EBF plans further engagement with banks over potential of AI; Chief Wim Mijs says future of AML is rooted in ‘innovative technologies’

Regulatory Watch News

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  OFSI Strategy 2026-29

  OFSI

  April 15, 2026

  Today we are publishing OFSI’s Strategy 2026-2029. It sets out OFSI’s core objective: to ensure financial sanctions are effective, resilient and impactful. The Strategy reflects the growing use of sanctions amid geopolitical instability, aligned with challenges and opportunities OFSI expects over the next three years. 

  It sets out a renewed focus on enhanced understanding of threats grounded in data and insight; high quality licensing, enforcement and compliance support; and strong partnerships with industry, across Government and internationally. 

  To read OFSI’s Strategy 2026–29: Click here

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  Latvia: EPPO brings charges over possible fraud involving municipality of Valka

  European Public Prosecutor's Office

  April 15, 2026

  (Luxembourg, 15 April 2026) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Riga (Latvia) has completed the pre-trial investigation of a possible fraud involving EU funds at the Municipality of Valka. Three individuals, including two municipal officials, have been formally charged with fraud and abuse of office. It is alleged that the public officials, together with representatives of a private company, committed illegal actions in order to obtain close to €700 000 in public funds, of which €670 000 from the EU’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and around €23 000 from Latvia’s state budget, for a project implemented by the municipality.

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  Treasury Sanctions Cartel-Linked Casinos and Key Associates on U.S.-Mexico Border

  OFAC

  April 14, 2026

  WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned six targets involved in a money laundering and cash smuggling enterprise operated by Cartel del Noreste (CDN), one of Mexico’s most violent drug trafficking organizations. CDN is a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) that exerts significant influence along the U.S.-Mexico border near Laredo, Texas, the busiest land port of entry on the southern border.  The three individuals designated today play central roles in advancing CDN’s criminal dominance over the Nuevo Laredo plaza in Tamaulipas, Mexico, supporting the cartel’s broader illicit operations, which include fentanyl trafficking, human smuggling, money laundering, and extortion.  Today’s action also targets two CDN-affiliated casinos, one of which is located just two miles from the U.S. border.