UNODC in Kazakhstan: Implementation of the Professional Development System for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Specialists

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Regional Office for Central Asia (UNODC ROCA), within its global mandates and the framework of the Programme for Central Asia for 2015-2020 provides ongoing technical assistance to member states. Strengthening the legal framework, policies, and national strategies on countering money laundering and financing of terrorism are the priority areas for technical assistance for UNODC.

UNODC ROCA is continuing to implement its current projects, in this regard, on 10 July 2020 an expert online meeting was held with the Law Enforcement Academy under the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Academy) on Professional Development System (PDS) for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) specialists.

To continue the development of AML/CFT specialists, the Academy has expressed interest in implementing the first pilot project to create a National PDS for the Republic of Kazakhstan under the educational institution.

During the expert meeting, UNODC Regional Advisor on Counter Narcotics, AML/CFT Mr. Aliaksandr Vadziany, provided a brief presentation on the project. The main goals, objectives and opportunities for UNODC technical assistance in further implementation of PDS were identified together with national partners.

Mr. Fitz Roy Drayton, UNODC Global Program Advisor on AML/CFT, presented the pilot version of PDS, its structure and technical requirements for adaptation under the Academy. Mr. Drayton briefed the meeting participants about the possibilities of distance professional training of AML/CFT specialists, that is significantly important in the current spread of COVID-19 pandemic.  

UNODC, together with the Academy, identified further steps in the implementation of the National PDS within the current year.

This project is being implemented as part of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia with the expert support of the Global Anti-Money Laundering Programme and with the financial support from Norway and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Drugs and Law Enforcement under the U.S. Department of the State.