Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Chief Executive Udit Singh says the threats posed by money laundering and terrorism know no boundaries and he is proud that they have a proactive approach to counter these illicit activities.
While inaugurating at the World Customs Organiaation’s (WCO) Anti-money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) workshop in Suva, Singh said money laundering and terrorism undermine the stability of economies, fund criminal enterprises, and pose a significant risk to national and international security.
The milestone event which is part of the WCO’s TENTACLE-Asia/Pacific Sub-regional Workshop series; brought together 74 delegates representing 10 Customs administrations, 6 Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), 6 Police administrations, as well as representatives from INTERPOL, the EGMONT Group of FIUs and the Regional Liaison Officers in Asia Pacific (RILOAP).
Singh said the event is instrumental in augmenting the capacity of participants to fight the laundering of money and financing of terrorism in the customs arena.
“As leaders and experts in our respective fields, it is incumbent upon us to work together, share knowledge, and implement best practices to combat these threats head-on,” he said.
He described the workshop as a testament to the collective commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Asia- Pacific sub-region’s financial systems and protecting our societies from illicit activities.
The comprehensive week-long TENTACLE Workshop provided a platform for expert presentations and discussions on numerous facets of anti-money laundering and counterterrorism by WCO AML/CTF experts and country delegates.
Project TENTACLE is the WCO’s focused initiative against bulk cash smuggling, including the illegal trade of gems and precious metals.
It underscores the commitment of WCO members to bolster efforts in curbing money laundering and terrorism financing within the Customs sphere.
