Latest news with #Hafeez
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Spies and SA's narco secrets — behind the US sentencing of global drug trafficker ‘Sultan' Muhammad Asif Hafeez
Muhammad Asif Hafeez of Pakistan previously pleaded guilty in the US to drug trafficking charges. Now he's reportedly been sentenced in a case also implicating Vicky Goswami, a Mandrax mastermind who once testified about dominating South Africa's narco trade — and murders. South Africa's narcotrafficking arena, part of global organised crime, is saturated with suspicions linked to spies, double agents and politics. A sprawling case that touches on some of these elements involves Muhammad Asif Hafeez, also known as 'the big boss' and 'Sultan', from Pakistan. He once claimed to be a US government informant. In November last year the US Justice Department issued a statement announcing that Hafeez, 'one of the world's most prolific drug traffickers', pleaded guilty to narco conspiracy charges there. It also said Hafeez had been dominant 'in a sophisticated international drug trafficking network'. That drug network extended all the way to South Africa. And among those involved in it were individuals who have, or are suspected to have, operated in different countries' government circles. Daily Maverick previously referenced a 2019 Vrye Weekblad report that said Mandrax trafficker Vicky Goswami of India, in sealed grand jury testimony in the US, alleged that members of the Gupta family were involved in money laundering on behalf of Hafeez. A Gupta lawyer on a previous occasion previously failed to respond to Daily Maverick questions about this. And a lawyer for Hafeez had said his client denied knowing the Guptas. Now, it was reported that earlier this month, on 6 June 2025, that Hafeez had been sentenced in the US to an effective 16 years in jail on the charges he previously pleaded guilty to. Hafeez and heroin The BBC summed up the case: 'After a complex joint operation between the British and American authorities, Hafeez, 66, was extradited from the UK in 2023. He pleaded guilty last November. 'He was (recently) sentenced to 16 years in a New York prison for conspiring to import drugs — including enough heroin for 'millions of doses' — into the US.' Unlike previously when the US government issued press releases when accused individuals in the broader case linked to Hafeez were arrested, pleaded or were sentenced, this did not happen with the handing down of his jail term. Daily Maverick unsuccessfully tried to get direct confirmation and details on Hafeez's sentencing, which has since been reported on internationally, from the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. A search on the US government's inmate locator platform did not show anyone detained there under his name. But an inmate recorded as 'Muhammad Hafiz' was jailed there and his age was recorded as 66 years — this, based on what the US previously divulged in a press statement, is roughly the same as Hafeez's age. Daily Maverick has also established that one of his aliases listed on an indictment against him is 'Muhammad Asif Hafiz'. This therefore suggests that Hafeez is indeed a sentenced prisoner in the US. Akashas of Kenya He appears to be one of the last key figures, if not the last one, in this specific US case to be sentenced. It has yet to be seen whether the case will now quietly taper off or if information gleaned from it, which may include secrets about South Africa's drug trade, will result in further arrests and legal proceedings. Baktash Akasha Abdalla, Ibrahim Akasha Akasha Abdalla, Gulam Hussein, Vijaygiri Anandgiri Goswami extradited to the US over drug trafficking — Hot 96 FM Kenya (@Hot_96Kenya) February 1, 2017 Hafeez was accused of conspiring, from about 2013, with others including two Kenyan brothers, Baktash Akasha Abdalla and Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla, better known as the Akashas. According to the US, Baktash allegedly headed an organised crime group known as the Akasha Organisation. It distributed drugs in Kenya, throughout Africa and into the US. Hafeez was accused of being a primary supplier of drugs to the Akashas. Goswami and South Africa This is where Goswami fits in because the Akashas and Hafeez had worked with him. Goswami's past, with strong connections to South Africa, is detailed in this journalist's book, Clash of the Cartels: Unmasking the global drug kingpins stalking South Africa. It details how Goswami appeared to be politically connected in this country. A section also notes some lingering questions about him: 'Was he working with South African activists and politicians who later rose to power when the state became a democracy? 'Will he dig up and detail the dirt on old South African acquaintances? Is he actually an intelligence agent for another country, perhaps the US?' Decades ago, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Goswami operated in Zambia — coincidentally where former president Jacob Zuma became the ANC's intelligence chief during apartheid. In the early 1990s he based himself in South Africa. Goswami later ended up in Dubai and in 1997 he was jailed there for dealing in Mandrax. Goswami was released from a Dubai prison in 2012 and headed to Kenya. The following year, according to US authorities, drug trafficking webs around Goswami expanded to include, among others, the Akasha brothers and Hafeez. Factory raid in India A New York US Attorney's Office press statement picks up the story — and references South Africa. It said that 'by early 2014' the Akasha brothers 'and other members of the Akasha Organization started to work to import ton quantities of methaqualone precursor chemicals into Africa in order to fuel the illicit [Mandrax] pills' production in South Africa'. They used the proceeds of the Mandrax dealings to import ephedrine that was 'produced illegally' at a factory in Solapur, India. In 2016 that factory was raided, though, thwarting their plans. The following year, 2017, the Akashas and Goswami were extradited from Kenya to the US to face criminal charges. That year, Hafeez was provisionally arrested in the UK, where he was based at the time. He tried to prevent his extradition from the UK to the US by turning to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Hafeez had claimed to be a US government informant. But the court found: 'The US Government had denied that the applicant was an informant and, while he may have had contact with law enforcement agencies, the District Judge did not consider that he had done so out of a sense of moral duty. 'Rather, he was someone who had brought to the attention of the authorities the criminal conduct of others who he knew to be actual or potential rivals to his substantial criminal enterprise.' Hafeez was extradited to the US in May 2023. Sentencing and singing in the US By then, Goswami had already started speaking out there, following his extradition years earlier. While testifying in the US in 2019, he referred to the Solapur ephedrine factory that was raided in 2016. He also talked about the assassination in South Africa in 2014 of a drug trafficker — identified in court proceedings only as Pinky, who was shot 32 times. Goswami testified that an acquaintance was promised half a ton of abba (chemicals used to make Mandrax) in exchange for the murder to be carried out. He also explained the reason behind Pinky's assassination: 'Because, first of all, Pinky was threatening us. Second, we wanted to have him killed so we can put an impression in (the) South African drug market (that) we are not here to play.' Daily Maverick has previously reported that while Goswami is wanted in India over the Solapur factory raid saga, he also became a cooperating witness for the US government. As for the Akasha brothers, both have already been sentenced. Baktash was jailed in the US for 25 years in 2018, while Ibrahim was sentenced to 23 years' imprisonment in 2020. With Hafeez earlier this month also being jailed, it means the US has in its custody inmates with apparent intimate knowledge of drug dealings in South Africa, an arena that has always been close to political suspicions. DM
India.com
12-06-2025
- India.com
Who is Asif Hafeez? Business tycoon in London, close to British royal family, now faces 16 years in jail due to..., was called...
Asif Hafeez, once a notorious figure in the global narcotics underworld, was sentenced on June 6, 2025, to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment in New York after being convicted on drug trafficking charges. Considered one of the most dangerous masterminds behind a massive heroin empire, Hafeez used to live a double life. He used to enjoy royal luxuries by day, while orchestrating one of the world's most feared drug operations by night. He oversaw a large-scale smuggling network that transported heroin, methamphetamine, and hashish from Pakistan and India across international borders. This 'Sultan' created an empire, from the opium fields of Afghanistan to drug markets in Europe, Africa, and the United States, utilizing the illegal trade and black-market employment and giving himself a proper appeal as a reputable man. Asif Hafeez, while operating an international drug cartel, was a shadowy figure among the criminal element, but on the surface, he ran legitimate businesses and reportedly paid tax on his profits. He was viewed as a respectable businessman who made charitable contributions from a portion of his profits to humanitarian causes. He created the facade that shielded the vast, widespread enums of criminal activity that propelled his drug empire. The secret life of Asif Hafeez began to unravel in 2014, when an undercover U.S. agent recorded a meeting in Kenya between Hafeez's business associates and a Colombian drug buyer. This sting operation set off a chain of revelations that eventually led to his arrest, a lengthy extradition battle, and his sentencing in the United States. Hafeez was born in 1958 in Lahore, Pakistan and was a middle class citizen. He began to climb the business ranks, and in the early 1990s, established Sarwani International Corporation. Initially, Sarwani had a reputation as the project of a well-heeled, white-collar businessman, and part of his assets included commercial drug detection equipment for military use, textiles, and a restaurant in Lahore. The profits from these businesses had developed cash that enabled Hafeez to live an extraordinarily lavish lifestyle. He used his fortune to develop relationships with wealthy, influential (and corrupt) people; access to their personal networks in turn was essential for maintaining and hiding his illicit activities behind the pretense of legitimacy. According to a BBC report, between 2009 and 2011, Asif Hafeez held a prominent role at the prestigious Ham Polo Club. It was during this period that he came into contact with members of the British royal family—although it was later revealed that he was never officially a member of the club. His perceived status as a respectable businessman was further reinforced by his connections with Britain's elite social circles. However, under the cover of night, his criminal drug trafficking empire continued to operate without interruption. Hafeez's illegal operations spanned the globe, as he trafficked heroin, methamphetamine, and hashish from his bases in Pakistan and India to markets worldwide. But it wasn't just his vast drug empire that made him stand out. Hafeez also played a dangerous cat-and-mouse game—posing as an informant for law enforcement agencies in the UK and the Middle East, further blurring the lines between ally and criminal. At the polo club, Hafeez was rubbing shoulders with British royalty, and building relationships with some of the richest and most powerful people. By day, he was acting like a businessman with deep networks from the UK to the Middle East and Pakistan. On June 6, 2025, Hafeez was sentenced to 16 years in a New York prison after being convicted of drug trafficking charges. This officially marked the end of a legal saga that had spanned years, and which had revealed how Hafeez—who once rubbed elbows with London's elite billionaires—had been secretly operating one of the biggest and perhaps most secretive drug empires in the world. His prison term, which is set to end in 2033, signals the end of a criminal enterprise that relied on deception, money, and unrestrained ambition.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Psychologists Are Begging Women To Remove These 15 Phrases from Their Vocabulary
Psychologists Are Begging Women To Remove These 15 Phrases from Their Vocabulary originally appeared on Parade. Psychologists stress that words are powerful tools that are often overlooked. We have more control over what leaves our mouths than whether a recruiter opens our resume in a candidate pool of thousands, or whether our mercurial boss is in the mood to give us a raise. However, psychologists warn that women often undermine their own power with they say to themselves."Words matter, especially the ones we speak about ourselves," notes ., a psychologist with Thriveworks. "When women use dismissive, people-pleasing or shrinking phrases, it subtly reinforces the power dynamics and limits how confidently we show up."Dr. Saidi and two other psychologists encourage women to take up space. To do so, women will want to delete these 15 phrases from their vocabulary ASAP and regularly repeat some alternative lines All three psychologists we spoke with brought up a variation of this phrase."Apologizing, especially for something simple like having a need or opinion, can reinforce feelings of unworthiness or fear of taking up space," Dr. Saidi explains. "Instead, try 'Excuse me' or 'Thank you for your patience.'"Related: Could You Be a Victim of 'Self-Gaslighting'? 5 Signs of the Subtle Form of Self-Sabotage and How To Stop, According to Experts We say this with care: Just don't with this phrase."Whether it's 'I'm just a stay-at-home mom' or 'I'm just asking,' the word 'just' shrinks whatever follows it," Dr. Saidi shares. "It downplays your role, your voice and your contribution, even when it is valuable." Psychologists aren't fans of this phrase, which women often recite out of habit."This is survival language to avoid vulnerability or confrontation," ., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind. "She's not fine, but saying she isn't might open a door she's been punished for walking through. She lies to protect herself and teaches others to ignore her pain."Related: Are you, though? One psychologist suggests taking a beat because your response could very well be 100% reasonable."Don't gaslight yourself before expressing valid emotion," advises., a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical director of Greenwich Psychology Remember: Emotions are human."Labeling yourself as 'too sensitive' can teach you to distrust your emotional signals rather than accept them with compassion," Dr. Saidi points out. "For example, instead of saying 'I'm too sensitive,' you can say, 'That felt upsetting, I want to understand why.'" This one essentially combines "I'm fine" with "I'm being too sensitive" for the wrong kind of one-two punch. Dr. Hafeez says it's a learned behavior to avoid being labeled as "dramatic," but one that minimizes hurt to keep everyone else comfy. "What hurts matters," she stresses. "Denying it doesn't make it go away."Related: We're not going to lie: It's time to say bye-bye-bye to this phrase, which undermines everything you say next."Labeling your idea or feeling as crazy creates shame and discourages any deeper conversation," Dr. Saidi adds that phrases like "This might sound bold" or "This might sound unexpected" are more The problem with this phrase is that even if you're right or your idea is sound, people with differing viewpoints automatically have an out to bulldoze your POV."It preemptively discredits your own opinion, and women often use this to avoid sounding too confident," Dr. Saidi cautions. Wait, didn't you know that everyone is an expert in everything these days? But jokes aside: "Stop saying this," Dr. Zackson begs women. "It's an unnecessary self-inflicted wound. Your voice is valid." Dr. Hafeez shares that women who use this phrase have usually been chronically questioned, interrupted and dismissed. "[These women] hand over [their] authority in exchange for approval," she explains. "This is not a request for clarity but rather a plea for permission to be taken seriously."Related: 15 Phrases to Politely End a Conversation, According to Psychologists Dr. Zackson really wants you to know that "this undermines your contribution before you've even said something."Nix the disclaimer—hopefully, the person on the receiving end of your knowledge drops will just politely let you know if they already knew (and thank you if you enlightened them). A classic among women for all the wrong reasons."This is the echo of every moment she was told she was too much, so she packs down her needs into silence," Dr. Hafeez reports of women who default to this phrase. You and other women don't always have to DIY."She says this because asking for help has made her feel weak or exposed," Dr. Hafeez says. "She's been rewarded for independence and punished for need."Related: If you really don't care about which way a work project goes or where you eat for dinner, it's fine to punt to someone with more of a stake in the game. However, remember you're a key stakeholder in your life and deserve agency—you have to speak up for it, though."If you say this when you do actually have a preference, it's essentially people-pleasing in disguise," Dr. Saidi says. "Constantly deferring to others trains your brain to devalue your own preferences and teaches others to do so as well." It depends on the situation, but Dr. Hafeez says this one has toxic uses in heterosexual romantic partnerships. Primarily, she doesn't believe women should use it to make excuses for carrying the emotional labor, forgiving a man for making the same mistake and offering second (third, fourth and fifth) chances."Good intentions don't cancel out patterns of neglect," she emphasizes. "Doing better matters more than meaning well."Related: Step into your power instead of undermining it."It shows that you understand your power, advocating for yourself and affirming your self-worth," Dr. Zackson 16 Things People With High Emotional Intelligence Often Say, According to Psychologists This phrase is one you'll likely need to repeat to yourself if you are a people pleaser, which many women have been conditioned to be. "This one is great because it affirms agency, encourages setting boundaries—which some women may struggle with—and promotes assertiveness," Dr. Saidi raves. "It reminds women that they do not have to choose between being kind and respecting themselves."Related: Can we get a mic drop?"It's bold, clean and unapologetic," Dr. Hafeez reports. "It shuts down the need to over-explain, walk back a truth or soften a boundary. It's best used when someone tries to challenge, twist or diminish what you've already made clear."Up Next:Dr. Crystal Saidi, Psy.D., a psychologist with Thriveworks Dr. Judith Zackson, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical director of Greenwich Psychology Group Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind Psychologists Are Begging Women To Remove These 15 Phrases from Their Vocabulary first appeared on Parade on Jun 11, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
9 Habits To Help You Stay Youthful in Your 70s, According to a Psychologist
Is age just a number? Not necessarily. However, one psychologist shares that it's possible to enjoy the perks of aging (perhaps wisdom) while still feeling young."It's not about pretending you're young, but keeping a spirit that says, 'I'm not done discovering things,'" clarifies ., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind. "Youthfulness shows up in how you laugh, how you adapt and how you connect with new people or ideas."In other words, feeling young again isn't about faking it until you make it. It's about making it a habit to prioritize your health and happiness. Dr. Hafeez shares the nine essential habits for people in their Physical activity is important for people of any age, but Dr. Hafeez stresses it's crucial for people in their 70s."Exercise keeps your muscles and joints strong and your heart healthy," she you may have some mobility issues or feel slower than usual. Dr. Hafeez points out that even gentle, low-impact movement is impactful."Simple activities like walking, biking or stretching can keep you moving without overdoing it," she says. "Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement most days, whether it's a daily walk or dancing to your favorite music." What you put into your body can affect how you feel inside. "A balanced diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins helps you feel energized and keeps your body running smoothly," Dr. Hafeez recommends eating leafy greens, nuts and omega-3-rich foods like salmon to support your heart, skin and overall health. She also suggests reducing processed foods, instead focusing on eating a variety of whole foods you're coming to the "healthy diet" table in your 70s, know it's not too late. In one study, researchers split participants into two groups, one with an average age of about 59 and one with an average age of about 74. Both groups who followed a Mediterranean diet saw improved blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, and people of all ages could make changes to follow the meal plan more closely. Social health matters too. In fact, one study found that socializing is crucial for the mental health of older adults and may lower the risk of cognitive decline."Socializing is not just fun; it also keeps your mind sharp and your mood up," Dr. Hafeez says. "Spending time with family or friends can reduce feelings of loneliness and help you feel more engaged in life."She urges people in their 70s to plan regular meetups, join a club or call someone to chat to keep their social connections Life will always have stresses. However, managing it is key."Stress can take a toll on your health, so it's important to find ways to relax and stay calm," Dr. Hafeez says. "Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation or spending time in nature can help reduce stress and keep you feeling at peace."She suggests spending a few minutes daily to focus on your breathing, taking a quiet walk outside or doing both at the same Dr. Hafeez doesn't recommend taking an "I'll-sleep-when-I'm-dead" approach to catching Zzzs in life, especially as you age."Sleep is when your body and mind recharge, so getting enough rest is key to feeling youthful," she emphasizes. "Quality sleep improves mood, memory and helps you recover from the day."Research has linked quality sleep to healthy aging. The CDC suggests adults 65 and up get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. You don't need to be school-age to learn something new. Studies show it's possible and beneficial for older adults to continue learning new things and building skills."Your brain stays sharp when you continue learning," Dr. Hafeez notes. "Whether it's reading books, taking a class or picking up a new hobby, staying curious helps keep your mind active."Knitting, photography, guitar—you can choose your own adventure, and Dr. Hafeez shares that all of these activities will keep your brain engaged. The rumors are true: Water gives and sustains life. "Staying hydrated is essential for feeling good and keeping your skin looking healthy," Dr. Hafeez explains. "Dehydration can cause fatigue and dry skin, so make sure you're drinking enough water every day. Carry a water bottle with you and eat foods like cucumbers and oranges that are high in water content." Good vibes only? No, that's toxic positivity. However, finding bright spots in your day is life-giving."People who focus on the good in life tend to be healthier and live longer," Dr. Hafeez says. "Try to practice gratitude by writing down three things you're thankful for each day or focusing on the positives in your life."Related: "Age ain't nothing but a number" sounds nice, and the date on our birth certificates doesn't define us. However, age is one number that matters when it comes to tests and screenings you're eligible for, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. Regular trips to your doctor ensure you're getting all the tests you need, plus it allows your care team to flag other concerns."Consistent medical appointments enable early detection of health issues while maintaining your health progress," Dr. Hafeez says. "Early management of blood pressure and cholesterol conditions prevents them from developing into serious health problems."Related: Dr. Hafeez is begging people in their 70s to avoid sitting too long without moving. "Being inactive can lead to stiffness, poor circulation and a lack of energy," she warns. "It's important to take breaks and stretch or walk around throughout the day to keep your body flexible and your blood flowing."She suggests setting a timer to remind you to get up hourly, even if it's just for a couple of minutes."Staying active, even in small ways, will help you feel better and more energetic as you age," she explains. Up Next:Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind Physical Activity Benefits for Adults 65 or Older. CDC. Change to a healthy diet in people over 70 years old: the PREDIMED experience. European Journal of Nutrition. Daily social interactions related to daily performance on mobile cognitive tests among older adults. PLOS One. Sleep and Healthy Aging: A Systematic Review and Path Forward. Clinical Gerontology. Sleep Guidance. CDC. The Impact of Learning Multiple Real-World Skills on Cognitive Abilities and Functional Independence in Healthy Older Adults. The Journals of the Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences.
New Indian Express
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Attempt to murder case filed against Pulivendula civic chief, 14 others in Andhra
KADAPA: Pulivendula police on Wednesday night registered a case against 15 individuals, including Municipal Chairman P Varaprasad, and Vice-Chairman Hafeez, following a controversial incident involving the removal of decorations erected by TDP cadre ahead of the three-day Mahanadu. The case was registered just hours after MP YS Avinash Reddy addressed a press conference. Out of the 15 accused, 13 YSRCP activists were taken into custody overnight. The sudden arrests sparked political ripples, alerting the MP to rush to the police station to question the officials. In response, the police informed him that the arrests were based on complaints regarding the alleged desecration of TDP flags and decorative arches, which were reportedly pulled down and trampled. The police refrained from disclosing further details about the nature of the case, stating that the investigation is still underway. With no clear answers from the police, Avinash eventually left the station. Later, the activists were 'secretly' shifted to Vemula police station, where media and visitors were denied access. Later, when the FIR details became public, the presence of IPC Section 307 (Attempt to Murder) in the charges shocked the party circles. However, when questioned, Pulivendula DSP Murali Naik and Circle Inspector Chand Basha declined to elaborate, stating that the case is under investigation. The arrested underwent medical tests at Pulivendula government hospital, and were later presented before the magistrate in Jammalamadugu.
