For the moment this is a campaign by a group of MEPs and not yet the policy of the European Parliament. At present, only Israel, the US, the Netherlands and Canada consider Hezbollah a terrorist group. the UK and Australia list its military wing as a terrorist group.
FBI estimate art theft worth $6 billion a year. But this piece in the Times is mostly a review of a book called “Stolen” by Jonathan Webb. It claims that most art is stolen to raise money for further crime.
The Russians have made a TV series out of Brezhnev’s daughter’s life. A must-see for all us old Soviet hands! The article from the Moscow Times doesnt mention the allegations of diamond smuggling and other early forms of corruption that those around her were accused of. If anyone gets the DVD, please let me know! … GALINA BREZHNEVA: THE SOAP OPERA
This from the Guardian. BBC more circumspect, saying that only “elements of the Doghmush clan are involved in criminality. What is interesting is that Hamas and the clans/gangs appear to be falling out. So what is the larger agenda?
In a move to cut opportunities for bribe taking, Russia’s parliament moves to remove inspections of small and medium sized businesses. This may or may not be a step in the right direction! Keep an eye on the number of fires that follow!
3 individuals accused of assisting FARC trafficking in cocaine and arms smuggling are designated so that assets can be frozen. There’s a conflict developing here. The ante is definitely being upped!
Details on the website. Initiative of University of Passau and Transparency International.
Shoot out in Ashkabad. Not sure if it was with a radical Islamic group, drug traffickers or both. Will keep an eye out for reemergence of story.
Actually a puff for a BBC TV programme. 550 Slovaks handed over £600 to be accommodate on 3 cruise ships in the Thames in order to work on the 2012 Olympics site, according to the programme.
Data to be kept for 5 years, which is at odds with EU rules. It’s all in the name of counter-terrorism [and everyday crime, in the small print]. Access obviously the big issue, especially since local authorities linked in. More green bin surveillance? Of course not! It will crack down on uninsured drivers…and deter criminals … FEARS OVER PRIVACY AS POLICE EXPAND SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
