Malawi Takes a Stand Against Financial Crimes in Wildlife Sector

Malawi has made significant strides in combating financial crimes related to wildlife trafficking with the introduction of new investigative and prosecutorial tools.

Strengthening Capacity to Tackle Corruption and Money Laundering

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and other agencies have been working closely with the Basel Institute on Governance to develop these tools, aimed at helping investigators build stronger cases against individuals and companies involved in wildlife trafficking. The new measures are part of a broader effort by Malawi’s government to enhance their capacity to tackle corruption and money laundering in the sector.

New Tools for Investigation and Prosecution

The introduced tools include:

• Advanced financial analysis techniques: Designed to help investigators track down and prosecute individuals and companies involved in wildlife trafficking.
• Asset recovery methods: Aimed at identifying and recovering assets obtained through corrupt means, such as poaching or smuggling.
• Case management systems: Developed to streamline the investigation and prosecution process, ensuring that cases are handled efficiently and effectively.

Collaboration with Basel Institute on Governance

The Basel Institute’s Green Corruption program has been working closely with Malawi’s government since 2019 to develop the capacity of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute financial crimes related to environmental corruption. The program has provided training and technical assistance to investigators and prosecutors on financial analysis, asset recovery, and case management.

Enhanced Capacity to Combat Financial Crimes

The introduction of these new tools is a significant boost to Malawi’s efforts to combat financial crimes in the wildlife sector. With this enhanced capacity, investigators will be able to better track down and prosecute those responsible for financial crimes related to wildlife trafficking, including poaching, smuggling, and other forms of exploitation.

Commitment to Protecting Natural Resources

Malawi’s government is committed to protecting its natural resources and combating financial crimes in the wildlife sector. The introduction of these new tools is a key part of this effort, enabling them to better investigate and prosecute those responsible for corrupt activities.