Financial Crime World

Turkmenistan Boosts Capacity to Combat Terrorist Financing with UN-OSCE Training

Strengthening International Cooperation Against Terrorism

In a bid to enhance its ability to counter terrorist financing, Turkmenistan recently hosted a three-day online training course in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The program aimed at strengthening Turkmenistan’s compliance with international standards and norms.

Expert Training Program

The training program, held from June 1-3, brought together 18 experts and practitioners from various government agencies and institutions. The participants focused on:

  • Strengthening compliance with UN Security Council Resolutions, including Resolution 2462 (2019)
  • Adhering to Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards
  • Implementing OSCE commitments

The program emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation and involving all relevant stakeholders in efforts to combat terrorist financing.

Practical Exercises

The training exercises featured specific instruments and techniques used to counter terrorist financing. Participants worked together on real-life cases and scenarios, developing their skills and knowledge.

Key Objectives

  • Increase the capacity of national law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, and financial institutions to detect and combat terrorist financing (UNODC Regional Representative Ashita Mittal)
  • Contribute to international efforts aimed at preventing and combating terrorist financing (OSCE Centre in Ashgabat Head Natalya Drozd)

Joint Efforts

The UNODC Programme Office in Turkmenistan supported the joint efforts, focusing on countering transnational organized crime and terrorist financing. The training program is expected to help relevant national authorities become more effective in achieving common goals and addressing common threats such as terrorist financing.

Conclusion

The innovative training program brings real-life cases, teamwork, and local ownership to the table, setting a strong foundation for Turkmenistan’s efforts to combat terrorist financing.