Ahead of World Cup, Mexico Quietly Orders Banks to Tighten Terror-Finance Controls
A guide obtained by OCCRP reveals how Mexican banks and fintechs were instructed to reinforce anti-terrorism financing controls ahead of the World Cup.
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Experts Say Google’s Recent Scam Lawsuit May Have Limited Impact
A cybersecurity expert told OCCRP that Google’s lawsuit against an alleged China-based phishing network may help seize reachable infrastructure and make fraud harder, but is unlikely to significantly disrupt the wider scam ecosystem. Google says the group used AI tools and phishing kits to create fake websites and send millions of scam texts.
Italy Dismantles Underground Bank that Moved €100 Million a year for Organized Crime Groups
Italian authorities have dismantled a major underground illegal bank that moved up to 100 million euros ($116 million) annually to finance operations for domestic and international drug traffickers and organized crime syndicates, police announced Monday. The illicit bank, operated since…
FBI Warns Cyber Extortion Group Is Targeting Law Firms
U.S. authorities say Silent Ransom Group is impersonating IT staff to steal data from law firms and extort victims. Cybersecurity researchers say the group’s tactics show how legal data can be exposed far beyond the firms that are directly attacked.
Vietnam Arrests 19 Chinese Nationals in Online Scam Bust
Police in Vietnam have arrested 19 Chinese nationals accused of running an online fraud ring in the northern province of Lao Cai after relocating from Cambodia. According to authorities, the group rented rooms at the Song Hong View Hotel, where…
Russian Woman Convicted of Lying About Spy Ties, Stalking Agent Gets Prison Time
Nomma Zarubina sentenced to 14 months in prison for lying to the FBI about her ties to Russian intelligence agency and for facilitating prostitution.
Lebanon Releases ‘Captagon King’ After Seven-Year Sentence
Lebanon's notorious “Captagon King,” Hassan Daqqou, has walked free from a Beirut prison after serving a seven-year sentence. He is still under international sanctions and his ties to the Assad regime and Hezbollah have been documented.
London Council Reclaims Social Housing Flat Kept by Sierra Leone’s First Lady
London authorities reclaim a subsidized flat held for years by Sierra Leone's first lady Fatima Bio even after she moved into her country's presidential palace.
Cambodia Deports 156 Chinese Nationals over Cyber Fraud
Cambodian authorities have deported 156 Chinese nationals for their alleged involvement in cyber scams. According to a Thursday statement by the General Department of Immigration (GDI), the group was also accused of being involved in illegal employment activities. The 156…
Cyprus to Auction Off Fugitive Jho Low’s Luxury Seaside Villa
Cypriot authorities say alleged 1MDB scandal mastermind’s legal team did not oppose seizure of 6 million euro villa he bought as part of their country’s now-scrapped “golden passport” scheme.