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April 9, 2024

Opaque Shell Companies: A Risk to National Security, Public Health, and Rule of Law

Washington, DC – At 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control will hold a hearing entitled, “Opaque Shell Companies: A Risk to National Security, Public Health, and Rule of Law.”  The hearing will examine the ways in which opaque corporate structures facilitate transnational criminal activity, undermine accountability, and threaten U.S. national security.  The Caucus will discuss the ways in which shell companies have been used to finance, traffic, and launder the proceeds from illicit narcotics and synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.

EVENT:         Senate Drug Caucus hearing on “Opaque Shell Companies: A Risk to National Security, Public Health, and Rule of Law”

WHEN:          Tuesday, April 9, 2:00 p.m.

WHERE:       Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 608

WHO:             Witness List

  • Elaine Dezenski, Senior Director and Head of the Center on Economic and Financial Power, Foundation for Defense of Democracies
  • Erica Hanichak, Government Affairs Director, Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition
  • Rebecca Shea, Director, Forensic Audits and Investigative Service, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) 
  • Don Im, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (Retired), Special Operations Division, Drug Enforcement Administration

Established in 1985, the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, consists of seven members, with four belonging to the majority party.  The Caucus, which is authorized in law and has the status of a standing committee, has held hearings on strengthening U.S. counter-narcotics efforts around the world, narcotics-related corruption, as well as addressing the drug overdose epidemic in America.  In the past decade, the Caucus has drafted reports on the drug trade in Afghanistan, the Caribbean, Mexico, and West Africa, and the connection between U.S. money laundering and organized crime.

Opening Statements

CHAIRMAN (D - RI)

Sheldon Whitehouse

Sen. Whitehouse’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery.

CO-CHAIR (R - IA)

Chuck Grassley

Sen. Grassely’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery.

Witnesses

Elaine Dezenski

Senior Director and Head of the Center on Economic and Financial Power, Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Erica Hanichak

Government Affairs Director, Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition

Rebecca Shea

Director, Forensic Audits and Investigative Service, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Don Im

Assistant Special Agent in Charge (Retired), Special Operations Division, Drug Enforcement Administration

Hearing Transcript