UNDP Trains Thousands of Officials to Combat Financial Crimes in Iraq
A Significant Move Against Financial Crimes
In a major effort to combat financial crimes in Iraq, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has trained over 2,000 officials on investigating and prosecuting complex and organized financial crimes since 2021. The initiative began with Financial Investigations workshops and has evolved into a robust networking hub for judges and prosecutors across the country.
Impactful Training Sessions
- Over 700 judges benefited from interactive workshops led by UNDP experts, where practical case examples were discussed to promote collaborative approaches and joint problem-solving.
- The efforts of UNDP’s trainers were recently recognized at an award ceremony by Public Prosecutor General of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Judge Kawa Fathi Masoum.
Judicial Workshops: A Signature Program of UNDP
The Judicial Workshops have gained popularity for their practical approach to trying complex criminal cases, driving meaningful change and improvement in financial crime investigations. The impact has been far-reaching, creating a community of practice that supports and strengthens the judiciary’s role in combating corruption and anti-money laundering.
Financial Investigation Workshops: Shaping the Future
The Financial Investigation workshops and training sessions provide judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers with the necessary tools and knowledge to: + Conduct thorough financial investigations + Trace the origins of assets + Identify beneficiaries + Document the movement of assets associated with criminal activities + Ultimately forfeit the assets for the benefit of citizens
Handbook for Enhancing Financial Investigations
In November 2023, a Handbook for Enhancing Financial Investigations and Upholding the Rule of Law was launched. The handbook was co-created by 11 institutions collaborating on financial crimes cases.
Strong Partnership and Collaborative Effort
The success of the project is a testament to the strong partnership between UNDP and Iraqi agencies, including: + Supreme Judicial Council + Judicial Council of the KRI + Ministry of Justice/Public Prosecution Agency of the KRI + Federal Ministry of Interior + Ministry of Interior of the KRI + Federal Commission of Integrity + Commission of Integrity of the KRI + Federal Board of Supreme Audit + Board of Supreme Audit of the KRI + National Security Service + Assayish Agency of the KRI + AML-CFT Office of the Central Bank of Iraq + US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
A United Front Against Financial Crime
The collaborative effort underscores the importance of a united front in addressing financial crime and enhancing the capacity of the Iraqi judicial system. As UNDP continues to build robust justice and law enforcement in Iraq, the future of financial crimes definition looks promising.