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Investigations and intelligence updates

Issue 12: July 2025

Investigations and intelligence updates

Editor's note

Emeric Bernard-Jones

This month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for two senior Taliban leaders, charging them with crimes against humanity - specifically for systemic persecution of women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people. 

It’s the first time that gender identity and sexuality have formed the basis of an ICC case. And it raises a serious question: If this level of scrutiny is possible in Afghanistan, what about other states with similar records - like South Sudan, Yemen, or Somalia? 

In the latest edition of Mishcon de Reya’s Investigations and intelligence updates we also talk about the EU delisting the UAE and Gibraltar from its money laundering grey list, the resurgence of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, and the rise of AI impersonation targeting senior government officials. 

News
Dubai sunset

Gibraltar and United Arab Emirates reassessed for money laundering risks

On 9 July 2025, the European Union (EU) Parliament approved a proposal by the European Commission to remove both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Gibraltar from its "grey list" of high-risk countries under the Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) regime. This followed a move in February 2024 by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which sets international guidelines, to downgrade the countries.

News
birdseye view of Afghanistan

ICC charges Taliban leadership with crimes against humanity

On 8 July 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Haibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban's Supreme Leader, and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, its Chief Justice. They're accused of crimes against humanity for orchestrating systemic gender-based persecution targeting women, girls, LGBT individuals and anyone seen as an ally of women and girls in Afghanistan.

News
a large ship with containers on it

Shipping under siege: Houthi escalation drives insurance costs, disrupts trade

On 6 July 2025, the Liberian-flagged, Greek-managed bulk carrier the 'Magic Seas' was attacked in a Houthi assault off the coast of Al‑Hudaydah. The vessel was hit by sustained small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire from speedboats, followed by missile-equipped drones and remote-controlled boats.

News
Person's hands typing on laptop

AI impersonation of US senator sparks national security concerns

On 3 July 2025, The US Department of State issued an internal cable to its embassies and consulates, describing a campaign of "sophisticated manipulation" using AI-generated voice and text to impersonate US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, Marco Rubio.

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