THE cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX has been fined $100 million for deliberately ignoring U.S. AML laws in order to boost revenue, the U.S. Department of Justice has said.
BitMEX, also known as HDR Global Trading, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Koeltl in Manhattan, after pleading guilty last July.
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The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing Russia-related General License 134B, "Authorizing the Delivery and Sale of Crude Oil and Petroleum Products of Russian Federation Origin Loaded on Vessels as of April 17, 2026."
JCO VAPE: OLAF and international customs authorities crack down on illegal trade in e-cigarettes
OLAF
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), together with customs authorities from 30 countries, has successfully carried out a large-scale operation targeting the illicit trade in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The Joint Customs Operation, (JCO) VAPE resulted in the seizure of over 94 million pieces and over 2,500 kg/l of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, devices, and related goods.
This operation (which ran from 14 November to 15 December 2025)marks the first EU and international Joint Customs Operation specifically focused on this rapidly growing commodity. Its results clearly demonstrate both the effectiveness and the necessity of coordinated cross-border action to tackle an increasingly complex and evolving form of fraud.
Scam alert related to banks
HKMA
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
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited