THE COMING TSUNAMI OF ILLICIT ANTIQUITIES FROM AFGHANISTAN

On 24 August, an article from Ink Stick Media reported that one should expect a flood of illicit Afghan antiquities to reach diverse global markets soon.  It points out that a documentary recorded a similar supply chain of antiquities from Taliban-controlled territory in Afghanistan to the high-end antique stores of Brussels. It says that the archaeological treasures of numerous epochs can now be monetised by the Taliban who will be in desperate need of funds to keep themselves funded and their newly seized military equipment in shape as seized helicopters, planes, and Humvees need spare parts and often expensive repairs.  It warns that a flood of Greek, Bactrian, Kushan, and Gandharan pottery, coins, jewellery, sculptures, and bas reliefs will soon appear.

https://inkstickmedia.com/the-coming-tsunami-of-illicit-antiquities-from-afghanistan/

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US: 4 CHARGED IN ALLEGED $150 MILLION PAYMENT PROCESSING SCHEME INVOLVING PROHIBITED AND HIGH-RISK BUSINESSES

A news release from US DoJ on 26 August advised that 4 individuals have been charged with conspiring to deceive banks into allegedly processing more than $150 million in credit and debit card payments on behalf of merchants involved in prohibited and high-risk businesses, including online gaming, debt collection, debt relief, online pharmaceuticals and payday lending, among others.  The individuals were officers of Allied Wallet Inc and Priority Payout.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/four-charged-alleged-150-million-payment-processing-scheme

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OFAC: SETTLEMENT WITH BANK OF CHINA (UK) LTD OVER SUDAN SANCTIONS

On 26 August, OFAC announced that it entered into a settlement under which the Bank of China (UK) agreed to remit $2,329,991 to settle its potential civil liability for processing transactions in apparent violation of OFAC’s now-repealed Sudan sanctions programme, a programme which has subsequently been repealed.  The Bank is said to have handled 111 commercial transactions totalling $40,599,184 through the US financial system on behalf of parties in Sudan.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210826

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USTREAS/bulletins/2ee843c

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/20210826_bankofchina_uk.pdf

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