ORGANIZED CRIME

Nov 05 2025CRIME

High-Stakes Poker Games and the Shadow of Crime

In the glitzy world of Los Angeles, where high-stakes poker games attract celebrities and wealthy entrepreneurs, a dark underbelly of crime and intimidation has emerged. A recent legal filing reveals how a notorious figure, Assaf "Ace" Waknine, allegedly used threats and violence to extort money from poker game hosts. Waknine, a 52-year-old Israeli national, is accu...

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Nov 02 2025CRIME

A Bold Louvre Jewel Heist: Small-Time Crooks or Big-Time Mistakes?

A recent jewel heist at the Louvre museum in Paris has left authorities scratching their heads. The thieves, who made off with jewels worth $102 million, were not the slick, professional criminals one might expect. Instead, they appear to be small-time crooks from the northern suburbs of Paris. The robbery took place on a Sunday morning, with two men using a movers’...

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Oct 31 2025CRIME

Brazil Tightens Grip on Crime: What's the Plan?

Brazil is taking a hard stance against organized crime. President Lula has just signed a tough new law. This law makes punishments stricter and gives law enforcement more tools to fight crime. The law targets people who get in the way of investigations or help criminal groups. It also protects judges, prosecutors, and police officers. Those found guilty could face u...

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Oct 31 2025CRIME

Rio's Deadly Raids: Families Seek Answers Amid Controversy

In Rio de Janeiro, a grim scene unfolded as families gathered at a morgue to identify loved ones killed during a violent police operation. This raid, targeting the Comando Vermelho gang, resulted in the deaths of at least 121 people, including four police officers. The operation, one of the deadliest in Brazil's history, has sparked outrage and raised questions about...

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Oct 28 2025CRIME

Rio's Tense Calm Before the Climate Storm

Rio de Janeiro is gearing up to welcome the world for some big climate events. But before the global mayors and celebrities arrive, the city saw a violent clash. Twenty people lost their lives, including two police officers, during a major crackdown on organized crime. This happened just days before Rio hosts the C40 summit and the Earthshot Prize. The operation was...

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Oct 26 2025POLITICS

Why a Giant Aircraft Carrier Might Not Solve Venezuela's Crime Problem

A huge aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, has been sent to the Caribbean. It's part of a bigger military move by the US. The goal? To tackle organized crime in Venezuela. But will it work? The US has accused Venezuela's President, Nicolás Maduro, of working with a big crime group called Tren de Aragua. They say Maduro is involved in drug trafficking. But Maduro ...

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Oct 24 2025CRIME

NBA Gambling Scandal: When Sports and Crime Collide

The recent NBA gambling scandal has revealed a dark side of private gambling. It's not just about the game; it's about the people involved and the technology they use. The FBI has been busy, linking organized crime to professional basketball. This isn't a one-person show; it's a network of illegal betting, mafia-backed poker games, and high-tech cheating. The big na...

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Oct 23 2025CRIME

Big Names in Sports Caught in a Big Mess

The FBI has made some big arrests in the world of basketball. Chauncey Billups, a coach for the Portland Trail Blazers, Terry Rozier, a player for the Miami Heat, and former player Damon Jones are all in trouble. They are accused of being part of two illegal gambling schemes. One involved betting on NBA games using secret information. The other was about rigged poker...

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Oct 22 2025CRIME

A Big Jewel Heist at the Louvre: What Went Wrong?

The Louvre in Paris is one of the most famous museums in the world. It holds priceless treasures from history. But recently, thieves stole jewels worth $102 million. This happened in broad daylight. The museum's director is now under scrutiny. She must answer questions about security. The heist was well-planned. Thieves knew exactly where to go. They broke into two ...

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Oct 17 2025CRIME

A Journalist's Cars Blown Up in Italy

In the early hours of Friday, a loud blast shook the quiet town of Pomezia, just outside of Rome. The target? Two cars owned by a well-known Italian journalist and his family. The journalist, Sigfrido Ranucci, quickly shared the news on social media, stating that the explosion was caused by a bomb placed under the vehicles. Ranucci is no stranger to controversy. He ...

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