The IBA’s 27th Annual Transnational Crime Conference in Santiago
Jean-Luc Putz
Arendt & Medernach, Luxembourg
From 14 to 16 May 2025, the Transnational Crime Conference, now in its 27th edition, took place in the vibrant city of Santiago, Chile. Organised and co-presented by the IBA Criminal Law Committee and the Business Crime Committee, supported by the Latin American Regional Forum, the event brought together leading practitioners, regulators, academics and corporate counsel from across the globe to discuss key developments and challenges in the fight against transnational crime.
This year’s conference was Co-Chaired by Adriana de Buerba from Pérez-Llorca and Cristián Francos from Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss.
The conference kicked off ‘in style’ on Wednesday evening, just as the programme promised, with a reception on the rooftop of the Ritz-Carlton, the conference hotel. For the occasion, the veranda, normally home to the relaxation area and pool, was transformed into an elegant reception venue. Thankfully, no guests ended up in the pool!
The first jealous glances occurred when some attendees shared that they had arrived several days earlier to explore Tierra del Fuego, the Andes, the Atacama Desert and even Easter Island.
The next morning, the conference opened with a keynote address by Matías Vicente Walker Prieto, Senator of the Republic of Chile. He presented the challenges his country is facing in regard to the fight against economic crime and the recent related legislative changes.
From the first panel of the morning, on corruption in sports, the mood in the room was set, as Saverio Lembo from Bär & Karrer, in his role as panel moderator, was gifted a jersey from his favourite football club, which he immediately put on (over his shirt).
The panels were progressively more interesting. The coffee breaks were also well attended and offered a great opportunity to exchange views and experiences in the fight against cross-border crime (or on other subjects).
Shuttles then took the attendees to the Host Committee Welcome Reception at Viña Santa Carolina.
A few words on culture and history: the historic Viña Santa Carolina estate, nestled in the Macul district of Santiago, was founded in 1875. The iconic winery is one of Chile’s oldest and is recognised as a national monument. Its cellars and gardens provided a unique setting to enjoy some of the finest wines that reflect Chile’s rich viticultural heritage.
What was once a vineyard on the outskirts of the city is now engulfed by the ever-expanding Santiago city area. Nevertheless, the place has lost none of its magic and charm. The host committee truly spoiled us with a wine tasting, followed by a dinner fit for a royal wedding.
