NEWS: AUSTRAC warns of ‘very high’ money mule risk at foreign banks

Regulatory Watch News

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  UNODC unveils new legal tools to combat migrant smuggling worldwide

  UNODC

  May 15, 2026

  As global migration continues to surge, so does the shadow economy of migrant smuggling. In response, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has launched two legislative resources aimed at helping countries strengthen their legislative frameworks and better align with international standards to combat this transnational crime. The new Legislative Guide and Model Legislative Provisions are designed to assist governments in reviewing, reforming and implementing laws that target migrant smuggling — an illicit industry that endangers lives, fuels corruption and often intersects with other crimes such as human trafficking and money laundering.

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  Cybercrime Squad detectives charge trio alleging using scam money to purchase gold bullion

  Australia Federal Police

  May 15, 2026

  NSW Police Cybercrime Squad detectives, with the assistance of the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), have charged three people and seized gold bullion following an investigation into an alleged $600,000 email scam under Strike Force Downstream. Strike Force Downstream is an ongoing investigation by State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad, investigating matters referred by the JPC3. In May 2026, JPC3 analysts and industry partners – as part of JPC3 Operation Dolos – obtained evidence of a 20-year-old woman allegedly purchasing $100,000 worth of gold bullion on five occasions within a two-week period.

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  FINTRAC imposes an administrative monetary penalty on 13010431 Canada Inc.

  FINTRAC

  May 14, 2026

  FINTRAC announced today that it has imposed an administrative monetary penalty on 13010431 Canada Inc., also operating as Necosmart. Following a compliance examination, this money services business in Edmonton, Alberta, was imposed an administrative monetary penalty of $693,742.50 on March 27, 2026, for non-compliance with Part 1 of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and associated Regulations.