Latest news with #criminalinvestigation
Phone Arena
a day ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Musk and X won't cooperate with French authorities who label the platform an "organized gang"
Yet another major social media platform is experiencing tough times in France – first, it was Telegram, now, it's X (formerly Twitter). Elon Musk and his team, however, are not having any of it – for the moment – and won't cooperate with French prosecutors. Less than a week ago, we told you that X is facing a formal criminal investigation in France, with prosecutors enlisting police to probe alleged organized interference and fraudulent data extraction. Authorities are investigating both the company and individuals linked to it, citing claims that Musk has used X to promote right-wing groups in France. The case is likely to heighten tensions between the US and European governments, as Washington has criticized such actions as attacks on free speech and American companies. Now, Elon Musk's X has accused French authorities of pursuing a politically motivated criminal investigation. The US-based company firmly rejects all allegations. X has stated it will not cooperate with the probe. The investigation now grants police the power to conduct searches, wiretaps, and surveillance on Musk and X executives, or summon them for testimony, with potential arrest warrants for it sound a bit familiar? Yeah, that's right: about a year ago, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France. The suspicion was that he didn't do enough to prevent criminal activities on his messaging says that ten years of work to attract tech investment to France is being undone by a handful of bureaucrats: Image source – X Back to X, though: French authorities have launched a politically-motivated criminal investigation into X over the alleged manipulation of its algorithm and alleged 'fraudulent data extraction.' X categorically denies these allegations. This investigation, instigated by French politician Eric… — Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) July 21, 2025 X argued that the probe is distorting French law for political purposes, claiming it is an attempt to silence free expression. The company confirmed it had refused prosecutors' request for access to its recommendation algorithm and real-time data, citing its legal right to decline. The dispute comes amid broader tensions between Washington and European governments over online content moderation, with Musk accusing European authorities of targeting free speech and favoring certain political narratives. The European Commission has already been investigating X for potential violations of the Digital Services Act since late 2023. X also criticized the use of organized crime statutes in the French investigation, which could permit surveillance of employees' personal devices and carries penalties of up to 10 years in lawmaker Eric Bothorel, who reportedly initiated the complaint, accused X of algorithmic manipulation for foreign interference – a claim the company has dismissed as false. Bothorel defended the independence of France's judiciary and stressed that free speech must still be balanced with responsibility. Meanwhile, X said prosecutors wanted its data examined by researchers David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi, both of whom it claims are openly hostile to the company.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Dog the Bounty Hunter's stepson ‘under criminal investigation' after ‘accidentally shooting and killing teen son'
A CRIMINAL investigation has been opened for Dog The Bounty Hunter's stepson after the apparent accidental shooting death of his teenage son. What began as a death inquiry has become a full blown criminal investigation into the death of 13-year-old Anthony Zecca, Dog's grandson, after he was fatally shot by his dad on Saturday, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal. 5 5 A source close to the case confirmed, "this an active criminal investigation." On Saturday around 8:08 pm, the reality star's step-son shot and killed Dog's step-grandson - in what has been reported as a tragic accident. The incident happened at his father, Gregory Zecca's Naples apartment. The Sheriff's office said that by the time they had arrived on scene on Saturday, Anthony had lost "large amounts of blood." Emergency personnel tried to save the teen using CPR, chest compressions and other life-saving measures but they were unable to save the teen. According to the sheriff's office, by the time deputies arrived, Anthony had already lost a significant amount of blood. First responders attempted to save the teen by performing CPR and other life-saving measures, including chest compressions, but tragically, they were unable to revive him. The teenager was officially pronounced dead at 10:21 pm. The firearm involved in the shooting was discovered on the kitchen island inside the apartment. Despite the turn in the investigation, there have been no arrests as of this writing. Collier County Sheriff deputies reported that Gregory Zecca, Anthony's father, was found with an empty holster in his waistband. Zecca, the son of Dog's wife Francie from her previous marriage, is known to be a gun enthusiast. In 2021, he shared photos on social media of himself and his son spending time at a shooting range with their rifle. Dog, whose real name is Duane Lee Chapman, and his family issued a heartbreaking statement, describing the incident as an "incomprehensible accident." In a statement to TMZ the family said "We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony." Dog and his wife, Francie, tied the knot in 2021 after both had endured the loss of their previous partners. The couple revealed that their shared experiences of grief brought them closer during their relationship. The 72-year-old bounty hunter and TV star has faced numerous family tragedies, including the loss of two of his children. One of Dog's three children with his second wife, Anne Tegnell, passed away shortly after birth. In 2006, his 23-year-old daughter, Barbara, tragically died in a car accident while driving a stolen SUV in Alaska. Barbara was one of Dog's three children from his brief marriage to his third wife, Lyssa Britain. In June 2019, Dog's fifth wife, Alice Elizabeth "Beth" Barmore, passed away following a battle with stage two throat cancer. 5 5 5
CNN
2 days ago
- Business
- CNN
China bans Wells Fargo banker from leaving the country
Source: CNN An Atlanta-based banker working for Wells Fargo has been prevented from leaving China, the latest incident that threatens to amplify concerns among Western executives about the potential consequences of visiting the world's second-biggest economy. Chinese authorities said Monday the exit ban placed on Wells Fargo executive Chenyue Mao is part of a criminal investigation. 'Ms. Mao Chenyue is involved in a criminal case being handled by Chinese authorities, who have lawfully imposed exit restrictions on her,' Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Monday following a regular press conference. It's not clear the target of the criminal case, nor how Mao is believed to be linked to it. 'According to Chinese law, the case is under investigation, and Ms. Mao is temporarily unable to leave the country and is obligated to cooperate with the investigation,' the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. 'During the investigation, the authorities will ensure that her legal rights are protected.' Mao has been employed by Wells Fargo since 2012, according to her LinkedIn profile. Born in Shanghai and based in Atlanta, Mao leads Wells Fargo's international factoring business and advises multinational companies on cross-border capital strategies, according to FCI, a global network of companies formerly known as the Factors Chain International. Mao was recently elected to be the chairwoman of FCI. 'We are closely tracking this situation and working through the appropriate channels so our employee can return to the United States as soon as possible,' Wells Fargo told CNN in a statement. Wells Fargo has since suspended all travel to China, according to The Wall Street Journal, which first reported news of Mao being blocked from leaving the country. The bank declined to comment further on the incident. An automated response on Monday from Mao's email indicates she is overseas. 'Traveling international on business with time difference, may delay in responses, will respond as soon as I'm able to,' the automated response said. News of the exit ban placed on the Wells Fargo banker comes as a Chinese American man working for the Commerce Department has been prevented from leaving the country, according to the Washington Post. The Commerce Department employee, working in the agency's Patent and Trademark Office, was visiting family in China several months ago and failed to disclose on his visa application that he worked for the US government, the Post reported. The Commerce Department referred CNN's inquiries to the US State Department. The State Department did not respond to a request for comment on the Commerce employee or the Wells Fargo banker. The State Department currently has a 'level 2' travel advisory for China, indicating Americans should 'exercise increased caution' when traveling to Mainland China due to 'arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans.' The incidents are likely to raise concern in C-suites and among boards of directors about the risks of visiting China. 'This has everyone jittery again, nervous about traveling,' Sam Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, told CNN in a phone interview on Monday. Stein, who previously worked as a US diplomat in China and advised companies on China matters at the law firm Covington and Burling, said Western companies are often in the dark about the reasons behind exit bans imposed by China. 'This could have a chilling effect on executive travel to China — unless China can be more transparent,' Stein said. 'China has a small window. Now is the time to come out and explain the circumstances where someone can be placed on an exit ban. China really needs to step up.' Dale Buckner, CEO of international security firm Global Guardian, is urging US companies to 'carefully vet all employees' for characteristics that pose risks during travel to China. 'Those with government ties, dual nationality, or involvement in sensitive industries like defense or advanced technology should not travel to China, including Hong Kong and Macau,' Buckner said in an email to CNN. 'Companies should only allow travel if necessary and carefully weigh whether the benefit outweighs the risk of an exit ban or detention.' Buckner added that China is 'always seeking ways to gain leverage during negotiations or acquire sensitive' intellectual property from rivals and cautioned that individuals who fail to disclose military or government ties are vulnerable to exit bans. Jiakun, the Chinese Ministry of Finance spokesperson, stressed that Chinese citizens and foreigners 'must abide by' Chinese law while inside the country. 'This is an individual judicial case, and China will continue to welcome people from all countries to visit and do business, while upholding their rights in accordance with the law,' the spokesperson said. See Full Web Article
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
China bans Wells Fargo banker from leaving the country
People walk by a Wells Fargo bank branch in New York City, U.S., June 4, 2025. (Kylie Cooper/Reuters/FILE via CNN Newsource) An Atlanta-based banker working for Wells Fargo has been prevented from leaving China, the latest incident that threatens to amplify concerns among Western executives about the potential consequences of visiting the world's second-biggest economy. Chinese authorities said Monday the exit ban placed on Wells Fargo executive Chenyue Mao is part of a criminal investigation. 'Ms. Mao Chenyue is involved in a criminal case being handled by Chinese authorities, who have lawfully imposed exit restrictions on her,' Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Monday following a regular press conference. It's not clear the target of the criminal case, nor how Mao is believed to be linked to it. 'According to Chinese law, the case is under investigation, and Ms. Mao is temporarily unable to leave the country and is obligated to cooperate with the investigation,' the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. 'During the investigation, the authorities will ensure that her legal rights are protected.' Mao has been employed by Wells Fargo since 2012, according to her LinkedIn profile. Born in Shanghai and based in Atlanta, Mao leads Wells Fargo's international factoring business and advises multinational companies on cross-border capital strategies, according to FCI, a global network of companies formerly known as the Factors Chain International. Mao was recently elected to be the chairwoman of FCI. 'We are closely tracking this situation and working through the appropriate channels so our employee can return to the United States as soon as possible,' Wells Fargo told CNN in a statement. Wells Fargo has since suspended all travel to China, according to The Wall Street Journal, which first reported news of Mao being blocked from leaving the country. The bank declined to comment further on the incident. An automated response on Monday from Mao's email indicates she is overseas. 'Traveling international on business with time difference, may delay in responses, will respond as soon as I'm able to,' the automated response said. News of the exit ban placed on the Wells Fargo banker comes as a Chinese American man working for the Commerce Department has been prevented from leaving the country, according to the Washington Post. The Commerce Department employee, working in the agency's Patent and Trademark Office, was visiting family in China several months ago and failed to disclose on his visa application that he worked for the U.S. government, the Post reported. The Commerce Department referred CNN's inquiries to the U.S. State Department. The State Department did not respond to a request for comment on the Commerce employee or the Wells Fargo banker. The U.S. State Department currently has a 'level 2' travel advisory for China, indicating Americans should 'exercise increased caution' when traveling to Mainland China due to 'arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans.' The incidents are likely to raise concern in C-Suites and among boards of directors about the risks of visiting China. 'This has everyone jittery again, nervous about traveling,' Sam Stein, president of the U.S.-China Business Council, told CNN in a phone interview on Monday. Stein, who previously worked as a U.S. diplomat in China and advised companies on China matters at the law firm Covington and Burling, said Western companies are often in the dark about the reasons behind exit bans imposed by China. 'This could have a chilling effect on executive travel to China – unless China can be more transparent,' Stein said. 'China has a small window. Now is the time to come out and explain the circumstances where someone can be placed on an exit ban. China really needs to step up.' Jiakun, the Chinese Ministry of Finance spokesperson, stressed that both Chinese citizens and foreigners 'must abide by' Chinese law while inside the country. 'This is an individual judicial case, and China will continue to welcome people from all countries to visit and do business, while upholding their rights in accordance with the law,' the spokesperson said. By Matt Egan.
CNN
2 days ago
- Business
- CNN
China bans Wells Fargo banker from leaving the country
An Atlanta-based banker working for Wells Fargo has been prevented from leaving China, the latest incident that threatens to amplify concerns among Western executives about the potential consequences of visiting the world's second-biggest economy. Chinese authorities said Monday the exit ban placed on Wells Fargo executive Chenyue Mao is part of a criminal investigation. 'Ms. Mao Chenyue is involved in a criminal case being handled by Chinese authorities, who have lawfully imposed exit restrictions on her,' Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Monday following a regular press conference. It's not clear the target of the criminal case, nor how Mao is believed to be linked to it. 'According to Chinese law, the case is under investigation, and Ms. Mao is temporarily unable to leave the country and is obligated to cooperate with the investigation,' the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. 'During the investigation, the authorities will ensure that her legal rights are protected.' Mao has been employed by Wells Fargo since 2012, according to her LinkedIn profile. Born in Shanghai and based in Atlanta, Mao leads Wells Fargo's international factoring business and advises multinational companies on cross-border capital strategies, according to FCI, a global network of companies formerly known as the Factors Chain International. Mao was recently elected to be the chairwoman of FCI. 'We are closely tracking this situation and working through the appropriate channels so our employee can return to the United States as soon as possible,' Wells Fargo told CNN in a statement. Wells Fargo has since suspended all travel to China, according to The Wall Street Journal, which first reported news of Mao being blocked from leaving the country. The bank declined to comment further on the incident. An automated response on Monday from Mao's email indicates she is overseas. 'Traveling international on business with time difference, may delay in responses, will respond as soon as I'm able to,' the automated response said. News of the exit ban placed on the Wells Fargo banker comes as a Chinese American man working for the Commerce Department has been prevented from leaving the country, according to the Washington Post. The Commerce Department employee, working in the agency's Patent and Trademark Office, was visiting family in China several months ago and failed to disclose on his visa application that he worked for the US government, the Post reported. The Commerce Department referred CNN's inquiries to the US State Department. The State Department did not respond to a request for comment on the Commerce employee or the Wells Fargo banker. The State Department currently has a 'level 2' travel advisory for China, indicating Americans should 'exercise increased caution' when traveling to Mainland China due to 'arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans.' The incidents are likely to raise concern in C-Suites and among boards of directors about the risks of visiting China. 'This has everyone jittery again, nervous about traveling,' Sam Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, told CNN in a phone interview on Monday. Stein, who previously worked as a US diplomat in China and advised companies on China matters at the law firm Covington and Burling, said Western companies are often in the dark about the reasons behind exit bans imposed by China. 'This could have a chilling effect on executive travel to China – unless China can be more transparent,' Stein said. 'China has a small window. Now is the time to come out and explain the circumstances where someone can be placed on an exit ban. China really needs to step up.' Jiakun, the Chinese Ministry of Finance spokesperson, stressed that both Chinese citizens and foreigners 'must abide by' Chinese law while inside the country. 'This is an individual judicial case, and China will continue to welcome people from all countries to visit and do business, while upholding their rights in accordance with the law,' the spokesperson said.
