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		<title>M&#038;S Cyber-Attack May Have Started Through IT Partner TCS</title>
		<link>https://journosnews.com/ms-cyber-attack-may-have-started-through-it-partner-tcs/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Daily Desk]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 May 2025 07:50:21 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://journosnews.com/?p=12838</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Tata Consultancy Services Probes Potential Link to Cyber-Attack on Marks &#38; Spencer An internal investigation is underway at Indian tech giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to determine whether its systems were used as the entry point for the recent cyber-attack that severely disrupted Marks &#38; Spencer (M&#38;S) operations, according to BBC News sources. Third-Party Access [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/ms-cyber-attack-may-have-started-through-it-partner-tcs/">M&#038;S Cyber-Attack May Have Started Through IT Partner TCS</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><strong>Tata Consultancy Services Probes Potential Link to Cyber-Attack on Marks &amp; Spencer</strong></h1>
<p><strong>An internal investigation</strong> is underway at Indian tech giant <strong>Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)</strong> to determine whether its systems were used as the entry point for the recent cyber-attack that severely disrupted <strong>Marks &amp; Spencer (M&amp;S)</strong> operations, according to <em>BBC News</em> sources.</p>
<h3>Third-Party Access Under Scrutiny</h3>
<p>Earlier this week, M&amp;S revealed that hackers had breached its systems via a <strong>third-party provider</strong> rather than by attacking the retailer directly. While neither M&amp;S nor TCS has officially confirmed any involvement, the focus is now on TCS, which has worked with M&amp;S for over a decade on various services, including its <strong>Sparks customer rewards program</strong>.</p>
<p>The <em>Financial Times</em>, which first broke the story, cited sources close to the probe who expect the internal inquiry to wrap up by the <strong>end of the month</strong>. However, the exact start date of TCS&#8217;s investigation remains unclear.</p>
<h3>Major Disruption and Financial Fallout</h3>
<p>The cyber-attack has significantly impacted M&amp;S’s digital operations. <strong>Online shopping has been offline since late April</strong>, leaving customers unable to make purchases through the website. M&amp;S has stated that while online services will <strong>gradually return over the coming weeks</strong>, full functionality may not resume until <strong>July</strong>.</p>
<p>The financial toll is steep: M&amp;S estimates that the attack could cost the company <strong>£300 million in lost profits</strong> this year.</p>
<h3>Hacker Group ‘Scattered Spider’ Behind the Breach</h3>
<p>Authorities are reportedly investigating <strong>Scattered Spider</strong>, an English-speaking cybercriminal group suspected of orchestrating the attack. The same group is believed to be behind earlier incidents involving the <strong>Co-op</strong> and <strong>Harrods</strong>, but the M&amp;S breach appears to be the most damaging.</p>
<h3>A High-Profile Partner Under Pressure</h3>
<p>TCS, one of the world’s largest IT services firms with over <strong>607,000 global employees</strong>, is a high-profile partner of many major UK brands. In addition to M&amp;S, its client list includes <strong>Co-op, easyJet, Nationwide</strong>, and <strong>Jaguar Land Rover</strong>. There is no confirmation yet on whether the internal review also covers the cyber-attack on the Co-op.</p>
<p>The company has also been recognized for its collaborations — in 2023, TCS and M&amp;S were awarded <strong>Retail Partnership of the Year</strong> at the Retail Systems Awards. TCS is also the <strong>lead sponsor</strong> of the <strong>New York, London, and Sydney marathons</strong>.</p>
<h3>Silence on the Ransom Question</h3>
<p>During a media call on Wednesday, M&amp;S CEO <strong>Stuart Machin</strong> described the breach as a “<strong>highly sophisticated and targeted cyber-attack</strong>” that caused a “limited period of disruption.” However, he declined to comment on whether the company had paid a ransom.</p>
<p>As investigations continue, the cyber incident underscores growing concerns about the vulnerability of major retailers to third-party breaches — and the potentially massive costs that come with them.</p>
<p><em>Source: BBC &#8211; <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c989le2p3lno">Indian IT giant investigates link to M&amp;S cyber-attack</a></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/ms-cyber-attack-may-have-started-through-it-partner-tcs/">M&#038;S Cyber-Attack May Have Started Through IT Partner TCS</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
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		<title>US and Europe Shut Down Major Hacking Tool Used by Cybercriminals</title>
		<link>https://journosnews.com/us-and-europe-shut-down-major-hacking-tool-used-by-cybercriminals/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Daily Desk]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2025 13:29:02 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://journosnews.com/?p=12737</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>US and Europe Join Forces to Take Down Major Hacking Tool Used by Cybercriminals Worldwide US and European authorities have launched a powerful crackdown on a notorious hacking tool that has fueled countless cyberattacks across the globe. Known as Lumma, this tool has been linked to ransomware attacks, bank thefts, and other serious digital crimes, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/us-and-europe-shut-down-major-hacking-tool-used-by-cybercriminals/">US and Europe Shut Down Major Hacking Tool Used by Cybercriminals</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><strong>US and Europe Join Forces to Take Down Major Hacking Tool Used by Cybercriminals Worldwide</strong></h1>
<p><strong>US and European</strong> authorities have launched a powerful crackdown on a notorious hacking tool that has fueled countless cyberattacks across the globe. Known as <strong>Lumma</strong>, this tool has been linked to ransomware attacks, bank thefts, and other serious digital crimes, affecting hundreds of organizations worldwide.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, the US Justice Department announced it seized the computer systems that hackers used to access Lumma. Meanwhile, Microsoft successfully took control of or shut down <strong>2,300 websites</strong> tied to this cybercriminal network, thanks to a court order.</p>
<p>This operation delivers a serious blow to a sprawling hacking enterprise that had been causing chaos, especially over the past two months. Microsoft reported discovering nearly <strong>394,000 Windows computers</strong> infected with Lumma across the world.</p>
<p>Authorities say Lumma-powered attacks targeted a wide range of victims — including airlines, universities, hospitals, banks, US state governments, and even Fortune 500 companies. The FBI estimates that in 2023 alone, hackers using Lumma caused credit card fraud losses of <strong>$36.5 million</strong>.</p>
<p>However, the fight against Lumma hasn’t been straightforward. The lead developer of the software reportedly operates out of Russia, where versions of Lumma are openly sold on Telegram and other Russian forums for prices ranging from $250 to $1,000, according to Microsoft analysts.</p>
<p>US prosecutors have charged numerous Russian hackers in the past decade for cybercrimes against American targets, but only a few have been brought to justice in US courts. Russian officials have also resisted efforts to extradite accused cybercriminals.</p>
<p>When asked if the FBI knows whether Lumma’s developer is based in Russia or if they have contacted Russian authorities, Brett Leatherman, the FBI’s deputy assistant director for cyber operations, said he could not comment.</p>
<p>But Leatherman emphasized that the FBI’s strategy focuses on disrupting the entire hacking ecosystem — not just individual actors — to provide relief to victims.</p>
<p>“This is about cutting off the tools and infrastructure these criminals rely on,” Leatherman said. “Even if we can’t charge every individual, taking down this network helps protect the victims.”</p>
<p>This global crackdown involved a coordinated effort from Europol, American and European tech companies, and a Japanese cybersecurity group. This collaborative approach reflects the growing role tech firms play in tackling cybercrime worldwide.</p>
<p>Leatherman expressed hope that this takedown would also sow distrust within the cybercriminal network, further weakening their operations.</p>
<p>“This is part of a broader investigation into the group behind Lumma,” he said. “We aim to fracture their trust and dismantle their network.”</p>
<p><em>Source: CNN &#8211; <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/21/politics/crack-down-hacking-tool">US and European authorities crack down on hacking tool used by cybercriminals worldwide</a></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/us-and-europe-shut-down-major-hacking-tool-used-by-cybercriminals/">US and Europe Shut Down Major Hacking Tool Used by Cybercriminals</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
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		<title>FBI Breaks Up Global Sextortion Ring After Teen’s Tragic Death</title>
		<link>https://journosnews.com/fbi-breaks-up-global-sextortion-ring-after-teens-tragic-death/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Daily Desk]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2025 17:12:03 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://journosnews.com/?p=12389</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>FBI Shuts Down Global ‘Sextortion’ Ring After Teen’s Tragic Suicide For Pauline Stuart, the news was almost unbelievable: the man believed responsible for her teenage son’s death is finally behind bars. “It still feels unreal,” she told CNN. “I thought it would never happen, but law enforcement never gave up.” The suspect, Alfred Kassi, was [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/fbi-breaks-up-global-sextortion-ring-after-teens-tragic-death/">FBI Breaks Up Global Sextortion Ring After Teen’s Tragic Death</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><strong>FBI Shuts Down Global ‘Sextortion’ Ring After Teen’s Tragic Suicide</strong></h1>
<p>For Pauline Stuart, the news was almost unbelievable: the man believed responsible for her teenage son’s death is finally behind bars.</p>
<p>“It still feels unreal,” she told CNN. “I thought it would never happen, but law enforcement never gave up.”</p>
<p>The suspect, Alfred Kassi, was arrested in Côte d’Ivoire — thousands of miles from the Northern California home where her 17-year-old son, Ryan Last, took his own life in 2022. Alongside three accomplices, Kassi is charged in connection with an international sextortion scheme targeting thousands, including minors across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Spain, and Italy.</p>
<h3>What is Sextortion?</h3>
<p>Sextortion is a dangerous online scam where perpetrators trick victims—often children—into sending explicit images, then demand money or more photos under threat of exposing those images to family or friends.</p>
<p>In Ryan’s case, it began with a message from someone pretending to be a girl. Within hours, a nightmare unfolded.</p>
<h3>A Teen’s Final Hours</h3>
<p>Ryan, a straight-A student and Boy Scout, received the message on a school night in February 2022. The scammer sent him a nude photo, then pressured him for one in return. After Ryan complied, they demanded $5,000 — threatening to share the image publicly if he didn’t pay.</p>
<p>Unable to meet the demand, Ryan’s family savings were drained as the extortionists continued to push for more money.</p>
<p>By 2 a.m., just hours after saying goodnight to his mom, Ryan tragically ended his life. His suicide note revealed his overwhelming fear and embarrassment.</p>
<p>“He truly believed there was no way out if those pictures were shared,” Stuart said. “No child should ever be that scared.”</p>
<h3>A Growing Crisis</h3>
<p>The FBI and other U.S. agencies have reported a sharp rise in sextortion cases, prompting nationwide warnings to parents.</p>
<p>Experts say teens are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing, making it hard to see beyond immediate crises.</p>
<p>Dr. Scott Hadland of Mass General for Children explains, “When something catastrophic like this happens, teens struggle to imagine things getting better.”</p>
<h3>Protecting Teens Online</h3>
<p>Hadland urges parents to stay involved in their kids’ online lives—know who they talk to, what platforms they use, and watch for signs of pressure to share personal info or photos.</p>
<p>Crucially, he advises parents to approach the subject without judgment. “Make sure your teens know they can talk to you if they make a mistake or feel scared.”</p>
<p>Pauline Stuart agrees. “We need to talk openly with our kids and make them aware of these dangers.”</p>
<h3>Justice and Cooperation</h3>
<p>Kassi and his accomplices will face prosecution in Côte d’Ivoire, where they were arrested. The country doesn’t extradite its citizens, but authorities there have cybercrime laws that apply.</p>
<p>The FBI investigation was aided by San Jose police, the U.S. State Department, and Meta (Facebook’s parent company), which provided key information to identify the suspects.</p>
<p>The Justice Department noted that Kassi still had sextortion messages sent to Ryan on his phone at the time of arrest, underscoring the ongoing threat these criminals posed.</p>
<p><em>Source: CNN &#8211; <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/15/politics/sextortion-ring-distrupted-ryan-last">‘Sextortion’ ring targeting thousands of minors worldwide was just disrupted by the FBI, officials say</a></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/fbi-breaks-up-global-sextortion-ring-after-teens-tragic-death/">FBI Breaks Up Global Sextortion Ring After Teen’s Tragic Death</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
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		<title>How Deepfake Porn is Destroying Lives in South Korea</title>
		<link>https://journosnews.com/how-deepfake-porn-is-destroying-lives-in-south-korea/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Daily Desk]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Apr 2025 14:18:47 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://journosnews.com/?p=11672</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Deepfake Porn Crisis in South Korea: Destroying Lives and Calling for Action In South Korea, deepfake porn is wreaking havoc on the lives of countless individuals, with devastating consequences for its victims. This cutting-edge technology allows malicious actors to manipulate images and videos, creating fake explicit content that feels alarmingly real. For many, the nightmare [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/how-deepfake-porn-is-destroying-lives-in-south-korea/">How Deepfake Porn is Destroying Lives in South Korea</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><strong>Deepfake Porn Crisis in South Korea: Destroying Lives and Calling for Action</strong></h1>
<p>In South Korea, deepfake porn is wreaking havoc on the lives of countless individuals, with devastating consequences for its victims. This cutting-edge technology allows malicious actors to manipulate images and videos, creating fake explicit content that feels alarmingly real. For many, the nightmare begins when they learn their faces have been digitally superimposed onto pornographic material without their consent.</p>
<p>Ruma, a university student, experienced this harrowing invasion of privacy in 2021. While enjoying lunch one summer day, she opened her phone to find it flooded with messages. What she saw shocked her to the core: photos of her face, taken from her social media accounts, had been edited onto naked bodies and shared in a Telegram chat room. The comments accompanying these images were deeply demeaning, taunting her with insults. The harassment didn&#8217;t stop there. The anonymous sender threatened to distribute the images more widely and boasted that the police would never catch them. For Ruma, it felt like her world had been turned upside down.</p>
<p>Sadly, Ruma&#8217;s experience is far from unique. In a society where digital sex crimes have already plagued South Korea—ranging from hidden cameras in public places to blackmail in online chat rooms—the rise of deepfake pornography presents a new and terrifying threat. The crisis is particularly severe in schools, where over 900 students, teachers, and staff reported being victims of deepfake sex crimes in 2022 alone. These figures don’t even account for university students, who have also been affected by this growing menace.</p>
<p>To combat this crisis, South Korea’s government has taken action. In response to the widespread issue, an emergency task force was created, and new legislation was passed in September 2022. The law now mandates severe penalties for those who create or distribute non-consensual deepfake pornography—up to seven years in prison for offenders. Possessing or viewing such material can lead to up to three years behind bars, or a fine of up to 30 million won (roughly $20,000). Despite these legal advancements, the reality is grim. In 2022, police only arrested 23 people out of the 964 deepfake-related sex crime cases reported. Many victims, including Ruma, have had to take matters into their own hands.</p>
<p>Ruma, who was just 27 years old when her ordeal began, said the incident completely shattered her trust in the world. &#8220;It broke my whole belief system about the world,&#8221; she explained. &#8220;The fact that they could use such vulgar, rough images to humiliate and violate you to that extreme extent really damages you almost irrevocably.&#8221;</p>
<p>Despite being told by police that they would struggle to get the necessary data from Telegram, she decided to take action. After hearing that other investigations had stalled due to difficulties in identifying suspects, she sought the help of activist Won Eun-ji. Known for her role in exposing South Korea’s largest digital sex crime network on Telegram, Won stepped in to help. Using a fake Telegram account, she infiltrated the chat room where the deepfake images of Ruma circulated. For nearly two years, Won gathered evidence, carefully engaging with users before coordinating with police for a sting operation.</p>
<p>The operation ultimately led to the arrest of two former students from Seoul National University (SNU). One of them was sentenced to nine years in prison for creating and distributing the deepfake material, while the other received a 3.5-year sentence. However, Ruma&#8217;s fight is far from over. &#8220;I didn’t expect the ruling to align exactly with the prosecution’s request,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I’m happy, but this is only the first trial. I don’t feel entirely relieved yet.&#8221;</p>
<p>Ruma&#8217;s case sheds light on the far-reaching and devastating impact of digital sex crimes. In many instances, the police have been slow to act, leaving victims to fend for themselves.</p>
<p>One high school teacher, identified only as Kim for her privacy, shared her own distressing experience. In July 2023, she learned from a student that explicit, digitally altered photos of her were circulating online. These images, which manipulated her appearance and added her face to nude bodies, were a cruel violation of her privacy. “My hands started to shake,” Kim recalled. “When could this photo have been taken, and who would upload such a thing?”</p>
<p>The police’s response to Kim was no more reassuring. They explained that identifying the perpetrator could only be done by requesting user information from Twitter (now rebranded as X). With concerns about the process taking too long, Kim and a colleague, also a victim of secret filming, launched their own investigation. Eventually, they discovered that the culprit was a quiet, introverted student—someone they never would have suspected.</p>
<p>Kim’s case highlights the lack of empathy often shown by the public toward victims of deepfake pornography. “I read a lot of articles and comments about deepfakes saying, ‘Why is it a serious crime when it’s not even your real body?’” she lamented. The societal apathy surrounding digital sex crimes only makes it easier for perpetrators to exploit their victims, often with little fear of consequence.</p>
<p>Activists like Won argue that South Korea’s long-standing failure to enforce laws against digital exploitation has fueled the growth of a toxic online environment. The rise of &#8220;acquaintance humiliation&#8221;—where perpetrators share manipulated photos and personal information of women they know—has left many victims living in constant fear for their safety.</p>
<p>The responsibility also lies with online platforms, which continue to be hotspots for illegal activities. Telegram, in particular, has been criticized for its failure to moderate content and share user data with authorities. While the company announced plans to crack down on illegal content and has begun cooperating with South Korean authorities, there are still significant concerns. In January 2023, police in Seoul successfully obtained data from Telegram, leading to the arrest of 14 people involved in a major deepfake pornography ring. While this marks a small victory, many victims feel that the fight is far from over.</p>
<p>For victims like Ruma and Kim, the fight against digital sex crimes is far from over. They continue to push for stricter punishments for perpetrators and more support for victims. “No matter how much punishments are strengthened, there are still far more victims who suffer because their perpetrators have not been caught,” Ruma said. “There’s a long way to go.”</p>
<p>As the South Korean government and activists work to address this growing crisis, the battle against deepfake pornography will require ongoing vigilance, stricter enforcement, and a societal shift to ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve.</p>
<p><em>Source: CNN &#8211; <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/25/asia/south-korea-deepfake-crimes-intl-hnk-dst/index.html">Deepfake porn is destroying real lives in South Korea</a></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/how-deepfake-porn-is-destroying-lives-in-south-korea/">How Deepfake Porn is Destroying Lives in South Korea</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
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		<title>US-India Crackdown: Crypto Exchange Operator Arrested</title>
		<link>https://journosnews.com/us-india-crackdown-crypto-exchange-operator-arrested/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Daily Desk]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2025 01:18:10 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Crime and Justice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cryptocurrency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cybercrime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fraud & Financial Crimes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[High-Profile Court Cases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organized Crime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#BitcoinScam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#BlockchainCrime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#CryptoArrest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#CryptoCrackdown]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[#Garantex]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>India Arrests Crypto Exchange Operator Wanted by the US in $96 Billion Laundering Case Key Suspect in Global Crypto Money Laundering Scheme Detained in India Indian authorities have arrested a Lithuanian man, Aleksej Besciokov, wanted by the United States for allegedly operating a $96 billion cryptocurrency exchange that facilitated money laundering for terrorist organizations, drug [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/us-india-crackdown-crypto-exchange-operator-arrested/">US-India Crackdown: Crypto Exchange Operator Arrested</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><strong>India Arrests Crypto Exchange Operator Wanted by the US in $96 Billion Laundering Case</strong></h2>
<h4>Key Suspect in Global Crypto Money Laundering Scheme Detained in India</h4>
<p>Indian authorities have arrested a Lithuanian man, <strong>Aleksej Besciokov</strong>, wanted by the United States for allegedly operating a <strong>$96 billion cryptocurrency exchange</strong> that facilitated money laundering for terrorist organizations, drug traffickers, and cybercriminals.</p>
<p>The arrest is a significant milestone in an intense <strong>US-led investigation</strong> into Besciokov, which escalated last week with:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Seizure of the crypto exchange</strong></li>
<li><strong>Freezing of $26 million in assets</strong></li>
<li><strong>Unsealing of an indictment</strong> against Besciokov and his alleged accomplice, <strong>Aleksandr Mira Serda</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Besciokov’s capture is expected to lead to <strong>extradition to the US Eastern District of Virginia</strong>, marking a victory in the <strong>battle against global financial crime and terrorism</strong>. While US foreign policy priorities may shift, the <strong>Justice Department remains committed to pursuing financial criminals</strong>, particularly those with <strong>Russian connections</strong>.</p>
<p>Police in <strong>Kerala, India</strong>, arrested <strong>Besciokov</strong> this week. India’s <strong>Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)</strong> officially referred to him as a <strong>&#8220;fugitive.&#8221;</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;I can confirm Aleksej Besciokov, one of the administrators of Garantex, was arrested in India at the request of the United States,&#8221; – <strong>Nicole Navas Oxman, US Justice Department spokesperson</strong> (via CNN).</p></blockquote>
<p>The arrest follows the <strong>Justice Department&#8217;s indictment</strong> against <strong>Besciokov and Mira Serda</strong>, outlining their roles:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Besciokov</strong> managed and maintained the exchange’s <strong>technical infrastructure</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Mira Serda</strong>, co-founder and <strong>chief commercial officer of Garantex</strong>, oversaw financial operations.</li>
</ul>
<p>The <strong>Garantex exchange processed $96 billion in transactions between 2015 and 2019</strong>, according to the indictment. The <strong>US Treasury Department sanctioned Garantex in 2022</strong>, but Besciokov and his associates allegedly <strong>restructured operations to evade sanctions</strong> and deceive US businesses into unknowingly working with the platform.</p>
<p>The <strong>Besciokov case</strong> highlights the effectiveness of <strong>international cooperation</strong> in combating financial crimes. Authorities emphasize that <strong>arresting key figures in money laundering networks is crucial</strong> to disrupting illicit financial flows.</p>
<p>With <strong>extradition proceedings expected</strong>, the case serves as a warning to other financial criminals exploiting cryptocurrency platforms. It reinforces the <strong>global crackdown on illegal crypto activities</strong> and the <strong>push for stricter regulations</strong> in the industry.</p>
<p><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/12/politics/india-arrests-lithuanian-crypto-exchange/index.html"><em>Source</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/us-india-crackdown-crypto-exchange-operator-arrested/">US-India Crackdown: Crypto Exchange Operator Arrested</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
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		<title>Trapped on the Border: The Unfinished Fight to Free Forced Laborers</title>
		<link>https://journosnews.com/trapped-on-the-border-the-unfinished-fight-to-free-forced-laborers/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Daily Desk]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 09 Mar 2025 15:02:10 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Border Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crime and Justice]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Organized Crime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#AidOrganizations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#BorderCrisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#BorderDetention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#CyberScams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#EndHumanTrafficking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#Exploitation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#ForcedLabor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#ForcedLaborers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#GlobalCrisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#GlobalRescue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#HumanitarianCrisis]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[#HumanTrafficking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#InternationalAid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#LaborTrafficking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#MyanmarBorder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#MyanmarCrisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#OnlineFraud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#Repatriation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#RepatriationEfforts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#RescueEfforts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#RescueMission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#ScamCenters]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[#ScamVictims]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#SoutheastAsia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#ThailandCrisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#TraffickedWorkers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#TraffickingPrevention]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[#VictimSupport]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://journosnews.com/?p=9958</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Trapped in Limbo: The Aftermath of the Global Cyber Scam Crackdown Thousands of terrified, sick, and exhausted young men and women from around the world now find themselves imprisoned on the Myanmar border, caught between a deadly past and an uncertain future. After being freed from forced labor in scam compounds, their ordeal is far [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/trapped-on-the-border-the-unfinished-fight-to-free-forced-laborers/">Trapped on the Border: The Unfinished Fight to Free Forced Laborers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><strong>Trapped in Limbo: The Aftermath of the Global Cyber Scam Crackdown</strong></h2>
<p>Thousands of terrified, sick, and exhausted young men and women from around the world now find themselves imprisoned on the Myanmar border, caught between a deadly past and an uncertain future. After being freed from forced labor in scam compounds, their ordeal is far from over.</p>
<h3>A Horrifying Rescue Effort</h3>
<p>Last month, <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/organized-crime-global-criminal-networks/"><strong>a high-profile operation</strong></a> led by authorities from Thailand, China, and Myanmar resulted in the release of over <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/organized-crime-global-criminal-networks/"><strong>7,000 people who had been trafficked</strong></a> and coerced into scamming innocent victims worldwide. These i<a href="https://journosnews.com/category/breaking-world-news/asia-breaking-news/"><strong>ndividuals, lured by promises of lucrative office jobs, were forced to trick unsuspecting people out of their life savings, primarily targeting</strong> </a>Americans. But despite their release, these survivors have found themselves in a new nightmare: overcrowded, unsanitary detention facilities with no medical care, limited food, and no clear plan for repatriation.</p>
<p>One young man from India shared the grim conditions, saying that<a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/organized-crime-global-criminal-networks/"><strong> 800 detainees shared just 10 dirty toilets</strong></a>. Many are sick, feverish, and coughing. &#8220;If we die here with health issues, who is responsible for that?&#8221; he asked, a haunting question that echoes the helplessness of thousands trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of suffering.</p>
<h3>A Growing Humanitarian Crisis</h3>
<p>What was hailed as one of the largest rescues of forced laborers in modern history has turned into an escalating humanitarian disaster. The survivors—who come from at least 29 countries, including the <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/border-security-national-safety-protection/"><strong>Philippines, Kenya, and the Czech Republic</strong></a>—are now stuck in limbo, waiting for their home governments to act. Human rights advocates are raising alarms that this operation is just a small fraction of the true scale of the crisis. It’s estimated that as many as 300,000 people may still be working under similar forced conditions in scam operations across <strong><a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/border-security-national-safety-protection/">Southeast Asia</a></strong>, according to the United States Institute of Peace.</p>
<p>While some governments have begun efforts to repatriate their citizens, these attempts have been slow and insufficient. Thailand has been able to facilitate just 300 repatriations per day, and the pace of resettlement remains sluggish.</p>
<h3>Conditions in the Detention Centers</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/breaking-world-news/asia-breaking-news/"><strong>former scam workers</strong> </a>are being held in makeshift detention centers, primarily in <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/breaking-world-news/asia-breaking-news/"><strong>military camps controlled by Myanmar</strong></a>&#8216;s Kayin Border Guard Force. Thousands are crammed into unsanitary conditions, sleeping on hard floors, and receiving inadequate food. These compounds are starkly reminiscent of the conditions the survivors endured in the scam centers.</p>
<p><a href="https://journosnews.com/category/breaking-world-news/asia-breaking-news/"><strong>Surgical masks</strong></a> are a common sight as detainees huddle together under the watchful eyes of <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/breaking-world-news/asia-breaking-news/"><strong>armed guards</strong></a>. One man, speaking on the condition of anonymity, explained how they cling to the hope of eventual freedom. &#8220;It felt like a blessing that we came out of that trap, but the actual thing is that every person just wants to go back home.&#8221;</p>
<p>For many, it feels like an escape from one form of captivity only to be <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/breaking-world-news/asia-breaking-news/"><strong>placed in another</strong></a>.</p>
<h3>The Push for Repatriation</h3>
<p>While some countries like China have taken action, sending chartered flights to pick up their citizens, other nations are still struggling to get their people back. Many detainees are trapped without the $600 airfare necessary to return home, leaving them in a precarious situation.</p>
<p>Authorities have blamed the slow pace of repatriation on logistical challenges. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has promised to expedite the process, but with limited capacity to manage the thousands of detainees, the situation remains dire. “We are aware that there are sick people, and that they need to be repatriated,” said Nikorndej Balankura, a spokesperson for the Thai government.</p>
<h3>The Global Response</h3>
<p>Despite efforts from small nonprofit organizations and limited assistance from international bodies like the United Nations, the crisis at the Thai-Myanmar border is overwhelming. With minimal funding and a lack of resources, aid groups are struggling to provide even basic necessities like food, shelter, and medical care.</p>
<p>“We’re looking at numbers in the thousands, and the ability to get them over to Thailand and process them is impossible for most governments,” said Amy Miller of Acts of Mercy International, a nonprofit assisting survivors at the Thai-Myanmar border. “It really requires a global response.”</p>
<p>At the same time, a reduction in U.S. foreign aid funding has only added to the strain. Organizations working to combat human trafficking, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), have had to halt their efforts due to a lack of financial support.</p>
<h3>The Dark Reality of Cyber Scams</h3>
<p><a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/cybercrime-digital-threats-security-risks/"><strong>Cyber scam operations</strong></a>, which flourished during the pandemic, have wreaked havoc on countless victims worldwide. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that Asia alone lost between <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/cybercrime-digital-threats-security-risks/"><strong>$18 billion and $37 billion in 2023</strong></a> to online fraud, and despite the crackdown, these criminal networks continue to operate with little deterrence. Many of the <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/cybercrime-digital-threats-security-risks/"><strong>armed groups</strong></a> that control the regions where these <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/cybercrime-digital-threats-security-risks/"><strong>scams operate</strong></a> are also linked to human trafficking, further complicating efforts to dismantle these operations.</p>
<p>While the <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/cybercrime-digital-threats-security-risks/"><strong>international community&#8217;s</strong></a> focus on rescuing the victims is essential, it’s equally important to address the root cause of the problem: the criminal groups that profit from these scams. These networks are well-funded, highly organized, and able to quickly adapt to pressure. <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/cybercrime-digital-threats-security-risks/"><strong>In Myanmar</strong></a>, where the military and various militia groups hold sway, efforts to shut down scam compounds have been ineffective.</p>
<h3>The Need for Global Action</h3>
<p><a href="https://journosnews.com/category/breaking-world-news/"><strong>Advocates warn that without a coordinated</strong></a>, multinational effort, these criminal enterprises will continue to thrive. <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/breaking-world-news/"><strong>As one Pakistani man, still trapped</strong> </a>in a detention facility, put it, &#8220;The bosses are rich as hell, and they can buy anything they need to keep this going.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="https://journosnews.com/category/breaking-world-news/"><strong>Despite the obstacles</strong></a>, efforts to rescue and repatriate the victims continue. But it remains to be seen whether these initiatives will have a lasting impact on dismantling the networks that profit from human suffering.</p>
<p>In the end, the question that lingers in the minds of those still trapped on the <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/breaking-world-news/"><strong>border is</strong></a>, &#8220;Is anyone coming for us?&#8221; The world watches, but the answer remains uncertain.</p>
<p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/myanmar-thailand-scam-centers-trapped-humanitarian-c1cab4785e14f07859ed59c821a72bd2"><em>Source</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/trapped-on-the-border-the-unfinished-fight-to-free-forced-laborers/">Trapped on the Border: The Unfinished Fight to Free Forced Laborers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
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		<title>Thailand Cuts Power to Myanmar Scam Centers, But Will It Stop the Fraud?</title>
		<link>https://journosnews.com/thailand-cuts-power-to-myanmar-scam-centers-but-will-it-stop-the-fraud/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[The Daily Desk]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:03:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Thailand Cuts Power to Myanmar Scam Centers, But Will It Stop the Swindling? Thailand has made a bold move to disrupt the billion-dollar online scam industry operating out of Myanmar by cutting electricity to several key locations on Wednesday. The operation targets scam compounds run by Chinese crime syndicates that have flourished in Myanmar&#8217;s lawless [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/thailand-cuts-power-to-myanmar-scam-centers-but-will-it-stop-the-fraud/">Thailand Cuts Power to Myanmar Scam Centers, But Will It Stop the Fraud?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><strong>Thailand Cuts Power to Myanmar Scam Centers, But Will It Stop the Swindling?</strong></h2>
<p><strong><a href="https://journosnews.com/category/breaking-world-news/asia-breaking-news/">Thailand</a></strong> has made a bold move to disrupt the <strong><a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/cybercrime/">billion-dollar online scam industry</a></strong> operating out of Myanmar by cutting electricity to several key locations on Wednesday. The operation targets scam compounds run by <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/international-crime/"><strong>Chinese crime syndicates</strong></a> that have flourished in <a href="https://journosnews.com/category/crime-and-justice-system-law-enforcement/border-security/"><strong>Myanmar&#8217;s lawless border regions</strong></a>. But will it be enough to halt the widespread exploitation of workers and cybercrime operations?</p>
<h3>Electricity Cut, But Operations Continue</h3>
<p>As of Wednesday afternoon, at least one of the scam centers was still operational, according to a local NGO in contact with workers inside. While the Thai government has cut power to five locations near the border, it remains unclear whether the action has disrupted operations across the region. The compounds, which house thousands of workers from various countries, have become notorious for forced labor, online fraud, and other illicit activities.</p>
<p>The power cut, which took place in areas like <strong>Myawaddy</strong>—a town along the Thai-Myanmar border—was broadcast live on national television. <strong>Thailand’s Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul</strong>, stated that the decision to cut electricity wasn’t due to contract violations but because the power was being misused for “scams, drugs, and call centers.” The move has sparked both hope and skepticism.</p>
<h3>Scam Compounds: Small Cities of Exploitation</h3>
<p>These so-called <strong>scam factories</strong> operate like self-contained cities, with amenities such as restaurants, grocery stores, and even daycare centers for workers&#8217; families. But at their core, these compounds are hubs for cybercrime. Workers are lured by promises of well-paying jobs but end up being trafficked and forced to carry out online fraud schemes, often under threat of violence. Many report physical abuse and long hours with little to no pay.</p>
<p>In Myawaddy alone, around <strong>6,500 victims</strong>—including approximately <strong>4,500 Chinese nationals</strong>—are estimated to be trapped in scam compounds, according to the <strong>Civil Society Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking</strong>, a Thai NGO. These individuals are held against their will and forced to participate in online scams, including identity theft, phishing, and other fraudulent activities.</p>
<h3>A Global Scourge: Chinese Syndicates and Myanmar&#8217;s Role</h3>
<p>Many of these scam centers are linked to <strong>Chinese crime syndicates</strong>, which have taken advantage of Myanmar’s political instability and lawlessness, especially since the military coup in 2021. The country’s ongoing civil war has further weakened governance, enabling fraud operations to flourish with the tacit support of the military junta.</p>
<p>While these scams have been thriving for years, <strong>Thailand</strong> has come under increasing pressure to take action. High-profile incidents, like the <strong>abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing</strong>—who was lured to Myanmar under the pretense of a movie casting—have brought renewed attention to the issue. After being rescued from a scam compound, Wang’s return to China sparked a wave of public concern, with many families now calling on the Chinese government to free their loved ones who remain trapped in these centers.</p>
<h3>The Limits of Power Cuts: Will They Make a Difference?</h3>
<p>While Thailand has previously cut electricity to Myanmar’s scam centers, there are concerns that this tactic alone will not put an end to the operations. These scam factories are often equipped with <strong>diesel-run generators</strong> and can rely on alternative power sources like <strong>Elon Musk’s Starlink</strong>, which provides internet access even in remote areas.</p>
<p>A local resident from Thailand’s <strong>Mae Sot</strong>, a town across the river from <strong>Myawaddy</strong>, expressed doubt that the power cuts would have a lasting impact. “Tonight you will see the lights on in <strong>Shwe Kokko</strong>,” he said, referring to one of the largest and most notorious scam compounds visible across the border.</p>
<h3>International Pressure and Cooperation</h3>
<p>The issue has garnered international attention, with <strong>China</strong> expressing its concern over the growing scam operations near the Thai-Myanmar border. <strong>China’s Foreign Ministry</strong> recently stated it was &#8220;highly concerned&#8221; about the situation, and Chinese authorities have been actively involved in efforts to shut down scam centers in Myanmar. Over the past few years, more than <strong>53,000 Chinese nationals</strong>—both trafficked victims and suspects—have been repatriated from scam centers in northern Myanmar.</p>
<p>However, many of these scam compounds have simply relocated to the <strong>southern regions of Myanmar</strong>, including Myawaddy, where they continue to exploit workers and defraud victims worldwide.</p>
<h3>The Bigger Picture: Myanmar&#8217;s Struggles Amid War and Lawlessness</h3>
<p>Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict has made the country a <strong>hotspot for cybercrime</strong>. Human trafficking, money laundering, and corruption have flourished, often with the complicity of the military junta. As the fighting continues, Myanmar’s border areas, such as Myawaddy, remain a haven for these criminal operations.</p>
<p>In recent months, there has been renewed pressure on Thailand, <strong>China</strong>, and <strong>Myanmar</strong> to cooperate more effectively in cracking down on these illegal activities. Thailand’s <strong>Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra</strong> is currently in <strong>Beijing</strong> for talks with <strong>Chinese President Xi Jinping</strong>, signaling that stronger efforts may be on the horizon to address these transnational crimes.</p>
<h3>A Long Road Ahead</h3>
<p>While Thailand’s electricity cuts are a significant step, they may not be enough to halt the scam industry’s operations in Myanmar. Experts believe that a broader, more coordinated effort between governments—particularly Thailand, Myanmar, and China—will be required to dismantle these criminal networks and provide justice for the thousands of victims caught in the web of online fraud and human trafficking.</p>
<p>As the region grapples with these challenges, the world watches to see whether these measures will disrupt the global scam industry—or if the criminals will simply find new ways to keep the lights on and continue their illegal activities.</p>
<p><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/05/asia/myanmar-thailand-scam-power-cuts-intl-hnk/index.html"><em>Source</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://journosnews.com/thailand-cuts-power-to-myanmar-scam-centers-but-will-it-stop-the-fraud/">Thailand Cuts Power to Myanmar Scam Centers, But Will It Stop the Fraud?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://journosnews.com">Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports</a>.</p>
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