Category: Middle East

Regulatory Watch News

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  Investigation into illegal tobacco trafficking ring results in four arrests

  The Royal Canadian Mounted Police

  September 25, 2026

  The RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Integrated Money Laundering Investigative Team (IMLIT) in Alberta charged four individuals with various fraud, money laundering, and contraband-related offences. Following a complex investigation, IMLIT identified a Calgary-based criminal network centered around a multimillion-dollar contraband tobacco trafficking operation. A total of seven search warrants were executed across the Calgary and Airdrie areas, resulting in the seizure of: More than $3 million in contraband tobacco; Over 88 kg of unstamped illicit cannabis and cannabis byproducts; Nearly 10 kg of illicit drugs, including Psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, and LSD; Nearly $170,000 cash; and, More than $300,000 worth of precious metals, luxury goods, and a high-value vehicle.

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  INTERPOL Americas Conference strengthens collective response to organized crime

  Interpol

  September 25, 2026

  GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The INTERPOL Americas Regional Conference has concluded after two days of productive discussions, operational exchanges and strategic dialogue among law enforcement leaders. Delegates examined the evolving threat landscape facing the Americas, with a particular focus on transnational organized crime, illicit financial flows and emerging crime trends.

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  Twenty-four CFD firms closing in crackdown on misuse of UK authorisation

  Financial Conduct Authority

  September 25, 2026

  The FCA was concerned the firms were misusing their authorised status to mislead consumers. Three other firms are currently cancelling their permissions. The FCA has been challenging CFD firms that carry out little UK business but use their authorisation as a badge to make linked overseas companies look more trustworthy than they really are. This creates the misleading impression that consumers are dealing directly with a UK-regulated firm and benefit from UK protections when they do not. Firms have faced a range of actions, including restricting their trading abilities, requiring independent reviews of their business and opening enforcement investigations in the 2 most serious cases.