From 9 to 12 June 2025, RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation, in partnership with the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), hosted the “Counterproliferation Finance Investigations Course” at its headquarters in Rakitje, the Republic of Croatia.
Designed to address one of today’s most pressing transnational security threats, the Course focused on enhancing investigative techniques and tools to counter the financial systems underpinning the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and dual-use items.
The Opening address was delivered by RADM Predrag Stipanović, Deputy Director of RACVIAC, who extended a special welcome to Maj Mark L. Fox of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and a team of expert instructors from the United States. He expressed sincere appreciation for DTRA’s longstanding support, which continues to play a vital role in strengthening security cooperation across the region. In his remarks RADM Stipanović emphasized the growing threat posed by proliferation finance, including the misuse of alternative financial mechanisms such as virtual currencies. He highlighted the critical importance of regional cooperation and capacity building in equipping enforcement authorities to effectively counter these rapidly evolving and complex challenges.
The four-day program featured a dynamic mix of expert-led lectures, interactive case studies, and a comprehensive tabletop exercise. The topics included an Introduction to proliferation finance and international financial systems, the Use of sanctions, asset forfeiture, and investigative techniques, Money laundering mechanisms and related prosecution efforts, Investigations involving Virtual currency, blockchain, and the dark web, and Private sector outreach and cross-border cooperation.
A key highlight of the Course was the in-depth tabletop exercise, designed to provide participants with practical tools and simulate real-world decision-making in financial investigation scenarios.
The Course was concluded with Closing remarks by Biserka Petrovska, Programme Manager in RACVIAC Countering Transnational Security Threats Pillar, who praised the commitment and engagement of all participants and extended gratitude to the expert instructors and DTRA for their continuous support.
Certificates of participation were presented to all attendees, marking the completion of an impactful and timely training initiative.
