Read More Here: "Phnom Penh's streets are teeming with motorbikes, hundreds of them, crisscrossing busy traffic without seeming to look or care where they are going. Collisions are inevitable. But that's not the point of this story.
Hun, 24, was tearing down the street at high speed when he hit the biker, witnesses reported, and his car ripped off an arm and a leg. The biker, Sam Sabo, was killed. Hun began to drive off, but running over the motorbike had shredded a tire. He had to pull over, so there he sat in his big black Cadillac Escalade sport utility vehicle."
Sunday, 24 August 2008
Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan - Corruption charges: Three town nazims ordered to clear position by Sept 1
Read More Here: "RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Local Government Commission on Saturday directed the nazims of Rawal, Potohar and Murree Towns to submit their replies to the corruption charges, leveled against them in the special audit reports, by 1st September, sources in the commission told Daily Times on Saturday.
Rawal Town Nazim Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Potohar Town Nazim Hamid Nawaz Raja and Murree Tehsil Nazim Sardar Saleem are facing the charge of misusing funds of a number of development schemes and were directed on August 21 to appear before the commission on August 23.
The three nazims along with nazims of about 21 town nazims appeared before the commission on Saturday and told it that it was not possible for them to submit the replies of charges mentioned in the notices received on August 21.
The nazims sought at least 60 days to submit replies, but the commission directed them to submit replies by September 1."
Rawal Town Nazim Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Potohar Town Nazim Hamid Nawaz Raja and Murree Tehsil Nazim Sardar Saleem are facing the charge of misusing funds of a number of development schemes and were directed on August 21 to appear before the commission on August 23.
The three nazims along with nazims of about 21 town nazims appeared before the commission on Saturday and told it that it was not possible for them to submit the replies of charges mentioned in the notices received on August 21.
The nazims sought at least 60 days to submit replies, but the commission directed them to submit replies by September 1."
Corruption hurts state investment: Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu
Read More Here: "CORRUPTION was damaging Victoria's ability to attract economic investment after a series of scandals involving government contracts, Brimbank Council and the racing industry, Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said yesterday.
'The reputation that Victoria has had … (for) good government is important as part of our competitive edge, and if that erodes, then we're throwing away a vital opportunity to attract more investment.'
It is the first time Mr Baillieu has explicitly linked graft allegations with economic performance, and it came as he said the Government's inaction had contributed to the decline in manufacturing.
Mr Baillieu is pushing for Victoria to form an independent anti-corruption commission.
'In a little over 12 months, we've seen extraordinary allegations of corruption in the police force, in local government, and corruption in the racing industry,' he said."
'The reputation that Victoria has had … (for) good government is important as part of our competitive edge, and if that erodes, then we're throwing away a vital opportunity to attract more investment.'
It is the first time Mr Baillieu has explicitly linked graft allegations with economic performance, and it came as he said the Government's inaction had contributed to the decline in manufacturing.
Mr Baillieu is pushing for Victoria to form an independent anti-corruption commission.
'In a little over 12 months, we've seen extraordinary allegations of corruption in the police force, in local government, and corruption in the racing industry,' he said."
More debate on anti-corruption body - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Read More Here: "Premier David Bartlett has committed to giving the state an anti-corruption body next year to investigate allegations of corruption in the Government and the police service.
But Mr Bartlett has warned against giving the body too much power.
Independent MLC Terry Martin has welcomed moves to form an anti-corruption body but says he will not support limiting its ability to investigate past wrongs.
'I will not support in any way a proposal that limits the powers of an ICAC, that tries to draw, in David Bartlett's words, a line in the sand,' Mr Martin said."
But Mr Bartlett has warned against giving the body too much power.
Independent MLC Terry Martin has welcomed moves to form an anti-corruption body but says he will not support limiting its ability to investigate past wrongs.
'I will not support in any way a proposal that limits the powers of an ICAC, that tries to draw, in David Bartlett's words, a line in the sand,' Mr Martin said."
Cheney Getting Caught Up In Senator Stevens Corruption Trial
Read More Here: "Back in June 25, 2006, the FBI recorded Senator Ted Stevens talking with Bill Allen, an oil-services executive, about how he could get an oil pipeline bill passed through the Alaska Legislature.
Stevens said to Allen 'I'm gonna try to see if I can get some bigwigs from back here and say, 'Look … you gotta get this done.' Cheney wrote a letter two days later to the Alaska legislature recommending they 'promptly enact' a bill for the pipeline.
Allen gave Stevens $25,000 in finacial benefits and the former executive director of Cheney's energy task force went to work for BP as a lobbyist which was one of the firms designated to work on the pipeline."
Stevens said to Allen 'I'm gonna try to see if I can get some bigwigs from back here and say, 'Look … you gotta get this done.' Cheney wrote a letter two days later to the Alaska legislature recommending they 'promptly enact' a bill for the pipeline.
Allen gave Stevens $25,000 in finacial benefits and the former executive director of Cheney's energy task force went to work for BP as a lobbyist which was one of the firms designated to work on the pipeline."
FBI investigates Oakland City Hall for corruption - San Jose Mercury News
Read More Here: "OAKLAND, Calif.—Oakland city officials say they are ready to cooperate with federal authorities investigating allegations of corruption at City Hall.
The FBI has requested city documents as part of its probe of alleged nepotism and fraud under former City Administrator Deborah Edgerly.
Mayor Ron Dellums fired Edgerly in July amid a police probe into whether she had interfered with an investigation into a violent street gang.
City officials say the federal investigation seems to be expanding into questionable payroll practices, including $3 million in bonuses and other perks awarded with little oversight.
Court documents show that authorities are also scrutinizing personnel records for Edgerly and her son and daughter—all of whom were city employees."
The FBI has requested city documents as part of its probe of alleged nepotism and fraud under former City Administrator Deborah Edgerly.
Mayor Ron Dellums fired Edgerly in July amid a police probe into whether she had interfered with an investigation into a violent street gang.
City officials say the federal investigation seems to be expanding into questionable payroll practices, including $3 million in bonuses and other perks awarded with little oversight.
Court documents show that authorities are also scrutinizing personnel records for Edgerly and her son and daughter—all of whom were city employees."
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Corruption trial could harm US senator's campaign
Read More Here:"Washington: A senior Republican senator cannot move his corruption trial from Washington to his home state of Alaska, a federal judge has ruled in a decision that could hamstring the powerful lawmaker s re-election bid.
The patriarch of Alaska politics, Stevens could normally expect to coast to his seventh full term in the Senate. But Democrats want to capitalise on the lengthy FBI investigation and trial to capture the once-safe Republican seat.
Stevens, 84,had hoped to stand trial by day and campaign on nights and weekends. In a state where he is known as 'Uncle Ted,' he could have faced a more sympathetic jury. Stevens was named the Alaskan of the Century in 2000,the Anchorage airport bears his name, and he has brought billions in federal aid to the frontier state."
The patriarch of Alaska politics, Stevens could normally expect to coast to his seventh full term in the Senate. But Democrats want to capitalise on the lengthy FBI investigation and trial to capture the once-safe Republican seat.
Stevens, 84,had hoped to stand trial by day and campaign on nights and weekends. In a state where he is known as 'Uncle Ted,' he could have faced a more sympathetic jury. Stevens was named the Alaskan of the Century in 2000,the Anchorage airport bears his name, and he has brought billions in federal aid to the frontier state."
Sen. Ted Stevens' request to move corruption trial to Alaska is denied - Los Angeles Times
Read More Here:"WASHINGTON -- A federal judge Wednesday denied Sen. Ted Stevens' request to move his corruption trial to his home state of Alaska, saying the lawmaker's plans to campaign for reelection risked improperly influencing potential jurors if the case were to be transferred there.
Lawyers for Stevens, the longest-serving Republican in the Senate, sought the change because most of the 40 or so witnesses expected to testify are from Alaska. They said Stevens had a right to continue his reelection campaign, which would be easier if the trial was held in Alaska.
But U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan said he was persuaded by the Justice Department's concerns that the publicity surrounding a senator who was running for reelection while on trial 'could lead to a significant potential for jury tainting.'"
Lawyers for Stevens, the longest-serving Republican in the Senate, sought the change because most of the 40 or so witnesses expected to testify are from Alaska. They said Stevens had a right to continue his reelection campaign, which would be easier if the trial was held in Alaska.
But U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan said he was persuaded by the Justice Department's concerns that the publicity surrounding a senator who was running for reelection while on trial 'could lead to a significant potential for jury tainting.'"
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
State Rep. Terri Hodge maintains combative persona as she fights corruption charges | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Latest News
Read More Here: "State Rep. Terri Hodge, the only sitting elected official indicted in the federal government's sprawling public corruption case, has asked the court to try her separately from other defendants.
If she succeeds, that could move Ms. Hodge's trial on bribery and fraud charges, now scheduled to begin in January, to after the next session of the Texas Legislature, which also convenes in January.
Federal prosecutors say they will not oppose Ms. Hodge's request to U.S. Judge Barbara Lynn because they don't want the constituents in her Dallas district going without representation during the legislative session."
If she succeeds, that could move Ms. Hodge's trial on bribery and fraud charges, now scheduled to begin in January, to after the next session of the Texas Legislature, which also convenes in January.
Federal prosecutors say they will not oppose Ms. Hodge's request to U.S. Judge Barbara Lynn because they don't want the constituents in her Dallas district going without representation during the legislative session."
Saturday, 16 August 2008
Mayor's father is target of FBI probe | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
Read More Here: "The FBI is investigating whether Bernard Kilpatrick, the father of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, was involved in payoff schemes to steer city business to contractors, according to five lawyers familiar with the investigation.
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The sources said agents are trying to determine whether Bernard Kilpatrick illegally passed along any money to the mayor. The sources agreed to discuss the investigation only if they were not identified.
'It's a pure pay-to-play system,' one lawyer alleged of the process to obtain many contracts in Detroit.
Bernard Kilpatrick did not return calls Friday. His attorney, Abe Singer, left a voice mail for a reporter that said: 'I'd check my sources a little stronger than you have before you publish this story.' He could not be reached to elaborate."
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The sources said agents are trying to determine whether Bernard Kilpatrick illegally passed along any money to the mayor. The sources agreed to discuss the investigation only if they were not identified.
'It's a pure pay-to-play system,' one lawyer alleged of the process to obtain many contracts in Detroit.
Bernard Kilpatrick did not return calls Friday. His attorney, Abe Singer, left a voice mail for a reporter that said: 'I'd check my sources a little stronger than you have before you publish this story.' He could not be reached to elaborate."
Ex-Passaic mayor sentenced to 21 months in prison -- Newsday.com
Read More Here: "TRENTON, N.J. - Former Passaic Mayor Samuel Rivera was sentenced Friday to nearly two years in prison and a $4,000 fine for accepting cash bribes in exchange for influencing city contracts.
Rivera, who was caught in a corruption scheme that netted 11 public officials and a private citizen, resigned last year after pleading guilty to attempted extortion.
Rivera, 61, admitted taking $5,000 in exchange for using his official influence to help a company become the city's insurance broker. The company turned out to be an FBI front.
The only explanation Rivera offered on Friday for his role in the scheme was 'poor judgment.'"
Rivera, who was caught in a corruption scheme that netted 11 public officials and a private citizen, resigned last year after pleading guilty to attempted extortion.
Rivera, 61, admitted taking $5,000 in exchange for using his official influence to help a company become the city's insurance broker. The company turned out to be an FBI front.
The only explanation Rivera offered on Friday for his role in the scheme was 'poor judgment.'"
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Charges recommended in RailCorp probe - Breaking News - National - Breaking News
Read More Here: "The NSW corruption watchdog has asked for criminal charges to be considered against six people who collectively scammed millions of US dollars from RailCorp, potentially endangering lives in the process.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on Wednesday handed down two reports from its lengthy inquiry into bribery and fraud within the state-owned corporation.
Its investigation 'raised a significant number of corruption issues' across all areas of its inquiry, all of which have been highlighted by the ICAC in several previous investigations.
The ICAC said that instead of making recommendations for the organisation now, it will instead canvas all the corruption issues in the final report due out later this year.
The ICAC on Wednesday made corruption findings against former RailCorp e"
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on Wednesday handed down two reports from its lengthy inquiry into bribery and fraud within the state-owned corporation.
Its investigation 'raised a significant number of corruption issues' across all areas of its inquiry, all of which have been highlighted by the ICAC in several previous investigations.
The ICAC said that instead of making recommendations for the organisation now, it will instead canvas all the corruption issues in the final report due out later this year.
The ICAC on Wednesday made corruption findings against former RailCorp e"
Former Thai PM skips bail to avoid corruption case
Read More Here: "Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra skipped bail Monday and went into exile, accusing political enemies who removed him in a 2006 coup of meddling in the courts to 'finish off' him and his family.
The Supreme Court issued arrest warrants for Thaksin and his wife, Potjaman, and seized $385,000 in bail bonds after he failed to appear in a corruption case.
In a hand-written statement faxed to news outlets from his refuge in London, the 59-year-old telecommunications billionaire apologized to the court for failing to appear in the case, which also involves his wife."
The Supreme Court issued arrest warrants for Thaksin and his wife, Potjaman, and seized $385,000 in bail bonds after he failed to appear in a corruption case.
In a hand-written statement faxed to news outlets from his refuge in London, the 59-year-old telecommunications billionaire apologized to the court for failing to appear in the case, which also involves his wife."
Former Alaska Businessman Pleads Guilty to Public Corruption Charges - MarketWatch
Read More Here: "WASHINGTON, Aug 12, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- William Weimar, 68, a former owner of an Alaska-based company, has pleaded guilty to making $20,000 in illegal payments to cover consulting and advertising expenses incurred by a candidate running for an elected position in the Alaska state legislature, Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich of the Criminal Division announced today. Weimar also admitted that he manipulated and structured the illegal payments to avoid currency reporting requirements for financial institutions under federal law."
Bloomberg.com: Latin America
Read More Here: "Aug. 12 (Bloomberg) -- The killing of four local law enforcement chiefs in Mexico yesterday highlights the challenge President Felipe Calderon faces as he tries to stamp out police corruption and bolster his fight against organized crime."
More than 270 Mexican police officers have been killed this year, including the assassinations in Michoacan, Chihuahua, Quintana Roo and the State of Mexico yesterday, newspaper Milenio reported. Most of the violence is tied to drug gangs that are battling for control of lucrative shipping routes to the U.S.
Calderon pledged to root out police corruption during appearances over the past week after public outrage over the kidnapping and slaying of the 14-year-old son of a businessman, allegedly at the hands of police. Ending police involvement with organized crime is difficult because of low salaries and threats to the lives of honest cops, said Jorge Chabat, a professor at the Center for Economic Research and Teaching in Mexico City.
``It's hard to fight narco corruption because police have positive incentives -- money -- and also negative incentives - they'll kill you if you don't go along,'' Chabat said.
Yesterday, Calderon said Mexican society demands an end to police corruption while interior Minister Juan Camilo Mourino called on local authorities to sign an accord to clean up police forces.
``They're not going to create a police force like Scotland Yard,'' Chabat said, referring to the headquarters of the British police force in London. ``But they can make it a lot better than it is now.''
Marti Kidnapping
Last week, Calderon proposed life sentences for policemen convicted of kidnapping after prosecutors said officers were involved in the abduction and killing of Fernando Marti, the son of Alejandro Marti, founder of sporting goods retailer Grupo Marti SAB.
Marti's body was discovered in the trunk of a car in southern Mexico City on Aug. 1, almost two months after the boy, his driver and bodyguard were stopped at a fake police checkpoint. The boy's family paid a ransom to the kidnappers before he was found dead.
Calderon's proposal is symbolic and won't reduce crime, said John Bailey, who directs Georgetown University's Mexico project.
``It's kind of hollow,'' Bailey said in a telephone interview from Washington. ``When you can't do something concrete, you turn to symbols.''
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