Spy phones in gangsters back pockets leads to more than 800 arrests worldwide
By Reuters
Colin Packham and Toby Sterling
Canberra/Amsterdam - A global sting in which organised crime gangs were sold encrypted phones that law enforcement officials could monitor has led to more than 800 arrests and the confiscation of drugs, weapons, cash and luxury cars, officials said on Tuesday.
The operation by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Australian and European police ensnared suspects in Australia, Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East involved in the narcotics trade, the officials said.
Millions of dollars in cash were seized in raids around the world, along with 30 tonnes of drugs including more than eight tonnes of cocaine.
Zahara fined for skipping court appearance
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PRETORIA – The Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court has found popular singer and songwriter Bulelwa Mkutukana, known as Zahara, guilty of failing to appear in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said Mkutukana failed to appear in court on 19 April, and the court issued a warrant for her arrest.
“She then appeared in court on [Monday] June 7. The magistrate firstly heard evidence for failure to appear in court in April. Thereafter, the court proceeded with the case where she is charged in her personal capacity, as well as a representative of her company, Zahara Trading (Pty) Ltd,” Mjonondwane said.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said it was alleged that a 35-year-old man was seated in his minibus taxi at the rank in Verulam at midday, when he was fatally shot by unknown suspects.