Top stories this week:
FATF Warns Criminals are Moving Billions Through Crypto | Cocaine Laundering Probe Puts $200m SPAC Under Scrutiny
Welcome to this week's edition of the KYC Roundup, your gateway to the most impactful developments in the world of Anti-Money Laundering and financial crime. In the AML arena, the FATF warns that criminals are moving billions through crypto, while a cocaine laundering probe puts a $200m SPAC under scrutiny.
In the fast-paced world of sanctions, the UK targets Sudan gold networks fuelling war.
In the corruption space, the EU urges Spain and Hungary to tighten anti-corruption rules.
We round off this week’s roundup with details of KYC360’s recent recognition as a noteworthy solution in Celent’s 2026 Adverse Media Screening Report.
KYC & AML
FATF warns criminals are moving billions through crypto
The Financial Action Task Force has warned that organised crime groups are exploiting regulatory gaps to move billions in illicit proceeds through the crypto sector. Its latest virtual assets review found that crypto-enabled crime has become more complex and interconnected.
Cocaine laundering probe puts $200m SPAC under scrutiny
Spanish investigators probing a record 13-ton cocaine seizure in Algeciras allege that a laundering network linked to the case involved a suspected drug lord, a former chief of Spain’s national police money laundering unit and financiers behind a Newport Beach SPAC that raised about $200 million.
AMLA review puts gambling operators in focus
The EU’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority has launched a consultation on draft standards for assessing money laundering and terrorist financing risks in non-financial sectors, including online and retail gambling operators. The work will shape how supervisors classify gambling firms by risk and set oversight priorities.
Samir Nasri questioned in French money laundering probe
Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has reportedly been questioned by French financial investigators as part of a money laundering probe linked to alleged organised drug trafficking. French media reported that Nasri spent around 10 hours in custody before being released without charge.
Sanctions
UK targets Sudan gold networks fuelling war
The UK has imposed sanctions on 11 Sudanese individuals and entities suspected of helping finance or procure support for the country’s warring factions through illicit gold and commercial networks.
Corruption
EU urges Spain and Hungary to tighten anti-corruption rules
The European Commission is expected to call on Spain and Hungary to strengthen judicial, transparency and anti-corruption safeguards in its annual Rule of Law report.
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KYC360 News
KYC360 recognised in Celent’s 2026 Adverse Media Screening Report
We’re proud to share that KYC360 has been recognised as a Noteworthy Solution in Celent’s 2026 Adverse Media Screening report. This recognition reflects our continued investment in screening innovation, helping compliance teams identify emerging risks earlier, reduce false positives, and strengthen risk-based decision-making.
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Your latest weekly update from the worlds of money laundering, legislation and regulation, sustainability, gaming and gambling, crypto and sanctions.
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