NEWS: Bank of Italy warns US crypto push a threat to financial system

Regulatory Watch News

• 

  Spain: EPPO launches investigation into possible fraud involving EU funds for maintenance of Madrid-Seville high-speed rail line

  European Public Prosecutor's Office

  March 20, 2026

  (Luxembourg, 20 March 2026) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Madrid confirms that it has opened an investigation into possible fraud affecting EU funds earmarked for the maintenance of the section of the railway track near the kilometre marker 318,7 and the town of Adamuz (Cordoba, Spain), on the high-speed rail line (AVE) connecting Madrid and Seville. This exceptional confirmation comes following high public interest. No further details will be made public at this stage.  

• 

  Hearing fixed for first criminal prosecution in District Court against securities fraud involving illegal short selling under SFO

  Securities and Futures Commission

  March 20, 2026

  The Eastern Magistrates’ Courts today granted an application by the Department of Justice to transfer a securities fraud case brought by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to the District Court for criminal proceedings. This marks the first time in which a criminal prosecution for securities fraud involving illegal short selling under section 300 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO) will be held in the District Court. The first hearing in the District Court will take place on 9 April 2026.

• 

  Melbourne fraud network sentenced to a combined 11.7 years jail over $800,000 Commonwealth theft

  Australia Federal Police

  March 20, 2026

  A Whittlesea woman who was responsible for a daycare fraud ring and trained others in how to perpetrate the scheme has become the fifth and final person sentenced for defrauding the Commonwealth of $800,000. She was today sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment, which will be added to previously handed-down sentences for related offenses. She will now serve a combined maximum sentence of seven years, seven months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of five years and seven months.