NEWS: EU set to add Russia to AML blacklist – report

Regulatory Watch News

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  SFC warns public of suspicious AI-themed investment product offered by Gold Fun and Angel Guardian Alliance Technology

  Securities and Futures Commission

  January 16, 2026

  The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) today warned the public of a suspicious AI-themed investment product involving a high-frequency trading arrangement offered and marketed by Gold Fun Corporation Limited (Gold Fun) and Angel Guardian Alliance Technology Limited (AGA). The arrangement has not been authorised by the SFC for offering to the Hong Kong public and is suspected to have breached the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO) . The SFC notes that Gold Fun and AGA claimed in the marketing materials that the arrangement makes use of “AI-based quantum high-frequency trading” to generate estimated monthly yield of 3% to 8% for investors, with low or no risks. Reports have also been received regarding difficulties in withdrawing investments from the arrangement.

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  Trio charged in WA after AFP investigation into a money laundering and illicit tobacco crime syndicate

  Australia Federal Police

  January 16, 2026

  Three members of one family are expected to face Perth Magistrates Court today (16 January, 2026) charged over their alleged roles in a crime group involved in the large-scale supply of illicit tobacco and vapes. A woman, 47, her father, 68, and her son-in-law, 26, were arrested after the AFP seized about $1 million in cash and about five tonnes of tobacco products, including almost 30,000 vapes, yesterday (15 January, 2026).  

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  UK Lowers Oil Price Cap on Seaborne Russian Crude Oil

  OFSI

  January 15, 2026

  Today, the UK, alongside the EU, has announced that the Oil Price Cap on seaborne Russian Crude Oil will be lowered from $47.60 to $44.10 per barrel. The lowered Oil Price Cap of $44.10 per barrel comes into effect at 23:01 (GMT), Saturday, 31 January 2026. 

  This action will maintain regulatory alignment in targeting Russian revenues and is part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russia’s illegal war of aggression. 

  This will apply to all services captured by the Oil Price Cap, including maritime transportation and the provision, directly, or indirectly, of brokering services or financial services or funds, related to the maritime transport of Russian crude from a place in Russia to third countries or from one third country to another.