The silent risk in your supply chain: Why prosecutors are looking closer
In March 2025, a sitting UN judge, Lydia Mugambe, was convicted at Oxford Crown Court of modern slavery offences, including forced or compulsory labour under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. She had trafficked a domestic worker from Uganda, confiscated her passport, and prevented her from leaving. The offences were sustained over several years. Even after […]
PEP talk: What the FCA’s new guidance means for AML teams
On 8 July 2025, the FCA finally released its long-awaited final guidance on how firms should handle Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), their family members, and close associates under the UK’s anti-money laundering (AML) regime. Long in the making, the guidance clarifies several grey areas, reflects recent changes to the Money Laundering Regulations, and signals a […]
The UK’s overseas territories are failing on dirty money: What now?
As the UK aims to position itself as a leader in global anti-corruption efforts, cracks are emerging in its own extended backyard. British overseas territories (BOTs), long under pressure to increase transparency, have now missed their final deadline to implement public registers of company ownership, a move critical to combatting tax evasion, money laundering, and […]
FinCEN blacklists three Mexican banks for laundering Fentanyl profits, exposes crypto pipeline
On 25 June 2025, the US Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) took unprecedented action under Section 9714 of the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which builds on the earlier Fentanyl Sanctions Act, designating three Mexico-based financial institutions: CIBanco, Intercam Banco, and Vector Casa de Bolsa, as “primary money laundering concerns.” This marks the first-ever […]
Bumble’s AI icebreakers land in hot water over GDPR violations
In an age where AI is being woven into the fabric of everyday digital experiences, even dating apps aren’t exempt. But Bumble’s recent experiment with AI-generated conversation starters may have swiped left on EU data protection rules. The AI feature that didn’t ask first In December 2023, Bumble rolled out “AI Icebreakers” for […]
Shell on trial: Why legacy pollution could haunt your supply chain
In a landmark judgment on 20 June 2025, the High Court in London ruled that Shell plc and its former Nigerian subsidiary can be held legally responsible for historic oil pollution in Nigeria. The ruling concerns the Bille and Ogale communities of the Niger Delta — around 50,000 people who have lived for decades with […]
How White Deer dodged prosecution: The high-stakes value of self-reporting sanctions breaches
A landmark case under the DOJ’s M&A Policy highlights how private equity can avoid liability through fast action and full transparency When White Deer Management LLC purchased a majority interest in Unicat Catalyst Technologies in 2020, it inherited more than just chemical catalyst production lines. It inherited a sanctions nightmare, one that could have […]
Is your use of facial recognition breaking the law? Lessons from Ireland’s €550k fine
The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) has fined the Department of Social Protection (DSP) €550,000 for its use of facial recognition and biometric matching software without a valid legal basis. The fine followed a detailed investigation into the department’s use of facial scanning and biometric matching technology during the registration process for Public Services Cards, […]
Todd Snyder’s $345K mistake and what it means for CCPA compliance
The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) has been ramping up enforcement of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), with a recent $345,178 fine marking a major milestone in privacy compliance. In May 2025, menswear retailer Todd Snyder became the first company in the retail sector to be fined by the CPPA for CCPA violations. […]
UK businessman indicted for bribery of Malawi officials under the Bribery Act
The CPS is continuing to flex its muscle under the UK Bribery Act, this time with an 18-count indictment against British businessman Zuneth Sattar. The charges allege a years-long scheme to bribe at least seven high-ranking Malawian officials in exchange for lucrative government contracts. Ironically, among the recipients is the former head of Malawi’s anti-corruption […]
