The US and UK governments have sanctioned an international gold smuggling and money laundering network, targeting Kenyan-British businessman Kamlesh Pattni for allegedly bribing officials in Zimbabwe and profiting from illicit trade. Pattni, previously linked to the Goldenberg Scandal in Kenya, reinvented himself as an evangelical pastor and featured in Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia investigation, showcasing his political influence in Africa and offering to launder dirty money through his businesses. The investigation also uncovered other gold smuggling operations in Southern Africa, exposing the criminal gangs behind them.
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Russia wants to deploy 10,000 troops in Moldovan breakaway region, PM warns
Russia plans to deploy 10,000 troops to the separatist Transnistria region bordering Ukraine, with the aim of installing a pro-Kremlin government in Moldova ahead of its parliamentary elections. Moldova's Prime Minister Dorin Recean accused Moscow of undermining Moldovan democracy through propaganda and financial influence, expending 1% of Moldova’s GDP on such efforts. He emphasized the need to bolster Moldova's defenses while pursuing EU membership, highlighting the strategic military implications of increased Russian presence near NATO...
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