Mr Derek Seigle, Assistant Chief of the FBI HQs' Financial Crimes Section, a Federal Judge, the US Internal Revenue Service's Assistant Director of Training and other Federal experts, provided the training.

The speakers addressed participants on a range of issues and provided an incisive account of the advanced techniques used in the United States. The presentations included an explanation of related Federal legislation and how it could be utilised to provide support to overseas investigations, the use of expert witnesses to present complex evidence in money laundering trials and the difficulties currently encountered by US investigators and prosecutors.

In his opening address to the seminar, Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Lo Yik-kee highlighted the need for such training and the importance the Force placed on maintaining an effective and robust capability for tackling money laundering and terrorist financing.

He stressed: "The success of Hong Kong depends on international business activity. Collaboration with the international law enforcement community is therefore important to secure the interests of Hong Kong and the maintenance of a safe and orderly environment in which such business could flourish."

He also reminded participants to be on full alert, diligent and professional to address possible money laundering activities, in particular those that smack of a terrorist dimension.

Mr Lo's remarks were reinforced by Acting Deputy US Consul General Lewis Atherton who addressed the participants after the opening speech.

Mr Atherton reiterated that transnational crime, terrorist financing and money laundering posed a serious international threat and the key to combating this was strong international co-operation.

All the participants came out of the seminar with a far greater understanding of the more complex aspects of transnational money laundering investigations and a clearer picture of the extent to which the US authorities could support local investigations.

Mr Seigle stated that he was impressed by the participants' level of knowledge, and stressed the importance of international co-operation in the fight against the threat of money laundering and terrorist financing.

NB hopes to arrange more such specialised training later in the year, to build upon the knowledge gained from the seminar.

Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Lo Yik-kee presents a token of appreciation to Acting Deputy US Consul General Lewis Atherton