Officially opening the course, Director of Crime and Security Tang Hau-sing reminded the participants that "countering the threat of money laundering calls for professional skills, development of regulatory regimes, a dynamic and modern criminal justice system and a strategic alliance amongst stakeholder agencies".

Held almost annually since 1989, the course has been well received by many local and overseas officers eager to develop their anti-money laundering investigation skills. Building on its previous success, and having been revamped to a more international level, this year's English-speaking course attracted a total of 47 students, 26 of whom were senior regulatory and law enforcement officers from jurisdictions outside Hong Kong, including Mainland, Australia, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

"As the international community is increasingly concerned with the potential abuse of designated non-financial businesses and professions in laundering the proceeds of crime and terrorist financing, it was particularly pertinent to choose this as the course theme this year," said Senior Inspector Todd Bancroft, the Course Convener.

Speakers on the course came from various professions in the private and public sectors, who addressed the participants on many of the protracted issues involved. As noted by a participant from the Australian Federal Police, Mr Matt Innes, "the FIC provided not only a learning forum, but also an opportunity for professionals from various agencies and areas of expertise to share their experience".

NB Chief Superintendent Peter Else presented certificates to the participants at a closing ceremony in the Arsenal House Auditorium on November 24.

Judging by the course critique, which on average saw the presentation, content and value of the course rated at more than eight out of 10 points, the FIC 2006 was a huge success.

A Cantonese version of the FIC for junior financial investigators has also been held.

The FIC provides a good learning forum for overseas professionals