ROCB Europe Hosts Regional Seminar on Emerging Threats and Technologies in Customs: Focus on AI, Cryptocurrencies, and Synthetic Drugs

On February 17, 2025, The Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) for the World Customs Organization (WCO) Europe Region organized an seminar on "New Risks and Opportunities: Synthetic Drugs, Trade-Based Money Laundering, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Cryptocurrencies." The event was held in a hybrid format with the participation of more than 150 customs officers from the WCO Europe region, including representatives from the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and was also broadcast live via the Zoom platform. The main objective of the seminar was to exchange knowledge and experience on modern technologies and emerging challenges in customs and trade operations, as well as to enhance customs administrations' ability to adapt to new risks, combat trade-based money laundering, and respond to the increasing challenges associated with cryptocurrencies. During the opening session, Mr. Antonio Lo Parco, Director of ROCB Europe emphasized the importance of the seminar. He highlighted the strategic significance of innovative technologies and risk management in customs systems and noted that such events are organized in line with WCO's capacity-building strategy. Mr. Lo Parco also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among customs administrations in the WCO Europe Region to enhance their capacities. The Deputy Head of the General Department for Intelligence and Investigation of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Hacı-Murad Aliyev, stated in his speech that the fifth program covering the years 2019-2024 has been successfully implemented in the fight against the illicit circulation of narcotic drugs. He emphasized that the “ARAS” automated risk analysis system based on artificial intelligence, modern technical control tools, and canine service dogs have been introduced in customs authorities, professional training of employees has been enhanced, and special importance has been given to international cooperation. As part of the seminar, Oleksiy Feshchenko, an internationally recognized expert in cryptocurrencies, financial fraud, and money laundering, delivered a presentation. He addressed key topics such as the impact of synthetic drugs on global trade dynamics, trade-based money laundering, the application of artificial intelligence and big data analytics in customs systems, and the role of cryptocurrencies in international trade. He specifically discussed the impact of reduced drug production in Afghanistan on the global drug market, the use of cryptocurrencies in illicit transactions and tracking methods, as well as the role of artificial intelligence in risk management within customs systems. During the interactive session, participants actively engaged in discussions and posed questions via the Zoom platform. The seminar featured debates on risk management through artificial intelligence and big data analysis, new approaches to combating drug trafficking, and real-life examples of how cryptocurrencies are used in illicit financial activities. At the conclusion of the seminar, Mr. Mirhasan Seyidzade, Deputy Director of ROCB Europe summarized the outcomes, noting that the discussions held were crucial in preparing customs officers to address emerging global challenges. He also stated that similar capacity-building events will continue, with plans for broader-scale meetings in the future.