Latest news with #Haji
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Gang lures barber to London with honey trap to steal £500,000 in crypto
A gang lured a Belgian barber to London with a honey trap and threatened him with a machete, mistakenly thinking he had £500,000 in cryptocurrency. Quentin Cepeljac, who is known for cutting professional footballers' hair, was held captive at an Airbnb in west London for nine hours, while they attempted to exhort the money. When they realised he didn't have much in his crypto accounts, they forced him to give them £2,000 out of his current account and hand over £300 cash. Those involved in the failed robbery, Adlan Haji, 28, Alexander Khalil, 30, and Omar Sharif, 24 and Belgian Davina Raaymakers, 20, pleaded guilty to blackmail on Friday and face custodial sentences. Raaymakers, 20, identified Mr Cepeljac as a 'useful target' on TikTok, and spent a number of months messaging him, before asking him to stay with her in London for the weekend. Nicholas Dunham, KC, prosecuting, said Mr Cepeljac turned up at an Airbnb in Shepherd's Bush believing it was Raaymakers's family home. Instead he was met by Haji, Khalil and Sharif, who punched and kicked him,demanding the £500,000 from his cryptocurrency account, Isleworth Crown Court heard. Mr Cepeljac was put in an en-suite bathroom where Haji held a 'large machete' to his throat. 'Weapons were brandished during the incident,' said Mr Dunham. 'Mr Haji held a knife to his throat, while the other two defendants held a large knife to his leg, and told Mr Cepeljac they were going to stab him. 'Mr Cepeljac was later pushed onto the floor, where Mr Haji held a machete to his throat again. 'Mr Khalil told Mr Haji to stab the Mr Cepeljac if he left the bathroom in the en suite bathroom. '£500,000 in crypto currency was initially demanded. Clearly the assailants knew Mr Cepeljac had a lot of crypto currency. 'Mr Cepeljac was in a vulnerable situation because he was in the UK and did not know anyone. 'He was effectively detained for nine hours. 'All the valuable property he had was stolen in the incident, and his Cartier glasses and his Louis Vuitton wallet was taken.' After making him transfer the £2,000 they demanded he call a friend in Belgium to get more money but the friend reported the call to Belgian police, who alerted officers in the UK. When Mr Cepeljac was of no more use to the gang, they sent him in a taxi back to St Pancras to take a Eurostar home. Police spotted him in the departure lounge and he revealed to officers what happened, before leading them to the now deserted flat where he had been held. Raaymakers later called Mr Capeljac 'discouraging him from talking to police or contacting the Belgium authorities.' Mr Cepeljac was told by the defendants that they knew where he lived, and that people would turn up to his house if he spoke to the police, said Mr Dunham. Through CCTV footage, phone data and tracing who had booked the Airbnb, officers tracked down the culprits three months later, on August 15 last year. In his impact statement, that was read to the court, Mr Cepeljac said: 'The incident was very traumatic. At the time I just wanted to get home back to Belgium. It was only after I got home when I realised what had happened. 'I was intimidated with large knifes, and I was kicked and shoved. I only had bruises on my body, but it impacted me mentally. 'In December 2024, I was recommended by my doctor to seek psychiatric help. I have had flashbacks.' Mr Cepeljac said he struggles with sleeping, especially when he remembers being 'in that room with knives and what they did to me'. He added: 'I am more anxious and stressed then I was before. I struggled initially to trust people, and I now have trust issues, especially after receiving the messages from people pretending to be the police after the incident. 'The men who threatened me said they knew where I lived back in Belgium. I am now very nervous when i answer the front door. My parents are also weary… They have been supportive, but are also shaken by what happened. 'I am very nervous when coming off the Eurostar in London. I have considered never coming back to London.' He said he has had to cancel many of his hairdressing appointments, which has hurt his income and damaged his business. He added: 'I was extremely worried about travelling to London and seeing these people in court. 'Not only did I not want to see them, I also feared that there could be repercussions if I stood against them in court. More Trending 'I don't want to put myself or my parents in any further danger.' Khalil, from Watford, Sharif, of Brent, Haji, of Ilford, and Raaymakers, of North Acton, denied charges of kidnap and false imprisonment, which were ordered to lie on file. The judge, Recorder Nicola Shannon remanded the defendants in custody ahead of sentence on September 5. She told them: 'This is clearly going to be a custodial sentence of some length.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Man guilty of murdering couple before dumping remains near Clifton Suspension Bridge MORE: Major disruption at London Waterloo to last well beyond afternoon rush hour MORE: 'Nightmare' Neighbour fined for rat infested garden in Melton Mowbray
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Time of India
Youth held for sexually assaulting girl in Bengaluru house
Bengaluru: A 20-year-old youth was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl in his north Bengaluru residence. The accused is Mohammed Haji S, who works as an assistant at a provision store. A woman approached police Wednesday, accusing Haji of sexually assaulting her niece. "My niece was playing when he took her to his house and sexually assaulted her. When I returned home in the evening, the girl narrated the ordeal to me," the woman said in her complaint. Police registered a case against Haji under Section 9 (aggravated sexual assault) and Section 10 (punishment for aggravated sexual assault) of Pocso Act . Haji is in judicial custody now. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru
Business Insider
03-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Kenya turns to Israel for Sh3.4 billion missile defense deal
Kenya is set to receive a Sh3.4 billion loan from Israel to finance the acquisition of a modern missile defense system, in a move aimed at bolstering the country's air security amid escalating regional terror threats. Kenya will receive a Sh3.4 billion loan from Israel to enhance its missile defense system. The SPYDER system, developed by Israel, is the primary focus of this equipment upgrade, providing mobile aerial threat interception capabilities. This partnership aligns with Kenya's strategic push to modernize its military amid increasing regional security challenges. The funding will support the procurement of advanced military hardware, including repayment of part of a previous Sh1 billion loan used to acquire the air defense system. Disbursement to the Ministry of defense is expected in July 2025. An update from Kenya's Treasury also notes that the Sh3.4 billion loan from Israel will cover nearly 70% of the Defense Ministry's development budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year as per Business Daily Africa According to a report by Eastleigh Voice, the latest funding round will enable the continued deployment of the SPYDER system, a high-tech, mobile surface-to-air missile system developed by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries. The system is capable of intercepting a range of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, helicopters, and guided munitions. The loan agreement marks a significant step in Kenya's push to modernize its military capabilities in response to mounting security challenges across the Horn of Africa and beyond. Kenya's National Intelligence Service Director-General, Noordin Haji recently raised alarm over the growing threat posed by extremist groups operating in and around East Africa. ' As part of this expansion, ISIS and Al-Shabaab have been collaborating with the Houthis, gaining access to advanced weaponry and sophisticated training, ' Haji warned. ' The spillover effects are now being felt in Africa, making the continent an emerging epicenter of terrorism. ' Kenya's preference for Israeli military hardware While the United States and Turkey remain Kenya's primary suppliers of military equipment, including helicopters, armored vehicles, and drones, Israel is emerging as a trusted partner for advanced air defense systems. Kenya and Israel have maintained a decade-old military cooperation pact, first signed in 2011. The domestic security agreement has enabled collaboration in key areas, including counter-terrorism, crime prevention, and efforts to curb drug smuggling. Over the years, this partnership has deepened, particularly in the realm of defense technology and tactical support.
BusinessToday
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BusinessToday
Rainforest Festival Brings the World Together – and Back Again in 2026
YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak officially launched the Alunan Tukang Artisan Zone The 28th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) came to a rousing close on 22 June 2025 with a powerful performance by Sarawak's own At Adau. Their emotionally charged set brought the three-day celebration full circle, closing a festival that championed rhythm, resilience, and a shared global purpose. Held at the Sarawak Cultural Village near Kuching, the 2025 edition of RWMF welcomed music lovers, cultural advocates, and environmentally conscious travellers under the theme 'Connections: One Earth, One Love.' A significant moment came on the festival's second day when YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak's Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, officially launched the event. His walkabout included visits to festival partners, the Green Ruai environmental hub, and the Alunan Tukang Artisan Zone. The Minister's symbolic placement of the final eco-brick in a sculpture underlined Sarawak's commitment to circular sustainability and empowering local communities. Sustainability was at the heart of RWMF 2025, embedded in every aspect of the festival experience. From waste segregation systems and bring-your-own-bottle water refill stations to solar-powered lighting and innovative composting technology, the event demonstrated what a climate-smart festival can be. YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak presenting the certificate of appreciation to Miri Secondhand Dealers and Recyclers Association representative as Partners of Green Ruai. The Green Ruai featured WWF's wildlife conservation efforts, PATA's carbon tracking booth, and practical recycling education led by the Miri Secondhand Dealers and Recyclers Association, making environmental awareness accessible and engaging. 'This year's theme — 'Connections: One Earth, One Love' — was more than a slogan. It came to life in every corner of the festival,' said Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board. 'We brought together generations, cultures, and values. We made room for performance and purpose. RWMF 2025 reminded us that meaningful tourism is not about transactions, it's about transformation.' Musically, RWMF 2025 delivered unforgettable performances. Siberian Indigenous group Otyken opened the festival with their Malaysian debut, setting a powerful tone. Day two featured the iconic Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, energising the crowd beneath the rainforest canopy. The closing act by At Adau stirred pride and unity, bringing the festival's journey full circle with a deeply emotional performance. In addition to the music, the festival welcomed participants from the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS), a three-day gathering of young climate leaders from across ASEAN. More than 22,000 attendees were recorded over the three days, with a noticeable rise in family participation. From hands-on cultural workshops to eco-learning zones, the festival's growing multigenerational appeal reaffirmed its evolution into an inclusive space for music, education, and meaningful connection. Looking ahead, the Rainforest World Music Festival is set to return from June 26 – 28, 2026. With its unique blend of world music, sustainability, and cultural exchange, RWMF continues to stand out as a global showcase of how responsible tourism can create lasting legacies. Related
New Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
UK lenders report surprise rise in mortgages in May, consumer lending cools
LONDON: The number of mortgages approved by British lenders for house purchases unexpectedly jumped in May, according to Bank of England data that suggested the housing market recovered quickly from the end of a tax break for homebuyers in April. Mortgage approvals rose to 63,032 in May from 60,656 the month before, and confounding the median forecast in a Reuters poll of economists for a fall to 59,750. "The gradual easing of interest rates could be helping to boost confidence and demand amongst mortgage borrowers," Karim Haji, global and UK head of financial services at accountants KPMG, said. Britain's housing market slowed in April after the expiry of a tax incentive for some homebuyers. The BoE's data published on Monday showed approvals for people looking to re-mortgage rose by the most in May since February 2024 in May. Net mortgage lending - which reflects completed house purchases - rose by a net 2.054 billion pounds compared with a fall of almost 800 million pounds in April. The BoE data showed unsecured consumer borrowing rose by slightly less than expected, potentially signalling a recovery in spending power. In cash terms, consumer credit increased by a net 0.86 billion pounds (US$1.18 billion) in May from 1.94 billion pounds in April - below the Reuters poll consensus for a 1.05 billion-pound rise. "The cost of living remains high, but a drop in consumer borrowing in May signals that rising incomes are starting to feed through to the cost of day-to-day expenses," Haji added. The BoE held interest rates at 4.25 per cent earlier this month, and investors are betting that the central bank will reduce borrowing costs in two further quarter-point moves to 3.75 per cent by the end of the year.
