Financial Crime World

Iraq Takes Major Step Forward in Financial Fraud Detection with UNDP Support

Basra, Iraq - In a significant move towards a more transparent and accountable financial ecosystem, the Government of Iraq has successfully completed a series of targeted capacity-building workshops in forensic auditing. The workshops, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have equipped professionals from various government agencies with the skills to detect fraud and corruption.

Workshops Objectives

The eight workshops, held in Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Basra, trained over 200 participants, including auditors, lawyers, and IT experts, on:

  • Recognizing fraud
  • Preparing comprehensive forensic audit reports
  • Practicing preventive auditing

Peer-to-Peer Learning

The program fostered a collaborative environment where peer-to-peer learning was encouraged, promoting a culture of shared understanding and joint problem-solving.

“The workshop helped us to share practical and scientific ideas that we can deploy in our work environment to combat fraud and corruption in Iraq,” said Dalal Abdul Rahman Yassin, Financial Controller, Federal Boards of Supreme Audit (F/KBoSA).

Importance of Forensic Auditing

Forensic auditing is a specialized form of auditing that focuses on investigating patterns of potential financial irregularities or fraud. By arming professionals with the tools they need to combat financial crimes effectively, the workshops enabled participating entities and government departments to uphold their duties.

“We have become more knowledgeable about scientific methods of detection and discovery of fraud especially Data Analytics, Digital Forensics, and Cybersecurity,” said Mr. Haitham Sabah Hussein, Director Digital Auditing, FBoSA.

Project Background

The training is part of UNDP’s project on “Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights to Sustain Peace and Foster Development in Iraq.” The project aims to fortify the capabilities of various investigative bodies in effectively tackling complex financial crimes.

“Our financial crime programmes are building a diverse skillset of practitioners, and the forensic auditing workshops stand out for their deep focus on financial analyses and how auditing can be used as a tool in fighting crimes,” said Romana Schweiger, Programme Manager of the UNDP Rule of Law/Security Sector Reform Programme.

Project Funding

The project has received generous funding from the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) since 2021. To date, over 700 investigating judges and prosecutors, police investigators, Commission of Integrity investigators, auditors, and financial analysts have been trained to effectively investigate and adjudicate complex financial crimes.

Conclusion

This initiative is part of UNDP’s wider programme on Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform in Iraq, which supports the Government’s efforts to build trust and confidence between legal entities, public finance institutions, security sector institutions, and communities. The programme also focuses on ensuring institutional development and capacity building for accountability and oversight.