Financial Crime World

Solomon Islands and Cook Islands Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts with South-South Cooperation

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The Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) of Solomon Islands and Cook Islands have taken a significant step towards combating corruption by strengthening their anti-corruption efforts through a knowledge exchange program facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Background

The FIUs of both countries have been working together to enhance institutional capability in financial analysis and supervision, as well as foster regional cooperation against corruption and money laundering.

The Exchange Program

The two-week program, which commenced on March 20 and will conclude on March 30, brings together three Solomon Islands FIU analysts who are attached to the Cook Islands FIU. The program aims to:

  • Enhance institutional capability in financial analysis and supervision
  • Foster regional cooperation against corruption and money laundering
  • Improve processes, including case analysis, management, and knowledge sharing with law enforcement partners

According to Raymond Ngele, leader of the SIFIU attachment delegation, “This exchange will enhance our capability for conducting anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing compliance examinations.”

Quotes from Key Stakeholders

  • Walter Henry, Head of Cook Islands FIU: “This exchange of knowledge and expertise will add value to regional anti-corruption efforts.”
  • Raymond Ngele, leader of the SIFIU attachment delegation: “This exchange will enhance our capability for conducting anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing compliance examinations.”

Support from International Partners

The UNDP has been working with FIUs in Pacific Island Countries to support their anti-corruption and anti-money laundering efforts through various activities, including technical advice, capacity-building, and knowledge exchanges. The organization’s Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, Sonja Stefanovska-Trajanoska, emphasized that the focus is on addressing corruption’s impact on sustainable development in the Pacific.

The FIU attachment program is supported by:

  • The Government of the United Kingdom through the Pacific Anti-Corruption Project
  • The Governments of Japan and Solomon Islands through the Transparency and Accountability for the People of Solomon Islands - the Project for Strengthening Capacities to Combat Corruption (TAPSCCC)

Contact Information

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