Daily financial-crime intelligence · Updated 28 Sep 2026, 23:02 UTC
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's Court of Appeal sentenced a Syrian national to seven years in prison for fraudulently obtaining Kuwaiti citizenship by being added to the citizenship file of a deceased Kuwaiti citizen in 1971. The court ordered the accused to repay KD 600,000 (approximately $1.
Money laundering
The UAE announced a regional initiative under its MENAFATF presidency aimed at studying fraud typologies and associated money laundering across the Middle East and North Africa.
Fraud & scams
The TERA scandal extends to 131 funds from seven portfolio managers, affecting 455,758 unique investors holding affected units and approximately $18.3 billion in assets.
Fraud & scams
Turkish authorities conducted a corruption investigation into Yahşihan Municipality in Kırıkkale, targeting former AKP mayor Ahmet Sungur and former MHP mayor Osman Türkyılmaz, along with 35 suspects including deputy mayors, municipal council members, municipal employees, and businessmen.
Sanctions
The article reports US sanctions against a cryptocurrency exchange allegedly operated by Iranian billionaire Babak Zanjani and used to process payments for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz (the 'Tehran tollbooth scheme') and to funnel funds to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Money laundering
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) announced the imposition of strict enforcement measures against Bank Melli Iran's branches operating in the UAE due to violations related to non-compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.
Money laundering
The Kuwaiti Court of Appeal affirmed severe penalties in two major financial crimes cases. In the first case, 21 defendants received 10-year prison sentences for operating a money-laundering scheme involving falsified banking documents and 17 commercial companies.
Fraud & scams
According to OCCRP and Schemes, leaked Dubai property records show Alina Shkrobanets, former mother-in-law of dismissed Ukrainian Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, as owner of a $670,000 Dubai villa purchased in 2023 while Kravchenko headed the Kyiv Regional Military Administration.
Money laundering
Mehmet Cemil Acar, a former State Airports Authority (DHMİ) department head, was re-arrested on September 21-22, 2026, on charges of laundering proceeds from crime. The Ankara Chief Prosecutor's office ordered his detention under Article 282 of the Turkish Penal Code.
Kuwait's Court of Appeal, State Security Circuit, upheld 10-year prison sentences against 21 defendants in the first case and additional defendants in a second case, both involving unlicensed banking activities, forged bank documents, and laundering of illicit funds through fictitious commercial entities.
Federal prosecutors in the U.S. are investigating cryptocurrency exchange Binance over potential sanctions violations related to Iran. The probe is being handled by the Manhattan U.S. attorney's office, with the Department of Justice's criminal division in Washington also involved.
Bribery & corruption
The sixth session of the Conference of States Parties to the Arab Anti-Corruption Convention convened in Doha from September 21–23, 2026, bringing together representatives from 22 Arab states including 15 signatories to the convention.
Money laundering
Turkey's Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office detained two individuals, Selim Dağbaşı and Hamza Kablan, following a fund investigation related to terrorism financing and money laundering. Dağbaşı is alleged to have transferred $14.
Fraud & scams
A Kuwaiti Misdemeanors Court sentenced a former minister and former member of Parliament to six months in prison with hard labour and immediate enforcement on September 21, 2026, after convicting them of fraud and deception.
Money laundering
Former DHMİ executive Mehmet Cemil Acar faced investigation for 'laundering assets derived from crime' under Turkish Penal Code Article 282. Assets seized during the investigation included 26 kilograms of gold bars, $1.32 million, and €121,000.
Money laundering
Huawei Technologies faces a criminal trial in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, on charges including racketeering, money laundering, bank and wire fraud, sanctions violations, obstruction, and trade secret theft from five U.S. technology companies.
Fraud & scams
According to ICIJ, Huawei is on trial in Brooklyn federal court on 12 felony charges including racketeering, trade secret theft, wire fraud, and bank fraud.
Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar granted former Prime Minister Najib Razak a conditional royal pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence for graft under house arrest until August 23, 2028.
Money laundering
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated BitBank, an Iranian digital asset exchange allegedly controlled by sanctioned financier Babak Zanjani, for facilitating alleged money laundering and sanctions evasion.
Fraud & scams
Police opened an investigation against Netivei Ayalon chairman Idan David on suspicion of CV fraud and other offences.
Sanctions
The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated BitBank, described as a digital asset exchange controlled by sanctioned Iranian financier Babak Zanjani.
Bribery & corruption
According to a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court in New York, Turkish government officials allegedly attempted to have Reza Zarrab, a key witness cooperating in a sweeping Iran sanctions-evasion investigation, killed inside a U.S. federal detention facility.
Money laundering
Federal prosecutors filed a civil forfeiture complaint on September 15, 2026, seeking to seize over $61 million in cryptocurrency held in unhosted wallets on the TRON blockchain. The complaint alleges that two Chinese companies, Blessed Trust and Hexa Whale, laundered approximately $1.
Bribery & corruption
Turkish authorities arrested 29 people pending trial in a bribery investigation targeting the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP)-run Seferihisar Municipality in western Izmir Province, as of September 16, 2026.
Money laundering
Former Geneva Bar president Luc Argand provided his law firm's account as a conduit for bribes funneled by Mirabaud & Cie bank between approximately 1997 and 2012. The bank transferred 85 million francs in bribes to Fahad Al Rajaan, head of Kuwait's pension fund.
Fraud & scams
Ilit Raz, founder and former CEO of Joonko (a human-resources technology firm), pleaded guilty to securities fraud after FBI investigation. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Raz forged bank statements and customer documents to raise $27 million from venture capital funds.
Money laundering
Federal authorities charged twelve individuals—naturalized U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents from Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan and Iraq—with wire fraud and money laundering in connection with schemes to defraud federal childcare subsidy programs in San Diego County.
Money laundering
Three individuals connected to the Pierre Mirabaud banking scandal received criminal penalties in connection with approximately 80 million francs in undisclosed commissions.
The Police Investigations Department filed an indictment against detective Karem Affan from Baujnena-Nojaidat, charging him with multiple counts of assault and obstruction of justice.
Other
Turkey's Interior Ministry announced on September 14, 2026, that authorities initiated proceedings against 177 suspects in illegal betting operations across eight provinces (Adıyaman, Çorum, Konya, Manisa, Muş, Muğla, Siirt, and Tekirdağ).
Fraud & scams
The UAE is intensifying enforcement against fraudulent academic credentials. Authorities are implementing stricter verification procedures for educational qualifications, with financial penalties forming a key part of the enforcement strategy.
Money laundering
Turkish law enforcement coordinated by the Gaziantep Chief Public Prosecutor's Office conducted a major operation targeting illegal foreign exchange transfers across multiple provinces.
Money laundering
Dr Abdullah Mohammed Al Ali, Head of Prosecution at the Sharjah Public Prosecution, warned that renting out bank accounts, setting up fake companies, issuing forged invoices, or moving money for others can expose people to serious criminal charges.
Money laundering
Tunisian journalists and activists protested after Mohamed Yousfi, editor-in-chief of investigative news website Al-Qatiba, was arrested on charges of illicit enrichment and money laundering.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's Criminal Court has sentenced a former Ministry of Interior senior official to seven years in prison with hard labor, dismissed him from his position, and ordered him to repay 1.293 million dinars and pay a fine of 2.
Huawei Technologies is heading to trial in federal court in Brooklyn over its business dealings in Iran. Eight years after U.S. prosecutors secretly charged the Chinese company with defrauding HSBC and other banks over its business with Iran, jury selection began on September 9, 2026.
Bribery & corruption
Kuwait's Criminal Court sentenced a former Ministry of Interior senior official to seven years imprisonment with hard labor, dismissed him from his position, and ordered him to repay 1.293 million dinars and pay a fine of 2.587 million dinars.
Tax evasion
A businessman from Reunion Island used services from the Jawer/Helin group—which is implicated in the Dubai Papers investigation—to illegally evade approximately €384,000 in wealth tax between 2014 and 2017.
Fraud & scams
The Abu Dhabi Court for Family, Civil and Administrative Claims ordered a man to return Dh99,000 to a company owner after fraudulently retaining money that was mistakenly transferred to his bank account.
FinCEN issued an alert to assist financial institutions in identifying and reporting on procurement networks that support Iran's commercial aviation industry.
Fraud & scams
Dubai authorities arrested a performer for promoting fraudulent freelance visas through TikTok and YouTube, targeting job seekers. The suspect allegedly created approximately 40 fraudulent residency documents, charging between Dh7,000 and Dh9,000 each.
Fraud & scams
A performer was arrested in Dubai by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and Dubai Police for allegedly operating an illegal immigration racket using social media platforms.
Bribery & corruption
Turkish police detained 12 individuals in a new corruption investigation targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the local government formerly headed by suspended Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The investigation is part of ongoing scrutiny of municipal operations on corruption charges.
Other
Turkish prosecutors indicted 51 minors over 22 alleged gang-related incidents linked to an armed youth gang known as 'Casperlar,' allegedly led by İsmail Atız.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) detained 108 government workers in August 2026 following investigations across multiple ministries. The authority conducted 2,659 oversight visits during the month as part of anti-corruption efforts.
Money laundering
Engin Yağcılar, a municipal council member from Turkey's opposition Republican People's Party, was arrested on suspicion of demanding €200,000 from a contractor. According to prosecutors, he allegedly offered to secure approval for a building permit in exchange for 200,000 euros.
On 31 August 2026 (published 2 September), a Brussels court chamber referred Belgian biometrics company Semlex and 13 other defendants to criminal trial over alleged corruption, money laundering and tax fraud linked to a contract to produce biometric passports in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Fraud & scams
Iraq's government has launched a financial reward programme incentivizing citizens to report embezzlement and financial crimes, offering whistleblowers 5% of recovered stolen funds.
Money laundering
Kuwait's Public Prosecution referred 71 defendants to Criminal Court on charges related to alleged corruption involving agricultural property holdings. The accused include government employees—some in leadership positions—and 28 private companies.
Money laundering
Former senior official at Israel Tax Authority Shimon Cohen (attorney and CPA, formerly deputy director and board member) has been charged in the Tel Aviv District Court with income concealment, assisting others in tax evasion, tax reporting violations under the Income Tax Ordinance, and money laundering offenses totaling approximately 29 million shekels.
Bribery & corruption
Iraqi judicial authorities seized approximately $10 million in cash, 35 properties, and six vehicles in a corruption investigation involving former director Alaa Mohsen Khalaf in an oil official's office. The seized assets included 7 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $5.3 million) and $5.
Money laundering
An indictment was filed against attorney and CPA Shimon Cohen (former senior official at Israel Tax Authority), businessman Dody Afel, and others for tax crimes, document forgery, violations of insolvency law, and money laundering offenses.
Fraud & scams
The National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office (PNACO) held its first autumn court hearing on September 1st to examine a vast false investment fraud scheme. An individual identified as Rudy S.
Money laundering
Two men received prison sentences for their roles in a £266 million money laundering operation that used a UK scrap jewellery business to process criminal cash and purchase gold for export to Dubai.
Sanctions
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates initiated an investigation into the local branches of Egypt's second-largest bank following US Treasury sanctions.
Fraud & scams
Umar Zaul Al-Aassem, head of Tel Sheva municipal council, was arrested on charges of bribery, fraud, criminal breach of trust, tender manipulation, and fictitious employment. Police arrested seven suspects including the council head and detained six others.
Other
Turkish prosecutors have opened an investigation into former Ankara mayor Melih Gökçek following reports of alleged undeclared funds transferred to companies abroad.
Money laundering
Three convicted money launderers—Gregory Frankel, 48, Haroon Rashid, 56, and Arjun Babber, 34—are believed to have fled the country after failing to attend court for trial in connection with the UK's largest money laundering case.
Fraud & scams
Israeli police arrested seven suspects including Omar Zael Al-Assam, head of Tel Sheva regional council in southern Israel, alongside family members and senior municipal officials. Six additional suspects were detained for questioning.
Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury announced sanctions severing the UAE operations of Egypt's second-largest bank, Banque Misr, from American financial systems. Between January 2024 and June 2026, Banque Misr UAE processed approximately $1.
Bribery & corruption
Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity announced that Talal Al-Zobaie, a former Iraqi lawmaker and former chairman of parliament's Integrity Committee, was sentenced to seven years in prison for illicit enrichment.
Money laundering
Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity announced that Ali Maarij al-Bahadli, Deputy Oil Minister for Distribution Affairs, was sentenced to seven years in prison by an anti-corruption court for illicit enrichment and money laundering.
Trafficking
Kuwait authorities intercepted and seized drug-laced paper sheets that a French passenger arriving from London attempted to bring into the country. The materials were discovered during airport screening procedures, indicating an attempt to smuggle narcotics using an unconventional medium.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs referred cases of misappropriation of public funds at the Public Authority for Disability Affairs (PADA) to the Public Prosecution. An investigation committee discovered that funds estimated at approximately 1.
Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury Department announced that it is taking action against the UAE branch of Banque Misr (Bank of Egypt), accusing the institution of facilitating transactions for Iran's defense ministry and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced a proposed rule under Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act that would prohibit U.S. financial institutions from maintaining correspondent accounts for Banque Misr UAE.
A German court sentenced two brothers for sanctions violations related to 65 exports to Russia via Turkey and Kyrgyzstan totalling €833,000 in engineering equipment and machinery used in weapons manufacturing.
Money laundering
ENEX Premium Trading Limited, registered in St Kitts and Nevis and owned by Azerbaijani national Nadir Valiyev, agreed to forfeit more than $5.2 million (£3.84 million) following a civil recovery investigation into suspected money laundering and sanctions evasion.
Money laundering
Ohad Ratzón, a certified public accountant from Rishon LeZion, is under investigation for allegedly filing false expense deductions totaling approximately 1.41 million shekels without supporting documentation.
Trafficking
The General Directorate for Drug Control in Kuwait announced the seizure of approximately four million capsules of Lyrica and nearly five tonnes of raw powder used to produce it, in what authorities described as the largest drug manufacturing and distribution operation in Kuwait's history.
Bribery & corruption
Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity and the Central Criminal Court for Corruption issued rulings in bribery cases within the electricity sector.
Sanctions
The US Treasury Department designated approximately 60 individuals, entities, and vessels targeting networks connected to Mohammad-Hossein Shamkhani.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police warned the public about fraudsters posing as official bodies to offer fake jobs and visas in exchange for cash. Scammers are increasingly exploiting social media and messaging apps to deceive victims using unlicensed company names.
Money laundering
An Istanbul court on August 24, 2026, acquitted all 200 defendants of forming or belonging to a criminal organization in a major municipal corruption trial, while convicting five mayors on separate bribery and related charges.
Money laundering
An Istanbul court issued verdicts in a major corruption trial involving 200 defendants centered on allegations that businessman Aziz İhsan Aktaş secured municipal tenders through bribery and bid-rigging. The court convicted five opposition mayors of bribery charges.
Other
According to reporting in Cumhuriyet on August 24, 2026, Turkey's Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) documented suspicious financial activities involving the family of Alihan Kuriş, leader of an organized crime group under investigation by Ankara's Chief Prosecutor's Office.
Other
Three men are charged with aggravated murder in the June killings of Marwan Abu Shahin, a key witness in an extortion case, and private investigator Saada Saada.
Sanctions
The US Treasury Department announced sanctions against ten individuals for their alleged ties to Hezbollah and Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. Nine Turkish citizens and one Iranian national, identified as Masoud Mosafer, were added to the sanctions list.
Bribery & corruption
The OECD released a damning assessment finding that Turkey 'failed to implement 49 of the 71 recommendations' from its prior evaluation, with zero foreign bribery convictions since 2000. U.S. prosecutors allege that 'senior Aksa Enerji Üretim A.Ş.
Fraud & scams
The Department of Justice unsealed a superseding 14-count indictment on August 18, 2026, charging 17 members and affiliates of the Iran-based Mabna Institute with conducting coordinated cyber intrusions into computer systems of 144 U.S. universities, 178 foreign universities, at least 42 U.S.
Fraud & scams
Bank Leumi filed a 26.6 million shekel lawsuit against Meta in Tel Aviv District Court, alleging the company enables systematic distribution of fraudulent advertisements impersonating the bank on Facebook and Instagram.
Money laundering
Saudi Arabia's Central Bank (SAMA) has implemented enhanced regulatory scrutiny on financial transfers to the United Arab Emirates, placing the country among jurisdictions designated as higher-risk for illicit money flows.
A convicted Bahraini fraudster and his legal adviser are on trial at the High Criminal Court on charges of entering false data into the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry and the Information and eGovernment Authority systems.
The Israel Football Association has requested that a disciplinary court suspend Maccabi Haifa player Omer Dahan for a minimum of 60 days while authorities investigate allegations of illegal gambling, match-fixing, violations of Israel's Prohibition on Money Laundering Law and tax offenses.
Money laundering
Kuwait's financial regulators have implemented stricter anti-money laundering procedures requiring banks and financial institutions to provide complete, accurate and electronically searchable financial data within a single working day of requests from the Financial Investigations Department.
Money laundering
Binance announced on August 14, 2026 that it will cease processing transactions involving 16 cryptocurrency platforms and service providers in a phased rollout from August 7 to August 23, 2026.
Money laundering
The United Arab Emirates restored approximately AED 1.19 billion to victims between 2021 and 2025 through enforcement actions targeting financial crimes.
Money laundering
The UAE General Secretariat of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee announced that 1.19 billion dirhams was recovered for victims of money laundering crimes during the period from 2021 to 2025, reflecting effective national efforts to protect victims' rights and recover stolen funds.
Money laundering
A federal jury in Brooklyn convicted Ghanaian national and former Goldman Sachs Executive Director Asante Kwaku Berko on all counts following a nine-day trial.
Fraud & scams
A couple residing in Moscow discovered a mortgage of 1.2 million shekels fraudulently registered against their Netanya apartment.
Money laundering
Turkish authorities launched an operation against the Suleymanci religious community on August 13, 2026, with prosecutors alleging money laundering and organized financial crimes.
Fraud & scams
A female accountant in Dubai was sentenced to one year in jail for embezzling approximately Dhs1.47 million from her employer. According to the Dubai Criminal Court, she took advantage of her position and the company's trust in her, and forged accounting documents to conceal the embezzlement.
Fraud & scams
The Israeli Tax Authority arrested a construction company owner suspected of deducting fictitious invoices totaling approximately 26 million shekels. The suspect, identified as Shmuel Gazit from Ramat HaSharon, was released with restrictions following questioning.
Other
BENEFIT, Bahrain's leading fintech company, signed a service agreement with AMAN, Bahrain's premier compliance platform, to adopt its platform for compliance, due diligence and financial crime prevention activities.
Other
BENEFIT, Bahrain's fintech and electronic financial transactions company, signed a service agreement with AMAN, Bahrain's compliance platform, to strengthen financial crime prevention and regulatory oversight.
Other
A dentist from southern Israel is under investigation by the National Unit for Investigations and Fighting Crime (Yehalom) and Israel's Tax Authority for allegedly concealing income.
Money laundering
An individual under active investigation by British authorities for money laundering made a substantial $100 million investment in a cryptocurrency venture associated with the Trump family.
Sanctions
Austrian authorities announced the uncovering of a sanctions evasion operation involving a Vienna-based company that illegally supplied specialized industrial equipment worth over €3.3 million to Russia's weapons manufacturers.
Bribery & corruption
Özkan Yalım, the detained mayor of Uşak, faces accusations involving municipal contracting schemes and bribery. According to the article, he was arrested in March under investigation for 'bribery and corruption.'
Fraud & scams
Lebanese authorities arrested former Palestinian ambassador to Beirut Ashraf Dabbour on Monday after questioning him, pursuant to Palestinian Authority arrest warrants for corruption and embezzlement of funds during his tenure as ambassador from 2012 to 2025.
Money laundering
A7, a Russian payment network backed by Russia's state-owned PSB bank and publicly endorsed by President Vladimir Putin, is alleged to have become a major conduit for moving money out of Russia despite Western sanctions.
Fraud & scams
Israeli tax authorities arrested Dudu Ochana from Rehovot on suspicion of operating shell companies used to distribute and offset fraudulent invoices and commit tax violations.
Other
The Israel Tax Authority announced a new reform to combat fictitious invoice schemes, described as costing the state approximately 15 billion shekels annually. The proposed system, called 'VAT Online', would require immediate VAT payment upon receipt of customer funds.
Other
The Central District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against a criminal defense attorney in his 50s, accused of extorting a former client through intimidation.
Fraud & scams
Israeli tax authorities arrested a Rahovot resident suspected of tax and VAT crimes totaling approximately 29 million shekels. According to the investigation, the suspect is alleged to have operated shell companies to distribute and offset fake invoices.
Bribery & corruption
A Turkish court on August 8, 2026, jailed pending trial İlksen Özalper, the opposition New Party's provincial chair in Western Manisa province, on bribery and organized crime charges.
Other
The Federal Investigation Agency's Commercial Banks Circle in Karachi arrested Syed Atif Abbas Zaidi, whom authorities allege was engaged in 'unauthorised buying and selling of US dollars and other foreign currencies' and involvement in illegal hundi/hawala operations.
Money laundering
The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated cryptocurrency exchanges Shelbit and Aban Tether, along with network operator Siavash Kayvanpour and associated entities in Georgia, Poland, and the UAE, for allegedly processing millions in cryptocurrency transactions to…
Money laundering
Abu Dhabi's Federal Court of Appeal heard prosecution evidence in a case involving thirteen defendants—including a former Sudanese military intelligence officer—and six companies accused of illicit trafficking in military equipment, money laundering, mediation and brokerage, and forgery of official documents.
Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury Department lifted sanctions on the Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad on August 5, 2026, after determining the airline had made fundamental operational changes such that there is no longer a basis to maintain its designation.
Money laundering
The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal adjourned proceedings involving 13 individuals and six companies accused of illegally trading military equipment destined for Sudan, money laundering, brokerage, and document forgery until August 12, 2026, to allow defense counsel to complete pleadings.
Bribery & corruption
The Antalya metropolitan municipality investigation focuses on corruption charges. Two individuals—businessman Çağrı G. and former Deputy General Secretary Serkan T.—were re-arrested based on new evidence.
Money laundering
Dubai Police issued a public warning regarding fraudulent part-time job offers circulating through social media and messaging platforms. The warning follows an investigation into schemes that exploit job seekers' bank accounts for money laundering.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police dismantled 103 fraudulent social media accounts during Q2 2026 as part of enforcement against online scams and cybercrime. Law enforcement recorded a decline in cyber and financial crime during the first half of 2026 compared to 2025.
Bribery & corruption
Turkish prosecutors requested that parliament lift the immunity of Özgür Özel, leader of the New Party, and lawmaker Veli Ağbaba over allegations that they accepted bribes on multiple occasions while they were senior members of the Republican People's Party (CHP).
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's Criminal Court has scheduled a hearing for September 15 to examine allegations that 50 Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) employees embezzled approximately 87,000 dinars in public funds.
Other
Israeli police (Unit 344) and the Insolvency Commissioner allege that contractor Dudi Apple transferred real estate assets worth tens of millions of shekels to brothers Itzik and Yafa Dayan with assistance from attorney Michael Kleiner.
Bribery & corruption
Turkish police detained Menderes Mayor İlkay Çiçek from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and 14 other people in a corruption investigation in the western province of Izmir on 4 August 2026.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) handled 156 reports of fraud and scam attempts during July 2026, according to official data.
Sanctions
An ICIJ analysis of recently released UN procurement data reveals that at least 11 companies with reported ties to the former Assad regime continued to receive UN contracts after Assad's ouster in December 2024. According to ICIJ, the UN paid roughly $10 million in 2025 to these companies.
Fraud & scams
According to Dubai Police, 103 fraudulent accounts on social media platforms were shut down during Q2 2026 as part of efforts to combat online fraud. Lt. Gen.
Sanctions
The UAE ordered all Iranian vessels out of its ports effective 1 August 2026, as part of broader enforcement efforts against sanctions evasion. The action follows intensifying US sanctions against Iran's maritime infrastructure and digital financial networks.
Fraud & scams
Ankara's Etimesgut Municipality Investigation alleged systematic corruption including bribery, extortion, bid rigging, embezzlement, and membership in a criminal organization.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police's Crime Prevention Department warned of fraud gangs exploiting social media and messaging apps to advertise bogus part-time jobs. These gangs deceive individuals by persuading them to open financial accounts in their own names, which are then used to funnel fraudulent proceeds.
Fraud & scams
Turkish police detained Erdal Beşikçioğlu, the 56-year-old mayor of Etimesgut Municipality in western Ankara and a veteran actor best known for playing a corruption-fighting police officer on television, on July 30.
Fraud & scams
Inspection teams in Kuwait's Capital Governorate seized 411 unlicensed cosmetic products and medical creams, along with approximately 3,500 counterfeit brand labels, after discovering a warehouse allegedly altering product labels and expiration dates.
Money laundering
The UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has issued an order freezing the assets of Dubai-based businessman Satish Sanpal as part of a money laundering investigation.
Other
Lahav 433 detained a contractor and several businesspeople for questioning on suspicion of concealing interests in real estate and transferring assets during bankruptcy proceedings.
Fraud & scams
Turkish authorities arrested 40 individuals on August 3, 2026, in an investigation into the Ankara Etimesgut Municipality, including Mayor Erdal Beşikçioğlu.
Money laundering
The Kuwait Criminal Court upheld convictions in a real estate fraud scheme involving fake chalet sales. Defendants were sentenced to seven years imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of KD 5 million. The scheme operated across Kuwait and Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
Money laundering
Lebanon's public prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for former Palestinian ambassador Ashraf Dabbour following questioning. Dabbour, who served as ambassador to Beirut from 2012 to 2025, was previously arrested in April at the Palestinian Authority's request and placed under a travel ban.
Fraud & scams
Sharjah Police have issued a public warning about fraudulent online advertisements for holiday chalets, apartments and tourist facilities.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police recorded a decline in fraud, cybercrime and economic crime cases during the first half of 2026, according to the General Department of Criminal Investigation. Authorities shut down 103 fraudulent social media accounts during Q2 2026 as part of efforts to combat online fraud.
Other
Sharjah Police recovered valuables worth nearly Dh500,000 within three hours of receiving a burglary report. The victim, an athlete abroad for a training camp, reported the theft. Police arrested the suspects involved in the alleged burglary.
Bribery & corruption
On 1 August 2026, an Istanbul court ordered the detention of Sinem Dedetaş, the first female mayor of Üsküdar district (ending 30 years of Islamist rule), along with three others: mayoral chief of staff Alihan Koçoğlu, architect Burçin Çevik, and contractor Bülent Orhan Tozkoparan.
Money laundering
According to a Reuters investigation, Iran operates a massive money laundering and sanctions-evasion operation through multiple channels.
Sanctions
A Reuters investigation reveals an unlicensed Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange called Shelbit, operated by Iranian national Siavash Kivanpour, allegedly transferred approximately $676 million to Binance as part of a $4 billion sanctions-evasion scheme.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced it investigated 430 individuals during July 2026, detaining 131 of them on suspicion of bribery, abuse of official authority, and financial misconduct.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced it conducted 2,338 inspection tours in July 2026 and investigated 430 suspects, including employees from the Ministries of Interior, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Health, and Municipalities and Housing.
Fraud & scams
Riad Salameh, former governor of Lebanon's central bank (Banque du Liban) from 1993 to July 2023, was arrested on August 1, 2026, at Bhannes Hospital north of Beirut after failing to appear before a judge for questioning.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced it conducted 2,338 inspection tours and investigated 430 suspects during July 2026, resulting in the detention of 131 citizens and residents.
Money laundering
A Reuters investigation reveals that Shelbit, an unlicensed Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange, processed at least $4 billion for an Iranian gambling network comprising over 2,000 Farsi-language gambling websites.
Sanctions
Reuters investigation exposes Shelbit, an unlicensed Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange operated by Iranian expatriate Siavash Kayvanpour, as allegedly facilitating at least $4 billion in sanctions evasion since May 2024.
Bribery & corruption
Sinem Dedetaş, mayor of Istanbul's Üsküdar district and a leading Republican People's Party (CHP) official, was detained on July 29 as part of a corruption investigation into alleged bribery and extortion linked to construction permits.
Sanctions
An investigation by Reuters and cryptocurrency firms identified an illicit Iranian gambling network operating through a Dubai-based, unlicensed cryptocurrency exchange named Shelbit that processes billions of dollars.
Turkish police on 30 July 2026 detained 55 individuals, including Erdal Beşikçioğlu, mayor of Ankara's Etimesgut district (population approximately 600,000), and three of his deputies. The operation followed an embezzlement investigation launched in March.
Fraud & scams
An Abu Dhabi court ordered defendants to pay Dh95,500 in compensation to a woman who was allegedly defrauded in a phone scam.
Turkish authorities conducted two separate anti-corruption operations, detaining 23 municipal officials. In Istanbul's Uskudar district, six suspects including District Mayor Sinem Dedetas were held for alleged bribery and extortion linked to issuance of construction and occupancy permits.
Money laundering
The UAE Economic Integration Committee, chaired by the Minister of Economy and Tourism, reviewed new measures to strengthen corporate governance and anti-money laundering protections.
Bribery & corruption
Sinem Dedetaş, mayor of Üsküdar, and five others were detained as part of an investigation by the Istanbul Anadolu Public Prosecutor's Office. The prosecutor alleges the municipality's subsidiary Kent A.Ş. signed approximately 1.
The Central District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against Ismail Abu Ganem and six other defendants regarding the seizure of five residential apartments in Ramla using violence, threats and extortion payments.
Fraud & scams
According to Abu Dhabi Police, as reported by Gulf News, authorities have warned residents about a rise in electronic fraud during salary payment periods.
Fraud & scams
According to Khaleej Times, Abu Dhabi Police have alerted residents about increased electronic fraud attempts coinciding with salary payments. Authorities reportedly advise residents never to share banking details or one-time passwords and to verify legitimacy before transferring money.
Fraud & scams
Renwick Haddow has been sentenced to additional prison time and ordered to repay $58 million to defrauded UAE investors in connection with the Bar Works investment scheme.
Money laundering
Kuwait's State Security and Terrorism Crimes Circuit convicted nine Syrian nationals of operating an organised criminal network that laundered approximately KD 2.29 million.
Sanctions
The United States sanctioned an Istanbul-based financial technology company Zedpay Financial Systems and Services Inc.
Fraud & scams
Dubai's Public Prosecution investigated a fraud case in which a suspect contacted a flower shop employee via Instagram and WhatsApp, ordering a bouquet delivery with an envelope containing over 2,000 dirhams in cash.
Fraud & scams
A Dubai civil court rejected a lawsuit filed by an Asian man seeking to recover approximately Dh1.09 million lost in an online fraud scheme.
Sanctions
The U.S. Department of State announced a reward of up to $15 million for intelligence regarding the financial activities and network linked to Beh Joule Pars Commercial Engineering Company, an Iranian entity accused of cooperating with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and assisting in…
On 24 July 2026, the EU Council imposed asset freezes and travel bans on six individuals over alleged serious human rights violations in Iran.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police's General Department of Criminal Investigation launched an Anti-Fraud Lab to combat online fraud through enhanced cooperation among financial institutions, technology firms, and regulatory bodies.
Sanctions
The UN Security Council Committee concerning Libya announced it had added the vessel 'Avax' (Cameroon-flagged) to its sanctions list on 22 July 2026 for alleged involvement in attempts to illicitly export petroleum, including crude oil and refined products, from Libya.
Bribery & corruption
According to Cumhuriyet, within an investigation conducted by Istanbul's Chief Public Prosecutor, CHP-affiliated İzmit Mayor Fatma Kaplan Hürriyet was arrested on 23 July 2026 by Istanbul 7th Criminal Peace Court under charges of establishing an organization to commit crimes, rigging public tenders…
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) arrested 21 individuals, including government employees, on charges of bribery and abuse of office. Cases include: a businessman who allegedly offered 1.
Fraud & scams
According to Emirates Today, Dubai Police through its General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Detection organised a 'fraud laboratory' to unify efforts and strengthen coordination in combating fraud crimes.
Money laundering
According to Times Kuwait, Kuwait's State Security Criminal Court has sentenced multiple individuals to 10 years' imprisonment and imposed fines totaling over KD 422 million in two separate money laundering cases.
Fraud & scams
The Sharjah Court of Appeal sentenced three individuals to one year imprisonment followed by deportation for perpetrating a fraudulent apartment rental scheme.
Bribery & corruption
According to Sabq, Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced it has initiated 15 criminal cases. The largest case involves a businessman who allegedly offered 1.
Money laundering
According to TRT Haber, CHP Silivri District Chairman Doruk Bulut was detained by a magistrate court in an investigation by Silivri's public prosecutor into Silivri Municipality on charges of membership in an organisation formed to commit crime and money laundering.
Fraud & scams
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced it had initiated criminal proceedings against individuals in 15 cases involving alleged bribery, abuse of office, fraud and embezzlement across several government bodies, and said legal procedures are continuing.
Money laundering
Kuwait's State Security and Terrorist Business Crimes Court, chaired by Judge Nasser Al-Bader, issued judgements in two money laundering cases.
Fraud & scams
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority announced the detention of individuals across various government entities and private sectors in connection with alleged corruption offences, according to an official statement.
Bribery & corruption
According to TRT Haber, in an investigation conducted by Ankara's public prosecutor's office into Çankaya Municipality, 25 suspects including suspended Mayor Hüseyin Can Güner were detained on charges of forming a criminal organisation, membership in a criminal organisation, bribery, corrupting a tender process.
Money laundering
Real estate and technology entrepreneur Yitzhak Londner, 72, is suspected of tax evasion for allegedly failing to report approximately 5 million shekels in investment income received from convicted Ponzi fraudster Mikey Ben-Ari between 2017-2020.
The Prosecutor's Office announced it will indict Israel Avisher, former head of the firearms licensing division in the National Security Ministry, for allegedly allowing unauthorized parties to issue approximately 23,000 conditional weapon permits and roughly 15,000 final licenses.
Other
According to Gulf News, a Sharjah court has ordered the deportation of an Asian man after finding him guilty of conducting unauthorized money transfer operations.
Fraud & scams
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency arrested two alleged human smugglers on July 20, 2026, during operations in Gujrat and Sialkot: Ahsan Ali Khan and Atif Mehmood Butt.
Fraud & scams
Istanbul's Chief Prosecutor's Office launched a coordinated operation against İzmit Municipality on 20 July 2026, targeting alleged corruption and procurement fraud.
Fraud & scams
A covert investigation by the National Fraud Investigation Unit and Tax Authority investigators uncovered an alleged bribery scheme within Israel's Tax Authority Central District office.
Several current and former Israeli Tax Authority employees were arrested Monday on suspicion of accepting bribes and enabling fraudulent tax refund applications spanning several years through 2019, according to authorities.
Other
A UAE court ordered five defendants to return funds to a tenant and fined them 15,000 dirhams, according to Emarat Al Youm. Further details of the case including specific allegations were not available.
Bribery & corruption
Four suspects—three former employees and one current worker at the Israel Tax Authority's Petah Tikva office—were arrested by Lahav 433 on suspicion of accepting bribes.
Fraud & scams
Israeli police arrested current and former Tax Authority employees in a corruption investigation spanning over twenty years.
Fraud & scams
Current and former tax authority employees face arrest on allegations involving a corruption scheme spanning over 20 years.
Fraud & scams
Bahrain's Public Prosecution (Capital Governorate) said it received a report from the economic-crime unit of the General Directorate for Combating Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security about a network of 24 defendants of Asian nationalities allegedly involved in fraud, accused of…
Fraud & scams
Israeli police and tax authorities revealed a major corruption investigation into tax office employees. Over a decade-long scheme, suspects allegedly received bribes totalling 10-15 million shekels while facilitating fraudulent tax refunds exceeding 80 million shekels.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police's Anti-Fraud Center warned about fraudulent advertisements promoting work, residence, or visit visas in exchange for money through social media platforms or messaging apps, according to Emarat Al Youm.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police's Anti-Fraud Centre issued a warning about fraudulent visa advertisements targeting residents through social media and messaging applications. Scammers allegedly impersonate legitimate companies or government entities to convince victims to pay for counterfeit visa services.
Bribery & corruption
Corruption investigations in two Israeli municipalities—Nahariya and Ashkelon—were examined using a new 'Local Democracy Index' tool designed to identify governance vulnerabilities through measurable indicators.
Fraud & scams
Sharjah Court convicted a defendant of fraud under UAE Crimes and Punishments Law for a Dh692,000 fake iPhone scam.
Trafficking
Giacomo Tamburello and his family accumulated gold bars, luxury real estate and an $89 million stake in a bank with the help of unscrupulous financiers and lawyers, according to an ICIJ investigation based on leaked Pandora Papers records.
Money laundering
Muscat's Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) convicted North Star Company, owner of the 'HI Shopping' platform, of money laundering crimes and imposed a fine of 50,000 Omani Rials, according to the court ruling issued 15 July 2026.
Fraud & scams
Renwick Haddow, the British mastermind behind the $57 million Bar Works fraud scheme, is set to face sentencing on July 23, 2026, in a US court after nearly a decade of delays, according to lawyers for victims.
Money laundering
Southwark Crown Court sentenced three men for defrauding eight victims of more than £4 million in cryptocurrency.
Money laundering
A senior bank employee was arrested by the Coastal District Fraud Unit on suspicion of defrauding customers and money laundering totalling approximately 800,000 shekels, police announced Tuesday.
Money laundering
Kuwait's Court of Appeal issued its final ruling in one of the country's largest commercial raffle manipulation and money laundering cases, according to judicial sources.
Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury froze approximately $130 million in cryptocurrency assets allegedly connected to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an organization the U.S. designates as a terrorist group. According to the report, this action reflects escalating sanctions pressure amid heightened U.S.
Fraud & scams
A branch manager at Bank Masad in northern Israel was arrested on suspicion of defrauding dozens of customers by demanding cash payments in exchange for loan approvals over several years.
Sanctions
The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control expanded its sanctions on July 15, 2026, targeting individuals and entities linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Among those sanctioned was Maria Selina, a Russian citizen accused of direct ties to the IRGC.
Attorney Eran Sham-Shavit, who served as legal advisor to the Securities Authority's investigations unit during Case 4000 investigations, testified in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial.
Sanctions
Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, a dual U.S.-Iranian national of Natick, Massachusetts, was convicted after a 14-day jury trial of conspiracy and violations related to illegally exporting electronic components to Iran.
Reza Zarrab, a businessman who pleaded guilty in 2017 to conspiracy, bank fraud, and money laundering, was sentenced to time served after cooperating with U.S. prosecutors. Zarrab admitted to conspiring with a Turkish bank to facilitate Iran's evasion of U.S. sanctions by trading its oil for gold.
Other
An Iranian supertanker carrying approximately two million barrels of crude oil was traveling at maximum possible speed to cross the U.S. naval blockade boundary before the 23:30 deadline on July 14, 2026, according to shipping tracker TankerTrackers.com. The U.S.
Bribery & corruption
Prosecutors allege that 36 individuals, including Ankara's Çankaya Municipality Mayor Hüseyin Can Güner, committed crimes including establishing a criminal organization, membership in a criminal organization, bribery, and bid-rigging.
Fraud & scams
According to the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, authorities conducted an operation against Güzelbahçe Municipality involving allegations of forming an organization to commit crimes, bribery, and embezzlement.
Sanctions
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office added 10 employees of Rybar LLC to its sanctions list on July 13, 2026, with asset freezes and entry bans for their involvement in destabilizing Ukraine.
Fraud & scams
According to The National, the UAE Ministry of Interior has cautioned drivers about sophisticated methods used by scammers to lure victims into fraudulent vehicle insurance deals.
Money laundering
Kuwait's State Security and Terrorism Crimes Court convicted nine Egyptian nationals of operating an informal money transfer system to move funds exceeding 22.294 million dinars outside Kuwait while concealing their origin through forged banking documents.
Sanctions
Mehdi Mohammad Sadeghi, 43, a US citizen with Iranian nationality, was convicted on three of five charges for violating US export control laws by conspiring to illegally export electronic components to Iran in breach of American sanctions.
Other
Cohen Properties disclosed that approximately $9.6 million (roughly 30 million shekels) from bond issuance proceeds were used to settle private obligations on properties not belonging to the company.
Bribery & corruption
Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council announced the recovery of 375 kilograms of gold in connection with a corruption investigation involving Adnan Al Jumaili, former Deputy Minister of Oil for Refining Affairs, who was arrested in May 2026 on suspicion of corruption.
Fraud & scams
The UAE Ministry of Interior issued a public alert regarding investment scams that use social media, misleading advertisements, and fake online platforms to lure victims, warning against promises of unusually high profits in short timeframes and pressure to make immediate investment decisions.
Fraud & scams
Former Value Base investment bank analyst Shai Lipman entered a plea agreement and was convicted of insider trading and securities fraud.
Money laundering
Turkish authorities detained Haluk Levent, founder of AHBAP charity, on allegations of misappropriating earthquake relief donations.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police's e-Crimes and Cybersecurity Department warned residents against downloading applications from untrusted sources, stating that fraudsters create customized apps targeting users' interests to infiltrate devices and steal financial information.
Bribery & corruption
An early morning police operation targeted Ankara's Çankaya Municipality, resulting in 29 detentions out of 36 authorized suspects. Çankaya Municipality Mayor Hüseyin Can Güner was among those detained.
Bribery & corruption
In an investigation coordinated by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, detention orders were issued for 36 suspects, including Çankaya Municipality Mayor Hüseyin Can Güner, on allegations of organizing a criminal enterprise, membership in criminal organization, bribery, and rigging public tenders.
Fraud & scams
The UAE Ministry of Interior cautioned residents against investment fraud schemes circulating on digital platforms and social media. The authority warned against being deceived by promises of quick, guaranteed profits. Dubai Police issued similar alerts.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police's e-Crimes and Cybersecurity Department called on residents to refrain from downloading mobile applications from untrusted sources.
Other
An Asian woman employed at a fuel station in Dubai is accused of embezzling 124,642 dirhams.
Bribery & corruption
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Dubai-based Iranian banker Ali Ansari, along with 13 other individuals and entities, targeting Iran's financial networks supporting the regime's leadership.
Money laundering
Istanbul's prosecutor office concluded a major investigation into an organized crime network operating from the Grand Bazaar that allegedly laundered proceeds from illegal betting, forex fraud, and other crimes through shell companies, currency exchanges, gold dealers, payment processors, and cryptocurrency.
On July 10, 2026, the US Treasury sanctioned Ali Ansari, a Dubai-based Iranian businessman accused of managing financial networks for Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Other
An internal investigation at Kohan Properties, a U.S. real estate company that raised approximately 412 million shekels through bond offerings in Israel in April 2026, reportedly uncovered that controlling shareholder and CEO Mike Kohan allegedly used approximately $9.
Money laundering
Turkish authorities arrested Ahmet Faruk Karslı, founder and former owner of Papara (an electronic money institution), on charges including illegal gambling facilitation, organized crime, and money laundering.
Money laundering
Saudi Arabia issued a new amended system for managing seized and confiscated funds in money laundering and terrorism financing crimes on July 10, 2026, aimed at protecting funds and channeling them to support economic and social development in Saudi Arabia, according to official sources.
Bribery & corruption
Iraqi investigators uncovered approximately $11 million (14 billion Iraqi dinars) hidden inside a stormwater drainage pit as part of an ongoing corruption investigation into former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs Adnan al-Jumaili, who has been in custody for around a month.
A 28-year-old Beer Sheva resident was indicted for attempting to solicit payment for violent crimes. According to the charges, the suspect contacted someone via Instagram who posed as a right-wing activist seeking mercenaries for 'national salvation' purposes.
Money laundering
Lebanon's Banque du Liban filed lawsuits against Lebanese banks and officials seeking recovery of billions in allegedly misappropriated funds.
According to Israeli police data from the Judea and Samaria district, investigation files opened following complaints about nationalist crime against Palestinians jumped from 139 in 2019 to 779 in 2025, a 5.5-fold increase.
Other
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) officially revoked the license of the Mohammed Hamoud Al-Sharif Exchange on July 7, 2026, preventing the institution from conducting exchange operations in the Kingdom.
Tax evasion
The Israel Tax Authority suspects attorney Ahikam Gridi of tax evasion involving approximately 10 million shekels.
Following a raid by Lahav 433, police froze approximately 180 million shekels belonging to Menorah Insurance and five managers, including Ari Kalman (CEO of Menorah Holdings), the most senior figure involved. Kalman was previously convicted in the 1990s insurance cartel case.
Other
The U.S. Treasury Department revoked a general license that had permitted Iran to sell crude oil and petroleum products, following recent attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police's Anti-Fraud Center issued a warning regarding deceptive online schemes where scammers impersonate legitimate consumer protection authorities through fake websites and applications.
Money laundering
U.S. federal prosecutors filed a memorandum requesting sentencing leniency for Reza Zarrab, an Iranian-Turkish gold trader convicted of conspiracy, bank fraud, and money laundering related to circumventing U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Bribery & corruption
Police announced the freezing of approximately 183 million shekels—93 million from Menorah Insurance company accounts and 90 million from personal accounts of five executives including CEO Ari Kalman, Insurance Company CEO Michael Kalman, Chairman Yehuda Ben Assayag, Holdings Chairman Eran Grifel, and Deputy CEO Orit Kramer.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police's Anti-Fraud Centre issued a warning about fraudulent schemes involving fake consumer protection websites used to commit bank fraud.
Bribery & corruption
An indictment filed by Istanbul prosecutors alleges that former Ankara Deputy Chief Prosecutor Ahmet Yıkılmaz accepted $300,000 in exchange for lifting asset seizure orders in the 'Demir Yumruk' (Iron Fist) operation.
Securities & markets
Arya Bolurfrushan, founder and CEO of Abu Dhabi-based AI startup AppliedAI, pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme in which attorneys at major law firms tipped traders about mergers their employers were advising on.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Primary Court ordered nine convicted individuals to repay 2.5 million dirhams to a gold trading company after they were found guilty of fraud involving fake gold bars.
Other
The UAE Central Bank imposed a financial fine of AED 1.82 million on a foreign bank branch for failing to issue a customer liability certificate within the mandated seven-day period, in violation of Market Conduct and Consumer Protection Regulations.
Sanctions
The Central Bank of the UAE imposed a financial sanction of Dh1,820,000 on a branch of a foreign bank operating in the country for failing to issue a liability letter within the mandated seven-day period, in violation of the central bank's Market Conduct and Consumer Protection Regulations and Standards, according to the regulator.
Money laundering
An Iraqi legal advisor revealed that estimates of funds stolen from Iraq since 2003 range from $60 billion to $300 billion, with some estimates exceeding $2 trillion, according to financial adviser Mazhar Mohammed Salih.
Other
The Central Bank of the UAE imposed a fine of AED 1.82 million on a foreign bank branch for failing to issue a liability letter within the legally required seven-day window, according to regulatory authorities.
Other
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) fined a foreign bank Dh1.8 million (approximately $490,000) for violating the regulator's market conduct and consumer protection regulations. The specific bank identity was not disclosed by the regulator.
Money laundering
Sharjah Police arrested seven Asian nationals involved in an electronic fraud network accused of impersonating officials and distributing malicious applications to gain remote access to victims' phones.
Government Legal Advisor Amit Isman initiated a project to establish a northern branch of the Economic Crimes Division in the Prosecutor's Office with 11 prosecutors specializing in complex economic cases, including money laundering and corruption offenses, targeting organized crime in Arab society.
The oil refineries case in Iraq reveals widespread corruption in the oil sector, with approximately half a billion dollars allegedly transferred out of the country, according to Iraqi judicial sources.
Money laundering
Sharjah Police announced the dismantling of an organized electronic fraud network comprising seven individuals of Asian nationalities.
Money laundering
Sharjah Police arrested seven Asian nationals allegedly operating a cyber fraud and money laundering network.
Other
A Dubai misdemeanours court convicted a European woman and sentenced her to one month in jail for using another person's bank card without permission to obtain money.
An indictment was filed on July 3, 2026, against Eli Levon, a 21-year-old American citizen from Mea Shearim, who allegedly carried out paid missions for Iranian elements.
Bribery & corruption
Ahmet Can Ağbaba, nephew of CHP Malatya MP Veli Ağbaba, was arrested on July 4, 2026, on charges of influence peddling following a corruption investigation by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Other
The UAE Cybersecurity Council announced that the national cybersecurity system successfully thwarted a series of sophisticated cyberattacks targeting organizations in the financial sector.
Bribery & corruption
Süleyman Demirel University Medical Faculty cancelled third-year theory exams on June 24, 2026, and rescheduled them for July 3, after exam questions were allegedly leaked in exchange for bribes.
Bribery & corruption
Balçova Mayor Onur Yiğit was removed from office by the Turkish Interior Ministry on July 3, 2026, following his placement under house arrest by the Seferihisar Criminal Court of Peace on June 28, 2026, on bribery charges. The announcement was made by the Interior Ministry.
Money laundering
The UAE Central Bank reported that financial penalties imposed on licensed entities during the first half of 2026 declined by 94.4% compared to the same period in 2025.
Other
The UAE successfully foiled a series of sophisticated cyber attacks targeting the financial sector's digital systems, according to the UAE Cyber Security Council. The attacks allegedly used phishing campaigns and malicious software as primary methods.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) arrested 130 Saudi citizens and expatriate residents on suspicion of corruption-related offences following inspections and investigations carried out during June, according to Gulf News.
Trafficking
Dubai authorities seized more than 278,000 pregabalin pills weighing 200kg in two separate operations, according to reports. Dubai Customs' data analysis systems flagged a suspicious shipment from an Asian country, leading to the discovery of 150,600 capsules.
Money laundering
Ten suspects including Mustafa Altındal, Head of Bolu Grocers and Peddlers Association, and Özgür Nihat Yıldız, Chairman of Boltur A.Ş. Board, were arrested on July 1, 2026, on charges of bribery, embezzlement, money laundering, and qualified fraud in a dawn operation.
Other
Dubai's Documents Inspection Center detected 902 forged and manipulated travel documents using advanced verification technologies within 18 months, comprising 689 violations in 2025 and 213 in the first half of 2026, according to the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai).
An Iraqi legal advisor revealed that estimates of funds looted from Iraq since 2003 range between 60 billion and 300 billion dollars, while others estimate them at more than two trillion dollars.
Fraud & scams
The UAE Banks Federation (UBF) urged customers to exercise caution when booking holidays and making travel-related payments, warning that fraudsters are increasingly targeting travelers with fake offers and fraudulent websites during the busy summer travel season, according to the UBF.
Police invited a filming crew from broadcaster Kan to accompany a raid on an apartment in south Tel Aviv where eight minors were staying and to document their arrest, contrary to Youth Law provisions limiting publication of minors' details and legal advisor guidelines prohibiting police from initiating media participation in investigation operations.
Fraud & scams
The European Public Prosecutor's Office conducted coordinated searches on June 30, 2026 at the National Rally headquarters and at several communications agencies, notably e-Politic and Unanime, linked to Marine Le Pen's circle.
Fraud & scams
The European Public Prosecutor's Office conducted coordinated searches on June 30 in France, Belgium, Italy and Spain as part of an investigation into the former parliamentary group Identity and Democracy, which included the National Rally (RN) between 2019-2024.
Money laundering
Three Qatari lawyers warned about the proliferation of fraudulent shell companies targeting youth seeking quick profits.
Money laundering
Iraq's 'Dawn Operation' anti-corruption investigation uncovered evidence of money laundering, with authorities seizing approximately 200 billion Iraqi dinars and 100 kilograms of gold from government officials, including $11 million and 4 billion dinars discovered in hidden compartments.
Money laundering
A 45-year-old official at Bahrain's General Administration of Ja'fari Affairs is charged with embezzling 483,107 Bahraini dinars and attempting to embezzle an additional 58,500 dinars, according to Al-Bilad Press.
Bribery & corruption
The Saudi anti-corruption and oversight authority (Integrity) announced that it conducted 1,585 inspection rounds during June 2026, investigated 385 suspects, and detained 130 citizens and residents on charges related to corruption.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) conducted 1,585 oversight inspections and investigated 385 suspects during June 2026, resulting in 130 arrests of Saudi citizens and residents on charges including bribery and abuse of public office.
Money laundering
Turkish state-owned Halkbank reached a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the US Department of Justice on March 9, 2026, according to Yetkin Report.
Fraud & scams
The Israel Tax Authority is investigating suspected tax evasion at DC Protection, a startup in the Red-Binot group owned by the Zisapel family. The probe centers on a February 2022 transaction in which Radware acquired DC Protection for $42.5 million.
Fraud & scams
Oman issued a royal decree on June 29, 2026, significantly strengthening anti-corruption legislation by establishing specific jail sentences for bribery offenses for the first time.
An indictment was filed against the chairwoman of the 'Tzav 9' movement, which acted during the war to block aid trucks heading to the Gaza Strip. The activist is charged with creating a public disturbance without reasonable cause for blocking humanitarian convoys.
Sanctions
The US and Gulf partner nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, announced coordinated sanctions through the Terrorist Financing Targeting Centre on five companies and 16 individuals linked to Hezbollah's Al Qard Al Hassan and Bayt Al Mal financial networks, according to the announcement.
Money laundering
An indictment with plea agreement was filed on June 30, 2026 against security equipment company Avility and two unnamed executives.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara will meet with the prosecution team to decide how to respond to the judges' recommendation to consider dropping the bribery charge in Case 4000 (the Bezeq-Elovitch affair) against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Analysis piece discussing Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial as representing 'the most severe judicial failure Israel has known in recent decades,' noting the trial has been ongoing for more than six years with no end in sight.
Fraud & scams
Iraqi authorities seized more than 20 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $15.5 million) and quantities of gold from the home of MP Aliya Nassif during anti-corruption raids in Baghdad's Green Zone.
Bribery & corruption
Former State Airports Authority (DHMİ) department head Mehmet Cemil Acar faces bribery and corruption charges after authorities discovered 26 kilograms of gold bullion and approximately $2 million in cash during a home search.
Bribery & corruption
Prime Minister Ali Al-Zeidi instructed the Ministry of Finance to establish a dedicated account for depositing funds recovered from individuals involved in unlawful enrichment, according to government spokesperson Haider Al-Abudi.
Bribery & corruption
A corruption investigation involves CHP Malatya Deputy Veli Ağbaba and suspicious financial transactions, according to a June 29, 2026 report. Associate Turgut Koç testified that Ağbaba summoned him to Ankara and asked if he had 500,000 TL available.
Fraud & scams
Israeli businessman Michael Fine was extradited to the United States on June 28, 2026 to face charges of electronic fraud and bank fraud totaling approximately $28 million.
Opinion article discussing the collapse of Israel's enforcement system and its impact on fighting financial crime and corruption.
Sanctions
Bellingcat and The Sunday Times revealed that Ian Thomas Dixon, a sanctioned lieutenant of the Kinahan organized crime group, has been living openly in Dubai and participating in padel tournaments under an alias. Dixon was sanctioned by the U.S.
Money laundering
Saudi Arabia reduced the disclosure threshold at borders to 10,600 dollars (40,000 riyals) for currency, negotiable financial instruments, gold bullion, precious metals, gems and jewelry, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. Penalties range from 10-25% for first violations to 50% for repeat violations.
Fraud & scams
A civil court dismissed a man's claim for 138,525 dirhams allegedly withdrawn via a fraudulent link, citing insufficient documentation.
Fraud & scams
John R. Bolton, II, 77, of Bethesda, Maryland, pleaded guilty to willfully retaining national defense information.
Fraud & scams
Abu Dhabi court ordered fraudster to pay AED 76,853 for 172.8 grams of gold jewelry obtained using fake bank transfer via WhatsApp, plus AED 10,000 damages. Previously convicted and fined AED 50,000 with internet restrictions for two months.
Money laundering
Kuwait's State Security and Terrorism Court issued 46 judicial rulings in one session dealing with complex networks involved in money laundering, terrorism financing, and joining banned organizations.
Saudi Arabia lowered cash/gold/precious metals declaration threshold for travelers from SAR 60,000 to SAR 40,000 when entering or leaving the country. New penalty structure: 10-25% of confiscated amounts for first violations (if no money laundering suspicion), rising to 50% for repeat offenses.
Bribery & corruption
Moroccan Court of Appeals in Casablanca convicted 29 defendants including former politicians, sports figures, business leaders for drug trafficking, gold trafficking, corruption, forgery, and exchange control violations.
Bribery & corruption
Over a three-month period, İzmir prosecutors opened investigations against five municipal mayors including Seferihisar and Balçova mayors on bribery (rüşvet) and corruption (yolsuzluk) charges.
Money laundering
The National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) opened a preliminary investigation into the Mohed Altrad group for aggravated tax fraud and organized money laundering, with tax authorities claiming 331 million euros in unpaid taxes for the 2018-2024 period.
Money laundering
UAE Central Bank imposed AED 20 million fine on foreign bank branch for repeated and serious failures in anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and sanctions compliance.
Money laundering
The Central Bank of the UAE announced it imposed a financial penalty of Dh20 million on an unnamed foreign bank for significant, repeated failures in its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations and Sanctions framework, according to the regulator.
Fraud & scams
Abu Dhabi Police warned of increasing fake account activity on social media platforms and fabricated text messages promoting bogus vacation rentals for chalets and farms.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police arrested an entire gang that defrauded an elderly Dubai resident over several months by convincing him that counterfeit banknotes could be transformed into genuine currency using special chemicals.
Money laundering
The National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) opened a preliminary investigation into the Altrad group for aggravated tax fraud and organized money laundering, according to Mediapart. Authorities claim €331 million in unpaid taxes (2018-2024), with total damages estimated at €350-400 million.
A London High Court ruled that fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi must pay Bank of India approximately USD 11.5 million, including accrued interest on a personal loan guarantee connected to his Dubai-based firm, Firestar Diamond FZE.
Bribery & corruption
Follow-up report on Yossi Asraf case. Covert investigation by Lahav 433 transitioned to open investigation, with searches conducted at Givat Ze'ev council and residential properties.
Fraud & scams
The Israel Tax Authority's 'Invoices Israel' system, launched in January 2024, has brought billions to state coffers but exposed significant security vulnerabilities. The system requires advance approval for business deductions and VAT refunds for transactions above 5,000 shekels as of June 2026.
Fraud & scams
Former employees of Clalit Health Services in the Central District claim the organization systematically defrauded the system to recruit members from the Haredi community.
Trafficking
Israel's Competition Authority is conducting a criminal investigation into suspected collusive arrangements at Supergas Power, a publicly traded utility company under the Elco Group. The investigation was launched approximately six months prior, involving employee interrogations and home searches.
Money laundering
Kuwait's State Security and Terrorism Crimes Court delivered 46 verdicts addressing serious offenses including money laundering and terrorism financing.
Other
Tel Aviv District Court declared Nochi Dankner, former controlling shareholder of IDB Holding, bankrupt after he withdrew opposition to the declaration. Dankner has repaid approximately 110 million shekels of debts to banks but failed to meet a mandatory 5 million shekel payment (paid only 2.
Sanctions
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against multiple currency exchange houses, shell companies, and front companies operating across several countries that facilitated Iran's shadow banking system.
Sanctions
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two cryptocurrency exchanges—Shelbit (operated by Siavash Kayvanpour) and Aban Tether—alleging they facilitate sanctions evasion and illicit financial activity supporting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard…
Fraud & scams
The National Fraud Investigation Unit (Lahav 433) detained a local authority head for questioning on suspicion of public corruption. Following a covert investigation, authorities moved to an open inquiry, conducting searches at the official's residence and municipal offices.
Money laundering
Kuwait's State Security Court issued verdicts against 46 defendants in cases involving money laundering, terrorism financing, and state security violations.
Fraud & scams
An Iraqi corruption court judge ordered continued investigations into a deputy oil minister and associates alleged to have embezzled millions of dollars from the oil refining sector.
Money laundering
Two Algerian nationals, aged 32 and 35, were arrested and charged in Paris for organized money laundering and criminal association. The scheme, operational since 2022, allegedly laundered approximately €34 million by supplying cash to business owners seeking to hide income from tax authorities.
Fraud & scams
Ido Samuel, convicted in 2013 for fraud, forgery and breach of trust (sentenced to 7.5 years, released 2017), resumed managing cryptocurrency and options investments for clients after release.
Money laundering
French judicial authorities dismantled a criminal organization suspected of laundering over one billion euros through sophisticated financial schemes. The network, allegedly directed from Morocco, operated between 2019 and 2025, with several hundred million euros identified during this period.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday the arrest of 4 individuals against whom judicial rulings were issued in cases of misappropriation of public funds, publishing blurred photos after their arrest.
Fraud & scams
An Abu Dhabi court ordered a man to repay 36,200 AED to two sisters after he defrauded them by falsely claiming he could secure work visas for their relatives. He sent forged entry permits via WhatsApp to maintain the deception.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's Interior Ministry announced the arrest of four individuals convicted in cases of embezzlement of public funds. The ministry published their photos (with faces blurred) after apprehending them following their attempts to evade authorities.
Fraud & scams
Nicky Sokolov, 20, from Kiryat Yitzhak, is under investigation on suspicion of committing sophisticated cyber fraud using artificial intelligence.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's General Department for the Execution of Judgments arrested four individuals who had been previously convicted in public fund embezzlement cases involving approximately $180 million. The arrests came after the convicts attempted to evade authorities following their convictions.
Fraud & scams
Kuwaiti authorities arrested four fugitives connected to an embezzlement scheme involving public funds totaling $180 million. The suspects had been evading capture to avoid serving court judgments.
Other
Authorities in Kuwait arrested a Kuwaiti national and a Syrian individual in connection with a sophisticated cybercrime operation targeting both citizens and expatriates' mobile phones and bank accounts.
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Money laundering
A police officer stationed in Martinique was formally charged with corruption and money laundering in connection with a large criminal network that allegedly laundered approximately €1 billion over the past decade.
Money laundering
Dubai Criminal Court convicted a former employee of embezzling AED 690,000 through exploiting his job position and authorized access. He was found guilty of document forgery and money laundering to conceal the theft.
Fraud & scams
Dubai civil court ordered defendant to pay AED 300,000 moral damages following criminal conviction for breach of trust involving misappropriation of furniture and furnishings worth AED 3 million. Defendant received one-month prison sentence plus fine.
Fraud & scams
A criminal investigation at Zonguldak Women's and Children's Hospital resulted in the detention of 20 individuals on June 16, including Dr. Ferhat T., an obstetrics specialist alleged to have solicited bribes from women seeking abortion services.
Other
Kuwait's State Security Court of Appeal overturned an acquittal ruling for three defendants (two Kuwaitis and one Colombian) and sentenced them to 3 years imprisonment.
Bribery & corruption
A bribery investigation targeting Seferihisar Municipality resulted in eight detentions including Deputy Mayor Gökhan Pehlivan and Nermin Günay (wife of Güzelbahçe Mayor Mustafa Günay).
Fraud & scams
Israel's Ministry of Justice is advancing amendments to the Payment Services Law that would require financial companies to reimburse credit card fraud victims even when they have disclosed secret codes due to fraud.
Fraud & scams
Federal judge in Manhattan Richard Berman dismissed criminal case against Halkbank filed in 2019, following settlement agreement reached with Trump administration in March 2026. U.S.
Fraud & scams
Barceló Hotels raised 400 million shekels in bond issuance without disclosing in the prospectus that criminal proceedings are pending against owner and CEO Moti Green for tax offenses.
Fraud & scams
Indictment filed against Oleg Pogosiyan (31) from Bat Yam for operating systematic fraud ring targeting Russian-speaking elderly citizens.
Fraud & scams
A Yemeni human rights network released a report accusing leaders of the dissolved Transitional Council, including Eidros al-Zubaidi, of systematizing financial corruption through illegal levies, allegedly embezzling approximately 43 billion Yemeni rials.
Money laundering
Article identifies mechanisms through which Iran's IRGC exploits Dubai's financial infrastructure to circumvent sanctions: Free Trade Zones (IRGC heavily utilizes general trading companies, shell corporations, and front entities nested within 40+ distinct zones exploiting regulatory fragmentation);…
Other
Attorney Rafael Yitzhak stands accused of submitting false claims to reduce his property transfer tax obligation. He acquired a villa in Ramat Hasharon for approximately 6 million shekels in 2024, making him theoretically liable for roughly 480,000 shekels in purchase tax.
Sanctions
Wall Street Journal/U.S. Coast Guard investigation revealed shadow fleet tankers (transporting Russian and Iranian oil) use remote desktop applications (AnyDesk, TeamViewer) allowing operators to remotely intervene in ship systems and delete data.
Sanctions
The US military has secretly coordinated the transfer of an estimated 90 million barrels of Gulf oil since May 2026, adopting Iran's own sanctions-evasion tactics to covertly move the oil, according to a Reuters investigation.
Money laundering
UAE authorities dismantled a drug distribution network following a tip from the Federal Narcotics Control Prosecution, with coordination from Ras Al Khaimah police.
Other
Al Dhafra Primary Court rejected a lawsuit filed by a shipping and customs clearance company against a former employee accused of stealing customer databases and price lists to establish a competing business. The court ruled that the plaintiff failed to prove the allegations with tangible evidence.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police's Anti-Fraud Centre has issued a warning about fraudulent insurance schemes circulating on social media platforms. Scammers target consumers seeking affordable coverage by advertising policies at artificially low prices, then requesting payment without verifying company legitimacy.
Trafficking
UAE law enforcement agencies collaborated to disrupt a coordinated drug trafficking scheme operating across the Emirates. The operation led to the arrest of 13 suspects as authorities worked to prevent illicit substances from reaching the streets.
Money laundering
Kuwait's Court of Cassation sentenced Sheikh Talal Al Khaled, former Interior and Defense Minister, to three years in prison with hard labour and imposed a fine of KD 3,000 after ruling in two high-profile public spending cases involving the Ministries of Interior and Defense.
Fraud & scams
Al Ain court ordered a defendant to return 107,500 dirhams with 5% annual interest and 5,000 dirhams in damages, after the defendant received funds to purchase and export a vehicle abroad but failed to complete the transaction or return the money. The court found breach of contract and fraud.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's Court of Cassation issued final rulings on June 15, 2026, in the embezzlement case against Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, former Minister of Interior and Defense, involving secret expenditures from the Ministries of Defense and Interior.
Other
Tax Authority suspects Tali Partook-Zahavi, wife of sports agent Pini Zahavi, of concealing approximately 3 million shekels in rental income from luxury apartments in Tel Aviv and Caesarea between 2018-2025. Authorities allege she failed to report earnings from at least 4 of her 5 properties.
Sanctions
EU Council sanctioned 9 individuals and 45 organizations across Russia, China, Hong Kong, UAE, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Liberia for sanctions evasion.
Fraud & scams
A Dubai Court of First Instance ordered two men to jointly repay Dh723,500 to a company and its manager after they were convicted of impersonating Federal Tax Authority officials. The defendants used forged state seals, official stamps, and fake signatures to defraud victims.
The EU Council approved a package designating 34 individuals and 47 entities.
Other
The alternative financing sector in the UAE faces a growing phenomenon of borrowers through digital applications defaulting on repayment under the mistaken belief that legal consequences are limited.
Fraud & scams
Dubai civil and criminal courts convicted an Arab national who used disappearing ink to write a check for 1.7 million dirhams to prevent the bank from cashing it. Criminal court sentenced the defendant to one year imprisonment, upheld on appeal. Civil court ordered defendant to repay the full 1.
Money laundering
A soccer player from a senior league team was arrested on June 14, 2026 on suspicion of illegal gambling on a large scale, suspected match-fixing, violations of the Money Laundering Prohibition Law, and tax offenses allegedly committed together with others.
Fraud & scams
Abu Dhabi court ruled two young men must repay 38,800 dirhams to victim of fraudulent job posting scheme via WhatsApp, plus 10,000 dirhams compensation for material and moral damages. Court referenced finalized criminal conviction underlying the civil judgment.
A soccer player who competed in Israel's top league during the 2026 season was arrested on suspicion of illegal gambling, match-fixing, money laundering violations, and tax evasion offenses committed with others.
Fraud & scams
The District Court in Tel Aviv convicted Alber, owned by businessman Eli Elazar, of fraud and tax violations. The company faced allegations of evading approximately 25 million shekels in import tax through forged documents and deception spanning late 2013-July 2015.
Sanctions
Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers boarded sanctioned oil tanker SMYRTOS in English Channel on June 14, 2026, in 6-hour operation marking UK's first independent interdiction of this type.
Money laundering
Dubai Police Academy launched a specialized one-year master's degree program in anti-money laundering in virtual environments, focusing on cryptocurrency investigations, blockchain forensics, AI applications for detecting illicit transactions, and metaverse-related money laundering risks.
Fraud & scams
Cybercriminals are using sophisticated caller ID spoofing techniques to impersonate official entities like embassies, combining fake calls with personally researched details obtained from leaked databases and social media.
Fraud & scams
Abu Dhabi Police issued an alert about fraudulent websites impersonating consumer protection authorities that appear in search results to steal personal and banking information.
Fraud & scams
Security researchers uncovered more than 4,300 fraudulent domains impersonating the official FIFA website, with 6 fraud schemes targeting 2026 World Cup attendance. The Federal Bureau of Investigation warned of fraudulent entities registering websites impersonating FIFA sites.
Other
Reuters reported UAE agreed to release billions of dollars to Iran as part of US-Iran peace negotiations. Four sources said UAE agreed to unlock total of $10 billion with more than $3 billion already delivered; two sources suggested total could reach $20 billion.
Bribery & corruption
The mayor of Silivri, an Istanbul municipality from Turkey's main opposition CHP party, along with 18 others were arrested on corruption and organized crime charges.
Other
Bellingcat tracked bulk carrier Grumant loading grain at occupied Ukrainian Port of Feodosia in February 2026 and delivering to Benghazi, Libya in April. Ukrainian authorities characterize grain as 'stolen' from occupied territories.
Fraud & scams
UAE authorities issued warning regarding sophisticated fraud scheme targeting residents. Scammers impersonating officials from Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) contact victims via Google Meet invitations from fake email accounts.
Bribery & corruption
41 individuals referred to court on corruption charges involving alleged irregularities in public procurement at Ege University. Investigation alleges officials acted in organized manner to benefit specific firms while causing approximately 3.1 billion Turkish lira in public damages.
Other
Dubai Court of First Instance rejected an Arab man's lawsuit against his son seeking recovery of 6.9 million dirhams from proceeds of a family property sale. The court confirmed the dispute had already been settled by final judicial rulings.
Other
Avtandil Kalandadze, 47, master of the shadow fleet tanker Bella 1, pleaded guilty to refusing to obey orders from the U.S. Coast Guard. Kalandadze commanded the Bella 1 from September through late December 2025, when it carried about 1.8 million barrels of Iranian oil to Asia.
Money laundering
Turkish authorities detained Silivri Mayor Bora Balcıoğlu and 16 other suspects on June 12, 2026, in a corruption investigation.
Fraud & scams
Security expert Mohammed Al-Suraihi warns of escalating electronic fraud targeting Saudi citizens through compromised government platforms like Absher.
Fraud & scams
A Dubai resident lost an entire Dh800,000 bank loan after fraudsters tricked him into downloading a counterfeit banking application and granting remote phone access.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation designed to prevent Iranian drones from accessing Western technology.
Money laundering
President Kais Said established a National Criminal Reconciliation Commission (CNCP) to recover public assets allegedly stolen through corruption.
Fraud & scams
Mahender Makhijani, 44, an Indian-born US Green Card holder, was arrested in Corona del Mar, Southern California, accused of defrauding a bank of approximately $100 million through document manipulation.
Fraud & scams
Legal experts warn of dual-fraud scheme: fraudsters operate fake trading platforms promising quick wealth, then exploit same victims through fake law firms claiming to recover lost funds for upfront fees. Article presents legal commentary on observed fraud patterns rather than specific prosecutions.
Fraud & scams
South Korean prosecutors raided Kunsan Air Base and the residence of a suspect employee over allegations of procurement fraud.
Other
State prosecutors filed an indictment against Jonathan Urich, an advisor to Prime Minister Netanyahu, for allegedly leaking classified intelligence materials to Germany's Bild newspaper.
Money laundering
Mahout Primary Court convicted Waleed Mohammed Helmi, an Arab national, of money laundering for handling funds from criminal activity and concealing their origin. He was sentenced to one month in prison, fined RO10,000, and had assets confiscated.
Bribery & corruption
Turkish authorities conducted a bribery investigation at Antalya Social Security Institution (SGK), arresting Mehmet Tanrıöver (SGK Regional Director) as the primary suspect and three additional suspects.
Money laundering
Israeli Police's National Unit for Serious and Economic Crime Investigations (Lahav 433) filed a prosecutor's statement against three suspected senior members of a criminal organization.
Money laundering
Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office completed investigation into 27 suspects including social media influencers, requesting up to 10 years in prison for obscene content distribution and money laundering through cryptocurrency platforms.
Money laundering
Jordanian lawmaker Wissam Arbihat, a member of the Islamist-leaning Umma Party, was detained and charged with money laundering and unauthorized fundraising. His assets were frozen and travel banned.
Fraud & scams
Israeli police completed their investigation into Minister for Social Equality Mai Golan and transferred the case to the State Prosecutor's Office, concluding there is sufficient evidence for indictment on charges of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, obtaining property by deception, forgery with intent to obtain property, and obstruction of justice.
Fraud & scams
Two Bank Hapoalim employees were convicted of embezzling 130,000 shekels in cash from customer deposits by physically removing bills from deposit bags and concealing them in their clothing over several months. One employee took 115,000 shekels; the other took 15,000 shekels.
Fraud & scams
The Abu Dhabi Court of Family and Civil and Administrative Cases ordered two men to pay 5,690 dirhams and 20,000 dirhams in compensation to a woman they defrauded after deceiving her by promising to provide a domestic worker via Instagram and taking financial amounts from her.
Other
Dubai civil court ruled ordering an Arab man to return 1.35 million dirhams to another person who had entrusted him with the money years ago for investment in the car trade. The ruling was based on WhatsApp messages as evidence.
Fraud & scams
A former accounts manager was convicted of stealing customer payments and ordered to pay his employer Dh2.3 million in compensation. The Dubai Court of First Instance awarded this amount to cover material and moral damages, plus 5% annual interest until full payment.
Money laundering
UAE and Saudi Arabian authorities collaborated to prevent a large-scale drug trafficking operation, intercepting approximately 267,000 amphetamine pills. The criminal gang was arrested following the successful joint law enforcement operation.
Fraud & scams
An Arab woman lost approximately Dh1.1 million after being deceived by two unidentified individuals who falsely claimed affiliation with a renowned trading company and convinced her to invest in cryptocurrencies.
The EU Council made its first individual designations under the framework extended on 22 May 2026 to target those threatening freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, listing two individuals and one entity.
Fraud & scams
UAE Civil Court rejected a woman's lawsuit against two defendants who allegedly defrauded her of approximately 1.1 million dirhams by impersonating representatives of a legitimate trading company and promising large profits from digital currency investments.
OFAC designated Amir Hossein Rad and Seyed Ali Khoee under counterterrorism and Iran sanctions authorities. Rad was designated for operating in the financial sector of the Iranian economy, and Khoee for being a leader of NOBITEX, a cryptocurrency exchange.
Fraud & scams
Yehuda Avidan, director general of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Shas party figure, was interrogated by Lahav 433 on suspicion of fraud, breach of trust, misuse of office, and making threats.
Money laundering
The Federal Investigation Agency arrested four suspects in Lahore during separate operations—two for conducting illegal currency exchange and hawala/hundi transactions (recovering Rs20.
Other
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency arrested four suspects in Lahore during raids linked to illegal hawala/hundi operations. Two suspects were taken into custody for allegedly operating illegal currency exchange businesses. Officials recovered cash worth Rs20.
Money laundering
CHP deputy Özgür Karabat criticized Turkey's 'Varlık Barışı' (Asset Peace) legislation, characterizing it as facilitating illicit funds by allowing unregistered domestic and foreign assets to be legalized through minimal taxation.
Fraud & scams
A Kuwaiti national impersonated a doctor at a government hospital in Kuwait and defrauded victims of money by promising to arrange cosmetic surgery procedures. Authorities in Kuwait are investigating this fraud case.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police warned the public against fake rental offers for chalets and villas on social media and websites.
Money laundering
Bahrain Public Prosecution (Financial Crimes and Money Laundering unit) referred employee of General Directorate of Jaafari Endowments to criminal trial for embezzling BHD 483,107 in charitable aid funds, forgery of official documents, and money laundering.
Other
The Egyptian General Prosecutor's Office announced that businessman Sabri Nakhnukh is alleged to have led a gang formation for controlling territory and engaging in thuggery through force and threats.
SIMAD Holdings, operating summer camps in US, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New Jersey after raising 620 million shekels from Israeli institutional investors in December 2025. Israel Securities Authority opened investigation into suspected securities law violations.
Fraud & scams
SIMAD Holdings, a U.S. summer camp operator that raised 620 million shekels from Israeli institutional investors in December 2025, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after controlling brothers David and Michael Shabelsky withdrew approximately $34 million from company accounts for private entities…
A 44-year-old Iranian citizen pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle to federal felonies related to his scheme to violate trade sanctions by smuggling military-related technology to Iran via China.
Turkey conducted one of its highest-volume money laundering operations on June 5, 2026, targeting cyber and financial crime organizations across 24 provinces. MASAK experts discovered a major crime network laundering illegal betting revenues through cryptocurrencies.
Money laundering
Russia's Foreign Ministry sanctioned 17-year-old Alexander Browder (son of Bill Browder) for March 2026 Henry Jackson Society report exposing A7A5 ruble-pegged stablecoin as crypto laundering network.
Money laundering
The UAE National Committee for Combating Money Laundering announced that domestic confiscations reached AED 4.23 billion in 2025, with AED 750 million returned to victims.
Money laundering
Turkish authorities conducted coordinated crackdown spanning 27 provinces targeting underground gambling and money laundering networks. Justice Minister Akin Gyurlek reported 130 suspects detained during operation managed by Istanbul Prosecutor's Office. First investigation uncovered 193.
Money laundering
The UAE's National Anti-Money Laundering Committee reported significant enforcement increases in 2025: money laundering cases rose 46% (from 646 to 942), pre-emptive freezing orders jumped 47%, frozen asset value tripled to AED 150 million, suspicious transaction reports increased 20.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's Supreme Committee for Kuwaiti Nationality Investigation intensified its review of nationality files, taking a series of decisions involving citizenship revocations, legal referrals, and expanded investigations into alleged forgery and misuse of public funds.
Other
Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Court ordered a building guard to pay 10,000 dirhams in moral compensation after being convicted of trespassing private property, bringing total penalties to 20,000 dirhams.
Money laundering
Kuwait jailed three individuals for operating an illegal gambling network involving money laundering exceeding KD8.419 million.
Fraud & scams
Cybersecurity researchers identified over 4,300 fraudulent domains impersonating FIFA's official website ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with potential losses estimated between $71 million and $474 million from premium ticket fraud alone.
Money laundering
Turkish authorities conducted operations in 27 provinces against illegal betting activities, identifying approximately 193 billion 367 million TL in transaction volume used in illegal betting operations. 104 suspects faced legal proceedings in the money laundering and illegal gambling investigation.
Sanctions
According to the U.S. Treasury, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex allegedly 'processed more than 50 percent of all Iranian digital asset inflows in 2025' and was utilized by 'Iran's central bank and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), a US-designated terrorist organization,…
Sanctions
Investigation by Dossier Center and Süddeutsche Zeitung uncovered Russia procured MAN diesel engines for FSB patrol vessels through Turkey-Hong Kong intermediary network. St. Petersburg shipyard Almaz received at least six engines worth 760,000 euros via firm Kronstadt.
Other
Ayel Ravid, CEO and 35% shareholder of Victor supermarket chain, faces indictment for price-fixing conspiracy.
Bahrain's High Criminal Court of Appeal upheld an 8-year prison sentence and 105,000 dinar fine for a company owner convicted in a fraud, forgery, and embezzlement case exceeding 6 million dinars. The defendant formed a fake company, forged documents, and defrauded victims of millions.
Money laundering
French prosecutors filed preliminary charges against HSBC's Swiss private banking unit for alleged organized money laundering and conspiracy related to suspected $300 million embezzlement by Riad Salameh, former governor of Lebanon's central bank.
Money laundering
Russia sanctioned Alexander Browder, 17-year-old son of Kremlin critic Bill Browder, after he published a report for the Henry Jackson Society exposing the A7A5 ruble-pegged stablecoin's role in helping Russia, Iran, and North Korea launder $350 billion.
Fraud & scams
French authorities formally charged HSBC Private Bank Suisse in early June 2026 in connection with alleged embezzlement of more than $300 million from Lebanon's central bank, Banque du Liban (BDL), between 2002 and 2015.
Bribery & corruption
Former Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek, imprisoned in Antalya High Security Prison under corruption investigation, submitted additional testimony June 3, 2026 alleging his son delivered 1 million Euros at party headquarters and he personally transported 950,000 Euros cash as bribe in Manisa.
Money laundering
UAE National Committee to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (chaired by Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohammed Balama) released 2025 performance indicators showing: 384 million dirhams in fines on financial institutions; 160.
Other
Dubai court case where a woman failed to recover 89,000 dirhams she had lent to a man, as she could not provide evidence of the debt.
Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) fined Ark Capital Management (Dubai) Limited USD 504,000 for market abuse systems and change of control reporting failings.
Jamshid Ghomi, a 63-year-old Iranian-American businessman residing in California, was arrested on June 3, 2026.
Fraud & scams
The UAE's Capital Market Authority (CMA) announced imposing fines of Dh5.5 million on companies over unlicensed financial and investment activities, as part of efforts to uphold market integrity and safeguard investors against fraud and unlawful practices.
Money laundering
FBI arrested Jamshid Ghomi, a 63-year-old Iranian-American CEO of Faraz Pardaz Rayane in California, charged with illegally supplying advanced technology to Iran's nuclear and military programs for over a decade and money laundering over $15 million through false declarations of 'foreign inheritance.'
Money laundering
Jamshid Ghomi, 63, dual U.S.-Iranian citizen and CEO of Tehran-based Faraz Pardaz Rayaneh Co. Ltd., arrested for violating sanctions by supplying sophisticated U.S. networking, security, and encryption equipment to Iran's Atomic Energy Organization and military.
Money laundering
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan chaired the twenty-third meeting of the Higher Committee for Oversight of the National Strategy to Combat Money Laundering and Combat Terrorist Financing and Financing of Weapons Proliferation.
U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned four Iranian crypto exchangers (Nobitex, Bitpin, Ramzinex, Wallex) and four Iranian citizens including Amirhossein Rad (CEO and founder of Nobitex) and Syed Ali Khoyee (current CEO).
OFAC sanctioned Nobitex (Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange processing over 50% of Iranian digital asset inflows in 2025), along with Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex exchanges, plus four individuals including Nobitex chairman Amir Hossein Rad and brothers from the Kharrazi family.
Money laundering
Fourteen suspects arrested in major corruption investigation in northern Israel municipality (Nahariya), including deputy mayor Dima Efshtein, on suspicion of public corruption, bribery, fraud, bid rigging, embezzlement, money laundering, and tax offenses.
Money laundering
Turkish authorities investigated Papel Elektronik Para ve Ödeme Hizmetleri A.Ş., an electronic payment company accused of facilitating illegal gambling proceeds and money laundering. Seyhan İbrahim Yıldırım is listed as founder but functioned as a figurehead providing signatures only.
Nahariya deputy mayor Dima Epstein was arrested along with 13 other suspects by Lahav 433 unit on suspicion of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
OFAC designated Nobitex — Iran's largest crypto exchange — and Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex for sanctions evasion, terrorist financing and helping prop up the Iranian regime. This is the Treasury Department's largest action yet against Iran's digital asset economy.
US Treasury sanctioned four Iranian nationals and four major crypto exchanges (Nobitex, Bitpin, Ramzinex, Wallex) for sanctions evasion and terror financing. Nobitex processed over 50% of Iran's 2025 digital asset inflows.
Fraud & scams
Iraqi authorities seized $10 million in cash and 40 properties during corruption investigation into detained Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Al Jumaili. The probe involves allegations of kickbacks and embezzlement in mainly refinery contracts. Al Jumaili has been arrested.
Sanctions
The United States imposed sanctions on Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange controlled by two brothers from a prominent Iranian family, citing alleged connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and use of the platform to circumvent banking restrictions.
Fraud & scams
Al Dhafra Primary Court in UAE ordered a man to repay 102,779 dirhams to a woman defrauded through a fake trading advertisement on social media promising investment profits.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) announced the implementation of 2,365 inspection rounds and conducted 480 investigations with suspects in financial and administrative corruption cases during May 2026, resulting in the suspension of 160 individuals.
Saudi Nazaha executed 14,989 inspection tours at holy sites and service agencies during Hajj season 1447H, in addition to regular operations. Total of 480 suspects investigated and 160 detained for bribery and abuse of official authority across multiple government sectors.
13 suspects (including three lawyers) arrested for fraud under aggravating circumstances, money laundering, and extortion. Fraud scheme targeted victims with disabilities and mentally frail individuals, exploiting their financial situation.
Money laundering
İzmir Prosecutor's Office issued detention warrants for 62 individuals on June 1, 2026 including Buca Mayor Görkem Duman, former Mayor Erhan Kılıç, 3 deputy mayors, former CHP Buca chair, municipal bureaucrats, 16 businesspeople. 42 of 54 suspects brought before judge were arrested.
Fraud & scams
Bahrain's First High Criminal Court of Appeal upheld five-year prison sentences for an Egyptian defendant and two others convicted of fraudulently obtaining more than BD75,000 from a bank using forged documents.
Sanctions
IRGC-Quds Force operative Hossein Hafez Amini, a naturalized Turkish citizen, operated Rey Airlines as logistical platform for covert IRGC activities; company now suspended in Turkish trade registries.
Money laundering
Constitution, Law and Justice Committee of Knesset approved temporary provision under Money Laundering Prohibition Order extending enforcement powers against illegal wildlife trafficking for first time in June 2026.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) arrested 160 citizens and expatriate residents on suspicion of bribery, abuse of office and corruption-related offences. An additional 480 individuals were questioned.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police revealed details of a case in which a criminal gang defrauded a merchant and stole luxury oud worth 12 million dirhams (approximately 3.26 million dollars) after a woman impersonated a prominent princess.
Former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon was convicted of a securities law violation following a plea agreement in the Yonet Credit case.
Terrorist financing
Bahrain's Attorney General announced investigations into 41 accused individuals arrested in a network allegedly connected to Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
Bribery & corruption
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi disclosed receiving a bribery proposal of $200 million to cover up corruption within the Oil Ministry. According to the Prime Minister, a senior Oil Ministry official allegedly offered this sum through an intermediary.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police arrested members of a criminal gang who orchestrated an elaborate fraud scheme involving a fake princess impersonation to steal Dh12 million ($3.3 million) worth of premium oud from a trader. The perpetrators deceived the oud merchant by impersonating a member of a royal family.
Israel's government legal advisor announced revocation of tax deductions for donations to organizations where individuals evade military service, following Supreme Court ruling requiring elimination of economic benefits for draft-dodging ultra-Orthodox citizens.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara opposes extension of appointment for Prime Minister's Office Director-General Drorit Steinmetz due to ongoing investigation. Steinmetz investigated for fraud and breach of trust related to May Golan affair.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police dismantled an eight-member criminal gang that stole luxury oud valued at Dh12 million from a merchant in a highly organised deception involving impersonation, staged luxury arrangements, and a bait-and-switch scheme.
Sanctions
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced at the Reagan National Economic Forum that the U.S. has seized approximately $1 billion in Iranian-linked cryptocurrency as part of Operation Economic Fury.
Sanctions
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced seizure of approximately $1 billion in cryptocurrency linked to Iran's Defense Ministry and sanctioned four Iranian crypto exchanges (Nobitex, BitPin, Wallex, Ramzinex) that processed at least $2.3 billion for sanctioned entities since 2023.
On May 29, 2026, OFAC issued Counter Terrorism Designations and Iran-related Designations along with a Russia-related General License.
Fraud & scams
Dubai civil court ordered a former financial manager at a real estate brokerage firm and his company to jointly pay 491,374 dirhams after he was convicted of embezzling rental settlement funds. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, fined, and ordered deported.
Sanctions
United States Treasury Department added the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to its Specially Designated Nationals list as part of new Iran-related sanctions measures. The designation targets the authority's role in Iran's maritime control operations in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.
Terrorist financing
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a 32-year-old dual Iranian-Iraqi national, was indicted on eight terrorism-related charges for allegedly directing nearly 20 attacks across Europe and the United States.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Prosecutor Amit Issman announced they will file an indictment against Yonatan Urich, advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in the classified documents leak affair.
The State of Israel is suing Haredi organization Ohel Yosef for approximately 3 million shekels, alleging it submitted false attendance documentation to the Education Ministry for a decade.
Fraud & scams
Bahrain's High Criminal Court convicted five defendants of forging official electronic documents and unlawfully obtaining over BD50,000 from government entities (Labour Fund Tamkeen and Social Insurance Organization).
Fraud & scams
State Prosecutor's Office announced Tzachi Braverman, chief of staff to Prime Minister Netanyahu, will face trial subject to hearing on charges of fraud, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice.
Money laundering
Described as 'largest financial crime operation in Republic history,' MASAK analyses revealed approximately 100 billion Turkish lira and $2 billion (91 billion TL) in criminal proceeds laundered through financial system.
Terrorist financing
Bahrain jailed nine defendants for life and two others for three years each for alleged collaboration with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in alleged terrorist and espionage activities.
Terrorist financing
Bahrain's High Criminal Court convicted 11 people across two separate cases involving collaboration with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to attack the kingdom.
Fraud & scams
Two young men were ordered to repay nearly Dh15,000 to a victim after an Al Ain court found they used a fake mobile phone recharge website to scam him.
Money laundering
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor conducted operation related to Turkey's main opposition CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress, detaining 13 people on charges of violating Political Parties Law, accepting bribes, and money laundering.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's Criminal Court sentenced a Kuwaiti woman accused of leading a network, alongside three Egyptian nationals and a stateless resident, to five years in prison with hard labour after convicting them of selling fictitious chalets in a major real estate fraud case.
Sanctions
The United States expanded sanctions targeting Lebanon's institutional power structure, including close associates of Speaker Nabih Berri and military officials.
Sanctions
Wall Street Journal reported Babak Zanjani's financial network processed $850 million through Binance over two years ending 2024. Associates including sister, romantic partner, and company manager operated accounts managed from unified hardware devices to circumvent U.S. sanctions.
Other
The Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) referred 17 suspects linked to Cenomi Retail to the Public Prosecution over suspected violations of the Capital Market Law, Market Conduct Regulations and Companies Law.
Saudi Financial Market Authority referred 17 suspects in the 'Snoomi Retail' case to the Public Prosecution, including former and current board members and financial managers, as part of regulatory campaign on governance and financial disclosure violations.
Money laundering
Kuwait Court of Appeal issued a ruling imprisoning 21 defendants for periods ranging between 3 and 7 years and fining them approximately 500 million Kuwaiti dinars (5.9 billion dirhams) in one of the largest money laundering cases.
Other
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority convicted 11 board and audit committee members at Middle East Healthcare Company for inflating revenues by SR358.04 million and submitting misleading financial statements spanning December 2018 through September 2021.
The Securities Disputes Appeals Committee issued a final decision against 11 violators for manipulating financial data of 'Saudi German Health' company. Decision No. 4254/l.
Money laundering
Spanish National Police disrupted family operation in Melilla engaged in money laundering for drug trafficking network. Three arrested (two women, one man) were relatives of organization's leader detained in Málaga during earlier phase.
Other
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority issued final penalties against 11 former board and audit committee members of Middle East Healthcare Company (Saudi German Health) for financial misconduct spanning 2018-2021.
The DFSA imposed a financial penalty of $191,100 (AED 701,815) on Sarwa DIFC for making a Public Offer of Shares without an Approved Prospectus, while ADGM's FSRA imposed a financial penalty of $122,500 on Sarwa Digital Wealth (Capital) Limited.
Kuwait's Court of Appeal sentenced 19 defendants to prison terms ranging from 3-7 years and imposed fines totaling 510 million dinars in a money laundering case involving 255 million dinars, described as Kuwait's largest money laundering case.
Sanctions
United States imposed sanctions on nine individuals accused of enabling Hezbollah to 'undermine Lebanon's sovereignty', including members of Lebanon's parliament, an Iranian diplomat and security officials in Lebanese governmental institutions.
Fraud & scams
Former Hadera mayor Tzvi Gendelman case concluded with plea arrangement dramatically reducing charges. Initial investigation suggested serious misconduct including bribery and fraud.
Money laundering
Investigation reveals the Zaringhalam family operates an IRGC-linked money laundering network from London through currency exchange offices. Eight members identified, including Fazlollah Zaringhalam (74, British citizen, London resident) who owns Zaringhalam & Partners Exchange.
Other
The Central District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against MK Tali Gotlib for disclosing classified information about a Shin Bet employee. Gotlib publicly shared the identity and details of Shakma Barsler's spouse on social media platform X.
Sanctions
Russia imported second Airbus A320 aircraft (registration RA-73899) through Oman to circumvent sanctions. Plane arrived at Vnukovo Airport mid-May after traveling from Istanbul to Muscat before receiving Russian registration.
Sanctions
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on allies to disrupt Iran's financial networks. Treasury reviewed sanctions list and directed U.S. banks to monitor oil labeled as 'Malaysian blend' in shipping documents, frequently used to conceal Iranian origin.
Bribery & corruption
Le Monde published on 18 May 2026 an investigation revealing historical scandals involving the family of Maria Carolina de Bourbon-Siciles, companion of Jordan Bardella (president of the National Rally).
Money laundering
Antalya Manavgat Municipality Mayor Niyazi Nefi Kara sentenced to 46 years 10 months 15 days in prison and 2.5 million lira administrative fine for organizing crime syndicate, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, and money laundering.
Money laundering
Bahrain's delegation, led by Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the National Financial Intelligence Centre, attended the 42nd plenary meeting of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) in Rabat, Morocco.
OFAC announced $275,000,000 settlement with Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), Ahmedabad, India-based company, to settle potential civil liability for 32 apparent violations of Iran sanctions.
Sanctions
German authorities uncovered major sanctions-evasion scheme in May 2026 that allegedly supplied Russia's military industry with European dual-use technology through front companies and Turkish intermediaries. Approximately 16,000 shipments valued at over $34 million.
Tax and Economic Prosecution filed indictment against former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon for securities law reporting violations in Yunit Credit affair. Kahlon served as company chairman June 2021 to June 2022.
Bribery & corruption
Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office investigation revealed bribery allegations involving Gaziosmanpaşa Mayor Hakan Bahçetepe (now detained and removed from office).
U.S. federal indictment against Iranian national Shamim Mafi details how Turkish financial channels, currency exchanges, and corporate networks facilitated transfer of Iranian weapons to Sudan's Ministry of Defense in violation of U.S. sanctions. Mafi allegedly brokered $72.
Money laundering
The Bahraini High Criminal Court convicted two defendants to seven years in prison and fined each 10,000 dinars for money laundering proceeds from an electronic fraud crime.
Money laundering
A law enforcement operation coordinated by the Adana Chief Prosecutor's Office targeted an illegal gambling, money laundering, bribery, and fraud network spanning 21 provinces.
Money laundering
The Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) examined accounts belonging to detained television commentator Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı as part of an illegal gambling operation investigation.
Money laundering
Qatar's Criminal Court of First Instance sentenced a Qatari employee of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and four individuals of Arab nationalities to four years imprisonment for bribery, abuse of power, and money laundering, while acquitting one defendant, according to The Peninsula Qatar.
Money laundering
ADGM published the 2026 update of its Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (ML/TF) Risk Assessment of Legal Persons and Arrangements (LPA).
Money laundering
Qatar's Primary Criminal Court convicted a government employee (Ministry of Commerce & Industry) and four Arab nationals on bribery and money laundering charges.
Money laundering
Qatar Criminal Court convicted a Qatari female government employee and four Arab nationals of bribery, mediation in bribery, abuse of authority, and money laundering (one defendant acquitted).
Iran relies on exchange houses, brokers and informal hawala networks across the Middle East, mostly in Gulf Arab states, to help its economy remain resilient under sanctions. Transfers often settle in less than 48 hours and cost just 1-5 percent of the transferred sum.
Money laundering
State Attorney's Office filed indictment against Elazar Vigdorowitz, 34, former 'operations officer' of Gur Hasidic sect, for elaborate real estate fraud scheme. Charges include fraud under aggravated circumstances, document forgery, use of forged documents, and money laundering.
Money laundering
The UAE's Ministry of Economy and Tourism carried out an inspection tour of Dubai's Gold Souq to ensure compliance with regulations, especially those related to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT).
Fraud & scams
Warning of seasonal fraud operations where fraudsters actively promote attractive offers via social media at low prices and 'guaranteed' packages, aimed at luring victims into transferring funds in advance before disappearing without providing actual services.
Money laundering
UAE Minister Abdulla bin Touq toured Dubai Gold Souq to meet with traders as part of enforcement efforts against illicit gold transactions linked to money laundering and terrorism financing. The initiative targets 'dirty gold' - precious metals with origins in illegal financial flows.
Other
Kuwaiti-owned company Injazat, operated by businessman Naif Boshaieba, engaged in deceptive land sales in Bosnia. The scheme involved purchasing agricultural/forest land, clearing vegetation illegally, subdividing plots, and selling to Gulf buyers as buildable residential property without permits.
Sanctions
The DFSA fined reinsurance broker Wael Abdelmohsen Abdellatif Mohamed Emara (Mohsen) $139,722 (Dh513,129) and prohibited him from holding office or working at any DFSA-authorised firm. He is also restricted from carrying out any function connected to financial services in or from DIFC.
Money laundering
US Treasury directed banks to intensify monitoring of Iranian money laundering networks concealing proceeds from sanctioned oil sales.
Sanctions
UAE Cabinet designated 21 individuals and entities as terrorists due to connections to Hezbollah. All assets to be investigated and frozen following Cabinet decision.
Other
Four individuals arrested in Karachi for involvement in transferring over 1 billion rupees abroad via hawala system. Operation revealed connections to Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey.
Money laundering
Dubai Police Anti-Fraud Center warned of part-time job scam where victims are lured through social media with easy work offers, then their bank accounts are exploited to launder money from fraud operations.
The US Treasury Department instructed American financial institutions to identify and report suspected money laundering networks connected to Iran that allegedly use shell companies and cryptocurrency to obscure illegal oil sales circumventing sanctions, according to Payam Javan.
Terrorist financing
UAE Cabinet approved Resolution No. 63 of 2026, adding 16 Lebanese individuals and 5 entities to its Local Terrorist List due to alleged Hezbollah connections.
Bribery & corruption
Former State Airports Authority Operations Department Head Mehmet Cemil Acar appeared before Ankara 69th Criminal Court facing bribery and corruption charges. His legal team requested his release while prosecutors requested a new expert report and continuation of detention.
Fraud & scams
A Kuwaiti criminal court convicted seven defendants—including Kuwaiti nationals and two Americans—of embezzling state investment funds from the Public Institution for Social Security and Kuwait Ports Authority.
OFAC designated 12 individuals and entities for facilitating IRGC oil sales to China through front companies.
Money laundering
Muhittin Böcek, mayor of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality who was re-elected in March 2024, was detained on July 5, 2025, arrested, and suspended from office in connection with a bribery investigation.
U.S. Treasury sanctioned 3 individuals and 9 entities in May 2026, including four Hong Kong-based companies that played a key role in facilitating money transfers and circumventing Iran's oil sanctions in Asian markets by facilitating Iranian oil transfers to China.
Fraud & scams
Bahrain Grand Criminal Court sentenced an Asian national to 5 years imprisonment, BHD 3,000 fine, and permanent deportation for electronic fraud. The defendant impersonated a bank employee, obtained a victim's bank card details by phone under false pretenses, and stole funds from her account.
FinCEN issued alert FIN-2026-Alert002 outlining funding streams and procurement networks supporting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Money laundering
The UK Foreign Secretary announced sanctions targeting organisations and individuals enabling hostile Iranian activity, imposing travel bans, asset freezes, and director disqualification orders on nine people and three entities.
Other
Leaked meeting minutes from May 29, 2024 show Russia's deputy defense minister, General Yunus-bek Yevkurov, pressured Syria to pay $37 million bill for providing security for oil installations. Yevkurov threatened to cut off financing for oil operations if Syria didn't pay.
The Ministry of Economy imposed fines worth AED 22.6 million on 29 companies operating in the UAE's designated non-financial business or professions (DNFBP) sector for failure to comply with the anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation.
Fraud & scams
Three individuals connected to the Gur Hasidic community, including an attorney, allegedly conspired to sell a protected heritage building on Idelson Street in Tel Aviv for 9 million shekels to two buyers using forged documents and false representations regarding ownership.
Securities & markets
Assaf Tal, electronics engineer who marketed himself as robotic trading expert, convicted of obtaining money through deception and managing investment portfolios without proper licensing.
Terrorist financing
Bahrain's Ministry of Interior arrested 41 individuals from a group engaged in fundraising operations connected to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Money laundering
US indictment filed against 30 defendants including lawyers, financiers from Brooklyn, Far Rockaway, Hollywood and Sunny Isles (Florida) in massive insider trading network involving tens of millions of dollars.
Fraud & scams
A Kuwaiti fugitive convicted in a public funds embezzlement and forgery case was arrested in Dubai following a joint security operation coordinated between Kuwait and the UAE. The individual was sentenced in absentia to seven years in prison with hard labour.
Fraud & scams
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) opened an investigation for suspected fraud of EU funds involving France's Rassemblement National party.
Fraud & scams
On 7 May 2026, the European Public Prosecutor confirmed the opening of a judicial investigation targeting Jordan Bardella and the National Rally for alleged fraud related to media training financed by European funds. The Anticorruption association (AC!!)
Fraud & scams
Arab national created fraudulent bank called 'Jami Bank' and defrauded 3 Asian victims of total $1.5 million (5.5 million dirhams). Dubai Court of Appeal upheld 3-month prison sentence plus fine of 5.509 million dirhams. Civil court ordered full compensation to victims with 5% interest.
Money laundering
Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek appeared before a judge regarding allegations in a bribery and corruption investigation.
Money laundering
According to Kuwait Times, Kuwait's Ministry of Commerce and Industry has intensified oversight efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Acting Undersecretary Marwa Al-Jaidan issued Ministerial Resolution No.
Fraud & scams
Saudi Arabia's Nazaha detained 97 government employees after conducting 3,041 inspection rounds in April 2026, investigating 259 individuals.
Other
Dubai Criminal Court sentenced six men to seven years imprisonment each, plus a Dh10 million fine, and one woman to one month imprisonment and a Dh20,000 fine for engaging in coordinated theft targeting bank customers.
Fraud & scams
Dubai's Misdemeanor Court convicted two individuals of Asian nationality for possession and concealment of unlawfully obtained property.
Bribery & corruption
The Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority conducted 3,041 inspection rounds during April 2026, leading to investigations into 259 suspects and the detention of 97 individuals on corruption charges related to bribery and abuse of authority across multiple government ministries including…
Fraud & scams
UK Serious Fraud Office secured £10M penalty plus £4.8M investigation costs from Ultra Electronics Holdings Ltd via Deferred Prosecution Agreement for failure to prevent bribery under section 7 of Bribery Act 2010.
On May 1, 2026, the UK Serious Fraud Office announced that a UK court had approved a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with Ultra Electronics Holdings Limited, resolving an eight-year investigation into alleged overseas bribery.
Cairo felony court heard a major fraud case involving misappropriation of approximately EGP 3.72 billion from Qatari businessperson Muhammad bin Suhaim Hamad Abdullah Al Thani.
Money laundering
The UAE Attorney General referred 19 defendants, including six registered companies, to Abu Dhabi Federal Court (State Security Circuit) on charges involving illegal arms trafficking, forgery, and money laundering.
Money laundering
Israeli Supreme Court rejected petition against Bank of Israel's refusal to exchange 210,000 shekels in damaged coins, ordering petitioner to pay 40,000 shekels in costs.
Fraud & scams
Unprecedented cooperation between the FBI, Dubai Police Department, and Chinese Ministry of Public Security resulted in the arrest of at least 276 individuals and the dismantlement of at least nine scam centers used for cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, known as 'pig butchering' scams.
Fraud & scams
The coordinated campaign, called Tri-Force Sentinel, delivered a decisive strike against three criminal syndicates and dismantled nine fraud centres behind high-yield investment scams, pig butchering schemes and virtual currency fraud. Most of the suspects were citizens of Southeast Asian countries.
Money laundering
The National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism, and Proliferation Financing adopted the 'National Guide on Financial Intelligence and Money Laundering Investigations', which includes updated procedures for organizing investigations, tracking and confiscating…
Money laundering
Israeli police arrested 5 suspects and detained 5 additional individuals including a sitting northern regional council head on suspicion of bribery.
Money laundering
The National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing adopted a comprehensive set of decisions and initiatives during its second meeting of 2026 aimed at enhancing national readiness and advancing investigation and enforcement tools.
A head of a municipal council in northern Israel was arrested on suspicion of bribery offenses. Along with him, four more suspects were arrested and five other suspects were detained for questioning, including municipal employees in northern authorities and contractors.
Money laundering
UAE's National Committee to Combat Money Laundering held second 2026 meeting under chairmanship of Central Bank Governor.
Money laundering
Accountant from northern Israel arrested on suspicion of money laundering and tax violations in joint investigation by Lahav 433 northern Israel economic crime unit and Tax Authority.
Hun To, cousin of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, owned 30% of Huione Pay, which the US Treasury designated a 'primary money-laundering concern' in 2025.
Other
The Federal Public Prosecution in the United Arab Emirates affirmed that price manipulation constitutes "a crime punishable by law and not a business practice."
Haaretz investigation exposed smuggling mechanism showing how wheat stolen by Russia from Ukraine is being smuggled into Israel, with profits financing Putin's war machine. Investigation revealed concealment mechanism used in illicit trade.
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Sanctions
OFAC designated four major Iranian cryptocurrency exchanges: Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex as part of Trump administration's Economic Fury campaign.
Fraud & scams
Minister Miki Zohar under investigation by Lahav 433 for personal corruption offenses including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Two individuals were referred to the Public Prosecution in Saudi Arabia for operating an unlicensed securities advisory service through a Telegram channel named 'Abu Abdallah,' where one collected subscription fees and the other received commissions for providing unauthorized financial advice.
UAE's Central Bank issued comprehensive new AML/CFT/CPF regulatory guidance in April 2026 to strengthen the country's framework for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
Money laundering
French authorities launched an unprecedented criminal investigation into illegal money transfers from Lebanon abroad, targeting European branches of Bank Audi's French branch (Banque Richemont France) and SGBL, examining allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, handling stolen funds, and criminal conspiracy involving prominent Lebanese banker Anton Sehnaoui.
On April 21, 2026, OFAC sanctioned 14 individuals, entities, and aircraft based in Iran, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates for their alleged involvement in procuring or transporting weapons or weapons components on behalf of the Iranian regime.
Money laundering
Turkish law enforcement detained 21 suspects in connection with an investigation into the Manavgat Municipality in Antalya province during August 2026.
A career military officer holding the rank of lieutenant was indicted for illicitly transferring merchandise from Israel into Gaza in exchange for substantial financial payments.
Money laundering
Indictment filed against seven officers in classified IDF and police units on allegations of systematic theft, bribery, and money laundering totaling tens of millions of shekels.
Money laundering
UAE Capital Markets Authority issued comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets consisting of five main modules, including anti-money laundering and terrorism financing provisions.
Money laundering
The State Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment in the Central District Court (Lod) against seven military and police officers from classified units, along with several civilians and one East Jerusalem resident.
Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar (Likud) was interrogated at Lahav 433 for approximately 12 hours on suspicion of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in the Histadrut affair. According to police sources, insurance agent Ezra Gabai allegedly provided bribes to Zohar within his Likud role.
Money laundering
Daniel Kinahan, Irish organized crime boss sanctioned by the US in 2022 for drug smuggling and money laundering, was arrested in Dubai on an Irish extradition warrant.
Money laundering
The UK National Crime Agency charged 75-year-old British financier John Michael Ormerod with money laundering and violating sanctions against Russia in April 2026.
On April 16, 2026, the CBUAE issued updated guidance on Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF), including four regulatory guidance documents and two best-practice manuals designed to enhance compliance systems and improve the ability of financial institutions to detect and prevent financial crime.
Fraud & scams
A former company executive convicted of embezzling 19.2 million dirhams from company funds between 2010-2018, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and deportation, transferred ownership of a luxury apartment and residential land to his minor daughter in November 2019 to conceal assets from creditors.
Money laundering
US Treasury OFAC sanctioned oil smuggling network run by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of deceased senior Iranian security official Ali Shamkhani, announced April 15, 2026.
Money laundering
Turkey's judicial system experiencing significant uptick in financial crime prosecutions. According to judicial statistics cited by BirGün newspaper, approximately 17,969 individuals faced charges related to money laundering by conclusion of 2025.
Money laundering
Israeli police and tax authorities arrested a Tax Authority employee and insurance agent suspected of orchestrating a scheme to unlawfully withdraw pension funds while evading taxes.
Terrorist financing
Historic first conviction of French company for terrorism financing: Paris Criminal Court convicted Lafarge SA and 4 former executives for financing terrorist groups including Islamic State (€5.5 million, 2013-2014) to keep Syrian cement plant operational; Lafarge fined €1.
Money laundering
Police investigators and Israel Tax Authority arrested a Tax Authority employee and an insurance agent on suspicion of bribery, forgery, fraud and tax offenses related to illegal pension fund withdrawals.
UAE authorities detained dozens of money changers tied to financial entities linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, shut down associated companies and closed their offices in April 2026.
Terrorist financing
Bahrain condemned a terrorist plot targeting Kuwait's security involving financing and supporting terrorist entities. Kuwaiti State Security apparatus arrested 24 citizens (one whose citizenship was revoked) found in possession of funds linked to illegal activities, plus 8 citizens who fled abroad.
Terrorist financing
Kuwait's Interior Ministry announced disruption of a dangerous plot targeting national security and funding terrorist entities. The operation exposed an organized network allegedly exploiting work systems for illicit purposes.
Terrorist financing
Kuwaiti authorities dismantled a 24-member cell accused of funneling money to terrorist organizations. The operation represents a significant effort by Kuwait to disrupt financial networks supporting extremist groups in the region.
Securities & markets
Turkish prosecutors announced that authorities have taken into custody Ramazan Başak, a former deputy chair of Turkey's Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), as part of a probe into alleged market manipulation and dissemination of misleading information.
Money laundering
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and MASAK uncovered a money laundering network involving 93 front companies in currency exchange and precious metals sectors based in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, which allegedly laundered approximately 9 billion Turkish lira.
Fraud & scams
The General Administration for Anti-Corruption, Economic and Cyber Security in Bahrain urged citizens to report financial fraud via a government application. Electronic fraud cases numbered approximately 2,667 from 2023 to date, with 151 corruption cases referred to the Public Prosecution.
The First High Criminal Court of Appeals in Bahrain upheld sentences of five years in prison for the first defendant and eight years for the second defendant, along with fines of BHD 100,000 each, in a cyber fraud and money laundering case.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) conducted 1,395 oversight rounds in March 2026, investigating 360 suspects and detaining 71 individuals from Interior, Health, and Sports ministries on charges of bribery and abuse of official authority.
Sanctions
UAE authorities detained dozens of money changers connected to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, shutting down associated companies and closing their offices in a significant disruption to Tehran's sanctions-evasion infrastructure, according to the report.
Sanctions
UAE arrested numerous money changers connected to Iran's IRGC, dealing a blow to Tehran's sanctions-evasion infrastructure.
Money laundering
Money laundering case involving dermatologist Dr. Fazeelah Abbasi (sister of actor Hamza Ali Abbasi). Approximately 1.3 million dollars transferred abroad through 22 bank accounts linked to Dubai Islamic Bank, MCB, UBL, JS Bank.
Money laundering
FIA registered two cases against Dr. Fazeela Abbasi (sister of actor Hamza Ali Abbasi) for money laundering. Approximately 25 billion rupees passed through 22 bank accounts despite declared annual income of only 4-6 lakh rupees.
Fraud & scams
Eleven people on trial from March 26, 2026 at Paris criminal court for belonging to network of fake bank advisors that stole nearly €740,000 from approximately 100 victims.
Bank of Israel's Sanctions Committee imposed a 6.8 million shekel financial penalty on Mizrahi Tefahot Bank for violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Law.
Fraud & scams
Haifa Peace Court sentenced former attorney Shakib Abu Ruqun to 6 years actual imprisonment after conviction through plea agreement for long series of fraud, forgery, and tax offenses spanning 16 years. One of extensive real estate fraud cases exposed by Israel Police and Tax Authority.
Money laundering
UAE State Security Department dismantled terrorist network funded and directed by Hezbollah and Iran. Network operated under commercial cover to launder money and fund terrorism through Dubai-based exchange houses and hawala networks.
Securities & markets
The Israel Securities Authority opened an investigation into claims by Erez Nachum, who was a partner and number 2 to Zehavit Cohen at Apex Israel and a director on behalf of Max Stock, regarding alleged violations of corporate governance rules at Max Stock.
Bribery & corruption
Former Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek, detained in Antalya High Security Prison as part of corruption investigation, submitted supplementary statement to prosecutors (June 3, 2026) stating 'My son delivered 1 million Euros at the central office, and I took 950 thousand Euros in cash by bag to Manisa as a bribe.'
Other
Bahrain's Parliament approved in March 2026 a decree-law introducing jail terms and fines of up to BD1 million for breaches of Central Bank of Bahrain licensing and compliance rules. The changes were introduced through Decree-Law No. 37 of 2025, which amends Article 161 of Law No. 64 of 2006.
Money laundering
Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 2026 establishing comprehensive anti-money laundering violations framework with three severity tiers. Low-risk violations: fines up to 500,000 KWD. Medium-risk: fines plus 3-month license suspension.
Money laundering
In March 2026, Kuwait's Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Resolution No. 25 of 2026, establishing a matrix of violations and penalties related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements for designated non-financial businesses and professions.
World Bank imposed debarment with conditional release on Aktif Elektroteknik San ve Tic A.S. for minimum of one year and three months following findings of corrupt and fraudulent practices in Iraq.
Tax evasion
The High Criminal Court in Bahrain sentenced an Arab businessman to 5 years in prison and imposed a fine for VAT evasion after false filings were exposed.
Sanctions
Bellingcat and The Sunday Times uncovered documents linking ex-UFC fighter Mounir 'The Sniper' Lazzez to multimillion-dollar shipping deals involving crude oil tankers that were later sanctioned by the US government for helping the Iranian regime.
Money laundering
A court in the UAE convicted two Asian men of money laundering after finding them guilty of processing Dh1 million from the sale of counterfeit branded products, sentencing them to one year in prison and imposing fines of Dh1 million.
Money laundering
U.S. Federal Reserve terminated two long-standing enforcement orders against Standard Chartered and its American arm on February 26, 2026. Orders originally issued on December 10, 2012 and April 8, 2019, had required bank to strengthen controls and governance tied to past violations of U.S.
Sanctions
The Insider analyzed Russian foreign trade data from 2024-2025 and identified over 6,000 foreign exporting firms supplying Russia's defense sector despite sanctions.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Court of First Instance ordered Asian national defendant to repay Dh1.291 million to victim, jointly with fugitive accomplices, following conviction for cryptocurrency fraud.
Fraud & scams
Dubai civil court ordered an Asian national to repay AED 1,291,000 to another individual, representing the value of virtual cryptocurrency fraudulently obtained. The defendant orchestrated an elaborate scheme, sending associates to pose as representatives in a cryptocurrency purchase transaction.
Sanctions
VARA has imposed financial penalties on 19 firms for carrying out unlicensed Virtual Asset activities and for breaches of VARA's Marketing Regulations, with sanctions including cease-and-desist orders and fines ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 600,000.
Terrorist financing
After Iran attacked the UAE with missiles and drones during the 2026 Iran War, the UAE intensified efforts against illicit Iranian money networks.
Sanctions
Turkish state-owned Halkbank reached a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Justice Department to settle charges over evasion of Iranian sanctions, ending a nine-year legal battle.
Turkish state-owned Halkbank reached DPA with DOJ to resolve criminal case alleging fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to help Iran evade U.S. sanctions through money servicers and front companies in Iran, Turkey, and UAE.
Money laundering
U.S. DOJ and Halkbank reached deferred prosecution agreement on March 9, 2026. Bank faced allegations of covertly transferring ~$20 billion in restricted Iranian funds, converting oil revenues into gold and cash to help Iran circumvent U.S. sanctions.
Fraud & scams
Department of Justice filed civil forfeiture complaints against $15.
Indictments filed against four Israelis for smuggling two trucks into Gaza containing goods worth millions of shekels, along with senior officer who served as deputy commander of Bedouin reconnaissance unit.
Money laundering
A federal judge in Orlando ordered the freezing of assets owned by Christopher Alexander Delgado, who is accused of operating a $328 million Ponzi scheme and is charged with wire fraud and money laundering.
Sanctions
Nation-state crypto use moved decisively into billions—Russia's A7A5 ruble-pegged stablecoin processed $93B+ in under one year, functioning as purpose-built settlement rail for sanctioned actors connecting Russia with counterparties across China, Southeast Asia, Iran.
Sanctions
US Treasury sanctioned three Turkish shell companies in February 2026 for facilitating Iran's drone and missile procurement networks. Firms Utuş, Arya, and Altis established late 2024 with minimal capitalization and broad business descriptions to obscure actual function.
Fraud & scams
Supreme Court rejected former Manufacturers Association President Sharga Baruch's appeal; sentenced to 12 months imprisonment beginning April 15, 2026 at Nietzana Prison. Convicted of tax evasion, fraud under aggravating circumstances, and document forgery.
Money laundering
A former internal audit department manager at a company embezzled over 8.5 million dirhams over 10 years by purchasing phone charging cards and using their balances in 24,988 electronic purchases through two applications belonging to a company he established outside the country.
Money laundering
The Public Prosecution referred a former manager at a company to trial for charges of embezzling 8.5 million dirhams and money laundering.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police's anti-fraud center issued a warning against fraudulent schemes targeting those seeking to rent residential apartments through posting fake rental advertisements on social media at attractive prices below market rates.
Money laundering
The General Command of Dubai Police announced the establishment of specialized advanced tracks to combat money laundering crimes within the Anti-Money Laundering Crime Department of the General Department of Criminal Investigation and Detection.
Money laundering
Indictments filed at Nof HaGalil District Court in what law enforcement defined as one of most complex, extensive organized crime investigations in Israel, involving major crime organizations in Arab society and Nazareth municipality.
An indictment was filed against a senior Shin Bet official for involvement in smuggling to Gaza. The official is accused of participating in smuggling goods to Gaza worth millions of shekels.
Other
Israeli defense company manufacturing weapons systems suspected of tax crimes and economic offenses. Investigation opened 2021, conducted by Israeli Tax Authority and Police under publication ban. Case transferred to Prosecutor's Office July 2024 for charging decisions; no indictments filed yet.
Fraud & scams
Abu Dhabi labor court found a former public relations manager guilty of embezzling company funds and ordered him to repay Dh290,383.66.
Other
Tax Authority investigating Abraham Friedman (Betar Illit resident) on suspicion of concealing approximately 12 million shekels in rental income from properties leased to staffing companies between 2018-2025.
Other
Israel's Competition Authority is considering imposing an additional 110 million shekel fine on El Al Airlines for allegedly abusing its monopoly position by refusing competitor Arkia access to aircraft maintenance facilities.
Money laundering
Daren Li, a Chinese and Saint Kitts and Nevis national, is on the run from a 20-year US prison sentence for his role in a Cambodia-based cryptocurrency scam operation.
Other
Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority entered into settlement agreement with Experts Credit Solutions Consultancy (ECSC) for arranging credit facilities without authorization between January 2023 and October 2024.
Sanctions
Financial Times investigation identified 48 ostensibly independent companies operating as coordinated network exporting over $90 billion in sanctioned Russian crude. Discovery made through shared email infrastructure: all 442 web domains used single mail server 'mx.phoenixtrading.ltd'.
Fraud & scams
Bellingcat found evidence of new registry offering flag registration in Nicaragua with links to maritime fraud schemes. Found certificate issued as recently as February 2 for sanctioned tanker Al Jafzia.
Sanctions
According to an investigation by Hunterbrook published by The Insider, Ubiquiti networking equipment has become foundational communications infrastructure for Russian forces in Ukraine, despite active U.S. and EU sanctions.
Money laundering
New U.S. sanctions reveal Turkish firms and shipping companies have been designated by Washington, signaling that Turkey's territory and corporate registry are being exploited by sanctioned networks to launder trade flows, move restricted goods and disguise the origin of Iranian exports.
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Sanctions
IMF economist noted in February 2026 that Armenia was helping Russia circumvent EU sanctions, pointing to unprecedented rise in EU goods shipments being processed through Armenian customs and then repackaged and sent to Moscow.
Money laundering
LAHAV 433 police unit alongside Tax Authority investigators conducted operation against criminal organization operating concrete block factory in Kafr Qara. Investigation involves allegations of money laundering and tax violations totaling approximately 50 million shekels.
Money laundering
Israel Tax Authority exposed tax evasion method in grocery stores using private ATMs. Suspects allegedly deposited cash from customers into private ATMs, then received funds back via bank transfers plus commissions, laundering proceeds and evading taxes.
Fraud & scams
Former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon faces indictment for securities law violations. Kahlon served as Yonet Credit board chairman June 2021 to June 2022. Accused of obstructing investor disclosure regarding embezzlement and financial irregularities (5 million shekels) discovered at Nazareth branch.
Fraud & scams
Three Asian men received six-month prison sentences after police traced an online trail to their hacking operation using a rogue parallel mobile network with jammers and specialist equipment to block legitimate frequencies and deliver bogus SMS messages.
Money laundering
French authorities detained nine individuals in connection with an alleged decade-long fraud operation at the Louvre Museum resulting in estimated losses exceeding €10 million ($11.8 million).
Money laundering
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's investigation (case 2026/8080) uncovered organization using fake export/import invoices to bring money of unknown origin into Turkey and benefit from foreign exchange conversion support.
Bribery & corruption
An indictment was filed against a reservist and a civilian accused of serious security offenses, bribery, and obstruction of justice for allegedly using classified IDF information to place bets on the Polymarket platform.
Fraud & scams
Bahrain Economic Crimes Department arrested Arab national (41 years) for electronic fraud targeting multiple victims through bank accounts receiving money via fraudulent methods. Part of ongoing anti-fraud enforcement.
The Financial Markets Tribunal upheld the DFSA's decision to impose a USD 25,000 fine on Al Ramz Capital for its failure to immediately report suspicious transactions that it had executed on Nasdaq Dubai on behalf of a client in April 2022.
Sanctions
U.S. State Department announced new sanctions targeting Iran's petrochemical trade, placing 15 companies and 14 vessels on enforcement list.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority fined Ark Capital Management (Dubai) Limited USD 504,000 (AED 1,850,940) for inadequate market-abuse systems and for failing to notify the regulator about a proposed change in control.
OFAC added individuals and entities to SDN List under EO 13846, targeting illicit Iranian oil trading and shadow fleet operations.
Fraud & scams
Expected indictment against Acre Mayor Amihai Ben Shlush for election bribery offenses. Investigators from National Fraud Investigation Unit believe sufficient evidentiary basis exists for indictment against Ben Shlush, deputy Itamar Sonino, and several vote contractors.
Securities & markets
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) imposed a $504,000 fine on Ark Capital Management (Dubai) Limited for ineffective market abuse monitoring systems and controls.
FINTRAC imposed a monetary penalty of CAD 224,235 on Montreal-based money services business Commerciale I.C. – Pacific Inc. (assessed September 2, 2025, announced February 5, 2026) after a compliance review uncovered breaches of anti-money laundering rules.
Bribery & corruption
State Prosecutor's Office filed indictments against 12 individuals for smuggling prohibited goods worth millions of shekels into Gaza Strip.
Fraud & scams
The Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) referred supervisory officials and another employee at the Public Authority for Disability Affairs to the Public Prosecution on suspicion of committing the crimes of embezzlement and facilitating the embezzlement of public funds, in conjunction with suspected forgery of official documents.
Fraud & scams
A massive social security fraud scheme resulted in approximately €9 million in unpaid social contributions, affecting over 2,000 potential victims.
Fraud & scams
Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam and senior municipal officials were detained by Lahav 433 for investigation on suspicion of embezzling millions of shekels in wartime donations.
Twelve individuals, including reserve soldiers and civilians, face indictment for smuggling contraband valued at millions of shekels into Gaza. Prosecutors allege they transported forbidden goods during military operations or fabricated operational justifications.
Fraud & scams
Gokcha Goben, founder and CEO of fintech startup Caladar and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, was indicted in the U.S. on securities fraud, wire fraud and identity theft charges.
The DFSA imposed a fine of USD 455,176 (AED 1,671,633) on reinsurance brokerage Ed Broking (MENA) Limited for contraventions of DFSA legislation, including engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct. The fine comprises disgorgement of USD 175,343 and a penalty of USD 279,833.
Fraud & scams
Police from the National Fraud Investigation Unit (Lahav 433) conducted raids on the homes and offices of Ashkelon mayor Tomer Glam, senior officials, and local businesspeople following months of covert investigation.
Other
The DFSA imposed a fine of $455,176 (Dh1.67 million) on Ed Broking (MENA) Limited for engaging in deceptive practices involving 121 placements.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's anti-corruption agency announced arrests of government and private sector officials in 11 cases involving bribes or theft totaling about 17 million riyals ($4.4 million). Notable cases include: a Public Investment Fund affiliate's project manager arrested for accepting a 2.
Fraud & scams
National Fraud Investigation Unit detained a mayor of a major southern city along with other municipal officials on suspicion of serious corruption offenses involving alleged misappropriation of millions through a community fund. While the municipality officially approved using 17.
Fraud & scams
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) made sweeping arrests of public sector employees involved in fraud cases totaling more than SR10 million ($2.6 million).
German federal prosecutors arrested five men for allegedly violating European Union sanctions against Russia by exporting more than €30 million ($36 million) in industrial goods to customers that included at least 24 Russian arms manufacturers.
The Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) opened 11 criminal cases during the month and arrested their perpetrators. The authority conducted inspections and opened investigations into cases of financial and administrative corruption in several government sectors.
Money laundering
The Kuwaiti Public Prosecution opened investigations into hundreds of agricultural holdings granted between 2017-2020 on suspicion of corruption and abuse of office.
Fraud & scams
OFAC designated UK-registered cryptocurrency exchanges Zedcex Exchange Ltd and Zedxion Exchange Ltd for facilitating nearly $1 billion in IRGC-related transactions, primarily through Tether (USDT) on the Tron network.
Indictments to be filed against 13 suspects involved in Gaza goods smuggling affair. Investigation involves multiple security agencies, being conducted by Shin Bet and Southern District Central Unit of police. Case involves smuggling goods from Israel to Gaza Strip with many participants.
Money laundering
German prosecutors seized approximately €35 million ($42 million) in assets as part of a money-laundering investigation targeting Riad Salameh, Lebanon's former central bank governor (1993-2023), and four others.
Fraud & scams
Bahadir Hatipoglu, 50, Lithuanian resident and Turkish national, owner of companies receiving NATO and U.S. military construction contracts, and Ralf Grywnow, 70, Polish resident and former NATO procurement official, indicted for alleged years-long bribery conspiracy.
Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated shipping and vessel-management companies along with nine vessels on January 23, 2026, accused of supporting Iranian oil and petroleum-product exports.
Tax evasion
Property sellers and buyers are suspected of false reporting on a transaction involving four apartments in a building for approximately 6 million shekels only, in order to evade capital gains tax and purchase tax, when according to the Tax Authority's investigation, eight apartments were actually sold worth approximately 11 million shekels.
Other
Israel's Capital Market Authority dramatically increased enforcement activity in 2025, imposing approximately 11 million shekels in fines—a 3.5-fold increase from 3 million shekels in 2024.
Money laundering
Tax Authority, Capital Market Authority, Money Laundering Prohibition Authority, and police conducted a joint raid on dozens of financial service providers across Israel suspected of operating without proper licenses.
Ronald Fischer, a former criminal defense attorney and television host, was convicted of attempting to broker a bribe, obstructing court proceedings, and obstructing an investigation. The case spanned approximately ten years.
Money laundering
The Federal Supreme Court overturned a judgment fining a suspect 250,000 dirhams in a money laundering and fraud case involving digital currencies and remanded the case to the Court of Appeals.
Bribery & corruption
Ronal Fisher sentenced to 9 months community service and suspended imprisonment in bribery and obstruction case after decade-long proceedings.
Bribery & corruption
Former State Airports Authority (DHMİ) Department Head Mehmet Cemil Acar was tried on charges of bribery and corruption, with his detention continuing due to flight risk. The case represents ongoing prosecutions of corruption in Turkish government infrastructure agencies.
Other
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office conducted simultaneous operations on seven companies including ALEKS Metal, AgaHolding, and AgaBullion for an alleged organized crime scheme involving illegal export of gold.
Money laundering
A fourth wave of money laundering operations centered on Istanbul's Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) was conducted in 20 provinces, with arrest warrants issued for 80 individuals. The investigation targets money laundering networks operating through the historic market.
Money laundering
Indictments filed against 'Abu Latif' and 'Hariri' crime organizations in 2026. Charges against Nidal Abu Latif and ten other senior members include extortion with threats, conspiracy, and money laundering.
Money laundering
The new National Office Against Organized Crime (Pnaco) was established on 5 January 2026 at the Paris Court, under the direction of prosecutor Vanessa Perrée.
Fraud & scams
Bahrain's Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of two individuals in a fraud case related to fake travel and flight bookings. The ministry emphasized the importance of citizens and residents exercising caution when dealing with entities providing travel and tourism services.
Money laundering
Turkish authorities launched an investigation into an alleged money-laundering operation involving point-of-sale devices used to process suspicious transactions disguised as legitimate trade between Turkey and Libya.
Money laundering
Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office released 2025 anti-money laundering statistics: 1,773 suspects investigated, 1,123 detention orders issued, 584 arrests, and approximately 80.735 billion Turkish Lira in assets seized.
Money laundering
Dubai Court of Cassation issued a final ruling in the high-profile money laundering case against businessman Balvinder Singh Sahni ('Abu Sabah') and 32 co-defendants.
Other
Actor Dan Turgeman was convicted of concealing approximately 3.7 million shekels in income and failing to pay an additional 136,000 shekels in taxes between 2007-2012. The offenses involved undisclosed real estate transactions, rental income, and property sales where he evaded capital gains taxes.
Securities & markets
The drone company Aerodrome reported that ISA investigators conducted a search at the company's offices as part of an investigation into suspected violations of securities law.
Central Bank of UAE revoked licence of Omda Exchange operating in UAE, struck name off Register and imposed financial sanction of AED 10 million following supervisory examinations. Action taken under Decretal Federal Law on Central Bank and Organisation of Financial Institutions and Activities.
Fraud & scams
An indictment was filed against Moti Aberjil and companies from the Ye'adim real estate group for raising tens of millions of shekels from hundreds of investors without a prospectus and through fraud.
Fraud & scams
Ravindra Nath Soni, the fugitive Indian-origin owner of Dubai-based BlueChip Group and the prime accused in one of the UAE's largest investment frauds, has been arrested in India in November 2025.
Fraud & scams
Businessman Gabi Magnezi will serve 22 months imprisonment and pay 22 million shekels to state treasury under plea deal. Pleaded guilty to fraud, tax offenses, and antitrust violations.
Other
A forex trading firm in Dubai's Business Bay abruptly closed, leaving hundreds of investors stranded with significant losses. The company employed nearly 100 staff conducting cold calls promising 'guaranteed returns.'
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Anti-Corruption Authority conducted 6,981 oversight rounds in November 2025, investigating 371 individuals and detaining 113 suspects from Defense, Interior, Municipalities, Education, and Health ministries on bribery and abuse of authority charges.
Money laundering
The State Prosecutor's Office filed serious indictments against five defendants accused of systematically marketing public lands in the Sakhnin area belonging to the Israel Lands Authority.
State Prosecutor's Office filed indictments at Central District Court against nine defendants and six companies, plus additional indictment at Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court, for tax offenses and money laundering totaling hundreds of millions of shekels.
Other
A senior police superintendent was questioned by the Police Internal Investigations Unit on suspicion of breach of trust and abuse of authority. The officer allegedly intervened in a matter where he had a conflict of interest without disclosing it and attempted to influence its handling.
Fraud & scams
Law enforcement filed an indictment against attorney Alon Goren and real estate broker Shlomo Dhari for systematic tax fraud involving agricultural land transactions in the Ashkelon area between 2013-2018.
Money laundering
Operation 'Hand Pressing Hand' - two-year covert investigation into alleged bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and money laundering. Police describe as 'one of largest public corruption cases.'
Money laundering
Kuwait's Public Prosecution referred 73 suspects to court in a corruption case involving bribery, money laundering, forgery of official documents, and manipulation of promotional commercial draws. Investigations included 110 commercial draws with cash and in-kind prizes worth approximately 1.
Fraud & scams
The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority disclosed details of 17 criminal cases it handled, noting the arrest of government employees (civilian and military), citizens and 3 residents. Cases included: an employee at the Ministry of Industry who received 1.
Fraud & scams
Employees at Shlomo Insurance are suspected of perpetrating fraud by manipulating vehicle damage classifications and submitting falsified invoices.
Money laundering
OFAC sanctioned Iranian financial facilitators operating a $600 million shadow banking network that used cryptocurrency to launder $100 million in oil proceeds for Iran's military through front companies.
Fraud & scams
The Economic Prosecution filed an indictment against David Katz, who marketed real estate investments under the Beresheet group name, attorney Guy Avni who served as trustee for investor funds, and real estate agent Dekel Sela.
Four police officers from Unit Lahav 433 were detained on suspicion of operating an organized money laundering framework connected to the Musli crime family's operations. The allegations include bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and privacy law violations.
Money laundering
Israel Securities Authority and police investigators raided Automax offices and homes of senior executives investigating suspected securities law violations in September 2025.
Bribery & corruption
Kuwait's General Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) referred a number of officials to the Public Prosecution on charges of submitting false financial disclosure statements, pursuant to Law No. 2 of 2016 establishing the authority. The case involves financial disclosure violations.
Fraud & scams
The General Authority for Anti-Corruption (Nazaha) announced the referral of officials and others in the General Authority for Sports, a sports federation and a sports club to the Public Prosecution on suspicion of committing crimes of facilitating embezzlement of public funds and causing damage to…
Money laundering
Dubai Court of Appeal increased the fine against Indian businessman Balvinder Singh Sahni (Abu Sabah) to Dh150 million in one of the UAE's largest money laundering cases.
Bribery & corruption
The General Authority for Anti-Corruption (Nazaha) announced the referral of the chairman of the board of directors of a cooperative society to the Public Prosecution on suspicion of committing a conflict of interest crime
Money laundering
Dubai Court of First Instance convicted 18 individuals for embezzling Dh185 million from law firm using forged documents, fake emails, and counterfeit stationery. Four defendants sentenced to three years plus deportation; others received one-year terms and deportation.
Money laundering
Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Vara) imposed a financial penalty on Morpheus Software Technology FZE (operating as Morpheus Fuze), a virtual asset service provider, following an investigation initiated April 15, 2025.
Other
The Central Bank of the UAE penalized financial institutions with Dh370.3 million ($101 million) in fines since January 2025. Institutions penalized include 13 money exchange firms, 7 insurance and brokerage companies, 10 banks (including 3 foreign lenders), and 1 finance company.
Money laundering
The Central Bank of the UAE imposed financial and administrative fines exceeding 370.
Fraud & scams
Indictments filed against two Israel Tax Authority employees (Nazareth assessment office) for accepting bribes, fraud, breach of trust.
Sanctions
OFAC sanctioned 18 Iranian entities and individuals for circumventing US sanctions and generating revenue for the regime.
The UAE Central Bank imposed a fine of 600,000 dirhams on a financing company under Article 137 of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2018 concerning central bank regulation.
Money laundering
Pakistan Federal Investigation Agency conducted nationwide raids in Karachi, Quetta, Gwadar and Chaman regions bordering Iran and Afghanistan, arresting eight suspects operating illegal hawala-hundi informal money transfer systems.
UAE Central Bank imposed a fine of 10.7 million dirhams on an exchange company under Article '14' of Federal Decree Law No. '20' of 2018 regarding combating money laundering crimes and terrorist financing and illegal organization financing and its amendments.
Police completed a four-year investigation into Petah Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg, recommending indictment on bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges.
A state witness testified in the tax evasion trial of Gal Hirsh, coordinator of hostages and missing persons in the Prime Minister's Office. The defendants allegedly established shell companies to conceal ownership and explicitly did not want to bring money into Israel to avoid taxes.
Money laundering
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism discovered 1,063 breaches committed by private sector companies during the January-June 2025 period, imposing $11.4 million in fines for non-compliance with money laundering regulations.
Money laundering
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism imposed over Dh42 million in administrative fines during the first half of 2025 against private sector firms failing to meet anti-money laundering compliance standards.
Bribery & corruption
Kuwait's Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of 19 individuals involved in a corruption network that included cooperative society board members and officials from private commercial companies.
Money laundering
UAE Securities and Commodities Authority imposed a 5 million dirham fine on a licensed entity and referred it to Public Prosecution for violating anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing laws, and rules on unlicensed organizations.
Bribery & corruption
The General Authority for Anti-Corruption (Nazaha) announced the referral of board members of a cooperative society to the Public Prosecution on suspicion of committing violations under the Cooperative Societies Law which constitute corruption crimes
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police arrested four suspects operating online investment and trading scams promoted via social media. The gang falsely claimed to represent legitimate trading platforms, contacting victims through phone calls and social media advertisements.
Fraud & scams
The Attorney General and State Prosecutor ordered police to investigate Minister of Social Equality May Golan on suspicion of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and filing false statements.
Money laundering
A major police investigation centers on Chaim Kadosh (43, Holon resident) accused of operating an underground lending operation ('private bank').
The UAE Central Bank imposed fines totaling 4.1 million dirhams on three exchange companies under Article 14 of Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 concerning anti-money laundering.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) uncovered 18 major corruption cases involving doctors, police officers and officials for bribery, fake reports and misuse of resources.
Fraud & scams
Scammers orchestrated a stock manipulation scheme involving Chinese company OST through social media, artificially inflating its price before selling at enormous profits.
Saudi Arabia's anti-corruption authority (Nazaha) opened 18 new corruption cases involving port employees who received 400,000 riyals for processing truck import procedures improperly, a police station chief who received funds for pursuing legal cases, a Ministry of Commerce employee who received…
Fraud & scams
The UAE Ministry of Interior issued a stern warning on June 29, 2025 against fraudulent trading platforms that lure unsuspecting individuals with promises of easy profit and additional income. One victim lost Dh42,000 after being promised daily profits through a fake trading platform.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police detained a scammer over posting fraudulent rental property advertisements on websites and social media that offered apartments at attractive prices. The suspect targeted people seeking housing before disappearing with their deposits.
Fraud & scams
Dubai's Citizenship and Residency Court imposed fines worth Dh25.2 million against 21 people convicted in one of the emirate's largest residency visa fraud cases.
The Central Bank of the UAE imposed varying financial penalties on 6 exchange companies totaling 12.
Fraud & scams
The General Authority for Anti-Corruption (Nazaha) announced the referral of supervisors and others in Kuwait Municipality to the Public Prosecution on suspicion of committing crimes of unintentional damage to public funds, facilitating embezzlement and forgery
Money laundering
Central Bank of UAE imposed financial sanctions totaling AED 12.3 million ($3.35 million) on six exchange houses operating in UAE for violations and failures to comply with AML/CFT framework and related regulations. Action taken pursuant to Article 14 of Federal Decree Law No.
Money laundering
UAE Central Bank imposed financial penalties totaling 12.3 million dirhams on 6 exchange companies for failures in AML/CFT compliance framework. Violations include non-compliance with Federal Decree-Law No.
Money laundering
The Central Bank of the UAE imposed over Dh339 million in fines against exchange houses and other financial institutions in recent months as part of an intensified crackdown on money laundering and terrorism financing. Recent penalties include Dh12.3 million against six exchange houses, Dh3.
Money laundering
The UAE's Ministry of Economy and Dubai Police signed a Memorandum of Understanding on June 8, 2025 to strengthen oversight of suspicious financial activities.
Money laundering
US Treasury sanctions targeting over 30 entities and individuals operating Iran's shadow banking network that laundered billions of dollars.
Money laundering
The Central Bank of the UAE imposed a Dh100 million penalty on an unnamed exchange house for significant failures in its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organizations framework and related regulations.
Money laundering
The United Arab Emirates Central Bank imposed a financial fine of 100 million dirhams (US$27.2 million) on an exchange company for its failures in implementing money laundering and terrorism financing prevention requirements.
Money laundering
Turkish authorities arrested 13 individuals including Papara founder Ahmed Faruk Karslı for alleged involvement in processing and laundering proceeds from illegal online betting. Investigation revealed over 12.
Other
Kuwaiti Court of Cassation suspended execution of imprisonment sentence against Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Interior, who faces charges of allegedly embezzling Defense and Interior Ministry funds.
Money laundering
The UAE Central Bank imposed a financial penalty of 200 million dirhams on an exchange company for serious failures in money laundering prevention frameworks.
Money laundering
Central Bank of UAE imposed Dh200 million fine on unnamed exchange house for major violations of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. Investigation revealed serious compliance failures in AML framework.
Fraud & scams
Gulf First Commercial Brokers operated from suites 302 and 305 at Capital Golden Tower in Business Bay, Dubai, where around 40 employees made cold calls to investors with forex offers until last month, but both offices now stand empty with phone wires ripped from walls and millions in investor funds gone.
Money laundering
The Central Bank of the UAE imposed sanctions on five insurance brokers for deficiencies in their AML/CFT compliance frameworks and sanctions controls. Two insurance brokers received financial penalties, while three others received formal warnings.
The Tel Aviv District Court ruled that Mickey Genor's confessions while serving as a state witness in the submarines case are admissible.
Sanctions
U.S. State Department sanctioned Kimpaş Kimya, Turkish petrochemical supplier, for conducting approximately $15 million in unlawful trade with Iran as part of broader effort to disrupt roughly $500 million smuggling operation. Company added to U.S.
Money laundering
A UAE court sentenced Indian businessman Balvinder Singh Sahni (Abu Sabah) and several others to five years in prison for their role in a major money laundering case involving an organised criminal group.
Money laundering
Kuwaiti criminal court convicted 19 defendants in major money laundering case involving 29 individuals and 9 companies. Sentences ranged from 3-10 years imprisonment. Fines included 510 million dinars (double laundered amount) for 7 defendants.
Money laundering
ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority imposed total financial penalties of $12.46 million on Hayvn Group of Companies, AC Holding Limited, AC Limited, and former CEO Christopher Flinos for serious regulatory breaches.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait and US governments reached a civil forfeiture settlement with California businessman Victor Franco Novas in case involving former deputy PM Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. Kuwaiti authorities discovered in 2019 that 800 million dollars disappeared from the Defense Ministry.
Money laundering
MK David Bitan (Likud) and the prosecution agreed to criminal mediation in his bribery case, led by Judge Beni Shagya starting late April/early May 2025.
Fraud & scams
Acre Mayor Ben Shlush and deputy arrested on suspicion of election bribery (March 2025). Channel 12 'HaMavaker' investigation allegedly showed campaign headquarters paid thousands of residents cash bribes for votes.
Fraud & scams
Moshe Barak, former CFO of PlayTech PLC (London-listed online gambling company), was indicted in Tel Aviv District Court for concealing taxable income from exercised stock options worth approximately 4.5 million shekels.
Other
Israel's Competition Authority filed indictments against the CEOs of Victory and Yohananoff supermarket chains for price coordination and interfering with competitors' operations. The charges reveal how major retailers allegedly pressured suppliers to raise prices at competing chains.
Fraud & scams
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Attorney Amit Aisman approved opening a criminal investigation against Minister Mai Golan following a media investigation that raised serious suspicions of bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and filing a false affidavit.
Money laundering
Attorney Ronen Shachar, an external director at public company Bio Dvash, faces charges including money laundering, fraud, forgery and more, as part of an alleged sophisticated fraud scheme to take over real estate and bank accounts of isolated elderly people, either during their lives or after their deaths.
Money laundering
Oved Cohen (32), an Arsuf resident, faces indictment (pending hearing) for intensive cryptocurrency trading on Binance between 2018-2023, generating 47.6 million shekels in income while reporting only 12.4 million.
Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau froze $4.5 million in Mauritius bank accounts belonging to Bahria Town CEO Ahmed Ali Riaz and wife. NAB alleges Bahria Town utilized illicit hawala/hundi networks within Pakistan to launder crime proceeds abroad, transferring funds through UAE to Mauritius.
Money laundering
Dubai Public Prosecution referred defendants to Criminal Court facing charges of possessing illicit funds totaling Dh461 million ($125 million), plus forgery of official documents.
The FSRA imposed a financial penalty of USD 504,000 (AED 1,850,940) on Aarna Capital Limited for failing to maintain adequate anti-money laundering (AML) systems and controls over the period from 8 June 2017 to 13 January 2023.
Danish court sentenced British hedge fund trader Sanjay Shah to 12 years in prison for defrauding Danish state of $1.3 billion through 'cum-ex' trading scheme between 2012-2015. Shah, who lived on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, was extradited from UAE in December 2023.
Money laundering
Indictments filed against contractors and government officials for alleged corruption spanning 2018-2021 involving 'networked system of bribery payments' across Ministry of Housing, Israeli Railways, and Tirat Carmel municipality.
Fraud & scams
Saudi authorities arrested individual for SR492 million ($131 million) bank fraud scheme. Details of charges and methods pending prosecution.
Money laundering
Oman Fisheries Company marketing and sales manager convicted for money laundering and accepting bribes totaling $6,194 from foreign companies, sentenced to ten years in prison and fined RO50,000.
Fraud & scams
Saudi court sentenced two expatriates to 15 years each plus SR1.5 million total fines for 177 fraud crimes totaling SR22 million. Organized fraud operation with call centers targeting victims inside and outside Kingdom while impersonating government officials.
Money laundering
Kuwaiti Public Prosecution ordered pretrial detention of 27 suspects including 6 Kuwaiti citizens on money laundering charges following investigations by Financial Investigation Unit.
Fraud & scams
Investigations by Khaleej Times reveal that over 40,000 UAE residents have collectively lost hundreds of millions of dollars to fraudulent investment schemes in recent years, according to the publication.
Money laundering
A Qatari criminal court sentenced former Finance Minister Ali Sherif Al-Emadi to 20 years imprisonment on charges of money laundering exceeding 5.6 billion dollars, and ordered him to pay fines exceeding 61 billion Qatari riyals (16.7 billion dollars), including 40.
Money laundering
Qatar Criminal Court sentenced former Finance Minister Ali Sharif Al-Emadi to 20 years imprisonment and $16.7 billion fine for money laundering exceeding $5.6 billion. Charges include bribery, embezzlement of public funds, abuse of authority, and damage to public resources.
Money laundering
The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced its activities during November 2023, conducting 2024 oversight visits and investigations with 341 suspects, and arresting 146 individuals including government employees from the ministries of Interior, Defense, Justice, Health, Education, Municipal Affairs, Environment, Water and Agriculture.
Fraud & scams
Saudi Arabia apprehended 13 individuals in large-scale financial fraud operation who defrauded approximately SR16 million from victims' bank accounts through fraudulent electronic links, plus over SR600,000 in cash and various foreign currencies seized.
Money laundering
The Central Bank of UAE imposed a fine of AED 4,800,000 on an exchange house after findings revealed weak compliance framework regarding risk analysis and due diligence policies to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.
Money laundering
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the United Arab Emirates Financial Intelligence Unit signed a Memorandum of Understanding on August 3, 2026, to advance coordination and cooperation on anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) compliance.
Between March and mid-July 2023, UAE registered 108% increase in financial crime confiscations from Q1 to Q2, successfully confiscating more than AED 1.3 billion (approximately $356 million).
Money laundering
Supreme Court increased Amir Bramli's sentence to 14 years imprisonment (from 10 years) plus fine increased from 400 shekels to 600,000 shekels.
Money laundering
The Saudi Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) announced the implementation of 2,583 inspection rounds during Shawwal (May 2023) and commenced investigations with 211 suspects among government employees from the ministries of Interior, Defense, National Guard, Health, Justice, Education, Municipal Affairs, and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Nazaha arrested two Jeddah court employees: Ayman Abdulrazzaq Muhammad Salwati (rank 6) and Ali Muhammad Ahmad Al-Duqai (director of court president's office, rank 9) for receiving 500,000 riyal bribe (Salwati 250,000, Al-Duqai 125,000).
Qatar's Attorney General issued a decision to refer former Finance Minister Ali Sherif Al-Emadi and others to the criminal court on corruption charges including bribery, embezzlement of public funds, abuse of office, misuse of authority, and damage to public funds, and money laundering.
Bribery & corruption
Head of Iran's General Inspection Organization confirmed financial abuse at Mobarakeh Steel, stating the amount may exceed 92 trillion tomans (~$2 billion USD) previously mentioned.
Money laundering
Lebanese authorities indicted former central bank governor Riad Salameh alongside two legal advisers on charges of embezzlement, forgery, and illicit enrichment for their alleged roles in the embezzlement of $44 million from the central bank.
Money laundering
The UAE Ministry of Economy imposed AED 2.25 million worth of administrative sanctions on three companies operating in the gold, gemstones and real estate sectors for anti-money laundering violations.
Money laundering
Kuwait's Appeals Court convicted 7 judges out of 8 referred by the Public Prosecution with charges of bribery and money laundering, sentencing them to 7 years imprisonment with hard labor.
Fraud & scams
Saudi courts convicted five judges (sentences ranging from 1 to 7.5 years), a former Shura Council member (7.5 years plus 500,000 riyal fine), and a former ambassador (5 years) on charges including bribery, abuse of authority, and embezzlement of public funds.
Bribery & corruption
The Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) suspended 234 individuals in one month and investigated 634 individuals across multiple ministries including defense, interior, health, justice and education, with the Public Prosecution conducting more than 4,286 inspection rounds on charges of bribery, forgery and abuse of authority.
Fraud & scams
The Saudi Public Prosecution clarified that the penalty for an accomplice in financial fraud crimes reaches 7 years imprisonment and a fine of 5 million riyals and seizure of instruments of crime and proceeds, for anyone who incites, agrees or assists another to commit financial fraud
Money laundering
Saudi Anti-Corruption Authority detained 233 suspects from six ministries (Defense, Interior, National Guard, Health, Justice, Municipal Affairs) in December 2021, conducting 5,518 inspection rounds and investigating 641 individuals for bribery, money laundering, embezzlement, and forgery.
Saudi authorities convicted six people (mix of Saudi nationals and expatriates) of money laundering with 31 years total imprisonment and SR152 million ($40.4 million) in fines.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait General Fire Force civilian employee (Grade 5 accountant in Payroll Department) embezzled 1.3 million dinars by manipulating salary ledger system, adding amounts to his own salary items and altering salary from 1,650 to 42,000 dinars using personal user credentials.
Money laundering
Abu Dhabi Felony Court, which specializes in money laundering and tax evasion cases, convicted 9 defendants and 6 companies of committing fraud resulting in the theft of 18 million dirhams using information technology means.
Money laundering
Bahrain court convicted Future Bank and six officials, Central Bank of Iran and 12 other Iranian banks for laundering more than $1.3 billion between 2008-2012. Court imposed fine of 19 million Bahraini dinars and confiscated laundered money.
Other
Qatar's attorney general ordered arrest of Finance Minister Ali Shareef Al Emadi to investigate crimes including damage to public funds, abuse of public office, and abuse of power.
Bribery & corruption
Former Iranian Roads and Urban Development Minister Abbas Akhundi stated Iran spent between $300-400 billion on circumventing sanctions, leading to formation of 'major corruption' networks. Highlights systemic cost of sanctions evasion infrastructure in Iran.
Money laundering
Oman Public Prosecution handled 132 cases in 2020 related to public funds and money laundering: 13 embezzlement of public funds, 16 abuse of authority, 3 misuse of public money, 3 forgery, 3 other cases. Recovered 24 million Omani rials ($62.3 million) primarily through fines and asset seizures.
Bribery & corruption
The Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority uncovered an organized smuggling network that transferred 11.59 billion riyals of unknown origin outside the Kingdom.
Fraud & scams
Saudi Anti-Corruption Authority exposed seven major cases including: 69 officials accepting millions in bribes from medical waste company; appeals court judge accepting luxury vehicle for improper rulings; traffic officer extracting 20,000 riyals through false documentation; bank employee receiving 129,800 riyals for fraudulent loan processing.
Other
Hawala providers in the UAE must register with the central bank within 90 days, and action will be taken for failure to do so, including financial penalties and imprisonment, according to a May 2026 announcement. Unlicensed Hawala activities remain illegal and subject to heavy fines and penalties.
Money laundering
The Saudi Public Prosecution announced the arrest of a gang comprised of 17 individuals in the Riyadh, Mecca and Eastern regions who engaged in money laundering operations
Sanctions
The United States sanctioned Iraqi company South Wealth Resources Company in Baghdad and two executives for helping Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps evade sanctions by smuggling hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weapons.
Fraud & scams
Qatar filed lawsuits in London and New York against three banks - UAE's First Abu Dhabi Bank, Saudi Arabia's Samba Bank and Luxembourg's Banque Havilland - alleging conspiracy to weaken Qatari riyal by submitting fraudulent quotes to foreign exchange platforms to manipulate indices and disrupt financial markets.
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Money laundering
Bahrain's Appeal Court upheld an eight-year prison sentence of a well-known businessman who embezzled more than BD6 million from 352 investors. The defendant was found guilty of forgery, money laundering, and defrauding people who invested funds into his platform.
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Fraud & scams
Two expatriates, aged 24 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of fraud and embezzlement. According to reports, the suspects allegedly lured individuals through an online platform by offering decoration and carpentry services using the name of a cancelled commercial establishment.
Fraud & scams
A convicted serial conman and his legal adviser face trial at Bahrain's High Criminal Court for entering false data into the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry and the Information and eGovernment Authority systems.
Fraud & scams
Bahrain's Interior Ministry announced arrests in two separate cases involving alleged fraudsters running online scams.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced on July 15, 2026, the freezing of over $130 million in digital assets tied to the Central Bank of Iran.
The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control issued Iran General License X, permitting production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemical products, and petroleum products through August 21, 2026, implementing sanctions relief following the Islamabad Memorandum signed June 17, 2026.
The Central Bank of the UAE imposed sanctions on six exchange houses for violating Anti-Money Laundering rules, with penalties totaling Dh17.31 million.
OFAC revoked Iran General License X (GL X) and replaced it with General License X1 (GL X1), according to Treasury. GL X1 is a narrow wind-down authorization that expires on July 17, 2026.
Money laundering
Albania's Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) investigation targets individual involved in land sales for luxury resort in protected Vjosa-Narta lagoon.
An AKP-affiliated mayor in Keskin was convicted of bribery and removed from office, claiming he was scapegoated due to internal party conflicts. He maintains his innocence, arguing that his report of a 65-million-lira embezzlement case made him a target for revenge by political rivals.
The Qatari Public Prosecution announced the conviction by the Primary Felony Court of a Qatari employee and 4 individuals of Arab nationalities in a corruption case.
Fraud & scams
Kuwait's General Department for the Enforcement of Judgments arrested four individuals (three men and one woman) who were convicted of misappropriating public funds causing approximately $180 million in damage to state finances.
Money laundering
The FIA's Commercial Bank Circle in Karachi arrested Muhammad Faisal, Chief Financial Officer of an advertising agency, following a raid.
OFAC designated three individuals and six entities for facilitating financial transactions on behalf of ISIS using cryptocurrency.
Police completed investigation into Energy Minister Eli Cohen (Likud) for alleged breach of trust in the diplomatic passports affair.
Bribery & corruption
Fleurette Properties, a Netherlands-based shell company beneficially owned by U.S.-sanctioned Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler, accepted a penal order and paid a €25.8 million ($30 million) fine, settling an eight-year Dutch investigation.
Money laundering
Egyptian authorities detained prominent businessman Sabri Nakhnoukh (63), head of Falcon Group private security, and froze his assets on allegations of leading an organized crime syndicate involved in money laundering, theft, and illegal weapons possession.
The Central Bank of the UAE fined an unnamed foreign bank branch AED 20 million ($5.4 million) for significant, repeated failures in its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations and Sanctions framework.
High Court approved three-year deferred prosecution agreement between SFO and Ultra Electronics Holdings Ltd resolving long-standing bribery investigation. Company agreed to pay approximately £15 million (£10 million financial penalty plus £4.8 million SFO investigative costs).
Jerusalem District Prosecutor's Office filed indictment at Jerusalem District Court against several individuals for tax offenses and money laundering, committed as part of business that Eliezer Berland operated providing various services for payment.
Money laundering
OCCRP undercover investigation reveals Russian payment brokers operating on Telegram explicitly offering services to circumvent Western sanctions through layered intermediaries across multiple jurisdictions.
A mayor and senior officials in a southern Israeli municipality were detained for investigation on suspicion of misappropriating donated funds.
Sources in the Southern Command report that oversight at border crossings is weak and Gaza is flooded with smuggling from Israel.
An IDF lieutenant who served as deputy company commander at the Kerem Shalom crossing is charged with bribery (accepting millions of shekels), smuggling goods under aggravated circumstances, and aiding the enemy.
A 17-year-old from Lod faces murder charges in the killing of married couple Ruslan and Olga Prikhodko. Police initially suspected a nationalist motive but the indictment cites a criminal dispute.
Bribery & corruption
The Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority conducted its responsibilities during January 2026 through 1,543 inspection tours and investigated 383 suspects including employees from ministries (Interior, Defense, Education, Municipalities and Housing, Health) and apprehended 127 citizens and residents for involvement in charges of bribery and abuse of official authority.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) detained 130 individuals—both citizens and foreign residents—on suspicion of bribery and abuse of public office during June 2026, following 1,585 oversight inspections and investigations of 385 suspects across five ministries including Interior, Defence, Health, Municipalities and Housing, and Islamic Affairs.
Fraud & scams
The European Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into alleged fraud involving the Rassemblement National party.
Sanctions
A Turkey-based company co-owned by Dutch national Alexander Tattersall shipped over $5 million worth of European metalworking machinery to Russian defense firms Aluminum Metallurg Rus and Stupino Metallurgical Company in 2023-2024, despite EU sanctions.
Money laundering
The UAE's national committee approved a strengthened financial crime system with several key measures: incorporating digital currency (virtual assets) into monitoring scope, new risk management systems for financial and commercial institutions, a national review program to address risks related to…
Money laundering
Billionaire businessman and opposition leader Gagik Tsarukyan was ordered to two months pre-trial detention on charges of large-scale fraud and money laundering.
Izmir Public Prosecutor's Office conducted a large-scale operation on Buca Municipality as part of a bribery and corruption investigation.
Germany's federal prosecutor arrested five men for allegedly exporting goods worth at least €30 million to Russia in breach of EU sanctions, with customers including at least 24 Russian arms manufacturers.
OFAC sanctioned Iran's military oil sales network generating revenue for the regime's armed forces, including Hong Kong-based front companies (Growth Trading, Damai Technology, Tida, Mehdiyev Trading, Worth Seen Energy), UAE-based Luan Bird Shipping Service, and the IRGC-linked Persian Gulf Strait Authority extortion scheme.
Sanctions
European Union announced sweeping 21st sanctions package targeting Russia's financial infrastructure and wartime supply chains.
Fraud & scams
The European Public Prosecutor's Office conducted coordinated raids across France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium as part of an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of EU funds by the now-defunct Identity and Democracy (ID) group, a European Parliament faction whose prominent members included France's National Rally (RN) and Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD).
On 27 August 2026, the National Crime Agency (NCA) entered into a settlement agreement with ENEX Premium Trading Limited, an agricultural trading company, after investigations revealed sanctions evasion linked to Iran.
The Knesset plenum approved MK Tali Gotlieb's immunity request with 62 votes in favor and 48 opposed, preventing prosecution for charges of disclosing classified information in violation of Shin Bet law.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded testimony in three corruption cases ('Cases 1000-4000') after 18 months and 98 court sessions. His direct testimony lasted 35 sessions, cross-examination 59 sessions, with 4 additional re-examination sessions.
Financial Markets Tribunal upheld the DFSA's decision to impose a fine of USD 25,000 on Al Ramz Capital LLC for failing to immediately report suspicious transactions on NASDAQ Dubai.
Money laundering
Operation Ramz, a regional cybercrime enforcement initiative spanning October 2025 to February 28, 2026, resulted in 201 arrests across thirteen countries including Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar. The operation targeted malicious infrastructure, identified 3,867 victims, and seized 53 servers.
Money laundering
According to Al-Bilad newspaper, Bahrain's Public Prosecution charged a 30-year-old Asian defendant with money laundering of 22,250 dinars derived from crimes involving electronic signature misuse and fund misappropriation.
Money laundering
Qatar's Criminal Court of First Instance convicted a Qatari female employee of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and four Arab nationals on charges of bribery, abuse of official authority, and money laundering, while acquitting one defendant.
Fraud & scams
A Bahraini appeals court upheld a five-year prison sentence for a man found guilty of electronic fraud after deceiving a victim through a fake online reward scheme. The defendant and an accomplice tricked a middle-aged man into sharing banking credentials and withdrew BD12,756 from his account.
Turkish citizen sentenced to prison for violating Iran embargo. Case involves sanctions evasion related to Iran through Turkey corridor.
Eli Feldstein corruption allegations center on whether Qatar paid him to advance its interests while serving as Netanyahu spokesman. Feldstein allegedly received approximately 40,000 shekels per month ($7,500 plus VAT) from a Qatari lobbyist Potlick parallel to his government work.
Money laundering
A Bahraini court continued the trial of a department head at the General Administration of Jaafari Affairs whom the Public Prosecution accuses of embezzling charitable funds and money laundering.
The Central Bank UAE imposed a $5.4 million (AED 20 million) fine on the UAE branch of a foreign bank for significant, repeated failures in its Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations and Sanctions framework.
Kuwaiti authorities arrested a corruption network comprising 5 members of boards of directors of cooperative societies, 6 commercial companies, 14 brokers and employees, after they received bribes from commercial companies to pass their products and grant them priority within the societies in violation of regulatory rules.
Saudi Capital Market Authority referred 17 suspects in Cenomi Retail to the Public Prosecution, including former and current board members, an acting CEO, financial managers, and audit team members.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara filed indictment against Knesset Member Tali Gotlieb for disclosing classified information in violation of Shin Bet law. Gotlieb revealed identity of Shin Bet officer by publishing details about partner of Shakma Barsler on social media.
OFAC sanctioned a network of individuals, entities, and vessels across multiple jurisdictions for allegedly shipping Iranian-origin liquid petroleum gas (LPG) 'intentionally disguised as Omani LPG' to end users in South and East Asia.
Elye Wahi, a 23-year-old striker for Ivory Coast competing in the 2026 World Cup, was detained by French police on May 29 on suspicion of organized fraud, organized sports corruption, money laundering, and handling proceeds of crime.
OFAC announced a settlement agreement with an individual who provided management consulting and advisory services to one of Iran's leading software solutions companies and received Iranian-origin dividends to their U.S. account.
The Anti-Corruption Commission announced the opening of 117 financial and administrative corruption cases during Ramadan, with the arrest of over 30 individuals including employees from the Ministry of Tourism, the Zakat and Income Authority, the Public Prosecution and a security officer.
OFAC designated Unión Cuba-Petróleo (CUPET), Cuba's state-owned oil and gas company, under Cuba Executive Order 14404.
Sanctions
The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control designated VTB Bank, a major Russian financial institution, under Executive Order 13902 for facilitating Iranian sanctions evasion.
OFAC designated 3 individuals and 7 entities for facilitating financial transactions on behalf of ISIS.
Analysis of the indictment against Yonatan Orich in the "Bild" affair and ongoing investigations.
Indictment filed against Noam Sasson, Deputy Mayor of Be'er Ya'akov, and six other defendants including businesspeople, contractors and companies in wide-scale governmental corruption case involving public tenders worth millions of shekels.
$1.7 billion passed through the Binance cryptocurrency exchange to Iran, discovered through an internal investigation initiated after Israeli law enforcement contacted them regarding suspected terror financing via crypto wallets.
Money laundering
French prosecutors are seeking prison sentences of up to 5 years for Ahmed Ali Saleh and Khaled Ali Saleh, sons of deceased Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, for allegedly laundering tens of millions of euros in embezzled state funds.
On June 2, 2026, OFAC designated multiple Iranian digital asset exchanges—Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex—for allegedly providing 'significant support' to the Iranian regime, including by acting as a 'vehicle for sanctions evasion.'
Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced coordinated sanctions targeting networks that support Kata'ib Hizballah and Lebanese Hizballah.
OFAC updated its Specially Designated Nationals list with 10 individuals and 25 entities linked primarily to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's shipping operations, as well as 20 vessels flagged under various nations.
Police Commissioner Kobi Yaakovi and a senior police officer were questioned under caution on June 17, 2026 on suspicion of harassing a key witness in a case where Yaakovi faces charges.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cross-examination in the corruption cases (Case 1000, 2000, and 4000) ended on June 16, 2026, after approximately one year of proceedings.
Fraud & scams
Bahrain: The Public Prosecution referred 16 defendants of Asian nationalities for trial on charges of forging private documents and using them to fraudulently obtain financing from a finance company.
Bribery & corruption
Oman issued Royal Decree No. 66/2026 expanding the scope of private sector bribery offenses and imposing tougher penalties, moving provisions from the Labour Law into a dedicated Penal Code chapter.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin met approximately one year ago with wives of two senior police officers facing criminal allegations. Meeting included Tziona, wife of Deputy Commissioner Avishay Mualem (former IDF Intelligence Division commander) suspected of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
The Dubai Civil Court of First Instance ordered two fraudsters to jointly pay an investor AED4.65 million (comprising AED4.35 million restitution and AED300,000 compensation) after they deceived him with promises of property investment linked to obtaining a UAE Golden Visa.
Kuwait's Minister of Commerce and Industry Osama Boodai issued two new decisions establishing stricter anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing controls for gold and real estate businesses.
Fraud & scams
According to an OCCRP investigation, Mazyar Mahan (formerly Mazyar Mahdavifar) was convicted in absentia by an Iranian court in 2016 in connection with what prosecutors alleged was a $25 million pyramid scheme called Palinure that defrauded hundreds of investors.
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) imposed a financial sanction of AED 1,820,000 on a branch of a foreign bank licensed to operate in the UAE on 6 July 2026.
Bribery & corruption
Taha Al-Difai, head of Iraq's Parliament Integrity Committee, disclosed that court convictions have exposed widespread bribery in electricity contracts.
The United States Treasury Department, through OFAC, issued sanctions on July 29, 2026, targeting 10 entities and 8 additional oil tankers linked to Iran's efforts to monetize the Strait of Hormuz and evade sanctions.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions targeting over 50 individuals, entities, and vessels connected to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's illicit shipping network.
Former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Berko went to trial in U.S.
Money laundering
A Bahrain criminal court sentenced an Asian national woman to five years imprisonment, a fine of 100,000 Bahraini dinars, and asset forfeiture of 22,250 dinars for money laundering charges.
Money laundering
Turkey's Central Bank (TCMB) officially revoked the operating license of Papel Elektronik Para ve Ödeme Hizmetleri A.Ş., an electronic money institution, following an investigation into money laundering activities.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex and three other exchanges—Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex—under the 'Economic Wrath' campaign.
OFAC announced counter-terrorism and Iran-related designations and counter-narcotics designations removals. The action included designation updates targeting terrorism financing and Iran-related illicit activities.
A 15-week trial is scheduled to commence on 5 October 2026 at Southwark Crown Court for former Petrofac senior executives Marwan Chedid and George Salibi, charged with bribery by the Serious Fraud Office. The defendants were charged in February 2024 with a total of five counts of bribery.
Sanctions
The U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated 36 targets supporting Iran's aviation sector under Operation Economic Outcast.
Fraud & scams
The Kuwait Criminal Court sentenced a Kuwaiti national and an Egyptian national to seven years in prison and imposed a KD 5 million fine following their involvement in a major real estate fraud scheme selling non-existent chalets in Kuwait and Sharm El-Sheikh.
OFAC designated an individual and over 40 entities supporting Iran's civil aviation sector under the Iran sanctions program and secondary sanctions. The individual designated is Ibrahim Ali Mohamed Mohamed Mahran (also known as Ibrahim Mahran), a UAE resident.
Bribery & corruption
Iraqi authorities have reportedly issued arrest warrants for Ahmed Jasim Saber al-Asadi, former Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, and seized assets from Adnan al-Jumaili, former Deputy Oil Minister, including $47 million in commercial assets and an additional $120+ million in total seizures.
Bribery & corruption
A Dutch court heard proceedings related to the May 2025 killing of Cemil Onal, a Turkish whistleblower who had exposed what he claimed was a multi-billion-dollar bribery ring linking organized crime to Turkish officials.
Money laundering
According to Lebanon's National News Agency, a Lebanese judge has filed new proceedings against former central bank governor Riad Salame, 76, and former Bank Audi head Samir Hanna, 88, alleging embezzlement, money laundering, bribery, illicit enrichment, and creation of shell companies.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) reported significant enforcement activity during July 2026, conducting 2,338 inspection tours across the Kingdom. The authority arrested 131 individuals on corruption charges, including bribery and abuse of public office.
Bribery & corruption
According to OCCRP, Iraq's Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court sentenced MPs Alia Nassif Jassem Aziz Al Obaidi, who previously served as vice-chair of parliament's Integrity Committee, and Ashwaq Salem Hassan to seven years imprisonment each for illicit enrichment.
Other
An investigation alleges that the MT Eureka oil tanker, operated by UAE-based Gulf Marine Shipping, sailed through a high-risk piracy zone without adequate security measures despite operating in waters where 84 maritime incidents occurred in the prior 13 months.
Bribery & corruption
An Iraqi anti-corruption court sentenced Alaa Samir Rashid Shukr Al-Jubouri, former director general of the General Company of Electricity Distribution (Middle Region), to seven years in prison for illicit enrichment. The court found approximately $4.
The Sharjah Court of First Instance sentenced a person to six months in prison after convicting him of fraudulently obtaining Dh 1.515 million (approximately $412,000 USD) through a fake college enrollment scheme.
Trafficking
According to OCCRP, Algerian authorities detained Mehdi Laribi, a French-Algerian national allegedly serving as a senior leader of the DZ Mafia criminal organization, on July 20, 2026.
Money laundering
A federal judge in New York sentenced Reza Zarrab to time served after he pleaded guilty in 2017 to helping Iran evade U.S. sanctions through money laundering.
EU imposed first-ever sanctions related to threats to freedom of navigation against Iranian individuals and entities, announced by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on June 8, 2026. Measures taken in response to disruptions of vessel transit in Strait of Hormuz and regional waterways.
Kuwait's Court of Cassation sentenced former Defense and Interior Minister Sheikh Talal Al-Khalid to three years imprisonment with hard labor in the 'secret expenditures' case.
OFAC issued Iran-related designations under Executive Order 13902, adding four individuals — Solmaz Bani (Dubai, linked by OFAC to Babak Morteza Zanjani), Bahareh Morteza Zanjani (Dubai), Sukhrob Oimakhmadov (Dushanbe, Tajikistan) and Mehdi Rezazadeh (Tehran) — to the Specially Designated Nationals list.
According to Treasury, OFAC designated Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company and HormuzSafe Marine Services Authority, along with eight shipping companies and eight vessels, for allegedly operating an IRGC-backed extortion network forcing commercial vessels to purchase mandatory maritime insurance to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
On August 24, 2026, the United States took sweeping action against multiple entities, individuals, and vessels enabling Iran's destabilizing activities, including attacks against U.S.
Money laundering
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) proposed a rule on August 28, 2026, to revoke Banque Misr UAE's correspondent banking access to U.S. financial institutions.
The UK Serious Fraud Office secured a three-year deferred prosecution agreement with British defence company Ultra Electronics Holdings Ltd, in which the company agreed to pay approximately £15 million to resolve a bribery investigation.
Abdullah Anwar, 28, a Pakistani-origin suspect, was extradited from Qatar on July 10, 2026, to face charges of conspiracy to transport stolen property, mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Anwar allegedly fled to Pakistan while on pretrial release before being arrested in Qatar.
Turkish authorities initiated proceedings against 177 suspects involved in illegal betting operations on September 14, 2026.
OFAC designated Reza Mohammad Taeedi, a Dubai-based Iranian national (DOB: August 24, 1975), and Kameng Trading Limited, a Hong Kong-based company, as part of 'Operation Economic Outcast' targeting Iran's Access to UAE Banks. Taeedi is noted as linked to Bank Melli Iran.
Sanctions
The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated BitBank, a digital assets exchange controlled by sanctioned Iranian financier Babak Zanjani, along with its developer Pishtaz Simorgh Electronic Trade Company and three associates (Hossein Ali Zaker Hossein, Mohammad Mahdi Zaker Hossein, and Seyed Adel Heidari).
Trafficking
Spanish police, working with German authorities, arrested Germany's most-wanted drug trafficker in Malaga on August 24, 2026, according to the National Police. The unnamed suspect was wanted under a European arrest warrant for drug trafficking and organised crime.
Opinion analysis of Netanyahu's trial Case 2000, examining allegations regarding his communications with Yedioth Ahronoth publisher Arnon Mozes. The case centers on bribery charges, with Netanyahu accused of offering regulatory benefits to Mozes in exchange for favorable media coverage.
Fraud & scams
The US Treasury's OFAC designated four individuals and nine entities allegedly tied to Babak Zanjani's network.
Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury Department announced Operation Economic Outcast on August 24, 2026, an unprecedented whole-of-government economic campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its enablers.
FinCEN issued an alert to assist financial institutions in identifying and reporting on procurement networks that support Iran's commercial aviation industry. The alert alerts financial institutions to suspicious activity connected to Iran's illicit procurement networks used to circumvent U.S.
Fraud & scams
According to Al-Bilad newspaper, Bahrain's Public Prosecution announced the arrest of a fraud network comprising 24 suspects of Asian nationalities accused of misappropriating financial funding from a company using forged documents.
Bribery & corruption
Kuwait's Public Prosecution brought charges against 71 individuals in connection with a scheme involving the manipulation of state farm allocations and livestock holdings. The investigation, designated Case No.
Fraud & scams
Ugandan police arrested 16 people, including four police officers, for their alleged involvement in a fake gold scam that reportedly defrauded a Dubai businessman of $4 million, according to authorities. The suspects allegedly operated under the company name Real Sunnex Ltd.
Bribery & corruption
Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity has arrested Khalid Ghazay Atiya, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Electricity, on charges of alleged corruption and illicit enrichment. Authorities reportedly seized approximately $5.8 million in cash, 1.
The U.S. Department of Treasury designated ten individuals involved in a financial evasion network that uses couriers traveling on commercial airline flights between Lebanon, Turkey, the UAE, and Iran to move hundreds of millions of dollars between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force…