espionage caused substantial investigative resources to be expended. Ma’s role was to facilitate information exchange between CC #1 and the SSSB, involving classified CIA information from 1967 to 1983.

Under the plea agreement, Ma must cooperate with the U.S. government for life, including submitting to debriefings. Government counsel reported that Ma has been cooperative and participated in multiple interview sessions with agents.

In addition to the 10-year prison term, Ma faces five years of supervised release.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors, and FBI Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells announced the sentencing.

The FBI’s Honolulu and Los Angeles Field Offices investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ken Sorenson and Craig Nolan, along with Trial Attorneys Scott Claffee and Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, prosecuted the case.

This sentencing underscores ongoing concerns about espionage threats to U.S. national security, particularly from China. It also highlights the long-term nature of counterintelligence investigations and the potential vulnerabilities within intelligence agencies.

Credit: DOJ

1...695696697...972Page 696 of 972