Financial Crimes in Iraq: UNDP Trains Officials to Combat Money Laundering and Illicit Enrichment

Strengthening Capacities to Combat Financial Crimes

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

A Comprehensive Program to Combat Money Laundering and Corruption

The UNDP’s Security Sector Reform/Rule of Law Programme has been working with investigative judges, prosecutors, investigators, and auditors from 11 key agencies across Iraq since 2021. The program aims to strengthen capacities and foster collaboration among law enforcement, oversight, and judicial institutions to combat money laundering, corruption, terrorism financing, and illicit enrichment.

Training Officials for Effective Financial Investigations

The workshop has trained over 1757 officials, including 282 women, to enhance their capacities in financial investigations and promote inter-agency collaboration. Participants learn how to work together as a team to uncover illegal activities and recover stolen assets.

Notable Outcomes of the Program

One of the program’s notable outcomes has been the reinforcement of inter-agency collaboration in investigating financial crimes. The training emphasizes the importance of task forces, where different agencies possessing evidence on a case can work together to achieve common goals.

Financial Investigations Handbook

The UNDP’s Financial Investigations Handbook, developed with the support of 11 key agencies, provides a shared understanding of the steps required for thorough financial investigations and how to collaborate to solve complex cases.

Significant Results Achieved

The program has already achieved significant results, including the conviction of officials accused of illicit enrichment and the recovery of stolen funds. In 2023, cooperation between the Commission on Integrity and Interpol led to the extradition of 18 wanted persons, an unprecedented international achievement for Iraq.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, the UNDP will deliver 10 more Task Force Workshops this year and launch an e-learning course on financial investigations. The program’s goal is to build a national network of skilled professionals capable of effectively combating financial crimes in Iraq.

Funding Support

The UNDP’s support for financial investigations is made possible through generous funding from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

Conclusion

The UNDP’s efforts to combat financial crimes in Iraq demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the country’s institutions and promoting transparency and accountability. The program’s success serves as a model for future initiatives, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration and capacity building in the fight against financial crimes.