Key takeaways:
- Operation TENTACLE Asia/Pacific II involved eight Asia-Pacific countries and the Spanish Guardia Civil in an extensive mission to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.
- The operation achieved a significant milestone by seizing assets valued at 19 million Euros, including various currencies, gold, and precious metals, highlighting the scale of money laundering networks and the dedication of law enforcement agencies.
- Investigating authorities uncovered a complex web of criminal activities, revealing links between Middle East-based Hawala networks and methamphetamine smuggling organizations in Myanmar, who were exchanging gold for illegal drug shipments. This novel tactic added complexity to their operations, along with various trade-based money laundering networks.
- A total of 127 suspects were apprehended during the operation, significantly disrupting these criminal networks and their illicit financial activities. One-third of those arrested had direct links to gold-based money laundering networks, emphasizing the precision of the operation in neutralizing key players in these illegal structures.
A recent international operation had customs authorities from eight Asia-Pacific countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore, team up with the Spanish Guardia Civil to tackle money laundering and terrorism financing. Dubbed Operation TENTACLE Asia/Pacific II, this extensive mission ran from April 2 to June 4.
The key achievement of this operation was the seizure of assets worth a staggering €19 million (about $20.14 million). These assets included various currencies, gold, and precious metals. This significant success underlined the extensive reach of money laundering networks and the dedicated efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating them.
During the operation, investigators uncovered a complex web of criminal activities that revealed connections between Middle East-based Hawala networks and methamphetamine smuggling organizations in Myanmar. These criminal groups were found to be using gold in exchange for illegal drug shipments, a tactic different from traditional methods.
The shift introduced added complexity to their illegal operations, posing considerable challenges for law enforcement. Additionally, the operation exposed various trade-based money laundering (TBML) networks, shedding light on the intricate financial schemes used in international trade by these criminal entities.
In total, 127 suspects were apprehended during this operation, significantly disrupting these networks and their illicit financial activities. One-third of those arrested had direct links to gold-based money laundering networks, highlighting the operation’s precision in neutralizing key players in these illegal structures.
The success of Operation TENTACLE Asia/Pacific II can be attributed to meticulous planning and strong collaboration among WCO Members. Before the operation’s execution, a pre-operational capacity-building workshop, hosted by the Australian Border Force (ABF) in Brisbane in November 2022, played a crucial role.
During the workshop, the National Contact Points (NCPs) of participating countries refined their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) investigative techniques and worked together to fine-tune the blueprint for the operation.
The operation not only achieved impressive results but also revealed emerging AML/CTF patterns in the Asia/Pacific region, novel concealment methods, innovative TBML strategies, primary hubs of money laundering, trafficking channels for gold and bulk cash, and enhanced tactical methodologies to strengthen AML/CTF efforts throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The collaborative effort demonstrates the commitment of customs administrations and international cooperation in addressing the increasingly complex challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations involved in money laundering and terrorism financing within the customs sphere. ◼
Business Bayani PH 
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