Episode 25: The Concept of the NCC on Combating Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism – its objectives and achievements four years after its establishment

In this episode, we have a chat with Dr. Helga Buttigieg Debono, Executive Head, National Coordinating Committee on Combating Money Laundering & Funding of Terrorism about "The Concept of the National Coordinating Committee on Combating Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism – its objectives and achievements four years after its establishment "

Dr. Helga Buttigieg Debono was appointed as the Executive Head of the National Coordinating Committee for Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Secretariat in June 2018. She currently leads a team of professionals including strategic and implementation analysts involved in assessing the risks attributed to Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism. The Secretariat she leads is responsible for the coordination of the various competent authorities currently involved in the prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism. This Secretariat also aims to facilitate not only the cooperation but also the sharing of intelligence between the participating stakeholders so that the local system may effectively address the deduction and prevention of all money-laundering related crimes in order to ensure the stability and integrity of Malta’s economy. This Secretariat is the administrative arm of the National Coordinating Committee for Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism.Dr. Buttigieg Debono holds a B.A. (Hon) degree in Contemporary Mediterranean Studies where she read subjects including Anthropology, Geography, History and International Relations. She also holds a Doctorate of Laws degree and was granted a warrant to practice in the Maltese Courts as a lawyer in 2012.Prior to being appointed in her current role, Dr. Buttigieg Debono served as a Police Inspector within the Maltese Police Force where, as high-ranking official she acquired experience in the field after serving within the Economic Crimes Unit and Money Laundering Sections. This position helped her develop investigative skills, management experience, and prosecution abilities.After resigning from the Police Force in 2006, she acquired her Doctorate in Law and was granted her warrant to practice as a private lawyer. She has served in the Criminal and Civil Courts and is versed in court procedures and litigation. Before engaging in her current role, Dr. Buttigieg Debono was also previously employed as a lawyer specialised in the vetting of contracts with a leading Maltese bank and has also served as member of the board of two government authorities.