TRAININGS

29th June 2023 | 20th July 2023

Understanding Illicit Financial Flows, Money Laundering, and Terrorist Financing

The Initiative Against Illicit Finance (IAIF) conducted two crucial training workshops for Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) in Bushenyi district. The first workshop, held on 29th June 2023, focused on understanding illicit financial flows, money laundering, and terrorist financing. This session aimed to enhance awareness and knowledge about financial crimes affecting the community.

Following the initial workshop, a follow-up training was organized on 20th July 2023, delving into risk management, fraud prevention, and countermeasures against terrorist financing. This session, facilitated by Mr. Keith Namara, a lawyer with Matrix Advocates, he provided practical insights and strategies to mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of financial systems within the SACCOS.

These workshops were a critical step towards equipping SACCOS and their stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to identify, prevent, and combat financial crimes, thereby fostering a safer financial environment.

Friday, 26th May | Monday, 29th May | Tuesday, 30th May 2023

Online Training: Understanding Transnational Organized Crime and Crime-Based Illicit Financial Flows

Facilitators:

Eric Guiterez: PhD holder from Erasmus University Rotterdam, specializing in commodity chains in the context of TOCs.

Andrew Tennant: Director of Gentium UK Ltd, with over 23 years of experience in law enforcement, organized crime, and recovery management.

Purity Mukami: A data journalist with international media experience, including UK-based Finance covered and BBC Eye of Africa.

Objectives:

The training had several key objectives:

• To provide participants with a comprehensive introduction to understanding TOCs and their impact on society, the economy, and security.
• To equip participants with knowledge about IFFs and techniques used to launder money acquired through criminal activities.
• To provide practical knowledge and skills required for investigating TOCs and crime-based IFFs.

Training Highlights:

Day 1 - Understanding TOCs: Mr. Eric Guitierez led a comprehensive discussion on the nature of TOCs, their origins, and criteria for categorizing an activity as transnational organized crime. Examples from around the world were cited to illustrate these concepts. The session also explored the impacts of TOCs, including tax evasion, conflicts, terrorism, cartels, human trafficking, and wildlife trafficking. It emphasized the role of civil society organizations in addressing TOCs.

Day 2 - IFFs and Money Laundering: Unfortunately, Mr. Andrew Tennant was unable to attend, but the group conducted personal research on IFFs and money laundering. Topics included different types of IFFs, emerging trends like cryptocurrencies and virtual asset ownership, and the role of financial institutions in combating money laundering.

Day 3 - Investigative Techniques and Tools: Ms. Purity Mukami facilitated the third day, covering investigative techniques and tools used in TOC investigations. The session delved into open-source intelligence, interview techniques, data source protection, legal frameworks, and international conventions that support investigations. These training sessions have been instrumental in equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the complex challenges posed by TOCs and crime-based IFFs. IAIF remains committed to raising awareness and building the capacity necessary to combat these threats effectively

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WEBINARS

July 5th, 2023

The War on Dirty Money and Understanding Money Laundering

IAIF had the privilege of hosting Mr. Tristram Hicks, the esteemed author of "The War on Dirty Money," for an engaging and informative webinar. The focus of the webinar was to explore evidence-based solutions to tackle financial crimes effectively, specifically delving into the realms of money laundering. Mr. Hicks shared insights from his book, highlighting the need to address the opacity within the financial sector and advocating for targeted solutions against the issue of 'dirty money'.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the war on dirty money: Mr. Hicks shed light on the intricacies of battling against the financial aspect of crime, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach in handling dirty money to effectively combat criminal activities. Tackling money laundering: The discussion provided a deeper understanding of money laundering, unraveling the layers of complexity and emphasizing the importance of targeted strategies to deter illicit financial flows. This webinar served as a platform for participants to engage with an expert in the field and explore evidence-based strategies for combatting money laundering and its associated crimes. IAIF continues to be dedicated to raising awareness and fostering collaboration in the fight against financial crimes.

July 6th, 2023

Understanding Criminal Proceeds and Illicit Financial Flows and their impact on a country’s social structure

IAIF hosted an engaging webinar facilitated by Mr. Simon Marsh from the Basel Institute of Switzerland. The webinar, titled "Understanding Criminal Proceeds and Illicit Financial Flows and their Impact on a Country's Social Structure," delved into the intricate relationship between financial crime and a nation's social fabric. The webinar was specifically designed for NGOs, community-based organizations, and civil society organizations whose work is closely linked to creating awareness about organized crime and illicit financial flows. It provided a valuable platform for these organizations to enhance their understanding of the broader social implications of financial crimes.

Key Discussion Points:

Mr. Simon Marsh led a thought-provoking discussion that covered various aspects, including:

• The linkages between criminal proceeds and illicit financial flows.
• The far-reaching impact of financial crimes on a country's social structure, including its economy, security, and communities.
• The role of NGOs and civil society organizations in raising awareness about organized crime and advocating for change.

Impact and Insights:

Participants gained valuable insights into the complex dynamics of criminal proceeds and illicit financial flows, as well as a deeper appreciation of how these issues affect the social fabric of a nation. The webinar fostered a collaborative environment for organizations dedicated to addressing these challenges.

IAIF remains committed to providing a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, empowering organizations and individuals to make a positive impact in the fight against financial crimes.

May 11th, 2023

Understanding the link between Transnational Organized Crime and Conflict

The webinar brought together a distinguished panel of experts to discuss the critical topic of the link between transnational organized crime and conflict. The primary aim was to increase public awareness about the intricate connection between these vices and the inherent dangers they pose to society.

Facilitators:

Dr. Gikonyo Constance: An advocate and senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi School of Law.

Dr. Uche Igwe: A renowned commentator on contemporary issues of African politics and governance.

Mr. Akizi Egnim: The Deputy Regional Coordinator of the SEACOP program in West Africa.

Each panelist shared their insights, citing examples and real-world cases to emphasize the link between transnational organized crime and conflict. Some of the key discussion points included:

• Examining instances where transnational crime has facilitated conflict, and vice versa.
• Identifying the common forms of Transnational Organized Crimes prevalent in conflict-prone areas.
• Understanding how Transnational Organized Crime is intricately linked to illicit financial flows.

The discussions during the webinar shed light on the undeniable fact that transnational organized crime fuels conflict. This increased awareness is crucial in addressing these complex issues. For those who missed the live event, a recorded session of the discussion is available on our YouTube channel, providing an opportunity for a wider audience to benefit from the valuable insights shared by the panelists.

IAIF remains dedicated to fostering awareness and understanding of the challenges posed by transnational organized crime and its role in conflict. Through such informative sessions, we aim to empower individuals and organizations to take meaningful action against these threats.