22^nd of May 2024, Baghdad, Iraq — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq welcomed the Public Prosecutor General of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), Judge Kawa Fathi Masoum, to one of its ongoing Financial Investigation workshops in Baghdad at the Judicial Development Institute, earlier this week. 

During his visit, the Public Prosecutor General praised the longstanding partnership between UNDP and the national justice system, highlighting the importance of these collective efforts to combat financial crime and corruption across Iraq. He awarded UNDP’s training team including Dr Mohammed Almosly, James May, Jafar Nema, Nishtiman Aziz and Sarwar Khaleel for their dedication, excellence and promoting interactive training approach.  

Judge Masoum’s visit provided an opportunity to recognize the achievements of UNDP Iraq’s ongoing efforts in strengthening the capacity of judicial and law enforcement officials across Iraq. Since 2021, UNDP Iraq, with the support of the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, has trained over 2,000 officials, including more than 700 judges, in investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating complex and organized crimes including corruption, illicit enrichment and money laundering cases.

Judge Kawa Fathi Masoum, said that “during our attendance at the Judicial Workshop on 17-18 May 2024, we awarded the Public Prosecution Shield to the members of the UNDP team of the Financial Investigation Project in recognition of their exceptional efforts in training our judges on financial investigation techniques. This training will enhance the capabilities of public prosecutors in monitoring and protecting public funds, uncovering crimes of corruption and money laundering, and holding perpetrators accountable. The dedication and expertise of the UNDP team also led to the drafting and launching of a Financial Investigation Handbook, which has been adopted by our Iraqi institutions to unify our procedures and efforts in this field. The UNDP experts played a significant role in the success of the program.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, Auke Lootsma, added, "We are honored to have had the Prosecutor General of KRI with us. His presence reinforces the important role of partnerships in achieving our shared goal of reducing corruption and enhancing justice in Iraq," 

Dr. Mohamed Almosly, a national and international trainer and UNDP Expert on Financial Investigations, emphasized the significance of the workshops. "Our training sessions are designed to be highly interactive and tailored to the participants' needs. They promote collaborative approaches and equip officials with the necessary tools to conduct thorough financial investigations. The success of these workshops is reflected in the strong network and shared knowledge among the judiciary and other agencies."

A notable achievement of this project is the launch of the Handbook for Enhancing Financial Investigations and Upholding the Rule of Law in November 2023. This comprehensive guide was co-created by 12 institutions, providing a valuable resource for practitioners involved in financial investigations.

About UNDP Iraq 

UNDP in Iraq supports the Government of Iraq's efforts towards reconciliation, reform, and stability. Its support towards the development of Iraq’s Financial Investigations handbook is part of its work under the Security Sector Reform and Rule of Law Programme. The programme’s goal is to support the Government’s efforts toward long-term peace and stability through an improved security and justice sector. Its work on financial investigations and anti-money laundering is made possible with the generous contributions of the United States Government.

Media Contact: Zein Hamon, Communications Analyst | zein.hamon@undp.org | +964 780 780 447 3336