Honiara, Solomon Islands: The UN Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support from the Government of the United Kingdom, continues to enhance accountability and transparency across the Pacific.

UNDP’s Pacific Anti-Corruption project continues to foster partnerships among government officials, integrity institutions, and law enforcement agencies, with this week’s workshop another example of the project’s ethos of sharing best practices in tackling corruption across the Pacific.

This week’s workshop has focused on enhancing the use of financial intelligence tools, with the aim to equip prosecutors to better combat corruption and money laundering.

The workshop introduced innovative strategies, including the use of visual aids in intelligence-led financial disruption, to target facilitators of corruption. This proactive approach aims to dismantle complex criminal networks and prevent financial crimes before they escalate.

By combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on mentoring, the workshop will build the technical and operational capabilities of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, ultimately enhancing anti-corruption officials in Solomon Islands and their ability to prioritise and prosecute corruption and money laundering cases effectively.

Nancy Tikoisuva, the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions from Fiji's Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, joined virtually to share insights on key cases where collaboration between the DPP and the Financial Intelligence Unit was crucial. She emphasised how timely and accurate intelligence exchanges facilitated successful investigations and prosecutions of corruption and money laundering cases, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating financial crimes.

Emma Davis, Deputy British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, opened the event and said:

“The challenge is immense. Corruption and money laundering are not just financial crimes; they are threats to stability, economic development, and public trust. Those who engage in these illicit activities seek to exploit vulnerabilities, obscure illicit gains, and undermine justice. As prosecutors, your role is pivotal in ensuring that these crimes are detected, investigated, and prosecuted effectively.”

Rustam Pulatov, Team Leader for Effective Governance and Inclusive Growth with UNDP Pacific, added:

“This workshop is a testament to our ongoing efforts to equip prosecutors with the necessary tools and knowledge to combat corruption and money laundering effectively. By enhancing the technical and operational capabilities of our partners in the Solomon Islands and across the Pacific, we are taking significant steps towards a more transparent and just society.”

The workshop successfully concluded on 26 February on a strong note for enhanced cooperation between the financial intelligence unit and prosecutors.

For more information contact:
Nick Turner | Strategic Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | nicholas.turner@undp.org