Iraq Steps Up Fight Against Corruption with Advanced Fraud Detection Methods
Combating Corruption in Iraq
Baghdad, March 20 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a five-day workshop on forensic auditing for auditors from the Federal Board of Supreme Audit and the Kurdistan Region Board of Supreme Audit. The training aims to enhance the skills of Iraqi authorities in detecting fraud and abuse of public authority.
Workshop Objectives
- Plan and execute forensic audits
- Contribute to criminal proceedings and expert witness court appearances
- Apply forensics, data analytics, and cybersecurity during investigations through case studies
Participant Feedback
- “This workshop discussed how to conduct audits and detect fraud. During the workshop, I learned how to investigate, audit and stabilize observations to detect any kind of financial corruption in the country.” - Hind Abbas Khalaf, Legal Consultant at the Federal Board of Supreme Audit
- “Forensic audits help us to uncover the facts. The government’s support is required to motivate us to work better and help us to fight corruption.” - Beriywan Hamid Mohammed, Committee Head at the Federal Board of Supreme Audit
Background
Iraq has struggled with corruption, with instability and corruption exacerbating each other. Forensic audits have become a critical tool in uncovering the facts and holding those responsible accountable.
UN Convention Against Corruption
- Article 9 states that each state party should take appropriate measures to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public finances
- Emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in public finances
New Technologies
Iraqi authorities are increasingly using new technologies, such as data analytics and cybersecurity, to detect and analyze fake or fraudulent documents. This has helped institutions detect stolen funds and return them to Iraqi citizens.
Training Outcomes
- Participants learned how to plan and execute forensic audits
- Learned how to contribute to criminal proceedings and expert witness court appearances
- Practiced applying forensics, data analytics, and cybersecurity during investigations through case studies
- Gained knowledge on detecting patterns of fraud and types of corruption
UNDP Iraq’s Security Sector Reform Programme
The training is part of UNDP Iraq’s Security Sector Reform Programme, which aims to build trust and confidence between security sector institutions and communities by ensuring institutional development and capacity building for accountability and oversight.
Challenges
- Difficulty in obtaining forensic evidence
- Need for government support to motivate authorities to fight corruption
Conclusion
The workshop marks an important step in Iraq’s efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes. With the training, Iraqi authorities will be better equipped to detect fraud and abuse of public authority, promoting transparency and accountability in public services.