Financial Crime World

Title: African Union Mission Trains Somali Police on Financial Crime Investigations to Counter Terrorism

Overview

Mogadishu, Somalia - In a effort to enhance the Somali Police Force (SPF) capacity to combat financial crimes and support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) held a week-long intensive training for 25 criminal investigation officers.

Training Completion

  • Samuel Asiedu Okanta, ATMIS Police Training and Development Coordinator announced the completion of the training on Thursday, September 23, 2021.
  • Okanta described the training as a crucial step in increasing the proficiency of the recipient officers in the methodologies, tools, and techniques of financial intelligence.

Training Objectives

The training, delivered by ATMIS police trainers, focused on the following topics:

  • Financial Intelligence
  • Investigative Tactics for Combating Financial Crimes
  • The Financial Intelligence Cycle

Skills Acquired

Participants were equipped with the ability to:

  • Identify and investigate illicit transactions
  • identify and investigate illicit transactions, including terrorist financing, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

Impact on Counter-Terrorism Efforts

Okanta emphasized that this training initiative was essential to ATMIS’ broader strategy of preparing the SPF to reassume full security responsibilities upon the Mission’s exit from Somalia, scheduled for December 2021.

Importance of Criminal Investigation Department (CID)

  • Gedi Nur Mohamed, SPF Deputy Director of Training and Planning, echoed Okanta’s sentiments and underscored the crucial role of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in disrupting the financing systems of criminal networks to curb financial crimes and ensure national security.

Additional Instruction

Participants received intensive instruction on rudimentary fingerprinting techniques, expanding their understanding of fingerprints’ role in upholding justice, safeguarding communities, and maintaining the rule of law.

Background

ATMIS police advisors have been authorised to support Somali security forces since the Mission’s inception by providing specialized training, mentoring, and guidance. They also offer operational assistance through joint patrols and the protection of vital installations.