TOO LATE?: The EU Anti-Money Laundering Agency (AMLA) remains in its early stages, but critics argue the new body might do little to address regulatory fragmentation. It's also been claimed the authority may place additional burdens on European businesses at a time when the Union faces mounting security challenges. FILE PHOTO: A view of AMLA Headquarters at the pencil-shaped Messeturm skyscraper, pictured from the Hauptbahnhof (central railway station) in Frankfurt.
AMLA has launched a data collection exercise to calibrate the risk assessment models it will use to select financial institutions for direct supervision.
The EU’s new AML watchdog said the exercise will serve two purposes.
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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