GAO Report Calls for Improved Planning to Deliver U.S. Terrorist Financing Training and Technical Assistance Abroad

On October 24, 2005, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report citing problems among U.S. agencies in the coordination of U.S. efforts to deliver counter-terrorism financing training and technical assistance abroad and calling for improvement of such efforts. GAO found that U.S. efforts to combat terrorist financing abroad include a number of interdependent activities ? terrorist designations, intelligence and law enforcement operations, standard setting, and training and technical assistance. First, the U.S. government designates terrorists, blocking their assets and financial transactions and supporting similar activities of other countries. Second, intelligence and law enforcement efforts include operations, investigations, and exchanging information and evidence with foreign counterparts. Third, U.S. agencies work through the U.N. and the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering to assist establish international standards to counter terrorism financing. Fourth, the U.S. government provides training and technical assistance directly to vulnerable countries and works with its allies to leverage resources ? [more]