In the constant effort to strengthen the regional cooperation in the field of illicit trade, SELEC organized on 12 of November 2024, in Bucharest/ Romania,the 21st meeting of the Anti-Fraud and Anti-Smuggling Task Force.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide a forum in which participants can discuss regional approaches in preventing and countering customs frauds and smuggling, overall aiming at strengthening regional cooperation between Customs and Police in this area, and set common directions to be followed at regional level. SELEC Member States’ representatives presented an overview of last year’s activities and challenges at national level in the field of combating trans-border customs frauds and smuggling. Also, proposals for future activities of the Task Force were discussed, considering the broader context of anti-fraud anti-smuggling efforts of other European agencies.
Participants were welcomed by Dr. Oguz Serkant Akin, Director General, and Mr. Romulus Ungureanu, Director for Operations, who provided their insights as regards the activities conducted in the framework of SELEC Anti-fraud and Anti-smuggling Task Force. They have also mentioned the constant interests and commitment that SELEC has in ensuring a viable and efficient cooperation platform for the Member States and Operational Partners, as well as with national and international law enforcement agencies worldwide.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Elton Kalemi, the Albanian Customs Liaison Officer, as Task Force Coordinator, stressing out the importance of enhanced cooperation for more successful impact on combating fraud and smuggling in our region.
Republic of Albania is coordinating the Anti-Fraud and Anti-Smuggling Task Force since its establishment in 2003.
