Cuba and the United States hold exchange on the cooperation to prevent and combat money laundry

On February 12, 2018, a second technical exchange was held between the authorities from Cuba and the United States charged with the prevention and combat against money laundry. The meeting took place in a respectful and professional ambiance. 

This exchange, which falls within the context of the law enforcement dialogue between both countries, provided both parties with the opportunity to discuss about the tendencies of this crime at a regional level, the main experiences gained in the combat against money laundry and the next steps that would be taken to advance the bilateral collaboration on this matter.   

The Cuban representatives underscored the necessity to increase cooperation between authorities of both countries to ensure the effective combat against this criminal offense. Both parties shared the view that determined action is required against these acts and against those who commit them and the consensus was that impunity cannot be permitted.

The Cuban delegation also stated that for the comprehensive analysis of these issues, Cuba favors the exchange in different forums, mainly of the UN system. In addition, the Cuban government actively collaborates with the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America (GAFILAT), a regional inter-governmental organization to prevent and combat money laundry, terrorist financing and the funding of the proliferation of mass destruction weapons. In its Mutual Evaluation Reports, GAFILAT acknowledges that the general risk for money laundry and terrorist financing in Cuba is low, highlights the inter-institutional coordination and cooperation existing at all levels in the country to combat these crimes and the updated legal framework Cuba has for this purpose.

The Cuban delegation was composed of representatives of the Ministry of the Interior, Banco Central de Cuba, the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The U.S. delegation was composed of officials of the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, State, Health and Human Services and, Treasury.

Both parties agreed to continue with these technical exchanges in the future and to coordinate actions that may contribute to the effective combat against this crime.