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Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing

Over 20 years of articles and reference material

A page dedicated to global, regional, UK and US anti-money laundering developments and initiatives.

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Europol’s Referral Action Day targets 2,000+ online extremist links in a coordinated push to disrupt youth radicalisation and combat terror-linked AML risks from illicit financing

June 3, 2025

The Referral Action Day took aim at online extremist content targeting minors, resulting in the referral of over 2,000 jihadist and right-wing propaganda links. The operation highlighted the increasing use of AI and emotionally manipulative content by terrorist groups to radicalise youth and is part of broader efforts to prevent the exploitation of minors in criminal and terrorist activities…

AUSTRAC imposes US$5K cash limits on crypto ATMs to curb rising scams targeting seniors, mandating operators to enforce EDD, clear scam warnings, and tougher transaction monitoring

June 3, 2025

These actions come amid troubling findings that older Australians, particularly those aged 60 to 70, are disproportionately using crypto ATMs and are often victims of scams and fraud facilitated through these machines. With the number of crypto ATMs skyrocketing from just 23 in 2019 to over 1,800 in 2024, and annual transactions valued at approximately $275 million, AUSTRAC’s crackdown aims to stem the rising tide of illicit activity…

CPS secures a £2.5M confiscation order against a convicted money launderer who moved an estimated £93–£110m in illicit cash from the UK to Dubai via couriers flying with £500K per trip

June 3, 2025

Alfalasi was the ringleader in this sophisticated money laundering operation, which also involved several co-defendants. He was sentenced to nine years and seven months’ imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court on 28 July 2022 after he pleaded guilty to removing criminal property from England and Wales…

OECD’s updated Common Reporting Standard 2025 expands global tax transparency by including e-money, CBDCs, and crypto-related investments, while tightening due diligence rules

June 2, 2025

Released as a consolidated text, the updated CRS aligns with the Crypto‑Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), introducing stricter due diligence and reporting obligations for financial institutions and crypto-asset service providers. The framework also clarifies exemptions for genuine non-profit organisations and provides updated guidance to ensure consistent application across jurisdictions…

Eurojust’s interactive case study showcases how a JIT tackled cross-border investment fraud through real-time cooperation, key tactics, and strategic coordination to combat FC

June 2, 2025

A joint investigation team (JIT) is a powerful tool enabling law enforcement and judicial authorities from different countries to coordinate complex cross-border investigations. Through an interactive case study on investment fraud, this presentation showcases how a JIT works in practice—highlighting key operational choices, challenges, and successes in bringing criminals to justice…

INTERPOL’s European Regional Conference spotlights the role of AI, asset recovery, and cross-border unity to combat rising FC threats through innovation and collaboration

June 2, 2025

The conference showcased how technological advancements, such as AI-powered tools and integrated databases like the Biometric Hub and ICSE, are becoming essential in detecting and disrupting complex criminal networks. Delegates underscored the need for enhanced collaboration among European law enforcement agencies to tackle the evolving landscape of ML, cybercrime, and organized crime that transcend national borders…

FATF and MONEYVAL join forces at the 12–13 June 2025 Plenary to strengthen the global fight against illicit finance through smarter, risk-based, and more inclusive AML/CFT enforcement

June 1, 2025

The plenary will be followed by a FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs) Chairs’ meeting and a Technical Assistance Peer Exchange on 14 June, designed to improve cooperation and provide targeted support to resource-constrained jurisdictions. The joint effort underscores the global commitment to advancing coordinated, proportionate responses to financial crime threats…

AUSTRAC orders audits at 2 regional casinos over AML/CTF failings, citing weak oversight and risk management, placing casino operators under increased scrutiny amid high ML risks

May 30, 2025

The move follows concerns over potential deficiencies in their AML/CTF controls, including inadequate risk assessments and board oversight. While previous enforcement has focused on major operators such as Crown Resorts and The Star, this latest action signals AUSTRAC’s intent to hold smaller gambling venues to the same regulatory standards. The development underscores AUSTRAC’s commitment to closing AML gaps…

NCA’s UKFIU May 25 SARs Reporter Booklet highlights how SARs triggered asset freezes and forfeitures, uncovering links to shell companies, drug proceeds, and fraud – recovering over £800K in one case 

May 30, 2025

Investigations revealed connections to shell companies, excessive gambling, nominee directors, and individuals with criminal backgrounds. Asset freezing orders (AFOs) and forfeitures followed, often recovering tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds. One case involved over £800,000 in restrained assets linked to suspected drug proceeds. Another uncovered a false business front used to launder funds, resulting in a £300,000 forfeiture…

UNODC’s 2025 report shows synthetic drug trafficking surged in East and Southeast Asia, with meth seizures hitting 236 tons in 2024 – 24% up from 2023 – as Myanmar remains the epicenter

May 28, 2025

The report highlights a significant drop in meth prices—as low as $0.60 per tablet in Myanmar—making the drug more accessible than ever. Trafficking routes are diversifying, now including major maritime channels, while ketamine seizures topped 23 tons, underscoring persistent demand…

US SEC finds that concentrated BO in hedge funds pose higher risk and volatility, urging closer regulatory scrutiny and greater transparency protect markets and investors

May 28, 2025

Using confidential Form PF data and public filings, the study reveals that ownership structure significantly influences fund governance and risk exposure, with potential implications for systemic stability. The findings underscore the need for regulators to monitor ownership concentration more closely and support enhanced transparency to strengthen oversight and investor protection within the private funds…

FCA consults on Stablecoin and Cryptoasset custody rules to bolster AML defences through EDD, asset safeguarding, and Travel Rule compliance – feedback due 31 July 2025; final rules set for 2026

May 28, 2025

Stablecoins must be fully backed by low-risk, liquid assets, with issuers subject to rigorous liquidity ratio calculations (BACR) and prompt FCA notification in case of breaches. Redemption must occur at par value within one business day, and custodians must maintain robust safeguarding measures, including third-party due diligence, daily reconciliations, and detailed record-keeping. Cryptoassets must be held in non-statutory trusts, segregated from firm holdings, with clear disclosure, transparent outsourcing accountability, and enhanced client protection to minimise risk of failure and financial crime exposure…

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