Top 5 International Crimes of 2010
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Top 5 International Crimes of 2010
Our number 5 crime takes us to Switzerland back in July of 2010, where movie director Roman Polanski was released by Swiss officials after they decided not to extradite him to the US for sex crimes relating to a 1978 encounter with a 13 year old girl. Polanski, who lives in France, was arrested in Switzerland after travelling there to accept a film award. He has been a fugitive from the US since 1978 when he pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.
Our number 4 crime takes place in the Persian Gulf city of Dubai, where Senior Political Operative Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, a military commander and arms smuggling specialist with Hamas, was assassinated in his room at the 5 star Al Bustan Rotana Hotel. Through surveillance video, Dubai police were able to identify many in the hit squad who were traveling on fake European and Australian passports. Though they deny any involvement, it is believed Israel’s Mossad Intelligence Agency is responsible for the assassination.
Our number 3 crime takes us to Cape Town, South Africa where the taxi of a honeymooning couple is carjacked by a gunman. The bride is robbed and killed, while the husband Shrien Dewani, though forced out of the vehicle is allowed to live. A tragedy for certain, but there is more to the story. Turns out the husband conspired to have his wife killed, a truth revealed by the taxi driver who helped stage the event after being paid 15,000 South African Rand, or around $2200 U.S.
Our number 2 crime takes us to Belgium, where the term ‘falling in love’ takes on a horrific twist. In October, 26year old school teacher Els Clottemans was convicted of sabotaging the parachute of fellow skydiver, 37 year-old, married mother of two, Els Van Doren, causing her to plunge nearly 3000 feet to her death. It turns out both woman were involved in a romantic love triangle with fellow skydiving club member Marcel Somers, and Clottemans didn’t feel like sharing anymore. She received a sentence of 30 years in prison.
Our number 1 crime story hits close to home in the bizarre case of Russell Williams, the former Canadian air force Colonel, who brutally raped and murdered two women, and attempted 82 fetish home invasions. Williams, a loving husband and respected military officer, used to head the squadron that flew VIPs, including the Prime Minister. What puzzles psychiatrists is that he did not start his life of crime until 2007, when he was 44 years old. He received life sentences for his crimes.
