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IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Outrage erupts over U. S. deportation of violent criminals to eSwatini
The government has denied the involvement of King Mswati in the deportation of hardened criminals from the U.S. to South Africa's neighbour. Image: Supplied/Eswatini Government U.S. President Donald Trump's administration's decision to send five dangerous hardened criminals to eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) has sparked outrage in the neighbouring country and fears that they may end up in South Africa. The Trump administration announced over a week ago that it would be sending the men who are illegal immigrants from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen and Cuba convicted of child rape, murder, burglary, and being gang members and whose countries refuse to take them back. This week, the eSwatini Women's Movement has raised concerns about whether the five individuals informed of their removal and given access to consular support from their home countries as this is a fundamental right of anyone detained or deported across international borders. It demanded to know who within the eSwatini government authorised the acceptance of these individuals and the legal basis and if they were detained in line with a valid detention warrant or a certificate of detention as prescribed by the Immigration Act. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ "If there is no such legal basis, under what authority are they currently being held? Any alternative basis for detention may contravene the Correctional Services Act No. 13 of 2017 and risks undermining the rule of law in eSwatini," the movement said. In addition, it wants to know how much has been paid to the government of eSwatini to support the stay of the five deported individuals and the plan after the conclusion of their sentences. The Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN), which mobilises exiled emaSwati, has urged the country's citizens at home and in the diaspora to fight what it described as a shameful arrangement. The SSN said emaSwati must organise, mobilise and protest against the decision and make it clear to their government that their country is not for sale nor is it an American prison. According to the network, the U.S. homeland security department has stated that the convicted criminals must be removed so that they can never hurt another American victim, which by implication means they must now hurt emaSwati. "This is a deliberate act of collusion by two corrupt governments to dump America's most violent criminals in one of the world's poorest nations. And the (King) Mswati-led Tinkhundla (eSwatini local government administrative division) regime quietly agreed without consulting the nation or informing its own rubberstamp Parliament," the SSN said. It called on emaSwati to demand answers on whether this is a paid-for deal or a political favour, the terms and conditions. "This is an act of betrayal and is proof once again that the Tinkhundla regime does not prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the Swazi people. It has not only auctioned off national sovereignty but it has turned Swaziland into a dumping ground for foreign governments looking to offload hardened criminals," the network complained. Other organisations – the Swaziland Litigation Centre, the Swaziland Rural Women's Assembly and the Southern Africa Litigation Centre – said in a 2024 report on human rights practices in eSwatini, the U.S. noted that prisons were overcrowded, constituting inhumane treatment and that there were reports of torture. They are demanding that the eSwatini government commit to not accepting inmates from third countries. "The eSwatini Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration and international bodies, as official visitors under section 122 of the Correctional Services Act, visit the individuals to establish the facts surrounding their detention and their detention conditions. "The international bodies should include the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, which is currently conducting an official visit in eSwatini, and the International Committee of the Red Cross in Pretoria," the organisations demanded. Additionally, they want the government to clarify the legal and factual basis on which the five individuals were accepted into eSwatini and for their countries' consulates urgently arrange for consular services to ensure that they obtain legal representation. The eSwatini government has denied King Mswati's involvement in the prisoners' deportation while the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa did not respond to questions on Saturday.
Time Business News
24-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How to buy a verified chime bank accounts?
Traditional banking is no longer appropriate for many people in today's fast-paced, digital-first environment. Consumers are actively looking for modern, hassle-free banking options, including mobile-first solutions, early direct deposits, no hidden fees, and real-time transaction details. Chime stands out among neobanks that provide these same benefits. However, for many new users or entrepreneurs, one concern frequently arises: how can you obtain a confirmed Chime bank account the proper way? Whether you're starting an online business, managing remote income, or simply tired of outmoded bank systems, this guide will lead you through the easiest and safest ways to open a verified Chime account without jeopardizing your identity or finances. Chime is a financial technology company in the U.S. that works with The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank, N.A., to provide banking services. Chime is not technically a bank; instead, it is a fintech platform that offers simple banking through its mobile app. Because of its simplicity and transparency, Chime is an ideal solution for freelancers, gig workers, online business owners, and digital nomads who need reliable banking on the go. No monthly fees No overdraft fees (up to a limit) Early direct deposit (get paid up to 2 days early) Real-time transaction alerts Fee-free ATM access This process guarantees that Chime conforms with federal banking requirements (such as Know Your Customer, or KYC) and helps to avoid fraud or abuse of banking services. To use all Chime account features, including direct deposit, mobile check deposit, and full account control, you must first verify your account. This entails establishing your identification using the required legal documents, such as your: Full legal name U.S. residential address Social Security Number (SSN) Once approved, you buy a verified Chime bank account, routing number, and debit card, which arrive within 5–10 business days. There are two safe and reliable ways to get a verified Chime bank account: This is the most direct and safest route: Visit Chime's official website or download their mobile app. Sign up using your real name and U.S. address. Provide your SSN for verification (Chime uses it only to verify identity and not for a credit check). Wait for approval, which usually happens within minutes. Just make sure to read their customer support and FAQs before ordering to verify you're getting the proper account for you. If you are not proficient in technology, live outside the United States, or need a pre-made certified Chime account for business activities, you can choose reputable digital solution providers such as PVAVCC. They offer verified digital banking accounts, including Chime, to streamline your setup process. Their verified Chime accounts are: Fully legal and secure Ready for instant use Tested to ensure login and mobile app compatibility Ideal for e-commerce, digital transactions, and freelancing Although it can be convenient to purchase or buy verified Chime accounts from a third party, be on the lookout for: Scam sites that offer cheap verified accounts without verification Sellers soliciting suspicious personal information Fake apps or phishing attempts dressed up like Chime That's why it's better to use a reputable and transparent provider such as Truthy Agency, which provides a clear explanation of its process and safe transactions. If you fall into any of these categories, getting a verified Chime account can elevate how you handle your daily finances. Verified Chime accounts are ideal for: Remote freelancers and gig workers : Quick, fee-free payments : Quick, fee-free payments Online business owners : Easy withdrawals and cash flow monitoring : Easy withdrawals and cash flow monitoring Resellers and digital marketers : Linking accounts to platforms like PayPal, Shopify, or Zelle : Linking accounts to platforms like PayPal, Shopify, or Zelle Crypto traders and affiliate marketers : Clean bank trail and mobile-first access : Clean bank trail and mobile-first access Non-residents with U.S.-based transactions: U.S. banking features with mobile access For U.S. residents, the simplest option is verifying your own Chime account, while PVAVCC is recommended for those needing verified accounts outside the U.S. for business purposes or digital marketing, as it is quicker and safer. That service outranks others by offering: 100% Verified, ready-to-use Chime accounts Safe transactions Fast delivery Excellent customer support They prove to be one of the most reliable platforms for purchasing digital banking solutions for these reasons. Sources Chime Official Website—to learn about their services and account features. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—To understand your rights when opening or using digital banking services. PVAVCC—Trusted platform offering verified Chime and other US digital bank accounts. Chime is redefining how people experience banking by eliminating hidden fees, offering real-time notifications, and providing early paycheck access. It's built for the digital generation—those who value speed, flexibility, and financial transparency. You can always open a Chime account yourself if you're a U.S. resident, but for those looking for a faster solution or facing location barriers, using a trusted provider like PVAVCC can be a smart move. Their secure process, fast delivery, and responsive customer service make it easy to get started without stress. In the digital age, access to modern financial tools like Chime is essential. Don't fall behind. Take control of your finances today and choose a verified Chime account that fits your lifestyle. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
RNZ News
21-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Several Silver Ferns likely to test new eligibility policy
The Silver Ferns beat Australia in October's Constellation Cup. Photo: Marty Melville Analysis - Top Silver Ferns will be keen to test Netball New Zealand's new eligibility framework , with at least half a dozen likely being chased by coaches in Australia's netball league. The Netball New Zealand Board has updated its Silver Ferns' eligibility criteria, paving the way for greater flexibility for athletes who wish to play overseas. Pressure has been mounting on the national body to relax its rules after shooter Grace Nweke decided to compete in the Australian league , which ruled her out of playing for the Silver Ferns this year. But athletes will now be considered for Silver Ferns' selection through a formal exemption process under revised criteria, which appear to be open to interpretation. There are no guarantees that Nweke will get an exemption to play for the Silver Ferns later this year when they meet South Africa and Australian in separate test series. But Netball New Zealand Board chair Matt Whineray said a holistic approach will be taken when considering each case. It would not be surprising if Silver Ferns Kate Heffernan, Maddy Gordon, Kelly Jackson, and Karin Burger are being pursued, as well as captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio. Maddy Gordon. Photo: PHOTOSPORT The Queensland Firebirds, who are coached by New Zealander Kiri Wills, finished with the wooden spoon in this year's Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) competition. Wills will be eager to make some big recruitment moves in the next few weeks. Whineray said it had taken the board some time to review the policy as it worked through "different interests across the system", including the thoughts of the Silver Ferns' coach. The old policy was designed to encourage the country's top netballers to play in the New Zealand domestic league, so it remained strong. "What we are trying to do is balance a bunch of interests here so how do we maintain the integrity of that domestic competition, how do we respond to the aspirations and development desires of our Silver Ferns and how do we think about putting the best Silver Ferns team out on the court, so it's a culmination of all those things that we are looking to balance," Whineray said The increasingly global landscape in elite netball also factored into the decision. The Australian league attracts some of the best players in the world. England's Super League is also going from strength to strength. "This recognises that global competition for talent and that's what you see is driving some of those interested players to play in these other competitions." Australia's SSN competition pays the best. Currently the highest paid Silver Ferns can earn around $136,000, which also includes their ANZ Premiership retainer. If you take away the ANZ Premiership component then the optimum earnings for the highest paid Silver Ferns is in the vicinity of $70,000. RNZ understands that international defenders can earn around NZ$120,000 in the SSN, while midcourters are signed for about $100,000. If players are given exemptions, overall they would be better off financially once they received an SSN and Silver Ferns retainer, where they could make as much as $190,000 per year. In terms of any specific criteria, Whineray said number of Test caps won't come into it. "No there isn't and there hasn't been in the past, I know that was the narrative that it was 100, that just happened to be the number of Tests previous players who had received exemptions, had played. "What this criteria does is allow us to make sure the players fully understand the decisions they are making, it allows us to have the conversations with them in terms of their growth and development and their existing Silver Ferns' development plans. "It allows us to consider the needs of that high performance system and then thinks about how we think about the strong and sustainable domestic competition. So we've got all of those in the mix and the balance of those so it's a broader range of criteria - before there were none, there were no explicit considerations and now we've got them." Talented goal keep Kelly Jackson. Photo: PHOTOSPORT Whineray said the process for applying for an exemption will be handled quickly so players can make decisions about where they will play next year, with the season about to wrap. "We'll be very responsive with this process, we need this process to happen in a way which enables contracting to happen so our approach is to be quick in response to any of the players and we will start having those discussions and then we will consider them as a board." Silver Ferns' coach Dame Noeline Taurua has supported Nweke's decision to play in Australia in an effort to improve her game. Dame Noeline has spoken about the need for New Zealand's top players to get more international exposure if they want to be competitive. Netball New Zealand is still working on signing off on a broadcast deal for the 2026 domestic competition. There is a risk players will have to take pay cuts if the national body can't get a deal similar to previous years. But Whineray said that was not a factor in relaxing the eligibility rules. "It isn't a factor in this, this has been under consideration for a little bit longer but what I can say in relation to the ANZ Premiership next year is that that will be going ahead, we have the balance sheet capacity to make that happen so that's what we are planning to do." Grace Nweke joined the Swifts this year in Australia. Photo: Jason McCawley / Getty Images Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Forbes
The Long Tail Of Identity Theft: What I Learned After Being Doxxed
Fraud case news headline in newspaper I study fraud and cybercrime for a living. Then I became a case study. I've spent years as part of the fraud-fighting community, publishing academic research, sharing insights almost daily on LinkedIn, and speaking at conferences around the country. While much of my work to educate and raise awareness has been embraced, not everyone is a fan. In 2022, after I publicly reported on the alarming rise of check fraud in the U.S. and spoke with several major media outlets, I became a target. The first text message arrived around 7 a.m. I initially dismissed it. But the second message was far more explicit and wasn't just a vague threat—it was personal. My full Social Security number, home address, and a direct warning: 'got your addy, know where all y'all live. stop looking into the check fraud or your credit going low. Screenshots of first (left) and second threatening text messages received on my personal cell Concerned for my safety, my university immediately assigned a campus police officer to accompany me wherever I went. While this measure helped deflect any potential physical threats, something more insidious was already in motion. The same criminal actor who threatened me via text had posted my full identity—name, SSN, DOB, address, even my credit report—to one of the underground fraud forums my team had been monitoring. While this exposure was deeply unsettling, it also presented a rare and valuable opportunity: for the first time, I could observe, up close and in real time, how quickly leaked identity data gets exploited by fraudsters. Why it's So Hard to Link Data Exposure to Fraud Most leaked personal data, whether stolen from breaches, checks, phishing attacks or malware, circulates through opaque and decentralized criminal networks. The data is often sold or shared in encrypted Telegram groups, invite-only forums, or dark web marketplaces with no clear timestamps. Because of this, researchers rarely know when an identity was first listed for sale or accessed by bad actors. On the other end, when that identity is eventually used to commit fraud—say, to open a bank account or apply for credit—it might not be detected for weeks or even months, if at all. Even if you know when an identity was leaked, matching it to a fraud attempt is nearly impossible. Institutions (financial firms, credit bureaus, government agencies, and public databases) operate in silos. There is no centralized system to link the moment of exposure to the moment of exploitation. Without visibility into the dark web and cross-platform monitoring, it's nearly impossible to draw a clear, causal line between when an identity is posted for sale and when it's exploited. To complicate matters further, linking a fraud attempt to a specific leak often requires access to sensitive internal records—such as KYC data or transaction logs—that are protected by privacy laws and corporate policies. The result is a murky, delayed, and ethically constrained landscape, where timelines are incomplete and attribution is uncertain. Unless the identity in question happens to be your own. A Front-Row Seat to Fraud: The First 96 Hours At exactly 9:56 a.m. on March 29, 2022 — minutes after receiving the second threatening message — my personal information was leaked to a Telegram fraud group: full name, address, SSN, date of birth, and even a PDF of my credit report. I began searching online fraud markets to see if my information had been posted. I found it almost immediately. I alerted my identity theft protection provider, then sat and waited. Within a couple of days alerts started arriving. These alerts suggested that by March 30 — less than 24 hours after the leak of my identity — fraudsters had used my identity to attempt to open accounts at multiple financial institutions, as well as pull my credit report. Working with a victim specialist, we carefully reviewed the suspicious activity and flagged each questionable inquiry. In total, 10 alerts arrived within that first day. I also requested my ChexSystems report to track any new bank accounts opened in my name (ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that tracks deposit accounts across U.S. financial institutions). When that report arrived, it showed six fraudulent accounts had been opened within four days of the leak. Screenshot of my personal identifiers as appeared on the First Telegram Group Which Shared it. One account in particular stood out: as if to make a point, the fraudsters had gone so far as to mail a debit card linked to one of the fraudulent accounts directly to my home address. The card bore my name and came with a phone number I was supposed to call to activate it. ChecXsystem report of bank accounts created using my stolen identity Debit Card received in my residence as a result of fraudsters using my identity to create a new bank ... More account After the Storm: Analyzing the Long Tail of Identity Exploitation After that first month, things went quiet. The alerts stopped, and I assumed the worst was behind me. I was wrong. Just a few weeks ago, a letter arrived from the Lifeline Support Center in New York. For context, Lifeline is a federal program that provides monthly subsidies for phone or internet services to low-income individuals. According to the letter, someone had used my identity to apply for these benefits, and I was now being asked to upload supporting documents to complete the application. I had never applied for Lifeline. This was a clear signal: my stolen identity was still actively being used, this time to exploit a government assistance program. Realizing I'd grown complacent, I decided to dig deeper—this time using more sophisticated tools and data sources to see what was happening in the background. With access to internal databases from SentiLink, a major identity verification and fraud detection company I work with, I searched for any records of identity theft attempts tied to my name and Social Security number. What I found was eye-opening. In total, there were 5 incidents in March 2022, three in April, two in May, then one in August 2023, and another in April 2024. Zooming out, several patterns in the fraudsters' behavior began to emerge. First, most of the applications used freshly-created email addresses, likely spun up for the express purpose of the fraud, and cycled through different contact details. Across the board, there was a consistent rotation of emails, phone numbers, and physical addresses, likely designed to evade identity verification systems. Interestingly, while some fraudsters used burner phones or untraceable contact information, others left behind real, personally identifiable phone numbers — even as they were in the act of identity theft. Second, the fraud attempts showed how broad and adaptive the strategy had become. My identity had been used to apply for everything from consumer loans and property leases to telecom services, federal benefits, and even a tax-related service. Third, the volume of activity slowed over time. By mid-2022, the pace had noticeably dropped — perhaps due to increased monitoring, the flagging of my data in fraud databases, or simply the reuse value of the leaked information. But in August 2023, a new and unusual application surfaced — one that included a traceable phone number. For the first time, I was able to link the fraud back to a specific individual. The applicant, who appears to live in New Jersey, has a lengthy criminal record, including charges for breaking and entering, assault, and battery. Then, in April 2024, my identity was used yet again, this time in connection with a tax-related service. Specifically, an account was created under my name with a tax preparation service, followed by an attempt to fraudulently file my taxes. Unlike the earlier flurry of activity, this attempt was targeted and seasonal, aligned with tax season, and likely designed to take advantage of high-volume government processing windows. One final and important note from my analysis: it does not appear that any organized fraud ring was behind the continued misuse of my identity. Instead, the pattern suggests individual actors — likely monitoring Telegram fraud channels — picked up my information and incorporated it into their own schemes. My data had become part of a wider fraud supply chain, passed from one bad actor to the next, each adapting it to their own criminal playbook. Most Recent Use of My Stolen Identity with the LifeLine Support Center in NY What This Means for You My experience underscores a sobering reality: once your identity is exposed, you're not a one-time victim. You're probably a long-term asset in a criminal system where your personal data can be recycled, traded, and exploited for years. The fraud may come in waves, or return over time in stealthier, more targeted forms. If this happens to you, here's what I learned the hard way: The initial incident is rarely the end. It's usually just the opening move. In this harsh reality, the most powerful protection isn't just a freeze or a lock — it's awareness and proactivity. Once your information is out there, you're not just guarding against fraud — you're managing an active threat that learns how to adapt. Staying on top of how your identity is being used isn't paranoia, it's a necessity.
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
MCC-Muragappa Gold Cup: Bharath scores winner for K'taka
Arun & Dharmendra shine Spinners B Arun (5/92) and Dharmendra Jadeja (5/94) took 10 wickets between them to help Singam Puli restrict SKM CC to 251 runs on the opening day of the TNCA Senior Division league at the SSN college grounds. Brief scores @ Stumps, Day 1: At SSN: SKM CC 251 in 85.2 ovs (S Abhishek 72, K Vishal Vaidhya 50, B Arun 5/92, Dharmendra Jadeja 5/94) vs Singam Puli CC 9 for no loss in 7 ovs; At Gojan 'A': Grand Slam CC 250/5 in 90 ovs (L Suryaprakash 75, Arpit Vasavada 79, J Prem Kumar 3/26) vs Alwarpet CC; At VB Nest: MRC 'A' 290/9 in 80.4 ovs (K Karthikeyan 61, M Boopathi Vaishna Kumar 80, A Aasrit 3/71) vs Jupiter CC; At Wahe Guru: Nelson CC 242 in 73.2 ovs (S Risheek Kumar 78, Shoaib Mohd. Khan 60 n.o., R Rohit 3/36, Saurabh Kumar 3/71) vs Young Stars CC 4 for no loss in one over; At Tagore: Vijay CC 195/3 in 79.2 ovs (A Kannan 54, KTA Madhava Prasad 86) vs Sea Hawks CC; At MRF- Pachaiyappas: Globe Trotters CC 293/3 in 87.3 ovs (S Radhakrishnan 78, D Santhosh Kumar 74, G Ajitesh 67 batting, P Saravanan 3/70) vs Jolly Rovers CC.
