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NCA disrupts $multi-billion Russian ML networks with links to, drugs, ransomware and espionage, resulting in 84 arrests

Two Russian-speaking networks have been exposed at the centre of a global ML operation enabling UK-based criminals, transnational groups and Russian oligarchs to bypass sanctions. OFAC has sanctioned key figures and four TGR-linked businesses, while NCA led efforts have resulted in 84 arrests and the seizure of over £20m. The networks laundered cryptocurrency, funded Russian espionage…

EU regulators report 771 AML violations at 256 FIs on the EBA’s EuReCA database in 2024, highlighting RegTech failures

The European Banking Authority published its final review on competent authorities’ efforts to combat ML/TF in the banking sector. While significant progress has been made since 2018 weaknesses remain in risk assessment and enforcement processes. The EBA emphasized the importance of cooperation and consistent approaches across jurisdictions. A final review in 2025 will evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken by authorities…

ESA issues Guidelines to standardise Crypto-Asset classification under MiCAR, aiming to enhance consistency, consumer protection, and preventing regulatory arbitrage, effective March 2025

The Guidelines require market participants to submit a legal opinion with the white paper for asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) clarifying that the crypto-asset is not an electronic money token (EMT) or excluded from MiCAR. Similarly, for crypto-assets not classified as ARTs or EMTs, the white paper must include an explanation confirming the asset’s classification under MiCAR.

UK Govt unveils its plan to support Cyprus in establishing a new National Sanctions Implementation Unit to crack down on illicit Russian finance flowing through Europe

The unit will share expertise and intelligence between the OFSI and OTSI and Cypriot Ministry of Finance to disrupt and intercept the flow of illicit finance through Europe to ensure the effectiveness of sanctions on Putin’s war machine. That new unit will include new analytical tools and powers to investigate sanctions evasion and track funds being moved across Europe. The unit comes as the UK also deepens cooperation with Cyprus on serious organised crime. We will work together to combat illicit finance by sharing knowledge on the registration of beneficial owners of assets…

EBA proposes criteria for Crypto-Asset Service Providers to appoint Central Contact Points in each host country to combat ML/TF

The CCP will act as a liaison between crypto businesses and local regulators, ensuring compliance with strict AML and CFT standards. The consultation is open until February 4, 2025, and seeks feedback on ensuring CASPs comply with local AML and CFT obligations. CASPs operating in other Member States, even without branches, must still meet local AML/CFT requirements. The draft RTS outlines the criteria for when CASPs must appoint a CCP and the role of these CCPs in facilitating compliance. The EBA’s proposal draws on existing regulations for Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) and Payment Service Providers (PSPs), while adding tailored provisions for the unique challenges faced by CASPs..

AUSTRAC issues first consultation on draft AML/CTF rules, requesting feedback by 14 Feb 2025

This exposure draft of the new Rules covers the following areas: AML/CTF programs;  reporting groups (formerly ‘designated business groups’);  customer due diligence; travel rule; compliance reports; keep open notices (formerly ‘Chapter 75 notices’); correspondent banking relationships…

 

EU Council approves the first of two sets of conclusions on strengthening joint counterterrorism efforts

The conclusions set strategic goals and highlight key areas where increased efforts are needed to enhance operational efficiency. The aim of the conclusions is to shape EU counterterrorism policies and measures for the next five years. To further enhance counterterrorism measures, on 16 December 2024 the Council will approve conclusions on reinforcing external-internal connections in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism…

 

Eurojust and Europol support Albanian and Kosovon Authorities to dismantle an arms and drug trafficking network

The criminal gang was responsible for the import, export, supply, transport and sale of weapons and explosive materials from Kosovo to Albania. It is suspected that the gang intended to set up a trafficking route towards the European Union. In addition to arms trafficking, the gang also trafficked drugs, mainly cocaine, from Albania to Kosovo…

Eurojust leads international coordinated operation to shut down ‘MATRIX’, an encrypted messaging platform linked to drug trafficking, arms smuggling and ML 

Over 2.3 million messages in 33 languages were intercepted during a three-month investigation. Coordinated actions on December 3 in four countries resulted in arrests, searches, and the seizure of EUR 645,000 in cash and cryptocurrency, cars, and a villa valued at EUR 15 million. The operation involved key agencies from France, the Netherlands, Spain, Lithuania, Germany, and Italy. Europol’s Operational Task Force continues to assist follow-up investigations stemming from the operation…

SEC charges 3 individuals from Nigeria for operating a fraudulent online scheme, impersonating financial professionals and defrauding investors of over $2.9m

The defendants created fake websites and social media profiles to attract U.S. investors, promising high returns and manipulating investment platforms. In a parallel criminal case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has filed charges, while the SEC also issued an investor alert on impersonation scams. Compliance professionals may not be fully aware of the extent to which fraudsters use technology, including voice-changing software, to manipulate trust and create convincing, yet fraudulent, financial identities…

MONEYVAL’s follow-up report highlights that Georgia’s 2024 AML amendments addressed key deficiencies in risk assessment and virtual asset regulations but still require further progress

As a result, the country has been re-rated from “partially compliant” to “largely compliant” on two Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) recommendations which concern assessing risks and new technologies. Overall, out of the 40 recommendations provided in 2022, Georgia currently has been rated:  “compliant” on seven recommendations, “largely compliant” on twenty-four recommendations, “partially compliant” on eight recommendations, and “non-compliant” on one recommendation, that related to non-profit organisations…

UNODC publishes report on illicit weapons trafficking in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea

In this report, threats from the Houthi’s are considered and main trafficking routes across the Red Sea and overland Oman are examined.