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Investigations and intelligence updates

Issue 7: February 2025

Investigations and intelligence updates

Editor's note

Mark Tibbs

Welcome to our February edition of Investigations and intelligence updates, our monthly publication.

Whether you're involved in risk management, investment choices, or simply looking to understand the implications of global events, access to expert analysis and forecasts can be a valuable tool in navigating the uncertainties of the 21st century. Specifically curated for legal practitioners, risk managers, and compliance experts, our service simplifies the complexity of evolving patterns into actionable intelligence.

Our intelligence provides a strategic advantage by offering timely insights into political, economic, and security developments worldwide. Our updates are designed to provide you with concise updates on the most significant developments. Tailored for legal teams, risk and compliance professionals, we offer simple analysis of emerging trends.

We welcome feedback and questions – please reply to the monthly emails with your thoughts on the publication.

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The ban on five Iraqi banks from US dollar transactions

The United States' recent decision to ban five Iraqi banks from conducting transactions in US dollars marks a significant escalation in Washington's efforts to curb illicit financial activities, particularly those linked to money laundering and potential sanctions violations involving Iran. The move underscores the increasing scrutiny on Iraq's financial system and raises broader concerns for international businesses operating in the region.

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The Taliban in Japan

The Afghan Taliban made their first official diplomatic visit to a non-central Asian or Middle Eastern state in an international trade visit to Japan. Facilitated by the Japanese grant-making organisation Nippon Zaidan, this move could signal a shift towards international investment in Afghanistan's untapped markets, particularly mining, agriculture and infrastructure. However, significant challenges persist in reintegrating the state into international markets.

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Resurgence in Islamic State activity

Recent data indicates a significant escalation in attacks attributed to the Islamic State (IS) terror organisation in 2024. Between January and June 2024, IS claimed responsibility for 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria, setting them on pace to carry out more than twice their total number of attacks in 2023. This surge suggests that IS are attempting to capitalise on Syria’s post-civil war instability, and to reconstitute following several years of decreased capability.

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Conflict in the DRC

As of February this year, there has been an increase in clashes between Congolese national forces and the armed 23 March Movement (M23) in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), although a ceasefire may now be in place.

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