1st EAG training seminar for evaluators

The first EAG Training Seminar for Evaluators was held on March 20-24, 2006 in Moscow. The program of a the Seminar was based on the 2004 FATF Methodology.

The Seminar was aimed at training the experts who will take part in the first EAG Mutual Evaluation planned for the III quarter of 2006. International experts from the FATF, IMF, WB, UNODC, Council of Europe, Rosfinmonitoring and Bank of Russia experienced in conduction mutual evaluations. 37 experts from all EAG member-states and Ukraine were invited to take part in the Seminar as students.

During the first three days the trainers presented 17 modules, which describe almost all aspects of international AML/CFT standards as well as the procedure of mutual evaluations. The students conducted additionally 3 blocks of training exercises.

During the last two days group training was conducted in form of mock missions on the mutual evaluation of hypothetical country. To prepare for the mock missions the MEQ Response as well as a number of legislative acts of the hypothetical country had been drafted. These materials were focused on the key FATF Recommendations and this approach enabled the students to do this work within a limited timeframe. Students were divided into 6 groups, which conducted interviews with the ministers of the hypothetical country presented by the trainers. Each group consisted of 2 legal, 2 financial and 2 law enforcement experts and was headed by a leader. At the end of the session the trainers drew the attention of students to their mistakes made during the interviews.

The students were invited to draft and submit to the EAG Secretariat by May 1, 2006 Reports of the Mutual Evaluation of the hypothetical country as a “home assignment” to the second EAG Training Seminar for Evaluators planned for June 26-30, 2006. These reports will be analyzed by the trainers and reviewed in detail during the second Seminar.

Both students and trainers agreed that the EAG Training Seminar for Evaluators appeared to be successful and made it possible to accomplish all objectives. Additionally the Seminar contributed to accumulating experience, which will be used while holding similar seminars not only by the EAG, but also by the FATF and other FSRBs.

The second EAG Training Seminar for evaluators is planned for June 26-30, 2006 in Moscow (Russia).