Held a seminar on the topic: International best practice in conducting financial investigations and seizure of property: new approaches and inter-institutional cooperation

30th June and 1th July in hotel ,,Bianca’’, Kolašin, was held a seminar on the topic: International best practice in conducting financial investigations and seizure of property: new approaches and inter-institutional cooperation.

T he seminar was organized by the Judical Training Center of Montenegro, in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and International Narcotics & Law Enforcement – United States Department of State.

The introductory remarks had Ms. Maja Milošević, Director of the Judical Training Center of Montenegro and Rob Force,  Programme Manager the rule of law and human rights, OSCE Mission to Montenegro.

After that presentation on the topic: Financial investigation and seizure of property: general principles, new approaches and the need for multi-institutional collaboration had Erik Larson, Resident Legal Advisor, The U.S. Embassy in Montenegro.

Then was held Session I on the topic: The use of financial institutions for verification, institution for reporting assets and institutions in charge of securities in financial investigations where moderator was judge Richard Geblin, judge from USA. Moderators Session II were: Heikki Wendorf, EULEX prosecutor and Sean McHale, EULEX legal Officer who have spoken on the topic: Tax evasion, modern investigative approaches and Property Management.

Representative of Property Administartion, Bajko Vučićević had exposure on the topic: Management of seized and confiscated assets in financial investigations.

On the second day of the seminar was held Session III on the topic: Criminal prosecution and trial in cases which include financial investigations. Moderator this Session was Rob Force, Programme Manager the rule of law and human rights, OSCE Mission to Montenegro.

The aim of this seminar was to through best practices and case studies present experiences of the USA in the areas of judicial proceedings in cases related to financial and other criminal acts and which include financial investigations, as well as the promotion of international cooperation in the implementation of financial investigations and process of confiscation of property.

Besides the organizers to the attended  representatives of the Property Administration, Administration for Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, Commission for the Prevention of Conflict of Interest, Commission for Securities and the lecturers were:  judge Richard Geblin, Jim May, American expert for financial investigations, Heikki Wendorf, EULEX prosecutor, Sean McHale EULEX legal Officer, Erik Larson, Resident Legal Advisor, The U.S. Embassy in Montenegro, Rob Force, Programme Manager the rule of law and human rights, OSCE Mission to Montenegro and Jeff Palmer, Senior Police Adviser, Police ICITAP program.