U.S. banks have reported enormous levels of suspected mail theft-related cheque fraud.
In just six months, more than 15,000 suspicious incidents worth a combined $688 million were reported by financial institutions to FinCEN, the AML unit of the U.S. Treasury.
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The EBA updates technical standards on resolution planning reporting
European Banking Authority
The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published its updated final draft implementing technical standards (ITS) on resolution planning reporting. This comprehensive review of the ITS on the provision of information for the purposes of resolution plans seeks to achieve full harmonisation of reporting requirements in the EU and avoid duplication of data requests, thus reducing the cost of compliance with resolution planning reporting obligations by institutions. Proportionality has been a key driver of this regulatory product.
Sixteen searches in Belgium, Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands in customs fraud investigation involving e-bikes from China
European Public Prosecutor's Office
(Luxembourg, 8 May 2025) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Porto (Portugal) is leading an investigation into suspected large-scale customs fraud related to the import of e-bikes from China. Sixteen searches were conducted yesterday in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal, in order to collect evidence.
The investigation, codenamed Pedelecs, revealed that, since 2020, a Portuguese company has been importing disassembled electric bicycles (e-bikes) from Chinese suppliers in separate parts, with the aim of circumventing the payment of anti-dumping duties applicable on the importation of fully assembled e-bikes. For that purpose, the consignments were deliberately misdeclared to the customs authorities.
David Geale appointed executive director for payments and digital finance
Financial Conduct Authority
The FCA has appointed David Geale as permanent executive director for payments and digital finance, and managing director of the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR).
In his role David will be responsible for helping to deliver the National Payments Vision and driving the FCA’s work on open banking and digital finance.
David will also play a key role in the work to consolidate the PSR into the FCA, as announced by the Government in March. He will also be responsible for supervising payments and cryptoasset firms under the recently announced regime.