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Sanctions
OFAC designated four major Iranian cryptocurrency exchanges: Nobitex, Wallex, Bitpin, and Ramzinex as part of Trump administration's Economic Fury campaign.
Fraud & scams
Iraqi authorities seized $10 million in cash and 40 properties during corruption investigation into detained Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Al Jumaili. The probe involves allegations of kickbacks and embezzlement in mainly refinery contracts. Al Jumaili has been arrested.
Terrorist financing
Bahrain's High Criminal Court convicted 11 people across two separate cases involving collaboration with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to attack the kingdom.
Sanctions
The US Treasury sanctioned four Iranian cryptocurrency exchanges (Nobitex, Wallex, BitPin, Ramzinex) and four Iranian individuals for facilitating sanctions evasion and supporting IRGC operations.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) arrested 160 citizens and expatriate residents on suspicion of bribery, abuse of office and other corruption-related offenses during May 2026.
Bribery & corruption
İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's investigation into Buca Municipality resulted in 54 detentions including current Mayor Görkem Duman and former Mayor Erhan Kılıç. Allegations include bribes exchanged for zoning irregularities with senior municipal management involvement.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) arrested 160 citizens and expatriate residents on suspicion of bribery, abuse of office and corruption-related offences. An additional 480 individuals were questioned.
Bribery & corruption
Izmir Prosecutor's Office conducted major corruption operation at Buca Municipality with 62 detention orders and 53 detained across 6 provinces. Among detained: Buca Mayor Görkem Duman, former mayor Erhan Kılıç, and former CHP District Chairman Çağdaş Kaya.
Fraud & scams
UK Serious Fraud Office secured £10M penalty plus £4.8M investigation costs from Ultra Electronics Holdings Ltd via Deferred Prosecution Agreement for failure to prevent bribery under section 7 of Bribery Act 2010.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Police arrested members of a criminal gang who orchestrated an elaborate fraud scheme involving a fake princess impersonation to steal Dh12 million ($3.3 million) worth of premium oud from a trader. The perpetrators deceived the oud merchant by impersonating a member of a royal family.
Sanctions
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced seizure of approximately $1 billion in cryptocurrency linked to Iran's Defense Ministry and sanctioned four Iranian crypto exchanges (Nobitex, BitPin, Wallex, Ramzinex) that processed at least $2.3 billion for sanctioned entities since 2023.
Other
Head of Iran's General Inspection Organization confirmed financial abuse at Mobarakeh Steel, stating the amount may exceed 92 trillion tomans (~$2 billion USD) previously mentioned.
Other
Dubai civil court ordered a former financial manager at a real estate brokerage firm and his company to jointly pay 491,374 dirhams after he was convicted of embezzling rental settlement funds. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, fined, and ordered deported.
On May 29, 2026, OFAC issued Counter Terrorism Designations and Iran-related Designations along with a Russia-related General License.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and State Prosecutor Amit Issman announced they will file an indictment against Yonatan Urich, advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in the classified documents leak affair.
The State of Israel is suing Haredi organization Ohel Yosef for approximately 3 million shekels, alleging it submitted false attendance documentation to the Education Ministry for a decade.
Money laundering
Described as 'largest financial crime operation in Republic history,' MASAK analyses revealed ~100 billion Turkish lira and $2 billion (91 billion TL) in criminal proceeds laundered through financial system.
Sanctions
The United States expanded sanctions targeting Lebanon's institutional power structure, including close associates of Speaker Nabih Berri and military officials.
Terrorist financing
Wall Street Journal reported billions of dollars in cryptocurrency were transferred through Binance exchange to financial networks linked to Islamic Republic and IRGC.
Money laundering
Spanish National Police disrupted family operation in Melilla engaged in money laundering for drug trafficking network. Three arrested (two women, one man) were relatives of organization's leader detained in Málaga during earlier phase.
Sanctions
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on allies to disrupt Iran's financial networks. Treasury reviewed sanctions list and directed U.S. banks to monitor oil labeled as 'Malaysian blend' in shipping documents, frequently used to conceal Iranian origin.
Former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon reached a plea agreement in the Yunit Credit case.
Money laundering
Antalya Manavgat Municipality Mayor Niyazi Nefi Kara sentenced to 46 years 10 months 15 days in prison and 2.5 million lira administrative fine for organizing crime syndicate, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, and money laundering.
Money laundering
State Attorney's Office filed indictment against Elazar Vigdorowitz, 34, former 'operations officer' of Gur Hasidic sect, for elaborate real estate fraud scheme. Charges include fraud under aggravated circumstances, document forgery, use of forged documents, and money laundering.
Money laundering
Dubai Police Anti-Fraud Center warned of part-time job scam where victims are lured through social media with easy work offers, then their bank accounts are exploited to launder money from fraud operations.
Sanctions
UAE Cabinet designated 21 individuals and entities as terrorists due to connections to Hezbollah. All assets to be investigated and frozen following Cabinet decision.
Other
Four individuals arrested in Karachi for involvement in transferring over 1 billion rupees abroad via hawala system. Operation revealed connections to Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey.
FinCEN issued alert FIN-2026-Alert002 outlining funding streams and procurement networks supporting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
U.S. Treasury sanctioned 3 individuals and 9 entities in May 2026, including four Hong Kong-based companies that played a key role in facilitating money transfers and circumventing Iran's oil sanctions in Asian markets by facilitating Iranian oil transfers to China.
OFAC designated 12 individuals and entities for facilitating IRGC oil sales to China through front companies.
Other
Leaked meeting minutes from May 29, 2024 show Russia's deputy defense minister, General Yunus-bek Yevkurov, pressured Syria to pay $37 million bill for providing security for oil installations. Yevkurov threatened to cut off financing for oil operations if Syria didn't pay.
Fraud & scams
A Kuwaiti criminal court convicted seven defendants—including Kuwaiti nationals and two Americans—of embezzling state investment funds from the Public Institution for Social Security and Kuwait Ports Authority.
Other
Three individuals connected to the Gur Hasidic community, including an attorney, allegedly conspired to sell a protected heritage building on Idelson Street in Tel Aviv for 9 million shekels to two buyers using forged documents and false representations regarding ownership.
Terrorist financing
Bahrain's Ministry of Interior arrested 41 individuals from a group engaged in fundraising operations connected to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Fraud & scams
Arab national created fraudulent bank called 'Jami Bank' and defrauded 3 Asian victims of total $1.5 million (5.5 million dirhams). Dubai Court of Appeal upheld 3-month prison sentence plus fine of 5.509 million dirhams. Civil court ordered full compensation to victims with 5% interest.
Money laundering
Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek appeared before a judge regarding allegations in a bribery and corruption investigation.
The Military Prosecution filed three indictments against four soldiers, including two captains who served as company commanders, for smuggling goods to Gaza. The accused allegedly smuggled cigarettes and additional merchandise to the strip in exchange for millions of shekels.
Other
Hawala providers in the UAE must register with the central bank within 90 days, and action will be taken for failure to do so, including financial penalties and imprisonment, according to a May 2026 announcement. Unlicensed Hawala activities remain illegal and subject to heavy fines and penalties.
Money laundering
Israeli police arrested 5 suspects and detained 5 additional individuals including a sitting northern regional council head on suspicion of bribery.
On April 21, 2026, OFAC sanctioned 14 individuals, entities, and aircraft based in Iran, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates for their alleged involvement in procuring or transporting weapons or weapons components on behalf of the Iranian regime.
Money laundering
The State Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment in the Central District Court (Lod) against seven military and police officers from classified units, along with several civilians and one East Jerusalem resident.
Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar (Likud) was interrogated at Lahav 433 for approximately 12 hours on suspicion of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in the Histadrut affair. According to police sources, insurance agent Ezra Gabai allegedly provided bribes to Zohar within his Likud role.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) conducted 1,395 oversight rounds in March 2026, investigating 360 suspects and detaining 71 individuals from Interior, Health, and Sports ministries on charges of bribery and abuse of official authority.
Money laundering
The National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing adopted a comprehensive set of decisions and initiatives during its second meeting of 2026 aimed at enhancing national readiness and advancing investigation and enforcement tools.
Money laundering
Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 2026 establishing comprehensive anti-money laundering violations framework with three severity tiers. Low-risk violations: fines up to 500,000 KWD. Medium-risk: fines plus 3-month license suspension.
World Bank imposed debarment with conditional release on Aktif Elektroteknik San ve Tic A.S. for minimum of one year and three months following findings of corrupt and fraudulent practices in Iraq.
Fraud & scams
Dubai Court of First Instance ordered Asian national defendant to repay Dh1.291 million to victim, jointly with fugitive accomplices, after conviction for cryptocurrency fraud.
Money laundering
Deferred Prosecution Agreement reached between U.S. Department of Justice and Halkbank on March 9, 2026 regarding fraud, money laundering, and sanctions violations charges.
Sanctions
Turkey's Halkbank reached a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the US Department of Justice to resolve criminal charges related to violating Iran sanctions. The prosecution alleged Halkbank illegally transferred approximately $20 billion in restricted Iranian funds.
Fraud & scams
Department of Justice filed civil forfeiture complaints against $15.
Money laundering
In March 2026, Kuwait's Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Resolution No. 25 of 2026, establishing a matrix of violations and penalties related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements for designated non-financial businesses and professions.
Money laundering
Swiss regulator FINMA concluded enforcement proceedings against MBaer Merchant Bank AG concerning anti-money laundering rules and sanctions risk management. U.S. FinCEN designated MBaer as financial institution of primary money laundering concern, alleging bank funneled over $100 million through U.
FinCEN designated MBaer Merchant Bank AG as an institution of primary money laundering concern under Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act, proposing to prohibit U.S. banks from maintaining correspondent accounts with MBaer.
Money laundering
Daren Li, a Chinese and Saint Kitts and Nevis national, is on the run from a 20-year US prison sentence for his role in a Cambodia-based cryptocurrency scam operation.
Bribery & corruption
The Tel Aviv District Court authorized disclosure that an indictment was filed against a citizen and reservist for using IDF internal classified information for betting purposes on the PolyMarket prediction platform.
Fraud & scams
Bahrain Economic Crimes Department arrested Arab national (41 years) for electronic fraud targeting multiple victims through bank accounts receiving money via fraudulent methods. Part of ongoing anti-fraud enforcement.
The Financial Markets Tribunal upheld the DFSA's decision to impose a USD 25,000 fine on Al Ramz Capital for its failure to immediately report suspicious transactions that it had executed on Nasdaq Dubai on behalf of a client in April 2022.
Securities & markets
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) imposed a $504,000 fine on Ark Capital Management (Dubai) Limited for ineffective market abuse monitoring systems and controls.
Twelve individuals, including reserve soldiers and civilians, face indictment for smuggling contraband valued at millions of shekels into Gaza. Prosecutors allege they transported forbidden goods during military operations or fabricated operational justifications.
The DFSA imposed a fine of USD 455,176 (AED 1,671,633) on reinsurance brokerage Ed Broking (MENA) Limited for contraventions of DFSA legislation, including engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct. The fine comprises disgorgement of USD 175,343 and a penalty of USD 279,833.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Arabia's anti-corruption agency announced arrests of government and private sector officials in 11 cases involving bribes or theft totaling about 17 million riyals ($4.4 million). Notable cases include: a Public Investment Fund affiliate's project manager arrested for accepting a 2.
Sanctions
The DFSA fined reinsurance broker Wael Abdelmohsen Abdellatif Mohamed Emara (Mohsen) $139,722 (Dh513,129) and prohibited him from holding office or working at any DFSA-authorised firm. He is also restricted from carrying out any function connected to financial services in or from DIFC.
Ronald Fischer, a former criminal defense attorney and television host, was convicted of attempting to broker a bribe, obstructing court proceedings, and obstructing an investigation. The case spanned approximately ten years.
Fraud & scams
The UAE's Capital Market Authority (CMA) announced imposing fines of Dh5.5 million on companies over unlicensed financial and investment activities, as part of efforts to uphold market integrity and safeguard investors against fraud and unlawful practices.
Fraud & scams
A Kuwaiti fugitive convicted in a public funds embezzlement and forgery case was arrested in Dubai following a joint security operation coordinated between Kuwait and the UAE. The individual was sentenced in absentia to seven years in prison with hard labour.
Money laundering
ADGM published the 2026 update of its Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (ML/TF) Risk Assessment of Legal Persons and Arrangements (LPA).
Money laundering
A court in the UAE convicted two Asian men of money laundering after finding them guilty of processing Dh1 million from the sale of counterfeit branded products, sentencing them to one year in prison and imposing fines of Dh1 million.
Other
Actor Dan Turgeman was convicted of concealing approximately 3.7 million shekels in income and failing to pay an additional 136,000 shekels in taxes between 2007-2012. The offenses involved undisclosed real estate transactions, rental income, and property sales where he evaded capital gains taxes.
Bribery & corruption
Saudi Anti-Corruption Authority conducted 6,981 oversight rounds in November 2025, investigating 371 individuals and detaining 113 suspects from Defense, Interior, Municipalities, Education, and Health ministries on bribery and abuse of authority charges.
Other
A forex trading firm in Dubai's Business Bay abruptly closed, leaving hundreds of investors stranded with significant losses. The company employed nearly 100 staff conducting cold calls promising 'guaranteed returns.'
Money laundering
The State Prosecutor's Office filed serious indictments against five defendants accused of systematically marketing public lands in the Sakhnin area belonging to the Israel Lands Authority.
Fraud & scams
Employees at Shlomo Insurance are suspected of perpetrating fraud by manipulating vehicle damage classifications and submitting falsified invoices.
Four police officers from Unit Lahav 433 were detained on suspicion of operating an organized money laundering framework connected to the Musli crime family's operations. The allegations include bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and privacy law violations.
The UAE Central Bank imposed a fine of 600,000 dirhams on a financing company under Article 137 of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2018 concerning central bank regulation.
Money laundering
A major police investigation centers on Chaim Kadosh (43, Holon resident) accused of operating an underground lending operation ('private bank').
The UAE Central Bank imposed fines totaling 4.1 million dirhams on three exchange companies under Article 14 of Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 concerning anti-money laundering.
The UAE Central Bank imposed fines totaling 12.3 million dirhams on six exchange companies for violations of Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 concerning anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism.
Money laundering
UAE Central Bank imposed financial penalties totaling 12.3 million dirhams on 6 exchange companies for failures in AML/CFT compliance framework. Violations include non-compliance with Federal Decree-Law No.
Money laundering
Central Bank of UAE imposed financial sanctions totaling AED 12.3 million ($3.35 million) on six exchange houses operating in UAE for violations and failures to comply with AML/CFT framework and related regulations. Action taken pursuant to Article 14 of Federal Decree Law No.
Money laundering
Central Bank of UAE imposed Dh200 million fine on unnamed exchange house for major violations of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. Investigation revealed serious compliance failures in AML framework.
Money laundering
Kuwaiti criminal court convicted 19 defendants in major money laundering case involving 29 individuals and 9 companies. Sentences ranged from 3-10 years imprisonment. Fines included 510 million dinars (double laundered amount) for 7 defendants.
Money laundering
ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority imposed total financial penalties of $12.46 million on Hayvn Group of Companies, AC Holding Limited, AC Limited, and former CEO Christopher Flinos for serious regulatory breaches.
The UAE Central Bank imposed financial penalties totaling 2.62 million dirhams on five banks and two insurance companies for non-compliance with Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requirements.
Fraud & scams
Moshe Barak, former CFO of PlayTech PLC (London-listed online gambling company), was indicted in Tel Aviv District Court for concealing taxable income from exercised stock options worth approximately 4.5 million shekels.
Money laundering
Oved Cohen (32), an Arsuf resident, faces indictment (pending hearing) for intensive cryptocurrency trading on Binance between 2018-2023, generating 47.6 million shekels in income while reporting only 12.4 million.
Money laundering
Kuwaiti Public Prosecution ordered pretrial detention of 27 suspects including 6 Kuwaiti citizens on money laundering charges following investigations by Financial Investigation Unit.
Fraud & scams
Saudi courts convicted five judges (sentences ranging from 1 to 7.5 years), a former Shura Council member (7.5 years plus 500,000 riyal fine), and a former ambassador (5 years) on charges including bribery, abuse of authority, and embezzlement of public funds.
Money laundering
Saudi Anti-Corruption Authority detained 233 suspects from six ministries (Defense, Interior, National Guard, Health, Justice, Municipal Affairs) in December 2021, conducting 5,518 inspection rounds and investigating 641 individuals for bribery, money laundering, embezzlement, and forgery.
Fraud & scams
Saudi Anti-Corruption Authority exposed seven major cases including: 69 officials accepting millions in bribes from medical waste company; appeals court judge accepting luxury vehicle for improper rulings; traffic officer extracting 20,000 riyals through false documentation; bank employee receiving 129,800 riyals for fraudulent loan processing.