Plus Ultra Airline Probed for Alleged Ties to Venezuela Money-Laundering Network
Spanish prosecutors are investigating whether Madrid-based airline Plus Ultra used a €53-million Covid-era bailout to launder money embezzled from Venezuela through a web of companies in France, Switzerland and Spain, according to a report in El País.
Ex-Bolivian President Luis Arce Arrested in Corruption Probe
Former Bolivian President Luis Arce was arrested on Wednesday as part of a sweeping corruption investigation, just a month after conservative President Rodrigo Paz took office and ended two decades of left-wing rule, according to the Associated Press.
Mexico Ex-Governor Duarte Expected to Face Money Laundering Charges
Mexican federal authorities have taken former Chihuahua governor César Duarte back into custody, preparing to charge him with laundering public funds allegedly diverted while he was in office, according to the Associated Press.
Singapore Court Okays $2.7-Billion Lawsuit Against Standard Chartered for 1MDB Role
A Singapore court has allowed a $2.7-billion lawsuit against Standard Chartered Bank to proceed over its alleged role in the looting of Malaysia’s 1MDB sovereign fund, according to Reuters.
Volodymyr Zelensky’s Gold Toilet Problem
Law enforcement raids on luxury Kyiv apartments, including one bathroom fitted with a golden toilet, and images of duffel bags stuffed with cash have plunged President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration into its biggest corruption crisis since he took office, the Financial Times reported.
Malaysian Authorities Target $115 Million in UBS, JPMorgan for 1MBD Ties
Malaysia’s anti-graft agency will freeze approximately USD $115.32 million held in Swiss bank accounts linked to Prince Turki Abdullah Abdul Al-Saud, a co-founder of PetroSaudi International and a figure tied to the long-running 1MDB scandal.
Spain Seizes Property of Russian Helicopters CEO: Report
Spanish authorities have seized property linked to Nikolai Kolesov, the chief executive of state-owned Russian Helicopters, on suspicion of money laundering, according to an anti-corruption group founded by the late Alexei Navalny.
Ex–Nodus Chair Pleads Guilty to $13.6 Million Fraud
The former chairman of the board at Puerto Rico–based Nodus International Bank, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in a $13.6-million scheme that contributed to the institution’s 2023 collapse.
Ex–Ronald McDonald House Director Charged with Stealing from Charity
The former executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield, Wisconsin, has been charged with taking over $100,000 from the nonprofit.