Final Regional Consultation for Non-Profit Organisations - Asian-Pacific region
2023-07-25 - 2023-07-27 | Bali, Indonesia
The EU Global Facility holds fifth and final Regional Consultation for Non-Profit Organisations of Asian-Pacific region

Last but not least! Today we open a three-day regional event in Indonesia 🇮🇩 in collaboration with the Global NPO Coalition on FATF.
Taking place from July 25th to 27th, this Regional Consultation brings together together 50 NPO representatives from the APG and Central Asia countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand as well as from Croatia, Georgia, the Netherlands, the Republic of Moldova, Russia and the UK. Representatives of the APG Secretariat as well as the authorities of the host country – Indonesia – will also be in attendance.
We are also happy to announce that the Chairperson of MONEYVAL and representatives from the EU Delegation to Jakarta will also address the audience.
The primary objective of this meeting is to discuss the upcoming revision of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 8 Best Practices Paper (BPP) by the FATF. The Rec 8 BPP revision is a crucial step towards aligning international standards with the evolving needs and realities of NPOs. It also provides an opportunity to address any existing challenges and improve the effectiveness of measures designed to combat money laundering and terrorist financing while safeguarding the legitimate activities of NPOs.
In this sense, the EU Global Facility and its partners are working to foster an inclusive and collaborative environment, where we aim to gather valuable insights and contributions from NPOs of the region, ensuring that their perspectives and expertise are incorporated into the final proposal to be submitted to the FATF
Indeed, following the four previous consultations held for the regions of Latin America/the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and MENA, this collaborative effort will culminate in a final global event scheduled to take place in Bonn in September. There, the consolidated global position will be discussed and finalised.
Key Objectives:

🔹 Facilitate dialogue and exchange of experiences among NPOs in the APG region
🔹 Gather input and feedback to inform the Rec 8 BPP revision process
🔹 Strengthen the common global position of NPOs
🔹 Enhance collaboration between NPOs, regulators, and policymakers

Metaverse training in the UAE
2023-07-25 - 2023-07-27
Metaverse investigations training launched by the EU Global Facility in the United Arab Emirates 🌍🔍
The EU Global Facility is thrilled to announce its first-ever introductory awareness course on the complex Metaverse universe,
Running through Thursday 27th, the immersive training is targeted at some 45 law enforcement and Financial Intelligence Units officers and prosecutors of the UAE.
“The Metaverse is a very complex new concept that sets itself apart from other online environments by its huge scale, complexity and level of interconnectivity,” says EU Global Facility Key Expert on Law Enforcement Liam Ennis
“The emergence of the Metaverse has brought new challenges in terms of AML/CFT risks. As virtual assets and digital currencies become more prevalent within the Metaverse, it becomes crucial to understand and address these risks to maintain the integrity of financial systems and combat illicit activities.”
Some of the ML/TF risks associated with the Metaverse include anonymity and pseudonymity, Virtual Assets laundering, cross-border transactions and lack of regulatory frameworks, among others.
Over the three-day training, experts of the EU Global Facility will delve into crucial aspects related to the Metaverse and Virtual Assets (VAs), with a primary focus on AML/CFT investigations. Participants will have the opportunity to explore topics such as the identification of illicit activity in VAs and the assessment of the effectiveness of current AML/CFT measures.
By the end of the training, attendees will gain valuable insights into the misuse potential of virtual assets and their associated risks, regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and strategies for detecting suspicious transactions.
Objectives:

– Comprehend Metaverse, Virtual Assets, their misuse potential, and related money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
– Understand the principles of AML/CFT investigations as they apply to virtual assets, including the regulatory framework and industry standards.
– Identify key indicators of illicit activity in virtual assets and utilise analytical tools for detecting suspicious transactions.
– Assess the effectiveness of current AML/CFT measures within the context of virtual assets and evaluate the need for additional regulatory actions.
– Collaboratively devise strategies to enhance AML/CFT investigations and compliance within the virtual asset industry.

Final Statistics e-training for Ecuador
2023-07-25 - 2023-07-27 | Ecuador, Ecuador
Wrapping up the week in Ecuador 🇪🇨 where 25 participants completed a series of online modules on asset recovery statistics
After successfully delivering three comprehensive online modules on general issues of statistics IO 7 and 8 for FATF, police statistics, and justice statistics, the EU Global Facility wrapped up the fourth and final e-module on ” Statistics on Seizures and Confiscations, Immediate Outcome 8” this week.
👏🏽 👏🏽 The dedication and commitment of participants have been exemplary in sessions that have helped them deepen their understanding of statistics on asset recovery while gaining further insights into Ecuador’s specific needs and challenges on this matter.
Experts from the French Asset Recovery Office (AGRASC), the Spanish Police Assets Recovery Office (CITCO) and the Spanish Treasury delivered the sessions of this module.
🗓 ✍🏼 Next on the agenda for Ecuador is the onsite training scheduled from 6th to 8th September, where participants will tackle hands-on the topics of Immediate Outcomes 7 and 8. Experts will deliver interactive sessions based on their respective countries’ case studies and databases.

Workshop on 'Turning Intelligence into Evidence' for the Seychelles
2023-08-01 - 2023-08-03 | The Seychelles, Seychelles
The EU Global Facility kicks off its Workshop on “Turning Intelligence into Evidence” in the operational practice of financial investigations in Victoria, Seychelles 🇸🇨
Over the course of three days, our law enforcement and justice experts from Spain 🇪🇸, the Netherlands 🇳🇱, and France 🇫🇷 will be delivering insightful sessions on a wide range of topics:

– Management of Financial Intelligence
– Parallel Financial Investigation in Organised Crime
– Role of the Prosecutor in the Management of Intelligence and Financial Investigation
– International Legal Framework in Financial Investigation
– Role of FIUs in the Collection and Dissemination of Intelligence
– Investigation and Evidential Value
– Mutual Legal Assistance in Financial Investigation/Example of MLA in a Stand-alone ML Case
– Criminal Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture: Alternatives to Counter ML and TF

This workshop was carefully designed by our law enforcement and justice Key Experts to foster stronger links between the financial investigation and penal chain, aiming to effectively address cases of money laundering and terrorist financing. The EU Global Facility successfully launched the first iteration of this activity in Jordan back in August 2021 and has since been delivered it to partner countries including the UAE and Turkiye.
Prior to the workshop’s launch, the #EUGlobalFacility team and experts convened for a collaborative meeting with key stakeholders, including the heads of defence, intelligence, police commissioner, attorney general, head of FIU, head of tax administration, state secretary of the Ministry of Finance, head of the anti-corruption Bureau, and judges of the Supreme Court of Seychelles.

Coordination meeting with GIZ-led IFF project
2023-08-10 - 2023-08-11
A delegation from the EU Global Facility arrived in Bonn, #Germany, to take part in an annual coordination meeting with the GIZ Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) Project.
Led by Team Leader David Hotte, the EU Global Facility is meeting with representatives from both projects, along with Expertise France and GIZ headquarters.
The primary objective of this meeting is to facilitate the exchange of updates and insights on the progress of the IFF and EU Global Facility projects. It shall also serve as an opportunity to review the plans for the upcoming months and explore potential areas for collaboration between the two initiatives.
One significant event on the agenda is the planned global consultations of Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in September 2023in Bonn. This consultation aims to address the ongoing reform of the FATF Recommendation 8 and its Best Practices Paper, representing a crucial milestone in their collective efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in the not-for-profit sector.
The EU Global Facility and GIZ IFF projects have been maintaining regular contacts to ensure that their activities in regions of mutual interest, such as Africa and Latin America, do not overlap or duplicate efforts. By coordinating their efforts, they can streamline their impact and enhance effectiveness in tackling global financial challenges.
“As two projects implemented on behalf of the European Union, we strongly believe that regular interactions to discuss evolutions in the field of illicit financial flows can help foster innovation, create synergies, and strengthen our shared commitment to combating money laundering and terrorist financing,” stated David Hotte.
“Only through collaborative efforts can we succeed in addressing illicit financial flows and promoting financial integrity both within the EU and in partner countries across the globe.”
The meeting was hosted at the premises of GIZ, who is also a co-implementing agency of the EU Global Facility, alongside Expertise France and NI-CO.

Review of Zambia's progress on the NPO Risk Assessment - onsite visit
2023-08-14 - 2023-08-15 | Zambia, Zambia
The EU Global Facility is currently in #Zambia 🇿🇲 to review the progress achieved in relation to the NPO Risk Assessment.
As part of our commitment to support partner jurisdictions in complying with Recommendation 8 requirements, this visit aims to assess the implementation of the new methodology for the elaboration of the NPO Sectoral Risk Assessment. Work of the local authorities has been closely supported by the EU Global Facility’s experts, including those part of the Global NPO Coalition on FATF.
Today marks the 20th activity of technical assistance delivered by the EU Global Facility to the partner country, which demonstrates the EU GF’s unwavering engagement with countries committed to improving their compliance with FATF requirements.
Started back in September 2020, the collaboration between the EU Global Facility and Zambia aims to help the partner country in strengthening its AML/CFT framework, notably with regards to Recommendation 8 on the not-for-profit sector, Beneficial Ownership, Regulation and Justice, among others.

Launch of technical assistance: E-training on statistics for Uruguay
2023-08-16 - 2023-08-18 | Ecuador, Ecuador
Launch of our very first technical assistance activity to Uruguay 🇺🇾
Today, the EU Global Facility kicks off its bilateral support to the new partner country, following a scoping mission conducted in December of last year, several working meetings and the participation of Uruguay in all the regional activities organised by EU GF and GAFILAT.
Over the next three days, some 30 representatives from various key Uruguayan organisations will participate in the e-Training on “FATF Statistics and General Coordination”, delivered by expert Irene Sanchez from the Spanish Treasury.
This training comes as part of the workplan agreed upon between the EU Global Facility and the authorities of Uruguay, following the establishment of a specialised AML/CFT prosecutor’s office in the country through the National Secretariat for the Fight against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (SENACLAFT).
Entities involved in the e-training entail the Attorney General’s Office, the Judiciary, Financial Information and Analysis Unit of the Central Bank of Uruguay, National Customs Directorate, General Tax Directorate, General Registry Directorate, Board of Transparency and Public Ethics, Internal Audit of the Nation, Ministry of Interior, and the Seized Assets Fund.
❓Why do quality statistics matter:
According to FATF’s Recommendation 33, countries must maintain extensive statistics on matters relevant to the effectiveness and efficiency of their AML/CFT systems including data on Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) received and disclosed, investigations, prosecutions, and convictions related to money laundering and terrorism financing, as well as frozen, seized, and confiscated assets. Quality statistics are essential in demonstrating the effectiveness of a country’s AML/CFT system.

First Beneficial Ownership training in the UAE
2023-08-28 - 2023-08-31 | The UAE, United Arab Emirates
EU Global Facility launches First Beneficial Ownership Activity in UAE

ABU DHABI, 28 August 2023 – The EU Global Facility on Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) on Monday 28th of August launched its inaugural Beneficial Ownership activity in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Spanning over three days, this activity centered around the topic of “Beneficial ownership registers as competent authorities”. It brought together competent authorities from the UAE, Jordan, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta, with the aim of fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange among them.
“Business and BO registers are essential instruments for governments and businesses to implement functionning and effective AML frameworks. Registries are confronted to increased complexities in operating their registers and need to adapt their business operating model continuously in a fast-evolving environment of international standards, technological advancements, increased stakeholder expectations, data quality and enhanced interoperability” stated Yves Gonner, Director of the Luxembourg Register, while highlighting the relevance of this week’s workshop in bringing together jurisdictions of various backgrounds, context and BO registration models.
A number of key topics were covered during the training, including technical implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations 24 and 25, the role of analysis and cooperation in ensuring access to adequate and accurate beneficial ownership information, as well as enforcement and sanctioning mechanisms.
The event featured contributions from distinguished experts from financial intelligence units and beneficial ownership registers who shared first hand insights gained from their experiences in implementing beneficial ownership frameworks in their respective jurisdictions. In addition to panel discussions and presentations, the activity incorporated group exercises, case studies and dedicated sessions on the challenges and possible solutions to address risks related to complex and cross border structures. These interactive sessions sought to enable participants to learn from practical scenarios and enhance their understanding of the complexities involved in implementing effective beneficial ownership registration mechanisms.
Started in April 2021, the collaboration between the UAE and the EU Global Facility has covered a wide range of AML/CFT-related matters, from justice to cryptocurrency and correspondent banking. Today marked the 21st technical assistance activity delivered by the EU project.

Participation in the ESAAMLG Plenary in Botswana
2023-09-04 - 2023-09-08 | Botswana, Botswana
Congratulations and Thank you!
The EU Global Facility is thrilled to have participated in the esaamlg 23rd Council of Ministers and 46th Task Force Of Senior Officials Meeting in Kasane, Botswana 🇧🇼 this week, where its work was greatly commended by participating nations.
Represented by Key Expert on Justice/CSOs Mamuka Jgenti and on BO Alexandre Taymans, the EU Global Facility attended various committees and forums of the plenary. The team also held important bilateral meetings with representatives of ESAAMLG Member Countries to discuss ongoing or forthcoming collaboration.
We were pleased to see the support provided by the EU Global Facility -both on a bilateral basis to partner states and through the organisation of various regional events in co-operation with the ESAAMLG Secretariat- commended by the participants. They highlighted the positive impact those technical assistance activities have had on their jurisdictions across the Eastern and Southern African regions. This successful collaboration was also been reflected in the documents adopted by the plenary.
👏🏽 👏🏽 We take this occasion to warmly congratulate the ESAAMLG members for the adoption of the Toolkit on the risk assessment of legal persons and arrangements that was drafted jointly with experts from the EU Global Facility.
This toolkit which was designed to assist countries with the assessment of the risks of misuse of LP/LA for ML/TF purposes within their jurisdictions, is structured as a practical, step by step methodology that can be easily tailored to countries risk context.
“This toolkit will be complemented by several upcoming activities, including an IT tool that will ease the calculation of the various ratings as well as a training curriculum for the implementation of the methodology by jurisdictions,” explained Alexandre Taymans during the meetings.
“We hope that this toolkit will help countries from the region and beyond to prepare for the implementation of the recently review of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations 24 and 25, and the upcoming 3rd round of evaluation that is expected to start in 2024 within the ESAAMLG region,” he added.

E-training on confiscation, asset recovery and mutual legal assistance for Indonesia
2023-09-05 | Indonesia, Indonesia
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our engagement in South East Asia: today marks the launch of the EU Global Facility’s first bilateral activity in Indonesia.
Delivered under the Justice component, this e-training focuses on crucial aspects of confiscation, asset recovery, and asset management, providing valuable insights to participants from Indonesia’s Judiciary, prosecution service, and FIU.
“We are delighted to embark on this journey of engagement with Indonesia. With over 100 participants online, I can see that today’s e-training marks the beginning of a very promising partnership. The entire EU Global Facility team is eager to see this cooperation unfold over the coming months,” stated EU Global Facility Team Leader David Hotte in his opening remarks.
📅 This first online activity is only the first step, as the EU Global Facility team will head over to Indonesia in the coming months, where our team of experts will meet relevant authorities to finalise the overall workplan for the EU Global Facility’s engagement withIndonesia.

First onsite training on Statistics in Ecuador
2023-09-06 - 2023-09-08 | Ecuador, Ecuador
EU Global Facility inaugurates first Statistics training on Anti Money Laundering in Ecuador

QUITO, 6 September 2023 – The EU Global Facility on Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) on Wednesday launched its first onsite statistics training in Ecuador, in collaboration with the CONALAFT and the Financial Intelligence Unit (UAFE).
Opened by EU Ambassador to Ecuador Charles-Michel Geurt and the UAFE Director General Roberto Andrade, the training is set to provide participants with insights into the collection, analysis, and presentation of high-quality AML/CFT statistics.
High-quality AML/CFT statistics are pivotal for a nation’s risk assessment processes and for evaluating the effectiveness of its AML/CFT framework. By adhering to the standards set forth by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), jurisdictions can ensure the robustness of their systems and exhibit their commitment to combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The training will address the critical role of AML/CFT statistics in the context of FATF mutual evaluations. The establishment of an adequate statistics system was required to Ecuador in the FATF Mutual Evaluar-ion.
In his welcoming remarks, EU Ambassador to Ecuador Charles-Michel Geurts, noted: “I welcome this important activity through the EU Global Facility on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). Anti-money laundering efforts are crucial to disrupt the criminal chain attacking the criminals that try to clean the profit from their illegal activities. Fur-thermore, we´re honoured to support Ecuador´s implementation of GAFILAT´s recommendations”
For his part, UAFE Director General Roberto Andrade, highlighted the importance of this event that allows to strengthen the construction of an AML/CFT statistical system in the country. “Having a solid statistical system is essential for the joint work of the various national entities in the prevention, detection and eradication of crimes related to money laundering and terrorist financing. The Financial and Economic Analysis Unit is grateful for the support provided to Ecuador”.
This event, aimed at thirty representatives of the UAFE, the Attorney General’s Office, the National Police, the Judiciary Council, the National Court of Justice, the Attorney General’s Office, the Comptroller General’s Office and the Technical Secretariat for Public Sector Real Estate Management (INMOBILIAR), follows a series of four online modules on statistics, FATF Immediate Results 7 and 8, police statistics, justice statistics and statistics on seizures and confiscations.

Participation in the "Colloque National on the notion of Beneficial Owner” in Tunis
2023-09-07 - 2023-09-08 | Tunisie, Tunisia
#Tunisia 🇹🇳
The EU Global Facility is delighted to take part in the “Colloque National on the notion of Beneficial Owner” organised by the CENTRE NATIONAL DU REGISTRE DES ENTREPRISES -national business register of Tunisia and the University of Tunis El Manar on 7-8 September 2023.
With the support of the EU Global Facility, this colloque brings together a diverse panel of experts including researchers, lawyers and accountants, who will tackle a wide range of topics on Beneficial Ownership’s impact on commercial, banking, criminal and privacy laws, legal privilege and the role of lawyers, the fight against corruption and economic development.
Our Key Expert on BO Alexandre Taymans delivered the first session of the colloque yesterday, under the title “The Operationalisation of FATF’s standards: strategies and tools for effective beneficial ownership transparency”.
🤝🇪🇺🇹🇳 This activity is part of the partnership developed between the EU Global Facility and the RNE, and is following a highly successful sub-regional workshop with participants from Algeria, Libya and Tunisia held in Tunis back in April.
We are also happy to announce that the RNE and EU Global Facility will soon be releasing a publication featuring a collection of insightful articles presented during this event.

National IO5 Committee BO Training, outreach and planning in Mozambique
2023-09-11 - 2023-09-15 | Mozambique, Mozambique
The EU Global Facility team is also in Mozambique this week, organising a crucial 4-day workshop on Beneficial Ownership.
The activity, which is designed to enhance the capabilities of the National Immediate Outcome 5 Committee, is set up in close collaboration with the Ministry of Justice of Mozambique. It brings together some 25 representatives from various institutions within the IO5 Committee, including MJCRA, MEF, GIFIM, LEA, Judiciary, Central Bank, and DNFBP supervisors.
Its ojectives?
✅Training: Participants will engage in practical exercises that will form an integral part of future documentation produced by Mozambican authorities.
✅Common Understanding: Building a shared understanding and establishing a timeline for upcoming work streams.
✅Assessment: Taking stock of what has been achieved by authorities and assessing the status of various reforms initiated by the country.
Over the next four days, EU Global Facility Key Expert on BO Alexandre Taymans and expert Igor Bereza will lead a workshop on FATF Standards and Exercises on Beneficial Owner Identification; FATF Standards and Development of a Countrywide BO Guidance; BO Supervision and Case Studies; and the ESSAMLG Risk Assessment Methodology: Theory and Practice
In addition to the workshop sessions, the EU Global Facility team will also facilitate bilateral meetings with relevant international and local partners, including representatives from the European Union Delegation (EUD), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank (WB).
This collaborative effort seeks to strengthen Mozambique’s commitment to international standards in financial transparency, enhancing the country’s capacity to tackle issues related to beneficial ownership effectively.

First joint training on Intelligence into Evidence to Paraguay, Uruguay
2023-09-12 - 2023-09-14 | Paraguay, Paraguay
EU Global Facility delivers first joint training on Intelligence into Evidence to Paraguay, Uruguay
ASUNCION, 12 September 2023 – The EU Global Facility on Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) on Tuesday launched its very first joint training on ‘Turning Intelligence into Evidence’ in Latin America.
Organised by the EU Global Facility, Paraguay’s Secretariat for the Prevention of Money or Asset Laundering (SEPRELAD) and Uruguay’s National Secretariat for the Fight against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (SENACLAFT) the training is targeted at 60 representatives from the law enforcement and justice sectors of Paraguay and Uruguay
The activity, which will span over three days, seeks to reinforce information sharing mechanisms across different agencies and provide them with tools and strategies for effective utilisation of intelligence in legal proceedings to maximise evidential outcomes.
Minister of the Supreme Court of Justice of Paraguay, María Llanes, emphasised the “paramount importance” of this training, particularly in light of the evolving sophistication of organised crime’s methods for perpetrating offenses, which has increased its influence both locally and internationally.
“This poses a significant threat not only to the nation’s security and economic stability but also to the protection of the full spectrum of rights that a democratic and social state is obliged to safeguard. These threats encompass national and transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, public and private corruption, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This dynamic necessitates a more rigorous, technically advanced, and coordinated approach among all domestic and international institutions involved in the criminal justice system.”
Minister Llanes further elaborated, stating, “Our objective is to continue enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to further bolster the ongoing intensive monitoring efforts within our nation. We aim to achieve more substantial outcomes, particularly in the context of result 7, pertaining to the investigation and prosecution of money laundering,” as highlighted by Minister Liliana Alcaraz Recalde of Seprelad.
“The generous support from the EU’s Global Facility enables us to transform intelligence into actionable evidence, aligning with the overarching theme set forth by this international organisation during the inaugural collaborative training initiative between Seprelad and Senaclaft,” affirmed the highest-ranking authority.
Collaboration and information exchange among institutions involved in AML/CFT efforts are crucial for success. However, these processes have been identified as problematic not only among regulators and law enforcement agencies but also between the public and private sectors. As a response, the EU Global Facility designed the “Turning Intelligence into Evidence” workshop series.
EU Head of the Political Section of the EU Delegation to Paraguay, Fredrik Sterner, highlighted the importance of cooperation in order to address this challenge, commending the work conducted by the EU Global Facility in this regard.
“ It is unthinkable to talk about prevention or repression of money laundering, working in isolation and without international cooperation. But coordination must also be regional in scope, in order to be able to confront the large criminal organisations that attack our region with such harmful scourges as drug trafficking, organised crime and, as a consequence, money laundering,” stated Maria Noel Cabillon, legal adviser at the SENACLAFT in her opening speech.
Speaking on behalf of the Uruguayan authorities, she highlighted: “Uruguay, like many other regional countries, faces a shortage of money laundering convictions, necessitating comprehensive work throughout the process, from information gathering to evidence evaluation in court. These sessions are of paramount importance, bringing together 15 representatives from 8 organisations in Uruguay to share their expertise, acquire new knowledge, and foster the much-needed coordination and inter-institutional collaboration within our system.”
As of September 2023, the course has been delivered to partners in Jordan, Panama, Seychelles, Turkiye and the UAE. Today marks the very first workshop delivered in the Latin American continent. It is also the first time this course is jointly delivered to two partner jurisdictions.

FATF Rec 8 training to Malawi
2023-09-18 - 2023-09-19 | Malawi, Malawi
Our engagement in Malawi 🇲🇼
The EU Global Facility is in Lilongwe this week, as part of its fruitful partnership with the new partner state of Malawi. This mission follows online training delivered following the request for technical assistance made by the authorities of Malawi to the European Commission in the spring of 2023.
Today, the team starts with a hybrid workshop on the FATF Rec 8, aimed at enhancing the capacities of Malawian authorities and Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in understanding and implementing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)‘s said Recommendation 8. More specifically, it seeks to provide insightful contributions to the Working Group responsible for the development of Malawi’s NPO Sectoral Risk Assessment in order to improve their capacity to assess and mitigate risks within the Non-Profit sector.
Over the next few days, the team, led by David Hotte and Key Expert on Justice/CSO Mamuka Jgenti will carry out a scoping exercise with various state institutions of Malawi. These discussions, coordinated by the EU Delegation in Lilongwe, aim to ensure alignment with the priorities and needs formulated by Malawi on AML/CFT.
🇪🇺 🇲🇼 We wish to extend our special thanks to the EU Delegation to Malawi for their support in organising this successful event and giving the EU Global Facility the best conditions to provide technical assistance to our partners.

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.
