As global trade slowed due to the pandemic, the importance of international cooperation became increasingly evident. Against this backdrop, the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Global Regional Intelligence Liaison Office Network (RILO Network) held its second informal virtual meeting on October 8, 2020, to enhance collaboration and solidarity among members.
Representatives from all 11 global RILOs gathered virtually, with simultaneous interpretation provided in both official WCO languages to ensure seamless communication.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Stefan Kirsch, WCO Deputy Director of Compliance and Enforcement, emphasized the growing importance of WCO's regional structures during global uncertainty. He stressed the need to increase their visibility and highlighted the WCO Secretariat's ongoing efforts to promote the global RILO network.
"RILOs play a crucial role as intelligence hubs and capacity-building providers while supporting all enforcement activities across the customs community," Kirsch noted.
The pandemic has fundamentally changed global operations, necessitating new approaches to collaboration. These virtual meetings provide stability for daily cooperation among stakeholders, enabling the WCO Secretariat and global RILO network to adapt quickly and better support the broader customs community.
Data Quality: A Cornerstone of Effective Enforcement
As frontline operators, RILOs bear significant responsibility for encouraging member participation in data submission and ensuring the quality of information in the CEN system. High-quality data forms the foundation for intelligence analysis and is critical for combating cross-border crime effectively.
RILOs must actively guide customs administrations to prioritize data reporting while providing necessary training and support to improve accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
Combatting Wildlife Crime Through Risk Assessment
The meeting extensively discussed RILOs' pivotal role in maintaining and promoting WCO's Regional Risk Matrix for Illegal Wildlife and Timber Trade. This tool identifies high-risk trade routes, species, and actors, enabling targeted enforcement operations.
Participants agreed that RILOs should actively contribute to updating and refining the risk matrix while ensuring its widespread adoption among member administrations to enhance wildlife crime prevention.
Strategic Participation in WCO Forums
Discussion also covered RILO involvement in upcoming WCO meetings, including the 14th Global Information and Intelligence Strategy (GIIS) working group session, the 17th WCO Counterfeiting and Piracy (CAP) group meeting, and the 7th Tax Compliance and Fraud working group conference.
Active participation allows RILOs to stay informed about WCO policies while sharing best practices with peers, thereby increasing their influence within the global customs community.
Preparing for the Global RILO Conference
Organizational matters for the 28th Global RILO Conference were addressed, with the event serving as a key platform for knowledge exchange and cooperative planning. The conference will focus on current challenges and opportunities while developing strategic directions for the network's future.
A Network Built for Global Challenges
The global RILO network remains an essential WCO component in fighting transnational crime and facilitating secure trade. As international complexities grow, the network must strengthen cooperation and capabilities to address emerging threats while contributing to global economic security.
Looking ahead, the network will focus on five strategic priorities:
1. Enhanced Intelligence Sharing: Developing more efficient mechanisms for timely information exchange about criminal trends.
2. Capacity Development: Delivering targeted training to improve members' analytical and enforcement skills.
3. Global Partnerships: Deepening collaboration with international organizations and law enforcement agencies.
4. Digital Transformation: Leveraging big data and AI to advance intelligence capabilities.
5. Structural Optimization: Clarifying roles and responsibilities to improve operational efficiency.
The Value of Virtual Collaboration
The successful virtual meeting demonstrated the viability of digital platforms for maintaining international cooperation during travel restrictions. Beyond pandemic response, such formats offer cost efficiency, time savings, broader participation, and environmental benefits through reduced carbon emissions.
As global challenges persist, the customs community's commitment to collaborative solutions remains unwavering. Through strengthened networks and innovative approaches, the RILO system continues to adapt, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of international trade security.