On May 28, Moscow hosted the IV Forum of Parliamentarians of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) member states, dedicated to preparations for the new round of mutual evaluations and the implementation of updated FATF Standards.
The event was held as part of the 42nd EAG Plenary Week, which took place in Russia from May 26 to 30. Participants included legislators, representatives of specialized authorities, financial intelligence units, international organizations — including FATF, the Interparliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism — as well as FATF-style regional bodies’ working groups, and experts from Russia and abroad.
In his opening address, Nikolay Zhuravlev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, underscored the importance of further strengthening parliamentary dialogue among the EAG member and observer states, highlighting the practical significance of cooperation within the Forum.
“We continue to exchange best regulatory practices among our states, and, of course, it is now clear that such transnational threats can only be countered through joint efforts, by uniting the capabilities and potential of national anti-money laundering systems and harmonizing national legislation in accordance with the FATF Recommendations,” said Mr. Zhuravlev.
In his welcoming speech, Yury Chikhanchin, EAG Chairman and Director of the Federal Financial Monitoring Service, commended the contribution of legislators to ensuring financial security and minimizing common risks and threats associated with money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.
“One of the key objectives of the current Plenary Week is the further enhancement of national anti-money laundering systems, which provide the mechanisms necessary to counter criminal activity. Together, we address issues that enable us to successfully prepare for and navigate the upcoming round of mutual evaluations. This task constitutes the first strategic priority of the EAG’s work for 2024–2028, and remains a central focus of Russian chairmanship of the Group,” said Mr. Chikhanchin.
Forum participants examined legislative developments related to AML/CFT/CPF, legal frameworks for combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and asset recovery, as well as preparations for the next round of mutual evaluations and related matters. Upon conclusion of the IV Forum of Parliamentarians of the EAG member states, a Declaration was adopted.
