24th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance
President and Chief Executive Officer, SightSpan Inc. Washington D.C., United States
February 23, 2023
Parlatino, Panama
Mr. John Walsh explained that the UN estimates that money laundering is about 2–5% of the world’s GDP, which places it around 2 million plus 2 million a year, which would make it one of the world’s largest businesses. Mr. Walsh explained that one of the things they were always concerned about was the next generation and how they would educate them about this problematic issue and how they would convince younger people to fight it. He explained that they’re struggling with that because criminality and money laundering are very profitable.
31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security forum, Washington, DC, December 9-10, 2025
Honored to follow the discussions from the 31st Parliamentary Intelligence & Security Forum in Washington, D.C., held on December 9–10, 2025. This global gathering highlights the urgent issues shaping today’s…
31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Mr. Dan Swift discussed how China is assisting Myanmar’s military in developing digital payment systems, including a central bank digital currency (CBDC), which could enable illicit finance flows at a…
31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Ms. Lilita Infante discussed the concept of the “digital kingpin,” criminals who exploit technology, particularly cryptocurrency, to scale their operations globally, likening them to modern-day Pablo Escobars. Drawing on over…
31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Mr. John Walsh began by acknowledging the longevity and importance of the forum, emphasizing that sustained relationships and collaboration across nations are key to its success. Drawing on his Wall…
31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit finance
Honorable Michael McCaul opened by thanking Congressman Pittinger and the organizers for convening international parliamentarians, highlighting the forum as an important venue to discuss emerging global risks and shared challenges….
27th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum – 27th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum –
Hon. John Cassara addressed a critical question: how effective is the global fight against international money laundering? His assessment was blunt—despite decades of effort and enormous spending, results remain deeply…
27th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Hon. Jerome Beaumont thanked the organizers and explained that he represents the Egmont Group, a global network linking 177 financial intelligence units (FIUs). He underscored that financial crime accounts for…
27th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Hon. John Walsh emphasized that terrorist financing, organized crime, and cybercrime should be treated as forms of illicit activity rather than rigidly separated by labels. While terrorist groups may be…
26th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Mariano Federici discussed the persistent issue of corruption. He highlighted corruption’s dual nature as both a threat and a vulnerability to a country’s stability. Corruption generates illicit proceeds, jeopardizing financial…
26th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Hon. Elżbieta Franków-Jaśkiewicz highlighted the severe and extensive impacts of illicit finance on a global scale, affecting businesses, economies, and nations. She emphasized the crucial role financial intelligence units (FIUs)…
26th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Mr. Tom Cardamone highlighted the organization’s focus on researching illicit financial flows, trade, money laundering, and transnational crime. He emphasized the significant challenges posed by counterfeiting and illegal trade, amounting…
26th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Hon. Jerome Beaumont acknowledged the vast and growing scope of illicit finance, quoting United Nations estimates of two to five trillion USD laundered annually. Hon. Beaumont delved into the challenges…
