Press Release
2nd Regional conference on judicial cooperation in the MENA region launched in Rabat, Morocco
Rabat, 5 June 2023 – The EU Global Facility on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice of Morocco, the Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights, and MENAFATF, is proud to announce the launch of a Regional Conference on Judicial Cooperation in the MENA region today in Rabat.
The conference, which will last until Wednesday 7 June 2023, shall be held under the theme “Strengthening Judicial Cooperation in the MENA: Integrated Approaches to the Investigation and Prosecution of Money Laundering.” It welcomes over 140 participants from 21 countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as representatives from international organisations like the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund.
Welcome address of Morocco representative TO BE CONFIRMED
Building on the success and outcomes of a first conference held in Bahrain, in March 2022, this event aims to provide a platform for representatives of institutions from MENA countries to discuss their collective and individual responses to AML/CFT threats. It will serve as a forum to share best practices, coordinate approaches, and further enhance the region’s capacity in combating financial crimes.
EU Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, Ms Patricia Llombart Cussac.
The MENA region faces significant challenges in dealing with money laundering and terrorist financing. Recognising the importance of judicial cooperation in effectively addressing these threats, the conference will bring together high-level officials, experts, and practitioners from the region and beyond. It will foster dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of strategies to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of money laundering cases.
In an online address, Executive Secretary of the MENAFATF, Sulaiman AlJabrin, stated: “in a world that is proceeding in its battle against money laundering crimes according to a system that is constantly being developed to keep pace with the latest criminal developments, the Financial Action Task Force has established foundations and rules that guarantee a reasonable limit to stand firmly in the face of these crimes, address them, and bring criminals to justice.”
“Financial Intelligence Units, judges and public prosecutors play a fundamental role in achieving justice at the end of these lengthy processes. Criminals cannot be deterred without us working to strengthen and enhance cooperation between judicial authorities to resolve the battle and ensure winning the bet. This confirms the importance of this conference for the member states of the MENA region, and I call for intensified cooperation between all actors present here,” he concluded.
The conference will feature engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, and expert presentations, providing participants with valuable insights into emerging trends, effective investigative techniques, and successful prosecution strategies. Through these activities, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding AML/CFT efforts in the MENA region and identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration.
Key speakers at the conference will include prominent figures from the fields of the judiciary, financial intelligence units, and relevant international organisations such as the IMF, the UN and the AGRASC. Their expertise and experience will contribute to meaningful discussions and the formulation of practical recommendations to enhance regional cooperation and improve the effectiveness of AML/CFT measures.
This project is funded by the European Union.