UK facing a ‘tsunami’ of fraud – expert claims UK has created a ‘haven for fraudsters’ in damning analysis

Regulatory Watch News

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  103 arrests and 36 labs dismantled in strike against synthetic drug network

  Europol

  February 19, 2026

  Between 12 and 17 February 2026, Europol supported law enforcement authorities in Ukraine, Poland, and Moldova in a joint operation against an international criminal network involved in the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs, primarily synthetic cathinones such as alpha-PVP. The action day saw the Ukrainian National Police and the Polish Police Central Bureau of Investigation conducting coordinated checks at approximately 510 locations. Law enforcement officers dismantled 36 illicit production sites and 74 storage facilities for ready-to-distribute drugs. A total of 129 persons faced criminal charges, 103 persons were taken into custody.

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  Italy: EPPO dismantles criminal group behind €1.4 million agricultural funding fraud

  European Public Prosecutor's Office

  February 19, 2026

  (Luxembourg, 19 February 2025) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Palermo (Italy) has taken down a criminal organisation involved in agricultural funding fraud in Sicily, alleged to have caused an estimated damage of more than €1.4 million. One suspect was arrested this week and five others were put under coercive measures, while assets were also seized.

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  Treasury Announces Public-Private Initiative to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Risk Management for AI

  US Department of the Treasury

  February 18, 2026

  WASHINGTON— In support of the President’s AI Action Plan, the U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the conclusion of a major public-private initiative to strengthen cybersecurity and risk management for artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial services sector. Over the course of February, Treasury will release a series of six resources developed in partnership with industry and federal and state regulatory partners to enable secure and resilient AI across the U.S. financial system.