Title: Mozambique Anti-Corruption Agents Sharpen Skills in International Financial Crime Training

Agents Hone Expertise in Offshore Structures and International Cooperation

In a week-long workshop held at the Prosecutor General’s Office in Maputo, Mozambican anti-corruption agents from various agencies enhanced their skills in investigating offshore structures used for money hiding and laundering and in requesting international cooperation in criminal matters.

Led by ICAR Trainers

The intensive session, following foundational courses held in 2019 on financial investigations and asset recovery, was conducted by International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR) trainers. Participants included public prosecutors, members of Mozambique’s Asset Recovery Office, Financial Intelligence Unit, Central and Provincial Anti-Corruption Offices, and National Criminal Investigation Service.

Bridging the Gaps: From Local Shell Companies to International Cooperation

The training focused on expanding participants’ expertise in two critical areas of transnational asset recovery:

Obtaining information and evidence from abroad through mutual legal assistance (MLA) in criminal matters
Tracing financial flows through offshore corporate structures, such as shell companies and trusts

Hands-On Approach: Investigating a Complex Transnational Corruption Case

Participants collaborated in groups, simulating the investigation of a complex transnational corruption and money laundering case. This hands-on approach allowed them to use their newfound skills to uncover the beneficial ownership of assets held in offshore shell companies and link criminal activity with the perpetrators and the proceeds of crime.

Crucial Aspects of Transnational Probes

Both elements covered during the training - offshore structures and mutual legal assistance - are essential in tackling high-profile transnational corruption and money laundering cases. One such ongoing case, the hidden debt scandal, involves billions of dollars in undeclared loans and illicit payments, implicating both domestic and foreign officials. The consequences of this case have sent ripples through various jurisdictions, necessitating extensive international cooperation.

Securing International Cooperation: A Challenge

During her presentation, Amélia Machava, Director of Mozambique’s Asset Recovery Office, acknowledged that securing international cooperation through mutual legal assistance remains a challenge for many countries, including Mozambique. Some of the challenges she highlighted include:

Language and communication barriers
Differences in legal systems
Difficulties in identifying necessary contacts
Delays in obtaining responses
Accusations of “fishing expeditions”

Agents’ Appreciation and Next Steps

The agents in attendance expressed their appreciation for the training, stating that it expanded their knowledge in investigating offshore companies and trust funds, which are less familiar under Mozambican law. They also emphasized the importance of understanding the workings of mutual legal assistance and other rapid ways to obtain data to support mutual legal assistance requests.