SEC Charges Multiple Entities in Fraud Schemes Totaling at Least $15 Million That Used WhatsApp and Other Platforms to Lure Investors

For Immediate Release

2026-95

Washington D.C., Sept. 29, 2026 —

The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged multiple entities that are likely operated by individuals located overseas for defrauding hundreds of retail investors, including many in the U.S., through so-called investment confidence scams where the perpetrators sought to build online relationships with unsuspecting clients before stealing their money.

https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026-95-sec-charges-multiple-entities-fraud-schemes-totaling-least-15-million-used-whatsapp-other-platforms

Treasury Sanctions Sinaloa Cartel Leadership and Corruption Networks

September 29, 2026

Disrupting Los Mayos Leader’s Control of Border Plazas in Baja California

WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned nearly 50 targets who serve as leaders or facilitators for the Sinaloa Cartel. The 21 individuals and 25 entities designated include cartel leader Ismael Zambada Sicairos (a.k.a. “Mayito Flaco”), members of his innermost circle, and the Tijuana-based cell leaders, money launderers, and corrupt politicians who permit the Sinaloa Cartel to operate with impunity just miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0636/

US to restrict visa issuance to those impeding resolution of int'l parental child abduction: Rubio

Published : Sept. 29, 2026 - 08:31:09

South Korea among 14 countries cited for Hague Convention noncompliance, with cases often arising during separation or divorce

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday the United States will restrict visa issuance to those responsible for impeding the resolution of international parental child abduction cases as a US report has accused South Korea and other countries of showing a "pattern of noncompliance" with a multilateral treaty.

Rubio issued a statement on the restriction, highlighting that protecting American children abducted across international borders and reuniting them with their parents is a "top" priority for US President Donald Trump's administration.

https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10886950

Visa Restrictions for Foreign Nationals Undermining Democratically-Elected Governments in Western Hemisphere Countries

Press Statement

Thomas "Tommy" Pigott, Spokesman

Office of the Spokesman

September 28, 2026

Under the Trump Administration, corrupt foreign officials can no longer freely enter the United States. Today the Department of State is taking actions to fulfill the commitments to defend democratic governance across our hemisphere against corruption and narco-trafficking made at the Doral Summit and reaffirmed in the Shield of the Americas leaders’ statement of September 22.

Consistent with that statement committing to coordination of sanctions, designations, and financial actions against terrorists and criminals who undermine security, rule of law, and democracy, the Department is announcing a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This policy restricts visas for foreign nationals – and their immediate family members – who undermine a democratically-elected government through corruption or narcotrafficking activities in our region. Undermining a democratically-elected government is a threat to security and rule of law in the Americas and will not be tolerated. This is a durable mechanism that allows the United States to act quickly, in coordination with our partners, as evidence develops. The Department of State is taking steps immediately to impose visa restrictions under this policy in support of fellow Shield of the Americas participants Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesman/2026/09/visa-restrictions-for-foreign-nationals-undermining-democratically-elected-governments-in-western-hemisphere-countries/