Financial Crime Weekly Podcast

Financial Crime Weekly Episode 229

Welcome to episode 229 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, there is major US civil forfeiture action targeting an oil tanker and 1.8 million barrels of crude oil linked to illicit trade between Iran and Venezuela. The FATF has warned that stablecoins accounted for 84% of illicit virtual asset volume in 2025, alongside an OPBAS report flagging persistent enforcement weaknesses in the AML supervision of professional services firms. In the EU, the EPPO reveals that VAT and customs fraud drove over €45 billion in estimated damages last year, while the NCA’s 2025-2026 Annual Plan shifts resources toward disrupting high-level corrupt elites and professional enablers. Finally, AUSTRAC has briefed the legal sector on upcoming AML/CTF obligations and the NCSC has warned UK organisations to harden cyber defences amid ongoing Middle East instability. A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial [http://www.crimes.financial/].

Financial Crime Weekly Episode 228

Welcome to episode 228 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, significant enforcement actions as the US Treasury sanctions Iran’s "shadow fleet" and procurement networks, while FinCEN moves to cut Swiss bank MBaer off from the American financial system. In the UK, Transparency International’s report on £5.9 billion in trade between UK Overseas Territories and Russia, alongside the SFO’s first use of Unexplained Wealth Orders and its successful £283,000 confiscation order against Harlequin fraudster David Ames. Furthermore, we examine Europol’s dismantling of a multinational cocaine laundering network and a new UNODC report exposing the $18 billion global waste trafficking industry. Finally, we cover the appointment of Graham McNulty as Interim Director of the SFO and the strategic highlights from the FATF’s 2024–2025 Annual Report. A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial [http://www.crimes.financial/].

Financial Crime Weekly Episode 227

Welcome to episode 227 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, the UK government’s most extensive sanctions package against Russia since 2022, targeting nearly 300 entities and vessels, alongside a prison sentence for a UK director who illicitly exported military-grade rifle sights to Hong Kong. In enforcement news, the SFO has secured a prison term for the perpetrator of a global aircraft parts fraud, while a Washington man has admitted to laundering nearly $100 million for an international investment scam. We also consider the FCA’s action against seven social media influencers for unauthorised financial promotions and the ICO’s landmark legal victory in the Court of Appeal regarding data security. Furthermore, we look at a new FATF report on the rise of cyber-enabled fraud and a significant poll showing that a majority of NATO publics view cyberattacks on critical infrastructure as acts of war. Finally, we cover the appointment of the EU’s new AMLA Vice-Chair and a warning from the NCA’s AI lead regarding potential bias risks in predictive policing technology.  A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial [http://www.crimes.financial/].

Financial Crime Weekly Episode 226

Welcome to episode 226 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we cover a significant international enforcement push by INTERPOL, while the US Treasury targets a CJNG−linked timeshare fraud network. We also look at US sanctions imposed on Sudanese RSF commanders and MONEYVAL’s praise for Latvia’s significant AML/CFT progress. In legal developments, we cover the conviction of a Chinese national in a gift-card laundering scheme, and the Upper Tribunal’s decision to uphold FCA penalties against company directors. Finally, we examine ESMA’s new consultation to streamline market abuse disclosure rules.  A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial [http://www.crimes.financial/].

Financial Crime Weekly Episode 225

Welcome to episode 225 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we look at the outcomes of the FATF Plenary, the UK government’s call for evidence on sanctions ownership and control rules, and the FCA issuing a fine to the former Carillion CEO. In the US, the Treasury has launched a new confidential whistleblower portal, and FinCEN has warned of the rise of relationship-investment scams. Finally, we examine the World Economic Forum’s analysis of strengthening financial crime defences in the Gulf States, and a major UK government study concerning cyber attacks. A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial [http://www.crimes.financial/].