Read on for the latest news and updates in bribery and corruption; money laundering; health and safety and more...

Bribery and Corruption 

NCA loses unexplained wealth order battle

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has been defeated in its battle to seize three London homes worth £80m using unexplained wealth orders (UWOs), which were introduced in the UK in 2018. The NCA was seeking to seize the homes from family members of former Kazakhstan leader Nursultan Nazarbayev. In her judgment, Justice Lang stated that she was not satisfied that the NCA had proved that the homes, located in Hampstead, Highgate and Chelsea, were bought with dirty money. The NCA has vowed to appeal against the decision.

City AM, 8 April 2020

Money Laundering

HSBC reports potential money laundering breaches

HSBC has reported potential breaches of money laundering rules in Australia. The bank has said that the breaches involved cross-border foreign currency transactions which the bank did not properly report for technical reasons. Following its DPA with US authorities in 2012, HSBC has invested large amounts in its internal controls and compliance function.

Reuters, 8 April 2020 

Cyber Crime

Scottish housing regulator warns of cyber-crime risk

Following a cyber-attack on a registered social landlord, the Scottish housing regulator has urged caution due to a reported rise in 'phishing' attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The regulator said it was aware of a number of new risks and issues since the pandemic, which include phishing, malware and ransomware.

Inside Housing, 9 April 2020

Sanctions

US urged to relieve Iran sanctions amid coronavirus fears

A group of senior diplomats and former government officials has urged the US to ease its strict sanctions regime on Iran to help the country fight the Covid-19 crisis.  This comes amid growing concerns that Iran is struggling to fight the virus effectively due to US sanctions preventing the flow of essential medical and humanitarian supplies into the country.

In a statement organised by the European Leadership Network and The Iran Project, signed by senior figures including former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, the group calls for additional exemptions under sanctions to allow for the supply of medical devices and equipment and to ensure that banks will not be subject to US enforcement action if they facilitate such transactions.

European Leadership Network, 6 April 2020 

UK issues guidance on new export control process for Covid-19 equipment

The UK government has issued guidance on the export control process for personal protective equipment.  The UK has implemented a recent EU Regulation that places restrictions on exports of PPE equipment such as masks and gloves intended to ensure that stocks needed for official and medical purposes in European countries are not depleted.

Department of Health and Social Care, 7 April 2020

Health & Safety

Coronavirus: HSE Guidance on RIDDOR Reporting

AG's note for clients, up to date as at 8 April 2020, provides guidance in relation to reporting COVID-19 incidents under RIDDOR. Please find a link to the note below.

AG

Coronavirus: HSE Update on the Operation of Businesses, First Aid Requirements and its own Regulatory Oversight During the COVID-19 Crisis

AG's note for clients, up to date as at 3 April 2020, provides guidance in relation to HSE updates arising in relation to COVID-19. Please find a link to the note below.

AG

Coronavirus: Locked Down or Locked Up – Police Powers and Covid-19

AG's note for clients, up to date as at 1 April 2020, provides guidance in relation to the Coronavirus Act 2020 and Police Powers. Please find a link to the note below.

AG

Manufacturer fined £80,000 after worker suffers severe crush injury

E.G.L Homecare Limited has been fined after an agency worker had his arm pulled into a press roller as he was removing dirt from the machine. He was diagnosed with forearm compartment syndrome and had to undergo an operation on his arm.

The HSE investigation found that the company failed to provide a tunnel guard on the roller to prevent access. E.G.L Homecare Limited pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

HSE, 20 March 2020

Joint statement by HSE, the TUC and the CBI regarding safe working

The HSE, TUC and CBI have released a joint statement on safe working during the Coronavirus pandemic. The joint statement emphasises that the health and safety of workers remains paramount and that employers must continue to provide workers with information about risks to their health and safety. The HSE, CBI and TUC fully support social distancing measures being taken by most employers, but if the HSE is made aware of employers that are not complying with Public Health England guidance then it will consider a range of actions including enforcement notices and prohibition notices.  

HSE, 3 April 2020

Fire Protection Agency issues security and arson protection advice for businesses

The advice entitled 'Unauthorised occupation of non-residential premises' has been issued as, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many businesses have found themselves having to temporarily move out of their properties leaving buildings vacant and at risk of fire, criminal activity and malicious damage.  The guide covers a number of key areas such as unauthorised occupations, planning, action, the law and policing, and the availability of help and support.

SHP, 8 April 2020