OSCE-supported meeting aimed at planning scenario for simulation exercises countering drug-related money laundering in Almaty

An OSCE-organized three-day expert meeting to develop a scenario to use in simulation exercises on countering drug-related money laundering concluded on 30 July 2021 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It took place at the Central Asian Regional Information and Co-ordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC).

Some 20 police officers, prosecutors, representatives of the Financial Monitoring Agency, representatives of the Law Enforcement Agencies Academy under the General Prosecutor’s Office, CARICC, Almaty and Karaganda police academies took part in the meeting.

The meeting focused on the latest trends in money laundering derived from illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs. This information was then included in simulation exercises, developed for law enforcement officers involved in investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating cases related to the laundering of proceeds derived from illicit drug trafficking and trade. An international expert from Belarus facilitated discussion sessions, co-ordinated the group’s efforts in preparation of the scenario of simulation exercises, and highlighted the latest tendencies in the field in relation to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.   

The meeting was organized in co-operation with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Programme of the US Embassy in Nur-Sultan, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Law Enforcement Agencies Academy under the General Prosecutor’s Office and CARICC.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s multi-year effort to promote good governance, combat money laundering and terrorism financing, as well as illicit trafficking and trade of drugs, including using online instruments, in the host country.