Last week the AML/CFT ESCAY project, organised a weeklong regional Virtual Workshop on AML/CFT and Counter IFFs” that ran from 22 – 25 April 2024.
The workshop was for investigative journalists, whistle-blowers and Civil Society Organisations representatives who work in governance, anti-corruption, financial transparency, and the justice sector among others.
The rationale for this workshop was to sensitise the media and CSOs on their critical role in the fight against money laundering (ML) and IFFs through public sensitisation on the challenges of money laundering, IFFs and corruption, disclosing criminals through investigative journalism and whistle-blowing.
The participants were drawn from the east, central, and southern African regions. Over the week, the training enhanced their awareness and understanding on the risks and impact of ML/TF and IFFs as well as fostered their knowledge on how to detect and disclose illicit activities and their proceeds. They also learned about the methods used to launder money, move illicit funds, and disclose the criminal activities and perpetrators.
Our project team leader Frederic Bayard gave the opening remarks at the start of the workshop, introducing the project and emphasizing the importance and critical role that journalists and CSOs play in reporting on money laundering-related cases, exposing corruption and whistle-blowing in the interest of the public.
Our senior technical advisor Tuemay Aregawi Desta led the workshop throughout the week.
By the end, the workshop was expected to contribute to widespread awareness about the challenges posed by organized crime, money laundering, and IFFs on societies and enhance knowledge about the possible means of addressing the menaces including strengthening cooperation between media, CSOs, and public institutions.
