Iraq Steps Up Fight Against Financial Crimes as UNDP Completes 31st Task Force Workshop on Financial Investigations

A Major Boost to Combat Money Laundering and Financial Crimes in Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq - In a significant milestone in its efforts to combat financial crimes, Iraq has completed its 31st signature class “Task Force Workshop on Financial Investigations” at the Judicial Training Institute. This comprehensive program is delivered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq since 2021 to strengthen capacities and foster collaboration among law enforcement, oversight, and judicial institutions.

Strengthening Capacities and Collaboration

The project has brought together Investigative Judges, Prosecutors, Investigators, and Auditors from 11 key agencies across all of Iraq who form task forces to address financial crimes. The goal is to enhance the capacities of these task force members and promote a collaborative approach across agencies to strengthen their ability to tackle complex cases involving corruption, money laundering, terrorism financing, and illicit enrichment.

Key Outcomes

One of the program’s key outcomes has been the reinforcement of inter-agency collaboration in uncovering complex financial crimes. By fostering shared understanding among participants, the training emphasized the importance of task forces, where different agencies possessing evidence on a case can work together to solve cases.

Inclusive Approach

The workshop is part of UNDP’s diverse programmatic offer, which has trained 1757 officials from across Iraq, including 282 women, in financial investigations since 2021. The emphasis on inclusion is a testament to UNDP’s commitment to diversity in the fight against financial crimes.

Significant Results

The Task Force workshops have already yielded significant results, with cooperation between the Commission of Integrity and Interpol leading to the extradition of 18 wanted persons in 2023, an unprecedented international achievement for Iraq. The program has also enabled the judiciary, law enforcement, and oversight agencies to develop a shared understanding of the steps required for thorough financial investigations.

Handbook on Financial Investigations

The program’s sustainability is ensured through the delivery of a Handbook on Financial Investigations developed and endorsed by the heads of the 11 agencies with UNDP support. The handbook was released in the last quarter of 2023 and will be made available online soon.

Building a National Network

As the workshop series progresses, it is contributing significantly to building a national network of skilled professionals capable of effectively combating financial crimes. By fostering cooperation and understanding among diverse agencies, the initiative aims to create a united front against illicit financial activities in the country.

Future Plans

UNDP has delivered 31 Task Force Workshops so far and will deliver 10 more this year. The training will soon be complemented by an e-learning course on an online platform managed by Iraqi institutions. The support of financial investigations is part of UNDP’s dedicated programs focused on asset recovery and strengthening the financial investigation unit in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Funding Support

The collaborative efforts are generously funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).