ASSET RECOVERY INTER-AGENCY NETWORK SOUTHERN AFRICA (ARINSA) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2016
The ARINSA AGM for 2016 was held in Pretoria, South Africa, from 7 to 8 June 2016.
The AGM was attended by well over 60 delegates from 18
countries. The ARINSA countries were well represented and joined by observer
countries including, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya,
Uganda, Madagascar, Angola and Mozambique. The President of the ARIN-WA, Mr.
Samuel Essel was also in attendance representing West Africa. Many embassies
and High Commissions in Pretoria were in attendance, including France, United
Kingdom, United States and The Netherlands. This was the first multi-lingual
ARINSA Annual General Meeting with interpretation being provided in English,
French and Portuguese.
The Regional Representative for UNODC, Ms Zhuldyz Akisheva and Adv. Nomvula Mokgatla, Head of the South African Asset Forfeiture Unit, gave opening addresses, giving valuable insights into their AFU experience, including the need for regional cooperation, effective administration and investigation of cases, and to ensure that forfeiture orders were ultimately fulfilled.
The ARINSA's website, as a tool for exchanging and sharing of information on money laundering and proceeds of crime, has increased in popularity and relevance to registered members as was illustrated by Kudzai Chinoda and Gerrit Botha. It was reported that there were now over 460 members of the ARINSA community. The membership being drawn from the judiciary, prosecutors and law enforcement in the region and internationally. It was reported that since its launch on 2 July 2015, the web-site has been visited over 70,000 times.
ARINSA member countries made presentations on money laundering and asset forfeiture cases in the region. It was notable that there has been a significant increase in the number of cases prosecuted and the amount and value of the assets seized or confiscated.
The special theme for this AGM was taking the proceeds from wildlife crime. Presentations were made by the following experts:
Nick Ahlers from the wildlife trade monitoring network, TRAFFIC, - the global picture
Julian Rademeyer from the South African Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime - The problem in South Africa with emphasis on Rhino poaching
JP Willemse from the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority in South Africa - the money laundering typologies for wildlife trafficking.
The presentations covered the global, regional and national impact of wildlife and environmental crimes, especially rhino poaching and the emerging typologies. The overall picture emerging was of immense pressure on the populations of Africa's wildlife, marine life and timber. It was also significant that huge sums are being made by criminals by exploitingthis illicit trade.
Tom Hansen, a consultant with UNODC gave his insights into how to develop national strategies on taking the proceeds from crime.
The Secretariat reported on the Steering Committee Meeting. The AGM was informed of the Steering committee decision to accept Seychelles as a member of ARINSA.
The Secretariat also reported on the election of the presidency of Botswana represented by Mpho Letsoalo, of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime. Botswana will hold the presidency for the next two years.
CONCLUSION
This year's AGM confirmed the progress that is being made by ARINSA countries in taking the proceeds from crime. It was also refreshing to see the interest from so many countries outside of the network and the international community.
You can go to view and download pictures under the ARINSA GALLERY - AGM 2016 including the presentations under ARINSA COMMUNITY platform under AGM 2016.