UN Special Rapporteur Calls for End of U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
United Nations expert is calling for the United States to lift its decades-old sanctions on Cuba, citing their corrosive impact on the country’s populace and economic future, Al Jazeera reported.
Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Sued in Over Alleged ‘Assistance’ to Hamas
Families of Americans killed, injured or taken hostage in Hamas’s October, 7 2023 attack on Israel have accused Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao and his cryptocurrency exchange of helping militant groups move millions of dollars, according to the Financial Times.
FCA to Overhaul Transaction Reporting
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched a consultation to overhaul the country’s transaction reporting regime, promising both stronger tools to combat financial crime and a lighter reporting burden for firms.
Singapore Court Okays $2.7-Billion Lawsuit Against Standard Chartered for 1MDB Role
A Singapore court has allowed a $2.7-billion lawsuit against Standard Chartered Bank to proceed over its alleged role in the looting of Malaysia’s 1MDB sovereign fund, according to Reuters.
Fugitive Ex-Wirecard Exec Jan Marsalek Tied to Multibillion-Dollar Laundering Ring
Fugitive former Wirecard executive Jan Marsalek has been linked to a sprawling, multibillion-dollar money laundering network that British investigators say connects street-level drug dealers in the UK to sanctioned Russian oligarchs and the Kremlin’s security services, the Financial Times reported.
Leaked Records Point to Sanctions-Busting Oil Network Supplying DPRK
An intricate network of Russian, North Korean, and Gulf-based companies has been quietly helping funnel hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil to North Korea in apparent violation of U.N. sanctions, according to a new investigation by OCCRP and its affiliates.
French Raids Escalate Probe in Altice Fraud and Money-Laundering Allegations
French investigators have stepped up their probe into alleged corruption at Patrick Drahi’s Altice telecoms group with a series of coordinated raids across the country, seizing cash, luxury goods and other assets, Bloomberg reported.
US, UK and Australia Blacklist Russian ‘Bulletproof’ Hosting Firms Tied to Ransomware Attacks
The United States, Britain and Australia have imposed coordinated sanctions on Russian technology companies and individuals accused of providing key online infrastructure for ransomware and other cyberattacks, Reuters reported.
Brazil Weighs Taxing Cross-Border Crypto Payments
Brazil’s government is weighing plans to tax the use of cryptocurrencies in international payments, targeting a fast-growing channel for moving money across borders, according to a Reuters report.
Volodymyr Zelensky’s Gold Toilet Problem
Law enforcement raids on luxury Kyiv apartments, including one bathroom fitted with a golden toilet, and images of duffel bags stuffed with cash have plunged President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration into its biggest corruption crisis since he took office, the Financial Times reported.