Strengthening Anti-Corruption Efforts: UNODC Organizes Offshore Financial Crimes Investigation Training Workshop
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has organized a five-day training workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption authorities in investigating and prosecuting corporate financial crimes. The workshop, titled “Offshore Financial Crimes Investigation Training,” was held from November 14-18 and gathered 31 participants from various government agencies.
Objectives
The training aimed to equip investigators with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the complex web of offshore financial centers and legal structures used by criminals to hide their illegal activities. The workshop focused on the ways corrupt individuals exploit these systems to conceal and disguise the proceeds of crime, as well as best practices for investigating them.
Training Highlights
- Participants were taught about offshore financial centers, legal structures such as shell companies and investment funds, case studies, letters of request, and other related topics.
- They conducted a simulated country-specific financial crime investigation that involved unravelling corporate structures and beneficial ownership.
- The training covered various financial center jurisdictions and offshore tax havens, including account-opening requirements, due diligence information available, and techniques for freezing and analyzing accounts.
- Participants were briefed on best practices for Mutual Legal Assistance in various jurisdictions and learned how to identify and initiate key steps necessary to submit a successful request for international assistance.
Participating Agencies
The training workshop was attended by representatives from the following government agencies:
- Office of the Ombudsman
- Department of Justice National Prosecution Service
- National Bureau of Investigations
- Anti-Money Laundering Council
- Securities and Exchange Commission Enforcement and Investor Protection Division
Funding and Support
The training workshop was funded by the Ministry of Justice of the Government of the Republic of Korea. This initiative is part of UNODC’s ongoing efforts to support the Philippines’ anti-corruption efforts.
By strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption authorities, this training workshop aims to help prevent and investigate financial crimes that undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in institutions.