The US Government Perspective: Emerging Trends & Risks in Sanctions Evasion

Darren B. McCormack currently serves as a Deputy Special Agent  in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York  Field Office. In this executive-level position, Mr. McCormack   provides operational oversight of all investigative and   administrative functions of the HSI personnel operating within the   El Dorado Task Force (EDTF). The EDTF is an HSI NY led elite,  multinational law enforcement coalition dedicated to combating complex financial crimes, high value fraud, and the illicit financial networks of narcotics cartels and other transnational criminal  organizations (TCOs). By harnessing cutting-edge artificial intelligence, blockchain analytics, and  cyber forensic capabilities, the EDTF systematically disrupts illicit financial ecosystems and  ensures justice for victims through asset recovery and repatriation. In addition to the operational  aspects of the EDTF, Mr. McCormack oversees the HSI New York Intelligence program as well  as all operational functions of the Special Response Team (SRT) and Tactics Program.  

Mr. McCormack has served in numerous executive leadership positions in HSI headquarters in  Washington D.C. to include Deputy Assistant Director of Cyber and Operational Technology,  HSI’s enterprise foundational technology division and Deputy Assistant Director of HSI’s  National Security Division, both assisting in the management of a workforce of over 9,000 in 50+  countries.  

Mr. McCormack was the Assistant Attaché for HSI Attaché Vienna, Austria. He was the lead  diplomatic and law enforcement representative for the U.S. Government on all DHS equities  related to multi-lateral international cooperation, criminal investigations, and U.S. national  security in over twenty European countries.  

Mr. McCormack has been presented with multiple DHS Director’s Awards and has received  numerous foreign and domestic awards and commendations. Additionally, Mr. McCormack sits  on the advisory board for Facing Fentanyl where he developed and designed initiatives that offer  resources, education, and support to families affected by substance abuse and fentanyl poisoning,  and Wonder Girls USA, a not-for-profit empowerment program for middle, high school, and  college girls with a mission to build confidence, leadership, community, and business skills. Mr.  McCormack is regularly requested for domestic/international speaking engagements and has  taught numerous classes at Columbia’s School of International & Public Affairs and George  Mason University.  

Ivy Llena has over 14 years of experience in the learning and development field, providing capacity-building and professional development programs for corporate and social service agencies in the US and the Philippines.
Before joining ACSS, she was a program director at a non-profit organization in the Philippines, where she co-designed and co-implemented economic empowerment programs and services for survivors of human trafficking and their families. Ivy also served at the Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis, where she led and contributed to inclusive economic growth initiatives.