Council of Europe strengthens standards on torture trade

Recent raids by the South African Police Service’s Anti-Counterfeit and Illicit Trade Unit and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) uncovered thousands of Rands worth of non-compliant electrical goods. Find out more... https://lnkd.in/da-ArNBx

Authoritarian regimes increasingly target dissidents, journalists, and activists abroad—sometimes by enlisting criminal networks or members of exile communities to do their bidding. While this strategy has roots in Cold War intelligence practices, it has intensified in recent years as part of a more aggressive foreign policy approach. How should Western intelligence and law enforcement respond to this growing form of transnational repression? Find out in the new paper by Stephan Blancke: "Transnational Repression: The Cooperation between State Intelligence Agencies and Criminal Structures” https://lnkd.in/dyMq4uM9

Global China and the Solomon Islands: Bringing Security to a Commonwealth Nation the Chinese Way 09/22/2025 https://lnkd.in/eYBFvVE7 China has implemented an unprecedented overseas surveillance program in the Solomon Islands, where Chinese police are collecting fingerprints and biometric data from citizens under the "Fengqiao Experience" - a community policing model based on Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution-era mass surveillance system. The program, which began in Fighter One township and has expanded to 16 villages across Malaita province, represents the first known export of China's domestic surveillance apparatus to a foreign nation and has drawn criticism from opposition politicians who view it as an illegal infringement on constitutional rights.

What signal is Washington sending with recent lethal strikes on alleged drug vessels? Henry Suckow Ziemer sits down with Joseph Wehmeyer to examine the latest developments in the Southern Caribbean. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/e5kYjvDw

🚨 Breaking News by Thomas Lund & ChatGPT Trump Hosts Roundtable on Antifa Amid Controversial Terrorism Designation ⸻ 🇺🇸 What’s happening: President Donald Trump convened a roundtable with Cabinet officials to discuss what he deems a “domestic terrorism” threat: the Antifa movement. • This follows the September 22, 2025, executive order designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. • The administration argues that Antifa engages in organized violence to suppress lawful political activity. • Critics, including civil liberties groups and some lawmakers, warn that this designation could infringe on First Amendment rights and target political dissent. ⸻ 💬 Our take: Designating a decentralized movement like Antifa as a terrorist organization raises complex legal and ethical questions. While addressing political violence is crucial, such broad designations may risk overreach and the suppression of legitimate protest. ⸻ 👉 Bottom line: The debate over Antifa’s classification underscores the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties. As the administration moves forward, the implications for free speech and protest rights remain a critical concern. ⸻ By Thomas Lund & ChatGPT #BreakingNews #ThomasLund&ChatGPT #Trump #Antifa #DomesticTerrorism #CivilLiberties

The EPPO and the Federal Office of Justice of the Swiss Confederation 🇨🇭, represented by Vice Director Laurence Fontana Jungo, have signed a working arrangement marking a new milestone in our partnership. This agreement reflects the constructive and trusted cooperation already established between the two partners, and will further enhance our effectiveness in addressing common challenges: from organised crime and customs fraud to asset recovery and other offences affecting the financial interests of the EU. Together, we are building stronger bridges for cross-border justice and accountability.

📖 A new Center for European Policy Analysis piece by Katia Glod looks at Lukashenko’s “prisoner diplomacy” and Belarus’s deepening role as a rear base for Russia. Two points stand out to us: 1️⃣ Easing sanctions on Belarus often ends up helping Russia, given how closely their economies are tied. 2️⃣ The forced exile of political prisoners is draining Belarusian society of its civic backbone. We at GeopoLytics follow these dynamics closely to provide clear-eyed analysis of how Belarus fits into the shifting security landscape of Eastern Europe. #Belarus #Russia #UkraineWar #EasternEurope #Sanctions #PrisonerDiplomacy #Geopolitics #SecurityRisk #Minsk #Lukashenko

With federal agents showing force downtown and reports of increased violence, it’s clearer than ever: employee safety must come first. Adding office days does nothing to address these risks. Employers should measure safety not by attendance, but by how well they protect their people.

In a letter issued today, Rep. Jason Smith requested that the Internal Revenue Service prioritize examinations into the possible revocation of tax-exempt status of organizations that were previously referred for examination for ties to terrorism and/or political violence.

🚢 Seaports continue to be a main gateway for illicit drugs into the EU, with over 1,800 tonnes intercepted between 2019-2024. ⚠️ Although enhanced security measures have led to a decline in seizures at major ports, criminal organisations are evolving their tactics, employing new concealment methods and rerouting shipments to alternative ports and routes. 🔎 As a result, it is essential to enhance cooperation and information sharing among law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities to keep track with the highly adaptable criminal groups. 🤝 This week at Eurojust, the European Judicial Organised Crime Network (#EJOCN) and EL PACCTO 2.0 joined forces to tackle drug trafficking via European ports. The two-day meeting included a visit to the Port of Rotterdam to see operational demonstrations in action. Details 👉 https://lnkd.in/eQSEKuiM