Financial Crime World

Title: OSCE and UNODC Train Georgian Law Enforcement Agents on Crypto-Related Financial Crimes Investigations

Background

From April 29 to May 1, 2023, the Office of the Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) collaborated to conduct a five-day training session in Tbilisi, Georgia, targeting 30 Georgian law enforcement representatives. The primary goal was to enhance their skills in investigating money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud related to cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets (RA, 2023).

Training Sessions and Covered Topics

The intensive training program included advanced investigative techniques and practical skills in unraveling criminal transactions across various blockchains:

  1. Advanced investigative techniques: Participants were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively investigate crypto-related financial crimes.
  2. Practical skills: Hands-on training allowed participants to apply the learned skills in real-life scenarios.
  3. Case studies: Real-life case studies demonstrated potential threats and served as a ground for learning.
  4. Best practices: Insights from other law enforcement agencies worldwide.
  5. Specialized analytics software and open-source tools: An orientation to specialized tools helped participants in their future investigations.

“Financial crimes involving virtual assets are a growing concern for Georgia, and our office prioritizes building the capabilities of law enforcement to deal with such criminal activities.” – Maksym Mishalov Dragunov, Assistant Project Officer at OCEEA

OSCE Initiative and Previous Programs

The current training program is part of the OSCE’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes involving virtual assets and cryptocurrencies. It marks the fourth training program of its kind for Georgian authorities, with the OSCE providing significant support in this area.

“The OSCE has been instrumental in supporting Georgia’s efforts in combatting money laundering using virtual assets and cryptocurrencies.” – Maksym Mishalov Dragunov

Funding and Objectives

The training was funded by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States through an OSCE extra-budgetary project titled “Innovative Policy Solutions to Address Money-Laundering Risks of Virtual Assets.” The project aims to help OSCE participating states in creating national capacities to counteract criminal risks related to virtual assets and cryptocurrencies.

References:

  • RA (2023). OSCE and UNODC Train 30 Georgian Law Enforcement Agents in Crypto-Related Financial Crimes Investigations. Retrieved from [Source URL]