18th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance

Mr. Dan Swift discussed how China is assisting Myanmar’s military in developing digital payment systems, including a central bank digital currency (CBDC), which could enable illicit finance flows at a…

Ms. Lilita Infante discussed the concept of the “digital kingpin,” criminals who exploit technology, particularly cryptocurrency, to scale their operations globally, likening them to modern-day Pablo Escobars. Drawing on over…

Mr. John Walsh began by acknowledging the longevity and importance of the forum, emphasizing that sustained relationships and collaboration across nations are key to its success. Drawing on his Wall…

Honorable Michael McCaul opened by thanking Congressman Pittinger and the organizers for convening international parliamentarians, highlighting the forum as an important venue to discuss emerging global risks and shared challenges….

Hon. John Cassara addressed a critical question: how effective is the global fight against international money laundering? His assessment was blunt—despite decades of effort and enormous spending, results remain deeply…

Hon. Jerome Beaumont thanked the organizers and explained that he represents the Egmont Group, a global network linking 177 financial intelligence units (FIUs). He underscored that financial crime accounts for…

Hon. John Walsh emphasized that terrorist financing, organized crime, and cybercrime should be treated as forms of illicit activity rather than rigidly separated by labels. While terrorist groups may be…

Mariano Federici discussed the persistent issue of corruption. He highlighted corruption’s dual nature as both a threat and a vulnerability to a country’s stability. Corruption generates illicit proceeds, jeopardizing financial…

Hon. Elżbieta Franków-Jaśkiewicz highlighted the severe and extensive impacts of illicit finance on a global scale, affecting businesses, economies, and nations. She emphasized the crucial role financial intelligence units (FIUs)…