Financial Crime World

Cross-Border Financial Crime Tops Agenda at Historic Meeting in Chisinau

A Landmark Gathering to Combat Cross-Border Financial Crime

In a significant gathering, officials from customs institutions and border police of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine came together in Chisinau to discuss the pressing issue of cross-border financial crime in the region. This event drew substantial interest from the diplomatic community, public institutions, and business leaders.

Strengthening Cooperation through Dialogue

The conference served as a platform for dialogue to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies of the three countries, particularly in combating cross-border crime. Three panel discussions focused on critical issues:

  • Smuggling of Excisable Goods: Illegal production and illicit financial flows
  • Cross-Border Trafficking:
    • Arms trafficking
    • Dual-use goods trafficking
    • Drug trafficking
  • Drug Precursors and Anabolic Steroids

Emphasis on Combating Organized Crime and Money Laundering

During his opening remarks, EU Ambassador to Moldova Janis Mazeiks highlighted the importance of addressing organized crime and money laundering. “A number of important reforms have been made in these areas as part of Moldova’s package of measures to combat smuggling and illicit financial flows,” he said.

Mazeiks noted that while the country has aligned its anti-terrorism legislation with EU standards, capacity needs to be strengthened to counter new challenges such as cybercrime and illicit cross-border financial flows.

Intensified International Cooperation Needed

Igor Talmazan, Director General of the Customs Service, stressed the need for intensified international cooperation to combat illicit trade in goods. He highlighted cigarette smuggling as a major security risk on the Moldovan-Romanian and Moldovan-Ukrainian border segments, with direct links to organized crime and terrorism networks.

A Regular Event to Address Common Challenges

The conference concluded with a proposal to make it a regular event, serving as a platform for exchange of information and best practices between Moldovan, Romanian, and Ukrainian counterparts to address common challenges.