On 11 November and 19-20 November 2020 Mr. R.Miralizoda, Director of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC), and other representatives participated in the 33rd Plenary Meeting of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) via videoconference.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Yu.Chikhanchin (Russian Federation), Chairman of EAG, and Mr. F.Bilolov (Republic of Tajikistan), Vice-Chairman of EAG.

The event was attended by representatives of 9 EAG Member States (Republic of Belarus, Republic of India, Republic of Kazakhstan, People's Republic of China, Kyrgyz Republic, Russian Federation, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Republic of Uzbekistan), the FATF Secretariat along with 13 states and 18 organizations - observers of the Group.

During the meeting participants noted that despite restrictive measures associated with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, EAG member states continue to work together to strengthen national AML/CFT systems. Significant attention is being paid to identifying, analyzing and mitigating risks of ML/FT in the Eurasian region, which is becoming particularly important due to trends emerging in the pandemic. To this end, additional technical assistance is being provided to EAG member states.

The meeting considered amendments to the Procedures for the 2nd round of mutual evaluations.

By decision of the meeting, evaluation cycle of EAG remains suspended with the possibility to apply reasonable flexibility in its renewal. A new schedule for evaluation of India has been approved together with a schedule of EAG Plenary Sessions.

Participants heard reports of the Secretariat on implementation of pilot project on coordination of technical assistance to the Republic of Tajikistan as well as on provision of technical assistance to the Republic of Kazakhstan. Also approved was a concept note on establishment of EAG experts pool, which should facilitate effective and timely selection of the most qualified candidates for short-term and urgent projects in the field of AML/CFT.

The meeting agreed on concept of preparing a document on conducting financial investigations in the Eurasian region, which was discussed on 11 November 2020 during a meeting of the Working Group On Typologies And Countering Financing Of Terrorism And Crime (WGTYP).

Ms. T.Evdokimova, CARICC representative, informed the WGTYP on implementation of the Regional Programme “DISRUPTION”, CARICC studies and possible assistance in preparation of documents on financial investigations.

The Plenary adopted a report on the EAG Secretariat activities in intersessional period and endorsed the EAG Work Plan for 2021.

It was mentioned that the EAG member states carry out significant work on identification and analysis of new methods of ML/FT in the region, contribute to raising awareness among public authorities, private sector on the latest global trends and emerging risks, and take active steps to strengthen international cooperation to enhance national AML/CFT systems.

34th EAG Plenary will be hosted in May 2021 in the Republic of Tajikistan.