Latest news with #humantrafficking
The Herald
15 hours ago
- Politics
- The Herald
State asks judge to clarify ‘factual findings' in Omotoso judgment
News Premium By Guy Rogers - 15 July 2025 After almost eight years in court, televangelist Timothy Omotoso was found not guilty of rape and human trafficking but his rearrest, re-release, deportation and now an appeal by the National Prosecuting Authority is ensuring the controversial pastor stays in the news. On Monday, the state requested 'clarification' in the first part of its appeal against the acquittal of Omotoso, who was found not guilty by judge Irma Schoeman in the Gqeberha high court in April...
RNZ News
a day ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
NZ's Customs Minister urges cooperation to combat organised crime in the Pacific
By 'Alakihihifo Vailala , PMN Casey Costello and Tonga Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake 'Eke (far right). Photo: NZ High Commission Tonga New Zealand's Customs Minister, Casey Costello, is pushing for improved regional collaboration to tackle the increasing threat of organised crime in the Pacific. This includes focussing on human trafficking and money laundering, she says. During her first official visit to Tonga, Costello emphasised the need for collective efforts between New Zealand and Australia to prevent organised crime from infiltrating the Pacific. Speaking on Pacific Mornings, Costello says: "I think that the biggest collective coordination around the Pacific with New Zealand and Australia is that this is our backyard, this is our neighbourhood." Costello raised concerns about how to close the gap and keep organised crime at bay, saying, "When we talk about organised crime, it's not just drugs, it's tax avoidance, it's money laundering, it's scamming, it's people trafficking." Her support aims to help develop regional capabilities, share knowledge, and improve information sharing, as well as to increase New Zealand's presence in the area. Costello is the first Customs Minister to visit Tonga officially and plans to visit Fiji and Sāmoa next. During her trip, she met with the anti-corruption commission, established last year, which highlighted funding issues. But she says the commission has performed well despite its challenges. "They're trying to make that connection, looking at a sort of forum and behind the next Pacific leaders forum to kind of get those discussions moving forward. "And I think it's really important to kind of get that definition of what corruption is. "It can get blurred a wee bit to something where people aren't doing their job well, to those that are intentionally for personal gain." In her discussions with Tonga's Minister of Police, Customs and Immigration, Costello says that New Zealand is providing support to strengthen legislation that's 'more fit for purpose'. "It's not just border control, but it's also facilitating trade and ensuring that trade is welcomed, but also that the government has the ability to collect excise, gather revenue and tax from the process of trade," she says. She also highlighted improvements in enforcement capabilities through the implementation of detector dogs, with cooperation between New Zealand and Tongan authorities. Costello indicated continued support for the Pacific region, especially as Sāmoan and Tongan nationals prepare for upcoming elections. "We need to make that same investment and build that resilience across our Pacific neighbours so that we are a harder border to infiltrate for organised crime, and that's the relationships that are a key part of that programme of work." - PMN
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
St. Cloud man charged in court with texting, inappropriate remarks to minor
A 65-year-old St. Cloud man is behind bars after he reportedly made inappropriate remarks to a 15-year-old girl both in person and by text. The Stearns County Attorney's Office on Monday, July 14, filed felony charges against the man for allegedly soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct and engaging in electronic communication describing sexual conduct. More: Minnesota gets more opioid settlement dollars; what does that mean for Stearns County? According to the criminal complaint, the Central Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force started its investigation on July 11. Another adult man, who isn't identified in the complaint, told police about the suspect allegedly reaching out to the child in an inappropriate way. An investigator then met with the child, who also lives in St. Cloud. The child reportedly said the man made comments about her being cute, repeatedly sending good morning texts and "told her she had gained weight since last summer because he was looking at her butt while she was swimming," according to the statement of probable cause. He also allegedly told the girl he had troubles satisfying himself sexually and planned to buy a prostitute. The statement of probable cause also states the girl told investigators the man said "... that he'd rather be with minors than anyone older." Court records also show text messages between the suspect and the girl. The suspect read some of these texts during a Mirandized statement, according to the complaint, including a text saying the two will eventually engage in sexual activities. More: Prius driver dies after vehicles collide, strike power pole near Bowlus Court records state the man told investigators those texts were meant for somebody else. He also denied talking to the girl about certain things, but he admitted to talking about soliciting a prostitute, saying "she is old enough to understand." He also admitted to knowing the girl was 15 years old and telling her she had nice legs, according to the criminal complaint. The 65-year-old man was arrested on July 11. As of July 14 morning, he is at the Stearns County Jail. Both charges, if convicted, could carry up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@ This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Minnesota man arrested for inappropriately texting to St. Cloud girl
Emirates 24/7
2 days ago
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Police arrest, extradite fugitive trio sought over cross-border organised crime to Belgium
Dubai Police have arrested and extradited to authorities in Belgium three prime suspects wanted in that country in connection with cases of cross-border organised crime. The trio were listed in the most wanted category by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol). The three Belgian nationals were held based on INTERPOL red notices issued against them in an operation that showcased Dubai Police's close coordination with international law enforcement agencies. The three suspects, Mathias Akyazili, Giorgi Faes, and Othman El Ballouti, face several serious criminal charges, including operating a notorious gang, trafficking narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, committing robbery, and engaging in human trafficking. Their extradition comes after Dubai Police, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, launched a thorough investigation led by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, acting upon an international arrest warrant submitted by Belgian authorities to the International Cooperation Department at the UAE Ministry of Justice, the designated central authority for facilitating international cooperation requests. All required legal and judicial formalities were duly complied with before proceeding with the extradition request. Dubai Police affirmed that its swift intervention in such cases reflects its commitment to building bridges of cooperation with law enforcement agencies around the world and effectively combating all forms of transnational organised crime. Such coordinated efforts also support the strengthening of a strong global security framework that confronts criminal activity with full force while promoting the exchange of international expertise and best practices in policing, thereby ensuring enhanced safety and security for communities in every corner of the world. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Arabian Business
2 days ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai Police arrest and extradite 3 INTERPOL-wanted suspects linked to major organised crime in Belgium
Dubai Police have arrested and extradited to authorities in Belgium three prime suspects wanted in that country in connection with cases of cross-border organised crime. The trio were listed in the most wanted category by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol). The three Belgian nationals were held based on INTERPOL red notices issued against them in an operation that showcased Dubai Police's close coordination with international law enforcement agencies. Dubai arrests Belgian organised crime suspects The three suspects, Mathias Akyazili, Giorgi Faes, and Othman El Ballouti, face several serious criminal charges, including: Operating a notorious gang Trafficking narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances Committing robbery Engaging in human trafficking Their extradition comes after Dubai Police, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, launched a thorough investigation led by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, acting upon an international arrest warrant submitted by Belgian authorities to the International Cooperation Department at the UAE Ministry of Justice, the designated central authority for facilitating international cooperation requests. All required legal and judicial formalities were duly complied with before proceeding with the extradition request. Dubai Police affirmed that its swift intervention in such cases reflects its commitment to building bridges of cooperation with law enforcement agencies around the world and effectively combating all forms of transnational organised crime. Such coordinated efforts also support the strengthening of a strong global security framework that confronts criminal activity with full force while promoting the exchange of international expertise and best practices in policing, thereby ensuring enhanced safety and security for communities in every corner of the world.
