Financial Crime World

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EU and Caribbean Unite to Combat International Financial Crime in Antigua and Barbuda

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Strengthening Cooperation on Financial Crime Prevention

The European Union (EU) and the Caribbean region have taken a significant step towards enhancing their collaboration on financial crime prevention. The first Strategic Focal Points Meeting took place in Barbados, marking a new era of cooperation between the two regions aimed at tackling complex challenges posed by international organized crime.

Addressing Financial Crimes: A Regional Effort

The gathering brings together senior representatives from across the Caribbean region, including Antigua and Barbuda, to discuss concrete solutions to combating financial crimes such as:

  • Money laundering
  • Cybercrime
  • Illicit arms trade

This meeting is a key milestone in the implementation of EL PACCTO 2.0, a European Union cooperation programme with Latin America and the Caribbean.

Sharing Expertise and Best Practices

According to EU officials, the partnership will enable the regions to share expertise and best practices in areas such as:

  • Judicial cooperation
  • Prison reform
  • Asset recovery

The meeting aims to establish a joint strategy for the coming years, enabling collaboration at political, institutional, and operational levels.

Commitment to Strengthening Cooperation

EU Ambassador Małgorzata Wasilewska emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with the Caribbean region on justice and security issues. “This partnership will help us tackle the complex challenges posed by international organized crime and ensure a safer and more secure future for all citizens.”

Partnership Alignment

The meeting is being held under the framework of the EU-LAC Partnership on Justice and Security, established in 2023 during the EU-CELAC Summit in Brussels.

Attendees include senior representatives from:

  • Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
  • Caribbean Court of Justice
  • Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
  • Security and justice ministries and agencies across the region
  • European Judicial Network
  • Dutch Prosecution Office

A New Chapter in Combating Financial Crime

The partnership aligns with the EU’s commitment to strengthening its cooperation with the Caribbean region on justice and security issues. This development marks a new chapter in the region’s efforts to combat financial crime and ensure a safer future for all citizens.