Day: February 24, 2026

Transnational fraud networks operating in Southeast Asia pose a significant threat to the United States, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.
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“Chinese organized crime syndicates running large-scale scam operations in the region are targeting Americans every day,” said Scott Schelble, Deputy Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on the FBI’s efforts to counter scam centers in Southeast Asia.
Following a recent trip to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, Mr. Shelble said “these are not small or isolated crimes; they are sophisticated, well-resourced criminal enterprises that exploit borders, technology, and vulnerable people to generate enormous profits.”
The FBI, working closely with the Department of Justice, is fully committed to leading the global fight against these networks.
The Royal Thai Police is a strong operational partner, sharing information and producing results. The FBI, Department of Justice Strike Force, and the Royal Thai Police have succeeded in disrupting these criminal networks, identifying victims, and targeting the financial infrastructure that supports these crimes, noted Deputy Assistant Director Shelble.
In Cambodia, U.S. officials discussed how to combat scam operations. “The FBI has partnered with the Cambodian National Police in a task force setting in the past,” said Mr. Shelble, “and my hope is to leverage the success from those investigations towards these scam compounds.”
He discussed similar issues of mutual concern with the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security.
Deputy Assistant Director Shelble had the opportunity to observe several large scam compounds firsthand: “And even viewing them from a distance, it is impossible to fully grasp the magnitude of these operations until you see them yourself. There are entire facilities dedicated to fraud on an industrial scale.”
“And behind these operations are real victims – often Americans who lose their life savings, and in many cases, there are trafficked individuals who are forced to participate in this criminal activity,” said Mr. Shelble. “That human cost is why this work matters so much.”
“The message from this trip is clear. The FBI will continue to pursue these syndicates aggressively wherever they operate, and we will do so in close partnership with trusted international allies,” said Deputy Assistant Director Shelble. “Criminals should not believe that borders will protect them if they target Americans. We know where you are and we are coming for you.”

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“The forces being concentrated indicate preparations for a multi-day operation without conducting a ground invasion,” the publication states, News.Az reports, citing The Washington Post.
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It is noted that dozens of additional aircraft have been positioned aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which was previously spotted off the coast of the Greek island of Crete.
“Ford has become the second aircraft carrier sent to the Middle East, and its arrival means that roughly one third of all active US warships are now in the region,” the article emphasizes.
The newspaper notes that the current presence of US Armed Forces in the region is among the largest in the past two decades.
Earlier, The New York Times reported that US authorities fear Iran could mobilize groups under its control to carry out retaliatory attacks against American facilities.

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The match began in an electric atmosphere, with supporters creating a vibrant backdrop as the teams took to the pitch. Newcastle entered the fixture carrying momentum from the first leg, while Qarabağ stepped onto the field determined to deliver a disciplined and competitive performance, News.Az reports.

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From the opening whistle, Newcastle looked to assert control through structured build up play and high pressing. The English side pushed forward early, testing Qarabağ’s defensive line with quick combinations in midfield and dangerous movement inside the box.

Qarabağ, meanwhile, adopted a compact shape and focused on quick transitions. The Azerbaijani champions sought to absorb pressure and exploit spaces on the counterattack, aiming to unsettle the home defense with pace on the wings.

The early exchanges were intense, with strong challenges in midfield and both teams attempting to dictate tempo. Newcastle maintained possession for longer spells, but Qarabağ showed resilience, closing down spaces and limiting clear scoring opportunities in the opening minutes.

This fixture carries significant importance for both clubs. Progression to the next round would mark another major milestone for Qarabağ on the European stage, while Newcastle are aiming to continue their resurgence in continental competition.

As the first half unfolds, the tactical battle between the two sides remains finely balanced. Supporters from both camps are closely following every attack and defensive intervention as the match promises drama and high intensity football.

Further updates, including goals and key moments, will follow as the game progresses.

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