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UNODC held  the Workshop «Investigating and Prosecuting Cases of Corruption » in Jamaica - October 24 to 26th 2018

The fight against corruption is not only a specific social phenomenon for each country, it has become a strategic phenomenon that spreads throughout the planet. Indeed, corruption is an insidious plague that undermines democracy and the rule of law, affects the quality of life and economic development and allows the development of organized crime.

Therefore, the United Nations implemented the United Nations Convention against Corruption - which came into force in 2003-  through various projects. The regional project « Support to the Fight against Corruption in the Caribbean »  implemented jointly by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and funded by the Government of Canada, held a three-day Training Workshop for Investigators and Prosecutors in Kingston,Jamaica. The training was organized in collaboration with the Integrity Commission in Jamaica and brought together thirty participants includingStatutory Directors, Investigators and Inspectors, to collaborate and enhance their capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption.

October 24, 2018 - The seminar began with the welcome speech words pronounced by Her Excellency the High Commissionner of Canada in Jamaica, Mrs Laurie Peters.

Mr. Jason Reichelt, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer in UNODC provided an overview of an investigation plan based on the Case Scenario, including the steps, the involved persons and the resources needed for investigation. In addition, he laid emphasizes in methods to analyse the Evidence, including financial records.

Attendees participated through a dynamic conference whereby they organized themselves into small groups to conduct a preliminary analysis and develop ideas for an Investigation Plan,. Each debate was followed by a Report on the Investigation Plan of each group, with comments of the plenary session on the plan's overall coherence.

October 25, 2018: the following day aimed at analyzing financial evidence, through works in small groups. Attendees had to design an illustrative diagram, organizing the evidence as a tool to identify potential next steps in the investigation. Groups reported back to the plenary session, regarding the results of their analysis and identifying questioning witnesses and possible targets of the investigation.

October 26, 2018: on the last workshop day, Mr. Reichelt added that the Theory and Theme of the Case would be helpful in structuring the investigator's report, analysis and explanation. The workshop also included a practical exercise in small groups, in order to regard what is permissible in the jurisdiction , and the way to introduce financial evidence.

Finally, the training came to an end with words about International Cooperation, so as to discuss good practices and approaches in corruption cases.

The training led by UNODC highlighted tools to fight against corruption : improvement of capacities to prevent, detect and investigate corruption offenses. The project aims to strengthen Caribbean countries national integrity systems that will promote clean governments and create an enabling environment for trade, business, investment, and for sustainable development to increase in the region.