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Kiribati Takes a Stand Against Financial Crime with Regulatory Bodies Forum

In a groundbreaking move, Kiribati has taken a significant step towards preventing financial crime by hosting an anti-money laundering dialogue forum. The event brought together 15 representatives from various government bodies and the private sector to enhance domestic coordination against money laundering and terrorism financing.

Supported by UNODC

The forum was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Pacific Anti-Corruption Programme, as well as its Global Programme against Money-Laundering, Proceeds of Crime, and Financing of Terrorism. The objective was to:

• Advance the fight against money laundering and corruption
• Establish robust information-sharing networks
• Discuss the role of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs)

Expert Insights

Venti Chandra, an expert speaker, shared insights on physical and forensic profiling of synthetic drugs, highlighting the latest drug trends and their implications for anti-money laundering efforts. The forum also emphasized the essential role FIUs play in:

• Fast and effective dissemination of critical intelligence
• Successful investigations of key predicate offenses

Welcome Remarks

In her opening remarks, Deputy Commissioner Reetaake Takabwere, Kiribati Police Service, welcomed participants to the forum, alongside Ms. Ritite Tekiau, Secretary of the Public Service Office (PSO) and UNCAC Focal Point for Kiribati.

The event aimed to foster domestic coordination among key integrity institutions to effectively combat money laundering and associated predicate crimes such as corruption.

Commitment to Further Dialogues

The UNODC has expressed its commitment to facilitating further dialogues between public and private sector agencies, strengthening information-sharing arrangements among key institutions to prevent financial crime in Kiribati.