Russia and South Africa yesterday joined the Financial Action Task Force, the international body that fights money laundering and terrorism financing, organisers of an FATF meeting in Berlin said.

The two countries had eliminated major irregularities and had made progress in their legislation against money laundering, FATF said.

Russia's admission to the Paris-based body had been expected, having been signaled by a German government source this week.

By contrast, the source had seen the acceptance of South Africa in the group as highly unlikely at this time.

Both countries had had observer status at the FATF, created in 1990 by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to fight dirty money and since September 11, 2001, to choke the flow of funds to terror groups.

An FATF delegation wound up a week-long visit to Russia in late April, saying it would recommend giving Moscow full membership.

Until last October, Russia had featured on a list of countries considered too lax in combatting financial crime.

FATF is an independent body of officials and experts from 29 countries, the European Union's executive commission and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Germany currently holds the presidency. - Sapa-AFP.