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Regulatory Watch News

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  Poland: Nine suspects detained in probe into subsidy fraud involving nurseries

  European Public Prosecutor's Office

  May 13, 2026

  (Luxembourg, 13 May 2026) - At the request of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Warsaw (Poland), nine suspects were detained yesterday in an investigation into suspected subsidy fraud and attempted money laundering involving childcare institutions in Gdynia and Gdańsk. The investigation concerns a company that, in September 2024, submitted an application to establish and operate nine nurseries for children under three years, each with 40 care places, to the Pomeranian regional administration (Voivodeship) in Gdańsk. The company submitted, in August 2025, applications for the release of approximately €66 500 (PLN 282,577.24) for each institution, with a total of around €599 000 (a total of PLN 2,543,195.16) under the Active Toddler 2022–2029 programme, co-financed for 82.52% from the European Social Fund (ESF). Shortly after, the Pomeranian Voivodeship paid the bulk of the requested funds, €532 426 (PLN 2 260 617.92) but suspended the remaining payment due to suspected fraud. The investigation found that the company submitted false and unreliable documents and statements to secure funding and sign the contract. Evidence showed the project lacked legitimate nursery premises, experienced nursery staff, and the financial resources needed to create childcare places for children under three.

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  Syndicate member jailed over failed plot to import cocaine inside printers

  Australia Federal Police

  May 13, 2026

  A Victorian man, 47, has been sentenced to nine years’ jail over his role in a plot to import 22.4kg of cocaine into Australia. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers intercepted a consignment of five printers in Melbourne on 30 April, 2017, locating 10 packages of compressed white powder concealed within their paper trays. Presumptive testing indicated the substance was cocaine, with the total seizure weighing 22.4kg. The drugs were removed and substituted with another material. The consignment was transported via a controlled delivery to a factory in Airport West, Victoria.

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  Man charged with smuggling crystal meth through airport

  National Crime Agency

  May 12, 2026

  A US national has been charged with smuggling crystal meth following a National Crime Agency investigation. Jose Alexis Mendez, 28, was arrested at a hotel in Manchester on Friday after the recovery of a suitcase containing Class A drugs at Manchester Airport on the same day. It is alleged the drugs, which weighed 47.9kg and had a street value of up to £479,000, were smuggled from Cancun in Mexico. Mendez, of California, was remanded by magistrates on Saturday and will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on 12 June for a pre-trial preparatory hearing.