A&nbsp;woman from the Indian city of Hyderabad&nbsp;recently accused the Swiggy delivery boy of stealing the laptop and demanding a ransom of&nbsp;$178.91 (₹15,000) to return it.

Nishitha Gudipudi, a&nbsp;civil engineer&nbsp;shared the details of the bizarre incident on her LinkedIn account. She explained that her husband booked a Swiggy Genie agent a few days ago&nbsp;to deliver his backpack from the office to another one located&nbsp;in&nbsp;the Madhapur area.

The delivery boy collected the backpack, and in the middle of the delivery, he switched off his phone, Gudipudi said.

“He basically stole the laptop, and initially, we thought, okay, partially error at our end too to use Genie to deliver the laptop, but how things took a turn after is what really surprised and scared us,” she added.

The LinkedIn post stated that when her husband tried to approach customer care, they also failed to locate the driver and the identity&nbsp;of the delivery agent. They sent two pictures asking the couple to identify which one&nbsp;came to pick up the bag.

Swiggy's customer care executives weren’t able to detect the identity of the agent as their&nbsp;system registers the Aadhar card or PAN card and lets anyone use those credentials.

One of the most shocking parts, according to Gudipudi, was that when they tried contacting the agent through WhatsApp, the delivery executive said, “I will check and let you know as my friend logged in from my identity.”

In the LinkedIn post, Gudipudi shared screenshots of the conversation that took place between her and the alleged thief on WhatsApp where he demanded the money. She also shared a picture of the man’s ID.&nbsp;

Swiggy&nbsp;has not responded&nbsp;to this incident yet.

In the comment section, one of the users said, "Crime - understood but was is it really reasonable and sensible on part of the person who decided to use a B2C service to handle movement of a backpack with company laptop /Assets in it? I think it was very casual on part of the gentleman who thought it is a good idea. Also, any package must be properly sealed for transfer irrespective of any service provider getting involved. The Swiggy person involved is most certainly wrong but decisions need to be reviewed too that led to this crime".&nbsp;

Another user, blaming the victim, said,&nbsp;"Good lesson learnt. To those asking why something as expensive as laptop was sent? This is a common situation, where the husband might have forgotten to take it home and in cities like Bangalore where it takes one hour to reach 5kms in peak traffic conditions, making a back and forth trip would consume half a day of an employee". 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A woman from the Indian city of Hyderabad recently accused the Swiggy delivery boy of stealing the laptop and demanding a ransom of $178.91 (₹15,000) to return it.

A woman from the Indian city of Hyderabad recently accused the Swiggy delivery boy of stealing the laptop and demanding a ransom of $178.91 (₹15,000) to return it. Nishitha Gudipudi, a civil engineer shared the details of the bizarre incident on her LinkedIn account. She explained that her husband booked a Swiggy Genie agent a few days ago to deliver his backpack from the office to another one located in the Madhapur area. The delivery boy collected the backpack, and in the middle of the delivery, he switched off his phone, Gudipudi said. “He basically stole the laptop, and initially, we thought, okay, partially error at our end too to use Genie to deliver the laptop, but how things took a turn after is what really surprised and scared us,” she added. The LinkedIn post stated that when her husband tried to approach customer care, they also failed to locate the driver and the identity of the delivery agent. They sent two pictures asking the couple to identify which one came to pick up the bag. Swiggy's customer care executives weren’t able to detect the identity of the agent as their system registers the Aadhar card or PAN card and lets anyone use those credentials. One of the most shocking parts, according to Gudipudi, was that when they tried contacting the agent through WhatsApp, the delivery executive said, “I will check and let you know as my friend logged in from my identity.” In the LinkedIn post, Gudipudi shared screenshots of the conversation that took place between her and the alleged thief on WhatsApp where he demanded the money. She also shared a picture of the man’s ID. Swiggy has not responded to this incident yet. In the comment section, one of the users said, "Crime - understood but was is it really reasonable and sensible on part of the person who decided to use a B2C service to handle movement of a backpack with company laptop /Assets in it? I think it was very casual on part of the gentleman who thought it is a good idea. Also, any package must be properly sealed for transfer irrespective of any service provider getting involved. The Swiggy person involved is most certainly wrong but decisions need to be reviewed too that led to this crime". Another user, blaming the victim, said, "Good lesson learnt. To those asking why something as expensive as laptop was sent? This is a common situation, where the husband might have forgotten to take it home and in cities like Bangalore where it takes one hour to reach 5kms in peak traffic conditions, making a back and forth trip would consume half a day of an employee". (With inputs from agencies)

Hyderabad woman claims that Swiggy agent stole laptop, demanded nearly $179 as ransom

Nigerian police and security agencies are working to secure the release of 20 medical students who were kidnapped in the eastern part of the country, officials say. The medical students were on their way to an annual convention when they were abducted in Benue State on Thursday evening, police and university sources said on Saturday.

Nigerian Medical Students Kidnapped: Kidnappers demand ransom of 50 million Naira

In a harrowing incident in New Delhi, a thief stole a car with two young children inside and then demanded a staggering ransom of 50 lakh rupees (about $60,000) from the parents. The dramatic events unfolded in the Laxmi Nagar area of the national capital&nbsp;on Friday (June 28).

According to reports, the parents had briefly left their car unattended with their 2-year-old and 11-year-old children inside. They went into a nearby confectionery shop, Heera Sweets and&nbsp;during this time, an unknown individual seized the opportunity to steal the vehicle.

"The parents had briefly gone inside Heera Sweets to buy sweets when the car was stolen. When they came back, their vehicle and children were missing. Later, they approached the police and lodged a complaint," officials reportedly said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excise-policy-case-delhi-court-sends-arvind-kejriwal-to-judicial-custody-till-july-12-736297">Excise policy case: Delhi court sends Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till July 12</a>

The thief then contacted the parents, using the mother's phone to negotiate the massive ransom demand. Delhi Police were immediately alerted and launched a pursuit that lasted over 3 hours.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-cji-chandrachuds-presence-bengal-cm-mamata-calls-for-judiciary-free-of-political-bias-736299">In CJI Chandrachud's presence, Bengal CM Mamata calls for judiciary free of political bias</a>

Thankfully, the police were able to track down the stolen vehicle and the children were safely recovered. The kidnapper ultimately abandoned the car after the lengthy chase but could not be&nbsp;apprehended till reports last came in.&nbsp;

<h2>Kidnapper constantly changed routes</h2>

Additional DCP East Avnish Kumar told ANI news agency,&nbsp;"The kidnapper was constantly changing his&nbsp;route. He reached Wazirabad via Ashok Nagar and then Outer North district. He realised that the police were chasing him, which is why he kept changing routes."&nbsp; 
 
"The accused also had a hammer and a knife," the additional DCP added.&nbsp;

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Authorities are actively investigating the incident while looking at the CCTV footage and working to identify and apprehend the suspect.&nbsp;"The suspect will be arrested soon," officials said.
</section>

(With inputs from agencies)

In a harrowing incident in New Delhi, a thief stole a car with two young children inside and then demanded a staggering ransom of 50 lakh rupees (about $60,000) from the parents.

In a harrowing incident in New Delhi, a thief stole a car with two young children inside and then demanded a staggering ransom of 50 lakh rupees (about $60,000) from the parents. The dramatic events unfolded in the Laxmi Nagar area of the national capital on Friday (June 28). According to reports, the parents had briefly left their car unattended with their 2-year-old and 11-year-old children inside. They went into a nearby confectionery shop, Heera Sweets and during this time, an unknown individual seized the opportunity to steal the vehicle. "The parents had briefly gone inside Heera Sweets to buy sweets when the car was stolen. When they came back, their vehicle and children were missing. Later, they approached the police and lodged a complaint," officials reportedly said. Also Read | Excise policy case: Delhi court sends Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody till July 12 The thief then contacted the parents, using the mother's phone to negotiate the massive ransom demand. Delhi Police were immediately alerted and launched a pursuit that lasted over 3 hours. Also Read | In CJI Chandrachud's presence, Bengal CM Mamata calls for judiciary free of political bias Thankfully, the police were able to track down the stolen vehicle and the children were safely recovered. The kidnapper ultimately abandoned the car after the lengthy chase but could not be apprehended till reports last came in. Kidnapper constantly changed routes Additional DCP East Avnish Kumar told ANI news agency, "The kidnapper was constantly changing his route. He reached Wazirabad via Ashok Nagar and then Outer North district. He realised that the police were chasing him, which is why he kept changing routes." "The accused also had a hammer and a knife," the additional DCP added. Watch | Delhi receives record breaking rainfall, highest in 88 years × Authorities are actively investigating the incident while looking at the CCTV footage and working to identify and apprehend the suspect. "The suspect will be arrested soon," officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

Thief steals car with two children inside in Delhi, demands $60,000 in ransom

Cyberattack 'Qilin' hacks London hospitals in major attack. A gang of hackers have caused much disruption to multiple hospitals in London. The ransomware group known as Qilin has published sensitive data stolen from a National Health Service blood testing company. Qilin has been attempting to extort money from UK's NHS provider. Watch in for more details!

UK: 'Qilin' hacks NHS provider Synnovis, demands ransom

The gunmen, who had kidnapped&nbsp;nearly 287 school children in Nigeria, have&nbsp;made a ransom demand for 1 billion naira ($621,848) and said that they would kill all the students if their demands were not fulfilled, said a member of the local community while speaking to CNN on Wednesday (Mar 13).&nbsp;

“They called me from a hidden number yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon at around 16 minutes past 12, and demanded 1 billion naira ($621,848) as a ransom for the students. They said [the ultimatum] will only last for three weeks or 20 days from the date they kidnapped the children and if there’s no action from the government, they will kill all of them,” Aminu Jibril, a resident of Kuriga village in Kaduna state, said. The militants had kidnapped the children on March 7.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-abduct-15-pupils-from-nigeria-school-as-search-continues-for-300-others-698447">Gunmen abduct 15 pupils from Nigeria school as search continues for 300 others</a>

Speaking to CNN, Jibril informed that the gunmen claimed the kidnapping was “a way of getting back at the government and security agencies for killing their gang members.”

The Kuriga community's members stated that the kidnappers most likely got his number from the head of the school’s junior secondary section, who had also been kidnapped by them.

<h2>Nigeria School Children Kidnapping Case&nbsp;</h2>

Armed bandits, riding motorcycles, kidnapped more than 300 students early on March 7 morning. The gunmen stormed the LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga village in Kaduna’s Chikun district, said the state’s police spokesman Mansur Hassan.

The officials were able to rescue some of the students but 287 of them are still with the kidnappers. Among the children abducted, some 100 of them were from primary school and the rest belonged to the secondary school.

Watch:&nbsp;Nigeria Kuriga Kidnap: Armed forces deployed by Nigerian govt to rescue students

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In a statement, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani said that his government was “doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of the pupils and students".

Sani added that a community member who had confronted the gunmen during the attack was killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The gunmen, who had kidnapped nearly 287 school children in Nigeria, have made a ransom demand for 1 billion naira ($621,848) and said that they would kill all the students if their demands were not fulfilled, said a member of the local community while speaking to CNN on Wednesday (Mar 13).

The gunmen, who had kidnapped nearly 287 school children in Nigeria, have made a ransom demand for 1 billion naira ($621,848) and said that they would kill all the students if their demands were not fulfilled, said a member of the local community while speaking to CNN on Wednesday (Mar 13). “They called me from a hidden number yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon at around 16 minutes past 12, and demanded 1 billion naira ($621,848) as a ransom for the students. They said [the ultimatum] will only last for three weeks or 20 days from the date they kidnapped the children and if there’s no action from the government, they will kill all of them,” Aminu Jibril, a resident of Kuriga village in Kaduna state, said. The militants had kidnapped the children on March 7. Also Read: Gunmen abduct 15 pupils from Nigeria school as search continues for 300 others Speaking to CNN, Jibril informed that the gunmen claimed the kidnapping was “a way of getting back at the government and security agencies for killing their gang members.” The Kuriga community's members stated that the kidnappers most likely got his number from the head of the school’s junior secondary section, who had also been kidnapped by them. Nigeria School Children Kidnapping Case Armed bandits, riding motorcycles, kidnapped more than 300 students early on March 7 morning. The gunmen stormed the LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga village in Kaduna’s Chikun district, said the state’s police spokesman Mansur Hassan. The officials were able to rescue some of the students but 287 of them are still with the kidnappers. Among the children abducted, some 100 of them were from primary school and the rest belonged to the secondary school. Watch: Nigeria Kuriga Kidnap: Armed forces deployed by Nigerian govt to rescue students In a statement, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani said that his government was “doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of the pupils and students". Sani added that a community member who had confronted the gunmen during the attack was killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria school children kidnapping: Gunmen threaten to kill 287 kids if $622,000 ransom not paid

Over the weekend, a hospital complex near France’s capital Paris, in Versailles was forced to shut its operations and transfer at least six patients after a cyber attack, said France's health ministry on Sunday. Meanwhile, a preliminary investigation has been opened based on the hospital’s formal complaint.&nbsp;

Authorities at the Hospital Centre of Versailles which also includes Andre-Mignot Hospital, Richaud Hospital and the Despagne Retirement Home, said that they were affected by the hacking attempt. According to France’s Regional Health Agency (ARS), while the&nbsp;Andre-Mignot Hospital&nbsp;has suspended operations it is working to keep the walk-in services and consultations running.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vanuatu-island-hit-by-ransom-attack-cripples-government-535355">Vanuatu island hit by ransom attack, cripples government</a>

Furthermore, the French minister for social affairs and health, Francois Braun, also visited the hospital and said three patients from intensive care and three from the neonatal unit were transferred and others might follow, said a report by AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The hospital required additional staff for the intensive care unit (ICU) as&nbsp;the machines were working but they needed someone to monitor them since they were no longer a part of the network, said the health minister. He also spoke about how the incident has led to a complete “reorganization of the hospital”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ransomware-attack-on-aiims-server-is-the-world-prepared-to-fight-a-cyber-war-537227">Gravitas | 'Ransomware' attack on AIIMS server: Is the world prepared to fight a cyber war?</a>

Earlier this year, another hospital just outside Paris also witnessed a cyber attack and took several weeks to recover before it got back to normal functioning. 
 
The Corbeil-Essonnes hospital was asked for a $10 million ransom which was later lowered to two million dollars. The hackers had given September 23 as the deadline after which they posted confidential files on the staff and patients on the dark web.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-aiims-ransomware-attack-china-involvement-suspected-data-of-vvips-including-politicians-at-risk-539455">Delhi AIIMS ransomware attack: China involvement suspected, data of VVIPs, celebrities at risk</a>

France’s hospitals and health systems have recently witnessed “daily attacks”, said Braun. He added that most of these attempts have been prevented. Meanwhile, the prosecutor's office in Paris has opened a preliminary investigation after the hospital filed a formal complaint into hacking state data and attempted extortion, reported AFP.&nbsp; 
 
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Over the weekend, a hospital complex near France’s capital Paris, in Versailles was forced to shut its operations and transfer at least six patients after a cyber attack, said France's health ministry on Sunday.

Over the weekend, a hospital complex near France’s capital Paris, in Versailles was forced to shut its operations and transfer at least six patients after a cyber attack, said France's health ministry on Sunday. Meanwhile, a preliminary investigation has been opened based on the hospital’s formal complaint. Authorities at the Hospital Centre of Versailles which also includes Andre-Mignot Hospital, Richaud Hospital and the Despagne Retirement Home, said that they were affected by the hacking attempt. According to France’s Regional Health Agency (ARS), while the Andre-Mignot Hospital has suspended operations it is working to keep the walk-in services and consultations running. ALSO READ | Vanuatu island hit by ransom attack, cripples government Furthermore, the French minister for social affairs and health, Francois Braun, also visited the hospital and said three patients from intensive care and three from the neonatal unit were transferred and others might follow, said a report by AFP. The hospital required additional staff for the intensive care unit (ICU) as the machines were working but they needed someone to monitor them since they were no longer a part of the network, said the health minister. He also spoke about how the incident has led to a complete “reorganization of the hospital”. ALSO WATCH: Gravitas | 'Ransomware' attack on AIIMS server: Is the world prepared to fight a cyber war? Earlier this year, another hospital just outside Paris also witnessed a cyber attack and took several weeks to recover before it got back to normal functioning. The Corbeil-Essonnes hospital was asked for a $10 million ransom which was later lowered to two million dollars. The hackers had given September 23 as the deadline after which they posted confidential files on the staff and patients on the dark web. ALSO READ | Delhi AIIMS ransomware attack: China involvement suspected, data of VVIPs, celebrities at risk France’s hospitals and health systems have recently witnessed “daily attacks”, said Braun. He added that most of these attempts have been prevented. Meanwhile, the prosecutor's office in Paris has opened a preliminary investigation after the hospital filed a formal complaint into hacking state data and attempted extortion, reported AFP. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French hospital forced to suspend operations, transfer patients after cyberattack

Medibank is Australia's biggest health insurer. Almost 9.7 million of its current and former customers' data was compromised through a cyberattack. Now, hackers demand ransom to stop leaking records.

Medibank leak: Hackers demand ransom to stop leaking records

The US Law enforcement officials have seized an estimated $6 million in ransom payments and the justice department has charged two suspects over a damaging July ransomware attack on an American company.

US recovers $6 million in ransom payments and charges two men over major cyberattack

Six&nbsp;students&nbsp;and two officials who were&nbsp;kidnapped&nbsp;last month from a school in Nigeria's Kaduna state were released&nbsp;after&nbsp;relatives&nbsp;paid&nbsp;ransom&nbsp;money, a school official and parent said on Friday.

Kidnappings by armed men, commonly referred to in Nigeria as "bandits", have become endemic in northern Nigeria, disrupting the education of hundreds of thousands of children.

Gunmen attacked the main campus of the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Kaduna on June 10 and took&nbsp;students&nbsp;and staff members, in the process killing one student.

The college's spokesman Abdullahi Shehu, said the&nbsp;students&nbsp;and officials were released late on Thursday at an undisclosed location.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-bans-twitter-indefinitely-after-muhammadu-buharis-account-suspension-389533">Also read |&nbsp;Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension</a>

They "regained their&nbsp;freedom&nbsp;after&nbsp;their parents and relatives negotiated with the bandits", Shehu told Reuters, but declined to say whether negotiations involved paying a&nbsp;ransom.

A parent whose child was&nbsp;kidnapped&nbsp;said parents and relatives of the&nbsp;students&nbsp;negotiated with the gunmen and&nbsp;paid&nbsp;ransom&nbsp;money.

"I am not in position to tell you how much we contributed and&nbsp;paid. That is not necessary. The most important thing is that we have secured their&nbsp;freedom, period," Saminu Bala, one of the parents of the&nbsp;freed&nbsp;students, said.

At least 10 institutions have been hit by kidnappers and around 1,000&nbsp;students&nbsp;and staff abducted since December.

Six students and two officials who were kidnapped last month from a school in Nigeria's Kaduna state were released after relatives paid ransom money, a school official and parent said on Friday.

Six students and two officials who were kidnapped last month from a school in Nigeria's Kaduna state were released after relatives paid ransom money, a school official and parent said on Friday. Kidnappings by armed men, commonly referred to in Nigeria as "bandits", have become endemic in northern Nigeria, disrupting the education of hundreds of thousands of children. Gunmen attacked the main campus of the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Kaduna on June 10 and took students and staff members, in the process killing one student. The college's spokesman Abdullahi Shehu, said the students and officials were released late on Thursday at an undisclosed location. Also read | Nigeria bans Twitter 'indefinitely' after Muhammadu Buhari's account suspension They "regained their freedom after their parents and relatives negotiated with the bandits", Shehu told Reuters, but declined to say whether negotiations involved paying a ransom. A parent whose child was kidnapped said parents and relatives of the students negotiated with the gunmen and paid ransom money. "I am not in position to tell you how much we contributed and paid. That is not necessary. The most important thing is that we have secured their freedom, period," Saminu Bala, one of the parents of the freed students, said. At least 10 institutions have been hit by kidnappers and around 1,000 students and staff abducted since December.

Kidnapped Nigerian students freed after ransom paid

We have all heard tales about monkeys stealing food items and other expensive things from visitors in the famous Bali temple in Indonesia. Now, scientists have found out that the monkeys might be stealing these items while being aware of the value of these expensive belongings.

As per a paper published in the Royal Society science journal, the adult wild long-tailed macaque monkeys at the&nbsp;Uluwatu Temple in Bali, Indonesia are intelligent enought o realise which item is expensive enough to be raided as a ransom.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeys-in-a-finnish-zoo-preferred-noise-of-traffic-over-nature-ongoing-study-finds-342200">Monkeys in a Finnish zoo preferred noise of traffic over nature, ongoing study finds</a>

Scientists found out that the moneklys let go of expensive items such as electronic gadgets only after receiving food that they feel would be of its&nbsp;corresponding value.

"The token exchange paradigm shows that monkeys and great apes are able to use objects as symbolic tools to request specific food rewards," the study reads.

It was observed the interactions occurs in two phases, "after stealing inedible and more or less valuable objects (e.g. pairs of glasses, hats, empty bags) from temple visitors, the macaques appear to use them as tokens, by returning them to humans in exchange for a certain number/type of food rewards proffered by the temple staff."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/only-in-india-monkey-steals-covid-19-samples-from-lab-301953">Only in India: Monkey steals COVID-19 samples from lab</a>

The observation has been made after conducting a research for&nbsp;273 days between&nbsp;2015 to 2016, and a few days in 2019 too. During this time, the scientists filmed the monkeys in the area near the temple. These monkeys usually stared at a visitor, then silently approached them and stole the expensive object. They, then, waited at a side for the owner to approach them with a counteroffer of equal or higher value.

"Token-robbing and token/reward-bartering are cognitively challenging tasks for the Uluwatu macaques that revealed unprecedented economic decision-making processes," the study reads.

"This spontaneous, population-specific, prevalent, cross-generational, learned and socially influenced practice may be the first example of a culturally maintained token economy in free-ranging animals."

We have all heard tales about monkeys stealing food items and other expensive things from visitors in the famous Bali temple in Indonesia. Now, scientists have found out that the monkeys might be stealing these items while being aware of the value of these expensive belongings.

We have all heard tales about monkeys stealing food items and other expensive things from visitors in the famous Bali temple in Indonesia. Now, scientists have found out that the monkeys might be stealing these items while being aware of the value of these expensive belongings. As per a paper published in the Royal Society science journal, the adult wild long-tailed macaque monkeys at the Uluwatu Temple in Bali, Indonesia are intelligent enought o realise which item is expensive enough to be raided as a ransom. Also read| Monkeys in a Finnish zoo preferred noise of traffic over nature, ongoing study finds Scientists found out that the moneklys let go of expensive items such as electronic gadgets only after receiving food that they feel would be of its corresponding value. "The token exchange paradigm shows that monkeys and great apes are able to use objects as symbolic tools to request specific food rewards," the study reads. It was observed the interactions occurs in two phases, "after stealing inedible and more or less valuable objects (e.g. pairs of glasses, hats, empty bags) from temple visitors, the macaques appear to use them as tokens, by returning them to humans in exchange for a certain number/type of food rewards proffered by the temple staff." Also read| Only in India: Monkey steals COVID-19 samples from lab The observation has been made after conducting a research for 273 days between 2015 to 2016, and a few days in 2019 too. During this time, the scientists filmed the monkeys in the area near the temple. These monkeys usually stared at a visitor, then silently approached them and stole the expensive object. They, then, waited at a side for the owner to approach them with a counteroffer of equal or higher value. "Token-robbing and token/reward-bartering are cognitively challenging tasks for the Uluwatu macaques that revealed unprecedented economic decision-making processes," the study reads. "This spontaneous, population-specific, prevalent, cross-generational, learned and socially influenced practice may be the first example of a culturally maintained token economy in free-ranging animals."

Monkeys at Bali temple know which items to steal for ransom and food: Study

An Afghan court Sunday sentenced two teenage boys to 30 years in prison for the abduction and killing of a young girl whose brutal murder provoked a national outcry.

Six-year-old Mahsa Ahmadi has snatched off a Kabul street in March and was killed after her parents were unable to pay a ransom of $300,000.

Police eventually arrested two boys and released a video clip showing them confessing. They said they had picked up Mahsa, driven her away on a motorcycle, taking her to a house and then strangled her after the ransom wasn't paid.

In a televised court hearing, a judge sentenced the two youths to 30 years each in prison. Their ages were not released, but the judge said they were under 18.

For Mahsa's father, the sentence was too lenient. "I want the severest punishment for them, they should be hanged," he said. "They should feel what we are feeling."

But the judge said since they were minors they could not be executed. They have the right to appeal the sentence.

Even in war-torn Afghanistan, where crime and violence are common, Mahsa's death drew broad condemnation and angry Afghans took to social media demanding justice.&nbsp;

Kidnappings for ransom are increasing in Kabul, as are a host of other crimes, adding yet more worries for an already stressed-out population.&nbsp;

Overwhelmed police are already pushed to their limits attempting to prevent insurgent attacks by the Taliban and other groups.

Crime in Kabul came under scrutiny again this month when former journalist Mena Mangal was murdered in broad daylight on a busy street.

Her killing appears tied to a domestic dispute, but many observers viewed the brutal and public slaying as a bellwether demonstrating just how cheap life has become in Afghanistan.

An Afghan court Sunday sentenced two teenage boys to 30 years in prison for the abduction and killing of a young girl whose brutal murder provoked a national outcry.

An Afghan court Sunday sentenced two teenage boys to 30 years in prison for the abduction and killing of a young girl whose brutal murder provoked a national outcry. Six-year-old Mahsa Ahmadi has snatched off a Kabul street in March and was killed after her parents were unable to pay a ransom of $300,000. Police eventually arrested two boys and released a video clip showing them confessing. They said they had picked up Mahsa, driven her away on a motorcycle, taking her to a house and then strangled her after the ransom wasn't paid. In a televised court hearing, a judge sentenced the two youths to 30 years each in prison. Their ages were not released, but the judge said they were under 18. For Mahsa's father, the sentence was too lenient. "I want the severest punishment for them, they should be hanged," he said. "They should feel what we are feeling." But the judge said since they were minors they could not be executed. They have the right to appeal the sentence. Even in war-torn Afghanistan, where crime and violence are common, Mahsa's death drew broad condemnation and angry Afghans took to social media demanding justice. Kidnappings for ransom are increasing in Kabul, as are a host of other crimes, adding yet more worries for an already stressed-out population. Overwhelmed police are already pushed to their limits attempting to prevent insurgent attacks by the Taliban and other groups. Crime in Kabul came under scrutiny again this month when former journalist Mena Mangal was murdered in broad daylight on a busy street. Her killing appears tied to a domestic dispute, but many observers viewed the brutal and public slaying as a bellwether demonstrating just how cheap life has become in Afghanistan.

Two Afghan youths get 30 years jail for killing of young girl

The White House on Wednesday denied renewed accusations that it paid Iran ransom for the release of four American prisoners, carrying a tidal wave of condemnations from Republicans. 
 
Amid revelations that the US helped airlift $400 million worth of Swiss Francs and Euros to Iran after a prisoner release, the White House 
insisted the two were not linked. 
 
In January, five American prisoners were released as Washington granted clemency to seven Iranians and withdrew arrest warrants for 14 others. 
 
Within hours President Barack Obama announced he had also agreed to repay $1.7 billion owed to Tehran -- one of a string of agreements that followed a deal to curb Iran&#39;s nuclear program. 
 
The White House said it was returning cash from a 1970s Iranian military order that was not fulfilled because of the Islamic Revolution. 
 
On Tuesday the Wall Street Journal reported a chunk of that cash was loaded on wooden pallets and secretly airlifted to Iran in an unmarked cargo plane.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;This $400 million is actually money that the Iranians had paid into a US account in 1979 as part of a transaction to procure military equipment,&quot; said White House spokesman Josh Earnest. 
 
&quot;The fact of the matter is the United States does not have a banking relationship with Iran,&quot; Earnest said, explaining the airlift. 
 
Earnest heatedly denied accusations that a ransom was paid. 
 
&quot;It is against the policy of the United States to pay ransom for hostages.&quot; 
 
Republicans, who have spent weeks reeling from scandals over the party&#39;s presidential nominee Donald Trump, leapt at the opportunity to go on the attack. 
 
&quot;If true, this report confirms our longstanding suspicion that the administration paid a ransom in exchange for Americans unjustly detained in Iran,&quot; said house speaker Paul Ryan. 
 
&quot;It would also mark another chapter in the ongoing saga of misleading the American people to sell this dangerous nuclear deal.&quot; 
 
&quot;Yet again, the public deserves an explanation of the lengths this administration went to in order to accommodate the world`s leading state sponsor of terrorism.&quot; 
 
Republicans had alleged that Iran would use a sanctions windfall worth hundreds of billions of dollars to fund terrorism. 
 
Trump issued a statement on what he called the &quot;terror money airlift,&quot; saying the money would &quot;undoubtedly find its way into the hands of terrorists.&quot; 
 
Earnest pushed back on Republicans&#39; assertions. 
 
&quot;People who made that prediction were either badly misinformed or lying to the American public, and I`ll leave it to them to explain why their predictions didn`t come true,&quot; he said. 
 
The White House and independent experts have insisted the funds would be much less than Republicans predicted and most of the cash would have to be spent on fixing Iran`s economy. 
 
&quot;We know that Iran supports Hezbollah and the Assad regime, and it certainly is possible that some of the money that Iran has is being used for those purposes, too,&quot; said Earnest. 
 
&quot;But the bulk of the money we know has been going to shoring up their economic weakness, and that`s exactly what we predicted.&quot; 
 
&quot;They used that money to prop up their currency that had been significantly devalued by the sanctions regime.&quot; 
 
The House Oversight Committee Wednesday requested in a letter to secretary of state John Kerry that he testify before the panel about the &quot;contemporaneous hostage release and cash delivery.&quot; 
 
The State Department said it had received the note and would respond. 
 
(AFP)

Iran had transferred $400 million into US account in 1979 when states had no banking relations with it, explained White House spokesperson

The White House on Wednesday denied renewed accusations that it paid Iran ransom for the release of four American prisoners, carrying a tidal wave of condemnations from Republicans. Amid revelations that the US helped airlift $400 million worth of Swiss Francs and Euros to Iran after a prisoner release, the White House insisted the two were not linked. In January, five American prisoners were released as Washington granted clemency to seven Iranians and withdrew arrest warrants for 14 others. Within hours President Barack Obama announced he had also agreed to repay $1.7 billion owed to Tehran -- one of a string of agreements that followed a deal to curb Iran's nuclear program. The White House said it was returning cash from a 1970s Iranian military order that was not fulfilled because of the Islamic Revolution. On Tuesday the Wall Street Journal reported a chunk of that cash was loaded on wooden pallets and secretly airlifted to Iran in an unmarked cargo plane. "This $400 million is actually money that the Iranians had paid into a US account in 1979 as part of a transaction to procure military equipment," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest. "The fact of the matter is the United States does not have a banking relationship with Iran," Earnest said, explaining the airlift. Earnest heatedly denied accusations that a ransom was paid. "It is against the policy of the United States to pay ransom for hostages." Republicans, who have spent weeks reeling from scandals over the party's presidential nominee Donald Trump, leapt at the opportunity to go on the attack. "If true, this report confirms our longstanding suspicion that the administration paid a ransom in exchange for Americans unjustly detained in Iran," said house speaker Paul Ryan. "It would also mark another chapter in the ongoing saga of misleading the American people to sell this dangerous nuclear deal." "Yet again, the public deserves an explanation of the lengths this administration went to in order to accommodate the world`s leading state sponsor of terrorism." Republicans had alleged that Iran would use a sanctions windfall worth hundreds of billions of dollars to fund terrorism. Trump issued a statement on what he called the "terror money airlift," saying the money would "undoubtedly find its way into the hands of terrorists." Earnest pushed back on Republicans' assertions. "People who made that prediction were either badly misinformed or lying to the American public, and I`ll leave it to them to explain why their predictions didn`t come true," he said. The White House and independent experts have insisted the funds would be much less than Republicans predicted and most of the cash would have to be spent on fixing Iran`s economy. "We know that Iran supports Hezbollah and the Assad regime, and it certainly is possible that some of the money that Iran has is being used for those purposes, too," said Earnest. "But the bulk of the money we know has been going to shoring up their economic weakness, and that`s exactly what we predicted." "They used that money to prop up their currency that had been significantly devalued by the sanctions regime." The House Oversight Committee Wednesday requested in a letter to secretary of state John Kerry that he testify before the panel about the "contemporaneous hostage release and cash delivery." The State Department said it had received the note and would respond. (AFP)

US says it did not pay ransom to Iran

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