Dubai Customs conducted a training workshop for its inspectors and intelligence department staff in cooperation with Her Majesty Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on “Illegitimate Trade and Securing Borders”.
H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, executive directors at Dubai Customs, Sophia Brecknell, Deputy British Ambassador, Thomas Stapleton - Fiscal Crime Liaison Regional Manager, and HMRC’s training teams (Intelligence Development Team, Fiscal Border Debrief Intelligence team Team and Tiger Team) attended the closing ceremony.
The three-day training workshop, which targeted 20 employees from the Inspection Division and the Customs Intelligence Department, aimed at exchanging best practices and raising awareness around threats including fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and illicit tobacco trade. The focus of the workshop was to increase customs authorities’ understanding of the threats, routings, and concealment methods, and how to analyse freight documentation effectively, and to identify the indicators that lead to detection. The workshop also highlighted the means and approaches to follow to create a hostile environment for Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) who seek to smuggle illicit goods.
In his speech at the honouring ceremony, H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih said, “The workshop was an opportunity for Dubai Customs to learn latest practices, with more insight on how to tackle risks, concealment methods, threats, tax evasion and illegitimate trade.
Cooperating with the UK’s HM Revenue & Customs enhances the overall partnership between our countries and help us exchange knowledge and experiences to tackle common challenges including international tobacco fraud and money laundering.
At Dubai Customs, we develop new ways to help employees and inspectors increase their knowledge and refine their skills, especially what is related to the security of the borders. At the same time, we facilitate global trade relying on our advanced infrastructure and skilled and professional employees.”
Sophia Brecknell applauded Dubai Customs’ vital role in facilitating trade and securing the borders.
“We cooperate with Dubai Customs, being a strategic partner, and they are very active and helpful in sharing and exchanging important ideas, information and experiences. This is very helpful in fighting fraud and smuggling illegitimate tobacco products.”
Along the same line, Thomas Stapleton said cooperating with Dubai Customs is essential in supporting legitimate trade and tackling the illegal activities of Organised Crime Groups.
At the end of the ceremony, H.E Ahmed Mahboob Musabih honoured the UK Embassy’s officials and the teams who conducted the training.