Iraqi Judges and Investigators Receive Training to Combat Financial Institution Fraud
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq has launched a multi-year training initiative in partnership with the United States Government and the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq to strengthen and improve complex organized and financial crime investigations.
Program Overview
The program, titled Organized and Financial Crime Investigations: An Integrated Approach, focuses on providing Iraqi judges and professionals with the necessary skills, expertise, techniques, and procedures to effectively investigate complex financial crime cases. The initiative also makes recommendations to improve policies and procedures for the investigation and prosecution of complex organized and financial crimes.
Program Components
- Conducting workshops for various Iraqi government institutions on organized and financial crimes
- Developing a handbook on leading and conducting complex financial crime investigations
- Providing training and capacity-building support for investigative judges
Goals and Objectives
The program aims to:
- Strengthen the procedures and tactics of investigative judges in approaching and leading complex financial crime investigations
- Improve collaboration between investigative agencies and institutions
- Enhance the capability of Iraqi investigators to investigate and prosecute complex financial crimes
Partnerships and Funding
The United States Government has generously funded UNDP Iraq’s Security Sector Reform/Rule of Law Programme, which includes this project. The program is part of a broader effort to support the Government of Iraq in building its capacity to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
- Judge Faiq Zaidan, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq: “The goal of this program is to strengthen the procedures and tactics of investigative judges in approaching and leading complex financial crime investigations.”
- U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller: “Iraq requires efficient tools and policies to help investigate and prosecute financial crimes, which are often motivated by personal enrichment and harm the Iraqi state and people.”
- UNDP Resident Representative Zena Ali-Ahmad: “Complex, organized financial crimes such as corruption, money laundering, and illicit accumulation of wealth are contributing to an atmosphere of privilege and injustice in Iraq. These crimes are a major impediment to the country’s economic recovery, stability, and development.”
Background
The United States Department of State was pleased to finance UNDP’s assessment on financial crime investigation capabilities in Iraq, which helped lay the groundwork for this training initiative and was instrumental in drafting guidelines for financial investigation techniques.