methods in financial crimes, and crucially, addressing Counter Proliferation Financing (CPF) as a pivotal aspect of the global effort to thwart the financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) proliferation. Furthermore, UNODC facilitated Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) in criminal matters and enhanced regional and international cooperation to combat financial crimes in collaboration with the relevant Iraqi authorities.

In 2023, UNODC orchestrated a series of technical meetings to support Iraqi authorities in their compliance with FATF standards and preparation for the ME process and the on-site visit. The meetings and mock sessions brought together various Iraqi authorities and stakeholders, including the AML/CFT Office, Central Bank, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, law enforcement and investigators, border police, non-profit organizations’ regulators, and customs authorities.

The primary focus of these meetings was to provide frameworks for the effective implementation of FATF standards, with a specific emphasis on helping in supporting Iraq’s efforts to identify, assess, and comprehend its ML/TF risks. Additionally, the discussions aimed to foster coordination among domestic entities to implement risk-mitigation measures. The meetings also offered guidance on establishing supervisory and monitoring techniques to address and mitigate risks associated with money laundering and terrorist financing across various sectors. Moreover, considerable attention was devoted to ensuring the collection and utilization of a diverse range of financial intelligence and relevant information by competent authorities.

This comprehensive approach aimed to enhance the capability of authorities to investigate money laundering, associated predicate offences, and terrorist financing effectively, thereby ensuring the delivery of reliable, accurate, and up-to-date information for informed decision-making.

Enduring Impact through Sustainable Contributions and Strategic Engagement

UNODC's collaboration with Iraqi AML/CFT authorities expanded to encompass a myriad of topics. The partnership navigated diverse areas, from addressing ML/TF risks associated with new payment methods and virtual currencies to fostering platforms for cross-border exchange on ML/TF cases with neighboring and overseas jurisdictions and advancing mutual legal assistance requests. UNODC also worked on enhancing capacities for parallel financial investigations, unveiling intricate schemes and techniques criminals use to conceal illicit gains, including trade-based ML, informal remittance systems, and shell companies.

These activities were in the framework of a project on anti-money laundering and countering financing terrorism implemented by UNODC in Iraq and Jordan and funded by Germany and the United Nations Development Program office in Iraq.

In conclusion, UNODC's partnership with Iraqi authorities is a testament to the power of collaborative action in countering financial crimes through strategic interventions, sustainable contributions, and strengthened partnerships. As Iraq continues its journey towards compliance and resilience, UNODC remains committed to supporting its endeavors and fostering a safer, and more secure financial environment.