News from Volkia

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Police: Izumrud shooting was act of domestic terrorism

2:42 pm | Saturday, January 1, 2022 | The Afternoon online edition

IZUMRUD - In a joint press conference with the Izumrud Police, the Volkian Federal Police confirmed that Friday night’s mass shooting in Eagle Park was an act of domestic terrorism.

According to a spokesperson for the VFP, four men allegedly parked their red SUV on the street near the entrance to Eagle Park before arming themselves with assault rifles before launching an attack against police officers and civilians. Officer Gavriil Kachanov was killed and Officer Vera Pletneva was critically injured when they attempted to stop the four men from entering the park.

The attack lasted for approximately seven minutes and ended when tactical police units arrived on the scene. They engaged in a firefight that lasted for approximately ten minutes before it came to an end. One suspect was killed, one was wounded, and the remaining two were taken into custody without injury.

The shooting resulted in the deaths of 14 people (13 civilians, one police officer, and one perpetrator) and injured 82, 23 of which have critical injuries.

The Izumrud Police announced the names of the suspects and their charges Saturday morning:

• Maksim Malyutin, aged 35. Shot and killed by officers of the Izumrud Special Response Team.

• Igor Olesha, age 29.

• Mark Annensky, age 27.

• Valery Godunov, age 26.

The three surviving suspects have been charged with 13 counts of first degree murder, one count of felony murder, possession of unlawful ammunition, and possession of an unlawful firearm. The Izumrud District Attorney has said more charges will be added in the coming days as the number of victims are finalized and as the investigation continues.

The gunmen allegedly have ties to the religious cult Yarkiye, who was responsible for Volkia’s deadliest terror attack in 2006, though the police nor the district attorney’s office have confirmed this.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Izumrud shooting: Police arrest three in raid on home, secure firearms and ammunition

1:12 pm | Tuesday, January 3, 2022 | The Afternoon online edition

IZUMRUD - Three individuals, two men and one woman, were arrested by police in an early morning raid in the quiet east side neighborhood of Sapphire Hills.

Federal Police and the Izumrud Police Department executed a search warrant on the house believed to belong to shooting suspect Igor Olesha at approximately 3 am Tuesday morning. Among those arrested is the brother of Igor Olesha.

Police say they located several hundred rounds of ammunition in various calibers, two assault rifles, and a 9mm handgun.

Georgii Olesha (21), Matvei Okulov (24), and Galina Kutuzova (19) were taken into custody and will be arraigned Thursday morning. Olesha and Kutuzova were charged with criminal possession of a firearm, while Okulov has been charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. Jekaterina Yulova, a spokesperson for the Federal Police, indicated that more charges could be coming for the trio due to the nature of some documents recovered from the house.

“We are continuing to investigate the heinous acts that took place on 12/31 and will continue working with our local partners. These arrests are just the first step to finding the truth and bringing all responsible parties to justice,” Yulova stated.

Allegations that those arrested are members of the Yarkiye terrorist organization and religious cult have not been confirmed by officials.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Federal prosecutors confirm suspected Yarkiye involvement in Izumrud shooting, announce new charges and indictments

2:02 pm | Friday, January 14, 2022 | The Afternoon online edition

IZUMRUD - Federal prosecutors in charge of the Izumrud shooting case confirmed the link between Yarkiye leadership and the terrorist attack Friday morning.

Federal Attorney Stefan Tikhonravov confirmed outside the District of Vladinsk Federal Courthouse that the federal government had linked known Yarkiye leadership to the alleged attackers that engaged in the shooting on 12/31. “We have evidence that suggests Yarkiye’s leadership was intimately involved in organizing the attack in Izumrud as retaliation for the execution of the group’s founder, Lukyan Yolkin,” Tikhonravov told reporters on Friday morning.

In light of the new evidence that currently remains sealed by the federal court, Tikhonravov announced that two known Yarkiye deputy leaders who were previously under surveillance were arrested Wednesday evening in Tulunsky. Osya Polakoff (57) and Timur Khlopin (54) were arrested by Federal Police and charged with conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit terrorism, various gun charges, and providing support to a terrorist organization. They were arraigned Friday morning and are being held without bond.

Georgii Olesha (21), Matvei Okulov (24), and Galina Kutuzova (19), the three individuals arrested at suspect Igor Olesha’s home last Tuesday, were rebooked and charged with conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit terrorism, and with providing support to a terrorist organization. All three are being held without bond.

Tikhonravov revealed that the government had identified Evgeny Tsitsyanov as the new leader of Yarkiye, who has since gone into hiding following Yolkin’s hanging on November 19, 2021. The 87 count indictment alleges that Tsitsyanov was the primary mastermind of the Izumrud shooting, and he allegedly provided financial support to purchase the weapons used in the shooting.

“We are still trying to determine Tsitsyanov’s whereabouts, but I promise that we will capture him. You cannot hide from justice in Volkia. I urge anyone who may know where he is to notify the police. The federal government is offering a reward of up to 5,000,000 kron for information that leads to Tsitsyanov’s capture, so please, help us keep Volkia safe and secure. Help us find him,” Tikhonravov said as the press conference ended.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

2022 Election Results: SDU strengthens control with Chamber restructuring

12:54 pm | Wednesday, July 13, 2022 | The Afternoon online edition

VOLKGORODA - In a major electoral victory, the Social Democratic Union (SDU) gained seats in the Federal Council and an expanded Chamber of Deputies.

The number of people’s deputies in the Chamber was increased from 472 to 505 following the 2020 National Census, and provided the SDU an opportunity to expand in new electoral districts. Controlling a total of 283 of 505 seats in the Chamber and 48 of 78 in the Federal Council, the SDU will continue enjoying an absolute majority in the National Assembly.

The Conservatives also saw a large increase at the expense of the smaller national parties, increasing their numbers to 155 of 505 seats in the Chamber and 21 of 78 in the Federal Council. The Conservative Party remains the largest opposition party in the National Assembly and joins forces with the Monarchist Union Party, who secured four seats in the Chamber.

The smaller national parties saw their seats reduced, losing voters to the SDU and Conservatives.

The 68th National Assembly will be sworn in on August 1 and begin their first session that same day. The full results of the elections are shown below:

Federal Council

Social Democrats

48

Conservatives

21

Liberals

5

Socialists

4

Chamber of Deputies

Social Democrats

283

Conservatives

155

Liberals

26

Socialists

21

Greens

12

Monarchists

4

Independents

4

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Chief Justice Yuliya Danilova retires from Supreme Federal Court

4:31 pm | Monday, January 9, 2023 | The Afternoon online edition

VOLKGORODA - Chief Justice Yuliya Danilova celebrated her 70th birthday today and officially retired as the Chief Justice of the Federal Supreme Court, reaching the Court’s mandatory retirement age.

A Volkgoroda native, Danilova spent over 45 years in the Volkian legal system across a variety of positions. She served for eight years as an assistant district attorney for Volkgoroda, as well as the city’s District Attorney for an additional eight years.

Following her retirement from the District Attorney’s office, she was selected to be the nation’s first female solicitor general by President Ramazanov in 1994. Four years later, she was tapped by President Avilov to join the federal bench as a judge for the Federal District Court for the District of Volkgoroda; she remained in this post for nearly 11 years.

In 2009 at age 56, she was tapped by President Kreskov to become the country’s first female Chief Justice; a position she would remain in until her retirement today. She was the highest ranking female government official until President Surkova’s election in 2016.

Even though she has reached the mandatory retirement age, Danilova is permitted to sign off on rulings until her successor is confirmed.

Danilova’s legacy includes judgments on the country’s constitutional framework, personal rights and securities, and a strengthening of federal power.

In a written statement President Surkova thanked Danilova for her long service to the Volkian justice system at both the local and federal levels. Surkova noted that Danilova’s judicial accomplishments should be celebrated and are “unparalleled in Volkian law.”

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Chamber of Deputies censures Dep. Sergei Saltkyov for revanchist and speciest comments

5:58 pm | Monday, July 10, 2023 | The Afternoon online edition

VOLKGORODA - The Chamber of Deputies voted Monday morning to censure Uzlavoya Oblast Deputy Sergei Saltkyov for comments he made online last week about the Blaskovian Isles of Ragnaeyjr and their elven inhabitants.

Saltkyov becomes the 17th Deputy to be censured. He remained defiant ahead of the vote, saying that he “shouldn’t be punished for speaking the truth.” He was silent on the Chamber floor while the resolution was read, formally censuring him.

The Deputy made speciest comments about elves before specifically targeting the Blaskovian elves of the Isles of Ragnaeyjr. He also hinted at utilizing the Volkian military to seize the Isles and “purge the Westward Islands and take what’s ours.”

The Isles of Ragnaeyjr, known as the Westward Islands in Volkian nationalist circles, were annexed by Blaskog towards the end of the Volkian Civil War in 1888. In a 2020 poll, roughly 81% of Volkians consider the ownership of the islands as “settled.”

The final vote was 476-29, with the vast majority of members rebuking the self-proclaimed Volkian nationalist. The censure is a rare rebuke of a Chamber lawmaker and was led by leadership in Saltkyov’s own party.

The Nationalist Faction of the Social Democratic Union, which Saltkyov is a member of, remained supportive of the controversial Deputy and showed no signs of levying a punishment against him. However, party leadership indicated they were considering expulsion from the SDU.

President Surkova indicated Monday afternoon that she was supportive of the resolution, and was “pleased the Chamber is taking steps to deal with dangerous ideas from certain deputies.”

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Storms cause widespread flooding in northwestern Orlik Oblast

5:28 pm | Monday, September 4, 2023 | The Afternoon online edition

YADRIN - Several towns in northwestern Orlik Oblast saw widespread flooding after several days of relentless rain in the mountains.

The Cedar Ridge River burst its banks following the storms, flooding nearby towns and causing widespread road and bridge closures. Kirishi, a town of approximately 50,000 that sits on the river near the border with Uzlovaya Oblast, has seen some of the worst of the flooding.

Local and provincial authorities have already declared a state of emergency within the region. President Surkova declared a state of emergency Saturday night to make federal disaster funds available to the affected areas. Surkova also deployed the Home Guard and the Emergency Situations Management Agency (ESMA) to Orlik Oblast.

Floodwaters have caused extensive property damage to the area’s towns and roadways, submerging homes, washing out roads and bridges, and displacing families. Local businesses, schools, and critical infrastructure have also been damaged by the flooding, with initial damage estimates reaching nearly Ӄ50 million. At least 12 people are dead, with an additional 42 missing. Authorities are expecting both of those numbers to increase as the floodwaters recede.

Emergency response teams, firefighters, paramedics, and volunteers have been working round the clock to rescue stranded individuals and provide essential services. Helicopters and boats from the Home Guard are being used to access hard-to-reach areas and deliver supplies to those cut off by floodwaters. Shelters have been set up to accommodate those displace by the disaster.

Kirishi Mayor Nikolai Voronin expressed gratitude for the resilience and solidarity displayed by Kirishians during the flooding. “Our community has never been tested like this, but we have shown that our spirit is unwavering. Kirishians are helping each other, and we will make it out of this.”

Voronin also thanked provincial and federal authorities for their assistance with the disaster, adding “Our partners in the provincial and federal governments continue to stand by us and provide us with everything we need. Kirishi thanks you.”

Floodwaters had started to recede by Monday morning, with the true cost of the flooding still to be determined.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

7 dead, 56 injured in multi-car pileup on M9 in Norindzhik

1:33 pm | Monday, October 30, 2023 | The Afternoon online edition

KOVDOR - A car spun out of control in snow and heavy fog on the M9 in Norindzhik Sunday evening, causing a chain reaction crash that involved at least 89 vehicles and killed at least seven people.

At least 56 people were injured in the collisions in the White Mountain foothills and were transported to local area hospitals.

The accident occurred about 6:20 pm during the area’s first major snowstorm of the season, forcing the closure of the M9 in both directions. The southbound lanes re-opened relatively quickly, but the northbound lanes were closed until 1:30 am Monday morning.

The pileup began when a car spun out in the northbound lanes and was struck by other vehicles as the driver attempted to turn around, the Norindzhik Provincial Police said. No charges are expected to be filed.

Approximately 12 inches of snow fell in the foothills of the White Mountains Sunday evening.

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Kodinsk City FC upsets Volkgoroda United in dramatic Premier Championship Final

12:23 pm | Monday, October 30, 2023 | The Afternoon online edition

VOLKGORODA - Kodinsk City FC upset President’s Trophy winners Volkgoroda United in a thrilling match that was decided by a last-minute goal in the Premier Championship Final.

The game’s first half saw numerous near-misses from both sides, with both teams eventually finding the back of the goal to tie the game at 1-1 by halftime. The second half was equally exciting, with Volkgoroda and Kodinsk City’s goalkeepers denying every scoring attempt.

In the 89th minute, a perfectly placed cross found the head of Kodinsk City’s striker, Nikolai Karpov, who managed to slip the ball past Volkgoroda’s goalkeeper, Denis Gusev. That goal gave Kodinsk City the lead, 3-2 and ultimately the win as Volkgoroda United was unable to find an equalizer.

The win is Kodinsk City FC’s first championship with plans for their victory parade to be announced.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Incident at Volkgoroda International Airport leaves one man dead, officer injured

4:25 pm | Sunday, December 17, 2023 | The Reflector: Online Edition

VOLKGORODA - Transportation officers of the Federal Police assigned to Volkgoroda International Airport shot and killed a man at the Terminal A security checkpoint on Saturday.

Officers were performing routine identity document checks when a man, identified as Nikolai Voronin (aged 42) produced a utility knife and charged one of the officers. Voronin knocked the officer, who has not yet been identified, to the ground. He stabbed the officer several times before being shot by two other officers who began providing both the injured officer and Voronin with medical treatment.

The officer is expected to survive their injuries. Voronin was pronounced dead on the scene. The incident resulted in the closure of Terminal A for three hours while the incident was investigated; flights were rerouted to Terminal B.

Police are still investigating a motive, but do not believe the attack was motivated by terrorism.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Volkians go to the polls to select the country’s next president

7:08 am | Sunday, June 16, 2024 | The Reflector: Online Edition

VOLKGORODA - Polls have now opened across Volkia as voters prepare to decide the country’s next president.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will also serve as drop-off locations for mail ballots.

In addition to president, voters will be choosing their representatives in the Chamber of Deputies, a third of the Federal Council, as well as multiple local and provincial leadership offices.

Election workers can begin counting votes after 10 a.m. on Election Day, however unofficial results will not be released until after polls close to ensure all voters have cast their ballot.

If a presidential candidate does not reach over 50% of the vote, the top two candidates will advance to the runoff election that is scheduled for June 30.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Kovalenko, Petrov headed to runoff on June 30

8:08 am | Monday, June 17, 2024 | The Reflector: Online Edition

VOLKGORODA - With 99% of the votes counted, the National Elections Commission announced that Kirill Kovalenko (SDU) and Andrei Petrov (KP) will advance to the runoff election scheduled for June 30.

All candidates fell short of the more than 50% of valid votes needed to avoid a run-off, triggering the scheduled runoff election. Additionally, multiple Federal Council and Governor candidates fell short of reaching 50% in their elections, and the top candidates in those elections will be on the ballot as well.

Kovalenko, the two time championship-winning hockey player turned politician, finished first with 37.90% of the vote. Kovalenko first came to national prominence through his hockey career and charity work with the Kovdor Falcons. After his retirement, he briefly served as a people’s deputy in the National Assembly and was elected to the lead the city of Kovdor as its mayor in 2016. He is one of Volkia’s most popular mayors in terms of approval rating, and led the revitalization of downtown Kovdor which brought millions into the city’s economy. Kovalenko has stated he plans on continuing economic and social policies in line with the Social Democratic Union’s platform and supports additional military spending to “reaffirm Volkia’s place in the region.” Kovalenko is a member of the SDU’s National People’s Caucus.

Petrov, the senior senator from Olyutorsk Oblast and the Minority Leader in the Federal Council, outperformed the polls and finished second with 35.84% of the vote. Petrov won the most votes for a Conservative politician in a presidential election in nearly five decades. As senator, Petrov fought to loosen regulations across Volkia’s mining, fishing, and timber industries, though his party’s minority in the National Assembly has largely prevented any reduction in regulations from taking place. Petrov has also been a vocal supporter of reintroducing religion into schools either through the establishment of religious schools or converting some current public schools into religious ones.

Anastasia Smirnova (SLL), Olga Kravchenka (LP), and Alexei Novikov (GP), have endorsed Kovalenko following their elimination in the election. Independent politicians Vladimir Melnyk and Maria Bondarenka have endorsed Petrov, while Artur Kamenev refused to endorse either candidate and has claimed, without evidence, that the election was rigged against him.

Volkians indicated their top concerns this election cycle are the economy (56%), the environment (54%), and hunger and homelessness (52%).

SDU loses Chamber of Deputies majority for the first time in 34 years

8:18 am | Monday, June 17, 2024 | The Reflector: Online Edition

VOLKGORODA - With almost every vote counted, the Social Democratic Union (SDU) has won 215 seats in the Chamber of Deputies; the party fell 36 seats short needed for a majority in the chamber.

While the party no longer has a majority on its own, it is widely expected that the SDU will enter into a coalition with the Socialist Labor League (SLL). The SLL had supported the SDU through the trifecta years. “We’re of course disappointed with the results, but Volkians can sleep easy at night knowing their government will still be able to fulfill what’s best for them,” Stefania Nevzorova, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, told reporters as the results were confirmed.

The Conservative Party made gains, winning more seats than they did in 2022 for a total of 184 seats. “The Volkian people have spoken and indicated that they are continuing to grow tired of the ruling party’s policies that have brought us to economic stagnation. I expect them to speak even louder on June 30,” presidential candidate Andrei Petrov (KP) said in a speech at his campaign headquarters following the announcement of the presidential election results.

Volkians indicated their top concerns this election cycle are the economy (56%), the environment (54%), and hunger and homelessness (52%).

Hypothetical polls between Petrov and Kovalenko conducted during the initial campaign cycle shows Kovalenko leading Petrov by almost 10 points.

The full Federal Council results are still unknown, as most of the 26 seats up for election this cycle will be heading to the runoff election on June 30. The SDU currently holds a majority in the Federal Council, and has a candidate in each of the runoff contests.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Kovalenko defeats Petrov in runoff, securing SDU rule in Volkia

05:22 am | Monday, July 1, 2024 | The Reflector: Online Edition

VOLKGORODA - Kirill Kovalenko has defeated Andrei Petrov in the June 30 presidential runoff election with 53.66% of the vote.

The National Elections Commission announced this morning that Kovalenko secured 15,757,351 votes to Petrov’s 13,584,512, defeating the sitting Senator and capturing the presidency for the Social Democratic Union (SDU) once again.

Kovalenko thanked his supporters in his victory speech and emphasized continued unity and progress. “I will never stop working for you and the betterment of Volkia. My administration will ensure that Volkia remains a place where everyone is equal.”

Petrov conceded defeat after the official results were announced and congratulated Kovalenko in a private phone call. In a speech to his supporters, Petrov reaffirmed his belief that the Conservative Party was on the cusp of winning power in Volkia.

“The winds are changing,” he told supporters, referencing the nearly 50 new seats won by the Conservatives and their coalition partners in the general election last month. “We will support the government when they act in the best interests of Volkia, and will actively fight against policies and initiatives that will hurt Her.”

The election saw a robust turnout with 82.48% of voters casting a vote in the runoff, the second-highest turnout in Volkian presidential election history.

Additionally, the SDU won 12 of the 26 available seats in the Federal Council - losing three to the Liberal Party (3) and Socialist Labor League (4). The Conservative Party won seven seats. The SDU remains in control of the Federal Council, holding 45 of the 78 seats.

Kovalenko becomes the first former professional athlete to become president-elect and one of the youngest presidents. Kovalenko’s running mate, Tatyana Alikhanova, will become the country’s first female vice president.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Kovalenko sworn in as 21st president of Volkia

4:45 pm | Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | The Afternoon online edition

VOLKGORODA – Kirill Andreyevich Kovalenko was sworn in today as the 21st President of the Volkian Federative Republic, using his Inaugural Address to call on Volkians to come together to face slowing economic growth and a higher cost of living, as well as to strengthen Volkia’s position in the region. He also made pointed remarks directed at politicians and lobbyists whom he said had weakened Volkians’ trust in their government.

The 49-year-old Mayor of Kovdor and former hockey star, once considered a long shot for the presidency, took the oath of office under a clear blue sky from Chief Justice Pyotr Lapunov. President Yuliya Surkova and former presidents Konstantin Ramazanov, Artyom Avilov, and Zakhar Kreskov looked on from their seats in front of the National Assembly Building.

Mr. Kovalenko’s wife, Irina Solovyova, held the Kovalenko family’s Lunar Book while he recited the oath of office at 11:57 A.M., with his children, Dominik and Anastasiya, standing at his right. He then spoke for 20 minutes to a sea of people stretching from Constitution Square into the surrounding green space.

Following his speech, the Kovalenkos briefly met with President Surkova and her husband, First Gentleman Daniil Katinov, before escorting them to the waiting Army helicopter that would take them home to Zuyevka.

The Kovalenkos then attended the Inaugural Luncheon, meeting with members of the National Assembly, government agencies, dignitaries, and friends and family. After the conclusion of the Luncheon, Mr. Kovalenko signed several executive orders and nomination papers for his Cabinet appointees.

Mr. Kovalenko then reviewed troops before leading a procession of military regiments, citizen groups, marching bands, and floats down Osinsky Street to the Presidential Palace. He and his wife walked the last few blocks to greet members of the public, who shook their hands and took selfies.

Once at the Presidential Palace, the Kovalenkos watched the remainder of the Inaugural Parade before settling into their new residence for the next four years.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Chamber of Deputies advances bill to expand voting rights

3:11 pm | Friday, October 11, 2024 | The Afternoon online edition

VOLKGORODA - The Chamber of Deputies voted Friday morning to send the Expanded Voting Rights Bill to the Federal Council, marking a win for advocates of expanding the current mail-in voting system.

The bill, which passed 306-194, aims to expand voter accessibility by allowing all eligible citizens to vote ahead of Election Day by mail. Current electoral law limits mail-in voting to those with physical limitations or disabilities and the elderly.

Proponents argue that it would make voting easier for Volkians, especially those that may struggle to make it to the ballot box but do not qualify for mail-in voting. “This is a victory for the Volkian that has been in the making for a long time,” said Deputy Bohdan Hrytsenko (SLL-Abarsk) after the vote. Hrytsenko introduced the bill after the previous version died in committee in the Chamber’s previous session.

Opponents of the bill voiced concerns over logistical challenges and security risks with implementing expanded mail-in voting. “We’ve never had turnout issues in recent elections. If you look at the data, every one has had turnout above 75 or 80 percent. This is merely a distraction by the SDP and SLL because they don’t have any real ideas on how to fix Volkia,” Deputy Mykola Chernenko (KP-Osinsky) said of the vote Friday morning.

The bill advances to the Federal Council for consideration.

Bold jewelry heist ends in deadly high-speed chase

3:18 pm | Friday, October 11, 2024 | The Afternoon online edition

PETROVSKOYE - A group of thieves orchestrated a daring robbery at a high-end jewelry store in Petrovskoye’s downtown last night, making off with nearly Ӄ3.25 million ($2.1 million) in gold and jewelry before taking police on a deadly high-speed chase.

According to the police report, a group of five armed men entered Havrylyuk Jewelers as the owner, Oleksandr Havrylyuk, was preparing to close for the night. The men ordered Havrylyuk to open the store’s safes and emptied them of their gold and cash. They also smashed open display cases and took jewelry and watches before tying Havrylyuk up and leaving the scene. A passerby noticed the masked gunmen leave the store and get into a black SUV, calling police once they drove away.

An hour after the robbery, Petrovskoye Metro Police located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop where someone inside the vehicle opened fire on the officer once they came to a stop. The officer, who was uninjured, returned fire as the SUV drove away. Petrovskoye police units pursued the vehicle as an Osinsky Provincial Police helicopter and units joined in once the SUV entered the highway.

The pursuit came to an end outside Petrovskoye when officers conducted a PIT maneuver on the SUV, causing it to rollover and eject one of the suspects. Officers took the men still in the vehicle into custody and the ejected suspect was airlifted to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The surviving suspects were booked on kidnapping, aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, attempt murder, evading police, among other charges.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Federal Council sends expanded mail-in voting rights bill to Koramlo’s desk

10:17 AM | Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | Vretmir Times online

VRETMIR - The Federal Council passed the Expanded Voting Rights Bill on Tuesday morning, sending it to President Koramlo’s desk to be signed.

The bill passed largely along ideological lines, 51-25. All Conservatives, two Liberals, and four Social Democrats voted against the bill while 41 Social Democrats, all Socialists, and four Liberals voted for the bill.

President Koramlo indicated that he was in support of the bill in its early stages, and stated that he would sign the bill into law. With Koramlo’s signature, the bill would go into effect January 1, 2025 and all eligible voters will be able to vote by mail for the 2026 general election.

Police make arrests at Eastern Mining headquarters

4:17 PM | Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | Vretmir Times online

KALTAVINA - Police executed a surprise raid on Eastern Mining’s company headquarters in Kaltavina Tuesday morning. The arrests were part of a joint operation by Kaltavina municipal police, the Federal Police, and the Directorate-General for Taxation following years of legal disputes and allegations of tax evasion.

Eastern Mining, one of the largest mining companies in Volkia, saw its stock price drop nearly 20% after the company confirmed reports that authorities raided their headquarters with inspectors from the Directorate-General for Taxation. Current CEO Ajeko Vatar and CFO Marič Vranikojan were led out of the building in handcuffs.

The arrests come a year after the federal government won a major legal battle against the company, securing a Ӄ255 million consent decree for unpaid taxes and royalties following an audit by the Directorate-General for Taxation. Auditors discovered Eastern Mining had quietly skipped royalty payments and underreported its income from 2019 to 2023. Eastern Mining agreed to pay Ӄ255 million over the next two years on top of their regular tax and royalty payments. The company would also be required to submit quarterly royalty certifications signed by the CEO and CFO and provide a Ӄ50 million standby letter of credit.

According to court documents, federal investigators began compiling evidence just weeks after Eastern Mining skipped its first court-ordered payment in January 2024. Over the next nine months, agents documented at least 21 additional missed payments and obtained internal emails showing executives knowingly and willfully diverted funds earmarked for federal tax and royalty obligations. The federal grand jury returned its sealed indictment in October 2024, which was unsealed Tuesday following the arrests.

The Ministry of Justice and Attorney General said in a press release that the firm had defaulted on the deal, missing three quarterly installments and submitting “blatantly fictitious” sales figures that underreported Eastern Mining’s income by millions. Federal Attorney Lumin Sprackona told reporters that “corporations should know by now that we won’t let them rob the people of this country blind.”

Eastern Mining’s board of directors announced via press release that Vatar and Vranikojan had been terminated from their positions and appointed interim leadership, effectively immediately. The board stated that “[the Board] had zero knowledge of, nor did it authorize, any of the activities described in the indictment” and that “Eastern Mining will cooperate fully with the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, the Department of Finance, and the Directorate-General for Taxation to ensure the Company is fully compliant with all federal laws and regulations.” Eastern Mining spokesperson Pavaka Aratgjorn told reporters that “we will be launching our own comprehensive internal investigation, as well as completing a full forensic audit of the company’s financials.”

Vatar and Vranikojan were arraigned hours after their arrests, at which point they pled not guilty. They were released on Ӄ3 million and Ӄ7 million respectively and ordered to surrender their passports. They were also ordered to not leave the province without permission and placed on electronic monitoring.

Vatar faces up to 15 years imprisonment for eight felony charges, including one count of conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, one count of false statements, two counts of obstruction, and two counts of theft of government funds charges. Vranikojan is facing up to 35 years imprisonment for 18 felony charges, including one count of conspiracy, four counts of tax fraud, four counts of resource royalty fraud, four counts of wire fraud, two counts of false statements, two counts of obstruction, and one count of theft of government funds.

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Federal Police arrest 74 in nationwide heating assistance and romance scams sting

6:22 PM | Thursday, October 16, 2025 | Vretmir Times

VRETMIR - The Federal Police Cybercrime Unit arrested 74 suspected cyberscammers in a nationwide sting operation across four provinces Thursday evening.

The operation targeted criminal networks using social media and fake websites to extract money from victims in romance scams, as well as scams targeting the elderly for “heating assistance.” More than 1,400 victims across Jatvina, Koljeka, and elsewhere were identified.

The Federal Police estimates the victims lost a combined total of almost $1.7 million (Ӄ2.3 million) in both cash, gift cards, and cryptocurrency.

People of various ages fell for the scammers, Captain Marata Ajekajan, head of the cybercrime unit told reporters, but “these types of scams typically affect older people.”

Scammers extracted payments using a range of schemes, including fake courier, fake customs shipment fees, and fake utility fees. “I want to make it clear that a utility company will never ask you to send money through cryptocurrency or gift cards.”

The Federal Police announced they had seized 12 bank accounts containing roughly $600,000 (Ӄ821,000).

Hratkal City Council makes decision on noise ordinance changes in Canal District

2:19 PM | Thursday, October 16, 2025 | Hratkal Journal

HRATKAL - Hratkal City will not make changes to its noise ordinance rules for the Canal District, according to the Hratkal City Council.

The city asked businesses in the Canal District if they thought that the district’s exemption from the city’s noise chapter should be removed. The survey came after several complaints from businesses regarding the “amplified sound levels” outside some other businesses.

Under the existing noise order, events beginning Sunday through Wednesday cannot extend past 11 pm. For events beginning Thursday through Saturday, they cannot extend past 2 am.

The city ran a survey phase through the end of September to review feedback and make a decision. Businesses received an email and online survey. Hratkal City Councilman Zrakič Skoninan released a statement Thursday regarding the city’s decision to not pursue any changes; his full statement is below.

“Based on feedback from our local businesses, Hratkal City will not be pursuing any changes to the noise ordinance exemption for the Canal District. The council appreciates those who took the time to respond and make their opinions known. From the feedback we received, the vast majority does not favor a change. The Canal District is a vibrant, home-grown area that we want to ensure remains energized for years to come.” - Hratkal City Councilman Zrakič Skoninan

[Southern_Yugoslavia]

Search warrant uncovers ‘biological lab’ in eastern Haloja

1:27 PM | Monday, February 2, 2026 | Vretmir Times

HALOJA - A joint investigation involving the Haloja Municipal Police Department and the Federal Police located what police are calling a “biological lab” on the east side of Haloja Sunday morning.

According to a press release from HMPD, police discovered the lab in a commercial space containing a beauty salon on Marjeka Ave after an anonymous tip stemming from a code violation. After code enforcement located a freezer containing what appeared to be illegal medical-type biological research materials, law enforcement was contacted and the Joint Counterterrorism Task Force took over.

The release said that the HMPD worked with the Federal Police, Jeksatam Provincial Police, and the Haloja Fire Department to serve a search warrant on the beauty salon and to recover the discovered items.

Multiple refrigerators and freezers were located in the back of house containing a “significant amount of vials and containers of unknown liquids and possible biological material,” the release said. Two centrifuges and other laboratory equipment was also recovered in a neighboring storage room.

More than 800 samples were collected and sent to a Federal Police lab for testing.

The press release also announced the arrest of the owner of the beauty salon - identified as Krazajo Pakljan, 49 - at his home, which was also searched by police. Authorities have not announced if anything of significance was found there.