Financial Crime World

Iraq Launches Initiative to Combat Financial Crime, Strengthen Justice System

Introduction

In an effort to strengthen Iraq’s justice system and combat financial crime, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the US Government and the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq has launched a multi-year training initiative. The program aims to improve complex organized and financial crime investigations in the country.

Objectives

The training initiative, titled “Organized and Financial Crime Investigations: An Integrated Approach,” focuses on equipping Iraqi judges and professionals with the skills and expertise necessary to effectively investigate complex financial crimes. It also makes recommendations for improving policies and procedures for investigating and prosecuting such crimes.

Here are some of the key objectives:

  • Equip Iraqi judges and professionals with the skills and expertise needed to investigate complex financial crimes
  • Improve policies and procedures for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes
  • Enhance collaboration between law enforcement agencies and investigative bodies

Components

As part of the initiative, UNDP will conduct workshops for various government institutions on organized and financial crimes, and develop a handbook on leading and conducting complex financial crime investigations.

Here are some of the key components:

  • Workshops for government institutions on organized and financial crimes
  • Development of a handbook on leading and conducting complex financial crime investigations

Quotes from Key Stakeholders

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq, Judge Faiq Zaidan, emphasized that the goal of the program is to strengthen investigative procedures and tactics in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

“Efficient tools and policies are needed to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, which often motivate criminal offenses aimed at personal enrichment.” - US Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller

Complex organized financial crimes such as corruption, money laundering, and illicit wealth accumulation contribute to an atmosphere of privilege and injustice, hindering Iraq’s economic recovery, stability, and development. - UNDP Resident Representative Zena Ali-Ahmad

Funding

The project is part of UNDP Iraq’s Security Sector Reform/Rule of Law Programme and has been generously funded by the United States Government.

Conclusion

The launch of this initiative marks an important step towards strengthening Iraq’s justice system and combating financial crime. With the support of the US Government, UNDP, and other stakeholders, Iraq is poised to make significant progress in improving its investigative capabilities and reducing corruption.