Latest news with #Securitas
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Rights groups urge UK parliamentary inquiry into MMA fighter Lee Murray's conviction in Morocco
Legal advocacy groups Due Process International and Detained in Dubai are calling for an urgent Parliamentary inquiry into the UK government's role in the prosecution of British-Moroccan citizen Lee Brahim Murray-Lamrani. Murray is currently serving a 25-year sentence in Morocco after being convicted for his role in the 2006 Securitas depot heist in Kent—the largest cash robbery in British history. In a statement on July 16, the two organisations argue that the crime was committed entirely on UK soil, and that when extradition to the UK was blocked under Moroccan law, British authorities provided Moroccan prosecutors with police intelligence, case files, and evidence to secure a conviction abroad. «This is a clear-cut case of proxy prosecution», said Due Process International. «The UK Government bypassed its own courts, exported a British citizen's trial to a foreign jurisdiction, and denied him the legal protections he would have received at home». Radha Stirling, CEO of DPI and founder of Detained in Dubai, highlighted «serious human rights concerns», including alleged due process violations during the Moroccan trial, such as the absence of legal counsel during the appeal that saw Murray's sentence increased from 10 to 25 years. «If this was a quid pro quo conviction, it must be fully investigated», she said. The organisations are urging UK MPs on Foreign Affairs Committee and the Joint Committee on Human Rights to examine whether the UK violated its obligations, particularly amid what they describe as «enhanced diplomatic cooperation» with Morocco. «This is not just about one man», Stirling added. «If the UK can engineer a prosecution abroad when extradition fails, it opens the door to future abuses—not just in Morocco, but globally». DPI has also called on the UK government to support a presidential pardon for Murray: «Lee has now served the better part of two decades in prison, far longer than he likely would have if tried in the UK. It is time for compassion and for the UK to right this wrong». Awaits freedom in his Moroccan cell Born in London in 1977, Lee Murray grew up in the UK and spent his early years apart from his Moroccan father. As a teenager, Murray became involved in crime alongside childhood friend and accomplice Paul Allen, engaging in drug dealing and armed robberies. He had his first conviction as a minor for possession of cocaine and cannabis. Despite his run-ins with the law, Murray also pursued a promising career in mixed martial arts (MMA), gaining notoriety as a fierce competitor in the UK fight scene. However, his criminal ties ultimately overshadowed his sporting ambitions. The February 2006 Securitas robbery marked a turning point. Murray, accused of orchestrating the heist, fled to Morocco four days after the gang made off with £53 million from a cash depot in Tonbridge, Kent. Seeking to avoid extradition, he sought Moroccan citizenship. On June 25, 2006, he was arrested in Rabat in a joint operation by Moroccan and British authorities. In 2010, a Moroccan court sentenced Murray to 10 years in prison. That sentence was later increased to 25 years on appeal. «There's no happiness where I am», he said in a 2018 interview from his prison cell in Tifelt. «But I suppose I can say I'm happy to still be alive. (…) There have been times when I was sitting in a room next to people with multiple death sentences, and in those moments, your own problems suddenly seem very small».
Metro
4 days ago
- Politics
- Metro
Ex-UFC fighter in fresh bid for jail pardon after role in £53,000,000 Securitas
A former UFC fighter imprisoned in Morocco for his part in the £53 million Securitas heist wants to 'return to fitness' and help others from challenging backgrounds in the UK. Lee 'Lightning' Murray is 'adamant' that he can focus on 'positive personal goals' once he is released from his 25-year sentence over the 2006 robbery at the depot in Tonbridge, Kent. His family is said to be 'desperate' for the dad's return after he was convicted in a Moroccan court in 2010 for his part in the raid. The mixed martial artist, also known as Lee Brahim Lamrani-Murray, is said to be looking forward to being 'reunited with his children and building a normal relationship, without bars.' His sentiments were released by a new campaign highlighting 'human rights concerns' over his imprisonment. Radha Stirling, a crisis manager supporting Murray's family, is calling on the UK government to formally support a pardon request. Stirling, the CEO of campaign groups Detained in Dubai and Due Process International, said: 'Lee has served his time. He is hopeful that the British government will take action to help secure his release. 'His wife and children are desperate to be reunited with him. 'Lee remains positive and determined to rebuild his life and dedicate himself to helping others. His wife Nicola and his children have been separated from him for far too long. 'They are doing everything they can to fight for his release and we are working with them to achieve that. 'There is no sense in Lee spending another 10 years in prison. 'This would never have happened in the UK and conditions in Morocco are arguably worse. 'The UK should not have participated in a proxy prosecution where Lee had no real chance to defend himself or seek a more lenient sentence. 'I hope British leaders will consider the severity of the punishment and show strong leadership by supporting their citizen's pardon application.' Murray, now 47, and close friend Paul Allen fled to Morocco four days after they took part in the audacious robbery. He claimed Moroccan citizenship through his father in order to avoid extradition, giving him dual nationality. Governments should not make 'quid pro quo' trade, security, or diplomatic deals just to secure the extradition or foreign prosecution of individual targets like Ireland did for Daniel Kinahan, India for Christian Michel, or the UK for Lee Murray. — Radha Stirling (@RadhaStirling) July 14, 2025 But British detectives worked closely with the authorities in the North African country, which resulted in the Londoner being given a 10-year sentence. Murray's stretch was later increased to 25 years after the original tariff was deemed too lenient. He has endured 'squalid, unhygienic conditions', been kept in solitary confinement 23 hours a day and deprived of contact with his family, according to his supporters. The former cagefighter was last known to be in Tifelt prison in north-western Morocco. The campaign groups have now added their weight to an existing plea by Murray's daughter, Lilly Lamrani Murray, to grant her dad a royal pardon. Lilly has said that he 'is a good man that made bad choices and paid a huge price' before mending his ways. 'After two decades of prison, Lee is very much focused on the future,' Stirling said. 'He anticipates being reunited with his children and building a normal relationship with them, without bars. 'Once released, Lee is adamant that he will focus on positive personal goals and helping others as much as he can. 'He wants to return to fitness, open a training gym and help other people, especially those who have come from challenging backgrounds, to focus on competitive sports and make healthy choices.' The Securitas heist remains the biggest cash robbery in UK history and has left behind many loose ends, despite seven people having been convicted over the kidnapping and robbery. In May last year, Metro revealed how the inside man in the robbery has not paid back a penny of the money he owes from his role. Ermir Hysenaj was given a confiscation order of £250,383 but his spoils remain unaccounted for, data showed. At court following the raid, Murray was described as a 'mastermind' by the prosecution, as a picture emerged of a fast-living character who grew up in Plumstead before reaching the UFC. He is thought to have been a fake police officer identified as 'Stopwatch' in CCTV footage as he and Allen abducted depot manager Colin Dixon, his wife and their child during the heist in February 2006. In 2023, Murray denied being the gang's ringleader in an interview for the 'Catching Lightning' documentary from behind bars, saying the robbery was not his idea and 'was happening whether I was involved or not.' The pair's high-rolling lifestyle soon caught the attention of the Moroccan authorities and they were arrested four months later. Allen has since been released from an 18-year UK sentence over the raid, and been left paralysed in a shooting at his luxury home, but Murray remains behind bars. He has previously said that he was a 'wild man' but is now a 'totally different person' who thinks of the future. His supporters agree as they highlight a sentence which, if served in full, won't see him released until 2035, after he turns 55. A royal pardon from King Mohammed VI, which was granted to more than 1,500 prisoners in March, would provide an exit route. Stirling told Metro: 'Lee has now spent nearly two decades in a Moroccan prison, far longer than many convicted terrorists and murderers in the UK. 'His continued detention raises serious questions about the UK's role in what has effectively become a proxy prosecution. 'Unable to try him themselves, British authorities encouraged Morocco to take over and even lobbied for a harsher sentence. This amounts to an outsourcing of justice that sets a dangerous precedent. 'Imagine if countries like Saudi Arabia or the UAE began prosecuting British citizens for crimes committed elsewhere. More Trending 'It opens the floodgates to abuse. We are calling for an inquest into the UK government's involvement and whether a quid pro quo arrangement was made with Morocco. We are also urging the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to formally support a pardon.' Metro has contacted the FCDO and Moroccan government for comment. Have you got a story you wish to share? Contact MORE: Career criminal behind £54,000,000 Securitas raid shot at home in 'murder plot' MORE: Five lost London pubs including one that hid secrets of daring £6,000,000 armed heist MORE: Securitas heist 'inside man' still hasn't paid a penny back of £250,000 spoils
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs bribed hotel security guard $100K to hand over Cassie beating video, then called him on Easter: ‘God put you in my life for a reason'
A hotel security guard detailed in Manhattan court Tuesday how Sean 'Diddy' Combs bribed him with $100,000 to bury now-infamous footage of the Bad Boy Records founder brutally beating his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Eddy Garcia said he accepted the cash in exchange for giving Combs what he believed was the only copy of a surveillance video of the 2016 beatdown — and then described getting a bizarre phone call from the music mogul not long after on Easter. 'He said, 'Happy Easter. You are my angel. God is good. God put you in my life for a reason,'' Garcia told jurors at Combs' federal sex-trafficking and racketeering trial. 'And he asked if anyone had inquired about the video,' Garcia added, noting he told Combs that he hadn't received any questions about the footage since the pair's March 7, 2016, deal. Combs said 'Great' and then told Garcia to keep him posted if that changed, the witness said. Garcia — who testified under an immunity deal, meaning he won't be prosecuted for his testimony even if it is incriminating — said he had been working for private security company Securitas at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles when he was told about a 'domestic dispute' involving the hip-hop mogul on March 5, 2016. Within 48 hours, Garcia testified about how he was allegedly hounded by Combs and his chief of staff Kristina Khorram to help them make the video go away. During one phone call with Khorram, she put a 'very nervous'-sounding Combs on the phone who tried to justify his actions, he said. 'He was talking really fast, a lot of stuttering,' he said. '[Combs] was just saying he had a little too much to drink,' Garcia said, adding that Combs told him, 'With women, one thing leads to another, and if this got out, it would ruin him.' Diddy trial live updates: Shocking new details about hotel beating video revealed; security guard says mogul bribed him to bury footage Sean 'Diddy' Combs bribed hotel security guard $100K to hand over Cassie beating video, then called him on Easter: 'God put you in my life for a reason' Sean 'Diddy' Combs fan unleashes profane rant at trial, mogul watches her get dragged from courtroom before day even starts Diddy trial drags Madonna, Judd Apatow, Chadwick Boseman into weekslong battle over rapper's sex-trafficking, racketeering charges Later, Garcia said Khorram called him on his cell phone — the number for which he hadn't provided — and put Combs on again. 'He stated that I sounded like a good guy,' Garcia testified, adding that Combs again told him, 'Something like this could ruin him.' When Garcia told Combs he didn't have access to the server to obtain the video footage of the attack, Combs replied that he believed Garcia could make that happen and said 'he would take care of me,' which Garcia took 'to mean financially,' he said. Garcia checked with his boss and was told he would sell the tape to Combs for $50,000, he said, adding that the music mogul 'sounded excited' when he told him the news. 'He referred to me as 'Eddy, my angel,' Garcia said, adding that Combs told him, 'I knew you could help. I knew you could do it.' Garcia gave Combs a storage device containing the footage in exchange for $100,000 in cash that Combs fed through a money counter before placing in a brown paper bag. Garcia said that he signed a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement at an office building in the presence of Combs' bodyguard and Khorram. The declaration, which stated that there was no other copy of the video, required that Garcia pay $1 million if he breached the deal, the court was told. Garcia, who at the time said he was earning $10.50 an hour working hotel security, added that he didn't fully read the documents. 'The goal was to get out of there as soon as possible,' he said. After he signed the document, Garcia said Combs asked him what he planned to do with the money and advised him not to make any big purchases, which Garcia said he took to mean avoid drawing attention to himself. Garcia told the court he gave $50,000 to his boss Bill Medrano, $20,000 to another security officer, Henry Elias, and pocketed the remaining $30,000, using some of the money to buy a used car in cash. He never put the money in a bank to avoid a paper trail, he added. Garcia also asked Combs if he might have future work with him, to which he said the rapper sounded receptive, although he never responded to his inquiries, he added. The footage of the attack on Ventura was aired last year by CNN. Another hotel guard testified that he recorded the footage on his phone so that he could show it to his wife. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that could send him to prison for life, if convicted.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
New session, old baggage: Most pvt schools fail to submit fee hike info
Bhopal: In blatant disregard to notions of transparency, almost two-thirds of the schools in MP have yet again failed to submit information about fee structures and hikes to the govt, despite being given an extended deadline. The March 15 deadline has come and gone and currently, only 10,181 private schools out of the total 34,714 schools across the state have complied with the mandatory reporting requirements. Parent organizations are calling for action against the schools for non-compliance. The schools have yet to submit their financial records and proposed fee adjustments for the academic year. The state education department earlier issued clear directives to all private schools to provide comprehensive documentation, including their annual accounts, proposed fee structures, and justification for any increases. This requirement stems from regulations aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing arbitrary fee hikes that burden parents and students. Officials also noted that whether they were schools are in major cities like Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur or in smaller districts, they have both failed to comply with the directives. 'Not Enough Scrutiny & Too Many Unjustified Fee Hikes Burden Students' Parents' associations have expressed worry about schools potentially implementing unjustified fee increases without ample scrutiny. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Todos em Portugal estão a instalar este alarme anti-intrusão Securitas Direct Alarmes Solicite orçamento Undo "The govt needs to take strict action against schools that fail to submit their details even after the extended deadline. As per the rules, schools should submit their details by Jan 1 every year," said parent association general secretary, Prabodh Pandya. Parents have warned that schools failing to comply may face protests from them. "Govt should take possible action, including penalties. District-level committees should be formed to review the submitted documents and assess the legitimacy of proposed fee increases," added Pandya. Schools Give Vague Excuses On Helpline: Parents The education department established a helpline for parents to report concerns about unreasonable fee hikes, but that has also turned into a mere formality. Several schools have cited increased operational costs, infrastructure improvements, and salary revisions as reasons for seeking fee adjustments. "Schools must demonstrate that additional charges are necessary for maintaining educational standards and implementing quality improvements," said an official without quoting his name. As per the rules, schools must maintain detailed records of their income and expenditure, which should be available for inspection by authorised officials. Govt Should Maintain Accountability In Private Education Sector: Assn The last deadline extension aimed to give schools additional time to prepare accurate documentation while ensuring that the fee regulation process remains transparent and fair. The education department should create a comprehensive database of school fee structures to monitor trends and prevent excessive increases, said the parents' association.
Belfast Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Police investigating death of boy, 14, after fire make fresh appeal
The body of Layton Carr was found inside a building at Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead on Friday evening. Thirteen boys and three girls, aged between 11 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and later released on bail pending further inquiries. On Wednesday, Northumbria Police said officers now believe a number of people, including Layton, attended the industrial park on Friday evening, and a fire was lit. Officers said the investigation remains at an early stage but they are focusing on identifying all of those who were there. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Atherton said: 'A thorough investigation is under way as we determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident that night. 'Our thoughts remain with Layton's family and friends as they begin to process the loss of their loved one. 'I'd like to thank those who have co-operated and provided us with information so far. 'I'd urge anyone who was in the area of Fairfield industrial park on the evening of Friday May 2 to get in touch – regardless of how insignificant you think your information might be, it could really assist our inquiries. 'If you have not yet spoken with police, please come forward.' The force has set up a major incident public portal (MIPP) with a dedicated website link for anyone wanting to provide information. Mr Atherton said: 'We're aware of footage and information circulating online, and I'd like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public not to speculate on details of the incident. 'If you're aware of any footage or information that has been or is currently being circulated, please upload it to our dedicated MIPP tile. 'It's also important to note that anyone suspected of a crime must not be named publicly for legal reasons and those who are under 18 have anonymity.' In a statement released through Northumbria Police earlier this week, Layton's family said he was 'such a kind, caring and loving boy'. The statement said: 'Despite his cheeky side Layton had an absolute heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. 'He was loved by all that met him, and it showed.' They added: 'He was a family boy that loved his mam and sisters more than anything in the world. 'Layton, we love you more than any words can ever explain. You will be missed more than you'll ever know. Our bright and beautiful boy'. Ten fire appliances were dispatched and discovered a 'severe fire within a section of one of the buildings', firefighters said. In a joint statement, local councillors Amanda Wintcher, Ian Patterson and Paul Diston previously said they had been 'in touch with residents about concerns regarding anti-social behaviour at Fairfield industrial estate and the former Harrison's slipway site nearby for some time'. Contact had been made with Securitas, Gateshead Council, the fire service and Northumbria Police and 'some actions' had been taken, they added. By Wednesday afternoon a GoFundMe appeal set up to support Layton's mother had reached more than £20,000 raised across 1,400 donations. Members of the public can provide information by going to the major incident public portal at
