Strengthening international cooperation in investigation and prosecution of corruption cases in South-Eastern Europe

7-8 June 2023, Bečići, Montenegro: One of the key elements in the investigation of corruption cases is the ability of law enforcement authorities and prosecutors to exchange information with their counterparts from other jurisdictions. Effective and proactive sharing of relevant operational information, as well as obtaining and responding to mutual legal assistance requests, in a timely fashion is a prerequisite for a successful prosecution of corruption.

In order to strengthen the regional cooperation, over 25 representatives of the public prosecution and law enforcement agencies as well as UNODC Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE) contact points from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, together with experts from UNODC met and discussed the challenges in international cooperation and actions which can be taken to overcome them. The meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss further actions toward the implementation of the Regional Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Roadmap.

The regional meeting was held under the overall framework of the Regional Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Roadmap, implemented with the generous support of the Government of the United Kingdom and in partnership with the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative. The project aims to enhance the capacity of the Western Balkan jurisdictions to fast-track the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.  

This activity contributes to SDG Target 16.4 to significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.