French technology giant Capgemini announced it would sell its US subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, after facing criticism for its work with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to BBC World and BBC Business reports. The decision followed international scrutiny and pressure from French lawmakers regarding a contract the subsidiary held with ICE, specifically concerning methods used by agents in Minnesota.
The scrutiny intensified after the fatal shooting of US citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis, which sparked protests across the United States, according to BBC World and BBC Business reports. Capgemini Government Solutions' work involved locating people for ICE.
In other news, bank statements released by the US Department of Justice suggested that Jeffrey Epstein made payments totaling $75,000 to accounts connected to Lord Mandelson between 2003 and 2004, according to BBC World. The payments appeared as part of millions of documents released on Friday relating to the late sex offender Epstein, the largest number shared by the US government since a law mandated their release last year. The documents showed three separate $25,000 payments referencing Lord Mandelson. Lord Mandelson stated he had no record or recollection of receiving the sums and did not know whether the documents were authentic. He reiterated his regret for "ever having known Epstein" and for continuing his association with him.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk's SpaceX applied to launch one million satellites into Earth's orbit to power artificial intelligence (AI), according to BBC Technology. The application claimed "orbital data centres" were the most cost and energy-efficient way to meet the growing demand for AI computing power. SpaceX argued that processing needs due to the expanding use of AI were already outpacing "terrestrial capabilities." The launch would drastically increase the number of SpaceX satellites in orbit, adding to its existing Starlink network of nearly 1 million satellites.
In the United Kingdom, the billionaire brothers behind gambling giant Betfred topped a list of the UK's 100 biggest taxpayers, according to BBC Business. Fred and Peter Done, who founded the Warrington-based business in 1967, paid an estimated £400.1 million in tax over the past year. Harry Styles, Anthony Joshua, and JK Rowling also appeared on the list. Manchester City's Erling Haaland, 25, was the youngest person on the list, with a projected £16.9 million tax payment, while Liverpool's Mo Salah was believed to have a £14.5 million bill.
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