Financial Crime World

UNODC Training Bolsters Cambodia’s Anti-Corruption Unit Against Hidden Finances and Transnational Crimes

Phnom Penh, Cambodia - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) conducted an intensive 5-day training for Cambodia’s Anti-Corruption Unit from late October to early November 2021. The training aimed to equip investigators with advanced techniques to combat financial crimes and follow the money trails behind corruption, money laundering, and other illicit activities.

Focus on Advanced Anti-Corruption Techniques and Information Exchange

The session included 26 legal, anti-corruption, and investigation officers who learned advanced anti-corruption techniques, information exchange, Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA), and evidence gathering.

Linked Crimes and Hidden Finances

Participants acknowledged that hidden finances and wealth can be linked to a variety of crimes. They practiced uncovering corruption red flags and experimented with different methods of information gathering, cooperation, and collaboration with agencies and countries.

Combatting Financial Crimes and Leveraging Information Sharing Channels

Understanding the challenges posed by hidden finances and financial crimes, the participants emphasized the importance of utilizing a wide range of information sharing channels. They emphasized that investigators should:

  • Leverage formal and informal channels for information exchange
  • Use initial information and intelligence gathered through informal police-to-police contacts
  • Employ formal MLA requests for evidence collection and execution of coercive measures

Article 46 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) mandates mutual legal assistance (MLA) among its State Parties. UNODC urged investigation officers to utilize both formal and informal channels for information exchange, as each offers unique benefits:

  • Formal channels: Access to detailed financial data, evidence collection, and execution of coercive measures
  • Informal channels: Quicker gathering of initial information and intelligence

The training was funded through the prosperity programming of the British Government, in line with UNCAC’s recommendations to build capacity to combat financial crimes. The public can access written summaries and footage (when available) of UNODC events on their website.

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