Financial Crime World

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Madagascar Enhances Financial Crime Enforcement Capabilities with COMESA Training

ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR - Fifty-four law enforcement personnel from Madagascar have received specialized training to strengthen the country’s capacity to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.

Background

The two-day workshop was organized by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Maritime Security Program in response to a request from Madagascar authorities. The training aimed at enhancing the country’s ability to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.

Participants

Participants included:

  • Magistrates
  • Prosecutors
  • Police officers
  • Officials from the financial intelligence unit
  • Anti-corruption commission
  • Central intelligence services
  • Others

Madagascar Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-SAMIFIN) Director General Boto Tsara Dia Lamina opened the workshop, thanking COMESA for its support in facilitating information sharing and reinforcing efforts to combat transnational organized crimes such as money laundering and other illicit financial flows.

Training Objectives

During the training, participants learned various investigative techniques, including:

  • Surveillance
  • Undercover operations
  • Wiretapping
  • Accessing computer systems

MASE Coordinator Dalitso Bonongwe encouraged law enforcement agencies to work together and establish formal cooperation mechanisms with financial intelligence units. She emphasized that effective interventions by law enforcement agencies are crucial in deterring criminals from perpetrating money laundering crimes.

COMESA Support

COMESA has supported Madagascar’s bid to become a full member of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG). The COMESA Maritime Security Program aims to strengthen capacity against money laundering and terrorism financing, providing customized support to fit the specific needs of each country.

Funding and Implementation

The program is funded by the European Union and implemented through four regional bodies:

  • Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
  • Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
  • Indian Ocean Community (IOC)
  • East African Community (EAC)