UNODC and ARINSA Host Workshops for Prosecutors and Investigators to Strengthen The Seychelles' Anti-Money Laundering Efforts

Participants took time for a group photo during the session.

Victoria, The Seychelles 3 - 6 June 2024. In an effort to strengthen The Seychelles' ability to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa as the joint secretariat of the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network of Southern Africa (ARINSA) organized two workshops: one for prosecutors and another for investigators. The workshops, which took place from 3-6 June 2024, aimed to build the capacity of investigators and prosecutors in applying effective asset confiscation methodologies and practices.

The workshops were conducted as part of The Seychelles' membership in ARINSA and were made possible through the generous support of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). ARINSA is a regional network established to facilitate intelligence sharing and capacity building among Southern African countries in the area of asset recovery. As a member of this network, The Seychelles actively involved and invested in enhancing the capabilities of its asset recovery practitioners. Through this program, UNODC supported the workshop by providing platforms for prosecutors and investigators to enhance their expertise and exchange knowledge on best practices in the field of asset confiscation. Through a combination of theoretical and practical training sessions, participants gained insights into the global transnational nature of asset recovery and the importance of international cooperation.

The Prosecutor Placement Programme (PPP), attended by 27 participants from the Office of the Attorney General, Anti-corruption Commission, and The Seychelles Revenue Commission, focused on enhancing prosecutorial strategies and expertise. Meanwhile, the Investigator Placement Programme (IPP), attended by 8 participants from The Seychelles Police Force, Customs division of The Seychelles Revenue Services, and the Anti-Corruption Commission, aimed to strengthen investigative skills and practices.

Present at the opening ceremony, where participants from both programs convened on the first day, were Attorney General Mr. Frank Ally, Commissioner of Police Mr. Ted Barbe, Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission of The Seychelles Ms. May Desilva, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Francis Songoire, and members of The Seychelles Police Executive Board. During his opening remarks, Commissioner of Police Mr. Ted Barbe emphasized that financial crimes pose a significant threat to communities and The Seychelles as a whole.

Participants in the Prosecutor Placement Programme acquired valuable insights and practical knowledge in areas such as prosecutorial strategies for addressing money laundering cases, effective presentation of evidence in court, understanding and application of relevant legislation, procedures related to unexplained wealth orders, and handling virtual assets and associated legal challenges. Participants in the Investigator Placement Programme learned skills in the basics of asset tracing, collating evidence and joint planning with advocates, beneficial ownership, and other investigation strategies for identifying and addressing money laundering cases.

Commissioner of Police Mr. Ted Barbe during the opening session.

“Asset recovery and fighting money laundering is a global phenomenon and in order to be successful, we need to work together. It is often said that fighting money laundering and recovering the proceeds of crime is a contact sport. Relationships between law enforcement agencies across countries are critical to fighting this crime as well as recovering the proceeds of those crimes. Working together and sharing best practices and lessons learned therefore puts us in a much stronger position,” said Dianne William, NPA of South Africa during the opening ceremony.

Speaking on the lessons learned, Brigitte Valentin from the Revenue Collection and Border Security Unit of The Seychelles Revenue Commission said, “We have been trying to implement the fusion center idea at the airport, but until now it has not been successful. I will take the example provided to my manager, and we will see how to proceed as I feel it would be helpful to us.”

Although the training delivered by South African trainers as part of the peer-to-peer learning offered by UNODC, they explained foreign laws and international standards, customizing the training to the needs of The Seychelles. Attendees were required to bring their country’s asset recovery legislation and cases with them to engage by discussing their particular legal environment during the course of the program.

The two workshops brought great promise for The Seychelles and its efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. By equipping prosecutors and investigators with the necessary tools and knowledge, this collaborative initiative aimed to contribute to a safer and more secure financial environment in The Seychelles and the wider region.

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UNODC and ARINSA Host Workshops for Prosecutors and Investigators to Strengthen The Seychelles' Anti-Money Laundering Efforts