Financial Crime World

Madagascar Boosts Financial Crime Investigation Capacity with COMESA Training

Enhancing Capacity to Combat Financial Crimes

Antananarivo, March 6, 2020 - Madagascar has taken a significant step towards strengthening its ability to combat financial crimes by training 54 law enforcement personnel in money laundering and terrorism financing investigation techniques. The training was conducted by the COMESA Maritime Security (MASE) programme, which aims to enhance regional capacity to tackle transnational organized crimes.

Workshop Highlights

  • The two-day workshop, held on March 4-5 in Antananarivo, brought together magistrates, prosecutors, police officers, financial intelligence unit officials, anti-corruption commission representatives, central intelligence services personnel, and others.
  • The training covered various investigative techniques, including:
    • Surveillance
    • Undercover operations
    • Wiretapping
    • Accessing computer systems

Handover of Numeric Platform

The event marked the handover of a numeric platform developed by COMESA MASE to Madagascar’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-SAMIFIN) for use by stakeholders in the country. FIU-SAMIFIN Director General Boto Tsara Dia Lamina praised COMESA for its support, stating that it would facilitate information sharing and help crack down on financial crimes.

Membership and Cooperation

Madagascar has also gained full membership of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), thanks to COMESA’s support. MASE Coordinator Dalitso Bonongwe encouraged law enforcement agencies to work together and establish formal means of cooperation, including memoranda of understanding with financial intelligence units.

Importance of Effective Interventions

“In the fight against money laundering, effective interventions are crucial to deter criminals from perpetrating such crimes,” said Ms. Bonongwe. “LEAs must think beyond traditional offenses and follow dirty money to recover associated assets.”

COMESA’s Efforts

The training is part of COMESA’s efforts to strengthen capacity against money laundering and terrorism financing in member states. The programme aims to identify specific Anti-Money Laundering (AML) needs and provide support accordingly.

Law Enforcement Agencies’ Role

Law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in the fight against financial crimes, including investigations, prosecutions, and asset recovery. They are tasked with using intelligence from financial intelligence units to bring criminals to justice. COMESA is one of four regional bodies implementing the EU-funded Regional Maritime Security Programme.