Financial Crime World

Financial Crime Investigation Methods Strengthened in Samoa Through International Collaboration

Enhanced Skills and Cooperation for Effective Money Laundering Response

A four-day financial investigation training program was held in Samoa, aimed at strengthening the country’s response to money laundering. The program, delivered through a collaboration between the Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APGML) and the Pacific Transnational Crime Network (PTCN), focused on enhancing skills in identifying and investigating financial crimes.

Participants and Training Course

The training brought together various law enforcement agencies from across Samoa, including members from:

  • 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

The program was based on the “financial and money laundering investigations and criminal asset confiscation course”.

Importance of International Collaboration

The APGML, comprising 41 member jurisdictions in the region, including Samoa, aims to ensure that member countries effectively implement international standards against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. The PTCN, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is a well-established network of law enforcement agencies operating on declarations of partnerships under the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police.

Keynote Speakers

The training was attended by Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga, who highlighted the importance of strengthening relationships and cooperation between agencies to combat financial crime. He thanked the APGML for delivering the course to Samoa and the PTCN Advisors from the Australian Federal Police and New Zealand Police for coordinating in-country support.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa Dr Trevor Matheson praised Aotearoa New Zealand’s funding of the initiative, stating that regional security is a top priority. “We are proud to support Samoa’s efforts to counter transnational crime,” he said.

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa Emily Luck reiterated Australia’s commitment to the long-term stability and security of the region, stating that building capability in Pacific enforcement agencies is essential to combating transnational crime.

Program Conclusion

The program concluded with certificates being presented to 20 participants who completed the training. APGML Executive Secretary Dr Gordon Hook thanked the Central Bank of Samoa, participants, and the New Zealand Government for funding the program, while Deputy Governor Operations of the Central Bank Gilbert Wongsin highlighted the importance of the programme in strengthening skills and knowledge in the arena.

Real-World Application

The real test of the training, according to Deputy Governor Wongsin, begins when participants apply what they have learned back at their workplaces. “The key to a successful training is putting into action what you have learnt,” he emphasized.