Financial Crime World

Cash Courier Investigation Techniques Take Center Stage at Morocco Workshop

Background

Casablanca, Morocco - As the global airline passenger count is expected to double within the next 20 years, authorities are bracing for an increased risk of organized crime groups exploiting the system to transfer cash illegally. According to a recent report, less than 1% of global illicit financial flows are currently being seized and frozen.

The Threat

The anonymity and lack of audit trail associated with physical cash transfers make it a prime target for illegal activities, including money laundering and terrorist financing. The use of alternative remittance systems or courier services is common in predominantly cash-ased societies like those found in Africa and the Middle East.

UNODC Regional Workshop

In response to this growing threat, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently organized a regional workshop on “Detection and Interdiction of Cash Couriers at International Airports” in Casablanca, Morocco. The event aimed to strengthen cooperation between international airports in the region and increase awareness about the physical transfer of funds.

Expert Insights

Experts from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Sudan, as well as INTERPOL and WCO, shared real-life experiences and best practices for tackling illegal cash transport. The workshop covered technical aspects related to:

  • Detection and interdiction
  • International standards
  • Cooperation through international organizations
  • Existing legal frameworks

Projects and Initiatives

The Action Against Corruption in the MENA Region project aims to provide member states with the legislation, institutional, and human capacities needed to combat corruption effectively. The Airport Communication Project “AIRCOP” is a multiagency initiative between UNODC, INTERPOL, and WCO designed to strengthen airport capacities for detecting and intercepting drugs, illicit goods, and high-risk passengers.

International Support

The workshop was supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Canada, highlighting the international commitment to addressing financial crime and promoting regional cooperation.

Key Takeaways

  • The global airline passenger count is expected to double within the next 20 years, increasing the risk of illegal cash transfers.
  • Physical cash transfers are a prime target for illegal activities, including money laundering and terrorist financing.
  • International cooperation is essential in detecting and interdicting cash couriers at international airports.
  • UNODC’s Action Against Corruption in the MENA Region project and the Airport Communication Project “AIRCOP” aim to strengthen regional capacities to combat corruption and detect illicit activities.