The International Enforcement Law Reporter

The International Enforcement Law Reporter is a monthly print and online journal covering news and trends in international enforcement law.

Since September 1985, the International Enforcement Law Reporter has analyzed the premier developments in both the substantive and procedural aspects of international enforcement law. Read by practitioners, academics, and politicians, the IELR is a valuable guide to the difficult and dynamic field of international law.

DOJ Indictment of Scammers in Southeast Asia Unveils the Use of Enslaved Labor in Organized Crime Throughout the Region

Friday, May 1, 2026
Author: 
Dimitris Konstantopoulos
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
6
Abstract: 

In late April 2026, the United States (U.S.) Department of Justice (DOJ) unveiled charges against two Chinese nationals for their role in managing scam centers across the Thai-Burmese border region and Cambodia. The scammers mainly targeted Americans by convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency portfolios that promised high returns or by impersonating law enforcement, often demanding a sum of money from the victims.

Colombian Mercenaries, U.S. Sanctions, and the Sudan Crisis: International Law, Accountability, and the Limits of Multilateral Action

Friday, May 1, 2026
Author: 
Aniska Manojkumar
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
6
Abstract: 

On April 17, 2026—three years to the day since the civil war erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan—the United States (U.S.) Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sweeping sanctions against five individuals and entities linked to the recruitment and deployment of former Colombian military personnel to fight on behalf of the RSF.

Legal Implications of a Deadly Crash in Chihuahua Threaten to Strain U.S.-Mexico Relations

Friday, May 1, 2026
Author: 
Chloe Fontenelle
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
5
Abstract: 

On April 19, 2026, four people, including two United States (U.S.) officers of the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.), were killed in a car crash in Chihuahua state in northern Mexico.[2] The victims included Pedro Román Oseguera Cervantes, director of the Chihuahua State Investigation Agency, and Manuel Genaro Méndez Montes, an agency officer and the driver; the U.S. agents have not yet been named.

EUROPOL Releases its Report “Internet Organized Crime Threat Assessment” (IOCTA 2026)

Friday, May 1, 2026
Author: 
Michael Plachta
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
5
Abstract: 

On April 28, 2026, Europol published the new edition of the “Internet Organized Crime Threat Assessment” (IOCTA) 2026, providing an in-depth analysis of the latest trends and developments in cybercrime affecting the European Union (EU). The report, titled "How encryption, proxies, and AI are expanding cybercrime," underscores the accelerating pace and sophistication of cyber threats, emphasizing the need for enhanced law enforcement capabilities and international cooperation.

Ireland’s Most-Wanted Drug Kingpin Arrested in Dubai

Friday, May 1, 2026
Author: 
Austin Wahl
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
5
Abstract: 

On April 15, 2026, Irish fugitive Daniel Kinahan was apprehended by United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities executing an Irish court’s arrest warrant. Kinahan is a leader of the Kinahan cartel, a multinational organization involved in heroin and cocaine trafficking, and is alleged to have participated in several murders.

DOJ Brings Civil Forfeiture Case Against Kurdish General’s Mansion in Beverly Hills

Friday, May 1, 2026
Author: 
Bruce Zagaris
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
5
Abstract: 

 On April 22, 2026, the United States (U.S.) Department of Justice (DOJ) brought a civil forfeiture complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, requesting the forfeiture of a mansion situated in Beverly Hills, California, alleged to have been bought and renovated with approximately $30 million in proceeds of a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of War’s (DOW) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), pay bribes to an official of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), and violate U.S. money laundering laws.

Council of Europe Adopts Resolution on Tracking the Proceeds of Crime in the Context of the Magnitsky-type Acts

Friday, May 1, 2026
Author: 
Michael Plachta
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
5
Abstract: 

 At its 15th sitting held on April 22, 2026, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a Resolution on tracking the proceeds of the crime denounced by Sergei Magnitsky and holding its perpetrators accountable. The debate and resolution were based on a comprehensive Report prepared by the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights.

ICC and Nigeria Concluded a Memorandum of Understanding

Friday, April 24, 2026
Author: 
Michael Plachta
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
5
Abstract: 

On March 26, 2026, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Federal Republic of Nigeria concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), deferring to Nigeria’s primary responsibility to address alleged crimes under ICC jurisdiction. Exercising vigilance in the implementation of the MoU and enhancing cooperation are key elements of this instrument.

French Industry Tycoon to Stand Trial Following Investigation into Container Ports in Guinea and Togo

Friday, April 24, 2026
Author: 
Chloe Fontenelle
Volume: 
42
Issue: 
5
Abstract: 

The Paris Criminal Court has ordered French industrialist tycoon and billionaire Vincent Bolloré to stand trial on corruption and embezzlement charges relating to strategic container ports in West Africa, in connection with the 2010 presidential campaigns in Togo and Guinea. Bolloré is expected to stand trial from December 7 to 17, 2026.

Pages

Subscribe to International Enforcement Law Reporter RSS