Category Archives: crime

Father charged after calling 911 to report killing his 4 children in North Carolina, sheriff says

Posted on by
Reply

**Johnston County Father Charged with Murder After Allegedly Killing Four of His Children**

Johnston County, N.C. — A father from North Carolina has been charged with murder after allegedly killing all but one of his children.

On Monday at 10:09 p.m., Johnston County 911 received a call from Wellington Delano Dickens III, who resides in Zebulon, North Carolina. During the call, Dickens admitted to having killed his children.

Deputies from the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence on Springtooth Drive. Upon arrival, Dickens informed the deputies that his 3-year-old son was alive inside the house, but four of his other children were deceased inside the trunk of a car parked in the garage.

An investigation at the scene revealed multiple bodies inside the trunk. Authorities determined that the remains had been there for an extended period of time.

JCSO investigators believe Dickens killed three of his biological children, aged 6, 9, and 10, as well as his 18-year-old stepchild.

Wellington Delano Dickens III is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon. The investigation is ongoing.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/wellington-delano-dickens-iii-father-charged-murder-4-children-found-dead-trunk-car-north-carolina/18081474/

Man who fatally shot Hollywood police officer in 2021 pleads guilty, faces death penalty phase next month

Posted on by
Reply

The man accused of fatally shooting Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino in 2021 has pleaded guilty to all charges.

The plea was entered on Monday morning, coinciding with the scheduled start of jury selection.

This development marks a significant turn in the case that has drawn considerable attention since the incident occurred. Further details on the sentencing and case proceedings are expected to follow.
https://wsvn.com/news/local/broward/man-who-fatally-shot-hollywood-police-officer-in-2021-pleads-guilty-faces-death-penalty-phase-next-month/

North Korea’s AI Hackers Redefine Crypto Crime in 2025

Posted on by
Reply

North Korea’s Hackers Have Found a New Weapon—and It’s Not Quantum Computing

In 2025 alone, state-sponsored groups like the Lazarus Group have stolen more than $2 billion in cryptocurrency, using artificial intelligence (AI) to supercharge every stage of their operations. AI now scans thousands of smart contracts within minutes, identifies exploitable code, and automates multi-chain attacks that were once limited to elite cyber teams.

AI at the Core of Modern Crypto Heists

The record-breaking $1.5 billion Bybit hack in February 2025 marked a turning point. Investigators from Elliptic and TRM Labs revealed that North Korean hackers employed AI-driven reconnaissance tools and deepfake recruiter profiles to infiltrate internal systems.

Once inside, AI algorithms detected weaknesses, executed exploits, and routed stolen funds through Tron-based mixers and over-the-counter brokers—masking their trail with near-machine precision.

Cybersecurity experts note that AI now handles the entire attack lifecycle, from writing malicious code to generating phishing lures and managing laundering paths. As one analyst from Mysten Labs put it, “Large language models have made cybercrime scalable; even small teams can now operate like industrial-scale hackers.”

Quantum Computing Isn’t the Immediate Threat

While quantum computing remains a long-term risk, no existing system can yet break Bitcoin’s ECDSA encryption. Experts estimate it will take a decade or more before quantum decryption becomes realistic.

The immediate challenge, they say, is defending against adaptive AI models that evolve faster than traditional security protocols.

Industry Adapts to AI-Driven Threats

Exchanges and DeFi projects are now urged to run continuous, AI-aware security audits that scan for vulnerabilities as quickly as attackers do. Firms like Elliptic, Chainalysis, and Mandiant are integrating AI-based monitoring tools to track suspicious fund flows and detect AI-generated phishing campaigns.

Some blockchain projects, including Mysten Labs and Algorand, are already preparing for quantum threats by developing quantum-resistant cryptography—ensuring long-term resilience while addressing today’s AI risks.

The Bottom Line

As North Korea’s hackers weaponize AI, the global crypto industry faces a new reality: machine-driven crime that learns, adapts, and scales at lightning speed. Defending against it will require the same technology that made it possible—AI fighting AI.

FAQs

  • How have North Korean hackers used AI in cryptocurrency thefts?
    They use AI to scan smart contracts for vulnerabilities, automate attacks, create phishing lures, and manage laundering processes.
  • Is quantum computing currently a threat to Bitcoin’s encryption?
    No, quantum decryption is estimated to be at least a decade away from being practical.
  • What measures are being taken to combat AI-driven cyber threats?
    Continuous AI-aware security audits, AI-based monitoring of transaction flows, and development of quantum-resistant cryptography.
  • Why is AI making cybercrime more scalable?
    Because AI automates many complex tasks, allowing even small hacker teams to carry out large-scale operations.
  • What role do blockchain projects play in future-proofing crypto security?
    They are developing quantum-resistant algorithms and incorporating advanced AI tools to detect and prevent attacks.

https://coinpedia.org/news/north-koreas-ai-hackers-redefine-crypto-crime-in-2025/

Laugh Factory manager arrested in front of mother outside Chicago comedy club by federal agents

Posted on by
Reply

A manager at the Laugh Factory in Chicago was arrested for allegedly obstructing a federal immigration operation, but his mother claims agents “kidnapped” him right before her eyes.

According to the Chicago Police Department, officers responded to a call about a battery in progress outside the club at around 9:20 a.m. on Friday. Upon arrival, they found federal agents involved in a physical altercation with two individuals, NBC Chicago reported.

A viral video of the encounter shows federal agents taking night manager Nathan Griffin to the ground and placing him under arrest as onlookers scream at the agents to stop amid the chaotic scene. The footage captures a physical struggle involving Griffin, his mother Elaine Plybon, and the agents.

Bystanders yelled, “Why are you doing this? Where are you taking him?” as Griffin was lifted off the ground and led into a car. Another person shouted, “Let us see your face.”

Witness Will Kolic, who works nearby and knows the manager, told NBC Chicago he saw multiple cars pull up and men grab a man who appeared to be Hispanic. Kolic said agents then “jumped out of their car” and snatched the Laugh Factory’s manager while he was standing with his mother. At one point, agents were also seen restraining Griffin’s mother on the ground.

A Border Patrol spokesperson told NBC Chicago that Griffin was detained after he “attempted to impede and obstruct federal officers.” They also claimed he tried to shut the door of the federal agents’ car on an agent’s leg.

“The individual was immediately detained and turned over to the FBI for investigation,” the spokesperson added.

Griffin’s mother expressed her distress in a video posted on Instagram, saying her son was “kidnapped by Border Patrol in front of my eyes.”

“For those of you who don’t know, I was in Chicago visiting my son, and he was kidnapped by Border Patrol in front of my eyes,” Plybon said. “When I think about going out the door in the morning, I don’t want to. Because I do not want to encounter the SUV, the screams, the crying, and the horrific things that I saw before I was pulled into the fray when somebody tried to kidnap my son.”

In response to the incident, Griffin’s brother-in-law and mother launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise legal funds.

“My brother-in-law Nathan was detained by border patrol officers today in Chicago, despite the fact that he is a natural-born American citizen,” Tom Pinney wrote on the fundraising page. “After being arrested and hidden throughout the system, he finally resurfaced about 4 hours after his detainment in FBI custody awaiting a hearing for a federal assault charge which could carry 8 years in prison if convicted.”

Since its creation on Saturday, the GoFundMe has raised more than $20,000.

“The amazing outpouring of support is reminding us of the America we love. We cannot thank you enough!” Plybon wrote in an update on the fundraising page.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/27/us-news/laugh-factory-manager-arrested-in-front-of-mother-outside-chicago-comedy-club-by-federal-agents/

Russia says more than 80 people detained for questioning after Moscow street fight

Posted on by
Reply

**Over 80 People Questioned Following Major Street Fight Between Migrants in Moscow**

*MOSCOW (Reuters)* – Russia’s Interior Ministry reported on Sunday that more than 80 individuals were taken to police stations for questioning following a significant street fight between migrants in a residential area of Moscow. The ministry stated that all foreigners involved in the incident would face deportation.

Russian media released videos showing people engaged in violent clashes on the street using clubs and spades. The footage also revealed the smashing of windows near parked cars around the Prokshino residential complex. However, the cause of the fight remains unclear.

According to the Interior Ministry, 19 people have been arrested on charges of hooliganism. The ministry added that migrants holding Russian citizenship risk having their citizenship revoked. Foreign nationals involved who are not imprisoned will be deported and banned from re-entry into Russia, said Irina Volk, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry.

Migration, particularly from former Soviet republics in Central Asia and the Caucasus, has emerged as a major domestic political issue in Russia. Restrictions on migration intensified following a deadly attack at a Moscow concert hall in 2024, which Russian authorities attributed to Tajik nationals.

In 2024, approximately 6.3 million migrants arrived in Russia, according to Interior Ministry figures. Nearly half of these migrants came from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Despite Russia’s domestic economy relying heavily on affordable labor from these regions—especially in construction and consumer industries—many Russian citizens have expressed concerns. They criticize the large influx of people, noting a perceived lack of familiarity with Russian customs and culture.

Additionally, Russia has been grappling with severe labor shortages across multiple sectors since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, as hundreds of thousands of Russian workers joined the military.

*Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Ros Russell*
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/russia-says-more-80-people-123257376.html

Police: Man shot, killed in ‘domestic dispute’ in Alexandria

Posted on by
Reply

One man was killed inside an apartment building in Alexandria, Virginia, Saturday night, according to police.

Alexandria police received a call for shots fired just before 11 p.m. on Berkeley Street near King Street. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man inside an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police believe the shooting was the result of a domestic dispute. Although no arrests have been announced, authorities stated that “all parties involved are believed to be accounted for.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact APD Detective Escobar at 703-746-6819. Tips can be provided anonymously.

Below is a map showing the location of the shooting.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2025 WTOP. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
https://wtop.com/alexandria/2025/10/police-man-shot-killed-in-domestic-dispute-in-alexandria/

Paris Police Arrest Two Men in Connection With Jewel Heist From Louvre Museum

Posted on by
Reply

Suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of crown jewels from Paris’ Louvre Museum, the Paris prosecutor said Sunday, a week after the heist at the world’s most visited museum that stunned the world.

The prosecutor revealed that investigators made the arrests on Saturday evening, adding that one of the men taken into custody was preparing to leave the country from Roissy Airport. Earlier, French media outlets BFM TV and Le Parisien newspaper reported that two suspects had been arrested and taken into custody.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau did not confirm the exact number of arrests nor did she disclose whether the stolen jewels had been recovered.

The thieves carried out the robbery in less than eight minutes last Sunday morning, making off with jewels valued at roughly $102 million. French officials described how the intruders used a basket lift to scale the Louvre’s façade, forced open a window, smashed display cases, and fled the scene.

The museum’s director called the incident a “terrible failure.”

Ms. Beccuau said that investigators from a special police unit—tasked with armed robberies, serious burglaries, and art thefts—were responsible for making the arrests. She also expressed regret over a premature leak of information, warning that it could hinder the work of over 100 investigators “mobilized to recover the stolen jewels and apprehend all of the perpetrators.”

Further details will be unveiled after the suspects’ custody period ends, Ms. Beccuau added.

France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, praised “the investigators who have worked tirelessly, just as I asked them to, and who have always had my full confidence.”

The thieves made away with a total of eight objects, including a sapphire diadem, necklace, and single earring from a set linked to 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. They also took an emerald necklace and earrings associated with Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, as well as a reliquary brooch.

Additionally, Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and her large corsage-bow brooch—an imperial ensemble of rare craftsmanship—were part of the loot.

One piece, Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown with more than 1,300 diamonds, was later found outside the museum. Although damaged, it was recoverable.
https://www.nysun.com/article/paris-police-arrest-two-men-in-connection-with-jewel-heist-from-louvre-museum

Suspects arrested over the theft of crown jewels from Paris’ Louvre museum

Posted on by
Reply

Suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of crown jewels from Paris’ Louvre Museum, the Paris prosecutor announced on Sunday, a week after the heist at the world’s most visited museum shocked the globe.

The prosecutor revealed that investigators made the arrests on Saturday evening. Notably, one of the men taken into custody was preparing to leave the country from Roissy Airport. Earlier, French media outlets BFM TV and Le Parisien newspaper reported that two suspects had been arrested and taken into custody. However, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau did not confirm the exact number of arrests or say whether the stolen jewels had been recovered.

The daring theft took less than eight minutes last Sunday morning, with thieves making off with jewels valued at 88 million euros (approximately $102 million). French officials described how the intruders used a basket lift to scale the Louvre’s façade, forced open a window, smashed display cases, and then fled the scene.

The museum’s director called the incident a “terrible failure.” Beccuau stated that investigators from a special police unit—responsible for armed robberies, serious burglaries, and art thefts—were behind the arrests. She also regretted the premature leak of information, warning that it could hinder the efforts of more than 100 investigators “mobilized to recover the stolen jewels and apprehend all of the perpetrators.”

Further details will be revealed after the suspects’ custody period ends, Beccuau added.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez praised the investigators, saying they “have worked tirelessly, just as I asked them to, and have always had my full confidence.”

The Louvre reopened earlier this week following one of the highest-profile museum thefts of the century, an audacious crime that stunned the world with its scale and boldness. The thieves slipped in and out, making away with parts of France’s Crown Jewels—a cultural wound some have compared to the 2019 burning of Notre Dame Cathedral.

In total, the thieves stole eight objects, including a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and a single earring from a set linked to 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. They also took an emerald necklace and earrings associated with Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, as well as a reliquary brooch.

Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and her large corsage-bow brooch—an imperial ensemble of rare craftsmanship—were also part of the loot.

One piece, Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown adorned with more than 1,300 diamonds, was later found outside the museum. Although damaged, it was reported to be recoverable.
https://www.wptv.com/world/suspects-arrested-over-the-theft-of-crown-jewels-from-paris-louvre-museum

EXCLUSIVE: ‘Crime AI System’ to Solve JonBenét Ramsey Cold Case? — New Technology Can Finally Bring Justice for Young Beauty Queen Nearly 30 Years After Brutal Murder

Posted on by
Reply

**New AI Technology May Finally Crack the JonBenét Ramsey Murder Case**

*Published: October 24, 2025, 3:00 p.m. ET*

It has been almost 30 years since JonBenét Ramsey was murdered, and despite countless leads, the case remains unsolved. However, a breakthrough might be on the horizon thanks to a new AI system, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The infamous case overwhelmed investigators with tips, documents, and more than 1,000 interviews, making it nearly impossible for detectives to pinpoint the culprit—until now.

### What Is Crime Owl AI?

Ash Ghaemi, a former Denver native and marketing expert, believes the state-of-the-art Crime Owl AI system he developed could help local police sift through the massive trove of files and identify the killer.

“I feel strongly that AI can solve the JonBenét case because all it does is take unstructured data and organize it into an easy-to-use format,” said Ghaemi, who is eager to collaborate with the Boulder Police Department.

### Family Support the New Technology

JonBenét’s half-brother, John Andrew, is optimistic about the new technology stepping in to solve the decades-old mystery. After the enormous JonBenét files sat “untouched for 20-plus years,” investigators launched a major initiative in 2023 to digitize them.

“For the first time, these records are searchable, centralized, and capable of being analyzed using advanced data tools,” Andrew explained. “In theory, AI could now comb through thousands of pages to identify hidden patterns, link related evidence, or highlight similarities to crimes across the country—insight that would have been nearly impossible to uncover through manual review.”

He added with confidence, “Technology will win, and when it does, we will finally catch this animal.”

### The Case Background

JonBenét, a 6-year-old child beauty queen, was found dead in her parents’ basement one day after Christmas in 1996. Ghaemi believes his AI system is key to advancing the investigation moving forward.

### AI Revives Interest in Cold Cases

“If you hire a team of humans to go back through all the JonBenét files without AI, it will likely take them years to come up with the necessary knowledge to even come close to solving the case,” Ghaemi said.

“They can ask [Crime Owl] questions and make connections they might not have noticed before. It’s the ultimate investigator’s assistant to solve crimes faster.”

Ghaemi, now 40, is already collaborating with West Valley, Utah police, who are using the system to break another high-profile case: the 2009 disappearance of Susan Powell, 28, reported missing by her husband, Josh.

### Support from Renowned Private Investigator

Renowned private eye Jason Jensen is also embracing AI technology. “AI can literally take all the data, organize it into a single file, and cross-reference names and contents,” Jensen said.

He praised the system’s capabilities: “It draws maps for you, correlates connections – it’s fantastic, an amazing tool. It would be awesome if Boulder police would use it and upload their files to have AI assist them. We all want the JonBenét case solved.”

### JonBenét’s Father Continues His Fight for Justice

JonBenét’s father, John Ramsey, has long expressed frustration with Colorado investigators. Previously, he even appealed directly to former President Donald Trump for help.

Speaking with Fox News Digital, he said, “I told the DA that money should not be a restrictor here. I need to get Donald Trump on them. He’ll stir things up one way or the other, but somehow we’ve got to get them to do that.”

Ramsey added, “If he got involved in the… Cracker Barrel (issue). This is a whole lot of a bigger deal than the Cracker Barrel. Help us. So that’s the bottom line.”

Now 81, John Ramsey has also offered to fundraise to cover the cost of investigative genealogy — a technology that has already been instrumental in solving cold cases such as the Golden State Killer.

—

As the JonBenét Ramsey case enters a new technological era, hope grows that AI-driven investigation tools like Crime Owl could finally bring long-awaited answers to this decades-old mystery.
https://radaronline.com/p/crime-owl-ai-system-solves-jonbenet-ramsey-cold-case/

Police bust plot to sell fake artwork purportedly by Rembrandt, Picasso

Posted on by
Reply

A major international plot involving the sale of suspected forged paintings by renowned artists has been uncovered, police announced on Friday. The scheme spanned three countries and involved fake works attributed to masters such as Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, and Frida Kahlo.

The main suspect, a 77-year-old German man, allegedly attempted to sell 20 counterfeit paintings. These included purported pieces by Flemish old master Peter Paul Rubens, Spanish artist Joan Miró, and Italian sculptor Amedeo Modigliani. Authorities in Bavaria revealed that he was assisted by 10 accomplices in the operation.

Investigators first grew suspicious when the suspect tried to sell two alleged original Picasso paintings on the art market. One of these artworks depicted Dora Maar, a French photographer, painter, and poet who was Picasso’s most famous muse, according to BBC News.

The police stated that the man subsequently sought to sell *De Staalmeesters*, a famous oil painting by Rembrandt, for 120 million Swiss francs (approximately $150 million). However, the original painting is permanently displayed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The copy, believed to have been made in the 20th century, was found in the possession of an 84-year-old Swiss woman who is now also under investigation.

“After examination by an art expert, it was confirmed that the painting was indeed a copy and not a lost masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn,” police reported, as cited by BBC.

The fake paintings were being offered at prices ranging from 400,000 euros to about 130 million euros (roughly $465,000 to $150 million), police said in a statement.

Last week, authorities conducted coordinated searches in multiple locations across southern Germany, Berlin, several areas in Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. During these raids, the main suspect and another German man, aged 74, were arrested. The second suspect is accused of preparing forged authenticity reports for the artworks. Both men have since been released on bail.

Police confirmed that all confiscated paintings will undergo detailed examination by experts and appraisers over the coming weeks to assess their authenticity.

This extensive investigation highlights the ongoing challenges art markets face with forged masterpieces, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and expert scrutiny.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/art-forgeries-plot-bust-germany-police-rembrandt-picasso-frida-kahlo/