๐ The Most Famous Criminal Cases of 2024:
The year 2024 witnessed several criminal cases that shook political landscapes, exposed organized crime, and highlighted the intricate links between power, money, and justice. From courtroom showdowns involving former presidents to billion-dollar scams and high-profile murders, here’s a curated list of the most talked-about criminal offences of the year.
๐บ๐ธ 1. Donald Trump’s “Hush Money” Conviction
Former U.S. President Donald Trump made history in May 2024 by becoming the first former president to be criminally convicted, facing 34 felony counts for falsifying business records related to hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The trial was a political flashpoint, with Trump denying wrongdoing and appealing the conviction in the 2nd Circuit Court.
Key Charge: Falsification of business records
Status: Convicted; appeal ongoing
๐ณ๐ฑ 2. The Marengo Trial – Mocro Mafia’s Fall in the Netherlands
One of Europe’s longest-running organized crime trials ended in February 2024. Ridouan Taghi, leader of the notorious Mocro Mafia, was sentenced to life imprisonment alongside his associates for orchestrating 10 contract killings.
Key Charge: Multiple murders and organized crime
Status: Life sentences delivered
๐ฉ๐ฐ 3. Sanjay Shah and the Cum-Ex Tax Scandal
Indian-born financier Sanjay Shah was handed a 12-year sentence in December 2024 for defrauding Denmark of over £1 billion in the infamous cum-ex dividend tax scheme. It’s one of Europe’s biggest white-collar crime convictions.
Charge: Tax fraud
Status: Convicted and sentenced
๐ฎ๐ณ 4. Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest – Delhi Liquor Policy Probe
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in March 2024 over allegations of money laundering tied to the Delhi excise policy. The arrest of a sitting CM marked a major moment in India’s political and legal history.
Key Charge: Money laundering
Status: Legal proceedings ongoing
๐ฎ๐ณ 5. RG Kar Medical College Case – Kolkata’s Rape & Murder Horror
The brutal rape and murder of a female doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College sparked national outrage. After intervention by the Supreme Court and a CBI probe, Sanjay Roy was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in January 2025.
Key Charge: Rape and murder
Status: Convicted
๐ธ๐ฌ 6. S. Iswaran – Singapore’s Minister Faces Corruption Charges
In a rare move, Singapore prosecuted a sitting minister, S. Iswaran, for corruption and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison in October 2024, signaling zero tolerance for public sector corruption.
Key Charge: Corruption
Status: Convicted
๐ฎ๐ณ 7. Major Scams & ED-CBI Crackdowns in India
The year saw several multi-crore scams surface:
- ₹2,100 crore liquor syndicate in Chhattisgarh
- Forex scam involving OctaFX
- FSSAI bribery network
- “Land-for-job” case linked to Lalu Prasad
These investigations reflect India’s aggressive stance on financial crimes.
๐บ๐ธ 8. Sean “Diddy” Combs – Sex Trafficking & Racketeering Charges
Hip-hop mogul Sean Combs (Diddy) faced explosive allegations of running a sex trafficking ring, drugging victims, and racketeering. His ongoing trial in 2025 has included graphic testimonies and continues to dominate headlines.
Key Charge: Sex trafficking, RICO violations
Status: Trial ongoing
๐ฎ๐ณ 9. Allahabad High Court FIR Racket
A rare judicial scandal unfolded when the Allahabad HC exposed an extortion racket involving fabricated FIRs—36 of them in a single police station. The court ordered a CBI probe in March 2025 against complainant Pooja Rawat and her lawyer.
Charge: Abuse of legal process
Status: CBI probe underway
๐ฎ๐ณ 10. NIA’s 100% Conviction Rate in 2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) achieved a 100% conviction rate, securing 68 convictions in terror-related cases across the country. This includes ISIS-linked operatives, Maoists, and trafficking rings, showing significant success in counter-terrorism enforcement.
Key Focus: Terrorism and national security
Status: Convictions achieved
๐งพ Conclusion
From courtroom drama in Washington D.C. to legal crackdowns in Delhi and Amsterdam, 2024 proved that no one—whether a political leader, tycoon, or criminal syndicate—is beyond the reach of the law. These cases not only made headlines but will likely shape judicial and legislative reforms in the years to come.
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