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BoE and London BIS’s Project Hertha tested AI to detect FC in real-time retail payments, boosting illicit pattern detection by 26% and account identification by 12%, while revealing key limitations

The project focused on identifying illicit finance patterns in real-time retail payment systems through advanced transaction analytics. Notably, it achieved a 26% improvement in detecting previously unseen criminal behaviours and a 12% increase in the identification of illicit accounts compared to conventional methods. These findings suggest that AI-driven analytics could serve as a powerful supplementary tool for banks and payment…

US Govt seizes 145 darknet and web domains, along with crypto funds linked to BidenCash – a marketplace that trafficked 15M+ stolen cards, served 117K users, and made $17M in illicit gains

Between Oct 2022 and Feb 2023, BidenCash released 3.3 million stolen card records for free as a tactic to attract more users. The leaked data included full card details, names, email addresses, phone numbers, and physical addresses. Following the seizure, the marketplace’s domains have been redirected to law enforcement-controlled servers to prevent further criminal activity…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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…

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