Between 11 and 13 December, the UNODC Global Programme against Money Laundering, Proceeds of Crime and the Financing of Terrorism (GPML) and the UNODC Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Unit partnered with the Yemeni National Committee for AML/CFT to present a workshop on money laundering related to proceeds from human trafficking. The design, development and delivery of this pilot workshop were funded by the Government of the Netherlands.
There were 40 participants in the workshop drawn from a wide range of national agencies with responsibility for elements of combating money laundering and or human trafficking, including the General Directorate of Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime, the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation, the Office of the Minister of Interior, the National Security, Public Prosecution, the Financial Information Unit, the Customs Authority, the Office of Political Security, the Coast Guard Authority and the Immigration and Passports Authority.
The workshop was officially opened and closed by Mr Ahmed A. Ghaleb, Chairman of the National Committee on AML/CFT. Topics discussed in the workshop were the international framework to combat money laundering; the international framework to combat trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants; characterizing trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling: key elements and standard forms of investigation; the key actors involved in money laundering, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants; and financial investigation to assist successful money laundering investigations and the confiscation of assets derived from human trafficking. There were also sessions on national / inter-agency coordination and cooperation and international cooperation in investigation of both money laundering and human trafficking.
The need for establishment of multi-disciplinary teams to undertake investigation of the substantive offences and the money laundering elements was emphasized by the UNODC experts. On the final day participants worked through a case study scenario involving elements of human trafficking and money laundering. The attendees were divided into five teams and each team was given the same scenario to read and analyze. The scenario was outlined in a 12 page document and each team was required to present its finding to the class. In the presentation teams had to address issues relating to potential offences that need to be investigated, composition of the investigative team and the agencies or specialist to be included in the team. They also had to indicate the immediate and secondary avenues of investigation and investigation methods or techniques.
The team presentations were of a high standard. The exercise generated significant interest and discussion. Feedback for participants at the end of the workshop indicated that the practical exercise was a valued component of the workshop.
Within the overall umbrella of the recently launched Integrated Country Programme for Yemen, UNODC will continue to work with Yemeni authorities to build capacity among government institutions across a range of subject areas in the coming years.
Basic Training Manual on Investigating and Prosecuting the Smuggling of Migrants
Anti-Human Trafficking Manual for Criminal Justice Practitioners
Literature Review to discuss the Smuggling of Migrants into, through and from North Africa
The role of organized crime in the smuggling of migrants from West Africa to the European Union
UNODC and Smuggling of Migrants
UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa.
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