BAKU - President Ilham Aliyev said proceeds from the illegal exploitation of Azerbaijan’s natural resources during nearly 30 years of occupation were laundered through international financial channels.
Aliyev made the statement in an address to the Third Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Baku on Oct. 28. Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev read the president’s message to participants, according to Vesti Baku.
Proceeds Moved Through International Channels
“During the nearly 30-year occupation of our territories, the illegal exploitation of our natural resources, including mineral deposits, involving foreign entities caused severe environmental damage to the region,” the president said. “Substantial proceeds derived from these crimes were laundered through international financial channels.”
Aliyev said corruption undermines public trust in state institutions and damages social justice, fair competition and economic development. Its transnational nature requires action at both the national and international levels, he said.
He described the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Convention on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation as a common legal framework for OIC member states and said Azerbaijan’s accession to it was important for strengthening international cooperation.
AI and Digital Finance Bring New Risks
The president also warned that digital development, particularly the rapid spread of artificial intelligence, can help authorities fight corruption while creating opportunities for new forms of wrongdoing and the misuse of digital financial instruments.
Law enforcement bodies must use modern technological tools effectively to prevent and investigate such crimes, Aliyev said. He also cited Azerbaijan’s efforts to modernize legislation, improve transparency and accountability in public administration, digitize public services and strengthen public oversight.
The Oct. 27-28 gathering at the Baku Convention Center brought together more than 250 participants, including representatives of 48 of the OIC’s 57 member states and leaders of 30 government agencies, according to Trend. Participants were expected to discuss information sharing, recovery of illicit assets and implementation of the Makkah convention.