Regulatory Watch News

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  AK rifles and grenades seized as firearms trafficking route into France dismantled

  Europol

  April 11, 2025

  An international firearms trafficking network smuggling assault rifles and grenades into Western Europe has been dismantled following a series of coordinated raids in France, Spain and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the gang, which is believed to have sourced high-powered weapons from illegal markets in the Western Balkans and trafficked them into France for onward distribution. The joint operation – supported by Europol and Eurojust – has taken down the full supply chain behind the trafficking route, from source to destination.

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  Germany: Members of criminal organisation convicted for €24 million VAT fraud involving simulated export of cars

  European Public Prosecutor's Office

  April 11, 2025

  (Luxembourg, 11 April 2025) – Three perpetrators of a €24 million VAT fraud involving simulated exports of cars were convicted yesterday by the Hagen District Court in Germany, following an investigation carried out by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Cologne. The three, who were accused of being the ringleaders of a criminal organisation dedicated to car sales and systematic evasion of VAT, were sentenced to five years and nine months (reduced by three months, considered as served), three years and nine months and one year and nine months in prison.

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  Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens related to Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited

  HKMA

  April 11, 2025

  The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited relating to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, which have been reported to the HKMA.  A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.