World

Dubai ruler hacked ex-wife’s phone, UK court finds

Published

2 years ago

October 7, 2021

The British High Court found the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, hacked the phone of his ex-wife, Princess Haya of Jordan, during their high-profile custody battle.

The phones of Princess Haya’s lawyers, Baroness Fiona Shackleton QC and Nick Manners, were also targeted during the divorce custody case, according to the court.

The court findings are the latest in a series of allegations brought against the sheikh in recent years. Last year, he was charged with abducting his two daughters, Latifa and Shamsa, and was then accused this year of holding them against their will.

The sheikh denies all allegations of wrongdoing, claiming the courts findings were based on evidence not disclosed to him, and were “made in a manner which was unfair”.

Spotted: new sighting of Dubai ruler’s daughter

“Hunted and and haunted”

The hacking took place in July and August 2020 “at a time of significant events” in the court proceedings when hearings were taking place over the welfare of the children.

Princess Haya told the court she is living in fear of her life after receiving threatening messages from agents of her former husband.

Now her legal team is accusing agents of the Emirate of Dubai of acting on the sheikh’s behalf in hacking the phones of her solicitors, Baroness Shackleton and Nick Manners, as well as her personal assistant and two members of her security staff.

It was also alleged the sheikh had attempted to buy property next door to Princess Haya’s estate near London. The court heard that “if anyone chose to use it, it is in prime position for direct or electronic surveillance”.

Significant amount of data “covertly extracted”

The surveillance software used to hack the phones of the Princess and her attorney’s can expose substantial amounts of data, from the person’s location to their texts and photographs.

The ‘Pegasus spyware’ is alleged to have been deployed by Saudi government agents working on the orders of the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, against dissidents living abroad, including associates of the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

It also allows the hacker to activate the target’s phone without their knowledge, recording their activity and even taking photographs and screenshots.

The court concluded that the hacking attempts resulted in more than 265 megabytes of data extracted from Princess Haya’s phone.

Although this is a serious blow to the sheikh’s international reputation, it is very unlikely it will result in police questioning.

As Dubai’s sovereign ruler and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates – he and the wider UAE government remain close allies of the UK.

World

Ukraine prepares for a summer of violence

Published

19 hours ago

May 31, 2023

ticker NEWS

Is support for the war waning after the conflict has surpassed 1-year and millions of dollars?

After a Russian air assault on Kyiv in which one civilian was killed, residential buildings in wealthy districts of Moscow were hit by multiple drone strikes injuring two people.

The Kremlin is claiming that most of the drone strikes which happened during broad daylight—were intercepted.

A Russian politician said the attack on the capital was the most dangerous since World War II.

Russia says Ukraine launched the attack and has vowed to bolster their air defenses.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is denying direct involvement, having just recently suffered three air attacks within a 24-hour time span.

Last month, leaked Department of Defense documents revealed possible weak links in Ukraine’s military campaign against Russian forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine with tens of thousands of troops more than a year ago and there appears to be no end in sight.

Business

“I think there is a great risk”: will AI steal our jobs?

Published

19 hours ago

May 31, 2023

ticker NEWS

Artificial Intelligence has become an increasingly powerful and pervasive force in our modern world.

Artificial intelligence is not a new concept. However, the growing advancements have the potential to revolutionise industries, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality of life.

Along with its promising advancements, artificial intelligence also brings certain risks and challenges that must be acknowledged and addressed.

It has become the focus of lawmakers, who are working towards greater regulation of the sector.

U.S. and European Union officials recently met in Sweden to weigh up the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.

“The AI process is creeping up on us,” said Dr Keith Suter, who is a global futurist.

“You’ve got competition between companies.”

It’s almost like some of us can see this raft that’s heading towards the rapids and a disappearance towards the waterfall, and we’re giving a warning but it’s not being heeded because everybody’s in this race to get down to the river,” Dr Suter said.

World

Should there be more resources available to American Veterans?

Published

20 hours ago

May 31, 2023

ticker NEWS

Millions of Americans have served the country, but is there enough support for veterans?

Over the course of the nation’s history, the United States has declared war and fought in conflicts around the world with more than 41-million Americans having fought for freedom.

There are millions of Veterans in the United States who proudly served their country. But, are there enough services to help and support veterans– especially those who suffered atrocities during conflicts?

U.S. Army Veteran Ricoh Danielson joins us to discuss. #uspolitics #Ricoh Danielson #veterans #military #supportveterans #veronicadudo #freedom