As per latest OECD deliberations, all illicit
activities like financial crimes, tax fraud and money laundering, account
for 3.6% of global GDP. Recognizing
the importance of the issue, G20 leaders and Finance Ministers have consistently
urged all jurisdictions to work together to control this threat, to adhere
to the international tax, prudential and anti-money laundering standards
and have mandated OECD to help improve inter-agency co-operation in the
fight against illicit activities.
In response to this call, and building on the first global event on tax and
crime held in Oslo last year, senior officials from almost 60 countries -
tax administrations, finance and justice ministries, financial intelligence
units and central banks - as well as the World Bank, the IMF, the FATF and
the United Nations; non-governmental organisations, including Transparency
International and Global Financial Integrity; and the private sector, have
come together in Rome to discuss an ambitious agenda and map out a plan to
fight financial crime more effectively using a whole of government approach.
Opening the event OECD Deputy Secretary-General Richard Boucher, said “The
crisis has led to a loss of trust and confidence. In occupy wall street,
the Arab Spring, and demonstrations in a number of countries people complain
that the system protects privilege and lacks transparency. Coherent, co-ordinated
and effective action to fight corruption, money laundering, tax crimes and
other illicit flows and to promote integrity and transparency is now crucial
to restore citizens confidence.” Read Mr. Boucher's speech.
In support of the discussions in Rome, two reports have been released today.
Effective Inter-Agency Co-operation in Fighting Tax Crimes and Other Financial
Crimes, is the first in-depth study of domestic inter-agency co-operation
in over 30 countries. It identifies current challenges and recommends ways
to improve inter-agency co-operation. The Catalogue of Instruments for International
Co-operation Against Tax Crimes and other Financial Crimes provides, for
the first time, a holistic view across instruments for international co-operation
in tax, corruption, supervision, money-laundering, and other areas of mutual
legal assistance.
Recognising that not all jurisdictions, particularly developing countries,
have the investigative skills necessary for successful criminal tax investigations,
participants will also discuss the launch of a pilot training programme with
the aim of establishing an international academy on criminal tax investigations.
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