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VOA News: Thailand’s move to legalise online gambling, has sparked concerns that criminal gangs may exploit the industry to launder illicit proceeds as seen in neighbouring countries

Critics warn that like in the Philippines, online gambling could become a hub for ML and other criminal activities unless strict regulations and enforcement are implemented. The government’s plan includes introducing a casino bill and online gambling licenses, but concerns remain about the effectiveness of law enforcement and potential corruption in managing the industry…

BBC news: Canada and Mexico have agreed to enhance efforts against organised crime to secure a one-month pause on proposed US tariffs

Canada will deploy new technology and personnel along its US border and boost cooperation on financial crime. Meanwhile, Mexico will reinforce its northern border with 10,000 National Guard troops to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking….

Dutch News: Dutch Anti-corruption law needs to be amended to make it easier to prosecute public officials, say Prosecutors and Police

The push for reform follows corruption investigations including a probe into former EU commissioner Neelie Kroes and her alleged involvement with Uber and the Dutch tax office. The investigation initially launched in December 2023 was dropped due to insufficient evidence that services were provided in exchange for a gift. Similarly, a corruption case against The Hague politician Richard de Mos was dismissed for lack of legal grounds…

 

Tokyo Reporter: Cybercrime – Rise in Japan and How Tech Companies are being targeted

The rise in internet accessibility has fuelled a surge in cybercrime across Japan with malware, phishing scams, password theft, and denial-of-service attacks being the most prevalent threats. In response, the Japanese government is strengthening security measures to combat cybercrime and support tech companies in protecting their customers from cyberattacks…

BBC News: In a Swiss landmark case, the ex-Trafigura boss is convicted of bribery connected to Angola

Wainwright who also has a racing career received a 32-month prison sentence, while the company was fined $148 m. The case which involved complex offshore shell companies and nearly $5 m in bribes to an Angolan official, marks the first time a company has been convicted by Switzerland’s highest court for bribery. Trafigura denies the charges and plans to appeal. The case is seen as a warning to commodity brokers in Geneva where Trafigura…

Dutch news: Finance minister wants banks to be able to share information about their customers as part of AML investigations, despite privacy concerns

Finance Minister Eelco Heinen is calling for more targeted monitoring and potential legislation to boost competition in the savings market while addressing inefficiencies in privacy laws that hinder AML efforts. He highlighted the €1.4 billion cost of current practices with 13000 bank employees focusing on identifying suspicious spending. Heinen warned that privacy concerns are clashing with the need to keep the financial system…

Reuters: Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish a cryptocurrency working group focused on new regulations and exploring a national crypto stockpile

The order also ensures banking services for crypto firms and bans central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to prevent competition with cryptocurrencies. Additionally the SEC rescinded a costly crypto asset guidance, responding to industry pressure. The move contrasts sharply with the Biden administration’s crackdown on crypto exchanges, earning praise from the industry…

Syria orders freeze of bank accounts linked to former Assad regime amid financial crackdown

Syria’s central bank has ordered a freeze on accounts tied to individuals and companies linked to the ousted Assad regime, aiming to sever financial ties with the former government. The directive issued targets entities like the Katerji Group, involved in Syria’s oil trade and led by US sanctions-designated brothers. Banks must report the details of frozen accounts within three days…

Reuters: Singaporean man was charged on for assisting foreigners in forging documents and falsifying accounts linked to a US$3 billion ML operation

The operation which unearthed staggering amounts of illicit funds, luxury assets, and real estate sent shockwaves through the Asian financial hub. The foreigners involved received prison sentences ranging from 13 to 17 months before being deported and permanently banned from re-entering Singapore. The case has prompted the government to introduce policy reforms designed to simplify the prosecution of ML cases and bolster financial integrity…

BBC: Trump urges Putin to end the “ridiculous war” in Ukraine, warning of potential new sanctions

Trump warned of heavy tariffs and sanctions if Putin fails to engage in talks, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while open to negotiations, emphasized that any peace agreement would require US backed peacekeeping forces as a deterrent. Despite Trump’s rhetoric, skepticism remains high in Kyiv with leaders demanding concrete actions over vague promises. Meanwhile, hints from Moscow suggest a possible shift toward scaling back war…

Vietnamnet Global: Da Nang police have dismantled a US$1.3 billion ML operation, arresting suspects including a bank employee and seizing counterfeit documents and evidence

Da Nang police have uncovered a massive ML scheme, with T.Q.T., a 36-year-old from Hai Chau District forging IDs to establish 187 shell companies and open over 600 bank accounts. These accounts used to launder nearly 30 trillion VND ($1.3 billion) facilitated criminal activities such as fraud and online gambling. Several accomplices including a bank employee were arrested for their roles in the operation. Authorities are now working to recover…

CPS: Three convicted money launderers have been ordered to repay £23.6 m after illegally obtaining Australian dollars and laundering them through cryptocurrency

Masterminded by James Parker the scam exploited a loophole in a crypto exchange allowing his associates to withdraw millions before his death in 2021. Authorities have recovered significant assets with the CPS emphasizing its commitment to targeting proceeds of cyber-enabled crime…

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