ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - April 27, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - April 27, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• China to Clamp Down on Financial Crimes with New Version of Anti-Money-Laundering Law
• Unrest in Faridpur, Bangladesh After Reported Lynching
• Mail Service Disruptions In Belgium

China to Clamp Down on Financial Crimes with New Version of Anti-Money-Laundering Law

On April 23 China’s Ministry of Justice started revamping its law on money laundering to crackdown on illegal financial activities and address cryptocurrency-related risks. A draft version of the law expands the scope of scrutiny to include laundering money via crypto-currency and aligns China's practices with global standards as it faces stricter international scrutiny. Cryptocurrency is currently illegal in mainland China, but is available in Hong Kong. Notably, the new law will protect Hong Kong’s position as a cryptocurrency hub in Asia, but allow China greater authority to investigate crypto-related financial crimes. On April 30, Hong Kong plans to introduce its first spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Unrest in Faridpur, Bangladesh After Reported Lynching

On April 24, protesters blocked roads and started fires in Bangladesh’s central Faridpur District after an angry crowd reportedly murdered two men suspected of setting fire to a Hindu temple. Security forces clashed with protesters who had blocked the Khulna-Faridpur Highway, resulting in 15 injuries. Authorities report the situation is currently under control, but some sources claim there is potential for additional unrest on April 26 following the traditional Friday prayer. The two Muslim men were killed on April 18, reportedly by a crowd composed mainly of Hindus, after being blamed for starting a fire at a local Hindu temple. The men were performing maintenance at a school next to the temple at the time of the fire. Bangladesh has a history of Hindu-Muslim tension that occasionally turns violent.

Mail Service Disruptions in Belgium

On April 25 mail carrier unions and management at the Belgian Post Group (Bpost) reached an agreement, bringing an end to a strike that began on April 22, 2024. This labor action was sparked by concerns over a proposed delivery contract with newspaper publishers. The strike caused significant disruption to postal services in Brussels and Wallonia throughout the week, and these issues will likely continue for several days going forward as mail carriers sort through the considerable backlog of envelopes, packages and other post.