The final module of the training program on processing and adjudicating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (ML/TF) cases has been organised in Sabac, Serbia on 13 and 14 December 2023. The module focused most notably on ML/TF adjudication and sanctioning, and it touched upon alternatives to criminal sanctions. The event brought together representatives from key institutions, including the Republic Public Prosecutors’ Office, Prosecutors’ Office for Organized Crime, Supreme Court, Apellate Courts, Higher Courts, and Ministry of Interior, Criminal Police Directorate.

The topics covered on the first day of training ranged from the text of indictment, instructions on key elements of the offence and evidence to be presented in the judicial proceeding and in the final verdict, weighing on the sanctioning policy, to real-life examples and case law from Spain and Belgium. Second day of the training covered sessions on judicial review, strategic use of plea agreements, and a detailed key case study based on real-life example from Serbia. The training concluded with a dynamic discussion on Serbian cases and case-law, where participants shared insights and experiences.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, as a sign of the solid expertise attained in adjudicating standalone ML offenses. The training was organised in close cooperation with the Judicial Academy, which is taking care of collecting evaluations of all trainings and is keeping track of the progress made by each of the training participants.

This training initiative represented a significant stride for Serbia in building its capabilities to combat financial crimes as it provided platform for strengthened collaboration among key institutions dedicated to preventing money laundering and terrorist financing.
 
The activity has taken place within the Project “Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in Serbia”, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency, and implemented by the Council of Europe.