Author: Paul O'Donoghue

Regulatory Watch News

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  Slovakia: Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption evaluates anti-corruption measures at local and regional levels

  GRECO

  May 14, 2026

  The Slovak Republic has a well-established anti-corruption and integrity system largely covering the local and regional levels, with examples of good practices in several areas, concludes the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) in an evaluation report released today. The evaluation process included an on-site visit in May 2025 during which GRECO’s evaluation team engaged with a wide range of national and local stakeholders in Bratislava and the Trenčin region. Findings The report analyses the institutional structures and regulatory frameworks in place to combat corruption and promote integrity, and their practical implementation, in Bratislava and the Trenčin region, as well as at the national level. While acknowledging certain positive measures, GRECO identifies several areas where further progress is needed to strengthen the Slovak Republic’s integrity system, promote accountability at the sub-national level, and foster public trust in institutions. The report contains 13 recommendations addressed to the Slovak authorities.

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  AMLA holds public hearings to consult on draft ITS for FIU cooperation

  AMLA

  May 13, 2026

  AMLA is consulting on three draft Implementing Technical Standards that introduce common formats for cooperation between Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and between AMLA, FIUs and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). Consistent and reliable information flows are as important to AML/CFT enforcement as the information itself. These three instruments strengthen how that information is shared, both between national FIUs and between AMLA, FIUs and the EPPO.

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  Germany: EPPO orders searches and arrest in probe into €18 million VAT fraud

  European Public Prosecutor's Office

  May 13, 2026

  (Luxembourg, 13 May 2026) – At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Frankfurt (Germany), eight searches were carried out and one individual was arrested yesterday on suspicion of orchestrating a €18 million VAT carousel fraud through the sale of small electronic goods. Searches have been carried out on company premises located in the federal states of Saarland and Saxony, in the company warehouses, as well as in the homes of four suspects including the arrested employee. In addition, a seizure order for €18 million has been granted at EPPO’s request.