Paraguay Takes Step Against Financial Crime with Cross-Border Training Initiative

Thirty-seven high-ranking officials from Paraguay’s National Police, Attorney General’s office, Customs, Immigration, Secretariat for the Prevention of Money Laundering (SENAD), and Financial Intelligence Unit (SEPRELAD) have completed a comprehensive training program aimed at identifying, targeting, and combating money laundering organizations.

Cross-Border Financial Investigations Training

The Cross-Border Financial Investigations Training (CBFIT), organized by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Attaché Office in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the Department of State’s Bureau of Counter Terrorism, took place last week.

Focus on Strategies and Investigative Techniques

The training focused on strategies and investigative techniques to assist with the identification and seizure of illicit funds generated by money laundering organizations engaged in transnational criminal schemes. Special agents from HSI shared best practices for investigating money laundering schemes, the movement of bulk and virtual currencies, and intellectual property rights violations tied to terrorist financing.

Inaugural Ceremony and Closing Remarks

Paraguay’s Minister for SEPRELAD, Oscar Boidanich, Dr. Francisco Javier Diaz Verón, Attorney General, and Stella Owens, HSI Buenos Aires deputy attaché, participated in the inaugural ceremony on June 7. U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay, Leslie A. Bassett, delivered closing remarks during the graduation ceremony.

Minister’s Statement

According to Minister Boidanich:

“SEPRELAD is very honored by the U.S. government initiative to promote technical training, related to financial investigations and cross-border crimes given the fact that through these initiatives, Paraguay strengthens the power of those institutions related to the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of several types of crimes, most of them originating subsequent money laundering and terrorist financing crimes.”

HSI’s Efforts

The training is part of a broader effort by HSI to combat transnational criminal organizations. With 62 operational attaché offices in 46 countries around the world, HSI’s special agents work closely with foreign law enforcement agencies through a robust network of specialized, vetted units known as Transnational Criminal Investigative Units. Additionally, HSI brings personnel from host countries to the United States to train at the Department of Homeland Security Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.

Conclusion

The CBFIT is an important step in Paraguay’s efforts to combat financial crime and strengthen its institutions’ capabilities in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting crimes. The training demonstrates the commitment of both countries to cooperate in this area and promote a safer and more secure world.