US seeks collaboration with Guyana to dismantle local money laundering networks

US seeks collaboration with Guyana to dismantle local money laundering networks

The United States Government wants to work closer with Guyana in its efforts to fight organised crime and money laundering. US Embassy Georgetown, Charge d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt on Tuesday evening told a reception at the US Ambassador’s residence that as Guyana has made important steps to fight money laundering, there will be the need for greater partnership to seize the financial assets of criminal organisations and dismantle money laundering networks.

Hunt said “Security force actions must be complemented by a robust program of investigative and prosecutorial activities which result in the successful conviction and imprisonment of criminal elements.  Moreover, increased collaborative efforts must be undertaken to seize the financial assets of criminal organizations and dismantle their sophisticated money laundering networks”.

Guyana has had anti money laundering legislation in place since 2009, but no one has been charged in connection with money laundering under the legislation. Updated legislation which will cover several critical areas is still to be passed by the National Assembly.

At the reception, the US Official said that “as recently recognized by the global Financial Action Task Force, Guyana has made important first steps in this regard through the establishment of a Serious Organized Crimes Unit.  The United States of America stands ready to work with the Government of Guyana and other international partners to ensure that this unit has the necessary training and assistance to operate effectively”.

The reception was hosted to honour the visit to Guyana, of Commander of the United States Southern Command, General John F. Kelly.

Guyana has benefited from the US government in several in the area of crime fighting but Guyana has done very little when it comes to seizing the assets of persons involved in money laundering and other organised crime.

According to the US Charge d’ Affaires, Capacity building of Guyanese security forces is a critical but not sufficient element in achieving the goals outlined under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

“The goals of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative themselves are simple: to reduce illicit trafficking in narcotics, weapons, and persons; to prevent and reduce crime and violence; and to increase social justice in the Caribbean.  Achieving these goals, however, is far more complex and requires ongoing partnership and coordination at all levels of our governments, as we seek to disrupt and dismantle well-established and well-financed criminal organizations”, Hunt said.

He pointed out also that while much remains to be done, there is no question that “the partnership with Guyana in these areas is starting to bear fruit – not least due to the substantial joint work between the men and women of the Guyana Defence Force and the United States Southern Command.”

 

Filed: 5th November, 2014

 

 

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