Fighting Financial Crimes: Laotian Authorities Bolster Capabilities through UNODC Training
In the global fight against corruption, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) identified it as a major governance risk and a key priority in the 8th National Socio- Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) 2016-2020. With the increasing foreign investments, public-private partnerships, and mega projects, corruption and illicit financial flows pose significant risks to the national budget, amounting to 14.42% of Lao PDR’s GDP - more than triple the average for Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The Need for Assistance
- Lao PDR is among the top 20 LDCs with the highest level of illicit outflows.
- Assistance required to conduct corruption and financial investigations.
- Better coordination, cooperation, and information sharing among national authorities.
Fighting Corruption: A Training Initiative
From October 31 to November 2, 2017, a ‘Training on Financial Investigations in Lao PDR’ was held in Vientiane. This three-day workshop brought together 40 participants from the SIAA, police, Anti-Money-Laundering Intelligence Office (AMLIO), and the Supreme People’s Prosecutor Office.
Key Learning Areas
- Understanding financial investigation methods.
- Developing a Laotian financial investigation toolkit.
- Practicing application of newly acquired skills.
The Importance of an Anti-Corruption Authority
Erland Audunson Falch, Officer in Charge and Alternative Development Coordinator of the UNODC Lao PDR Office, emphasized the need for an independent and strong anti-corruption authority:
“An effective anti-corruption strategy hinges on a robust anti-corruption authority tasked with preventing and combating corruption offenses…Promoting the rule of law, democratic institutions, and sound decision-making - all essential for protecting human rights, upholding liberties, and fostering economic growth and social progress.”
International Best Practices and Techniques
The training focused on international best practices for conducting corruption investigations using a diverse range of investigatory techniques:
- Undercover and sting operations.
- Electronic evidence collection methods.
- The “expenditures” method for unearthing corruption-related conduct.
Participants’ Feedback
Participants reported the training to be highly relevant to their work and valuable in enhancing their knowledge and skills:
“Feedback gathered suggested that participants found the training highly relevant to their work and valuable in enhancing their knowledge and skills.”
Conclusion
The initiative in Lao PDR demonstrates the essential role of strengthening the capacity of national investigators and prosecutors in effectively tackling corruption offenses and promoting sustainable socio-economic development.