In a coordinated international effort, prosecutors in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore have seized hundreds of millions of dollars in assets linked to Chen Zhi, a Cambodian businessman accused by the U.S. of leading a global cyber-scam syndicate. The crackdown follows an October 14 indictment by U.S. authorities, which charged Chen with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, alongside the seizure of $14 billion in cryptocurrency. Chen, founder of Cambodia’s Prince Holding Group, allegedly orchestrated a vast network of scams spanning multiple countries, including the U.S., the U.K., and Palau. The U.S. and U.K. governments have jointly sanctioned Chen and his collaborators, while investigations into his operations continue to expand. Singaporean authorities seized over $114 million in financial assets, a yacht, and luxury liquor on October 30. Taiwanese prosecutors confiscated $150 million in assets, including 26 luxury cars and 11 upscale apartments in Taipei, while Hong Kong police announced the seizure of $353 million in cash, stocks, and other funds. U.K. authorities also targeted Chen’s assets, seizing a $15.6 million mansion and a $130 million office building. Chen, a Chinese national with Cambodian citizenship, has close ties to Cambodia’s political elite, having served as an adviser to Prime Minister Hun Manet and former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Despite his prominent status, prosecutors allege that the bulk of his wealth stems from fraudulent activities, including the notorious ‘pig butchering’ scam, which reportedly generated $30 million daily. The Prince Holding Group has yet to respond to requests for comment.
分类： world
-
‘My skin was peeling’ – the African women tricked into making Russian drones
Adau, a 23-year-old from South Sudan, thought she was embarking on a life-changing opportunity when she signed up for the Alabuga Start programme in Russia. Promised professional training in logistics, catering, and hospitality, she was instead thrust into the harsh reality of working in a drone factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan. Adau’s story is not unique; the programme, which targets young women from Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, has been accused of deceptive recruitment practices and exploiting workers in dangerous conditions.
-
As world leaders enter climate talks, people in poverty have the most at stake
In the Arara neighborhood of northern Rio de Janeiro, summer heatwaves are becoming increasingly severe, leaving residents like Luis Cassiano, a 30-year resident, deeply concerned. Despite having air conditioning, Cassiano often cannot rely on it due to frequent power outages caused by an overloaded system. His green roof, installed a decade ago, provides some relief, keeping his home up to 15 degrees Celsius cooler than his neighbors’. However, the relentless heat remains a significant challenge. ‘The sun in the summer nowadays is scary,’ Cassiano remarked. As world leaders gather in Brazil for climate talks, the plight of communities like Arara underscores the urgent need for action. Poorer areas are more vulnerable to extreme weather and less equipped to cope with its impacts. Effective climate solutions require not only pledges to reduce emissions but also the political will and financial resources to implement them. The United Nations estimates that 1.1 billion people worldwide live in acute poverty, making climate adaptation a critical issue. The choice of Belem, a relatively poor city, to host these talks has been praised for highlighting the intersection of climate change and poverty. Inger Andersen, executive director of the U.N. Environment Programme, noted that Belem represents the reality for the majority of the global population affected by climate change. Even in wealthy countries, the poor face significant climate risks. A U.N. Development Programme report found that 82% of people living in poverty in highly developed countries are exposed to climate hazards such as extreme heat, drought, floods, and air pollution. Carter Brandon, a senior fellow at the World Resources Institute, emphasized that poverty exacerbates vulnerability to climate change, as those affected often lack the resources to relocate or rebuild after disasters. Agriculture is particularly at risk, with crop yields expected to decline significantly in poorer countries. Heriberto Tapia of the UNDP highlighted Africa as a major concern, with over 500 million people in poverty relying on agriculture for their livelihoods. Ismahane Elouafi of CGIAR noted that while technology could help, many farmers cannot afford it. Despite the urgency, some experts are skeptical that COP30 will deliver the necessary funding. Brazilian officials hope that hosting the talks in Belem will remind negotiators of the daily struggles faced by millions due to climate change. However, Kimberly Marion Suiseeya of Duke University expressed doubts about the likelihood of rapid action emerging from the conference. Pedro Conceição of the UNDP stressed that poverty reduction and climate action are interconnected, rejecting the notion that they are separate issues. Bill Gates has called for a shift in focus from emissions reduction to alleviating human suffering, particularly in poor countries. Conceição argued that climate change is not a distant problem but a present reality that must be addressed alongside poverty.
-
What we know about deadly Kentucky cargo plane crash
A catastrophic cargo plane crash at Louisville International Airport on Tuesday evening has resulted in at least seven fatalities, with fears that the death toll may rise. The UPS-operated flight 2976, an MD-11F aircraft, veered off the runway during takeoff at approximately 17:15 local time, igniting a massive fire that engulfed nearby buildings. The incident has triggered a large-scale emergency response to contain the blaze and mitigate further risks. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that two businesses, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, were directly impacted by the crash. Unverified footage shows the plane already ablaze as it skidded off the runway. The fire spread rapidly, prompting authorities to issue shelter-in-place orders for residents within a one-mile radius due to concerns over air pollution and potential explosions. All airport operations have been suspended indefinitely. Officials have reported eleven injuries so far, with the number expected to increase. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though the substantial fuel load on the aircraft, which was en route to Hawaii, likely exacerbated the fire. Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neal described the scene as “very dangerous” due to the spilled fuel. Searches are ongoing to locate two missing workers from the auto parts business, and it remains unclear how many customers were present at the time of the crash. The MD-11F, a triple-engine cargo plane, has been in service for 34 years. Authorities have assured the public that the aircraft was not carrying hazardous materials.
-
UAE expresses solidarity with Mexico over deadly store fire
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended its heartfelt condolences and solidarity to Mexico in the wake of a catastrophic store fire in Hermosillo, the capital of the northern state of Sonora. The blaze, which erupted unexpectedly, claimed the lives of dozens and left many others injured. In an official statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) conveyed its profound sympathy to the bereaved families, the Mexican people, and the government. The ministry also expressed hopes for the swift recovery of those injured in the tragic incident. This gesture of solidarity underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and empathy during times of crisis. The fire has drawn global attention, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in public spaces to prevent such disasters in the future.
-
Typhoon Kalmaegi leaves 52 dead, mainly in Philippine province still recovering from deadly quake
Typhoon Kalmaegi has wreaked havoc in the central Philippines, claiming at least 52 lives and leaving 13 others missing, officials reported on Wednesday. The storm triggered widespread flooding, trapping residents on rooftops and sweeping away vehicles in Cebu province, an area still recovering from a recent deadly earthquake. The disaster has compounded the challenges for a region already grappling with the aftermath of natural calamities.
In a separate tragic incident, six individuals lost their lives when a Philippine air force helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur province on Tuesday. The aircraft was en route to deliver humanitarian aid to areas affected by Kalmaegi. The military has yet to disclose the cause of the crash.
As of early Wednesday, Kalmaegi was located over the coastal waters of Linapacan in Palawan province, packing sustained winds of 120 kph (75 mph) and gusts reaching 150 kph (93 mph). The typhoon is expected to move into the South China Sea later in the day.
Cebu, a densely populated province with over 2.4 million residents, bore the brunt of the storm. Flash floods caused rivers and waterways to overflow, engulfing residential areas and forcing desperate residents to seek refuge on their roofs. The Philippine Red Cross reported receiving numerous distress calls, but rescue operations were delayed until floodwaters receded to ensure the safety of emergency personnel.
In response to the crisis, Cebu declared a state of calamity, enabling authorities to expedite emergency funding. The province is still recovering from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on September 30, which claimed 79 lives and displaced thousands.
Other fatalities were reported in Southern Leyte and Bohol provinces, where an elderly villager drowned in floodwaters and another resident was struck by a fallen tree. Before Kalmaegi’s landfall, over 387,000 people evacuated from eastern and central provinces, heeding warnings of torrential rains, destructive winds, and storm surges up to three meters (nearly 10 feet) high.
The typhoon disrupted transportation, grounding interisland ferries and fishing boats, stranding over 3,500 passengers and cargo truck drivers at nearly 100 seaports. Additionally, 186 domestic flights were canceled.
The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, faces approximately 20 typhoons and storms annually, alongside frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The resilience of its people continues to be tested as they confront the dual challenges of recovery and preparedness in the face of relentless natural disasters.
-
World on track to dangerous warming as emissions hit record high: UN
The United Nations has issued a stark warning that the world is on track to surpass the critical 1.5°C warming threshold within years, with planet-warming emissions reaching a new record high in 2024. Despite a wave of national commitments to reduce heat-trapping pollution, these efforts are insufficient to prevent devastating climate impacts, according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The latest Emissions Gap report reveals that current pledges would limit global warming to between 2.3°C and 2.5°C by 2100—far above the safer 1.5°C target. Scientists emphasize that exceeding this threshold risks catastrophic consequences, including more intense hurricanes, floods, and irreversible climate tipping points. The report, released ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, underscores the urgent need for unprecedented emissions cuts. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for minimizing the overshoot of 1.5°C, urging major polluters to accelerate their efforts. However, the latest round of carbon-cutting targets has barely made progress, with only one-third of countries meeting the 2035 emissions reduction deadline. The report also highlights the disproportionate role of G20 economies, which account for 75% of global emissions, and the limited impact of recent climate pledges. With Earth projected to warm by 2.8°C under current policies, COP30 faces the challenge of reigniting global climate action amid geopolitical tensions and missed targets.
-
King Tut’s collection displayed for first time at Egypt’s grand museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum has made history by showcasing the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures for the first time since their discovery in 1922. Over 4,500 meticulously curated artefacts, including the iconic golden mask of the young pharaoh, were unveiled to the public on Tuesday, just two days after the museum’s grand opening ceremony on Saturday. The display, housed in a vast, dimly lit hall spanning four levels, features chariots, jewelled ornaments, household items, and Tutankhamun’s personal belongings. A poignant addition to the exhibition is the public debut of two small mummified princesses, believed to be Tutankhamun’s daughters who died before birth. Tutankhamun, who died at the age of 18 or 19 between 1323 and 1324 BC, was buried in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings within three nested coffins, the smallest weighing 110kg, all encased in four gilded shrines. While the coffins are now at the museum, the mummy remains in Luxor. Visitors can also marvel at the Khufu Sun Boat, the oldest and largest wooden artefact in human history, with a second solar boat undergoing restoration. The museum, a $1-billion architectural marvel overlooking the Giza Plateau, aims to attract five million visitors annually, revitalising Egypt’s tourism sector and economy.
-
Dubai flight delayed by 9 hours as Pakistan airline’s operations halt temporarily
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) experienced significant operational disruptions on Monday night, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations. The disruption was triggered by the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP), a derecognized entity, which refused to issue aircraft clearances, citing safety concerns. Among the affected flights was a Dubai-bound service from Islamabad, delayed by nine hours. PIA’s management swiftly responded, working overnight to restore operations and mitigate the impact on passengers. The airline confirmed that seven flights across major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot, faced delays ranging from four to 14 hours, while five flights were canceled. PIA emphasized its commitment to restoring full operations and prioritizing customer convenience. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the airline as it navigates challenges, including privatization efforts.
-
Hainan surpasses Dubai resident’s expectations
Awad Mohamed Bin AI Sheikh Magrin, the head of Dubai’s Travelers Festival Committee, recently embarked on a family trip to Boao, Hainan, which left him thoroughly impressed. ‘Hainan is a very beautiful island. I hadn’t expected it to be this beautiful until I came here,’ he remarked during his visit, which combined medical tourism with exploring the island’s investment potential. His connection to Hainan began in May during a significant meeting with a Hainan delegation in Dubai, where they discussed cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Hainan Free Trade Port. Having visited over a hundred countries, including Chinese cities and special administrative regions like Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, Awad noted that Hainan is ‘really very special.’
A central part of his trip was visiting the Hainan Mellsser Hospital in the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone. Drawn by the Hainan Free Trade Port preferential policies, Mellsser Hospital is a key medical enterprise in Hainan province, which has been striving to align with international standards in recent years. ‘The medical expertise and advanced technology… It’s more than what I imagine,’ said Awad, adding that he was impressed to learn the hospital is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. ‘This will give more trust for the medical travelers.’
He highlighted that the appeal of Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, China’s sole ‘medical special zone,’ is perfectly suited for high-end patients. ‘Premium travelers often don’t want crowded places; they want clear air, good food, nice hospitality, a safe environment, and good medical treatment. This is all here in Boao.’ The seamless visa-free procedure and advanced facilities further solidified Awad’s positive impression. ‘My family is very happy to be here… even my wife was talking about inviting more of her family members here.’
Looking ahead, Awad sees a ‘very bright future’ for Hainan and strong potential for collaboration with Dubai. ‘I think Dubai and Hainan Free Trade Port can cooperate in fields like medical tourism, trade, and technology,’ he said, expressing confidence that many more from the Middle East will soon discover this tropical island.