Two-week training workshop focused on investigating transnational organized wildlife crime and associated money laundering offenses in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

ILSTA, in collaboration with the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor, recently concluded an intensive two-week training workshop focused on investigating transnational organized wildlife crime and associated money laundering offenses. Held in Luang Prabang, the workshop brought together various agencies including the Supreme People’s Prosecutor’s Office, military prosecutors, the Lao Customs Department, the Anti-Money Laundering Intelligence Office, the Provincial Office of Forest Inspections, the Provincial Environmental Police, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Participants worked in multi-agency groups to investigate a simulated wildlife trafficking and money laundering syndicate. This initiative is particularly significant as Lao PDR is currently suspended by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) for non-compliance with international standards. Additionally, the country has been evaluated by the Asia Pacific Group (APG) on its compliance with money laundering and terrorism financing standards and is under review by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to assess its effectiveness in addressing these issues.
Demonstrated capacity and effectiveness to investigate transnational crime, e.g. wildlife crime and money laundering are crucial for compliance with both CITES and FATF requirements.
This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of Luxembourg, ILSTA/Luxdev to combat wildlife crime and strengthen compliance of anti-money laundering measures.
Luxembourg Embassy in Laos