Strengthening Regional Resilience: WCO and GRA Host Operation TENTACLE Post-operational Workshop in Guyana

From 16 to 19 June 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Programme, in close collaboration with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), successfully hosted the Operation TENTACLE South America Post-operational Workshop in Georgetown, Guyana. The workshop brought together 21 enforcement officials from Customs, Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), and Police agencies across South America, along with experts from the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO).

The initiative follows one of the region's most impactful AML/CTF enforcement operations to date, under the WCO's flagship AML/CTF Project TENTACLE. The workshop provided a platform to assess operational outcomes, extract analytical insights, and build stronger inter-agency coordination mechanisms across national and regional levels.

The Commissioner General of the GRA and the National Director of Chile's National Customs Service honored the event as special guests. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries' commitment to regional AML/CTF cooperation and applauded the WCO's Member-driven, phase-wise capacity building strategy. They highlighted the value of the graduation model, which allows administrations to scale their capabilities progressively - from foundational practices to advanced enforcement actions.

During the operational phase of TENTACLE South America, participating Members reported seizures amounting to USD 122.5 million in mixed currencies, precious metals, gemstones, mis-invoiced goods, and other contraband linked to predicate offences. The post-operational workshop focused on analyzing this data to identify emerging money laundering and terrorist financing trends and patterns. Participants also shared national case studies, lessons learned, and outlined strategic recommendations for future actions.

The WCO, its partner organizations, and Member administrations reiterated their shared commitment to enhancing targeted enforcement efforts, improving data-driven ML/TF risk management, and supporting sustainable capacity building initiatives. This collaborative model, rooted in regional ownership and operational learning, continues to serve as a cornerstone in the global fight against illicit financial flows.