GAFILAT STRATEGIC PLAN 2026–2030

On 26 February, FATF-style regional body for Latin America, GAFILAT, published the plan that will guide the agency's work over the next 5 years
biblioteca.gafilat.org?p=8513

ISLE OF MAN: THEMATIC PROJECT TO FOCUS ON COUNTERING THE FINANCING OF TERRORISM

On 23 February, FSA advised of a thematic review focusing on compliance in relation to countering the financing of terrorism, with inspections are scheduled to start in April
www.iomfsa.im/fsa-news/202...

AML: FRANCE RELEASES EXPERIMENTAL FRAMEWORK REGULATING DIGITAL OBJECTS IN ONLINE GAMES

On 26 February, an Out-Law article was concerned with that is said to be France’s first attempt to regulate monetisable digital gaming mechanics
www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news...
anj.fr/sites/defaul...

Deputising UK Counter-Cybercrime Operations Exploring the potential of deputising private firms for cybercrime disruption in the UK, this paper assesses benefits, risks and global precedents.

THE POTENTIAL OF DEPUTISING PRIVATE FIRMS FOR CYBERCRIME DISRUPTION IN THE UK

On 24 February, an article from RUSI assesses benefits, risks and global precedents of the proposal.
www.rusi.org/explore-our-...

Human rights violations in Russia: EU lists additional eight individuals The Council imposed restrictive measures on eight additional individuals responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses in Russia and for the repression of civil society and democratic opp...

EU: HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN RUSSIA - 8 ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUALS DESIGNATED

On 23 February, the EU advised that members of the judiciary and heads of penal colonies had been added to sanctions lists.
www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pre...

How digital identity can support compliance with the UK’s Money Laundering Regulations Guidance on how the UK digital verification services trust framework interacts with Money Laundering Regulations is now available. Find out more.

HOW DIGITAL IDENTITY CAN SUPPORT COMPLIANCE WITH THE UK’S MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS

On 26 February, the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) said joint guidance was available and summarised what the guidance means in practice
enablingdigitalidentity.blog.gov.uk/2026/02/26/h...

FATF ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025

FATF has issued this annual report
www.fatf-gafi.org/content/dam/...

FATF: NEW PAPER ON CYBER-ENABLED FRAUD

On 24 February, FATF published a paper examining the evolving threat of cyber-enabled fraud and how jurisdictions can harness the FATF Standards to combat it.
www.fatf-gafi.org/content/dam/...

INTERNATIONAL FOREIGN BRIBERY TASKFORCE ISSUES GUIDANCE ON INDICATORS OF FOREIGN BRIBERY

A post from the New York University School of Law considers the guidance from the IFBT
wp.nyu.edu/compliance_e...
www.afp.gov.au/sites/defaul...

NEW ZEALAND: IRAN SANCTIONS GUIDANCE

On 23 February, the Global Sanctions blog reported that New Zealand had issued new sanctions guidance under new legislation that took effect in October
www.mfat.govt.nz/assets/Count...
www.mfat.govt.nz/en/peace-rig...

FinCEN RESCINDS ADVISORY ON THE ABUSE OF THE CBI PROGRAM SPONSORED BY THE FEDERATION OF ST KITTS AND NEVIS

FinCEN rescinded this 2014 Advisory re certain foreign individuals abusing the CBI program, as the passports involved have since expired.
www.fincen.gov/system/files...

Global Organized Crime Index 2025 - Europe Overview Levels of organized crime have remained stable across Europe while increasing in most other regions, according to the 2025 Global Organized Crime Index.

GLOBAL ORGANIZED CRIME INDEX 2025 - EUROPE OVERVIEW

On 25 February, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime published this report, saying that levels of organised crime have remained stable across Europe while increasing in most other regions
globalinitiative.net/analysis/glo...

OFAC NEW FAQ RE VENEZUELAN OIL AND SUPPLY TO CUBA

On 25 February, new FAQ 1238 provides guidance on when OFAC would approve the resale of oil to Cuba
ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/1238

Visa Restrictions on Chilean Nationals Undermining Regional Security - United States Department of State The United States is committed to countering attempts to undermine regional security and subvert sovereignty.  Today, the Department of State is announcing it has taken steps to impose visa restrictio...

US IMPOSES VISA RESTRICTIONS ON CHILEAN OFFICIALS “UNDERMINING REGIONAL SECURITY”

On 24 February, the Global Sanctions blog reported visa restrictions on 3 officials on 20 February
www.state.gov/releases/off...

China adds 20 more Japanese groups to export control list | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News China says it will ban the export of items that have both civilian and military applications to 20 additional Japanese businesses and groups. It claims the entities are involved in enhancing Japan's m...

CHINA ADDS 20 JAPANESE COMPANIES INCLUDING MITSUBISHI TO EXPORT CONTROL LIST

On 24 February, the Global Sanctions blog reported these additions, which China claims the entities are involved in enhancing Japan's military capabilities.
www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/...

Treasury Targets Iran’s Shadow Fleet, Networks Supplying Ballistic Missile and ACW Programs WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned over 30 individuals, entities, and vessels enabling illicit Iranian petroleum sales and Ira...

OFAC SANCTIONS OVER 30 INDIVIDUALS, ENTITIES, AND VESSELS ENABLING ILLICIT IRANIAN PETROLEUM SALES AND BALLISTIC MISSILE AND ADVANCED CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS PRODUCTION

home.treasury.gov/news/press-r...
ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actio...

Treasury Sanctions Exploit Broker Network for Theft and Sale of U.S. Government Cyber Tools First-Ever Action Under the Protecting American Intellectual Property ActWASHINGTON — Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Sergey Sergeyevich Zelenyuk (Zelenyuk) and his company, Matrix LLC (doing business as Operation Zero), as well as five associated individuals and entities, for their acquisition and distribution of cyber tools harmful to U.S. national security.  Zelenyuk and Operation Zero trade in “exploits”—pieces of code or techniques that take advantage of vulnerabilities in a computer program to allow users to gain unauthorized access, steal information, or take control of an electronic device—and have offered rewards to anyone who will provide them with exploits for U.S.-built software.  Among the exploits that Operation Zero acquired were at least eight proprietary cyber tools, which were created for the exclusive use of the U.S. government and select allies and which were stolen from a U.S. company.  Operation Zero then sold those stolen tools to at least one unauthorized user.“If you steal U.S. trade secrets, we will hold you accountable,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.  “Treasury will continue to work alongside the rest of the Trump Administration to protect sensitive American intellectual property and safeguard our national security.”This action coincides with an investigation by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation of Peter Williams, an Australian national and a former employee of the aforementioned U.S. company who pleaded guilty on October 29, 2025, to two counts of theft of trade secrets. Williams stole several proprietary cyber tools from the company between 2022 and 2025 and sold them to Operation Zero in exchange for millions of dollars paid in cryptocurrencies.OFAC is designating Zelenyuk, Operation Zero, and the five associated individuals and entities pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as further amended by E.O. 14306 (“E.O. 13694, as further amended”).  In parallel with this action, the Department of State is sanctioning Zelenyuk, Operation Zero, and an affiliated UAE company, Special Technology Services LLC FZ (STS) pursuant to the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act (PAIPA).  These are the first persons sanctioned under this law, which provides for sanctions against persons who have knowingly engaged in, or benefitted from, significant theft of trade secrets of United States persons, if the theft of such trade secrets is reasonably likely to result in, or has materially contributed to, a significant threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States.  Please refer to the Department of State’s press release for more information about this action under PAIPA. ZELENYUK’S ACQUISITION AND SALE OF CYBER TOOLSRussian national Zelenyuk,through his St. Petersburg, Russia-headquartered company Operation Zero, has been active as an exploit broker since 2021.  Operation Zero has offered millions of dollars in bounties to cybersecurity researchers and others for the development or acquisition of exploits targeting commonly used software, including U.S.-built operating systems and encrypted messaging applications.  Operation Zero does not disclose the discovered exploits to the companies developing the affected software, and Operation Zero customers could use the tools to launch ransomware attacks or engage in other malign activities.  In advertisements and other public-facing materials, Zelenyuk and Operation Zero have stated that they will only sell the exploits they acquire to customers from non-NATO countries.  Zelenyuk, through Operation Zero, has sought to sell exploits to foreign intelligence agencies.  Zelenyuk and Operation Zero have also sought to develop other cyber intelligence systems, including spyware and methods to extract personal identifying information and other sensitive data uploaded by users of artificial intelligence applications like large language models.  Operation Zero has sought to recruit hackers to support its activities and develop business relationships with foreign intelligence agencies through use of social media.OFAC is designating Zelenyuk and Operation Zero pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended, for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, directly or indirectly, cyber-enabled activities originating from, or directed by persons located, in whole or substantial part, outside the United States that are reasonably likely to result in, or have materially contributed to, a threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States, and that have the purpose of or involve causing a misappropriation of funds or economic resources, intellectual property, proprietary or business confidential information, personal identifiers, or financial information for commercial or competitive advantage or private financial gain.OPERATION ZERO’S AFFILIATESBeyond Zelenyuk and Operation Zero, OFAC is imposing sanctions on individuals and companies associated with them.  Marina Evgenyevna Vasanovich (Vasanovich) is Zelenyuk’s assistant. STS is a UAE-based technology company controlled by Zelenyuk.  OFAC is designating Vasanovich and STS pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Zelenyuk.OFAC is also designating Azizjon Makhmudovich Mamashoyev (Mamashoyev) and Oleg Vyacheslavovich Kucherov (Kucherov).  Kucherov is a Russian national and a suspected member of the Trickbot cybercrime gang. OFAC previously designated members of the Trickbot group in February 2023 and September 2023.  Trickbot, first identified in 2016, is a highly modular malware suite that allows the Trickbot cybercrime gang to conduct a variety of malicious cyber activities, including ransomware attacks against the U.S. government, as well as hospitals and healthcare centers across the United States.  Kucherov and Mamashoyev have previously had work relationships with Operation Zero.  OFAC is designating Mamashoyev and Kucherov pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods and services to or in support of, Zelenyuk,Additionally, OFAC is sanctioning Advance Security Solutions, another exploit brokerage firm that, like Operation Zero, offers bounties for exploits for U.S.-built software. Advance Security Solutions is an offensive cybersecurity company created by Mamashoyev with operations in the UAE and Uzbekistan.  OFAC is designating Advance Security Solutions pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly, Mamashoyev.SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONSAs a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.  In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.  Unless authorized by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons.  OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis.  OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons.  The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.  The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law.  The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.  For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC’s guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated or otherwise blocked today.###

US TREASURY SANCTIONS EXPLOIT BROKER NETWORK FOR THEFT AND SALE OF US GOVERNMENT CYBER TOOLS

home.treasury.gov/news/press-r...
ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actio...
www.state.gov/releases/off...

US TREASURY SANCTIONS NICARAGUAN OFFICIALS ENABLING THE MURILLO-ORTEGA REGIME

On 26 February, OFAC advised it had sanctioned 5 Nicaraguan government officials who lead the principal financial, communications, and military agencies
home.treasury.gov/news/press-r...
ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actio...

Treasury Proposes Rule to Sever Swiss Bank MBaer’s Access to U.S. Financial System MBaer Provides Financial Support to Iran and RussiaWASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) proposed a rule that, if finalized, would sever...

US TREASURY PROPOSES RULE TO SEVER SWISS BANK MBaer’s ACCESS TO US FINANCIAL SYSTEM

On 26 February, FinCEN advised proposed rule, if finalised, would sever MBaer Merchant Bank access as a result of its financial support to illicit actors linked to Russia &Iran
home.treasury.gov/news/press-r...

UN/UK: SUDAN SANCTIONS – 4 NEW NAMES ADDED

On 25 February, the Isle of Man advised that the UN had added 4 additional names to its Sudan sanctions regime.
www.gov.im/news/2026/fe...
www.gov.im/media/139191...
press.un.org/en/2026/sc16...

ISLE OF MAN: GAMBLING SECTOR MONEY LAUNDERING RISK ASSESSMENT

www.gov.im/news/2026/fe...
counteringfinancialcrime.im/reports-and-...
counteringfinancialcrime.im/media/nmabse...
counteringfinancialcrime.im/media/fakfs3...

Russia calls it the ‘nonsense with a frog.’ The Navalny assassination is actually another chemical weapons violation Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a toxin naturally found on the skin of South American frogs. His assassination was yet another violation of the international ban on chemical...

THE NAVALNY ASSASSINATION IS ACTUALLY ANOTHER CHEMICAL WEAPONS VIOLATION

On 20 February, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists says that the use of toxins marked another instance of flagrant disregard for the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC),
thebulletin.org/2026/02/russ...

UK: AMENDED SANCTIONS GENERAL LICENCE RE USE OF BANKING SERVICES

On 23 February, OFSI issued an amended General Licence containing many modified definitions and terms, and a new permission to use retail banking services.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/699c6d...

PANAMA AND WORLD WAR 2 : THE LOSS OF USS ERIE

Loss of the ErieDownload

Unseen and Unaccountable Investigations conducted by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) reveal an alarming reality: systematic violence and forced labor within high-seas squid fishing fleets. In a lawless territory, t...

WIDESPREAD ECOLOGICAL ABUSE AND FORCED LABOUR IN THE SQUID FISHING INDUSTRY IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC

The Environmental Justice Foundation has released a report saying that evidence of widespread ecological abuse and forced labour have been documented
sprfmo.ejfoundation.org/pages/eu-squid

International use of digital identities and credentials: stakeholder survey responses

UK REPORT: INTERNATIONAL USE OF DIGITAL IDENTITIES AND CREDENTIALS

On 23 February, the UK Government Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) has published the results of a survey
www.gov.uk/government/p...

#fatf #aml #cft #greylist #financialcrime #compliance #riskmanagement #enhancedmonitoring #amlreform | Michael Calleja 🚨🌍 Papua New Guinea added to the FATF Grey List On 13 February 2026, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed Papua New Guinea (PNG) on its list of Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring. 🔎 T...

PAPUA NEW GUINEA ADDED TO THE FATF GREY LIST

This interesting infographic can be found on Linkedin
www.linkedin.com/posts/michae...

Romania Cancels ID Cards For 100,000 Moldovans Amid Fictitious Address Scam Romania has canceled identity papers for 100,000 dual Romanian-Moldovan citizens in response to scams that have lasted for years.

ROMANIA CANCELS ID CARDS FOR 100,000 MOLDOVANS AMID FICTITIOUS ADDRESS SCAM

On 23 February, Rferl reported that Romania has decided to cancel papers for 160,000 people, including 100,000 Moldovans.
www.rferl.org/a/romania-ca...

Sanctions compliance in practice: lessons from OFSI’s £160,000 Bank of Scotland penalty In January 2026, OFSI published the details of an £160,000 monetary penalty imposed on Bank of Scotland Plc, a subsidiary of the Lloyds Banking Group, for breaching the Russia financial sanctions regi...

SANCTIONS COMPLIANCE LESSONS FROM OFSI £160,000 BANK OF SCOTLAND PENALTY

On 23 February, a post from OFSI in the UK says that lessons in this case go beyond one bank and one customer.
ofsi.blog.gov.uk/2026/02/23/s...

Reporter's Notebook: How to Investigate Shadow Fleets Tracing a ship's flag is often the first step toward uncovering bigger stories of corruption, smuggling, or sanctions evasion.

HOW TO INVESTIGATE SHADOW FLEETS

On 23 February, an OCCRP feature explained some of the OSINT resources consulted to investigate 3 Syrian ships sanctioned by the EU for allegedly helping Russia transport grain stolen from occupied territory in Ukraine.
www.occrp.org/en/feature/p...