Financial Crime World

Botswana’s Crusade Against Financial Crime: A Progress Report at the UNCAC Conference in Atlanta

Presentation by Ms. Botlhale Makgegene, DG of Corruption and Economic Crime, Botswana

Botswana updates UNCAC Conference on Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Measures

Ms. Botlhale Makgegene, the Director General of Corruption and Economic Crime in Botswana, presented an update on the country’s initiatives to combat corruption and economic crime at the resumed 10th session of the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Congratulations and Cooperation

  1. Ms. Makgegene began by congratulating the new Conference President on their appointment.
  2. Botswana expressed its trust in the new leadership to make substantial progress in achieving UNCAC objectives.

Act Updates and International Collaboration

Revising Legislation

  • Botswana is revising its Corruption and Economic Crime Act in line with UNCAC review recommendations.
    • Addressing weaknesses in the Whistleblowing Act with UNODC support.

Proceeds and Instruments of Crime Act

  • Botswana implemented the Proceeds and Instruments of Crime Act in 2014.
  • The Act introduced non-conviction based forfeiture and the Office of the Receiver.

Asset Declaration and Management

  • In 2019, Botswana enacted the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Act.
  • The Act led to the establishment of the Ethics and Integrity Directorate.
  • UNODC Regional Office in Pretoria helped create an asset management manual and trained the Ethics and Integrity Directorate.

Anti-Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Unit

  • Botswana created an Anti-Money Laundering and Asset Forfeiture Unit.
  • Request for UNODC assistance in building capacity within this unit.

International Collaboration and Capacity Building

  1. Botswana employs the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act in international collaboration.
  2. Signed numerous memorandums of understanding for information and resource sharing.
  3. Adopted a decentralized approach to combating corruption.
  4. Collaborated with Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre for capacity building for member states.
  5. Engaged in the Practical Guide on Enhancing Cooperation between Supreme Audit Institutions and Anti-Corruption Authorities.
  6. Participated in the SAI-ACA Anti-Corruption Seminar.

Civil Society Participation

  • Botswana supports the active participation of Civil Society Organizations in UNCAC implementation.
  • Botswana CSOs have attended UNCAC implementation conferences since 2019.

Conclusion

  1. Botswana is committed to achieving UNCAC objectives.
  2. The support from the UNODC is essential in helping member states like Botswana implement the Convention effectively.