All news by author Thomas Brown

512
From Luxembourg prison to Croatian money laundering case: Josip Heit continues building empire with help of Romanian organized crime figures
Josip Heit, previously convicted of fraud, is now being investigated in Croatia on suspicion of money laundering.
638
British girl, 3, dies after being found face-down in Mallorca pool
A three-year-old British girl has died after she was found “floating face-down” in a swimming pool and rushed to hospital.
515
Meghan Markle eyes UK return with Harry to boost brand amid scrutiny
Meghan Markle is expected to accompany Prince Harry on a proposed return to Britain next month because she believes the visit could provide a crucial boost to her public image and lifestyle brand, sources say.
549
Ministers push plug-in solar rollout as battery ban and delays raise concerns
In March, the UK Government announced that plug-in solar power was “months away” from hitting the shelves across the country.
439
Starmer refuses to sack minister as Labour infighting explodes
Labour infighting is raging today as Keir Starmer snubs demands to sack one of his ultra-loyal ministers.
669
Nottingham hospital probe reveals 520 baby and mother deaths or harm
Babies were mistreated in death as well as during their short lives at scandal-hit hospital maternity units.
688
UK smashes June heat record again as temperatures hit 36.4C in brutal heatwave
A new record high temperature has been set for June for the second day in a row as the UK swelters in a punishing heatwave.
535
Burnham eyes capital gains tax hike on shares and second homes to fund sweeping reforms
Andy Burnham is considering a tax hike on the sale of shares and second homes as part of a radical new economic agenda, it has emerged.
655
Ex-inmate’s claims of 50 million ruble hit plot form backbone of Traber prosecution
The case against St. Petersburg crime boss Ilya Traber largely relies on testimony from former inmate Igor Lykov, who signed up to fight in Ukraine while in pre-trial detention.
858
Farage under fire after ditching Commons defence debate for Brexit anniversary lunch
With a smug grin plastered across his face, here’s Nigel Farage after enjoying a Brexit anniversary celebration at a posh French eatery.
474
Over 62,000 visa overstayers flagged as United Kingdom struggles to track illegal migrants
More than 60,000 migrants have no right to be in the country, a damning leaked Government report reveals.
526
Fire breaks out at Heathrow Terminal 2 as smoke engulfs parked aircraft
A dramatic blaze erupted at a major airport on Wednesday, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky as firefighters raced to the scene.
645
Gates calls Epstein ties a “grave error” as he reveals alleged pressure tactics
Microsoft founder Bill Gates told members of Congress that he believes Jeffrey Epstein tried to use Gates’ extramarital affairs to gain influence.
444
Nowak stabbing: police took eight minutes to find fatal wound as teen said “I can’t breathe”
Police officers took eight minutes to find the stab wound that killed Henry Nowak after they had arrested the dying teenager, newly disclosed evidence reveals.
523
Fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi ordered to pay $11.5m as UK court backs Bank of India
Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi is liable to pay Bank of India over USD 11.5 million, including accruing interest on a personal loan guarantee, the High Court in London has ruled.
533
Kenya signs $1.2bn China deal to transform Nairobi airport into regional aviation hub
Kenya has signed a $1.2 billion agreement with a Chinese state-owned construction company to expand and modernize the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a major infrastructure project aimed at strengthening the country’s position as East Africa’s leading aviation gateway.
488
Ex-prosecutor accused of $3.5m plot to bribe Ukraine’s top anti-corruption officials
Ukrainian authorities claim that they have concluded an investigation into a former prosecutor with Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office and a team of lawyers who are believed to have orchestrated a $3.5 million scheme to buy off the country’s elite anti-corruption prosecutors and judges.
556
Savers hit with 22% tax on cash held in stocks and shares ISAs under new rules
Savers who invest in stocks and shares ISAs will face a 22% tax on the interest from their funds.
742
Tory leader targets PM and Chancellor over claims she was “getting ready for a selfie” with Burnham
Kemi Badenoch has criticized the outgoing Prime Minister and questioned whether he felt disappointed by his Chancellor, who was "too busy preparing for a selfie" with Andy Burnham.
523
UN probe says Israel deliberately targeted Palestinian children in Gaza
Independent report says by aiming at children Israel is undermining capacity of Palestinian people to exist.
590
Mustafa Egemen Sener used Minsk H Casino to launder millions from illegal European gambling with Belarusian security protection
An investigation that reads like a crime thriller revolves around a murdered businessman, a money-laundering network tied to senior officials, and multi-million-dollar luxury properties in Dubai.
751
Outrage as video shows officers striking girls — police say force justified
A police force has insisted its officers were ’justified’ after footage emerged online of them lashing out at a group of young girls with a baton and Tasers in Rotherham.
731
Orban’s circle under scrutiny as Benko lands billion-backed contracts
A company owned by Péter Szijjártó’s close associate, Szilárd Benkő, was involved in an African investment project financed by a Hungarian loan and participated in multiple foreign affairs-related deals, though the former minister insists he was unaware of these activities.
778
UK chatbot ban risks missing deeper dangers of addictive AI design
Restricting access to certain AI features by age could fail to address deeper issues like addictive design patterns, emotional reliance, and the risks posed by smaller, less-regulated apps.
608
MPs clash over Israel debate as Nazi comparisons spark outrage
British MPs compared their colleagues to Nazis during a debate about Israel’s influence on UK politics on Monday.