New Study Shows Pfizer mRNA Vaccine Becomes DNA in Just 6 Hours, In Vitro

Since the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was first approved under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization on Dec. 11, 2020, the world has been told that the mRNA technology used in the vaccine would not integrate into or alter the DNA of those who took it.

There have been multiple “fact-checks” of this claim in multiple mainstream outlets like Reuters, Factcheck.org, and others. Many of them set out to debunk a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) pre-print study which made the claim that the novel coronavirus could modify human DNA but was misconstrued online by folks who claimed the vaccines altered DNA.

The issue became highly controversial as this study was not peer-reviewed and did not say anything about the actual vaccine. It was an easy case to be made by the fact checkers as the authors never set out to study the vaccines in the first place.

Now, however, that has all changed with the publishing of a new study out of Sweden in which the authors of the study claim to have found this very process. The study, titled “Intracellular Reverse Transcription of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 In Vitro in Human Liver Cell Line,” is not a pre-print and was peer-reviewed and published Current Issues in Molecular Biology 44, no. 3.

Researchers pointed out that this is the “first in vitro study on the effect of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 on human liver cell line.”

According to the researchers, “preclinical studies of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, showed reversible hepatic effects in animals that received the BNT162b2 injection. Furthermore, a recent study showed that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be reverse-transcribed and integrated into the genome of human cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of BNT162b2 on the human liver cell line Huh7 in vitro.”

The scientists exposed Huh7 liver cells, donated from a Japanese man, to BNT162b2 (the Pfizer vaccine) and subsequently performed a quantitative PCR test on the RNA extracted from the cells. The PCR test was used to amply the RNA material so the researchers could view the effect, if any, the vaccine had on the liver cells.

The observed effect was profound.

“We detected high levels of BNT162b2 in Huh7 cells and changes in gene expression of long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1), which is an endogenous reverse transcriptase,” the researchers wrote.

To put this in layman’s terms, the vaccine caused the nucleus of the cells to express, in an abnormal abundance, a LINE-1 gene (commonly referred to as a housekeeping gene due to their roles in the maintenance of basic cellular functions). The gene is Endogenous (meaning found within our bodies) and reverse transcriptase (meaning it can take a piece of RNA and covert that into DNA.)

In essence, the vaccine caused the liver cells to modify their expression and distribution in order to reverse transcribe the BNT162b2 (the Pfizer vaccine) mRNA into DNA — and it only took 6 hours.

“In this study we present evidence that COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 is able to enter the human liver cell line Huh7 in vitro. BNT162b2 mRNA is reverse transcribed intracellularly into DNA as fast as 6 h after BNT162b2 exposure. A possible mechanism for reverse transcription is through endogenous reverse transcriptase LINE-1, and the nucleus protein distribution of LINE-1 is elevated by BNT162b2.” the authors of the study said.

In the study, the authors do not draw conclusions as to the harmful effects of such a process but they do warn that is “may give rise to concern” to instances of “genotoxic side effects” and suggest further studies to rule out potentially carcinogenic or toxic effects.

“Our study shows that BNT162b2 can be reverse transcribed to DNA in liver cell line Huh7, and this may give rise to the concern if BNT162b2-derived DNA may be integrated into the host genome and affect the integrity of genomic DNA, which may potentially mediate genotoxic side effects,” warned the researchers.

They continued, “At this stage, we do not know if DNA reverse transcribed from BNT162b2 is integrated into the cell genome. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the effect of BNT162b2 on genomic integrity, including whole genome sequencing of cells exposed to BNT162b2, as well as tissues from human subjects who received BNT162b2 vaccination.”

“To better understand mechanisms underlying vaccine-related adverse effects, clinical investigations as well as cellular and molecular analyses are needed,” they added.

Below is a very informative video by Dr. Mobeen Syed (DrBeen), who explains the process more in depth.

https://thefreethoughtproject.com/new-study-pfizer-vaccine-integrate-dna-mrna/

Intracellular Reverse Transcription of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 In Vitro in Human Liver Cell Line

https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/44/3/73

Biden Dispatches Former Top Defense Officials To Taiwan After China Said "It's Not Ukraine"

Likely barely struggling to handle one rapidly developing crisis in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Biden administration could be stepping into another as it will dispatch a high level US delegation to Taiwan on Monday in a "gesture of support" - as one senior official quoted in Reuters put it.

The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under the Bush and Obama presidencies, Mike Mullen, will head up the team - and will be accompanied by former deputy national security advisors under Bush Michele Flournoy and Meghan O’Sullivan. The additional two officials are former senior National Security Council directors for Asia Evan Medeiros and Mike Green will also be on the trip.

"This is to demonstrate our support for Taiwan," a Biden official told Reuters. Additionally Taiwan recently revealed that Trump's former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Taipei in the first week of March, which is not connected with the official Biden delegation; instead, Pompeo is said to be visiting as a "private citizen" - though still without doubt it will be taken as provocative by Beijing.

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/biden-dispatches-former-top-defense-officials-taiwan-after-china-said-its-not-ukraine

US Bans Transactions With Russian Central Bank, Freezing Nearly Half Of Russia's $630BN In Reserves

Following in the footsteps of Europe, on Monday the Biden administration banned U.S. people and companies from doing business with the Bank of Russia, the Russian National Wealth Fund and the Ministry of Finance. The moves by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control will “effectively immobilize” any Russian central bank assets held in the U.S. or by U.S. nationals, according to a Treasury department statement.

According to the Treasury release, the U.S. also announced new penalties on a key Russian sovereign wealth fund, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, and its Chief Executive Officer, Kirill Aleksandrovich Dmitriev, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The announcements marked the latest blow in the West’s financial retaliation against Russia following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and are designed to shake an already staggering Russian financial system.

“The unprecedented action we are taking today will significantly limit Russia’s ability to use assets to finance its destabilizing activities, and target the funds Putin and his inner circle depend on to enable his invasion of Ukraine,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/us-bans-transactions-russian-central-bank-freezing-nearly-half-russias-630bn-reserves

Congressional Black Caucus Partners With Chinese Communist Party Influence Group.

Leading lawmakers are partnering with the most genocidal regime on the planet.

The Congressional Black Caucus partnered with a Chinese Communist Party influence group flagged for its efforts to malignly influence U.S. government policy on a virtual visit discussing “economic and trade cooperation,” The National Pulse can reveal.

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) counts membership from most African-American elected officials in Congress, including high profile representatives such as Rep. Maxine Waters and Sen. Cory Booker. Other members include the Somali-origin Rep. Ilhan Omar, January 6th Committee Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, and prior to becoming Vice President, the Indian-Jamaican origin Kamala Harris.

The caucus claims to tackle racism and “marginalization,” but, as The National Pulse has previously revealed, it collaborates with one of the most racist, repressive, and genocidal regimes in history: the Chinese Communist Party.

In addition to CBC members sending their student-age constituents on propaganda trips to China, the group also had its staff members participate in a “virtual visit” with the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) in December 2021.

“On December 14th, the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) and the US-Asia Institute co-hosted a Virtual Visit of the US Congressional Black Caucus Staffers,” explains the think tank’s website.

“The two sides exchanged views on issues such as US-China relations, US-China economic and trade cooperation and climate change,” added the CPIFA.

The CPIFA functions as part of China’s United Front Work Department, which the U.S.-China Security and Economic Review Commission identifies as Beijing’s operation “to co-opt and neutralize sources of potential opposition to the policies and authority of its ruling Chinese Communist Party” and “influence foreign governments to take actions or adopt positions supportive of Beijing.”

The U.S. State Department compares the United Front to the Chinese regime’s “magic weapon” to advance its preferred policies.

https://thenationalpulse.com/2022/02/28/cbc-partners-with-chinese-influence-group-on-virtual-visit/

US Closes Embassy in Belarus, Accusing Country of ‘Complicity in Russia’s War Against Ukraine’

The United States closed its embassy in the capital of Belarus, a neighbor of Ukraine, and all American staff have left the country, officials announced Feb. 28.

Belarus shares borders with Ukraine and Russia and has been letting the Russian military send troops through its space to bring attacks from additional fronts against Ukrainian forces, U.S. officials say.

“The Russians are clearly moving what they need to move inside their own country and in Belarus as they see fit,” a senior U.S. official told reporters over the weekend.

Julie Fisher, the U.S. special envoy for Belarus, said the move to close the embassy in Minsk came in part because of Belarus’s “complicity in Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

“Belarusian authorities have taken a series of hostile actions to limit [the embassy’s] ability to work with the Belarusian people and advance America’s interests, including forced staff reductions, closure of USAID Belarus and U.S. cultural center in Minsk,” she said, adding that the United States is still committed to the people of Belarus and will provide support from other diplomatic posts.

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, said the closure and allowing non-emergency employees and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Moscow was “due to security and safety issues stemming from the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine.”

Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 and has streamed additional troops into the country since then.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed directly to Belarus on Sunday, reportedly saying in a message that Belarus allowing Russia to launch attacks from its territory was “a de facto referendum for you, Belarusians.”

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said while voting Sunday that “the war should be ended today” and that Belarus doesn’t “have a single soldier” in Ukraine.

Lukashenko will ensure that all troops stationed in his country will remain there for the duration of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials that started in Gomel on Monday. Neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor Zelensky are present.

Vladimir Makei, the Belarusian foreign minister, told the officials who gathered that “you may feel absolutely safe” and that Lukashenko “hopes that during these talks today you will manage to find the solutions to all crucial issues.”

https://www.ntd.com/us-closes-embassy-in-belarus-accusing-country-of-complicity-in-russias-war-against-ukraine_745572.html

China Needs to Speak Up and Condemn Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: White House

The White House has called on the Chinese regime to publicly condemn Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, as Moscow continues its military aggression against its neighbor.

“This is not a time to stand on the sidelines. This is a time to be vocal, and condemn the actions of President Putin and Russia invading a sovereign country,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in an interview with MSNBC on Feb. 27.

She added that U.S. President Joe Biden has not spoken with Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently but did not rule out the two having talks in the future.

The press secretary also acknowledged that China has implemented some sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies against Russia. But she said that China should do more.

So far, China has publicly spoken in favor of Ukrainian sovereignty. However, the communist regime abstained from voting on a United Nations Security Council draft resolution on Feb. 25 that demanded Moscow stop its attack on Ukraine and withdraw its troops immediately.

Russia vetoed the resolution while India and the United Arab Emirates also abstained. The remaining 11 nations voted in favor of the text.

“This is really a moment for every country to decide what part of history they want to stand on,” she said. “But there’s also important steps for the Chinese leadership to look at themselves and really assess where they want to stand as the history books are written.”

Psaki’s comments came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his country’s nuclear deterrence forces to be on high alert.

“This is exactly the kind of manufactured threats that President Putin has been using since the beginning of this crisis to justify further aggressive action,” she said about Putin’s order.

She added: “So this is just an escalatory attempt to justify further action on their part. We have the ability, of course, to defend ourselves, as does NATO. But I think we all need to be very clear-eyed and call this out for what it is.”

Biden took a veiled swipe against China on Feb. 24 after Beijing rejected calling Russia’s military move against Ukraine an invasion.

“Putin will be a pariah on the international stage. Any nation that countenances Russia’s naked aggression against Ukraine will be stained by association,” Biden said, without naming China.

China is Russia’s biggest trade partner for both imports and exports. In 2020, the communist regime bought a third of Russia’s crude oil exports.

China’s hawkish state-run media Global Times, in an article published on Feb. 27, said that China maintains a “neutral stance” over the situation in Ukraine. The outlet lashed out at unnamed western countries for supplying arms to Ukraine, accusing them of further “escalating and extending the conflict to leave Russia mired in the mud of Ukraine.”

Australia, the European Union, Germany, Sweden, and the United States have all committed to sending weapons to Ukraine.

On Feb. 27, Ukraine’s health ministry said 352 civilians, among them 14 children, had been killed, while 1,684 people had been wounded, since the start of Russia’s invasion.

https://www.ntd.com/china-needs-to-speak-up-and-condemn-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-white-house_745593.html

Trump Vindicated: Germany to FINALLY Pay NATO Spending Requirements

Germany has lifted its ban on selling weapons to Ukraine and has committed to finally meet its NATO defence spending requirements after the Russian invasion, in a move vindicating long-standing criticism from former President Donald Trump.

After years of delinquency to meet its NATO obligations, Germany, the economic powerhouse of Europe has finally committed to spending at least 2 per cent of its GDP on defence spending.

Speaking before the Bundestag on Saturday, Chancellor Olof Scholz said: “From now on, more than 2 per cent of our GDP will be invested in our defence,” announcing that the German government will commit an additional €100 billion in this year’s budget towards the German military, the Bundeswehr.

While Germany has increased its defence spending over recent years, it has consistently failed to reach the NATO threshold, spending just 1.53 per cent on defence last year, according to NATO figures.

The state of the German armed forces was lambasted last week by the chief of the army, Alfons Mais who wrote that “the army that I am allowed to lead, is more or less bare.”

“The policy options we can offer in support of the Alliance are extremely limited. We all saw it coming and were unable to get our arguments through to draw and implement the conclusions of the Crimean annexation. That doesn’t feel good! I’m [disturbed]!” the army chief continued.

Germany has long been criticised for its failure to meet its NATO obligations while at the same time shipping billions to Russia in exchange for natural gas.

In July of 2018, President Trump said: “It is very sad when Germany makes a massive oil and gas deal with Russia, where we’re supposed to be guarding against Russia, and Germany goes and pays out billions and billions of dollars a year to Russia. We’re protecting Germany, we’re protecting France, we’re protecting all of these countries.”

“We’re paying a lot of money to protect, this has been going on for decades… it’s very unfair to our country, it’s very unfair to our taxpayers… these countries need to step it up, not over a ten year period, but immediately.”

The President also commented that because of a reliance on Russian gas, Germany had become “captive” to Putin’s regime. After years of controversy, the German government finally decided to block the opening of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline last week.

In an exclusive 2018 interview with Breitbart London, then-American Ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell described Germany’s commitment to NATO as “woeful”, saying: “Germany is the largest economy in Europe. They made a commitment to NATO, and they should be serious about that commitment; it is a multilateral institution that guarantees the allies, guaranteeing freedom.”

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2022/02/28/trump-vindicated-germany-to-finally-pay-its-nato-spending-requirements/

Ukraine President Calls for ‘Immediate’ EU Membership Under ‘Special Procedure’

President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling for both a ceasefire and for Ukraine’s “immediate” accession to the European Union as his government holds peace talks with a Kremlin delegation in the Russian client state of Belarus.

While the former Soviet Socialist Republic would not qualify for EU membership under normal circumstances, President Zelensky has said that he is “confident” that his country could be admitted to bloc “under a new special procedure”.

“We appeal to the European Union for Ukraine’s immediate accession under a new special procedure,” the comic actor turned wartime leader said at a press conference on Monday.

Zelensky said he was grateful to Ukraine’s “partners” in the European Union for their support so far — initially rather dubious but recently strengthened with an unprecedented plan to finance €500 million (£418,300,000/$561,160,000) in arms shipments — but said that his countrymen’s goal is to “stand alongside all Europeans and, most importantly to stand on their level” as EU citizens.

“I am confident that this is fair. I am confident that we deserve this. I am confident that all this is possible,” he added.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, had earlier told EU-funded media organisation Euronews on the subject of Ukrainian EU membership: “They belong to us. They are one of us and we want them in” — but preceded this with the caveat that this should happen “over time”.

Ukrainian membership of the EU in the current circumstances would not only present migratory and economic concerns, under its Free Movement migration regime and common budget, but w0uld also bring defence considerations, as its treaties include a NATO-style common defence clause requiring most member-states to assist any “victim of armed aggression on its territory” by “all the means in their power”.

The EU’s efforts to expand into Ukraine in the last decade arguably sowed the seeds of the current conflict, with the so-called Euromaidan movement overthrowing former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych in 2014 after he rejected a proposed EU Association Agreement in favour of a Russian deal, and Russia responding to the coup by annexing the Crimea and backing a pro-Russia separatist uprising in the Donbas.

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2022/02/28/ukraine-president-calls-immediate-eu-membership-under-special-procedure/

GRAPHIC VIDEO: Cartel Gunmen Execute 17 People at Funeral in Western Mexico

Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) gunmen lined up at least 17 victims and shot them during a funeral in western Mexico Sunday.

The case took place in Marcos Castellanos, Michoacan, where gunmen stormed a funeral service and forced mourners to line up against a wall before opening fire.

Viral videos captured the gruesome execution on social media.

One of the working law enforcement theories suggests the gunmen were targeting a former ally attending his mother’s funeral. The Michoacan Attorney General’s Office revealed that the bodies were removed and the scene was largely cleaned by the perpetrators. However, authorities did find bullet casings.

State and federal authorities have been unable to stop a fierce war in Michoacan between the CJNG and Carteles Unidos, an alliance of smaller regional organizations with proxy support from the Sinaloa Cartel.

https://www.breitbart.com/border/2022/02/28/graphic-video-cartel-gunmen-execute-17-people-at-funeral-in-western-mexico/

Toyota shuts down all Japanese production after being hacked

The halt affects 14 factories, a third of Toyota's global production.

The world's largest automaker is suspending production at a third of its factories, according to Reuters. Toyota says it will temporarily stop making cars at its Japanese factories after one of its suppliers was hacked.

The company in question is called Kojima Industries, which makes composite and plastic parts for Toyota, both for car interiors and also parts for Toyota's hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles. Reuters quotes a Toyota spokesperson who described the event as a "supplier system failure."

Consequently, on March 1, Toyota will halt 28 production lines at 14 factories across Japan.

Toyota is becoming quite the frequent target for hackers. It was compromised at least three times in 2019, including a malware attack in Australia, a breach of 3.1 million customers' data in Japan (and possibly Thailand and Vietnam), and a scam that cost a subsidiary $37 million.

Toyota was hacked again in 2021, this time via a US parts subsidiary, in an incident believed to be Russian in origin.

But it's also not the only automaker to have to halt production after being compromised. In 2020 we reported that Honda had to stop making cars at plants in Ohio and Turkey and cease production of motorcycles in India and South America.

Little more information is public about today's cyber attack, including any potential suspects. However, Japan's prime minister, Fumio Kishida, said that his government would investigate, including any possible links to Russia.

https://arstechnica.com/cars/2022/02/toyota-shuts-down-all-japanese-production-after-being-hacked/

Stunning Discovery – Evidence Suggests U.S. Intel Baited Russia in December by Telling China Ukraine Was Coming Into NATO

Yesterday, the New York Times reported on U.S. intelligence and diplomatic officials from the State Dept sharing intelligence with Chinese officials in the three months leading up to the Russian invasion. {Go Deep on Analysis} The narrative from the article tells the story of the U.S. trying to convince China in December, January and February to intervene and persuade Russia not to cross the border into Ukraine.

Many people have looked at this story from the perspective of incompetence, i.e. why would the Biden team think China would not share the intel, etc.

However, when it comes to these types of issues, never ascribe to incompetence that which can be explained by intent.

There’s every reason to believe what the Biden intelligence community and state department were sharing with China, was done with the intention of Beijing giving it to Moscow.

From that perspective, the question around intent becomes, what did they push and why did they push it?

Now we get to the story, quote and critical Reuters article from December of 2021. What was being said by Joe Biden to Ukraine President Vladimir Zelenskyy?

Reuters, December 9, 2021 – “U.S. President Joe Biden assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Kyiv’s bid to join the NATO military alliance was in its own hands, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff said after the two leaders spoke on Thursday.

Biden and Zelenskiy had a call two days after Biden held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to try to defuse a crisis over Russian troop movements near Ukraine’s borders. (read more)

In mid-December of 2021, Joe Biden was telling President Zelenskyy the entry of Ukraine into NATO was up to Ukraine. If they want in, they’re in.

This is a red line for Russia, Joe Biden knew it. Vladimir Putin had been very clear about his opposition, and everyone knew it. Russia would never concede allowing Ukraine to enter NATO.

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2022/02/26/stunning-discovery-evidence-suggests-u-s-intel-baited-russia-in-december-by-telling-china-ukraine-was-coming-into-nato/

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/christopherm51/american-nato-military-veterans-fight-russia-with-ukraine

Tulsi Gabbard: “It’s not actually a democracy… President shut down the three TV stations that were openly criticizing him… imprisoned the head of the opposition political party… All done with support of the United States.”

www.dw.com/en/ukraine-zelenskiy-bans-three-opposition-tv-stations/a-56438505

Ukraine: Zelenskiy bans three opposition TV stations

Ukraine’s pro-Western president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has signed decrees banning pro-Russian media outlets. The broadcasters had their licences revoked and are set to stay off the air for the next five years.

www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukrainian-court-rejects-request-arrest-ex-president-poroshenko-treason-case-2022-01-19/

Ukrainian court rejects request to arrest ex-president Poroshenko in treason case

bykvu.com/eng/bukvy/ukraine-s-chief-prosecutor-took-a-leave-day-when-petro-poroshenko-s-indictment-was-issued-lawyers/

totally not suspicious —

Ukraine’s chief prosecutor took a ‘leave day’ when Petro Poroshenko’s indictment was issued, – lawyers

Iryna Venediktova takes a one-day leave to have her deputy sign the indictument papers for former president Petro Poroshenko.

https://www.investmentwatchblog.com/tulsi-gabbard-its-not-actually-a-democracy-president-shut-down-the-three-tv-stations-that-were-openly-criticizing-him-imprisoned-the-head-of-the-opposition-political-party-all-done-with/

Russia-Ukraine War: Israeli-made weapons are heading to Ukraine

Netherlands and Germany will send an anti-tank weapons system manufactured by a subsidiary of Israel's state-owned Rafael.

As NATO member states announce that they are shipping modern weapons to Ukraine, Israeli-made weapons are also on their way, even as Jerusalem walks a diplomatic tightrope following Russia’s invasion of the European nation.

On Sunday evening, the Netherlands announced that it would send 50 Panzerfaust 3 anti-tank weapon systems with 400 rockets and 200 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. Amsterdam will also supply 100 sniper rifles and 3,000 additional munitions.

The Army Recognition website said that all the military equipment and weapons will be transported to an Eastern European country by American C-17 transport aircraft, which departed from Eindhoven airbase and once on the ground, will be transported by road to Ukraine.

The Panzerfaust 3 is a man-portable rocket-propelled grenade that can penetrate 900 mm. (35 inches) of steel armor or 700 mm. of explosive reactive armor and destroy tanks such as the Soviet T-72 and T-80.

Manufactured by Germany’s Dynamit Nobel Defense, a subsidiary of Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense System, the Panzerfaust 3-IT anti-tank weapon is expected to arrive in Ukraine to replenish and boost the stockpiles of weapons able to destroy Russian armor.

A disposable anti-tank weapon, the Panzerfaust has an effective combat range of 300 meters (984 feet) against moving targets and up to 600 meters against static targets.

Operated by a single soldier, it can be used against tanks, armored vehicles, reinforced emplacements and light bunkers. Stationary aircraft can also be struck with it.

While Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel’s Defense Ministry had no comment, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Saturday that he had authorized the Netherlands to send Ukraine the military equipment.

Germany did not need to ask for Israel’s approval to transfer the weapons because the plant in Burbach was only acquired by Rafael in 2004, and Berlin had been financing the development of the weapon since it was first introduced in 1973.

In a change of a longstanding policy, the German government said on Saturday, “The Russian invasion of Ukraine marks a turning point. It threatens our entire post-war order. In this situation, it is our duty to do our utmost to support Ukraine in defending itself against Vladimir Putin’s invading army. Germany stands closely by Ukraine’s side.”

SUBJECT TO rising criticism, the German government was forced to abandon its practice of not permitting the transfer of lethal weapons to conflict zones.

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-698899

Stocks Tied To China's SWIFT Alternative Are Soaring

As the Western world still obsesses with how Russia's expulsion from SWIFT will impact the Russian economy, commodity prices and the global funding markets, a quick note on how forward looking markets are reacting.

While we wait for US cash markets to open (as futures reverse a modest bounce and trade at session lows), China's micromanaged "market" is already up and running in what so far appears a boring session where the SHCOMP is flat, but where shares tied to China’s Cross-Border Inter-Bank Payments System (CIPS) are surging after Saturday's decision by Western nations to exclude some Russian lenders from the SWIFT messaging system. Why? Because of what Bloomberg notes is growing speculation that China's CIPS could become an alternative for those banks.

What is CIPS? It is a payment system which offers clearing and settlement services for its participants in cross-border yuan trades. Indeed, it is a Chinese version of SWIFT, and one which most Russian banks will likely soon be forced to adopt.

As a result, stocks such as Orient Group, and HyUnion Holding jump by the 10% daily limit..

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/stocks-tied-chinas-swift-alternative-are-soaring

George Soros — I stand with Ukraine

https://www.cracknewz.com/2022/02/george-soros-i-stand-with-ukraine.html

Lapid: Israel to back UN resolution condemning Russia, be ‘on right side of history’

Foreign minister says Israel has ‘moral duty, historical obligation’ to be part of diplomatic, humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, and vows to ‘leave no Israeli or Jew behind’

Israel will vote in favor of the United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said Monday, days after Jerusalem refused to co-sponsor a similar measure in the Security Council in a move that disappointed the United States.

Lapid said Israel has a moral responsibility to both condemn Russia for its actions and provide humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainians.

“Israel was and is on the right side of history,” Lapid said in a statement. “We have a moral duty and historical obligation to be part of the effort.”

The General Assembly resolution is almost certain to pass the 193-member body, since individual countries don’t have the power to scuttle such measures on their own.

In an apparent reference to the disagreement over the earlier resolution, Lapid said the US is Israel’s main ally and understands Jerusalem’s need to be “careful and discretionary” in its delicate relations with Moscow, due to the presence of Russian forces in Syria that coordinate with Israel, as well as the large number of Jews in Ukraine.

“Russia is the most significant military force in Syria, and our mechanism of cooperation with them is aiding our determined struggle against the establishment of an Iranian [presence] on our northern border,” Lapid said.

Lapid said that while approximately 4,000 Israelis have already left Ukraine, there are still thousands of Israelis there and around 180,000 people who are entitled to Israeli citizenship if they choose.

“Ukraine is a difficult battle zone, but we are committed to a sacred principle — we will do everything not to leave any Israeli behind, any Jew behind. This is the reason the Jewish state exists. This is our commitment,” he said.

Lapid also detailed the airlifts of humanitarian aid that are set to leave Israel for Ukraine on Monday and Tuesday, transporting thousands of coats, blankets, sleeping bags, medical equipment, tents and water purification equipment.

Israel is one of the few countries that maintains warm relations with both Ukraine, a fellow Western democracy, and with Russia.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/lapid-israel-will-support-un-resolution-on-ukraine-be-on-right-side-of-history/

Can Israel become Europe’s gas supplier?

With Europe realizing its complete dependency on Russia's gas, and if played with the right cards, the crisis in Ukraine can be an opportunity for Israel's gas exportation to Europe

Israel could make moves to position itself as a central gas exporter in the Middle East, as tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine have led to discussion about alternatives to Russia’s gas exports. While it is already supplying gas to Jordan and Egypt, if the right steps are taken, Israel has the potential to become a natural gas source for Europe, as well.

“Europe is completely hysterical that it sits in the hands of Putin,” said Dr. Alexander Coman, from the Faculty of Management at Tel Aviv University. “The idea that Putin is sitting with his hand on the faucet and can, at will, open or close gas supply to Europe – this is a terrible scenario for them.”

It is, however, a brilliant opportunity for Israel: in its current position, Europe would do much to find alternative sources to its fuel supply needs. “One of the ways is an alternative pipeline that will bring gas – or perhaps electricity – from Egypt, Israel and [perhaps] Saudi Arabia to Europe, through Cyprus,” explained Coman.

He refers to the EastMed pipeline, a planned project that will directly connect the natural energy resources in the East Mediterranean sea to greater Europe. Drawn up in 2013, the pipeline was to be operational by 2025 following Israel’s approval of the plan in 2020, though that progress was halted when the Biden administration withdrew the United States’ support of the project last month.

This change in policy was staunchly criticized by US representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Florida) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-New York), who said that it deepened Europe’s energy dependence on Russia’s gas exports. “Biden’s announcement last May to suspend sanctions on the Russian pipeline and his continued fight against sanctions shows clear preference toward Russia over our allies,” they wrote in a letter to the US Secretary of State.

In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there may be an opportunity to revisit the EastMed pipeline’s viability, though it could hinge on US willingness to renege its withdrawal, as well as Europe’s progress in renewable energy.

In a tweet, Likud MK Yuval Steinitz urged the government to promote construction of the pipeline. “In this time of dramatic rise in energy prices worldwide, and of severe shortages of natural gas in Europe, it is of immense importance to promote Israel’s ability to export gas directly to Europe through pipelines that cross the Mediterranean,” he said.

Germany, which is the largest importer of Russian gas, has announced moves to reduce its dependence on Russia, including the construction of two liquified natural gas terminals. It has also halted the $11 billion Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea gas pipeline project, which would effectively double Russia’s export capacity made possible by its predecessor, the Nord Stream pipeline. “We must change course to overcome our dependence on imports from individual energy suppliers,” said German Chancellor Olaf Sholz on Sunday.

Israel’s relationship with natural gas has significantly evolved over the past 15 years: until 2012, Israel imported its gas from Egypt, but gradual discoveries of larger natural gas reserves in Israel waters have led the country to its current position as a self-sustaining gas producer and exporter.

https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/energy-and-infrastructure/article-698808

New York’s Governor Boosts Chinese Companies Under US Sanctions

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D., N.Y.) delivered a keynote speech last week to a Chinese business group led by the American subsidiaries of multiple companies under U.S. sanctions.

Hochul spoke alongside New York City mayor Eric Adams (D.), Delaware governor John Carney (D.), and two Chinese diplomats at the China General Chamber of Commerce's annual gala. The trade group represents the U.S.-based arms of several Chinese state-owned corporations, including more than a dozen that have been sanctioned for helping the Chinese military and aiding Beijing’s human rights abuses.

Hochul's appearance at the event comes as she faces a competitive election later this year. Hochul, who took over in New York following the resignation of disgraced former governor Andrew Cuomo, at the Feb. 22 gala touted the "beautiful relationship" between the United States and China, ignoring Beijing's human rights abuses and increased military aggression.

The Democrats shared the stage with Chinese ambassador Qin Gang and China's New York consul general, Huang Ping. As top officials in the Chinese Communist Party, both Qin and Huang have sided against the United States on a variety of geopolitical issues. Qin reportedly provided Moscow with intelligence he received from American diplomats regarding U.S. plans to ward off Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Last week, he threatened the United States against supporting Taiwan's independence from mainland China. Huang, who has met with Hochul before, has dismissed allegations of China's genocide against Uyghurs and said that internment camps that house the Muslim group are legal.

The China General Chamber of Commerce event highlights how sanctioned Chinese firms are able to maintain business and political ties in the United States. The chamber, which calls itself the "largest and most impactful" trade group representing Chinese enterprises in the United States, serves as a facilitator for Chinese companies, American firms, and American policymakers. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo spoke to the group in 2017 when she served as governor of Rhode Island. Trump cabinet officials Wilbur Ross and Steve Mnuchin spoke to the organization in 2018.

The group lists its partners as the National Governors Association, the U.S.-China Business Council, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Another partner is the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, a corporate-backed diplomacy group that has the ear of the Biden administration.

The chamber's board of directors is a who's who of executives from dozens of China's largest banks, energy companies, and communications firms. The concluding remarks at the China General Chamber of Commerce gala were given by Steven Xu Tan, the president of China Telecom Americas. The Federal Communications Commission last year revoked the company's operating license over national security concerns, saying that China Telecom Americas "is subject to exploitation, influence, and control by the Chinese government."

Executives with mobile phone providers ChinaMobil and ChinaUnicom also serve on the chamber's board of directors. Both companies have been sanctioned over their ties to the Chinese military. China Unicom has also been blocked by the FCC and accused of surveilling Americans.

Hikvision USA, whose parent company has been sanctioned for helping the Chinese government surveil Uyghurs, is also represented on the chamber's board. The president of AVIC USA also serves on the board. AVIC, a Chinese state-owned aerospace and defense contractor, has also been sanctioned over its work for the Chinese military. The conglomerate has been accused of stealing American technology to help build fighter planes for the People's Liberation Army. China Communications Construction, Sinochem, and Inspur—all under U.S. sanctions—are also represented on the chamber's board.

Like many pro-China organizations, the chamber pushes closer trade and diplomatic relations between China and the United States while it downplays tensions between the two countries. As the United States has cracked down on Chinese firms, the chamber has increasingly helped its members respond to sanctions. At an event in 2020, a lawyer who advises the chamber urged Chinese companies to maintain a "significant but low-key" presence in Washington to limit punitive action from sanctions. Another lawyer at the event urged companies seeking to blunt sanctions to engage with policymakers through industry groups like the chamber.

https://freebeacon.com/national-security/new-yorks-governor-boosts-chinese-companies-under-us-sanctions/

Google, Facebook, Twitter Must Combat Ukraine Fake News - Polish, Baltic Leaders

Alphabet unit Google and its subsidiary YouTube, Facebook and Twitter must do more to tackle disinformation related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the premiers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia said.

In a joint letter to the chief executives of the four companies dated Feb. 27, the four prime ministers criticised the U.S. tech giants, saying what they have done so far is inadequate.

"Although the online platforms have undertaken significant efforts to address the Russian government's unprecedented assault on truth, they have not done enough," they said in the letter.

"Russia's disinformation has been tolerated on online platforms for years; they are now an accessory to the criminal war of aggression the Russian government is conducting against Ukraine and the free world."

They urged the companies to proactively suspend accounts denying, glorifying or justifying wars of aggression, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

They also urged the tech giants to suspend the official accounts of Russian and Belarusian government institutions, state-controlled media and personal accounts of the countries' leadership and their associates that consistently disseminate disinformation about the situation in Ukraine.

The countries called on the companies to prevent Russian state-controlled media from circumventing restrictions imposed by several national regulators against them.

The online platforms should adjust their search and recommendation algorithms to inform users of disinformation and immediately demonetise all accounts controlled by the Russian and Belarusian governments, they said.

Facebook referred to a Sunday tweet by its vice-president Nick Clegg which said the company was reviewing other government requests to restrict Russian state-controlled media.

It will continue to label and fact-check these outlets as well as prohibit ads and demonetise their accounts globally, the tweet added.

Google and Twitter did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Russian state-controlled news service Sputnik said on Monday its Polish site was no longer available to users, and that Youtube had subsequently banned its account in Poland.

https://www.ibtimes.com/google-facebook-twitter-must-combat-ukraine-fake-news-polish-baltic-leaders-3417056

EU Official: 'We Cannot Block' Russia's Central Bank Reserves, They Moved Them Out 'In The Last Year'

The globalists' attempt to deplatform the entire nation of Russia is running into a bit of trouble.

"We cannot block the reserves of the Russian Central Bank in Moscow. Or In China," said Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, over the weekend. "In the last year Russia has been placing their reserves in places where we can't block them. Russia has been preparing for sanctions financially."

Borrell also said EU countries intend to supply fighter jets to the Ukraine along with $560 million in "lethal aid."

Even though poll after poll showed Americans have no desire to get involved with the war, the regime in Washington has rolled out potentially WW3-inducing sanctions on Putin himself and members of his inner circle. Together with the EU they also banned multiple Russian banks from SWIFT. They're also working to aggressively seize the assets of Russian oligarchs, which is what Anne Applebaum has been pushing for.

http://www.informationliberation.com/?id=62926

New Documents Link Scandal-Hit Angolan Banker To Embezzlement Scheme

Álvaro Sobrinho, who led an Angolan bank that collapsed with billions of dollars of unexplained debts, is linked by new documents and testimony to a scheme to siphon hundreds of millions of dollars of government-backed financing for social housing. Sobrinho had 12 accounts in Suisse Secrets data, three of which were set up at the time of the alleged scam.

Key Findings

The CEO of a company that was granted a 750-million-euro line of credit to build a housing project in Angola claims that banker Álvaro Sobrinho and his associates drew down the credit through a scheme involving offshore companies.

Bank documents reviewed by reporters indicate that millions of dollars earmarked for the builder moved through Sobrinho’s bank, Banco Espírito Santo Angola, but were never sent on to the company.

Around the same time, Sobrinho set up Credit Suisse accounts worth at least 78 million Swiss francs (over $72 million at the time).

A financial management company involved in managing the line of credit wrote to the Angolan president to complain that Sobrinho’s bank was mismanaging the funds.

Exterior of the St James Hotel and Club

Credit: Timaldiss/CC BY-SA 4.0

Álvaro Sobrinho

Controversial former banker Álvaro Sobrinho is under investigation in Portugal for allegedly embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayers’ money through a Portuguese-owned bank he led in Angola, which was shut down in 2014 after running up unexplained multi-billion-dollar debts.

Now, new documents and testimony reveal a scheme seemingly designed to allow Sobrinho’s bank to manage and potentially siphon off hundreds of millions of dollars in government-backed money intended for a housing project in 2009.

Records from the Suisse Secrets leak show Sobrinho set up several accounts at Credit Suisse around the time of the housing scam. In total he had 12 accounts in the Suisse Secrets data, with the largest of them holding 78 million Swiss francs. At least 11 of these accounts are being investigated by Portuguese prosecutors, according to documents seen by reporters.

https://www.occrp.org/en/suisse-secrets/new-documents-link-scandal-hit-angolan-banker-to-embezzlement-scheme

Criminal network distributing fake dark web documents busted

The suspects disseminated fake documents to migrant smugglers active across the EU

An investigation by the French Border Police (Police aux Frontières/Police Judiciaire which forms part of the National Police) and the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional), supported by Europol, led officers to the dismantling of an organised crime group involved in the procurement and distribution of forged ID documents and travel documents in France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Georgian authorities also supported the investigation through information exchange.

Results from the action days in France and Spain (between 31 January and 16 February 2022)

6 houses searched (3 in France and 3 in Spain);

17 arrests (3 main suspects in France and 14 suspects in Spain);

Seizures include electronic equipment (computers, smartphones and storage devices), counterfeit and genuine ID documents and photocopies of ID documents, labour certificates, administrative documents, payment cards and cash.

The criminal network was distributing forged ID and travel documents in France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The documents were used by other criminals involved in the smuggling of migrants to the US, the UK and Ireland and other criminal activities (such as property crimes, trafficking in human beings, drug trafficking). The criminal network was directly involved in migrant smuggling activities and logistical arrangements in return for payments starting at EUR 8 000 per person.

The members of the criminal network, mainly originating from Eastern European countries, were operating in several countries including France, Germany, Georgia, Italy, Lithuania, and Spain. The criminal network largely distributed the counterfeit documents on the dark web, but also on instant messaging applications and postal services. They counterfeited mainly French, Romanian, Georgian, Lithuanian and Polish IDs. They also counterfeited residence permits, driver’s licenses, vehicle registration documents and travel documents. The suspects used messaging applications to communicate and to exchange pictures of documents, vehicles and money transfer slips. Analysts at Europol were able to use the information from this case to reveal many links with other ongoing investigations, based on information they already had.

Europol prioritised the case at an early stage and assigned a dedicated analyst and a specialist to support the national investigations. Europol facilitated the secure exchange of information and the organisation of operational meetings between the investigators, also providing the law enforcement partners with regular intelligence analysis packages. On the action day, Europol deployed an expert to Spain to assist with the cross-checking of operational information against Europol’s databases, and to provide technical support with data extraction and analysis of digital evidence.

Headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands, we support the 27 EU Member States in their fight against terrorism, cybercrime and other serious and organised forms of crime. We also work with many non-EU partner states and international organisations. From its various threat assessments to its intelligence-gathering and operational activities, Europol has the tools and resources it needs to do its part in making Europe safer.

https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/criminal-network-distributing-fake-dark-web-documents-busted

BitConnect Founder Indicted in Global $2.4 Billion Cryptocurrency Scheme

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/bitconnect-founder-indicted-global-24-billion-cryptocurrency-scheme

Ten Florida Residents Indicted for $67 Million Health Care Fraud, Wire Fraud, Kickback, and Money Laundering Scheme

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ten-florida-residents-indicted-67-million-health-care-fraud-wire-fraud-kickback-and-money

Ponte Vedra Beach Man Sentenced To Nearly 8 Years For Knowingly Receiving A Video Of The Sexual Abuse Of A Baby

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/ponte-vedra-beach-man-sentenced-nearly-8-years-knowingly-receiving-video-sexual-abuse

Traitor, Beverley McLaughlin, former Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Canada

Judge condemns free speech as "dangerous"

"The most telling sentence in Justice McLachlin's article is this one: "Freedom, misconstrued as license to do and say whatever one wants, is dangerous."

She's now working for the CCP in Honk Kong

https://westernstandardonline.com/2022/02/selick-judge-condemns-free-speech-as-dangerous/