Financial Crime Weekly Podcast

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.

Hello, and welcome to episode 151 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. After a few quiet weeks, the news has increased this week. On sanctions, new designations aimed at the usual targets in the US, as well as enforcement news. The UK has amended some licences, as well as having issued new designations. On money laundering AUSTRAC has made a number of updates to its website, and Transparency International reflects on anti-money laundering reform in Switzerland. On fraud news, Stop Scams UK has issued a joint statement, while the APPG on Fair Banking has published a report on APP fraud. On bribery and corruption news, reports on the scale of hospitality on offer to those around government, while departures from the SEC in the US hit the news wires. In relation to other financial crime news, a Business Plan from the Serious Fraud Office, and the National Crime Agency has published its annual plan. There is also a round-up of cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 150 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. The sanctions news this week brings new designations from the US and UK, as well as a host of amendments to designations and licences in the UK. The money laundering news brings a Hawala warning from HMRC in the UK, and of the need for public-private collaboration from the FATF. On bribery and corruption news, the UNDP has updated on its collaborative efforts in Samoa, and the OECD puts Belgium into the spotlight on its implementation of the OECD Convention. On market abuse news, challenges against conviction in the LIBOR-rigging convictions, and there is a round-up of other financial crime news and a little cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 149 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. The sanctions news this week probably accounts for the bulk of the news. New sanctions from the EU, UK, and US, as well as the monthly report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clear Air. In the UK, the National Crime Agency has published its SARs Reporter Booklet for March, and on bribery news, more on the corruption investigation relating to people connected to the European Parliament, and the UK, France, and Switzerland launch a new anti-corruption taskforce. On fraud news, the UK has published the Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences, and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (‘IOSCO') has announced a new investors alerts portal. In terms of the major news this week, it is undoubtedly the publication of Europol's EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (EU-SOCTA) 2025.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 148 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions, threats to Russia from the US, minor changes to the UK sanctions regime, and a couple of pieces of reading I wanted to share. On money laundering, a crypto exchange take-down in the US, while on bribery and corruption, activity in the EU against alleged corruption. On fraud, interesting stories from the US with warnings of fraud and the scale of fraud committed against citizens. On other financial crime news, Europol has announced that its EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment 2025, and we end this week with a round-up of cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 147 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. Once more this week, we have seen an uptick in financial crime news. On sanctions, broad changes to the UK sanctions regime, while the US has focused its sanctions activity on the Houthis. On money laundering, more FATF Consultations and, in the US, it has been announced that the beneficial ownership elements of the Corporate Transparency Act will not be enforced in some circumstances. On fraud news, the UK has warned of a risk to younger people from fraudsters operating in the rental market, while in other financial crime news, the Financial Conduct Authority has announced the sentencing of an unlawful operator of crypto ATMs. And finally, in the round-up of cybercrime news, the US has been active against Chinese cyber criminals, imposing sanctions, announcing rewards for information, and unsealing indictments.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, is available at www.crimes.financial.

Hello, and welcome to episode 146 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. The weeks are getting busier again, which is never a good sign. On sanctions, the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has spurred the European Union and the UK to issue further sanctions. On money laundering news, the FATF concluded its Paris plenary with updates to the ‘grey list', changes to its Recommendations, and an opening to a consultation. The anti-corruption news comes from Ukraine where GRECO has updated on its anti-corruption recommendations in the nation. On market abuse news, the Central Bank of Ireland has issued a fine for various MAR breaches. There is also a round-up of other financial crime news, as well as some brief cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 145 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. A reasonably busy week this week. On sanctions, new designations from the UK, EU, and US, while the UN has agreed a sanctions extension on Sudan. On money laundering, AUSTRAC and Europol announce action against remitters and digital currency exchanges and a money laundering gang. On market abuse, the Financial Conduct Authority has announced action against Mako Financial Markets Partnership for failings in its systems and controls to prevent financial crime, while in other financial crime news, the Competition and Markets Authority in the UK has announced settlement in a competition case against four banks for sharing sensitive information relating to UK gilts.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 144 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. A reasonably busy week this week. On sanctions, changes to various regimes from the UK, including a shift in approach on Syria. On money laundering, MONEYVAL issues a report on Guernsey, and the FATF trails its upcoming plenary. The bribery and corruption news comes from the US with a range of stories, while on fraud, arrests in Europe relating to a multi-million-euro investment fraud. On market abuse, Switzerland has charged an individual with insider dealing, and the FCA in the UK has updated on its approach to cryptoasset, debt solutions, and claims management company promotions. The other financial crime news provides that the EU has given funding to combat wildlife crime, and the Public Accounts Committee in the UK has warned that the estimate of tax evasion in the UK may be higher than official figures. And finally in the round-up of this week's financial crime news the cybercrime news comes with sanctions against a Russian cybercrime network, and Europol announces arrests in relation to a ransomware group.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 143 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. The news is certainly starting to pick up now. There has been an increase in designations, principally from the US, though also from Australia. On money laundering news, MONEYVAL has issued an update on Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the FATF has published its Annual Report. On bribery and corruption news, the former Chief Operating Manager of Trafigura has been sentenced for his part in bribery, and GRECO has published its first report on Bulgaria. On fraud news, Comms Council UK (‘CCUK') and National Trading Standards have launched a joint information-sharing initiative, and the Charity Commission has issued an alert for certain charities which may be caught by the new failure to prevent fraud offence. There is a round-up of other financial crime news, and some cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 142 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. The news is starting to pick up now after the Christmas and New Year lull. On sanctions, additions to the Belarus financial sanctions regime by the UK, and the Council of Europe has made additions to its Russia financial sanctions regime. On money laundering, the European Public Prosecutor's Office has announced an indictment over money laundering by a criminal syndicate, and French authorities are to investigate alleged money laundering in relation to cryptocurrency exchange, Binance. On fraud, news from the UK concerning the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, and some market conduct action by the Financial Conduct Authority. There is also a round-up of other financial crim news across Europe, and this week's Cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to the first episode 141 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This week has been a quiet week, which in some cases will be due to the collective holding-of-breath following the change of administration in the US. That said, there have been some sanctions designations from the US, and money laundering warnings issued by the regulator in the UK. There is a fine for Danske Bank issued by the Norwegian financial services regulator for market manipulation, and in the UK, the Serious Fraud Office has obtained its first Unexplained Wealth Order. We end this week with a limited amount of cyber news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to the first episode 140 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. This week, the sanctions have increased across a range of the usual suspects: Russia, Sudan, and North Korea. The US and UK have published a new memorandum of understanding, and the UK Supreme Court has heard an appeal against designation by Eugene Shvindler. On bribery and corruption, the US forfeits funds from a Venezuelan national, and agreed to repatriate forfeited funds to Nigeria. There is fraud news from the UK concerning a slight twist on the typical form of Covid 19 fraud. On money laundering, MOVEYVAL has published follow-up reports on Estonia and Slovakia. In other news, Interpol has published its first-ever Silver Notice. We end this week with a host of cyber-attack news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to the first episode of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast of 2025 – episode 139 – I'm Chris Kirkbride. The end of the calendar year and the beginning of the new calendar year offers some respite for the typical deluge of financial crime stories, and so it is with this episode. The sanctions news has the usual range of sanctions additions, amendments, and licences, with the big news from the UK where a new sanctions regime against people smugglers has been announced. On money laundering, action in the UK against a gambling corporation, and news from Portugal concerning one of its large banks. This short episode is then rounded-off with one piece of cybercrime news which is actually sanctions news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to the final episode of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast for 2024 – episode 138 – I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions, new designations from the US and UK, and enforcement action against an alleged conspirator. MONEYVAL has been active in its work, publishing reports on Monaco, Croatia and Georgia, while AUSTRAC has been updating its website. Global Anti-Corruption Day has kept the Council of Europe, Transparency International, and OSCE busy this week, but news also comes from the US and UK, where a significant appointment has been made to the role of Anti-Corruption Champion. Other financial crime news comes from Europol, and there is a round-up of cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 137 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions, new designations from the US and UK, and Politico asks whether tariffs are the new sanctions. On money laundering, the National Crime Agency in the UK has disrupted a money laundering network supporting Russian oligarchs, while on bribery and corruption it's global organisations leading the way once again with the OECD updating on corruption across five central Asian countries, and in the US McKinsey and Co (Africa) has agreed a DPA. The fraud news considers the launch of an investigation by the Covid-19 Corruption Commissioner in the UK, and news that the World Beekeeping Awards will not award for best honey next year. We finish this week with the usual round-up of cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 136 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions, new designations from the UK, EU and US. On money laundering news, AUSTRAC has welcomed the new anti-money laundering law in Australia, while on bribery and corruption news, GRECO has updated on Moldova's progress in combatting corruption. On market abuse, the SEC in the US has reported on the effectiveness of its enforcement action, while in the UK the FCA has issued fines for market abuse offences. SLAPPs are once more the focus of other financial crime news, while the UK government has warned of the cyber threat from Russia.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 135 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions, new designations from the UK and US, and new licences from the UK. On money laundering news, MONEYVAL has announced operations relating to Latvia and Armenia, while in bribery and anti-corruption Baseline Reports on Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have been added to the OECD library. On fraud news, a range of events marking International Fraud Awareness Week, and SLAPPs are the focus of other financial crime news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 134 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions, new designations and legislative changes in the UK, while in the US, there is enforcement action and new designations. On money laundering, the FATF is consulting on revisions to its Recommendations, and MONEYVAL has released its annual report. The bribery and corruption news sees enforcement in the US, and lots of action from pan-national organisations. On fraud news, the Payment Systems Regulator in the UK has written to fraud enablers reminding them of their responsibilities, and FinCEN has issued a deepfake warning. There is also a round-up of other financial crime news this week, as well as a small amount of cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 133 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions, enforcement action in the US and UK, and new designations in the UK. On money laundering, a joint statement on illicit finance by Australia and the UK, while on bribery and corruption news, Transparency International highlights the issue of corruption affecting climate change. The fraud news brings a firm date for the coming into force of the failure to prevent fraud offence in the UK, and some worry stats on teenage attitudes to fraud from the Netherlands. There is also a round-up of other financial crime news this week, as well as a small amount of cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 132 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. Another relatively quiet week overall, and I can assure you that is not a complaint. On sanctions, licensing changes in the UK, in addition to further designations, the US targets third-countries aiding Russia in its military action in Ukraine, while the UN raises the issue of sanctions-related justice. On bribery and corruption, the National Anti-Corruption Commission will think again about the robodebt references made to it, while on fraud, the SFO has made changes to fraud reporting. This week's financial crime news ends with a round-up of cybercrime news, where the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation has announced major action against malware attackers.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 131 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. A relatively quiet week overall, which is a good thing for me. Some sanctions movement in the US and UK, while OTSI issues trade sanctions guidance to firms. On money laundering, the FATF has announced the outcomes of its Paris Plenary, and on bribery, the OECD has updated on Austria and Romania. There is a report from Finance UK on the state of fraud for the first half of 2024, and in other financial crime news, 20 finfluencers have been interviewed under caution by the FCA. There is also a brief round-up of cybercrime news this week.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 130 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. Sanctions news has taken centre-stage this week, with the US issuing new designations across the range of usual suspects, while the UK has focussed on human rights abuse sanctions and the Russian oil tanker shadow fleet. On money laundering, the FATF may black list Russia, and has updated its criteria for ‘grey listing'. On bribery and anti-corruption Raytheon has agreed a DPA for fraud and breaches of the FCPA. On market abuse, ESMA has issued a consolidated report on sanctions and measures imposed by National Competent Authorities. There is also a brief round-up of cybercrime news this week.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 129 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. New designations from the US and UK, and the UK marks OTSI being open for business. On money laundering, the FATF publishes MERs on Japan and Kuwait, and TD Bank in the US pleads guilty to money laundering. There is Covid-19 fraud news from the US, and in the UK the CTSI has issued a critical statement concerning the recent reduction of the APP fraud reimbursement limit. In other financial crime news, the SFO has settled one of the civil actions brought against it by ENRC, and on cybercrime, there seems to be an article trend concerning the cyber-safety of CEOs, and critical infrastructure is once more subject to a cyber-attack.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 128 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. After a few relatively quiet weeks, we are back up to the lengthy episodes of the podcast. New designations from the US and UK. On money laundering, the IMF reports on its recent Uganda mission. The fraud news comes with reports on the scale of fraudulent insurance claims in the UK, a guilty plea in a fraud case against a former solicitor, and research from the Social Market Foundation on the scale of the global fraud problem. The SEC in the US has been active against market abuse, and the FCA in the UK has charged two individuals with insider dealing offences. There's more research from the Centre for Cybercrime and Economic Crime on the state of financial crime enforcement collaboration, and there is also a round-up of this week's cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 127 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. Another shorter episode this week, so I think we can all be pleased about that. On sanctions news, new designations from the US and UK, and even a bit of enforcement action from the UK. On money laundering, the FATF has published its MER on India, OPBAS in the UK has published its fifth report on Professional Body Supervisors, while the Egmont Group has suspended Columbia from membership over breach of confidence. On bribery and corruption news, GRECO has published its report on the Republic of Ireland, and the Mayor of NYC has been charged with bribery offences. The fraud news brings confirmation from the UK of the APP fraud reimbursement limit, and there is a range of Covid-19 fraud news. There are some other bits and pieces and a limited bit of cybercrime news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 126 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. After a sequence of lengthy episodes of the podcast, it's nice to have a shorter episode from time-to-time to keep everyone happy. On sanctions, the UK has updated its Iran sanctions regime, and the US has issued a host of new designations for human rights abuses and cyber-crimes. On money laundering news, indications from China that the ruling party is looking to update its anti-money laundering regime to address the risk posed by crypto. On fraud, some Covid-19 fraud from the UK, and the FCA has made a public statement on its anti-fraud approach. Of course, there is also a round-up of cyber-crime news this week.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 125 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions this week, a mass of action from the UK and US. In the UK, action against the shadow fleet carrying Russian oil as part of sanctions evasion, while in the US, sanctions against allies of Venezualan president Maduro have been announced by OFAC. On bribery and corruption, GRECO reports on Kazakhstan, while in the UK Transparency International has revealed the high levels of corruption in Covid-19 PPE contracts. On money laundering in the UK, the first FCA prosecution against the owner of unlawfully operated crypto ATMs, and in Australia, the government has announced reforms to its anti-money laundering regime. There's more Covid-19 fraud from the US and UK, the FBI has published its Cryptocurrency Fraud Report, and Spotlight on Corruption questions whether the National Crime Agency is on its knees. There is also, as usual, a round-up of this week's cyber-attack news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 124 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions this week, the suspension of some export licences to Israel, and the detention of an aircraft believed to belong to the Venezuelan president. On corruption, in Ukraine the first deputy of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau has been dismissed, and the former head of Lebanon's Central Bank is under investigation for embezzlement. Much of the money laundering news churns around the FATF, while new AML rules have been agreed in the UAE. On fraud, big news out of the UK with the Financial Ombudsman Service reporting on scam volumes, while the Payment Systems Regulator is consulting (again) on the reimbursement level for APP fraud. In other financial crime news, the Financial Conduct Authority has published a series of annual updates alongside its Annual Report and Accounts, while there is also a round-up of this week's cyber-attack news.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 123 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions this week, the US has made a host of additional designations against Russian individuals and entities. On corruption, there is more out of China and its fight against corruption at all levels of society, and a Report from GRECO on Italy. The money laundering news comes from the US, and also from Nigeria, where the government has made assurances on its strategy for exiting the FATF ‘Grey List'. The fraud news from the UK concerns Covid-19 fraudsters and there is a report from New Zealand concerning reductions in headcount at the Serious Fraud Office. In other financial crime news, a research paper on the future of the UK Serious Fraud Office, and we end with cyber-attack news respecting transportation portals.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 122 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions this week, in the US convictions for sanctions evasion, and further designations, while in Switzerland, there is further alignment between the country and the EU sanctions regime against Russia. On bribery and corruption, a report from the UN on the judicial system in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, new anti-fraud and corruption laws in Hungary, as well as further efforts in Ukraine to clean up its corruption image. The money laundering news comes in the form of a new paper from the FACT Coalition on the subject of Environmental crimes and illicit finance, while fraud news focuses on Covid-19 fraud both in the UK and US. In other financial crime news, the National Crime Agency (‘NCA') has published its National Strategic Assessment 2024, and there is a brief round-up of some of this week's cyber crime news. A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.

Hello, and welcome to episode 121 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I'm Chris Kirkbride. On sanctions this week, designations from the US, and the monthly update from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clear Air on Russian fossil fuel exports. Money laundering news comes from the US where corporate beneficial ownership continues to take the focus of many working across compliance. In other financial crime news, the SFO has published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2023 – 2024, while Companies House in the UK has published its Business Plan for 2024 – 2025. There's also a round-up of this week's cyber crime news, with news from the UK and US regarding takedowns of cyber-crime gangs.A transcript of this podcast is available at www.crimes.financial, with links to the stories.