OSCE Mission to Serbia supports authorities' efforts to fight money laundering

BELGRADE, 7 April 2009 - Measures to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism were discussed at an OSCE-supported two-day seminar for officials from the Finance Ministry, the National Bank, the Ministry of Trade and Services and the Commission for Securities that ended in Belgrade today.

Italian and local experts led the discussions on the implementation of the recently adopted law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism. Participants also shared their best practices.

"The OSCE Mission supports Serbian institutions in their efforts to fight money laundering and other types of organized crime. Proper implementation of legislation in this area is crucial to make this fight effective," said Ambassador Hans Ola Urstad, Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia. "It also is important that the expertise accumulated by specialized agencies is shared with all relevant institutions throughout Serbia."

Aleksandar Vujicic, Director of the Administration of the Prevention of Money Laundering with the Finance Ministry, added: "It was useful to learn more about complex provisions of the new law. Exchanging experiences and strengthening of co-ordination of our activities with other Serbian institutions will strengthen our fight against money laundering and other economic crimes."