Hello, and welcome to episode 156 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I’m Chris Kirkbride. In this week’s episode, we explore major developments in financial crime and global enforcement. The European Union is advancing its 17th sanctions package against Russia, coordinating with the US amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, while OFAC targets cyber scam operators and tightens sanctions on Iranian oil importers. The UK has amended export controls, reinforced financial penalties, and sanctioned Russia’s shadow fleet as part of broader efforts to uphold financial sanctions. Meanwhile, an international anti-money laundering operation spanning France, Ukraine, and Monaco has uncovered a vast criminal network linked to illicit arms deals, and Jersey consults on expanded beneficial ownership transparency. On fraud, the UK-Nigeria partnership aims to combat rising financial crime, while the FCA gathers input on cryptoasset regulation to refine oversight. Finally, cybercrime remains a growing challenge, with the UK responding to retail cyberattacks, Europol disrupting DDoS-for-hire networks, and evolving AI-driven financial fraud.

A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available by Monday at www.crimes.financial.