Togo: The Country strengthens its capacity to combat customs fraud in collaboration with the WCO
The WCO (World Customs Organization) is holding a regional workshop in Lome, the capital of Togo, focused on gathering operational customs practices in the fight against fraud and seizures, also known as COPES (Collection of Operational Customs Practices). The workshop was officially launched on Monday, September 26, 2023, by Atta-Kakra Essien, Commissioner of Customs and Indirect Taxes at the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR).
The central objective of this workshop is to highlight effective customs operational practices in the fight against fraud and seizures.
This event has brought together representatives from five countries, namely Cameroon, Congo, Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and, of course, Togo.
Discussions and training sessions will span several days, running until September 29.
Commissioner Atta-Kakra Essien emphasized the importance of this initiative in the current context of international trade.
He noted that customs have traditionally focused primarily on their role of revenue collection for a long time.
However, with the rise of international trade, customs worldwide are called upon to simplify their procedures and facilitate customs clearance to ensure the free movement of goods and people.
In other words, there is a need to shift from intensive control to more targeted and effective control.
According to Mr. Essien, this workshop is a welcome opportunity to enhance conventional customs control practices.
He also expressed OTR’s gratitude to the WCO for its commitment to strengthening customs and promoting security in international trade.
The training workshop covers various topics related to modern customs fraud prevention.
Participants benefit from theoretical modules and practical exercises that familiarize them with the methods used by smugglers of illicit goods.
The training also covers concealment methods, advanced search techniques, targeting, and effective examination of high-risk goods, as well as international best practices.
Pierre Bertrand, an expert from the WCO, expressed hope that all participants would leave this session with a deep understanding of the topics discussed and be able to provide cascade training to their customs colleagues, thereby contributing to strengthening the fight against customs fraud and organized crime.
It is important to note that this regional WCO workshop in Togo demonstrates the commitment of Togolese authorities under the enlightened leadership of President Faure Gnassingbé to enhance their capacity to combat customs fraud while aligning with international standards and best practices.
It also illustrates the importance of regional cooperation in the fight against illicit activities related to international trade.
Yoann Amouzou
