In a landmark case, Zhimin Qian, also known as Yadi Zhang, has been convicted for her pivotal role in what is now recognized as the largest cryptocurrency seizure globally, valued at over £5.5 billion ($7.4 billion). Qian, a 47-year-old Chinese national, pleaded guilty on Monday at Southwark Crown Court in London to charges of illegally acquiring and possessing cryptocurrency. The Metropolitan Police revealed that between 2014 and 2017, Qian orchestrated a massive scam in China, defrauding more than 128,000 victims and converting the stolen funds into Bitcoin assets. Her arrest followed a seven-year international investigation into a complex money laundering network. Detective Sergeant Isabella Grotto, who led the investigation, noted that Qian had been evading justice for five years before her capture, which required coordinated efforts across multiple jurisdictions. Qian fled China using falsified documents and entered the UK, where she attempted to launder the stolen money through property purchases. She was aided by Jian Wen, another Chinese national, who was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison last year for her involvement. Robin Weyell, deputy chief Crown prosecutor, emphasized the growing use of cryptocurrencies by organized criminals to conceal and transfer illicit assets. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is actively working to prevent the fraudsters from accessing the stolen funds. Many victims have already received partial compensation through a scheme established in China. Qian remains in custody awaiting sentencing, with the date yet to be determined. This case underscores the increasing challenges posed by cybercrime and the critical need for international cooperation in combating such sophisticated financial frauds.
分类： society
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Missing Cheryl Grimmer: Family’s anger over police decision not to contact witnesses
The family of Cheryl Grimmer, a three-year-old girl who vanished from Fairy Meadow beach in New South Wales, Australia, in January 1970, has expressed frustration over the police’s handling of the case. Despite a four-year review, no new evidence has emerged, and three potential eyewitnesses who came forward after a BBC podcast were not formally interviewed. Cheryl’s brother, Ricki Nash, described the situation as ‘total frustration,’ emphasizing that the family cannot move forward without police assistance. The podcast, which has been downloaded five million times, prompted witnesses to share their accounts, including one man who claimed to have seen a teenage boy carrying a child from the beach changing rooms on the day of Cheryl’s disappearance. Retired detective Damian Loone criticized the police for not pursuing these leads, calling it ‘sloppy police work.’ In 2016, a man was charged with Cheryl’s abduction and murder based on a 1971 confession, but the charges were dropped in 2019 after the confession was deemed inadmissible. The family has launched a petition for an inquiry into missing persons investigations, which garnered over 10,000 signatures but has yet to result in action. NSW Police stated that all information received was assessed, but not all leads warranted formal interviews. The case remains unresolved, leaving Cheryl’s family desperate for answers.
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File sent to prosecutors over Creeslough explosion
A significant development has emerged in the investigation of the tragic Creeslough explosion that claimed ten lives on October 7, 2022. Irish police, known as Gardaí, have forwarded a primary investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Republic of Ireland. The explosion occurred at the Applegreen service station in the small village of Creeslough, County Donegal, and remains one of the most devastating incidents in recent Irish history. The victims included five-year-old Shauna Flanagan-Garwe, her father Robert Garwe, 50, 14-year-old Leona Harper, and seven others from the local community. To date, seven arrests have been made, but no charges have been filed. The investigation, led by officers in County Donegal, continues to seek answers, with authorities urging anyone who was at the service station prior to the explosion to come forward. As the third anniversary of the tragedy approaches, Gardaí expressed their ongoing support for the victims’ families and the Creeslough community. The lack of an official explanation for the blast has left many families frustrated, with some relatives opposing plans to rebuild a petrol station at the site. The case remains a poignant reminder of the need for justice and closure for those affected.
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What we know about Michigan church shooting and arson attack
A tragic and violent incident unfolded at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, during a Sunday service, leaving four people dead and eight others injured, one critically. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton, Michigan, reportedly used gasoline or an accelerant to set the church on fire after opening fire on congregants. Sanford, a former Marine who had been deployed to Iraq, was killed in a shootout with police less than 10 minutes after the attack began. Officials described the incident as a ‘targeted act of violence’ but have yet to determine a motive. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer urged the public to avoid speculation, emphasizing the importance of allowing investigators to conduct their work. The attack occurred around 10:30 AM EST when Sanford crashed his vehicle into the church building before shooting at attendees and setting the structure ablaze. Investigators found makeshift explosive devices at the scene, adding to the complexity of the case. Over 100 victims and witnesses have been interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. While Sanford’s motives remain unclear, his social media activity and previous arrests for burglary and drunk driving have drawn attention. The incident has reignited discussions about gun violence in the United States, particularly in Michigan, where such tragedies have become increasingly frequent.
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Minnesota man pleads guilty to attempting to join Islamic State group
A 23-year-old Minnesota man, Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan, pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State group. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank in St. Paul. Hassan, a naturalized U.S. citizen, had previously expressed admiration on social media for the perpetrator of a deadly truck attack on Bourken Street in New Orleans, which resulted in 14 fatalities. The attacker, who was subsequently killed by police, had displayed the Islamic State group’s flag on his vehicle. Prosecutors revealed that Hassan made two unsuccessful attempts in December to travel from Minnesota to Somalia to join the Islamic State group and fight on its behalf. The FBI, having been alerted to a social media user expressing support for both the Islamic State group and the Somali militant group al-Shabab, conducted surveillance on Hassan during these attempts. The first attempt was thwarted when the airline denied him boarding due to insufficient travel documents, and he missed the second flight while being questioned by federal officers. Hassan was not detained until his arrest in February. The FBI also observed Hassan driving with the Islamic State group’s flag the day before his arrest. Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson emphasized the zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, stating, ‘There is no margin for error when it comes to terrorism. Hassan flew the ISIS flag, venerated attacks on the homeland, and wanted to kill Americans. We are not taking chances. We will not let Minnesota become a safe haven for terrorists.’ Hassan remains in custody, and a sentencing date has yet to be set. Under a plea agreement, the government has agreed not to seek a sentence longer than 17 years, while the defense is free to recommend any sentence. The final decision rests with the judge. This case is part of a broader pattern, with several Minnesotans having been suspected of attempting to join the Islamic State group in recent years. In 2016, nine Minnesotans were sentenced for conspiring to join the group, and one individual who fought for the group in Iraq was sentenced last year to 10 years in prison.
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China sentences 11 members of mafia family to death
A Chinese court has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing 39 members of the infamous Ming family for their involvement in extensive criminal operations in Myanmar. According to Chinese state media, 11 members were handed the death penalty, while five received death sentences with a two-year reprieve. Additionally, 11 were sentenced to life imprisonment, and the remaining members received prison terms ranging from five to 24 years. The Ming family, part of one of the four dominant clans in Laukkai, a town near the China-Myanmar border, transformed the area into a hub for illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and scam centers. Their operations, which began in 2015, reportedly generated over 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in illicit profits. The court also revealed that the family was responsible for the deaths of several scam center workers, including an incident where workers were shot to prevent their return to China. Laukkai, initially developed to cater to Chinese gambling demand, evolved into a center for money laundering and human trafficking. The Ming family’s activities were part of a broader ‘scamdemic,’ as termed by the UN, which has seen over 100,000 foreign nationals, predominantly Chinese, lured into forced labor in scam centers. The family’s downfall began in 2023 when Myanmar cracked down on their operations, leading to their arrest and extradition to China. Ming Xuechang, the family patriarch, reportedly committed suicide, while other members confessed to their crimes. This sentencing underscores China’s commitment to combating cross-border criminal activities and serves as a warning to other organized crime networks in the region.
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Three reported dead at ‘serious incident’ in County Louth
A devastating incident has unfolded in County Louth, Republic of Ireland, where three members of the same family have tragically lost their lives. Gardaí, the Irish police force, were called to the scene in Tallanstown on Monday morning following reports of a violent attack. The victims, identified as two men and a woman, sustained fatal injuries in what is being described as a ‘serious’ incident. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, with no further details disclosed at this time. The community has been left in shock as they await more information from law enforcement. This heartbreaking event underscores the need for continued vigilance and support for families in crisis.
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Russell M Nelson, head of Church of Latter-day Saints, dies aged 101
Russell M. Nelson, the esteemed president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away on Saturday at the age of 101 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. Nelson, who was the oldest serving head of the church, was widely revered as a prophet and credited with spearheading significant policy changes during his tenure. The church praised his leadership, highlighting his global ministry, increased temple construction, and profound impact on the faith. Dallin H. Oaks, anticipated to succeed Dr. Nelson, described him as a man of ‘extraordinary modesty’ and ‘gentleness.’ U.S. President Donald Trump also honored Dr. Nelson, acknowledging his pioneering work in heart surgery and his decades-long ministry. Dr. Nelson, a trained surgeon, was called as an apostle in 1984 and became president in 2018. During his leadership, he visited 32 countries, announced 200 new temples, and rolled back anti-LGBT policies introduced in 2015. He also severed ties with the Boy Scouts of America and campaigned to eliminate the use of the nickname ‘Mormon.’ Dr. Nelson, who developed a machine for open-heart surgery and was the first to perform the procedure in Utah, is survived by his wife, Wendy, and eight of his ten children.
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Dublin deaths ‘being treated as murder-suicide’
A devastating incident has rocked the quiet neighborhood of Finglas in Dublin, as the bodies of a man and a five-year-old girl were discovered in a local residence on Saturday evening. The grim discovery was made shortly before 20:00 local time, with authorities treating the case as a suspected murder-suicide. Initial reports suggest the victims were father and daughter. The child’s mother, who returned home from work, is believed to have found the tragic scene. Post-mortem examinations are scheduled to determine the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths. As of Monday, the house remains cordoned off, with forensic teams conducting a thorough investigation. The community has been left in shock, grappling with the heartbreaking loss of a young life and the circumstances that led to this tragedy.
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High-speed falcon crowned New Zealand Bird of the Year
The New Zealand falcon, known by its Māori name kārearea, has soared to victory in the country’s annual Bird of the Year competition, securing 21% of the votes. Renowned for its incredible speed, reaching up to 200km/h in a dive, this high-speed hunter thrives in the dense forests of New Zealand. However, its population is dwindling, with only 5,000 to 8,000 individuals remaining. The competition, now in its 20th year, aims to raise awareness about the plight of New Zealand’s endangered native species. This year’s contest featured 73 birds, each championed by volunteer campaign managers who employed memes, reels, and hand-drawn posters to garner support. Nicola Toki, chief executive of conservation group Forest & Bird, emphasized the seriousness behind the campaign, noting that 80% of this year’s top 10 birds are at risk. Among them are the kākāpō and karure black robin, both classified as ‘nationally critical’ with fewer than 300 individuals each. Habitat destruction, climate change, and introduced predators continue to threaten these species, but Toki highlighted the power of public awareness. The competition saw a record-breaking 75,000 voters, with the kārearea not only earning the title but also inspiring a new waiata (Māori song). Other notable contenders included the kea and kakaruia black robin, which secured second and third place, respectively. The competition has gained international attention, with past controversies including voter fraud allegations and the unexpected win of a bat in 2021. New Zealand’s initiative mirrors similar efforts globally, such as Australia’s Bird of the Year competition, underscoring the importance of celebrating and conserving local birdlife.