Title: Laotian Authorities Strengthen Capacity to Combat Financial Fraud with UNODC Training

Background

• Vientiane, Lao PDR (November 2017)
• Laos identified the need to enhance capacity to investigate corruption and financial crimes
• Ranked amongst LDCs with highest level of illicit outflows (14.42% of GDP)

Training on Financial Investigations

• “Training on Financial Investigations in Lao PDR” (October 31 - November 2, 2017)
• 40 participants, including Economic Investigation Unit, police, Anti-Money-Laundering Intelligence Office (AMLIO), Supreme People’s Prosecutor Office
• Addressing corruption and financial crimes to reduce risks and enhance socio-economic development

Significance of Anti-Corruption Framework

• Corruption and financial crimes pose enormous risks to Lao PDR’s development
• Importance of an independent anti-corruption authority
• Effective anti-corruption efforts promote rule of law, democratic institutions and foster economic growth

“An independent and strong anti-corruption authority is crucial in safeguarding a successful anti-corruption strategy.” – Mr. Erlend Audunson Falch, UNODC Lao PDR Office

Workshop Overview

• Focused on applying international best practices for corruption investigation
• Techniques covered: undercover & sting operations, electronic evidence analysis, identifying corruption-related conduct
• Collaborative learning: participants worked on simulated corruption cases

Guest Presentations

• ANZ Bank and the Anti-Money-Laundering Intelligence Office provided insights into financial data for ongoing investigations

Feedback

• Highly relevant and significant enhancement to participants’ investigation skills
• UNODC’s commitment to Laotian authorities’ anti-corruption efforts creates positive change in the country’s fight against financial fraud