Anti Money Laundering News (12 Jan – 18 Jan 2026)
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Global AML News Weekly Digest. Here are the top stories making headlines around the world:
1) Spain fines CaixaBank €30 million for serious AML control failures
Spain’s anti-money laundering authority SEPBLAC has imposed a €30 million fine on CaixaBank for serious deficiencies in its AML framework, linked primarily to legacy real estate and high-risk client transactions. Regulators found weaknesses in customer due diligence, insufficient ongoing monitoring, and failures to properly identify and mitigate money laundering risks associated with complex corporate structures. The enforcement action follows an extensive supervisory investigation and reflects heightened scrutiny of large financial institutions’ historical compliance gaps. CaixaBank has stated it intends to appeal the decision, but the fine stands as one of Spain’s largest AML penalties in recent years.
2) India mandates enhanced AML and KYC checks for cryptocurrency users
India’s Financial Intelligence Unit has directed cryptocurrency platforms to implement enhanced KYC and AML measures, including live selfie verification, geolocation checks, expanded identity documentation, and stricter transaction monitoring. The move follows growing concerns that crypto platforms are being misused for laundering illicit funds and bypassing traditional financial controls. Exchanges must now ensure real-time verification and improved audit trails to comply with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The tighter framework significantly increases compliance burdens for crypto service providers and signals India’s intent to bring digital asset activity firmly under its AML regime.
3) Indian court declares SRS Group promoters fugitive economic offenders
A special court under India’s PMLA framework has declared SRS Group promoters Jitender Garg and Sunil Jindal as fugitive economic offenders, enabling authorities to confiscate their domestic assets. The decision follows allegations of multi-crore financial fraud and large-scale money laundering, with investigators claiming the promoters fled the country to evade prosecution. The Enforcement Directorate has already attached significant assets linked to the case and continues to trace proceeds of crime. The ruling strengthens India’s use of fugitive offender laws as a tool to combat cross-border financial crime.
4) Cambodian authorities detain former tycoon in cybercrime and money laundering case
Cambodian authorities have detained a former business tycoon accused of orchestrating cybercrime operations linked to human trafficking, online fraud, and money laundering. Investigators allege that illicit proceeds were laundered through shell companies, cross-border financial channels, and high-value assets. The case highlights Southeast Asia’s growing enforcement focus on cyber-enabled financial crime networks that combine fraud, trafficking, and laundering. Officials stated that asset tracing and international cooperation are ongoing as part of the investigation.
5) Poland fines Zalando and Temu €8.8 million for consumer law violations with compliance implications
Poland’s competition and consumer protection authority has fined Zalando and Temu a combined €8.8 million for misleading discount practices and price manipulation. While primarily a consumer protection case, regulators highlighted systemic compliance failures and governance weaknesses that overlap with broader financial and operational controls. The enforcement action underscores rising regulatory expectations around transparency, internal controls, and risk management for large e-commerce platforms operating across the EU. The case signals how regulatory scrutiny beyond traditional AML domains can still carry material compliance and governance implications.
6) Cetera firms agree to $1.1 million fine over AML and supervisory failures
US regulators have imposed $1.1 million in penalties on multiple Cetera-affiliated broker-dealers for widespread AML and supervisory lapses. The firms were found to have failed in monitoring suspicious transactions, supervising registered representatives, and maintaining adequate compliance systems over several years. Regulators noted that the deficiencies created vulnerabilities for money laundering and other financial misconduct. The enforcement action reinforces expectations that broker-dealers must maintain robust AML programmes, even within complex corporate group structures.
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