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Two Arrested in Police Raid on Berlin Gangs

Police use water canons during a rally in Berlin, Germany. AP file photo
Police use water canons during a rally in Berlin, Germany. AP file photo
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Two Arrested in Police Raid on Berlin Gangs

Police use water canons during a rally in Berlin, Germany. AP file photo
Police use water canons during a rally in Berlin, Germany. AP file photo

Several hundred police officers carried out a large-scale raid in Berlin on Thursday and detained two suspects following violent clashes between rival gangs in the German capital last autumn, according to police and state prosecutors.

"Investigators are currently enforcing arrest warrants and over 20 search warrants for organized trade of drugs and weapons. Two suspects have been arrested," tweeted Berlin state prosecutors on Thursday morning.

They added that the investigation also related to violent "clan clashes" in November 2020 between "members of a family of Arab origin and Russian nationals of Chechen background".

The Berlin police tweeted that "several hundred" officers had been involved in the raid, which also related to "investigations by the tax office".

While the authorities did not disclose any further details, Berlin media reported that they were targeting the so-called "Remmo clan", a family of Arab origin notorious for ties to organized crime whose members have been linked to major museum heists in Berlin and Dresden in recent years.

In December, police arrested a fourth member of the family over the snatching of priceless jewels from the "Green Vault" museum in Dresden.

The family was also previously implicated in another stunning museum robbery in the heart of Berlin in which a 100-kilogram gold coin was stolen.

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UK Imposes Sanctions on Venezuelan Officials as Maduro Sworn in as President

President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores react on the day of his inauguration for a third six-year term in Caracas, Venezuela January 10, 2025. (Reuters)
President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores react on the day of his inauguration for a third six-year term in Caracas, Venezuela January 10, 2025. (Reuters)
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UK Imposes Sanctions on Venezuelan Officials as Maduro Sworn in as President

President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores react on the day of his inauguration for a third six-year term in Caracas, Venezuela January 10, 2025. (Reuters)
President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores react on the day of his inauguration for a third six-year term in Caracas, Venezuela January 10, 2025. (Reuters)

Britain announced new sanctions on Friday against 15 people associated with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government, saying they were responsible for human rights violations and undermining democracy and the rule of law.

The sanctions target 15 individuals, including the head of Venezuela's top court, members of the security forces and military officials, Britain's Foreign Office said in a statement.

The sanctions were announced on the day of Maduro's inauguration for a third term and coincided with sanctions imposed by the United States and European Union member states. He has remained in power despite a dispute over an election and international calls for him to stand aside.

Maduro and his government have always rejected sanctions by the United States and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount to an "economic war" designed to cripple Venezuela.

Maduro and his allies have cheered what they say is the country’s resilience despite the measures, though they have historically blamed some economic hardships and shortages on sanctions.  

Venezuela's electoral authority and top court say Maduro, whose time in office has been marked by a deep economic and social crisis, won last year's presidential vote, though they have not published detailed tallies.  

Those targeted by Britain's sanctions will face travel bans and asset freezes, preventing them from entering Britain and from holding funds or economic resources in Britain.