Moscow is hosting the 42nd Plenary Week of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG).  The event has reportedly brought together over 200 delegates from more than 15 countries and 20 international organizations.

BelTA, citing the Belarusian State Control Committee, reports that the meeting, which kicked off on May 26, is discussing key financial security risks and threats in the Eurasian region and significant projects implemented by member states in this area.  Working group meetings will also be held to discuss technical assistance, mutual evaluations and legal issues, typologies, and measures to counter terrorism financing and financial crime.

A forum of parliamentarians from EAG member states will take place focusing on preparations for the next round of mutual evaluations and the implementation of updated FATF recommendations in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.

As part of the joint forum under the auspices of EAG and MENAFATF (Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force), participants are examining best practices in managing risks and threats arising from the development of new financial technologies.

IRNA, citing Hadi Khani, Secretary of the High Council for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing of Iran, reports that during the main session of this meeting, slated for Thursday and Friday, Iran will present its measures and decisions in combating money laundering.

According to IRNA, at Iran’s proposal, the Caspian Sea littoral states established a working group named “Fight against Money Laundering and Drugs” during the previous round of discussions.

Established in 2004, the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism includes nine member states: Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. A total of 17 other countries and 24 international and regional organizations hold observer status. EAG is an associate member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which is the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.