PETs: US and UK partner on Privacy-Enhancing Technologies; White House say tech is ‘critical component’ of democracy-affirming capabilities

Regulatory Watch News

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  OFSI Webinar: Civil Enforcement Processes – Updated Guidance

  OFSI

  February 19, 2026

  OFSI is pleased to invite you to our webinar on Tuesday 3 March, 14:00-15:00, covering the recently published consultation response on improving civil enforcement processes for financial sanctions. Feedback from this consultation has informed a strengthened enforcement framework, and OFSI updated its guidance on 9 February 2026 to reflect these enhancements. The guidance can be found here.

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  103 arrests and 36 labs dismantled in strike against synthetic drug network

  Europol

  February 19, 2026

  Between 12 and 17 February 2026, Europol supported law enforcement authorities in Ukraine, Poland, and Moldova in a joint operation against an international criminal network involved in the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs, primarily synthetic cathinones such as alpha-PVP. The action day saw the Ukrainian National Police and the Polish Police Central Bureau of Investigation conducting coordinated checks at approximately 510 locations. Law enforcement officers dismantled 36 illicit production sites and 74 storage facilities for ready-to-distribute drugs. A total of 129 persons faced criminal charges, 103 persons were taken into custody.

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  Italy: EPPO dismantles criminal group behind €1.4 million agricultural funding fraud

  European Public Prosecutor's Office

  February 19, 2026

  (Luxembourg, 19 February 2025) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Palermo (Italy) has taken down a criminal organisation involved in agricultural funding fraud in Sicily, alleged to have caused an estimated damage of more than €1.4 million. One suspect was arrested this week and five others were put under coercive measures, while assets were also seized.