Somali Police Force Trained on Financial Crime Investigation Techniques Amidst Fight Against Terrorism
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has concluded a comprehensive training program for 25 criminal investigations officers from the Somali Police Force (SPF). The training aimed to equip them with skills to investigate financial crimes and combat terrorism.
Training Objectives
- Detecting and preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illegal transactional activities
- Providing in-depth knowledge of financial intelligence methodologies, tools, and techniques
- Practical sessions to deepen understanding of investigative methods and procedures
Course Content
- Financial intelligence cycle: emphasizing the importance of disrupting criminal networks’ financing systems to curb financial crimes in Somalia
- Investigative methods and procedures in combating financial crimes
- Practical sessions on detecting and preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illegal transactional activities
Importance of Training
According to ATMIS Police Training and Development Coordinator Samuel Asiedu Okanta:
“The training provides a significant opportunity to deepen our understanding of financial intelligence methodologies, tools, and techniques of investigation.”
The critical role of financial crime investigation in undermining terrorist financing networks and disrupting their operations was also highlighted.
Government Support
The Somali government has acknowledged the significance of this training, with SPF Deputy Director of Training and Planning Nur Gedi Mohamed emphasizing its importance:
“This training is crucial in enhancing the capacity of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to effectively combat financial crimes.”
Capacity Building
The training is part of ATMIS’ efforts to build the capacity of the Somali Police Force to assume full security responsibilities when ATMIS exits Somalia later this year.
Additional Training
In addition to their training on financial crime investigation, participants also received intensive training in basic fingerprinting techniques. Recognizing the critical role that fingerprints play in upholding justice and protecting communities, this additional training demonstrates ATMIS’ commitment to supporting the Somali security forces through specialized training, mentoring, and advising.
Conclusion
The comprehensive training program has equipped 25 criminal investigations officers from the Somali Police Force with the skills they need to investigate financial crimes and combat terrorism. As ATMIS prepares to exit Somalia later this year, this training is a testament to its commitment to supporting the Somali security forces through specialized training, mentoring, and advising.