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Met Police and FCA seize 7 illegal crypto ATMs and arrest 2 suspects for operating an unregistered crypto-asset exchange and laundering illicit funds

This enforcement action comes amid the FCA’s continued crackdown on unlawful crypto activities, highlighting that no crypto ATMs are legally registered in the UK. Therese Chambers of the FCA underscored that unregulated machines “support crime,” while Detective Inspector Geoff Donoghue reaffirmed the Met’s commitment to tackling crypto-enabled money laundering…

FATF holds webinars on TF and Proliferation Risks (July 22, 2025) and Sanctions Evasion Schemes (July 29, 2025) to help deepen public and private sector understanding of key risks and vulnerabilities

The first, on 22 July, will focus on terrorist financing (TF), examining traditional and emerging methods, including online tactics and hybrid approaches. The second, on 29 July, will address proliferation financing (PF) and sanctions evasion schemes, highlighting vulnerabilities in the global financial system and discussing FATF’s recent report on complex PF and sanctions evasion schemes…

FCA and ICO highlight how Open Finance and Smart Data can enhance secure data sharing in financial services through strong consent, privacy, and AI safeguards to combat fraud and drive innovation

Key technologies under review include APIs, AI analytics, distributed ledger technology, and digital IDs—all aimed at boosting innovation while safeguarding against financial crime risks. With initiatives like the Smart Data Accelerator and ICO’s Innovation Hub, both regulators aim to balance innovation and trust, ensuring data-driven finance evolves responsibly and transparently…

Europol disrupts a major drug trafficking network across Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK, arresting 7, seizing 600+ kg of drugs and €5M hidden in cargo and mail

The traffickers utilised sophisticated methods, such as concealing drugs in deck cargo and mail packages, to evade detection. The coordinated effort involved 11 house searches across the three countries, with nine conducted in Belgium, one in the UK, and one in the Netherlands. Europol has been supporting the investigation since September 2024…

EC unveils bold review of the EU’s Anti-Fraud Architecture to protect the EU budget against rising transnational fraud, organised crime, and tech abuses like AI and crypto, with reforms set for 2026

The initiative focuses on improving the entire anti-fraud process—from prevention and detection to investigation, prosecution, and recovery—by enhancing data sharing, access, and the use of advanced tools. It also aims to boost cooperation among EU agencies and member states, with key stakeholders invited to contribute ahead of planned policy updates expected in 2026…

GI-TOC flags Pacific Islands as crime transit hub, calls for community-led security amid meth crisis and rising foreign cartel influence

This growing presence of foreign crime groups is fueling a sharp rise in methamphetamine trafficking and usage across the region, which is contributing to wider social harms such as increased petty crime, community fragmentation, and a surge in HIV infections linked to drug use practices. GI-TOC stresses the urgent need for holistic, community-led security strategies that integrate traditional local governance with formal law enforcement efforts…

Europol reveals pro-Russian cyber gang NoName057(16) funded major DDoS attacks on Ukraine and NATO allies with crypto payments, exposing key financial crime risks

Operation “Eastwood” led to two arrests, seven international arrest warrants, disruption of over 100 servers, and searches across multiple EU countries. The network recruited thousands via Telegram, paying them in crypto to attack targets, highlighting the financial crime risks tied to politically motivated cyberattacks….

AMLA outlines in its 2025 Work Programme that firms involved in crypto asset activities must have robust protections against ML/TF in place

AMLA expects all licensed crypto-asset service providers in the EU to implement comprehensive and effective anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures from the outset. The Authority emphasizes coordinated, risk-based supervision in partnership with national regulators to ensure consistent enforcement and address emerging cross-border threats…

FCA’s 2025 PEP Guidance refines PEP definitions allowing case-by-case discretion on sign-off and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) duration

It emphasises a risk-based, proportionate approach to enhanced due diligence, requiring senior management approval but allowing flexibility in signatories. Firms must promptly update PEP status and ensure clear documentation, training, and compliance oversight, aligning policies with consumer protection principles. This guidance reflects lessons from the FCA’s 2024 PEP review and replaces earlier versions…

MAS’s 2024-25 Annual Report reveals bold new anti-scam measures, cutting-edge real-time fraud detection, and strengthened safeguards to protect consumers

The MAS Annual Report 2024/25 outlines the Authority’s key priorities and policy responses to support economic stability, strengthen the financial sector, and address emerging risks. It aims to provide transparency on MAS’s actions in monetary policy, financial crime prevention, digital resilience, and sustainable finance…

FCA and PRA launch consultation on SM&CR reform, aiming to simplify checks, speed approvals, and support growth – have your say by 7 Oct 2025

Proposed changes include extending timelines for senior manager approvals, reducing duplicative certification roles by 15%, and simplifying annual checks to certify individuals as ‘fit and proper’ for their roles. These measures are part of a broader initiative to enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of the UK financial services sector…

Australia’s NASC initiates its third fusion cell to fight romance scams, uniting key sectors to identify victims and curb losses – amounting to $23.6M in 2024

In 2024, Australians reported $23.6 million in losses to romance scams, with an average individual loss of $24,216. Women reported higher financial losses—$20.1 million compared to $13.3 million for men—while individuals aged 65 and over had the highest total losses at $11.7 million. Scammers often build trust over weeks or months before requesting money or assistance, using tactics like “love bombing,” …

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