Kenya in Talks With Etihad Rail, Plans to Raise $4 Billion to Extend Line
The East African nation will use its so-called railway development levy to raise funds to build a section to the southwestern Kenyan city of Kisumu and Malaba on the Ugandan border, Transport Secretary Davis Chirchir said. The Treasury collects about 50 billion shillings ($387 million) a year from the tariff that's charged at a rate of 2% of the value of imports into Kenya, according to the minister
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Yahoo
29 minutes ago
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U.S. Sanctions CJNG Cartel For $300M Timeshare Fraud Targeting Seniors
On Wednesday, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned four Mexican individuals and 13 companies linked to timeshare fraud schemes run by the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). The action targets operations based in Puerto Vallarta that prey on elderly Americans. CJNG, designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, has expanded beyond drug trafficking to generate revenue through elaborate timeshare scams that have cost U.S. victims nearly $300 million since 2019. 'We are coming for terrorist drug cartels like Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion that are flooding our country with fentanyl,' said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. 'These cartels continue to create new ways to generate revenue to fuel their terrorist operations. At President Trump's direction, we will continue our effort to completely eradicate the cartels' ability to generate revenue, including their efforts to prey on elderly Americans through timeshare fraud.' The scams follow a devastating pattern. Cartel-run call centers obtain timeshare owner information from resort insiders, then contact victims claiming to be brokers or attorneys. They promise to sell timeshares or secure rental income but demand upfront 'fees' and 'taxes' that victims wire to Mexican bank accounts. The promised money supposedly owed to the owners never materializes, yet victims are pressed for additional payments. Some schemes stretch for years. Re-victimization scams follow, with fraudsters impersonating law firms offering to recover losses or government officials threatening imprisonment without payment of 'fines.' The FBI received nearly 900 timeshare fraud complaints in 2024 alone, reporting losses exceeding $50 million. Officials believe actual losses are far higher since most victims don't report due to embarrassment, among other reasons. CJNG seized control of Puerto Vallarta's timeshare fraud operations around 2012. The cartel employs English-fluent telemarketers and accountants to execute complex schemes targeting older Americans' life savings. Three senior CJNG members lead the fraud operations: Julio Cesar Montero Pinzon, Carlos Andres Rivera Varela, and Francisco Javier Gudino Haro. These men also orchestrate assassinations for the cartel's enforcement group using military-grade weapons. Michael Ibarra Diaz Jr., a Puerto Vallarta businessman with 20 years in the timeshare industry, was also sanctioned. His network includes 13 companies spanning real estate, travel agencies, tour operators, and accounting firms. Five companies explicitly acknowledge timeshare involvement: Akali Realtors, Centro Mediador De La Costa, Corporativo Integral De La Costa, Corporativo Costa Norte, and Sunmex Travel. Others mask their activities behind tourism and real estate fronts. The Treasury's action freezes all U.S. property belonging to the designated individuals and companies. American citizens are prohibited from conducting transactions with them. Financial institutions risk secondary sanctions for knowingly facilitating transactions with the sanctioned parties. The Treasury can prohibit foreign banks from maintaining U.S. correspondent accounts if they assist designated persons. This marks the Treasury's fifth action against CJNG timeshare fraud, bringing total designations to over 70 individuals and entities. Previous sanctions occurred in March 2023, April 2023, November 2023, and July 2024. CJNG ranks among the world's most powerful cartels. The group attacks Mexican military and police with military weapons, drops explosives from drones, and executes defiant recruits. Beyond drug trafficking, CJNG generates revenue through fuel theft, extortion, and human smuggling. Treasury continues targeting these diverse income streams alongside the FBI, DEA, and Mexican financial intelligence partners. Officials urge timeshare owners to exercise caution. Unsolicited purchase offers that seem too good to be true probably are fraudulent attempts to steal money. Victims should file complaints at Elderly victims can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 for assistance and resources. Solve the daily Crossword
News24
an hour ago
- News24
Two more banks join Home Affairs branch blitz for IDs and passports
Two more banks have joined the partnership with Home Affairs to scale the number of branches that can facilitate passport and Smart ID applications. Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Show Comments ()
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
£40m Liverpool Star ‘Expected' to Join Bundesliga Side This Summer
Harvey Elliott's Future at Liverpool and the RB Leipzig Link Liverpool fans are bracing themselves for what could be a significant summer transfer decision regarding Harvey Elliott. Following the arrival of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, the club has opened the door for Elliott to leave, with the potential transfer fee expected to be in the region of £40-50m. With Arne Slot now entering his second season after a stunning Premier League debut campaign, the squad is evolving rapidly, and Elliott's future is at the forefront of speculation. RB Leipzig Emerges as a Leading Destination Dave Davis spoke to Trev Downey for Anfield Index and offered insight into the growing expectation that RB Leipzig could be Elliott's next destination. 'A lot of people expect it to happen. Leipzig have got the player on board too,' Davis explained. He further added, 'Spurs were in the mix but they have now pivoted away from him and part of that is because Elliott seem very much sold on the RB Leipzig project.' The German club, renowned for developing young talent, has seen the departure of Benjamin Sesko and is preparing for Xavi Simons to leave. This creates the perfect opening for Elliott to potentially become their next big star. Davis highlighted, 'Perhaps he can be their next big star,' pointing to Leipzig's ongoing commitment to nurturing young, elite players. Financial Considerations and Transfer Logistics Liverpool are reportedly considering offers in the region of £40m with a sell-on clause or £50m upfront. 'Whether it's £40m with a sell on clause or £50m upfront, they have the money to do the deal after their player sales,' Davis revealed. For a club balancing ambition and financial prudence, this fee range makes Elliott an attractive asset for both parties. It is also important to recognise the strategic implications of this move. With Elliott potentially departing, Liverpool would have the resources to further strengthen their squad, possibly reinvesting in areas aligned with Slot's tactical vision. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig can integrate Elliott into a team structured for European competition, providing him with the platform to continue developing at the highest level. Implications for Liverpool's Squad Dynamics Elliott's potential exit is not simply a transactional matter. His departure could reshape Liverpool's midfield options and offer opportunities for other emerging talents. The arrivals of Wirtz and Ekitike indicate Liverpool's intent to remain proactive in the transfer market while maintaining a blend of youth and experience. As Davis noted, the anticipation around Elliott's move is shared both across Europe and within Liverpool. 'The suspicions are across Europe and at Liverpool that Harvey Elliott will end up at RB Leipzig this summer,' he said. This consensus reflects the growing likelihood of the transfer and highlights the broader interest in Elliott's career trajectory. Liverpool supporters will watch closely over the summer, weighing the potential loss of a promising young talent against the club's evolving strategy under Arne Slot. Whether he moves to RB Leipzig or remains at Anfield, Harvey Elliott's next step promises to be a defining moment in his career.
