OSCE Centre in Astana supports training seminar on combating laundering of drug trafficking proceeds

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 1 October 2013 – The OSCE Centre in Astana co-organized with the Ministry of Internal Affairs a four-day training seminar on the legislative framework to combat money laundering derived from drug trafficking which began today in Almaty.

Some 40 representatives from regional departments of internal affairs responsible for money laundering-related crimes will learn about best international practices in tracing funds and prosecuting cases involving the laundering of drug money. Experts from the United States will share their country’s experience in combating the crime.

Participants will also learn how profits from drug trafficking are channeled to financing of terrorism.

Thomas Wuchte, Head of the Action against Terrorism Unit at the OSCE Transnational Threats Department is among expert speakers at the seminar.

“Efforts to stop money laundering derived from drug trafficking should not be confined within the country,” noted Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of Centre, in her welcoming address. “International co-operation is a must, since money laundering and terrorism are by their very nature, manifestations of cross-border crime.”

The event is part of the OSCE Centre in Astana’s activities to support Kazakhstan’s efforts to prevent drug trafficking and prosecute financial crimes.