Financial Crime Weekly Podcast

Hello and welcome to episode 202 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. This episode covers significant sanctions news including the US Treasury targeting the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army for operating cyber scam centres in Burma, and the sanctioning of a global network supporting Iran's missile and UAV programmes across Iran, China, the UAE, and several other countries. The episode also covers transnational crime fighting efforts, such as FinCEN's proposed rule identifying Mexico-based gambling establishments as a primary concern due to their ties to Sinaloa Cartel money laundering, and the UK's alert exposing how global shadow fleets enable sanctions evasion. Additionally, the episode addresses major cyber developments, including Europol's Operation Endgame which dismantled significant cybercrime infrastructure, and the UK's announcement of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill aimed at protecting critical services and regulating managed service providers.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello and welcome to episode 201 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. This episode covers key sanctions updates, including the UN Security Council's Resolution 2799 (2025) delisting Syrian officials and the US suspending some Caesar Act sanctions to aid Syria's recovery, as well as the UN General Assembly criticising US sanctions on ICC officials. Enforcement highlights feature fraud charges against six ex-Glencore executives, the UK's National Crime Agency recovering over £20 million in assets via an Unexplained Wealth Order, and sentencing in a record-setting £5 billion Bitcoin seizure. Also discussed are federal charges against MLB pitchers for betting and money laundering, Europol's takedown of phishing-as-a-service networks like LabHost, and FCA alerts about clone scams targeting Northern Trust firms.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello and welcome to episode 200 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. This episode summarises significant global enforcement actions and regulatory updates. Highlights include HMRC's £1.16m settlement with a UK exporter over Russia sanctions violations, asset freezes related to suspected terrorism, and US measures against Hizballah funding activities. The episode covers notable anti-money laundering penalties: €45m by BaFin to JPMorgan's Frankfurt branch, and £650,000 by the UK Gambling Commission to NetBet. Policy updates feature HM Treasury consulting on FCA supervision of professional services for AML/CTF and findings from the UK's Economic Crime Survey 2024, showing that 27% of UK businesses faced fraud last year.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello and welcome to episode 199 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. This episode covers the UK government consolidating sanctions into the UK Sanctions List by January 2026, new guidance for the freight sector on Russian sanctions, and a centralised enforcement page. It also covers US Treasury sanctions against a North Korean cybercrime network, Chelsea FC's £150 million penalty buffer, a major intra-EU VAT fraud scheme ("Goliath"), and a €600 million cryptocurrency laundering ring. The SRA's 2024/25 AML report highlights increased legal sector enforcement and ongoing compliance gaps, and Napier's new AI tool to fight money laundering and Russian exploitation.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello and welcome to episode 198 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, the UK has lifted its arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan, shifting to Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. The US Treasury has sanctioned the Bhardwaj Human Smuggling Organisation, and OFSI designated Aliakbar Ansari for supporting hostile activity under the Iran sanctions. The FCA secured its first Data Protection Act conviction against a former Virgin Media O2 employee involved in a crypto scam. Also featured are global anti-financial crime efforts, such as EBA guidance shaping the future EU AMLA and an OSCE workshop in Uzbekistan focused on virtual asset money laundering. The episode concludes with a summary of the 2025 cyberattack on Marks & Spencer and its impact on competitor profits.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Welcome to episode 197 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. This episode covers the U.S. imposing sanctions on Colombia's President Petro over alleged cartel links and updates to the UK's OFSI humanitarian license for Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon. The UK reported £629.3 million lost to fraud in early 2025, while Starling Bank introduced an AI tool to combat online purchase scams and Europol highlighted €850 million in annual losses from caller ID spoofing. The FATF Plenary advanced efforts on asset recovery and AI risk scanning, removing four African nations from its monitoring list. ESMA announced cyber resilience and ESG as top priorities for 2026. The episode also features Tom Hayes suing UBS after his conviction was overturned, and the UN Convention against Cybercrime launching in Hanoi with 72 countries signing the first global treaty on digital threats.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Welcome to episode 196 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This episode highlights major sanctions, including US actions against Rosneft and Lukoil for war financing, and new UK sanctions on Balkan crime networks involved in people smuggling. We discuss regulatory changes in the form of the UK's Interim Necessities General Licence for listed Iranian entities, significant enforcement actions with FINTRAC's record fine on Cryptomus, and the UK Gambling Commission's penalty for Platinum Gaming. Also covered are the £1.9 billion Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack, the FCA's call to integrate finance into UK security strategy, EU AML oversight changes, and a large-scale subsidy fraud case in Greece.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 195 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. This episode covers notable sanctions actions, including US and UK asset freezes targeting Haitian gang leaders and others under migration and trafficking regulations, as well as an OFSI licence allowing business with subsidiaries of Rosneft. We cover the takedown of a $30 million fraud ring targeting American timeshare owners, Switzerland's proposed beneficial ownership register, and the UK's move to centralise AML/CTF supervision under the FCA. Also featured are OECD's review of Latvia's anti-bribery efforts, a major cross-border corruption case, FCA warnings on weak financial crime controls, Pacific nations teaming up against crypto abuse, plus key cyber security updates such as Europol dismantling SIMCARTEL, the global impact of an AWS outage, and NCSC's call for board-level cyber resilience.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 194 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, the UK's most forceful sanctions package to date, which targets major Russian oil producers, shadow fleet tankers, and 90 entities linked to Kremlin energy revenues. Separately, OFSI has reported of a record £37 billion in frozen assets, and the extension of a General Trade Licence covering sectoral software and technology under Russia sanctions. On fraud, the FCA urges banks to strengthen defences against romance scams, and the Information Commissioner's Office has fined Capita following a 2023 cyberattack. Additionally, we explore international coordination efforts, including Transparency France spotlighting the Anti-Money Laundering Contact Board, and Eurojust addressing challenges in asset recovery, the rise of crypto-assets, and the use of professional laundering services.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 193 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, starting with sanctions, the UK Government is set to consolidate its designation framework, retiring the OFSI Consolidated List in January 2026, making the UK Sanctions List the sole official source for all designations. We also look at increasing threats, as risk advisory experts warn that banks are underprepared for the surge in AI-driven fraud and must rethink resilience with enterprise-wide assessments, while the UK's NCSC reports a dramatic rise in national cyber threats, prompting the government to urge business leaders to prioritise cyber resilience at the board level. Additionally, we look at global law enforcement efforts, covering the historic US and UK crackdown on the Cambodia-based Prince Group cybercrime network, and the case of "Bitcoin Jesus" Roger Ver, who admitted tax fraud and concealing offshore assets in a deal requiring him to pay $48 million in restitution.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 192 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, on sanctions news, the United States has launched a sweeping campaign targeting Iranian energy and militia proxies. On money laundering, the European Banking Authority has reported that EU regulators have significantly improved supervision of banks ahead of the transition to the new EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority, as well as urging national supervisors to strengthen AML/CFT oversight of crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) due to financial crime risks. Meanwhile, the US Treasury's FinCEN issued updated guidance to streamline Suspicious Activity Reports. There is anti-corruption news from Sri Lanka, which has launched a digital Case-File Tracking System to modernise investigations, and in Somalia, the UNODC has trained officials in Corruption Risk Management. Finally, on Cybercrime, a global survey identifies increased cybersecurity spending.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 191 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, the EU has extended sanctions on those responsible for Russian hybrid threats, including cyber-attacks and disinformation. In the UK, Daniel Pugh has been sentenced for operating a £1.3 million Ponzi scheme and the Metropolitan Police has secured convictions against the launderers of over £5.5 billion in Bitcoin. On financial integrity, anti-corruption training in Guinea-Bissau's health sector, and new UK guidance enabling anti-money laundering regulated firms to share customer data under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Finally, the expiration of the US Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act amid a government shutdown, and Europol's urgent call for lawful data access to counteract evolving criminal threats.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 190 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, significant coordinated sanctions action by the United States government against Iranian targets. In Australia, AUSTRAC has launched a nationwide awareness campaign to prepare Australian industry for sweeping Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing reforms. In Malaysia, a move to Deferred Prosecution Agreements to modernise enforcement and enhance asset recovery, while a study suggests D/NPAs, while offering economic safeguards, may increase the likelihood of companies reoffending. Finally, we cover the Council of Europe's project to strengthen AML and anti-corruption frameworks across 17 European states, and further discuss the recent cybercrime incident where hackers targeted the UK nursery chain Kido Schools.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 189 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, on sanctions, the US Treasury has sanctioned five individuals and one entity tied to a DPRK arms network, the UK's OFSI has expanded sanctions on 71 entities and persons under the Iran (Nuclear) Sanctions Regulations, and imposed a £152,750 penalty on Colorcon Limited for breaching Russia sanctions. On money laundering, the European Commission has initiated infringement proceedings against 11 Member States for delays in fully implementing the 6th Anti-Money Laundering Directive. In bribery and corruption, former MEP Nathan Gill pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery for accepting cash in exchange for making pro-Russian statements, while GRECO urged member states to strengthen access-to-information systems to improve transparency. On fraud, Charlie Javice has been sentenced, and a joint campaign has been launched in the UK by the National Crime Agency and The Law Society to combat payment diversion fraud in property sales. Finally, the cybercrime news highlights Interpol's "Operation Contender 3.0," which arrested 260 suspects across 14 African nations for romance scams and sextortion, and there has been a confirmed data breach at retailer Harrods affecting 430,000 customers.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 188 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, beginning with sanctions, where the UK government has published a comprehensive starter guide for businesses and imposed asset freezes on two entities, Embers of an Empire and Rampage Productions, for alleged links to terrorism through music. The US has also taken action, sanctioning Indian nationals and an online pharmacy for trafficking counterfeit fentanyl pills. In money laundering news, a joint effort by Eurojust and Europol dismantled a sophisticated network laundering at least €30 million through gold bar transactions across France and Italy, seizing nearly 100 kilos of gold and luxury assets. We cover significant fraud operations, including INTERPOL's Operation HAECHI VI, which recovered $439 million globally from various cyber-enabled financial crimes, and the situation surrounding global insurer Allianz, which is grappling with a surge in fraud detection in the UK while simultaneously facing a $16.8 million fine in Australia for misleading claims. Rounding out the episode, we look at the EU demanding that major tech platforms like Google and Apple disclose their anti-scam measures under the Digital Services Act and discuss the recent UK arrest connected to the cyber-attack on Collins Aerospace that disrupted European flights.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 187 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, geopolitical pressure intensifies as the EU proposes its 19th sanctions package against Russia, featuring a full transaction ban on Russian banks and targeting LNG imports by 2027 to cripple the war economy. Meanwhile, in the United States, FinCEN has proposed delaying the critical Investment Adviser AML Rule until January 2028, granting firms additional time to prepare for compliance aimed at closing vulnerabilities exploited by illicit actors funnelling dirty money into US assets. We also examine high-stakes global enforcement, including the $750,000 fine levied against ShapeShift AG by OFAC for sanctions violations involving digital assets related to countries like Cuba, Iran, Sudan, and Syria, and global successes like Eurojust cracking a sophisticated €100 million cryptocurrency investment fraud spanning 23 countries. Finally, we explore the growing role of technology, from the UK's new AI fraud-buster which recovered a record nearly £500 million in fraudulently claimed public funds, to mounting concerns raised by experts about how complex AI algorithms in high-frequency trading may contribute to market manipulation.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 186 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, on sanctions, we look at action by the EU against Israel. The UK has reaffirmed financial sanctions against Chinese drone manufacturer Autel Robotics, and issued an advisory warning UK firms about using North Korean IT workers. On the regulatory and digital asset front, the Financial Conduct Authority outlined its strategy for combating financial crime, proposing new rules for crypto firms to enhance systems, controls, and operational resilience, and in Canada, the RCMP has announced the execution of the largest cryptocurrency seizure in its history. On fraud, we look at property fraud in England and Wales, and on cybercrime, we discuss the significant threat to critical infrastructure, and a survey revealing that cyber attacks, often traced to Russia and China, have cost the German economy nearly €300 billion over the past year.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 185 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, on sanctions, the US Treasury's imposition of sanctions on Sudanese Islamist figures over Iran ties and a global network funding Iran's military and terrorist activities. We look at a $100 million pump-and-dump fraud scheme where Chinese tech executives allegedly defrauded US investors. On the cybercrime front, we cover the data breach at luxury group Kering, owner of Gucci, and the crippling cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover, which has compromised sensitive data, disrupted production, and is estimated to have cost £1 billion in lost production. Furthermore, we'll look at the commentary from the Royal United Services Institute arguing that the global anti-financial crime system is "fundamentally broken," despite over $200 billion spent annually on compliance, urging systemic reform and real-time data sharing. Finally, we'll touch on the UK's significant increase in asset recovery, the National Crime Agency taking the helm of the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group amid rising global threats, efforts to promote integrity in education in Moldova, and a warning from the Information Commissioner's Office about a surge in cyber attacks within UK schools, often caused by students themselves.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 184 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, on sanctions news, OFSI has set a deadline for reporting frozen assets, delisted Ilya Brodskiy, and imposed new designations under the Russia Sanctions Regime, while the US Treasury executed its largest-ever sanctions action against the Houthi networks. We also look at the jailing of a London fraudster for misusing the Covid Bounce Back Loan scheme, MONEYVAL's new evaluation of Hungary's anti-money laundering framework, and a study highlighting whistleblowers' critical role in uncovering Ukrainian corruption. Furthermore, the podcast addresses the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) crackdown on "finfluencers" for illegal promotions, the FCA's call for a united front against financial crime, the UK's record return of nearly £50 million to crime victims, and the government's intensified fight against cybercrime and fraud.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 183 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at the US Treasury's actions against Palestinian NGOs and Southeast Asian cyber scam networks, alongside Vanquis Bank's censure for delayed counter-terrorism sanctions enforcement in the UK. International efforts to combat money laundering are examined through a joint handbook launched by FATF, INTERPOL, UNODC, and the Egmont Group, alongside investigations into Roman Abramovich. We look at the surge in US money mule cases and stablecoin abuse, new FinCEN guidance on cross-border information sharing, and the FCA's warnings about market abuse risks in corporate finance firms. Finally, we look at FinCEN's congressional scrutiny regarding surveillance and cartel crackdowns, the SFO's successful use of an Unexplained Wealth Order, and Transparency International UK's blueprint for ending offshore financial secrecy.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 182 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, OFAC settled a penalty with Fracht FWO Inc. for violations involving Venezuela and Iran, sanctioned a Chinese chemical firm and executives for trafficking synthetic opioids, and designated Palestinian human rights organizations over alleged targeting of Israel by the ICC. OFAC also reclassified Ecuadorian criminal groups as transnational terrorist organisations. Internationally, Australia imposed sanctions on Russian officials for civil society repression and Navalny's death, while the UK revoked a licence allowing Evraz North America to operate under sanctions and sanctioned Russian actors involved in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. The UK government also launched a sanctions survey to inform future policy. On the money laundering front, the Financial Action Task Force warned countries to crack down on shell companies, and OSCE enhanced Turkmenistan's capacity to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. For bribery and corruption, GRECO urged Slovakia to accelerate anti-corruption reforms. Other financial crime topics included an IMF warning about tech-savvy criminals outpacing regulators and a proposed privacy-preserving compliance framework for stablecoins. Finally, cybercrime saw a major cyberattack halt Jaguar Land Rover production in the UK.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 181 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at US Treasury's action against an Iraqi-led network for smuggling Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi crude, and the UK and EU's decision to slash the Russian oil price cap to $47.60. In money laundering, updates on HM Treasury's approval of JMLSG guidance, FATF's new National Risk Assessment toolkit to help nations identify threats, and the Wolfsberg Group's latest framework for monitoring suspicious activity. Fraud saw major moves with a new U.S. Trade Fraud Task Force from the DOJ and DHS, and the UK enacting a landmark corporate offence for failure to prevent fraud. We'll look at Portugal's progress and areas for deeper reform in anti-corruption as noted by GRECO, insider trading convictions and repayments from the West brothers, and the SFO's review of rate-rigging convictions following a Supreme Court ruling. Finally, in cybercrime, we'll look at the statewide government shutdown in Nevada due to a ransomware attack, the alarming misuse of Anthropic AI by hackers in espionage and extortion schemes, a massive data breach fine for SK Telecom, and a new ISO/IEC standard targeting AI-driven morphing attacks in biometric ID fraud.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 180 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we bring you up to speed on the latest developments in financial crime, starting with major sanctions updates from the US and UK. We cover the indictment of Haitian gang leader 'Barbecue' for US sanctions violations, and significant US Treasury actions against Mexican cartels involved in timeshare fraud, drug trafficking, and agricultural extortion. We also delve into the sanctions against Garantex and Grinex for enabling cybercrime and sanctions evasion, the US Treasury's temporary authorisation for the US-Russia Alaska summit, and the UK OFSI's recent amendment concerning irregular migration. In money laundering news, we explore an innovative BIS proposal leveraging blockchain transparency for enhanced crypto anti-money laundering compliance, particularly relevant for stablecoins. We also examine a new report exposing deep-rooted corruption in the global arms trade and the City of London Police's use of an INTERPOL Silver Notice to pursue a fugitive fraudster's assets. This and much more in this week's episode.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 179 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we delve into developments across the globe, starting with US sanctions targeting Iranian networks for financial evasion and domestic repression, entities involved in violence and illegal mining in Eastern Congo, and the ongoing saga of a seized Russian superyacht. We also cover legislative efforts in the US to combat money laundering in the art market through the proposed Art Market Integrity Act, and explore how the European Banking Authority is leveraging SupTech to strengthen anti-money laundering supervision. Additionally, we examine Germany's shortcomings in implementing anti-corruption measures, a landmark corporate prosecution by HMRC under tax evasion laws, and critical updates on cybersecurity challenges, including enhanced measures by the US Judiciary and concerns over the UK's outdated training system.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 178 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at actions by OFAC targeting a narco-terrorist network and expanding sanctions against a cartel, including a "narco-rapper," alongside an OFSI license extension for payments to sanctioned banks. We also address money laundering failures by Paxos, Poland's limited progress in anti-corruption efforts, and a whistleblower's revelations about UK government-sanctioned bribery in arms deals. Furthermore, the episode outlines fraud cases, including confiscation orders against investment fraudsters in the UK, a guilty plea in a New Zealand Ponzi scheme, and a FinCEN summit aimed at tackling fraud in the digital assets ecosystem.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 177 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at recent sanctions targeting Iran's UAV network and clarification of UK trade and Russian sanctions guidance. On money laundering, we look at AUSTRAC's AML/CTF overhaul in Australia, setting compliance deadlines for both existing and newly regulated entities, and on bribery and corruption, GRECO has assessments of anti-corruption efforts in Spain and Romania, and there is a Pacific mentoring initiative in the Solomon Islands. On fraud, we look at its evolution with AI-driven tactics, and consider recent FCA action for market abuse and mismanagement. Finally, in other financial crime news, a new report from Italy highlights the economic benefits of combating organised crime, and we end this episode looking at the continuing impact of a cyber-attack on the UK's legal aid sector.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 176 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at developments in sanctions enforcement, including the US imposing sanctions on a Brazilian Supreme Court Justice, a vast Iranian shipping network, and Palestinian officials, alongside the UK Supreme Court upholding sanctions on British billionaire Eugene Shvidler. We also cover a substantial £300,000 penalty for a breach of UK Russia sanctions and recent amendments to the UK's Consolidated List. On the domestic front, the UK government has updated guidance on money laundering exemptions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Fraud remains a prominent issue, with a massive alleged $500 million COVID-19 testing scheme in the US exposed and alleged internet fraudsters targeted in Nigeria. Furthermore, South Korea has launched a new Joint Response Team to combat stock market manipulation. Lastly, we'll unpack the UK's National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) 2024-2025 Annual Report, highlighting the persistent challenge of fraud—the most reported crime in England and Wales—and money laundering, while detailing the NECC's intelligence-led operations, public-private partnerships, and future focus on disrupting economic crime.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 175 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at sanctions, anti-money laundering, and regulatory enforcement. Highlights include major US sanctions against Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles for narco-terrorist activities, Ukraine's alignment with EU sanction packages targeting Russian industry, and the EU's renewal of its terrorism blacklist. The episode also explores increasing concerns around money laundering risks amid digital innovation, updates on enforcement actions from regulators across multiple jurisdictions, and key judicial decisions impacting the financial sector. A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available on Thursday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 174 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at US Treasury sanctions against a Houthi petroleum smuggling network and a clandestine North Korean IT worker network funding missile programmes. The UK's OFSI warned of rising sanctions evasion in the crypto sector, noting under-reporting and exposure to designated Russian, North Korean, and Iranian entities, while HM Treasury consults on streamlining civil sanctions enforcement. On money laundering, the EU's Cash Controls Regulation (EU) 2018/1672 was assessed as an efficient instrument against cross-border financial crime despite some challenges, and the Wolfsberg Group reaffirmed its commitment to a risk-based approach, emphasising proportionality and effectiveness. In bribery and corruption, a new UK-India trade deal includes comprehensive measures to combat bribery and promote transparency. For fraud, the SFO Director signalled a new era of aggressive corporate enforcement, leveraging new powers and technology for faster casework. Finally, the UK Government announced key research priorities to strengthen the fight against economic crime, and a major cybercrime forum administrator was arrested in Ukraine.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 173 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast – midweek edition – I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we outline significant global efforts to combat financial crime, particularly focusing on sanctions against Russia and new measures targeting money laundering and people-smuggling networks. The European Union has implemented its 18th sanctions package against Russia, substantially lowering the crude oil price cap and targeting energy, banking, and military sectors, with the UK also announcing new sanctions on Russia's "shadow fleet". Additionally, the UK has launched a pioneering sanctions regime to disrupt international people-smuggling operations and is reforming Money Laundering Regulations based on public consultation. Finally, the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) successfully froze cryptocurrency assets for the first time, while the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) established unified priorities to strengthen the public-private response to economic crime.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available later on Thursday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 172 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we unpack a sweeping set of global enforcement actions and policy updates—from Interactive Brokers' $11.8 million sanctions settlement in the U.S. to OFAC's crackdown on Venezuela's Tren de Aragua criminal network. We explore the EU's sanctions against Russian hybrid threats and the UK's overhaul of its money laundering laws, including a revised criminal property threshold and its updated National Risk Assessment. Bribery and political influence come under scrutiny with new legislation targeting presidential library donations and concerns over cryptocurrency in UK political funding. Plus, we highlight HMRC's £3.9 billion fraud recovery success, a strategic revamp at the UK Insolvency Service, and major reforms to the Senior Managers regime. The episode closes with updates on cybercrime—including the Co-op's data breach and the launch of the NCSC's vulnerability research initiative—rounding out a busy week in the world of financial integrity and corporate accountability.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 171 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This episode looks at the FCA's £42 million penalty against Barclays for critical compliance failures, exposes the growing exploitation of UK youth in laundering schemes, and explores mounting international tensions around sanctions—highlighting controversial moves against Palestinian legal advocates and a unified crackdown on ISIS operatives in Africa. We also track cybersecurity crises, crypto clashes in Congress, enforcement efforts in Singapore, and reform of digital assets in the UK.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available on Thursday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 170 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This episode unpacks a wide range of developments—from targeted sanctions and regulatory refinements to emerging threats driven by AI and deepfake technologies. Highlights include UK and US moves against sanctioned individuals and groups, new OFSI guidance on debt payments and domicile, and evolving shadow banking tactics linked to Iran. The episode also explores FATF's warnings on terrorist financing, the FCA's updated PEP guidance, OECD's integrity reports across Eastern Europe and South Africa, and regional efforts to bolster anti-corruption and AML capacity. With cyber-enabled fraud and AI-driven evasion pushing global enforcement systems to the brink, it's a critical moment for compliance professionals and policymakers alike.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 169 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This episode covers a global sweep of the latest enforcement actions and regulatory developments, from US sanctions targeting Hizballah's financial infrastructure and North Korean cyber operatives, to the UK's record-breaking penalties for Russia sanctions breaches and a major money laundering fine in Singapore. The episode also highlights developments in cybercrime, bribery, and market abuse—featuring convictions, policy shifts, and international cooperation efforts that underscore the evolving landscape of financial crime compliance.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available on Thursday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 168 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This episode explores a sweeping range of global enforcement actions and regulatory developments. Highlights include OFAC's fine against a US firm over Cuba sanctions breaches, and the exposure of sprawling oil smuggling and shadow fleet networks aiding Iran and Russia. The UK's National Crime Agency and OFSI issue fresh guidance to counter evasive maritime tactics, while AML efforts gain momentum through a new cooperation pact between AMLA and the European Central Bank. We also cover evolving arms embargoes, offshore ownership transparency, political finance reform, and education-sector fraud guidance in the UK. Rounding out the episode: anti-corruption training in Uzbekistan, the NACC's mixed record in Australia, and renewed UK–ASEAN efforts to tackle transnational scams.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 167 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This episode covers a wide-ranging set of developments across the sanctions, fraud, market abuse, and cybercrime landscapes. Highlights include new UK sanctions guidance for non-UK businesses, the lifting of long-standing US sanctions on Syria, and a revealing review of the UK's evolving sanctions strategy. We also cover OFAC's fresh regulations targeting the International Criminal Court, Spain's takedown of a €460 million crypto fraud network, and new FCA enforcement actions in a bond spoofing scandal. The episode closes with a transatlantic crackdown on Russian cyber infrastructure, underscoring growing efforts to disrupt global illicit networks.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available on Thursday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 166 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This episode covers a breadth of developments across the financial crime landscape—from a push to reform UK sanctions oversight and new MONEYVAL progress reports on North Macedonia and Romania, to the FATF's latest warnings on illicit finance risks in the virtual asset sector. It also features FinCEN's landmark action against Mexico-based banks linked to fentanyl trafficking, a UK textile trader sentenced for laundering romance scam proceeds, and a former TD Bank employee in Florida who opened over 100 fraudulent accounts for bribes. We round things off with the SFO's entry into a global anti-corruption alliance, major cybercrime revelations including the largest-ever credentials breach, and the long-awaited publication date for the first volume of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 165 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast – midweek edition – I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at the sweep of global enforcement actions, including expanded US sanctions targeting Iran's defence networks and the Houthi oil smuggling operation, alongside EU measures against Syrian elites for human rights abuses. We cover FATF's push to align financial inclusion with AML priorities and examine how scammers are exploiting funeral livestreams. You'll also hear about moves to improve whistleblower protections, generational divides in reporting workplace misconduct, Europol's warning on youth extremism, and renewed scrutiny of corporate transparency in the BVI. All that plus the latest on cryptocurrency crime-fighting in Armenia, anti-SLAPP training in Serbia, and a landmark confiscation order in a UK fraud case.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available on Thursday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 164 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at developments across the sanctions, money laundering, and cybercrime landscapes. From the UK's sanctions update delisting Slobodan Tešić and targeting a Ugandan ISIL facilitator, to the US Treasury's action against CJNG cartel leaders. We look at the FATF's enhanced standards for cross-border payments, the EU's evolving anti-corruption strategy, and a significant legal review calling for reform of the UK's international criminal cooperation framework. Plus, a record-breaking crypto seizure in the US, Moldova and Bulgaria's compliance strides, and the OSCE's latest AML training effort in Albania—there's a lot to cover, so thankfully I've split the podcast into two episodes a week on Thursday and Sunday.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available on Sunday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 163 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at new sanctions imposed by OFAC on illicit financial networks, a landmark Justice Department decision on voluntary disclosure in sanctions violations, and the latest geopolitical tensions affecting global enforcement efforts. We also look at China's potential easing of sanctions on UK lawmakers, the UK's intensified measures against Russian entities, and OFSI's latest assessments on art market risks. Additionally, the episode explores updates in anti-money laundering policies, key bribery and fraud cases, and emerging cyber threats impacting UK financial institutions.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available Thursday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 162 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at developments in global financial crime enforcement, including the UK Information Tribunal's affirmation of OFSI's "Neither Confirm Nor Deny" approach to sanctions licence confidentiality, calls to strengthen UK whistleblower protections for sanctions enforcement, and the EU's latest sanctions against Russia. We also examine regulatory shifts, such as the Netherlands' ban on large cash transactions, North Macedonia's judicial anti-corruption reforms, and OFAC's $215 million penalty against GVA Capital for sanctions evasion. In cybersecurity, we highlight AI-powered payment fraud detection, the dark market for stolen data, and concerns over outdated security systems in financial services. Finally, we look at legal challenges surrounding deepfake fraud, crypto insolvencies, and evolving cyber deterrence strategies in national security.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 161 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast – midweek edition – I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this first midweek episode, we cover significant developments in global sanctions, money laundering enforcement, and anti-corruption efforts. From the US imposing sanctions on ICC judges and Iran's shadow banking network to a global coalition imposing sanctions on two Israeli politicians. We also look at Argentina's Anti-Corruption Office clearing President Milei in the LIBRA scandal, Russia's arrest of the Krasnoyarsk mayor on bribery charges, and the EU updating its list of high-risk financial crime jurisdictions.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available on Thursday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 160 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this week's episode, we look at fresh developments in sanctions enforcement, money laundering crackdowns, and fraud investigations. The UK government is pressuring Roman Abramovich over £2.5 billion in frozen funds from Chelsea FC's sale, while OFAC targets Guyanese and Colombian drug traffickers using narco-subs and secret airstrips. We explore how Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) are strengthening financial crime investigations and discuss the European Commission's push to grey-list Monaco over lingering AML deficiencies. Plus, AUSTRAC warns of AI-driven money laundering risks, and the EPPO takes down a €100 million VAT fraud network.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 159 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this week's episode, we cover developments in global financial crime enforcement, sanctions policy shifts, and emerging regulatory challenges. In the US, the Treasury has provided sanctions relief for Syria, while the EU has made a parallel decision. Switzerland has proposed an overhaul of money laundering laws, while India is making a diplomatic push for Pakistan's reclassification on the FATF grey list. We look at cybersecurity threats, including OFAC's sanctions on a Philippine firm enabling crypto scams, Europol's efforts to dismantle ATM robbery networks, and Australia's new ransomware payment disclosure law. From corporate transparency controversies in the US to news from the Annual Anti-Money Laundering Centre Conference.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 158 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this week's episode, we begin with the UK's latest sanctions enforcement strategy, including new measures targeting Russia's financial networks, extremist settler groups in the West Bank, and corruption in Moldova and Georgia. We then cover the UK's 100 new sanctions in response to Russia's largest drone attack on Ukraine, alongside updates on whistleblowing protections for trade sanctions violations. Next, we examine the EU's 17th sanctions package, tightening restrictions on Russia's shadow fleet and military suppliers, followed by the US sanctions on Sudan for chemical weapons use and OFAC's designation of Cartel del Noreste leaders for terrorism and trafficking. We also discuss transparency concerns over £64 billion hidden in UK property trusts, Europol's Operation ENDGAME dismantling ransomware infrastructure, and HSBC's warning that cybercrime is now its biggest expense. Finally, we explore the rise of AI-driven market manipulation, the UK's deregulation push, and Europol's latest analysis on how criminal networks destabilise the EU.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 157 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this week's episode, the UK's OFSI has published a blog post after it issued its first penalty for failing to respond to a statutory Request for Information, reinforcing compliance expectations. Meanwhile, Mozambique has met FATF requirements for removal from the grey list, signalling progress in financial transparency. The FCA continues its crackdown on insider trading, warning against strategic leaks in mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, Europol has dismantled a multimillion-euro investment scam, recovering assets and securing arrests across multiple jurisdictionsA transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 156 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. In this week's episode, we explore major developments in financial crime and global enforcement. The European Union is advancing its 17th sanctions package against Russia, coordinating with the US amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, while OFAC targets cyber scam operators and tightens sanctions on Iranian oil importers. The UK has amended export controls, reinforced financial penalties, and sanctioned Russia's shadow fleet as part of broader efforts to uphold financial sanctions. Meanwhile, an international anti-money laundering operation spanning France, Ukraine, and Monaco has uncovered a vast criminal network linked to illicit arms deals, and Jersey consults on expanded beneficial ownership transparency. On fraud, the UK-Nigeria partnership aims to combat rising financial crime, while the FCA gathers input on cryptoasset regulation to refine oversight. Finally, cybercrime remains a growing challenge, with the UK responding to retail cyberattacks, Europol disrupting DDoS-for-hire networks, and evolving AI-driven financial fraud.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 155 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This week's episode covers key developments in global sanctions enforcement, corporate transparency, and financial fraud. We look at China's potential easing of sanctions on MEPs, concerns over UK professionals enabling Russian sanctions evasion, and OFSI's latest amendments to Russian designations and Syria-related licences. The episode also dives into OFAC's expanded counter-terrorism measures, the UK's fraud bill aimed at strengthening welfare oversight, and the SFO's latest bribery investigation into a high-profile data centre project. Additionally, we highlight crypto market manipulation, new AML initiatives in the British Virgin Islands, and EU regulatory shifts, including Malta's controversial golden passport scheme. A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 154 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This week's edition looks at global developments in financial crime enforcement, sanctions, and regulatory updates. We explore the Yemen International Bank's response to US sanctions, new measures targeting Iranian LPG facilitators, and adjustments to UK sanctions on Syria. Additionally, we look at the evolving landscape of anti-money laundering compliance, including responses from the American Bankers Association and the Institute of International Finance to the FATF's proposed reforms. Fraud remains a critical concern, with fresh insights into identity fraud risks, SEC actions against crypto-related schemes, and new legislative moves tackling cybercrime and financial fraud in the UK. We also highlight the latest trends in bribery, corruption, and market abuse—including China's crackdown on a senior anti-corruption official, Germany's financial sector enforcement, and the UK Serious Fraud Office's new self-reporting framework. Finally, we assess cybersecurity risks, legislative shifts on SIM farms, and broader regulatory efforts aimed at reinforcing financial integrity worldwide. A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 153 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This week's episode covers the latest global developments in financial crime, sanctions, fraud, market abuse, and cyber threats. In this episode, we delve into the controversy surrounding US sanctions on the International Criminal Court, escalating restrictions on Russian financial networks, and covert Iranian oil transactions. We also cover major money laundering arrests in the Netherlands, new anti-corruption assessments from GRECO, and groundbreaking fraud detection innovations at Florida Atlantic University. Plus, the UK unveils its first INTERPOL Silver Notice, and NATO tests cyber incident responses amid rising global cybersecurity concerns.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 152 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This week's episode covers a range of topics, including sanctions, money laundering, fraud, bribery, corruption, market abuse, and cybercrime. Highlights include new sanctions imposed by the US and China, updates on anti-money laundering reforms in Switzerland, and significant fraud investigations in the EU and US. The episode also discusses the UK's first conviction for breaching Russia-related sanctions, Nigeria's potential exit from the FATF grey list, and the increasing threats posed by AI-powered cyber-attacks. Additionally, it features insights into the use of emerging technologies in combating corruption and the challenges faced by Companies House in enforcing economic crime penalties.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.