How Hong Kong Firms Bypass Trade Restrictions to Fuel Russia’s War Machine
Asian trading networks continue to route European-made dual-use technology into Russia’s war economy, exploiting gaps in the continent’s sanctions designations and enforcement, according to new research published by the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation.
Russia Skirts Sanctions to Keep Shahed Drones in Air with German Parts
Russia is exploiting a network of front companies, influence agents, and third-country logistics routes to obtain German-made components needed for its attack drones and missiles.
How Kazem Hamad Seized Control of Australia’s Black Market for Cigarettes
Crime boss Kazem Hamad has taken a major financial stake in the Manchester tobacco company in Dubai, cementing his cartel’s control over Australia’s illicit cigarette market from manufacturing and smuggling through to retail sales in suburban shops.
Niger Wants to Sell 1,000 Tons of Uranium. ISIS Wants to Seize It
A shipment of about 1,000 tons of uranium moved out of northern Niger in recent months and is now stranded at a military airbase in the capital, Niamey, where it faces heightened security risks after an attack by Islamic State militants.
Russia’s Wagner Group is Finding New Recruits to Conduct Attacks in Europe
Recruiters and propagandists who previously worked for Russia’s Wagner Group have become a key channel for Kremlin-directed sabotage operations in Europe, the Financial Times reported.
Crypto’s Rising Role in Forced Labor, Sex Trafficking, and CSAM
Cryptocurrency flows to suspected human trafficking services surged 85% in 2025, reaching hundreds of millions of dollars across identified services.
How Dirty Crypto Gets Cleaned in a Gig Economy
Drug cartels and other criminal groups are increasingly using cryptocurrencies and a growing “gig” workforce of freelance brokers and couriers to launder cash and evade law enforcement, Bloomberg Businessweek reported.
MONEYVAL Outlines Challenges in Curtailing Criminal Misuse of Crypto
The Council of Europe’s anti-money-laundering body on Tuesday published a new report on how criminals exploit crypto-assets to launder illicit proceeds, fund terrorism, and evade sanctions.
Brazil Looks to Close Two Loopholes Used to Dodge Asset Freezes
Brazil’s Finance Ministry has urged the country’s central bank to tighten regulation around pooled and escrow accounts that authorities say are being used by bad actors to circumvent asset freezes, according to Reuters.
How Funny Money Helps Russia Skirt Western Sanctions
Fake banknotes resembling Monopoly money are being used to move rubles over borders as part of an effort to circumvent Western sanctions on the Russian Federation, according to new reporting by the Financial Times.