Category: Road

Trade Route to Mozambique Shut by Protests

South Africa closed operations at its main border crossing with Mozambique on December 9 due to election-related protests. Angered by the result of the country’s Oct. 9 elections, Mozambique-based protesters blocked the route that can see 1,000 trucks pass through in a day en route to Maputo’s port. These protesters also forced authorities to shut two power plants and targeted other key infrastructure, reports say. The port is a key coal and chrome export hub.

The Lebombo border port of entry has halted operations for general cargo processing and passenger movements, South Africa’s Border Management Authority said in a statement Monday. “Transporters are urged not to dispatch new vehicles to the port until further notice,” Jane Thupana, acting commissioner at the authority, said.

The blockages at the crossing have escalated, as trucks were previously able to enter Mozambique after protests ended around 4 p.m. daily, local authorities said.

The closure is expected to cost South Africa 10 million rand ($562,822) a day, according to the Road Freight Association.

Five Killed in Fuel Depot Explosion

An explosion at an ENI fuel depot located just north of Florence, Italy sent a large plume of smoke into the sky. Witnesses in the area reported a large bang and tremors. The blast happened on December 9 and caused the collapse of a building that housed offices, injuring 14 people, according to Eugenio Giani, Tuscany’s governor. Two of those were in critical condition.

Residents were initially advised to keep their windows closed, but environmental officials later determined that the air quality was safe. The smoke temporarily interrupted regional train services.

The cause of the blast in the town of Calenzano is under investigation. The flames were contained, which prevented the fire from spreading to storage tanks from the loading dock area where the explosion occurred.

UK Access Management Firm Secures Innovation Award

The Key Safe Company, based in Worcester, UK, won Business Innovation of the Year at the North Worcestershire Business Awards for its ark Tamo Pro – a robust key safe able to store keys at the point of need and, with its unique QR code technology, allow vital property information right there on site for authorized visitors.

This type of cutting-edge technology has helped Key Safe become a household name in the care sector; enabling carers to gain secure access to patients’ homes, often in an emergency, by providing safe storage of keys at the point of need.

The police preferred ark Tamo Pro, which is billed as the world’s most secure push-button key safe with certifications from the Loss Prevention Certification Board, has also revolutionized the security sector by allowing companies to save money and time transporting keys between centralized storage facilities and the relevant properties.

The award win came just days after Key Safe Founder and CEO David Ogden was named Most Innovative Key Security Solutions CEO (UK) in the Global CEO Excellence Awards 2024, and shortlisted at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

“To pick up another award for our ark Tamo Pro is testament to the quality of the product and the effect it is having on so many industries,” he said. “Its patented multi-push mechanism, security features and robust design makes it an incredibly secure key safe. It has withstood rigorous attack-testing by third-party officials to achieve the highest security rating and standards.

“The product’s evolution is the result of more than £1.4million investment in research and development over the years and a collective effort to act on customer feedback all the way.”

Sponsored by Worcestershire Growth Hub, the Business Innovation of the Year award set out to ‘celebrate innovative businesses that can successfully showcase products, technologies and processes that lead the way in innovation.’

Ogden says Key Safe is not planning to rest on its laurels. And, having sold more than three million key safes since launching the business in 1996, he’s aiming for more success.

“Key Safe exists because storing keys securely at their point of need was a problem for so many people and so many industries,” he added. “We’ve applied new technologies to make class-leading products that have solved that problem.

“We hope to innovate even further while helping a great range of industries to ensure they can access their properties in a safe and effective way. The team at Key Safe work incredibly hard to ensure we stay ahead of the curve and deliver for our customers. This latest award is for each and every one of them.”

Picture caption – Left, David Ogden, CEO and Founder of The Key Safe Company, with Robert Williams, Mechanical Design Partner at The Key Safe Company.

Pope Francis Receives First Electric “Popemobile” from Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has supplied cars to the Vatican for 94 years, and for the past 45 years, the Pope has been using the renowned “Popemobiles” based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Now, for the first time, the Popemobile from Mercedes-Benz is going all-electric. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and the team members involved personally handed over a handmade unique vehicle based on the new electric G-Class to Pope Francis in the Vatican recently.

This means that the Pope will travel locally emissions-free in a new Mercedes-Benz in time for the 2025 Jubilee – an event that only takes place every 25 years and one for which millions are expected in Rome. The vehicle fulfills high requirements and was developed in close cooperation with the Vatican specifically for the Pope’s use. Its electric drivetrain, which was adapted to the particularly low speeds required for public appearances, contributes to the realization of the encyclical “Laudato Si.” In it, Pope Francis describes the need for sustainable development.

At the handover, Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group thanked Pope Francis and all those involved and emphasized the sustainable business strategy of Mercedes-Benz: “With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be traveling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances. This is a special honor for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral1 new car fleet in 2039.”

A unique experience: Pope Francis invites participating team members from Graz, Sindelfingen and Rome

Källenius was accompanied by Britta Seeger, member of the board of management responsible for sales and marketing, and Marc Langenbrinck, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italia, at the appointment just outside St Peter’s Basilica. The Holy Father also met with those who developed and built his new vehicle. Employees from Design, Research & Development, Manufacturing and Sales & Marketing were also invited to the event and were able to hand over “their” vehicle on behalf of many others involved. The handover was followed by a private audience with the Pope. A team of specialists from Graz (A), Sindelfingen (D) and Rome (I) worked together for around a year. The project was managed by the team in Rome while the electric drivetrain was adapted by the team in Graz. The experts from Sindelfingen produced the bodywork, interior fittings and customized equipment using traditional craftsmanship.

Handmade model: Details of the vehicle based on the new G 580 with EQ technology

The electric drivetrain of the new G 580 with EQ technology was adapted to fully utilize the advantages of the four electric motors near each wheel for the special purpose of slow journeys at public appearances.

In the rear of the vehicle, the bench seat was replaced by a centrally positioned and height-adjustable single seat. This swiveling main seat makes it possible to move around flexibly and address an audience from different angles. Behind the single seat, two single seats have been integrated on the left and right for additional passengers.

The roof was removed at the B-pillar, and the B-pillar itself was harmoniously transitioned into the side wall to create an unmistakable side profile. In case of rain or bad weather conditions, a separate hardtop offers protection for the occupants. The left rear door was removed and rebuilt by the specialists – in traditional coachbuilding style – from a single piece and seamlessly welded into the bodyshell. On the right-hand side, the hinges of the rear door were relocated to the opposite side. Like previous Popemobiles, the vehicle is painted in classic pearl white.

A long tradition: The history of Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the Vatican

Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing vehicles for the head of the Catholic Church and his travels and public appearances for almost 100 years. The first vehicle of this type was a Nürburg 460 Pullman Sedan for Pope Pius XI from 1930. At the time, Mercedes-Benz was awarded the delivery contract due to a harmonious overall package – and because the team at the time transferred an important characteristic of previous carriages to the vehicle – the ability to accommodate two dignitaries and other staff using folding seats.

In the 1960s, John XXIII received a 300 Landaulet with an automatic transmission and extended wheelbase. His successor Paul VI initially used a 600 Pullman Landaulet and later a 300 SEL – also a Landaulet. In the 1980s, John Paul II used the first vehicle officially called “Popemobile” for events in St. Peter’s Square, a modified 460 series G-Class model. From 2002, he used a 463 series G 500, which was also used by his successors Benedict XVI and Francis. Specially-designed vehicles based on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the GLE were also used at times. After retirement from service, some of the Popemobiles were placed for viewing in the Vatican and the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

Global Raids Rescue 3,200 Potential Victims of Trafficking and Identify 17,800 Irregular Migrants

INTERPOL released preliminary results of its largest-ever operation against human trafficking and migrant smuggling, carried out across 116 countries and territories.

Operation Liberterra II (29 September to 4 October) led to the rescue of 3,222 potential victims of human trafficking and identified 17,793 irregular migrants.

Authorities around the world conducted police raids, reinforced strategic border points, monitored nearly 24,000 flights and deployed officers to known trafficking and smuggling hotspots. Globally, nearly 8 million checks were carried out against INTERPOL’s databases.

A total of 2,517 arrests were made during the week – 850 of which were specifically on human trafficking or migrant smuggling charges.

Operational coordination units were set up in Argentina, Senegal, the Philippines and North Macedonia to assess intelligence and facilitate cooperation between countries within their respective regions and beyond. The operation also saw an unprecedented level of support from 15 specialized units from INTERPOL’s General Secretariat, partner organizations, national agencies and NGOs.

“In their relentless pursuit of profit, organized crime groups continue to exploit men, women and children —often multiple times over. While still preliminary, the results of this operation highlight the vast scale of the challenge facing law enforcement, underscoring that only coordinated action can counteract these threats,” INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said.

INTERPOL’s executive director of police services, Stephen Kavanagh said: “Beyond providing a snapshot of global trafficking and migration trends, the operation served as a vital capacity building opportunity for countries, fostering relationships between specialized units, and enhancing cross-agency collaboration.”

Trafficking-fueled fraud

The week-long operation uncovered dozens of cases in which trafficking victims were deceived and coerced into committing fraud, marking a clear departure from traditional trafficking patterns, where human exploitation is the sole criminal objective.

Targeting online scam centers using human trafficking victims has been an operational priority since INTERPOL issued an Orange Notice warning its membership of this growing and globalizing trend. In many of these cases victims are lured with false promises of employment and are kept there through intimidation and abuse.

In the Philippines, for example, officers raided a warehouse where more than 250 people, mostly Chinese nationals, were running romance scams on an industrial scale. Officers are now combing through seized devices and carrying out interviews to separate the potential victims of trafficking from members of the criminal enterprise.

On the other side of the world, in West and Central Africa, officers uncovered eight separate cases, involving multiple victims forced into exploitative pyramid schemes. Once recruited, they were transported across borders and held against their will, often suffering physical and psychological abuse.

In one instance, 24 Togolese victims were safeguarded in Mali. The women had been promised employment in locations as far away as North America, but instead, they were charged “recruitment fees” of up to USD 6,000 to operate a multi-level marketing scheme. They were then forced to target family and friends to join as well. So far, 10 arrests have been made.

Polycriminal groups: drugs, cash and weapons

Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are increasingly linked to other forms of crime, often using the same criminal networks and routes. This overlap amplifies profits and power for organized crime groups, making enforcement more complex. The need for a whole-of-crime approach was evident throughout the operation week.

In Brazil, an earlier drug trafficking investigation uncovered a migrant smuggling operation led by the same criminal group. That investigation led them to the arrest of a city council candidate and his associate for smuggling 70 migrants into the United States. In the process, they seized USD 750,000 linked to the operation.

Serbian police arrested 12 suspects linked to two organized criminal groups which facilitated the journeys of at least 178 irregular migrants through Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Police also seized cash, firearms and drugs.

Chilean and Paraguayan authorities worked together to break up a polycriminal group involved in migrant smuggling, human trafficking and money laundering. The group allegedly transported victims into Chile, where they were taken to different cities for sexual exploitation. Four suspects were arrested and 23 victims were rescued and supported.

Additional cases:

  • In Argentina, authorities rescued 59 human trafficking victims, including 14 minors, who were forced to work on fruit and vegetable farms. Officials seized shotguns, pistols, ammunition and USD 200,000 in cash.
  • Seven suspects were arrested in Algeria on money laundering charges in connection with organizing migrant smuggling. The operation resulted in the seizure of 320,000 dinars (USD 2,400) and several cell phones.

Human trafficking: A global phenomenon

Following raids on houses, businesses and nightclubs in North Macedonia, 13 suspects were arrested on charges of human trafficking, drug trafficking and money laundering. The 32 potential victims identified during the raids – all women – were mostly from abroad, including Albania, Colombia, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine.

Additional cases:

  • In Costa Rica, the female leader of a sect was arrested on suspicion of forced labour, child exploitation, emotional and physical abuse. Those recruited were made to take vows of poverty and silence, while top members lived a life of luxury, with high-end vehicles and multiple properties.
  • In Syria, authorities identified a group of doctors suspected of organ trafficking.
  • In Iraq, 25 people were arrested in connection with a trafficking ring involved in forced begging.
  • Ethiopian national authorities arrested a 26-year-old man for recruiting seven victims into domestic servitude in the Middle East, where they were held for weeks, mistreated and starved.

Migrant smuggling: Exploiting the desire for a better life

Analysis of migrant flows is ongoing, but of note was the increasing number of Asian migrants, particularly Vietnamese, detected in the Americas during the operational week. Venezuelan nationals, however, remain the largest group of irregular migrants reported by participating countries, with most migrating to North and South America.

Tunisian authorities intercepted 27 individuals, including 21 minors, attempting to travel to the United Kingdom under the pretense of a language study trip. Coordination with INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Manchester helped identify three suspects in the UK, who have now been referred for prosecution on smuggling charges.

In Kenya, the Transnational Organized Crime Unit arrested two suspects accused of exploiting Ethiopian migrants, uncovering around 100 victims confined in a four-bedroom house. The victims reported being beaten and coerced into contacting family members for money.

Additional cases:

  • UK authorities located and identified a Syrian man wanted by Romania for illegally transporting migrants from Bulgaria to Romania, for onward travel to the Netherlands.
  • In Türkiye, authorities detected and safeguarded approximately 1,500 irregular migrants, arresting 94 suspected smugglers.
  • Authorities in Montenegro arrested 11 members of an organized group suspected of smuggling 350 migrants from Asia into the European Union. Police recovered cash, phones, vehicles, asylum documents and foreign passports.

Focus on sustainable partnerships and cooperation

The operation sought to ensure the widest possible participation and ensure long-term investigative capacity. It was supported by 11 projects which are funded by:

  • The European Commission
  • The European Union
  • Global Affairs Canada
  • The United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
  • The German Federal Foreign Office
  • The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
  • Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Throughout the week, participating countries were able to directly benefit from the expertise, resources, and coordinated actions of specialized projects and international organizations. Additional support was provided by:

  • Afripol
  • CARICOM IMPACS
  • Europol
  • EU4FAST
  • Frontex
  • International Organization for Migration
  • The Regional Support Office of the Bali Process
  • ROCK (Regional Operational Center in Khartoum in support of the Khartoum Process and AU-Horn of Africa initiative)
  • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

INTERPOL and the Government of Canada join Forces Against Transnational Vehicle Crime

Vehicle crime is a multi-billion-dollar global industry that fuels organized crime but a new partnership between INTERPOL and the Government of Canada aims to put the brakes on this illicit trade.

Stolen vehicles are often moved across continents, sometimes ending up thousands of kilometers away from where they were stolen, making a coordinated international approach crucial.  For organized crime groups, the trade of stolen vehicles and parts can be a low-risk way to fund other criminal activities. The illicit market in spare parts can even put lives at risk, as illegitimate parts are likely to fall below recognized safety standards.

Project Drive Out, with a budget of €2.4 million, will enhance information sharing between INTERPOL member states, law enforcement agencies and private partners. The objective of the project is to increase the detection of stolen vehicles and spare parts around the world.

The three-year project will also strengthen data analysis by expanding and developing INTERPOL tools which facilitate the exchange of data between car manufacturers and police.  The project will also allow INTERPOL to support participating countries with on-the-ground operations and bolster training on identification and investigative tactics.

Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs in Canada, said, “Auto theft is a crime that knows no borders. That’s why continued collaboration between domestic and international law enforcement partners like INTERPOL is key to recovering Canadians’ stolen property and to disrupting the organized crime groups involved.”

Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL’s Secretary General, added: “Vehicle crime isn’t just about stolen cars — it’s about something far more complex, far more dangerous. It’s about organized crime using those stolen vehicles and parts as currency to fuel a network of illegal activities — from drug trafficking to human smuggling, from the arms trade to acts of terror. This partnership with the Government of Canada represents a step forward, empowering law enforcement across the globe to strike at the heart of a crime that reaches far beyond a single theft. Together, we’re building a safer world.”

INTERPOL’s Stolen Motor Vehicle database, the key law enforcement tool for tackling vehicle crime will be enhanced as part of Project Drive Out. It currently contains more than 12 million records, allowing police in INTERPOL member countries to run a check against a suspicious vehicle and find out instantly whether it has been reported as stolen. In 2023, approximately 226,000 vehicles globally were identified as stolen through the database and so far in 2024 the database has been searched more than 356 million times.

Canada has become a major origin point for stolen vehicles in recent years, driven in part by the country’s abundance of in-demand, high-end models like SUVs and crossovers. These vehicles are often smuggled to destinations in the Middle East and West Africa, where they are subsequently sold or traded.  From February to October 2024, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police received 2,666 alerts about Canadian vehicles and 491 international collaboration requests via INTERPOL’s Stolen Motor Vehicle database.

Savox Displays the Future of Safe and Secure Comms at PMRExpo 2024

The Savox stand at PMRExpo 2024 in Cologne showcases a wide array of innovative and proven communication controllers, mission-critical broadband products, hearing protective headsets, and wireless team communication solutions.

“Our philosophy centers on understanding professionals, their challenges, and overcoming obstacles. We prioritize delivering audio solutions that ensure clear communication, protect specialists—an organization’s most valuable asset—and empower them to perform at their best, regardless of the task or conditions,” said Teppo Parviainen, sales director.

Applying some of the latest advances in Bluetooth technology, as well as solving common challenges regarding, for example, audio clarity, integration, and versatility, Savox brings to Cologne major releases and updates to our proven line-up of secure communication products and solutions.

C-C200 Push-to-talk unit

Sleek in design, while being the most robust PTT nexus-connector in the market, the C-C200 provides a new level of safety and reliability, as well as innovative usage features. Its compact form fits easily on all workwear and tool vests, the wide variety of clip-on fixtures, silent stealth feature, and safe PTT button take functionality to a new level.

Pack-COM wireless team comms system

A unique wireless team communication system with encrypted full-duplex functionality. The portable base station creates a secure mid-range communication bubble allowing for a wide range of radio capabilities to be integrated into the system.

LIVECONNECT 200 body camera

This rugged high-definition wearable bodycam’s innovative features allow users to fully leverage the data and video capabilities of modern broadband networks and terminals, enabling seamless video streaming and video call between front-line workers and teams leads, command centers, and control rooms.

NOISE-COM 300 hearing protector

Specifically designed and built for safety and clarity in tough conditions, the NC-300 works with most available two-way radios. Crafted with high-quality components and sealed electronics, a built-in PTT button, and advanced noise cancellation microphone with extended battery-free performance in the noisiest of industrial environments.

MVA Launches App for Businesses to Accept Mobile IDs for Age Verification

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) launched Mobile ID Check by MD, a free, new app that provides a secure and convenient way for businesses to accept mobile driver’s licenses and identification cards for in-person age verification — all on their mobile device, with no additional hardware required. Businesses have already begun to leverage these apps within Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport for age verification for the purchases of alcoholic beverages.

To get started with mobile ID acceptance, businesses can download the Mobile ID Check by MD app, developed by the MVA’s Information Technology team and built using international standards. Mobile ID Check by MD is available for download on the Apple App Store and from Google Play. The technology allows for the acceptance of any state-issued Mobile ID or ID card. 

“The MVA continues to be a leader in developing and implementing mobile driver’s licenses by not only offering secure options for our customers, but also developing cost-effective tools for businesses to access this important identity verification tool,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “I am so proud of our team for creating an opportunity for businesses to securely interact with the many Marylanders who have already started using their mobile driver’s licenses. By increasing locations where mDLs can be accepted, we’re encouraging more Marylanders to take advantage of not only the convenience, but the security and privacy that mobile driver’s licenses offer.” 

Customers traveling through BWI Marshall Airport will now be able to present their mobile driver’s licenses for age verification of purchases of alcoholic beverages at the following locations: Flying Dog Tap House, Firkin & Flyer, Obrycki’s, R&R Seafood Bar A, R&R Seafood Bar D/E, La Cocina Mexicana, and Brix & Vine. The MVA has partnered with the Anne Arundel County Liquor Board, BWI Marshall Airport, concessions management company Fraport USA and HMSHost, which operates dining venues at BWI Marshall Airport to launch this initial phase of the mobile ID check program.  

“Maryland and BWI Marshall Airport continue to lead the way with mobile driver’s license technology,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “We’re excited to partner with the MVA and our restaurant partners to offer travelers a convenient, efficient way to verify age when purchasing alcohol.” 

“The Anne Arundel County Liquor Board is encouraged with the technological promise offered by the MVA’s mobile digital license initiative at BWI Airport, and we look forward to bringing more secure ways for mobile ID acceptance to even more businesses,” said Wayne B. Harris, Chairman, Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County.

Participating retailers using the Mobile ID Check by MD app will only be provided the required information necessary for age verification, such as a customer’s age and ID photo. Mobile ID Check by MD app accepts ISO18013-5-compliant mobile driver’s licenses, which follow an industry standard that sets clear guidelines around protecting consumers’ privacy. For more information on Mobile ID Acceptance on iPhone, see here. For more information on the Android solution see here. 

The MVA continues to seek new opportunities for businesses and organizations to accept mobile driver’s licenses by collaborating with the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and 15 technology providers and industry experts including the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, Microsoft, the Department of Homeland Security and US Bank. The participants will share guidance and best practices for accurate identity verification with online transactions, financial institutions, healthcare providers and other organizations.   

Customers can continue to present their Maryland Mobile ID at select Transportation Security Administration airport checkpoints, including at BWI Marshall Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.  

The MVA offers mobile identification to all Maryland residents through Maryland Mobile ID in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. Maryland Mobile ID serves as a companion to a physical driver’s license or ID. Marylanders should continue to carry their physical driver’s license or ID.

Vehicles Stolen from Windsor Castle

Thieves broke into the Windsor Castle property grounds in October and stole two vehicles, according to local police. The security breach on the large estate just west of London is where Prince William and Kate live with their children.

It is reported that the family were home at the time of the incident. A report of a burglary on the Crown Estate land came into the Thames Valley Police on October 13, 2024. It is believed that the thieves scaled a fence at Shaw Farm one of several farms on the estate.

“Offenders entered a farm building and made off with a black Isuzu pick up and a red quad bike. No Arrests have been made at this stage and an investigation is ongoing,” the police said.

A report by The Sun said that after scaling the fence, the perpetrators used a truck, which had been stored in the barn to crash through a gate to get out.

Smugglers Convicted in Death of Family Trying to Cross Canada-U. S. Border

A jury convicted two men of human smuggling charges after a family froze to death while trying to gain access to the United States from the Canadian border.

A jury in Fergus Falls, Minnesota delivered the guilty verdict in the case against Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, from India, and Steve Shand, 50, an American. Prosecutors say the pair were part of a broader criminal enterprise that helped migrants cross from Canada into the United States.

During the five-day trial, the court heard details of the crossing attempt in January 2022, when Vaishaliben Patel, 37; her husband, Jagdish Patel, 39; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and their three-year-old son, Dharmik were left to fend for themselves during a blizzard.

Border officials received a tip from a snowplow driver who had helped free Shand’s van from a ditch. The border agents found and pulled Shand over as he attempted to cross the border in North Dakota. Inside the van, they found two Indian nationals with Shand. They later found five more people wandering a field, disoriented and freezing. Later still the officers found the bodies of the Patel family just meters from the border. They had succumbed to exposure to the cold.