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All articles tagged with #black market

Donbas under Moscow’s grip: a militarized, profit-laden occupation
world1 month ago

Donbas under Moscow’s grip: a militarized, profit-laden occupation

Russia’s occupation of Donbas is expanding into a militarized economy built on corruption and illicit markets: a reported scheme where a widow profits from a soldier’s death, a thriving black market for drugs and stolen arms flourishes among troops, and Moscow-backed “sponsor” regions fund reconstruction while resources dwindle and water systems fail. Analysts say the aim is to convert Donbas into a vast military base to frighten Europe, with officials tightening control and corruption widening as the region’s economy is militarised.

via Al Jazeera|
#black-market#corruption#donbas
AI Training Growth Sparks Rise in Scams
technology2 months ago

AI Training Growth Sparks Rise in Scams

A shadow market for illicit sale of verified AI training accounts has emerged on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram, driven by the high demand for data labeling work in AI development. Despite company bans and safeguards, scammers and opportunists are selling fake or real accounts, risking scams and data leaks for buyers and sellers. Companies like Scale AI and Surge AI are actively fighting fraud, but the underground industry continues to evolve, highlighting the challenges in securing AI training data.

via Business Insider|
#ai-training-accounts#black-market#data-labeling
Nvidia Chips and US-China Tensions: A Growing Trade Challenge
business7 months ago

Nvidia Chips and US-China Tensions: A Growing Trade Challenge

An estimated $1 billion worth of Nvidia's high-end AI processors have reportedly been smuggled into China, bypassing US export restrictions, highlighting challenges in controlling the global flow of advanced semiconductor technology. The chips, including the B200 series, are sold through China's black market and used by major US cloud providers, despite official bans. Nvidia has not confirmed the sales but denies involvement in illicit activities. The situation underscores ongoing tensions in US-China tech relations and the complexities of global semiconductor supply chains.

via theregister.com|
#ai-chips#black-market#business
Escalating Tensions in Gaza: Aid Looting Sparks Violence and Price Surge
world-news1 year ago

Escalating Tensions in Gaza: Aid Looting Sparks Violence and Price Surge

Hamas-linked security forces in Gaza have intensified a crackdown on aid theft and black market profiteering by shooting suspected profiteers in the legs. This violent response comes amid a severe shortage of aid and skyrocketing prices in the enclave, exacerbated by Israeli military actions that have dismantled local law enforcement. Despite efforts to impose price caps and regulate goods, the crisis persists, with many goods sold at inflated prices. The reactivation of a special operations unit, "Sehem," aims to curb the rampant theft and profiteering.

via Financial Times|
#aid-theft#black-market#gaza
"Zimbabwe Balances Diplomacy and Force to Stabilize New Currency"
economy1 year ago

"Zimbabwe Balances Diplomacy and Force to Stabilize New Currency"

Zimbabwe's government is promoting its new gold-backed currency, the ZiG, through public rallies, media campaigns, and forceful measures like arresting street currency dealers and freezing business accounts. Despite these efforts, public mistrust and a preference for U.S. dollars persist, driving a robust black market. The ZiG faces significant challenges in gaining acceptance, with many businesses and individuals still relying on the U.S. dollar for transactions.

via The Associated Press|
#black-market#currency#economy
Ex-Harvard Medical School morgue manager's wife pleads guilty in body part selling scheme
crime1 year ago

Ex-Harvard Medical School morgue manager's wife pleads guilty in body part selling scheme

Denise Lodge, the wife of a former Harvard Medical School morgue manager, pleaded guilty to shipping stolen human body parts from the school's morgue to buyers nationwide as part of a sprawling scheme involving several others. The scheme included selling body parts on Facebook, creating macabre dolls, and revealed a thriving demand for human remains in the US. The morgue manager saw a business opportunity within the black market and sold body parts without families' knowledge, leading to federal charges and his subsequent firing.

via New York Post |
#black-market#body-parts-selling-scheme#crime
"Russian Forces Deploying Illicitly Obtained Starlink Terminals in Ukraine, Report Reveals"
technology1 year ago

"Russian Forces Deploying Illicitly Obtained Starlink Terminals in Ukraine, Report Reveals"

The Wall Street Journal reports that Starlink satellite internet terminals, developed by SpaceX, are being used by Russian forces in Ukraine to coordinate attacks and control military tech, despite being banned in the country. The terminals are reaching Russian forces through a black market network, with some even being resold to a paramilitary group in Sudan. Despite denials from Elon Musk and the Kremlin, thousands of terminals have reportedly landed with American adversaries and accused war criminals. House Democrats have demanded action from Musk, who has taken steps to limit Ukraine's use of the technology, leading to a dispute with Ukrainian officials. SpaceX has yet to comment on the report.

via Engadget|
#black-market#russia#spacex