Asia News

The Korea Customs Service has successfully dismantled a major criminal network that laundered 148.9 billion won through unauthorized digital asset transfers, authorities confirmed. Investigations revealed that three Chinese nationals orchestrated the elaborate scheme by exploiting domestic bank accounts and international cryptocurrency platforms between September 2021 and June of the previous year. The suspects have been referred to the prosecution for serious violations of t

Beginning January 16, Chinese passport holders traveling to the Philippines for tourism or business purposes may enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 14 days. The initiative, which will remain in force for one year, is limited to arrivals through two major gateways: the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Cebu. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced the new arrangement on Thurs

Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) has directed the country’s banks to block and shut down 31,382 accounts suspected of being connected to illegal online gambling activities, an increase from the 30,392 accounts previously flagged by regulators.   Authorities have repeatedly warned that online gambling poses serious risks to financial stability, disrupts household finances and undermines the wider economy. Although many gambling platforms are operated from outside

Sri Lanka is approaching a decisive moment in 2026 as it prepares for a crucial anti–money laundering evaluation that could shape the country’s economic future and its standing in the global financial system. Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe has recently warned that failure to satisfy international benchmarks could push the country onto the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, a move that would sharply increase the cost of doing business with the outsid

Chen Zhi, founder and chairman of Prince Group, has been arrested in Cambodia and repatriated to China for investigation, according to The Cambodia China Times, a Chinese media outlet operating in Cambodia. The detention represents a major development in a case that has attracted international attention over allegations of large-scale cross-border fraud and money laundering. Cambodian media reports indicated that Chen was taken into custody in Cambodia and transferred to Chin

Indian authorities have successfully brought 49 virtual digital asset service providers into the country’s formal financial reporting system during the ongoing fiscal year, marking a decisive step in tightening oversight of the cryptocurrency sector. This development follows an intensive compliance drive led by the Financial Intelligence Unit, aimed at ensuring that all crypto-related platforms function within the framework of existing transparency and anti–money laundering l

Prosecutors in Taipei have concluded one of the most sweeping financial crime indictments in recent regional history, charging thirty-five people for their roles in an elaborate underground banking and gambling operation that funneled more than 30.6 billion New Taiwan dollars, roughly equivalent to $970 million USD, through sophisticated digital channels. At the center of the case is a man who publicly appeared to be running a well-known Hong Kong–style restaurant while cover

Sri Lanka has moved swiftly to tighten its regulatory and fiscal approach to casino gaming, introducing higher costs for both players and operators effective from the start of 2026. From January 1, the government doubled the entry fee for Sri Lankan citizens at casinos from US$50 to US$100. In addition, the betting and gaming gross collection levy was raised from 15% to 18%, according to a notice issued by the Inland Revenue Department. These changes apply to all licensed bet