UNODC enhances knowledge and skills in addressing money laundering cases.

Globally the gray economy harms the welfare of the states, impacting their economic stability. The international community, along with national governments, is fighting illicit financial flows by strengthening the capacity of competent authorities to detect, investigate and prosecute money laundering (ML). An important aspect for bringing criminals to justice and depriving them of their income is the interaction and coordination of the work of financial intelligence units, prosecutors, judicial and supervisory authorities.

In this regard, UNODC jointly with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conducted a 4-day international seminar for mid-level officials on “Money laundering – investigation, prosecution, and asset recovery” on 11-14 December 2023 at the Joint Vienna Institute (JVI). The focus of the seminar was on the entire cycle of the investigating process starting from the detection, investigation, and prosecution of money laundering as well as recovery of stolen assets. A unique approach of the joint course is that the course is aimed at mid-level managers who are executors of the anti-money laundering strategy in the government agencies and can implement the acquired knowledge and experience in practice.

Representatives of six countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, and Albania), including 23 men and 3 women from financial intelligence units, prosecutor’s office, and judiciary took part in the seminar. International experts provided discussions on the difficulties of proof in criminal cases related to money laundering and confiscation issues as well as the strategic and practical considerations when conducting investigations. Each country presented the case on ML investigation, actively participated in discussion and experience exchange. In addition, participants were given practical exercises where they had to analyze the ML and asset recovery case and develop the investigation strategies.

Valuable input into discussion was made by the Deputy Prosecutor General of Kazakhstan (Committee on Asset Recovery was established in September 2023 in Kazakhstan). Kazakhstani delegates shared their practice in developing legislation on asset recovery and successful practical cases on the return of stolen assets back to the country.

The event was organized with expert support from the UNODC Global Programme against Money Laundering, Proceeds of Crime, and the Financing of Terrorism (GPML), and the International Monitory Fund, with the financial support from the US Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).