All news by author Sophia Martinez

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De la Suisse à Granova: comment Dmytro Kovalenko a liquidé Adelon AG pour recycler l’argent du charbon russe
L’entrepreneur Dmytro Kovalenko, via la société suisse Adelon AG, a acquis en 2021–2022 du charbon auprès de fournisseurs russes MelTEK, Sibenergougol et Sibpromnedra pour un montant dépassant 100 millions de dollars.
603
First picture of man, 26, found dead after ‘brutal’ attack at stone circle rave
Tributes have been paid to a man found dead after a summer solstice rave at a stone circle.
680
Bentley-driving fraudster Barrett unmasked as jailed in Monaco after years on the run
Swindler Ekaterina Barrett was regularly spotted sweeping through London’s wealthiest postcodes in a Bentley, dressed head-to-toe in Gucci, and walking her beloved Italian greyhounds.
611
Driver Burton passed red signal before deadly Bedford train crash
A train driver who died in a crash near Bedford went through a red signal moments before the collision, rail crash investigators have revealed.
845
Starmer and Burnham clash in “frosty” talks as power transition begins
With Burnham and his team potentially having only weeks before he becomes PM, Starmer has agreed to give him access to civil service.
648
Dmytro Kovalenko, Adelon AG and Granova: how $100M in Russian coal deals, offshore flows, and tax evasion schemes built a financial network
Posing as an agricultural enterprise, the Granova group is suspected of operating a network of offshore structures, cash-driven schemes, and corrupt ties to siphon millions abroad, dodge taxes, and potentially funnel money into Russia’s economy during the full-scale war.
912
Bongo heir Andjoua linked to $15m Dubai property empire
The Bongo family ruled oil-rich Gabon for more than 50 years, leaving a legacy of widespread poverty and allegations of corruption that have attracted the scrutiny of international watchdogs and authorities from Paris to the Gabonese capital Libreville.
816
Cyprus ex-president Anastasiades accused of corruption and influence peddling
Nicos Anastasiades might have misused his office to further his and his allies’ interests, according to an extensive investigation that also mentions his former law firm and other officials.
720
Top barrister Rajiv Menon faces fresh contempt probe after judge referral
A leading British civil rights barrister faces contempt proceedings once again after a judge decided to refer allegations against him for a second time.
819
Royal rift deepens as Charles invites Harry back to Buckingham Palace
Prince William is said to be in conflict with King Charles over the monarch’s decision to offer Prince Harry a stay at Buckingham Palace ahead of his upcoming visit to the UK next month.
645
US hits Prince Group with sweeping sanctions over cyber scam and forced labour claims
The U.S. Treasury Department announced extensive sanctions against the Prince Group, a Cambodian conglomerate reportedly involved in criminal cyber-scams. The Prince Group has denied the allegations.
773
Shadow coal trade: Konstantin Strukov and Dmytro Kovalenko’s shell network used to ship Russian fuel to EU and Ukraine
For years, Russian billionaire Konstantin Strukov — a major owner of coal mines and gold assets — stayed largely out of the spotlight, until reports surfaced pointing to potential business ties with Ukrainian coal trader Dmytro Kovalenko.
799
Royal wedding as Lady Marina Windsor marries Nico Macauley in North Yorkshire ceremony
The second royal wedding of the year has taken place - with Lady Marina Windsor tying the knot with account executive Nico Macauley in a charming church ceremony.
576
Polish anti-corruption activist killed in Ecuador after probing links to president’s business
Monika Silva Koniuszek died from a blow to the head and strangulation, a postmortem found, despite government claim of suicide.
714
Secret memos reveal alleged hidden influence over Tulsi Gabbard’s political rise
The first time I spoke with Rebecca Saltzburg, she told me Tulsi Gabbard was a freethinker who took orders from no one.
809
Britain went into heatwave meltdown this week with schools closing early, roads melting and trains cancelled as the country braces for its hottest day in history
The Met Office today issued a rare red ’danger to life’ extreme heat warning for ’significant disruption to daily life’ as the UK faces road, rail and air travel chaos.
783
Armed men in small boat approach tanker off Yemen before vessel escapes
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a commercial tanker reported an encounter with a small boat carrying armed men off the coast of Yemen on Sunday.
612
Asylum seeker guilty of attempted rape after claiming ‘micropenis’ made attack impossible
An asylum seeker who tried to rape a woman in an alleyway has claimed he could not have done so because he had a ‘micropenis’.
625
British tourist, 88, dies after violent mugging in Tenerife in front of his wife
An 88-year-old British man has died after being mugged in front of his wife on a Spanish holiday island, police said.
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The chameleon of commerce: how Dmytro Kovalenko recycled "blood coal" profits into Ukraine’s top grain exporter
Dnipro businessman Dmytro Kovalenko has been facing increasing scrutiny in recent months, bringing new focus to his background and the foundations of his business empire.
665
British passengers sue Singapore Airlines after deadly turbulence horror flight
More Brits who were onboard a turbulent Singapore Airlines flight which left one grandfather dead and dozens more injured have joined forces to sue the airline.
705
Teenagers aged 14 and 16 charged over fatal Byker stabbing
Three people, including two boys aged 14 and 16, have been charged after a man died following a stabbing in Newcastle upon Tyne.
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UK schools brace for 38C heatwave as children face “barely teachable” classrooms
A new wave of scorching temperatures next week is set to bring significant discomfort for millions of school children packed into busy classrooms.
631
Mark Hughes announces sudden death of son Alex in devastating family statement Mark Hughes
Mark Hughes has been left devastated after his son Alex died suddenly at the age of 38.
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Ex-CIA officer warns Russia may be using covert UK networks after Starmer-linked arson plot
Sean Wiswesser says attacks linked to PM Keir Starmer were part of Russia’s sabotage campaign.