Co-organised by EU-funded GIFP actions COLIBRI and MASIF, the third meeting of the working group (WG) on general aviation (GA) took place on 14 June 2023 at the Headquarters of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). Implemented in a hybrid format it allowed for the participation of a wider range of experts and stakeholders including law enforcement from seven different countries as well as intergovernmental organisations and relevant international projects and partners.
The meeting focussed on two overarching topics, the objectives of the WG and the current state of play of GA. These two were addressed through the following subtopics, the functioning and possible further strengthening of the WG, changes in current and new illicit routes, challenges and constraints on law enforcement caused by preexisting legal framework, access to data, etc. COLIBRI also took this opportunity to present its ongoing work on the use of open-source information by law enforcement agencies in monitoring GA. Additionally, representatives from Brazil, France, Nigeria and the UK, presented individual case studies of specific responses to the criminal use of GA, as a means of sharing how challenges were surmounted and good practices applied.
GAWG continues to serve as an important open forum for experts with complementary backgrounds to share their experience and challenges. These types of forums are crucial for building comprehensive approaches to monitoring and controlling the criminal use of GA. The fight against transnational organised crime is mined with challenges. Nevertheless, this WG is a step forward in enhancing the resilience of partner countries in countering this threat as well as in elaborating solutions and strategies for facing future challenges.
