In the first of a 2-part video report, on 24 September, Al Jazeera asks how is it possible that North Korea, one of the poorest countries on earth, manages to finance a nuclear weapons programme? The answer, it says, is through Bureau 39, a secretive organisation hidden deep inside the government apparatus. Its aim is to procure foreign exchange, by any means possible, to fund Kim Jong Un’s regime. From printing counterfeit dollars and profiting from slave labour sent overseas, to illegally selling arms, committing insurance fraud and widespread computer hacking, the inventiveness of North Korea’s sanction-busters knows no bounds.
I had left off this link (as it did not seem to generate much interest!), but it seemed time to add it again and say that, if you would like to make a (polite) gesture and help me with my removal and computer costs, I have a page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y
Panama Covid-19 update – the shopping malls and restaurants (and a lot more shops, as well as the old city) opened up today and traffic and people around on the streets seemed noticeably increased.
Meanwhile, we still had another 722 new cases added (on Day 204 of the crisis), and 21,234 currently active cases – of which, 110 are in ICU and 690 in other hospital wards, plus another 378 in requisitioned hotel rooms. There were another 8 fatalities reported, taking the total after 204 days to 2,348, which works out to an average of 11.5 per day.
28 September 2020
UK LAW COMMISSION PROPOSES CHANGES TO CONFISCATION REGIME
On 23 September, an article from Ropes & Gray reported that the Law Commission, which reviews and recommends changes to the law in the UK, has acknowledged that the system for recovering the proceeds of criminal activities from individuals and companies is ineffective and requires reform. It says that a 700-page consultation paper seeks responses to its recommendations by 18 December.
TRADING ON WTO TERMS – WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY MEAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
On 24 September, DLA Piper published an article which explains that trading on WTO terms is underpinned by 2 key principles of non-discrimination, and seeks to answer the question: what does the import and export of goods between the UK and EU (and vice versa) look like under WTO terms?
WEALTHY BRITONS STEP UP CITIZENSHIP SHOPPING TO THWART BREXIT
On 24 September, Reuters reported that the number of British entrepreneurs looking to “buy” citizenship from countries offering visa-free access to the EU has risen sharply as prospects of a post-Brexit trade deal lessen.
‘BOWLER HAT ENGLISHMAN’: HUNT FOR ALLEGED MASTERMIND OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST TAX EVASION SCHEME
On 28 September, The Age reported on an Interpol Red Notice for Philip Egglishaw, 67. It is said that Egglishaw, whose arrest for tax evasion and money laundering has been sought by Australia since 2008, has repeatedly slipped through the net and , despite pleading guilty to tax evasion offences in a Californian court last month, he negotiated a fine and once again is free to split his time between his Swiss home and his estate on the French Riviera.
On 23 September, PAX for Peace, a Dutch organisation, published a report called “Violent Skies” which says that the rapidly growing use of deadly drones is profoundly shaping state and armed groups’ capacities to wage war and it could have significant regional security implications. At least 40 different drones from 12 different countries have been deployed in conflicts. It is said that the report demonstrates how all actors involved have quickly learned how to make use of drones in all shapes and sizes in their military operations. Remote lethal force with armed drones is being used in conflicts all over the world, spurred by burgeoning drone industries and States seeking to expand their geo-political and military influence with drone sales and support operations. On the export control front, the report says that, while military drone use is growing, robust action by States to develop clear standards and norms on the export and use of armed drones is lacking. Instead, States seek to undermine existing arms export control agreements in order to sell more drones, fearing competition. Drones and drone-related technology are imported from all over the world and assembled locally, blurring the distinction between military and civilian drone technology.
On 28 September, the European Commission launched a new Customs Union Action Plan setting out a series of measures to make EU customs smarter, more innovative and more efficient over the next 4 years. It includes a number of initiatives in areas such as risk management, managing e-commerce, the promotion of compliance and customs authorities acting as one.
CONGOLESE SECURITY FORCES THWART REBEL ATTEMPT TO SEIZE MINING HUB
On 28 September, Defence Web reported that pro-independence rebels tried to seize strategic buildings in the Congolese mining hub of Lubumbashi, beheading 2 policemen and killing a soldier before security forces repelled the incursion. The second-largest city in the DRC is the capital of the mineral-rich south-eastern province of Haut-Katanga, where mining companies such as Ivanhoe and MMG Ltd have concessions.
RUSSIAN-IRISH BUSINESS COUNCIL LAUNCHES INQUIRY INTO RUSSIAN BUSINESMAN
EU Reporter on 28 September reported that the Council has launched a broad inquiry into alleged illegal activities of Russian businessman Mr Sergey Govyadin and his close associate Mr Ildar Samiyev. It alleges that both were “obviously involved in money laundering and other illegal purposes” via the UK legal system and the UK offices of HSBC.
On 28 September, Finance Magnates reported that the SEC has settled fraud and securities violations charges against SoluTech, a now-defunct blockchain project. The project’s co-founder and chief executive officer, Nathan Pitruzzello, received a cease-and-desist order for selling unregistered securities and was also fined $25,000.
On 28 September, International Adviser reported that police chiefs are reportedly looking for an external company to run the UK’s national fraud and cyber-crime reporting centre, Action Fraud, and are drawing up a contract worth £40m–£60m over 5 years. Currently, Action Fraud is run by the City of London Police and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.
LIBYA: FORMER GENERAL DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION PROJECTS AT STATE ELECTRICITY COMPANY (GECOL), ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF CORRUPTION IN THE COMPANY
On 28 September, the Libya Observer reported that the Law Enforcement Department of the Interior Ministry had arrested the former General Director of Production Projects at the state’s electricity company (GECOL), currently a member of the Board of Directors, on charges of corruption in the company.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime developed this Toolkit to assist countries in addressing the challenges represented by synthetic illegal drugs. Various videos and modules include information about the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and its work to educate its member countries on the optimal methods of ensuring a safe and secure supply chain; and information about drug precursors and the international precursors control system, as well as the 2 key elements critical to prevent chemicals from reaching clandestine laboratories for the illicit manufacture of drugs – monitoring of legitimate international trade, and investigations into suspicious shipments, attempted diversions and seizures of precursors.
SPAIN: CUSTOMS SEIZE MORE THAN A MILLION CONTRABAND FACE MASKS AT ALMERIA PORT
On 27 September, Euro Weekly reported that officers discovered the boxes of KN95 masks stashed at the bottom of 4 articulated semi-trailers about to go onto a ferry bound for Oran in Algeria. The authorities also found 1,600 mobile phones, phone accessories and items of clothing which were not reflected in the presented documentation.
UK: HIGH COURT DISTINGUISHES APPROACH TO COSTS FOR FREEZING ORDERS
On 28 September, Eversheds Sutherland published an article saying that the High Court in London has ordered interim payment on account in respect of costs of a freezing order application, distinguishing it from other interim orders, with the decision due to the different tests for merits as between freezing orders and interim injunctions.
ISLE OF MAN: ISLAND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS LIMITED (IFSL) CIVIL PENALTY
On 28 September, the Isle of Man FSA issued a news release advising that IFSL has received a discretionary civil penalty of of £89,994, discounted by 30% to £62,996, due to cooperation received, for a number of regulatory failings in relation to its provision of financial advice to its customers.
ISLE OF MAN: INSURANCE ADMINISTRATOR AT A GENERAL INSURANCE PROVIDER BANNED AFTER ADMITTING THEFT OF £213,000
On 28 September, a Public Statement from the Isle of Man FSA was concerned with the admission that the man of systematic theft of monies from his employer by way of falsifying invoice payments, thereby directing funds to bank accounts under his personal control. In total some £213,000 was taken over an extended period of time. As a result he has been banned from any regulated function until such time as the prohibition is revoked.
SOME 3,500 U.S. COMPANIES SUE OVER TRUMP-IMPOSED CHINESE TARIFFS
On 28 September, Hellenic Shipping News reported that about 3,500 U.S. companies, including Tesla Inc, Ford Motor Co, Target Corp , Walgreen Co and Home Depot have sued the Trump administration over the imposition of tariffs on more than $300 billion in Chinese-made goods. The legal challenges argue the Trump administration failed to impose tariffs within a required 12-month period and did not comply with administrative procedures.
CONDEMNATION OF UK DIPLOMATS AND MILITARY FOR ACTING AS ‘CHEERLEADERS’ FOR ARMS SALES TO KAZAKHSTAN
On 28 September, a release on Ekklesia reported that campaigners have condemned UK diplomats and armed forces representatives for acting as ‘cheerleaders’ for arms sales to the regime in Kazakhstan. This was as tweets highlighted the role of the UK Embassy in hosting meetings between the RAF, the Kazakstan MoD and Airbus to promote the sale of military aircraft.
5G DEPLOYMENT, TRADE SANCTIONS AND EXPORT CONTROLS
On 22 September, TRACE uploaded a webinar on You Tube in which experts discuss the impact of trade sanctions and export controls, CFIUS reporting, FCC restrictions, and more on 5G development and deployment.
A REVIEW OF THE RESOURCE GUIDE TO THE US FCPA, SECOND EDITION
On 22 September, TRACE uploaded a webinar on You Tube from 13 August which considers updates driven by recent changes to case law as well as DoJ and SEC policies including the definition of the term “foreign official,” the jurisdictional reach of the FCPA, the DoJ FCPA Corporate Enforcement and Anti-Piling On policies, the Criminal Division’s Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs and more.
CFTC AND 30 US STATES BRING PRECIOUS METALS FRAUD ACTION
On 25 September, Cadwalader Cabinet published an article saying that the CFTC and 30 US states had jointly filed a civil enforcement action for fraud against a precious metals firm and its principals. The CFTC noted that this action is the “largest joint filing in CFTC history with state regulators”. The filing alleges that the defendants received over $185 million in customer funds, the majority in retirement savings, supposedly for the purpose of buying precious metals. The defendants allegedly deceived elderly persons with minimal experience in precious metals into purchasing the bullion at substantially inflated prices. The Complaint stated that nearly all of the defendants’ customers lost the majority of the money they had invested.
TRANSNATIONAL WHITE SUPREMACIST MILITANCY THRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA
On 20 September, Homeland Security Today carried an article about a report from the EU Council on Foreign Relations on 17 September that domestic South African white supremacist movements both inform white supremacist movements elsewhere, and at the same time are influenced by global trends on the extreme right.
UKRAINE IS EMERGING AS CRITICAL NODE FOR WHITE-SUPREMACY EXTREMISTS
On 24 September, an article in Russia Matters from the Belfer Center sets out to rebut claims in a previous article that the phenomenon of foreigners traveling to join the conflict in eastern Ukraine has died down since late 2014, largely due to Ukraine’s process of disbanding paramilitary groups and integrating them into the country’s official security forces. Instead, it argues, research finds that foreigners are still networking, training and fighting on both sides of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, cultivating skills and connections that strengthen the transnational white-supremacy extremist networks of today.
SEC MAKES THE HUNDREDTH WHISTLEBLOWER AWARD UNDER PROGRAMME
On 28 September, a release on Mondo Visione advised that the SEC has announced an award of over $1.8 million to a company outsider, who expeditiously reported significant information to the SEC about ongoing securities law violations.
CFTC CHARGES AGAINST MAN AND HIS EMPLOYER FOR SPOOFING
On 28 September, a release on Mondo Visione advised that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has issued 2 orders filing and settling charges against Thomas Donino and his employer, FNY Partners Fund LP, for spoofing—bidding or offering with the intent to cancel the bid or offer before execution. This case was brought in connection with the Division of Enforcement’s Spoofing Task Force. Donino is to pay a $135,000 civil monetary penalty. The order against FNY Partners Fund finds the firm vicariously liable for Donino’s spoofing, which Donino engaged in while a trader for FNY Partners Fund and requires it to pay a $450,000 civil monetary penalty.
OWNER OF BITCOIN EXCHANGE CONVICTED OF RACKETEERING CONSPIRACY FOR LAUNDERING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN INTERNATIONAL CYBER FRAUD SCHEME
A news release from the US DoJ on 28 September advised that Rossen Iossifov, 53, a Bulgarian national has been found guilty for his role in a transnational and multi-million dollar scheme to defraud American victims through online auction fraud. Iossifov and his co-conspirators participated in a criminal conspiracy that engaged in a large-scale scheme of online auction fraud that victimised at least 900 Americans. Specifically, Romania-based members of the conspiracy posted false advertisements to popular online auction and sales websites — such as Craigslist and eBay — for high-cost goods (typically vehicles) that did not actually exist. 17 total defendants have been convicted in this case, but 3 others are fugitives.
BUSINESSMAN KILLED IN MEXICO WAS A GULF CARTEL MONEY LAUNDERER – SEEMINGLY KILLED FOR MISMANAGING CARTEL MONEY
On 28 September, Courthouse News reported that police sources confirmed over the weekend that Adrián Elizondo Reyna, 27, a businessman killed in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, was a Gulf Cartel money launderer. Nuevo Leon state authorities are investigating if the man was killed by members of his own cartel after mismanaging their money laundering fronts.
FRANCE PROBES BANKING GIANT BNP PARIBAS FOR ALLEGED COMPLICITY IN SUDAN CRIMES
On 24 September, France 24 reported that French prosecutors have opened an inquiry into banking giant BNP Paribas over claims of complicity in crimes against humanity, genocide and torture in Sudan.
I had left off this link (as it did not seem to generate much interest!), but it seemed time to add it again and say that, if you would like to make a (polite) gesture and help me with my removal and computer costs, I have a page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y
How a lawyer and an ex-Miami cop became cogs in massive alleged Ponzi scheme
On 28 September, KYC 360 reported a Miami Herald story about their links to OneCoin, an allegedly fraudulent cryptocurrency firm tied to a Bulgarian, Ruja Ignatova, who has been branded with the intriguing nickname “Queen of Cryptocurrency”. It is described as an investment scheme as worth $4 billion, $400 million of which was allegedly laundered by the 2 South Florida men.
Diacks’ $55 million of suspicious bank transfers linked to Tokyo Olympic bid
On 25 September, the Guardian reported that more than $55 million was transferred in and out of suspicious bank accounts linked to Lamine Diack, the disgraced former head of global athletics, and his son, Papa Massata. The Diacks have been jailed for their part in the Russian doping scandal. However, they are also being investigated by French prosecutors, who believe that the Tokyo Olympics was secured by millions of dollars in bribes laundered through the international banking system.
Canadian New Brunswick and Alberta companies received millions in suspicious transfers
On 26 September, CBC reported on a case illustrating how Canadian corporations have become caught in a story that involves allegations of insurance fraud and illegal fishing and a complex corporate trail that extends all the way from Russia to Alberta and New Brunswick, 2 Canadian provinces with little corporate transparency.
Leaks highlight the UK’s outdated corporate liability regime
Transparency International said that it is virtually impossible to prosecute complex multinationals for breaking AML laws in the UK. This is because prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the ‘directing mind and will’ of the company – which for big corporates typically means senior executives and board members – both knew about and intended for a crime to occur.
I had left off this link (as it did not seem to generate much interest!), but it seemed time to add it again and say that, if you would like to make a (polite) gesture and help me with my removal and computer costs, I have a page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y
On 28 September, a report from the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism in The Hague sets out to present the key functions of SALW used by terrorist organisations as well as a synthesis of the main trends observed across the different regions in terms of acquisition, trafficking and use of SALW as a source of finance by terrorist organisations. Key topics analysed include sources and acquisition of SALW by terrorist organisations, terrorist involvement in SALW trafficking, the synergy between arms trafficking and other forms of trafficking, and the vulnerability of fragile environments. This was the last of 5 reports by ICCT, 3 of which covered the topic in a regional context (West Africa and Horn of Africa, Middle East and North Africa, and South and South-East Asia), with the other providing a historic overview of small arms and light weapons (SALW) trafficking, smuggling, and use for criminality by terrorists and insurgents. It concludes that, despite some instances of direct involvement in SALW trafficking, the use of SALW as a source of terrorist funding seems to be predominantly indirect
I had left off this link (as it did not seem to generate much interest!), but it seemed time to add it again and say that, if you would like to make a (polite) gesture and help me with my removal and computer costs, I have a page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y
I had left off this link (as it did not seem to generate much interest!), but it seemed time to add it again and say that, if you would like to make a (polite) gesture and help me with my removal and computer costs, I have a page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y
On 27 September, Al Jazeera reported that Sri Lanka has shipped back to Britain 21 containers – holding up to 260 tonnes of rubbish – that the government said was brought to the island in violation of international laws governing the shipping of hazardous material. It had arrived between September 2017 and March 2018 and contents were supposed to comprise used mattresses, carpeting and rugs, but had also contained hospital waste.
I had left off this link (as it did not seem to generate much interest!), but it seemed time to add it again and say that, if you would like to make a (polite) gesture and help me with my removal and computer costs, I have a page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y
On 24 September, MacFarlanes published an blog post saying that the SFO had announced that it had used its first listed asset order to seize £500,000 of jewellery, including necklaces, Rolex watches and rings, from a fraudster who fled the UK. The order was granted with the consent of the individual’s former partner. It says that this use of the order is another interesting example of the SFO utilising a wider range of more recently introduced powers. They were introduced under the Criminal Finances Act 2017 and were incorporated into the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) and a relevant officer may seize a “listed asset” if they have reasonable grounds for suspecting that it is recoverable property (meaning property that has been obtained through unlawful conduct) or intended by any person for use in unlawful conduct.
I had left off this link (as it did not seem to generate much interest!), but it seemed time to add it again and say that, if you would like to make a (polite) gesture and help me with my removal and computer costs, I have a page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y
Panama Covid-19 update – waiting with bated breath for the reopening of malls and restaurants (face-to-face operations) tomorrow, with strict health protocols.
Meanwhile, 447 new cases, with a total of 21,000 remaining active. Still a high number of fatalities, at 17, takes the total to date to 2,340. 108 patients remain in ICU and 699 in other wards.
27 September 2020
WHY FOREIGN COUNTRIES (INCLUDING INDIA) ARE JOSTLING TO SET UP MILITARY BASES IN AFRICA
On 26 September, Scroll in India carried an article on the renewed attention to the reality of widespread foreign security operations in Africa – saying that a host of bilateral agreements between African Union member states and foreign powers underlie the spread of foreign military forces across the continent. At least 13 foreign powers have a substantial military presence on the continent. The US and France are at the forefront of conducting operations on African soil. China established its first base in Djibouti in 2017, and there are also US, French, Italian, Spanish, German and Japanese bases in the region. India has established a network of military facilities across the Indian Ocean to counter China’s rising military footprint in the region. Turkey is in Somalia and UAE in Eritrea since 2015.
AUSTRALIA: STAKES HIGH AS INQUIRY DECIDES WHETHER CROWN RESORTS IS FIT TO HOLD A CASINO LICENCE AFTER MONEY LAUNDERING ALLEGATIONS
On 26 September, the Guardian reported on the situation in Australia, where the New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority is holding an inquiry into the suitability of Crown Resorts to hold the high-roller casino licence in Sydney. There have been allegations of money laundering through cash accounts operated by Crown, bags of cash being deposited in the high-roller room, and organised crime links within Crown’s junket partners that recruit high rollers.
BRAZIL: POLITICIAN SHOT AFTER DOING BROADCAST DENOUNCING CORRUPTION
On 26 September, Telesur reported that Cassio Remis, the candidate for the Brazilian city of Patrocinio’s council, in Minas Gerais State, was shot dead after doing a live broadcast to denounce a corruption case. He was allegedly shot by the Public Works’ municipal-secretary Jorge Marra, while the politician was denouncing irregularities in a public work’s construction.
NETHERLANDS: MAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF €1.5 MILLION AND 82 KG OF COCAINE
On 27 September, NL Times reported that police in Breda arrested a 28-year-old man after officers discovered €1.5 million of cash and 82 kg of cocaine hidden in a secret compartment in his car. The drugs have a street value of up to €5 million.
CHINA SEEKS TO STEM $146 BILLION ANNUAL OUTFLOW TO FOREIGN GAMBLING OPERATORS
On 27 September, Gambling News reported that an official at the ministry argued that this outflow posed a threat to national security. The key destinations where capital was flowing to included Myanmar, the Philippines and other Asia-Pacific jurisdictions. Chinese authorities have been aggressive in clamping down on illegal gambling at home but also abroad.
CHINA: FORMER CITIC BANK EXEC SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS’ JAIL FOR BRIBERY
On 27 September, Regulation Asia reported that a former vice president of state-owned China Citic Bank has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes after issuing loans. Chen Xuying, 47, was appointed vice-president in 2017. She headed up the Citic Bank’s Shenzhen branch from 2012 to 2018.
GUYANA’S CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER OUT ON BAIL AFTER BEING ARRESTED AS INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUED INTO ALLEGED ELECTORAL FRAUD CONTINUE
On 27 September, the Jamaica Gleaner reported that Guyana’s chief elections officer, Keith Lowenfield, is out on station bail, after being arrested and questioned by police as investigations continued into alleged electoral fraud in the March general and regional elections.
OHIO MAN POSED AS BLACK LIVES MATTER ACTIVIST AND STOLE DONATIONS
On 27 September, the International Business Times and others reported that Black Lives Matter activist Sir Maejor Page has been charged in the US with 2 counts of money laundering and 1 count of wire fraud. Page, who was previously known as Tyree Conyers-Page, created a social media page posing as a Black Lives Matter organisation and used the donations for his personal use.
I had left off this link (as it did not seem to generate much interest!), but it seemed time to add it again and say that, if you would like to make a (polite) gesture and help me with my removal and computer costs, I have a page at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y
raytodd.blog 