Crypto Jargon Defined: Bridging the Gap Between Complexity and Comprehension

From mixers and tumblers to hot and cold wallets, the crypto space is laden with complex jargon. Explore our post in which we simplify the language of the digital economy. Ideal for enthusiasts at any level—from curious beginners to those seeking deeper insights—this guide illuminates the path to mastering the nuances of digital, virtual, and crypto assets.

Stuck and Seized – Consequences of Forced Labor

Global economies are more interconnected than ever, and human rights abuses can have a profound impact on supply chains and disrupt the flow of goods. Recent deliveries of certain luxury vehicles, such as Porsches, Audis, and Bentleys have been delayed because a small component that links those vehicles with computer networks was produced by a Chinese company linked to forced labor and surveillance of Uyghur populations in China.

Russia Sanctions Evasion Case Study: Viktor Labin

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When conducting customer due diligence and enhanced due diligence, simple screening for names that may be on sanctions lists is no longer sufficient given the increasing complexity of Russia’s sanctions evasion efforts and the volatile regulatory environment because of Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine. Extra research is necessary to ensure compliance with sanctions laws and adherence with your company’s own risk policies. This research, however, can be complex, and structured analytic techniques and tools are necessary for effective due diligence. 

Are Casinos Havens for Money Laundering?

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A recent UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report has found that casinos, junkets, and cryptocurrencies are exacerbating transnational organized criminal activity in East and Southeast Asia as part of the region’s underground banking and money laundering infrastructure. Although the use of casinos to launder money is not new, the proliferation of online gambling since the COVID 19 pandemic has aggravated the existing problem and has given rise to underregulated online gambling venues as more gamblers began playing from home.

Binging Griselda? Let’s Talk Drug Trafficking Sanctions

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Netflix’s new series Griselda tells the story of Griselda Blanco. Known as the “Godmother of Cocaine,” Blanco trafficked cocaine from Colombia to Miami from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Despite her criminal activities, Blanco managed to evade law enforcement for many years. There were no sanctions against Blanco at the time, since the Kingpin Act, a U.S. law aimed at combating international drug trafficking and organized crime, was enacted in 1999 after Blanco’s sentencing.  

Risky Russia – Government Agencies Warn Businesses of Possible Trouble

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The US Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, and Labor in late February issued a business advisory warning firms and financial institutions about the serious legal, financial, and reputational risks of doing business in Russia. According to the State Department’s assessment, Russia’s kleptocratic environment undermines fair competition and the rule of law, exposing businesses to the risk of extortion, appropriation of assets, and US law enforcement action.