Mozambique’s Top Agencies Gather for Financial Crime Investigation Training: Overcoming Challenges and Boosting Inter-Agency Cooperation
In a four-day intensive workshop, representatives from Mozambique’s key law enforcement and prosecution agencies came together for a Financial Investigations and Asset Recovery training program, led by the Basel Institute’s International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR) team.
Engaging Discussions on Combating Money Laundering in Mozambique
Hosted in Maputo, more than two dozen participants attended the workshop, which included prosecutors and investigators from the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGR), provincial prosecutors’ offices, Central Office for the Fight Against Corruption (GCCC), the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), and GiFIM, Mozambique’s Financial Intelligence Unit.
Complexities of Financial Investigations
The training provided insights into the complexities of financial investigations within the framework of Mozambican laws and practices, while addressing international best practices and emerging money laundering trends.
Practical Challenges of Investigations
Two PGR prosecutors shared their insights into investigating money laundering crimes in Mozambique, leading to constructive debates on common obstacles.
- Obtaining banking information for probes: Participants echoed the difficulties in obtaining banking information for financial investigation cases.
- Securing a swift freeze on relevant accounts: Ensuring that funds are not distributed or transferred before relevant accounts are frozen is a significant challenge.
- Identifying underlying offenses: Pinpointing the underlying offenses giving rise to the proceeds of crime and subsequent money laundering offenses can be a tangled challenge.
- Lengthy turnaround times in procuring information: Participants stressed the importance of addressing lengthy turnaround times in procuring information both domestically and through mutual legal assistance.
Making the Most of Mozambique’s Anti-Money Laundering Legislation
Program participants were urged to make the most of provisions outlined in Mozambique’s Anti-Money Laundering legislation (Law No. 14/2013). With extended confiscation measures similar to those of EU member states, these steps could significantly aid investigators in their efforts to combat financial crimes.
Hands-On Training and Case Simulations
A representative from Mozambique’s newly formed Interdisciplinary Asset Recovery Team praised the workshop for its practicality. Participants were provided the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge directly through simulation cases.
- Clarity and brevity in conveying findings: Clear and concise communication of findings to judges is essential to avoid unnecessary distractions.
- Expert analysis of financial data: Collaborating with Financial Intelligence Units, such as GiFIM, during investigations, allows for expert analysis of financial data.
- Bolstering cooperation among agencies: With financial crimes requiring multi-agency involvement, fostering inter-agency networking and information-sharing on a daily basis is essential for effective asset recovery.
Conclusion
This workshop provided participants with valuable insights and practical exercises to combat money laundering in Mozambique and promote collaboration among various agencies involved in financial investigations and asset recovery.