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OFSI reminds UK companies of the upcoming deadline to file annual frozen asset reports

OFSI also updated its guidance on the annual frozen asset review and reporting form to reiterate that frozen assets should be reported to OFSI every year to reflect any changes that may have occurred during the reporting period…

FCA charges first individual with running a network of illegal crypto ATMs

The charges mark the FCA’s first criminal prosecution relating to unregistered cryptoasset activity under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLRs). These are also the first charges brought against a person accused of running a network of crypto ATMs in the UK.

UAE’s National Strategy for AML/CFT introduces stronger regulatory measures and guidelines to enhance oversight and enforcement

The strategy includes establishment of clear objectives to strengthen the UAE’s framework for combating money laundering and terrorism financing. It lays emphasis on increased cooperation among government agencies, financial institutions, and international partners….

SEC Enforcement publishes the top four securities enforcement and litigation developments from July 2024, including actions related to cryptocurrency and activist short selling

The developments include: An action against an activist short seller related to his publishing of allegedly misleading research reports;
The dismissal of many of the SEC’s claims in the SolarWinds litigation; The SEC’s first litigated action relating to the operation of a liquid staking protocol; and A significant penalty imposed in an action brought against a bank and several of its senior officers for broad
compliance and oversight failure…

Reuters: The UK financial watchdog has charged a man with operating illegal cryptocurrency ATMs

London-based Olumide Osunkoya is charged with running illegal crypto ATMs and handling £2.6 million in transactions from December 2021. FCA’s warned that illegal crypto ATMs contribute to global ML and emphasized that there are no legally operating crypto ATMs in the UK. Britain’s FCA has consistently cautioned that cryptocurrencies are extremely risky, poorly regulated  and investors should be prepared to lose their entire investment…

Central Bank of UAE imposes a financial sanction on a bank operating in the UAE, for violating AML laws and for funding illegal organisations

The financial sanction was imposed according to articles 89 and 137 of the Federal Decree Law No. (14) of 2018 regarding the Central Bank & Organisation of Financial Institutions and Activities and its amendments, and article 14 of the Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations…

GI-TOC publishes a report on a new cybercrime treaty that grants governments broad enforcement powers and access to electronic data, but lacks adequate oversight

The treaty permits electronic evidence collection for serious crimes or other offenses involving information and communications technology, allowing law enforcement and intelligence agencies to easily exchange data and compel cooperation from service providers and the UN. While the treaty could address severe incidents like ransomware attacks, its primary focus appears to be on data collection, dependent on ratifying countries…

Bloomberg: Australian AML rules are set to focus on advisory roles

Australia’s new AML reforms will target lawyers, accountants, real estate agents and other advisers, addressing gaps in regulating “tranche-two” entities involved with criminal syndicates. Attorney General highlighted that these updates are part of two National Risk Assessments aimed at improving Australia’s global compliance. The assessments revealed that criminals have been using legal channels like cash, luxury goods, real estate for ML…

GAFILAT publishes Mutual Evaluation Report on El Salvador’s measures to combat ML and TF

The report analyses the level of compliance with the FATF 40 Recommendations and the level of effectiveness of the AML/CTF system of El Salvador, and recommends how the system can be strengthened.

MONEYVAL publishes Mutual Evaluation Report on Jersey highlighting that Jersey’s effectiveness in preventing financial crime is among the highest level found in jurisdictions evaluated around the world

In most respects, the elements of an effective AML/CFT system are in place, but the practical application of the existing framework has still to be improved in some areas to reach a substantial level of compliance.

NCA and ICO signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration on cyber security, support victims of cyber attacks, and encourage the reporting of cyber crime

Cyber crime is indiscriminate and unpredictable, and poses a substantial threat to the UK’s national security. According to recent reports by Sophos, the cost of recovery to victims of a ransomware attack has increased by 50% over the last year alone, and now stands at a staggering $2.73 million (£2.07 million).

FATF President, Elisa de Anda Madrazo of Mexico, highlights FATF’s inclusive approach at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Brazil, July 2024

It was highlighted that FAFTF is developing guidance on how to be effective in combatting illicit finance from a low-capacity country context and dimension. Changes have been made how to prioritse countries for increased scrutiny to reduce the pressure on less developed countries…