10/21-10/27

Four men from Florida were sentenced to prison for their involvement in a nationwide conspiracy orchestrated by the Felony Lane Gang. The gang specialized in stealing checks, credit cards, and identification documents from vehicles, particularly targeting mothers who left their purses unattended while attending youth sporting events. The defendants were part of a network that operated across multiple states, using stolen identities to withdraw funds from victims' bank accounts. US Attorney's Office

In Mexico, a deadly attack on a convoy of police officers in the western state of Michoacán left at least 13 officers dead and several others injured. The ambush occurred as the officers were conducting a patrol in the municipality of Aguililla, a region known for cartel activity. The attack, believed to be carried out by members of a powerful drug cartel, underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Mexican authorities in combating organized crime and maintaining law and order in certain regions. The incident highlighted the persistent violence and danger that law enforcement personnel confront while carrying out their duties in areas plagued by drug-related violence and criminal activity. NY Times

In El Salvador, the number of deaths in prisons has been increasing amid a government crackdown on gangs. The crackdown, initiated by President Nayib Bukele, has led to a surge in confrontations between gang members and security forces within prisons. The rising death toll highlights the intensifying violence and the challenges of managing overcrowded and volatile prison facilities in the country. AP News

The United Nations has issued a demand for an end to the violence in Haiti and sanctioned a prominent gang leader amid ongoing unrest in the country. The move comes in response to escalating gang-related violence that has plagued Haiti, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The UN's decision to sanction the gang leader underscores the international community's efforts to address the root causes of insecurity in Haiti and hold those responsible for violence accountable. The demand for an end to violence reflects the urgent need for stability and security in the country to facilitate humanitarian assistance and socio-economic development. AP News

Kosovo's Prime Minister has accused a Serbian criminal gang with ties to the government of being responsible for a flare-up of tensions in September. The incident occurred amid heightened political tensions between Kosovo and Serbia over border disputes. AP News

In Acapulco, Mexico, the police chief, along with six officers, was slain during a brazen attack attributed to drug cartel violence. The incident occurred as the chief was preparing to address public safety concerns in the resort city. The attack highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Mexican authorities in combating drug-related violence and underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officials working in areas plagued by organized crime. Washington Post