Southeastern European countries join efforts against money launder

BELGRADE, April 25 – Last week, six southeastern European countries signed a protocol in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica to fight money laundering and the funding of terror.
The document was signed by the heads of financial-intelligence services from Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Albania, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Officials note that the signatory countries have made headway in adjusting national legal frameworks, but believe it is necessary to make further progress and set aside additional funding. Participants said, after the signing, that the best way to combat organized crime was to sever funding routes and seize unlawfully acquired property. They also agreed to meet at least once a year and announced the next meeting will be held in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s capital, Sarajevo. (Tirana Times Staff)