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CBS News: US government faces US $750 b annual fraud losses driven by transnational crime and identity theft, revealing pandemic-era vulnerabilities and highlighting urgent need for enhanced AML measures

This massive financial drain has been exacerbated by vulnerabilities exposed during the pandemic, when rapid disbursement of relief funds created opportunities for widespread abuse. Experts highlight that these fraud schemes go far beyond typical welfare fraud, involving organized crime groups and nation-state actors who monetize stolen personal data on the dark web. The scale and complexity of these operations…

The Hacker News: Germany shuts down eXch over $1.9bn laundering, seizes €34m in crypto and 8TB of data

This action was part of a coordinated transatlantic law enforcement effort, resulting in the seizure of €34 million in cryptocurrency assets and 8 terabytes of crucial data, aimed at dismantling the criminal network and gathering key evidence for prosecution. Operating since 2014, eXch was notorious for providing anonymous crypto swapping services with no anti-money laundering safeguards, making it a favored channel for obscuring…

CoinDesk: German authorities shut down hundreds of crypto hubs laundering US$1.9 b amid increasing crypto AML enforcement and EU pressure on non-compliant platforms

This crackdown comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen anti-money laundering (AML) measures in the crypto space, driven by growing concerns over the use of decentralized financial systems for criminal activities. With mounting pressure from the European Union to enforce stricter compliance standards, German authorities have targeted non-compliant platforms, aiming to disrupt the flow of illicit funds and prevent further exploitation…

Job X Dubai: Dubai billionaire Abu Sabah sentenced to 5 years for AED150m ML, marking the collapse of his lavish empire

This conviction marks the dramatic fall of his once-thriving business empire, built on real estate development, luxury goods, and ostentatious displays of wealth. Sahni, who rose to prominence in Dubai with his lavish lifestyle and high-profile acquisitions—including the iconic AED 33 million license plate number “5” and a collection of luxury cars—now faces significant legal repercussions. The money laundering case, which involved a network of…

Coin Telegraph: EU will ban anonymous crypto accounts and privacy coins by 2027, strengthening AML regulations and oversight of crypto service providers

The European Union has announced a significant move to combat money laundering and illicit activities within the cryptocurrency space, with plans to ban anonymous crypto accounts and privacy coins by 2027. This decision comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Under the new rules, crypto asset service providers (CASPs), along with financial institutions and credit institutions…

The Brussels Times: Brussels authorities seized €1.4m in a major AML operation, uncovering a criminal network using shell companies and fake invoices to launder illicit funds

The operation uncovered how the criminal group used a network of shell companies and falsified invoices to launder illicit funds, effectively masking the origins of money, often derived from illegal activities such as drug trafficking. Investigators discovered that these entities facilitated the movement of illicit funds by creating fraudulent transactions, making it appear as though legitimate business operations were taking place…

DW News: China lifts sanctions on MEPs in EU ‘charm offensive,’ signaling shift in trade strategy amid US tensions

The sanctions imposed in 2021 after the EU sanctioned Chinese officials over human rights abuses in Xinjiang, targeted several MEPs, the Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights, and other European officials. China’s decision to ease these restrictions is seen as an attempt to rebuild ties with the EU, particularly in light of the shifting global economic landscape influenced by U.S. policies…

BBC: EU court overturns Malta’s golden passport scheme, citing legal violations and heightened financial crime risks

The court determined that the scheme effectively reduces nationality to a commercial transaction, undermining the principle of mutual trust between EU member states. By granting citizenship in exchange for a significant financial commitment—such as a €600,000 investment, property purchase, and charitable donation—Malta’s scheme raised concerns about the potential for money laundering, tax evasion, and corruption…

CCN: Bank of Italy highlights global financial dangers and threats to Europe’s monetary sovereignty as US crypto surge intensifies

In a recent report, the Italian central bank warned that the surge in US crypto activity, particularly following the U.S. presidential election, could pose substantial financial risks to global markets. The rise of stable coins like Tether and USDC, which are pegged to the U.S. dollar, could potentially distort international capital flows and undermine Europe’s monetary sovereignty. The Bank of Italy highlighted that if these stable coins gain systemic…

Independent: Former South Korean President indicted on bribery charges involving ex-family member and businessman, highlights rising political corruption scrutiny

The indictment has sparked significant attention as it underscores a growing trend of scrutiny around political corruption in South Korea, particularly involving high-ranking officials and their connections to business leaders. The case is part of a wider pattern of legal challenges facing former political figures, reflecting the increasing focus on transparency and accountability in the country’s political system…

 

The Crypto Times: UK drug gang unveils memecoin in latest ML scheme, exposing new crypto crime trend

This marks a significant shift in criminal tactics, as creating and promoting their own cryptocurrency allows them to not only launder money but also potentially profit through a “pump and dump” scam. The case highlights a growing trend in financial crime where criminals are innovating within the crypto space, making it increasingly challenging for regulators and law enforcement to track and prevent money laundering activities…

Tico Times: Costa Rican Bank under investigation for $100m ML and tax evasion scandal, revealing major gaps in financial transparency and compliance

The investigation has flagged large, unexplained financial transfers between accounts connected to the bank’s Panamanian operations. These transfers, spanning from March 2023 to December 2024, involved substantial sums and lacked adequate documentation, raising concerns about money laundering and tax fraud. Panamanian authorities, in collaboration with Costa Rican regulators, have also noted potential links to tax evasion…

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