Human Trafficking

/
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and IRS-Criminal Investigations (CI) is partnering with other government agencies to highlight indicators and federal initiatives to combat this crime.

Bitcoin Breakthrough – Navigating the New Era of SEC-Approved Spot Bitcoin ETPs

/
The US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) landmark approval of 11 Spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs) from several leading financial firms, including BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale Investments, this month marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for virtual assets.

Real Estate in 2024 – Anticipating a Crackdown on Corruption & Fraud

/
Real estate in the United States has long been a popular channel for corrupt actors seeking to launder illicitly obtained funds. As part of the Biden administration’s 2021 Strategy on Countering Corruption, a long-awaited proposed rule from the Treasury Department that is slated to take effect in early 2024 will seek to address that glaring loophole in US anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

How to Avoid Becoming an Unwitting Facilitator of Russian Sanctions Evasion

What steps can organizations take to avoid becoming unwitting suppliers of critical components and tools for the Russian military?

The Importance of a Sanctions Compliance Program – Top 5 Mitigating Measures Highlighted by OFAC in 2023

/
OFAC in 2023 reached settlements with 17 companies, collecting more than $1.5 billion in penalties. Mitigating factors can help reduce the severity of penalties imposed by OFAC for sanctions violations and often involve significant remedial measures and enhancements to a company’s sanctions compliance program.

A Pivotal Year for Virtual Assets – 2023 Highlights

/
2023 was a year of significant upheavals in the world of virtual assets, highlighting glaring vulnerabilities and the dire need for regulatory interventions. From major financial losses caused by security breaches to high-profile legal battles and settlements, 2023 was chock full of developments that almost certainly demonstrate the resilience and endurance of virtual currencies.

A Timeline of US, EU, and UK Sanctions on Russia in 2023

/
The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union, among others, have increased their focus on enforcement, updated sanctions lists and export controls to limit Russia’s access to sensitive technologies, and taken steps to punish illicit actors assisting Russia. Explore a list of the various sanctions imposed by the United states, EU, and UK in 2023.