Page 1/1
European Public Prosecutor's Office
(Luxembourg, 22 September 2026) – At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Rotterdam (the Netherlands), another suspect was arrested in connection with an investigation into criminal networks operating cross-border VAT fraud schemes linked to the sales of electronic devices, code-named ‘Escape Room’. Assets worth €3.5 million were also seized. This arrest follows the detention of eight suspects in Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland in October 2025. The suspect is believed to have been a member of the criminal organisations under investigation. He allegedly acted as a broker in the VAT carousel scheme, serving as an intermediary between companies in the chain and claiming VAT refunds to which he was not entitled from the tax administration.
HKMA
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press releases issued by the banks listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which have been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlinks to the press releases are available on the HKMA website.
| Bank | Type of Scam |
|---|---|
| The Bank of East Asia, Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
| Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
| Chong Hing Bank Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
| Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
| OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
Australia Federal Police
Police and law enforcement agencies across Australia and New Zealand have charged 1203 people with 3339 offences and seized significant quantities of illicit drugs, firearms and cash during a national week of action targeting drug trafficking and organised crime. The operation, conducted from 14-18 September, 2026, was coordinated by the Australia and New Zealand Illicit Drug Working Group (ANZIDWG). The week of action involved every Australian state and territory police agency, New Zealand police and customs, AFP, ABF, ACIC, AUSTRAC and Home Affairs.
