Category: Regions

Regulatory Watch News

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  NCA freezes holiday home linked to South East Antrim UDA

  National Crime Agency

  June 8, 2023

  A seaside holiday home in County Down believed to have been purchased with the proceeds of fraud and money laundering offences has been frozen as part of an ongoing National Crime Agency civil recovery investigation. NCA officers in the Paramilitary Crime Task Force obtained a Property Freezing Order at Belfast High Court on Monday (5 June) over the static holiday home in Ballyhalbert. The purchaser, whose family are believed to be senior members of South East Antrim UDA, will now be prevented from selling or transferring ownership of the property while the NCA investigation continues.

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  FCA introduces tough new rules for marketing cryptoassets

  Financial Conduct Authority

  June 8, 2023

  Those marketing cryptoassets to UK consumers will need to introduce a cooling-off period for first time investors from 8 October 2023, under new advertising rules announced by the FCA.

  As part of a package of measures designed to ensure those who buy crypto understand the risk, ‘refer a friend’ bonuses will also be banned. The new rules mean crypto firms must ensure that people have the appropriate knowledge and experience to invest in crypto. Those promoting crypto must also put in place clear risk warnings and ensure adverts are clear, fair and not misleading.

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  Victorian man charged over exit trafficking, blackmail offences

  Australia Federal Police

  June 8, 2023

  A man from regional Victoria has been charged with exit trafficking and blackmail offences, after an AFP human trafficking investigation. On 24 February 2022, the AFP launched Operation Shepherd after receiving a report from a woman who alleged she had been exited from Australia by her then husband, 46, and told she could not return to Australia.