Latest news with #Furtado
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Five guilty of stabbing Leonardo Reid, 15, to death in double murder during rap video shoot after teen mistook for rival
A VIOLENT criminal due to be deported nine years ago was yesterday convicted of a double murder. Jason Furtado, 28, was one of five men found guilty of murdering 15-year-old 10 15-year-old Leonardo Reid was stabbed to death after being mistaken for a rival gang member Credit: PA 10 Shekaj Slevi, 23, was also murdered in the horror on June 29, 2023 Credit: PA 10 The Home Office first tried to deport Portuguese national Furtado in February 2016 Credit: PA The victims were stabbed to death when It can now be revealed how the Home Office first tried to deport Portuguese national Furtado in February 2016 but he launched at least two appeals to avoid eviction from the UK. The prolific criminal carried on his crime spree while appealing his deportation notice, carrying out vicious robberies and almost killing four people. He was jailed for four years in 2017 after crashing a stolen car into a group of people outside an Islington pub, leaving three men and a woman with life-threatening injuries. Read More But even then, Furtado, whose parents are from Angolan and claimed asylum in the UK three months before he was born, still avoided deportation. An immigration appeal panel ruled he was entitled to the highest 'imperative' level of protection from deportation because he had been resident in the UK for more than 10 years. He and Kosovan co-defendant Lorik Lupqi, 21, were both on electronic tags when they took part in the June 2023 murders of Leonardo and Shekaj. Lupqi fled back to Kosovo after the attacks and was extradited to the UK in November last year. Most read in The Sun His brother Dior Lupqi is already serving a life sentence for an Islington gang murder. Dior was only 15 when he stabbed Nashon Esbrand, 27, to death in August 2017 and was given a minimum 12-year tariff. It can also be reported that a third defendant convicted yesterday, Abel Chunda, 29, has 97 previous convictions for offences including robbery, assault and possessing knives. Eden Clark, 31, and Xavier Poponne, 22, were also both convicted of two counts of murder. In addition, the infamous five were convicted of attempting to murder Abdulla Abdullahi, 28, who was also stabbed in the attack. The defendants - all from North London - had fought among themselves in the dock during the 15-week trial. 10 The victims were stabbed to death when Furtado's gang attacked a group of around 40 people watching a rape video shoot Credit: BPM 10 The horror unfolded on June 29, 2023 Credit: PA 10 Five men were found guilty of murder Credit: PA Detective Inspector Jim Barry of Specialist Crime North said 'These violent men went into this estate with the intention of killing anyone they could, under the false impression that those there were rival gang members. "This was a senseless, violent act which has shattered the lives of so many, especially Leonardo and Klevi's loved ones.' The horror double murder unfolded on Thursday, 29 June 2023. There had been a large gathering on the Elthorne estate to film a rap music video, the Met Police said. Lupqi, a gang member from Islington, spotted the group at around 8:30pm. He messaged his girlfriend stating that 'opps were outside.' She urged him to stay inside, but Lupqi decided to message his close friend and gang associate Jason Furtado. They planned to meet up with three other gang members and go to the Elthorne estate. When they arrived, most people had gone, but a couple of local youngsters were still kicking about. The gang thugs then fatally stabbed 15-year-old Leonardo Reid, who sadly died at the scene and 23-year-old Klevi Shekaj who died in hospital. They also stabbed another man, who was taken to hospital. Met Police's Specialist Crime Command launched a double murder and attempted murder investigation. Enquiries found the gang had contacted each other through 50 short phone calls in the two hours leading up to the attack. After the brutal stabbing, the four went to Abel Chunda's house and called organiser Furtado. Chuna and Furtado were arrested on July 3. Clarke had fled to the Suffolk coast and tried to disguise himself, but Met Officers located and detained him on July 12. Lupqi illegally travelled to Kosovo days after the murders and told his girlfriend not to wait for him. The force worked with the Kosovan authorities, the National Crime Agency as well as the CPS, to extradite him to the UK. Officers cuffed him at Luton Airport on 12 November 2024. After Poponne's arrest in November 2023, lyrics were found in a drill song written the day after the murders. The disgusting words had glorified the murders and made references to elements of the attack which could only be known to those involved. The lyrics highlighted how Leonardo and Klevi were not involved in gang criminality. Shortly after the murders, Poponne also changed his social media name to 'X3' referencing the number of people he had stabbed. The group denied murder throughout their trial. They all appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 23 July where they were all convicted of two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Detective Inspector Jim Barry added: 'Our team have remained focused on getting justice for those affected by this violent and unnecessary attack. 'This dangerous group of men will now spend a long time behind bars but the effect of what they did will be felt by the victim's shattered families for longer. 'I thank the members of the public who tried to help and save the lives of those injured and have assisted our team with enquiries. 'We will continue to tackle violent offenders and ensure that justice is bought for the safety of our communities.' Sentencing was adjourned until 25 September when they will face mandatory life sentences Detective Inspector Jim Barry of Specialist Crime North said 'These violent men went into this estate with the intention of killing anyone they could, under the false impression that those there were rival gang members. 'This was a senseless, violent act which has shattered the lives of so many, especially Leonardo and Klevi's loved ones.' 10 Lorik Lupqi, 21, took part in the murders Credit: PA 10 Xavier Poponne, 22, was convicted of two counts of murder Credit: PA 10 Eden Clark, 31, was also found guilty of two counts of murder Credit: PA 10 Abel Chunda, 29, has 97 previous convictions for offences including robbery, assault and possessing knives Credit: PA
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Five guilty of stabbing Leonardo Reid, 15, to death in double murder during rap video shoot after teen mistook for rival
The Home Office first tried to deport Portuguese national Furtado in February 2016 RAP MURDER Five guilty of stabbing Leonardo Reid, 15, to death in double murder during rap video shoot after teen mistook for rival Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A VIOLENT criminal due to be deported nine years ago was yesterday convicted of a double murder. Jason Furtado, 28, was one of five men found guilty of murdering 15-year-old Leonardo Reid and 23-year-old Shekaj Slevi after mistaking them as rival gang members. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 15-year-old Leonardo Reid was stabbed to death after being mistaken for a rival gang member Credit: PA 10 Shekaj Slevi, 23, was also murdered in the horror on June 29, 2023 Credit: PA 10 The Home Office first tried to deport Portuguese national Furtado in February 2016 Credit: PA The victims were stabbed to death when Furtado's gang attacked a group of around 40 people watching a rap video shoot on an estate in Islington, North London. It can now be revealed how the Home Office first tried to deport Portuguese national Furtado in February 2016 but he launched at least two appeals to avoid eviction from the UK. The prolific criminal carried on his crime spree while appealing his deportation notice, carrying out vicious robberies and almost killing four people. He was jailed for four years in 2017 after crashing a stolen car into a group of people outside an Islington pub, leaving three men and a woman with life-threatening injuries. But even then, Furtado, whose parents are from Angolan and claimed asylum in the UK three months before he was born, still avoided deportation. An immigration appeal panel ruled he was entitled to the highest 'imperative' level of protection from deportation because he had been resident in the UK for more than 10 years. He and Kosovan co-defendant Lorik Lupqi, 21, were both on electronic tags when they took part in the June 2023 murders of Leonardo and Shekaj. Lupqi fled back to Kosovo after the attacks and was extradited to the UK in November last year. His brother Dior Lupqi is already serving a life sentence for an Islington gang murder. Dior was only 15 when he stabbed Nashon Esbrand, 27, to death in August 2017 and was given a minimum 12-year tariff. It can also be reported that a third defendant convicted yesterday, Abel Chunda, 29, has 97 previous convictions for offences including robbery, assault and possessing knives. Eden Clark, 31, and Xavier Poponne, 22, were also both convicted of two counts of murder. In addition, the infamous five were convicted of attempting to murder Abdulla Abdullahi, 28, who was also stabbed in the attack. The defendants - all from North London - had fought among themselves in the dock during the 15-week trial. 10 The victims were stabbed to death when Furtado's gang attacked a group of around 40 people watching a rape video shoot Credit: BPM 10 The horror unfolded on June 29, 2023 Credit: PA 10 Five men were found guilty of murder Credit: PA Detective Inspector Jim Barry of Specialist Crime North said 'These violent men went into this estate with the intention of killing anyone they could, under the false impression that those there were rival gang members. "This was a senseless, violent act which has shattered the lives of so many, especially Leonardo and Klevi's loved ones.' The horror double murder unfolded on Thursday, 29 June 2023. There had been a large gathering on the Elthorne estate to film a rap music video, the Met Police said. Lupqi, a gang member from Islington, spotted the group at around 8:30pm. He messaged his girlfriend stating that 'opps were outside.' She urged him to stay inside, but Lupqi decided to message his close friend and gang associate Jason Furtado. They planned to meet up with three other gang members and go to the Elthorne estate. When they arrived, most people had gone, but a couple of local youngsters were still kicking about. The gang thugs then fatally stabbed 15-year-old Leonardo Reid, who sadly died at the scene and 23-year-old Klevi Shekaj who died in hospital. They also stabbed another man, who was taken to hospital. Met Police's Specialist Crime Command launched a double murder and attempted murder investigation. Enquiries found the gang had contacted each other through 50 short phone calls in the two hours leading up to the attack. After the brutal stabbing, the four went to Abel Chunda's house and called organiser Furtado. Chuna and Furtado were arrested on July 3. Clarke had fled to the Suffolk coast and tried to disguise himself, but Met Officers located and detained him on July 12. Lupqi illegally travelled to Kosovo days after the murders and told his girlfriend not to wait for him. The force worked with the Kosovan authorities, the National Crime Agency as well as the CPS, to extradite him to the UK. Officers cuffed him at Luton Airport on 12 November 2024. After Poponne's arrest in November 2023, lyrics were found in a drill song written the day after the murders. The disgusting words had glorified the murders and made references to elements of the attack which could only be known to those involved. The lyrics highlighted how Leonardo and Klevi were not involved in gang criminality. Shortly after the murders, Poponne also changed his social media name to 'X3' referencing the number of people he had stabbed. The group denied murder throughout their trial. They all appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 23 July where they were all convicted of two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Detective Inspector Jim Barry added: 'Our team have remained focused on getting justice for those affected by this violent and unnecessary attack. 'This dangerous group of men will now spend a long time behind bars but the effect of what they did will be felt by the victim's shattered families for longer. 'I thank the members of the public who tried to help and save the lives of those injured and have assisted our team with enquiries. 'We will continue to tackle violent offenders and ensure that justice is bought for the safety of our communities.' Sentencing was adjourned until 25 September when they will face mandatory life sentences Detective Inspector Jim Barry of Specialist Crime North said 'These violent men went into this estate with the intention of killing anyone they could, under the false impression that those there were rival gang members. 'This was a senseless, violent act which has shattered the lives of so many, especially Leonardo and Klevi's loved ones.' 10 Lorik Lupqi, 21, took part in the murders Credit: PA 10 Xavier Poponne, 22, was convicted of two counts of murder Credit: PA 10 Eden Clark, 31, was also found guilty of two counts of murder Credit: PA
Hamilton Spectator
20-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
A growing number of Canadians are using AI for financial planning. Here's what to watch out for
Daniela Furtado is a self-described 'ChatGPT-aholic.' As the busy founder of a Toronto-based marketing agency, Furtado relies heavily on the generative artificial intelligence platform to summarize conversations with clients or partners. 'My job puts me in a position where I'm constantly giving people direction and feedback,' say Furtado, 'so it feels like I've learned the skill of prompting years ago and I'm just using this now for budgeting and investing.' Furtado is part of a growing army of Canadians who aren't just using AI to decipher a confusing text message or whip up a dinner recipe from a few simple ingredients, but to help them manage their finances and investments. According to a 2024 poll from BMO, among the 33 per cent of Canadians who reported using AI to manage their money, some of the most common uses for the technology included learning more about personal finance topics, creating and updating household budgets or financial plans, finding new investment strategies and building savings. Rising yields on the fixed-income investment are making them more attractive these days as stock AI tools can help you lay the foundation for the necessary planning habits, says Anthony Tintinalli, head of specialized sales at BMO. 'AI is really good at giving you information, but it's not good at sort of balancing the emotional component when it comes to your finances.' Experts agree that while AI can be helpful if you already have a basic knowledge of financial topics, AI assistants and chatbots often lack the nuance needed to make personalized decisions around how you spend your money and work towards specific goals. 'If you're coming in with little knowledge, then I think you might not even know what the right questions to ask are,' says Josh Sheluk, a portfolio manager and chief investment officer at Verecan Capital Management. In Furtado's case, she was instilled with good financial habits from a young age. Now, as a business owner, she works with a CPA and financial adviser to set and plan financial goals for her company, as well as herself. When Furtado started exploring the idea of an investment property, she first consulted financial experts to determine how large a mortgage she could afford. Using this information, she used ChatGPT to refine her search for a location using specific criteria, which included proximity to water and within a three-hour driving distance from Toronto. 'The conversation didn't start and end with ChatGPT,' says Furtado. 'It started and ended with professionals, people that are experienced.' On the budgeting side, Furtado uploads a spreadsheet of her expenses to ChatGPT to track her spending. The key, she says, is to feed the tool the right data, and then ask follow-up questions as if you were talking to a friend or colleague. 'I'll be like 'give me percentages of how much I spent on different things, tell me how much I spent on going out versus groceries, do you notice any trends?'' The questions can get specific. 'I could say, 'If I want to save X amount of money going forward, where do you think realistically I should cut back my spending to reach that goal?'' Tintinalli cautions that it's important you're not sharing personal information outside of a firewall for privacy reasons. While not everybody will be comfortable feeding their data to a chatbot, says Furtado, using AI to help her track spending gives her more control over the type of analysis she's looking for. AI assistants often lack historical context that a financial adviser or professional would gauge. As a financial advisor, Sheluk asks his clients a series of questions to unearth more information about their financial situation and their priorities. He also learns about his client's level of knowledge in budgeting or investing before offering them solutions. When he experimented with ChatGPT and described an individual as having minimal knowledge in finance, the tool began offering solutions right off the bat. Consumer advocate and auto writer Lorraine Sommerfeld recommends buying from a dealer registered 'At least in my experience, bombarding clients with a whole bunch of different items to tackle is not going to be an effective way for that individual to make any progress whatsoever,' says Sheluk. When it comes to financial advice, the personal touch is still crucial. 'Remember, AI is going to answer a question that you have,' says Tintinalli. 'I think it's important to meet with an adviser or a financial planner when it comes to sort of help balancing what your priorities are and what you are emotionally attached to, and how do you balance the values that you as an individual have versus the question that you're asking.'
Campaign ME
14-07-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Merck appoints Ricola Furtado as Head of Communications and Policy
Merck, a German-headquartered science and technology company, has appointed Ricola Furtado as Head of Communications and Policy for its Gulf cluster. The appointment aims to support Merck's commitment to advancing a more strategic, integrated approach to communications and public affairs in the region. The company said it was seeking a leader with a proven track record in building high-performing communications functions, enhancing visibility and reputation, and fostering meaningful engagement with diverse healthcare stakeholders across the Gulf's dynamic and evolving landscape. With more than 15 years of experiences in strategic communications, operations, and stakeholder engagement across the Middle East, Furtado seemed the perfect fit. 'Ricola's appointment marks an important step in strengthening our communications and policy function at Merck,' said Sarrah Barakat, Director of Government & Public Affairs, Market Access & Pricing, Tenders and Communications – Gulf, Merck. 'She brings a strategic lens and regional expertise at a time when purposeful engagement, visibility, and reputation are more critical than ever.' As Head of Communications and Policy for Merck, Furtado is responsible for shaping and executing an integrated communications strategy across the Gulf region. Her role spans external and internal communications, media relations, advocacy, and policy initiatives, carried out in close collaboration with cross-functional teams and local franchises such as Cardiometabolic Diseases & Endocrinology, Oncology, Neurology, and Fertility. Furtado also serves as the regional communications partner within Merck's Global Communications & Policy network, helping ensure alignment, knowledge sharing, and consistency between global objectives and local execution. 'It's a privilege to join Merck and contribute to the company's mission of advancing science for the benefit of patients and communities,' said Furtado on her appointment. 'The Gulf region presents significant opportunity, and I look forward to shaping a strong, strategic voice for Merck that resonates with stakeholders, and reinforces our leadership in healthcare.' Before joining Merck, she served as Global Director of Creative Operations at Incubeta, where she led cross-market delivery teams and partnered closely with global C-suite leaders. Prior to that, she was Head of Operations for Edelman Middle East, overseeing resource management, project management, and business development, while also driving corporate communications programs for clients across a broad range of sectors. 'This blend of industry depth, regional expertise, and operational leadership enables me to contribute meaningfully in my current role,' Furtado concluded.
CBC
02-05-2025
- General
- CBC
B.C. marking day of mourning for victims of Lapu-Lapu Day festival tragedy
Social Sharing Events are taking place across British Columbia to remember those who died in the Lapu-Lapu Day festival tragedy in East Vancouver on Saturday evening. The B.C. government has declared Friday an official day of remembrance and mourning for the victims of the tragedy, which saw 11 people killed and dozens more injured when the driver of an SUV rammed into the crowd at a Filipino street festival. Community groups, in particular the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver, have plans to mark the occasion. The public can sign a book of condolences in the main lobby of Vancouver City Hall starting Friday through to May 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also share a message of condolence online. The public is also welcome to sign a book of condolences at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria. Matthew Furtado, director of communications for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver, says several Catholic parishes will host memorial masses and prayer vigils to honour those lost in the tragedy. "In our faith tradition, we really understand the importance of coming together in times of grief, in times of end of life, in times of sickness," Furtado told CBC News. "A memorial mass in the Catholic tradition is not just a time to look behind, but also a time to look ahead, that we believe in eternal life." Archbishop J. Michael Miller will lead a memorial mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver at 5 p.m. Friday for people directly affected by the tragedy. CBC News will livestream the mass. St. Mary's Parish in East Vancouver is also holding a candlelight prayer vigil and pilgrimage to the site of the tragedy, starting at 4 p.m. Friday. Other memorial masses in B.C. include: Friday St. Andrew's Cathedral, Victoria, 7:30 p.m. Saturday Immaculate Conception Parish, Delta, 9 a.m. St. Andrew's Parish, Vancouver, 11:30 a.m. St. Joseph's Parish, Langley, 6:15 p.m. Monday St. Francis de Sales Parish, Burnaby, 6 p.m. Furtado says Archbishop Miller has called for a collection to be taken up this weekend at all Catholic parishes in support of the families and survivors of the tragedy. Candlelight vigils will also take place at the Chilliwack Central Community Park on Friday at 7 p.m., and Langara College on Sunday at 7 p.m. A 30-year-old, Adam Kai-Ji Lo, faces eight counts of second-degree murder in connection to the crash, although police have said more charges may come as their investigation continues.
