Title: StAR Initiative Boosts Mongolia’s Financial Crime Fighting Capabilities

Overview

The Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) initiative has been partnering with Mongolia for the past 12 years to strengthen its capabilities in combating financial crimes. This collaboration has led to an expansion of the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC)’s mandate and significant accomplishments in asset recovery.

Achievements in Asset Recovery

Recovery of $1.1 million in stolen assets from the United Kingdom through informal cooperation and Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) process [1]
Increased involvement in regional networks and bilateral engagements

Impact of COVID-19

Virtual technical assistance and capacity building sessions for over 150 participants
Webinars on various topics attracting over 350 prosecutors and detectives

Collaborative Efforts

Introduction of a Case Management System (CMS) for improved internal coordination and cooperation
Partnership with the University of Internal Affairs to provide technical assistance in fighting corruption

Enhancing MLA Regime and Mechanisms

Completion and approval of the MLA guidance chapter in 2015
Focus on addressing identified gaps since 2019, with StAR’s input [2]
Approval of the MLA Guidance in May 2021, a significant step forward

Long-term Commitment and Capacity Building

Continued partnership with academia to train new minds
Focused events on emerging threats
Strengthening asset management processes

[1] “Mongolia recovers $1.1m of stolen assets with international help,” The Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative, 7 July 2017, https://star.worldbank.org/blog/mongolia-recovers-1-1m-stolen-assets-international-help

[2] “Mongolia: progress in strengthening the framework for the provision and transmission of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters,” StAR Case Studies, World Bank, 22 May 2021, https://star.worldbank.org/case/mongolia-progress-strengthening-framework-provision-transmission-mutual-legal-assistance-criminal-matters