UK rejects E1 settlement plan

WASHINGTON: The United States has taken an unusual step in its fight against international cybercrime by allowing selected private companies to conduct government-approved hacking operations against foreign criminal organisations. President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum directing the departments of Justice and Homeland Security to establish a framework under which approved private-sector partners can investigate, infiltrate and disrupt transnational cybercrime networks. The move is aimed at tackling growing threats including ransomware attacks, online fraud and so-called sextortion schemes. The White House said such crimes caused more than $20 billion in losses to Americans during 2025. Under the new framework, authorised companies could potentially infiltrate cybercriminals’ computer systems, deploy spyware or disrupt servers used to conduct criminal activities. However, each operation would require approval from the US government before any action is taken. Participating companies would also be required to provide a bond of at least $1 million. Operations involving actions that could cause death or physical injury would remain prohibited. Activities that could qualify as the use of force under international law would also be excluded. The initiative has drawn comparisons with privateering, a practice used centuries ago when governments authorised private vessels to attack or seize enemy ships. Supporters argue that private technology companies possess specialised cyber expertise and access to data that government agencies may not have. They believe combining those capabilities with government authority could help disrupt criminal networks more effectively. However, cybersecurity experts have raised concerns about accountability, oversight and the possibility of unintended consequences. Critics warn that allowing private companies to conduct offensive cyber operations could create diplomatic complications and make it difficult to control activities once they begin. The policy also represents a notable shift in the Trump administration’s previous position. Earlier this year, senior US officials had indicated that the government was not interested in using private companies to fight cybercriminals through offensive operations. It remains unclear what prompted the change in policy. Some cybersecurity specialists believe the programme contains important safeguards because operations will be conducted under government authorisation. Others remain concerned that existing oversight institutions may not be strong enough to monitor such activities effectively. The initiative could also expose participating technology companies to new risks. Experts warn that firms involved in government-sanctioned cyberattacks could become targets themselves and face retaliation from criminal groups or foreign governments. The Trump administration has 60 days to finalise the programme’s operational framework, while some details are expected to remain classified.

A controversy has erupted in Bangladesh after a member of parliament from Jamaat-e-Islami, Ghazi Nazrul Islam, became the center of public debate over his alleged second marriage following the circulation of a viral video on social media. According to Bangladeshi media reports, the video showed Ghazi Nazrul Islam with a young woman whom he later identified as his second wife. The footage quickly spread online, prompting widespread discussion and speculation. A fact-checking organization examined the video and stated that it found no evidence suggesting it had been generated using artificial intelligence or digitally manipulated. Following that assessment, public attention shifted from the authenticity of the video to the identity of the woman and the nature of her relationship with the lawmaker. In a statement, Ghazi Nazrul Islam confirmed that the woman is his second wife. He said the marriage took place on June 17 with the consent of both families and the approval of his first wife. The lawmaker alleged that the viral video had been secretly recorded and later released as part of an extortion attempt and a politically motivated campaign to damage his reputation. His first wife also released a video supporting his account. She confirmed that her husband had married Maryam Begum as his second wife and said the marriage had taken place with her knowledge and consent. Maryam Begum also appeared in a separate video, identifying herself as Ghazi Nazrul Islam’s wife. She said the marriage ceremony was held on June 17 in the presence of both families and the lawmaker’s first wife. Despite these public statements, Bangladeshi media reported that documents related to Maryam Begum later surfaced on social media. The authenticity of those documents has not been independently verified, and neither the lawmaker nor Maryam Begum or her family has publicly addressed the apparent inconsistencies contained in them. According to the documents, Maryam Begum’s marital status was listed as “unmarried.” The papers also reportedly included a recommendation signed by Ghazi Nazrul Islam on June 22—five days after the claimed marriage—in support of her application for a government job. Reports said Maryam Begum had applied for public sector employment and that the MP had endorsed her application. Ghazi Nazrul Islam rejected all allegations arising from the documents. He claimed that on July 13 he visited an office in Dhaka’s Moghbazar area, where both of his wives were present. He alleged that his driver, his second wife’s uncle and several unidentified individuals held him captive, extorted 100,000 taka, demanded additional money and secretly recorded a private video, which was later circulated on social media. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh said it is gathering information about the incident and will decide on any organizational action once all facts have been established. Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Haque Mahbub Zubair said the party is reviewing media reports as well as statements from the member of parliament, his two wives and the woman’s father before reaching any conclusion.

Yemen’s Houthi movement has rejected reports claiming it plans to charge commercial vessels for passing through the Red Sea, insisting that navigation through the strategic waterway remains free. In a statement issued by the Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), the group said its safe transit service for ships using the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is voluntary and does not involve any fees. It emphasized that no authorized Houthi body is collecting payments from shipping companies. The HOCC also warned shipping operators against making payments or sharing sensitive information with unauthorized individuals or organizations claiming to represent the group. It said any such demands are fraudulent and should not be recognized as official. The clarification came after recent reports suggested that the Houthis were considering introducing transit charges for vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The reports claimed the proposal had been discussed during meetings with Iranian officials and that plans were being explored to establish a system for regulating such payments. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Thousands of commercial vessels carrying oil, fuel and other goods use the passage every year, making it a vital corridor for global trade between Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Security concerns in the Red Sea have remained high since attacks on commercial shipping began in late 2023. The conflict significantly disrupted international shipping, forcing many companies to divert vessels to longer and more expensive routes around southern Africa. Although attacks temporarily declined following a ceasefire last year, commercial traffic through the region has yet to return to previous levels. Shipping companies continue to monitor the security situation closely before routing vessels through the area. The latest reports have also prompted regional efforts to strengthen maritime security. Saudi Arabia recently announced a multinational maritime coalition aimed at protecting freedom of navigation in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.