Financial Crime World

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Mongolia’s Fight Against Financial Crime: A Success Story

For over a decade, the StAR initiative has been working closely with Mongolia to combat financial crime and strengthen its capacity for investigating and prosecuting complex cases.

Building Capacity Through Training and Policy Support

StAR helped the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) build its expertise in areas such as:

  • Financial investigations
  • Asset recovery
  • Mutual legal assistance

The agency’s success is evident in several notable cases, including the return of $1.1 million in stolen assets from the UK to Mongolia.

Regional Networks and Bilateral Engagement

Mongolia has become an active player in regional networks, leveraging its connections to:

  • Advance case work
  • Facilitate bilateral engagement with requested countries

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, StAR adapted its approach to deliver technical assistance and capacity building virtually, reaching a wider audience of over 150 participants from six organizations.

Improving Domestic Coordination Mechanisms

StAR facilitated the improvement of Mongolia’s domestic coordination mechanisms by introducing:

  • A Case Management System (CMS)

The system has enhanced internal coordination among investigators and prosecutors, making it easier to manage complex cases involving multiple offenses.

Building a New Generation of Law Enforcement Professionals

To further enhance domestic coordination, StAR began working with the University of Internal Affairs to provide technical assistance in fighting corruption. This partnership aims to:

  • Develop a new generation of law enforcement professionals equipped to tackle financial crime effectively

StAR provided support for Mongolia’s regime and mechanism for providing mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, focusing on the recovery of stolen assets internationally. The agency helped finalize the MLA guidance chapter in 2015, which was approved by the Prosecutor General of Mongolia.

In 2020, StAR contributed to addressing gaps identified in the MLA Guidance, including:

  • International recovery of stolen assets
  • Prosecutorial role when public interest is harmed

Long-Term Commitment and Investment

The long-term commitment and investment in personnel are essential for building capacity and achieving results. As StAR moves forward in its partnership with Mongolia, it plans to:

  • Focus on training new minds through academia
  • Deliver events on emerging threats and new methods
  • Strengthen processes associated with asset management