Office for Prevention and Fight against Money Laundering Delegation Visits Lithuania to Strengthen AML Capabilities
As part of the EU-funded project “Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration”, representatives of Moldova’s Office for Prevention and Dight against Money Laundering, accompanied by the EU High Level Adviser on Anti-Corruption, Anti-Money Laundering, and Asset Recovery, carried out a three-day study visit to Lithuania. The visit aimed to deepen institutional knowledge and practical understanding in two priority areas outlined in Moldova’s Growth Plan: the regulation of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) and crypto-related risks, and the establishment of an AML Training Centre in Moldova.
The study visit was structured around a series of targeted meetings with Lithuanian institutions at the forefront of financial crime prevention, offering an opportunity to exchange experience, explore operational models, and build direct institutional partnerships.
On June 30, the delegation visited the Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) in Vilnius, with discussions focusing on Lithuania’s experience in regulating and supervising VASPs, the role and daily operations of the Lithuanian FIU, and challenges arising from the increasing use of crypto-assets in financial transactions. Later the same day, the delegation travelled to Kaunas to explore the FNTT Competence Valley – a unique national hub for training and innovation. The Moldovan team was introduced to the structure and content of both internal and external training programmes offered by FNTT.
On July 1, the delegation held meetings with the Special Investigation Service (STT). The focus was on institutional integrity and capacity building, with demonstrations of two complementary e-learning platforms: the Integrity Academy– a hybrid, semi-virtual training environment – and the fully digital eLearning platform, both widely used to promote ethics and anti-corruption awareness within the Lithuanian public sector.
On July 2, the final day of the visit, the Moldovan delegation met with the AML Centre of Excellence in Vilnius. Operated under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, the Centre serves as a collaborative platform for financial institutions, supervisory bodies, and law enforcement. Discussions focused on the Centre’s governance structure, training activities, and cooperation with fintech and crypto companies. Participants exchanged views on the challenges these companies face in integrating into the Centre’s operations and becoming full members or active contributors.
This visit provided a valuable opportunity for practical learning and direct engagement with Lithuanian institutions implementing cutting-edge AML strategies.
The project team warmly thanks all Lithuanian counterparts for their openness and willingness to share their accumulated experience. Special recognition goes to the Moldovan FIU delegation for their professionalism, active participation, and commitment to making the most of a tightly packed and content-rich programme.