SANCTIONS

AML / KYC

Chinese Underground Banks Use Cartel Cash for TBML – Report

By Editors | 03/07/2025

A former senior DEA official has detailed a vast trade-based money laundering network linking Chinese investors, students, and the Sinaloa cartel.

Sanctions

Australia Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Individuals and Entities

By Manesh Samtani | 26/06/2025

Australia has expanded sanctions targeting Russia’s defence, energy, and media sectors, while also deepening collaboration with NATO.

Sanctions

FinCEN Targets Mexican FIs, Citing Fentanyl-Related China Links

By Editors | 26/06/2025

US Treasury has targeted two banks and one brokerage for facilitating the procurement of precursor chemicals from China for illicit purposes.

Crypto / Digital Assets

The Nobitex Hack: A New Frontier in Geopolitical Crypto Warfare

By Nathan Lynch | 26/06/2025

The attack on Iran’s Nobitex exchange signals a new era of politically motivated crypto hacks, posing unique challenges for risk and compliance teams.

AML / KYC

Australian Sanctions Office Issues Statement to Clarify its Role

By Thisanka Siripala | 23/06/2025

AUSTRAC’s remit moving forward will include ensuring regulated entities have policies in place to comply with targeted financial sanctions obligations.

Sanctions

New US Sanctions Target Iran Defence Procurement, Houthi Oil Smuggling

By Manesh Samtani | 22/06/2025

The sanctions target entities in Iran, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Turkiye for supporting the procurement of sensitive machinery for Iran’s defence industry.

AML / KYC

FATF Calls for Stronger Global Response to Proliferation Financing Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 22/06/2025

New FATF report calls for global action to prevent the misuse of financial channels, including crypto, to bypass UN sanctions and fund weapons programmes.

Sanctions

UK’s OFSI Warns Art and High Value Dealers of Sanctions Risks

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/06/2025

OFSI says it is “highly likely” that many high-value assets held in the UK by sanctioned persons have not yet been reported by art market participants and high-value dealers.

Sanctions

New Zealand Expands Sanctions Net to Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’

By Editors | 20/06/2025

New Zealand broadens Russia sanctions to target ‘shadow fleet’ along with individuals and entities in North Korea, Iran, and Belarus.