Latest news with #Amrani
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan Polo team triumphs over US in Newport International Series Opener
The Moroccan national polo team achieved a remarkable victory over its American counterpart, winning 14–6 in a match held on June 7, 2025, at the prestigious Newport Polo Club in the United States. This win marks a strong start to the Newport International Polo Series, an international tournament running until September 27, 2025, featuring top global teams including England, Italy, Scotland, and Australia. The opening match was attended by Morocco's Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, who praised the Moroccan team's outstanding performance during a ceremony held in his honor in the state of Rhode Island. Proud to witness Morocco's national polo team secure a resounding 14–6 victory over the U.S. at the opening of the prestigious Newport International Polo Series in #RhodeIsland. A second consecutive win, during which I was honored to highlight how this achievement reflects His… — Youssef Amrani (@youamrani) June 8, 2025 At the end of the match, Ambassador Amrani emphasized the significance of the national team's participation in this international sporting event, highlighting its key role in promoting polo in the Kingdom. He also underscored the importance of sports in fostering mutual understanding and cultural connection between nations. This victory marks Morocco's second consecutive win over the U.S. team, following their recent triumph in the Mohammed VI International Polo Cup three weeks earlier. Morocco's participation in the Newport tournament also celebrates 250 years of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States.
Phone Arena
21-05-2025
- Phone Arena
So, where do stolen iPhones go? Turns out, there's a whole building for that
Apparently, there's a building in Shenzhen that sports a rather curious nickname: "The stolen iPhone building". The unassuming Feiyang Times tower in Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei district has been found to have been a major hub in a global network of trafficking stolen iPhones, according to a Financial Times investigation (via MacRumors). Sam Amrani, a London tech entrepreneur, unfortunately, had his iPhone 15 Pro stolen. The device was taken by two men on electric bicycles. But Amrani did not hesitate, and he tracked the iPhone's journey using Apple's Find My. The iPhone ended up in a repair shop in London, then flew to Hong Kong, and finally, settled in Huaqiangbei. Amrani told the Financial Times that the process was quick, organized, and seemed "kind of targeted". In London, law enforcement estimates phone theft is a huge criminal activity, a £50 ($63.5 million) annual criminal industry. Similar estimates have been reported in Paris, France, and in New York. Now, back to the building in question. Reportedly, the fourth floor of the Feiyang building specializes in selling second-hand iPhones from Western countries. Yep, not all of these are stolen; some are legitimate phones that were traded in. However, traders have allegedly admitted that even remotely locked phones have their "market price." According to the FT investigation, Hong Kong is considered a critical intermediary in this supply chain. And more specifically, an industrial building at 1 Hung To Road in Kwun Tong is said to house hundreds of wholesalers advertising iPhones that are labeled "iCloud locked". Various messaging platforms allow the sellers to advertise those. Be careful when using your iPhone in a crowded place. | Image Credit - PhoneArena A Shenzhen-based seller that was visiting Hong Kong explained that the passcode-locked iPhones were probably stolen or snatched from users in the United States. These are, according to the seller's words, then sold to Hong Kong and then on to other countries, including countries in the Middle East. Basically, the Huaqiangbei building is especially valuable as there, thieves can find buyers for every iPhone component. This includes phone screens, circuit boards, and chips. Of course, if the iPhone is locked, it's impossible to use as a regular phone, but it can be taken apart and still be profitable for thieves if its parts get sold. Meanwhile, there are many theft victims who receive messages from people in Shenzhen, trying to urge them to remove the affected iPhone from Find My. Usually, when you put your iPhone in Lost Mode, a contact number for anybody finding the iPhone can be added, so it seems this is the main way these people find contact information. Understandably, they can use all sorts of scammy techniques to get the theft victim to remove the iPhone from Find My. If they manage to convince the user to do that, this would significantly increase the value of the stolen iPhone (as it could be sold as a functioning device, not for parts). According to the Financial Times report, this criminal network takes advantage of Hong Kong's status as a free trade port. As such, there are no import taxes, which means traders can move stolen devices into mainland China and avoid electronics tariffs. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong police has told the Financial Times that it will take action when necessary to respond to specific occurrences in accordance with the law. For any person who'd like to protect their iPhone from getting stolen and ending up in the "stolen iPhone building", here's some basic guidance. First off, avoid using your iPhone in crowded places where it can easily get snatched (this includes not having your iPhone in your back pocket at the subway). Always be aware of your surroundings when outside and using your iPhone, especially if it's brand new. If, after all, your iPhone ends up falling prey to a sneaky thief, don't remove it from Find My following dubious requests for you to do so. At least, the thief shouldn't be able to sell it as a functioning iPhone. Here's more information on how to protect your iPhone from thieves and scammers.
Morocco World
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Belgian General Commends Morocco as Key Player in Countering Sahel Terrorism Threats
Rabat – Morocco's counterterrorism capabilities continue to attract international endorsement. Strategic advisor to the Commissioner General of the Belgian Federal Police Saad Amrani has described the North African country's expertise in combating terrorist threats as 'unique and distinctive,' particularly in the face of growing challenges from the Sahel region. Amrani described Morocco's approach to counterterrorism as standing among the most effective worldwide, combining a careful balance of judicial, social, and religious elements. His comments come following the recent successful operation by Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) that foiled a 'highly dangerous' terrorist plot seeking to undermine the country's stability. The operation demonstrated Morocco's sophisticated intelligence capabilities and led to thwarting a terrorist plan reportedly orchestrated by a prominent ISIS leader in the Sahel region. The BCIJ's investigation revealed a logistical support base for weapons and ammunition in a mountainous area intended for the terrorist cell. BCIJ seized firearms including two Kalashnikov rifles, two shotguns, ten individual handguns of different types, a large quantity of cartridges, and ammunition of different calibers. Amrani noted that 'Unlike some countries, Morocco has addressed the religious aspect of counter-terrorism with intelligence and depth.' Morocco's counterterrorism efforts are particularly significant given the mounting terrorist activity in the Sahel region. According to the Global Terrorism Index, 48 percent of worldwide terrorist attacks occur in the Sahel, positioning Morocco at the frontline of this security challenge due to its geographic location. Morocco's success lies in its development of precise knowledge about terrorist movements and distinguished analytical capabilities. 'The collection, processing, and sharing of information are crucial elements in this type of approach,' Amrani added, pointing out that Moroccan agencies have 'skillfully managed the challenge of information sharing, achieving tangible results.' Morocco's expertise has become increasingly invaluable for international security cooperation. Given its unique experience in successfully handling terrorist threats, Amrani stressed the importance of Morocco sharing its model's lessons with other countries, particularly European nations. The ongoing threat in the Sahel remains significant, with radical ideological narratives continuing to serve as primary tools for terrorist groups to expand their operational reach. 'The radical ideological offering remains present and, along with other factors, supports terrorist movements and enables their spread across different operational theaters,' Amrani warned. BCIJ's latest operation led to the arrest of 12 suspects aged between 18 and 40 in simultaneous operations in the cities of Laayoune, Casablanca, Fez, Taza, Tangier, Azzemmour, Oulad Teima, and Tamsna on the outskirts of Rabat. As the Sahel region faces mounting security challenges, Morocco's comprehensive counterterrorism strategy, combining security measures with social and religious approaches, offers valuable insights for global efforts to combat extremism. Amrani concluded with a note of caution: 'We must remain vigilant and quick in our response to these threats.' Tags: BCIJ and ISISBCIJ MoroccoCounterterrorismmorocco counterterrorism
Morocco World
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Ambassador Youssef Amrani Says War on Gaza Has Frozen Cooperation Between Arab Countries, Israel
Rabat – Moroccan ambassador to the US Youssef Amrani has acknowledged the impacts of Israeli aggressions on civilians in Gaza, affecting ties between Arab countries and Israel. Amrani made his remarks on Wednesday when he spoke to a correspondent for Al-Hurra. 'Unfortunately, the war in Gaza and the dire situation in the Middle East led to the freezing of cooperation,' between Arab countries and Israel, he said. Morocco is among the Arab countries that signed the US-brokered Abraham Accord to re-establish ties with Israel in December 2020. Morocco signed the tripartite declaration with Israel and the US in December 2020, re-establishing ties between Rabat and Tel Aviv. The decision stirred backlash among Moroccans who staunchly support the Palestinian cause, sparking increased pressure and demands on the government to cut these ties with Israel. Now, ever since the start of Israel's 15-month genocide on Gaza, these calls to cut ties with Tel Aviv have only increased and have seen Moroccans protesting in the streets ever since October 7. Despite the temporary ceasefire that was declared and its ongoing status, the situation remains critical and only exacerbated by recent controversial remarks made by both Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. Just a week ago, Trump said that he plans to 'take over' and 'own' Gaza. 'The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the US by Israel at the conclusion of fighting [between Israel and Hamas]', he said, noting that 'no soldiers by the US would be needed!' Since his initial remarks, his spokespeople have tried to vaguely elaborate on the implementation of this plan, but the media and international actors remain in disarray as to what it actually means for Palestinians. Observers and analysts have warned that Trump's words are dangerous and threaten ethnic cleansing of Gazans. Amrani said the tense situation needs a political dialogue and building bridges of cooperation 'for the sake of security and fundamental stability in the region.' 'Enough of wars and tensions,' Amrani added, noting that Rabat's approach is to connect bridges between people and countries instead of wars and crises. 'We want the Middle East to live in peace and prosperity and experience economic flourishing,' he continued. Beyond citizens' support, Morocco's government has been constantly renewing support for the Palestinian cause. Last week, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita renewed the country's support for a two-state solution, with the creation of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting peacefully with Israel. 'Morocco always supports and stands by the Palestinian position, as the Palestinians are the first concerned by this cause,' Bourita said. Tags: amid Israeli Attacks on GazaEgypt and Palestine
