Hello! It’s August 13, and we’re tracking today’s top stories: Mexico transfers 26 cartel figures wanted by U.S. authorities, China’s new ‘Air Silk Road’ brings thousands of tons of goods from Xinjiang to Europe, U.S. imposes sanctions on Congo armed group, Singapore is selling a treasure trove of seized luxury goods, and much more…

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🎯 FEATURED STORY

Mexico transfers 26 cartel figures wanted by U.S. authorities in deal with Trump. The transfers are a milestone for the President, who’s made dismantling dangerous drug cartels a key Justice Department priority. NBC

White House Greenlights Military Strikes on Overseas Cartel Operations NYT

🔥 TOP STORIES

China’s new ‘Air Silk Road’ brings thousands of tons of goods from Xinjiang to Europe Politico

US imposes sanctions on Congo armed group, mining firms over illicit minerals Reuters

From Pateks to Birkins: Singapore Is Selling a Treasure Trove of Seized Luxury Goods Robb Report 

Russia Is Suspected to Be Behind Breach of Federal Court Filing System NYT 

Three Chinese-Owned Companies to Pay More Than $21.6M Relating to Paycheck Protection Program Loans DOJ

France, Germany, UK willing to reinstate sanctions on Iran Reuters 

Chevron’s return offers temporary relief to Venezuela’s struggling economy El Pais 

Gulf offers Lebanon funds if Hezbollah disarms Semafor

The American Fighting to Pry His Company Back From the Kremlin’s Grasp WSJ

‘Prison or death awaits’: U.S. trucker accused of financing Haiti gang leader MH

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🚩 RUSSIA & CHINA

Europe, Ukraine Unveil Counterproposal Ahead of Trump–Putin Alaska Talks WSJ

Switzerland follows the EU with new sanctions against Russian oil Swissinfo

Trump tariffs won’t stop Russian oil flow to India Semafor 

Finland charges crew of Baltic tanker with ties to Russia over undersea cable damage KI

🔐 CRYPTO & CYBER

Do Kwon pleads guilty to two charges related to his role at Terraform Cointelegraph 

AI in Cybersecurity: Faster Hacks, Faster Shields Axios

Hackers breach and expose a major North Korean spying operation TC 

Feds take down BlackSuit ransomware gang, seize $1M in crypto Axios

💸 CORRUPTION & FINANCIAL CRIME

US Charges Gang Leader ‘Barbeque’ with Sanctions Violations BBC 

DOJ Charges Two in Bribery Case at Mexico’s State Oil Company DOJ 

Bolsonaro’s Son Claims U.S. Prepping Sanctions Against Brazil FT

Left-wing dark-money megadonors contribute $20M to groups funding protests against Trump’s DC crackdown NYP

🚚 TRAFFICKING & TERROR

Federal Operation Targets Nebraska Human Trafficking Ring at Area Hotels DOJ

Controversial Princeton prof with strong Iran ties steps down after campaign from dissidents NYP 

Albania: 10 Arrested in Europol-Led Cocaine Raids OCCRP 

13 arrested in Mass and Cass human trafficking bust Boston Herald

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