Daily financial-crime intelligence · Updated 29 Jul 2026, 23:01 UTC
Money laundering
The UAE and European Union concluded the ninth structural dialogue on combating money laundering and terrorism financing on July 23, 2026. According to the EU statement, the UAE is described as a 'key security partner' in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing efforts.
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…
Money laundering
The UAE and European Union concluded the ninth structural dialogue on combating money laundering and terrorist financing on July 23, 2026, held virtually.
Money laundering
Kuwait's State Security and Terrorist Business Crimes Court, chaired by Judge Nasser Al-Bader, issued judgements in two money laundering cases.
Terrorist financing
US authorities set 1 June 2027 as the trial date for Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, who have been held in federal detention in Brooklyn since 3 January 2026.
Fraud & scams
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency, in a joint operation with other law enforcement agencies, arrested four suspects on July 22, 2026, for allegedly facilitating illegal issuance of Pakistani identity documents to Afghan nationals: NADRA Assistant Director Inamul Haq, Deputy Assistant Director Fayyaz Ahmed, watchman Junaid Ahmed, and private agent Mohammad Umar Shah.
Money laundering
Germany's financial supervisor BaFin announced it has ordered Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale (Helaba), based in Frankfurt, to take appropriate measures to remedy deficiencies in its prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.
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.
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.
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.
Money laundering
Transparency International US released a report titled 'Crypto's Dirty Money Problem: What Congress Must Fix' warning that proposed US cryptocurrency legislation, including the CLARITY Act, contains regulatory gaps that could allegedly enable scammers, drug cartels, terrorist financing, sanctions evasion, and corruption.
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
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.
Money laundering
New anti-money laundering regulations announced on July 10, 2026 expand the list of entities subject to surveillance and training obligations in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.
FINTRAC imposed a $212,025 administrative monetary penalty on Atlantic Lottery Corporation Inc., a Moncton, New Brunswick-based casino operator, for AML/CTF violations between September 2023 and September 2024.
Money laundering
On July 8, 2026, the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) published draft regulatory technical standards that would establish, for the first time, a common methodology for supervisors across the European Union when enforcing breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules.
Sanctions
According to Chainalysis, cryptocurrency addresses linked to sanctioned entities received over $100 billion last year, representing an eightfold increase from the previous year.
Money laundering
Turkey's 'Strategy Document for Increasing Effectiveness in Combating the Laundering of Crime Proceeds and Terrorism Financing and Confiscation Practices (2026-2030)' was published in the Official Gazette with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's signature.
Money laundering
The Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at Qatar's Ministry of Justice organized a one-week training program titled 'Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Crimes in Qatari Law.'
Fraud & scams
The Department of Justice charged eight alleged members of the designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua with murders, kidnappings, and firearms offenses.
Money laundering
Giles Thomson of the UK took office as FATF President on 1 July 2026, announcing that the organization will develop an action plan by October to combat fraud, which costs $500 billion annually worldwide and represents the predominant predicate offense in 90% of FATF mutual evaluations.
Money laundering
Wenshen Xu, 52, a Honduras-based Chinese national extradited from Guatemala, pleaded guilty to conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, conspiring to launder money derived from drug trafficking, and providing material support to Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
Fraud & scams
Iraqi security forces, including elite Counter-Terrorism Service units, arrested 47 officials including MPs and senior government figures in dawn raids across Baghdad's Green Zone.
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.
Money laundering
The French financial regulator ACPR (Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution) has deployed artificial intelligence for several years to oversee anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance systems at banks and insurers.
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.
Money laundering
The Central Bank of the UAE imposed a Dh20 million financial penalty against a foreign bank branch for significant, repeated failures in its Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism framework.
Money laundering
Kuwait's State Security and Terrorism Crimes Court delivered 46 verdicts addressing serious offenses including money laundering and terrorism financing.
Money laundering
Kuwait's State Security Court issued verdicts against 46 defendants in cases involving money laundering, terrorism financing, and state security violations.
Money laundering
Iraq appointed a new central bank governor as the country was placed on the Financial Action Task Force grey list in June 2026, referring to deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks.
Money laundering
Iran's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Anti-Money Laundering Center demanded comprehensive financial data from all Iranian companies including detailed statements, itemized breakdowns of material/goods purchases, and life insurance data.
Money laundering
Guatemala's Executive sanctioned Decree 15-2026, the Comprehensive Law for the Prevention and Repression of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, on June 17, 2026, with implementation in three months.
Money laundering
Reda Mazen Rida Sabassi, 38, of San Diego, charged with terrorism, sanctions-evasion, wire fraud, money laundering, and false statements in connection with allegedly raising approximately $600,000 through purported charitable campaigns and diverting funds to Hamas.
US District Judge Richard Berman ruled June 17, 2026 that Turkey's Halkbank had met conditions agreed with government for dismissing case under deferred prosecution deal signed in March.
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);…
Money laundering
Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority ordered Instinet Germany GmbH, a Nomura subsidiary, to rectify extensive deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and terrorist financing prevention measures.
Money laundering
Pakistan's UN envoy described Afghanistan's illicit economy involving 'complex web of money laundering and terror financing networks, including hundi and hawala networks.'
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.
Australia imposed counter-terrorism financing sanctions on three individuals linked to the terrorist organisations Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
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
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.
Money laundering
Guatemala's Congress passed comprehensive anti-money laundering legislation with 147 votes. Decree 15-2026 represents significant update to country's legal framework for combating financial crimes.
Money laundering
Guatemala's Congress approved with 150 votes new 'Law Against Money Laundering of Assets and Financing of Terrorism' strengthening anti-money laundering enforcement.
Terrorist financing
Peruvian National Police Commander Arturo López Cárdenas, 30-year veteran who directed Criminalistics Department in Ayacucho, faces charges of illegally supplying weapons and ammunition to drug trafficking organizations and terrorist remnants in VRAEM region.
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.
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.
Guatemala's Congress approved on June 2 with 147 votes Decree 15-2026, Comprehensive Law for the Prevention and Repression of Money Laundering or Other Assets and Financing of Terrorism.
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.
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).
Sanctions
The US Treasury sanctioned four Iranian cryptocurrency exchanges (Nobitex, Wallex, BitPin, Ramzinex) and four Iranian individuals for facilitating sanctions evasion and supporting IRGC operations.
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.
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.
Terrorist financing
Bahrain's Attorney General announced investigations into 41 accused individuals arrested in a network allegedly connected to Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
Terrorist financing
Iran International obtained exclusive documents showing Chinese company, coordinated with Beijing through intermediaries in Turkey and UAE, supplies chemical materials (sodium chlorate, sodium perchlorate) for ballistic missile production to IRGC—sufficient quantities for approximately 2,500 ballistic missiles, valued at $43 million.
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.
Terrorist financing
US Department of State designated Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), Brazil's two largest criminal organizations, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists on May 28, 2026, with Foreign Terrorist Organization designations effective June 5, 2026.
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.
The U.S. Department of State designated Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) effective immediately, and announced intentions to designate both groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) effective June 5, 2026.
Money laundering
BaFin announced enhanced enforcement approach for 2026, including plans to conduct at least 75 special audits in the banking and non-banking sectors. Focus areas include customer risk classification and implementation of the Travel Rule by crypto-asset service providers.
Fraud & scams
Former Bolivian president Evo Morales faces multiple corruption investigations spanning his nearly 14-year tenure. The allegations center on abuse of political influence and mismanagement of state resources.
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.
Sanctions
The United States expanded sanctions targeting Lebanon's institutional power structure, including close associates of Speaker Nabih Berri and military officials.
Money laundering
UAE Federal Prosecution participated in five-day BRICS international anti-money laundering program.
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.
Money laundering
Investigation reveals Zarrinqalam family-based financial network suspected of laundering funds for IRGC operates from London using shell companies in China and UAE.
Money laundering
Guatemala's Special Verification Office (IVE) reported Q2,751.5 million accumulated in money laundering and terrorism financing reports as of April 2026. 110 total reports (January-April), 27 in April. 660 individuals under investigation as of April 30.
Money laundering
Iran International investigation revealed eight members of the Zarrinqalam family, who own multiple currency exchange businesses, established a money laundering network to assist the IRGC in circumventing international sanctions.
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.
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada imposed administrative monetary penalty on 13010431 Canada Inc. for non-compliance with Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act requirements.
Money laundering
Abu Dhabi Global Market published the 2026 update of its money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessment related to legal persons and legal arrangements, a comprehensive review of their first assessment from March 2024.
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
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).
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.
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.
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.
OFAC designated 12 individuals and entities for facilitating IRGC oil sales to China through front companies.
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.
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.
Australian regulator AUSTRAC expressed serious concerns about Tabcorp's money laundering and terrorism financing risk management controls, commenced enforcement investigation. Focus on effectiveness of Tabcorp's AML/CTF program and customer monitoring processes.
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.
OFAC issued Counter Terrorism and Counter Narcotics designations on May 8, 2026, blocking property and interests in property of certain persons under U.S. jurisdiction.
Money laundering
Following OCCRP's Dubai Unlocked investigation (70+ media outlets, published May 2026), FATF pledged experts will examine findings and consider them in assessing UAE's AML efforts.
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.
FINTRAC issued a $24,750 administrative monetary penalty to RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc., a real estate brokerage with locations across southwestern Ontario. The company failed to properly assess and document risks related to money laundering and terrorist financing offences.
Sanctions
Reuters investigation found that brothers Ali and Mohammad Kharrazi (using surname Aghamir) turned Nobitex into Iran's dominant cryptocurrency provider managing ~70% of Iran's crypto transactions.
Sanctions
U.S. Treasury sanctioned 35 entities and individuals involved in Iran's shadow banking operations under 'Economic Wrath' campaign. Network allegedly moved tens of billions of dollars linked to sanctions evasion.
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
France's ACPR Sanctions Commission issued Decision No. 2024-06 on 19 March 2026, imposing a formal reprimand and a financial penalty of €1.
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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.
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
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
Bahrain's Shura Council approved amendments to Central Bank Law authorizing imprisonment and/or fines up to BD1 million for unlicensed financial services and unauthorized use of banking/insurance terminology. Reforms aim to combat money laundering and terrorist financing per FATF standards.
Money laundering
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates issued updated guidelines for combating money laundering and terrorist financing in line with international best practices.
Money laundering
The Central Bank of the UAE rolled out fresh anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing guidelines, tightening expectations for banks and money transfer operators, with clearer supervisory expectations across customer verification, trade finance monitoring and correspondent banking.
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.
OFAC sanctioned over two dozen individuals, companies, and vessels tied to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani's multi-billion dollar oil smuggling network.
Sanctions
On April 13, 2026, the Paris tribunal convicted Lafarge SA and several former executives for terrorism financing and violations of international sanctions related to maintaining a Syrian cement factory in a zone controlled by jihadist groups.
Terrorist financing
On April 13, 2026, the Paris tribunal convicted cement manufacturer Lafarge and eight former executives of terrorism financing for payments totaling €5.6 million to three jihadist organizations including ISIS in 2013-2014 to keep a Syrian factory operating.
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
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
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.
Bribery & corruption
Almost 800 Hungarian government email addresses and associated passwords found circulating online, affecting 12 out of 13 ministries. Ministry for National Economy suffered 99 breaches, Ministry of Finance (merged 2025) suffered 145 breaches.
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
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.
Money laundering
The ACPR Sanctions Commission issued a reprimand and a pecuniary sanction of €1.3 million to MoneyGram International SA on 19 March 2026.
Fraud & scams
INTERPOL released 2026 Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment and launched Operation Shadow Storm, UK-funded international task force to dismantle scam centers. Report warns AI-enhanced fraud is 4.
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.
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.
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.
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
Turkey's state-owned Halkbank reached deferred prosecution agreement with US DOJ to resolve $20 billion Iran sanctions evasion case (March 2026). Halkbank agrees not to transact with Iran and to hire compliance monitor but pays no fines and admits no wrongdoing.
Money laundering
Bellingcat investigation revealed Daniel and Christy Kinahan, leaders of €1.5 billion Kinahan cartel, photographed at Dubai MMA event in June 2025, marking most recent sighting since U.S. government placed multi-million dollar bounties on them.
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.
Money laundering
Luxembourg police raided EFG International, one of Switzerland's largest private banks, on 24 February 2026 as part of a probe into suspected money laundering, terrorist financing and alleged breaches of reporting obligations.
Money laundering
René Arzate-García, also known as 'La Rana,' 42, alleged Tijuana plaza boss for Sinaloa Cartel, charged with narcoterrorism and material support of terrorism related to trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana into United States. U.S.
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.
Money laundering
The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) designated Kuwait to its grey list during a plenary meeting in Mexico, subjecting the Gulf nation to heightened international monitoring for money-laundering and terrorist-financing risks.
Bribery & corruption
State Prosecutor's Office filed indictments against 12 individuals for smuggling prohibited goods worth millions of shekels into Gaza Strip.
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.
Tracfin published on 3 February 2026 the first issue of 'FOCUS TRACFIN' dedicated to money laundering in the art sector. In 2024, Tracfin received 1,109 suspicious transaction reports related to the art market, representing a 35% increase compared to 2023.
Money laundering
Wenshen Xu, 52, a Honduras-based Chinese national, pleaded guilty to conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, conspiring to launder money derived from drug trafficking, and providing material support to the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.
EU officially announced Russia's inclusion on anti-money laundering blacklist (list of countries with high risk of money laundering and terrorism financing), effective January 29, 2026.
Terrorist financing
Federal grand jury in Nebraska charged 31 additional individuals for roles in large conspiracy to deploy malware and steal millions from ATMs. Total of 87 defendants charged (with 6 more added in February, bringing total to 93).
AUSTRAC ordered appointment of external auditor to assess whether Airwallex Designated Business Group is meeting its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations.
Money laundering
In its decision of 31 December 2025, the Sanctions Commission imposed fines of 200,000 €, 70,000 € and 35,000 € respectively against M Capital Partners and its executives, Rudy Secco and Stéphanie Minissier, for breaches of several professional obligations between August 2019 and December 2023.
MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) implemented new anti-money laundering declaration requirements effective January 1, 2026.
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.
Sanctions
On April 13, 2026, the Paris Criminal Court convicted Lafarge and four former senior executives of financing terrorism and violating international sanctions. The cement maker was found guilty of financing terrorist groups - notably the Islamic State - totaling €5.
Money laundering
In its decision of 10 December 2025, the Sanctions Commission imposed fines of 400,000 € and 100,000 € respectively against asset management company Novaxia Investissement and one of its former executives, Joachim Azan, for breaching several professional obligations.
Money laundering
On November 7, 2025, the ACPR Sanctions Commission sanctioned Banque Chaabi du Maroc (BCDM), French subsidiary of Banque Centrale Populaire du Maroc, with a reprimand and a fine of EUR 250,000 for serious failures in its anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework as well as failures in internal controls.
Money laundering
The Central Bank of the UAE imposed financial and administrative fines exceeding 370.
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.
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.
Decree Law No. 76 for 2025 was issued amending certain provisions of Law No.
The Central Bank of the UAE imposed varying financial penalties on 6 exchange companies totaling 12.
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
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
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 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
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
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.
FinCEN assessed a record $1.3 billion penalty against TD Bank for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act - the largest penalty against a depository institution in U.S. Treasury and FinCEN history.
Money laundering
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) reported that Kuwait has appropriate legal and regulatory framework for anti-money laundering but noted serious deficiencies preventing effective results in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
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.
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.
Romania has taken steps to enhance its anti-money laundering and terrorist financing measures but still needs to tackle some shortcomings, according to MONEYVAL's report released on 6 July 2026.
OFAC designated network generating revenue for Hezbollah through hawala exploiting Lebanon's cash-based economy. Proceeds from Iranian oil sales routed through exchange shops (sarrafs) in Dubai and transferred to Hezbollah in Lebanon using hawala.
$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.
Treasury sanctioned criminal operators and money launderers for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, targeting cash-to-crypto laundering networks tied to fentanyl trafficking.
FATF updated list of high-risk jurisdictions with significant strategic deficiencies in regimes to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and financing of proliferation. Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Iran continue on high-risk list.
FATF updated list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring for strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering, countering terrorist financing, and proliferation financing regimes. FATF now identifies Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iraq as newly-added jurisdictions under increased monitoring.
MONEYVAL published a report on 7 July 2026 noting that Slovenia has made considerable efforts to understand its money laundering and terrorist financing risks, though structural challenges remain in risk assessments and policy coordination.
On May 25, 2026, the Monetary Authority of Singapore imposed a composition penalty of S$300,000 on Padang Trust Singapore Pte. Ltd., a licensed trust company, for breaches of MAS' Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism requirements.
On March 5, 2026, the CSSF imposed an administrative fine of EUR 56,000 on Stonehage Fleming Luxembourg S.A. for non-compliance with anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism obligations, representing approximately 2% of the company's total annual turnover as of March 31, 2022.
Israel faces potential inclusion on FATF's (Financial Action Task Force) gray list for inadequate anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing oversight.
The U.S. Treasury Department designated three individuals and six entities across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa for facilitating financial transactions on behalf of ISIS.
The member states of the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) — co-chaired by the United States and Saudi Arabia, with representatives from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE — announced joint designations targeting five entities and 16 individuals linked to Hezbollah's financial infrastructure.
Money laundering
De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) imposed an administrative fine of €2.65 million on payment institution CCV Netherlands B.V. on 13 July 2026 for failing to adequately and continuously monitor transactions.
OFAC designated six targets connected to Cartel del Noreste (CDN), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Action targeted Casino Centenario in Nuevo Laredo (two miles from U.S. border) and Diamante Casino in Tampico, which CDN allegedly used for money laundering and as drug stash houses.
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency established a cryptocurrency investigation unit housed in its National Command and Control Centre to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing through virtual currency transactions.
Money laundering
The AMF published a synthesis of 46 inspections on combating money laundering and terrorist financing conducted between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2025 that resulted in follow-up action.
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.
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.
MONEYVAL published a report assessing the effectiveness of Armenia's measures against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
Kuwait's Ministry of Finance and Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen financial crime prevention.
OFAC designated over 30 individuals and entities tied to Iranian brothers Mansour, Nasser, and Fazlolah Zarringhalam who collectively laundered billions of dollars through Iran's shadow banking system via exchange houses and front companies in Hong Kong and UAE.
OFAC designated 3 individuals and 7 entities for facilitating financial transactions on behalf of ISIS.
BaFin ordered Instinet Germany GmbH to rectify extensive deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and terrorist financing prevention measures.
AUSTRAC finalized its enforceable undertaking with Sportsbet Pty Ltd after the company addressed serious deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) controls.
MONEYVAL published a typologies report on March 12, 2026, examining how conflicts create conditions for generating illicit proceeds and how these funds are subsequently laundered or used to finance terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The ACPR's Sanctions Commission issued a decision on March 19, 2026, against MoneyGram International SA for violations related to combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
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.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control took action against Dubai-based Iranian businessman Ali Ansari, who allegedly oversees a sprawling global network of assets benefitting Iran's leader Mojtaba Khamenei and other regime elites, according to Treasury.
OFAC designated the Chone Killers, an Ecuadorian transnational terrorist group, under counter-terrorism authorities. The group was added to the Specially Designated Nationals list.
OFAC designated 35 entities and individuals facilitating Iran's shadow banking network processing tens of billions of dollars in sanctions evasion and terrorism financing.
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.
On June 21, 2026, Elshan Askerov was transferred to Azerbaijan from the UAE by representatives of the Ministry of Justice's Main Department of International Cooperation and the Penitentiary Service.
Money laundering
According to Daily Jang reporting, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched a technology-based operation against terrorist financing, cryptocurrency-related crimes and money laundering.
The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced it designated a senior UK-based Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood official, Mahmoud al-Abyari, together with three other individuals and three entities that it alleges provided material support to Hamas.
The Financial Action Task Force published a report highlighting the urgent need for authorities and the private sector to work together to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing amid increased digitalization and complex cross-border transactions, according to FATF.
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.
Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, along with Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, launched Ireland's National Risk Assessment on Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing together with a new 30-Point Action Plan.