Regional conference on use of AML/CFT in Investigation of Art & Antiquities Criminality in Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia, 27 November 2024 – Representatives from 10 Asian countries have convened in Siem Reap, home of the renowned Angkor World Heritage Site, for the third edition of a global series of events aimed at curbing the illicit trade of cultural properties. Organised by the EU Global Facility on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing with support from the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) and the Cambodia Financial Intelligence Unit (CAFIU), this conference is a pivotal gathering in the fight against cultural heritage crimes.

Addressing the intersection of cultural heritage crime and financial criminality, this meeting -titled “The Use of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism in the Investigation of Art and Antiquities Criminality”- will offer workshops led by international experts and case studies exploring trafficking routes and criminal methods. Discussions will aim to enhance interagency cooperation and knowledge sharing to monitor and investigate illicit trade routes and the role of AML/CFT strategies in protecting cultural properties.

Opening the event, the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia Serey Chea extended her “heartfelt appreciation to the EU Global Facility and the APG for entrusting Cambodia to host this regional conference” and welcomed all participants to Siem Reap. She stated: “[the] regional conference serves as an essential platform for participants […] to exchange information and share best practices in combating illicit activities in the art and antiquities market, as well as strengthen collaborations”.

Set in one of the world’s most historically significant locations, the conference brings together over 70 high-level participants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, alongside representatives from the EU and INTERPOL. The regional conference – which follows two successful iterations in Egypt and Mexico – will solidify outcomes from prior gatherings and refine strategies to curb the illicit circulation of cultural assets.

EU’s Ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans, stated: “Protecting cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past; it is about securing our shared future. By targeting the financial crimes underpinning the illicit trade of art and antiquities, we not only disrupt criminal networks but also strengthen the cultural and economic integrity of our societies. This conference is a testament to the European Union’s unwavering commitment to supporting Cambodia and the ASEAN region in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, particularly in the realm of art and antiquities crimes.”

Team Leader of the EU AML/CFT Global Facility, David Hotte stated: “Bringing experts from diverse backgrounds under one roof in Siem Reap allows us to tackle the complex challenges of art and antiquities-related crimes effectively. This event underscores the collective resolve to protect Asia’s rich heritage from the dual threats of organised crime and financial exploitation.”

Suzie White A/g Deputy Executive Secretary of the APG, acknowledged: “This event should help us to address many of the challenges to tackle money laundering and terrorism financing risks in the markets for art, antiquities and other cultural objects. These markets are vulnerable to abuse by criminals, including organised crime groups and terrorists, who seek to generate or launder proceeds of crime to fund their activities. This involves the use of cash, third party intermediaries, shell companies and other complex corporate structures. This landmark Regional Conference highlights opportunities to address these challenges in our region. The APG welcomes the opportunity to partner with the EU Global Facility on AML/CFT, and the Cambodia Financial Intelligence Unit, to help combat illicit trade and related money laundering in the art and antiquities market.”

The conference is expected to further raise awareness on safeguarding heritage and foster regional collaboration in response to evolving threats in the art and antiquities sectors. By uniting public and private sector representatives, it seeks to equip all stakeholders to effectively counteract illicit financial activities, securing the cultural heritage of Asia and beyond.