Europe’s illegal immigration problem is a hot-button issue. This panel explores the intricate connection between illegal immigration and financial crime, focusing on the role of organized crime networks in facilitating unauthorized crossings. As global conflicts and instability drive an increase in displaced individuals seeking refuge, criminal organizations exploit this vulnerability, offering high-risk "facilitation services" at exorbitant costs. We will examine how these activities intersect with money laundering, terrorist financing and human trafficking, and discuss the challenges faced by financial institutions and law enforcement in combating these interconnected crimes.

You will learn how to:

• Identify key typologies associated with migrant smuggling, including hawala systems, cash couriers and trade-based money laundering schemes
• Analyse the financial flows related to illegal immigration networks, including red flags that may indicate potential terrorist financing activities
• Enhance transaction monitoring and CDD processes to detect and report suspicious activities linked to migrant smuggling and related financial crimes, including human trafficking

Moderator:
Joby Carpenter, SME, AML, Thought Leadership, ACAMS

Presenters:
Jill Adams, Strategic Engagement Lead, Financial Crimes Section, Criminal Investigative Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Tarana Baghirova, Financial Investigations Programme Lead, OSCE