Financial Crime

PEPs & Sanctions

New Zealand Pushes Cook Islands for Quicker Action on Sanctioned Vessels

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/02/2026

New Zealand has been pressuring the Cook Islands over the slow removal from its ship registry of 'shadow fleet' vessels linked to Russia and Iran.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Stolen Bitcoin Returned to South Korean Prosecutors - Reports

By Manesh Samtani | 20/02/2026

Authorities believe the thief returned 320.88 BTC because of prosecutors' efforts to coordinate with crypto exchanges to prevent any cash-outs.

Anti-Money Laundering

Philippines Mandates Development of New National AML Strategy

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/02/2026

A presidential directive orders all government agencies to help draft a new national strategy for 2026-2030 and prepare for the next mutual evaluation in 2027.

KYC & CDD

Korean AML Regulator Loses Court Appeal Over Crypto Fine

By Manesh Samtani | 20/02/2026

A Seoul court has rejected KoFIU's appeal over a KRW 2 billion fine in a ruling that has broader implications on larger case involving Upbit.

Market Abuse

Japan Working Group Proposes Overhaul of Market Abuse Rules

By Manesh Samtani | 19/02/2026

Proposals include higher fines for insider trading, new penalties for accomplices, and expanded investigative powers for regulators to tackle unlicensed firms.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

ASIC Probes Lead Generation Arrangements That May Harm Consumers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/02/2026

ASIC has launched a review into high-risk sales tactics used to switch super funds, publicly listing lead generators and advice licensees.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Philippines Identifies Cybercrime and Swindling as Top Illicit Finance Threats

By Mark Johnston | 19/02/2026

STR analysis identifies the US, Australia, and the UK as the top source countries for inward remittances tied to child exploitation.

AI Risk & Governance

India Notifies New IT Rules to Regulate AI and Tackle Deepfakes

By Nithya Subramanian | 18/02/2026

New IT rules require social media and other intermediaries to label AI-generated content and remove unlawful posts, including deepfakes, within three hours.

Anti-Money Laundering

Louis Vuitton Fined in Dutch AML Case Linked to China Resale Scheme

By Manesh Samtani | 17/02/2026

The luxury brand's Dutch arm will pay €500,000 for failing to prevent a scheme that used 'Daigou' trade to launder illicit funds.