Workshop on Money Laundering Investigation Techniques Using Open Source Tools Held in Egypt
Cairo, Egypt - The Egyptian Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Combating Unit (EMLCU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) held a workshop on “Open Source Internet Investigation” from 11-14 February 2018.
Fighting Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing with Open Source Tools
In an effort to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, the Egyptian government and UNODC organized a workshop to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to use open source tools for gathering essential information and data directly from the internet and different social platforms.
Importance of Open Source Tools in Internet Investigations
The workshop was opened by Judge Ahmed Said, the chairman of the board of trustees of EMLCU, and Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa. They emphasized the importance of open source tools in conducting internet investigations.
Participants: The training course attracted participants from various organizations such as:
- Public Prosecution
- National Security
- Administrative Control Authority
- EMLCU
- Central Bank of Egypt
Training Course Topics
The training course covered several important topics, including:
- Planning an online investigation
- Search techniques
- Capture and handling internet evidence
- Deep web
- Cryptocurrencies
The practical hands-on approach allowed participants to understand and apply what they learned about conducting an online internet investigation.
Combating Money Laundering in Egypt
Money laundering is a significant problem in Egypt, and the government has been taking measures to combat it. In 2015, the Egyptian parliament approved the Anti-Money Laundering Law, which established a legal framework for preventing and detecting money laundering activities. The EMLCU was also created as a specialized body responsible for supervising and coordinating anti-money laundering efforts.
Internet and Social Platforms in Money Laundering
One of the primary tools used in money laundering is the use of the internet and social platforms to hide the source of funds. Therefore, having knowledge about open source tools and understanding how to use them effectively is crucial for investigators and law enforcement agents.
Impact on the Fight Against Money Laundering in Egypt
The workshop provided participants with a better understanding of the tools and techniques used to investigate financial crimes through the internet. It helped create a more significant impact on the fight against money laundering in Egypt. The organizers plan to hold similar workshops in the future, aiming to reach more people and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent financial crimes.