Workshop on Terrorist Financing: Initiating Financial Investigations for Bahrain
2023-09-24 - 2023-09-26 | Bahrain, Bahrain
The EU Global Facility launches its first technical assistance activity in #Bahrain 🇧🇭
Today, the EU Global Facility joins hands with the Financial Intelligence National Centre of Bahrain (FIU) to deliver its very first bilateral training to the new partner state, following an official request submitted a few months back.
The three-day event on the theme of “Terrorist Financing – Initiating Investigations & Enhanced Awareness Workshop” will include sessions on understanding terrorist structures, tackling various financing methods, combating money laundering typologies, and strategies for effective asset recovery. Participants will also engage in scenario-based learning to gain practical insights into countering terrorist financing and money laundering.
“The workshop aims to enhance investigative methods, addressing challenges from virtual assets and social media. It will help participants maximise evidential opportunities in both civil and criminal courts,” explained our Key Expert on Law Enforcement/Intelligence Liam Ennis.
“Our emphasis lies in using all available investigative tools, with a special focus on financial documentation as primary, difficult-to-dispute evidence. We also prioritise early asset identification, seizure, confiscation, and disposal to reduce risk effectively.”

‘Risk and Consequence: The Future of FATF Recommendation 8 for Financial Integrity and for Civil Society' - Global Conference
2023-09-26 - 2023-09-27 | Germany, Germany
Our first global event kicked off today in Bonn, Germany 🇩🇪!
Representatives from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and MENA are here today for this special event organised by the the EU AML/CFT Global Facility, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Global Program ‘Combating Illicit Financial Flows’, and the Global NPO Coalition on FATF.
‘Risk and Consequence: The Future of FATF Recommendation 8 for Financial Integrity and for Civil Society’ brings together 150 participants from NPOs, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs), financial intelligence units (FIUs), regulators, supervisors, and banks. For two days, they will exchange ideas on shaping the future of Recommendation 8 and identifying collaborative efforts to improve compliance and financial integrity while allowing civic space to flourish. High-level decision-makers will also be present, in order to address policy and operational gaps. By the conference’s end, we aim to determine proportionate oversight and meaningful engagement between NPOs and stakeholders.
How did this global event come about?
Between March and July 2023, the EU AML/CFT Global Facility co-hosted and sponsored a series of regional consultations for nonprofit organisations (NPOs), FATF Regional Style Bodies and Financial Intelligence Units with the aim of collecting, documenting and analysing practices of meaningful engagement between the NPO sector and relevant (inter)governmental stakeholders. The outcome of these events has informed the ongoing FATF project on the Unintended Consequences of their AML/CFT framework on NPOs, and specifically the revision of the Best Practices Paper (BPP) on the implementation of Recommendation 8.
The events took place in Buenos Aires, Warsaw, Cape Town, Amman and Bali. Participants provided substantive input and feedback on the revision of the BPP to FSRBs, FIUs and the penholders of the BPP review initiative and, in turn, these stakeholders reflected on the practices showcased by NPOs in relation to the advancement of the review, coupled with a potential (technical) change to the Standard (Recommendation 8) itself.
Central to the discussions were: an approach that is proportionate to the terrorism financing risk; the supervision of only those NPOs that are potentially at high risk for terrorism financing abuse; the prevention of wholesale bank de-risking of NPOs; and the necessity of meaningful engagement between NPOs and all relevant stakeholders within the AML/CFT sphere.
By the end of the global conference now taking place in Bonn, participants will have decided on proportionate approaches to oversight of the sector and what meaningful engagement between NPOs and relevant stakeholders looks like.

❓ Background: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) sets international AML/CFT standards for over 200 jurisdictions. FATF Recommendation 8 focuses on preventing the misuse of non-profit organisations (NPOs) for terrorism financing. However, its implementation has unintentionally burdened the NPO sector with overregulation and financial exclusion. This conference explores solutions to strike a balance between security and preserving civic space.

Regional Conference on Beneficial Ownership Transparency in Panama
2023-09-27 | Panama, Panama
The “Beneficial Ownership Transparency Regional Conference” kicked off in Panama on September 27, 2023 with participants from Chile, Colombia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago as well as Panama.
“We have a fully operational Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Registry, accessible to competent authorities, covering over 80% of legal entities registered in the Public Registry of Panama,” stated Héctor Alexander, Minister of Economy and Finance, during the inauguration of the conference on “Implementation and Management of the Unique Beneficial Owner Registry, Beneficial Ownership Transparency in Panama.”
The first regional event organised by the EU Global Facility on this topic for both Latin America and Caribbean countries, it seeks to foster collaboration and insights for effective management of Beneficial Ownership Registration systems. According to the minister, this regional conference will demonstrate that Panama is heading in the right direction, and they will continue to take actions to enhance the country’s transparency, as emphasised by the head of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF).
Alexander recounted how, in June 2019, Panama committed at the highest level to undertake concrete and sustainable actions with the goal of “strengthening the prevention system, including the effective implementation of a legal framework that not only complies with international standards but also maintains Panama’s competitiveness in the international services we offer.” The process involved the modification and implementation of new measures to prevent and combat money laundering and terrorist financing, ensuring full compliance with international standards.
Regarding the creation of Panama’s Unique Beneficial Owner Registry, Alexander highlighted that it was an initiative aimed at strengthening both national and international transparency and cooperation.
Isabel Vecchio, the Technical Secretary of the National Commission against Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (CNBC), reiterated that Panama possesses a robust registry “that has allowed us to strengthen our system for preventing money laundering and combating terrorist financing.”
Speaking on behalf of the European Union Delegation to Panama, Political Counsellor Adolfo Campos, underlined that the countries should take measures to prevent the misuse of legal persons and other legal structures for money laundering or terrorist financing. “Countries should ensure that relevant, accurate and up-to-date information is available on the final beneficiary, to which competent authorities, including law enforcement bodies and financial intelligence units, can access quickly and efficiently, through a beneficial ownership register or an equivalent mechanism,” he stated, adding that “beneficial ownership registration systems ultimately help to achieve a fairer, safer and more prosperous world”.
Dayra Carrizo, who leads the Superintendence of Non-Financial Subjects, also delivered welcoming remarks.

BO training for Panama
2023-09-27 - 2023-10-03 | Panama, Panama
Empowering Transparency: EU Global Facility wraps up Four-Day Training on Beneficial Ownership in Panama
The EU Global Facility on Tuesday 3 October wrapped up an enlightening four-day training on “Transparency of Beneficial Owners in Panama: Implementation and Management of BO Registries.”
The week kicked off with a sub-regional conference that brought together representatives from Chile, Colombia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, alongside Panama. The event spotlighted crucial topics, from evolving BO Registry regulations to practical application, public-private partnerships, and challenges in final BO registration and verification. This conference laid the foundation for a dynamic four-day training, equipping stakeholders with the insights and strategies needed to bolster transparency and combat money laundering.
Throughout the training, the EU Global Facility emphasised the importance of international standards and the critical role played by local institutions in ensuring transparency. Our experts facilitated discussions on FATF and EU BO disclosure standards and engaged the audience with hands-on exercises, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges of AML/CFT risks and work collaboratively with their clients.
“The knowledge and skills acquired during this training will empower these local institutions to recognize and address the complexities of BO transparency effectively. We are excited to witness their commitment to enhancing accountability and combating AML/CFT risks in their region,” said Key Expert on BO for the EU Global Facility Alexandre Taymans.
The participants later delved into international standards on BO requirements and identification, highlighting the role of the Superintendence of Non-Financial Subjects in ensuring compliance. The training unpacked the crucial requirements for resident agents to gather, verify and upload BO information and studied the frameworks for disclosure of BO information by Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs).

Experts' working meeting on the AML/CFT Judicial Manual in Brussels
2023-10-09 | Brussels, Belgium
Today, a group of EU Global Facility experts convened to our headquarters of Brussels, Belgium to collaborate on the draft of a judicial manual for AML/CFT cases.
This work, which is part of the EU Global Facility’s commitment to empowering partner countries in further strengthening their AML/CFT systems, has been ongoing in the MENA region and ESAAMLG countries.
“It is not just about drafting documents; it’s about equipping our partners with the knowledge and tangible tools they need to effectively combat financial crimes,” explained Key Expert on Justice/CSO Mamuka Jgenti who led the meeting.
What does this judicial manual entail?
📘 It provides guidance for the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of money laundering and terrorist financing cases within the respective penal chains of our partner states.
✅ It also seeks to ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholders involved in the fight against financial crimes, resulting in a more robust and effective AML/CFT system.

Information visit on asset recovery with LEICA project for 5 Central Asian states to Germany
2023-10-16 - 2023-10-20 | Germany, Germany
EU Global Facility collaborates on asset recovery with EU-Funded LEICA in Central Asia!
Another great joint initiative between our two EU funded projects, where we are pleased to see the active participation of representatives from all five Central Asian states!
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering cooperation and capacity building in Central Asia, we are proud to support the LEICA team in organizing an information visit for Law Enforcement Agencies from Central Asian States to Germany. This initiative stems from the agreement made during our last regional event, which was jointly organized with LEICA in Kazakhstan.
The focus of this 5-day event is centered around asset recovery, a crucial aspect of law enforcement and counter-terrorism efforts. Our overarching goal is to bolster the capacity of law enforcement agencies in Central Asian countries, namely Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The aim is to empower them to effectively prevent, detect, and investigate the sources and channels of financing for terrorists or terrorist groups.
Our Key Expert on Law Enforcement/Intelligence, Liam, along with a team of short-term experts specialising in law enforcement and justice, will be delivering informative presentations throughout the event. These experts will share their insights and knowledge, contributing to the enhancement of the region’s security and law enforcement capabilities.
We look forward to further cooperation and collaboration in the future. Partnerships like these are essential for addressing the complex AML/CFT challenges countries of the region are facing.

Onsite mission Strategic approach and Gaming:
2023-10-16 - 2023-10-20
The EU Global Facility is also in Mozambique 🇲🇿 this week, delivering activities to enhance the partner country’s capacity to meet International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) requirements.
The strategic approach activities, led by our Key Expert on Regulation/FIU Arnaud STIEN aims to address the pressing needs of Mozambican authorities, specifically in the key areas of national coordination and ICRG reporting and the gaming sector.
The four-day programme has a dual-fold purpose:
✅ National Coordination Committee and Gaming Supervisors Capacity Building: The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance Mozambique’s authorities’ comprehension of the ICRG requirements and to reinforce a culture of compliance with these standards.
Experts will do so by delivering briefing sessions on strategic approaches, coordination and cooperation mechanisms, as well as the implementation of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) strategies and policies.
In parallel, a training will be targeted at the gaming sector, whereby participants will learn about the application of a risk-based approach to Gaming Supervisors and casinos will engage to best understand their risks and obligations.
✅ ICRG Monitoring Cycle and Joint Group Reporting: The sessions will delve into the specific actions required at each stage of the ICRG monitoring cycle and provide comprehensive training on reporting to the Joint Group.
In addition, a dedicated session will engage senior officials in discussions regarding the operation of the Technical Assistance Coordination Committee (TACC) and the Technical Assistance (TA) matrix.

Final Conference on Legal approaches to evidentiary challenges in money laundering prosecutions and confiscation proceedings in Siracusa
2023-10-17 - 2023-10-18 | Siracusa, Italy, Siracusa, Italy
The EU Global Facility on AML/CFT is pleased to announce the launch of the “Final Conference: Legal Approaches to Evidentiary Challenges in Money Laundering Prosecutions and Confiscation Proceedings” in collaboration with the The Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights .
Held in Siracusa, Italy on October 17-18, 2023, the event brings together an esteemed group of experts and leaders in the field to address the crucial issues surrounding money laundering prosecutions and the confiscation of criminal proceeds.
Over the span of two days, attendees will engage in a series of thought-provoking sessions starting with a session on the intricacies of Evidentiary Challenges in Prosecuting Money Laundering and Confiscating the Proceeds of Crime.
Session 2 will then feature the unveiling of a significant publication, fruit of a yearlong working process that encompassed a far-reaching study on existing good practice that alleviate the burden of proof in money laundering investigations and asset recovery procedures. This publication is expected to provide a valuable resource for the work of relevant global and regional institutions (e.g. FATF, FSRBs, EU and UN relevant structures etc.), as well as national authorities and justice sectors.
The following sessions will be dedicated to (i) the exploration of Effective Mechanisms for the Prosecution of Money Laundering, (ii) Effective Mechanisms to Confiscate the Proceeds of Crime, (iii) Asymmetry in Legal Approaches and International Cooperation: Challenges and Best Practices, and (iv) Common Constitutional Challenges to Alternative Approaches to Money Laundering and Confiscation.
The event will conclude with insightful remarks from EU Global Facility Team Leader David Hotte, President of the Siracusa International Institute Jean-François Thony, and EU Global Facility Key Expert on Justice/CSOs Mamuka JGENTI, summing up what promises to be a valuable and informative conference.
This activity is part of a series of activities organised by the EU Global Facility on AML/CFT and the Siracusa Institute aimed at strengthening international judicial co-operation and the efficient application of existing MLA standards and international instruments by judges and prosecutors.

Scoping mission and first technical assistance activity of the EU Global Facility to Angola
2023-10-23 - 2023-10-26 | Angola, Angola
The EU Global Facility is thrilled to announce the launch of technical assistance to its new partner state Angola 🇦🇴.
After a recent request submitted by the authorities of Angola in the summer of 2023, and the online consultation organised with Angolan stakeholders and the #EU Delegation in August, the EU Global Facility is conducting a scoping mission to Angola this week.
The team will be engaging with the various authorities involved in the country’s AML/CFT frameworks to best assess their needs and chart a roadmap for future Technical Assistance that will help enhance the transparency and effectiveness of Angola’s financial systems. It shall also serve as an occasion to meet with other TA providers to ensure complementarity of action and avoid duplication of work.
In parallel of these meetings, the EU Global Facility is also delivering its very first activity to Angolan partners, focused on the topic of #BeneficialOwnership. During this initial scoping exercise, our Key Expert on BO Alexandre Taymans, alongside experts Igor Bereza and Julie Lefèvre are helping local authorities strategise and plan the implementation, management, and enforcement of the country’s BO Register.
Here’s a snapshot of their schedule:
🗓️ Day 1: Engaging with high-level authorities, fostering cooperation, and establishing crucial partnerships on the topic of BO.
🗓️ Day 2: Assessing and providing training on the BO general framework to build a solid knowledge base.
🗓️ Day 3 & 4: Focusing on the design, implementation, and management of the Beneficial Ownership Register, ensuring it operates seamlessly and effectively.

Work meeting on NPO Sectoral Risk Assessment for Trinidad and Tobago
2023-11-01 | Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
Yesterday, the EU Global Facility experts held a pivotal working meeting with Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹 focusing on the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) Sectoral Risk Assessment.
The meeting aimed to help representatives of the partner state to refine and finalise the NPO Sectoral RA in otder to align the national strategies on the not-for-profit sector with global best practices, ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago can effectively manage and mitigate risks associated with the NPO sector.
Our team provided detailed analyses and comments on the draft document, which has been meticulously developed by the local authorities using the World Bank methodology.
This meeting comes as part of the collaborative effort started back in February 2023, whereby the EU Global Facility jointly developed a roadmap for technical assistance activities aimed at supporting Trinidad’s local authorities in enhancing their compliance with FATF standards.
Key activities delivered so far include work on the implementation of a Sanction Policy Manual, support to the gaming sector and various e-training on FATF Recommendation 8.

Regional Conference on Beneficial Ownership in Argentina - EU Global Facility/BID/GAFILAT/Argentina
2023-11-07 - 2023-11-09 | Argentina, Argentina
The EU Global Facility, the Inter-American Development Bank and GAFILAT, in cooperation with the Ministerio de Justicia y Derechos Humanos de la Nación of Argentina today launched a regional conference on Beneficial Ownership in Buenos Aires for 18 countries of the region.
Held under the title “Synergies between beneficial ownership transparency, tax crimes, and the fight against ML/TF”, the event brings together 80 representatives from Argentina, Brasil 🇧🇷, #Bolivia 🇧🇴, #Chile 🇨🇱, #Colombia 🇨🇴, #Cuba 🇨🇺, #CostaRica 🇨🇷, #Ecuador 🇪🇨, #ElSalvador 🇸🇻, #Guatemala 🇬🇹, #Honduras 🇭🇳, #México 🇲🇽, #Nicaragua 🇳🇮, #Panamá 🇵🇦, #Paraguay 🇵🇾, #Perú 🇵🇪, #RepúblicaDominicana 🇩🇴 and #Uruguay 🇺🇾.
Over the course of three days, participants will explore the utilisation and advantages of BO information for three key stakeholders: BO registries, Financial Intelligence Units, and Tax authorities.
The first day, designed in a conference format, will lay the groundwork for the event, elucidating its context and objectives with presentation from the FATF, OECD, Global Forum, IDB, IMF, World Bank and CIAT. On the second day, experts will deeper into specific topics such as the establishment and management of Beneficial Ownership Registers, the exchange of BO information with third parties, and group discussions on the application of Automatic Exchange of Information (AEI) and Exchange of Information on Request (EOIR). Participants will also develop an action plan to facilitate the sharing of BO information within a jurisdiction.
As the event progresses to its final day, the focus will shift towards ongoing research and case study discussions. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for all participants to reflect on the way forward and brainstorm what a follow-up event might entail.

Regional conference on use of AML/CFT in Investigation of Art & Antiquities Criminality in Cambodia
2024-11-27 - 2024-11-29 | cambodia, Cambodia
Siem Reap, Cambodia, 27 November 2024 – Representatives from 10 Asian countries have convened in Siem Reap, home of the renowned Angkor World Heritage Site, for the third edition of a global series of events aimed at curbing the illicit trade of cultural properties. Organised by the EU Global Facility on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing with support from the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) and the Cambodia Financial Intelligence Unit (CAFIU), this conference is a pivotal gathering in the fight against cultural heritage crimes.
Addressing the intersection of cultural heritage crime and financial criminality, this meeting -titled “The Use of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism in the Investigation of Art and Antiquities Criminality”- will offer workshops led by international experts and case studies exploring trafficking routes and criminal methods. Discussions will aim to enhance interagency cooperation and knowledge sharing to monitor and investigate illicit trade routes and the role of AML/CFT strategies in protecting cultural properties.
Opening the event, the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia Serey Chea extended her “heartfelt appreciation to the EU Global Facility and the APG for entrusting Cambodia to host this regional conference” and welcomed all participants to Siem Reap. She stated: “[the] regional conference serves as an essential platform for participants […] to exchange information and share best practices in combating illicit activities in the art and antiquities market, as well as strengthen collaborations”.
Set in one of the world’s most historically significant locations, the conference brings together over 70 high-level participants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, alongside representatives from the EU and INTERPOL. The regional conference – which follows two successful iterations in Egypt and Mexico – will solidify outcomes from prior gatherings and refine strategies to curb the illicit circulation of cultural assets.
EU’s Ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans, stated: “Protecting cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past; it is about securing our shared future. By targeting the financial crimes underpinning the illicit trade of art and antiquities, we not only disrupt criminal networks but also strengthen the cultural and economic integrity of our societies. This conference is a testament to the European Union’s unwavering commitment to supporting Cambodia and the ASEAN region in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, particularly in the realm of art and antiquities crimes.” Team Leader of the EU AML/CFT Global Facility, David Hotte stated: “Bringing experts from diverse backgrounds under one roof in Siem Reap allows us to tackle the complex challenges of art and antiquities-related crimes effectively. This event underscores the collective resolve to protect Asia’s rich heritage from the dual threats of organised crime and financial exploitation.”
Suzie White A/g Deputy Executive Secretary of the APG, acknowledged: “This event should help us to address many of the challenges to tackle money laundering and terrorism financing risks in the markets for art, antiquities and other cultural objects. These markets are vulnerable to abuse by criminals, including organised crime groups and terrorists, who seek to generate or launder proceeds of crime to fund their activities. This involves the use of cash, third party intermediaries, shell companies and other complex corporate structures. This landmark Regional Conference highlights opportunities to address these challenges in our region. The APG welcomes the opportunity to partner with the EU Global Facility on AML/CFT, and the Cambodia Financial Intelligence Unit, to help combat illicit trade and related money laundering in the art and antiquities market.”
The conference is expected to further raise awareness on safeguarding heritage and foster regional collaboration in response to evolving threats in the art and antiquities sectors. By uniting public and private sector representatives, it seeks to equip all stakeholders to effectively counteract illicit financial activities, securing the cultural heritage of Asia and beyond.
