IRS Hosts Financial Crime Investigation Workshop in Grenada
The United States Department of the Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation division organized a financial investigative techniques workshop in Grenada from May 22-26. This collaborative event brought together law enforcement and financial intelligence agents from across the Eastern Caribbean.
Essence of the Workshop
IRS’s National Criminal Investigation Training Academy facilitated the intensive, five-day course at True Blue Bay Resort & Spa, Grenada. The workshop was supported by the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown and its International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs section.
Skill Development
Participants honed their skills in identifying and combating financial crimes like fraud and money laundering. The curriculum covered:
- Evidence gathering and analysis
- Interviewing techniques
- Courtroom preparation
- Practical exercise
US Government’s Broader Initiative
The IRS’s outreach event is part of the US Government’s broader initiative to strengthen financial investigations and raise awareness of illicit financial activities in the region. With the increasing globalization of financial transactions, collaboration between:
- Financial intelligence units
- Revenue and customs authorities
- Law enforcement personnel
- Government prosecutors
- Judges
is crucial for counteracting financial crimes. Ambassador Linda Taglialatela, the US Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), emphasized this point:
“Cooperation between these partners can prevent financial investigations from falling through the cracks and ensure that money launderers cannot exploit weaknesses in the financial system.”
Grenada as an Ideal Venue
Grenada was chosen as an ideal venue for the workshop due to its commendable efforts to combat financial fraud. Recent strides include:
- Signing the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) with the United States
- Actively engaging in the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force
Participating agencies included:
- Royal Grenada Police Force
- Financial Intelligence Unit of Grenada
- Other Eastern Caribbean financial and law enforcement entities
Workshop Facilitators and Participants
Workshop facilitators, including experts from the IRS, shared their expertise and knowledge with participants. Other dignitaries present were Mr. Stephen Frahm, US Chargé d’Affaires of U.S. Embassy Grenada.