Agenda

Opening Keynote 

• The transnational organized crime (TOC) landscape in Southeast Asia has evolved dramatically in recent years.

• Trafficking in persons for the purpose of forced criminality to commit online scams and financial fraud, particularly occurring in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and other areas of Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), and Myanmar, as well as other destination countries (including Malaysia, and the Philippines), has emerged as a new and growing trend. 

• This presentation will explore the modus operandi of these TOC networks in terms of carrying out scams and fraud, including how victims are recruited, the illicit financial flows, and the role of corruption. 

Panel Session

We will address the obstacles and conflicting priorities in public-private partnerships. The session will also highlight how advanced technologies and new tools are revolutionising the detection and prevention of financial crime. Additionally, the discussion will address the critical balance between effective data sharing and preserving individual privacy, exploring strategies to enhance collaborative efforts while safeguarding sensitive information. 

Presentation

International trade is key to development and poverty reduction, but countering trade-based money laundering (TBML) is essential for fighting criminal and terrorist activities and ensuring transparent global supply chains. Despite its significance, TBML remains under-documented, and its full impact is hard to measure.

The ADB, in collaboration with UNODC and five countries, piloted an initiative to create trade-relevant STRs, supported by multi-sector TBML workshops for banks, regulators, customs, and law enforcement. The pilot led to increased identification of potential TBML cases and improved analysis of high-risk goods and trade routes, underscoring the need for effective information-sharing and cooperation across sectors and borders.

Panel Session

We will analyze the interplay between global AML standards and local regulations, focusing on tailoring frameworks to address regional threats. Discuss challenges in updating AML frameworks and strategies for institutions to overcome these hurdles, highlighting the need for flexible and agile compliance systems to counter emerging financial crimes.

Roundtable Session

Table 1 - Facilitated by NICE Actimize: Topic to Be Confirmed

Table 2 - Facilitated by IMTF: Leveraging AI in Transaction Monitoring and Name/Sanctions Screening

• AI and AML: Love at first sight?

• Current state of affairs: Experience exchange on the application of AI in AML

• Generative AI as game changer?

Table 3 - Facilitated by Finalix: Topic to Be Confirmed

Presented by IMTF

Panel Session

We will explore the the complex and evolving role of Compliance Officers and Money Laundering Reporting Officers while adapting to rapidly changing regulations and emerging threats; Including strategies for managing the tension between regulatory expectations and operational realities, the impact of new technologies, and the importance of fostering a culture of compliance. 

 Panel Session

We will go over in leveraging advanced technologies such as advanced analytics, AI/ML to detect and prevent fraud. The panel will also explore comprehensive audit frameworks, the importance of governance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and agility within organizations to respond swiftly to new threats. 

Presentation

Spotlight Feature Panel Session

We will address the escalating threat of organized crime syndicates, sophisticated scam operations, and burgeoning cyber fraud networks that are shaping the region's illicit financial flows, and intricately linked to human trafficking, exploitation, and other heinous crimes. Experts will explore the methods and technologies used by these criminal enterprises, assess their impact on businesses and society, and discuss collaborative strategies for effectively combating these complex challenges.

Keynote Closing Presentation

This presentation will explore how transnational organized crime groups are exploiting social media and communication platforms to facilitate cyber-scam centers and human trafficking operations on a global scale. We'll examine how these criminal networks use online tools to recruit victims, coordinate their activities, and launder illicit profits, often with minimal risk of detection or disruption. The presentation will conclude with key recommendations for financial institutions, law enforcement, private sector companies, and international organizations to combat these evolving cyber-enabled crimes more effectively.