Court officials say an Albanian man has been sentenced to life in prison for leading a major drug ring and involvement in seven murders.

Alfred Shkurti, 45, was convicted Monday of ordering six murders and personally committing a seventh as head of a gang active in Albania, Turkey, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Romania, which trafficked drugs to western Europe.The victims were described as rival gang leaders and local businessmen.Court officials said Shkurti was also convicted of weapons offenses and destruction of property.He had initially been charged with ordering more than 20 murders,...

Suspected drug traffickers and money launderers will be prosecuted by a new unit dedicated to taking organised crime gangs off Scotland's streets.

The Crown Office said its Serious and Organised Crime Division (SOCD) will focus on those profiting from organised crime.About 50 specialist staff based in Edinburgh and Glasgow will work on cases involving serious fraud, money laundering, drug and people trafficking and bootlegging.The division, launched on Thursday by the Solicitor General, is also tasked with seizing cash from criminals under Proceeds of Crime legislation.Frank Mulholland QC said:...

if-you're-indicted, you're-invited soirees.

In another era, it would have been considered one of those if-you're-indicted, you're-invited soirees.The VIP list for the Las Vegas Mob Experience gala Tuesday was dotted with names from the days when casinos served as ATMs for organized crime.Not since the Tropicana's opening night April 4, 1957, have so many prominent underworld names gathered under its roof.More than 1,500 were invited for this mob scene, including relatives representing the...

Police claim that Organised Crime Squad officers approached the men as they sat in the vehicle at a service station on Thomas Road in Kwinana.

Two men have been charged with several offences after they were allegedly stopped with a stolen BMW yesterday.Police claim that Organised Crime Squad officers approached the men as they sat in the vehicle at a service station on Thomas Road in Kwinana.Police allege that as the officers approached the car to talk to the two men the driver ran into nearby bushland.The 33-year-old man was later detained and the 22-year-old passenger was also arrested.When...

Havard spent the past seven years in an English jail after his 2004 arrest or involvement with a global identity theft ring with ties to Russian organized crime. Havard, when he fled Texas, had pending state charges that included drug dealing, engaging in organized crime, counterfeiting of IDs and aggravated robbery.

A former Southern Methodist University student who fled the U.S. nearly a decade ago has pleaded guilty to passport fraud.A federal judge in Dallas on Tuesday accepted the plea from 28-year-old Douglas Havard and ordered him to be sentenced June 20.Havard, who was extradited this month from England, faces up to 10 years in prison.Investigators say Havard spent the past seven years in an English jail after his 2004 arrest or involvement with a global...

Police have seized $35 million worth of goods since a new law came into effect in 2009.

In the latest Ten One magazine, police said the assets were "restrained" under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act.Of the $35m, $21m was linked to organised crime groups.Restraining property under the Act is usually done before it is forfeited to the Crown although the Act also allows property to be forfeited without being restrained.Police said property worth $5.1m had been forfeited under the Act.Last month nearly $2.5m in drug money was forfeited...

Organic food fraud: One in six restaurants lie about the origin of their offerings | Mail Online

Organic food fraud: One in six restaurants lie about the origin of their offerings | Mail Online: "Food stores and restaurants have been accused of misleading their customers by claiming to sell ‘organic’ or ‘fresh’ produce. A survey by trading standards officials found that one...