North Korean crypto, Landcruiser’s, Trump & more!

Good Morning- Russia has ended the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a trade agreement with Ukraine and the United Nations, jeopardizing the food supply of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The initiative allowed Ukrainian crops to be transported through the Russian blockade for international distribution, benefiting both countries. After a 60-day extension, Russia suspended the agreement, claiming that Ukrainian attacks on a bridge and unmet export expectations were reasons for their decision. Despite the danger, Ukraine's President is willing to continue the initiative with the support of outside partners.

Global Insights

Hackers in North Korea

In a captivating cyber incident, an American IT management company, JumpCloud, was at the center of a significant hacking event. Allegedly backed by North Korea's government, a group of hackers carried out an impressive breach in late June, which had an unexpected twist.

Instead of just infiltrating JumpCloud's systems, these hackers went the extra mile. They cleverly used this access as a launching point to target a handful of the company's clients. While the clients' identities remain undisclosed, cybersecurity experts believe the hackers had a keen interest in cryptocurrency companies.

What's even more intriguing is their sophisticated strategy. Rather than sticking to small targets, they aimed higher, utilizing what's known as a "supply chain attack." It allowed them to broaden their impact and reach.

The hacking group, known as "Labyrinth Chollima," has earned quite a reputation for its audacious and disruptive cyber exploits. Believed to be operating on behalf of North Korea, they've pulled off some astonishing feats, stealing an eye-popping $1.7 billion worth of digital currency!

Cybersecurity experts warn that this may just be the beginning. The threat of more supply chain attacks looms on the horizon, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant and maintaining robust cybersecurity measures in today's digital landscape.

The war-zone vehicle of choice

Welcome to the incredible world of Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS) These gleaming white Toyotas may look like stormtroopers, but they serve a special purpose beyond their appearance.

Around 650 white Toyotas leave TGS every month, destined for global hotspots, where they play crucial roles in various areas, from war zones to disaster relief and development projects. TGS co-chief executive, Jonathan Gourlay, emphasizes that they see these cars as essential tools to serve humanitarian needs, such as delivering medicines or feeding children.

TGS has become the go-to supplier for the UN, NGOs, and international aid agencies. They offer specialized modifications, turning Land Cruisers and Hiaces into mobile libraries, ambulances, laboratories, and more, tailored to meet specific requirements.

Located in Gibraltar, the distribution point offers logistical advantages, with cars arriving from Toyota factories on a T1 transit doc. The vehicles are then tailored to suit the particular needs of their end-users, whether it's anti-poaching vehicles for Tanzania or relief vans for disaster zones.

What's fascinating is the transformation of these vehicles from basic models to critical aids in humanitarian efforts. TGS also provides driver training to ensure safe operation by end-users.

A white Toyota signifies hope and assistance to the communities it reaches. They represent help, aid, and a promise that things will get better. It's a remarkable example of how automobiles can play a meaningful role in making a difference in people's lives.

Alongside the AK-47, the iconic Toyota Landcruiser has also gained prominence in modern warfare across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Used by various forces due to its hardwearing nature and adaptability, the Toyota Landcruiser has become an integral part of conflicts in the region.

One of the main reasons for this can be traced back to when ISIS terrorists held a parade through the center of Raqqa. According to Reaper Feed, it’s estimated that over two-thirds of the vehicles were Toyota SUVs. However, the presence of Toyota’s in modern warfare goes back a while before 2014. But why? This vehicle is the top choice for groups who aren't part of official military forces or don't have access to tanks and other expensive vehicles. It's a practical option for them due to its affordability and ease of use. Additionally, they often need to quickly move through rough terrain and urban environments. The hardwearing and extremely reliable Toyota ticks all the boxes for carrying out such a task. Additionally, the bed of the pickup model is the perfect size for fitting heavy weaponry too.

In the 1980s, the humble Toyota SUV found itself so prominently at the center of a 1987 armed conflict between Chad and Libya, that the war was named ”The Toyota War”. In their fight against Colonel Gaddafi’s Libyan troops, Chadian soldiers used Toyota Hilux and Land Cruisers in order to gain mobility against the Libyans. The war ended in a catastrophic defeat for Libya who lost an estimated $1.5 billion of military equipment and 7,500 troops killed in comparison to the 1,000 Chadian troops killed.

In the Soviet-Afghan War, even Soviet soldiers were not averse to the capitalist technology of Toyota. There are various photographs of Soviet troops, primarily Spetznaz special forces, using the Hilux or Land Cruisers mounted with classic Soviet-made weaponry like the DShK.

In the 1990s, the Toyota technical began appearing in a string of conflicts from Africa to the Middle East. It soon found a role on all sides of various bitter conflicts. From the Northern Alliance and the Taliban to ISIS and the Iraqi Army, its reliability and hardy qualities were appreciated by friend and foe alike. Whilst many, including the U.S. Government, have pointed the finger at the trusted Japanese car brand due to the overwhelming amount of their vehicles falling into the hands of terrorists, guerrillas, and paramilitary forces around the world, it is not, in fairness, the auto manufacturers fault. When the question was put to Toyota, the auto manufacturers spokesperson made the following statement.

“Toyota has a strict policy to not sell vehicles to potential purchasers who may use or modify them for paramilitary or terrorist activities. However, it is impossible for any automaker to control indirect or illegal channels through which our vehicles could be misappropriated, stolen, or re-sold by independent third parties”.

The role Toyota SUVs play in modern warfare has even spawned a popular Instagram page followed by tens of thousands of war buffs and vehicle lovers. @ToyotasofWar focuses on various photographs of the vehicle brand used in conflict zones across the world from Africa to Afghanistan.

The best quote to understand the importance of this vehicle brand in modern warfare and the fast-changing world of Geopolitics comes from Auto Evolution: “The Toyota pickup truck is instrumental to people in the Western world, but never forget that this humble tool you haul and tow things with also has the power to shape the borders of the world we’re living in.”

In many conflicts, both rebels and governments rely on one common tool - the Toyota Land Cruiser. Even though this vehicle is meant for regular civilian use in Japan, it has become a popular choice for conducting warfare in Africa. It plays a crucial role for both sides, helping them fight in their preferred ways and expand their areas of operation. You'll find it used a lot in dry regions like the Sahel, Sahara, and Somalia.

African governments spend large amounts of money to buy Land Cruisers to use them for war instead of using their resources in the field of development. Also, various regional and international powers supply rebels with Land Cruisers in order to destabilize or overthrow governments in ways that serve their interests.

The Toyota Land Cruiser's unmatched reliability makes it a sought-after vehicle for both humanitarian efforts and armed forces.

Trump targeted in 2020 election probe

On Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he received a letter from Special Counsel Jack Smith, indicating that he is a target of a grand jury investigation related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. This development suggests that Trump might face federal criminal charges concerning his actions to stay in power after losing to Joe Biden.

As part of the investigation, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced criminal charges against 16 Trump supporters accused of submitting fake electors to overturn his defeat in that state. A similar investigation is ongoing in Georgia.

Trump is facing legal problems in another case where he's accused of keeping national security documents unlawfully after leaving his position and conspiring to stop them from being taken back. In this case, he has said he's not guilty.

Despite these legal challenges, Trump remains a prominent figure in the Republican party, and his possible indictment might impact fundraising and appeal to moderate Republicans in the upcoming general election. However, Trump's base continues to support him strongly.

Additionally, Trump faces separate New York state criminal charges related to allegations of falsifying business records concerning a payment to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

Trump's legal battles continue to be a significant focus, with implications for both his political future and the broader political landscape in the United States. Many Trump supporters believe this is another attack in an effort to halt his 2024 presidential run, while many on the opposing left have supported the probe and want Trump in prison.

Trending

Venezuelan officials trafficking cocaine

Spain's High Court has ordered the extradition of former Venezuelan military intelligence director, Hugo Carvajal, to the United States on drug trafficking charges. Carvajal, a prominent figure within Venezuela's military and a former associate of President Hugo Chavez, has been in Spanish custody since September 2021. Despite his denial of involvement in cocaine trafficking, the European Court of Human Rights rejected his effort to avoid extradition. The case raises questions about international cooperation in addressing drug trafficking and the legal implications for high-ranking officials from foreign governments.

North Korea threatens nuclear retaliation

According to a statement by North Korea's defense minister Kang Sun Nam, the presence of U.S. military assets such as aircraft carriers, bombers, or missile submarines in South Korea could potentially trigger the use of nuclear weapons. This statement escalates tensions as both sides increase military demonstrations amid the ongoing standoff over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Sam Bankman-Fried sued by FTX

FTX Trading Ltd has filed a lawsuit in Delaware bankruptcy court against its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, and other former executives of the cryptocurrency exchange. The lawsuit aims to recover over $1 billion that they are accused of misappropriating before FTX went bankrupt. The defendants in the complaint include Caroline Ellison, who headed Bankman-Fried's Alameda Research hedge fund, as well as former FTX technology chief Zixiao "Gary" Wang, and former FTX engineering director Nishad Singh.

New York City paying protestors

New York City has agreed to pay $13 million to hundreds of individuals arrested during the 2020 George Floyd demonstrations, according to lawyers representing the claimants, who said it was the largest class action settlement ever paid to protesters in the United States. The city agreed Wednesday to pay $9,950 to each of the more than 1,300 demonstrators arrested by New York police officers during various protests between May 28 and June 4, 2020, according to a release by the lawyers for the claimants.

Off The Beaten Path

What happened to Escobar’s family after his death?

The tale of Pablo Escobar's family after his death is one of suspense, intrigue, and challenges. When the notorious drug lord met his demise, his wife, Maria Victoria Henao, and their two children had to flee for their lives. They went into hiding to escape threats from rival drug cartels and law enforcement. After a series of attempts to find refuge in different countries, they eventually settled in Argentina under new identities.

Juan Pablo Escobar, now known as Sebastián Marroquín, embraced his new identity in Argentina, becoming an architect and an author. He bravely spoke about his father's criminal past and its impact on his life through his book, "Pablo Escobar: My Father."

Manuela Escobar, the daughter of the infamous drug lord, followed the path of her mother and brother, adopting a new identity and living a private life away from the media's prying eyes.

Pablo's sister, Luz Maria Escobar, remained mostly unseen since her brother's death, leading a low-key life away from the public eye.

As for Pablo's older brother, Roberto Escobar, he faced the consequences of his involvement in the drug empire. After spending years in prison, he emerged into the public sphere, starting a company called Escobar Inc., selling various products, including smartphones.

Despite their new identities, the family faced challenges, as Maria Victoria Henao was arrested in Argentina for allegedly providing false information about her identity and using a forged passport. Fortunately, she was later released and chose to lead a low-profile life.

However, the most enigmatic member of the Escobar family is Manuela. She has maintained her privacy, refusing to be part of the spotlight that surrounds her family. While her mother and brother shared their experiences with Pablo Escobar through books and interviews, Manuela has chosen to remain hidden from the public eye.

Living under the name "Juana Manuela Marroquín Santos" in Buenos Aires, Manuela's life is far from extravagant. She faces the haunting shadow of her father's crimes and lives in fear of being discovered and associated with his dark past. Her brother has revealed that she has experienced depression and even attempted to take her own life.

Despite the challenges and struggles they've faced, Pablo Escobar's family has tried to find solace and safety in their new identities. Manuela remains a reclusive figure, navigating her life in the shadows, hoping to find peace amidst the shadows cast by her infamous father's legacy.

Fast facts

-Before the invention of the elevator, a buildings lowest floors were for the wealthy and the higher floors were for the poor servants and used for storage

-Nearly 8 out of 10 American millionaires did not inherit their money, they earned it.

-Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. Honey's long shelf life is due to its low water content and high acidity, which create an inhospitable environment for bacteria and other microorganisms to grow.

-The Tate brothers house arrest has been extended another 30 days

-All 3 of Europe's Volcanoes can be found in Italy

Quote of the week

“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”

-Epictetus

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