Title: LAO PDR: Battling Financial Crimes through Capacity Building and International Collaboration
Background
In a push to combat corruption and illicit financial outflows, Lao PDR authorities identified the need for enhanced financial investigation capacity. With the influx of foreign investments, public-private partnerships, and mega projects, corruption poses a significant threat to the national budget. [Key Point: Lao PDR’s illicit financial outflows equate to 14.42% of the GDP, exceeding the average of 4.8% for other least developed countries (LDCs).]
Training on Financial Investigations
Addressing these concerns, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organized a three-day “Training on Financial Investigations” in Vientiane (31 October – 02 November 2017). [Key Point: Participants included representatives from the Anti-Corruption Agency (SIAA), police, Anti-Money-Laundering Intelligence Office (AMLIO), and the Supreme People’s Prosecutor Office.]
Essential International Best Practices
The workshop delivered essential international best practices and investigatory techniques, such as:
- Undercover operations
- “Sting” operations
- Use of electronic evidence
- The “expenditures” method for identifying corruption-related conduct
Collaborative Exercises
Participants honed their skills through collaborative exercises, using a corruption-related scenario to draft and execute investigative strategies. [Key Point: Participants expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive workshop, which equipped them with the tools needed to tackle financial crimes more effectively.]
Importance of a Robust Anti-Corruption Agency
Mr. Erlend Audunson Falch, Officer in Charge and Alternative Development Coordinator at the UNODC Lao PDR Office, emphasized the importance of a robust anti-corruption agency in curbing corruption. [Quote: “An independent and strong anti-corruption authority is the cornerstone of any successful anti-corruption strategy.”]
International Collaboration and Capacity Building
By focusing on the skills needed for financial investigations, the workshop sought to strengthen the capacity of national law enforcement authorities. The training was part of the international community’s commitment to supporting Lao PDR in its efforts to address governance challenges and adhere to international anti-corruption frameworks, such as the UN Convention Against Corruption. [Key Point: International collaboration and capacity building are crucial in helping countries like Lao PDR tackle corruption and related financial crimes.]