Latest news with #Hani
IOL News
15 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Cyber extortionist jailed for ransom attempt on Ecentric Systems
Cyber criminal Lucky Majangandile Erasmus. Image: Hawks A cyber terrorist has been sentenced in the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Cape Town after trying to hold a company to ransom after breaching its security. Lucky Majangandile Erasmus, 36, faced 20 charges including cyber fraud, theft of data, and attempted cyber extortion. He was convicted on 17 of the 20 charges. He entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the State. The Western Cape spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawk), Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, said Erasmus and his co-accused, both ex-employees, loaded software onto the Ecentric Systems, which allowed them remote access. 'Thereafter, an unknown person made contact with the chief executive officer (CEO) of Ecentric, indicating that they have compromised various aspects of Ecentric's IT environments and therefore will be holding Ecentric to ransom,' Hani said. The first ransom demand was made. 'On November 14, 2023, the person made the first ransom demand of US$534,260 which must be paid within 16 hours, failing which that he would publish all of their data in the next 30 hours in every platform including their gateway competitors, stake holders, public and eccentric regulators,' Hani said. A second and higher ransom demand was made. 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 ✕ 'A second ransom demanded was made on November 30, 2023, in the amount of US$1 million, and that if the payment is not met, further action will be taken to prove the data breach and hack. No ransom was paid by Ecentric. However, four retail clients of Ecentric suffered a loss of R 794,808.51,' Hani said. Erasmus has been in custody since December 14, 2023, whereas his co-accused, Felix Unathi Pupu, 43, is still in custody and set to appear on June 30, 2025, for plea and sentencing. The court sentenced Erasmus to eight years imprisonment with three years suspended for five years. He will effectively serve five years' direct imprisonment. The court also declared Erasmus unfit to possess a firearm. IOL
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Four savvy tips to get on top of weekly admin and planning to save cash
From batch cooking to reviewing your calendar, read on for our tips SUN SAVERS Four savvy tips to get on top of weekly admin and planning to save cash A SUNDAY reset – where you get on top of your weekly admin and planning – is a great way to prepare for the Monday-to-Friday grind. Not only will it save you time in the working week, it should also save you money. Advertisement Here's some tips . . . PREP MEALS: This is a cornerstone of the Sunday reset. By batch-cooking dishes, you can avoid last-minute take-aways or pricey ready meals. Your batch-cook menu might include Bolognese sauce, a chicken or veggie curry or chilli, and a sausage casserole. All of them can be cooked in advance, divided into portions and kept in the fridge or freezer for an easy mid-week meal. ZAP ADMIN: Now is the time to tackle your overflowing inbox and towering pile of papers. Advertisement Go through your paperwork and bills and dedicate an hour or two to sorting-out-your-life admin. If you've got a friend's birthday looming, choose a present now, instead of making a more expensive panic buy. Still got an hour to spare? Delete emails you don't need, and unsubscribe from mailing lists. Then do a thorough blitz of recent photos on your phone, only keeping the ones you really want. MAKE A BUDGET: Review what you spent over the last seven days, so you can see where you could have saved. Once that's done, you can create a budget for the week ahead. Advertisement Track subscriptions and cancel any you don't use, then work out how to budget for big costs over the longer term. CREATE A CALENDAR: Look at what's coming up in the weeks ahead and add to your diary or calendar. Hidden button to get designer dupes at a massive discount Note the dates of upcoming bills and write down important deadlines or appointments. Schedule tasks such as fine payments, or return dates, to avoid late fees. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 7 Four savvy tips to get on top of weekly admin and planning to save cash Credit: Getty Advertisement Deal of the day 7 Dunelm's Hani floral wool rug (160 x 230cm) is £174.30 Credit: Supplied FOR fancy floors, Dunelm's Hani floral wool rug (160 x 230cm) is down from £249 to £174.30. SAVE: £74.70 Cheap treat 7 Tula black-and-gold earrings from Oliver Bonas, down from £19.50 to £5 Credit: Supplied Advertisement COMPLETE your look with Tula black-and-gold earrings from Oliver Bonas, down from £19.50 to £5. SAVE: £14.50 What's new? TAKE 20 per cent off on a £30 spend on kids' and babies' clothes at until Tuesday. Offer doesn't include schoolwear. This pink spotty tulle party dress is £12. Top swap 7 Magnum Euphoria pink lemonade sticks, £4.25 at Sainsbury's for three Credit: Supplied 7 Gianni's Luxury Pink Lemonade Chocsticks, from Aldi, £2.49 Credit: Supplied Advertisement GET that happy feeling with Magnum Euphoria pink lemonade sticks, £4.25 at Sainsbury's for three, or cool off with Gianni's Luxury Pink Lemonade Chocsticks, from Aldi, £2.49. SAVE: £1.76 Little helper PROTECT skin with Ambre Solaire ultra-hydrating sun cream SPF50+, down from £10 to £5 at Morrisons. Shop & save 7 Grab this Magnifi-Scent Wash for less at Tesco Credit: Supplied SURF Magnifi-Scent Wash sunshine blossom laundry detergent is half price with a Tesco Clubcard, down from £6.50 to £3.25.= Advertisement SAVE: £3.25 Hot right now DECO time? A 2.5L tin of Dulux matt emulsion is down from £23 to £15 in Wickes' paint sale. Save on own-brand and Crown products, too. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Advertisement Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
IOL News
23-05-2025
- IOL News
Fraudster gets eight years for house scam
Riaan Dandrey Belelie was sentenced at the George Regional Court on Wednesday for a fraudulent house sale transaction, which cost the complainant R300 000. Image: Supplied / Hawks A George man has been sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for defrauding a complainant of R300 000 in housing sale scam. Riaan Dandrey Belelie, 39, was sentenced at the George Regional Court on Wednesday, said Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani. According to Hani, Belelie went about the transaction in 2018. On the sentence, Hani said: 'This comes after he entered into a plea agreement with the State on charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering. He was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment, of which four years is suspended for five years. 'It is reported that on August 3, 2018, the complainant agreed to sell a house to the accused for the amount of R780 000. According to the terms of the agreement, the accused should pay a deposit of R350 000 on the date of signing the contract,' said Hani. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The court heard that the balance of R430 000 should be paid in three instalments of R143 334, and further, the amount of R5000 per month for rent from September 2018 until November 2018. 'On August 5, 2018, a proof of payment to the amount of R300 000 was sent via email to the complainant. It was sent on a Standard Bank internet banking letterhead. Upon the receipt of proof of payment, the accused moved into the property. It was later discovered that the proof of payment was forged. This led to the arrest of the accused, which further resulted in his sentencing,' said Hani. The complainant suffered a potential loss of R300 000 and Belelie will effectively serve four years' direct imprisonment. Cape Times
IOL News
22-05-2025
- IOL News
Fraudster sentenced to eight years for R300,000 house sale scam
Riaan Dandrey Belelie was sentenced at the George Regional Court on Wednesday for a fraudulent house sale transaction, which cost the complainant R300 000. Image: Supplied / Hawks A fraudster has been sentenced to eight years' imprisonment after defrauding a complainant of R300,000. The convict, 39-year-old Riaan Dandrey Belelie, was sentenced at the George Regional Court on Wednesday for a fraudulent house sale transaction, as confirmed by Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani. According to Hani, Belelie went about the transaction in 2018. On the sentence, Hani said: 'This comes after he entered into a plea agreement with the State on charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering. He was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment, of which four years is suspended for five years. 'It is reported that on 3 August 2018, the complainant agreed to sell a house to the accused for the amount of R780,000. According to the terms of the agreement, the accused should pay a deposit of R350,000 on the date of signing the contract,' said Hani. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ The court heard that the balance of R430,000 should be paid in three instalments of R143,334, and further, the amount of R5,000 per month for rent from September 2018 until November 2018. 'On 5 August 2018, a proof of payment to the amount of R300,000 was sent via email to the complainant. It was sent on a Standard Bank internet banking letterhead. Upon the receipt of proof of payment, the accused moved into the property. It was later discovered that the proof of payment was forged. This led to the arrest of the accused, which further resulted in his sentencing,' said Hani. The complainant suffered a potential loss of R300,000 and Belelie will effectively serve four years' direct imprisonment.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Wait to enter education 'frustrating' for teenage asylum seekers
Nineteen-year old Hani and 20-year-old Hossam both dream of running their own they face more hurdles than many other young people in fulfilling those is because Hani came to Northern Ireland as an asylum seeker from Kurdistan, like Hossam from a result, like other older teenagers who are asylum seekers, there is no automatic access to education and specialised support for them. Hani, Hossam and others have contributed to a report called Stranded Dreams, launched in Belfast City together by Anaka Women's Collective and the Participation and the Practice of Rights (PPR) organisation, it calls for a specialist education programme for those aged 16-24 who come to Northern Ireland as asylum seekers and refugees. 'When I came here, I lost myself' Hani came to Northern Ireland almost three years ago."The first thing that I asked for was education and study and school," she told BBC News NI."They told me at the age of 16 they cannot take me as a student."I was really disappointed," she Hani speaks very good English now, her initial lack of English meant that she was unable to enter a Further Education (FE) present it falls on some community organisations like Anaka Women's Collective to provide educational classes for older teenagers who are asylum was through Anaka that Hani learned English, but the wait to enter education was frustrating."Young people like us, we want to find ourselves, we want to find our future," Hani said."But when I came here, I lost myself."My steps in front of me, all of them were blurry."We're working on this so the next generation don't face the same challenges I did," she wants a specific programme for young people over 16 to be able to start to has hopes of a career in business and wants to take GCSEs, A-Levels and go to university. 'We need a certain level of English' Hossam, meanwhile, wants to combine a career in business with fashion design and also wants to attend has been out of education since arriving in Belfast as an asylum seeker with his twin brother Wyassum in January came to join their mother, who had come to Northern Ireland as a Sudan, the boys had finished secondary spoke to BBC News NI through a translator, but he desperately wants to learn English."We have been here for a year and a half so far, and we couldn't find any formal education," he told BBC News NI."We studied in Arabic in Sudan and we don't speak English, and we couldn't find a place to study English."Myself and my brother want to go to university, but for us to go to university we need a certain level of English." 'A need for targeted education' Some other parts of the UK have targeted education programmes for asylum seekers if they are over 16, teaching them English and other subjects England for instance, asylum seeking young people are entitled to free education until the end of the academic year in which they turn may be in school but it is more likely to be at their local FE college, especially if they have recently arrived in the Northern Ireland, the Education Minister Paul Givan has announced plans to make it compulsory for young people to stay in education or training until they are could mean education provision would also be provided for young asylum seekers and refugees up until the age of the Stranded Dreams report said there was a need for targeted education for them. Morgan Mattingly from Queen's University of Belfast (QUB), said there was "an intense need" for English language support especially."The statutory responsibility for education currently only exists until the end of the year you turn 16," she said."However, even before you turn 16 there's quite a few barriers that prevent young people from accessing education."When a young person is aged 16 they're turned away outright," she added."Even though they desperately want to be in school, they want to be learning, their options are very limited."Because they can't access education, they can't access higher education and then that has a knock on effect."There needs to be full-time programmes that are specific to these age groups."They have such knowledge and capacity already," she told BBC News NI, adding that English language support while they learn other core subjects is Stranded Dreams report calls for targeted support with English, and Maths, Science and other it calls for the Northern Ireland Executive to have a pilot project in place for the start of the 2026/27 academic year. 'Education is a priority' The Chief Executive of Refugee Education UK Catherine Gladwell said that for young refugees arriving in the UK "education is a priority.""While displaced children and young people have the right to access quality education, many who arrive in the UK late in the education system remain out of education for prolonged periods of time," she said."As the differences between England and Northern Ireland illustrate, there is currently no overarching strategy from the Government to address this issue.""But Refugee Education UK believes it can and should be addressed, benefiting both individual children and young people, and advancing cross party efforts to tackle inequality through educational attainment."A Department of Education spokesperson said that the department is "currently consulting on proposed legislation which will provide for all learners to participate in education, apprenticeship or training until age 18". "We are aware that there are particular cohorts of young people who require additional support including newcomer young people. Over the next few years, we will be working with policy leads across departments as we consider the implications of the legislation prior to and following its enactment."
