Trump Moves U.S.-Controlled Venezuelan Oil Money to Qatar
The Trump administration’s first sale of Venezuelan oil under a new arrangement is valued at $500 million, with much of that money being held in a U.S.-controlled bank account in Qatar, according to Semafor.
Stepping Back from Military Threats, U.S. Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Iran
The White House imposed new sanctions on Iran even as the Trump administration appeared to step back from its threat of military action in response to Tehran’s ongoing crackdown on Iranian protestors, according to The Wall Street Journal.
U.S. Justice Department Closes Swedbank Case without Enforcement
The U.S. Department of Justice has closed its anti-money laundering (AML) investigation into Swedbank AG without bringing an enforcement action, according to the Swiss lender.
Lebanon Charges Ex-Central Bank Governor Over Alleged $45mn Embezzlement
Lebanese prosecutors have charged former central bank governor Riad Salameh with alleged embezzlement of $44.8 million, nearly ten months after a court decision to refer him to trial, according to OCCRP.
White House Designates Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorism Groups
The Trump administration designated three Middle Eastern branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, claiming the groups contribute to regional instability and violence.
California Fines Crypto-Lending Platform without State License
California’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) fined crypto lending platform Nexo Capital Inc. $500,000, alleging the company made crypto-backed consumer and commercial loans to Californians without the required state license.
Panamanian Supreme Court Case Set to Decide Control of Canal Ports
Panama’s Supreme Court is nearing a decision in a lawsuit that could void a Hong Kong company’s license to operate two container ports at either end of the Panama Canal, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Spain’s AML Watchdog Fines CaixaBank €30mn over Real-Estate Deal
CaixaBank has been hit with several fines totaling more than €30 million by Spain’s anti-money laundering watchdog, Sepblac, over a legacy real-estate transaction.
EU’s Kallas Threatens New Iran Sanctions over Protestor Crackdown
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is preparing to push for new sanctions on Iran following a security crackdown that has “reportedly claimed hundreds of lives” since protests began nearly two weeks ago, Euronews reported Monday.
Ex-Panama Leader Faces Charges in Odebrecht ‘Car Wash’ Case
Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli is on trial over allegations he laundered millions of dollars tied to bribes paid by Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, a case that plugs Panama into the regionwide “Car Wash” corruption scandal that has toppled political figures across Latin America, according to AFP.