Moves are afoot to strengthen international co-operation in the fight against illicit crime.
In a recent development the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Eastern and Southern Africa (RILO ESA) – which is responsible for collecting and analysing illicit trade information as well as disseminating it throughout the Global Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) – has launched a website designed to contribute to this mission.
WCO Secretary General, Dr Kunio Mikuriya, the Commissioner General (Zimbabwe) and host of the RILO ESA, Faith Mazani, Head of the RILO, Sitheni M Ncube, MD of GTS - Global Trade Solution, Louise Wiggett and WCO ESA Vice Chair (Botswana), Philiso P Valashia were all in attendance at the launch.
“The website will go a long way in ensuring that the general public appreciates their efforts and can contribute to the cause of fighting smuggling which is rampant in the region,” according to a joint statement.
“The website will enhance compliance and enforcement activities in the region through greater sharing of information and best practices and increased interactions among the RILO National Contact Persons (NCPs) through a secured platform.
The development of the WCO ESA RILO website and the training of the NCPs has been achieved through a public/private partnership with GTS.
