The OECD says the issue of illicit financial flows (IFFS) is at the forefront of the international agenda. Both the OECD and the [High Level Panel](http://www.uneca.org/iff) on IFFS from Africa have focused attention on this problem – and have identified ways in which to tackle it. In the wake of recent revelations in the media exposing the use of secrecy, shell companies, and offshore accounts for illegal activities, it says, there is an urgent need for the international community to come together, as money-laundering, tax evasion and international bribery which form the bulk of IFFs, affect all countries.
Click [here](http://www.oecd.org/tax/exchange-of-tax-information/joint-statement-on-the-fight-against-illicit-financial-flows-by-angel-gurria-and-thabo-mbeki.htm) for the full joint statement from OECD Secretary General Angel Gurría and Thabo Mbeki, Chair of the High Level Panel, and [here](http://www.oecd.org/tax/visit-of-thabo-mbeki-and-the-high-level-panel-on-illicit-financial-flows-from-africa-introductory-remarks.htm) for the Secretary-General’s introductory remarks on the occasion of the visit from High Level Panel colleagues.