Anti-corruption data network expands through Latin America

The Asset Recovery Network of the Financial Action Group of Latin America (RRAG-GAFILAT), an intergovernmental organization created to counteract money laundering and terrorism financing, will expand its communications network for cooperation between member countries. This will extend the existing electronic platform for secure information exchange between South American countries to other countries in Latin America.

“This is a computer system that each country can feed their data to. A platform designed to facilitate cooperation between member countries,” explained Paulo Abrão, National Justice Secretary. “If Brazilian courts decide to block the assets of a suspect under investigation, Brazil can share this information on the platform so that other countries can check if the suspect has any assets within their territories as well and retain them,” he completed.

Representatives of the member countries will hold a series of meetings until Friday (Nov. 7). Legal experts and law enforcement authorities in charge of tracking, retaining, blocking, and seizing illegal assets can exchange information and experiences on the topic. “[The meetings] are contact points to improve cooperation between countries. They help advance dialogue, and facilitate direct communication through bilateral and unilateral agreements,” said Abrão.

Translated by Mayra Borges