WCO AML/CTF Program Hosts TENTACLE Asia Pacific III Post operational Workshop in Auckland, New Zealand

From October 29 to 31, the WCO AML/CTF Programme hosted the TENTACLE Asia-Pacific III Post-operational Workshop in Auckland, New Zealand. This event was co-hosted by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the New Zealand Customs Service and focused on combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and the smuggling of bulk cash, gems, and precious metals. The workshop gathered 26 delegates from the customs administrations and financial intelligence units (FIUs) of 12 WCO Members, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Vanuatu. Representatives from INTERPOL and the Egmont Group also participated, underscoring the workshop's significant regional and global impact.

The workshop's main objective was to analyze operational data to draw key insights, trends, and patterns. Delegates validated the operational findings and formulated actionable recommendations to tackle challenges related to money laundering and terrorism financing, with the goal of expanding AML/CTF capacity building and operational initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region. The workshop also fostered discussions on best practices and the extent of inter-agency and regional cooperation, paving the way for future training and initiatives for AML/CTF capacity building in the region.

The host organization coordinated a field visit to the New Zealand Customs facilities in Auckland, which included educational demonstrations by the Detector Dog Unit and a detailed presentation of the Customs Environmental Science and Research screening laboratory located at the Customs' Air Cargo Inspections Facility. During the visit, participants engaged in hands-on training sessions, further enhancing their practical knowledge.

Alongside the host administration, representatives from the Operation Coordination Units (OCU) in Australia and India were instrumental in planning and facilitating the activities during the workshop.

The TENTACLE Asia-Pacific III Post-operational Workshop made significant strides in strengthening AML/CTF frameworks within the region. The enthusiastic participation and cooperative spirit of the delegates promise a more cohesive and effective approach to preventing money laundering and terrorism financing in Asia-Pacific. The continuation of such capacity building initiatives and the application of their outcomes are vital for developing an effective regional response to these global challenges.