Day: February 15, 2022
OTHER THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED – FEBRUARY 15
Panama Covid-19 update – once more numbers are falling, with active cases down over 1,200 to 17,596; with 1,714 new cases reported and 6 new fatalities. The results from testing also continues to show a downward trend, now at 13.3% positive hit rate. There are now 58 patients in ICU and 329 in other wards.
15 FEBRUARY 2022
THAILAND: NEW BORDER MEASURE AGAINST COUNTERFEITS AND PIRATED GOODS
On 27 January, an article from LawPlus Ltd was concerned with the Notification of the Ministry of Commerce on Counterfeits and Pirated Goods Prohibited from Export, Import and Transit to and from Thailand. It will become effective after it is signed by the Minister of Commerce and published in the Government Gazette for 90 days.
https://www.lawplusltd.com/2022/01/new-border-measure-against-counterfeits-and-pirated-goods/
FIGHTING ECONOMIC CRIME IN THE UK: AN OVERVIEW
On 14 February, MacFarlanes LLP published a short post mentioning the highlights of a House of Commons Library briefing paper which considers the scale of economic crime; government action; and current issues.
https://blog.macfarlanes.com/post/102hinp/fighting-economic-crime-in-the-uk-an-overview
US: IMPLEMENTATION OF A VISA RESTRICTION POLICY RE SOMALIA
On 15 February, the EU Sanctions blog reported US action in response to concerns about Somalia’s electoral process. It targets current or former Somali officials (and others) said to be responsible for/complicit in undermining the democratic process in Somalia, including through violence against protestors, unjust arrests or intimidation of journalists and opposition members, and manipulation of the electoral process.
MALTA: FATF ACTION PLAN SAID TO BE COMPLETED
On 14 February, Lovin Malta reported that the Prime Minister has said that Malta has completed its action plan to get off the FATF grey list, which it has been on since June 2020.
1MDB SCANDAL: US PROSECUTORS ALLEGE EX-GOLDMAN BANKER MADE MILLIONS
On 15 February, the BBC carried an article about the trial of Roger Ng, who was Goldmans’ head of investment banking in Malaysia, and who is charged with conspiring to launder money and violate anti-bribery law. The trial is in New York.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60384200
MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE: INFORMATION FOR COMPETENT AUTHORITIES ABOUT OBTAINING EVIDENCE WITHIN THE UK (OR ABROAD) TO ASSIST IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OR PROCEEDINGS
On 15 February, the Home Office published updated guidance. Requests are made by a formal international Letter of Request (LOR). In civil law jurisdictions these are also referred to as ‘Commission Rogatoire’. This assistance is usually requested by courts or prosecutors and is also referred to as ‘judicial cooperation’.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mutual-legal-assistance-mla-requests
UK: DIGITAL SERVICES TAX
On 15 February, the House of Commons Library published a briefing paper which discusses the context for proposed reforms to the international tax system, before examining the introduction of the UK’s DST and the historical development of the OECD ‘Two-Pillar’ solution. The first section provides an overview of this long series of events.
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-8719/CBP-8719.pdf
HOW THE UK SHOULD RESPOND TO THE BOSNIA CRISIS
On 15 February, a Commentary from RUSI says that, with efforts by Bosnian Serb separatists to trigger a secession gathering pace, the UK has several options to help maintain peace in the country. It sets out 5 steps the UK could take.
https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/how-uk-should-respond-bosnia-crisis
THE PLOT TO DESTROY UKRAINE
On 15 February, a Special Report from RUSI seeks to outline what Russia is trying to achieve in Ukraine, and how it is operationalising that intent through the synchronised application of state power. It says that the real threat to the country is viewed as multifaceted and enduring. Ukrainians must not only deter military aggression, but survive the political, social, and economic war that Russia is waging against their country.
https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/special-resources/plot-destroy-ukraine
SPAIN: A TOTAL OF 5 SUSPECTED MEMBERS OF THE SO-CALLED ISLAMIC STATE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED
On 14 February, Europol reported that these arrests have taken place in the framework of 2 separate anti-terrorist investigations looking into the activities of Islamist militant cells operating on Spanish soil.
THE IMPLICATIONS ON INTERNATIONAL AVIATION LAW AFTER THE BELARUSIAN INTERCEPTION OF AN AIRCRAFT IN 2021
On 13 February, an article in Jurist follows the issue of warrants in the US warrants for the arrest of several Belarusian officials for “aircraft piracy”. It says that the hijacking of the Ryanair flight in May 2021 left many concerned about the safety of international aviation and the adequacy of its protection under international aviation law. The success of the criminal action being brought depends on the Hague Hijacking Convention.
FBI: AMERICANS LOST $1 BILLION TO ROMANCE SCAMS IN 2021
On 14 February, OCCRP reported that perpetrators mainly target women over 40 who are widowed, divorced, elderly or disabled.
https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15953-fbi-americans-lost-1-billion-to-romance-scams-in-2021
Meanwhile, in Canada –
Canadian Securities Administrators’ (CSA) warning the public about fraudsters using social media, messaging apps and online dating sites to lure Canadians into relationships that lead to investment scams
US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION FINDS CHINESE TIMBER PRODUCTS FRAUDULENTLY SOLD IN US AS “MADE IN VIETNAM” IN ORDER TO EVADE TARIFFS
On 14 February, Forest Trends reported on a determination against the BGI Group (aka the US Cabinet Depot). CBP ruled that BGI fraudulently evaded anti-dumping and countervailing duties on wooden cabinets and vanities imported from Vietnam. It was found that the majority of value of the cabinets were made in China, although recognised that some components were added in Vietnam. Looking at the larger picture, while not providing anything approaching evidence or ‘proof’, timber trade data analysed by Forest Trends would also seem to support the allegations that Chinese timber products have been accessing the US market via Vietnam, possibly illegally.
PHILIPPINES: 5 SHIPMENTS OF BLACK ANTS SEIZED
On 15 February, the Manila Times reported that 5 shipments containing black ants were seized at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by the Bureau of Customs. Importation and exportation of non-native black ants are strictly prohibited in view of the danger it poses not only to human health but also to the environment.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/02/15/news/5-shipments-of-black-ants-seized-at-naia/1833026
FINANCIAL CRIME REFORM IN THE UK: DISAPPOINTMENT, DEBATE AND DELAY
On 15 February, an article from Eversheds Sutherland reviewed the long series of delays in implementing much-vaunted economic crime reforms in the UK, including those addressed in the House of Commons Treasury Committee’s recently-issued Economic Crime Report. It considers the criticisms of indifference levelled at the UK Government in failing to prioritise these reforms; the consequence of which, many say, has enabled cases of money laundering and fraud to continue rising, largely undeterred, over the last 5 years.
SOUTH KOREA JAILS 7 MASTERMINDS OF COUNTRY’S ‘LARGEST CRYPTO FRAUD SCHEME’
On 13 February, Bitcoin.com reported that 7 executives of the collapsed South Korean scam cryptocurrency exchange, V Global, were recently handed lengthy jail sentences as punishment for their role in running one of the country’s biggest crypto frauds.
NETHERLANDS: RABOBANK ALLOCATES EXTRA MONEY TO IMPROVE AML POLICY
On 13 February, the NL Times reported that Rabobank is allocating an additional €249 million to improve its AML policy, in an effort to comply with instructions from De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). According to the central bank, the money is needed to eliminate backlogs in customer surveys and monitoring transactions.
https://nltimes.nl/2022/02/13/rabobank-allocates-extra-money-improve-anti-money-laundering-policy
THE CAYMAN ISLANDS AND AML – A TALE OF HIGHS AND LOWS
On 14 February, an article from RiskScreen sets out to trace the Cayman Islands’ journey as it tries to improve its AML regime and bring it in line with global standards. It starts with the BCCI scandal in 1991. The Islands were grey listed by FATF in 2021, and in January 2022, the EU announced it would be adding the Cayman Islands to its list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering.
https://riskscreen.com/blog/the-cayman-islands-and-aml-a-tale-of-highs-and-lows/
UK AND SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT AGREE DEAL ON FREEPORTS IN SCOTLAND
On 14 February, the Guardian reported that a deal had been reached a deal over proposed freeports in Scotland, after months of disagreement over what the UK Government has billed as one of the main economic benefits of Brexit. The plan proposed 2 “green” freeports, which can be rail or air hubs as well as seaports. They can apply alongside other local businesses, as well as the council and other public bodies.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/feb/14/scottish-freeports-deal-splits-snp-and-greens
US HALTS AVOCADO IMPORTS FROM MEXICO AFTER THREAT TO AMERICAN INSPECTOR
On 14 February, the Guardian reported that threats to an American agricultural inspector in the Mexican state of Michoacán caused the US to suspend imports of avocados from its neighbour, officials said, disrupting a $2.4 billion industry during one of its busiest times of the year.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/14/us-avocado-imports-mexico-threats
CHINESE MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX SANCTIONS REGULATIONS; AMENDMENT OF THE WMD PROLIFERATORS SANCTIONS REGULATIONS
On 15 February, OFAC announced that it had issued regulations related to the Chinese military-industrial complex and Chinese surveillance technology, and that they will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register on 16 February. OFAC intends to supplement these regulations with a more comprehensive set of regulations, which may include additional interpretive guidance and definitions, general licenses, and other regulatory provisions.
It also issued an amendment to its WMD regulations to revise an existing general license authorising the provision of certain legal services and add a general license authorising payments for legal services from funds originating outside the US. These amendments will also take effect on 16 February.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USTREAS/bulletins/30ab379
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20220215
https://www.compoundchem.com/2016/08/09/doping
CBD: IS THE UK REGULATORY SYSTEM WORKING?
On 15 February, an article from Field Fisher says that the use of CBD in food and drink in the UK is booming and the sector saw sales worth £690 million in 2021. In a recent episode of the Table Talk Podcast, host Stefan Gates was joined by Fieldfisher partner and co-head of Regulatory Sarah Ellson to discuss some of the issues around CBD.
https://www.fieldfisher.com/en/insights/cbd-is-the-regulatory-system-working
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/comparing-the-carbon-footprint-of-transportation-options/
PARROTS FOR SALE: THE INTERNET’S ROLE IN ILLICIT TRADE
On 5 February, the BBC published an article about an undercover BBC operation investigation the illegal parrot trade in the UK, and involving a man who had been openly advertising the sale of endangered birds and animals across social media.
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-60247540
THE WORLD AT WAR IN 2022
On 14 February, Statista published an article and links to an infographic showing that a substantial portion of the world is still engulfed in some form of conflict.
https://www.statista.com/chart/21652/countries-with-armed-clashes-reported
https://acleddata.com/dashboard/#/dashboard
UK GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS LAW COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS TO REFORM THE COMMUNICATIONS OFFENCES
On 7 February, the Law Commission advised that the reformed offences will refocus the criminal law on communications where the sender specifically intended to cause harm, and that pose a real and substantial risk of causing at least serious distress. Changes would be included in the Online Safety Bill. It will no longer be enough that the communication was “grossly offensive” regardless of whether harm was likely or intended. As a result, the law will better protect freedom of expression than the existing criminal law does, at the same time as ensuring that the criminal law is better able to address genuine and serious harm arising from communications.
MONEY LAUNDERING AND TERRORIST FINANCING (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2022
These Regulations make minor amendments to the 2017 Regulations concerning the UK’s register of express trusts. The main changes are made in order to extend the deadlines imposed on trustees for registering and updating information on the register, and also to amend the categories of trusts which are required to register.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2022/137/contents/made
IRELAND: CORK MAN SAID TO HAVE CONDUCTED ‘LARGEST AND LONGEST’ WELFARE FRAUD IN STATE HISTORY
On 15 February, the Carlow Nationalist reported that a man who fraudulently claimed the pensions of his dead parents for 33 years was caught out when his father became eligible for the centenary bounty cheque for reaching the age of 100, a court has heard.
ERICSSON REPORTS BACK ON IRAQ CORRUPTION SCANDAL
On 15 February, a news release from the company says that it has continued to receive detailed media inquiries from Swedish and international news outlets. Their interest pertains to information detailed in a 2019 internal investigation by the company, on conduct in Iraq. It says that it continues to invest significantly to understand these matters fully.
https://www.lightreading.com/ericsson-reports-back-on-iraq-corruption-scandal/d/d-id/775331
GLENCORE: SWISS TRADING GIANT SELLS STAKE IN RUSSIAN OIL FIRM AFTER EU SANCTIONS
On 15 February. Rferl reported that Switzerland-based mining and commodities trading giant Glencore has said it recently sold its stake in a Russian oil company after its founder was placed under sanctions by the EU. Russneft is a small Russian oil producer founded by Mikhail Gutseriyev, who was designated by the EU in June 2021 by the EU for his close ties to Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the authoritarian leader of Belarus.
https://www.rferl.org/a/glencore-russneft-gutseriyev-eu-sanctions/31705332.html
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CANADA: GOVERNMENT CRACK DOWN ON TRUCKER PROTEST FINANCING, FROM CROWDFUND RULES TO FREEZING BANK ACCOUNTS
On 14 February, CTV reported that the Canadian federal government has announced that crowdfunding platforms will now have to comply with Canada’s financial reporting rules, and is authorising banks to freeze accounts it suspects to be involved with the Freedom Convoy’s “illegal blockades”. Should sites like GoFundMe and GiveSendGo – the 2 platforms used by the convoy organisers to raise funds – wish to operate in Canada, they must immediately register with FINTRAC.
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ISO 37002 – AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO MANAGING WHISTLEBLOWING SYSTEMS?
On 15 February, an article from Field Fisher considers the guidelines regarding effective whistleblowing systems issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), looking at what they do well and areas which have potentially been overlooked.
https://www.iso.org/standard/65035.html
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US ASKS HONDURAS TO EXTRADITE FORMER PRESIDENT HERNÁNDEZ ON DRUG CHARGES
On 15 February, the Guardian reported that former President Juan Orlando Hernández has announced his intention to hand himself over to police after the US asked the government to arrest and extradite him. The Secretary of State this month said there were credible reports Hernandez “has engaged in significant corruption by committing or facilitating acts of corruption and narco-trafficking”.
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THE USE OF PRIVATE AIRCRAFT FOR NARCO-TRAFFICKING
On 14 February, an article from AML Right Source says that the use of private jets continues and has even expanded from the US and Latin America into Europe and West Africa. It refers to a US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in 2020 on the FAA, and which found that accurate registry information can assist investigators in combatting illegal activities including drug trafficking or the purchase of aircraft to be used in money laundering schemes. It goes on to say that that drugs trafficking into Europe has primarily been via maritime shipments to ports, but the use of private aircraft has also become an attractive smuggling method to both Europe and West Africa. It then suggests some of the points for consideration that may help in detecting the use of private aircraft for money laundering and narco-trafficking.
MINING GIANT GLENCORE WARNS CORRUPTION PROBES COULD COST IT $1.5 BILLION
On 15 February, This is Money reported that the Anglo-Swiss mining giant said that it was setting aside $1.5 billion in potential costs and fines arising from investigations into suspected fraud and bribery across multiple countries, which it expects to be finalised this year. Since 2018, the US DoJ has been investigating its dealings with Venezuela, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo; and Brazilian authorities have launched a probe into the firm as part of Operation Car Wash.
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PANAMA IN WORLD WAR 2 – CHAPTER 21 – DISEASE AND ILLNESS (updated)
OTHER THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED – FEBRUARY 14
Panama Covid-19 update – what are people to do, despite cancelling the annual carnival, the Government have still made the 3 days at the end of the month public holidays…
Meanwhile, numbers continue to fall, with 799 new cases and 9 new fatalities reported today; and the number of active cases showing another big drop, to now be 19,012. 60 patients remain in ICU and 382 in other wards, with another 102 people in the so-called hospital-hotel quarantine arrangements. Test results continue to show a reducing positive hit rate, the latest 5,755 shoiwng a rate don to 13.9% – getting back to near what it was at the turn of the year, before Omicron began to arrive.
14 FEBRUARY 2022
KIRIN BEER TO EXIT MYANMAR OVER HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS
On 14 February, Nikkei Asia reported that Japanese beverage company Kirin Holdings is set to exit its Myanmar operations after it concluded there is no hope of resolving a dispute with its military-backed partner a year after a military takeover.
CMA CGM TO STOP CARRYING PLASTIC WASTE CARGO
On 14 February, Seatrade Maritime News reported that the container line will no longer transport plastic waste on board its ships, and that it will prevent this type of waste from being exported to destinations where sorting, recycling or recovery cannot be assured.
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/environmental/cma-cgm-stop-carrying-plastic-waste-cargo
IRAQ: AUTHORITIES SEIZE 5 TONS OF SMUGGLED MEDICATIONS
On 14 February, the Iraqi News Agency reported that the Agency of Intelligence and Federal Investigation (AIFI) at the ministry of interior had carried out an operation resulted confiscating 5 tons of medicines and detaining 2 suspects.
CANADA: TORONTO CHARITY STAFF WANT ‘JUSTICE’ AFTER FORMER BOSS ALLEGEDLY MISAPPROPRIATED $365,000
On 14 February, CBC reported that François Yabit, the former executive director of a Toronto charity, is wanted by police in connection to allegations he misappropriated as much as $365,000 in public funds and donations. The charity NNS runs a refugee sponsorship program that holds millions of dollars in trust from family sponsors, as well as providing settlement services for newcomers and support for seniors in the community.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-charity-staff-under-investigation-1.6346655
HMRC MAKES FIRST NFT SEIZURE IN VAT FRAUD CASE
On 14 February, Coin Telegraph reported that HMRC has seized 3 NFT associated with a suspected tax evasion fraud. HMRC obtained a court order to confiscate 5,000 pounds ($6,765) worth of digital assets along with 3 NFT from the suspects.
https://cointelegraph.com/news/uk-tax-authority-makes-first-nft-seizure-in-vat-fraud-case
UK POST OFFICE SCANDAL: PUBLIC INQUIRY TO EXAMINE WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS
On 14 February, the BBC reported that wrongful convictions of hundreds of sub-postmasters and mistresses will be examined by a public inquiry starting on 14 February. Between 2000 and 2014, in the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British legal history, more than 700 sub-postmasters were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting due to a flaw in a computer system Horizon; and a total of 72 former sub-postmasters have had their names cleared so far.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-60369875
REVISION OF THE EUROVIGNETTE DIRECTIVE
On 14 February, the EU Parliament Research Service produced a briefing paper on changes to Directive 1999/62/EC on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (known as the Eurovignette Directive). Vignettes for heavy goods vehicles will have to be phased out across the core trans-European transport network from 2030 and replaced by distance-based charges (tolls).
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2017/614625/EPRS_BRI(2017)614625_EN.pdf
TOWARDS DEFORESTATION-FREE COMMODITIES AND PRODUCTS IN THE EU
On 14 February, the EU Parliament Research Service produced a briefing paper about a proposal aimed at curbing deforestation and forest degradation driven by the expansion of agricultural land used to produce specific commodities, namely cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soya and wood. To facilitate due diligence and control, a benchmarking system would identify countries as presenting a low, standard or high risk of producing non-compliant commodities or products. Obligations for operators and national authorities would vary according to the level of risk assigned to the country of production.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2022/698925/EPRS_BRI(2022)698925_EN.pdf
IDENTIFYING SANCTIONS AND EXPORT CONTROLS RED FLAGS IN TRADE FLOWS
On 14 February, Dentons produced what it described as a short practical guideline on how to identify and manage Red Flags in relation to sanctions and export controls. It is based on Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/1318 of 30 July 2019 on internal compliance programmes for dual-use trade controls under Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009.
GUINEA-BISSAU’S MYSTERY DEEPENS OVER DRUG-TRAFFICKING COUP PLOT
On 13 February, the BBC published a follow-up article on the situation in the country after the recent attempted coup, saying that some are doubting the official version of events. It says that the possibility that narcotics had something to do with the attack rests on Guinea-Bissau’s reputation that it has become a transit point for drugs coming from Latin America on their way to Europe.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-60349039
SHIPPING: WARNING OF PROBLEMS BECAUSE E-CERTIFICATES CANNOT BE VERIFIED
On 12 February, Insurance Marine News reported a warning that ships were continuing to experience instances of port state control (PSC) interventions, and sometimes hefty fines, allegedly because the validity of the vessels’ electronic statutory and class certificates could not be verified during onboard inspections. It noted that the practice of issuing signed paper certificates to document compliance with maritime rules and regulations might be nearing its end, and most major flag administrations and classification societies now facilitate the use of electronic certificates – helped through several IMO documents. However, some authorities only accept documents when said they contain a QR code, bar code, or UTR that allows the attending inspector to check their validity and authenticity on a website.
FinCEN RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM (RRP) FOR VICTIMS AND THEIR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO RECOVER FUNDS STOLEN AS THE RESULT OF CERTAIN CYBER-ENABLED FINANCIAL CRIME SCHEMES, INCLUDING BEC
A news release from FinCEN on 14 February explained the role of RRP, saying that RRP is a partnership between FinCEN; US law enforcement (including the FBI, the Secret Service (USSS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)); and, foreign partner agencies that, like FinCEN, are the FIU of their respective jurisdictions. The RRP has been used to confront cyber threats involving approximately 70 foreign jurisdictions to date, and has the capacity to reach more than 160 foreign jurisdictions through FIU-to-FIU channels. Through these collaborative efforts, FinCEN has successfully assisted in the recovery of over $1.1 billion.
https://www.fincen.gov/sites/default/files/shared/RRP%20Fact%20Sheet%20Notice%20FINAL%20508.pdf
RESCUING AID IN SYRIA
On 14 February, CSIS published a new report saying that, more than 10 years into the Syrian conflict, the majority of Syria’s population is displaced and lacks adequate food. While Western donor governments have contributed nearly $2.5 billion a year in humanitarian aid, needs continue to rise. It is said that the Assad government has manipulated aid for over a decade, withholding aid to opponents and channelling it to allies. Donor governments and the aid community can and must break the rising pattern of abuse, but they need a more informed and collective approach. The report delves into the challenges to aid provision throughout Syria and recommends a way to overcome them. It is based on interviews with over 130 UN officials, aid workers, negotiators, diplomats, and analysts working on the aid response, as well as a review of databases, open-source documents, and internal reports and evaluations.
US VIRGIN ISLANDS OPEN REGISTRY FOR SHIPPING – ULTRA VIRES AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL?
On 14 February, an article from Vandeventer Black LLP said that the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands had recently signed an agreement with the Northeast Maritime Institute to establish the first open vessel registry in the US. However, the article argues that this registry is likely going to be challenged as unconstitutional.
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/u-s-virgin-islands-open-registry-ultra-1205397/
US: PERUVIAN BROTHERS SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 7 YEARS IN PRISON FOR DEFRAUDING THOUSANDS OF SPANISH-SPEAKING IMMIGRANTS
On 14 February, a US DoJ news released advised that 2 Peruvian nationals responsible for operating a series of call centres in Peru that defrauded and threatened Spanish-speaking US residents were sentenced to serve prison time in Florida. Josmell Espinoza and his brother Carlos Espinoza pleaded guilty in late 2021 to conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud through several Peruvian call centres that they owned and operated. According to court documents, Josmell Espinoza and Carlos Espinoza co-owned and operated the JFC Peru call centre in Peru. In addition, Josmell Espinoza owned and operated the Camino Al Progreso and Latin Shop call centres, and Carlos Espinoza separately owned and operated the Latinos en Accion and Latin Force call centres in Peru.
ALGERIA SENTENCES FORMER ENERGY MINISTER TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON OVER CORRUPTION
On 14 February, the Middle East Monitor reported that court in Algeria has sentenced the country’s former Energy Minister, Chakib Khelil, to 20 years imprisonment in absentia, finding him guilty of corruption charges allegedly committed during his time in the position over a decade ago.
INDIAN SHIPBUILDER ACCUSED OF RECORD $3 BILLION BANK FRAUD
On 14 February, Eastern Eye reported that a shipbuilding company, ABG Shipyard, has been accused of defrauding India’s largest state-run bank and 27 other financial institutions of over $3 billion, the country’s top investigative agency said, in what would be its biggest-ever bank fraud.
https://www.easterneye.biz/indian-shipbuilder-accused-of-record-3-bn-bank-fraud
INDIA: PROBE AGAINST BETTING APPS UNCOVERS CHINA HUMAN HAIR SMUGGLING RACKET
On 14 February, NDTV reported that the Enforcement Directorate had claimed to have busted a hawala and money laundering racket linked to the smuggling of human hair from India to China via Myanmar, after it conducted multiple raids and froze as many as 139 bank accounts. The agency said it stumbled across the alleged illegal cross-border trade while investigating an earlier “fund trail” of online Chinese betting mobile applications. Domestically sold hair was ultimately finding its way to China via Myanmar and sale proceeds were surprisingly being received from shell bank accounts.
HMRC CHIEF: POST-BREXIT LOOSENING OF CUSTOMS CHECKS ON TRUCKS TO COST UK £800 MILLION IN 2021
On 14 February, Trans Info reported that the Chief Executive of HMRC has told a Parliamentary Select Committee that the UK Government has given orders to prioritise the flow of goods into the UK over compliance with customs regulations. He also cited a study from the Office of Budget Responsibility, which estimates that this strategy will see the UK will lose £800 million in customs duty and VAT in 2021.
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