Category: Azer News

A 33-year-old Georgian national has been charged in the United States in connection with an alleged $1.3 billion healthcare fraud and money-laundering scheme that US authorities have dubbed ‘Operation Gold Rush.’

The US Department of Justice described the investigation as the largest healthcare fraud case ever prosecuted by the department.

Erekle Gugava has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

According to US investigators, Gugava was allegedly part of an international criminal network operating from Russia and other countries that orchestrated a multi-billion-dollar healthcare fraud and money-laundering operation targeting Medicare and other health insurers.

The Justice Department alleges that the network sought to ‘target, exploit, and steal from Medicare and other health insurers’ through fraudulent healthcare claims and subsequent laundering of proceeds.

US authorities have described Gugava as an ‘illegal alien’ in their charging documents.

The allegations form part of a wider US crackdown on large-scale healthcare fraud, with federal investigators pursuing networks accused of exploiting government-funded healthcare programs and laundering the proceeds through international financial channels.

Gugava is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

“It is gratifying that the bond of friendship and brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, rooted in shared religious, cultural, and historical ties, continues to strengthen and be enriched with new substance day by day,” President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in a congratulatory letter to President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the state independence of Tajikistan.

“Active high-level dialogue, regular contacts, and close cooperation undoubtedly help to further accelerate and deepen these ties,” the President of Azerbaijan emphasized.

The head of state expressed his confidence that the strategic partnership and relations between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, built on mutual trust and support, will continue its upward trajectory and grow stronger through joint efforts.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out attacks against two U.S. vessels, eight oil tankers and 10 other ships.

The IRGC said the vessels were targeted while attempting to pass through what it described as a “prohibited and dangerous route” in the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC stated that the attacks were carried out in response to U.S. strikes on five Iranian oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. According to the statement, the targeted vessels sustained significant damage.

The IRGC also noted that the Strait of Hormuz remains under the “strong control and management” of its naval forces.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, holding significant strategic importance as approximately 20% of global oil supplies and around 25% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports pass through it. Essentially, it serves as an energy artery for countries in Asia, Europe, and even the United States.

The strait separates Iran from Oman, and in some areas, the width of the shipping channel is only two miles on each side. Given its critical role in global energy supply chains, ensuring the safety and security of this vital waterway is paramount for international trade and economic stability.

Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Perviz Shahbazov met with Pham Minh Tuan, Chief Executive Officer of Vietnam-based ROX Energy Global.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the meeting focused on the implementation of a 200 MW wind energy project in Azerbaijan by the company. The sides discussed identifying suitable sites for the project, preparing a feasibility study, and conducting wind measurements.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on the possibility of developing a solar energy project in Nakhchivan. It was noted that renewable energy projects in Nakhchivan are being developed in line with the region’s “Green Energy Zone” concept and plans to export green energy.

The sides discussed potential sites for a solar power project, its integration into the electricity grid, and the commercialization of the electricity to be generated. In this context, information was provided on ongoing efforts to connect Nakhchivan to Azerbaijan’s main power system, as well as to establish a Nakhchivan-Trkiye electricity interconnection.

The strategic importance of developing infrastructure that would enable energy exports from Nakhchivan to Trkiye was also highlighted.

It should be noted that in 2025, the State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy and ROX Group JSC signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of renewable energy.

The Istanbul Global E-Export Summit (IGEXX 2026) was held at the Halic Congress Center under the coordination of Turkiye’s Trade Ministry and in cooperation with the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) and the Electronic Commerce Operators Association (ETID).

Trade Minister Omer Bolat, International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol, TIM Chairman Mustafa Gultepe, ETID Chairman Hakan Cevikoglu and leading representatives of the business community attended the opening session of the event.

Speaking at the summit, Bolat said digital channels had now become the most important means of reaching consumers.

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had triggered major changes in the information technology and e-commerce sectors.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic, which erupted at the beginning of 2020, provided an opportunity for the information technology and e-commerce sectors to advance at an enormous and rapid pace. While e-commerce accounted for 4.5% of total trade in 2019, both globally and in terms of Turkiye’s national income, these figures rose rapidly. The share of e-commerce in total trade increased from around 4.5% to 20%,’ Bolat said.

Bolat said Turkiye’s e-commerce sector recorded an annual growth rate of 80% between 2019 and 2025, while its share of the overall retail sector also increased rapidly, reaching around 20%.

Referring to global e-commerce data, Bolat said global gross domestic product grew by 33% between 2019 and 2025, while the overall retail sector expanded by 28%.

‘The overall retail sector reached $32 trillion, while the size of global production reached $118 trillion,’ he said.

Bolat noted that business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce had experienced even faster growth during the period.

‘The volume of B2C, or direct business-to-consumer e-commerce, grew by 91% and reached $6.5 trillion. E-commerce’s share of total global retail sales is 20%. This is also the global average, and the same applies to Trkiye,’ he said.

The minister said the Trade Ministry had undertaken a range of initiatives to make it easier for companies to access the information they need to expand their e-export operations.

‘So far, we have made approximately 40 guides and manuals available on our ministry’s websites for companies, covering e-export roadmaps and customs procedures for 25 countries, as well as 28 marketplaces and five digital channels,’ Bolat said.

He added that Turkiye aims to reach $6 billion in e-exports by the end of this year.

The number of companies generating more than $10,000 in e-exports annually increased from 8,132 in 2022 to 11,420 by the end of 2025, according to Bolat.

Istanbul ranked first among Turkish provinces in terms of e-export volume, while the ready-to-wear and apparel sector ranked first among industries, he said.

Bolat identified the United States, Germany, Azerbaijan, Romania and Saudi Arabia among Turkiye’s leading partner countries in e-commerce exports.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has hit back at Britain’s decision to ban imports and exports involving illegal Israeli settlements, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize Argentina’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and impose sanctions on the UK.

‘It’s time for the State of Israel to publicly recognize that the Malvinas Islands are Argentine territory under occupation, which the British violently steal from the Argentine people,’ Ben-Gvir said.

He accused Britain of going beyond territorial control by conducting oil drilling in the Falkland Islands and benefiting financially from the disputed territory.

‘The British are not content with merely occupying the territory; they also carry out oil drilling there and steal the money from the Argentine people,’ he said.

Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to formally recognize Argentine sovereignty over the islands and impose sanctions on Britain until what he described as the British occupation comes to an end.

‘I call upon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recognize Argentina’s sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands and to impose sanctions on Great Britain as long as the occupation continues,’ he said.

The comments came after Britain announced measures targeting trade and economic activity linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a policy London has linked to its obligations under international law.

Ben-Gvir’s response appeared to draw a direct parallel between Britain’s position on Israeli settlements and Argentina’s longstanding claim to the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.

Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage was showcased at the “International Intercultural Day” festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Held under the theme “Heritage in Harmony – Let’s Celebrate Cultures Together,” the festival took place at Fairview International School.

The event was supported by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Malaysia and organized by members of the Azerbaijani community living in the country whose children study at the school.

The Azerbaijan stand introduced visitors to the country’s history, traditions and cultural heritage. Guests were provided with information about Azerbaijan’s national customs and cuisine and had the opportunity to sample traditional Azerbaijani dishes.

The display also featured souvenirs, kelaghayi – traditional Azerbaijani women’s headwear – as well as various items reflecting the country’s history, culture, national traditions and culinary heritage.

The festival provided students, families and visitors from different cultural backgrounds with an opportunity to learn more about Azerbaijan and experience elements of its national heritage.

The Grape and Wine Festival, which will be held in Shamakhi on 19-20 September, will not only offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about Azerbaijan’s winemaking and viticulture traditions, but will also feature an exciting entertainment programme.

The festival, which will be held on the grounds of the viticulture and winemaking complex of Shirvan Wines LLC in Meysari village, will welcome guests on 19 September with a performance by the Shirvan folk ensemble.

A ceremonial parade of wine producers will also take place, accompanied by a drum show.

Visitors will be able to enjoy concerts by popular performers Roza Zargarli, Kazim Jan, Joseph U.O, Teymur Suleymanbeyli and his band, as well as performances by DJ Kamo and others.

The festival’s entertainment programme will also include various competitions and quizzes.

There will also be a dedicated children’s entertainment zone, where younger visitors can enjoy an interactive programme, activities with entertainers and other attractions.

The two-day festival aims to promote local grape and wine production, increase the export potential of wine products, and raise public awareness of Azerbaijan’s history of viticulture and winemaking, as well as the work being carried out in these fields.

Google plans to invest at least pound 13 billion ($15.1 billion) in the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure in Finland over the next two years.

The investments are planned for 2027-2028 and will be allocated to four facilities. The funds will be used to expand data centers and related infrastructure, support clean energy projects, and establish special funds aimed at protecting nature and supporting local communities.

‘This is Google’s largest one-time investment in Europe,’ the company said in a statement.

According to Google, the new digital infrastructure will strengthen Finland’s technological capabilities and contribute to the development of artificial intelligence and innovation across Europe. It will also support the operation of major Google services, including Gemini, Search, Maps, and YouTube.

As part of the project, Google will invest in new energy-generation capacity and the modernization of Finland’s electricity grid. The company will also support initiatives designed to improve access to reliable and affordable electricity.

Google has already signed agreements with Finnish suppliers of onshore wind power and reached a deal to install a large battery storage system connected to the national grid. The system will help balance fluctuations in electricity demand, improve grid stability, and potentially reduce pressure on electricity prices.

The investment is particularly significant because AI-powered services require enormous amounts of computing power and electricity. Data centers can consume as much energy as entire towns, making access to reliable and clean electricity one of the biggest challenges facing the rapidly growing AI industry.

Finland’s cold climate could also give Google an advantage. Cooler temperatures can reduce the amount of energy needed to cool data centers, making large computing facilities more energy-efficient. The project therefore combines two key trends: the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and the growing demand for cleaner, more sustainable digital infrastructure.

First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva shared a post on her official Instagram account regarding the passing of of Azerbaijani People’s Artist, renowned director and actor Alexander Sharovsky.

“Alexander Yakovlevich Sharovsky. May God rest your soul, great Master!” the post reads.