https://newsroomamerica.com/a/UMtbS6YMjLa9GyVOiYWQ64NcLSj/icij_is_reporting_on_intense_lobbying_surrounding_the_u_s_clarity_act_for_cryptocurrency_regulation_concerns_over_money_laundering_and_new_studies_suggesting_lower_anti_cancer_drug_dosages_could_save_billions.html

ICIJ is reporting that the U.S. Clarity Act, a bill aiming to establish a single national legal framework for cryptocurrency, is currently the focus of significant lobbying efforts from both industry supporters and critics. Crypto companies are investing heavily to advance the legislation through Congress. However, law enforcement associations, anti-corruption advocates and a major banking group are cautioning that the bill could create substantial gaps in safeguards against illicit financial activities.

The organization's "Coin Laundry" investigation last year revealed how criminals, including money launderers, drug traffickers and North Korean hackers, routinely use cryptocurrency to evade detection by law enforcement, with billions linked to such activities flowing through major exchanges. Proponents of the Clarity Act contend it would address a critical regulatory void and equip law enforcement with new tools to combat these evolving crimes. Opponents, however, argue the bill contains dangerous loopholes and prioritizes unproven programs over stringent anti-money laundering standards for crypto services. A crypto industry group recently sent a letter to U.S. Senate leadership promoting the bill, signed by former law enforcement officials who were not fully identified by their current crypto firm affiliations. Gary Kalman of Transparency International U.S. described the proposed regulation as "largely window-dressing."

Separately, ICIJ is reporting on new studies presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual conference. These studies suggest that reducing the dosage of anti-cancer medicines, including Keytruda, could significantly cut global health costs by billions of dollars annually and improve patient access. This follows ICIJ’s "Cancer Calculus" investigation into the drug.

Additionally, Cyprus’ anti-corruption authority has referred potential criminal charges against former President Nicos Anastasiades to prosecutors for further examination, citing "potential acts of corruption" during his decade in office. Anastasiades has consistently denied any wrongdoing.