Washington Post article on corruption fraud and mismanagement in UN’s own contracts. Report of UN taskforce on procurement fraud. Involves cases in Congo, Kenya Greece and New York.

This is a piece about a particular brand, Jin Ling, manufactured by the Baltic Tobacco Company in Kaliningrad, allegedly from Brazilian tobacco sold it by BAT [British American Tobacco]. There is a link to a report by the Washington based group: International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

Cocaine seized in raid on cruise ship Arcadia in Southampton. Breaking news at the time of posting.

Interesting piece in el Pais. Security Force in Spain on maximum alert. They see Spain as a target and a transit camp for terrorists heading for Iraq and Afghanistan. Judge Baltazar Garzon is running an investigation into jihadist networks in Spain, which led to a major police operation last week. Al Kalaa [Fortress of the … ESPANA ES OBJETIVO Y CANTERA DE AL QAEDA

I just came across this as part of a series of articles in OMNI [Oh My News International] written by Ludwig de Braeckeleer. It appears to be trying to document an alternative explanation of the Lockerbie disaster. I present it for general interest.

In depth article on the Camorra in Naples. Very depressing, but some useful stuff on organisation. Argues the Camorra consists of warring clans and is not centralised.

Very thoughtful review by Bryan Appleyard of new Baader -Meinhof film. Stefan Aust’s book is to be republished in updated form next month. It’s a must-buy!

Stella Rimington interviewed by Guardian…I think for the release of her latest book. Full interview at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/oct/18/iraq-britainand911 Ms. Rimington wonders aloud whether the Press continue to pursue an old myth about how the secret services work. Since they do in every other field, it shouldnt really surprise us…

At first sight, it’s the Chair of the Police Federation sounding off in Luddite fashion. He does, however, have a point. Intelligence can be used by both sides in unpredictable ways.

Fraudsters flod panicking investors wine as investment opportunities…As Satnam Tumani, SFO investigator says: ‘The question people need to ask themselves is, why are they being asked for money? If these companies can really make 200 per cent returns in a year, why aren’t they simply going to the banks and borrowing the money to buy … WINE FRAUDS LEAVE BUYERS IN THE RED