NEWS: FATF to consider blacklisting Russia following Ukrainian pressure – report

Regulatory Watch News

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  OLAF intelligence supports Spanish Operation enforcing EU sanctions against Russia

  OLAF

  October 16, 2024

  The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) assisted the Spanish authorities with the enforcement of EU sanctions against Russia during Operation “Probirka" (Russian for “Test Tube"). The operation led to the arrest of four individuals involved in the illegal export of chemicals to Russia and the seizure of 13 tons of chemical substances. Since 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has imposed sanctions on the country, including strict bans on the export and import of certain goods. OLAF has been actively engaged in investigating, monitoring trade flows, conducting analytical work, and identifying potential attempts to circumvent these sanctions. By mapping out suspicious trade routes and identifying operators, OLAF has played a key role in preventing illegal transactions that could support Russia’s military capabilities.

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  Fraudulent mobile application (App) related to Bank of Singapore Limited

  HKMA

  October 16, 2024

  The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank of Singapore Limited relating to a fraudulent App, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.

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  United States and Canada Target Key International Fundraiser for Foreign Terrorist Organization PFLP

  OFAC

  October 15, 2024

  WASHINGTON — Today, in a joint action with Canada, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, or “Samidoun,” a sham charity that serves as an international fundraiser for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization. The PFLP, which was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of State in October 1997 and October 2001, respectively, uses Samidoun to maintain fundraising operations in both Europe and North America. Also designated today is Khaled Barakat, a member of the PFLP’s leadership. Together, Samidoun and Barakat play critical roles in external fundraising for the PFLP. Today’s action is being taken pursuant to the counterterrorism authority Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended.