Financial Crime World

Pacific Financial Intelligence Units Unite Against Financial Crime in the Cook Islands

Last week, the Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) from across the Pacific region gathered in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, to strengthen partnerships and bolster collaboration in the fight against serious financial crimes.

Annual Meeting of the Pacific Financial Intelligence Units Network (PFIN)

Delegates from 15 Pacific island countries attended the three-day conference, which provided an opportunity to:

  • Discuss strategies
  • Share information
  • Explore potential areas for cooperation

Participating FIUs included those from:

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Fiji
  • Palau
  • Vanuatu
  • And others

Importance of Working Together

“The importance of working together as a network cannot be overstated,” said Henry Puna, Cook Islands’ Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management.

Discussions and Collaboration

During the conference, attendees:

  • Discussed best practices
  • Exchanged expert knowledge

Co-Hosts and Supporters

The PFIN meeting was co-hosted by the Cook Islands FIU and the Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Center (PFTAC). The Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provided support for the event.

Commitment to Enhancing Collaboration

Participating FIUs issued a joint statement, committing to:

  • Enhancing collaboration
  • Improving efforts to address financial crimes
  • Continuous learning
  • Information sharing
  • Capacity building

Impact on Financial System Security

As a result of the gathering, Pacific FIUs are:

  • Poised to make a significant impact
  • Securing their financial systems against money laundering
  • Terrorism financing
  • Other financial crimes

CEO’s Statement

“This gathering in Rarotonga is a testament to the importance of the PFIN in our collective efforts to combat financial crime in the Pacific,” said the CEO of Fiji’s FIU, Makaelesi Qoro. “We look forward to continuing our fruitful collaborations and working closely with our fellow FIUs to ensure a safer and more resilient financial system for all.”