Paul Jevtovic APM has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).
The agency provides intelligence that is critical to detecting and disrupting terrorism financing and money laundering in Australia.
Mr Jevtovic is an experienced investigator, intelligence professional and crime fighter.
His 33 years in policing and intelligence operations will activate a new direction for AUSTRAC.
Terrorists and criminals cannot operate without funds and Mr Jevtovic has the right vision to ensure AUSTRAC plays an integral part in our national security and crime fighting network to shut down the money trail.
Mr Jevtovic was recently responsible for the Australian Crime Commission-led Eligo Taskforce which tackled serious money laundering operations across Australia, so far seizing over $600 million in cash and drugs.
He is currently serving as Executive Director Operations in the Australian Crime Commission, and has acted as the CEO of the Australian Crime Commission for seven months. Prior to this, he was Deputy Director of the Victorian Office of Police Integrity.
These roles followed a 28-year career with the Australian Federal Police. Mr Jevtovic was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2007.
Mr Jevtovic’s first priorities include delivering on the Coalition Government’s recent $20 million investment boost AUSTRAC’s ability to stop cash being funnelled to terrorists from Australia, and to crackdown on the money laundering of organised crime that funds the drug trade such as crystal meth.
He will also be reaching out to the private sector in order to build the relationship between AUSTRAC and the companies they regulate. It is critical that the burden of regulation is right and the fight against terrorism financing and money laundering is done through a partnership with the private sector.
I congratulate Mr Jevtovic on his appointment as CEO of an organisation which plays a vital role in protecting Australia from national security threats and serious and organised crime.
Mr Jevtovic will start in his new role on 17 November 2014.