In a dramatic turn of events, over 600 individuals fled one of Myanmar’s most infamous scam centers, crossing into Thailand following a military raid on the compound. The sprawling facility, known as KK Park, is part of a network of illicit operations that have flourished along Myanmar’s loosely governed border during its ongoing civil war, which began after the 2021 military coup. These centers are notorious for orchestrating internet fraud, including romance and business scams, targeting victims globally. Sawanit Suriyakul Na Ayutthaya, deputy governor of Thailand’s Tak province, confirmed that 677 people had crossed the Moei River into Thailand as of Thursday morning. Many were seen carrying large suitcases and backpacks, indicating a hasty escape. Authorities are now screening the individuals to determine if they are victims of human trafficking or if they will face charges for illegal border crossing. The scam centers, often fortified and connected to satellite networks like Starlink, have become a multibillion-dollar industry in Southeast Asia. While some workers are trafficked into these compounds, others voluntarily join, lured by the promise of higher earnings. Myanmar’s military has historically turned a blind eye to these operations, which benefit its militia allies. However, pressure from China, a key military backer, has prompted crackdowns, though analysts suggest these efforts may be superficial. The transnational scam industry has caused significant financial losses, with victims in the region conned out of up to $37 billion in 2023, according to a UN report. Recent developments include asset seizures and arrests linked to scam operations across Southeast Asia, highlighting the scale of this illicit enterprise.
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International Criminal Court judges reject jurisdiction challenge in Duterte case
In a significant legal development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has dismissed a jurisdictional challenge brought forth by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces allegations of involvement in numerous killings during his controversial war on drugs. The 80-year-old Duterte’s defense team contended that the ICC lacked authority to proceed with the case, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court prior to the formal investigation’s initiation. However, a pretrial panel of judges rejected this argument, emphasizing that countries cannot exploit their withdrawal from the Rome Statute to evade accountability for crimes already under scrutiny. The 32-page ruling underscored that such actions would constitute an abuse of the withdrawal mechanism. The ICC’s investigation, which formally commenced in 2021, examines killings linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign during his tenure as mayor of Davao and later as president. Estimates of the death toll range from 6,000, as reported by national police, to 30,000, according to human rights groups. Duterte’s legal team, led by Nick Kauffman, has vowed to appeal the decision, maintaining their client’s innocence. The case has been marked by delays, including a recent postponement of a pretrial hearing due to Duterte’s health concerns. Despite these challenges, the court has ruled that Duterte must remain in detention, citing a flight risk. The ICC’s investigation has faced repeated attempts by the Duterte administration to halt it, with arguments that Philippine authorities were already addressing the allegations. However, appeals judges rejected these claims in 2023, allowing the investigation to proceed. Duterte, arrested in March and transferred to The Hague, denies all charges of crimes against humanity.
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Who’s in the running to become the next president of Ireland?
As Ireland gears up for its presidential election, the political landscape is abuzz with speculation and anticipation. BBC News NI’s Dublin Correspondent Gabija Gataveckaite provides an insightful overview of the key candidates vying for the prestigious role. The election, which is set to determine the next head of state, has drawn a diverse array of contenders, each bringing unique qualifications and visions for the nation’s future. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with candidates from various political backgrounds and independent figures entering the fray. The presidency, largely a ceremonial position, holds significant symbolic importance in Ireland, representing unity and national identity. As the campaign unfolds, voters will be closely scrutinizing the candidates’ platforms, leadership qualities, and commitment to addressing key societal issues. The outcome of this election will not only shape Ireland’s political trajectory but also influence its standing on the global stage.
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Amsterdam’s international airport cancels dozens of flights due to storm
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, faced significant disruptions on Thursday as a severe storm approached the Dutch coastline. The adverse weather conditions prompted the cancellation of approximately 75 departing flights, primarily scheduled for the evening. The airport’s official website updated the cancellations around 11:00 AM local time (09:00 GMT), advising passengers to check their flight status before heading to the terminal. The storm, expected to intensify in the afternoon and evening, raised concerns over safety and operational efficiency. Schiphol Airport authorities emphasized their commitment to minimizing disruptions while prioritizing passenger safety. This incident highlights the vulnerability of major transportation hubs to extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. Travelers were advised to stay informed through official channels and consider alternative arrangements if necessary.
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Conference calls for tech innovations to fight weed menace
The Joint Weed Science Society Congress convened in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, this week, bringing together over 600 experts and scholars from 42 countries and regions. The event, co-hosted by the Institute of Plant Protection of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Nanjing Agricultural University, featured the 9th International Weed Science Congress, the 29th Asian Pacific Weed Science Conference, and the 17th China Weed Science Conference. The congress aimed to share research progress and explore future developments in global weed science. Weeds pose a significant threat to agricultural production and ecological security, with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimating that weeds cause 10 to 15 percent of global crop yield losses annually. In China, the grain-planting area reached 119 million hectares in 2024, with weed occurrence covering nearly 100 million hectares, leading to annual economic losses exceeding 100 billion yuan ($13.8 billion). Experts highlighted the challenges of weed proliferation, widespread herbicide resistance, and frequent chemical damage incidents, emphasizing the need for technological innovation to ensure global food and ecological security. The conference, themed ‘New Technology Leads the Way of Weed Science,’ showcased advances in weed biology, molecular mechanisms, intelligent identification, resistance management, and green control technologies. Delegates visited demonstration sites showcasing China’s latest research and applications in weed management and discussed the impact of climate change on weed disasters and integrated control strategies, proposing targeted recommendations.
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President Trump pardons Binance founder Changpeng Zhao
In a significant development for the cryptocurrency industry, former US President Donald Trump has granted a pardon to Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Zhao, widely known as “CZ,” was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024 after pleading guilty to violating US money laundering laws. Binance was also fined $4.3 billion following a US investigation that revealed the platform had enabled users to circumvent sanctions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the Biden administration’s handling of Zhao’s case, labeling it part of a broader “war on cryptocurrency.” She argued that Zhao was unfairly targeted despite no allegations of fraud or identifiable victims, and that the prosecution’s push for a three-year sentence had tarnished the US’s global reputation. “The Biden Administration’s war on crypto is over,” Leavitt declared. Trump’s pardon of Zhao aligns with his administration’s pro-cryptocurrency stance, which contrasts sharply with the policies of his predecessors. Trump has pledged to position the US as the “crypto capital” of the world, a vision underscored by the release of his own digital coin shortly before his inauguration in January. Since then, he has advocated for the creation of a national cryptocurrency reserve and sought to ease restrictions on using retirement savings for crypto investments. Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that representatives of the Trump family, who own the crypto firm World Liberty Financial, have recently engaged in discussions with Binance. The company has reportedly spent nearly a year lobbying for Zhao’s pardon, which comes after he completed his prison sentence in September 2024. Binance, headquartered in the Cayman Islands, continues to dominate the global cryptocurrency market as the most popular platform for trading digital assets. Zhao stepped down as CEO in November 2023, acknowledging his mistakes and emphasizing the importance of accountability. US officials had previously accused Binance and Zhao of “wilful violations” of US laws, alleging that the platform’s negligence facilitated illicit financial activities, including funding for terrorists and cybercriminals. Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen condemned Binance for prioritizing profits over legal obligations, stating that its failures had jeopardized US financial security.
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King and Pope make history by praying side by side
In a landmark moment of religious and historical significance, King Charles III and Pope Leo shared a prayer in the Sistine Chapel, marking an unprecedented act of unity between the leaders of the Church of England and the Catholic Church. This symbolic gesture, conducted under the watchful gaze of Michelangelo’s ‘The Last Judgment,’ bridged a divide that has persisted since the 16th-century Reformation. The service, enriched by music and prayers centered on nature, offered a serene interlude amidst the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the gravity of the occasion, the relentless presence of the media was a constant reminder of the modern challenges faced by public figures. King Charles humorously remarked on the omnipresence of cameras, to which Pope Leo responded with a relaxed, ‘You get used to it,’ reflecting his own adaptation to the demands of his high-profile role. The visit, meticulously choreographed, included moments of profound reflection, such as a private prayer at the tomb of St. Paul, and exchanges of gifts, including an icon symbolizing King Charles’s interest in the Orthodox Church. The day concluded with a sense of historical fulfillment, as the visit reinforced the growing friendship between the Catholic and Anglican churches, a bond that continues to strengthen both at the grassroots and leadership levels.
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Man found guilty of Kieran Quilligan murder
In a chilling case that has gripped the Republic of Ireland, 33-year-old Niall Long has been found guilty of the murder of Kieran Quilligan, a 47-year-old man whose skeletal remains were discovered in a carrier bag in a County Cork ravine. The victim had been missing for five months before his remains were found by An Garda Síochána (Irish police) in February 2024. Quilligan was last seen alive on September 1, 2023. The Central Criminal Court in Cork heard that Quilligan was ‘lured’ to his death, according to prosecution senior counsel Donal O’Sullivan, who praised the meticulous investigative efforts of the gardaí in uncovering the remains. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, the exact cause of death could not be determined. However, a pathologist testified that injuries, including fractures to the ribs, chest, neck, and skull, indicated a ‘severe assault.’ The jury is set to resume deliberations on Friday regarding Long’s co-accused, 27-year-old Luke Taylor, who denies involvement in the murder. The case has shed light on the challenges of investigating such harrowing crimes and the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing justice.
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Wahaj Ali talks acting challenges, diversity in Pakistani dramas, and his Dubai connection
Wahaj Ali, a prominent figure in Pakistani television, has carved a niche for himself with his versatile performances in dramas like ‘Tere Bin’ and ‘Jo Bichar Gaye’. With a career spanning nearly a decade, Ali has consistently chosen roles that challenge the norm, from the bitter yet witty Basim in ‘Ishq Jalebi’ to the intense and conflicted leader in ‘Jo Bichar Gaye’. His latest venture, ‘Jin Ki Shadi Un Ki Shadi’, a horror-comedy, marks a departure from his usual serious roles, showcasing his commitment to diversity and innovation in his craft.
In a recent interview, Ali opened up about his journey, the challenges of the Pakistani drama industry, and his creative philosophy. He emphasized the importance of choosing scripts that resonate with him, regardless of their commercial appeal. ‘I don’t care if it’s a big ‘banner’ project or not,’ he stated. ‘My strength lies in playing different, performance-oriented characters.’
Ali also highlighted the scarcity of good writers in the industry, noting that actors often bear the brunt of criticism when a project fails, despite their efforts to salvage poorly written scripts. ‘Actors are merely tools,’ he remarked. ‘If the direction or the story isn’t good, it can be challenging to showcase your craft.’
Reflecting on his career, Ali shared that every failure has been a learning opportunity. ‘You don’t learn a lot from success,’ he said. ‘The fear and the want are essential. The important thing is not to know what to do, but to know what not to do.’
Looking ahead, Ali is working on a couple of scripts that he hopes will further enhance his craft. ‘I don’t have any dream project,’ he admitted. ‘Whenever I work on a project, I turn it into a dream project.’
Ali also expressed his admiration for Dubai, which he considers a second home for many Pakistanis. ‘The infrastructure, safety, and variety of experiences in Dubai set it apart from many cities,’ he said. ‘It’s amazing how the city adapts to weather changes and offers multiple indoor options.’
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Court summons sought for British citizen accused of serving in Israeli military
A British legal organization has initiated legal proceedings against a British-Israeli individual accused of serving in the Israeli military, marking the first such case since the UK officially recognized Palestine as a state in September. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) filed court documents on Monday, alleging violations of the Foreign Enlistment Act (FEA), which prohibits UK nationals from enlisting in foreign militaries at war with nations friendly to Britain. The accused, a dual national, reportedly served in Israeli military units along the Lebanese border and in the occupied West Bank. The ICJP’s submission highlights that Palestine, now recognized as a ‘friendly state,’ falls under the FEA’s broader definition of a state, despite differing interpretations under international law. The legal documents argue that the individual’s service was voluntary, as non-resident Israelis are not legally obligated to serve. The case could set a precedent for holding British citizens accountable for involvement in foreign conflicts. Offenses under the FEA carry penalties of up to two years imprisonment. ICJP’s legal head, Mutahir Ahmed, emphasized the importance of domestic jurisdictions in prosecuting suspected war criminals, regardless of where the alleged crimes occurred. The UK government has previously avoided commenting on British nationals serving in the Israeli military, and no arrests have been made on these grounds. This case follows Belgium’s arrest of two Israeli soldiers accused of war crimes in Gaza, based on complaints from human rights groups. The ICJP’s action underscores growing international efforts to address alleged war crimes and hold individuals accountable.