NEWS: EU banks warned of transactions with sanctioned lender Belgazprombank

Regulatory Watch News

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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.

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  European Commission launches call for candidates for the ESAs’ Board of Appeal

  European Banking Authority

  May 12, 2026

    The European Commission has launched a call for expression of interest for the appointment of members to the Board of Appeal of the three European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, EIOPA and ESMA – the ESAs). This call aims to establish a reserve list of qualified candidates to fill vacancies that may arise within the Board of Appeal. The reserve list will remain valid for a period of five years from the date of its adoption. Inclusion on the reserve list does not guarantee appointment as a Member or Alternate of the Board of Appeal. When a vacancy arises, the Management Boards of the respective ESAs, following consultation with their Boards of Supervisors, will select and appoint a candidate from the reserve list. Candidates nominated as Members or Alternates may also be invited by the European Parliament to make a statement and respond to questions.

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  AUSTRAC releases updated risk snapshot of Australia’s financial crime landscape

  Austrac

  May 12, 2026

  Australia’s money laundering, terrorism and proliferation financing risks are becoming more complex and interconnected, driven by technology, globalisation and the growing overlap between legitimate and illicit activity, AUSTRAC says. AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said three new national updates released today provide an up‑to‑date snapshot of how serious financial crime threats are evolving across the country. “These updates show that Australia’s money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing environments continue to rely on enduring channels – but they are being reshaped by technology, globalisation and increasingly sophisticated criminal behaviour,” Mr Thomas said.