OSCE Programme Office in Astana supports training seminar on detecting terrorism financing through money transfer systems

ASTANA, 29 March 2016 – A two-day training seminar organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the Financial Monitoring Committee (FMC) of Kazakhstan’s Finance Ministry began today in Astana with a focus on detecting terrorism financing through money transfer systems.

Some 40 officials from the state authorities (FMC, National Bank, National Security Committee, State Revenues Committee, Prosecutor’s General Office), second-tier banks and wire transfer systems will take part in training sessions led by two OSCE-supported experts from the Western Union and MoneyGram on promoting best practices in combatting illegal transactions. Discussions will also focus on official and unofficial wire transfer systems and their use for the financing of terrorism, drugs operations and human trafficking.

"The events of recent years have demonstrated that stopping the funding of terrorist groups plays an important role identifying and countering the threat posed by these groups," said Ambassador György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. "Our task is to try and prevent possible abuse in the financial sector. This requires considerable effort, extensive knowledge and action, and most importantly, effective co-operation, both in Kazakhstan and in the international arena. "

Sofia Aisagaliyeva, the FMC Deputy Chairperson said: “Our analysis of the information available shows that individuals involved in terrorist activities are moving away from plastic cards and second-level bank transfers, and increasingly using money transfer systems. So, today's seminar is a helpful platform for the exchange of experiences in the fight against the financing of terrorism.”         

The event is the first of four OSCE-supported training courses on combatting money laundering and terrorism financing that will be organized by the Office this year.

This programme builds on the efforts of the Office’s multi-year activities in the field of good governance and combating money laundering and financing of terrorism in the host country.