Financial Crime World

Unlocking the Black Box: Research Programme Aims to Tackle Serious Organised Crime and Illicit Finance in Afghanistan

Introduction A new research programme, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), aims to shed light on the complex web of serious organised crime, illicit finance, and transnational corruption in Afghanistan.

The SOC ACE Research Programme The Serious Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Evidence (SOC ACE) research programme, managed by the University of Birmingham, is a critical component in the Anti-Corruption Evidence (ACE) research programme. The programme’s primary goal is to “unlock the black box” of political will for tackling these issues through research-informed interventions and strategies.

The Problem Afghanistan has long been plagued by the illicit financing of terrorist groups, including the Taliban and its affiliates. A recent study highlighted the state-led operations against Islamic State Khorasan in Afghanistan and Pakistan between 2015-2018, which failed to disrupt the group’s financial networks. Illicit finance has been a key enabler of terrorism in the region, with various methods employed by terrorist groups, including extortion, kidnapping for ransom, and drug trafficking.

Recent Research Recent research has also highlighted the role of transnational organised crime networks in facilitating illicit finance flows. For instance, a study examined the everyday lives of illicit drug producers in Afghanistan, revealing their connections with criminal networks and corrupt officials.

The Programme’s Goals The SOC ACE programme aims to build on this knowledge by conducting research that informs effective strategies for disrupting illicit finance and tackling serious organised crime. The programme will engage with key stakeholders, including policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations, to ensure that its findings are actionable and have a real-world impact.

Quote from the Lead Researcher “We believe that by unlocking the black box of political will, we can develop more effective interventions and strategies for tackling serious organised crime and illicit finance in Afghanistan,” said Dr. [Name], lead researcher on the SOC ACE programme.

Funding and Partnerships The SOC ACE research programme is funded by the UK FCDO and is part of a larger Anti-Corruption Evidence (ACE) initiative that aims to tackle corruption and promote transparency worldwide.

Resources