Financial Crime World

Iraq Takes Step Forward in Financial Crime Detection with UNDP Training

Enhanced Transparency and Accountability in Iraq’s Financial Sector

Basra, Iraq - In a significant move towards enhancing transparency and accountability in its financial sector, Iraq has completed a series of forensic auditing workshops with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Equipping Government Agencies with Skills to Detect and Prevent Financial Crimes

The eight-workshop series, which started in March 2023, was attended by over 200 participants from various government institutions, including auditors, lawyers, and IT experts. The workshops focused on forensic auditing techniques, data analytics, digital forensics, and cybersecurity.

Key Highlights of the Workshops:

  • Forensic Auditing Techniques: Participants learned about scientific methods of detection and discovery of fraud.
  • Data Analytics: Attendees gained knowledge on how to analyze financial data to identify potential crimes.
  • Digital Forensics: The workshops covered digital forensic techniques to investigate cybercrimes.
  • Cybersecurity: Participants were educated on cybersecurity best practices to protect against financial cyber threats.

Impact of the Project

The project has fostered a collaborative environment among government agencies to address financial crimes, ensuring institutional development and capacity building for accountability and oversight. The training programme is part of a broader project by UNDP on strengthening the rule of law and human rights to sustain peace and foster development in Iraq.

Quotes from Key Stakeholders:

  • “We are now more knowledgeable about scientific methods of detection and discovery of fraud, especially in the areas of data analytics, digital forensics, and cybersecurity,” said Mr. Haitham Sabah Hussein, Director Digital Auditing at the Federal Board of Supreme Audit (FBoSA).
  • “This training is a significant step forward in our journey towards a more transparent and accountable financial ecosystem,” said Romana Schweiger, Programme Manager of the UNDP Rule of Law/Security Sector Reform Programme.

Conclusion

The completion of forensic auditing workshops with support from UNDP marks a significant step forward in Iraq’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in its financial sector. The training programme has equipped government agencies with skills to detect and prevent financial crimes, fostering a collaborative environment among institutions to address these issues.