International

Trade Based Money Laundering

Singapore Charges South Korean in S$1.5b TBML Scheme

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 28/08/2024

The accused hid smuggled cash in tool shipments from Korea and Japan, and then exported gold bars disguised as mechanical tools.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

Former Vitol Trader Pleads Guilty to Bribery Scheme

By Editors | 27/08/2024

Javier Aguilar and co-conspirators paid $600,000 in bribes in 2018 to two senior Mexican officials to win contracts for Vitol.

Tokenisation

AIIB Becomes First in Asia to Issue Digital Note via Euroclear

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 27/08/2024

The digital securities raised $300mn for AIIB’s sustainable development bond programme, with clearing possible through HKMA’s CMU and SIX.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Thailand Extradites Crypto Fraud Suspect to China

By Editors | 27/08/2024

The Malaysian national is the first suspect to be sent from Thailand to China under an extradition treaty that took effect in 1999.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

French Police Arrests Telegram Chief Executive Pavel Durov

By Editors | 26/08/2024

French authorities allege a lack of moderation on Telegram to prevent criminal use, and failure to cooperate with law enforcement in criminal cases.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Warns Countries Against Allowing Russian Banks to Set Up Branches

By Editors | 26/08/2024

Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said the US will go after the branches as well as other entities and companies that work with them.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Announces New Russia Sanctions Against Nearly 400 Targets

By Editors | 26/08/2024

The targets include individuals and entities from across 16 jurisdictions, including China, Hong Kong, Switzerland and the UAE.

Stablecoins

Circle Proposes New Capital Management Model for Stablecoins

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 25/08/2024

The proposed framework seeks to provide a comprehensive approach to managing the unique challenges faced by stable value tokens such as stablecoins.

PEPs & Sanctions

US DOJ Secures Guilty Plea in Venezuela Sanctions Evasion Case

By Editors | 25/08/2024

The DOJ said George Semerene Quintero lied to US suppliers and created false documents as part of a scheme to evade US sanctions and export controls.