NEWS: Brazilian and Irish police arrest 8 in crackdown on human trafficking network

Regulatory Watch News

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  SFO launch appeal into suspected home heating & insulation fraud

  Serious Fraud Office

  April 22, 2026

  The SFO is investigating allegations of fraud by three UK companies in relation to Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4), a UK government energy efficiency scheme designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions. At the heart of the investigation are allegations that Warmfront, JJ Crump and South Coast Insulation Services were involved in a sophisticated conspiracy across the country to undermine a government scheme by submitting claims where little or no work was undertaken. It is suspected that energy companies were defrauded of at least £44 million in this way.

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  FCA leads first crackdown on illegal crypto trading

  Financial Conduct Authority

  April 22, 2026

  Working with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), the FCA targeted 8 premises suspected of illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading. The FCA issued cease and desist letters at each site, notifying traders to stop illegal activity immediately. Evidence obtained during the on-site inspections is supporting a number of ongoing criminal investigations. Peer-to-peer trading is when individuals buy and sell crypto directly with each other, rather than using a centralised exchange and requires appropriate registration. There are currently no FCA registered peer-to-peer crypto traders or platforms operating in the UK.

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  Be cautious of scams impersonating EPPO staff members

  European Public Prosecutor's Office

  April 22, 2026

  Fraudulent messages impersonating EPPO staff members have been circulating online. These scams misuse the logo and the contact details of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), as well as those of other EU organisations.