Financial Crime World

Financial Crime Investigation Techniques in Gambia

Gambian authorities are utilizing cutting-edge methods to investigate financial crimes and recover stolen assets. In this exclusive report, we delve into the techniques employed by investigators to construct cases against perpetrators.

Creating a Subject Profile

The first step in any investigation is creating a comprehensive subject profile. Practitioners gather essential information about the target, including:

  • Name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Regular updates to establish links to foreign jurisdictions and share with counterpart agencies

This information helps establish connections to foreign jurisdictions and facilitates collaboration with international partners.

Collecting and Maintaining Information

During the early stages of an asset recovery investigation, practitioners collect and maintain a range of information, including:

  • Names and dates of birth of spouses, children, parents, siblings, and other relatives
  • Recent photographs and fingerprint cards
  • Financial data, including income and expenses
  • Identification of banks or bank accounts that may hold business records

Sources of Information

To obtain this information, investigators utilize various sources, such as:

  • The internet
  • Government agencies
  • Financial institutions
  • Law firms
  • Real estate agents

They also conduct open-source searches on targets and their associates using:

  • Social media sites
  • Local and international media reports
  • Libraries

Open-Source Information

Open-source information is a vital tool in financial crime investigations. Practitioners use it to:

  • Assess credibility of allegations
  • Identify assets held by targets and their families
  • Develop leads or identify domestic or foreign assets
  • Compile subject profiles, identify associates and potential witnesses, and lay the foundation for search and seizure warrants

Some categories of open-source information include:

  • Official public records
  • Private databases
  • Civil litigation records
  • Corporate registrations
  • Patent applications
  • Tax filings
  • Financial reports from organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
  • Reports from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)

The use of one technique can provide leads or information that will become grounds to take additional measures and create links to foreign jurisdictions. For example, a search of a business or residence may reveal evidence linking the target to a domestic or foreign account.

International Collaboration

Gambian authorities are working closely with international partners to share intelligence and best practices in financial crime investigations. By using these advanced techniques, they are able to build strong cases against perpetrators and recover stolen assets.