“Follow the Money”: UNODC Training Upholds Rule of Law and Prudent Oversight in Papua New Guinea’s Criminal Justice System
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been instrumental in upholding the rule of law and prudent oversight in Papua New Guinea’s criminal justice system. Through its PNG Anti-Corruption Project, UNODC has been providing training to anti-corruption investigators, prosecutors, lawyers, and accountants to combat corruption and carry out financial investigations more effectively.
Enhancing Financial Investigations with “Follow the Money” Training
Recently, UNODC delivered a training program on “Follow the Money” for anti-corruption investigators, focusing on specific operational activities to enhance the use of financial intelligence and pursue asset recovery proceedings. The training aimed to build the capacity of participants in:
- Identifying possible unexplained wealth
- Assessing and calculating wealth
- Pursuing non-conviction-based recovery of assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2015
Chief Justice Emphasizes Importance of Testing Laws Against Corruption
The Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea emphasized the importance of testing laws to combat corruption in the country’s courts, stating:
“There are many good laws to combat corruption in this country, and I encourage lawyers and all law enforcement officers to test them in the Courts. We, the Judiciary, are committed to meeting the expectations of our people. We are committed to the protection and adherence to the rule of law and dispensing justice according to law without fear or favour, self-interest, or deceit.”
Recognizing Organized Crime Activities
The training also covered recognizing organized crime activities and conspiracies when assessing or investigating corruption- and fraud-related offenses. Participants from various government agencies, including:
- Auditor General’s Office
- Independent Commission Against Corruption
- National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate
- Office of the Public Prosecutor
- Ombudsman Commission
were equipped with technical skills and methods to enhance their work in combating corruption.
UNODC’s Commitment to Supporting Papua New Guinea’s Efforts Against Corruption
The UNODC training is a testament to its commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance. The organization has been working closely with the country’s law enforcement agencies to build capacity and ensure effective investigations and prosecutions of corruption-related offenses.
Digital Tools for Investigating Corruption
In addition, UNODC has been providing training on using digital tools and open-source intelligence to investigate corruption, which was delivered at the Bomana Police Training College in Port Moresby. The training aimed to introduce participants to online sources and software that could lead to effective and efficient investigations of corruption-related offenses.
Youth Anti-Corruption Essay and Photography Competition
The UNODC’s efforts to combat corruption in Papua New Guinea are also being supported through the Youth Anti-Corruption Essay and Photography Competition, which aims to promote integrity, anti-corruption, and unity among youth in the country. The competition is open to all Papua New Guinean youth and encourages them to submit essays or photographs on the theme of peace, unity, and anti-corruption.
Conclusion
The UNODC’s commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s efforts to combat corruption is unwavering, and its training programs are playing a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and promoting good governance in the country.