Prosecutors allege the network fraudulently registered some medical facilities and then submitted claims for procedures that were never performed, draining about KSh 28 million  (approx. US$217,000) from public health funds.

The DPP has also recommended criminal charges against eight facilities named in the case: Kaafi Nursing Home, Dimtu Nursing Limited, Mama Nerbeel Nursing Home, Kamsihawa Medical Centre, Adfeel Kids Care Medical Centre Limited, Julun Nursing Home, Danaba Care Hospital Limited and Alati Nursing Home.

The approved charges include conspiracy to de fraud , operating unlicensed health facilities, acquisition and use of proceeds of crime, unauthorised access to computer systems, computer fraud, obtaining money by false pretence and abuse of office. Investigators believe the scheme relied on fake patient claims, questionable billing practices and access to digital health systems.

In a related case arising from the same probe, Harun Liluma has already been charged and pleaded not guilty. He was released on a KSh 1 million (approx. US$7,700 - 7,800) bond with two sureties or KSh 500,000 (between US$3,850 - 3,900) cash bail, and the matter is due back in court on March 12, 2026, as authorities continue tracing the remaining suspects over alleged offences committed between January 30 and August 25, 2025.

Scam and fraud claims against Singapore’s digital banks have more than doubled in 2025, with 94 cases reported in the first eight months, up from 42 in all of 2024. The Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (Fidrec) said these cases, worth S$2.5 million, mainly involved compromised credentials and impersonation scams, Straits Times reports. Victims were often deceived by phishing or scammers posing as officials. Fidrec added that claims against digital banks rose from 2.1% of total cases in 2023 to 8.7% in 2025, signalling a worrying trend as online banking expands.

Two Singaporeans arrested in Cambodia-based scam ring

Two Singaporean men, Wayne Soh You Chen and Brian Sie Eng Fa, have been deported and arrested for their alleged roles in a Cambodia-based scam syndicate accused of running government official impersonation scams. The syndicate, believed to be led by fugitive Ng Wei Liang, allegedly defrauded victims in at least 438 cases, costing S$41 million. Straits Times reports both men were captured abroad after months on the run, while 32 other members, including 25 Singaporeans and 7 Malaysians, remain at large.  

Autonomous vehicle testing

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has greenlit Grab and WeRide to conduct autonomous vehicle testing for their Ai.R fleet in Punggol. The trial will pave the way for Singapore’s first public autonomous shuttle service by early 2026. The service will link residents to key areas such as Punggol Coast MRT, bus interchanges, and shopping malls, Business Times reports. The AVs, trained to navigate local road conditions and weather, will gather real-world data to enhance their AI driving models. The programme will see test runs increase fourfold by year-end.  

Study links heavy social media use to mental distress

A national mental health study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) has found that young people who spend over three hours daily on social media are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress. Based on interviews with 2,600 respondents aged 15 - 35, the research showed that 30.6% reported severe symptoms, while cyberbullying and body image issues were strong contributing factors. IMH noted that youth with higher resilience and social support were less likely to suffer mental health strain. The study was conducted with the Ministry of Health and NUS’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Today Online reports.

5.5% - 7.5% pay rise for low-wage workers

The National Wages Council (NWC) has urged employers to grant built-in wage increases of 5.5% to 7.5% for workers earning up to S$2,700 a month from December 2025 to November 2026. Firms performing well should raise pay at the higher end of the range or by at least S$105 - S$125. The move, which covers about 57,600 workers, comes amid modest GDP growth of 1.5% - 2.5% for 2025 and persistent cost pressures. The council also announced higher pay floors for administrators and drivers under the Occupational Progressive Wages scheme, set to take effect in July 2026.

Metropolitan Police seized more than 61,000 bitcoin from her, concluding a probe that began when she fled China for Britain on falsified documents.

Prosecutors said Qian masterminded a vast investment scam between 2014 and 2017 that defrauded more than 128,000 people in China. She converted much of the money into bitcoin and sought to launder the funds through luxury property purchases in the UK.

Qian first made a blip on authorities’ radar in 2018 following a tip about suspicious cryptocurrency transfers. She was arrested after five years on the run.

"Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used by organised criminals to disguise and transfer assets, so that fraudsters may enjoy the benefits of their criminal conduct," said Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Robin Weyell.

"This case, involving the largest cryptocurrency seizure in the UK, illustrates the scale of criminal proceeds available to those fraudsters."

Her accomplice, Jian Wen, was sentenced earlier this year to six years and eight months for money laundering. 

Wen moved from a flat above a restaurant to a multimillion-pound rented home in north London during the scheme. Police also seized bitcoin worth $400 million from her.

Qian’s conviction comes amid growing concern over large-scale scams across Asia. 

The United Nations has warned that countries such as Thailand are emerging as hubs for transnational fraud, with some groups using artificial intelligence to target victims.

Botswana has declared September 29 a public holiday to celebrate its men’s 4x400m relay team’s historic gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The victory marks the first time an African nation has ever won the event. President Duma Boko hailed the team’s triumph over 10-time champions USA as “electric” and a symbol of Botswana’s growing global stature. The country also achieved its best-ever championship finish, ranking fifth overall with four medals.

UAE sends aid as Botswana faces health crisis

The United Arab Emirates has delivered 91 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to Botswana, offering urgent relief as the country struggles with a nationwide health emergency. The shipment arrived Sunday and was hailed by Botswana’s Health Ministry as critical support amid severe shortages that have forced hospitals to delay non-urgent surgeries. President Duma Boko declared a national health emergency last month after a breakdown in the Central Medical Stores disrupted access to treatments for chronic and life-threatening conditions. 

Botswana launches sovereign wealth fund to spur growth, jobs

Botswana has unveiled a new sovereign wealth fund aimed at diversifying the economy, creating jobs, and improving management of state-owned companies. The move comes as the country struggles with a prolonged diamond market downturn that has drained the central bank-managed Pula Fund, traditionally used to stabilize finances. Board chair Farouk Gumel said the new fund will focus on growth, investing in both cash assets and state enterprises. Deputy chair Emma Peloetletse stressed that only returns — not capital — will be used. Officials say the fund may invest abroad as well as domestically to boost performance and reduce reliance on diamonds.

UN expert calls on Botswana to act against indigenous marginalization

A United Nations special rapporteur has urged Botswana to adopt a clear strategy and dedicated budget to address the marginalization of indigenous peoples. Following a 12-day visit to 12 cities and meetings with President Duma Boko and community representatives, Albert Barume reported that groups like the San face exclusion from public services, cultural erosion, and discrimination, particularly in schools. The report recommends constitutional recognition of indigenous status and greater public education to combat stigma. Botswana recently ratified ILO Convention 169, and the government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to address these issues. 

Acting president Gaolathe warns students against financial crimes

Acting president Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe has urged students to steer clear of financial crimes , warning that offenses like money laundering and fraud threaten Botswana’s economy and international standing. Speaking at the Financial Intelligence Agency’s 10km walk in Francistown on September 20, he stressed that blacklisting for financial misconduct can cripple access to loans, trade, and business growth. Gaolathe praised the FIA’s outreach, calling on youth to champion integrity and help protect Botswana’s economy by rejecting illegal financial activities and fostering a culture of responsibility.

The criminals siphoned over Sh810.68 million ($6.1m) through mobile banking alone, deploying tactics like SIM swaps, phishing, malware, and identity cloning. The figure represents a 344 percent jump from the previous year, accounting for more than half of all money stolen.

The CBK noted that many of the scams happened late at night, often on weekends, when unsuspecting revellers were tricked into revealing passwords. Millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996, were identified as the most vulnerable group.

Overall fraud cases more than doubled, rising from 173 in 2023 to 353 in 2024. Losses from card fraud, computer hacks, online banking scams, and identity theft all surged, pushing total exposed funds , the amount criminals targeted before banks clawed some back, to nearly Sh2 billion ($15m).

The Bank further noted that card fraud cost customers Sh263.3 million, up nearly 17 times from the previous year, while computer hacking drained Sh203.4 million, almost triple the 2023 figure. Identity theft grew sixfold to Sh199 million.

While banks recovered about Sh368 million, insurers now warn of spiralling risks. Some banks are paying as much as Sh400 million annually in premiums to cover cyber thefts.

“The motivation of cyber criminals targeting financial institutions is financial gain. Cyber fraud was prevalent in the banking sector in 2024, with reported cases rising from 157 in 2023 to 353 in 2024, and the mount exposed increasing from Sh680.9 million to Sh1.9 billion,” the bank noted, adding, “Perhaps the most significant and emerging operational risk facing the financial sector is associated with the rapid adoption of financial technologies,” the CBK warned.

The Communications Authority of Kenya reported that cyberattacks in the country more than doubled to 7.96 billion attempts in the year to June 2025, with system attacks accounting for 97 percent of the threats.

The draft will now be submitted to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final ratification.

Under the law, decisions based on UNSC directives will be issued by the Cabinet, following recommendations from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with powers being delegated to individual ministers, who can establish special committees to oversee enforcement.

The regulations will also ensure due process, including mechanisms for appeals and provisions allowing limited access to frozen funds for basic living expenses.

Violations will attract financial penalties ranging from KD 10,000 ($ 32,644) to KD 500,000 ($1.6 million), in addition to other sanctions under existing financial laws. Current counterterrorism laws will remain in effect unless directly overruled by the new provisions.

According to the official explanatory note, the law is designed to provide the Cabinet with a clear legal framework to meet Kuwait’s international obligations while preserving constitutional rights and protecting those acting in good faith.

The move is seen as a step toward reinforcing Kuwait’s compliance with global counterterrorism financing standards, particularly those monitored by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the United Nations.

In 2021, the United Arab Emirates established the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) to spearhead a cohesive government strategy against financial crime, in close collaboration with regional and global partners, including the United States.

Since then, the UAE has significantly bolstered enforcement and regulatory frameworks, recording fines for AML/CTF violations from $20.6 million in early 2022 to $ 67.8 million in the first ten months of 2023, a more than threefold increase.

The UAE confiscated roughly $ 353.9 million in illicit assets in 2023, with the courts prosecuting 583 money laundering cases, achieving a high conviction rate of 92.1%.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), between October 2019 and February 2022, Ezeonyido filed fraudulent claims with five different insurance companies, falsely asserting that he and at least seven others had received emergency medical treatment abroad for serious injuries, including gunshot wounds, stabbings, and car accidents.

However, investigators found that in nearly all cases, the individuals were in the United States at the time of the supposed overseas treatments. The DOJ described the claims as "fabricated, high-cost medical scenarios" that enabled the conspirators to obtain significant reimbursements from insurers.

“Ezeonyido was arrested and charged in July 2024, along with co-conspirators Brendon Ashe, Aqiyla Atherton, Darline Cobbler, and Ariel Lambert,” the DOJ said. While Ezeonyido was later indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024, his four co-defendants pleaded guilty and received probation for their roles in the scheme.

The fraudulent operation involved the use of fake medical documents, claims of out-of-pocket payments abroad, and carefully coordinated kickbacks. Several participants paid portions of their insurance payouts back to Ezeonyido and other intermediaries, including Atherton, who was accused of recruiting others into the scheme.

“Healthcare fraud affects every American through increased premiums and reduced trust in the system,” said U.S. Attorney Foley.

He warned that the DOJ remains committed to aggressively prosecuting such crimes.

The fraudulent scheme, known as “En Primeur” (EP), falsely promised investors ownership of premium wines supposedly sourced from French suppliers. However, no such wines were ever procured. Instead, Ko and Koo funnelled investor funds through a shell company, Grand Millesimes Limited (GML), incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, with fake invoices to simulate transactions.

A report by Straits Times indicated that Ko laundered funds through a Swiss bank account and later into a third account in Singapore, deliberately layering transfers to avoid detection. Court documents revealed he kept S$8 million for personal use and distributed Koo’s share through underground channels and cash payments.

More than 240 police reports were filed from May 2011, leading to an investigation. Both men left Singapore that same month. Ko’s Swiss account was closed later that year, and he remained abroad until his arrest in May 2024 upon returning to Singapore. No restitution has been made.

Ko pleaded guilty to one count of criminal breach of trust involving over $10 million and two counts of dealing with criminal proceeds. Twelve other charges were considered in sentencing.

Lan, aged 68, was found guilty of orchestrating a $12.5 billion fraud scheme through fraudulent loan activities over ten years, severely impacting Vietnam’s banking system and shaking investor confidence.

In September, Truong My Lan’s appeal against her death sentence was dismissed by the Ho Chi Minh City court. The court clarified its position by stating that reimbursing the substantial embezzled amount would warrant reconsidering her sentence.

Despite claims by her legal team that she had partially repaid some funds and expressed remorse, the judiciary maintained that her efforts fell short in light of the significant damage caused to public trust.

Lan’s case embodies the overarching ‘Blazing Furnace’ anti-corruption initiative aimed at addressing rampant financial misconduct among influential societal figures. This campaign has seen numerous powerful individuals facing scrutiny and sanctions for illicit activities.

The ongoing nature of her legal battles also highlights the extended appeals process available under Vietnamese law, wherein death sentences are not executed immediately, thereby allowing for possible clemency petitions.

The economic consequences of the fraud scandal extend beyond Lan’s case, revealing systemic vulnerabilities within Vietnam's financial institutions that could deter foreign investment.

Experts have suggested that the handling of such cases is critical for restoring confidence in governance and business practices within Vietnam, particularly in light of the death penalty provisions for severe financial crimes. The implications of such high-profile legal proceedings will also likely reinforce the government’s commitment to combatting corruption on multiple fronts.

Femi Gbajabiamila emphasised the government’s resolve to tackle the problems including money laundering, and terrorism that led to Nigeria’s listing.

According to him, the NFIU has implemented 30 percent of the action plan aimed at addressing the lapses identified.

“We have nine months left to exit the Grey List, and even being on that list is bad enough—that is not what we want for our country.

“Therefore, we will do everything we need to do because May 2025 is around the corner,” he was quoted by the Daily Post.

He also assured of continued collaboration with the NFIU to ensure the protection of Nigeria’s financial system from threats.

This comes following Nigeria’s listing on the FATF Grey List on February 24, 2023, following rising capital inflows and shortcomings in combating money laundering, terrorism, and arms financing.

The global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an independent intergovernmental organisation that promotes policies to protect the global financial system by evaluating jurisdictions based on their Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation, AML/CFT/P standards.