Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Port Arthur convicted felon has been sentenced for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Carl Sampson Solomon, 43, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 9, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on March 27, 2024, Sampson was stopped for a traffic violation on Gulfway Drive in Port Arthur. During the stop, Solomon advised officers he had a firearm holstered under the seat. A search of the vehicle revealed the firearm and a small baggie of marijuana. Further investigation revealed Solomon had previously been convicted of five felonies and was on felony probation. Federal law prohibits convicted felons of possessing or owning firearms.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Port Arthur Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Beaumont man has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Brian Keith Murphy, 33, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 9, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on August 11, 2024, law enforcement officers received a call of shots fired near a gas station on Concord Avenue in Beaumont. As officers were being dispatched to the scene, the Beaumont Police Department was able to view a live stream of the shooting through their “Real-Time-Crime Center.” Officers monitoring the live stream were able to witness the shooter fire multiple shots near vehicles and individuals in the parking lot. Through coordination with officers monitoring the live stream and officers on scene, law enforcement was able to identify the vehicle the shooter had fled in. The vehicle was stopped, and Murphy was identified as the shooter. Two firearms were recovered from the vehicle Murphy was fleeing in, one of which was the firearm Murphy used in the shooting. Murphy was on federal supervised release at the time for a previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
The Defendant Discharged a Stolen Gun Inside a Residence with Minor Children Present
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Michael Angelo Crank, 44, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 51 months in prison followed by a term of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
According to court records and court proceedings, on August 15, 2024, an individual identified as T.T. called 911 to report that Crank had discharged a firearm. Officers responding to the service call arrived at the residence and spoke with Crank, T.T. and three minor children. T.T. told the officers that Crank had fired a gun during an argument while her young children were at home. Officers executed a search warrant on the residence where they located and seized five discharged 9mm shell cases; a 9mm Glock, model 17 semiautomatic pistol; one 30-round magazine for the Glock; one 17-round magazine for the Glock; a 9mm Hi-Point model C9 semiautomatic pistol; and several rounds of various ammunition. Officers also reviewed footage from the home security system. The footage captured Crank following T.T. and her minor children into the front yard with a gun in his hand. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that both seized firearms had been reported stolen. Crank has a criminal history that includes state felony convictions of Assault on a Female and Felony Possession of Cocaine, and a federal conviction in South Carolina for conspiracy and using, carrying, and possessing firearms during, in relation to, and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On October 29, 2024, Crank pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Thomas is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
The ATF and CMPD led the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Police’s National Security Department arrested four men on July 9 on suspicion of illegally participating in the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Alliance, which engaged in activities aimed at committing subversion, in contravention of the offence of subversion under Article 22 of the National Security Law.
The arrestees, aged between 15 and 47, are being detained for investigation.
Police said that the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Alliance was established in China’s Taiwan region in 2024 through a social media platform, with the objectives of committing subversion and achieving “Hong Kong independence”.
The organisation has publicly expressed its stance in support of secession and subversion on various occasions, it added.
An investigation revealed that the arrested persons held different roles within the organisation and were actively involved in its affairs, including planning publicity, liaising with external forces and organising related activities.
Police stressed that any person or organisation inciting secession, subversion or endangering national security in any form is committing a serious offence. Additionally, any person who contravenes the offence of subversion is liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The force said it will ensure that the law is observed and strictly enforced, and take resolute actions to hold offenders accountable. Furthermore, it emphasised that all illegal acts will be followed up to this end.
New Coalition of the Willing headquarters as leaders step up support for Ukraine’s immediate flight
The Coalition of the Willing will have a new permanent headquarters in Paris, with plans in place for a future coordination cell in Kyiv, as command structures for the future reassurance force are finalised.
The Coalition of the Willing will have a new permanent headquarters in Paris, with plans in place for a future coordination cell in Kyiv, as command structures for the future reassurance force are finalised.
It comes after leaders from the Coalition of the Willing met virtually today, with the Prime Minister and President Macron joining from the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood and President Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Meloni and other leaders joining from the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome to discuss the latest planning and our wider efforts to support Ukraine.
For the first time, representatives of the United States, including Special Presidential Envoy, General Keith Kellogg, Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal, joined the meeting.
Military chiefs updated on the significant progress made, including the completion of reconnaissance visits to Ukraine, to better understand how a post-ceasefire force could best help regenerate the strength and firepower of Ukrainian forces and provide reassurance in the years to come.
Following agreement on command structures for the force, leaders agreed that planning should continue on an enduring, business as usual footing, to ensure that a force can deploy in the days following the cessation of hostilities.
That will include a 3-star multi-national operational headquarters in Paris, led by the UK and France, to oversee all tactical and operational arrangements.
The headquarters, which will rotate to London after the first 12 months, will allow partners to contribute forces flexibly and deploy military teams for different operational strands of work.
When the force deploys, a co-ordination cell, headed up by a UK 2-star military officer will also be set up in Kyiv.
Following the cessation of hostilities, the force is expected to:
Regenerate land forces: providing logistic, armament and training experts to assist with the regeneration and reconstitution of Ukraine’s land forces.
Secure Ukraine’s skies: The Coalition will provide safe skies alongside Ukraine’s Air Force using Coalition aircraft to deliver Air Policing, reassuring the Ukrainian population and establishing the conditions for normal international air travel to re-commence.
Support safer seas: The existing Black Sea Task Force of Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria will be bolstered by additional specialist staff to accelerate the clearance of mines from the Black Sea and ensure safe and secure maritime access for all vessels transiting to and from Ukraine ports.
During the meeting, leaders condemned President Putin’s brutal attacks on Ukrainian cities and disregard for peace talks and reaffirmed their determination to continue applying pressure on Putin to stop his illegal attacks and engage meaningfully in negotiations. They also welcomed progress made at the Ukraine Recovery Conference to help Ukraine grow its economy and protect its infrastructure against Russia’s attacks.
They agreed their priority effort must be to focus on Ukraine’s immediate defence in the face of relentless Russian attacks on critical national infrastructure and civilians.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
Supporting Ukraine is not just the right thing to do, it’s essential for delivering security at home. That is why the Coalition of the Willing is ensuring we have a future force that can deploy following a ceasefire to deter Russian aggression for years to come.
But as we continue to prepare for peace, our focus must also be on making it happen. So, alongside our partners, in the coming days and weeks, we will step up our support to keep Ukraine in the fight now, increasing pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions and ensuring Ukraine’s Armed Forces have the equipment they need to defend their sovereign territory.
I am clear that the more we do to counter Russia’s aggression, the safer we will keep the British people, our allies and the Euro-Atlantic area.
President Putin has made it clear with his barbaric missile strikes that he is not ready for peace – underscoring the need for the international priority to be to strengthen Ukraine in the fight now.
Despite this, Coalition of the Willing members have been steadfast about their commitment to making sure they are ready to support Ukraine to deter future Russian attacks when the conditions for peace are right.
The ‘Multinational Force Ukraine’ will bolster Ukraine’s ability to return to peace and stability by supporting the regeneration of Ukraine’s own forces. Strong Ukrainian armed forces is the best way to deter Russia – and ensure the country is able to rebuild a thriving economy and attract international investment.
The military plan comes after military chiefs met in Paris on Monday to agree the strategy for the force and coordinate plans with the EU, NATO and the US and more than 200 planners from 30 international partners.
Leaders have now met six times to further planning and political support for the plans. The meeting comes after Ukraine’s friends and partners pledged €40bn of military support for the country in 2025 at the NATO Summit last month.
This year, the UK will contribute £4.5 billion of military support to Ukraine – more than ever before, as well as launching a new landmark partnership share battlefield technology.
That agreement, reached last month, will boost Ukraine’s drone production capacity and link the UK’s defence industry with the cutting-edge technology being developed on the front lines in Ukraine.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ashwill Ramon Phillips, Lecturer and Postgraduate Supervisor, Department of Criminology, University of the Free State
Gang-related crime in South Africa is widespread, but is under-reported outside hotspots such as the Cape Flats in Cape Town or Westbury in Johannesburg. In these areas gangs are deeply rooted and contribute to ongoing violence, drug trafficking and territorial conflict.
But gangs have continued to evolve and gang violence has consistently increased throughout South Africa, particularly in the Gauteng and Free State provinces. In the Free State in the east-central part of the country, devil-worshipping and witchcraft-related gang practices have been reported.
Gang-related violence is fuelled by poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and the need for protection from rival gangs.
In my doctoral study in criminology, I explored the phenomenon of occult-inspired gangs in the Free State. I interviewed 23 active gang members, 16 offenders who weren’t affiliated to gangs, and 18 service providers like social workers and correctional officials working with these groups.
In a more recent study I developed a typology of occult gangs: a framework that captures their structure, symbolism, hierarchy and spiritual practices.
This matters because in order to prevent gang-related crime it is essential to understand how they operate.
The rise of Free State occult gangs
In 1997, a South African Police Service investigation uncovered a so-called devil worshipping group or “evil church” that had migrated from parts of northern Africa and established itself in Maseru, Lesotho (South Africa’s neighbour). This group reportedly blended occult practices with traditional African witchcraft. This led local communities to label it as a devil-worshipping gang.
Since 2011, groups like this have expanded across the Free State. There are now about 40 such gangs active in the province, as reported by the police and confirmed in my research. Some of the better known gangs are the Triple 6 (666), Born-To-Kill (BTK), Natural Born Killers (NBK), International Junior Portuguese (IJP), and Maroma (Romans/Romas).
More typical street gangs are mostly known for expanding their territory through profit from the drug trade and extortion. But these Free State gangs incorporate spirituality and esoterism (special hidden knowledge) to assert dominance, foster cohesion and generate fear within communities.
They engage in serious crimes including murder, organ trafficking and rape. They are particularly known for acts such as ritual stabbings, cannibalism, and alleged communication with demonic forces.
The communities in which these groups operate, and gang members themselves, refer to them as “devil worshipping gangs”. This is because of the explicit link between certain gang-related practices and satanism, or the worship of the devil as depicted in the Christian bible.
Some groups merge beliefs and rituals related to Satan and anti-Christianity with witchcraft. Or they use symbols commonly associated with satanism such as “666” and inverted crosses. But labelling all such groups as “devil worshipping gangs” is misleading. The term “occult gangs” better captures the range of practices involved.
While both devil worshipping and witchcraft-related practices can play a role in criminal gang activity, they differ in origin and form. Devil worshipping draws from western occult traditions, using symbols and rituals to strengthen gang identity. Witchcraft-based practices typically involve the malicious use of muti (traditional African medicine) and muti murders (murders for body parts to use in muti). As one participant told me:
Yes, there are gangs that believe in muti. There are also gangs that believe in the devil. IJP and Roma believe in muti, while BTK and Triple 6 believe in getting power from the devil. They say they speak to Lucifer to give them powers.
So, infamous gangs in the Free State are not only dreaded for their brutality but also for their reported links to ritual murder, blood oaths, the use of muti and the consumption of human organs and blood. According to my research these activities have progressed from being viewed as urban legends and community myths to becoming lived realities.
Inside the gangs
My gang typology study sample consisted of 39 male offenders, aged 14 to 38. Participants were either serving sentences or awaiting trial for serious offences such as murder, rape and armed robbery.
The gang members spoke openly about seeking power through supernatural means. Some believed that consuming blood and participating in occult rituals could make them invisible to police and invincible against their enemies. As one told me:
The minute you drink blood you are invoking spirits to become part of you, demons to become part of you, and give you the powers that you need to do what you have to do…
Ritual stabbings, inverted crosses, and the “mark of the beast” (“666”) were part of their gang symbolism – seen in gang graffiti and tattoos and furthered by involvement in spiritual gatherings and the use of muti.
These elements form part of a shared gang ideology that offers meaning, identity and purpose to marginalised young people. I found that the gang members in my studies often lacked family support, social support or significant formal education.
To prevent young people from joining gangs, it is crucial to understand what pulls them in. Several participants described joining gangs not only for wealth, protection or status, but for a sense of spiritual power. Especially in communities where traditional religion, ancestral beliefs and Christian teachings coexist and sometimes collide.
My typology of occult gangs has the potential to inform targeted prevention programmes, rehabilitation efforts and policing strategies that take the spiritual realities of gang members seriously.
A new approach to fighting crime is needed
The rise of occult gangs has now progressed beyond the Free State. Similar trends are observed in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Western Cape provinces.
The intersection of faith, fear and violence in these gangs challenges mainstream approaches to crime prevention. Traditional anti-gang strategies assume that gangs are driven mainly by socioeconomic factors or rational incentives. They fail to account for spiritual motivations and metaphysical beliefs.
The presence of ritual elements complicates investigations and amplifies fear. It makes gangs seem more powerful than they are.
At the same time, public institutions such as the police and social workers often lack the frameworks and cultural sensitivity to address the spiritual dimensions of the offences perpetrated by these groups.
The struggle with the occult gangs in South Africa mirrors similar challenges in other countries, like Nigeria, the DRC and Haiti, where spiritual symbolism and ritualised violence are central to gang identity.
Effective interventions must include culturally grounded strategies to help members disengage from gangs, involving traditional leaders, healers, faith-based actors and mental health professionals.
By addressing the spiritual, social, and psychological dimensions of gang involvement, more sustainable pathways out of these groups can be created.
Gang violence in South Africa is evolving, and so must the response. It shouldn’t just punish young offenders, but offer them a genuine alternative.
Ashwill Ramon Phillips does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ashwill Ramon Phillips, Lecturer and Postgraduate Supervisor, Department of Criminology, University of the Free State
Gang-related crime in South Africa is widespread, but is under-reported outside hotspots such as the Cape Flats in Cape Town or Westbury in Johannesburg. In these areas gangs are deeply rooted and contribute to ongoing violence, drug trafficking and territorial conflict.
But gangs have continued to evolve and gang violence has consistently increased throughout South Africa, particularly in the Gauteng and Free State provinces. In the Free State in the east-central part of the country, devil-worshipping and witchcraft-related gang practices have been reported.
Gang-related violence is fuelled by poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and the need for protection from rival gangs.
In my doctoral study in criminology, I explored the phenomenon of occult-inspired gangs in the Free State. I interviewed 23 active gang members, 16 offenders who weren’t affiliated to gangs, and 18 service providers like social workers and correctional officials working with these groups.
In a more recent study I developed a typology of occult gangs: a framework that captures their structure, symbolism, hierarchy and spiritual practices.
This matters because in order to prevent gang-related crime it is essential to understand how they operate.
The rise of Free State occult gangs
In 1997, a South African Police Service investigation uncovered a so-called devil worshipping group or “evil church” that had migrated from parts of northern Africa and established itself in Maseru, Lesotho (South Africa’s neighbour). This group reportedly blended occult practices with traditional African witchcraft. This led local communities to label it as a devil-worshipping gang.
A BTK gang tattoo.Ashwill Ramon Phillips
Since 2011, groups like this have expanded across the Free State. There are now about 40 such gangs active in the province, as reported by the police and confirmed in my research. Some of the better known gangs are the Triple 6 (666), Born-To-Kill (BTK), Natural Born Killers (NBK), International Junior Portuguese (IJP), and Maroma (Romans/Romas).
More typical street gangs are mostly known for expanding their territory through profit from the drug trade and extortion. But these Free State gangs incorporate spirituality and esoterism (special hidden knowledge) to assert dominance, foster cohesion and generate fear within communities.
They engage in serious crimes including murder, organ trafficking and rape. They are particularly known for acts such as ritual stabbings, cannibalism, and alleged communication with demonic forces.
NBK gang tattoo.Ashwill Ramon Phillips
The communities in which these groups operate, and gang members themselves, refer to them as “devil worshipping gangs”. This is because of the explicit link between certain gang-related practices and satanism, or the worship of the devil as depicted in the Christian bible.
Some groups merge beliefs and rituals related to Satan and anti-Christianity with witchcraft. Or they use symbols commonly associated with satanism such as “666” and inverted crosses. But labelling all such groups as “devil worshipping gangs” is misleading. The term “occult gangs” better captures the range of practices involved.
While both devil worshipping and witchcraft-related practices can play a role in criminal gang activity, they differ in origin and form. Devil worshipping draws from western occult traditions, using symbols and rituals to strengthen gang identity. Witchcraft-based practices typically involve the malicious use of muti (traditional African medicine) and muti murders (murders for body parts to use in muti). As one participant told me:
Yes, there are gangs that believe in muti. There are also gangs that believe in the devil. IJP and Roma believe in muti, while BTK and Triple 6 believe in getting power from the devil. They say they speak to Lucifer to give them powers.
So, infamous gangs in the Free State are not only dreaded for their brutality but also for their reported links to ritual murder, blood oaths, the use of muti and the consumption of human organs and blood. According to my research these activities have progressed from being viewed as urban legends and community myths to becoming lived realities.
Inside the gangs
My gang typology study sample consisted of 39 male offenders, aged 14 to 38. Participants were either serving sentences or awaiting trial for serious offences such as murder, rape and armed robbery.
The gang members spoke openly about seeking power through supernatural means. Some believed that consuming blood and participating in occult rituals could make them invisible to police and invincible against their enemies. As one told me:
The minute you drink blood you are invoking spirits to become part of you, demons to become part of you, and give you the powers that you need to do what you have to do…
A drawing by a Triple 6 gang member.Ashwill Ramon Phillips
Ritual stabbings, inverted crosses, and the “mark of the beast” (“666”) were part of their gang symbolism – seen in gang graffiti and tattoos and furthered by involvement in spiritual gatherings and the use of muti.
These elements form part of a shared gang ideology that offers meaning, identity and purpose to marginalised young people. I found that the gang members in my studies often lacked family support, social support or significant formal education.
To prevent young people from joining gangs, it is crucial to understand what pulls them in. Several participants described joining gangs not only for wealth, protection or status, but for a sense of spiritual power. Especially in communities where traditional religion, ancestral beliefs and Christian teachings coexist and sometimes collide.
My typology of occult gangs has the potential to inform targeted prevention programmes, rehabilitation efforts and policing strategies that take the spiritual realities of gang members seriously.
A new approach to fighting crime is needed
The rise of occult gangs has now progressed beyond the Free State. Similar trends are observed in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Western Cape provinces.
The intersection of faith, fear and violence in these gangs challenges mainstream approaches to crime prevention. Traditional anti-gang strategies assume that gangs are driven mainly by socioeconomic factors or rational incentives. They fail to account for spiritual motivations and metaphysical beliefs.
The presence of ritual elements complicates investigations and amplifies fear. It makes gangs seem more powerful than they are.
At the same time, public institutions such as the police and social workers often lack the frameworks and cultural sensitivity to address the spiritual dimensions of the offences perpetrated by these groups.
A drawing by a BTK gang member.Ashwill Ramon Phillips
The struggle with the occult gangs in South Africa mirrors similar challenges in other countries, like Nigeria, the DRC and Haiti, where spiritual symbolism and ritualised violence are central to gang identity.
Effective interventions must include culturally grounded strategies to help members disengage from gangs, involving traditional leaders, healers, faith-based actors and mental health professionals.
By addressing the spiritual, social, and psychological dimensions of gang involvement, more sustainable pathways out of these groups can be created.
Gang violence in South Africa is evolving, and so must the response. It shouldn’t just punish young offenders, but offer them a genuine alternative.
– Devil worship, muti and murder: what’s behind the growth of occult gangs in South Africa? – https://theconversation.com/devil-worship-muti-and-murder-whats-behind-the-growth-of-occult-gangs-in-south-africa-260141
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Jogy gained valuable knowledge and experience through the Work Experience and Support Program.
In Brief:
The Work Experience and Support Program (WESP) gives Canberrans from multicultural backgrounds the opportunity to build skills and knowledge in an Australian workplace.
The program aims to support Canberran’s who have been out of work, or not engaged in meaningful work, for two years.
This article details information about the program, its benefits and a current participant’s experience.
The Work Experience and Support Program (WESP) offers the opportunity to build skills and knowledge in an Australian workplace through a voluntary placement.
It is open to Canberrans from a multicultural background who have been out of meaningful work for two years.
It focuses on:
building your skills and knowledge
experiencing work in an Australian workplace
improving your job seeking confidence and competitiveness
building a network of contacts in the ACT public service.
The 12-week program is competitive but highly rewarding.
It includes:
four weeks of training for Certificate II in Workplace Skills at CIT
eight weeks of unpaid work experience in the ACT Public Service.
Jogy, a recent program graduate, was placed in the ACT’s Emergency Services Agency doing important local and community-based work.
He gained valuable knowledge and experience through this program and was fortunate to have worked with a supportive and professional team.
Applications are now open Applications close on Sunday 27 July 2025.
For more information:
Other opportunities If this grant isn’t the right fit for you, there are plenty of grant programs available that might suit your needs. Find more ACT Government grant opportunities through the funding, grants and support finder.
Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was shot in Tottenham.
Officers were called at 04:29hrs on Thursday, 6 February, to reports of gunshots at a property in Tottenham Green East, N15.
Police attended alongside the London Ambulance Service, and found a man in his 20s suffering from gunshot wounds. Immediate medical attention was provided. He was taken to hospital, where his injuries were assessed as non-life-threatening.
CCTV captured a suspect walking away from the scene. Detectives are keen to identify him and asking for the public’s help.
Detective Inspector Darren Jones, who is leading the investigation, said: “A man was brutally shot earlier this year in Tottenham. It’s vital that we determine exactly what happened and bring the person or people responsible for this crime to justice.
“If you recognise the man caught on CCTV, we urge you to come forward and speak to us.
“A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder during the course of our investigation and has been released on bail but our enquiries continue.
“I am especially keen to locate the gun used which has now been connected to four separate shootings in north London.
“Any information to help identify the suspect or the location of the gun, could be essential in helping us piece together the circumstances of this incident.”
Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incident – or who has relevant doorbell or CCTV footage if they were around Tottenham Green East at the time – to call 101, quoting CAD 741/06FEB. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Good afternoon everyone. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the launch of the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0.
Digitalisation has proven to be positive and constructive in many ways, such as the convenience brought by digital payments and online shopping. Unfortunately, increased digital activities have also made fraud and scams easier to set up and reach members of the public on an unprecedented scale. According to the Police, more than 44,000 cases of deception were recorded in 2024, representing a fourfold increase over the past five years.
While the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the banking sector have been at the forefront in fighting digital fraud and scams, this fight cannot be won by any single party or sector alone. It requires cross-sectoral collaboration, bringing together the public and private sectors, as well as the community at large. That is why we launched the first two Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charters in 2023 and 2024. More than 300 financial institutions and merchants participated in these two earlier Charters, committing not to send out messages with embedded links requesting key personal information, thereby raising public awareness against phishing scams.
However, digital fraud and scams have evolved far beyond phishing links. The threats of fraud and scams via online instant messaging or social media platforms, phone calls, and SMSs are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Many of us, including myself, are receiving numerous suspicious messages and phone calls on a frequent basis. Some of these messages or calls may be advertising fake investment or job opportunities, while some pretend to be law enforcement agencies, family members, or friends. Scammers are even using technology such as deepfake to fabricate voices and images of government officials and reputable businessmen to try to make these fake online contents look more convincing.
To combat these evolving threats, it is crucial to collaborate with technology and telecommunications companies to tackle the problem at the platform level. Internationally, there is a growing recognition of the need to take down fraudulent contents and check the authenticity of advertisers more efficiently on these platforms. Here in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, together with our fellow regulators and great partners in our previous Charter 2.0, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, have also been proactively reaching out to the technology and telecommunications companies to explore anti-fraud collaborations.
Today, we are taking a significant step forward by jointly launching the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 together with the major technology and telecommunications companies that operate in Hong Kong to combat fraud and scams. We are glad to see many representatives from these companies here today, demonstrating their commitment to this initiative. We are also thankful to the support of the Consumer Council, the Hong Kong Association of Banks, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Office of the Communications Authority to this important initiative.
The Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 consists of six principles specifically designed to proactively prevent and detect fraud and scams on online platforms and telecommunication networks. These principles focus on four main areas:
The first area is on reporting. Under the Charter 3.0, participating firms will provide users with reporting functions and provide financial regulators with a direct and efficient channel for reporting suspected fraud and scams for follow-up in a reasonable manner.
The second area is on checking the identity of advertisers and ongoing monitoring of advertisements and contents. Firms participating in the Charter 3.0 will adopt a risk-based approach to facilitate verification of advertisers and put in place internal policies and tools to monitor advertisements and contents that promote financial products or services on their platforms, with a view to creating a safe online environment for users.
The third area is on taking down fraudulent advertisements and contents. Participating firms commit to enforcing their own terms of service by detecting and removing financial scam advertisements or contents that violate their platform policies.
Finally, educating the public to be aware and capable of recognising suspicious activities is always essential in stopping fraud and scams. We will work closely with participating firms to launch various anti-deception promotional campaigns through a wide range of platforms and channels to raise public awareness.
At the panel discussions later this afternoon, representatives from the technology and telecommunications sectors will elaborate on how they apply the Charter principles in their daily work.
Charter 3.0 represents an important milestone in the collaboration among the financial, technology, and telecommunications sectors in fighting fraud and scams. It lays the foundation of cooperation from which we will further build upon. We thank the participating firms for your support and commitment to the Charter 3.0 and we will continue to work closely with each other to provide a safe online environment and protect the public from fraud and scams.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Justin Antre Grantsteadman, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Grantsteadman appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick yesterday for his arraignment at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida.
If convicted, he faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshall Service, and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Joshua Michael Jenkins, 22, of Charlotte, was sentenced yesterday to 88 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a machinegun, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to court records, on October 30, 2022, a trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol attempted to stop Jenkins for speeding on the interstate. Jenkins refused to stop and instead proceeded to drive at a high rate of speed, reaching speeds of 130 miles per hour. Court documents show that Jenkins exited the highway and ran a red light, where his vehicle collided with four other vehicles at an intersection. Jenkins then fled on foot and ran toward a shopping center. The state trooper ran after Jenkins and observed Jenkins holding a firearm in his hand, which he pointed at the trooper. Jenkins was eventually apprehended.
According to court documents, law enforcement searched a trashcan in a parking lot nearby after a witness saw Jenkins drop something in it. Law enforcement recovered from the trashcan a Glock model 23, .40 caliber pistol, with an affixed machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock Switch.” During the investigation, law enforcement located multiple social media posts of Jenkins posing with firearms that appeared to be equipped with Glock switches, and a video showing muzzle flash and the sound of repeated firing of an automatic weapon.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and the Huntersville Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) William Wiseman prosecuted the case. Mr. Wiseman is a state prosecutor with the office of the 26th Prosecutorial District and was assigned by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte. Mr. Wiseman is sworn in both state and federal courts. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque mother and son who used Instagram and a 3D printer to traffic illegal machine gun conversion devices were sentenced in federal court following an undercover investigation by the ATF that uncovered a cache of firearms.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, between February 3 and February 7, 2023, Joe Jasso, 21, used Instagram to advertise and sell illegal machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) which are used to convert firearms to fully automatic fire. Jasso communicated with an undercover detective from the ATF about selling AR-15 auto sears and MCDs. On February 7, 2023, Joe Jasso and his mother, Rachael Jasso, 43, met the undercover detective at Kiva Park, where Joe Jasso demonstrated how to install an MCD. Later that day, at a second meeting at Buffalo Wild Wings, Joe Jasso delivered an AR auto sear to the detective, and both Joe and Rachael Jasso confirmed they could make additional devices.
On February 16, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at the Jasso residence in Northeast Albuquerque, where they found approximately ten firearms, five machine gun conversion devices, large quantities of ammunition, and a 3D printer used to manufacture the devices. Joe Jasso admitted to using Instagram to sell the switches and acknowledged modifying firearms, while neither Joe nor Rachael Jasso had the required federal licenses to possess or manufacture machine guns or conversion devices.
Joe Jasso and Rachel Jasso both pleaded guilty to engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and possession of a machine gun conversion device. Joe Jasso was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, and Rachael Jasso was sentenced to 30 months. Upon their release from prison, they will both be subject to two years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado is prosecuting the case.
Machine gun conversion devices and auto sears are illegal devices that transform semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons capable of continuous firing with a single trigger pull. The possession, manufacture, and sale of these devices without proper licensing is a federal offense carrying severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
The proliferation of these devices poses an immediate and critical threat to public safety. Between 2018 and 2023, the ATF recovered thousands of machine gun conversion devices, indicating an alarming trend in their availability and use. Violent street gangs are increasingly employing these devices, devastating communities and neighborhoods with unprecedented firepower.
This dramatic increase in illegal automatic weapons puts both civilians and law enforcement at extreme risk. Officers responding to incidents may find themselves severely outgunned, facing weapons capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute. The potential for mass casualties in such encounters is staggering.
Law enforcement agencies are racing against time to intercept these devices before they can be used in violent crimes. Public cooperation is crucial in combating this threat. If you have information about illegal firearms or conversion devices, please contact the ATF immediately:
Call: 1-888-ATF-Tips (1-888-283-8477)
Email: ATFTips@atf.gov
Visit: www.atf.gov/atf-tips
Your tip could save lives and prevent these dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands. The time to act is now, before our community fall victim to the devastating impact of these illegal automatic weapons.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to brief the nation on national security matters on Sunday, the Presidency has announced.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 13 July 2025, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service leadership,” the Presidency said on Thursday.
President Ramaphosa was attending a BRICS summit in Brazil on Sunday, 6 July 2025, when General Mkhwanazi outlined numerous allegations at a media briefing.
“The President undertook to attend to this development on his return from Brazil, in view of the implications for national security.
“President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 19h00 on Sunday, 13 July 2025,” it said.
The President’s message will be broadcast and streamed on various platforms. – SAnews.gov.za
overnor Kathy Hochul issued a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urging the Department to make funding available to state and local governments through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) as has been done every year since 2002.
HSGP provides states, local jurisdictions and their law enforcement, public safety, homeland security and emergency management officials with critical resources to further their preparedness and response capabilities. Without these resources, first responders and frontline emergency management operation teams will be unable to access state-of-the-art training, the latest advancements in equipment and the ability to seamlessly share and analyze intelligence with each other.
As the threat of terrorism increases amid the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, it is essential that the federal government ensures the availability of funding for all essential components of counterterrorism efforts.
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Secretary Noem:
As Governor, my chief responsibility is ensuring the safety and security of New York State and all its residents. Not only does New York face the nation’s most diverse threat landscape, but with numerous economic, governmental, and recreational assets, it remains the nation’s top target for terrorism. In recent months, that threat has only grown given the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, making it essential that the federal government, specifically, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ensure the availability of critical homeland security funding to states and local governments.
I am deeply troubled that DHS has yet to make funding available to states and local governments through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) as it has every year since 2002.
On June 22, 2025, DHS issued a bulletin through the National Terrorism Advisory System notifying Americans of the heightened threat environment our nation faces due to our recent involvement in the ongoing conflict between the nations of Israel and Iran. As noted in the bulletin:
“….Low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks. Iran also has a long-standing commitment to target US Government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020. The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland. Multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment, and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to US-based individuals plotting additional attacks.”
As home to the country’s largest economic center, and the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, these threats put New York communities at a greater risk than perhaps anywhere else in the nation. Thankfully, since your agency’s inception, New York and DHS have maintained a strong partnership to counter these threats. This partnership has been essential to ensure that the State and local governments and their public safety agencies have the funding and resources needed to prepare for, mitigate, prevent and withstand terrorist threats and targeted violence.
One core component of this partnership has been DHS’ Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP). In 2024, New York received $219.9 million in HSGP funding, $156.1 million of which was allocated through the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) for jurisdictions in the New York City Metro Area, principally the New York Police Department. In 2023, New York received $244.7 million with $173.9 million allocated through UASI.
HSGP provides states, local jurisdictions and their law enforcement, public safety, homeland security and emergency management officials with critical resources to further their preparedness and response capabilities. Without these resources, the heroic men and women who continuously put their lives on the line to protect their fellow Americans are unable to access state of the art training, the latest advancements in equipment and the ability to seamlessly share and analyze intelligence with each other – all essential components of counterterrorism efforts.
Furthermore, HSGP funding is vital to securing and maintaining critical infrastructure assets (transportation hubs, power grids, water systems, communication networks) which are top targets of nefarious actors, as well as to assist local law enforcement with border security via Operation Stonegarden. Through Operation Stonegarden, jurisdictions along international borders receive direct funding to not only enhance cooperation and coordination between federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies, but to support joint operations. As a state with a 445-mile international border, security of this boundary is of the utmost importance to me. To that end, I have secured $8 million in state funds, as well as dedicated State Police and other public safety resources to support this federal mission.
Any further delays in the availability of HSGP will degrade the capabilities of our nation to prevent terrorism and make us less safe at a time when the variety and severity of security threats continue to grow.
I urge you to release the FY2025 HSGP Notice of Funding Opportunity immediately and help ensure our nation remains ready and able to defend ourselves against anyone seeking to threaten our way of life.
Six new sites for the location of speed cameras across Birmingham have been announced by the city council, which will be installed by the end of the year.
The average speed enforcement cameras will be funded through the Clean Air Zone net surplus revenues and the locations agreed following joint working with West Midlands Police.
Routes have been selected and prioritised based on the number and severity of road traffic collisions along the route and/or where compliance with speed limits is poor which leads to an increased risk of road harm. All the routes chosen have the full endorsement of WMP.
Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Safety on our busy highway network is paramount and these cameras have an important role to play – far too many collisions on our roads involve excessive speed.
“However, they can never be a solution on their own. We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe and everyone has a duty to think about others, whether pedestrians, cyclists or other motorists. This is not about making money – the majority of revenue goes direct to government – it is about road safety. I would be happy if no fines were issued as that means people are not speeding.
“We also need to rethink how we move people and goods around the city and regions, which is why our Birmingham Transport Plan and Road Harm Reduction Strategy are looking at redesigning street in a way that put people first, and not only reducing speed but reducing the number of vehicles on our streets.”
BCC and WMP entered into a new Joint Working Agreement covering camera enforcement of traffic offences in April 2025. This not only secures ongoing enforcement of existing ASE locations, but also paves the way for new ASE, spot speed and red-light camera locations to be brought forward.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “I fully support this initiative, which will hopefully reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”
The new camera locations are:
A45 Coventry Road (extension of existing operation from Berkeley Road to Bordesley Middleway)
A47 Nechells/Fort Parkway (A4040 Ring-road to A452 Chester Road)
B4121 West Boulevard (Selcroft Avenue to California Way)
A34 Walsall Road (Wellinton Road to Newton Road/City Boundary)
B4114 Washwood Heath Road (Ward End Park Road to Bromford Lane)
A34 Stratford Road (Coniston Close to Robin Hood Lane)
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the conviction of a KwaZulu-Natal examiner and a driving school instructor in a case that exposed serious breaches of integrity within the driving licence issuing sector.
Sandile Ndlovu, a Mooi River-based examiner, was found guilty of fraud and conspiracy to commit corruption on 8 July 2025 in the Durban Specialised Crime Court after it was discovered that he had fraudulently issued a learner licence to someone who had not written the required examination.
Ndlovu was arrested in 2016 following complaints received by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), a division of the RTMC.
The unit worked with the KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Crime Intelligence Unit and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) anti-corruption unit to investigate the complaints.
“It was found that Mr Ndlovu conspired with Ms Zandile Dlamini, a driving school instructor, to have a learner licence issued on the payment of R 3000 inducement. Dlamini was also convicted for her role in facilitating the misconduct by accepting an unlawful benefit for the crime,” said the RTMC in a statement.
The corporation said these actions not only violated the trust placed in public servants but also compromised the integrity of a system meant to ensure competence and accountability within road traffic law enforcement.
The matter has been postponed to 29 August 2025 to allow for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.
During the sentencing phase, the State is expected to call additional witnesses to highlight the impact of these actions on road safety and the broader public service.
“The RTMC considers this case a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to clean up traffic enforcement services and promote a culture of ethical conduct.
“We fully support the work of the courts and prosecuting authorities in holding those who abuse public systems accountable. The fight against fraud and corruption remains one of our top priorities, and we will continue working closely with all stakeholders to protect the integrity of road traffic management in South Africa,” said the RTMC.
Members of the public can report suspected acts of fraud, corruption, and malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za or by WhatsApp to 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za
A murder investigation has been launched following a fatal stabbing in Knightsbridge.
At 21:24hrs on Wednesday, 9 July officers, the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance responded to reports from members of the public of a stabbing in Seville Street, Knightsbridge.
Officers attended the scene and found a 24-year-old man who had been stabbed.
The officers gave first aid on arrival but despite the best efforts of all the emergency services, the man sadly died at the scene.
The man’s next-of-kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
No arrests have been made at this early stage and a crime scene will be in place for some time while officers investigate.
Superintendent Owen Renowden, who leads policing in Kensington and Chelsea, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones following the shocking events that took place last night.
“Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, supported by local officers, are working at pace to establish the circumstances of what happened.
“We are aware of reports that this incident was a robbery. Although this is an active line of enquiry, we are keeping an open mind about all possible motives and the exact circumstances are still to be determined.
“We understand the impact this incident will have on the local community and you will see extra officers in the area to help answer any questions or concerns. ”
Please call police on 101 referencing CAD 8521/09JUL if you were a witness or have any information which might help.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
A murder investigation has been launched following a fatal stabbing in Knightsbridge.
At 21:24hrs on Wednesday, 9 July officers, the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance responded to reports from members of the public of a stabbing in Seville Street, Knightsbridge.
Officers attended the scene and found a 24-year-old man who had been stabbed.
The officers gave first aid on arrival but despite the best efforts of all the emergency services, the man sadly died at the scene.
The man’s next-of-kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
No arrests have been made at this early stage and a crime scene will be in place for some time while officers investigate.
Superintendent Owen Renowden, who leads policing in Kensington and Chelsea, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones following the shocking events that took place last night.
“Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, supported by local officers, are working at pace to establish the circumstances of what happened.
“We are aware of reports that this incident was a robbery. Although this is an active line of enquiry, we are keeping an open mind about all possible motives and the exact circumstances are still to be determined.
“We understand the impact this incident will have on the local community and you will see extra officers in the area to help answer any questions or concerns. ”
Please call police on 101 referencing CAD 8521/09JUL if you were a witness or have any information which might help.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned young women not to fall prey to drug trafficking syndicates, as this can have dire consequences.
This follows the sentencing of a 30-year-old female Namibian drug mule by the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court. She was sentenced to eight years direct imprisonment for drug dealing, of which three years were wholly suspended.
Pauline Mbangula was arrested on 22 September 2024 shortly after landing at OR Tambo International Airport from São Paulo, Brazil.
At the time, she was found to have swallowed at least 68 bullets – packets filled with cocaine. A medical examination confirmed that there were drugs in her stomach, which she was later made to release.
“At the time of her arrest, she claimed that she was taken to Brazil by a man she recently met under false pretenses that they were going on holiday,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.
Upon arrival in Brazil, she was forced to swallow the drugs and traffic them to South Africa.
More than 22 drug mules have been arrested by police at OR Tambo International Airport in the past year.
“The regular arrests of drug mules at the OR Tambo International Airport should send a stern warning that police in South Africa, and in particular at this port of entry, are always on high alert to clamp down on criminality,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za
With adverse weather conditions forecast for Hong Kong, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today chaired a meeting of the steering committee for the handling of extreme weather.
The meeting was convened to review and steer cross-departmental preparations and response plans with respect to typhoons, rainstorms and thunderstorms.
Tropical Cyclone Danas, now over Fujian, is forecast to enter Guangdong tomorrow and weaken gradually. An active southwest monsoon to its south will generally affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary tomorrow and Friday, and there will be torrential rain and squally thunderstorms over Hong Kong, with the weather possibly becoming relatively severe by then.
Members of the public are advised to pay attention to the latest weather forecasts and warnings from the Observatory.
At the meeting, the Drainage Services Department reported that it had made special arrangements to inspect and carry out clearance at about 240 locations which are prone to flooding due to blockages.
The “just-in-time” arrangement will continue, with 180 emergency response teams conducting inspection and clearance of drainage channels in different districts across the city.
The Highways Department will inspect flood warning systems installed at road tunnels and pedestrian subways with a higher risk of flooding. Locations include the Kwun Tong Road Underpass and pedestrian subways along the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, the Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po and the Tai Po River.
Meanwhile, District Offices have also initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness. They will mobilise District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Team members to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations.
The Security Bureau’s Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre (EMSC) will be fully activated from 5pm tomorrow to monitor the situation in the city.
Utilising the Common Operational Picture, the EMSC will conduct real-time citywide monitoring, and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures.
Various emergency response teams – including the Fire Services Department, the Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service – have completed all necessary preparatory work and are on standby in order to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high winds, and to provide assistance to those in need.
Moreover, the Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate round-the-clock to closely monitor traffic and transport conditions in co-operation with public transport agencies. It will disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements to the public in a timely manner.
The Education Bureau will also closely monitor the weather conditions and announce arrangements for schools and for Primary Six students’ registrations with their allocated secondary schools in a timely manner to allow parents and students to make early preparations.
PC Tony Watts, attached to the North Area Command Unit, was found guilty and remanded in custody on Tuesday, 8 July following a trial at Croydon Crown Court.
The offence relates to an incident that happened between mid-January and early February in 2020 when PC Watts was off-duty.
The victim-survivor has been supported throughout the course of the investigation and trial by dedicated specialist officers.
Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads the North Area policing team, said:
“PC Watts has shown a complete disregard for this victim-survivor and for his duty to protect women and girls – in the vilest way.
“We are going above and beyond at the Met to rid the force of those who corrupt our integrity, and it is quite right that PC Watts has been held accountable for his actions.
“It would have taken a huge amount of courage and strength to speak to police, the way this victim-survivor did, and I hope this conviction provides some closure.
“My message to any other victims who may have experienced a sexual encounter they felt wasn’t right is that they can and should come forward, and we will do everything we can to support you.”
PC Watts was arrested following the incident being reported in May 2022.
He was bailed while further enquiries took place, before being charged with rape on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 and suspended from duty.
He will be sentenced on Monday, 11 August at the same court.
The Met’s professional standards team is aware and a misconduct hearing will now follow as soon as possible.
Police have been conducting enquiries throughout the day in relation to the whereabouts of a 29-year-old man from Salisbury regarding breach of bail matters.
Elizabeth CIB members have arrested the man this evening just after 5pm when he presented to the Elizabeth Police Station.
He will be refused bail and appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Detectives have charged a man in connection with the murder of Tyler Hayward who was stabbed to death in Chingford.
Peshman Ahmedi, 22 (09.04.03), of no fixed address, was arrested at the Port of Dover on Tuesday, 8 July following a large police operation in Kent.
He was subsequently charged with murder on Thursday, 10 July. He will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 10 July.
A murder investigation was launched after officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Chingford Mount Road at 21:14hrs on Sunday, 6 July.
Met officers responded with paramedics and Tyler, 26, was found with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.
His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Detectives have charged a man in connection with the murder of Tyler Hayward who was stabbed to death in Chingford.
Peshman Ahmedi, 22 (09.04.03), of no fixed address, was arrested at the Port of Dover on Tuesday, 8 July following a large police operation in Kent.
He was subsequently charged with murder on Thursday, 10 July. He will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 10 July.
A murder investigation was launched after officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Chingford Mount Road at 21:14hrs on Sunday, 6 July.
Met officers responded with paramedics and Tyler, 26, was found with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.
His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The steering committee on handling extreme weather, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, released the following information today (July 10) in response to the development of weather conditions.
Due to the impact of torrential rain and squally thunderstorms brought by the remnant of Tropical Cyclone Danas, the weather conditions are expected to remain severe tomorrow (July 11). To ensure the safety of students, and considering that schools across Hong Kong may have already started their summer vacation and the actual impact of class suspension on students’ learning and teaching is relatively small, the Education Bureau announces that classes of all day schools, including secondary schools, primary schools, special schools, kindergartens, and kindergartens-cum-child care centres, will be suspended tomorrow.
The Secondary One registration procedures were originally scheduled for today and tomorrow (July 10 and 11) at the allocated secondary schools. Considering that some parents may have already made arrangements to register at the schools today, the original whole-day registration arrangements for today will remain unchanged. If parents choose to register their child at the allocated secondary school today, they should pay attention to the weather conditions and ensure safety. For safety reasons, parents should not bring their children to the school for registration.
Additionally, the registration originally scheduled for Friday, July 11 will be rescheduled to next Monday, July 14. If parents are unable to register in person or through an authorised representative on the above dates, please contact the allocated secondary school or the School Places Allocation Section of the Education Bureau (Tel: 2832 7700 or 2832 7740) to make appropriate registration arrangements.
Units under the Social Welfare Department (SWD) providing child care centre services, services under the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project, and after school care programmes for pre-primary or primary school children will not open to the public tomorrow (July 11). Members of the public in need may contact the centres or services units concerned for assistance. The SWD will closely monitor the weather conditions and make timely announcements on the latest arrangements of other services when necessary. Members of the public should pay attention to the announcements.
Under the cross-departmental co-ordination by the steering committee, various government departments have completed all necessary preparatory work and response plans, arranging extra manpower on standby, to safeguard the lives and property of the public as well as public safety. The preparatory work includes:
The Home Affairs Department (HAD) is ready to activate the Emergency Co-ordination Centre as soon as necessary and to open temporary shelters for people in need of temporary accommodation. District Offices have also co-ordinated with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness and mobilised District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations.
The Drainage Services Department (DSD) had made special arrangements to inspect and carry out necessary clearance at about 240 locations prone to flooding due to blockages. The “just-in-time” arrangement will continue, with 180 emergency response teams to conduct inspection and clearance of drainage channels in different districts across the territory. Members of the public are advised to report any street flooding to the DSD by calling the 24-hour drainage hotline at 2300 1110.
The Highways Department has reminded relevant staff members and contractors to make preparations for the activation of the Emergency Control Centres and handle road emergencies when necessary, including promptly clearing obstructions on roads and blocked road gullies and drains, reinforcing collapsed slopes with emergency shotcrete, etc, with a view to resuming road traffic on major public roads as soon as possible.
The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau has made arrangements and will be fully activated when the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued or from 5pm today to monitor the situation in the city. Utilising the Common Operational Picture, the EMSC will conduct real-time citywide monitoring and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures. Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service, have completed all necessary preparatory work and are on standby to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high winds, and to provide assistance to those in need.
The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department will continue to operate round-the-clock. It will closely monitor traffic and transport conditions with public transport agencies and disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements to the public in a timely manner.
　　 The steering committee on handling extreme weather is tasked with holistically reviewing and steering cross-departmental overall preparations and response plans for typhoons and rainstorms, and strengthening information dissemination. The committee urges the public to continue to stay alert, stay away from dangerous places such as rivers and slopes in adverse weather conditions, refrain from water sports, and to pay attention to the latest news released by the Government.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 41-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident in the Darwin CBD yesterday.
About 11:50pm, police received reports of a female being assaulted by a male.
Darwin general duties officers attended, and the male fled by foot before climbing up a tree, about 12 metres high, on the Esplanade. The offender allegedly threw sticks at the officers while up in the tree.
Police negotiators were called out after members were unable to take the male into custody. The negotiators attended, resulting in the male surrendering to police and being arrested without incident.
He is expected to be charged at a later date.
If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.
Police are investigating after a body was located at O’Sullivan Beach this morning.
Just before 10.30am on Thursday 10 July, police and paramedics were called to the O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp after a person was seen floating in the water.
The 29-year-old Christie Downs man was brought to shore but sadly could not be revived.
The death is not being treated as suspicious, and police are preparing a report for the Coroner.
An organised crime group who supplied cocaine across the UK have been jailed for more than 65 years following an extensive investigation from the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Agency
A joint Met and National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation has led to an organised crime group being jailed for their role in the supply of cocaine across the capital and the United Kingdom. Their efforts signify officers’ efforts to crack down on drug supply and associated anti-social behaviour and violence, which causes misery to Londoners and those beyond.
The investigation unveiled that Redon Bushi, 32, (27.04.1993), of Cherry Crescent, Brentford, was operating in the leading role of this enterprise over a number of years, with multiple importers and couriers working with him.
He pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on Monday, 10 July 2024 to –
two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs,
conspiracy to transfer criminal property,
possessing criminal property.
He was sentenced to a total of 24 years’ and 10 months imprisonment on Wednesday, 9 July at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.
Encrypted messaging services EncroChat and Signal revealed Bushi had conspired to supply a minimum of 832kg of cocaine, with a street value of up to £81,640,000, across London and the entirety of the UK. Once the Encrochat messages had been discovered, a targeted operation followed and Met detectives started work to dismantle the illegal drug-dealing operation.
The investigation
Met detectives discovered Bushi was using Encrochat under the username of ‘Sealvermouth’ after the platform was cracked by international law enforcement, supported by the NCA.
Their investigation showed that Bushi took precautions to attempt to protect his wider criminal network. His couriers would only be provided post codes, times, and a loose description of the individual they would be providing to.
However, his efforts were combatted by the tenacity of Met officers, who were able to uncover the group’s lines of communication. They thoroughly reviewed each and every device and chat pertaining to the group. They also trawled through hours’ worth of CCTV and were able to piece together the inner mechanics of the criminal operation.
Using this material, officers stopped one of the vehicles belonging to Bushi’s couriers, Ahmad Jabarkhill in June 2020 and found nearly £700,000 on him.
The Met and NCA officers also used covert tactics and intelligence to identify three more of Bushi’s couriers – Arline Sida, Luke Ferguson and Kelvin Hoxha, gathering evidence to show the scale of the enterprise.
In addition to the chats, which were found between the group, fake identity cards were also found, as well as a van with a sophisticated concealment. There was also a camera set up at the location where drugs were being stored so it could be remotely monitored.
Acting on this information, Sida and Hoxha were both arrested in Brentford in August 2023. Searches were carried out at the address and they were found in possession of six kilograms of cocaine.
Luke Ferguson, another member of the criminal enterprise, was then arrested at a ‘safe house’ in Brentford and found in possession of 72kg of cocaine, worth an estimated street value of £6.24 million.
Police and the NCA then launched a manhunt for Bushi after his team were arrested. He stayed in a series of hotels to evade officers, bought a new phone, clothing, and had more than £3,000 in cash. Whilst the manhunt was ongoing, Bushi directed others to check cameras at various addresses to identify any police attendance or surveillance.
He was arrested in Reading in the following days.
Detective Constable David Leitner, who led the investigation on behalf of the Met,said:
“This case demonstrates our relentlessness in pursuing organised crime, while utilising the unprecedented opportunity that Encrochat represent to its fullest effect.
“Bushi clearly believed that these messaging platforms protected him from law enforcement, but they only served to provide us the very evidence to convict him and his associates.
“This shows the Met’s commitment to tackling offenders who are instrumental in supplying drugs to the streets of London.”
The wider criminal enterprise
Ahmad Jabarkhill, 32, (01.01.1993) pleaded guilty to the possession of criminal property at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday, 22 July 2020 and was sentenced on the same date to two years and three months’ imprisonment.
Arline Sida, 23 (16.02.2002), of London Road West, Amersham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on Wednesday, 17 January 2024 at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court and was sentenced to 12 years’ 9 months imprisonment on Wednesday, 9 July at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.
Kelvin Hoxha, 23, (15.04.2002), of Field Lane, Brentford pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and driving while disqualified on Saturday, 26 October 2024 at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court and was sentenced to 11 years’ 8 Months imprisonment on Wednesday, 9 July at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.
Luke Ferguson, 32 (14.04.1993), of Becklow Road, Shepherd’s Bush, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on Thursday, 21 November 2024 at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court and was sentenced to 14 years’ 5 months imprisonment on Wednesday, 9 July at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.
