Rosfinmonitoring along with other Russian Ministries took part in the FATF Plenary held in Paris (France) on February 25-27, 2009.
The Russian interagency delegation was led by the Head of Rosfinmonitoring Yury Chikhanchin.
The FATF Plenary discussion focused on the global financial crisis impact on the effectiveness of the international AML/CFT system and problems of international cooperation with countries on the FATF watch list.
Thereupon, the participants discussed the situation in countries and territories that may pose a risk of the international financial system being used for money laundering and terrorist financing. Such jurisdictions, besides Iran, Pakistan, San Tome and Principe, also included Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan – the EAG member and observer states, respectively.
The Russian delegation supported the efforts made by Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in restoration and development (respectively) of their national AML/CFT regimes and declared for giving them additional time to take appropriate measures.
For these purposes the Head of Rosfinmonitoring Yury Chikhanchin visited Uzbekistan in January 2009 to carry out consultations on development of AML/CFT legislation in the country.
Supported by the Russian delegation the EAG representatives succeeded in persuading FATF not to impose sanctions against Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
The Russian Federation announced its readiness to provide enhanced technical assistance to these states through the EAG existing mechanisms.
The FATF Plenary pointed out the constructive position and active role of the Russian Federation and EAG in implementing the current and new FATF projects.
In the framework of the FATF Plenary Yury Chikhanchin also held working meetings with the heads of EAG member-states. In particular, during the meeting with the representatives of China a decision was made to continue a constructive dialog between the financial intelligence units of Russia and China. Promising areas of cooperation include issues of financial security in terms of controlling cash transactions and transfers of noncommercial nature, issues of cross-border trade and preventing the spread of proceeds from drug trafficking.
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