Financial Crime World

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IRAQ: UNDP COMPLETES 31ST TASK FORCE WORKSHOP ON FINANCIAL INVESTIGATIONS TO COMBAT MONEY LAUNDERING AND FINANCIAL CRIMES

Strengthening Capacities to Combat Financial Crimes in Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq - In a significant step towards combating money laundering and financial crimes in Iraq, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has completed its 31st Task Force Workshop on Financial Investigations at the Judicial Training Institute.

Enhancing Capabilities for Complex Cases

The workshop, which is part of UNDP’s programme to strengthen capacities and consolidate collaboration among law enforcement, oversight, and judicial institutions, aims to enhance the capabilities of task force members in addressing complex cases involving corruption, money laundering, terrorism financing, and illicit enrichment. The training emphasizes the importance of inter-agency collaboration, fostering a shared understanding among participants to navigate complex financial crimes.

Programme Highlights

  • Training over 1,757 officials: Since 2021, the programme has trained over 1757 officials from all of Iraq, including 282 women, with a focus on diversity in the fight against financial crimes.
  • Significant results: The programme has yielded significant results, with the Commission on Integrity citing cooperation between agencies as a key factor in uncovering illegal gains of officials and returning stolen funds to the Iraqi people.

Programme Achievements

Key Outcomes:

  • Successfully extraditing 18 wanted persons, an unprecedented achievement for Iraq
  • Convicting officials of illicit enrichment and recovering funds
  • Developing a Handbook on Financial Investigations, endorsed by the heads of the 11 agencies

Looking Ahead

UNDP plans to deliver 10 more Task Force Workshops this year, followed by an e-learning course launched on an online platform managed by Iraqi institutions.

The initiative is generously funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).