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The Lost Billionaire: Arrested Ukraine Oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky!

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Ukrainian tycoon Ihor Kolomoisky‘s net worth has plummeted from $2 billion to $835 million since the Russian invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Before that, Kolomoisky’s enterprises were valued at their highest in seven years. Forbes Ukraine reported that by early September 2023, after facing two legal charges within a week and subsequent arrest, his wealth decreased by two-and-a-half times.

Ukraine Fraud Charges

The Ukraine prosecutor’s office said Kolomoisky is suspected of having embezzled funds from the bank amounting to more than 9.2 billion €233 million. The prosecutor’s office referred in its letter to the “former head of the Dnipro region” and beneficiary of the bank at the time of the crime in 2015.

In a statement, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) said six people were suspected of embezzling 9.2 billion hryvnias ($250 million) from lender PrivatBank. It did not name them but posted a blurred photo of a man resembling Kolomoisky (picture above).

Ihor Kolomoisky No Longer Billionaire

Forbes’ end-of-2022 calculations also confirmed that Kolomoisky was no longer a billionaire, estimating his wealth at $850 million. This recent valuation reflects the past year’s financial performance of his businesses.

During the war, Kolomoisky lost Ukrnafta, a major asset and Ukraine’s top oil producer. By the end of 2022, companies like Ukrnafta and Ukrtatnafta were nationalized under a decree from Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Notably, among Kolomoisky’s priciest assets are not ports or factories but luxury items like the $97 million yacht, Lauren L. Presently, the oil and gas sector of the Privat business group forms the core of his wealth. His business portfolio also comprises the 1+1 media group (valued at $69 million), regional power distributors under Privat Group, the Kremenchuk oil refinery, JKX Oil & Gas, several smaller refineries, and Ukraine International Airlines (UIA), which currently holds no value.

The ‘Ragu alla Bolognese Fight’ On TikTok And A Delicious Pasta Recipe!

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The excitement on TikTok was great when Chef Luca Fontanarossa, a/k/a Luca Corleone (@cheflucacorleone), presented the alleged original recipe of Ragu alla Bolognese. The recipe for it is actually very different from the usual Ragu alla Bolognese recipes most of us know and savor. Luca has taken minced veal instead of the usual minced beef and also completely omitted tomato paste and tomatoes. Therefore, this is also called the white Ragu alla Bolognese.

The excitement in the TikTok community was great among the chefs and pasta lovers. It was accused that the white ragu he presented was not the original recipe. He even had to take abuse from colleagues and Bolognese fundamentalists for this.

Nevertheless, the video has gone viral, has been viewed over 20 million times, and has received 1.9 million likes as of September 10, 2023. For that, Luce gladly accepts the abuse, as he says in a follow-up video. In this follow-up video, he also defends his statement that it would be the original recipe of Ragu alla Bolognese.

He said that this would be the first ever recorded version of the Ragù alla Bolognese, from an earlier unofficial version by Alberto Alvisi, then published by Pellegrino Artusi in 1891 in his book Scienza in Cucina e l’arte del mangiar bene. This is the predecessor to the Ragù Bolognese we all know today, whose official recipe was first registered at the Bologna’s Chamber of Commerce in 1982, then revised on April 20th, 2023.

Luca is the chef and owner of Ristorante Corleone (website) in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. The excitement around his white Ragu will probably also bring him many additional guests.

I have recreated the recipe of white ragu and can heartily recommend it to all. It is ready to eat within 20 minutes thanks to the use of veal and does not need to be stewed for hours as when using beef. You should try it yourself.

Cyberwar Continues With US Enforcement Actions Against Russian Cybercrime Organization Trickbot!

Cyberwar is certainly real: FinTelegram reported that the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in collaboration with the UK, has imposed sanctions on eleven members of the Russia-based Trickbot cybercrime organization allegedly protected by Russia. In a parallel enforcement action, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) charges nine individuals linked to the Trickbot malware and Conti ransomware operations, seven sanctioned by OFAC.

The OFAC Cyberwar Sanctions

OFAC is the mastermind behind US sanctions in the cyberwar with Russia

According to the OFAC, the Russian individuals sanctioned today are integral members of the Trickbot group, which has connections to Russian intelligence and has targeted the U.S. government, businesses, and healthcare facilities, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

Those sanctioned include Trickbot‘s administrators, managers, developers, and coders. This action emphasizes the U.S. and UK’s joint effort to curb Russian cybercrime and follows a previous joint designation in February 2023.

Trickbot: Russia’s Infamous Cyber Gang

Trickbot background: Trickbot, taken down in 2022, was malware designed to steal money and aid ransomware installation, impacting hospitals, schools, and businesses with massive financial losses. It acted as an initial intrusion vector into victim computer systems for ransomware variants like Conti, which targeted over 900 global victims, including in 47 U.S. states and 31 countries. In 2021, the FBI noted Conti as the leading ransomware attacking critical infrastructure.

In 2016, Trickbot evolved from the Dyre trojan, an online banking malware created by Moscow-based cybercriminals. It has affected millions globally, especially in the U.S. During the COVID-19 peak in 2020, Trickbot launched ransomware attacks on U.S. healthcare facilities, which are seen as part of the ongoing cyberwar. The group even boasted about their successful attacks. They have ties to Russian intelligence and have aligned their actions with Russian state goals.

    OFAC has designated eleven Trickbot-related individuals based on Executive Orders for their significant support of malicious cyber activities. The names and details of the sanctioned individuals can be found here on the OFAC website.

    Implications of the Sanctions

    The sanctions are part of the cyberwar between the US and Russia. Due to these sanctions, all assets of the sanctioned individuals within the U.S. or under U.S. control must be blocked and reported. Engaging in transactions with these individuals could lead to further sanctions. Foreign financial institutions aiding these individuals might face U.S. sanctions. The sanctions aim to induce positive behavioral change rather than mere punishment.

    Investments In The Luxury Watches Will Significantly Grow Until 2027

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    In 2022, the worldwide luxury watches industry was valued at approximately $29.19 billion, with a growth rate of 0.5% since 2017. Projections indicate that the market will increase to $37.29 billion by 2027, growing at 5.0% and further reaching $50 billion by 2032 with a 6.0% CAGR from 2027. Historical growth can be attributed to economic expansion in emerging markets, e-commerce growth, increasing high-income women, and a surge in international trade.

    In the future, urbanization, internet and social media usage, and Swiss watch exports will propel the market. However, workforce shortages, global interest rate hikes, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict might pose challenges.

    The market is categorized by watch type, distribution channel, and end user. Analog watches dominated in 2022, holding 74.3% of the market. However, digital watches are predicted to grow the fastest at a 6.0% CAGR from 2022-2027. In terms of distribution, multi-brand stores led in 2022 with 44.9%, but online channels are anticipated to grow the quickest at a 6.2% CAGR from 2022-2027. Men were the primary consumers in 2022, accounting for 62.4%, but the women’s segment is expected to grow the fastest with a 5.2% CAGR from 2022-2027.

    Geographically, Western Europe was the leading region in 2022, holding 29.4% of the market. However, North America and Eastern Europe are projected to be the fastest-growing regions with CAGRs of 27.4% and 24.2%, respectively. The Middle East and South America are also expected to see significant growth.

    A few major players dominate The luxury watches sector, with the top ten accounting for 86.64% in 2021. Rolex led the market with 24.22%, followed by companies like Apple, Compagnie Financiere Richemont, and Swatch Group. Opportunities in the market are abundant, especially in the analog watch, multi-brand store, and men’s segments. The U.S. market is predicted to see the most substantial gain, adding approximately $1.69 billion.

    For market players, strategies revolve around technological advancements, luxury smartwatch launches, AI integration, product innovations, and strategic alliances. They are also focusing on expanding partnerships, launching advanced products, fostering collaborations and mergers, driving innovation, and introducing new watch line-ups to enhance their market presence.

    How Many Lives Can One Have? Turkish Crypto Fraudster Convicted To 11,196 Years In Prison

    The founder of a Turkish cryptocurrency platform, Faruk Fatih Ozer, along with his two siblings, has been sentenced to 11,196 years in prison each for swindling investors out of millions of dollars. In 2021, Ozer, 29, escaped to Albania with significant investor funds following the abrupt shutdown of his Thodex exchange. He was subsequently extradited to Turkey in June and convicted of charges including money laundering, fraud, and involvement in organized crime.

    During the trial, Ozer defended himself by stating that he wouldn’t have been so naive in his actions if he had criminal intentions. He was quoted by the Turkish Anadolu agency, emphasizing his capabilities by bragging, “I am smart enough to lead any institution on Earth,” highlighting the fact that he founded his company at just 22 years old. His siblings, Serap and Guven, were also found culpable of the same offenses during the trial in Istanbul.

    The cumulative years in the sentence result from individual charges for crimes committed against 2,027 victims. Such extensive prison terms have become more prevalent in Turkey since the country abolished capital punishment in 2004.

    For context, in 2022, Adnan Oktar, a Turkish television preacher, received a sentence of 8,658 years for various offenses, including fraud. Ten of his associates were handed identical sentences. The prosecution had initially proposed a staggering 40,562-year sentence for Ozer. The popularity of cryptocurrencies in Turkey surged as a protective measure against the declining value of the lira over the past couple of years.

    Established in 2017, Thodex quickly became one of Turkey’s leading crypto exchanges. Ozer, recognized as a financial prodigy, built connections with notable figures supportive of the government. However, the platform faced a sudden collapse in April 2021. Investor assets vanished along with Ozer, who fled to Albania, where he was apprehended due to an Interpol warrant and was subsequently extradited.

    While initial reports from Turkish media suggested Ozer absconded with assets amounting to $2 billion, the official indictment approximated the losses for Thodex investors at 356 million liras. This sum was equivalent to around $43 million during the exchange’s downfall but has since depreciated to approximately $13 million due to inflation and the lira’s devaluation in global markets.

    Binance Refunds Users $1 Million In USDT Following CyberConnect Incident

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    Binance has recently announced to reimburse its users with $1 million USDT (Tether) due to an event involving the CyberConnect (CYBER) token. This reimbursement is intended to make amends to users who faced a pricing inconsistency with the CYBER tokens, a result of liquidity issues on the Korean crypto exchange, Upbit.

    Binance detailed that the problem arose when a liquidity shortage on CYBER’s cross-chain bridges impeded transactions on Upbit. This created a price gap between Upbit and other trading platforms, drawing in arbitrage traders. These traders borrowed CYBER from Binance to capitalize on the price variance.

    Due to this, Binance users who had invested CYBER in the Flexible Earn Program found themselves unable to access their assets. This was because the tokens they staked had been loaned out, hitting the borrowing cap.

    The crypto exchange expressed its regret and extended sincere apologies for the disruptions faced by its users. The exchange reiterated its dedication to upholding user interests and ensuring transparency within its community.

    Binance went on to provide an in-depth explanation of the sequence of events that led to the incident. In its commitment to enhancing user experience and minimizing similar risks in the future, Binance has proposed several measures. These include the dynamic adjustment of loan interest rates and bolstering their risk management strategies. The crypto exchange also plans to implement stricter evaluations of lower market cap tokens and may consider removing tokens with reduced liquidity from specific programs.

    To redress the affected users, Binance has laid out a $1 million USDT reimbursement plan. The exchange confirmed that 887 users, who couldn’t access their CYBER Simple Earn Flexible Products within a set period, would get a portion of USDT from the refund pool, along with additional CYBER tokens. This distribution will be based on the daily average positions of the qualifying users. All other users who had CYBER Simple Earn Flexible Products during the specified timeframe will be granted an equal portion of CYBER Locked Trial Fund vouchers, courtesy of the CyberConnect Foundation.

    As the world of cryptocurrency undergoes rapid changes, such incidents underscore the significance of stringent risk management practices and the need for ongoing enhancements to protect user interests and sustain confidence in the industry.

    Yachting News: First Benetti Class 44M Model Sold!

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    Yachts are not only the toys of the rich and powerful but also an investment category. Especially tech giants like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, or former Google CEO Eric Schmidt are massively invested in yachts. In this respect, yachts are also considered accordingly on The Cyber Voice. Benetti (website), one of Europe’s oldest luxury yacht builders, has proudly announced the sale of its inaugural 44-metre yacht from the fresh “Class” series facilitated by Northrop & Johnson (website Northrop Johnson).

    This luxurious vessel is set to grace the waters by February 2025. This news follows shortly after Benetti unveiled this flagship yacht, marking it as their grandest glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) build to date.

    The yacht’s aesthetic, both inside and out, is the brainchild of Giorgio M. Cassetta. It boasts sleek lines and encompasses four expansive decks. The interiors are designed to be minimalist yet sophisticated, using groundbreaking materials to foster a laid-back ambiance.

    Benetti‘s CCO, Sebastiano Fanizza, expressed his enthusiasm about the Class series’ evolution, stating, “The introduction of the new yacht enriches the Class collection. Our clientele anticipates novel and refined yachts from Benetti, and the Benetti Class 44M flagship truly embodies these expectations, offering a spacious design that prioritizes the owner’s comfort and luxury.

    The yacht can comfortably accommodate 12 guests in its six lavish cabins, with the master suite featuring its own office space. The main deck lounge offers an uninterrupted view of the ocean, thanks to its low-profile bulwarks. The upper deck is perfect for dining, seating up to 10 guests.

    Designed keeping in mind the owner’s love for vast open spaces and ocean relaxation, the yacht features a pool on the foredeck, surrounded by seating and sunbeds, offering a perfect spot for panoramic views. The sundeck spans over 102 square meters, ideal for dining, sunbathing, or enjoying a cocktail.

    The yacht’s beach club is multifunctional, and its port-side garage ensures smooth operations for launching and retrieving watercraft and toys. Emphasis has been placed on sound insulation, with floating floors and bulkheads to reduce vibrations.

    The yacht’s power comes from two MAN engines, each with a 1,400 HP capacity, allowing for a maximum speed of 15 knots and a cruising range of 4,100 nautical miles at 11 knots.

    The Wild International Battle Over Seized Russian Superyachts!

    In 2022, the world witnessed the drama surrounding Russian-owned superyachts in the wake of the Ukraine invasion, with many attempting to evade authorities. Alfa Nero, renowned as one of the world’s grandest superyachts, is believed to belong to Russian oligarch Andrey Guryev, who faced U.S. sanctions. Its fate is now caught in a tripartite dispute involving Guryev’s daughter, the Antigua and Barbuda administration, and ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

    Built in 2007 by Oceanco for Greek magnate Theodore Angelopolous, the 269-foot superyacht features luxurious amenities, including multiple cabins, a gym, office, pools, and even a helipad. It was allegedly bought by Guryev for $120 million in 2014. However, Guryev, ranked as Russia’s 25th wealthiest individual, has consistently denied ownership. In April, the $120-million vessel war seized and harbored in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. It costs the local authorities a staggering $30,000 weekly.

    The former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, bought the Oceanco-built superyacht for $67.6 million at an auction on 16 June 2023. However, the luxury vessel, nearly two months ago, the Alfa Nero, hasn’t moved an inch from Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. Cautious lawyers advised the billionaire philanthropist to wait before transferring any money until the court controversy was ironed out.

    The risk is real, considering that Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, the daughter of a sanctioned oligarch, Andrew Guryev, and the superyacht’s original owner on paper, fought hard to get it back and is still not giving up. She asserted her ownership, stating she is the sole beneficiary of the trust owning the Alfa Nero.

    If Schmidt withdraws his bid, the next highest bidder might secure Alfa Nero. Financially, the gap between the two bids is negligible. Regardless, the yacht, valued at $115 million, is set to be sold at a significant discount. The agreed minimum sale price stands at a mere $60 million. Schmidt’s initial offer was $67.6 million, but the superyacht might now go for $66 million. The situation could deteriorate further, with the third-highest bid being a paltry $25 million, well below the minimum. If the second bidder also retracts, the Alfa Nero could be ensnared in perpetual legal entanglements.

    Market For Luxury Watches Continues To Correct Despite Gen Z Demand!

    Luxury watch prices on the secondhand market have hit a near two-year low, undoing the surge that saw brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet achieve record prices during the pandemic. Data from WatchCharts reveals a 34% drop in the average resale price since March 2022. At its height, the average resale price reached $47,715 and collapsed to $31,507 in early September 2023.

    Paul Altieri, CEO of Bob’s Watches, attributed the spike to the unique circumstances of the pandemic and the rise of cryptocurrencies. He described the current market adjustment as a “healthy correction.” The pandemic saw many, with extra stimulus cash, splurge on luxury items. The scarcity of certain watch models in retail stores led enthusiasts to the resale market.

    WatchChart shows collapsing market for luxury watches
    WatchChard Index

    Tim Stracke, CEO of Chrono24, noted that the price surge was primarily among Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. However, the influx of these watches into the market has now led to a price decline, especially for iconic models. Stracke explained, “When prices soared, it drew in more sellers, tripling the supply of top pieces from these three brands in just a few months.

    There have been concerns about a potential luxury watch bubble, mirroring trends in cryptocurrencies and other pandemic-driven booms. WatchCharts data shows significant price drops for major brands over the past year. However, resale prices remain significantly higher than three years ago.

    Pierre Dupreelle of Boston Consulting Group believes that while there have been price adjustments in 2023, they haven’t plummeted to pre-pandemic levels. He anticipates potential price stabilization or even an increase as the economy recovers. The current price dip might attract younger buyers. A BCG survey published in March 2023 found that over half of Gen Z and millennial respondents increased their luxury watch spending in recent years.

    Intermittent Fasting: The Key To Longevity And Mental Health For The Cyber Generation?

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    The generation of cyber citizens (Millennials or Generation Z and following) have realized that nutrition and metabolism are the keys to longevity and mental fitness. For several years now, the topic of Intermittent Fasting (IF) has been a hotly debated concept for achieving maximum physical and mental health through metabolism. TikTok has made it super-popular and more and more people from the cyber generation swear by it. Below is a brief overview of this highly topical subject.

    1. The Intermitting Fasting Concept

    Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach that alternates between periods of eating and fasting rather than focusing on the types of foods consumed. It encompasses various methods, such as the 16/8 method, where one fasts for 16 hours and eats during an 8-hour window, or the 5:2 method, where one consumes a very reduced calorie intake for two non-consecutive days a week while eating normally on the other five days. The primary goal of IF is to allow the body to switch from using glucose as its primary energy source to using stored fat, leading to potential benefits such as weight loss, improved metabolic health, and enhanced brain function.

    2. Physical Health Benefits

    • Weight Loss and Fat Reduction One of the most well-known benefits of intermittent fasting is its potential to aid in weight loss. By reducing the eating window, individuals often consume fewer calories, leading to a caloric deficit and subsequent weight loss.
    • Improved Metabolic Health Intermittent fasting can lead to improved insulin sensitivity and reductions in insulin levels, which can be beneficial for those at risk of type 2 diabetes.
    • Heart Health Studies have shown that IF can lead to reductions in risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels.
    • Cellular Health and Longevity IF can promote autophagy, a process where cells remove damaged components, potentially leading to increased longevity and better cellular function.

    3. Mental Health Benefits

    • Enhanced Brain Health Intermittent fasting can increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain function and reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
    • Improved Mood and Mental Clarity Many individuals report enhanced mental clarity and mood during their fasting periods, which could be attributed to stable blood sugar levels and increased ketone production.
    • Potential Reduction in Depression and Anxiety Preliminary studies suggest that intermittent fasting might have antidepressant effects, potentially due to its impact on neurotransmitter regulation.

    4. Latest Research Results

    Recent studies have delved deeper into the mechanisms behind the benefits of intermittent fasting. For instance, research from PubMed emphasized the potential of IF in reducing the risk of chronic diseases beyond just heart health and diabetes. Other studies explored the potential neuroprotective benefits of IF, suggesting its role in reducing the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

    Read more on the potential health benefits of intermittent fasting here:

    5. Conclusion

    Intermittent fasting, when done correctly and under proper guidance, offers a plethora of benefits for both the body and the mind. As with any dietary strategy, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting to ensure it’s a good fit for individual health needs.