Tag

Black Market

All articles tagged with #black market

AI Training Growth Sparks Rise in Scams

Originally Published 1 month ago — by Business Insider

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Source: Business Insider

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.

Louvre Heist: Stolen Jewels and the Challenges of Selling Them

Originally Published 2 months ago — by CBS News

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Source: CBS News

Thieves stole priceless jewelry from the Louvre, including a tiara and sapphire necklace, valued at around $102 million, but experts believe selling the pieces intact or unaltered will be difficult due to their unique properties and the high likelihood of detection, making the black market sale highly risky and unprofitable.

Eli Lilly's Retatrutide: A Breakthrough in Weight Loss and Health

Originally Published 4 months ago — by Business Insider

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Source: Business Insider

Retatrutide, an experimental weight-loss drug developed by Eli Lilly, is gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders through unofficial online channels before its official FDA approval, raising concerns about safety, regulation, and the unregulated market for research chemicals.

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

Originally Published 5 months ago — by theregister.com

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Source: theregister.com

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.

'Tiger King' Star 'Doc' Antle Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Animal Trafficking

Originally Published 6 months ago — by NBC News

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Source: NBC News

'Doc' Antle, known from 'Tiger King,' was sentenced to one year and one day in prison and fined $55,000 for federal animal trafficking and money laundering related to illegal trade of endangered exotic animals, with his legal issues stemming from black market dealings and illegal sales over a decade.

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

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Financial Times

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Source: Financial Times

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.

"Zimbabwe Balances Diplomacy and Force to Stabilize New Currency"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Yahoo Finance

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Source: Yahoo Finance

Zimbabwe's government is promoting its new gold-backed currency, the ZiG, through public campaigns and forceful measures, including arrests of street currency dealers and freezing business accounts. Despite these efforts, public mistrust and a preference for U.S. dollars persist, driven by economic instability and the black market.

"Zimbabwe Balances Diplomacy and Force to Stabilize New Currency"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Associated Press

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Source: The Associated Press

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.

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

Originally Published 1 year ago — by New York Post

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Source: New York Post

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.

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

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Engadget

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Source: Engadget

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.

"Global Controversy Surrounding Starlink Internet Expansion"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Quartz

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Source: Quartz

SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet terminals are being used and traded illegally in countries like Yemen, Sudan, and Venezuela, where the service is not officially authorized. The terminals are reportedly being used for business and personal communications in war-torn regions and by paramilitary groups. Concerns have been raised about the lack of regulation and accountability in the use of these terminals, with reports of them being used by Russian troops in Ukraine despite denials from both Elon Musk and the Kremlin.