Strengthening Financial Crime Investigations in Iraq
A Multi-Year Training Initiative Launched
Baghdad - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq, in partnership with the United States Government and the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq, has launched a multi-year training initiative aimed at strengthening complex organized and financial crime investigations in the country.
Focusing on Equipping Iraqi Professionals
The training program, titled “Organized and Financial Crime Investigations: An Integrated Approach,” focuses on equipping Iraqi judges and professionals with the skills, expertise, techniques, and procedures necessary to effectively investigate complex financial crime cases. The initiative also makes recommendations for improving policies and procedures for investigating and prosecuting complex organized and financial crimes, as well as establishing a roadmap for implementing those policies.
Key Components of the Initiative
- Conducting workshops on organized and financial crimes for various Iraqi government institutions
- Developing a handbook on leading and conducting complex financial crime investigations
- Collaborating with judges, prosecutors, and financial crime investigators to improve investigative skills and procedures
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
- “The goal of the program is to strengthen the procedures and tactics of investigative judges in approaching and leading complex financial crime investigations, in close collaboration with colleagues from investigative agencies.” - Judge Faiq Zaidan, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq
- “Iraq requires efficient tools and policies to help investigate and prosecute financial crimes, as the motivation behind most of these criminal offenses is personal enrichment that hurts the Iraqi state and people.” - Matthew Tueller, US Ambassador to Iraq
Background on Financial Crime Investigations in Iraq
The United States Department of State was pleased to finance UNDP’s assessment on financial crime investigation capabilities in Iraq, which helped lay the groundwork for the training and was instrumental in drafting guidelines for financial investigation techniques for judges and investigators. The policy paper can be viewed online at [insert link].
Funding and Support
Funds for the project have been generously provided by the United States Government, and is part of UNDP Iraq’s Security Sector Reform/Rule of Law Programme.
By strengthening financial crime investigations in Iraq, this initiative aims to help combat corruption, money laundering, and other financial crimes that hinder economic recovery, stability, and development.