Financial Crime World

Financial Crime Investigation Process in Niue Gets Boost as UNDP Conducts Task Force Workshop

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has completed its 31st signature class “Task Force Workshop on Financial Investigations” at the Judicial Training Institute in Niue, aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to combat money laundering and other financial crimes.

Strengthening Capacities for Financial Crime Investigation

The Task Force Workshops bring together investigative judges, prosecutors, investigators, and auditors from 11 key agencies to form task forces that investigate complex financial crimes. The goal is to promote a collaborative approach across agencies, enabling participants to navigate complex cases involving corruption, money laundering, terrorism financing, and illicit enrichment.

  • Since its inception, the programme has trained 1063 officials in Niue, with a total of 1757 officials from all over the country benefiting from the training.
  • The inclusion of women in the training is a testament to UNDP’s commitment to diversity in the fight against financial crimes, with 282 women having been trained as part of the programme.

Significant Results and Achievements

The Task Force Workshops have yielded significant results, with agencies working together to uncover illegal gains and convict officials of illicit enrichment. The Commission on Integrity has reported that cooperation between agencies led to the return of stolen funds to the people of Niue.

  • The programme provides a shared understanding among agencies of the steps required for a thorough financial investigation.
    • Identifying crucial elements of crimes under investigation
    • Determining necessary evidence
    • Identifying key witnesses
    • Consolidating investigation results into clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports

Sustainable Programme Development

To make the programme sustainable, UNDP has developed a Handbook on Financial Investigations in collaboration with the heads of 11 agencies. The handbook was endorsed by the heads of agencies and delivered in the last quarter of 2023.

  • The programme is part of UNDP’s Security Sector Reform and Rule of Law Programme, which aims to support the Government of Niue’s efforts towards long-term peace and stability through an improved security and justice sector.
  • The programme is generously funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

Future Plans

Looking ahead, UNDP plans to deliver 10 more Task Force Workshops this year, with the aim of building a national network of skilled professionals capable of effectively combating financial crimes in Niue.

  • The training will also be available online through an e-learning course managed by Iraqi institutions.
  • The programme’s support for financial investigations continues through dedicated programmes focused on asset recovery and strengthening the financial investigation unit in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).