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Strengthening Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism

Deputy Director General of AMLIO Leads Efforts to Enhance Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Regime

Vientiane, Lao PDR - In a bid to enhance the country’s capabilities in combating money laundering and financing of terrorism, Deputy Director General of Anti-Money Laundering Intelligence Office (AMLIO) Chindamay Vilayhongs has been at the forefront of various initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation’s anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime.

Recent Initiatives

  • AMLIO conducted a handover ceremony to deliver information technology and equipment to improve its IT capabilities and facilitate anti-money laundering and CFT efforts. The donated equipment includes computers, tablets, and printers, which will enable AMLIO’s technical staff to enhance their analytical research and supervisory activities.
  • The Deputy Director General led a study visit to the Cambodian Financial Intelligence Units (CAFIU) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where experts shared experiences on AML/CFT IT development. The visit aimed at exploring best practices in building an effective AML/CFT system.

International Partnerships

  • AMLIO participated in a training course in Moscow, Russia Federation, which focused on upgrading qualifications of national AML/CFT system’s experts. The event brought together high-ranking officials from various line-ministries and FIUs.
  • The office hosted an Investigative Technique Workshop on Prosecuting Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism" in Champasack Province, which was attended by experts from the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and Defense Institute for International Legal Studies (DIILS).

National Risk Assessment

  • AMLIO chaired a meeting of the 2nd ad-hoc committee on the National Risk Assessment (NRA), which aimed at evaluating the current NRA implementation and seeking recommendations for future operation.

Collaboration with Other REs

  • The AMLIO has been working closely with other REs outside the banking sector to disseminate manuals and training related to new forms, in order to build a comprehensive, convenient, secure, and prompt system.
  • The Deputy Director General emphasized that the office will continue to collaborate with international partners to strengthen its capabilities and ensure effective implementation of AML/CFT measures.

Quote

“It is essential for us to work together with our international partners and other REs to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism,” said Chindamay Vilayhongs, Deputy Director General of AMLIO. “We are committed to strengthening our AML/CFT regime and ensuring that it is effective in preventing and detecting illicit activities.”