MOLICO: Project against corruption, money laundering and the financing of terrorism in Moldova

Based on the success of the PACO Moldova anti-corruption project in 2005, an agreement for a follow-up project was signed in July 2006 between the Council of Europe, the European Commission and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The MOLICO project started in August 2006. It will have a duration of three years and a budget of Euro 3.5 million and is aimed at the following objectives:

to ensure the implementation of Moldova’s anti-corruption strategy on the basis of annual action plans
to strengthen the anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) system of Moldova in accordance with international standards and good practices as well as Moneyval recommendations

The Centre for Combating Corruption and Economic Crime (CCCEC) of Moldova is the main counterpart institution in Moldova.

Activities

Anti-Corruption component
Anti-Money Laundering component
 

Project MOLICO concluded (Chisinau, 10 July 2009) 

[20 July 2009, Strasbourg] The closing conference of the Project against corruption, money laundering and the financing of terrorism in Moldova (MOLICO) was held on 10 July 2009 in Chisinau. The event confirmed the findings of the evaluation report that the project achieved excellent results with regard to anti-corruption measures (corruption proofing of legislation, risk analyses, investigative capacities, anti-corruption policies) and the creation of a system against money laundering and the financing of terrorism that meets international standards. Conference participants pointed at a range of follow up measures that are required, in particular in view of the MOLICO survey presented during the conference showing that the perception of corruption remains high and a major concern of citizens of Moldova. The project was funded by the European Commission, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the Council of Europe.

Evaluation report
Survey on Perception of Corruption in Moldova

The 4th National AC Conference “Progress and Perspectives in Fighting Corruption” (9-10 December 2008, Chisinau)

[12 December 2008, Strasbourg]Over 200 participants looked at a number of issues the main of which were the increasing transparency and effectiveness of the monitoring mechanism set up under the anti-corruption strategy as well as the improvement of the co-operation among media, law-enforcement agencies and civil society. The civil society took an active part in the Conference as it is regarded as an important player in the anti-corruption work carried out in Moldova.

Agenda
List of participants

Workshop on the investigation of money laundering and frauds on securities market (21 November 2008, Chisinau)

[24 November 2008, Strasbourg] The objective was to provide Moldovan state agencies with an experience in the investigation of money laundering and other crimes on securities market, especially insider training and market manipulation. Representatives of financial markets commission, CCCEC specialists and others participated in the workshop. Issues discussed: investigation of money laundering and frauds on securities market; criminal motivators; why people become victims and why people follow a criminal lifestyle; who are the insiders and where do they get their information from; detection of insider dealing; investigation and prosecution of money laundering and financial crime in the UK; market manipulation; off-market share scams; running an intelligence sharing network.

Agenda

Study Visit for public relations officers from law enforcement agencies to counterpart institutions in Munich, Berlin, Hamburg (10-14 November 2008, Germany)

[17 November 2008, Strasbourg] On the agenda: visits to the Ministry of Justice, to the Bavarian Prosecution offices, to the Bavarian State Criminal Authority, to the Bavarian Broadcasting Company, to the Berlin State Criminal Authority; meetings with the investigative top-journalist & bestselling-author Jürgen Roth, high-ranking editors of investigative TV-programs, Min Dir. Dr. Helmut Palder and other high-ranking experts from the Ministry of Justice and General Prosecution, the Head of PR Department to the LKA Bayern.
Topics: PR work in the Ministry of Justice and General Prosecution; international cooperation; insights into the whole range of institutional PR and communication with the public.

Agenda

Workshop on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions on the prevention of financing of proliferation of weapons of mass-destruction (5 November, Chisinau)

[7 November 2008, Strasbourg] The workshop aimed at gathering Moldovan AML national experts in order to review the actual state of implementation of UN Security Council resolutions concerning the prevention of the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The MOLICO experts presented their opinions and propositions prepared on the basis of a review of current Moldovan regulations.

Agenda

Workshop “Expertise Report on Legislative Amendments” and “Review of Moldovan AML/CFT system progress” (3-4 November 2008, Vadul lui Voda)

[7 November 2008, Strasbourg] The workshop was aimed at grouping Moldovan AML national experts in order to review the current state of compliance with international standards. At the workshop the MOLICO experts presented their opinions prepared on the basis of the Moneyval 3rd round evaluation recommendations. Also, the workshop was used to discuss draft amendments to the AML/CFT law.

Agenda

More activities...