Organized crime is significantly impacting America’s supply chain, resulting in a record surge in cargo theft exceeding an estimated $1 billion annually. Criminals utilize sophisticated tactics, including strategic theft and identity theft, to exploit supply chain technology for high-profit, low-risk schemes. This involves impersonating legitimate companies and diverting cargo, often leaving little to no traceable evidence. The rise in strategic theft, now representing one-third of all cargo theft, highlights the increasing sophistication of these criminal networks.
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The Yamaguchi-gumi, Japan’s largest yakuza syndicate, has pledged to end its ongoing conflict with the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi, a splinter group, promising to cease all internal fighting and refrain from further disturbances. This truce follows years of violent clashes between the two groups, spurred by a 2015 split and intensified by increased police scrutiny. The declaration comes amidst a broader decline in yakuza membership, reaching record lows in recent years. However, the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi’s response remains unknown, and authorities will continue to monitor both groups closely.
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Three armed men indiscriminately opened fire on patrons at the Piper Arms pub in Toronto, injuring twelve people. Six victims sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, while six others were injured by broken glass. Police described the incident as a reckless act of violence and are investigating the motive. No arrests have been made, but a suspect was seen fleeing in a silver car.
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A series of brazen heists targeting BNSF freight trains in California and Arizona’s Mojave Desert have resulted in over $2 million in stolen Nike sneakers, many unreleased to the public. At least ten incidents, involving air brake hose tampering to halt trains, have been investigated since March 2022, leading to multiple arrests and charges. Eleven individuals, mostly undocumented Mexican nationals, were charged in connection with a January 13th theft aided by tracking devices. These thefts are part of a larger national problem costing freight railroads over $100 million annually, highlighting the need for increased security measures and stricter penalties.
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In Colombo, Sri Lanka, a gunman disguised as a lawyer fatally shot gang leader Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne during a court appearance. The weapon, a revolver concealed in a hollowed-out book, was allegedly smuggled in by a female accomplice still at large. A police officer and van driver are also under arrest for suspected involvement. This killing, part of a series of gang-related deaths, prompted immediate reviews of courthouse security and the implementation of new armed guard protocols.
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In Franklin County, Pennsylvania, 100,000 organic eggs were stolen from a Pete & Gerry’s Organics distribution trailer on Saturday night. The theft occurred amidst rising egg prices due to an avian flu outbreak, resulting in an estimated $40,000 loss. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating and urge anyone with information to contact the Chambersburg barracks.
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Sweden is on the verge of a significant constitutional change: the ability to revoke citizenship. This move, driven by a rising tide of concerns about national security and organized crime, is a complex issue with both proponents and detractors. The core proposal focuses on revoking citizenship from individuals who obtained it through fraudulent means, such as providing false information, bribery, or threats, or those convicted of serious crimes like espionage or treason. This seems like a reasonable approach, targeting those who actively undermined the process of becoming a citizen.
The impetus behind this constitutional amendment is multifaceted. The government points to three major threats to national security: violent extremism, hostile state actors, and organized crime.… Continue reading
Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano’s endorsement of Donald Trump highlights a disturbing pattern: Trump’s administration resembles a “government of gangsters.” This assertion is supported by Trump’s own legal history, the numerous individuals with criminal backgrounds in his inner circle (including Charles Kushner), and a disturbing trend of appointing officials with accusations or convictions of sexual misconduct. This mirrors the anti-establishment sentiment analyzed in John Ganz’s *When the Clock Broke*, further emphasizing the comparison between Trump’s operation and organized crime. Trump’s alleged past dealings with the Mafia and his leadership style only reinforce this unsettling parallel.
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I would have loved to witness the reaction of the 76-year-old Zambada when he realized he had been tricked onto a flight across the border. What a bold move by El Chapo’s son to collaborate with authorities in capturing a high-ranking cartel leader by luring him under the guise of looking at properties in Mexico. The sheer audacity of such an operation is straight out of a movie and could easily be a plotline for a season of Narcos.
The fact that the Mexican government was kept in the dark about the plan until after the arrest speaks volumes about the deep-rooted corruption and ties between the cartels and the authorities.… Continue reading
This is some jaw-dropping news – Mexican drug lord “El Mayo” reportedly in U.S. custody. The man who has been evading capture for years, one of the top leaders of the notorious Sinaloa cartel, has finally been apprehended. The implications of this arrest are immense, especially considering his rumored internal struggle for leadership within the cartel itself. It’s almost surreal to think about the impact this could have on the drug trade and the violent power struggles that may follow his capture.
I find it astonishing that despite being on everyone’s radar, “El Mayo” managed to evade capture for 35 years.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood