Financial Crime World

Corporate Financial Crime Investigations in Philippines Strengthened through UNODC Trainings

Makati City, Philippines - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has recently conducted two trainings on financial crime investigations to enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies and strengthen the capacities of investigators and prosecutors in the Philippines.

Strengthening Capacities through Training Sessions

The training sessions aimed at undermining the ability of criminal networks to secure, transfer, and conceal illicit profits by sharing technical expertise and understanding the evolving modus operandi of criminal organizations. The trainings brought together representatives from:

  • Office of the Ombudsman
  • Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service
  • National Bureau of Investigation
  • Anti-Money Laundering Council
  • Securities and Exchange Commission’s Enforcement and Investor Protection Division

Identifying Schemes and Building Investigation Plans

Participants discussed ways to identify bid rigging schemes and operational steps to take when building an investigation plan. The training sessions focused on schemes commonly used to conceal the proceeds of crime, including:

  • Bribery
  • Money laundering

These techniques were applied to a hypothetical scenario, and group activities reflected on how assets are moved around the world using offshore financial institutions, corporate vehicles, intermediaries, and laundering techniques.

Securing Admissible Evidence

To secure evidence that is admissible in court, investigators need to have an understanding of asset tracing and financial data analysis techniques. The trainings aimed at providing participants with the necessary skills to consolidate evidence around corruption cases.

Funding and Resources

The training sessions were part of activities funded by the Ministry of Justice of the Government of the Republic of Korea. Footage and written summaries of UNODC events are publicly available on the organization’s website.

UNODC Support for Financial Crime Investigations in Philippines

The UNODC has been working closely with law enforcement agencies in the Philippines to enhance their capacities to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, including corruption and money laundering. The agency has also provided technical assistance to help the country implement its anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime.

References

  • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
  • Ministry of Justice of the Government of the Republic of Korea