31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Chief Executive Officer, CAT Labs, Former U.S. Department of Justice Special Agent
December 9, 2025
Washington, DC., USA
Ms. Lilita Infante discussed the concept of the “digital kingpin,” criminals who exploit technology, particularly cryptocurrency, to scale their operations globally, likening them to modern-day Pablo Escobars. Drawing on over 13 years of experience, including her time as a DEA special agent and leading cryptocurrency-focused task forces, she highlighted how dark web markets and digital tools enable transnational crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering. She shared case studies, including the seizure of millions in cryptocurrency from dark web operators, demonstrating the importance of identifying private keys and high-value digital assets.
Ms. Infante emphasized that law enforcement must treat data as a critical asset, implement policies to scan for cryptocurrency, and prevent insider theft while maximizing seizures. She called on policymakers to create frameworks that empower agencies to reclaim illicit funds, redirect them to government use, and weaken criminal networks, arguing that proactive, technology-driven strategies present a unique opportunity to combat global financial crime effectively.
31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security forum, Washington, DC, December 9-10, 2025
Honored to follow the discussions from the 31st Parliamentary Intelligence & Security Forum in Washington, D.C., held on December 9–10, 2025. This global gathering highlights the urgent issues shaping today’s…
31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Mr. Dan Swift discussed how China is assisting Myanmar’s military in developing digital payment systems, including a central bank digital currency (CBDC), which could enable illicit finance flows at a…
31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit Finance
Mr. John Walsh began by acknowledging the longevity and importance of the forum, emphasizing that sustained relationships and collaboration across nations are key to its success. Drawing on his Wall…
31st Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Illicit finance
Honorable Michael McCaul opened by thanking Congressman Pittinger and the organizers for convening international parliamentarians, highlighting the forum as an important venue to discuss emerging global risks and shared challenges….
27th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum – 27th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum –
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Hon. Jerome Beaumont thanked the organizers and explained that he represents the Egmont Group, a global network linking 177 financial intelligence units (FIUs). He underscored that financial crime accounts for…
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Mariano Federici discussed the persistent issue of corruption. He highlighted corruption’s dual nature as both a threat and a vulnerability to a country’s stability. Corruption generates illicit proceeds, jeopardizing financial…
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Hon. Elżbieta Franków-Jaśkiewicz highlighted the severe and extensive impacts of illicit finance on a global scale, affecting businesses, economies, and nations. She emphasized the crucial role financial intelligence units (FIUs)…
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Mr. Tom Cardamone highlighted the organization’s focus on researching illicit financial flows, trade, money laundering, and transnational crime. He emphasized the significant challenges posed by counterfeiting and illegal trade, amounting…
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Hon. Jerome Beaumont acknowledged the vast and growing scope of illicit finance, quoting United Nations estimates of two to five trillion USD laundered annually. Hon. Beaumont delved into the challenges…
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Mr. John Cassara, having a background in international law enforcement for around 30 years, highlighted the aspect of China as a transnational criminal and money laundering threat. He mentioned a…
