Polish police bust smuggling networks and seize drugs worth $275 million
The core of the criminal groups were Poles living in Spain, Poland's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBSP) said in a statement, with some members having links to Polish football hooliganism.
"During the investigation, 600 kilograms of marijuana, 180 kilograms of hashish, 40 kilograms of amphetamine sulfate, as well as seven firearms and several hundred rounds of ammunition were seized," the CBSP said.
The core group trafficked drugs to several parts of Europe, mainly the Republic of Ireland, Germany, Austria and Scandinavia. The investigation was conducted together with law enforcement agencies from a number of European Union countries, the CBSP said.
($1 = 3.6361 zlotys)
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Reuters
11 minutes ago
- Reuters
Switzerland is considering joining 'dirty money' task force, UK official says
LONDON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Switzerland is considering joining a British-led international task force targeting kleptocrats and recovering stolen assets, a British government official said, as it seeks to shake off its reputation as a haven for dirty money. Foreign minister David Lammy discussed the International Anti-Corruption Coordination (IACCC) with the Swiss government during a visit to the country earlier this month, according to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The Swiss government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Joining the task force would allow Swiss authorities to share intelligence and work more closely with other countries on major investigations targeting dirty money. Lammy told Reuters that Switzerland is "a key partner in the fight against illicit finance and corruption" and its participation in the IACCC would be "invaluable". Switzerland, the world's largest manager of offshore wealth, has tried to shed its image as a safe haven for illicit funds and has recently taken steps to improve transparency, including proposing stricter rules on beneficial ownership. The IACCC task force was launched in 2017 and is hosted by Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA). It brings together enforcement bodies from countries including the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand to share intelligence and coordinate investigations. Since it was founded, it has identified 1.8 billion pounds in suspected stolen funds, and frozen 641 million pounds of assets, the IACCC says. Britain has ramped up its efforts to tackle illicit finance since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It has positioned itself as a leader in the global fight against kleptocracy, but it still faces its own challenges on that front. The NCA estimates that over 100 billion pounds ($135.32 billion) is laundered through or within the UK each year, often via British-registered corporate structures. ($1 = 0.7390 pounds)
Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
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Keep calm and carry on! Crown Princess Mette-Marit release portrait to mark her birthday... hours after son Marius Borg Høiby is charged with rape
The Norweigan royal family have seemingly carried on as normal after Marius Borg Hoiby was charged with four counts of rape. Marcus' mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway marked her 52nd birthday today with a new portrait - while his sister Princess Ingrid Alexandra appeared to enjoy a stroll in the sun in Sydney - where she's at university. The photograph of future queen Mette-Marit was published on the official Instagram account of the Norwegian royal household this morning, just one day after 28-year-old Høiby's criminal charges were made public. The wife Crown Prince Haakon, Høiby's stepfather and the son of Norway's King Harald, is smiling in the new image and wearing the colours of her country's flag: red, white and blue. Dressed in a long-sleeved, navy turtleneck, she has a striped silk scarf in crimson, navy and cream draped around her shoulders. Mette-Marit's long, blonde hair has been blow-dried and is styled in loose waves, which are in-keeping with the relaxed look chosen for the picture. She has completed her ensemble with a pair of dainty gold and diamond hoops earrings and kept her make-up natural. Captioned 'Happy birthday to Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who celebrates her birthday today!', the Instagram post has already attracted hundreds of comments from well-wishers. Yet, while she appears content in the new image, it's unlikely she'll be celebrating her birthday as she has in previous years given the seriousness of the situation Høiby now finds himself in. In the new portrait, posted on the official Instagram account of the Norwegian royal household, Crown Princess Mette-Marit is dressed in the colours of her country's flag Mette-Marit's son Marius Borg Høiby (pictured in 2022 with his mother) was yesterday charged with 32 crimes including four counts of rape Although the crown princess, who suffers from chronic pulmonary fibrosis, was forced to cancel a royal engagement planned to mark her 50th in April 2023 due to illness, she was able to celebrate the milestone birthday later that year. Two years ago Mette-Marit and husband Haakon, who was born just under a month before his wife, hosted a joint party at the Royal Palace in Oslo to mark their 50th birthdays. Held on August 25 2023, the lavish event was attended by guests from all over Norway, as well as government officials and members of the organisations to which the royal couple have given their patronage. Mette-Marit looked glamorous in a sheer white gown featuring puff sleeves and adorned with appliqué flowers while Haakon, now 52, looked polished in a navy suit and white shirt. The crown prince and crown princess arrived at the party with the two children they share, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, who is second in line to the throne, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 19, but it's unclear if Høiby was in attendance. The Norwegian popstar Dagny performed at the party while both Mette-Marit and Haakon gave speeches. Mette-Marit concluded: 'Thank you for all for coming and celebrating with us. For celebrating Norway. For celebrating what we have created together. For celebrating what we can be for each other, and for our country.' Today, however, as Mette-Marit marks her 52nd birthday, the mother-of-three will feel the absence of her daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, who is currently enrolled at the University of Sydney in Australia. Princess Ingrid Alexandra (pictured left with a friend), the only daughter of Mette-Marit, is currently enrolled at the University of Sydney in Australia, meaning she will miss her mother's 52nd birthday Ingrid Alexandra began her studies in international relations and political economy at the beginning of the month, having moved to Sydney, where she lives in a student residence on the university campus, earlier this summer. Recent pictures show the princess looking happy and relaxed - and, like Aussie students across the country, enjoying a beloved local snack. The royal was snapped walking around campus on Sunday with two packets of Tim Tams, which she was gifted by a university friend. The pair were spotted taking a selfie on Ingrid's digital camera before continuing to walk through the university. Ingrid Alexandra looked casual on the day in a blue cardigan, loose white trousers and a striped headband by Swedish brand Djerf Avenue. She opted to go make-up free for the outing, letting her natural beauty shine through, and added to her ensemble with classic silver earrings and chunky rings. But it's not just Mette-Marit's daughter's absence that will prevent her from celebrating her 52nd birthday in style today - it's the news of her eldest son Høiby's 32 criminal charges. Today's birthday will not be celebrated in the same way as Mette-Marit's 50th, which she marked with a joint party with her husband Crown Prince Haakon at the Royal Palace in Oslo Mette-Marit and Haakon arrived at their 50th birthday celebration with the two children they share, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 19 Høiby has been under investigation since his arrest on August 4 last year on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend. Now, the son of Norway's crown princess has been charged with 32 offences including four rapes and assault, a Norwegian prosecutor said on Monday. According to Norwegian outlet NRK, this includes four rapes of four different woman between 2018 and 2024, abuse against his former partner Nora Haukland and several acts of violence against another former partner. On all occasions, Hoiby allegedly assaulted the women while they were sleeping and filmed the assaults. The assaults also allegedly occurred after Hoiby and the women had consensual intercourse. He has also been charged with making death threats, assaulting a public official and violating the road traffic act. Presenting the indictment on Monday, public prosecutor Sturla Henriksbø told NRK that he will face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison following a six-week trial in January. Henriksbø said: 'This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives.' Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Marius Hoiby are pictured together in Oslo in 2014 Hoiby was born as a result of a relationship before Crown Princess Mette-Marit's marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. He is said to have 'strongly denied' the 'essentials' of the allegations against him, which include rape allegations. It comes shortly after Høiby had his diplomatic passport revoked, according to reports, shortly after he enjoyed a five-day holiday in Portugal with his stepfather and half brother Prince Sverre Magnus, 19. The specific reasons why had to surrender the passport are unknown, according to national paper Se og Hør. At the end of June, Oslo police announced charges against Høiby on multiple counts, including rape, sexual assault and bodily harm after a months-long investigation of a case that involved a 'double-digit' number of alleged victims. State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø has stated that that there would be further clarity regarding his charges in August - and this has now come to light. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Se og Hør last week that Høiby no longer has a diplomatic passport, but didn't answer specific questions about why. Høiby is reported to have had both a diplomatic and standard passport since he was young. While members of the Royal House have diplomatic passports, other members of the Royal Family use standard ones after turning 18, under new rules that came into effect around six months ago. Høiby, 28, who is the stepson of the future King of Norway, Crown Prince Haakon, has been under investigation since his arrest on August 4 last year on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend According to Se og Hør, it is not known exactly when Høiby had to surrender the document, and it could have been as recently as six months ago. At the end of November last year, the 28-year-old was detained by police for a week, while they conducted an investigation into allegations against him - to ensure there was no tampering of evidence. Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski said Høiby, who is the son of Princess Mette-Marit, was cooperative during police questioning, which is now complete. Evidence in the case was drawn from sources including text messages, witness testimonies and police searches, the police attorney said. In November, Prince Haakon addressed his stepson's arrest, telling Norwegian news outlet NRK: 'Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with. I am convinced they will do a good job. 'As a family and as parents, we have wanted Marius to receive help and we have been working for a long time to get him to a place where he can receive more help. 'It is something we give a lot of priority to. It must be done within the framework established by the legal system.' Høiby previously lived with the royal couple and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, but now lives in a separate house nearby, according to Sekulic. Prince Sverre Magnus, Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Marius Borg Høiby (pictured far right) in 2019 in Oslo Pictured from L to R: Queen Sonja, King Harald, Prince Sverre Magnus, Marius Borg Hoiby, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Crown Prince Haakon in Oslo, 2022 Once known affectionately as 'Little Marius', Høiby grew up in the public eye, enjoying the same wealth and privilege as his royal siblings, although his biological father, Morten Borg, served time in prison for drugs and violent offences. Høiby has acknowledged cocaine use and addiction. Despite allegations, it was reported that Marius partied it up at Cannes Film Festival earlier this summer, according to Se og Hør. Høiby joined Norwegian businessman Per Morten Hansen, who is a good friend of his father, Morten Borg. He was also seen on board the 165-foot motor yacht 'Da Vinci', a speed marvel worth 20 million dollars and owned by entrepreneur and multi-billionaire Vincent Tchenguiz. After his trip at sea, the Crown Princess's son and his pals went to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a small island off the coast of Cannes. The spot is popular with celebrities such as Elton John, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé, and the Kardashians. They visited the very exclusive and private La Guérite beach club on the island, which can only be reached via boat. There, Høiby partied with businessman Rehan Syed, who lives a lavish lifestyle featuring fast boats and cars, as seen on his Instagram account. He has largely continued his life as normal since the charges came to light in August last year, and has since jetted off with friends to Hemsedal, Copenhagen and Italy. The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also spent time at rehab centres in London since his arrest. Høiby's defence attorney, Ellen Holager Andenæs, said: 'I have no knowledge of this and therefore have no comments to give.'
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Finnish MP ‘takes own life' in Helsinki parliament
A Finnish MP has died inside the national parliament, the country's prime minister has said. Following reports that a politician had taken their own life, Petteri Orpo confirmed that the body of a member of his National Coalition parliamentary group had been found on the premises without naming the MP. 'Some time ago, we received truly shocking news from parliament, our common workplace,' he said. 'One of our colleagues has passed away on parliament premises. This is truly sad news.' He added that political discussions would be suspended in mourning for the MP's death. 'At the same time, we wish strength to his family, loved ones and colleagues. This deeply touches all of us, we send greetings and strength to everyone,' he said. The Finnish parliament is on summer recess, with MPs due to return to work on Sept 2. According to Finnish media, the MP's body was found at about 11am local time. There was a large police presence inside the building on Tuesday afternoon. Finnish media outlets are refraining from identifying the MP until their next of kin have been notified. In front of the parliament building, Finnish flags were lowered to half-mast. Päivi Räsänen, a Finnish MP, said it was 'shocking, heartbreaking news about the loss of a colleague', adding: 'I assume that the sad news will be conveyed to the family before the person is publicly announced. I deeply share the great sorrow of the family and remember them with prayers.' She told the Ilta Sanomat newspaper: 'I believe that this will mark the beginning of autumn in parliament. Despite the political tensions, it is a close-knit working community.' Ms Räsänen said a memorial service will be held at the beginning of the session, adding: 'There will be tears.'
