The Bermuda Police Service has completed training for detectives in the Organised and Economic Crime Department.

Partnering with the British National Crime Agency and the Metropolitan Police National Counter Terrorism Command, 11 officers travelled to Britain to complete training in anti-money laundering, confiscating criminal proceeds, and terrorism finance investigations, according to a press release.

In late 2018, Bermuda will undergo a mutual evaluation by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force where its technical compliance and effectiveness in combating money laundering and terrorist financing will be assessed.

This training seeks to address recommendations coming out of Bermuda’s last mutual evaluation report. The Bermuda Police Service continues to work with the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee to prepare for this assessment.

Detective Superintendent Sean Field-Lament of the Crime Division stated: “All of our detectives in the OECD have now undergone financial investigation training, which will position the BPS to meet international standards in countering money laundering and terrorist financing.

“Of note, all of the courses and expenses associated with this training were completely funded by monies seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act legislation.”

He continued: “By their very nature, financial investigations can be lengthy, complex and require specialised skill sets. As such OECD detectives are trained and equipped to combat criminal enterprises that seek to exploit real or perceived weaknesses in our financial systems.

“This strategic training regime demonstrates the BPS commitment to deprive criminals the ability to use Bermuda’s financial system to launder criminal proceeds.

“We will use every legal mechanism to ensure that Bermuda’s international reputation as a highly regarded jurisdiction continues and ultimately make Bermuda safer.”