Sanctions

Big Picture

Digital Dollar Project Calls for US Leadership on CBDC Standard Setting

By Mark Johnston | 30/01/2023

The US’s cautious approach to CBDCs could negatively impact the domestic economy, threaten the dollar’s dominance and have implications for sanctions evasion.

Sanctions

West Imposes More Iran Sanctions in Response to Protest Handling

By Editors | 29/01/2023

Iran responded with sanctions against EU and UK individuals and entities. IAEA director general Rafael Grossi plans to visit Iran in February for “much needed” political dialogue.

AML / KYC

FinCEN Warns of Sanctions Evasion in Commercial Real Estate

By Editors | 29/01/2023

New FinCEN alert lists potential red flags and typologies involving attempted sanctions evasion in the CRE sector by sanctioned Russians and their proxies.

Crypto / Digital Assets

FBI Confirms DPRK Hackers Behind $100m Horizon Bridge Crypto Theft

By Editors | 29/01/2023

The FBI was able to freeze a portion of the stolen funds, in coordination with some virtual asset service providers.

AML / KYC

Ex-FBI Agent Charged for Money Laundering, Sanctions Violations

By Editors | 27/01/2023

The former FBI agent conspired with a former Russian diplomat to help Oleg Deripaska have his sanctions removed.

AML / KYC

UK FCA Offers Guidance on Crypto Business Registration

By Editors | 26/01/2023

The guidance draws from over 300 applications received by the FCA to date, to help crypto firms prepare their applications for registration.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Action Against Crypto Firm Bitzlato Yields Seizures, More Arrests

By Editors | 25/01/2023

Authorities seized EUR 18 million in crypto wallets and froze EUR 50 million in accounts at other crypto exchanges, Europol says.

AML / KYC

US SEC Fines Crypto Firm Nexo for Unregistered Securities Offering

By Manesh Samtani | 20/01/2023

Nexo settled charges from US regulators for $45mn. The company was separately raided by Bulgarian authorities last week.

AML / KYC

Illicit Crypto Transactions Reached All-time High in 2022

By Editors | 15/01/2023

Chainalysis says 44 percent of 2022’s illicit transaction volume came from activity associated with sanctioned entities, including sanctioned crypto exchange Garantex.