Greetings! It’s April 2, and we’re tracking today’s top stories: Texas border agents seize huge haul of sausages, bipartisan senators introduce Russia sanctions, Sinaloa cartel slapped with Trump sanctions in blow to drug empire, whiskey drinking rocker transforms into West Africa’s most dangerous al Qaeda leader, and much more…

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🎯 FEATURED STORY

Texas Border Agents Seize Huge Haul of Sausages. Mexican bologna, made primarily from pork, has a distinctive flavor that resonates with consumers, especially those with ties to Mexican cuisine. Newsweek

🔥 TOP STORIES

Bipartisan senators introduce primary, secondary Russia sanctions Hill

Sinaloa cartel slapped with Trump admin sanctions in blow to drug empire Fox 

Whiskey-Drinking Rocker Transforms Into West Africa’s Most Dangerous al Qaeda Leader WSJ

How to use Russia’s central bank assets for Ukraine Politico

Swiss Frozen Russian Asset Tally Jumps to $8.4 Billion Swissinfo 

US sanctions 6 Chinese and Hong Kong officials over rights abuses AP 

U.S. issues Iran-related sanctions against China, UAE-based entities Reuters

Investigating a Sprawling Money Laundering Network NYT

Trump to consider potential buyers of TikTok at Wednesday meeting USAT

Putting the Screws on the Partnership Between North Korea and Russia WOTR

Brazil prosecutors charge former Americanas executives with fraud Reuters

FinCEN Issues Advisory on the Financing of ISIS FinCEN 

Hearing: Following the Money – Tools and Techniques to Combat Fraud US House

🚀 TRM Labs:

2025 Crypto Crime Report — A Year of Evolving Threats and Tactical Shifts

Illicit crypto activity fell sharply in 2024 — down 24% to $45B — but threat actors didn’t slow down. TRM Labs’ 2025 Crypto Crime Report reveals how ransomware demands hit record highs, terrorist financing grew more sophisticated, and illicit drug sales surged beyond darknet markets.

Explore the global trends shaping crypto risk exposure and the tools needed to mitigate it. 👉 Read the full report!

💥 RUSSIA & CHINA

Serious Sanctions Time for Russia WSJ

U.K. Unveils New Rules to Monitor Those Working for Russian Govt AFP 

China’s Tariff-Dodging Move to Mexico Looks Doomed WSJ

Russia tightens cybersecurity measures as financial fraud hits record high Record

💸 CORRUPTION & FINANCIAL CRIME

Brazil says Trafigura agreed to pay $76M to settle corruption case Reuters

Britain's most dangerous gangsters Daily Mail 

Top advisers to Netanyahu arrested in corruption case DW 

Marine Le Pen’s conviction caused a political firestorm. Here’s what actually happened. Politico

‘Ndrangheta-Style Crime Network Busted in Germany, Italy OCCRP

🔐 CRYPTO & CYBER

There's More to North Korea's Hacking Ops Than Just Lazarus Group Decrypt

Someone is trying to recruit security researchers in bizarre hacking campaign TechCrunch

North Korea tech workers found among staff at UK blockchain projects Cointelegraph

A shady, shuttered tech bootcamp may be sneaking back online Verge

🚚 TRAFFICKING

Jalisco cartel lures recruits with fake jobs through social platforms and kills those who resist AP

Lawyers press Trump to return wrongfully deported immigrant after ‘clerical error’ Independent

Outrage as US deports makeup artist to El Salvador prison for crown tattoos Guardian 

Mexico president has more names of alleged drug traffickers for US extradition Reuters

“The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia.”
— Otto von Bismarck

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