On October 3, 2024, the III Sirius 2024 International Forum was held on the sidelines of the IV International Olympiad on Financial Security. The forum was dedicated to the risks of young people being involved in illegal activities and measures to prevent them. Ekaterina Kameneva, Vice-Rector for Educational and Methodological Work at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, participated in the expert discussion on ensuring financial security for the younger generation. The forum, held in a Q&A format, brought together over 1,000 participants from 36 countries, including finalists of the Olympiad, representatives from financial intelligence agencies, law enforcement, universities, the banking sector, and international organizations. The children were interested in issues related to combating fraud, countering the use of new technologies for illegal purposes and legislative regulation in the field of anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). Both the participants in the Olympiad and the speakers expressed concern about the involvement of young people in criminal activities. As the director of Rosfinmonitoring, Yuri Chikhanchin noted, it is important to talk about financial security issues from a young age, to show young people how they can become involved in crime and the consequences that may result. The recently established International Movement on Financial Security aims to become a platform for educating young people from different countries about combating money laundering and financing terrorism. "It is essential to teach young people how to distinguish between good and bad, and to share knowledge and experiences with each other. I would like young people to become part of the national anti-money laundering system as a crucial component, which will help us keep criminal money from entering our lives. Naturally, young people should be heard," said Yuri Chikhanchin. Commenting on the results of the Sirius discussion, Ekaterina Kameneva emphasized the significant role of the Olympiad movement in promoting financial security principles and attracting talented young people to work on current challenges. She said, "The Olympiad undoubtedly serves as a good starting point. It is a start for friendship, self-discovery, and career development. If you are a determined, persistent, and active individual, the Olympiad on Financial Security could be a stepping stone for your success. For instance, Alexander Yashchenko, a second-year master's student, came to Sirius for the fourth time as an employee of PSB Bank." Following the results of the Forum, a declaration was adopted. The document emphasizes the importance of establishing and promoting the International Movement on Financial Security and uniting the efforts of all countries to counter common challenges and threats, such as financial fraud, corruption, money laundering, drug trafficking, terrorist financing, and the use of modern technologies for criminal purposes. It also highlights the involvement of the general public in "fraud" and the use of young people in illegal activities.
