World
UK sanctions gold and oil networks channelling funds to Russia’s war effort | World | News
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The UK Government have imposed sanctions on a network of oligarchs and financiers linked to the oil and gold businesses holding up Russia’s war machine in Ukraine.
A total of 29 individuals and corporations have been sanctioned according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The move comes as part of efforts to strangle Russia’s war economy, which relies heavily on both sectors.
Among those on the list are Nord Gold and Highland Gold Mining, the largest two producers in Russia. Also included are mining magnate Vladislav Sviblov and oligarch Konstantin Strukov
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “Sanctions continue to deal a heavy blow to the Kremlin’s war economy, to date depriving Putin of over 400 billion US dollars to fund his illegal invasion of Ukraine. But we must keep tightening the screws on Moscow.
“Today’s sanctions will hit those who have provided succour to Putin by helping him to lessen the impact of our sanctions on Russian gold and oil – two critical sources of revenue for the Russian war machine.
“As we root out and close down these circumvention avenues, we’ll continue to box Putin in and make sure his faltering war effort in Ukraine ends in failure.”
The National Crime Agency has issued an alert to banks, dealers and lawyers warning that Russia is using gold as a means to dodge the sanctions regime.
It said gold from Russia is increasingly shipped to countries where it is not sanctioned, melted down to mask its origin and then sold on to the UK or other unsuspecting countries, the agency said.
Adrian Searle, director of the National Economic Crime Centre at the NCA, said: “Sanctions evaders undermine UK national security, working against our foreign policy objectives which promote international peace and security, and the rule of law.
“This alert will aid efforts, in partnership with the regulated sector, including the banks and high value dealers, to ensure that sanctioned individuals or those who represent them cannot use gold to circumvent UK sanctions.”
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Sian Irving was on holiday with partner Jack to celebrate his birthday (Image: SWNS)
A woman has claimed she had her appendix mistakenly removed after falling ill while on holiday in Egypt. Sian Irving, 29, travelled to Sharm El Sheikh with her partner Jack Jackson, 29, to celebrate his birthday on what was supposed to be a 10-day break.
Halfway through the £2,000 holiday, Sian developed severe stomach pain, vomiting and a temperature of 41 degrees. Sian, from Paignton, Devon, claims doctors initially suspected appendicitis and removed her appendix before she eventually returned to the UK for further treatment.
Mum of two Sian said: “It started slowly. I began feeling really hot, and then the stomach pains came.
Sian developed severe stomach pain, vomiting and a temperature (Image: SWNS)
“The pain was unbelievable. It felt like my insides were being stabbed and ripped apart at the same time. I was vomiting constantly and whimpering like a little kid because it hurt so much.”
She claims doctors in the UK said she didn’t need her appendix removed and her illness was most likely caused by food poisoning.
Sian now says she has been left living with colitis, a condition which causes inflammation of the large intestine. She said she also struggles to eat many everyday foods such as chocolate.
The mum said: “They did scans and said they couldn’t really see anything. At first they thought it might be gas and then they told me it was appendicitis.
“My temperature stayed at 41 degrees and they were putting wet cloths over me trying to cool me down.”
Sian, from Paignton in Devon, claims doctors suspected appendicitis (Image: SWNS)
The couple had travelled to Egypt in September 2025. Sian said she spent four to five days in hospital in Sharm El Sheikh before eventually being allowed to fly home.
She said: “At one point, I was told I could die if my condition didn’t improve. After the surgery, I still had the same symptoms.
“I’d been in Egypt for a long time by then, and eventually they said I needed to go back to the UK. I can’t believe they took my appendix out, it’s left me in constant pain and also I hate my stomach now – I have no confidence anymore.”
Sian and Jack returned to the UK on October 5, six days after they were supposed to return home.
After returning to Britain, Sian was admitted to Exeter Hospital where she spent five nights undergoing further tests and treatment.
She said doctors diagnosed her with ongoing colitis and treated her with intravenous antibiotics and steroids.
Sian said: “I’m getting a little better now, but it’s been really difficult.”
Looking back on her ordeal, Sian said the holiday she hoped would create happy memories instead changed her life forever.
She said: “I still have the scar and I still have the condition. I never imagined to have all of this.
“It’s nearly a year later, and I’m still dealing with it every single day.”
Sharm El Sheik International Hospital did not respond to a request for comment.
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Bangladesh
Prime Minister’s First Foreign Visit: A Diplomatic Success or a Story of Unfinished Expectations?
Putrajaya, Malaysia: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chose Malaysia for his first official foreign visit after assuming office, making the trip a significant test of the new government’s foreign policy priorities, economic agenda, and commitment to the interests of millions of Bangladeshis living and working abroad.
From the red-carpet reception at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya to high-level bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the visit carried strong diplomatic symbolism. Yet beyond the ceremony and official statements, one key question remains: What did Bangladesh actually gain from this visit?
A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
According to the Joint Statement issued after the meeting, both leaders expressed a strong commitment to elevating Bangladesh-Malaysia relations to a new level. The decision to revive long-pending bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and Bilateral Consultations (BC), signals renewed diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Political observers view the visit as a clear indication that the new Bangladeshi government intends to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia and expand its regional influence.
Labour Market: High Expectations, Limited Immediate Gains
For the large Bangladeshi community in Malaysia, labour migration was arguably the most anticipated issue of the visit.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged Malaysia to recruit more Bangladeshi workers, regularize undocumented migrants where possible, and consider the repatriation of detained Bangladeshis.
However, the outcome fell short of expectations for many migrant workers.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that while Malaysia continues to require foreign workers, future approvals would depend on verified employer demand and government policy. He also stressed the importance of protecting workers’ rights, welfare, and dignity, acknowledging concerns over labour exploitation and abuse.
The two countries agreed to improve transparency, fairness, and competitiveness in the recruitment process and to convene a Joint Working Group (JWG) to draft a new labour agreement. Nevertheless, no new labour quota or timeline for reopening large-scale recruitment was announced.
For many Bangladeshis in Malaysia, that remains the biggest unanswered question from the visit.
Free Trade Agreement: A Potential Game Changer
One of the most promising outcomes of the visit was the progress toward the Malaysia-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (MBFTA).
Both governments expressed their commitment to concluding negotiations by 2027, potentially creating a comprehensive trade framework that could significantly increase bilateral commerce.
Bangladesh is currently Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia, and both leaders emphasized the importance of expanding trade and investment flows between the two countries.
If successfully implemented, the agreement could open new opportunities for Bangladeshi exports, including garments, halal products, agricultural goods, and technology services.
Source: Facebook / Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Digital Economy and Semiconductors: Looking Toward the Future
The visit also highlighted emerging areas of cooperation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), fintech, cybersecurity, digital governance, and semiconductor industries.
Malaysia is a globally recognized hub for semiconductor packaging, testing, and assembly. Bangladesh proposed a talent development framework that would connect its growing pool of engineering graduates with Malaysia’s advanced semiconductor ecosystem.
Experts believe such cooperation could create high-skilled employment opportunities and position Bangladesh more strongly within regional technology supply chains.
Energy and Investment Opportunities
Energy cooperation featured prominently in the discussions.
Bangladesh invited Malaysian companies to invest in offshore oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal, mineral extraction projects, and renewable energy development.
Both countries also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between PETRONAS and PetroBangla in LNG supply and infrastructure development.
While these initiatives hold significant potential, their success will depend on how quickly they are translated into actual investments and projects.
Halal Industry: Unlocking a Growing Global Market
Bangladesh also sought to benefit from Malaysia’s globally recognized expertise in the halal industry.
The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in halal certification, regulatory frameworks, training, research, innovation, and institutional capacity building.
Source: Facebook / Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Given the rapid growth of the global halal economy, this could become a valuable area of future economic cooperation.
ASEAN Ambitions Receive Encouragement
Bangladesh has long sought closer engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reiterated Bangladesh’s desire to obtain ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner status. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Bangladesh’s interest and pledged Malaysia’s constructive support within the ASEAN framework.
Diplomatic analysts consider this one of the most strategically important outcomes of the visit.
Source: Facebook / Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Shared Positions on Rohingya and Palestine
The leaders also discussed regional and global issues, including the Rohingya crisis and developments in the Middle East.
Malaysia reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts in hosting displaced Rohingyas and reiterated its commitment to a safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation process.
Both leaders also reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian people and called for continued diplomatic efforts toward a just and lasting peace in the region.
Observers say, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first foreign visit did not produce immediate breakthroughs in labour recruitment or major financial commitments. However, it established a framework for deeper cooperation in trade, technology, investment, energy, education, defence, and regional diplomacy.
The visit may ultimately be remembered not for what was achieved immediately, but for the doors it opened for future collaboration.
The real measure of success will depend on whether the commitments outlined in the Joint Statement can be translated into tangible results in the months and years ahead.
PUTRAJAYA, June 23: Malaysia and Bangladesh have agreed to work closely to address the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis, with both countries pledging to engage Myanmar through ASEAN mechanisms in pursuit of a lasting solution.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the two nations would cooperate to improve the situation of Rohingya refugees currently living in Bangladesh and Malaysia.
He said efforts would include diplomatic engagement with Myanmar authorities through ASEAN channels and discussions led by the respective foreign ministries to facilitate the safe and sustainable return of displaced Rohingya people.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked Malaysia for its continued support of the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. He also expressed concern over the prolonged humanitarian burden faced by Bangladesh, which hosts more than one million Rohingya refugees.
During the meeting, Tarique also highlighted Bangladesh’s interest in expanding regional cooperation by seeking closer engagement with ASEAN. He expressed Bangladesh’s desire to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Myanmar nationals represent the largest refugee population in Malaysia, including 193,824 Rohingya, 15,774 Chin refugees and 33,002 individuals from other ethnic communities.
The discussions reflect growing regional efforts to address one of Southeast Asia’s most pressing humanitarian challenges while strengthening Malaysia-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
PM leaves Malaysia for China wrapping up two-day visit
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