THE FATF (Financial Action Task Force) will give countries credit for ‘innovative’ approaches to tackling financial crime in its risk assessments, the agency has said.
It has also committed to encourage the use of technology to better combat risks.
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SFO launch appeal into suspected home heating & insulation fraud
Serious Fraud Office
The SFO is investigating allegations of fraud by three UK companies in relation to Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4), a UK government energy efficiency scheme designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions.
At the heart of the investigation are allegations that Warmfront, JJ Crump and South Coast Insulation Services were involved in a sophisticated conspiracy across the country to undermine a government scheme by submitting claims where little or no work was undertaken. It is suspected that energy companies were defrauded of at least £44 million in this way.
FCA leads first crackdown on illegal crypto trading
Financial Conduct Authority
Working with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), the FCA targeted 8 premises suspected of illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading. The FCA issued cease and desist letters at each site, notifying traders to stop illegal activity immediately. Evidence obtained during the on-site inspections is supporting a number of ongoing criminal investigations.
Peer-to-peer trading is when individuals buy and sell crypto directly with each other, rather than using a centralised exchange and requires appropriate registration. There are currently no FCA registered peer-to-peer crypto traders or platforms operating in the UK.
Be cautious of scams impersonating EPPO staff members
European Public Prosecutor's Office
Fraudulent messages impersonating EPPO staff members have been circulating online. These scams misuse the logo and the contact details of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), as well as those of other EU organisations.