AML / KYC

Enforcement

Singapore Passes Law Allowing Use of Caning to Punish Scammers

By Nithya Subramanian | 06/11/2025

The new legislation introduces mandatory corporal punishment for scam syndicates and discretionary caning for their accomplices.

Sanctions

US Sanctions North Korean Bankers for Laundering Cybercrime Proceeds

By Nithya Subramanian | 05/11/2025

OFAC sanctioned eight individuals and two entities for laundering illicit funds supporting North Korea’s weapons programmes, cyberattacks, and IT operations.

Sanctions

US to Suspend 'Affiliates Rule' for Export Controls

By Mark Johnston | 05/11/2025

A one-year pause on the rule was agreed with China, though the rule technically remains in effect until a formal notice is issued.

Sanctions

Hong Kong Freezes HK$2.75 Billion in Prince Group Probe

By Manesh Samtani | 05/11/2025

Hong Kong authorities have taken action against local firms as police freeze assets tied to a Cambodian syndicate accused of running global scam centres.

Sanctions

New Zealand MFAT Recommends Enhancements to Russia Sanctions Framework

By Manesh Samtani | 05/11/2025

A statutory review found the Russia Sanctions Act 2022 is fit for purpose but calls for targeted changes to ease compliance burdens on financial institutions.

AML / KYC

India’s Enforcement Directorate Attaches Anil Ambani Group Assets in ML Case

By Nithya Subramanian | 05/11/2025

The total value of properties attached in the Reliance Group’s bank fraud probe now exceeds INR 75.4 billion, as the ED intensifies its investigation into alleged fund diversion and loan irregularities.

Enforcement

Korea NTS Probes Prince and Huione Groups Tax Evasion, Laundering Links

By Mark Johnston | 05/11/2025

Tax agency investigating domestic offices of Prince Group and a Huione-linked currency exchange over suspected phishing proceeds and tax fraud.

AML / KYC

India Plans Unified Framework to Strengthen Crackdown on Terror Financing

By Nithya Subramanian | 05/11/2025

The government is preparing an SOP to help law enforcement and financial agencies jointly track, trace, and dismantle hidden terror-funding networks exploiting gaps in existing systems.

AML / KYC

Malaysian Association Seeks Transparency in Bank Account Closures

By Nithya Subramanian | 05/11/2025

The ACCM has asked BNM to introduce transparent procedures and an independent appeal process for sudden bank account closures, as legitimate businesses are being unfairly affected.