Financial Crime World

Title: Fiji Hosts Landmark Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Workshop with Global Experts

Subtitle: World Customs Organization’s Project TENTACLE strengthens Fiji’s financial system integrity

$$$[2023-03-11] _Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) hosts the largest WCO Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) workshop _$$$

Suva, FIJI - In a significant move to fortify the financial system integrity of the Asia-Pacific region, Fiji played host to the largest World Customs Organization (WCO) Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) workshop, attracting delegates from across the globe.

Fortifying Asia-Pacific’s Financial Systems

$$[Week-long TENTACLE workshop]$ - Over 70 officials from 10 Customs administrations, 6 Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), 6 Police administrations, INTERPOL, the EGMONT Group of FIUs, and the Regional Liaison Officers in Asia Pacific (RILO AP) gathered at FRCS Headquarters in Suva to discuss and learn from expert presentations and discussions on various aspects of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism.

FRCS’ Dedication to Security

  • Udit Singh, the CEO of Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), welcomed attendees to the Workshop.
  • Singh emphasized the importance of strengthening the financial systems against money laundering and terrorism financing, particularly in the Customs sphere.
  • He highlighted the threats posed by these activities, which undermine the stability of economies, fund criminal enterprises, and pose a significant risk to national and international security.

WCO’s Commitment to the Region

  • The World Customs Organization recognized Fiji’s unwavering dedication to security.
  • WCO lauded the essential role that customs authorities play in combatting money laundering and terrorism financing due to their unique positioning [at all border areas].
  • The organization pledged to utilize their expertise to augment the capacity of participants and protect their countries from criminal threats.

TENTACLE Project’s Focus

  • The TENTACLE project, an initiative of the World Customs Organization, focuses on preventing bulk cash smuggling and the illegal trade of gems and precious metals.
  • The workshop served to augment the capacity of participants and reaffirmed their dedication to defending the welfare of their societies from the detrimental effects of illicit activities.

Conclusion

  • The Fiji-hosted workshop marked a significant step towards strengthening the financial system integrity of the Asia-Pacific region and safeguarding societies from illicit activities.
  • With the commitment and knowledge-sharing from international experts, participating countries emerged with improved capacity to confront money laundering and terrorism financing threats.