WCO conducts Roundtable on Trade-based Money Laundering

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Roundtable on Trade-based Money Laundering from 7 to 9 July 2025 in Stirling, United Kingdom. The 3-day event was organized as part of Project OCTAGON, a key component of the WCO's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML-CTF) Programme, to discuss strategies and build the capacity of Members to fight TBML within the Customs arena and create heightened awareness in the national customs about AML-CTF issues. Project OCTAGON is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

The Roundtable on TBML, a one-of-its-kind initiative by the WCO, brought together leading Member Customs Administrations involved in successfully tackling TBML threats to discuss mechanisms to counter such threats in the long-term and continued the dialogue from the TBML Summit conducted by HM Revenue & Customs in 2023. The insightful discussions included unique modus operandi, best practices, emerging threats and how to harness technology more efficiently in global law enforcement's fight against TBML. The Roundtable also saw the participation of the private sector and a panel discussion on the role of the private sector in helping law enforcement tackle TBML.

The Roundtable was also attended by key partner international organizations - the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and INTERPOL.

The 3-day Roundtable left all participants highly enriched and in agreement with the increased need for deeper cooperation between not only Member Customs Administrations but also with partner international organizations and how the global law enforcement can leverage the support of the private sector to tackle TBML.

The WCO is committed to continuing its support to its Members in the global fight against money laundering and terrorism financing. Through the mentoring efforts organized through Project OCTAGON, the WCO can support Customs administrations in enhancing their effectiveness in fighting these major concerns. For more information, please contact [email protected].