Financial Crime World

Empowering Iraqi Officials to Combat Financial Crime

In a significant boost to Iraq’s efforts to combat financial crime, over 2,000 officials have been trained by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since 2021 on investigating and prosecuting complex financial crimes.

Training Initiative

The training initiative has seen more than 700 judges benefit from interactive workshops led by UNDP experts. The Financial Investigations training sessions are instrumental in shaping the future of financial crime enforcement in Iraq, providing judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers with the necessary tools and knowledge to conduct thorough financial investigations.

Judicial Workshops

The Judicial Workshops, a signature training program of UNDP, have been praised for their vivid debate on practical approaches to trying complex criminal cases. These workshops have created a community of practice that supports and strengthens the judiciary’s role in combating corruption and anti-money laundering.

Handbook for Enhancing Financial Investigations

Another significant achievement of the project is the launch of the Handbook for Enhancing Financial Investigations and Upholding the Rule of Law in November 2023. The handbook was co-created by 11 institutions collaborating on financial crimes cases, demonstrating the strong partnership between UNDP and Iraqi agencies.

Collaborative Effort

The success of the project is a testament to the collaborative effort between UNDP and the Iraqi government, which includes:

  • Supreme Judicial Council
  • Judicial Council of the KRI
  • Ministry of Justice/Public Prosecution Agency of the KRI
  • Federal Ministry of Interior
  • Ministry of Interior of the KRI
  • Federal Commission of Integrity
  • Commission of Integrity of the KRI
  • Federal Board of Supreme Audit
  • Board of Supreme Audit of the KRI
  • National Security Service
  • Assayish Agency of the KRI
  • AML-CFT Office of the Central Bank of Iraq
  • US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement

Achievements

The project’s achievements underscore the importance of a united front in addressing financial crime and enhancing the capacity of the Iraqi judicial system. UNDP’s work on building robust justice and law enforcement in Iraq will continue to play a crucial role in combating financial crime and promoting accountability in the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the training initiative has empowered Iraqi officials to take on financial crime with confidence, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to investigate and prosecute complex financial crimes. The project’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration between UNDP and the Iraqi government, and will continue to play a crucial role in promoting accountability and combating financial crime in Iraq.