Financial Crime World

UN Development Programme Boosts Iraq’s Capacity to Combat Financial Crimes

Iraq - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq recently concluded its 31st ‘Task Force Workshop on Financial Investigations’ in Baghdad, reiterating its commitment to improving Iraq’s capabilities in investigating financial crimes since 2021.

Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration

Held at the Judicial Training Institute, the initiative brought together law enforcement, oversight, and judicial institutions. Participants included Investigative Judges, Prosecutors, Investigators, and Auditors from 11 key agencies. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and capacity in dealing with complex financial cases related to corruption, money laundering, terrorism financing, and illicit enrichment.

Key highlights:

  • UNDP’s commitment to enhancing Iraq’s fight against financial crimes
  • 1,000 officials trained and 1,757 officials with 282 women partipated
  • Effective financial investigations and convictions
  • Significant achievements in inter-agency cooperation and collaboration

Inter-Agency Cooperation: Key to Uncovering Financial Crimes

The workshops, led by Dr. Mohamed Almosly, UNDP’s Expert and Lead Trainer of the Security Sector Reform / Rule of Law Programme, emphasized the importance of collaboration among agencies. This cooperative approach was demonstrated effectively through practical exercises, where teams tackled complex cases together.

Inter-Agency Cooperation Success Stories

Since the workshops began, the partnerships established have led to:

  • The Commission on Integrity conducting more effective financial investigations with other institutions
  • Conviction and imprisonment of numerous officials involved in illicit enrichment
  • Recovery of stolen funds for the Iraqi people
  • Extradition of 18 wanted individuals and strengthened partnership with Interpol

Sustainability and Expansion

To ensure the programme’s long-term success, a ‘Handbook on Financial Investigations’ was delivered. UNDP’s future plans include:

  • Conducting additional workshops
  • Offering online training courses
  • Focusing on asset recovery and strengthening the financial investigation unit through partnerships with the UNODC

Generous Support

This collaborative project is financially supported by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

In the endeavor to support Iraq’s efforts towards reconciliation, reform, and stability, the Financial Investigations task force workshops form a crucial aspect of the UNDP’s Security Sector Reform and Rule of Law Programme.