ABINGDON, Va. – Six of the 17 defendants charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, commit program fraud, and commit mail fraud in connection to a scheme involving the filing of fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits, were sentenced recently in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.
Stephanie Amber Barton, 31, and Hayleigh McKenzie Wolfe, 30, both of Cedar Bluff, Virginia, were each sentenced yesterday to serve 12 months and 1 day in federal prison. Barton previously pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and was ordered to pay $28,964 in restitution to the Virginia Employment Commission.
Wolfe previously pled guilty to knowingly making materially false and fraudulent statements and representations on a claim for emergency assistance benefits and was ordered to pay $13,978 in restitution.
Last month, four other defendants were sentenced for their roles in the scheme.
Jonathan Webb, the individual charged with ‘recruiting’ others to file fraudulent claims, mostly inmates at local jails, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay $150,218 in restitution.
Terrence Brooks Vilacha was sentenced to 18 months in prison and was ordered to pay $14,894 in restitution. Joseph Hass was sentenced to 27 months’ incarceration and was ordered to pay $19,316 in restitution. Brian Addair was sentenced to 24 months in prison and was ordered to pay $22,284.
Also charged and awaiting sentencing are Josef Ludwig Brown, Crystal Samantha Shaw, Christopher Kirk Webb, Cara Camille Bailey, Jessica Dawn Lester, Russell Eric Stiltner, Daneil Wayne Horton, Justin Warren Meadows, Jeramy Blake Farmer, and Clinton Michael Altizer, all charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, fraud in connection with emergency benefits, and conspiring to commit mail fraud. One defendant is scheduled for trial in May 2025.
According to court documents, between March 2020 and September 2021, Josef Brown, Jonathan Webb, and Crystal Shaw developed a scheme to file fraudulent claims and recertifications for pandemic unemployment befits via the Virginia Employment Commission website. The scheme involved the collection of personal identification information (PII) of inmates housed at SWVRJA-Haysi, as well as personal friends and acquaintances of Brown, Webb, and Shaw. The conspirators used that information to file fraudulent claims and recertifications for pandemic unemployment benefits for incarcerated individuals and others who were ineligible for the benefits.
In all, the defendants stole $341,205 in pandemic relief to which they were not entitled.
As part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Task Force, this investigation was conducted by the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending.
Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced the sentences.
Agencies that assisted with this investigation included the Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office, the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, the FBI, U.S. Department of Labor, and the Virginia Employment Commission.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Danielle Stone are prosecuting the case for the United States.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army will celebrate its 250th birthday on June 14, 2025, commemorating the Army’s distinguished service to our nation. The central theme for this year’s celebration is “This We’ll Defend.”
“As we prepare for our future, we also reflect on our past,” said Gen. Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army. “‘This we’ll defend’ was first used as a battle cry by the Continental Army. Today it reminds us that our Army’s purpose is clear: to fight and win the nation’s wars. We remain committed to honing our warfighting skills, enforcing standards and discipline, and living the values that have defined our Army culture for the past 250 years.”
As we enter 2025, the Army’s 250th birthday will be celebrated with a series of commemorations, including leadership engagements, community outreach events and other events showcasing Army units, history, lineage and esprit de corps.
Established on June 14, 1775, the Army is a year older than the United States itself. Since its establishment, Army Soldiers, families and civilians have supported our nation, bearing true faith and allegiance to the country, the Constitution, their units and fellow team members as they defend the nation and provide assistance in times of need, including disaster relief and recovery efforts.
For 250 years, the U.S. Army has offered endless possibilities and opportunities for service to our nation. With over 200 career choices for Soldiers and more than 500 career paths for civilians, Army possibilities are endless. The Army helps create a sense of purpose through personal growth and professional development – empowering Soldiers and civilian employees to be part of something greater than themselves and to be all they can be.
“For 250 years, Soldiers have proudly served our country and protected its people, with our oath to support and defend the Constitution as our guiding principle,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer. “We continue to stand ready to respond to the needs of the nation, and to fight and win when called upon. This we’ll defend!”
To learn more about the Army’s 250th birthday, visit:
U.S. Army Celebrating 250 Years – https://www.army.mil/1775
DVIDS 250th Army Birthday – https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/ARMY250
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Defendant operated stash house and pill press making millions of fentanyl tainted pills
Seattle – A 65-year-old Shelton, Washington resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 90 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking ring connected to Aryan prison gangs, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Michael Warren was arrested in March 2023, when federal agents moved in following a two-year investigation of drug trafficking activities. A search of Warren’s home in December 2022, turned up two pill presses, more than 640,000 fentanyl pills and a kilo of fentanyl powder to make thousands more. Warren also possessed 23 firearms at the stash house.
At today’s sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “the crime is unquestionably serious based on the amount of narcotics found at his residence and the presence of firearms.”
“This defendant demonstrates that drug trafficking is not just a young person’s game,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “Mr. Warren was a key drug transporter, manufacturer and distributor causing untold harm in our community.”
According to records filed in the case, Warren served as a trusted co-conspirator to the leader of one of the drug distribution cells led by Bryson Gill. In addition to manufacturing pills and storing them at his Shelton home, Warren drove to Arizona on multiple occasions to pick up methamphetamine and fentanyl from the group’s drug supplier.
Bryson Gill entered a guilty plea today to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, and is scheduled for sentencing on May 9, 2025.
Law enforcement made two dozen arrests on federal charges on March 22, 2023. The coordinated takedown involved ten swat teams and more than 350 law enforcement officers. On that day law enforcement seized 177 firearms, more than ten kilos of methamphetamine, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills and more than a kilo of fentanyl powder, three kilos of heroin, and more than $330,000 in cash from eighteen locations in Washington and Arizona. Earlier in the investigation law enforcement seized 830,000 fentanyl pills, 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of heroin, 5 pounds of cocaine, $388,000 in cash, and 48 firearms.
The top-level leader of the drug trafficking ring, Jesse Bailey, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 16, 2025, and his wife and co-conspirator Candace Bailey, is scheduled for sentencing on June 13, 2025.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This investigation was led by the FBI with critical investigative teamwork from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and significant local assistance from the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout this investigation the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon, Max Shiner, and Jehiel Baer.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces a partnership with Arctic Wolf, a global leader in Security Operations, Arctic Wolf becomes the Official Cybersecurity Partner of BWT Alpine Formula One and will implement its industry-defining security operations platform, including the newly launched Aurora Endpoint Security, into the team’s global security and technology infrastructure.
The partnership between Arctic Wolf and BWT Alpine Formula One Team is forged on a mutual commitment to precision and speed. Each week, the Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform, powered by Alpha AI™, processes over seven trillion security events to deliver security outcomes with the scale and precision necessary to ensure peak performance on and off the track.
Arctic Wolf branding will be featured on BWT Alpine Formula One Team’s car, the race suits of its roster of drivers and the wider team environment.
“The partnership between Arctic Wolf and BWT Alpine Formula One Team reflects a shared commitment to precision, speed, and the pursuit of excellence,” said Dan Larson, Chief Marketing Officer, Arctic Wolf. “The Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform and the newly launched Aurora Endpoint Security are built to help organizations ascend to new heights of cybersecurity and business resilience so that they can focus on what they do best, and for the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, that means going fast, pushing boundaries and achieving amazing results.”
“BWT Alpine Formula One Team is laser-focused on leveraging the competitive advantage that effective security operations provide in protecting our infrastructure from the factory to the racetrack and everywhere in between,” said Oliver Oakes, Team Principal, BWT Alpine Formula One Team. “Arctic Wolf’s unparalleled expertise and cutting-edge Aurora Platform will provide us with the confidence and protection necessary to safeguard our operations at every level, ensuring we can dedicate our full attention and energy to what matters most: winning races.”
Sports and entertainment organisations face unique cybersecurity challenges due to their dynamic environments, consumer-facing digital platforms, and mobile workforces. These factors make them prime targets for threat actors aiming to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive data, including financial information, intellectual property, and personal details of employees and customers. Arctic Wolf understands these challenges deeply and is trusted by over 50 professional sports teams worldwide, including the Minnesota Wild (NHL), Meyer Shank Racing (IndyCar), the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), and the Parramatta Eels (NRL) to protect against threats and safeguard critical data.
For more information about Arctic Wolf and BWT Alpine Formula One Team’s global partnership, visit arcticwolf.com.
Additional Resources
About Arctic Wolf Arctic Wolf® is a global leader in security operations, enabling customers to manage their cyber risk in the face of modern cyber-attacks via a premier cloud-native security operations platform. The Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform ingests and analyzes more than seven trillion security events a week to help enable cyber defense at an unprecedented capacity and scale, empowering customers of virtually any size across a wide range of industries to feel confident in their security posture, readiness, and long-term resilience. By delivering automated threat protection, response, and remediation capabilities, Arctic Wolf delivers world-class security operations with the push of a button so customers can defend their greatest assets at the speed of data.
About BWT Alpine Formula One Team BWT Alpine Formula One Team competes in the FIA Formula One World Championship with Grand Prix race winner Pierre Gasly and Formula 1 rookie Jack Doohan, under the leadership of Team Principal Oliver Oakes and Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore. The team, bought by the Benetton Family in 1986, was moved to Enstone, Oxfordshire, in 1992 where it is still based today. Renault bought the Italian-run team in 2000 and rebranded as Alpine F1. The team has a winning legacy, having won the Formula One World Championship seven times, including the Drivers’ World Championship (1994, 1995, 2005 and 2006) with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, and the Constructors’ World Championship (1995, 2005 and 2006). The team’s most recent triumph came at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, the 50th victory overall. The team finished the 2024 season strongly with two podium finishes and ended the year sixth place overall in the Constructors’ Championship.
NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — bowmo™, Inc. (OTC: BOMO), a New York City based company powered by AI and XR/VR technologies aiming to provide fully customizable SaaS Platforms to multiple industries (https://bowmo.com) (“bowmo,” “the Company”) and its recent merger partner OWNverse/Digital Tails Group (“DTG”), are pleased to announce release of an expanded family of engineering and industrial automation solutions for industrial manufacturing, healthcare, energy, automotive and aerospace.
Digital Tails Group developed solutions that include 3D Configurators, CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) Automation, XR (Extended Reality) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) designed to make manufacturing simpler and more efficient. Key system capabilities for engineering industries include 3D product visualization, and integrations with ERP, CAD and PLM systems.
Typical customer benefits include streamlined manufacturing and design processes, rapid product customizations and ordering, reduced error rates, and increased sales conversion rates.
Aleksey Shestakov, Chairman of the Board of OWNverse/Digital Tails and the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of bowmo, Inc. summarized, “By integrating several core technologies like 3D visualization, extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI) into an intuitive CPQ solution, we are able to rapidly configure customer solutions that deliver significant ROI and value.”
Michael R. Neece, Chief Product Officer of bowmo Inc, stated, “Bowmo’s ‘One Platform for Multiple Verticals‘ product strategy is now revealing the significance of integrating AI, 3D/XR, Blockchain and workflow automation into a single platform that can be rapidly configured for specific needs of multiple industry verticals.”
About bowmo, Inc. Bowmo Inc., (OTC: BOMO) is a New York City–based AI-powered software and services company that incorporates a novel set of technologies to build a platform that will deliver solutions for multiple industries. Bowmo’s flagship product seamlessly integrates AI and extended reality (XR) technologies to revolutionize recruitment and human resource (HR) processes.
Building upon our multi-vertical platform, bowmo is poised to introduce a suite of future products catering to the needs of cybersecurity, SaaS sales, retail, sports, media/entertainment, and real estate sectors. This expansion underscores bowmo’s commitment to diversifying revenue streams and addressing diverse industry needs through advanced technological solutions. bowmo’s platform harnesses AI, machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), blockchain, extended/augmented/virtual realities (XR) and process orchestration.
About Digital Tails Group, LLC. Digital Tails Group (“DTG,” the “Company”) is an IT company specializing in software development using 3D technology, extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI). The DTG expertise in advanced technologies ranges from virtual reality (VR) experiences to smart AI algorithms, enabling us to help our clients improve their competitive strength through the application of advanced UI and knowledge technologies.
About OWNverse, LLC. OWNverse is a virtual platform company that develops unique tools for creating targeted products and services for virtual spaces (“Metaverses”) by using the technology stack available through widely used Web2 platforms driven by AI.
OWNverse allows for the integration of such tools to elevate the dimensionality of products and services, while offering such products and services within the spatially immersive 3D Internet—Web3.
OWNverse aims to empower all users to become co-creators of the content. The main OWNverse ideology is to supply proven tools to users to provide real value for businesses and create virtual communities in numerous business sectors.
Additional Information and Where to Find It Additional information is available on the Company’s website: https://www.bowmo.com. In addition, other information related to the Company is available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Michael E. Lakshin, Chairman of the Board and President, Michael.Lakshin@bowmo.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, BOMO’s ability to successfully execute its expanded business strategy, including by entering into definitive agreements with suppliers, commercial partners and customers; general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various software programs, changes in future customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technical advances and delivering technological innovations, regulatory requirements and the ability to meet them, government agency rules and changes, and various other factors beyond BOMO’s control. Except as may be required by law, bowmo, Inc. undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update these forward-looking statements after the date of this release.
Contact: Michael E. Lakshin Chairman of the Board and President Michael.Lakshin@bowmo.com
When a person suffers from two or more long-term health conditions at the same time this is known as multimorbidity.
The World Health Organization says multimorbidity puts patients at greater risk and complicates primary care. It also drives up healthcare costs.
People with more than one condition face a higher risk of early death and poorer quality of life. They may also have to take multiple medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of harmful drug interactions and side effects, and patients find it harder to stick to treatment.
In African countries the situation is further complicated by several disease burdens converging. Individuals may suffer non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, as well as from infectious diseases like HIV and tuberculosis.
Poverty and unequal access to healthcare add to the impact of multimorbidity.
Most research on multimorbidity has focused on populations of European ancestry. When people of African descent are included, the focus is often on African-Americans. This group does not represent the diversity or health challenges faced in Africa.
As specialists in genetic epidemiology and chronic diseases management, we set out to research the gaps in understanding multimorbidity among people with African ancestry.
Identifying gaps
We examined 232 medical research publications (published from 2010 to June 2022), and included those published in English and French. That’s not a lot if one considers all the different health challenges that people of African descent suffer globally.
Of these studies, 113 focused on continental African populations and 100 on the diaspora. Nineteen included both groups.
Our review spanned five major academic databases. We used search terms such as “multimorbidity”, “comorbidity” and “African population”. Restricting searches to titles and abstracts and relying on texts that our institutions could access may have excluded some studies.
Heart diseases dominate
Cardiometabolic diseases, including hypertension, heart disease and diabetes, were the most studied conditions in both populations (those in Africa and those elsewhere).
But notable differences emerged.
In populations on the continent, cardiometabolic diseases tended to occur along with chronic infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis.
In diaspora populations, cardiometabolic diseases more commonly occurred along with other non-communicable diseases and psychiatric conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Age, sex, poverty
As with all populations worldwide, older people in the studies we reviewed were the group most likely to have more than one health condition.
But on the continent, the burden of infectious diseases meant younger adults were also at risk of having more than one illness.
Women were more likely than men to have multiple conditions, particularly in relation to conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. This likely reflects both biological factors, such as hormonal differences, and social influences like income inequalities and differences in working environments.
Individuals with lower socioeconomic status (which often means women) would be more likely to be exposed to unhealthy lifestyles, and to have less access to preventive care.
What can be done?
Our review found that the way health conditions combine differs between people of African descent outside Africa and those on the continent. This means medical research should include a greater diversity of participants.
Expanded data collection should include genetic and metabolomic data.
It is also essential to study a wider range of chronic conditions.
The increasing co-existence of conditions means that treatment for cardiovascular, metabolic and infectious diseases should be integrated.
Some African countries, including South Africa and Kenya, have already introduced integrated care, with encouraging results. A patient with two or more diseases is offered treatment for the conditions at the same facility during the same visit.
Michele Ramsay receives funding from the National Research Foundation (RSA), National Institutes of Health (USA) and Wellcome (UK). She serves on the WHO TAG-G committee.
Isaac Kisiangani and Michelle Kamp do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Were you told that gold mining in southern Africa started after 1852? Or that the export of iron, steel, copper and gold began in the late 19th century? Or that South Africa became integrated into a global trading system only after 1652? Or that the first powerful state in South Africa was the Zulu kingdom?
If you learned that any of these things were true, you are like most South Africans, who have missed out on at least a thousand years of the country’s history.
Both radical and conservative historians have focused heavily on colonial history, a story starting at the Cape and playing out within colonial boundaries. As a result, South Africa’s past has been compressed into a shortened timeline and a limited geography. That shorter version is what’s taught at schools and universities.
If we abandon 1652 – when the first Dutch settlers arrived in the Cape – as the key historical starting point, and go back a thousand years and cast our gaze 2,000km north of Table Mountain, a very different story unfolds.
Our research is attempting to rethink South African history. As many years of work in the interior show, along with our new focus on a central southern African trading landscape, Thulamela, the formative steps in South Africa’s history began here, along the Limpopo River.
Early cooperative relationships
Two thousand years ago, San hunter gatherers were the primary occupants of the region around the Limpopo River valley, an area around the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers that includes Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Contrary to popular opinion, these groups weren’t living in isolated bands. They were connected through regional networks of exchange spanning hundreds, even thousands, of kilometres.
At this time, South Africa was on the brink of fundamental change. From about 350 AD, Bantu-speaking, iron-using, livestock-owning farmers began to settle the Soutpansberg, south of the Limpopo River. They initially established mainly cooperative relationships with the San, especially in hunting and trading.
These farmers introduced a key innovation into the region – the production of metal tools, weapons, currency and jewellery. These goods were for their own use and for expanding trade networks.
At the start, iron was the most important metal but over time, copper and gold became more and more significant. The farmers were skilled in locating and extracting these ores, which, in the case of gold and copper, often involved shaft mining. Metal production also demanded pyrotechnical knowledge to smelt ores and to fashion metals into functional and decorative forms.
Local trade, global connections
Another crucial development took place in the 7th century AD. The Indian Ocean world connected to the expanding regional trade networks which had linked the coast and the interior. The transoceanic sailors and traders were initially motivated by the growing demand for ivory in Asia and the Middle East.
This external demand brought exotic glass beads and cloth deep into the interior, through African traders and rulers. A node in the system was Chibuene, a large coastal trading settlement on the Mozambican coast near modern Vilanculos. From here, beads and cloth travelled south, to the vicinity of Durban in modern-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and across the interior, past the Okavango delta to places such as the Tsodilo hills west of the delta’s panhandle in Botswana.
Between the 10th and 15th centuries, the market for gold boomed – especially in Egypt, Persia, India and China. Southern Africa played an important role in meeting this demand because of the rich gold reserves of the Zimbabwe plateau and the adjacent region of the Limpopo valley.
So, it is clear that an economic and mineral revolution took place long before Europeans settled South Africa’s Cape. Colonial processes of globalisation and the mineral revolution in the 19th century trailed far in the wake of African involvement in the vast Indian Ocean economy through their hunting, mining, smelting and artisanal skills.
Rise of states
Indian Ocean trade contributed to major transformations in the interior. The wealth it generated led to social stratification and the emergence of a distinct ruling class. Leaders’ economic, political and spiritual power intensified. These processes found expression in the establishment in 1220 of Mapungubwe, in the middle Limpopo Valley, and the first state in southern Africa.
The little-known trading state, Thulamela, was located in the north of what’s now the Kruger Park. From 1250 to 1650 it was a key node of production and exchange. But for many decades the site was ignored. When intensive research finally started in the 1990s it made very limited progress in revealing the form and nature of the state. But renewed and interdisciplinary research at the site and surrounding areas has already produced new insights into the history of Thulamela and promises to generate many more in the near future.
New windows to a past
Given this deep history of powerful kingdoms connected by an underlying but dynamic economic system, we have to let go of the idea that the Zulu Kingdom, which formed in the early 19th century, was the first powerful state in what was to become South Africa. In fact, it was a relatively recent example of much deeper and wider transformations.
It was only in the 19th century that expanding colonial capitalism and settlement fuelled by the “second” mineral revolution penetrated the interior and encountered its kingdoms and trading opportunities.
The interaction between the two worlds culminated in a hard-fought struggle over trade, land and labour. While the African kingdoms were ultimately defeated and traders and craftsmen were displaced, their impact on the shape and nature of South African society is still felt today.
A challenge to historians now is to deepen our understanding of this missing millennium, and of pre-colonial transformations.
Researchers need to pay greater attention to a wider range of documentary sources (beyond those in English) and to oral traditions. Collaboration with scholars working on archaeology, historical linguistics and genetics will also tell us more about the forces that have shaped our present.
Linell Chewins received funding from the National Research Foundation for her Masters.
Tim Forssman receives funding from the National Research Foundation.
Peter Delius 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 Suleman Lazarus, Visiting Fellow, Mannheim Centre for Criminology, London School of Economics and Political Science
People find love in many ways and through diverse mediums. Online platforms have become popular meeting places for people looking to find intimate partners, making them a prime target for cybercriminals.
Online romance fraud has become a global phenomenon. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the US, romance scams accounted for losses to about 24,000 Americans, exceeding US$1 billion, in 2022.
On the African continent, Nigeria and Ghana have emerged as hubs for internet fraud. The “Yahoo Boys” operating in Nigeria and “Sakawa Boys” in Ghana have a reputation for engaging in various fraudulent schemes, including online romance scams.
Over the past decade, I have researched cybercrime and criminology, focusing on west African online fraudsters. Coverage of romance scams often centres on victim narratives or sensational headlines, leaving offender-focused research largely unexplored.
In a recent paper, I studied the cases of 50 people convicted of online romance in Nigeria. A separate research study I spearheaded involved interviews with active offenders in Ghana. Rather than relying solely on fragmented media accounts, the two research papers offer a robust, evidence-based understanding of the cultural, economic and historical factors driving cybercriminal behaviour.
My findings from both papers show that romance fraud offenders frequently present themselves as white and primarily target western societies. In framing fraud as a way to reclaim wealth they believed was unjustly taken during colonial rule, many saw their actions as a civic duty. In the case file study on Nigerian fraudsters, I found that many were driven by “socioeconomic needs”.
My findings provide insights into offenders’ tactics and motivations. This could be useful for law enforcement officials developing targeted interventions, and for policymakers wanting to frame informed strategies.
Who, where, how and why
This article uses “scam” and “fraud”, as well as “scammers” and “fraudsters”, interchangeably. The media, financial institutions, and the public typically use “scams” and “scammers”. Academics often prefer “fraud” and “fraudsters” to emphasise the seriousness of these crimes, as noted in my research.
I examined case files of 50 individuals convicted of romance fraud in Nigeria following prosecutions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. In a separate study I conducted interviews with active romance fraud offenders in Ghana.
My decision to focus on Nigeria and Ghana was based on findings in research done earlier. For example, I co-authored a paper that reviewed 21 years of empirical studies (2000–2021) in which we found that many west African scammers predominantly targeted individuals in the west. Another research study I spearheaded showed how songs by Nigerian artists glamorised the actions of scammers and highlighted their preference for western victims.
Similarly, the Nigeria case file study found that over half of the romance scam victims (56%) were in the US. My interviews with offenders in Ghana further showed that romance scammers viewed their actions as “legitimate retribution for colonial injustice”. These scammers operate within a historical framework in which colonial subjugation narratives influence their motivations and societal attitudes toward cybercrime.
Profile of an online fraudster
The analysis of the case files of the 50 convicted romance scammers showed patterns in offender profiles and strategies. Most were young – 81.7% were under 26. Nearly 60% preferred Apple’s iPhone for their fraudulent schemes. When it came to occupation, 74% were university students.
Offenders carefully constructed their online personas. Nearly half (46%) posed as white American males, 12% as military personnel, and 10% as white European males.
The victims they chose were mostly women: 70% of offenders primarily targeted females, 14% targeted males, 10% targeted both genders and 6% did not specify the victim’s gender.
Facebook was the most commonly used platform, appearing in 46% of the Nigerian cases.
Some of the Ghanaian scammers said they saw their crimes as acts of service to a greater cause. This included loyalty to their communities or the pursuit of economic justice. They portrayed their scams as efforts to reclaim wealth from nations historically exploiting their regions.
Suleman Lazarus 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 – Canada – By Ian H. Rowlands, Professor, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo
In March 2023, Canada and Norway issued a joint statement on bilateral co-operation. Notably, the statement emphasized a commitment to “achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, to promoting research collaboration and to increasing trade and investment in clean technologies and renewables that help enable a green and just transition.”
Co-operation on energy transitions offers a timely way to strengthen this bond from 2025 onwards, more than ever in light of unfolding events on the global stage.
As researchers in environmental policy, we argue that this collaboration should focus on advancing the energy transition. Here, both countries are faced with tremendous opportunities, but also difficult decisions that require political gumption. There are national elections that will take place in each country this year, which makes this a particularly opportune political moment to address this concern.
Both these climate-ambitious petro-powers have great potential to co-create pathways for prosperity. Both could conceivably implement advanced energy transition strategies that focus on the use of fossil fuel reserves judiciously and purposefully to finance climate change goals.
The National Bank of Canada envisioned something like this in a 2023 report, continuing discussions that date back at least a decade. The report concluded that:
Meanwhile, Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global crossed US$1.7 trillion in 2024, bearing testament to the financial strength the country has derived from the petroleum era.
Electrification
The connections between fossil fuel wealth and a climate-friendly transition show much potential. However, too often those advocating for continued exploitation of carbon-based resources fail to acknowledge the accelerated phaseout timetable needed for greenhouse gas emission reductions. The use of natural gas as a transition fuel, for instance, requires a long-term plan for carbon neutrality. Without that, deployment effectively locks in decades of additional emissions.
The real promise these countries hold for the energy transition is in the call to electrify (almost) everything. This approach simultaneously uses two pathways: “greening” the electricity grid with low-carbon energy sources, and moving fossil fuel energy demand onto these clean electricity grids.
Digitalization, which refers to the wider socioeconomic changes inextricably linked to the shift from analog to digital systems, should also be seen as a parallel priority to enable real-time co-ordination of electricity demand and supply across coupled sectors.
For context, these green and greener grids have been achieved in an era of relatively flat electricity demand in many parts of both countries. But that is changing: sector demands like mobility, heating and data centres are already proving to be significant, new consumers of electricity. Huge quantities of additional electricity have to be rapidly generated while maintaining system stability.
How these two frontrunner states replace existing carbon-fuelled infrastructure and meet the anticipated growth in electricity demand is of global interest.
Stronger bilateral collaboration could also result in positive outcomes in geopolitical developments in the Arctic. Rapidly consolidating trade relations more broadly has rarely been so important from a political perspective. Building this collaboration along energy transition synergies presents advantages that remain gravely underexploited.
This is likely due to the political and economic status and sway that petroleum incumbents have held. But the twin transition of low-carbon electrification and digitalization offers Canada and Norway a chance to co-operate and lead their global regions into a new era of greener energy.
Building upon their shared geographies, structures, experiences and values, the time is ripe for collaboration on the sustainable energy transition. This could include government officials, individuals from utilities and regulators, industry representatives, members of civil society and Indigenous organizations, researchers and academics.
Together, Canada and Norway have the potential to work in tandem to move towards a more prosperous and sustainable global future.
Ian H. Rowlands is a member of the Board of Directors of Waterloo Region Community Energy.
Siddharth Sareen has received funding from the Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020, JPI Climate and JPI Urban Europe programmes of the European Commission.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jennifer A. Selby, Professor, Religious Studies and Political Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Legislation and scrutiny of ‘fraudulent marriage’ subtly position romance as a proxy to assess narrow liberal ideals.(Shutterstock)
Valentine’s Day is sold to us as a moment to celebrate romance: we should buy cards, roses and chocolates. Go for fancy, dimly lit dinners with our significant others. Make loving declarations.
However, romance can also be mobilized to judge and surveil relationships, and determine which are valid and which are not. Numerous countries, including Canada, have laws against what they deem as fraudulent marriages.
To consider the impact of these laws, and to study the colonial legacies within them, I conducted a study of the marriage (and for many, migration) experiences of people of Algerian origin in three contexts: Ghazaouet and Tizi Ouzou in Algeria, a Parisian suburb called Petit-Nanterre and in Montréal from 2011 to 2019. My findings drew on almost 200 personal interviews focused on the marriage partner preferences and ceremonies of my participants.
I was particularly interested in a comparison between France and Canada, where monitoring romance has served as a way to gauge the sincerity of marriages among migrants for whom citizenship is at stake.
Laws targeting fraudulent marriage
In an effort to curb a seeming rise in fraudulent marriages in immigration family sponsorship requests, governments in France and Canada introduced legislation in the 2000s to promote greater surveillance of and penalties for marriage fraud.
In France, this began in 2008 with a law to curb “love fraud with a migratory aim.” Passed in the same year, Canada’s law centred on impeding “bad faith” marriages.
Such legislation often comes with penalties. In France, if one is found guilty of being party to a fraudulent marriage, the penalty can be annulment, five to 10 years in prison, fines or deportation. The impetus for such laws is the unquantified sense that a growing number of foreign nationals take advantage of family unification immigration pathways through disingenuous relationships.
The state’s involvement in France is more acute because the burden of assessment falls primarily on marriage officiants and immigration officers. Civil marriages there must take place in a municipal office and prior to a religious marriage.
A 2010 directive to French marriage officiants is especially revelatory of this surveillance. Evidence of financial and sexual intimacies act as evidence of a sincere marriage. Romance is seen as a reflection of a spontaneous and uncalculated relationship.
Of course, there is no evidence that expressions of romance in an early marriage are signs of success; divorce occurs for almost half of marrying couples, whether couples are transnational or not. Figures in Canada indicate a slightly higher divorce rate than in France.
In Montréal, one can be married outside of a municipal office. Still, my participants in that city shared similar stories of pressures to perform specific sexual politics in the presence of state officials.
One man whose wife wore a hijab was interrogated by first responders about the husband’s involvement when she fainted, while pregnant, outside a grocery store. Bewildered by the situation, he answered their questions about whether theirs was a forced marriage (it was not). In retrospect, he said he would have declined this line of questioning and focused their attention on his wife.
Arranged marriages
One of my notable findings is that many marriages in my sample were quasi-arranged — organized with the assistance of family members (often mothers). Yet, these types of marriages often fall outside idealized ideas of romance, rendering these couples more vulnerable to being accused of fraud.
I also found that potential scrutiny from immigration officials did not impede interest in a transnational marriage partner. Many of my interviewees liked the idea of a partner of the same religion or culture, and who spoke Arabic or Tamazight. In addition, for many, a cosmopolitan transnational life linking Algeria with France or Québec was appealing.
Depending on their gender, social class, religiosity, families and personalities, individuals grapple with these politics differently. The social contexts of a Parisian suburb and Montréal further shaped a participant’s sense of longing and belonging. Fewer Algerian women in Montréal were interested in such arrangements. Invariably, however, individuals of Algerian origin in both contexts knew that transnational unions were highly scrutinized.
Despite the attention granted to curbing marriage fraud, the data suggest that few marriages are annulled. The spectre of this surveillance is greater than its enforcement.
Unfairly penalizing migrants
Legislation and scrutiny of marriages seen as fraudulent subtly position romance as a proxy to assess narrow liberal ideals. Somescholars have called this phenomenon a push for a “sexual democracy,” where women’s bodies are subtly expected to remain visible and sexually available as signs of their putative equality.
Perhaps unexpectedly, niqab bans in both France and Québec further reflect these values. Full-face veils are, tellingly, depicted as lacking sexual agency and individualism, and impeding a cisgender woman’s ability to attract men.
Narrow views of what kind of romance should be legitimized and celebrated are not limited to governments. Such views also manifest in consumer culture and in the wedding industry, and are desired and performed by many of us, including among my research participants in arranged marriages. Romance’s pervasiveness, desirability and seeming spontaneity mask its politics.
As we enjoy romantic gestures on Valentine’s Day, we should also consider the cultural specificity of these tropes and their potentially exclusionary politics in determining whose relationships are deemed legitimate. Entrenchments of patriarchal chivalry, monogamy, consumerism and narrow gender roles can run in tandem.
Jennifer A. Selby receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Nearly half of EU citizens reported emotional or psychological difficulties in the last 12 months. In this video, we share the powerful stories of three individuals who have battled mental health challenges, faced stigma, and found ways to move forward. Hear their experiences, learn how they cope, and join the conversation about mental health awareness.
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City of London Policy Chairman visits to strengthen business links
11 February 2025
The City of London Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, was in Derry this week to attend the launch of the MATRIX NI report and a number of engagements to build on the North West’s strong connections with the City of London.
Matrix, Northern Ireland’s Science and Industry Advisory Panel, supported by the Department for the Economy, launched a new report exploring opportunities for the application of regulatory technologies (RegTech).
The report finds that Northern Ireland, with its skilled workforce and strong academic institutions, is strongly positioned to help businesses navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. This can be achieved by the development of innovative solutions to streamline compliance processes, enhancing transparency, while mitigating any risks in the financial services sector
Mr Hayward and his delegation were welcomed to the city by the Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, John Kelpie, who took the opportunity to discuss shared interests in business, innovation and culture. The significant work being done by the Council and its delivery partners to bring forward an ambitious suite of innovative City Deal projects that will create jobs, attract investment and growth to the region was also discussed.
Mr Kelpie said it was a great honour to welcome Mr Hayward to the region to talk about the opportunities to promote the RegTech proposition, harnessing the city region’s unique cross-jurisdictional location and collaborative partnerships and to build on existing relationships between the two cities and regions.
He said: “We have extremely strong links with the City of London and it’s hugely encouraging to see Mr Hayward and his delegation taking time out of their schedule to visit our city and meet with industry leaders to hear about the excellent work that is being done here in terms of attracting global investment and helping home-grown success stories compete internationally. The City of London Corporation is a global financial and professional services capital that drives the UK’s economy and the sector is of huge importance to this region.”
During his visit, Mr Hayward met with RegTech Supercluster representatives to hear at first-hand about the collaborative work being done on the ground to develop the region’s RegTech offering.
It was also an opportunity to provide the delegation with an update on the ‘Innovation Challenge’ programme that was launched late last year with the City of London Corporation as a strategic partner, to encourage innovators to develop creative technology solutions to tackle cross border regulatory and compliance challenges.
A key element of the visit was to discuss with key stakeholders the key findings of the Matrix NI report and how to bring forward its recommendations.
The launch provided the opportunity for the RegTech Supercluster to discuss how it can support the Department to shape the RegTech proposition and working with key stakeholders generate economic growth and competitive advantage across the region.
The delegation met with senior officials at the Ulster University to discuss their expansion plans and to receive an update on the work being carried out by the Task Force and key research and development projects.
Mr Heyward also met with representatives from the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce before taking a tour of the local Seagate plant at Springtown and meeting with Chief Operating Officer with EY, Jonathan Williamson, to discuss their future plans for development at Ebrington Plaza and their wider growth across the region.
Upcoming works on the Station Gateway project have been confirmed as the project progresses.
In recent weeks paving has been laid and footpath and kerb improvements are happening near to the Blossom Street Junction. This is creating new high quality public realm in the area where Queen Street Bridge used to be.
Contractors John Sisk & Son have announced upcoming dates to local residents, including some night working during February and March. The work involves using machinery but every effort is being made to keep noise and disruption to a minimum. Night work will start on Monday 17 February and will be from 7.30pm until 5am on weeknights.
During weeknights on the weeks commencing 17 February and 24 February, work will take place opposite the station portico to dig out existing footways and roads so that they can be resurfaced and improved as part of the changes to public spaces in the area. While this is taking place two-way traffic lights will be in place while the overnight works are happening.
Access to the station and nearby properties is being maintained. Further night works are planned mid-March and more details on these will be shared in the coming weeks.
Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the difference that is being made to the area as work continues and really exciting to see the transformation.
“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused. Our contractors will be doing all they can to minimise disruption.
“Local businesses, including the station, remain open for business throughout these works.”
This major project is being delivered in partnership by City of York Council, Network Rail, LNER and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority alongside contractor for the highways works for the project John Sisk & Son, and is part funded by the UK government.
The ambitious project will completely transform the station frontage, providing an improved transport interchange, as well as revamping the public space around the station. The scheme will also create an improved setting for the City Walls and other heritage buildings in the area.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the implementation of long-term plans for the integrated socio-economic development of the Khabarovsk urban agglomeration and the urban district “City of Komsomolsk-on-Amur” for the period up to 2030
February 11, 2025
Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the implementation of long-term plans for the integrated socio-economic development of the Khabarovsk urban agglomeration and the urban district “City of Komsomolsk-on-Amur” for the period up to 2030
February 11, 2025
Yuri Trutnev inspected the new modular multifunctional sports hall at School No. 9 in Khabarovsk and attended a training session for children’s sports groups in Kyokushin karate and other martial arts
February 11, 2025
Yuri Trutnev inspected the new modular multifunctional sports hall at School No. 9 in Khabarovsk and attended a training session for children’s sports groups in Kyokushin karate and other martial arts
February 11, 2025
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Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the implementation of long-term plans for the integrated socio-economic development of the Khabarovsk urban agglomeration and the urban district “City of Komsomolsk-on-Amur” for the period up to 2030
During a working visit to Khabarovsk Krai, Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev held meetings on the implementation of long-term plans for the comprehensive socio-economic development of the Khabarovsk urban agglomeration and the urban district “City of Komsomolsk-on-Amur” for the period up to 2030, on the implementation of major investment projects in the region, and also visited a number of social facilities.
“In accordance with the instructions of the President of Russia, master plan activities are being implemented in the Khabarovsk agglomeration and Komsomolsk-on-Amur in Khabarovsk Krai. The development plans for the two cities include 48 activities for 414 billion rubles. More than 124 billion rubles have already been allocated from budgets at all levels for the implementation of activities until 2030,” Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting on the implementation of master plans.
The master plans of the Khabarovsk agglomeration and Komsomolsk-on-Amur were approved by the President of Russia in 2023. Of the 84 objects of the master plans of the Khabarovsk Territory, four have been completed, ten are being designed, 21 are under construction, and 49 are in the planning stage. As part of the implementation of the master plans in Khabarovsk in 2024, 16 trolleybuses and 10 trams were purchased, and preferential financing was approved through VEB.RF for the construction of the Far Eastern bus cluster. New microdistricts with developed social infrastructure and rental housing are being built in the Northern District. Under the Far Eastern concession, projects have begun to build the Far Eastern Art Museum and the Far Eastern Children’s Recreation and Health Center.
“We will complete the design in the first half of the year. I gave instructions to begin preparing the construction sites. The new museum will open to visitors in the first quarter of 2028. Its halls will display over 15 thousand works of art. The first children’s camp created in the region in the post-Soviet period will be completed in 2027. The company has begun preparing the construction site. Once commissioned, the camp will be able to accommodate over 5 thousand children per year,” said Dmitry Demeshin, Governor of Khabarovsk Krai.
In Komsomolsk-on-Amur, the reconstruction of the embankment will be completed in March, and the innovative interactive center “Euristics” is planned to be launched. “The long-term plan for Komsomolsk-on-Amur provides for the revitalization of iconic spaces. It was decided to allocate more than 400 million rubles from the regional reserve fund for the restoration of the Stroitel cultural center. The design and estimate documentation is ready. The work will take two years,” the head of the region specified.
Yuri Trutnev noted the need to complete the construction of social facilities, including a children’s hospital complex and an inter-district oncology dispensary in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, and asked Dmitry Demeshin to pay special attention to them.
Funds are allocated for the implementation of master plans from the presidential single subsidy. As explained by the Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov, the Presidium of the Government Commission on the Socio-Economic Development of the Far East supported three events: the creation of the Far Eastern Children’s Recreation and Health Center, the construction of the Far Eastern Art Museum building, and the fifth stage of the construction of the unified embankment.
The creation of a “Far Eastern quarter” in the Zheleznodorozhny district of Khabarovsk was discussed. The project was developed to support integrated development.
During a meeting on the implementation of major investment projects in the region, Yuri Trutnev noted that Khabarovsk Krai is one of the leaders in attracting investment in the Far East. “Here, 145 investment projects are being implemented with state support. More than 15.3 thousand jobs have been created, 63 enterprises have been introduced. Our priority task is to ensure the timely and successful implementation of investment projects, providing comprehensive support to investors,” Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting.
The meeting discussed projects in the fields of mining, logistics, tourism, construction and transport infrastructure. A-Steel presented a project to build a mining and processing plant based on the Milkan iron ore deposit. Amur Minerals, a resident of the priority development area, is building a mining and processing plant at the Malmyzhskoye deposit in the Nanai district. Elga Management Company LLC is creating the Pacific Ocean railway and a sea coal terminal near Cape Manorsky. VB Khabarovsk presented a project to build a high-tech warehouse complex, the implementation of which is planned for the new integrated investment site of the priority development area Khabarovsk – Severnaya. The development of the Kholdomi mountain resort was discussed. The Etalon financial and construction group held a presentation of the Khabarovsk-City project. Projects for the development of port infrastructure were also discussed.
Yuri Trutnev visited the regional branch of the Voin center. The Khabarovsk branch of the Voin center opened its doors on May 11, 2023 and has already achieved significant success. If in 2023, 1,413 people completed its educational programs, then in 2024 it has already trained 3,067 cadets. Over the entire period of its work, the branch team has held about 200 military-patriotic events in educational institutions of the region, master classes with employees of law enforcement agencies, and exhibitions.
On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister inspected the new modular multifunctional sports hall at School No. 9 in Khabarovsk and attended a training session of children’s sports groups in Kyokushin karate and other types of martial arts. The facility is one of six being built in Khabarovsk under the “50 Sports Halls in Far Eastern Schools” program at the initiative of three-time Kyokushin karate world champion Khaid Mantayev together with the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and with the personal support of Yuri Trutnev. The new sports hall is equipped with all the necessary equipment and was built as part of the social development plan for economic growth centers in Khabarovsk Krai using funds from the presidential single subsidy provided by the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East. The modular hall with an area of 360 square meters will be able to accommodate about 30 sports fans at a time. The sports hall will include mini-football, basketball, volleyball, karate, taekwondo and judo. In the future, there are plans to open hand-to-hand combat and gymnastics sections here, as well as install a boxing ring.
Yuri Trutnev also visited a site in the village of Blagovatnoye where it is planned to create a training ground for UAV operators and conduct classes as part of the development of a system of patriotic education and military-sports training.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
“On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the brilliance and resiliency of women who are transforming the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Their groundbreaking work pushes innovation and inspires future generations to dream big.
“Through initiatives like the Women in STEM Scholarship, Alberta’s government supports women and girls in their pursuit of careers in these essential fields. This scholarship provides funding to help women overcome barriers and excel in education and careers where their talents have often been overlooked. Through community grant programs, Alberta’s government is also supporting non-profit organizations that offer programming that gives girls opportunities to explore STEM, like the grant we announced for Western Mechatronics Association to continue their programming that helps young girls engage with robotics and other STEM-related topics.
“By empowering girls to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, we unlock their potential and build a future driven by bold ideas.”
Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
“Inspiring women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are leading innovation in Alberta – but there’s more to achieve. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I encourage every girl and young woman to dream big and explore these exciting fields that offer endless opportunities for creativity, problem-solving and leadership.
“Through targeted supports, we can ensure that every Albertan has the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education and make their mark on the world.
“Alberta proudly partners with several organizations that support women and youth in preparing for successful careers. By investing in bright-minded young women, we are making a strategic investment in Alberta’s future.
“Women in Alberta are not just imagining the future of science – they’re building it. Let’s empower more young women to lead the way. Together, we’re shaping a province that thrives on talent, innovation and limitless potential.”
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
Madame Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine, et madame Rajan Sawhney, soulignent la Journée internationale des femmes et des filles en science.
« À l’occasion de la Journée internationale des femmes et des filles de science, nous célébrons la brillance et la résilience des femmes qui transforment la science, la technologie, l’ingénierie et les mathématiques. Leurs travaux remarquables stimulent l’innovation et inspirent les générations futures à voir grand.
« Grâce à des initiatives telles que la bourse Women in STEM, le gouvernement de l’Alberta soutient les femmes et les jeunes filles dans leur poursuite d’une carrière dans ces domaines essentiels. La bourse aide les femmes à surmonter les obstacles qui s’imposent à elles et à exceller dans les études et les carrières où leurs talents ont souvent été négligés. Grâce à des programmes de subvention communautaires, le gouvernement de l’Alberta soutient également des organismes sans but lucratif dont les programmes permettent aux filles d’explorer les STIM, comme la subvention que nous avons annoncée pour la Western Mechatronics Association, qui permet à l’association de continuer à offrir ses programmes en appui aux jeunes filles qui s’intéressent à la robotique et à d’autres sujets liés aux STIM.
« En donnant aux filles les moyens de poursuivre leurs passions dans les domaines des sciences, de la technologie, de l’ingénierie ou des mathématiques, nous libérons leur potentiel et bâtissons un avenir animé par des idées audacieuses. »
Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine
« Des femmes inspirantes dans les domaines des sciences, de la technologie, de l’ingénierie et des mathématiques sont à la tête de l’innovation en Alberta, mais il reste encore beaucoup à faire. En cette Journée internationale des femmes et des filles de science, j’encourage toutes les filles et les jeunes femmes à voir grand et à explorer ces domaines passionnants qui offrent des possibilités infinies de créativité, de résolution de problèmes et de leadership.
« Grâce à des programmes d’aide ciblés, nous pouvons faire en sorte que chaque Albertaine ait la possibilité de poursuivre des études postsecondaires et de laisser sa marque dans le monde.
« L’Alberta est fière de s’associer à plusieurs organismes qui aident les femmes et les jeunes filles à se préparer à une carrière réussie. En investissant dans les jeunes femmes à l’esprit brillant, nous réalisons un investissement stratégique dans l’avenir de l’Alberta.
« Les femmes de l’Alberta ne se contentent pas d’imaginer l’avenir de la science, elles le construisent. Donnons à davantage de jeunes femmes les moyens de montrer la voie. Ensemble, nous façonnons une province qui prospère grâce au talent, à l’innovation et à un potentiel illimité. »
Rajan Sawhney, ministre de l’Enseignement postsecondaire
“CUPE National union with Ontario-based leadership is interfering in what should be local negotiations between school boards and CUPE locals, and in other areas using tactics of fear and intimidation to prevent deals from being signed.
“In Medicine Hat, following an agreement between the Medicine Hat Public School Division and CUPE local 829, the national leadership of CUPE effectively deregistered the local to prevent a ratification vote.
“In Sturgeon School Division, the Alberta Labour Relations Board had to issue an injunction to prevent union activists from blocking school buses.
“In Edmonton, after nurses were contracted to administer insulin and other medications to medically fragile children, CUPE pressured the nursing agency to withdraw service, forcing those students to stay home.
“This pattern of behaviour is disturbing and shows that education support workers who do not yet have a deal will not be permitted to vote on one, under fear of deregistration by union leaders in Ontario.
“At the end of the day the antics and disturbing action taken by union leaders in Ontario is causing extremely detrimental effects to learning outcomes for Alberta students.
“Alberta’s government and school boards have shown up to the table to find a path forward, but CUPE National leaders clearly have ulterior motives that are not in the best interests of their members or Alberta students.
“Alberta’s government calls upon CUPE to allow local bargaining to take place and stop these tactics of fear and intimidation so that kids can be back in school getting the care and education they deserve.”
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Michael J. French, 41, of Pendleton, has pleaded guilty to operating a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme and to stalking two social media content creators.
Evidence put forth at the plea hearing established that French owned MJF Holdings, LLC and MJF Capital, LLC. Beginning in March 2019, through these companies, French offered promissory notes to investors that projected annual returns of 12 percent. He represented to investors that their funds would be used to provide loans to small businesses and that he had experience in the financial industry, including underwriting the loans in which the investor would be invested. French represented to investors that he would not receive compensation unless the promissory notes earned in excess of the 12 percent guaranteed to investors.
These were false representations. French paid previous investors with new investor monies because his investment product was not generating returns. This lulled investors into believing the product was successful, when, in fact, French was spending investor money to maintain a lavish lifestyle that included supporting female social media content creators by paying them thousands of dollars each month.
At one point, the content creators stopped communicating with French. He became angry with the women and began harassing them through various “burner” phone numbers and fake email accounts. French claimed that he was a sniper, had killed people, and that the police could not protect them. French traveled to one woman’s home unannounced, forcing her to hide in a locked vehicle in the garage with her 2-year-old child. She called 911 as French attempted to force his way into the home. He was arrested by local police before he could reach them.
United State Chief District Judge Timothy Cain accepted French’s guilty plea and will sentence him after receiving and reviewing a pre-sentence report from the U.S. Probation Office. French faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
The FBI Columbia Field Office and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins is prosecuting the case.
A man who converted blank firearms for criminals from a workshop in his back garden has been jailed for more than 10 years.
Luke Parr, 23 (01.04.2001) of Maxey Road, Dagenham, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 10 February where he was sentenced to a total of 10 and a half years’ imprisonment for two counts of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and manufacturing firearms.
He had previously pleaded guilty, at the same court, to all the allegations against him.
On 10 June 2024, Parr was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder following the near fatal shooting of a man in Dagenham days earlier.
Following his arrest, officers searched Parr’s home and discovered a workshop in his back garden from where he was running a firearms conversion factory. During the search they also found two handguns that had already been converted for potentially lethal use as well as ammunition and all the equipment required to convert more guns.
While he was ultimately not charged in relation to the shooting, the investigation into Parr revealed his focus was on converting blank firing guns.
Some of the guns he was converting included Turkish-manufactured ‘top venting blank firers’.
This sort of gun is increasingly being linked to criminal activity in London and across the UK, including serious violence and even murder. They were previously legal to own and many thousands were bought lawfully, but they have since been found to be easily convertible using household tools and are now, as a result, illegal.
A national amnesty is underway to take as many of them off the streets as possible, depriving criminals like Parr with the opportunity to turn them into lethal weapons.
Detective Superintendent Tim Mustoe, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:“This case highlights the ongoing risk posed when criminals with the necessary knowledge get their hands on readily convertible blank firing guns.
“From a shed in his back garden, Parr was able to turn blank firers into guns that could be used to cause serious harm on the streets of London. It is right that he has been sentenced to a lengthy term in prison.
“The key to stopping those like Parr is to dramatically reduce the number of these guns in circulation. It’s why it is so important that the ongoing amnesty is a success.
“We know the majority were bought lawfully by people with no ill intent who have done nothing wrong. It’s when they fall into the wrong hands that the damage can be done.
“I would urge anyone who has one of these guns at home to do the responsible thing and hand it in at a police station as part of the amnesty.
“They will not face police action for possession of the gun at the point of surrender if they do so during the amnesty, but if they choose not to do so now and are found to have one of these guns at a later date, then the consequences will be quite different.”
Details of the amnesty can be found below:
Turkish-manufactured top venting blank firers (TVBFs) can be handed in at police stations across London until Friday, 28 February.
This is part of a four week national amnesty taking place across the country.
TVBFs are legal to buy in the UK without a licence, unless they are readily convertible.
Tests by the National Crime Agency and police forces show models produced by four Turkish manufacturers – Retay, Ekol, Ceonic and Blow – are readily convertible and are therefore illegal.
Anyone found to be in possession of one, after the amnesty period, could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
During the Amnesty period, those handing in a Turkish manufactured TVBF will not face prosecution for the illegal possession and will not have to give their details.
However, the weapons will be examined to determine if they’ve previously been used in serious violence or other criminality.
While TVBFs can be handed in at any police station during the amnesty, the Met is asking people to aim to go to one of these stations:
Edmonton
Chingford
Colindale
Wembley
Islington
Stoke Newington
Bethnal Green
Ilford
Lewisham
Bexleyheath
Croydon
Bromley
Kingston
Brixton
Acton
Charing Cross
Hammersmith
Anyone intending to hand in a TVBF as part of the amnesty is encouraged to check the opening times of the relevant station on the Met Police website. To receive advice on how best to transport the weapon responsibly from home to the police station, phone 101 before travelling.
If you know of people involved in illegal firearms activity, you should call the police on 101 or report the information to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Every call to Crimestoppers is anonymous and potentially vital to preventing or solving serious crimes. Removing an illegally held firearm from circulation may just save someone’s life.
Major companies to flag business opportunities to energy supply chain at 2025 Share Fair
11 February 2025
Supply chain companies keen to source market intelligence about the pipeline of energy projects and secure meetings with key business contacts are snapping up places at OEUK’s Share Fair on March 19 at Aberdeen’s P&J Live.
With support from the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) and Aker Solutions as supporting sponsor, Share Fair illuminates business opportunities for suppliers and enables contract and procurement teams from major companies to broaden their knowledge of the expertise, innovative technology and specialised services offered by the UK supply chain.
The growing list of leading operators, developers and major contractors confirmed as participants in Share Fair includes those with interests across the energy sector ranging from oil and gas, offshore wind, hydrogen and geothermal to carbon capture and storage. All will be sharing details about their upcoming projects and contract opportunities available to the supply chain.
Companies signed up to present or offer the sought after one-to-one appointments include Aker Solutions, Anasuria Operating Company, bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Ltd, Camm-Pro Limited, Ceraphi Energy, Copenhagen Offshore Partners, CNOOC, Dana Petroleum, Energy Pathways, Flotation Energy, Inch Cape Offshore Limited, INEOS, Ithaca Energy, Petrogas, Serica Energy, Spirit Energy, Subsea7, TAQA, Valaris and Wood, with more expected to confirm in due course.
Katy Heidenreich, OEUK’s Supply Chain and People Director, said:
“The UK’s sustainable energy future depends on our amazing supply chain companies. They employ our talented workforce, and we depend on them to provide the technology, services and solutions to deliver the projects of today and tomorrow. They need visibility of when projects will happen so they can address constraints on people and equipment, and uncertainty on investment decisions. Share Fair provides clear visibility of future confirmed work, enabling them to forecast demand for their goods, services and expertise. It’s the ideal arena for encouraging greater collaboration on demand planning, project scheduling and resource management, helping our industry improve its competitiveness and ensuring resources are available to support the UK’s future sustainable energy supply.”
Bill Cattanach, Head of Supply Chain at the North Sea Transition Authority, said:
“Every year without fail, Share Fair attracts an impressive cast-list of major operators with major opportunities for the supply chain. While more big hitters are expected to confirm their participation before March 19, it is already clear this year’s event will be another success. I’m also encouraged that the involvement of decarbonisation project developers continues to grow at Share Fair. At the NSTA, we’re seeing the same trend with our Energy Pathfinder tool, with details of contracting opportunities for energy transition schemes being added all the time.”
Steve Nicol, Supply Chain Champion for the offshore energies industry, said:
“Our world class supply chain requires knowledge, resources and investment to support the delivery of both homegrown energy and the energy transition. Share Fair creates a fantastic opportunity for collaboration and helps to better inform our supply chain by connecting them to the right people at this critical time. In short, the event can help set businesses up for future success.”
The Share Fair format comprises presentations from operators, developers and contractors on future projects, one-to-one meetings with key decision makers procuring goods and services plus extensive opportunities for suppliers to network with industry peers and book exhibition space.
In late February, when OEUK opens booking for one-to-one appointments, suppliers will be able to secure business appointments with key decision-makers in companies looking to issue contracts to supply chain companies.
The event takes place in Aberdeen’s P&J Live on March 19 and more information about bookings is available on the website here .
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Isaac Kisiangani, Researcher and PhD student, African Population and Health Research Center
When a person suffers from two or more long-term health conditions at the same time this is known as multimorbidity.
The World Health Organization says multimorbidity puts patients at greater risk and complicates primary care. It also drives up healthcare costs.
People with more than one condition face a higher risk of early death and poorer quality of life. They may also have to take multiple medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of harmful drug interactions and side effects, and patients find it harder to stick to treatment.
In African countries the situation is further complicated by several disease burdens converging. Individuals may suffer non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, as well as from infectious diseases like HIV and tuberculosis.
Poverty and unequal access to healthcare add to the impact of multimorbidity.
Most research on multimorbidity has focused on populations of European ancestry. When people of African descent are included, the focus is often on African-Americans. This group does not represent the diversity or health challenges faced in Africa.
As specialists in genetic epidemiology and chronic diseases management, we set out to research the gaps in understanding multimorbidity among people with African ancestry.
Identifying gaps
We examined 232 medical research publications (published from 2010 to June 2022), and included those published in English and French. That’s not a lot if one considers all the different health challenges that people of African descent suffer globally.
Of these studies, 113 focused on continental African populations and 100 on the diaspora. Nineteen included both groups.
Our review spanned five major academic databases. We used search terms such as “multimorbidity”, “comorbidity” and “African population”. Restricting searches to titles and abstracts and relying on texts that our institutions could access may have excluded some studies.
Heart diseases dominate
Cardiometabolic diseases, including hypertension, heart disease and diabetes, were the most studied conditions in both populations (those in Africa and those elsewhere).
But notable differences emerged.
In populations on the continent, cardiometabolic diseases tended to occur along with chronic infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis.
In diaspora populations, cardiometabolic diseases more commonly occurred along with other non-communicable diseases and psychiatric conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Age, sex, poverty
As with all populations worldwide, older people in the studies we reviewed were the group most likely to have more than one health condition.
But on the continent, the burden of infectious diseases meant younger adults were also at risk of having more than one illness.
Women were more likely than men to have multiple conditions, particularly in relation to conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. This likely reflects both biological factors, such as hormonal differences, and social influences like income inequalities and differences in working environments.
Individuals with lower socioeconomic status (which often means women) would be more likely to be exposed to unhealthy lifestyles, and to have less access to preventive care.
What can be done?
Our review found that the way health conditions combine differs between people of African descent outside Africa and those on the continent. This means medical research should include a greater diversity of participants.
Expanded data collection should include genetic and metabolomic data.
It is also essential to study a wider range of chronic conditions.
The increasing co-existence of conditions means that treatment for cardiovascular, metabolic and infectious diseases should be integrated.
Some African countries, including South Africa and Kenya, have already introduced integrated care, with encouraging results. A patient with two or more diseases is offered treatment for the conditions at the same facility during the same visit.
– Living with multiple chronic conditions cuts lives short – but Africans are overlooked in research – https://theconversation.com/living-with-multiple-chronic-conditions-cuts-lives-short-but-africans-are-overlooked-in-research-241627
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Peter Delius, Professor emeritus, University of the Witwatersrand
Were you told that gold mining in southern Africa started after 1852? Or that the export of iron, steel, copper and gold began in the late 19th century? Or that South Africa became integrated into a global trading system only after 1652? Or that the first powerful state in South Africa was the Zulu kingdom?
If you learned that any of these things were true, you are like most South Africans, who have missed out on at least a thousand years of the country’s history.
Both radical and conservative historians have focused heavily on colonial history, a story starting at the Cape and playing out within colonial boundaries. As a result, South Africa’s past has been compressed into a shortened timeline and a limited geography. That shorter version is what’s taught at schools and universities.
If we abandon 1652 – when the first Dutch settlers arrived in the Cape – as the key historical starting point, and go back a thousand years and cast our gaze 2,000km north of Table Mountain, a very different story unfolds.
Our research is attempting to rethink South African history. As many years of work in the interior show, along with our new focus on a central southern African trading landscape, Thulamela, the formative steps in South Africa’s history began here, along the Limpopo River.
Early cooperative relationships
Two thousand years ago, San hunter gatherers were the primary occupants of the region around the Limpopo River valley, an area around the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers that includes Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Contrary to popular opinion, these groups weren’t living in isolated bands. They were connected through regional networks of exchange spanning hundreds, even thousands, of kilometres.
At this time, South Africa was on the brink of fundamental change. From about 350 AD, Bantu-speaking, iron-using, livestock-owning farmers began to settle the Soutpansberg, south of the Limpopo River. They initially established mainly cooperative relationships with the San, especially in hunting and trading.
These farmers introduced a key innovation into the region – the production of metal tools, weapons, currency and jewellery. These goods were for their own use and for expanding trade networks.
A map showing some of the prominent trading sites in the East African trade network: 1: Kilwa; 2: Tsodilo Hills; 3: Khami; 4: Great Zimbabwe; 5: Initial gold reefs; 6: Chibuene; 7: Schroda, K2 and Mapungubwe; 8: Thulamela and Makahane; 9: Dzata/Venda Capital; 10: KwaGandaganda and Ndondwane (labeled from north to south).Author supplied
At the start, iron was the most important metal but over time, copper and gold became more and more significant. The farmers were skilled in locating and extracting these ores, which, in the case of gold and copper, often involved shaft mining. Metal production also demanded pyrotechnical knowledge to smelt ores and to fashion metals into functional and decorative forms.
Local trade, global connections
Another crucial development took place in the 7th century AD. The Indian Ocean world connected to the expanding regional trade networks which had linked the coast and the interior. The transoceanic sailors and traders were initially motivated by the growing demand for ivory in Asia and the Middle East.
This external demand brought exotic glass beads and cloth deep into the interior, through African traders and rulers. A node in the system was Chibuene, a large coastal trading settlement on the Mozambican coast near modern Vilanculos. From here, beads and cloth travelled south, to the vicinity of Durban in modern-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and across the interior, past the Okavango delta to places such as the Tsodilo hills west of the delta’s panhandle in Botswana.
An aerial view of an ancient residential enclosure in Thulamela.Author supplied.
Between the 10th and 15th centuries, the market for gold boomed – especially in Egypt, Persia, India and China. Southern Africa played an important role in meeting this demand because of the rich gold reserves of the Zimbabwe plateau and the adjacent region of the Limpopo valley.
So, it is clear that an economic and mineral revolution took place long before Europeans settled South Africa’s Cape. Colonial processes of globalisation and the mineral revolution in the 19th century trailed far in the wake of African involvement in the vast Indian Ocean economy through their hunting, mining, smelting and artisanal skills.
Rise of states
Indian Ocean trade contributed to major transformations in the interior. The wealth it generated led to social stratification and the emergence of a distinct ruling class. Leaders’ economic, political and spiritual power intensified. These processes found expression in the establishment in 1220 of Mapungubwe, in the middle Limpopo Valley, and the first state in southern Africa.
The little-known trading state, Thulamela, was located in the north of what’s now the Kruger Park. From 1250 to 1650 it was a key node of production and exchange. But for many decades the site was ignored. When intensive research finally started in the 1990s it made very limited progress in revealing the form and nature of the state. But renewed and interdisciplinary research at the site and surrounding areas has already produced new insights into the history of Thulamela and promises to generate many more in the near future.
New windows to a past
Given this deep history of powerful kingdoms connected by an underlying but dynamic economic system, we have to let go of the idea that the Zulu Kingdom, which formed in the early 19th century, was the first powerful state in what was to become South Africa. In fact, it was a relatively recent example of much deeper and wider transformations.
It was only in the 19th century that expanding colonial capitalism and settlement fuelled by the “second” mineral revolution penetrated the interior and encountered its kingdoms and trading opportunities.
Pottery is common at Iron Age sites and their decorations are specific to groups and periods.Author supplied
The interaction between the two worlds culminated in a hard-fought struggle over trade, land and labour. While the African kingdoms were ultimately defeated and traders and craftsmen were displaced, their impact on the shape and nature of South African society is still felt today.
A challenge to historians now is to deepen our understanding of this missing millennium, and of pre-colonial transformations.
Researchers need to pay greater attention to a wider range of documentary sources (beyond those in English) and to oral traditions. Collaboration with scholars working on archaeology, historical linguistics and genetics will also tell us more about the forces that have shaped our present.
– South Africa’s history uncovered: the 1,000-year gap they don’t teach in school – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-history-uncovered-the-1-000-year-gap-they-dont-teach-in-school-248244
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Suleman Lazarus, Visiting Fellow, Mannheim Centre for Criminology, London School of Economics and Political Science
People find love in many ways and through diverse mediums. Online platforms have become popular meeting places for people looking to find intimate partners, making them a prime target for cybercriminals.
Online romance fraud has become a global phenomenon. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the US, romance scams accounted for losses to about 24,000 Americans, exceeding US$1 billion, in 2022.
On the African continent, Nigeria and Ghana have emerged as hubs for internet fraud. The “Yahoo Boys” operating in Nigeria and “Sakawa Boys” in Ghana have a reputation for engaging in various fraudulent schemes, including online romance scams.
Over the past decade, I have researched cybercrime and criminology, focusing on west African online fraudsters. Coverage of romance scams often centres on victim narratives or sensational headlines, leaving offender-focused research largely unexplored.
In a recent paper, I studied the cases of 50 people convicted of online romance in Nigeria. A separate research study I spearheaded involved interviews with active offenders in Ghana. Rather than relying solely on fragmented media accounts, the two research papers offer a robust, evidence-based understanding of the cultural, economic and historical factors driving cybercriminal behaviour.
My findings from both papers show that romance fraud offenders frequently present themselves as white and primarily target western societies. In framing fraud as a way to reclaim wealth they believed was unjustly taken during colonial rule, many saw their actions as a civic duty. In the case file study on Nigerian fraudsters, I found that many were driven by “socioeconomic needs”.
My findings provide insights into offenders’ tactics and motivations. This could be useful for law enforcement officials developing targeted interventions, and for policymakers wanting to frame informed strategies.
Who, where, how and why
This article uses “scam” and “fraud”, as well as “scammers” and “fraudsters”, interchangeably. The media, financial institutions, and the public typically use “scams” and “scammers”. Academics often prefer “fraud” and “fraudsters” to emphasise the seriousness of these crimes, as noted in my research.
I examined case files of 50 individuals convicted of romance fraud in Nigeria following prosecutions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. In a separate study I conducted interviews with active romance fraud offenders in Ghana.
My decision to focus on Nigeria and Ghana was based on findings in research done earlier. For example, I co-authored a paper that reviewed 21 years of empirical studies (2000–2021) in which we found that many west African scammers predominantly targeted individuals in the west. Another research study I spearheaded showed how songs by Nigerian artists glamorised the actions of scammers and highlighted their preference for western victims.
Similarly, the Nigeria case file study found that over half of the romance scam victims (56%) were in the US. My interviews with offenders in Ghana further showed that romance scammers viewed their actions as “legitimate retribution for colonial injustice”. These scammers operate within a historical framework in which colonial subjugation narratives influence their motivations and societal attitudes toward cybercrime.
Profile of an online fraudster
The analysis of the case files of the 50 convicted romance scammers showed patterns in offender profiles and strategies. Most were young – 81.7% were under 26. Nearly 60% preferred Apple’s iPhone for their fraudulent schemes. When it came to occupation, 74% were university students.
Offenders carefully constructed their online personas. Nearly half (46%) posed as white American males, 12% as military personnel, and 10% as white European males.
The victims they chose were mostly women: 70% of offenders primarily targeted females, 14% targeted males, 10% targeted both genders and 6% did not specify the victim’s gender.
Facebook was the most commonly used platform, appearing in 46% of the Nigerian cases.
Some of the Ghanaian scammers said they saw their crimes as acts of service to a greater cause. This included loyalty to their communities or the pursuit of economic justice. They portrayed their scams as efforts to reclaim wealth from nations historically exploiting their regions.
– Online romance scams: who Nigeria and Ghana’s fraudsters are, how they operate, and why they do it – https://theconversation.com/online-romance-scams-who-nigeria-and-ghanas-fraudsters-are-how-they-operate-and-why-they-do-it-247916
Permettez-moi tout d’abord de remercier le Président Macron et le Premier ministre Modi d’avoir organisé ce Sommet pour l’action sur l’intelligence artificielle.
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Allons droit au but. Regardons le monde qui nous entoure au-delà de ceux qui sont dans cette salle.
Notre réunion pose une question fondamentale sur notre rapport à l’intelligence artificielle. Sommes-nous prêts pour l’avenir ?
La réponse s’impose d’elle-même. Non.
Nous ne sommes peut-être même pas prêts pour le présent.
En un battement de cils, l’Intelligence Artificielle a quitté l’univers de la science-fiction pour devenir une force puissante qui révolutionne notre monde.
Transformant nos modes de vie, de travail et d’interaction.
Alimentant des avancées majeures dans l’éducation, la santé, l’agriculture…
Mais mettant également à l’épreuve nos valeurs communes et nos droits fondamentaux.
Le pouvoir de l’intelligence artificielle impose d’immenses responsabilités.
Aujourd’hui, ce pouvoir est entre les mains d’une poignée de personnes.
Tandis que certaines entreprises et certains pays se lancent dans une course effrénée avec des investissements sans précédent, la plupart des nations en développement se retrouvent laissées pour compte.
Cette concentration grandissante des capacités en matière d’intelligence artificielle menace d’aggraver les clivages géopolitiques.
Nous devons empêcher l’émergence d’un monde de “nantis” et de “démunis” de l’Intelligence Artificielle.
Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent combler le fossé entre les pays développés et les pays en développement – et non le creuser.
Elle doit accélérer le développement durable – au lieu de perpétuer les inégalités.
Excellencies,
The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.
And we are working to strengthen that platform.
The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.
It brings the world together around a shared vision:
One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.
By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits and capabilities, and opportunities and help bridge knowledge gaps.
I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.
Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.
Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse. The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and theGlobal Partnershipon AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe. And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.
The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.
This is not only about technology diffusion.
We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;
Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;
And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.
A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.
Today’s launch of Current AI, a public interest partnership, is an important contribution.
I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.
But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.
So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.
From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.
Excellencies,
I began with a question. Let me end with a few more.
Who decides what problems AI should or should not resolve?
Who benefits most from its deployment?
Who bears the cost of its mistakes?
These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.
It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.
The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.
And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.
AI is not standing still.
Neither can we.
Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.
In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.
Thank you.
*** [all-English]
Excellencies,
Let me begin by thanking President Macron and Prime Minister Modi for convening this AI Action Summit.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let’s get straight to the point.
Let’s look at the world around us beyond those who are in this room.
This meeting poses a fundamental question about our relationship with Artificial Intelligence:
Are we ready for the future?
The answer is easy.
No.
We may not even be ready for the present.
In what seems like the blink of an eye, AI has gone from the stuff of science fiction to a powerful force that is transforming our world.
Reshaping the way we live, work, and interact.
Fueling breakthroughs in education, healthcare, agriculture…
But also testing our shared values and rights.
The power of AI carries immense responsibilities.
Today, that power sits in the hands of a few.
While some companies and some countries are racing ahead with record investments, most developing nations find themselves left out in the cold.
This growing concentration of AI capabilities risks deepening geopolitical divides.
We must prevent a world of AI “haves” and “have-nots”.
Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent
We must all work together so that artificial can bridge the gap between developed and developing countries – not widen it.
It must accelerate sustainable development – not entrench inequalities.
Excellencies,
The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.
And we are working to strengthen that platform.
The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.
It brings the world together around a shared vision:
One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.
By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits, opportunities and capabilities, and help bridge knowledge gaps.
I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.
Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.
Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse. The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and theGlobal Partnershipon AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe. And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.
The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.
This is not only about technology diffusion.
We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;
Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;
And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.
A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.
Today’s launch of the AI Foundation for Public Interest is an important contribution.
I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.
But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.
So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.
From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.
Excellencies,
I began with a question. Let me end with a few more.
Who decides what problems AI should or should not solve?
Who benefits most from its deployment?
Who bears the cost of its mistakes?
These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.
It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.
The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.
And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.
AI is not standing still.
Neither can we.
Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.
In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.
Krupesh Hirani, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, has written to Network Rail and Transport for London (TfL), to express concerns about a programme of works which appears to have stalled at Willesden Green tube station.
The letter has the support of Willesden Green councillors, Cllr Saqlain Choudry, Cllr Janice Long and Cllr Tom Miller who are calling for the removal of the scaffolding, which has been a hazard and eyesore for residents for over a year.
The three-story scaffolding located outside the station exit on Walm Lane occupies a large part of the pavement, restricting pedestrian access to the high street.
The diagonal elevation of the structure restricts movement for pedestrians with sight impairments and mobility issues. The obstruction affects wheelchair users and parents with prams and pushchairs who need to navigate a sharp turn to travel past the station.
Issues are compounded during rush hour, when a bottleneck is created by pedestrians queuing at the busy 260, 266 460 and N266 route bus stop also located by the station.
The imposing structure creates an unpleasant and unwelcoming environment due to its size and scale, whilst unsightly hoardings built around the structure have created blind spots which lead to a fear of crime.
John McGeachy, Campaigns Manager at Age UK London said: “The needs of pedestrians should always be put first when it comes to any footpath obstruction. Expecting older people who might have a mobility or visual impairment, or any disabled person to navigate around obstructions is not reasonable, and in many cases, dangerous. Blocked pavements are one of the most common frustrations for the older Londoners we talk to. Ensuring our walkways are clear must be a priority for those responsible, in this case, TfL and Network Rail, and we would hope that the situation is addressed immediately.”
John McGeachy, Campaigns Manager at Age UK London said: “The needs of pedestrians should always be put first when it comes to any footpath obstruction. Expecting older people who might have a mobility or visual impairment, or any disabled person to navigate around obstructions is not reasonable and, in many cases, dangerous. Blocked pavements are one of the most common frustrations for the older Londoners we talk to. Ensuring our walkways are
clear must be a priority for those responsible, in this case TfL and Network Rail, and we would hope that the situation is addressed immediately.
Cyreeta Donaldson, RNIB’s Regional Campaigns Officer for London, said: “Pavement obstructions have adverse effects on blind and partially sighted people; increasing the risk of injury, stress, isolation due to self-exclusion from areas known for street clutter, and danger from having to step in the road to get past obstacles on the pavement.
“Inconsistency in this has a negative impact on blind and partially sighted people’s ability to access their work, community, and key services such as healthcare. Everyone in society benefits from more clarity and consistency in managing and avoiding street clutter.”
Krupesh Hirani, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow said: “The structure is a hazard and a complete eyesore. No active work is taking place.
The delay in completing the works and removing the scaffolding is completely unacceptable and is having a detrimental impact in on the local area.
Disabled residents and parents with pushchairs are struggling to navigate through the structure when it’s dark and during rush periods.
I’m calling on Network Rail and TfL to work together to complete the works and remove the structure, which is a complete monstrosity.”
SINGAPORE, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Singapore-based investment and wealth management practice, ELD Asset Managementis pleased to announce the implementation of a new hybrid work policy, allowing all employees to work remotely for up to two days per week. This initiative reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to fostering flexibility, enhancing work-life balance, and prioritising employee well-being.
Enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity
By adopting a hybrid work model, ELD Asset Management aims to align with the evolving expectations of its workforce. By offering employees the option to split work between home and office part of the week, the firm hopes to boost job satisfaction, increase productivity, and strengthen overall engagement.
Image by ELD Asset Management
Supporting work-life integration
Recognising the importance of flexibility in today’s professional landscape, ELD Asset Management is committed to helping employees balance their work responsibilities with their personal commitments. This policy highlights the firm’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where employees can thrive both in their professional and personal lives.
George Palmer, Director of Private Clients at ELD Asset Management, said, “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen evidence of a growing demand for greater workplace flexibility. Our new work-from-home policy reflects the fact that we’ve listened to our highly valued employees and are doing our part to help them achieve a better balance between their careers and their personal lives. My experience has shown me that a happy and supported employee with a well-balanced life is also a motivated and productive one.”
Employer of choice
Palmer added that the initiative would further reinforce ELD Asset Management’s reputation for being an employer of choice—one that places an emphasis on employee well-being and satisfaction as much as on professional growth and performance. The firm remains dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and long-term success.
ELD Asset Management Pte. Ltd. Media Contact: Mr. Luke Tan Email: luke.tan@eldglobal.com Website: https://www.eldglobal.com
CONCORD, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AssetMark, Inc., a leading wealth management technology platform for financial advisors, today announced the appointment of Doris Meister and Lisa Opoku to its Board of Directors. The addition of these two accomplished executives reflects AssetMark’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its governance with leaders who bring deep expertise in financial services, strategic transformation, and operational excellence.
Doris Meister is a highly respected financial services CEO with extensive experience in strategy, business transformation, finance, investments, and governance. Most recently, she served as Chairman and CEO of Wilmington Trust, a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T Bank, where she led a comprehensive transformation of the wealth and investment management business, increasing revenues by 40% and significantly expanding profitability. Throughout her career, Meister has successfully built and scaled wealth management businesses, modernized technology platforms, and developed multi-segment growth strategies that have driven meaningful client and business outcomes.
Lisa Opoku, currently the Chief Operating Officer at FS Investments, brings over two decades of leadership experience in global financial services. Prior to joining FS Investments, Opoku held several senior leadership positions at Goldman Sachs, including Global Head of the Goldman Sachs Partner Family Office within Asset and Wealth Management. Her extensive experience in technology, operations, and strategic business transformation uniquely positions her to contribute to AssetMark’s continued growth and innovation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Doris and Lisa to AssetMark’s Board of Directors,” said Lou Maiuri, Chairman & Group CEO of AssetMark. “Their exceptional track records in wealth management, operational excellence, and strategic leadership will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our platform, support financial advisors, and deliver exceptional value to investors. Their insights and experience will play a key role in shaping AssetMark’s future growth.”
About AssetMark
AssetMark operates a wealth management platform whose mission is to help financial advisors and their clients. AssetMark, together with its affiliates AssetMark Trust Company, Voyant, and Adhesion Wealth Advisor Solutions, serves advisors at every stage of their journey with flexible, purpose-built solutions that champion client engagement and drive efficiency. Its ecosystem of solutions equips advisors with services and capabilities to help deliver better investor outcomes by enhancing their productivity, profitability, and client satisfaction.
With a history going back to 1996, AssetMark has over 1,000 employees, and its platform serves over 10,700 financial advisors and over 317,000 investor households. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had over $139 billion in platform assets. AssetMark, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.assetmark.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Titan Partners Group, a division of American Capital Partners, (“Titan Partners” or “Titan”) is pleased to announce the launch of its Equity Research Division with the appointment of Boris Peaker, Ph.D., CFA, as Managing Director and Senior Equity Research Analyst. Dr. Peaker will lead the firm’s research initiatives in the healthcare sector, focusing on biotechnology.
Dr. Peaker brings 17 years of experience in healthcare equity research, most recently serving as Managing Director of Biotechnology Equity Research at TD Cowen. Prior to that, he was an Executive Director at Oppenheimer & Co. and worked as a biotechnology analyst at Cowen & Co. and Rodman & Renshaw, LLC. Dr. Peaker has been recognized by multiple industry publications and associations as a top-ranked sector analyst. He holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Stanford University and a B.S. in Physics and Chemistry from the State University of New York.
“The launch of our research platform, spearheaded by Dr. Peaker, marks an important milestone in Titan’s growth,” stated Jason Sands, Co-Founder and Partner at Titan. “Our mission has always been to build a business around fundamentally strong and scientifically compelling stories. Dr. Peaker’s experience and reputation align perfectly with this objective.”
Ryan Konik, Co-Founder and Partner at Titan, added, “Dr. Peaker’s technical background, combined with his sell-side research experience, makes him an exceptional fit for our platform. His addition underscores our continued commitment to the life sciences sector.”
About Titan Partners Group
Titan Partners Group, a division of American Capital Partners, is a boutique investment bank specializing in tailored solutions for emerging growth companies and their investors. Headquartered in New York City, Titan Partners offers a full suite of capabilities, including investment banking, capital markets advisory, and research. Committed to setting the standard for securities transactions in the middle market, Titan Partners combines expertise, trust, and a forward-thinking approach to deliver results and help corporate clients achieve their strategic goals.
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
11 February 2025, Nairobi –The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and 45 humanitarian and development partners are appealing for USD 81 million to provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance to over one million migrants — including women and children — and the communities that host them in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Republic of Tanzania, Kenya and Yemen. The funding request falls under the Migrant Response Plan for the Horn of Africa to Yemen and Southern Africa (MRP), coordinated by IOM.
Hundreds of thousands of migrants embark each year on dangerous irregular journeys, primarily from Ethiopia and Somalia, aiming to reach Gulf nations including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via Djibouti and Yemen. On another route, migrants travel through Kenya, Tanzania, and other Southern African nations, with the hope of reaching South Africa.
These perilous and life-threatening journeys are largely taken by migrants who are desperately searching for work because of grinding economic hardship and poverty, and in some cases because of violence and political instability at home. Also, climate shocks and disasters are increasingly becoming a migration driver.
“Every day, countless women, men and children face deadly risks along the Eastern and Southern migration routes in Africa,” said Amy Pope, IOM’s Director General. “Without immediate support for migrants and the communities that host them, suffering will deepen, tensions will rise, and life-saving aid will remain out of reach. The time to act is now—we must step up to protect lives, strengthen protection systems, and tackle the root causes of displacement.
Last year 446,000 movements were tracked along the Eastern Route, 10 percent of which were by children, according to the IOM Regional Data Hub for East, Horn and Southern Africa. On the route migrants are often subject to life-threatening conditions, including starvation and dehydration. According to IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, at least 559 people lost their lives along the Eastern and Southern routes in 2024, while many more deaths are known to go unreported. Women and girls, who make up nearly a third of the tracked movements, often risk facing sexual and gender-based violence. Migrants also often face violence, exploitation, and abuse, and risk being targeted by human traffickers and arbitrary detention.
According to MRP partners, over 1.4 million migrants and the communities that host them along these routes will need assistance this year. The needs include food, non-food items, medical care, water, sanitation and hygiene, protection, psycho-social support, along with voluntary return and reintegration support.
MRP partners have been responding to the needs of migrants and host communities on the routes, while working to support governments in the region, civil society and other partners to address immediate needs, and also to address the root causes of irregular migration. But the MRP remains chronically underfunded. In 2024, an appeal for USD 112 million was launched, but it remains 80 percent underfunded.
“Migration is a global phenomenon that requires global solutions. We must work together to create a world where migration is a choice, not a necessity, and where all migrants are treated with dignity and respect” said Dr. Abera Adeba, Executive Director, Agar Ethiopia Charitable Society.
“Children and adolescents on the move in Eastern and Southern Africa face immense challenges and perils along migration routes. Children are three times more likely than adults to experience violence, exploitation and abuse during their journeys,” said Alison Parker, Deputy Regional Director, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, UNICEF. “The Migrant Response Plan presents a critical inter-agency support framework to collaboratively address these vulnerabilities, coordinate the provision of services to migrants and host communities and safeguard children and their families, throughout their migration journey.”
“With the steady deterioration of the economic and instability context in East and Horn of Africa, the motivation to move out is at a new peak,” said Mutuku Nguli, Chief Executive Officer, Counter Human Trafficking Trust East Africa. “This reality has further weakened the community support structures along the transit routes while at the same time aggravating the risk factors associated with irregular migration in Horn of Africa to Yemen and Southern Africa routes. This appeal therefore offers the best opportunity to rescue the situation”.
RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Lower Sackville.
Yesterday, at approximately 9:35 a.m., RCMP officers,fire services, and EHS, responded to a reportof a vehicle crash on Sackville Dr. near Hillcrest Ave. RCMP officerslearned that a Mazda 3 was travelling on the road when left the roadway and struck a power pole.
The rear passenger, a 50-year-old woman from Lake Echo, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver, a 53-year-old man from North Preston, and another passenger, a 56-year-old man from Dartmouth, both suffered life-threatening injuries. They were transported to hospital by EHS.
A collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation is ongoing. Investigators are asking anyone with dash cam footage of Sackville Dr., near the area of Hillcrest Ave., between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to come forward.
Sackville Dr.was closed for several hours but has since reopened.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip atwww.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
The Bureau’s commitment to justice
Corey Binderim was convicted of first-degree murder, burglary, and evidence tampering in the death of Mauldin and in October 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison.
“The FBI’s expertise and resources were critical in finding Susan Mauldin’s remains and confirming the state’s theory,” said Pam Hazel, Clay County director and lead prosecutor on the case. “Every victim deserves justice and closure, and the FBI worked hand-in-hand with our office and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to ensure all efforts were exhausted.”
This case is not just about subject matter expertise and innovation; it is about humanity and the care that the FBI takes for victims, said Logan.
“Mauldin is all of us and could be anyone,” said Regucci. “She didn’t know a lot of people, yet there was a huge following of support for her and of the FBI through this process.”
The recovery of Mauldin’s remains was not just a victory for law enforcement but for the community as a whole. Mauldin’s case stands as an example of the FBI’s unyielding pursuit of justice and the people, partnerships, and innovation that drive these efforts.
“This case taught me to trust the process,” said Regucci. “I had a lot of confidence that she was in the landfill. Whether or not we were going to find her was a different issue. When we all come together—the Bureau, ERT, THRU, waste management personnel, and local partners—to tap into all our resources, it is amazing what we can do together.”