Secret Audio Recording Catches Launderers Discussing How to Hide PDVSA Loot
Secret audio recorded in Madrid in 2017 captures “shadow bankers” laying out a plan to launder millions of dollars tied to corruption at Venezuela’s state oil company, including a proposed bond swap designed to evade anti-money laundering controls
Deutsche Bank Raid Focused on Same Years as Earlier BVI Probe
German authorities raided Deutsche Bank’s headquarters in Frankfurt and a separate office in Berlin as part of a money-laundering investigation linked to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
Albania’s ‘AI Minister’ is an Anti-Corruption Crusader with a History of Graft
When the digital avatar “Diella” was launched by the Albanian government last year, its purpose was clear: to serve as an incorruptible public servant in a country known for widespread corruption, according to new reporting by The New York Times.
Bank of Scotland Fined £160,000 for Failing to Flag Blacklisted Putin Ally
The UK’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has levied a £160,000 monetary penalty on Lloyds Banking Group for violations of Russia sanctions made by its subsidiary Bank of Scotland Plc.
Revolut Drops Plans to Buy U.S. Lender, Looks to OCC for Banking Charter
Revolut has dropped plans to buy a U.S. lender as a means to get a foothold in the American market and will instead apply for a banking license from the Trump administration, the Financial Times reported.
Brother of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar Hit with Federal Fraud Charges
A Texas sheriff who is the brother of U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar is facing federal fraud charges following allegations that he ran a fraudulent business using public funds and staff during the Covid-19 pandemic, The Texas Tribune reported.
Trump Sues JPMorgan, Jamie Dimon over Alleged ‘Woke’ Debanking
President Donald Trump sued JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon on Thursday, alleging the bank closed his and related entities’ accounts for political reasons following the Jan. 6, 2021 riots at the U.S. Capitol, CNBC reported.
How a U.K. Loophole Hands the Kremlin Tens of Millions of Pounds Each Month
A senior Labour lawmaker is urging the British government to close a sanctions loophole that allows jet fuel and other refined oil products derived from Russian crude oil to enter the U.K., Politico reported.
Once Championed by Industry, Sweeping Crypto Bill Draws Criticism from All Sides
Major U.S. crypto companies and lobbyists are turning against a sweeping digital-asset bill they had championed, threatening efforts to lock in a regulatory framework while Republicans still control Congress.
Ukraine Charges Former PM Tymoshenko with Soliciting Bribes
Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities have charged former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko with allegedly offering bribes to lawmakers from other parties in exchange for parliamentary votes, according to OCCRP.