Identity Theft Financial Crimes on the Rise in Iraq: UNDP Launches Training Initiative to Combat Crime
Combating Complex Organized and Financial Crime Investigations in Iraq
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a multi-year training initiative in partnership with the US Government and the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq to strengthen and improve complex organized and financial crime investigations in the country.
Aims of the Training Program
The program, titled “Organized and Financial Crime Investigations: An Integrated Approach,” aims to equip Iraqi judges and professionals with the necessary skills, expertise, techniques, and procedures to effectively investigate complex financial crime cases. The program also seeks to improve policies and procedures for investigating and prosecuting such crimes.
Key Components of the Initiative
- Conducting workshops on organized and financial crimes for various Iraqi government institutions
- Development of a handbook on leading and conducting complex financial crime investigations
- Workshops will be conducted in partnership with judges, prosecutors, and financial crime investigators
Importance of the Program
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq, Judge Faiq Zaidan, emphasized that the goal of the program is to strengthen the procedures and tactics of investigative judges in approaching and leading complex financial crime investigations.
US Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller stated that Iraq requires efficient tools and policies to help investigate and prosecute financial crimes, as the motivation behind most of these criminal offenses is personal enrichment that hurts the Iraqi state and people.
Background and Funding
The United States Department of State financed UNDP’s assessment on financial crime investigation capabilities in Iraq, which helped lay the groundwork for the training and was instrumental in drafting guidelines for judges and investigators. The initiative has been generously funded by the United States Government as part of UNDP Iraq’s Security Sector Reform/Rule of Law Programme.
Impact and Objectives
The program acknowledges how complex, organized financial crimes such as corruption, money laundering, and illicit accumulation of wealth are contributing to an atmosphere of privilege and injustice. These crimes are a major impediment to Iraq’s economic recovery, stability, and development.
- To strengthen the procedures and tactics of investigative judges in approaching and leading complex financial crime investigations
- To improve policies and procedures for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes
- To equip Iraqi judges and professionals with the necessary skills, expertise, techniques, and procedures to effectively investigate complex financial crime cases
By launching this training initiative, UNDP aims to contribute to a more just and equitable society in Iraq by combating financial crimes and promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.