The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) hosted a Sub-Regional Workshop on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) from 7 to 11 October 2024. This workshop was a collaborative effort between the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, in context of the OCTAGON project, which is part of the WCO’s broader initiative, aiming to enhance capacity to combat organised crime related to money laundering and terrorism financing and focusing on training for high-risk Customs Services, mentorship for frontline officers, and prioritising high-risk areas for transnational crime.

This five-day event involved participation from East and Southern African member countries, raising awareness and strengthening the ability of regional stakeholders, including national police services and financial intelligence units in the East and Southern African region to combat money laundering and terrorism, as well as offering an in-depth understanding of AML/CFT concepts, principles, and practical applications, with a focus on trade-based money laundering.

In his keynote address, the Director-General of the MRA, Mr. Sudhamo Lal emphasised the serious threat that money laundering and terrorism financing pose to global financial stability. He stressed the importance of collaboration among governmental and non-governmental organisations, highlighting customs' critical role at borders. He also pointed out Mauritius's compliance with the FATF's recommendations and called for enhanced international cooperation among ESA countries to combat Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism effectively.