Financial Crime World

Financial Crime Investigation Process in Samoa Enhanced Through International Collaboration

Strengthening Relationships Between Agencies

A four-day “Financial and Money Laundering Investigations and Criminal Asset Confiscation Course” was recently delivered in Samoa, aimed at enhancing skills in identifying and investigating financial crimes and strengthening relationships between agencies. The course was a collaborative effort between the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APGML) and the Pacific Transnational Crime Network (PTCN).

Participants

Representatives from various government agencies participated in the program, including:

  • Financial Intelligence Unit
  • Samoa Police
  • Prisons and Corrections Services
  • Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet
  • Customs and Revenue
  • Audit Office
  • Transnational Crime Unit
  • Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre

Significance of the Training

Acting SPPCS Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga, chair of the Pacific Transnational Crime Network, emphasized that strengthening relationships between the APG and PTCN is a positive step forward in building capability and systems to combat transnational crime. Australian Federal Police Advisor Nicole Goodwin added that the 2019-2020 PTCN Transnational Crime Assessment identified the need for greater awareness of financial crimes impacting the Blue Pacific, and efforts have been made to build relationships with the APG.

Opening Remarks

A/Commissioner Afamasaga provided opening remarks to the course, highlighting the importance of the training in addressing financial crime not only affecting Samoa but across the Pacific. He stressed that transnational crime, including money laundering, is a borderless crime that underscores the significance of interagency and regional cooperation.

Support from New Zealand

The New Zealand High Commissioner, Dr Trevor Matheson, commended the initiative, stating that Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to have funded this valuable and essential project. Regional security is a top priority, and New Zealand is proud to support Samoa’s efforts to counter transnational crime.