Strengthening Financial Crime Investigation in Samoa through Regional Training Programme
Samoa has strengthened its response to money laundering and other financial crimes through a four-day training programme delivered by the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APGML) and the Pacific Transnational Crime Network (PTCN). The programme aimed to enhance skills in identifying and investigating financial crimes, as well as strengthen relationships and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
Programme Objectives
The “financial and money laundering investigations and criminal asset confiscation course” was designed to:
- Enhance skills in identifying and investigating financial crimes
- Strengthen relationships and cooperation between agencies
- Build the capability of enforcement agencies to combat transnational crime
Participants
The programme brought together representatives from various law enforcement agencies in Samoa, including:
- Financial Intelligence Unit
- Ministry of Police and Prisons
- Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Customs and Revenue
- Audit Office
- Transnational Crime Unit
- Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre
Regional Collaboration
The APGML, comprising 41 member jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region, aims to ensure that member countries effectively implement international standards against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. The PTCN is a well-established network of law enforcement agencies under the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police.
Key Quotes
- “Strengthening relationships between agencies is crucial in combating financial crime, not only affecting Samoa but across the Pacific.” - Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga
- “Building the capability of enforcement agencies is crucial in combating transnational crime.” - Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck
Funding and Support
The training programme was funded by the New Zealand Government, with the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre (PTCCC) playing a vital role in managing and coordinating criminal intelligence through cooperation and collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The PTCCC has been working closely with the Australian Federal Police and New Zealand Police to combat transnational crime.
Outcomes
The training programme is seen as a positive step forward in building the capability and systems to combat financial crime in Samoa, and participants were presented with certificates at the closing ceremony.
Conclusion
The successful completion of this training programme demonstrates Samoa’s commitment to strengthening its response to money laundering and other financial crimes. The programme has enhanced skills in identifying and investigating financial crimes, as well as strengthened relationships and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.