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Purpose In 2008, the author wrote on the Concept of “Money Laundering Control: The Missing Link in Trinidad and Tobago. Now, approximately two years after that seminal assessment, the author has re-assessed the domestic anti-money laundering (AML) framework, with particular reference to the controls in place to address money laundering (ML) and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime. This paper aims to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the newly implemented regime and considers whether it meets international standards. Design/methodology/approach This analysis embraces a pluralist approach. Within this assessment, a case study method is used with contextual qualitative analysis. Empirical data is analyzed and causal connections are linked to the analysis. Findings This research highlights catalytic change and creativity in addressing deficiencies within the AML architecture in Trinidad and Tobago. Upon analysis, it is pellucid that a radically altered criminal justice landscape has emerged and a more aggressive and targeted approach to address ML and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime is apparent. The result is a shift in paradigm with tangible outcomes to suggest that the strategies have borne fruit and that the twin island Republic is indeed committed to strengthening the link. Research limitations/implications Findings are limited to Trinidad and Tobago and to the period ended April 2020. Originality/value As a country with a medium to high ML risk, the possible negative socio-economic effects of ML cannot be underscored. Disruption of ML and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime are, therefore, imperative. This paper considers the progress made in addressing these pertinent issues and assists in assessing the effects of the reformation efforts undertaken by Trinidad and Tobago.

Purpose This paper aims to examine the socio-economic effect of money laundering in Trinidad and Tobago. It assesses the efficacy of the administration of justice in addressing money laundering and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime. It identifies deficiencies within the existing anti-money laundering system and provides recommendations to ensure a robust anti-money laundering framework in keeping with international standards. Design/methodology/approach The paper embraces a pluralist approach. It uses qualitative and quantitative methods and uses a case study approach with contextual qualitative analysis. Empirical data are used and causal connections are linked to the analysis. Findings The paper highlights a fragmented and inefficient system in addressing money laundering and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime. It concludes that a robust money laundering framework, which meets international standards, requires strong legislative and institutional alignments that promote timeliness, collaboration and efficiency across many agencies. Research limitations/implications Findings are limited to Trinidad and Tobago and to the period ending December 2018. Accordingly, these findings lack generalisability. Practical implications Trinidad and Tobago needs to revisit its silo approach to anti-money laundering (AML). New policies which embrace harmonisation, collaboration and timeliness in adjudicating upon ML matters are critical. Social implications The negative socio-economic effects of money-laundering are considered in this paper. A disruption of money laundering and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime, benefits society economically and socially. Originality/value Trinidad and Tobago has been listed as a country with strategic AML deficiencies by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This study provides assistance in guiding much needed reform in the anti-money laundering area and has not before been undertaken.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious cause of chronic liver disease worldwide with more than 170 million infected individuals at risk of developing significant morbidity and mortality 1 , 2 , 3 . Current interferon-based therapies 4 are suboptimal especially in patients infected with HCV genotype 1, and they are poorly tolerated, highlighting the unmet medical need for new therapeutics 5 , 6 . The HCV-encoded NS3 protease is essential for viral replication 7 , 8 and has long been considered an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in HCV-infected patients. Here we identify a class of specific and potent NS3 protease inhibitors and report the evaluation of BILN 2061, a small molecule inhibitor biologically available through oral ingestion and the first of its class in human trials. Administration of BILN 2061 to patients infected with HCV genotype 1 for 2 days resulted in an impressive reduction of HCV RNA plasma levels, and established proof-of-concept in humans for an HCV NS3 protease inhibitor. Our results further illustrate the potential of the viral-enzyme-targeted drug discovery approach for the development of new HCV therapeutics.

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