On 15-19 June, The International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), with the support of Global Affairs Canada and hosted by the Anti-Money Laundering Intelligence Office (AMLIO) of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, launched the third edition of its Financial Counter-Terrorism Academic Curriculum (FIN CTAC) in Vientiane.
The programme brought together investigators and prosecutors from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam for a week-long advanced training on countering the financing of terrorism.
Throughout the course, participants engaged in practical exercises, case studies, and expert-led discussions designed to strengthen operational and analytical capacities in key areas, including terrorist financing investigations, financial intelligence, public-private cooperation, emerging payment methods, and investigations involving cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by Executive Secretary Naoufel Gaied and Vilayphone Sithiso, Deputy Director General of AMLIO Lao PDR. Speakers underscored the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and professional networks to enhance criminal justice responses to evolving security threats.
The FIN CTAC programme continues to serve as a platform for building cross-border expertise and collaboration among practitioners in Southeast Asia, supporting more effective responses to complex and evolving financial crime and terrorism financing risks.