PDC Marks Sunshine Week 2026 With 11.5M Records

The Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) marks Sunshine Week 2026 (March 15-21) by highlighting its online database containing more than 11.5 million records including campaign contributions and expenditures, campaign registrations, officials' personal financial disclosures, and lobbyist spending. Last year the PDC received more than 91,000 reports from nearly 13,000 filers and since 2007 has regulated more than $2 billion in campaign contributions. The PDC was created in 1972 with the passage of Initiative 276, approved with more than 70 percent of the vote.

File Complaint Against the California Department of Consumer Affairs

The California Department of Consumer Affairs provides California citizens with methods to submit comments, complaints, or suggestions about the Boards, Bureaus, Programs, or Divisions within the Department. Options include an online complaint form and a printable PDF form available in English and Spanish. The page also references the Citizen Complaint Act of 1997 as the statutory basis for providing these complaint mechanisms.

Consumer Self-Help Tips, Sample Complaint Letter, Filing Resources

The California Department of Consumer Affairs publishes consumer self-help resources covering pre-purchase verification (license lookup, written guarantees), post-purchase documentation practices, dispute resolution strategies (credit card withholding rights, manager complaint letters), and complaint filing with the Attorney General's Office, Better Business Bureau, and District Attorney's Office. The page includes a fillable sample complaint letter template and small claims court guidance as a final dispute resolution option.

Select Professional Category to File Complaint

The California Department of Consumer Affairs maintains a centralized complaint intake portal allowing consumers to select a professional category and route complaints to the appropriate regulatory board, bureau, or program. The portal covers licensed professionals and businesses and offers both English and Spanish complaint filing options. This page is a navigation hub, not a substantive regulatory document.

PPC Japan Releases Global Cross-Border Data Strategy

The Personal Information Protection Commission (PPC) of Japan has published its Global Cross-Border Data Strategy, effective 1 April 2026, outlining three pillars for international personal information protection and cross-border data transfer. The strategy prioritises expanding mutual adequacy arrangements with the EU and UK to cover academia and the public sector, promoting the Global CBPR Forum certification system, and developing Global Model Contractual Clauses (MCCs) in cooperation with like-minded jurisdictions. The PPC will also strengthen bilateral cooperative relationships through new Memoranda of Cooperation and support personal information protection legislation development in the Asia-Pacific region.

CPUC Commission News Release Search Form

This page is the California Public Utilities Commission's (CPUC) online search form for archived Commission News Releases, providing a searchable database of releases issued since July 2000. The form allows filtering by document title, industry (Energy, Transportation, Water/Sewer, Communications, Other, or Multiple Types), and publication date range. The page contains no substantive regulatory content and is a utility interface only.

GISS 2026 Marrakech Concludes With 1,450 Participants From 101 States

The Global Aviation Safety Symposium (GISS) 2026 concluded in Marrakech with 1,450 participants from 101 States, representing a significant international gathering for aviation safety and implementation capacity. The event provided a platform for states to engage on aviation safety standards and capacity-building initiatives under ICAO's coordination.

Egypt and ICAO Secretary General Move to Strengthen Middle Eastern Aviation Cooperation

The President of Egypt and the ICAO Secretary General held a meeting to advance cooperation on civil aviation matters in the Middle East. The discussion focused on strengthening regional aviation partnerships and reinforcing ICAO's engagement with Member States in the Middle Eastern region. This diplomatic engagement reflects ongoing efforts to coordinate civil aviation standards and development priorities at the multilateral level.

UK Voluntary Contribution to ICAO GISS 2026, Aviation Development

The United Kingdom has announced a voluntary contribution to ICAO in support of the Global Aviation Development initiative for 2026. This contribution is intended to advance aviation development programs coordinated through ICAO's Global Aviation Safety Plan and related initiatives. No specific monetary amount or program details were provided in the available source content.

Complete Index of Division Codes Standards Publications

The NJ Division of Codes and Standards publishes a comprehensive index of its regulatory publications organized by 14 subject categories covering building construction, housing safety, landlord-tenant relations, and amusement ride safety. The index provides PDF links to current regulatory codes, guidance documents, and informational bulletins under NJAC chapters including elevator safety, asbestos abatement, lead hazard control, and planned real estate development.

NJ DCA Publishes 2026 Spring Construction Code Newsletter

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division of Codes and Standards has made the 2026 Spring edition (Vol.38, No.1) of the Construction Code Communicator newsletter available. The newsletter, produced periodically by the Division, covers topics of current interest to local code officials, architects, engineers, builders, electricians, and plumbers involved in projects regulated by the State's Uniform Construction Code. The page also indexes archived newsletters dating back to 1990.

Mercury Fish Advisory Los Vaqueros Reservoir Contra Costa County

CA OEHHA issued a mercury fish consumption advisory for Los Vaqueros Reservoir in Contra Costa County, California, recommending serving limits for six fish species based on mercury content. Women ages 18-49 and children ages 1-17 are advised to limit Black Bass consumption to zero servings per week (DO NOT EAT), while Rainbow Trout, Mississippi Silverside, and Sculpin allow up to 7 servings weekly. The advisory includes separate recommendations for women 50+ and men 18+, who may consume Black Bass once per week. Posters, fact sheets, and detailed reports are available for download in English and Spanish.

Landmark Study Finds Crumb Rubber in Synthetic Turf Poses No Significant Cancer Risk

OEHHA released a landmark study on March 5, 2026, finding that recycled tires used as crumb rubber infill in synthetic turf fields pose no significant risk of cancer or other health problems to players, coaches, referees, or spectators. The comprehensive study tested 35 synthetic turf fields across all California climate regions, coordinated with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, UC Berkeley, and University of Arizona, and surveyed over 1,000 soccer players ages 7 to 71 to assess exposure through skin contact, breathing, and ingestion. OEHHA found no acute risk to any group tested, including toddlers who might crawl on fields, with negligible risk for sensory irritation, cancer, or reproductive harm.

Los Vaqueros Reservoir Fish Advisory Offers Safe-Eating Advice for Six Species

CA OEHHA issued a new fish consumption advisory for Los Vaqueros Reservoir, located 30 miles east of Oakland in Contra Costa County, providing safe-eating advice for six species: black bass species, Mississippi Silverside, Rainbow Trout, Sacramento Sucker, sculpin species, and Threadfin Shad. The advisory is based on mercury levels found in fish from historic mining and coal burning. Recommendations are tailored to two groups based on sex and age: women aged 18-49 and children aged 1-17 face stricter limits, including an instruction not to eat black bass species, while women 50+ and men 18+ have higher serving allowances.

Shapiro Budget Proposes $7M for Schools-to-Work Program

Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposal calls for increasing Pennsylvania's Schools-to-Work program funding to $7 million to strengthen workforce pipelines in manufacturing, healthcare, and other in-demand fields. L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker toured Pitt-Titusville's Manufacturing Assistance Center and nursing lab to highlight how the investment helps students in rural Pennsylvania prepare for careers. The budget also proposes $18 million for vo-tech and CTE programs, $6.3 million for the Industry Partnership program, and a $1 million increase for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Utah Receives $10.7M from $773.7M Albertsons Opioid Settlement

Utah has joined a multistate settlement requiring Albertsons Companies Inc. to pay more than $773.7 million to resolve claims related to its role in fueling the opioid epidemic. Utah is expected to receive at least $10.7 million from the proposed settlement, adding to the more than $616 million the state is now projected to receive from national opioid settlements combined. Settlement funds will flow through Utah's Opioid Abatement Fund to support addiction treatment, recovery services, and prevention efforts statewide.

MedEffect Canada Drug Safety Portal

Health Canada's MedEffect Canada portal provides consumers, patients, and health professionals with centralized access to adverse reaction reporting, drug safety advisories, and health product recall information. The page links to the Canada Vigilance adverse reaction database, new safety and effectiveness reviews for health products, and a searchable Recalls and Safety Alerts Database. Recent updates include monthly Canada Vigilance database entries (April 2 and March 6, 2026) and a guidance document on interpreting significant changes to medical devices (March 31, 2026).

Health Canada Recall Database Lists Recent Safety Alerts

Health Canada's official Canadian recalls database provides a searchable index of active and archived safety alerts across health products, food, and consumer products. The database contains 18,932 active records and 14,430 archived records, updated as of April 22, 2026. Recent entries within the past 7 days include a head positioning device recall, a gluten-free pizza starter kit recalled due to mould, a carbon monoxide alarm recalled for potential failure to operate, a locking screw medical device recall, and a health professional risk communication regarding ALECVAR and severe hypertriglyceridemia risk.

Subscribe to MedEffect e-Notice Health Product Advisories

Health Canada's MedEffect e-Notice subscription page allows healthcare professionals and consumers to receive free health product safety alerts, advisories, and recalls via email. Subscribers select their province or territory and preference for Drugs, Medical devices, Natural health products, and/or Vaccines. The Health Product InfoWatch monthly publication for healthcare professionals is included with subscription. Changing subscription details requires unsubscribing from the previous address and re-subscribing with the new address.

CySEC 30th Anniversary Conference, 29th April

CySEC announces its 30th anniversary conference scheduled for 29 April at Hilton Nicosia, featuring President of the Republic of Cyprus Dr. Nikos Christodoulides, ESMA Chair Verena Ross, IOSCO Chair Jean-Paul Servais, and AI expert Huy Nguyen Trieu. The event will include a high-level panel on regulation, new products, and market evolution, followed by an Honorary Ceremony and Cocktail Reception. CySEC has also released a commemorative pearl-themed logo to mark the milestone.

CySEC Warns Against Three Unregulated Investment Websites

CySEC has issued an investor alert identifying three websites—obsidian-group.org, ext-ltd.com, and harindale.trade—as unauthorized providers of investment services and activities under Cyprus law. The regulator warns that none of these entities holds the required authorization under Article 5 of Law 87(I)/2017. Investors are urged to verify the licensing status of any investment firm on CySEC's website before conducting business.

Hanseatic Shipping AIF V.C.I.C. PLC Voluntarily Dissolved, Liquidated

CySEC announces that Alternative Investment Fund Hanseatic Shipping AIF V.C.I.C. PLC (License Number AIF27/2014) is dissolved and put into voluntary liquidation following a decision at its shareholders' general meeting, pursuant to article 63(1)(e) of the Alternative Investment Funds Law of 2018. The investment compartment Hanseatic Shipping II is also dissolved and liquidated. Dissolution was communicated by external manager Hanseatic Capital Management Ltd per article 63(8) of the Law.

Media Releases Listing Australian Government Productivity Reports

The Productivity Commission publishes an index of its media releases covering Australian government productivity research and reporting. The page aggregates dozens of reports across multiple sectors including health, education, child care, housing, justice, aged care, and economic reform, spanning from May 2025 through March 2026. The most recent release is the Quarterly Productivity Bulletin March 2026, noting that labour productivity was flat in the December quarter and increased by 1.0% over the year to December 2025.

AU PC Speeches and Presentations Index, 2018–2026

The Productivity Commission publishes a chronological archive of speeches delivered by current and former Chairs and Commissioners from 2018 through 2026, covering economic, social and environmental productivity topics affecting Australia. Speakers include Chair Danielle Wood, former Chair Michael Brennan, Deputy Chair Alex Robson, and Commissioner Catherine de Fontenay, with speech titles covering productivity growth, inequality, cost of living, higher education, healthcare reform, air service agreements, and minerals investment. The index serves as a reference resource for accessing individual speeches rather than establishing new regulatory obligations.

Upcoming Reports: Heavy Vehicle Reform, Water Reform, Airfares

The Productivity Commission has published its indicative schedule of upcoming inquiry reports and study releases for May to June 2026. Three items are listed: the final report on Heavy Vehicle Reform is due to Government by 30 June 2026; a National Water Reform discussion paper and a regional airfares 'What we heard paper' are both scheduled for release in late June 2026. Additionally, a Report on Government Services mid-year update and the Quarterly productivity bulletin are planned for early and mid-June respectively. Final inquiry reports require tabling in Parliament, with release timing at the Government's discretion within 25 Parliamentary sitting days.

FSA Japan Weekly Review No.684 Regulatory Updates April 2026

The FSA Weekly Review No.684 for the week of April 13–17, 2026, compiles public consultation, policy, international, and enforcement updates from Japan's Financial Services Agency. Key items include a public comment deadline of May 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. JST for the draft partial amendment to Comprehensive Guidelines for Supervision for Authorized Specified Insurers, and administrative measures against Buddy Capital Co., Ltd. following a recommendation from the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission. Additional updates cover revised witness daily allowances, working group reports on corporate risk management and OTC derivatives, updated human capital disclosure guidance, phishing-resistant multifactor authentication PR content, and Council on Automobile Liability Insurance meeting materials.

WV Memo Requires Dealer License for HUD Code Homes

The West Virginia Real Estate Commission issued a memo on March 30, 2026, clarifying that a dealer license is required to sell HUD Code homes (manufactured homes) in the state. The Commission referenced guidance issued by the Board of Manufactured Housing Construction & Safety as the source of the licensing requirement. Parties seeking to sell HUD Code homes in West Virginia should confirm they hold the appropriate dealer license prior to listing or selling such properties.

SFC Orders Jovany Andrés Taborda Aristizábal to Halt Unauthorized $1.5B Fund Collection

The Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia (SFC) issued Resolución 0564 on April 13, 2026, ordering Jovany Andrés Taborda Aristizábal to immediately cease unauthorized collection of public funds. The SFC found that at least 31 individuals delivered $1,528,562,000 COP to Taborda, who collected money massively and habitually without legal authorization via social networks, websites, and virtual meetings, offering fixed monthly returns of 2% to 4%. The scheme operated through contracts with Fénix Group Consultores S.A.S., Fénix Inversiones y Valores S.A.S., and Fénix Private Investors Corporation. The SFC ordered full return of illegally collected funds and referred the case to the Superintendencia de Sociedades for administrative intervention and to the Fiscalía General de la Nación for criminal investigation.

Alternative Credit Scoring Guide for Financial Inclusion

The SFC published a financial inclusion guide portal consolidating ten guidance documents covering alternative credit scoring, group lending, special population access, and crowdfunding. The alternative scoring guidance outlines the use of non-traditional data such as utility payments and digital behavior to extend credit to populations without traditional credit histories, supported by artificial intelligence and the Bre-B system. These resources apply to regulated financial institutions seeking to expand access to the popular economy and MiPymes under a risk mitigation framework.

Savvy Senior Financial Wellness Event Rome GA May 13

The Georgia Secretary of State's Office will host a free Savvy Senior financial wellness event on May 13, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Forum-Riverwalk Ballroom in Rome, GA. The event will feature two moderated panels—one on financial wellness covering retirement planning strategies and one on fraud awareness with speakers from the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, Senior Medicare Patrol, and the Securities and Charities Division. The event is free and open to all Georgians, with complimentary continental breakfast provided upon registration.

Secretary Raffensperger to Host FIN FIT Webinar on Finfluencers, May 14

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announces a free FIN FIT webinar titled "Finfluencers: Hype, Help, or Hazard" scheduled for May 14, 2026 at 6pm. The webinar will explore the risks and benefits of financial advice distributed through social media platforms and is moderated by award-winning journalist Donna Lowry with speaker Richard Coffin, CFA, CFP® of WDS Investment Management and host of The Plain Bagel. The FIN FIT program is administered through the Securities and Charities divisions as part of Georgia's multi-faceted financial literacy effort.

Secretary Raffensperger Calls for Suspension of Indicted Macon County Election Director

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger called on April 16, 2026 for the immediate suspension of Macon County Election Supervisor Tarshea Fudge-Riley, who was indicted in U.S. District Court on federal healthcare fraud charges. The indictment alleges Fudge-Riley participated in organizing fraudulent billing for mental health services that were never provided, falsifying documentation and coordinating efforts to defraud public and private health benefit programs. Raffensperger criticized the Macon County Commission for failing to act promptly and emphasized the importance of voter confidence in local election administration ahead of the 2026 Midterms.

Tokenised Products Secondary Trading Framework Launched

The SFC launched a new regulatory framework on 20 April 2026 to pilot secondary trading of tokenised SFC-authorised investment products on SFC-licensed virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) in Hong Kong. As of March 2026, 13 tokenised products were publicly offered in Hong Kong, with assets under management of their tokenised classes growing approximately seven-fold to $10.7 billion over the past year. The framework introduces 24/7 trading capability using regulated stablecoins and tokenised deposits, initially focusing on tokenised money market funds.

Kelvin Wong Speech, CSOP Gold ETF, 21st Apr

The SFC Hong Kong Enforcement division published a speech by Kelvin Wong on 21 April, addressing the CSOP Gold ETF. The document is available via the SFC's edistribution portal. No substantive policy determination, enforcement action, or compliance obligation is described in this document entry — it serves as a static announcement of the speech's availability.

SFC Hosts IOSCO Committee 2 Plenary Meeting on Secondary Markets

The Securities and Futures Commission hosted the IOSCO Committee 2 plenary meeting in Hong Kong on 22–23 April 2026, bringing together global securities regulators to discuss secondary market issues. The meeting covered regulatory responses to extended trading hours, market liquidity and volatility challenges, and efforts to strengthen global market resilience.

NM AG Wins Antitrust Case Against Live Nation/Ticketmaster

On April 15, 2026, a New York jury found Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for violating federal and state antitrust laws after a nearly six-week trial and four days of deliberations. The jury determined that Ticketmaster unlawfully maintains a monopoly in the market for ticketing services at major concert venues and that Live Nation has a monopoly in the market for large amphitheaters. The coalition of 34 attorneys general, led by New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez, alleged that the companies' control over venue ownership, event promotion, and ticketing services allowed them to raise costs for fans and artists and suppress competition.

CySEC Page Failed to Load

CySEC's online notification page failed to load, displaying a standard browser or network error message. The requested regulatory content is inaccessible. Users are advised to check their internet connection, disable ad blockers, or try an alternative browser.

CySEC Sanctions Notifications - Required Page Content Failed to Load

The CySEC sanctions notifications page (URL: https://www.cysec.gov.cy/en-GB/legislation/sanctions/notifications/102584/) failed to load, displaying a standard browser error message indicating that a required part of the site could not be accessed. The error suggests possible causes including browser extensions, network issues, or browser settings. No regulatory content, notices, or actions are available from this page.

EU Sanctions Two Entities for Russian Hybrid Threats: Euromore and Pravfond

The Council of the EU adopted restrictive measures on 21 April 2026 listing two additional entities—Euromore (a pro-Kremlin media platform amplifying Russian disinformation) and the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad (Pravfond, a Russian state-funded foreign influence instrument)—in connection with Russia's hybrid activities targeting European audiences. With these additions, the sanctions regime now covers 69 individuals and 19 entities total. Both listed entities are subject to an asset freeze, and EU persons and companies are prohibited from making funds, financial assets, or economic resources available to them.

ND PISB Audit Finds Five Areas for Improvement

The North Dakota State Auditor released a legislatively mandated performance audit of the Private Investigative and Security Board (PISB), covering the period January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2025. The audit identified five operational deficiencies: absence of documented policies and procedures, an unmaintained licensee database, manual pocket card issuance consuming over 425 hours annually, insufficient renewal period timeframes, and failure to utilize Attorney General legal services instead of private counsel—resulting in approximately $114 per hour in potential taxpayer savings. The report does not impose any binding compliance obligations on regulated entities.

ND Racing Commission Audit Finds Overspending, Missing Records, and Purchasing Violations

The ND State Auditor's audit of the North Dakota Racing Commission (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2025) identified four issues of concern. The Commission spent up to 201% more than the legally permitted 25% of its Promotion Fund balance on operating expenses during the four-year period. Of 13 sampled grants totaling $1.8 million awarded, three grants worth $25,500 were paid without any grant applications on file. Itemized expense reports for $7,500 in grants were also unavailable. Two of 12 reviewed Breeder Fund awards totaling $1,957 went to horse owners who failed to provide required ownership-transfer records. Additionally, $63,675 of $590,300 in goods and services procured did not follow state procurement requirements.

National Apprenticeship Week April 26–May 2, 2026

The Iowa Office of Apprenticeship (IOA) announces National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) running April 26–May 2, 2026, a nationwide celebration recognizing Registered Apprenticeship programs. The IOA is inviting all RA program sponsors to submit events via the ApprenticeshipUSA Event Submission Form and is hosting a virtual panel discussion with the Iowa Apprenticeship Council on Tuesday, April 28 at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Success stories from apprenticeship programs at Missouri Valley Lineman Apprenticeship, Broadlawns Medical Center, and MidAmerican Energy Company's Training Center for Excellence are also highlighted.

Iowa Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.4% in February

Iowa's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.4 percent in February 2026, with 58,700 unemployed residents compared to 59,100 in January. Total nonfarm employment fell by 4,400 jobs to 1,576,400, with private education services (-1,400) and professional/business services (-1,400) reporting the largest monthly losses, while construction added 700 jobs for its fourth consecutive monthly gain.

New Risk Parameters for Two Securities

CCP NCC (Moscow Exchange's central counterparty) has set new risk parameters for two securities on the Securities market, effective 23 April 2026. For security RU000A10EXK1, the minimum initial margin rates are set at 13%/16%/19% across three levels with concentration limits of 150,000 and 750,000 securities. For security RU000A10EXW6, the corresponding margin rates are 26%/29%/32% with concentration limits of 72,000 and 360,000. Neither security is subject to a short-selling ban or collateral restrictions.

Risk Parameters Changed for RU000A10ADB0

MOEX adjusted risk parameters for the security RU000A10ADB0 on April 22, 2026 at 18:06 MSK. The upper bound of the price band was raised to 105.64 and initial margins were increased to 8.75 percent. These updates apply to all market participants trading or holding positions in this security and reflect standard risk management adjustments by the exchange.

Risk Parameters Change for EUTR Security, April 22, 2026

Moscow Exchange adjusted risk parameters for the EUTR security on April 22, 2026 at 16:03 MSK. The upper bound of the price band was changed to 102.2 and initial margins were set at 87.5%. New values are available through the National Clearing Centre market rates page. Market participants holding positions in EUTR may experience changes to margin requirements as a result of these adjustments.

REPO Risk Parameters Lower Bound Falls 20% for Security LEAS

MOEX adjusted the lower bound of the REPO rate for security LEAS by up to -20%, while also modifying the penalty rate and IR Risk Rate (down to -1.04 rub) on 22 April 2026 at 14:13 MSK. New parameter values are published on the National Clearing Centre website. These changes take effect immediately for all MOEX market participants trading REPO contracts involving this security.

Risk Parameters Change for 5 Securities, 35% to 77%

MOEX is changing the downward IR risk parameter (SEC Δ_1 Y0/Y1) for five securities — ASTR, POSI, OZPH, YDEX, and HNFG — from 35% to 77%. The new parameter values take effect on staggered dates between April 23 and April 28, 2026, with effective windows ranging from one to four business days per security. This represents a significant increase in the risk weight applied to these securities.

Chicago CBP Intercepts Monkey Carcass, 125 Pounds Prohibited Ruminant Meat

CBP agriculture specialists at Chicago O'Hare International Airport intercepted two prohibited commodities on April 11, 2026. A traveler from Cameroon was found carrying a monkey carcass, which was detained and destroyed due to human health concerns. A second traveler from Liberia attempted to smuggle 125 pounds of prohibited ruminant meat concealed in dried seafood, along with one pound of prohibited fresh leaves and four types of prohibited seeds for planting. The meat was identified as beef and poses risks related to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Foot and Mouth Disease.

CBP Officers Seize RPG Launcher, 21 Rifles, Weapons Parts at DeConcini Crossing

CBP officers at the DeConcini Crossing in Nogales, Arizona seized an RPG launcher tube, 4 rifles, an AK pistol, 16 AK rifles, 24 rifle magazines, 16 rifle stocks, 20 pistol grips, and other weapons parts from a 41-year-old female U.S. citizen on April 19, 2026, as she attempted to depart for Mexico. The items were concealed in a hidden void compartment under the rear seat of a 2016 Lexus IS 200t discovered during secondary inspection. The driver was arrested and federal prosecution was accepted under 18 USC 554 (Smuggling goods from the United States); the three accompanying minors were released to family custody.