Algeria Computer Trader
Country Reports: N-Z
Namibia Namibia is not a regional financial center. In addition to its Central Bank, Namibia has four commercial banks. Of particular concern in Namibia is the smuggling of precious minerals and gems, the proceeds of which Namibian authorities think may be laundered through Namibian financial institutions. In November of 2004, Namibia criminalized money laundering with passage of the Prevention of Organized Crime Bill. The new law requires both bank and non-bank financial institutions to report suspicious transactions to the Central Bank and provide relevant documents and other information to government authorities for use in criminal investigations. Non-bank financial institutions, such as private pension funds, the stock exchange, and investment companies, were previously ... [Read More]
J) Europe and Central Asia
Accomplishments. Work on a National Drug Intelligence Information Center was completed in early 2001 in connection with the final phase of an institution building project sponsored by the UN Office of Drug Control and Crime Prevention (UNODCCP). The operational heart of the Information Center consists of a central server in the Ministry of Internal Affairs connected with computer systems in the State Drug Control Commission, the Committee for National Security, the State Border Guard Service, the General Prosecutor, and the Ministry of Health. The GOTX hoped that the Information Center and resulting connectivity between its primary law enforcement agencies would facilitate the collection, analysis, and exchange of drug related intelligence, and enhance the effectiveness of Turkmen counternarcotics efforts. Unfortunately, the project collapsed in less than a year as a result of poor maintenance of the equipment. The central computer server is damaged and most computer stations are n ... [Read More]
Africa and the Middle East
Several other high-profile seizures in 2003 indicate that UAE authorities continue to take seriously their responsibility to interdict drug smuggling and distribution. In June, Dubai authorities seized a shipment of 350 kilograms of opium from a dhow belonging to an Iranian trader. International news wire services reported the event as “the largest ever” seizure of opium in the UAE. As of mid-2003, 525 people had been arrested in the UAE on drug-related charges. ... [Read More]
Europe and Central Asia
Agreements and Treaties. Italy is a party to the 1961 UN Single Convention, the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, the 1972 Protocol and the 1988 UN Drug Convention. In December 2000, an international conference was held in Palermo, Italy, for the signing of treaty on transnational crime. The treaty must be ratified by a quorum of 40 countries before it comes into force. This new treaty will strengthen governments against serious crimes, including drug trafficking, money laundering, trafficking of human beings and arms trafficking. As a member of the European Union, Italy participates in the Dublin Group, UNDCP Pompidou group, Europol, the EU Commission, and attendant committees and working groups.Cultivation/Production. There is no known coca bush cultivation in Italy. However, opium poppy grows spontaneously in the southern part of Italy and the island of Sicily. It does not present a threat due to the low alkaloid content. [Read More]
Chemical Weapons Convention -- Annexes and Original Signatories
PART VI: ACTIVITIES NOT PROHIBITED UNDER THIS CONVENTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE VIREGIME FOR SCHEDULE 1 CHEMICALS AND FACILITIES RELATED TO SUCH CHEMICALSA. GENERAL PROVISIONS 1. A State Party shall not produce, acquire, retain or use Schedule 1 chemicals outside the territories of States Parties and shall not transfer such chemicals outside its territory except to another State Party. 2. A State Party shall not produce, acquire, retain, transfer or use Schedule 1 chemicals unless: (a) The chemicals are applied to research, medical, pharmaceutical or protective purposes; and (b) The types and quantities of chemicals ... [Read More]
International Narcotics Control Strategy Reports
US DEPARTMENT OF STATEBUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS MATTERSINTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRAGEGY REPORTAPRIL 1994FINANCIAL CRIMES AND MONEY LAUNDERING1994 INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY REPORTINTERNATIONAL MONEY LAUNDERINGOVERVIEWIntelligence findings from North and South America, Eastern and Western Europe, South and East Asia, Africa and the Middle East confirm that another significant shift has occurred in money laundering trends and methods, requiring changes in policy and strategy for 1994.The critical aspects are the volume of non-drug related money laundering; increased investment of illegal proceeds in legitimate business, including the financial industry; and the targeting of financial systems in countries/territories (some with little or no domestic involvement in drug trading or other serious proceeds-generating crimes) to launder drug and other proceeds generated by crimes committed in other jurisdictions.In 1988, when the United Nations Convention was ... [Read More]
State Department Organizational Directory - Complete List
11111111111Department of State1111 Organizational Directory11111111111111 111111111111111111111111 Office of the Secretary (S) 1111111111111111111111 Secretary Condoleezza Rice 11111111111111117th Floor 1111111111111111202-647-5291111111111111111111111111 Personal Assistant Laura E. Lineberry 11111111111111117226 1111111111111111202-647-7098111111111111111111111111 Chief of Staff Brian Gunderson &n ... [Read More]
M) Money Laundering and Financial Crimes
In Somalia, there currently is an absence of regulated commercial banks. As a result, remittance companies are the primary conduits for moving funds into and out of Somalia. Although the overwhelming majority of these funds are used for legitimate purposes, a small percentage of transactions—sometimes labeled “black hawala”—mask the transfer of value for criminal purposes. The following is an example of how trade is used to provide counter-valuation for hawala1: A Somali trader buys commodities from Dubai for resale in Somalia. In order to finance the trade, the Somali trader contacts a local agent of a remittance company in Mogadishu. The trader gives cash to the local remittance agent. (Most transactions are dollar-based but other currencies are used as well.) A commission is charged for the exchange. The trader asks that the funds be transferred to his foreign bank account located in Dubai. ... [Read More]
France
Visas, Work Requirements: The government of France requires that foreign citizens complete extensive procedures if they wish to work in France. The requirements are essentially the same whether foreign citizens work for French or foreign-controlled firms. Non-EU nationals who intend to work or conduct any commercial activity in France must receive a long-term visa and a work permit (Carte de travail) or business permit (Carte de commerçant - foreign trader's card) before establishing residence in France. Information can be obtained from French consulates in the United States. The web address is [http://www.info-france-usa.org/intheus/consulates.asp]. For more information on the foreign trader's card, please consult the Invest in France agency Web site at:[http://www.investinfrance.org/France/Living/Expatriate/?p=formalities&1=en]. For more detailed information on other types of visas and applicable fees, contact your local Consulate General of France. In addition, a foreigner's ... [Read More]
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