NEWS: SEC enforcement actions fall to 16-year low in first half of 2026

Regulatory Watch News

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  Treasury Targets Flotilla Organizers and Muslim Brotherhood Networks Supporting Hamas

  OFAC

  May 19, 2026

  WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking action against four individuals associated with the pro-Hamas flotilla organized by the U.S.-designated Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA) that is attempting to access Gaza in support of Hamas.  OFAC is also taking action against key actors operating within Hamas-aligned Muslim Brotherhood networks.  Hamas relies on a diverse web of international partners to expand its malign political influence, facilitate violent terrorist activity, and undermine international efforts to achieve lasting peace in Gaza.

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  Deutsche Bank AG Penalty

  OFSI

  May 19, 2026

  OFSI has imposed a £165,000 monetary penalty on Deutsche Bank AG London Branch (DBLB) for breaches of the Russia financial sanctions regime. 

  Between June and July 2022, DBLB processed two payments totalling £635,618.75 to an entity wholly owned by a designated person. 

  This is the second OFSI monetary penalty case resolved through settlement, demonstrating how proportionate and effective enforcement outcomes can support the rapid communication of compliance lessons to industry. 

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  201 arrests in first-of-its-kind cybercrime operation in MENA region

  Interpol

  May 19, 2026

  SINGAPORE – A first-of-its-kind cybercrime operation in the MENA region has led to the arrest of 201 individuals, with a further 382 suspects identified. Thirteen countries from the Middle East and North Africa took part in Operation Ramz (October 2025 – 28 February 2026) which aimed to investigate and disrupt malicious infrastructure, identify and arrest suspects, and prevent future losses. The operation focused on neutralizing phishing and malware threats, as well as tackling cyber scams that inflict severe cost to the region. In addition to the arrests made, 3,867 victims were identified, and 53 servers were seized. Operation Ramz marked a milestone as the first cyber operation of its scale coordinated by INTERPOL in the MENA region. During this effort, nearly 8,000 pieces of crucial data and intelligence were disseminated among participating countries to initiate and support investigations.