Fraudster who used women to claim millions in benefits is jailed

Lithuanian gang leader smurfing the benefits system. A few more like this are going to turn up.

Organised Crime in central europe

I just came across this very useful overview on worldpress.org by Ioannis Michaletos. Reveals the key role played by Hungary and the Czech republic. there's a lot of stuff concentrated in this piece.

La Familia drug gang: Mexico says cartel 'in retreat'

Banners in several Mexican cities saying La Familia, the drug cartel, has disbanded.

Police hunt US bought guns smuggled in hold luggage

Man smuggled 62 guns into the UK. Mostly sold to gangs in the North-West, allegedly. Nice comment from Andy Hayman at the end. BBC commentator points out the disproportionate effect a few handguns can have on crime in the UK and accuses Americans of indifference to such a small number.

Soft Sufi, hard-rock militant

Third article in a series on the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Northern Afghanistan. Second is at : http://tinyurl.com/5torqkd The author,Syed Saleem Shahzad, is publishing a book with Pluto Press.

ACPO to be stripped of power to run operational units

and so it should be! A triumph for Scotland Yard, though. So the Metropolitan police win again. Interesting piece inclues the news that the Association of Police Authorities is refusing to fund ACPO in the future. Statement from Nick Herbert, Minister of State at the Home Office for the police.
My only problem here is the Guardian as source for this information. I will post pieces from other newspapers as and when they report it.

Chinese University offers anti-corruption course

A sign of changing times? We will know when the big trials start.

Caligula's tomb found after police arrest man trying to smuggle statue

A real life tomb raider caught in Italy.

Spanish police bust "biggest cocaine lab in Europe"

25 arrested. Details a bit sparse as yet. At last! Police bosses are back from their Christmas holidays. We might start to get some news about organised crime again.

Police net cocaine haul worth £3m

Local news. Police raid in Torquay finds a lot of cocaine. We will learn more at the trial.