Financial Crime World

Iraq Launches Financial Crime Investigation Workshops Amid Crackdown on Corruption

Boosting Fight Against Financial Crime

In a bid to strengthen its efforts against financial crime, Iraq’s Federal Supreme Judicial Council, alongside the Kurdistan Judicial Council and UNDP Iraq, has launched a series of workshops for investigative judges, prosecutors, investigators, auditors, and financial analysts across the country. The initiative, supported by the US Government, aims to equip Iraqi institutions with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively investigate and prosecute organized crime, corruption, and money laundering.

Enhancing Cooperation Among Participating Agencies

The workshops, which began in late November 2021 and will continue throughout 2022, are designed to enhance cooperation among participating agencies, including:

  • Courts
  • Ministry of Interior
  • Commission of Integrity
  • Federal and Kurdistan Board of Supreme Audit
  • Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Office

Developing Financial Evidence

The training sessions focus on developing financial evidence by tracking funds used in crimes and identifying criminal profits for confiscation. The workshops also update investigation approaches and tools, providing participants with the skills and experiences required to tackle financial crimes.

Quote from Taghreed Muhammad Ali

“The workshop contributes to building stronger ties between participating agencies and investigative judges, who play a major role in this regard.” - Taghreed Muhammad Ali, Director of the Administrative Investigation Department at the Federal Board of Supreme Audit

Hands-On Approach to Training

Public Prosecutor Badr Al-din Albarzanji from the Ministry of Justice, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, praised the hands-on approach of the workshops, allowing participants to practice their skills on real cases. “Every detail of the case is discussed and compared with legal investigation procedures found in national Iraqi laws,” he noted.

UNDP Iraq’s Appreciation

UNDP Iraq Resident Representative Zena Ali Ahmad thanked the US Government for its support, describing the information exchange between government, legal, and financial entities as vital to enhance the ability of judges and investigators to prosecute complex organized and financial crimes in Iraq.