VAT fraud scheme shut down in major first for European public prosecutor; millions in assets seized; EPPO chief says operation represents a ‘paradigm shift’

Regulatory Watch News

• 

  Rise in production and trafficking of synthetic drugs from the Golden Triangle, new report shows

  UNODC

  May 29, 2025

  The illicit manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs from the Golden Triangle have grown exponentially, according to a report released today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The explosive growth has led to a record amount of methamphetamine seizures in East and Southeast Asia, totaling 236 tons, marking a 24 per cent increase compared to 2023. "The 236 tons represent only the amount seized; much more methamphetamine is actually reaching the market,” said Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC Acting Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. “While these seizures reflect, in part, successful law enforcement efforts, we are clearly seeing unprecedented levels of methamphetamine production and trafficking from the Golden Triangle, in particular Shan State.”

• 

  SFO charges global aircraft parts supplier with fraud offence

  Serious Fraud Office

  May 29, 2025

  The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today charged Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala with fraudulent trading as part of its investigation into a company that sold airline parts for the passenger and cargo aircraft engines, the CF56 and CF6. Zamora Yrala, the company director, is accused of operating UK-based AOG Technics for a fraudulent purpose. The company’s customers included airlines, maintenance providers and parts suppliers.

• 

  EPPO strengthens cooperation with Ibero-American Association of Public Prosecutors and six counterparts in Latin America

  European Public Prosecutor's Office

  May 29, 2025

  Between today and tomorrow, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) will sign a working arrangement with the Ibero-American Association of Public Prosecutors (AIAMP) to enhance their strategic cooperation, as well as bilateral arrangements with six of its members in Latin America. The signature of the working arrangement with AIAMP will take place during the Plenary Assembly of the association, where the EPPO is an observer, to be held in Madrid on 29 and 30 May 2025.