Italy expels two Russian embassy staff over spying case reuters.com/world/italy-expe…
Day: July 9, 2026
They might hit Ilham Aliyev’s sham parliament, the National Assembly (Milli Majlis).Shin (@hey_itsmyturn)NOW @ 1058Z
2 BMs were just launched from Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran— https://x.com/hey_itsmyturn/status/2075172977470066907
2 BMs were just launched from Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran— https://x.com/hey_itsmyturn/status/2075172977470066907
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted its Hague Declaration and a set of accompanying resolutions on July 8, including sharply worded language on Georgia’s deteriorating democratic environment.
caucasuswatch.de/post/13362
caucasuswatch.de/post/13362
The case against Georgia’s Formula TV
Georgia‘s Prosecutor’s Office has summoned Formula cameraman Misho Martashvili for questioning as part of an investigation into the television channel. He is due to appear before investigators today. Journalist Nata Lomadze and TV presenter Davit Kashiashvili have already been questioned in connection with the same case.
Kashiashvili said he hoped prosecutors would drop the investigation.
“I can’t imagine what purpose would be served by continuing this case, although the public can judge for itself. They have already questioned me, the author of the report, and now cameraman Misho Martashvili. I hope the Prosecutor’s Office will soon announce that it is ending the criminal investigation.”
What’s happening at Formula?
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, a criminal investigation has been opened under a provision of Georgia’s Criminal Code covering the filing of a knowingly false accusation. Prosecutors say the case was launched following a complaint by lawyers representing film director Goga Khaindrava.
The investigation relates to a Formula report based on an anonymous source. The report alleged that, in 2016 and 2017, Khaindrava helped arrange the entry of Indian and Pakistani nationals into Georgia in exchange for payment, in coordination with the State Security Service.
Khaindrava and the Prosecutor’s Office argue that the report may have involved the unlawful interception of communications, prompting the criminal investigation.
Alongside the criminal case, Khaindrava has also filed a civil lawsuit against Formula. He alleges that the broadcaster published false and defamatory claims about him and is seeking compensation for non-material damage to his honour and reputation.
Formula’s lawyer says the civil claim does not meet the legal threshold required for it to succeed.
The case against Georgia’s Formula TV
Washington’s New South #Caucasus Policy: Engagement and the Battle for Connectivity.
caucasuswatch.de/post/13360
caucasuswatch.de/post/13360
#FBI #News #DouglasDePodesta
fbinewsreview.org/
#Chicago #FBI boss makes an early #exit in apparent rift with bosses chicagotribune.com/2026/07/0…
AI Brief
FBI Probes Global Crime Networks Amid Political Scrutiny
Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:47 AM
Summary
The FBI is intensifying investigations into transnational crime syndicates, with high-profile cases involving Argentina’s football association for alleged $300M money laundering and a global extortion network tied to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Simultaneously, FBI leadership faces political pressure over personnel decisions and ethics, while operational controversies—such as the Chicago bureau chief’s abrupt retirement and Mexico’s probe into FBI involvement in a drug lord’s arrest—highlight institutional tensions.
Key Stories
fbinewsreview.org/
#Chicago #FBI boss makes an early #exit in apparent rift with bosses chicagotribune.com/2026/07/0…
AI Brief
FBI Probes Global Crime Networks Amid Political Scrutiny
Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:47 AM
Summary
The FBI is intensifying investigations into transnational crime syndicates, with high-profile cases involving Argentina’s football association for alleged $300M money laundering and a global extortion network tied to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Simultaneously, FBI leadership faces political pressure over personnel decisions and ethics, while operational controversies—such as the Chicago bureau chief’s abrupt retirement and Mexico’s probe into FBI involvement in a drug lord’s arrest—highlight institutional tensions.
Key Stories
FBI targets Argentina’s football association in $300M money laundering probe — The FBI is investigating the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for allegedly laundering over $300 million through U.S. financial systems, casting a shadow over Argentina’s World Cup campaign. Reports suggest the probe involves luxury assets and may implicate high-ranking officials.
Operation Hard Ball exposes FBI’s crackdown on global crime syndicate — The FBI’s “Operation Hard Ball” has indicted members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, alleging a sprawling network spanning the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia. A Punjab police inspector and associates face charges for extortion, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, with rewards offered for fugitives like Goldy Brar.
FBI leadership under fire as political controversies escalate — FBI Director Kash Patel faces scrutiny over personnel purges, including the dismissal of Iran specialists before a Trump-ordered operation, and ethics questions. The Chicago bureau chief’s forced retirement and withheld FBI interviews related to a Trump assault allegation add to institutional instability.
Mexico probes FBI role in drug lord’s arrest amid diplomatic tensions — Mexico is investigating allegations that the FBI misled authorities about its involvement in the arrest of cartel leader El Mayo Zambada. The controversy risks straining U.S.-Mexico relations, already fragile over cross-border crime enforcement.
Former South African official jailed for acting as foreign agent in U.S. — A U.S. court sentenced a former South African Air Force brigadier to prison for operating as a secret foreign agent, underscoring the FBI’s focus on counterintelligence and foreign influence operations.
rss.app/brief/posts/6a44e26d…
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douglas depodesta
share.google/aimode/cQllSZ4C…
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#FBI #News #DouglasDePodesta
fbinewsreview.org/
#Chicago #FBI boss makes an early #exit in apparent rift with bosses chicagotribune.com/2026/07/0…
AI Brief
FBI Probes Global Crime Networks Amid Political Scrutiny
Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:47 AM
Summary
The FBI is intensifying investigations into transnational crime syndicates, with high-profile cases involving Argentina’s football association for alleged $300M money laundering and a global extortion network tied to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Simultaneously, FBI leadership faces political pressure over personnel decisions and ethics, while operational controversies—such as the Chicago bureau chief’s abrupt retirement and Mexico’s probe into FBI involvement in a drug lord’s arrest—highlight institutional tensions.
Key Stories
fbinewsreview.org/
#Chicago #FBI boss makes an early #exit in apparent rift with bosses chicagotribune.com/2026/07/0…
AI Brief
FBI Probes Global Crime Networks Amid Political Scrutiny
Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:47 AM
Summary
The FBI is intensifying investigations into transnational crime syndicates, with high-profile cases involving Argentina’s football association for alleged $300M money laundering and a global extortion network tied to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Simultaneously, FBI leadership faces political pressure over personnel decisions and ethics, while operational controversies—such as the Chicago bureau chief’s abrupt retirement and Mexico’s probe into FBI involvement in a drug lord’s arrest—highlight institutional tensions.
Key Stories
FBI targets Argentina’s football association in $300M money laundering probe — The FBI is investigating the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for allegedly laundering over $300 million through U.S. financial systems, casting a shadow over Argentina’s World Cup campaign. Reports suggest the probe involves luxury assets and may implicate high-ranking officials.
Operation Hard Ball exposes FBI’s crackdown on global crime syndicate — The FBI’s “Operation Hard Ball” has indicted members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, alleging a sprawling network spanning the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia. A Punjab police inspector and associates face charges for extortion, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, with rewards offered for fugitives like Goldy Brar.
FBI leadership under fire as political controversies escalate — FBI Director Kash Patel faces scrutiny over personnel purges, including the dismissal of Iran specialists before a Trump-ordered operation, and ethics questions. The Chicago bureau chief’s forced retirement and withheld FBI interviews related to a Trump assault allegation add to institutional instability.
Mexico probes FBI role in drug lord’s arrest amid diplomatic tensions — Mexico is investigating allegations that the FBI misled authorities about its involvement in the arrest of cartel leader El Mayo Zambada. The controversy risks straining U.S.-Mexico relations, already fragile over cross-border crime enforcement.
Former South African official jailed for acting as foreign agent in U.S. — A U.S. court sentenced a former South African Air Force brigadier to prison for operating as a secret foreign agent, underscoring the FBI’s focus on counterintelligence and foreign influence operations.
rss.app/brief/posts/6a44e26d…
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douglas depodesta
share.google/aimode/cQllSZ4C…
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