Targeted operations against smuggling in Southeastern Europe
Customs experts from the 12 SECI Center Member States participated in the Third Meeting of the Anti-Fraud and Anti-Smuggling Task Force, held today at the Center’s headquarters in Bucharest.
The discussions focused on the joint anti-smuggling efforts undertaken by the countries in Southeast Europe, with the support and coordination of the SECI Center.
Regional operations targeting cigarettes and, respectively, petrol and petrol products smuggling in the SECI region were successfully conducted in 2005 and evaluated during the meeting. These law enforcement actions were performed with a view to increase the cooperation among the participating countries by information sharing through the SECI Center, and to enhance the effectiveness of the customs anti-smuggling controls on the national territories.
The regional assessment report based on the post seizure data provided by the participating countries depicts cigarettes smuggling patterns as revealed from the analysis referring to quantities, methods of smuggling, smugglers, and routes. Operation “Black Pearl” assisted customs in better preventing petrol and petrol products smuggling and preserving the revenue collection. Additional to the collection of statistical data for setting up strategic priorities and carrying out operations to fight smuggling activities, the permanent information exchange is aimed to lead to regional investigations resulting in the apprehension, arrest and prosecution of the criminals.
Such an outcome was performed by the Romanian and Greek customs authorities in January, 2006, following an exchange of information between the two countries` liaison officers at the SECI Center. The joint investigation resulted in the seizure of 37 100 000 pieces of cigarettes, the confiscation of a vessel and 10 smugglers arrested and further prosecuted in Greece.
The Action Plan for conducting future regional operations within the SECI Center Anti-Fraud and Anti-Smuggling Task Force during this year was adopted by the participants.
Representatives of the WCO (through the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office – RILO for Western Europe), Interpol, Europol, OLAF, UNMIK, Azerbaijan, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain attended the meeting as well.
The discussions focused on the joint anti-smuggling efforts undertaken by the countries in Southeast Europe, with the support and coordination of the SECI Center.
Regional operations targeting cigarettes and, respectively, petrol and petrol products smuggling in the SECI region were successfully conducted in 2005 and evaluated during the meeting. These law enforcement actions were performed with a view to increase the cooperation among the participating countries by information sharing through the SECI Center, and to enhance the effectiveness of the customs anti-smuggling controls on the national territories.
The regional assessment report based on the post seizure data provided by the participating countries depicts cigarettes smuggling patterns as revealed from the analysis referring to quantities, methods of smuggling, smugglers, and routes. Operation “Black Pearl” assisted customs in better preventing petrol and petrol products smuggling and preserving the revenue collection. Additional to the collection of statistical data for setting up strategic priorities and carrying out operations to fight smuggling activities, the permanent information exchange is aimed to lead to regional investigations resulting in the apprehension, arrest and prosecution of the criminals.
Such an outcome was performed by the Romanian and Greek customs authorities in January, 2006, following an exchange of information between the two countries` liaison officers at the SECI Center. The joint investigation resulted in the seizure of 37 100 000 pieces of cigarettes, the confiscation of a vessel and 10 smugglers arrested and further prosecuted in Greece.
The Action Plan for conducting future regional operations within the SECI Center Anti-Fraud and Anti-Smuggling Task Force during this year was adopted by the participants.
Representatives of the WCO (through the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office – RILO for Western Europe), Interpol, Europol, OLAF, UNMIK, Azerbaijan, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain attended the meeting as well.
11 November 2008 - 12 November 2008
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