Financial Crime World

Ecuador’s Financial Crime Investigation Procedures Undergo Intensive Training

In an effort to strengthen its capacity to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, Ecuador’s criminal justice agencies have undergone comprehensive training on financial investigations and asset recovery. The two-week training program brought together 58 members from various law enforcement and judicial agencies.

Program Objectives

The training aimed to build capacity among Ecuadorian authorities to combat corruption, money laundering, and recover illicit assets. Participants praised the methodology, describing it as “beyond my expectations” and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work together on a simulated case.

The training sessions also provided a platform for discussing recent changes in Ecuador’s anti-money laundering and asset forfeiture legal framework, including the newly introduced non-conviction based forfeiture law, Extinción de dominio. This development is expected to enable authorities to recover stolen assets even in cases where a criminal conviction is not possible.

Inter-Agency Collaboration

The workshop served as an opportunity for participants from different agencies to share their experiences and discuss practical challenges they face in applying relevant laws. This multi-agency forum fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants.

Green Corruption Program

The training also had an added dimension, as it enabled five Latin America-based members of ICAR’s Green Corruption program to undergo a train-the-trainer program. Upon completion, these individuals will be equipped to deliver ICAR’s flagship financial investigations and asset recovery training program to partner agencies across the region.

Notably, the Green Corruption program will now be better positioned to train Ecuadorian officers on tracing environmental crimes.

Funding Support

The workshop was partially financed by the UK’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, as part of an ongoing Green Corruption project in Peru. The second workshop was supported by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, through a grant to the Green Corruption program.

Key Takeaways

  • 58 members from various law enforcement and judicial agencies participated in the training program.
  • Participants praised the methodology and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work together on a simulated case.
  • The training aimed to build capacity among Ecuadorian authorities to combat corruption, money laundering, and recover illicit assets.
  • Recent changes in Ecuador’s anti-money laundering and asset forfeiture legal framework were discussed during the training sessions.