The Institute of Strategic Risk Management, (ISRM) has released details of this week’s Global Crisis Watch, number 298, which takes place tomorrow Friday, October 25 at 10:00 BST.
This week, highlighted topics will include, North Korean soldiers arriving in Russia, Rudy Giuliani facing consequences following defamation case, the rise in cases of people affected by a flesh-eating bacteria in Florida following recent hurricanes, and illegal mining in Ghana. Read more about the topics, and register below.
North Korean soldiers arrive in Russia: potential escalation in Ukraine war
The United States has confirmed the presence of approximately 3,000 North Korean troops in Russia, raising concerns about their potential deployment in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that this development is “very, very serious” and reflects Russia’s manpower challenges amid its invasion of Ukraine. The North Korean soldiers reportedly arrived in Vladivostok from Wonsan and are currently training at military bases in eastern Russia.
There are indications that North Korea has promised to send a total of 10,000 troops, with deployments expected by December. South Korean intelligence has detected military training activities in North Korea since September, with Russian military instructors reportedly assessing North Korean troops’ capabilities and providing training in modern warfare tactics.
The situation has intensified concerns within the international community, prompting calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for allies to respond to potential North Korean involvement. U.S. officials, including National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, emphasized that any North Korean forces fighting in Ukraine would be legitimate targets for the Ukrainian military.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied previous allegations of troop movements and weapons transfers, but they continue to strengthen their military partnership amid escalating global tensions.
Rudy Giuliani faces consequences: Judge orders asset transfer following defamation case
A federal judge has ordered Rudy Giuliani to surrender his Manhattan penthouse and valuable possessions to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, two Georgia election workers he defamed. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman mandated that Giuliani transfer control of these assets to a receivership within seven days as part of a $150 million judgment stemming from a defamation case. Giuliani falsely accused Freeman and Moss of election fraud after the 2020 presidential election, leading to severe emotional distress and harassment for the pair.
The judge’s order includes Giuliani’s luxury items, such as a collection of watches, a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey, and a 1980 Mercedes previously owned by actress Lauren Bacall. However, the ruling does not yet determine whether he can keep his Palm Beach condo or New York Yankees World Series rings, as those claims are still under consideration. The women are also entitled to approximately $2 million in unpaid legal fees from Giuliani related to his work with the Trump campaign.
Giuliani’s defamation led to a jury awarding Freeman and Moss damages in December. His past actions have resulted in losing his law licenses and ongoing criminal charges. The ruling signals accountability for those spreading misinformation, according to the attorney representing Freeman and Moss.
Florida’s flesh-eating bacteria cases surge after hurricanes Helene and Milton
Florida is experiencing a rise in cases of the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus following the recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton. As of 2024, there have been 74 cases, matching the record set in 2022 during Hurricane Ian, with 13 deaths reported statewide. The surge is linked to floodwaters from the hurricanes mixing fresh and saltwater, creating brackish environments where the bacteria thrive. Vibrio vulnificus infects individuals through open wounds or consumption of contaminated seafood, causing rapid tissue destruction and potentially requiring limb amputation. It can be fatal, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions.
The Tampa Bay area has seen the most significant increase in cases, with Pinellas and Hillsborough counties reporting the highest numbers. Previously unaffected counties experienced outbreaks following Helene’s landfall on September 26. To mitigate risks, Florida’s health officials have issued advisories against swimming in floodwaters and recommended covering wounds with waterproof bandages if exposure occurs.
The bacteria cause symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and severe wound infections, which can escalate to life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis. Treatment includes antibiotics and, in extreme cases, amputation. The Florida Department of Health continues to monitor bacterial levels and advises residents to exercise caution in affected areas.
Ghana’s gold rush: Illegal mining fuels environmental crisis amid rising prices
Ghana is facing severe environmental and social issues due to illegal gold mining, known as galamsey. This practice has contaminated over 60% of the country’s water sources with mercury and other heavy metals, as per the Water Resources Commission. As the December general election approaches, galamsey has become a contentious issue, prompting widespread protests in the capital, Accra, against the environmental destruction and pollution linked to illegal mining.
Illegal mining activities, often conducted near water sources, involve harmful chemicals like mercury to extract gold, leading to widespread water contamination. Despite government crackdowns, including deploying soldiers and seizing equipment, illegal mining persists, degrading farmlands and cocoa plantations. In some cases, the pollution has been so severe that Ghana Water Ltd. has halted water supply to major areas.
Economically, gold is crucial for Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, especially as global prices rise. However, a significant portion of the country’s gold comes from unregistered small-scale mines, often smuggled out, bypassing formal refineries. Ghana seeks to gain more control by establishing the government-backed Royal Ghana Gold Refinery, aiming for accreditation by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) to certify its gold.
The LBMA’s rigorous standards could help Ghana compete globally, but currently, only a small fraction of gold from small-scale miners passes through accredited refineries. The illegal trade remains a major economic and security concern, linked to organized crime and smuggling.
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