Panama was elected to preside over the Group of Experts for the Control of Money Laundering (GELAVEX), during the period 2024-2025 during the 57th meeting of this organization. This election represents a recognition of the country’s sustained efforts in the fight against money laundering. In addition, this achievement highlights Panama’s commitment to transparency, international cooperation and the strengthening of regional mechanisms facing these global challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Within the framework of this day, held on November 26 and 27 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the Panamanian representation was led by Isabel Vecchio, National Coordinator for the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism and Technical Secretariat of the National Commission against Money Laundering, Financing of Terrorism and the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (CNBC) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), reaffirming the country’s commitment to the prevention of money laundering both nationally and internationally. His outstanding work and experience were key to obtaining this important role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, it is important to highlight the fundamental role of the Permanent Mission of Panama to the Organization of American States (OAS), and Ambassador Ana Irene Delgado whose diplomatic management and technical support contribute significantly to interinstitutional efforts to position Panama as a leader in this regional initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in 1990, GELAVEX has established itself as the main hemispherical space to discuss and propose strategies against money laundering in the Americas. Since 2016, it has the technical support of the Department against Transnational Organized Crime (DDOT) of the Organization of American States (OAS), which acts as a Technical Secretariat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The forum seeks to promote the homogenization of procedures and standards among the Member States of the OAS through studies, guides, good practices and methodological tools. Under the presidency of Panama, prioritizes investigations will be given to the challenges in the tracking, seizure and recovery of virtual assets used in illicit activities, as well as the identification of final beneficiaries as a strategic axis in the fight against financial crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During her speech, Isabel Vecchio stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes not only the public sector, but also civil society and academia. \u201cInternational cooperation is essential. Only with a joint and determined effort can we build a safer and more transparent environment that allows a fairer world free of financial crime,” said Vecchio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For his part, Gast\u00f3n Schulmeister, director of the Department against Transnational Organized Crime of the OAS, highlighted the value of collaboration between member countries to strengthen regional capacities against money laundering and promote a culture of transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The presidency of GELAVEX is an opportunity for Panama to continue promoting best practices, effective policies and constructive dialogue between OAS member states. It also allows the country to project its experience and commitment in strengthening international architecture to combat money laundering and ensure financial security in the hemisphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n