buy more drugs from #South_American cartels.

Deep roots in #Russia
The investigation revealed that #Smart and #TGR Group are closely linked to #Russian state structures. For example, in 2022, these companies helped transfer funds for espionage, and in 2023 - to finance the activities of the #Russian propaganda channel RT in the #UK.

In addition, large sums of money passed through the network, which the Russian elite used to buy property in #London despite the sanctions.

which was then converted into cash or legalized through fake business transactions. For example, #Smart and the #TGR Group used the services of the #Garantex cryptocurrency exchange to conduct financial transactions in circumvention of sanctions.

In the #UK, a network of couriers linked to these organisations acted as an informal bank, offering fast money transfer services. This made it easy for drug dealers to convert cash from drug sales into cryptocurrency, which they could then use to

Their operations spanned not only the #UK but also the #Middle_East, #South_America, and #Russia. According to the #NCA, the network worked closely with #Russian elites and cybercriminals, joining forces with drug dealers operating on the streets of #Britain.

Key figures
#George_Rossi, a #Russian native who controls #TGR Group and the #Garantex crypto exchange.
#Elena_Chikinyan, #Rossi's right-hand woman, is suspected of siphoning funds out

@welshpixie thank you <3
Yeah, I've certainly noticed a difference in quality between brands. The ones in kiddo's box are actually surprisingly good. Just about all the art supplies in it have been excellent, including the vibrant water colours.

Compared to the stand-alone set of oil pastels I got from #TGR, there's such a difference. TGR's are hard, don't blend well, and don't layer at all.
It's made me curious how much better professional ones would be.

@Twelve no, "J'Adore"; the animal print ones were for a 50 or so at #CoopOBS for a pack of 5 or 6. Just like Brio they are made out of wood though, apart from the wheels, which are plastic + metal.
The cement truck is also wood, with metal axles for the wheels, and comes from #TGR aka #FlyingTiger and was 15 or 30 NOK; can't quite remember. Affordable at least for sturdy wooden toys that will likely survive more than one generation. :)