2 Indians shot dead, another kidnapped in Niger; government seeks safe release
Foreigners are increasingly becoming targets of armed groups in Niger. Several of them have been kidnapped this year, including an Austrian woman who has lived in Niger as an aid worker for more than 20 years, a Swiss woman seized from her home in April and five Indian workers, also in April.Niger has for many years battled a jihadi insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, a security crisis that analysts say has worsened since the military toppled the country's government in July 2023, and has since struggled to restore peace in hot spots.According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, June was one of the country's deadliest months on record as IS-backed fighters launched a major offensive across the Tillaberi and Dosso regions, killing more than 100 civilians in what marked a return to mass atrocities in rural areas.- EndsMust Watch
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Delhi HC rejects bail of suspected Isis member in arms case
NEW DELHI: Delhi HC has rejected the bail plea of a suspected Isis member accused of procuring arms and ammunition for the proscribed outfit and using social media to promote its objectives. In a recent order, a bench of justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar upheld a trial court detention order, stating it was not mechanical in nature. HC said accused Mohd Rizwan Ashraf could not be released due to the ongoing investigation, as releasing him and others at a crucial stage would impede the probe. "This court is satisfied that the trial court applied its mind to the grounds set forth. The trial court categorically observed the investigation progressed substantially during remand extensions granted by it and the investigation was not stagnant. Order of the trial court extended custody not as a matter of routine but based on credible material outlining the investigative steps requiring completion," the bench observed. Ashraf was arrested by NIA in 2023 under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) provisions. He challenged various orders of the trial court extending his custody, including on Feb 24, 2024, when his judicial custody was extended by 25 days. On the same day, the trial court dismissed his plea for default bail. Ashraf's counsel submitted the orders were passed by the trial court in a mechanical and perfunctory manner and did not indicate any individual assessment of his role. He argued NIA failed to demonstrate why Ashraf's continued detention was necessary for probe. However, HC said three accused persons, including Ashraf, were active ISIS and they were propagating the ideology of the organisation and trying to recruit youth for its objectives. "At the time when the remand orders were being considered, material was being unearthed to establish that the accused, including the appellant (Ashraf), were conducting recce at various Indian cities including, but not limited to, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Surat for terrorist activities," it pointed out, adding conspiracy was also being hatched in other countries. "A money trail from Maldives was also being investigated. Material on record indicates that investigation was also underway to find out about other associates of the accused," HC noted.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Nine from Gujarat indicted in US for illegal gambling operation
Ahmedabad: In a high-profile federal crackdown in the United States, nine men of Gujarati origin were indicted in a multi-million-dollar illegal gambling operation spread across six Missouri locations. The accused, all Indian nationals originally from Gujarat, allegedly operated skill game arcades as a front to run unlawful electronic gambling businesses, grossing over $9.5 million between 2022 and 2025. The nine people, four from Georgia, two from New York, one each from Washington, Arkansas and Colorado, were charged in a 72-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on May 14, according to a statement from the US attorney in the western district of Missouri. The superseding indictment replaces an indictment returned against one of them on Dec 10, 2024, and includes additional charges and defendants. The superseding indictment was unsealed and made public following the arrest of several defendants and in advance of certain defendants' arraignments on July 23 and 24, the statement added. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad US attorney Jeff Ray emphasised the broader implications: "Illegal gambling operations affect the citizens of the neighbourhoods and communities where they are located as well as the local economy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cargo Ship Meets Pirates - Watch What the Captain Does Next! Tips and Tricks Undo We worked closely with our law enforcement partners to shut down this criminal conspiracy and bring those responsible to justice." "What began as a local investigation quickly expanded into a large, multi-jurisdictional case resulting in numerous indictments and a significant positive impact across our community," Springfield police chief Paul Williams said. The defendants allegedly ran businesses with names such as Big Win Arcade, Spin Hitters and Vegas City Arcade, masking them as legitimate entertainment centres in cities including Springfield, Joplin and Branson West. "This wasn't some low-level gambling scheme. It was an organised, multi-million-dollar criminal network that operated brazenly and believed it could stay one step ahead of law enforcement," said Mark Zito, special agent in charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Kansas City. The indictment, unsealed just before arraignments on July 23-24, charges all nine with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, operating illegal gambling businesses and conspiracy to launder money. Some are also accused of depositing or transferring over $10,000 in illegal funds in single transactions. "The federal indictment charges all nine defendants with one count each of participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and operating illegal gambling businesses from July 1, 2022, to May 13, 2025. In addition to the conspiracy counts, all nine defendants were charged with at least one count of wire fraud, and eight defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering," the document states. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) led the probe, working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security, Missouri State Patrol and local police departments. Modus operandi According to the indictment, the defendants ran illegal gambling businesses under the guise of internet amusement arcade games, skill game arcades and adult arcades. "Between April 24 and Aug 28, 2023, one of the defendants registered six businesses online with the Missouri Secretary of State: Big Win Arcade, LLC; Big Win Arcade 2023, LLC; Spin Hitters 1, LLC; Spin Hitters, LLC; Vegas City Arcade, LLC; and Vegas Arcade, LLC. The indictment alleges that the defendants then used these businesses to fraudulently apply for business licence applications filed with the cities of Springfield, Joplin, and Branson West, and to obtain utilities contracts, lease agreements and business incorporation documents filed with the State of Missouri," reads the document from the US Attorney's office. The defendants hired local employees to work in their businesses, which operated contests of chance, gambling devices and slot machines in violation of Missouri and federal law. Five of the defendants participated in WhatsApp group chats where they communicated about the operation of the illegal gambling arcades from May 31, 2023, to March 11, 2024. The indictment alleges that the defendants transported the proceeds from the illegal gambling locations to several states to promote the ongoing illegal activity. They hid the proceeds of their gambling ring by depositing them in various personal bank accounts within the US and India. Over $9.5 million in US currency was laundered by this organisation in a little over three years, the document states. What is Operation Take Back America This gambling bust was part of Operation Take Back America, a sweeping DOJ initiative to disrupt transnational criminal organisations. It unifies the resources of the OCDETF, Project 'Safe Neighbourhoods' and immigration enforcement bodies. Aimed at dismantling drug cartels, fraud networks and illegal enterprises, the operation combines aggressive prosecution with intelligence-led policing. "Today's charges reflect the dedication of law enforcement, especially in Springfield, Joplin and across Southwest Missouri — to hold those who violate the law accountable," said FBI special agent in charge Stephen Cyrus. The Gujarat-origin gambling ring was one of the largest arcade-based frauds discovered under this national effort. Details of the case - Suspected illegal immigration status among the nine accused - Fraudulent business licences obtained in Missouri cities - WhatsApp used for communication; cash moved between US and India - Charged with wire fraud, illegal gambling, money laundering, racketeering - Federal case under OCDETF & Operation Take Back America - US attorney's office, FBI, ICE, IRS and local police departments involved in crackdown
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Stock of banned e-cigarettes seized from flat in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad: A team from the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the City Crime Branch seized a stockpile of banned electronic smoking devices worth Rs 70,000 from a flat near Fatehwadi Road during a raid on Saturday evening. According to the FIR filed with the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) police, the operation was based on specific information received during patrolling by an SOG unit. The police were tipped off about the illegal storage and sale of electronic cigarettes from a flat on the fourth floor of a housing society block near Sarkhej. Acting on the input, a police team reached the premises and conducted a search in accordance with legal procedure. Inside the flat, officials found 20 units of e-cigarette devices of various flavours and designs, placed on a glass table. Cash amounting to Rs 1,800 was also recovered. On questioning, the individuals present failed to produce any legal documents or permits for the possession or sale of these devices, which are prohibited under Indian law due to their nicotine content. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad The recovered devices, valued at Rs 70,000, were sealed in transparent containers and officially documented in the presence of panch witnesses. The crime branch initiated further investigation under provisions concerning prohibited tobacco and nicotine products.
