Money-laundering, financing of terrorism and asset forfeiture

The broad objective of the Global Programme is to strengthen the ability of Member States to implement measures against money-laundering and the financing of terrorism and to assist them in detecting, seizing and confiscating illicit proceeds, as required pursuant to United Nations instruments and other globally accepted standards, by providing relevant and appropriate technical assistance upon request.

Money laundering and the use of the proceeds of organised crime have been repeatedly identified as an issue for the South Eastern European countries/territories. Some of the countries/territories from the region have legislation in relation to these issues, while others are in the process of drafting legislation. Asset forfeiture and asset recovery are new modalities to combat money laundering and there is a need for regional exchange of experience and knowledge in order to optimise their effect. UNODC will provide assistance in reviewing and aligning legislation with international standards at both regional and national level. Further assistance will be provided for strengthening the capacity of the law enforcement and judiciary institutions responsible for investigating crime and freezing, seizing, confiscating and disposing of unlawfully gained proceeds as well as prosecuting and sentencing.

The UNODC will organise trainings to increase specialized knowledge on financial investigation techniques related to money laundering and terrorism financing. The training will enable authorities to better detect and investigate suspicious transactions and to better prosecute individuals and organisations involved in criminal activities and seize their assets.

 

As part of the Regional Programme, the following activities in this area are planned during the course of 2010:

 

  • Assistance will be provided to ensure that national legislation on anti-money laundering, financing of terrorism, asset forfeiture and asset recovery are harmonized in line with international standards;
  • National capacities for complex organized and financial criminal investigations will be enhanced;
  • A more sustainable and contemporary system of training the personnel of financial intelligence units will be established.