Memorandum of understanding signed between the EAG and the CCACD CSTO

On January 28 the EAG Chairman, Aide to the President of the Russian Federation Mr. Oleg Markov and Director of the Federal Drug Control Service, Chairman of the Coordinating council of the heads of the competent authorities on combating drug trafficking (CCACD) of the member states of the Collective security treaty organization (CSTO) Mr. Viktor Ivanov signed a Memorandum of understanding between the EAG and the CCACD CSTO.

The MOU envisages the creation of a cooperation mechanism of the FIUs of the EAG member states and competent authorities of the CSTO countries in order to combat illegal drug trafficking and legalization of proceeds from drugs in the Eurasian region.

According to the MOU, an authorized EAG representative will be included into the staff of the International coordination headquarters of the anti drug trafficking operation “Chanel” and experts from the EAG FIUs will participate in the staff of the national interagency headquarters of the CSTO member states with the purpose of enhancing the EAG contribution into the “Chanel” operation.

The EAG member states participation in the “Chanel” operation has proved the effectiveness of financial intelligence units’ efforts in consolidating measures countering the drug threat and legalization of proceeds from drug trafficking in the Eurasian region.

The parties of the MOU noted that its strategic tasks are of a great priority for the EAG and are aimed at strengthening the cooperation between the EAG and the CSTO. The EAG member states recognize the problem of illegal drug trafficking as one of the most considerable threats to the security of the Eurasian region and undertake measures to create the so called “financial security belts” around Afghanistan.