WASHINGTON, D.C., — Inspector Sohpia Sears of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and Mr. Matthew Edgecombe, Detective Superintendent of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Charmaine Edgecombe, on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Sidney Collie, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) at the Embassy of The Bahamas, 2220 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
A 36-year veteran of the RBPF, Detective Superintendent Edgecombe is the overseer of the Anti-Corruption Branch and Financial Crimes Unit for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Inspector Sears has served in law enforcement for over 31 years with expertise in narcotics, human trafficking, money laundering and currently works in the Anti-Corruption Branch. They are both representing The Bahamas at the ACAMS Anti-Financial Crime and Public Policy Conference.
According to its website the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) is the largest international membership organization dedicated to advancing the professional knowledge, skills and experience of those dedicated to the detection and prevention of money laundering around the world, and to promote the development and implementation of sound anti-money laundering policies and procedures.
“Prudent regulations, sensible laws and robust public policies are the foundation of anti-financial crime (AFC) efforts worldwide — and that requires shared values, common strategies and mutually agreeable goals on behalf of government agencies, private institutions and committed non-governmental organizations,” the website notes
“ACAMS’ Anti-Financial Crime and Public Policy Conference, February 6-7 in Washington, D.C., seeks to forge much-needed consensus on a myriad of AFC subjects, such as human trafficking, sanctions, financial inclusion and cybercrime,” the website adds. “At this unique assemblage of thought leaders, drawn from government, industry, NGOs and think tanks, diverse AFC constituencies will share insights and strategies for developing informed public policies that strengthen the fight against financial crime.”
The main themes at this year’s conference were:
- Human Trafficking: Fireside chat with Ann Wagner on what Congress is doing to combat and prevent this.
- Financial Inclusion: Insights on challenges faced by NPOs working in at-risk jurisdictions (including war-torn territories).
- Marijuana Laws: The latest on current and potential legislation affecting MRBs and those doing business with them.
