DoJ Targets North Korea's Widespread IT Freelance Scam Operation
Among those indicted is an Arizona woman who helped North Korean IT workers validate their stolen identities to pose as US citizens. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) — North Korea — is more motivated than most nation-states to pursue profits because the regime is heavily sanctioned, according to experts. "One thing I like to tell people ... is stop looking at North Korea as if it's a government and start looking at them as a criminal enterprise," he says. North Korea's IT Freelance ArmyThe goal of the scheme is for North Korea to have its IT workers generate revenue through freelance contracts with companies in wealthier nations, including those in North America, Europe, and East Asia. North Korea's Captive WorkersThe North Korean government is well known for its efforts in circumventing sanctions, using activities such as forced overseas labor, arms trafficking, drug manufacture and smuggling, and counterfeit pharmaceuticals, Kern says.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 21, 2024 07:26 UTC
Early-stage VC fund OpenseedVC launches with 1st close of $10m
OpenseedVC, a new operator-led fund seeking to be first investors in seasoned operators starting tech companies across Africa and Europe, has officially launched, announcing the first close of its US$10 million angel-style early stage fund. “As an operator, and investor, I have encountered incredibly talented and experienced operators, and the challenges faced as they try to launch their startups. Operators have the advantage of domain expertise, and unique insight into large problems that can be tackled with innovative technology. The experience seasoned operators bring in terms of business building, combined with the dynamism and hustle that founders possess, is the focus for OpenseedVC,” said general partner Maria Rotilu. “The current difficult fundraising climate is especially harsh for early-stage founders, but we believe incredible companies are born in the most difficult macroeconomic climates.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 21, 2024 06:38 UTC
With Europe’s support, North African nations push migrants to the desert
Still wet and cold, the group of 30 migrants, including two pregnant women, now walked toward their punishment: the desert. documents, as well as interviews with European and North African officials, and other people familiar with anti-migrant operations. documents, and interviews with 50 migrants who were victims of dumps, as well as European and North African officials, and other people familiar with the operations. But accountability for how equipment and funding are used is often opaque, and senior European officials privately concede that it is “impossible” to regulate all uses. Story continues below advertisement Advertisement Story continues below advertisement Advertisement“You have to make life difficult for” migrants, said a contractor who worked on projects financed by the E.U.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 21, 2024 04:32 UTC
Serica given go-ahead for North Sea Belinda tieback
Offshore staffLONDON — The UK’s North Sea Transition Authority has approved Serica Energy’s plan to develop Belinda Field in the central North Sea via a tieback to the Triton FPSO. Drilling of the sole development well should take place during the first half of 2025. It will be the fifth well in Serica’s current Triton area campaign, using the semisub COSL Innovator. Belinda, due to come onstream in first-quarter 2026, has estimated reserves of about 5 MMboe. “We look to the UK government to implement tax and licensing arrangements that support investments like Belinda, thereby creating UK jobs, earnings and tax receipts instead of increasing reliance on energy imports.”05.20.2024
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 21, 2024 03:36 UTC
Solar PV industry takes centre stage at Enlit Africa
The role of solar PV in South Africa’s pursuit of an energy-secure future will take centre stage at Enlit Africa in Cape Town from 21 – 23 May. SAPVIA’s role in the local solar PV marketSAPVIA has played a facilitating role in South Africa’s gradual adoption of renewable energy from solar PV, especially the rapid uptake seen in the past couple of years. In particular, the solar PV industry in South Africa has experienced significant growth in 2023, with installed capacity growing by 3.3GW overall, of which private sector solar additions accounted for 2.6GW. “The declining cost of solar PV technology is one of the drivers of the shift we’re seeing across Africa’s energy landscape. “Come and visit the SAPVIA pavilion at Enlit Africa to engage with our experts, form new partnerships, and understand the evolving role of solar energy in Africa,” says Taljaard.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 21, 2024 03:26 UTC
How a North Carolina city’s hospital closure could hint at trouble for Joe Biden’s campaign
Linda Gibson poses on the porch of her home in Williamston, N.C., on Thursday, April 11, 2024. The minster and school volunteer says people live in fear since their local hospital closed last summer. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)TROUBLE FOR BIDEN’S HEALTH CARE CAMPAIGN? Health care systems are also grappling with a health care worker shortage that worsened after burned-out employees emerged from the pandemic. The Rural Emergency Hospital program was developed by Congress, signed into law by Trump and finetuned by the Biden administration.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 21, 2024 02:37 UTC
Take Part in the 2024 Pokémon North America International Championships Fantasy Team Contest
Even if you’re not competing in the 2024 Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC), you can still take part in the competition by entering the 2024 Pokémon NAIC Fantasy Team Contest. The Pokémon Fantasy Team Contest debuted at last year’s Pokémon World Championships, and this is the first time it’s running during an NAIC event. 2024 Pokémon NAIC Fantasy Team Contest PrizesAn early participation discount code is available to the first 10,000 US registrants and the first 2,000 Canadian registrants who sign up. Remember that you can create a Fantasy Team for both Pokémon TCG and Pokémon VGC categories to double your chances of winning, but you may only win one of each prize! To sign up for the 2024 Pokémon NAIC Fantasy Team Contest, you will need a Pokémon Trainer Club account.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 21, 2024 01:15 UTC
Morocco, World Bank sign Rapid Response Option Agreement – The North Africa Post
Morocco and the World Bank (WB) signed in Rabat Monday the Rapid Response Option (RRO) agreement, a significant step in enhancing the Kingdom’s capacity to swiftly address emergencies and provide crucial support to its citizens. The RRO forms a key part of the World Bank Group’s expanded crisis preparedness and response toolkit. It is designed to allow client countries to more effectively and rapidly deploy resources from their existing banking portfolio during crises. This initiative bolsters Morocco’s resilience and capacity to manage and mitigate the impacts of crises. It underscores the government’s commitment, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, to protect citizens from various shocks.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 20, 2024 22:46 UTC
Get a Pokémon during the 2024 Pokémon North America International Championships Live Stream
Follow the excitement on Twitch or our social channels for passwords that will let you receive a special Pokémon in your Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game and a supercool Pokémon card in Pokémon TCG Live—and tune in to the 2024 Pokémon North America International Championships live stream on Twitch.tv/Pokemon with Twitch Drops enabled to score some unique Timed Research in Pokémon GO that will award you with an encounter with Altaria. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet: Nils Dunlop’s Porygon2Nils Dunlop was able to secure his victory in the Masters Division of this year’s Europe International Championships (EUIC) with the help of Porygon2—and now you can have it join your team! Keep an eye on the official 2024 NAIC stream or our social channels for a password you can use in the Mystery Gift feature of your Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game to receive Nils Dunlop’s Porygon2. Pokémon GO: MEweedle’s AltariaMEweedle dominated the 2024 Pokémon GO Europe International Championships with Altaria—and if you tune in to the 2024 NAIC stream, you’ll be able to take on the GO Battle League with your own! Visit this Pokémon Support page for more information on Twitch Drops and detailed instructions on how to connect Twitch to your Pokémon Trainer Club account.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 20, 2024 22:35 UTC
Mayor, two others killed in Cameroon amid National Day celebrations
YAOUNDE, May 20 (Reuters) – Gunmen in Cameroon killed a local mayor and two others in the restive North West region as the nation observed its National Day on Monday, the regional governor said, the second ambush in two weeks targeting government officials. Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique said Mayor Ngong Innocent Ankiambom of the town of Belo, as well as his deputy mayor and an inspector of basic education, were shot dead as they made their way to the celebrations.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 20, 2024 19:13 UTC
20th African Lion Exercise officially launched Monday – The North Africa Post
The official launch of the 20th edition of the African Lion exercise took place Monday at a ceremony held at the headquarters of the South Zone Headquarters in Agadir, in the presence of representatives of the participating countries. Besides the FAR and the US Armed Forces, around 7,000 elements of armed forces from some 20 countries, plus the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), are taking part in these large-scale military maneuvers. Speaking on the occasion, Major General Mohammed Benlouali stressed that the African Lion 2024 exercise marks twenty years of fruitful cooperation, distinguished partnership, and permanent commitment to the values of peace and security. For his part, Major General Todd R. Wasmund stated that Morocco will always remain the home of the African Lion exercise, expressing his thanks to the FAR for their unwavering commitment to this 20-year-long partnership. The African Lion 2024 exercise, taking place this year in Benguerir, Agadir, Tan-Tan, Akka, and Tifnit, comprises a number of activities, including combined day and night tactical, land, sea, and air exercises, a special forces exercise, airborne operations, and an operational planning exercise for Task Force staff.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 20, 2024 17:35 UTC
Norwegian Operator Claims “Substantial Oil Discovery” In Gabon, Extending the Hibiscus Field Further North
Norwegian Operator Claims “Substantial Oil Discovery” In Gabon, Extending the Hibiscus Field Further NorthBy Macson ObojemuinmoinOslo listed BW Energy has announced “a substantial oil discovery with good reservoir quality” in the DHIBM-7P pilot well drilled to appraise the northern flank of the Hibiscus field, in the Dussafu licence, offshore Gabon. It says that its preliminary evaluation indicates a notable increase in both the volume of oil in place and gross recoverable reserves. The DHIBM-7P pilot was drilled from the MaBoMo production platform to a total depth of 3,941 metres. This is the first example of a common Gamba-Dentale hydrocarbon accumulation in Hibiscus Field. The next operation will be to place a production well (DHBSM-2H) in the northern flank of the Hibiscus South field that was recently successfully appraised.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 20, 2024 16:36 UTC
Syrian mercenaries seek cash in Niger’s mayhem – The North Africa Post
Hundreds of pro-Turkey Syrian mercenaries are flocking to Niger to join the ranks of the military regime in Niamey. AFP cited several unnamed fighters, lured by cash, who traveled with a Turkish private company to the resource rich country in the unstable Sahel region. And in recent months, at least 1,000 fighters have been sent to Niger “to protect Turkish projects and interests,” said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. According to AFP, Syrian mercenaries earn on average 1500 dollars monthly, a good sum compared to the situation in the war-ravaged northern Syria where they mostly come from. Turkey has also reportedly sent mercenaries to help Azerbaijan in its war against Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 20, 2024 15:23 UTC
Tende announces new appointments to solidify expansion plans in Africa
Africa-focused oil & gas production, development and exploration group, Tende Energy, has undergone a management reshuffle with the appointment of Mark Henderson as the chief executive officer of Tende Energy North AfricaHenderson has been associated with Tende Energy since 18 December 2017, when he was working as a chief financial officer in the company. He will be stepping down from the board to focus on the company’s North African operations, where he has been leading a Tunisian team to build its onshore activities. Tende Energy has set an example in the Tunisian upstream by introducing an exclusively Tunisian crew and support team. Advancing asset transactions in AngolaJack Pryde, chairman, Tende Energy, said, “The latest appointments are in line with our strategy, as the group expands its operational footprint in the African E&P sector. John brings additional sector experience to our management team, having worked at senior financial management level in the listed E&P sector for the last decade.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 20, 2024 15:07 UTC
National issues, cost of living to dominate the weekly agenda
We are just three weeks away from the European elections, and political leaders are intensifying their pre-election campaigns, touring around the country. National issues, particularly the dispute between Greece and the newly elected government of North Macedonia, relations with Turkey, and the crisis in the Middle East, dominate the agenda. However, a parliamentary debate on financial issues and a 24-hour strike are set to bring the cost of living, which is the primary concern of Greeks, back to the forefront. A debate between the political leaders is also scheduled for Friday, following a motion by SYRIZA to address the cost-of-living crisis. They will also discuss issues of economic and energy cooperation, migration, and Egypt’s relations with the European Union.
Source:The North Africa Journal
May 20, 2024 14:52 UTC