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Former Lebanon Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh Charged with Financial Crimes
It was a long-expected move. The powerful former Lebanon Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh has been arrested and charged with embezzling $42 million in public funds, part of a broader $110 million fraud case. His detention comes amid ongoing domestic and international investigations into financial misconduct during his controversial three-decade tenure. In 2022, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) froze assets worth €120 million tied to Salame.
Latest Updates
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Prosecuted Telegram CEO Durov Challenges Personal Liability for Platform Misuse!
The prosecuted Telegram CEO Pavel Durov argues that holding CEOs personally liable for platform misuse is an outdated practice that threatens innovation. Following his Paris arrest, Durov emphasized that platforms like Telegram must adapt to rapid growth, but outdated liability standards should not stifle progress. His case highlights the ongoing debate about balancing innovation, privacy, and regulation in the tech world.
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U.S. Regulator CFTC Lost Court Case Against Kalshi Legal Battle Over Election Bets!
KalshiEx is a U.S.-based prediction market platform that sought to offer trading in derivatives contracts based on the outcomes of Congressional elections, which the CFTC prohibited. KalshiEx challenged the regulator's decision in court and won, opening the door for election-based derivatives markets in the U.S. However, the CFTC is seeking a temporary stay.
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Germany: Accomplices in Fraudulent Cyber Trading Platforms Charged by Karlsruhe Prosecutor!
The Baden-Württemberg Cybercrime Center in Germany has announced that it charged three suspects linked to an international fraud scheme that cost over 820 victims more than €5 million. The case marks a significant step in combating organized cyber trading fraud but underscores the growing complexity of such operations that often rely on an international division of labor.
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Influencers and Financial Crimes: A Short Guideline and a Request for Whistleblower Information!
Recently, the influencer industry has come under increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide. The case of Turkish influencers Dilan Polat and Engin Polat, facing $30 million money laundering charges and allegations of operating an illegal betting ring, perfectly demonstrates the potential legal risks in this sector. This high-profile case has prompted authorities to investigate hundreds of other influencers for potential financial crimes.
Payment Processors
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Cybercrime Alert to Payment Processors: Warning Against Acceptance of Anonymous Domain app-paymentgw.pgws2b.com
The FinTelegram research team has identified a suspicious domain https://app-paymentgw.pgws2b.com currently deployed by several anonymously operated online casinos of Liernin Enterprises, including Malina Casino, Talismania, SlotUna, and others. This domain has been flagged due to its association with activities that potentially violate financial regulations and legal standards for online gambling.
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Report on Cazimbo Casino: The Role of Payment Processors in Facilitating Illegal Online Casinos!
Another day, another exposed illegal online casino facilitated via Cyprus. Payment processors play a crucial role in sustaining this underground economy. FinTelegram's research repeatedly reveals that without these facilitating payment processors, many illegal online schemes, particularly in the gambling sector, would not thrive. Currently, we are focusing on the brands of the collapsed Rabidi Group that continue to operate anonymously and unauthorized. Here is our report on Cazimbo.
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The Rabidi Case: The Mysterious Actions of Beneficial Owner Denys Butko and Other Connections
The case of the Rabidi Group is a prime example of the opacity of the online casino sector. Rabidi, once a significant player in the online gambling industry with a Curacao license, has recently come under scrutiny after the group's sudden disappearance following its bankruptcy in June 2023. Following FinTelegram reports, Denys Butko, the alleged beneficial owner recently deleted his LinkedIn profile.
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The Role of Cryptocurrencies in Facilitating Illegal Online Gambling Operations!
With the rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies, the global landscape of illicit businesses, particularly in the online gambling sector, has seen a significant expansion. Despite heightened regulatory scrutiny, cryptocurrencies continue to operate beyond national borders, enabling illegal online casinos and gambling platforms to thrive. This phenomenon has created substantial challenges for authorities.
Cybercrime Court Cases
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Breaking: Explosive Money Laundering Case of Turkish Influencers!
The high-profile case of Turkish influencers Dilan Polat and Engin Polat has gripped the public attention in Turkey. The couple, known for their lavish lifestyle on social media, now faces serious charges of money laundering and operating an illegal betting ring. Appearing before the Anadolu 2nd Criminal Court alongside 28 other defendants, the Polats vehemently denied all accusations. If convicted, the couple could face up to 40 years in prison.
Regulatory Updates
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Russian TV Presenter Charged with Sanctions Violations and Money Laundering!
Dimitri Simes, 76, a Russian-born U.S. citizen and former adviser to Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, and his wife Anastasia Simes, 55, have been charged by the U.S. government for violating sanctions and engaging in money laundering activities. The charges stem from his work with Channel One Russia, a state-controlled television network that was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2022.
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Two Nigerian Nationals Sentenced for $5M Business Email Compromise Scam
Two Nigerian nationals have been sentenced in the U.S. for orchestrating a BEC scheme that defrauded U.S. companies out of more than $5 million. Franklin Ifeanyichukwu Okwonna, 34, received five years and three months in prison and was ordered to pay nearly $5 million in restitution. His co-conspirator, Ebuka Raphael Umeti, 35, was sentenced to 10 years and ordered to pay the same amount in restitution.
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Cyprus Ex-Transport Minister Charged with Money Laundering in Golden Passport Scandal!
Former Cyprus Transport Minister Marios Demetriades faces serious charges linked to the controversial Golden Passport Program, including money laundering, corruption, and bribery. Authorities allege Demetriades manipulated the naturalization process, granting citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment Scheme. The Cyprus law enforcement is investigating over 20 cases of naturalizations acquired under this scheme.
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