#European Arrest Warrant, Extradition & Interpol:
French arrest warrants against Bashar Al-Assad, the former Syrian president, and six senior officials, accused of the death of two journalists in 2012
French judges have recently issued seven arrest warrants against former senior Syrian officials, including Bashar Al-Assad, for complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the deaths of journalists in Homs in 2012. These warrants, issued by the war crimes division of the Paris Judicial Court, relate to what the investigation found to be a targeted and deliberate attack on an informal press center, in order to suppress media coverage of regime atrocities. This legal development could pave the way for a trial in France. To date, 21 warrants have been issued against Syrian dignitaries, according to the FIDH, a private party to the case. > Read article
#White collar crime:
Brazil launches major operation against leading drug cartel, uncovering control over biofuel sector
On August 28, a large-scale operation coordinated by the Brazilian federal police targeted the criminal organization Primeiro Comando da Capital (“PCC”) for fraud and money laundering. Conducted across several regions in collaboration with the the public prosecutor’s office and the tax authorities, the operation led to arrests, numerous searches, the seizure of vehicles, boats, and real estate, as well as freezing of assets. The investigation revealed the PCC’s influence over the biofuel sector, from production to resale, including importation and transport. Since 2020, the financial flows are estimated in the tens of billions of reais, laundered notably through fintech platforms and investment funds. > Read article
Karate: President of the French Federation Resigns Amid Complaints and Allegations
On August 29, the French Karate Federation (“FFK”) announced the resignation of its president, Bruno Verfaillie, elected in December 2024. This resignation comes amid internal conflict involving former president Francis Didier. In December 2024, thirteen current and former FFK officials filed a complaint against unknown persons citing passive corruption and influence peddling and accusing Francis Didier of using federation resources to support Bruno Verfaillie’s election. Francis Didier now accuses Bruno Verfaillie of having similarly benefited from FFK resources. The CNOSF had recommended new elections on March 11, 2025. The interim will be provided by the executive committee under Secretary General’s Philippe Dherbécourt’s leadership, pending new elections to intervene within three months. > Read article
Former MEP Jérôme Rivière convicted of aggravated tax fraud
On 2 September 2025, Jérôme Rivière, former French MP and MEP, was sentenced by the Paris court to a three-year suspended prison term, a €90,000 fine, five years of ineligibility, and a ban on managing a company for aggravated tax fraud and money laundering. Jérôme Rivière was accused of concealing €387,000 from the French tax authorities through two offshore companies in Hong Kong actually managed from France. These companies failed to declare taxes in France between 2014 and 2020, while over €140,000 were transferred to were made to Jérôme Rivière and his children. Jérôme Rivière has appealed the ruling. > Read article
