Criminal Law

The French Anti-Corruption Agency has shifted its enforcement approach, now assessing Sapin 2 compliance breaches at the time of inspection rather than at the time of ruling. For the first time, the AFA has imposed financial penalties on both a company and its chairman, signaling that delayed remedial measures will no longer provide protection from liability.

Italy's new Legislative Decree No. 160/2026 fundamentally reshapes the legal landscape for artificial intelligence systems by introducing criminal liability for security failures and expanding corporate responsibility under the 231 framework. The legislation establishes strict requirements for high-risk AI systems while imposing significant penalties on organizations that fail to implement adequate technical safeguards and human oversight mechanisms. How will businesses need to restructure their AI governan

Dutch authorities have arrested two individuals and raided a company suspected of circumventing sanctions by providing prohibited IT services and exporting high-tech goods to Russia. The investigation reveals connections between a Dutch company and Russian entities, including sanctioned banks and military equipment manufacturers, with goods allegedly routed through third countries to support Russia's defense industry.

Manchester City faces 114 proven charges out of 115 brought by the Premier League for financial rule breaches spanning nearly a decade. The independent Commission found evidence of a "Disguised Funding Scheme" that overstated the club's revenue by over £830 million, raising questions about potential sanctions, appeals, and compensation claims from rival clubs.

The French Anti-Corruption Agency has shifted its enforcement approach, now assessing Sapin 2 compliance breaches at the time of inspection rather than at the time of ruling. For the first time, the AFA has imposed financial penalties on both a company and its chairman, signaling that delayed remedial measures will no longer provide protection from liability.

French authorities have charged five individuals with fundraising for Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, following an investigation that began in April. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office is seeking pre-trial detention for two of the suspects as the case moves forward.

The European Union (Motor Insurance) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 introduce significant changes to motor insurance requirements in Ireland, expanding claims-history statement obligations and establishing new non-discrimination measures for policyholders moving between EU Member States. Vehicle insurers must now navigate enhanced transparency requirements, standardised claims documentation...

French authorities have charged five individuals with fundraising for Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, following an investigation that began in April. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office is seeking pre-trial detention for two of the suspects as the case moves forward.

Belgium has significantly strengthened its sanctions enforcement framework through revised legislation that entered into force on 1 September 2026. The new Economic Sanctions Law grants authorities broader investigative powers, establishes a dedicated sanctions investigation team, and dramatically increases both administrative and criminal penalties for violations of EU economic sanctions.