Fraud busters investigate EU Parliament’s most powerful group – POLITICO

Fraud busters investigate EU Parliament’s most powerful group – POLITICO

“The EPP Group prides itself in extending its full cooperation” to legal authorities, a spokesperson for Weber and the EPP groups said in a statement to POLITICO said, adding that no external auditors “currently have any open cases of alleged misuse of funds.” Layered inquiry EPPO is in charge of investigating serious crimes affecting the … Read more

Hacked info from state security databases sold to rich clients: Milan prosecutors – POLITICO

Hacked info from state security databases sold to rich clients: Milan prosecutors – POLITICO

The confidential data, which was allegedly sold to clients or used to blackmail businessmen and politicians, including former Milan Mayor Letizia Moratti, went back to at least 2019 and continued up to March 2024, a court document seen by Reuters showed. The Milan prosecutors allege the business intelligence agency tapped into three key databases: one … Read more

Violence mars voting in Georgia’s pivotal election – POLITICO

Violence mars voting in Georgia’s pivotal election – POLITICO

This parliamentary election is widely regarded as a defining point for the country’s international standing — it could determine whether Georgia tilts toward the EU or Moscow. Opposition politician Ana Natsvlishvili from the Strong Georgia party said law enforcement authorities were idle, despite the fact that “organized criminal gangs … are trying to undermine the … Read more

Czech cops level charges in megabucks toast EU fraud case – POLITICO

Czech cops level charges in megabucks toast EU fraud case – POLITICO

“The suspects are formally accused of submitting false data and concealing substantial information,” the EPPO added in a press release, while not specifying the names of anyone involved. Czech authorities seized real estate of the company to compensate for the damage to the national budget, national anti-corruption police said in a statement. In a striking … Read more

French government split on halting football matches over homophobic chants – POLITICO

French government split on halting football matches over homophobic chants – POLITICO

PSG was sanctioned last year after fans sang the same chant at their home field, the Parc des Princes, before a match against Marseille. This time, the stadium announcer attempted but failed to interrupt the chant, saying that the Qatari-owned club stands against homophobia and discrimination. Homophobic chants are a persistent issue in French football, … Read more

France and Belgium join forces in Telegram probe – POLITICO

France and Belgium join forces in Telegram probe – POLITICO

On Aug. 24, Durov was arrested upon landing in Paris, sending shockwaves around the world. His arrest followed a months-long investigation into Telegram’s reluctance to cooperate with authorities on issues including child abuse. The messaging platform, known for its strong commitment to privacy, has become a go-to for criminals, political opponents, and military generals alike. … Read more

Denver slaughterhouse ban supporters say video shows animal abuse

Denver slaughterhouse ban supporters say video shows animal abuse

Attorneys representing anonymous animal rights activists on Wednesday released edited video footage filmed by their clients that they allege shows criminal mistreatment of lambs inside Denver’s only existing slaughterhouse. The same facility — the Superior Farms lamb processing plant in north Denver’s Globeville neighborhood — is the focus of a measure on the city’s ballot … Read more

Catalonia’s police under pressure after humiliation of Puigdemont escape – POLITICO

Catalonia’s police under pressure after humiliation of Puigdemont escape – POLITICO

A sign of regional power The Mossos d’Esquadra (its full, official name is the Policia de la Generalitat de Catalunya)  was created in the early 1980s, as part of an arrangement to grant Catalonia greater regional autonomy. Its powers were broadened in the mid-1990s to take on almost all major policing duties in Catalonia except … Read more

US sanctions Georgian officials for undermining democracy – POLITICO

US sanctions Georgian officials for undermining democracy – POLITICO

Also facing sanctions are two prominent figures associated with far-right Georgian media outlet Alt-Info, which has called for attacks on pro-democracy crowds, journalists and the LGBTQ+ community. At the same time, the U.S. State Department confirmed it will impose visa restrictions on more than 60 Georgians and their families due to their complicity in “undermining … Read more

China to train 3,000 foreign law enforcement officers to protect overseas interests

China to train 3,000 foreign law enforcement officers to protect overseas interests

China will help to train 3,000 foreign law enforcement officials over the next year to tackle global security issues and better protect Chinese interests beyond its borders, the country’s public security minister said. Wang Xiaohong made the pledge in a speech on Monday at the opening of the 2024 Conference of the Global Public Security … Read more