BREAKING: France must improve AML measures in real estate and has to deploy more specialised financial crime investigators, FATF says

Regulatory Watch News

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  Treasury Launches Unprecedented Campaign Against Iranian Regime on Economic D-Day

  OFAC

  August 24, 2026

  **WASHINGTON—**Today, at President Trump’s direction, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has begun Operation Economic Outcast: an unprecedented, whole-of-government, economic campaign against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its enablers. “In the Second World War, D-Day marked the historic beginning of a campaign with our allies to target and drive the enemy from its positions, including those in third countries.  Today, in that same spirit, we are launching an economic onslaught against Iran’s financial connections around the globe. Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “President Trump has taken action that his predecessors have long deferred. Under his leadership, America is no longer managing the Iranian threat. We are ending it. Those who stand with the United States will reap the rewards of our partnership. Those who tether themselves to Tehran should expect to share in the isolation of a withering regime.”

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  Searches in large-scale investigation into the import of 3-CMC and procaine

  Fiscal Information and Investigation Service - FIOD

  August 24, 2026

  On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the FIOD and the police conducted searches at multiple locations in a criminal investigation into the importation of, among other things, the hard drug 3-CMC and the cutting agent procaine, and money laundering. Various goods and assets were seized.

  The searches took place in three homes and three business premises in The Hague, Almere, Spijkenisse, Zoetermeer, and Rijswijk. Physical and digital records, homes, bank accounts, and a large quantity of medicines were seized. No suspects were arrested during the searches. Future arrests are not ruled out.

  The Regional Partnership for Criminal Money Flows is continuing the investigation unabated. Therefore, it is being cautious in sharing further information.

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  Museum heists turn violent: new Europol report on cultural property theft tactics

  Europol

  August 24, 2026

  Europol published a spotlight report today titled Changing tactics, changing targets: the evolving nature of museum heists, which reveals a shift in the methods and targets of museum thefts across Europe. The report highlights a concerning rise in violent and forceful tactics, alongside a growing focus on high-value items such as precious metals, gemstones, and culturally significant artefacts.