Thursday, May 30, 2013

Liberty Reserve arrests are causing 'pain' to criminals

 
 Culled from BBC
The takedown of the Liberty Reserve digital cash exchange has caused "pain" to criminals who used the facility, according to a leading security expert.
Brian Krebs said he had seen comments on crime-linked restricted access forums suggesting many had suffered "steep losses".
US prosecutors published an indictment against the site's staff on Tuesday.
It says they deliberately helped users "distribute, store and launder the proceeds of their illegal activity".
Costa Rica-based Liberty Reserve had essentially functioned as a "black market bank" which had "allegedly processed 55 million separate financial transactions, and laundered a staggering $6bn [£4bn] in criminal proceeds", said Preet Bharara, Attorney for the Southern District of New York, at a press conference.
He added that about $25m had been seized following the arrest of Liberty Reserve's founder Arthur Budovsky in Madrid, Spain.
Four others have also been arrested and at least a further two men are being sought. In addition, computer servers used by the firm in Costa Rica and Switzerland are being examined.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Meet BBA 8 Representatives From Nigeria: Beverly Osu & Melvin Oduah

Season 8 of Big Brother Africa kicked off today May 26th 2013 with an electrifying performance by multiple award winning South African Pop duo Mafikizolo who had the crowd rocking to their smash hit “Khona” and were joined on stage by the Mzansi ballet dancers.
Presenter IK Osakioduwa made a roaring return to the Big Brother Africa Live Show on two wheels and clad in a sexy biker outfit.
Video Vixen Beverely Osu is representing Nigeria in Big brother Africa. Beverely originates from Delta State and says she wants to change the face of Nigerian Entertainment to a more confident zone for up and coming models.
While Melvin Oduah was twice first runner up of Mr Nigeria and Gulder Ultimate search. The 28 year old model is also an actor. Beverly and Melvin are representing Nigeria in Big Brother Africa 2013.
In all, 28 house mates from 14 African countries are competing for $300,000.
The opening ceremony ended with a fantastic performance from D'Prince,Wande Coal And Don Jazzy.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Cynthia Osokogu killing: Her mouth was stuffed with hair net and weave-on attachment – Pathologist

An Ikeja High Court on Friday viewed slide images of the autopsy conducted on the remains of Cynthia Osokogu, who was murdered in a Lagos Hotel on July 22, 2012.
The images were shown to the court through a projector by Consultant Pathologist and Chief Medical Examiner of Lagos State, Professor John Obafunwa.
Mr. Obafunwa, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos University, LASU, was testifying at the resumed trial of four men charged with the alleged murder of the 25-year-old lady.
The men, Okwumo Nwabufo (33), Olisaeloka Ezike (23), Orji Osita (33) and Ezike Nonso (25), are facing a six-count charge of conspiracy, murder, stealing, reckless negligence and possession of stolen goods.
The images showed that late Ms. Osokogu’s hands were tied behind her back with a duct tape and a chain covered with a blue plastic wrap. It further showed several bruises on her body, while her mouth was stuffed with a handkerchief, hair net and weave-on which were sealed with a duct tape.
Led in evidence by the Lagos State Attorney-General, Ade Ipaye, Mr. Obafunwa said the autopsy was carried out five months after the deceased was killed.

Liberty Reserve Owner Arthur Budovsky Belanchuk Is Arrested


Liberty Reserve, one of the major e-currency processors has been shut down. Most users who tried accessing their accounts since the evening of 24th May 2013 have not been able to access the website.
As at the time of writing this report the official Liberty Reserve blog is still functional but no official statement has been released.
I sincerely hope this is not another egold saga which caused major losses to internet entrepreneurs who have embraced the ecurrency as the easiest way of accepting payments.
According to bubblews.com,  the 39-year-old owner of the Liberty Reserve payment processor provider --Arthur Budovsky Belanchuk, was arrested in a money laundering investigation/operation on Friday in Spain which was conducted by police officers from USA and Costa Rica.