Latest news with #MinistryOfInterior
The National
20 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Former Moldovan justice minister wanted by Interpol on corruption charges arrested in UAE
The Ministry of Interior has announced the arrest of Moldovan Vitalie Pirlog, who is wanted by Interpol in connection with an international corruption case. Mr Pirlog was arrested in the UAE at the request of French authorities who asked for a red notice be issued against him by Interpol, state news agency Wam reported, adding that he faces charges including forgery, offering and mediating bribes, and fraud. In addition to previously serving as his country's justice minister, Mr Pirlog also performed a senior role in Interpol, where he was the chairman of the Interpol Commission for the Control of Files. "The arrest was carried out under continuing co-ordination with international and regional partners, including law enforcement agencies and global organisations, as part of broader efforts to ensure community safety and international security," Wam stated. "French authorities commended the professionalism and determination of the UAE Ministry of Interior, stating that such co-ordinated action underscores the importance of international co-operation in combating transnational crime."
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Jordan: Jaber Border Crossing expands operations amid surge in traffic
AMMAN — Minister of Interior Mazen Farayah on Tuesday conducted an inspection visit to the Jaber Border Crossing to review operational procedures and assess services provided to travellers, amid a significant uptick in both passenger and freight traffic. Farayah emphasised that the Ministry of Interior is implementing a comprehensive vision to upgrade the Kingdom's border facilities, noting that the Jaber crossing has witnessed a notable increase in activity at various levels. The minister also stressed the need for intensified efforts to maintain a secure and efficient environment for travellers, while ensuring that services meet the highest standards During his meeting with staff at the crossing, the minister reaffirmed the ministry's prioritisation of border posts and crossings, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The Jaber crossing is currently undergoing major expansion works, including the construction of fully equipped new halls to better accommodate incoming and outgoing travellers. The upgrades are part of a broader government plan to modernise infrastructure and enhance the quality of services at border entry points, Farayah said. The expansion comes in response to a sharp rise in passenger flow, with traffic through Jaber in the first five months of this year doubling compared with the same period in 2024. The crossing has now become the third-busiest point of entry in the Kingdom, following Queen Alia International Airport and the Omari Border Crossing. Farayah also noted that Jaber now operates 24/7 for both passenger and freight movement, marking a milestone in service delivery and operational capacity. Addressing the issue of Syrian refugee returns, the minister said that around 80,000 Syrians have voluntarily returned to their country through the crossing in recent months, a reflection of improving security conditions and increased coordination between Amman and Damascus. On freight transport, Farayah reported a record-breaking volume of activity, with around 3,200 trucks crossing in both directions on a single day ahead of Eid Al-Adha, the highest daily figure ever recorded at the crossing. While acknowledging existing challenges related to customs clearance on the Syrian side, he noted that Syrian authorities are making tangible efforts to address these issues. He emphasised that coordination between the two countries continues through official channels, including ongoing communication with his Syrian counterpart, to bolster cooperation and facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods. Farayah also highlighted the strategic importance of the Jaber Border Crossing as a key gateway linking Jordan with Syria and as a critical hub for regional trade and transit.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
GCC-unified tourist visa approved, set for imminent rollout
Doha, Qatar: A Schengen-style single tourist visa for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has been officially approved and is set to be rolled out soon, a UAE Minister has confirmed. UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al-Marri said this to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the UAE Hospitality Summer Camp press conference. "The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and waiting now to be implemented, hopefully soon. Now it is with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant stakeholders and they should look into it," the Minister told the newspaper. The strategic move is seen as a critical milestone for regional tourism, enabling seamless travelling across all six GCC countries - Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain. Once implemented, the visa will enable access to all six GCC countries, simplify paper work for tourists and enable easier travel for residents across GCC. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Climate
- Associated Press
Congo death toll hits 77 after extreme weather brings floods and sinks boats, 107 remain missing
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Authorities in Congo said the death toll following devastating floods and separate boat accidents has reached 77, with more than 100 people missing. A total of 48 bodies have been recovered in the northwestern Equateur province where three boats sank on Lake Tumba during extreme weather last Wednesday, with 107 passengers remain missing, the Ministry of Interior said. Almost 50 people were rescued, it said. Separately, 29 people are confirmed to have died after heavy rains at the weekend triggered floods and landslides in the capital city Kinshasa, cutting off some parts of the city and submerging many houses, the ministry said in a statement late Sunday. Residents told how walls collapsed and houses were submerged following the rains in the capital. 'It was around 3 a.m. when we heard a loud noise. When we went outside, the neighbors' wall had collapsed. The man and his wife both died,' resident Clovis Kalenga had said. Rebuilding work was underway in Kinshasa to repair damaged structures in affected communes, including a bridge, local media reports said. The ministry said a government delegation has been deployed to help coordinate humanitarian response in the Equateur province. The government was also working on strengthening its disaster prevention plan and resilience efforts in communities, it said.
The National
5 days ago
- The National
Sharjah Police seize Dh19 million worth of pills in drugs bust
Sharjah Police on Sunday announced that an attempt to distribute 3.5 million Captagon pills has been successfully thwarted. The illegal stimulant pills, totalling about 585 kilogrammes, are believed to have a street value of Dh19 million. Their seizure came at the culmination of an operation known as Bottom of Darkness, the anti-narcotics department at Sharjah Police General Command said. The force added that the operation was a pre-emptive strike against a criminal gang whose movements have been under close surveillance. The strike was launched in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Police's Anti‑Narcotics Directorate and the Federal Anti‑Narcotics Department at the Ministry of Interior. Police also urged members of the community to collaborate with the relevant authorities and to report any suspected drug-related activities, by calling 8004654 or e-mailing dea@
