Business

Gas station owner Lev Dermen was found guilty of a massive fraud scheme involving government biodiesel incentives. Working with Jacob Kingston and his brother, Dermen helped fabricate claims about biofuel production, exploiting a federal program that paid up to $1 per gallon of manufactured biodiesel.

As global lockdowns intensify, Amazon experiences a significant surge in orders for essential items. The company has temporarily suspended non-essential deliveries to focus on providing critical medical supplies and household staples to consumers during the coronavirus crisis.

Japan and South Korea engaged in a 16-hour video conference to discuss their trade dispute, with both sides expressing willingness to continue negotiations and explore solutions to export control challenges between the two nations.

Tech billionaire Bill Gates steps down from Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway boards to dedicate more time to philanthropic efforts, including global health, education, and climate change initiatives. Gates, who has donated $35.8 billion to his foundation, believes now is the right time to shift focus to charitable activities.

Walt Disney Company shutters all eleven theme parks across different continents, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, in response to growing COVID-19 concerns. Disney Cruise Line also suspends new departures through the month.

Two top Thai aviation executives, including the Thai Airways president and Suvarnabhumi Airport director, resigned on March 12 due to frustration with the government's handling of coronavirus travel policies, highlighting widespread confusion and disruption in the industry.

Vietnam's gold prices dropped by VN₫300,000 to VN₫400,000 this week, with Saigon Jewelry Company (SJC) selling gold at VN₫47.3 million per tael. Other firms like Bảo Tín Minh Châu and Doji have also lowered their rates to stimulate customer interest amid reduced market demand.

The Italian government has ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses, including restaurants and bars, as coronavirus cases continue to mount. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that only supermarkets, food stores, and pharmacies will remain open during the nationwide quarantine.

Ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines has banned 125,000 users for creating multiple accounts, frequent cancellations, and giving unfair driver ratings. Country head Brian Cu revealed the company suspended 351,000 users in 2019 and continues monitoring abusive passenger behavior.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is scouting locations in central United States for a new Cybertruck factory. The planned Gigafactory will produce the wedge-shaped electric pickup truck, originally revealed in 2019 and expected to start at $40,000. This expansion follows the recent launch of Model Y production at their California plant.