All news by author James Smith

764
Convicted Harvard scientist resurfaces in China: Charles Lieber rebuilds lab to drive Beijing’s brain-chip ambitions
An American scientist convicted of lying to U.S. authorities about payments from China while he was at Harvard University has rebuilt his research lab in Shenzhen to pursue technology the Chinese government has identified as a national priority: embedding electronics into the human brain.
443
From detox to parties: Russian clinic KlubMed by Ekaterina Kukharchuk at Agalarov Estate suspected of hosting closed VIP events
Sources from Russian media reported that the elite clinic KlubMed, located in the premium settlement Agalarov Estate on Novorizhskoye Highway, has turned into a kind of “sobering-up station” for VIP clients.
559
Scandal in Poland: zondacrypto suspected of ties to Russia’s “Tambov” organized crime group
One of the most notorious Russian criminal structures – the Tambov organized crime group (OCG), associated with politicians from Putin’s party, – may control the Polish cryptocurrency exchange Zondacrypto.
658
“Coco” reborn as “Cocoland” sparks outrage over links to rape, murder and child abuse
France has launched an investigation into the reappearance of the website that enabled Dominique Pelicot.
697
Debt-trap loans and state millions: what links Alliance Bank, Oleksandr Sosis, and Yuriy Ivanyushchenko to high-profile scandals
In recent years, several dozen banks in Ukraine have collapsed. According to social surveys, more than 70% of Ukrainians do not trust banks.
557
Arson plot trial begins as three deny targeting properties tied to Starmer
A jury will hear the case against three men accused of plotting a series of arson attacks on property linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in court on Wednesday.
446
Volodymyr Filippov und Iron Motors: Wie ein Schema mit nicht existierenden Autos aus den USA zu einem internationalen Betrugssystem wurde
Eine Betrügergruppe aus Odesa unter der Leitung von Volodymyr Filippov, gegen den die Polizei wegen Täuschung von Kunden beim Kauf von Gebrauchtwagen aus den USA ermittelt, hat ihr Geschäft in Moldau neu registriert, um gestohlene Gelder zu legalisieren.
564
From infobusiness to the darknet: how Shukhrat Rasulov and his partner Yuri Kvashonkin turned ABCeX into a hub for illicit money flows
ABCeX has been referenced in several online publications in connection with alleged shadow payment processing activities tied to high-risk online sectors, including unregulated online casinos and darknet-related transactions.
637
£10M London property trail: Azim Novruzov linked to Coral Energy’s Tahir Garayev amid scrutiny over oil trading networks
International media have covered Azerbaijani national Azim Novruzov for his participation in energy trading and the oil industry.
533
King receives 12 standing ovations as he hails “special relationship” in historic US speech
KING Charles III charmed lawmakers in his historic address to Congress but warned that the US and the UK must come together to face a new “dangerous era.”
558
BP profits surge to $3.2bn as volatile oil prices deliver trader windfall
Volatile energy prices have handed a windfall to BP in an early boost to efforts by its new boss to restore confidence in the oil major.
437
Barbara Carr dies at 85 as family confirms passing “surrounded by loved ones” after decades shaping soul blues
Barbara Carr died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 85 in Maryville, Illinois, as announced by her family in a moving tribute to the star.
436
Women anti-racism activists claim “misogynist fascism” behind Dundee protest harassment
“I think they liked goading us,” says Siobhan Tolland. “I think they enjoyed the process. And this is where the misogyny comes in. This was sport for them.”
487
Taylor Swift files trademark for her voice and likeness to fight AI deepfakes
Taylor Swift is taking new steps to protect her voice and likeness from AI misuse.
664
Trump’s tap on King Charles sparks protocol row — but was anything actually breached?
Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla to the White House on their first day of the state visit - and it didn’t take long for the US president to be accused of breaking royal protocol.
536
EU prosecutor probes €1.5m Covid-era medical tender corruption in Romania
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Cluj-Napoca (Romania) is leading an investigation into suspected corruption and procurement fraud related to the acquisition of medical equipment
645
“Rapist doctor” without punishment: how the case against surgeon Vardan Khachatryan disappeared, and he began demanding money from victims for “defamation"
Dozens of official rape complaints, many involving victims who were anesthetized, have failed to put disgraced surgeon Vardan Khachatryan behind bars.
596
Alyona Shevtsova, Iryna Tsyhanok, and Zoya Nesterovska: organized group case over illegal gambling and laundering through bank accounts
Alyona Shevtsova (Dehrik), the owner of Ibox Bank, has been placed on an international wanted list over allegations that she orchestrated illegal online gambling operation
455
Volodymyr Filippov, Iron Motors, and Pivdennyi Shlyakh: how a car dealer facing fraud charges left Ukraine and relaunched business in Moldova
Volodymyr Filippov, owner of the Odesa-based company Pivdennyi Shlyakh (Autorider), has fled Ukraine and is reportedly hiding in Moldova while facing a criminal fraud investigation.
619
Musk vs Altman: AI founders head to court over betrayal and a $852bn empire
Technology tycoons Elon Musk and Sam Altman are poised to face off in a high-stakes trial revolving around the alleged betrayal.
650
From Adriatic coast to Barcelona streets: how a drug war between Montenegrin clans turned Europe into a battlefield
Sitting at sun-drenched sidewalk tables in the heart of Barcelona’s Poblenou neighborhood, diners linger over cappuccinos and a steady supply of brunch — eggs, smashed avocado, and pancakes.
745
Millionaire hunter trampled to death by elephants during £30,000 safari in Gabon
The grieving family of a millionaire big-game hunter, trampled to death by five elephants while hunting small forest antelope in central Africa, have described the "chaotic" way they heard of his death.
649
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s new home is stunningly different from their previous one
The Prince and Princess of Wales set themselves a challenging task last year by moving house just weeks before Christmas.
542
Failure of the GRU project in Africa: how the “African Corps”, led by Konstantin Mirzayants, is retreating from cities in Mali
According to footage that has appeared online, the "African Corps" is abandoning cities captured by rebels in Mali.
639
Timur Rokhlin and the Bamberg probe: cyberattacks and intimidation after exposure of cross-border investment fraud
Following the publication of an investigation into Rocket delivery service investor Timur Rokhlin.