Enforcement

Sanctions

Nasdaq-Listed Firm Laundered Billions for Asian Scam Groups - Report

By Manesh Samtani | 29/01/2026

A CapitalWatch report alleges that US ad-tech firm AppLovin served as a "laundromat" for illicit funds from criminal networks in China and Cambodia.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Touts New Data-Sharing Model in Financial Crime Crackdown

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/01/2026

A public-private taskforce used a new data typology and pooled bank data to identify suspects, signalling evolving compliance expectations for financial institutions.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Sets Fraud Precedent in Landmark Naked Short-Selling Case

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/01/2026

A court convicted four individuals of fraud, not just regulatory breaches, for a scheme that netted HKD 3.3 million.

Enforcement

ASIC Secures A$14m Penalty Against Crypto Firm BPS Financial

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/01/2026

Court finds that the 'Qoin Wallet' issuer operated without a licence and made misleading claims, setting a key precedent on penalty calculations.

Securities / Derivatives

China Hits Private Fund with Record CNY 41M Fine for Systemic Fraud

By Mark Johnston | 28/01/2026

Regulators impose a record penalty and lifetime ban for a scheme involving market manipulation, misappropriated funds, and a vast fundraising network.

Enforcement

SHFE Imposes Trading Curbs on 16 Firms Trading Metals Markets

By Mark Johnston | 28/01/2026

The Shanghai exchange has imposed trading curbs on 16 clients and tightened position limits, sending tin prices tumbling.

Enforcement

Korea: KDIC to Deploy AI to Recover Overseas and Digital Assets

By Mark Johnston | 28/01/2026

South Korea’s deposit insurer outlines 2026 plans to utilise artificial intelligence and third-party litigation funding to recover hidden overseas and digital assets.

Sanctions

Silver’s Surge Demands a New Approach to Managing Laundering Risks

By Nathan Lynch | 28/01/2026

With silver reaching all-time highs, financial crime experts warn that the metal’s growing “value density” and lower regulatory scrutiny are making it an attractive alternative for illicit transactions.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Korea Prosecutors Lose KRW 70b in Seized Bitcoin to Phishing

By Mark Johnston | 28/01/2026

Incident highlights custodial risks for digital assets amid recent Supreme Court ruling classifying crypto as seizeable ‘electronic property’.