From 9 to 13 December, the in-person component of the Financial Counter Terrorism Academic Curriculum (FIN CTAC) course was held in Kuala Lumpur, uniting 22 practitioners (Prosecutors, investigators, and FIU officials) who had successfully completed the online component. The training focused on strengthening knowledge and skills in terrorist financing investigations and prosecutions,
The course enabled in depth consideration of specialised issues relevant to countering the financing of terrorism including emerging payment methods, seizure and confiscation, cryptocurrencies, targeted financial sanctions, and collaboration with the private sector.
Practical group exercises focused on parallel financial investigations, asset confiscation, and victim and witness protection, while fostering networking and mutual support among participants.
The course was led by the IIJ Academic Unit’s Resident Fellow together with the IIJ’s Senior Practitioner and IIJ expert consultant, Cristopher Gastaldo.
The IIJ is grateful to the Operational Danish Intelligence Network, UK National Crime Agency (JMLIT), Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, the United Nations Counter Terrorism Centre and the Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia) for their insightful contributions.
The course was honoured by the presence of Jodi Robinson, the High Commissioner of Canada to Malaysia, at the closing ceremony, reflecting Canada’s role as the donor and their strong commitment to combating the financing of terrorism in Southeast Asia.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the IIJ Executive Secretary, Steven Hill, said:
“Terrorist financing is a challenging and important area. Stemming the flow of illicit funds is vital to disrupt terrorist activities.
Even where significant funds are not involved, […] effective financial investigations can track a suspect’s movements, reveal lifestyle and identify associates and terrorist networks.
This week has provided a forum to discuss some of the challenges we face as frontline practitioners working on these issues and highlight the importance of working together to address the threat posed by terrorists.”