Credit Suisse severing relationships with Venezuelan clients amid political crisis, sources claim value of managed assets has decreased by more than half

Regulatory Watch News

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  Investigation Money Cat: EPPO conducts searches and arrests in probe into suspected €60 million VAT fraud scheme

  European Public Prosecutor's Office

  September 16, 2026

  (Luxembourg, 16 September 2026) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Cologne (Germany) conducted searches and arrests today in an investigation into suspected large-scale VAT fraud involving a criminal organisation trading goods across several EU Member States. Two suspects were arrested and 20 private residences and business premises searched in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) and Belgium. During the searches, large amounts of cash, luxury watches, handbags and vehicles worth approximately €300 000 were seized, as well as a loaded firearm. The frozen bank accounts are still being evaluated.

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  Five sentenced over ‘debt bondage’ people smuggling conspiracy

  National Crime Agency

  September 16, 2026

  Five members of an organised crime group responsible for facilitating illegal entry to the UK of Vietnamese migrants and laundered more than £1.6 million in cash from that criminality have been jailed for a total of almost 40 years. The NCA investigation, conducted jointly with the French Central Office Against Migrant Smuggling Roissy (OLTIM) and Belgian Federal Judicial Police West Flanders (FGP), commenced following a seizure by French Customs officers at Charles de Gaulle Airport in July 2025. A package addressed to Quang Nguyen, allegedly containing chocolates and clothes, was actually found to contain 22 Vietnamese passports.

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  Scam alert related to banks

  HKMA

  September 16, 2026

  The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press release issued by the bank listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which has been reported to the HKMA.  Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.  

  Bank	Type of Scam
  Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited	Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen