Iraqi Authorities Unite Against Financial Crimes
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq has completed its 31st signature class ‘Task Force Workshop on Financial Investigations’ at the Judicial Training Institute, marking a major push against financial crimes.
Strengthening Capacities and Collaboration
The workshop is part of UNDP’s comprehensive program to strengthen capacities and consolidate collaboration among law enforcement, oversight, and judicial institutions since 2021. The project brings together Investigative Judges, Prosecutors, Investigators, and Auditors from 11 key agencies across Iraq who form task forces to tackle financial crimes.
Enhancing Capacities and Promoting Collaboration
The main goal of the workshop is to enhance the capacities of task force members and promote a collaborative approach among agencies. The training emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in uncovering financial crimes, fostering a shared understanding among participants. Practical training allowed practitioners to work together to solve cases, reinforcing the need for task forces where different agencies can share evidence on a case.
Results-Oriented Program
To date, 1063 officials have been trained through the Task Force workshops, with a total of 1757 officials from across Iraq participating in UNDP’s financial investigations program. The emphasis on inclusivity is reflected in the training of 282 women among those trained.
The Task Force workshops have yielded significant results, including:
- Cooperation helping to uncover illegal gains and convict corrupt officials
- Funds returned to the Iraqi people
- Extradition of 18 wanted persons in 2023
Handbook on Financial Investigations
The program provides a shared understanding among agencies of the steps required for thorough financial investigations. A Handbook on Financial Investigations, developed with UNDP support, will ensure the program’s sustainability.
Building a National Network
As the workshop series progresses, it aims to build a national network of skilled professionals capable of combating financial crimes effectively. With 10 more workshops planned this year, UNDP is committed to supporting Iraq’s efforts towards reconciliation, reform, and stability through its Security Sector Reform and Rule of Law Programme.
Funding Support
The program is generously funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).