Category: EU/Europe

Regulatory Watch News

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  Treasury Sanctions Malware and Infrastructure Providers Supporting Ransomware Attacks Against Americans

  OFAC

  July 13, 2026

  WASHINGTON — Today, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating two individuals and one entity enabling ransomware actors’ and other cybercriminals’ malign activities, notably ransomware attacks against Americans.  These include First VPN Service (1VPNS), a virtual private network (VPN) provider selling services to ransomware groups, and its administrator, Dmytro Rashevskyi (Rashevskyi).  OFAC is also designating Yegeniy Vladimirovich Silayev (Silayev), an individual who sells “cryptors,” which are tools used to disguise ransomware and other malware as safe programs to prevent security systems from detecting or deactivating them.  Ransomware groups utilizing these individuals’ services have caused billions of dollars in losses to U.S. businesses and critical infrastructure providers.

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  French-Spanish operation targets hazardous waste trafficking network: four arrested

  Europol

  July 13, 2026

  International cooperation between French and Spanish authorities, supported by Europol, has resulted in the arrest of four suspects in Spain involved in the smuggling of hazardous construction waste. The investigation focused on an alleged cross-border network that illegally transported tonnes of demolition waste from France to Spain, posing serious risks to public health and the environment. During the coordinated action day, simultaneous operations were conducted across several regions in France, and in Barcelona and its outskirts. In addition to the arrests, authorities seized large quantities of electronic devices and documentation across 20 locations in France and four in Spain.  

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  Scam alert related to banks

  HKMA

  July 13, 2026

  The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press release issued by the bank listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which has been reported to the HKMA.  Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.  

  Bank	Type of Scam
  Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited	Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen