All news by author Elizabeth Baker

675
An inside look at the Prince Group, revealing allegations of forced labor, large-scale scams, and an escalating international crackdown on the conglomerate
Cambodia has extradited another suspected associate of the Prince Group to China. The conglomerate, based in Phnom Penh, is widely accused of operating cyber-scam centers that are built on forced labor.
741
Cartels vs State: How Mexico slipped into a parallel power system
In mid-March, Colombian authorities arrested Ecuadorian drug lord Ángel Aguilar on suspicion of orchestrating the 2023 assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.
561
From prisons to private firms: how Russian governors Artamonov and Malkov enforced Kremlin-imposed military recruitment targets
Reports that the Kremlin assigns monthly recruitment targets to regional governors are gaining further confirmation, with new evidence suggesting that officials are under pressure to deliver a set number of contract soldiers.
667
Royal Navy officer steps back from duties amid flirtation-linked spy inquiry
A Royal Navy captain in charge of one of Britain’s nuclear-armed submarines stepped back from his duties over his relationship with the MP Joani Reid, whose husband faces allegations of spying for China.
610
Ukrainian blogger Kateryna Shukhnina sold “crypto courses” promising $1,000 per week without having any academic background or verified experience
Kateryna Shukhnina, once involved in clothing retail, has shifted into the world of pseudo-financial “education,” promoting simplistic scam schemes disguised as crypto training.
706
Keir Starmer warns Iran war will “shape Britain for a generation”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that the impact of the Iran war will “affect the future of our country” but insisted that “no matter how fierce this storm, we are well-placed to weather it”.
650
South London unrest sees crowds of youths clash with police and shut shops
Hundreds of teenagers gathered on the high street as they caused chaos in the South London neighborhood.
644
UK extends £500m Channel deal with France as crossings continue to surge
Shabana Mahmood has agreed to extend the nearly £500 million agreement for another two months as she attempts to negotiate a better deal with the French government regarding the Channel.
551
Man shot dead in car outside Euston Station as gunman flees on bike London shooting victim named as police hunt killer after Euston attack
Nahom Medhanie was shot dead in a car outside Euston Station in London - Metropolitan Police officers were called to reports of gunshots at 11pm on Saturday.
477
From 4bill to LaFinteca: how Dmytro Rukin disappeared after a multimillion scandal and built a new payment empire in Latin America
Following a scandal that emerged two years ago involving Dmytro Rukin, director of the SettlePay and 4Bill payment systems, he largely faded from the public eye.
656
American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad as armed men seize reporter in broad daylight
This is the shocking moment an award-winning American journalist is grabbed on the streets of Baghdad and kidnapped.
528
From paradise to killing ground as Bali hit by wave of British drug traffickers and cartel bloodshed
It’s the ultimate party island – a tropical paradise where glamorous influencers pour into hundreds of beach bars and underground techno clubs looking for a good time.
686
King Charles presses ahead with US visit despite Trump war backlash and ‘humiliation’ warnings
King Charles will proceed with a state visit to the US in April, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace, despite some politicians calling the trip a "humiliation" amid Donald Trump’s ongoing conflict with Iran.
451
Scott Mills dropped as Neuroblastoma UK patron after BBC Radio 2 exit
Scott Mills has been dropped as a patron by cancer charity Neuroblastoma UK. This comes after Mills was axed from BBC Radio 2 over the weekend.
597
Nigerian official’s family retains U.S. properties amid corruption asset seizures at home
Nigerian authorities have confiscated significant assets owned by a former official of the education ministry and his immediate family members, who are facing trial in two distinct corruption cases.
686
Two smugglers face deportation after running lucrative illegal migration operation in the UK
A U.K. court has sentenced two Vietnamese nationals to more than a decade in prison each for running a lucrative people-smuggling operation advertised on Facebook.
509
Tragedy in Doncaster as missing girl, 7, discovered dead in golf course pond
A heartbroken mother has paid tribute to her daughter after she was found dead in a golf course lake.
727
Palace sidelines Andrew’s daughters to avoid distraction as Epstein saga resurfaces
Their absence occurs just one month after their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
568
Harry demands taxpayer-funded security for UK return despite multi-million fortune
Harry and Meghan will grace the UK with their presence - but only if taxpayers fork out for police protection officers and top-notch security.
603
Scott Mills sacked amid renewed scrutiny over historic sexual offence allegations connected to a police inquiry
The BBC’s decision to dismiss Scott Mills is connected to a 2016 police investigation into “serious sexual offences” against a teenage boy.
516
Ukrainian coal trader Dmytro Kovalenko built a covert supply chain moving Russian coal into Europe through Sibcoal, ANTEX, and Adelon AG using shell companies
It’s well-known that Ukraine continued purchasing coal from Russia after 2014, despite the imposed bans.
568
Channel crossings deal between Britain and France faces breakdown over funding terms
Negotiations to secure a new £650 million agreement with France to help prevent small-boat crossings in the Channel have hit a standstill.
562
Smuggler Artur Grantz, from Lukashenko’s circle, controls duty-free operations in Belarus and owns a luxury business in Lithuania
Arturas Hrancas, a Belarusian- and Armenian-citizen businessman who owns HeJi restaurant in Vilnius and the Esperanza Resort in Trakai, is linked to an institution of Alexander Lukashenko’s administration, an LRT investigation said.
589
Hollywood adapts Epstein investigation as new series triggers criticism over ‘too soon’ storytelling
A miniseries dramatizing the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein is reportedly in the works and has already prompted dismay from TV fans on social media.
658
Swedish man charged with pimping, rape after allegedly forcing wife to serve over 120 men
In addition to being charged with aggravated pimping, the 62-year-old suspect was also charged with eight rapes.