IRAQ LAUNCHES MULTI-YEAR TRAINING INITIATIVE TO BOOST CREDIT UNION FINANCIAL CRIME PREVENTION

Strengthening Financial Crime Prevention Efforts in Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq, along with the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq and the US Government, has launched a comprehensive training program to improve complex organized and financial crime investigations.

“Organized and Financial Crime Investigations: An Integrated Approach” Initiative

The initiative aims to enhance the skills, expertise, techniques, and procedures necessary for Iraqi judges and professionals to effectively investigate complex financial crimes. The program also seeks to develop policies and procedures for investigating and prosecuting such crimes, as well as establish a roadmap for implementation.

Program Highlights

• Conducting workshops on organized and financial crimes across various Iraqi government institutions
• Developing a handbook on leading and conducting complex financial crime investigations under UNDP’s oversight
• Working with judges, prosecutors, and financial crime investigators to improve their skills and expertise

Quotes from Key Stakeholders

“The program aims to strengthen the procedures and tactics of investigative judges in approaching and leading complex financial crime investigations, working closely with colleagues from various agencies.” - Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Faiq Zaidan

“Efficient tools and policies are crucial in investigating and prosecuting financial crimes. Personal enrichment is often the primary motivation behind such offenses, hurting the Iraqi state and people.” - US Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller

Project Assessment and Funding

• The project’s assessment on financial crime investigation capabilities in Iraq was funded by the US Department of State
• The US Department of State also provided guidelines for financial investigation techniques for judges and investigators
• Funding for the project has been generously provided by the US Government as part of UNDP Iraq’s Security Sector Reform/Rule of Law Programme

Importance of the Initiative

The program recognizes how complex organized financial crimes are contributing to an atmosphere of privilege and injustice, hindering Iraq’s economic recovery, stability, and development. By enhancing the skills and expertise of Iraqi judges and professionals, this initiative aims to strengthen the country’s financial crime prevention efforts and promote a more just and equitable society.