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AMLA and ECB join forces to boost AML/CFT efforts and empower AMLA direct oversight of ‘selected-obliged entities’ including crypto firms, payment providers, and certain ECB-supervised banks

The agreement aims to enhance supervisory effectiveness, boost resource efficiency, and prevent duplication of oversight efforts. Bruna Szego, Chair of AMLA, noted that such alignment is vital to building a robust and consistent AML framework across Europe. Claudia Buch, ECB Supervisory Board Chair, highlighted the necessity for efficient joint action to boost banking sector resilience…

AMLA signs landmark MoU with European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, ESMA, and EIOPA) to strengthen cooperation, data sharing, and supervisory alignment across prudential and AML mandates

The MoU outlines procedures for efficient information exchange, joint oversight, and risk-based supervision, while promoting convergence in governance standards and enforcement actions. It also includes mutual observation of board meetings to enhance coordination. Fulfilling a legal obligation under Article 91 of the AMLA Regulation, this agreement marks a key step in harmonising AML/CFT efforts across the EU and significantly enhances the bloc’s ability to combat financial crime through integrated supervision and collective capacity building…

OLAF and EPPO uncover a €700M cross-border fraud scheme involving undervalued and misclassified imported goods to evade EU customs duties and taxes

The network, primarily run by Chinese nationals, operated through shell companies and falsified documents, with goods funneled through the Port of Piraeus in Greece. Raids across Greece, Spain, France, and Bulgaria led to the seizure of €5.8 million, thousands of vehicles, firearms, and luxury assets. An estimated €250 million in customs duties and €450 million in VAT were lost, with proceeds laundered back to China via underground banking and trade-based methods…

MONEYVAL’s 2025 report finds Romania has made technical progress in aligning its AML/CFT laws with international standards but calls for continued efforts to fully address compliance gaps

MONEYVAL’s 2025 report highlights Romania’s technical progress in strengthening its AML/CFT framework, particularly in legal reforms and institutional coordination. However, it stresses that further improvements are needed to fully comply with international standards and effectively tackle money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

Europol’s latest podcast warns that AI is accelerating organised crime via deepfakes, cyberattacks, and disinformation, urging law enforcement to adopt AI-powered tools

Europol’s Podcast Episode 21 explores how AI is accelerating crime — from enhancing cyberattacks with automated phishing and deepfakes, to enabling smarter fraud, sophisticated disinformation, and rapid darknet trade — and stresses the urgent need for law enforcement to adopt AI-powered tools and international cooperation to stay ahead of these evolving threats…

BaFin’s 2026-29 Strategic goals sets out a smarter, data-driven AML agenda tightening crypto oversight, boosting public–private collaboration, and aligning closely with EU’s AMLA for sharper enforcement

The plan emphasizes early detection of weak internal controls, greater use of data-driven supervision, and closer coordination with AMLA. BaFin also prioritizes digital identity systems for more effective KYC, stricter enforcement against market abuse, and oversight of ESG claims to combat greenwashing—all aimed at safeguarding financial integrity in a fast-evolving risk landscape…

 

 

MONEYVAL commends North Macedonia for major AML/CFT improvements in supervision and international cooperation, while highlighting enforcement and BO transparency as ongoing challenges

Latest follow-up report recognises North Macedonia’s substantial improvements in strengthening its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) legal framework, supervisory practices, and international cooperation mechanisms. However, it also highlights persistent challenges, particularly in effective enforcement, beneficial ownership transparency, and the need for continued efforts to address identified gaps.

Europol dismantles a major crypto investment fraud ring in Spain, defrauding 5,000+ victims globally and laundering €460M through shell companies, crypto and banking channels

The operation, supported by authorities in France, Estonia, and the U.S., led to five arrests and uncovered the use of fake investment platforms and romance scams to lure victims. The group operated an elaborate laundering infrastructure involving cash withdrawals, international transfers, and crypto-to-fiat conversions. Europol deployed a crypto specialist to trace blockchain transactions and warned of the increasing threat posed by AI-driven fraud schemes…

Europol’s 2025 EU TE-SAT report warns of sharp rise in jihadist terrorism, growing threats from youth radicalisation and tech-driven tactics like AI propaganda, crypto-financing, and 3D-printed weapons

The 2025 EU Terrorism Situation & Trend Report (EU TE‑SAT) reveals that in 2024, the EU experienced 58 terrorist incidents, including 34 completed, 5 failed, and 19 foiled attacks, with jihadist incidents rising to 24, the most of any category…

 

EU countries agree on new payment rules to combat fraud, foster innovation, protect consumers, and enhance fee transparency across the bloc

The Council has adopted its position on new EU payment rules aimed at strengthening fraud prevention, enhancing consumer protection, and increasing transparency of fees and exchange rates. The proposals also modernise the regulatory framework by supporting innovation in payment services, improving access to account data, and ensuring alignment with EU data protection standards…

MONEYVAL reports that Cyprus has strengthened its AML/CFT compliance, upgrading its rating on correspondent banking while keeping it under enhanced follow-up due to ongoing NPO sector gaps

Cyprus has addressed technical deficiencies in its framework for correspondent banking, leading to an upgraded compliance rating under FATF Recommendation 13. However, moderate shortcomings in the oversight of non-profit organisations persist, requiring further action as Cyprus remains under enhanced follow-up…

EC reaffirms the EU’s anti-corruption drive at the June 2025 UNCAC Prevention WG, unveiling bold reforms targeting organised crime, whistle-blower protection, BO, and corporate integrity

Representing the EU and aligned countries, the EC highlighted recent legislative and strategic efforts, including the Rule of Law Reports, a forthcoming EU anti-corruption strategy, and enhanced frameworks tackling organised crime and corruption links. Key initiatives addressed include beneficial ownership transparency, whistleblower protection, integrity in public procurement, and private-sector accountability—each aligned with relevant UNCAC resolutions. The EU also stressed the importance of international cooperation through projects like CRIMJUST and called for continued global implementation of anti-corruption measures…

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