Investment Coin Buyback Prices via Turan Bank and Bank of Baku

CBAR has published buyback prices for investment coins via its designated sales agents Turan Bank ASC and Bank of Baku ASC. The pricing schedule covers Heydər Əliyev 100-year anniversary gold investment coins in four weight denominations. Prices range from 783.86 manat (1/10 ounce) to 7838.61 manat (1 ounce), effective 22.04.2026. Coins must retain their design, surface, packaging, and certificate (if applicable) in undamaged condition to qualify for buyback.

Requirements for Bringing Dogs, Cats, Ferrets to Norway

NFSA Norway has published a guide for pet owners travelling to Norway with dogs, cats, or ferrets. The document outlines entry requirements including health documentation, vaccination rules, and treatment specifications. The guide also notes special requirements for the import of former stray animals from other countries.

Ukraine Online Discourse Spike After Antisemitism Law Signed April 16, 2026

The Ministry of Justice Israel published a J-soc report on April 16, 2026, identifying a spike in online discourse concerning Ukraine following the signing of antisemitism legislation. The report is categorized as a J-soc report with files available for download. The document provides monitoring and compliance-related analysis regarding online antisemitic discourse trends.

Notice to Mariners 027/2026: Ball-Shaped Metal Buoy Submerged at 8 Meters Near Israeli Coast

Israel's Ministry of Transport issued Notice to Mariners 027/2026 on April 15, 2026, advising that a ball-shaped metal buoy was temporarily installed at position 32°42'07.55″N 034°50'30.16″E at a depth of 8 meters below sea level. The notice requires all mariners operating in Israeli waters to exercise extra caution when navigating near the buoy's location. The temporary buoy is installed without a stated removal date, meaning the hazard remains in effect until further notice.

NSQ Drug Alerts - Not Standard Quality Pharmaceuticals India

CDSCO India publishes Not Standard Quality (NSQ) drug alerts listing pharmaceutical products found non-compliant with quality standards during testing. Alert records identify affected drug products, recalling manufacturers, specific quality defects, and test failure parameters. Alert dates and product identifiers are recorded for each entry to facilitate regulatory traceability and market withdrawal actions by state drug authorities and healthcare providers.

Master Direction RBI Unique Identifiers LEI UTI Implementation 2026

RBI issued Master Direction FMRD.MIOD.No.9/11.01.057/2025-26 on March 27, 2026, mandating LEI and UTI for OTC transactions in regulated financial markets. Section A (LEI) takes immediate effect; Section B (UTI) takes effect January 1, 2027. LEI applies to all non-individual entities in Government securities, money market, FX, and derivatives markets, with a USD 1 million threshold for non-derivative FX transactions. Entities without a valid LEI code shall not be eligible to undertake transactions. UTI generation must follow CPMI-IOSCO technical guidance.

Digital Payments E-Mandate Framework 2026

The Reserve Bank of India has issued the 'Digital Payments – E-Mandate Framework, 2026', consolidating and replacing 8 prior circulars on e-mandate processing for recurring digital transactions. The framework applies to all Payment System Providers and Participants handling domestic or cross-border recurring transactions via cards, PPI, or UPI. Key provisions include: mandatory AFA validation for e-mandate registration; pre-transaction notifications at least 24 hours before debit; no AFA required for transactions up to ₹15,000 (₹1,00,000 for insurance premiums, mutual fund subscriptions, and credit card bill payments); customer opt-out facilities; and a prohibition on charging customers for the e-mandate facility. The framework is effective immediately upon issuance.

RBI Dividend Directions 2026, Commercial Banks

The Reserve Bank of India issued Master Directions effective Financial Year 2026-27 establishing new prudential norms for dividend declaration and profit remittance by commercial banks. Banks must meet eligibility criteria including positive adjusted PAT, regulatory capital compliance, and absence of RBI restrictions before paying dividends. Dividend quantum is capped at 75% of PAT in aggregate, with tiered percentages from 0% to 100% based on CET1 ratio buckets (from up to (8+z)% through above 20%), where 'z' is the applicable D-SIB buffer. The Directions apply to all banking companies, corresponding new banks, and State Bank of India, explicitly excluding Small Finance Banks, Local Area Banks, Payments Banks, and Regional Rural Banks.

RBI Governor on India's Growth and Global Challenges

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra delivered an address at Princeton University on April 18, 2026, outlining India's economic growth trajectory and the Reserve Bank of India's role in maintaining price stability and navigating global challenges. India grew at an average of 6.1% annually over the last decade, outpacing global growth of 3.2%, China's 5.6%, and Indonesia's 4.2%. The Governor discussed the Flexible Inflation Targeting framework adopted in 2016, which targets 4% inflation with a 2% tolerance band, noting that average headline inflation dropped to 4.7% under FIT versus 7.4% prior to its adoption. Key monetary policy principles include prioritising robustness over optimality, applying Brainard's principle of attenuation, anchoring inflation expectations, maintaining transparency, and providing clear communication.

AI in Finance: What Can Change, What Must Never Change - XX CUB Shri V Narayanan Memorial Lecture

RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan J delivered the XX CUB Shri V Narayanan Memorial Lecture at SASTRA University, Thanjavur, on April 11, 2026, on the topic 'AI in Finance: What can change, what must never change.' The speech outlined opportunities AI presents for financial inclusion, credit delivery, fraud detection, and supervisory compliance, alongside five major concerns: bias and unfair outcomes, opacity, data privacy and misuse, third-party risk, and cybersecurity. Financial institutions should monitor RBI's supervisory direction on AI governance.

VKI Austria Warns of Cleverbuy Payment Delays and Complaint Pattern

VKI Austria published a consumer warning about Cleverbuy, a German online platform for buying and selling used electronics, after documenting a systematic pattern of complaints including delayed or withheld payments, deleted customer communication records, and unilateral price reductions without proper notification. The European Consumer Centre network recorded over 300 complaints while the German consumer association (vzbv) documented more than 900 complaints between 2024 and 2025. VKI has issued an EU-wide CPC (Consumer Protection Cooperation) warning and provides affected consumers with actionable next steps for seeking payment.

Test Schnuller 2026: Spuren von BPA in Mehreren Marken

VKI Austria tested 13 pacifier brands available on the Austrian market — Alvär, Babylove, Babylove nature, Baby Nova, Bibs, Canpol Babies, Grün Specht, Mam, Medela Baby, Nip, Nuk, Philips Avent, and Shein — for Bisphenol A (BPA) contamination. Despite Austria's legal ban on intentionally added BPA in pacifiers and teething rings, traces of BPA were detected in multiple products. The report attributes the contamination to external sources in the production environment, including manufacturing equipment, packaging materials, adjacent production areas, and airborne particles.

Billa Brandteig Krapferl: Excessive Air, Minimal Fill in Packaging

VKI Austria's consumer information review of Billa Brandteig Krapferl (puff pastry puffs) found the product's packaging contains excessive air relative to content. The package stands 19.5 cm tall but the actual fill height is only approximately 11.5 cm, meaning the box is only about three-fifths full despite containing the stated 250 grams. Rewe International AG responded that the smaller packaging is technically not possible due to fully automated production and equipment limitations.

Amends Pesticide Residue Allowable Standards Article 3 Appendix 1

Taiwan FDA (TFDA) issued an amendment to the Pesticide Residue Allowable Standards under Article 3, Appendix 1, via official document 衛授食字第1151300817號 dated April 21, 2026. The amendment modifies permitted pesticide residue limits in food products, affecting agricultural producers, food manufacturers, and importers operating in Taiwan. Supporting documentation including the amendment rationale, comparison table, and revised regulations are available for download from the TFDA website.

Hepatitis A Food Testing Method Revised, Effective July 2026

TFDA Taiwan revised the testing method for Hepatitis A virus in food, renaming it from 「食品中微生物之檢驗方法－A型肝炎病毒之檢驗」 to 「食品微生物之檢驗方法－A型肝炎病毒之檢驗」. The amendment takes effect on 1 July 2026 and is issued under Article 38 of the Food Safety and Hygiene Management Act (食品安全衛生管理法). Food testing laboratories and food manufacturers should update their procedures to align with the revised method by the effective date.

Precision Medical Testing Lab Registration Guidelines Abolished

The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has abolished the 'Key Points for Registration Management of Precision Medical Molecular Testing Laboratories' (精準醫療分子檢測實驗室列冊登錄管理要點), with effect from 21 April 2026. This eliminates the registration and management framework that governed precision medical molecular testing laboratories under the Quality Supervision and Management Division. Affected laboratories previously subject to these guidelines should verify whether alternative regulatory requirements remain applicable.

Ind AS Implementation Clarifications, Insurance Sector

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has issued clarifications on the implementation of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) applicable to insurance companies operating in India. The circular provides guidance on specific accounting treatments and transition requirements. Insurers should review the clarifications to ensure compliance with Ind AS requirements in their financial reporting.

IRDAI Circular Clarifies Surveyors and Loss Assessors Annual Fee Payment

IRDAI India published a circular providing clarification on the payment of annual fees by surveyors and loss assessors operating in the insurance sector. The circular (document ID 9196320) is available as a downloadable PDF (607 KB) on the IRDAI document portal. The document appears to address compliance requirements for insurance surveyors and loss assessors regarding their annual fee obligations to the regulator.

IRDAI Policyholder Servicing Special Measures FY 2025-26

IRDAI has issued special measures for policyholder servicing applicable for the current Financial Year 2025-26. The circular titled 'Servicing to the Policyholders – Special Measure for the Current Financial Year 2025-26' outlines requirements that insurers must follow when providing services to policyholders. The document is available for download from the IRDAI official portal with a file size of 182 KB.

Data Protection Basics AI Guide Available in French Only

The CNPD Luxembourg published a Data Protection Basics guide focused on AI on May 5, 2026. The English-language version of this page confirms the guide is currently only available in French. The full substantive content of the AI guide is accessible via the linked French-language page on the CNPD website.

DAAZ Workshop Feedback and Graduation Ceremony, Luxembourg, 29th April

The Luxembourg National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) announces a DAAZ feedback workshop and graduation ceremony on 29 April 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the House of Entrepreneurship, 14 rue Erasme, L-1468 Luxembourg. The event targets business leaders, young female entrepreneurs, and DAAZ tool 'Finishers', and will be held in French. Registration is open via the House of Entrepreneurship website.

MFDS Shares Zero Foodborne Illness Expertise with APEC 2026 Shenzhen Delegation

A delegation from China's Shenzhen Market Supervision and Administration Bureau (SAMR Shenzhen) visited Korea from April 13 to 15. The visit was arranged to benchmark Korea's food safety management system and policy models ahead of the APEC 2026 Leaders' Meeting, which Shenzhen will host. MFDS shared its zero foodborne illness expertise as part of the international knowledge-sharing engagement. The press release contains no compliance obligations, penalties, or new regulatory requirements for any parties.

MFDS Builds K-Brand Trust in Latin America Through Food Safety Cooperation Program

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and the Korea Agency of HACCP Accreditation and Services (KAHAS) announced the 'Strengthening the Capacity for Safety Management of Food Imports and Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean (2023–2027)' program. The initiative aims to build trust for Korean 'K-Brand' products in Latin American markets through enhanced food safety cooperation between Korea and the Latin America and Caribbean region. The program, registered on April 21, 2026, is managed by the Division of Import Inspection Management (수입검사관리과) under the Food Safety Minister OH Yu-kyoung.

WHO Gives Korea Perfect Score, World-Class Food Safety

The Republic of Korea received the highest possible score of 5 in the "Food Safety" area of the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), recognising Korea's food safety management system as world-class. The evaluation, conducted by WHO, awarded Korea a perfect score of 5 in food safety capacity. The announcement was made by MFDS Minister Oh Yu-Kyoung on 21 April 2026.

Minerva Catalog Searches California State Archive Collections

Minerva is an online catalog operated by the California State Archives, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, providing summary descriptions of over 300 million items in its collections. Holdings include documents from the state's 1849 constitutional convention, Spanish and Mexican-era land grant records, campaign contribution statements, State Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal case files, legislative committee files, original laws, papers of elected officials, and photographic, cartographic, and audio/visual materials. The catalog is searchable by keyword and advanced search, and records may be requested by contacting the Archives Reference Desk at (916) 653-2246 or Reference@sos.ca.gov.

California State Archives Digital Exhibits and Collections

The California Secretary of State Archives provides public access to digitized historical collections and exhibits through its online portal. The page organizes materials into categories including online collections (photographs, trademarks, Japanese American incarceration records) and thematic exhibits covering African American history, women's suffrage, voting rights, LGBTQ history, and California's Constitution. These digital resources are intended to preserve and share California's historical records with the public.

Overseas-Registered Products Available for Cyclophosphamide and Ifosfamide Injection Shortages

Baxter Healthcare has notified TGA Australia that global supply constraints due to manufacturing issues are affecting Endoxan (cyclophosphamide) 2g and Holoxan (ifosfamide) 2g powder for injection vials. These medicines are used to treat various types of cancer, diseases of the immune system, and to prevent rejection of organ transplants. The shortages are expected to continue until the end of June 2026. TGA has approved the supply of multiple overseas-registered cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide injection products under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to reduce the impact of these shortages.

Türk Nippon Sigorta A.Ş. Veri İhlali Bildirimi – 193 Kişi Etkilendi

KVKK published Türk Nippon Sigorta A.Ş.'s data breach notification revealing that insufficient object-level authorization controls and query parameter manipulation on the company's claims inquiry screen allowed unauthorized access to third-party claims file contents. The breach began on April 6, 2026 and was discovered on April 9, 2026, affecting 193 individuals' personal data comprising names and vehicle license plates. KVKK's Personal Data Protection Board decided on April 22, 2026 to publish the notification on its website, with investigations continuing.

KVKK Publishes Data Breach Notice for English Time Eğitim Kurumları AŞ

KVKK published a public data breach notice regarding English Time Eğitim Kurumları AŞ following Board Decision No. 2026/798 dated April 15, 2026. The breach began April 4, 2026 and was discovered April 12, 2026, after attackers gained unauthorized access to the company's CRM panel and used automated tools to extract data in bulk. Approximately 300,000 individuals were affected, including students (whose identity, contact, location, and transaction data were exposed) and other personnel (whose identity, contact, location, and employment records were compromised).

Collection Device with Valve for Liquid Specimen Patent Granted

The USPTO granted Patent US12605149B2 to Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-Sen University on April 21, 2026, covering a collection device with a valve for liquid specimens. The device comprises a reservoir with a sealed cavity under negative pressure, a delivery tube with a valve between inlet and outlet, and a piercing component for tissue access. The patent contains 19 claims and was filed on May 30, 2018 under Application No. 16980417.

US12605518B2 Gas Passage for PAP Device with Noise Reduction

USPTO granted Patent US12605518B2 to WALLENBERG UNION LLC on April 21, 2026, covering a gas passage for use in a PAP (positive airway pressure) device with integrated noise reduction components. The patent claims 25 items and was filed on July 19, 2024, under Application No. 18778376. The invention includes a passage casing with air intake and outlet, a chamber for gas flow and accumulation, a blower, and noise reduction elements including a ventilation component, intake pipe, and flexible component.

Positive Pressure Breathing Device Patent Granted April 21 2026

USPTO granted Patent US12605521B2 to inventor Hsin-Yung Lin on April 21, 2026 for a breathing equipment device that provides positive pressure gas. The device combines a hydrogen generating device (using water electrolysis), a pressurizing device, a mixing device, an atomizing device, and an output device, all coupled to a gas channel. The patent contains 18 claims and covers methods for generating and delivering hydrogen gas mixed with positive pressure gas for therapeutic applications.

CPAP Humidifying Tank Patent, Murata Manufacturing, Granted

USPTO granted patent US12605522B2 to Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. on April 21, 2026, covering a CPAP apparatus humidifying tank design with improved flow-dividing and shielding sections. The patent application (18302850) was filed April 19, 2023, and contains 8 claims under CPC classifications A61M 16/00 through A61M 2205/123.

Boston Scientific Scimed Treatment Agent Delivery System Patent Granted

USPTO granted Patent US12605151B2 to Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. on April 21, 2026, covering a treatment agent delivery system with 20 claims. The patent protects a medical device including a handle with an actuator, a shaft, an actuation member, a cartridge containing a treatment agent, and a plunger, where movement of the actuator controls delivery of the treatment agent from the cartridge. Inventors are Paul Smith, Travis Henchie, and Peter L. Dayton. The patent application was filed on April 12, 2023, under Application No. 18299161.

Becton Dickinson IV Catheter with Side Port for Blood Draw

The USPTO granted Patent US12605096B2 to Becton, Dickinson and Company on April 21, 2026, covering an integrated intravenous catheter device with a side port enabling simultaneous blood draw and fluid injection. The patent (application 17143979, filed January 7, 2021) contains 17 claims and CPC classifications spanning A61B 5/15, A61M 20/39, and A61M 25/00. Named inventor is Jithendra Kumar Sathyanarayana Naidu. The invention facilitates blood sample collection at the time of catheter insertion by providing separate fluid pathways for drawing blood and injecting fluids via an extension set.

Microneedle Electrical Interface Patent Granted to Biolinq

The USPTO granted Patent US12605100B2 to Biolinq Incorporated on April 21, 2026, covering methods for achieving an isolated electrical interface between an anterior surface of a microneedle structure and a posterior surface of a support structure. The patent describes a microneedle-based electrochemical biosensor structure comprising a substrate, microneedle biosensor, primary and secondary electrically conductive elements, and an electrically insulative annular barrier. The patent application (No. 19258472) was filed July 2, 2025, and contains 26 claims.

Belhaven BioPharma Intranasal Epinephrine Delivery Device Patent

Belhaven BioPharma Inc. received US Patent 12605517B1 on April 21, 2026, titled 'Compositions, devices, and methods for intranasal delivery of dry powder epinephrine.' The patent contains 15 claims and names Scott Lyman and Brian Taubenheim as inventors. The patented compositions include epinephrine with a stabilizing agent (citric acid or salt) and carrier for intranasal dry powder delivery. The patent is assigned under CPC classifications A61M 15/08, A61M 11/003, A61K 9/0043, and A61K 31/137. Belhaven BioPharma now holds enforceable intellectual property rights to this intranasal epinephrine formulation in the United States. Competitors developing similar intranasal epinephrine delivery systems for anaphylaxis or respiratory conditions should conduct Freedom to Operate analyses to assess potential infringement exposure.

NeuroLight Neuroenhancement Patent US12605104B2, Granted Apr 21

The USPTO granted Patent US12605104B2 to NeuroLight, Inc. on April 21, 2026, covering a method of facilitating skill learning or improving task performance through brainwave pattern analysis and targeted stimulation. The patent includes 23 claims under CPC classification A61M 21/00 and names Alexander I. Poltorak as the sole inventor. The application was filed on August 14, 2023, under application number 18233835.

Drägerwerk Patent for Breathing Activity Determination Granted

The USPTO granted US Patent 12605519B2 to Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA on April 21, 2026, covering a process and signal processing unit for determining pneumatic indicators for a patient's breathing activity. The patent, with 19 claims, describes technology that generates respiratory signals from measured values and determines two pneumatic indicators describing the activity of different regions of the respiratory system.

Visual Pressure Regulating Catheter Patent - Qingdao Biotech Medical

USPTO granted Patent US12605161B2 to QINGDAO BIOTECH MEDICAL CO., LTD on April 21, 2026, covering a visual pressure regulating catheter with integrated hydraulic dilation balloon, pressure regulating handle, endoscope pressure regulating cavity, and dilation liquid perfusion cavity. The invention enables direct endoscopic observation through the catheter into the dilation balloon. The patent contains 13 claims and lists CPC classifications spanning A61B, A61M, and related medical device categories.

US12605094B2 - Closed Arterial Blood Collection Apparatus

USPTO granted Patent US12605094B2 to MUNE CO., LTD. on April 21, 2026 for a closed type arterial blood collection apparatus comprising a saline bag with first and second ports, an A line, first and second three-way valves, a blood collection unit, and a fluid conveying means. The patent application was filed December 28, 2022 under application number 18270088, with 5 claims and multiple CPC classifications including A61M 5/44 and A61B 5/15.

Martti Randveer Confirmed Deputy Governor of Eesti Pank

The Eesti Pank Supervisory Board confirmed Martti Randveer, currently head of the Economics and Research Department, as Deputy Governor for a five-year term. Martti Randveer will take up the post on 7 June 2026. This appointment completes the new Executive Board composition alongside incoming Governor Ülo Kaasik and remaining Deputy Governor Andrus Alber.

Estonia Energy Prices Lower, Inflation Forecast 3.8% Peak

Eesti Pank economist Sulev Pert reports that Estonia was the only euro area country where energy prices fell in March 2026 (down 1.4%), while euro area energy prices rose 6.8% on average. Electricity exchange prices dropped 40% in March following high winter prices in the Baltic states. Motor fuels surged due to Middle East conflict tensions, with diesel up 27% and petrol up 14% month-over-month. The forecast projects consumer prices will rise 3.8% for 2026, with inflation peaking at year-end.

Estonia Attends IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings

Governor of Eesti Pank Madis Müller, Advisor on External Relations at the Ministry of Finance Märten Ross, and Deputy Director General of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board Janek Rozov attended the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank on 15–18 April in Washington. Discussions focused on economic policy coordination amid uncertainty from the Middle East conflict, trade tensions, and tightening financing conditions, with the IMF recommending fiscal policy support monetary policy goals and the World Bank prioritizing job creation in developing countries. Estonia also held bilateral meetings with IMF and World Bank management, US Treasury staff, and presented its digital and AI solutions for tax and customs revenue collection.

FNE Pide TDLC Elimine Cobro Injustificado de Tarifa de Seguridad Aplicado a Importadores y Exportadores por Terminales Portuarios

La Fiscalía Nacional Económica (FNE) de Chile presentó argumentos ante el Tribunal de Defensa de la Libre Competencia (TDLC) en representación de importadores y exportadores afectados, solicitando el cese del cobro de una tarifa básica de seguridad impuesta por tres terminales portuarias en Valparaíso y San Antonio. Los terminales demandados —Terminal Pacífico Sur Valparaíso (TPS), San Antonio Terminal Internacional (STI) y DP World San Antonio (DPW)— comenzaron a cobrar esta tarifa entre septiembre de 2019 y febrero de 2021, pese a que las actividades de seguridad ya estaban remuneradas en las tarifas básicas de transferencia pagadas por las empresas navieras y sin que existieran inversiones extraordinarias que justificaran el cobro adicional. La FNE pidió al TDLC que imponga multas por un total de 26.897 Unidades Tributarias Anuales (UTA), equivalentes a aproximadamente US$ 25,1 millones.

FNE Realiza Visita Protocolar a Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones

El Fiscal Nacional Económico, Jorge Grunberg, realizó una visita protocolar a la Subsecretaria de Telecomunicaciones, Romina Garrido. En el encuentro las autoridades abordaron temas de interés común relacionados con la industria de las telecomunicaciones y conversaron sobre espacios de colaboración entre la FNE y la Subtel.

Chile FNE Co-Leads ICN Merger Working Group, 2026-2029

The Fiscalía Nacional Económica (FNE) of Chile has been selected to co-lead the International Competition Network's Merger Working Group (MWG) for the period 2026–2029, alongside France's Autorité de la Concurrence and Spain's Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia. The MWG promotes best practices in merger review regimes, facilitates procedural and substantive convergence, and aims to reduce the time and cost of multi-jurisdictional reviews. The first working meeting is scheduled for May 6–8 in Manila, Philippines, during ICN's 25th Annual Conference.

EPPO Warns of Scam Messages Misusing Logo and Contact Details

EPPO has issued a public scam alert on 22 April 2026 warning citizens about fraudulent messages impersonating EPPO staff that misuse the office's logo and contact details. The alert clarifies that EPPO does not initiate contact with citizens via email, letter, or phone, and will never request personal data or payments. Citizens are advised to verify communications, avoid sharing sensitive information, and report suspicious activity to EPPO or police authorities.

Latvia Court Confiscates €230k, Luxury Car and Real Estate in EPPO Procurement Fraud Case

Riga City Court ordered the confiscation of a luxury vehicle, real estate in central Riga, and €230,000 in bank accounts under a non-conviction-based procedure, as part of an EPPO investigation into suspected procurement fraud at Daugavpils University involving European Social Fund financing. The fraud involved rigging of public procurement specifications and inflating costs, causing €306,957.24 in damage to the EU budget and €54,168.92 to the Latvian state budget. The pre-trial investigation remains ongoing and all persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

COSALFA 52 Meets in Guyana, Advancing Foot-and-Mouth Disease Eradication

The 52nd Ordinary Meeting of COSALFA opened in Georgetown, Guyana on April 22, 2026, convening delegates from member countries, international organizations, and private sector representatives to advance the Region's progress toward eradicating foot-and-mouth disease. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa stated via video that the Americas is entering the final stage of eradication, with the inclusion of Venezuela on the WOAH-recognized list as a key remaining objective. Key agenda items included the new 2026-2030 Action Plan of PHEFA, Caribbean emergency preparedness, and the first year of operation of the Regional Antigen Bank (BANVACO).