The Equatorial Guinea coup scandal is heating up again. I was a bit disappointed with the outcome of the EQ trial because so little new information resulted. And also, even if those guys are as guilty as I think they are, I take no pleasure in watching them be sentenced to a very likely death by disease and poor prison conditions; in less than a year in jail there has already been some attrition.

But back to the fun stuff! From News 24:

'Thatcher tested helicopter'

Sir Mark Thatcher, son of Lady Margaret Thatcher, former British prime minister, who is suspected of having been involved in the failed coup d'etat in Equatorial Guinea, apparently undertook a test flight himself with a helicopter that the participants in the coup had hoped to use in the planned coup.

The British daily, The Guardian, reported on Monday that Thatcher had later also deposited $275 000 in the bank account of Crause Steyl, the South African pilot who was found guilty last month on charges of contravening the South African legislation regarding mercenaries by being involved in the failed coup.

Steyl who, according to the newspaper's information, had offered to testify against Thatcher in an effort to escape a long jail sentence, allegedly told investigating officials that the former prime minister's son had been instrumental in selecting and financing the hire helicopter.

Thanks Adrian!

MEANWHILE, the Yorkshire Ranter notes that wildcat armsdealer Victor Bout has found an area with rich natural resources in which to do disaster relief:

Viktor Bout's Ilyushin 76 UN-76002, photographed loading tsunami relief supplies in Cologne on the 2nd January....

Alex has got a nice clear photo.