Financial Crime World

MALAWI ASSET RECOVERY WORKSHOP ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE

The Judiciary Takes a Significant Step in Fighting Financial Crime

Lilongwe - The Malawi Judiciary has made a significant step in its fight against financial crime with the successful completion of an Asset Recovery workshop for Judicial Officers. The two-phased workshop, held from November 7th to 11th, brought together High Court Judges and Magistrates from Malawi, as well as local and regional subject matter experts from Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi.

Objectives of the Workshop

  • Support the fight against financial crime
  • Facilitate capacity building for judicial officers in asset recovery procedures
  • Enhance the Judiciary’s capacity in asset recovery procedures

The workshop was a collaborative effort between AGA-Africa, the Malawi Judiciary, and the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR)/Basel Institute of Governance.

Keynote Address by Chief Justice Rizine Robert Mzikamanda

In his keynote address, Chief Justice Rizine Robert Mzikamanda highlighted the need for a specialized court in Malawi to handle financial and economic crimes. He emphasized the importance of capacity building for judges and magistrates to enable them to acquire specialized skills in dealing with these types of crimes.

Facilitated Sessions

The workshop featured engaging sessions facilitated by local and international experts, including:

  • Hon. Justice Healey Potani, Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal of Malawi
  • Dorcas Oduor, Secretary Public Prosecutions
  • JP Willemme, Senior Financial Investigations Specialist, International Centre for Asset Recovery(ICAR)/Basel Institute of Governance

Closing Remarks and Conclusion

The workshop was officially brought to a close by Gift Chikwakwa, AGA-Africa Country Coordinator for Malawi. Hon. Justice John Katsala, Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal of Malawi, delivered closing remarks, thanking all participants for their active engagement throughout the workshop.

Expected Outcomes

The successful completion of the workshop is expected to:

  • Enhance the Judiciary’s capacity in asset recovery procedures
  • Contribute to the fight against financial crime
  • Recover proceeds of crime from criminals