raypanama.bsky.social
@raypanama.bsky.social
PLUS ULTRA AIRLINE PROBED OVER BAILOUT MONEY USED TO LAUNDER FUNDS FROM VENEZUELA IN FRANCE, SWITZERLAND AND SPAIN

On 12 December, El Pais in Spain reported that anti-corruption prosecutors are investigating the airline Plus Ultra
english.elpais.com/internationa...
Plus Ultra airline probed over use of bailout money to launder funds from Venezuela in France, Switzerland and Spain
The company received €53 million in 2021 after being considered ‘strategic’ by the Spanish government. The CEO and president have now been arrested as part of a larger operation
english.elpais.com
December 29, 2025 at 1:22 PM
LATIN AMERICAN MIGRATION SMUGGLING MARKET GOES FROM BOOM TO BUST

On 26 December, Insight Crime reported organised crime groups scrambling to plug a multibillion-dollar hole in their profits.
insightcrime.org/news/gamecha...
December 29, 2025 at 1:20 PM
THE 10-YEAR EVOLUTION OF LATIN AMERICA’S BOOMING MARIJUANA MARKET

On 29 December, Insight Crime said that marijuana continued to play a key role within the regional criminal landscape, with record seizures
insightcrime.org/news/gamecha...
GameChangers 2025: The 10-Year Evolution of Latin America’s Booming Marijuana Market
In a year where cocaine and fentanyl garnered international attention, marijuana continued to play a key role in Latin America.
insightcrime.org
December 29, 2025 at 1:19 PM
ITALY DETAINS 9 PEOPLE ON ALLEGED DIVERSION OF GAZA AID TO HAMAS

On 29 December, Jurist reported that they are suspected of raising more than €7 million for Hamas by misrepresenting the funds as humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.
www.jurist.org/news/2025/12...
Italy detains nine over alleged diversion of Gaza aid funds to Hamas
ehe Italian authorities on Saturday arrested nine individuals on suspicion of raising more than €7 million for Hamas by misrepresenting the funds as humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. The arre...
www.jurist.org
December 29, 2025 at 1:18 PM
BELARUSIAN COMPANY KNOWN FOR MANUFACTURING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS HAS BEEN IMPORTING CHINESE-MADE DRONES AND SENDING THEM ON TO RUSSIA

On 29 December, OCCRP reported on a Belarus factory traditionally known for producing pots and pans
www.occrp.org/en/news/from...
From Kitchenware to Drone War: A Belarusian Factory Fuels Russian Attacks on Ukraine
A Belarusian company known for manufacturing household items has been importing Chinese-made drones and sending them on to Russia, which deploys them in its war against Ukraine.
www.occrp.org
December 29, 2025 at 1:17 PM
THE MONROE DOCTRINE AND SUBSEQUENT COROLLARIES ETC

Updated THE MONROE DOCTRINE AND SUBSEQUENT COROLLARIES ETC.docxDownload
THE MONROE DOCTRINE AND SUBSEQUENT COROLLARIES ETC
Updated THE MONROE DOCTRINE AND SUBSEQUENT COROLLARIES ETC.docxDownload
raytodd.blog
December 29, 2025 at 2:20 AM
SERBIA: CHINESE TYRE FACTORY FACES US IMPORT BAN AMID FORCED LABOUR CONCERNS

On 27 December, Rferl reported that the US has banned imports of car tyres from the Chinese-owned Linglong factory in Serbia
www.rferl.org/a/linglong-s...
Serbia's Prized Chinese Tire Factory Faces US Blockade Amid Forced Labor Concerns
The United States has banned imports of tires from a Chinese-owned factory in Serbia, citing evidence of forced labor. Former workers and local NGOs say the decision follows years of unresolved allega...
www.rferl.org
December 28, 2025 at 12:32 PM
US CONSIDERS $2.3 MILLION FINES PER VOYAGE AFTER SPAIN BLOCKS WEAPONS SHIPMENTS TO ISRAEL

On 26 December, Marine Insight reported on the ongoing dispute
www.marineinsight.com/shipping-new...
www.fmc.gov/articles/res...
US Considers $2.3M Fines Per Voyage After Spain Blocks Weapons Shipments To Israel
Marine Insight - The maritime industry guide.
www.marineinsight.com
December 28, 2025 at 12:31 PM
YEMEN: SAUDI ARABIA AND THE UAE ARE ON A COLLISION COURSE AND IT COULD DEEPEN RED SEA INSTABILITY

On 22 December, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy reported on developments in Yemen
www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
Yemen’s Seismic Shift Has Consequences Beyond Its Borders
U.S. allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE are on a collision course in Yemen, as local forces threaten to reopen a war that could boost the Houthis, deepen Red Sea instability, and otherwise undermine the ...
www.washingtoninstitute.org
December 27, 2025 at 12:56 PM
THE EU DEFORESTATION REGULATION (EUDR) POSTPONED AND SIMPLIFIED

On 22 December, Bird & Bird reported on the revised EUDR which not only fully delays the initial applicability date but also contains some major changes and “simplifications”.
www.twobirds.com/en/insights/...
Out of the Woods The EUDR Postponed and Simplified - Bird & Bird
www.twobirds.com
December 27, 2025 at 12:56 PM
CHINA: SMUGGLED SWIM BLADDERS FROM THE MEXICAN TOTOABA FISH ARE SOLD AT PRICES THAT RIVAL THE COST OF GOLD

On 22 December, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime released a report on the trade.
globalinitiative.net/analysis/the...
The totoaba trafficking route
In China’s luxury goods market, swim bladders from the totoaba fish are sold at prices that rival the cost of gold.
globalinitiative.net
December 27, 2025 at 12:53 PM
UK: REPORT FRAUD SERVICE GOES LIVE WITH FULL PUBLIC LAUNCH IN JANUARY 2026

On 4 December, a news release from the City of London Police involved the replacement for Action Fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
www.cityoflondon.police.uk/news/city-of...
www.reportfraud.police.uk
December 26, 2025 at 9:29 PM
HOW LATIN AMERICAN YOUTH ARE BEING DRAWN INTO JIHADIST NETWORKS

On 14 November, a report from the Global Network on Extremism & Technology examines the radicalisation transformation that has occurred, focusing particularly on Brazil
gnet-research.org/2025/11/14/f...
From TechHaven to Telegram: How Latin American Youth Are Being Drawn into Jihadist Networks - GNET
gnet-research.org
December 26, 2025 at 9:27 PM
IS BANGLADESH EDGING CLOSER TO BECOMING A TERROR HUB?

On 26 December, an analysis from the Eurasia Review reflects on the current unrest in Bangladesh, with violence, and a mix of nationalism, Islamic fundamentalism, and growing anti-India sentiment.
www.eurasiareview.com/26122025-ban...
www.eurasiareview.com
December 26, 2025 at 9:26 PM
CHINA IMPOSES SANCTIONS ON US DEFENCE COMPANIES OVER TAIWAN ARMS DEAL

On 26 December, the Guardian reported that China’s foreign ministry has hit US defence companies including Boeing with sanctions after a large package of arms sales to Taiwan was approved.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
China imposes sanctions on US defence firms over Taiwan arms deal
$10bn Trump-approved sale to Taipei triggers Beijing sanctions against firms such as Boeing and Northrop Grumman
www.theguardian.com
December 26, 2025 at 9:26 PM
MALAYSIA: COURT SENTENCES EX-PM NAJIB TO 15 YEARS IN BIGGEST 1MDB CASE

On 26 December, Nikkei Asia reported that a Malaysian high court had found the former Prime Minister guilty of charges in connection with the multibillion-dollar 1MDB graft scandal.
asia.nikkei.com/politics/mal...
Malaysia court sentences ex-PM Najib to 15 years in biggest 1MDB case
Judge rejects defense's claims of Saudi donations and management conspiracy
asia.nikkei.com
December 26, 2025 at 9:25 PM
UK: COURT CASE WHICH DEMONSTRATES THAT TRUSTEES WHO SEEK TO AVOID QUESTIONS CAN BE HELD TO ACCOUNT BY THE COURT AND FORCED TO PAY THE LEGAL COSTS PERSONALLY

On 18 December, MacFarlanes reported on a case involving a funeral plan company
www.macfarlanes.com/what-we-thin...
Fireworks for fiduciaries? Bonfire night judgment raises questions about Trustees’ behaviour in litigation - Macfarlanes
www.macfarlanes.com
December 26, 2025 at 9:24 PM
EU: DIGITAL IDENTITY WALLETS AND DATA PROTECTION

On 15 December, the European Data Protection Supervisor issued a Tech Dispatch about DIW - intended is to provide users with an easy way to store their identity data and credentials in a digital repository.
www.edps.europa.eu/data-protect...
TechDispatch #3/2025 - Digital Identity Wallets
The idea behind a Digital Identity Wallet (DIW) is to provide users with an easy way to store their identity data and credentials in a digital repository. This enables them to access services in both ...
www.edps.europa.eu
December 26, 2025 at 9:23 PM
HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS DISPLACED AS ISLAMIC STATE INSURGENCY EXPANDS IN MOZAMBIQUE

On 25 December, the Guardian reported that more than 300,000 people have been displaced by an IS insurgency in Mozambique since July
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Hundreds of thousands newly displaced as Islamic State insurgency expands in Mozambique
Rising numbers of people flee jihadists, as violence against civilians increases and foreign aid dwindles
www.theguardian.com
December 26, 2025 at 9:22 PM
US: RECORD FALSE CLAIM ACT SETTLEMENT FOR EVADING CUSTOMS DUTIES ON PRODUCTS IMPORTED FROM CHINA

On 24 December, an article from Crowell Moring reported on a $54.4 million settlement between the DoJ and Ceratizit USA LLC, a distributor of tungsten carbide products
www.crowell.com/en/insights/...
Record-Setting False Claims Act Settlement Highlights DOJ Commitment to Customs Enforcement
On December 19, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a $54.4 million settlement with Ceratizit USA, LLC, a distributor of tungsten carbide products, resolving allegations that the company…
www.crowell.com
December 24, 2025 at 10:34 PM
THE LEGAL PUZZLES OF DESIGNATING FENTANYL A WMD

On 23 December, a post from Lawfare returned to this question following Trump’s WMD designation, saying that it could have implications for civil-military relations and asset forfeiture - if courts agree
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/when...
When Is a Drug a Weapon? The Legal Puzzles of Designating Fentanyl a ‘Weapon of Mass Destruction’
President Trump’s WMD designation could have major implications for civil-military relations and asset forfeiture, if courts agree.
www.lawfaremedia.org
December 24, 2025 at 3:07 PM
ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED, AND UNREGULATED (IUU) FISHING: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

On 23 December, a briefing from the US Congressional Research Service provided answers to a number of FAQ and the US role in combating IUU fishing.
www.congress.gov/crs-product/...
December 24, 2025 at 3:05 PM
BURKINA FASO, MALI AND NIGER JOIN FATF-STYLE REGIONAL BODY

On 22 December, FATF-style regional body GIABA announced that ECOWAS had granted the admission of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger as non-ECOWAS members of GIABA.
www.giaba.org/Frame/pdfvie...
www.giaba.org
December 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
SERIOUS FRAUD OFFICE AND FIVE EYES FOREIGN BRIBERY INDICATORS

On 22 December, the SFO advised that the international taskforce had released indicators to help businesses and professionals detect corruption.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.afp.gov.au/crimes/fraud...
Serious Fraud Office and Five Eyes on foreign bribery indicators
International taskforce releases indicators to help businesses and professionals detect corruption
www.gov.uk
December 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
BRAZIL: NEW AML/CFT GUIDE

ANBIMA, the Brazilian Association of Financial and Capital Markets Entities, is said to have released an updated Guide for the Prevention of Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation of WMD.
www.linkedin.com/posts/vinici...
www.anbima.com.br/pt_br/pagina...
December 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM