The EU is considering a temporary freeze to its price cap on Russian oil as part of its 21st sanctions package. Because oil prices have soared due to the Iran war, the next review in July would likely see the level rise to at least $65 a barrel, higher than the previous $60 threshold.
Former Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon was convicted on May 31, 2026, in Tel Aviv District Court of securities law violations related to his role as chairman of Yunit Credit (a publicly-traded credit company).
Dubai Police's Anti-Fraud Centre warned that criminal networks operating from outside the country are promoting stolen banking data and credit cards through fraudulent online platforms. Under UAE Federal Decree Law No.
The Israeli Ministry of Education filed a civil lawsuit against the Haredi organization 'Ohel Yosef' and three senior officials, alleging a decade-long fraud scheme.
Bahrain's High Criminal Court convicted 11 people across two cases for collaborating with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to orchestrate attacks against Bahrain. Nine defendants received life sentences for their role in the Iran-linked terrorist financing and attack plots.
Kuwait's Criminal Court convicted one Kuwaiti woman and four accomplices (three Egyptian nationals and one stateless resident) for major real estate fraud.
Saudi Capital Market Authority referred 17 suspects to the Public Prosecution in May 2026, including current and former board members, acting CEO, financial managers, and audit team members of Cenomi Retail company for financial violations.
On May 19, 2026, OFAC announced sanctions against four individuals associated with a pro-Hamas 'flotilla' organized by the US-designated Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA) for allegedly attempting to access Gaza in support of Hamas.
Qatar's Criminal Court sentenced a Qatari Ministry of Commerce employee and four Arab nationals to 4 years imprisonment for bribery, abuse of official authority, and money laundering involving 201,140 Qatari riyals in bribes for illegal commercial licenses.
Abu Dhabi Police warned in May 2026 about increased fake account activity on social media and digital platforms, involving fraudulent attempts to steal personal data and money through various methods including fake parcel tracking, illegal investment schemes, and fake property promotions.
UAE authorities highlighted a fraudulent "fake part-time work" scheme in May 2026 that not only steals from victims but may push them unknowingly into financial crimes by using their bank accounts as intermediaries for fraud proceeds.
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.
A convicted fugitive who fled from Kuwait to Saudi Arabia was arrested in a coordinated operation between the two Gulf countries.
FinCEN issued an alert (FIN-2026-Alert002) to help financial institutions identify and stop funding streams and procurement networks supporting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
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.
A woman was defrauded of 23,399 dirhams following a fake Instagram advertisement promoting domestic worker services. Abu Dhabi Court ruled the defendant must return the amount and pay 15,000 dirhams compensation.
Sharjah Police arrested four African suspects who stole over Dh3 million through fake shipment fraud and romance scams. The network impersonated shipping and insurance companies, convincing victims they had parcels awaiting clearance and requesting payments for customs fees or insurance.
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority conducted 1,395 oversight tours in March 2026, investigated 360 suspects from Ministries of Interior, Health, and Sports, and arrested 71 suspects for bribery and abuse of official influence.
On 13 April 2026, the Paris criminal court convicted Bruno Lafont (former CEO of Lafarge) to six years imprisonment and Christian Herrault (deputy general manager) to five years imprisonment, with committal orders issued at the hearing.
Bellingcat investigation found former UFC fighter Mounir Lazzez was listed as director of two companies that paid more than $80 million for two oil tankers, both of which were subsequently sanctioned for assisting the Iranian regime.
Major investigations by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times revealed that between 2024 and 2025, Binance facilitated approximately $1 billion to $1.7 billion in transfers to Iranian-linked entities, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Houthi movement. The U.S.
Bellingcat and The Sunday Times documented footage of Christy Kinahan (68) and Daniel Kinahan (48) at Dubai's 971 Fighting Championship in June 2025, marking their first confirmed sighting since US sanctions in April 2022.
Kuwait dismantled an Arab gang in February 2026 specializing in electronic fraud, money laundering, and bank forgery. Total money laundered through their companies since 2023 exceeded 100 million Kuwaiti dinars (about 327 million dollars).
A Dubai civil court ordered individuals and companies to jointly pay AED 3.903 million to two maritime trading companies in January 2026 after criminal convictions for money laundering and fraud.
U.S. Treasury announced sanctions in January 2026 targeting financial networks linking Iran and Houthi groups in Yemen, including shell companies and intermediaries in Yemen, Oman, and the UAE who fund destabilizing activities.
Azerbaijani court sentenced Ramin Isayev, former general director of SOCAR AQS (a state oil firm joint venture), to 14 years in jail for embezzling $31.76 million. He was found guilty of embezzlement, money laundering, abuse of office, and fraud.
UAE Central Bank imposed a fine of 10.7 million dirhams on an exchange company for anti-money laundering violations in August 2025.
UAE Central Bank imposed fines totaling 4.1 million dirhams on 3 exchange companies for failing to comply with anti-money laundering regulations in July 2025.
Dubai's Criminal Court sentenced an Indian businessman 'Abu Sabah' and others to 5 years imprisonment, 500,000 dirhams fine, deportation, and confiscation of 150 million dirhams for money laundering through an organized criminal group.
Kuwait's Criminal Court sentenced 19 defendants to prison terms between 3 and 10 years, and fined them double the amounts obtained from money laundering crimes, in a case involving 29 individuals and 9 companies.