On October 7-8, 2021, in Vienna, Austria. Mr. Rustam Aziz Miralizoda, Director of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors (CARICC) together with Mr. Naweed Riaz, Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Kazakhstan, took part in the Experts Working Group meeting to support II thematic section of the Vienna Declaration: Detecting and blocking financial flows linked to illicit trafficking of opiates originating in Afghanistan (Paris Pact Initiative) (hereinafter referred to as the EWG meeting).  

Delegations from 58 partner countries and 23 organizations forming the international coalition of the Paris Pact initiative participated in the EWG meeting.

Participants were provided with updates, research findings and selected initiatives of the UNODC Global Programme against Money Laundering, Proceeds of Crime and the Financing of Terrorism, the UNODC Afghan Opiate Trade Project (AOTP), the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for West and Central Asia (ARIN-WCA) and the Judicial Cooperation Network for South Caucasus and Central Asia (CASC).

The Director of CARICC presented information of the Centre's role in the international cooperation with respect to seizure and confiscation of criminal assets.

Mr. N. Riaz presented the practical aspects of international investigations in the field of anti-money laundering and asset recovery, focusing the participants' attention on the existing problems and ways to solve them.

A special focus was placed on countering the criminal use of virtual assets and Hawala-type money transfer systems as a financial means of illicit trafficking of Afghan opiates.

As a result of the event, participants have made recommendations with responses, including a strategy and plans for joint action.

Besides, on October 8 of this year within the framework of EWG meeting there was held the meeting of CARICC Director Mr. R. Miralizoda and Head of UNODC Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. N. Riaz with permanent representatives of CARICC member-states at international organizations in Vienna and donor countries.

The Director of CARICC informed the participants briefly about the activities of the Centre, its goals and objectives in assisting to coordinate and support the efforts of the countries of the region in combating the narcotic business and countering drug trafficking.

The attention of the heads of diplomatic missions was drawn to the possibility of making greater use of the Centre's potential in the fight against international drug-related crime at the regional and international levels.