Enforcement

Crypto / Digital Assets

“My Big Coin” Crypto Founder Gets Eight Year Jail Sentence

By Sam Chen | 04/02/2023

In the first sentencing of a crypto founder for a marketing fraud, prosecutors said Randall Crater defrauded investors of more than $7.5mn.

AML / KYC

AFP Dismantles Chinese-Australian Money Laundering Syndicate

By Editors | 03/02/2023

Police seized over AUD 150 million in assets including crypto, and charged nine individuals including a NAB banker with money laundering.

AML / KYC

Singapore to Further Develop Financial Forensics Capabilities

By Editors | 03/02/2023

The Singapore Police Force and the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants will cooperate to advance the development of financial forensics in Singapore.

Enforcement

Barclays, UBS Face Scrutiny Over Ties to Sanctioned Russian

By Editors | 03/02/2023

The beneficial ownership of ten offshore trusts owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich was changed shortly before he was sanctioned in the EU and UK.

Enforcement

South Korea Arrests Shipping Agent for DPRK Sanctions Violations

By Editors | 03/02/2023

The shipping agent was detained on charges relating to illegal shipments of diesel to North Korea conducted between October 2021 and January 2022.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Crypto Firm Celsius Operated as Ponzi Scheme, Report Says

By Editors | 01/02/2023

Celsius, now in bankruptcy, used customer funds to prop up the price of its own token for years, including to allow insiders to cash out.

Crypto / Digital Assets

New York Regulator Investigating Crypto Firm Gemini

By Editors | 01/02/2023

Gemini emphasised connections to the FDIC when customers asked if their assets were safe. Almost $1bn in customer assets have since been frozen on the platform.

AML / KYC

Westpac Fined in Hong Kong Over Delayed Customer Reviews

By Editors | 31/01/2023

Out of 143 customers who were subject to periodic reviews between June 2016 and May 2017, there were delays in 121 customers – of which 58 were of high risk.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Bankman-Fried Lawyers Request Access to Crypto Held by FTX

By Editors | 31/01/2023

The DOJ asked for a communications ban against Bankman-Fried as an additional bail condition. Last week, a 116-page list of the FTX’s creditors was filed to the bankruptcy court.