#Ethics and Compliance:
Cybercrime: Over 1,200 arrests in a major Interpol operation in Africa
Interpol announced the arrest of 1,209 suspected cybercriminals and the seizure of $97.4 million as part of Operation Serengeti 2.0, conducted in cooperation with 18 African countries and the United Kingdom. The operation specifically targeted ransomware and online fraud. It led to dismantling 11,432 infrastructures and identified nearly 88,000 victims. Notably, 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centers were uncovered in Angola, . 65,000 victims were recorded in Zambia with total losses estimated at $300 million and an inheritance scam was exposed in Côte d’Ivoire. This operation, the largest of its kind in Africa to date, was supported by private partners like Kaspersky, who provided intelligence and training. > Read article
Event: Informatics & Freedoms Meetings, Tuesday, September 30 at the CNIL
On 30 September 2025, the CNIL will host the first public edition of its Informatics & Freedoms Meetings, aimed at students, lawyers, data protection officers (DPOs), and academics. The event seeks to foster dialogue on data protection and its related challenges. Two panel discussions are scheduled: the first will address privacy in the workplace and employers’ obligations regarding employee data. The second will explore the interaction between the GDPR and the new European AI Regulation, seeking a balance between innovation, collective responsibility, and respect for fundamental rights. The goal is to strengthen legal understanding and practices in response to growing challenges related to digitalization and artificial intelligence. > Read article
#White collar crime:
Organized Crime : Anti-Money Laundering Operation on the French Riviera Targets Suspected Neapolitan Mafia Affiliated Group
A joint French-Italian judicial operation was carried out with Europol from 3 to 4 July on the French Riviera, targeting a network suspected of laundering money for the Italian mafia organization, Camorra. The operation followed the launch of a preliminary investigation by the prosecutor of the French Interregional Specialized Jurisdiction (JIRS) Marseille for “aggravated money laundering”. Investigations revealed the existence of shell companies operating in France, Italy, Germany, and Tunisia, used to simulate revenue in sectors such as construction, car trading, and aluminum manufacturing, in order to funnel funds into bank accounts and reinvested in real estate. As part of the operation, one suspect was arrested and one house, four apartments, and eleven parking spaces were seized, with a total estimated value of over €2.5 million. > Read article
Martine Vassal, President of the Bouches-du-Rhône department, under preliminary investigation for embezzlement and influence peddling
Martine Vassal, President of the Bouches-du-Rhône department and the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, is the subject of a preliminary investigation for embezzlement of public funds, influence peddling, and corruption, launched by the Marseille public prosecutor following a report by her former collaborator and senior official, Erwan Davoux. He notably denounces excessive spending on official trips and the targeted allocation of subsidies to Jewish and Armenian associations. He also contests the appointment of her chief of staff, with whom she is allegedly has a personal relationship. A second investigation has been opened regarding alleged blackmail and incitement to hatred involving Erwan Davoux. > Read article
