ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING
(TBA)

Many countries have established comprehensive anti-money laundering regimes whose aim is to increase awareness. Together governments and the private business sector provide the necessary legal or regulatory tools to the authorities in order to fight the problem. This PDIB program will cover issues such as Tax Benefits when having off shore accounts. Multilateral initiatives of anti-money laundering efforts include the United Nations, Bank of International Settlements, European Union, Council of Europe, Organization of American States, to name just a few. Other anti-money laundering task force-like organizations are planned for western Africa and Latin America in the coming years. In 1994, the Free Zone User's Association in Panama adopted Regulations of Conduct which govern all members and which seek to prevent any criminal activities. Additional agencies in Panama involved in the fight against money laundering are the Financial Analysis Unit (UAF), the National Committee for the Study and Prevention of Drug-Related Crimes (CONAPRED), the Panamá Superintendency of Banks, among others. This program will give the participants the opportunity to learn first hand about the anti-money laundering initiatives taking place in Miami and Panamá.

Program Dates:
TBA.

Program Fee:
TBA

Co-sponsoring Institutions program fees:
TBA

Anti-Money Laundering PDIB Program:
This program is offered by the CIBER Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Consortium: Brigham Young University, Duke University, University of Kansas, University of Wisconsin and Florida International University. Administered by the United States Department of Education (DOE), and organized by Florida International University, CIBER programs form a powerful network focused on improving American compositeness by providing comprehensive services and research to assist United States businesses, colleges and universities to succeed in global markets.

Program Objective:
The main objective of the Smuggling and Money Laundering PDIB program is to raise United States business professionals and faculty awareness of the social, political, economic, and business environments that exist in Latin America and the Caribbean. Topics include the effect money laundering has on businesses, the influence that money laundering has on economic development, and the national and international initiatives towards combating money laundering. The program is designed to include professionals in sectors outside academe, including small & medium enterprises of Miami, Florida and beyond, to learn about the culture of money laundering/smuggling: how it is aided and abetted by various countries in the Caribbean, and how certain of those countries are taking steps to remedy these problems. The program in Miami and Panama will include meetings with business executives from multinational companies, bank officers, and government officials. It will also include cultural events and city tours. Participants are urged to become familiar with the countries and cities they will be visiting in this program.

Money Laundering is the result of a large number of criminal acts to generate a profit for an individual or group that carries out the act. Money Laundering is the process that disguises the illegal origin of the money. Enormous sums are generated through illegal arm sales, smuggling, and activities of organized crime, including drug trafficking and prostitution rings, embezzlement, inside trading, bribery and computer fraud schemes. Corruption of public officials and the financing of terrorism are among the topics of discussion.

Comments from participants:
"The Anti Money Laundering program was well-designed with a clearly defined educational focus and was very well implemented. I came away with a clear understanding of the dimensions of the problem and its implications for international business. The panels featured a good cross-section of knowledgeable presenters who were able to explain the mechanics of money laundering as well as to offer their assessment of the effectiveness of the laws and regulations attempting to combat money laundering. Having the sessions in both Miami and Panama was a great idea, since it gave a greater awareness of the historical and institutional frameworks that give rise to money laundering. There was a good mix of informational sessions and introductions to the culture, history and geography of the two areas. All the logistical details of the program were handled extremely well by the superb staff of the FIU CIBER. I would strongly recommend this program for all faculty and others who want to understand this dimension of international business." - Raghavan D. Nair, Executive Director, CIBER, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“The 2004 FIU-CIBER program on anti-money laundering was interesting and informative and substantive regarding international business regulation and practices in Florida, and the Caribbean Basin, with a particular emphasis on Panama. The program was well organized, with presentations reflecting the perspectives of both regulators and the regulated, both from the US and other jurisdictions, by knowledgeable and experienced officials from business and government enforcement and regulatory agencies.” - Philip L. Sussler, President, New World Energy Service Advisors.

"This issue of AML is critical. The speakers were excellent and the program administration unsurpassed. The whole experience was good" - Robert G. Crawford, Brigham Young University.

"... A refreshing and informative expose of a systemic problem.. a must for solution-minded persons" - Donald D. Roomes, Florida International University.

"One of the most rewarding faculty development program. Highly recommended for teaching faculty and administrators" - M. Anaam Hashmi, Minnesota State University.

"I have learned an incredible amount. The speakers were well-informed & top notch (and I had a great time as well)" - Charlie M. Kahn, University of Illinois.

Sessions include world experts from:

• Florida International Bankers Association
• Homeland Security, ICE Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Anti-Money Laundering - Attorneys & Counselors
• Professionals from Florida International University
• Alert Global Media Inc.
• Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists
• Banking Association of Panamá
• Superintendency of Banks of Panamá
• Free Zone Users Association
• Executives from Motta International
• U.S. Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration
• Comisión Nacional de Valores, Panamá
• Financial Analysis Unit (UAF)

Program Travel Itinerary (Subject to Change):
Business Sessions and Cultural Visits will take place in each city.

Required documents for program:
Please fax clear copies of below documents to 305-348-1789.
• PASSPORT - With a minimum validity of six months.
• DRIVER’S LICENSE
• HEALTH INSURANCE - Front and reverse sides.
• RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK - participants and witness signatures (Available on our web site).
• TOURIST CARD - Participants need to purchase tourist card upon arrival at the Panamá Airport.

Travel Insurance:
Participants are encouraged to purchase international travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. Participants may contact STA TRAVEL at 1-800-387-2427 or purchase online at http://www.statravel.com or any other International travel insurance company.

Miscellaneous expenses:
Participants will be responsible for any personal expenses, including (but not exclusive to) visas/tourism card, airport taxes, faxes, local and international calls, room service, tips, transportation and meals (beyond that offered in the program), additional tours, etc.

Weather and Dress code:
Program participants will be traveling to Panamá during the rainy season, likely afternoon showers can be expected. Participants should pack light clothing as the weather is Warm and Humid. Dress code is professional but comfortable (jacket and tie are expected for business meetings). Participants will walk to some program sites; bring comfortable shoes.

How to Register:
Please complete the Registration Form online located in our web site and fax to 305-348-1789 or mail to: FIU-CIBER, University Park, MARC 240, Miami, FL 33199, along with all required documents and email to ciber@fiu.edu your short-biography.

Program contact information: