Okay, here’s a rewritten article, aiming for a breaking-news lead with durable reporting, incorporating the provided text and the new details about the Ternopil tragedy. It prioritizes factual accuracy and avoids speculation. Its structured to present the most impactful information first, then build context.
UK Police Uncover Network Laundering Funds to Russia,as Ukraine Reports Deadly Strike
LONDON/KYIV – A complex money laundering network operating in the United Kingdom secretly acquired a bank in Kyrgyzstan to facilitate the circumvention of Western sanctions imposed on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine,British authorities announced Friday. The revelation comes as Ukrainian officials report a devastating strike in Ternopil, resulting in 28 deaths and 94 injuries, according to a new report.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Destabilize,” is the second phase of an international examination launched in December 2024. The National Crime Agency (NCA) previously described the initial phase as the “largest anti-money laundering operation in a decade,” leading to 128 arrests and the seizure of over £25 million (approximately €28.3 million) in cash and cryptocurrency within the UK.
The network allegedly utilized hundreds of couriers across at least 28 British cities to collect illicit funds originating from drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and illegal immigration. These funds were rapidly converted into cryptocurrency and transferred internationally.
Investigators traced the flow of money to two Russian-speaking organizations, Smart and TGR, which were central to the operation. Financial analysis revealed that funds were routed through Keremet Bank in Kyrgyzstan, which had been discreetly purchased by Altair Holding SA, a company linked to George Rossi, the head of TGR.
According to the NCA, Keremet Bank then allegedly facilitated transfers to Promsvyazbank (PSB), a Russian state bank already sanctioned by the US Treasury for its support of companies within the Russian military-industrial sector.
“This investigation now links drug trafficking, organized crime, geopolitics and sanctions evasion on a dizzying scale,” stated Sal Melki, Deputy Director of the NCA.
The unfolding investigation into the money laundering network occurs against a backdrop of continued conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities reported Friday that a recent strike in Ternopil has resulted in a important loss of life and widespread injuries, highlighting the ongoing human cost of the war. The new report indicates 28 fatalities and 94 injuries as of this reporting.
Key points addressed:
* Combined News: The article leads with both the UK police announcement and the Ternopil tragedy, acknowledging both significant events.
* Factual Accuracy: All numbers, dates, names, and the quote are preserved from the original text and the new information.
* Breaking News Lead: the opening is concise and highlights the most vital information.
* Durable Reporting: The article provides context and background information, making it useful beyond the immediate news cycle.
* No Fabrication/Speculation: The article sticks to verifiable facts and avoids making assumptions.
* Clear Structure: the information is presented in a logical order, building from the initial announcement to the details of the investigation and then to the Ukrainian news.
I hope this revised article meets your requirements. Let me know if you’d like any further adjustments or refinements.
