Final Programme - 13th International Anti-Corruption Conference

The Banqueting Hall / L. -211:00 – 13:00 Workshop 6.2Dismantling Illicit Networks and Corruption NodesStream 1: Peace & SecurityCoordinator:David M. Luna, Director for Combating Transnational Crime and Illicit Threats, U.S. Department of StateTransnational crime and corruption threaten many of our mutually-shared interests globally. It underminessecurity and stability, rule of law, core democratic values, poverty alleviation and the creation of a levelplaying field for lawful business activities. Corrupt practices contribute to the spread of organized crimeand terrorism, undermine government and market institutions, cast shadows of lawlessness that erodethe public trust, and destabilize entire communities and economies. Transnational criminal syndicatesand networks undermine the stability and security of all nations through their illicit enterprises includingthe transshipment of drugs, arms, illegal contraband, trafficked women and children, laundered money,financial fraud, counterfeiting, and cybercrime. Behind the supply of illicit goods and services is oftena web of international organized crime and corruption. Although a criminal syndicate or network mayspecialize in one aspect of criminal behavior, they are often involved in related crimes. For example, anarms trafficker may be paid in diamonds/precious gems, drugs, or commodities/natural resources whichare in turn sold and the proceeds laundered and possibly channeled legitimately into the internationalfinancial system. The interwoven strands of such illicit and criminal transactions make it almost impossibleto separate one from the other.None of us should underestimate the task at hand of combating corruption and defeating and dismantlingthese criminal organizations will not be an easy task. International criminals have tremendousfinancial resources and they spare no expense to corrupt government and law enforcement officials.They have extensive worldwide networks to support their operations and are inherently nimble,adapting quickly to change. To make headway against these groups, the international communityneeds to develop strong enforcement approaches and public-private partnerships to enhance ourcooperation to combat these threats and to dismantle the criminal networks.Moderator: David M. Luna, Director for Combating Transnational Crime and Illicit Threats, U.S. Department of StateRapporteur: Diane Kohn, Anticorruption Advisor, U.S. Department of StatePanellists: Bruce Ohr, Chief, Organized Crime and Racketeering Section, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of JusticeJuliet Ibekaku, Legal Expert, Inter Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA)Nikos Passas, Professor, Northeastern University, College of Criminal JusticeBarry O’Keefe, IACC Council Chair, retired Australian Supreme Court Justice78