Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit Upgrades Capability to Combat Corruption
Enhancing Capacity Through Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Exchange
The Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) has embarked on a two-week attachment programme with Papua New Guinea’s Financial Analysis & Supervision Unit (FASU) to enhance its capacity to combat corruption and money laundering. This peer-to-peer knowledge exchange programme aims to foster cooperation and information exchange between the two Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs).
Support from UNDP and International Partners
The programme is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) anti-corruption support funded by the Governments of Japan, Solomon Islands, and the United Kingdom. The UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji and Solomon Islands Office has been working with Solomon Islands authorities to support their anti-corruption and anti-money laundering efforts through regional and national activities.
Objectives of the Attachment Programme
The objectives of the attachment programme include:
- Enhancing SIFIU’s capacity for financial analysis and supervision
- Improving its operational and management capabilities to combat money laundering and corruption
- Fostering cooperation and information exchange between SIFIU and FASU
- Developing joint strategic intelligence products
Importance of Regional Cooperation in Combating Corruption
FASU Director, Benny B M Popoitai, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in combating corruption. He stated that the attachment provides an opportunity for both SIFIU and FASU to interact, learn, exchange information, and enhance their operational and management capabilities.
Solomon Islands’ Efforts to Combat Corruption
The Solomon Islands has been scaling up its fight against corruption, guided by national, regional, and international frameworks. Pacific Island Countries have committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on reducing corruption and bribery in all forms and combating organized crime.
UNDP’s Role in Supporting Anti-Corruption Efforts
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative/Country Manager for Solomon Islands, Berdi Berdiyev, highlighted the importance of FIUs in the fight against corruption. He stated that anti-money laundering and anti-corruption efforts are mutually reinforcing. The attachment mission will also foster strategic discussion around improved regional cooperation and potential development of joint strategic intelligence products.
Conclusion
The SIFIU delegation, led by Mr. Hilton Koti, consists of four senior and newly recruited staff personnel from the intelligence, policy, and supervision divisions. This programme demonstrates the commitment of the Solomon Islands to combating corruption and money laundering, and the importance of regional cooperation in achieving this goal.