Financial Crime World

Somalia’s Financial Crime Investigation Techniques Enhanced Through African Union Training

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has completed a comprehensive training program for 25 criminal investigations officers from the Somali Police Force (SPF), aimed at developing their skills to investigate financial crimes and combat terrorism.

Enhancing Financial Intelligence Methodologies

The intensive course, conducted by ATMIS police trainers, covered topics such as:

  • Detecting money laundering and terrorist financing
  • Illegal transactional activities
  • Financial intelligence methodologies

“This training provides a significant opportunity to deepen our understanding of financial intelligence methodologies, tools, and techniques of investigation,” said Samuel Asiedu Okanta, ATMIS Police Training and Development Coordinator.

The training program included both theoretical and practical sessions to enhance the participants’ capacity in:

  • Financial intelligence
  • Investigative methods
  • Procedures

Disrupting Criminal Networks

The SPF’s deputy director of training and planning, Nur Gedi Mohamed, emphasized the importance of the training for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in disrupting the financing systems of criminal networks and curbing financial crimes in Somalia.

“This training is crucial in helping us to effectively investigate and prosecute financial crimes, which are often linked to terrorism,” said Mohamed.

Building Capacity

The training is part of ATMIS’ efforts to build the capacity of the SPF to assume full security responsibilities when ATMIS exits Somalia in December.

In addition to developing their skills in financial crime investigation, participants also received intensive training in:

  • Basic fingerprinting techniques
  • The role of fingerprints in upholding justice and protecting communities

Supporting Somali Security Forces

ATMIS police are mandated to support Somali security forces through:

  • Specialized training
  • Mentoring and advising
  • Providing operational support through joint patrols and protection of vital installations.

The success of this training program demonstrates ATMIS’ commitment to building the capacity of Somali security forces and supporting their efforts to maintain stability and security in Somalia.