UNODC and OSCE Host Train-the-Trainer Course in Vienna to Combat Terrorism Financing

 

20 - 22 February, Vienna, Austria: A vital training initiative aimed at bolstering the capacity of officials from Kosovo under UNSCR 1244 in countering the financing of terrorism took place. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), organized a train-the-trainer course focused on enhancing financial disruption skills and strengthening interagency cooperation in combating terrorist financing.

For three days, local trainers from the Tax Administration, Financial Intelligence Unit, Directorate for Investigation of Economic Crime, Counter-terrorism Directorate, Basic Court/Special Department, the National Coordination Office Against Terrorism and the Prosecution’s Office engaged in a series of sessions led by expert trainers from UNODC and OSCE. The training covered various aspects of disruption planning, including business modeling, functional analysis, critical information requirements, and sanctions. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, participants gained practical insights into disruption tactics and investigative techniques.

A highlight of the course was the scenario-based exercises, which enabled participants to apply learned concepts to real-world situations. These exercises fostered critical thinking and problem-solving skills, empowering participants to develop comprehensive disruption strategies tailored to their specific contexts. By the conclusion of the course, local trainers had acquired a deeper understanding of disruption planning strategies and their application in countering terrorist financing. Notably, the training was delivered by three experienced CFT trainers.

The purpose of the mission was to equip participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to identify, investigate, and disrupt the financing of terrorism effectively. The training course, part of a comprehensive program on countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), aimed to align local capacities with international best practices and promote collaboration with international partners engaged in CFT efforts. UNODC and OSCE remain committed to building local capacities and fostering collaboration in countering the financing of terrorism.

Financial support for the course was generously provided by the United States of America

 

 

[1] All references to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999)