Financial Crime World

Evaluation of the European Commission’s Technical Assistance Project (ECT) in Paraguay

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Overview

The European Commission’s Technical Assistance Project (ECT) has been working in Paraguay to achieve four key project objectives as defined in the yearly workplans. This evaluation will assess the extent to which these objectives have been achieved, identify areas of success and failure, and provide recommendations for improvement.

Evaluating Project Objectives

EQ1: Extent of Achievement

To what extent has the ECT achieved the four project objectives in Paraguay?

The ECT’s work in Paraguay aimed to achieve the following objectives:

  • Project Objective 1: Enhance SEPRELAD’s analysis and reporting capabilities.
  • Project Objective 2: Improve AML/CFT case development and create a financial crimes working group.
  • Project Objective 3: Develop an asset forfeiture and recovery program.

To evaluate these objectives, we will review the workplans, assess data and evidence from ECT activities and outcomes, and use criteria such as:

Quality and Effectiveness of SEPRELAD’s Analysis and Reporting

  • Has SEPRELAD improved its analysis and reporting capabilities?
  • Are reports meeting international standards?

Improvement in AML/CFT Case Development and Creation of Financial Crimes Working Group

  • Have AML/CFT case developments improved?
  • Is the financial crimes working group functional and effective?

Development of Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Program

  • Has an asset forfeiture and recovery program been established?
  • Is the program operational and effective?

EQ2: Sustainability of Project Objectives

Which of the ECT’s project objectives in Paraguay have been sustained over time, and why?

To evaluate sustainability, we will review ongoing activities and initiatives of SEPRELAD and other stakeholders to assess whether they continue to build on ECT achievements. We will also examine data and evidence from follow-up assessments or evaluations.

EQ3: Unachieved Program Objectives

Which of the ECT’s program objectives were not achieved, and why?

To identify unachieved objectives, we will review workplans, assess data and evidence from ECT activities and outcomes, and evaluate reasons such as:

Insufficient Resources or Capacity

  • Were resources or capacity constraints a barrier to achieving objectives?
  • Are additional resources needed to achieve remaining objectives?

Lack of Political Will or Support

  • Was there a lack of political will or support for the project?
  • Can this be addressed through increased advocacy or outreach efforts?

Complex or Intractable Challenges

  • Were challenges particularly complex or intractable?
  • Are additional technical assistance or resources needed to address these challenges?