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Europol supports EPPO’s “Admiral 2” operation, uncovering a complex VAT fraud network involving electronic goods trade, leading to a €297m loss

During the action day, 32 people were detained, and authorities seized a large quantity of smartphones and other electronic devices, worth more than EUR 47.5 million, several luxury cars and EUR 126 965 in cash. In addition, 62 bank accounts with a combined value of over EUR 5.5 million were frozen. These are preliminary results and they will likely evolve throughout the coming days and weeks…

HKMA takes further steps to accelerate the industry use of AI to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of monitoring ML/TF risks

In the Experience Sharing Forum, banks and Cyberport Hong Kong firms showcased AI use cases which had been successful in optimising and strengthening the monitoring systems. In his opening remarks, Raymond Chan, Executive Director (Enforcement and Anti-Money Laundering) of the HKMA, outlined the HKMA’s commitment to making sure the approach, technology, tools and data were right to respond effectively to the rapidly evolving challenges of global financial crime…

 

 

INTERPOL global financial crime operation makes record 5,500 arrests and seizes over $400M in virtual assets and govt-backed currencies

The five-month Operation HAECHI V targeted seven types of cyber-enabled frauds: voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, illegal online gambling, business email compromise fraud and e-commerce fraud. Member countries were alerted to the “USDT Token Approval Scam” which allows fraudsters to access and control victims’ cryptocurrency wallets. The two-step approach first lures in victims using romance baiting techniques, instructing them to buy popular Tether stablecoins (USDT Tokens) via a legitimate platform…

Europol’s Financial Intelligence Public-Private Partnership (EFIPPP) pre-launches a new ‘Practical Guide for Operational Cooperation between Investigative Authorities and FIs’

This Guide is designed to support criminal investigative authorities in fostering effective public-private partnerships with the EU. Amid the momentum generated by EU AMLR75 Information Sharing Article, there is a growing push to make AML/CTF PPP and information sharing the standard practice across Europe.

Insight Crime uncovers links between Brazil’s largest organised crime network and Portuguese football, highlighting how sports can facilitate illicit activities, including ML

The PCC, known for drug trafficking and other criminal activities, exploited small and medium-sized football clubs in Portugal to launder money. This scheme came to light following an investigation launched by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) on November 17, 2024, prompted by revelations from the newspaper Público. The investigation primarily focuses on third-division clubs, where financial oversight is limited, making money flows easier to manipulate.

 

Danish FSA has newly drawn up guidance on requirements in the financial legislation for the suitability and integrity of directors and board members (fit & proper)

The purpose of the update is to create transparency around both the Danish FSA’s practice for suitability assessments and the application process itself. In the guidance, the Danish FSA describes the general principles for assessing competence and experience requirements, which are based on a holistic approach when assessing candidates’ suitability. Several of the new initiatives on…

Joint INTERPOL-AFRIPOL operation arrests 1,006 suspects and dismantles over 134,000 cyber threats, preventing nearly USD 193M in financial losses

Operation Serengeti targeted criminals behind ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), digital extortion and online scams – all identified as prominent threats in the 2024 Africa Cyber Threat Assessment Report. Private sector partners, including Internet Service Providers, also played a vital role by sharing intelligence, supporting analysis and disrupting criminal activities. They provided on-site support and offered round-the-clock remote assistance to patch vulnerabilities and secure critical infrastructure for the participating member countries…

FINTRAC’s 2023-24 Annual Report, ‘Safe Canadians, Secure Economy,’ highlights the agency’s efforts to combat ML/TF through digital strategies, including automation, analytics, and AI

Over the past year, FINTRAC issued administrative monetary penalties totaling $26 million, the largest in its history, and referred the highest number of non-compliance cases to law enforcement for potential criminal investigations…

 

Asia Pacific Group on ML (APG) 2024 Typologies Report identifies key risks related to ML/TF and PF in the region

It offers insights into current trends, methods, and typologies, helping organizations address these risks more effectively. The 2024 APG Typologies Report also includes information on asset recovery and challenges involved in effective recovery of proceeds of crime (both domestic and foreign), and a section on related work undertaken by APG’s observer organisations and research centres…

EPPO Romania carries out investigation into possible fraud involving road works, financed with €37m in EU funds

There are suspicions that the subcontractors colluded with the contractor in order to present false documents certifying that the works had been successfully completed. According to the investigation, the works did not respect the quality requirements. There are also suspicions that representatives of the beneficiary (CNAIR) did not carry out adequate checks…

Egmont Group publishes a report detailing the critical role of FIUs in the National Risk Assessment process

It highlights the challenges FIUs face, including resource constraints and data analysis complexities, and underscores the importance of collaboration and information sharing. Successful strategies involve strengthening partnerships, improving technology, and maintaining flexible frameworks. The report aims to equip FIUs with the tools and knowledge to effectively assess risks and enhance their AML/CFT efforts…

FCA’s Crypto Roadmap outlines a two-year plan to create a secure, clear, and innovation-friendly regulatory framework for the crypto market

The key statistics highlight: 12% of UK adults now own crypto (up from 10%), 93% awareness of crypto (up from 91%), Average crypto holdings have increased to £1,842 (from £1,595), 1 in 3 mistakenly believe they can file a complaint with the FCA – crypto remains unregulated, 26% of non-crypto users would consider buying crypto if it were regulated…

 

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