From October 14th to 16th, a three-day capacity-building workshop focused on financial investigations took place in Dojran, North Macedonia, bringing together representatives from four key institutions: the Prosecutor’s Office, the Financial Police, Customs Officers, and the Police. The workshop, organized by European Development Academy from Slovenia to enhance skills and collaboration in tackling criminal assets recovery, was designed to address critical challenges faced by these institutions when initiating and carrying out financial investigations.
A detailed comparison of criminal investigations of financial crimes and financial investigations was a central feature of the workshop, analysing eight key aspects of each. Through this comparative analysis, participants gained valuable insights into the similarities and differences between the two processes. The discussions led to important conclusions on how and when to employ each method, ensuring better strategies in criminal assets recovery.
Through interactive sessions focused on real-life case studies, participants collaborated on designing a common framework for report writing tailored to the needs of the prosecution office. The Macedonian and Slovenian colleagues explored new methodologies and discussed the steps necessary to address ongoing challenges in not only carrying out but also successfully completing financial investigations with confiscation of the assets gained through criminal acts. This hands-on approach led to a breakthrough in addressing key procedural dilemmas. As a result of these discussions, an agreement was reached to apply a newly designed reporting framework, which will enhance the effectiveness of financial investigation work as well as the effectiveness and clarity of reports to the prosecution office and consequently lead to more successful criminal asset recovery.
The workshop concluded with participants agreeing on further steps to strengthen capacity in financial investigations. Concrete topics, such as understanding and addressing money laundering procedures, were identified as priorities for future capacity-building efforts.
This successful event marks a significant step forward in enhancing cooperation and expertise in financial investigations, ensuring that institutions in North Macedonia are better equipped to tackle criminal assets recovery.
14-16 October, 2024 in Dojran
Representatives of four North Macedonian institutions (the Prosecutor’s Office, the Financial Police, Customs Officers, and the Police) and their corresponding colleagues from Slovenia
Analysing real-life cases from the perspectives of all four institutions
Thinking about similarities and differences between criminal investigations of financial crimes and financial investigations
Sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues from other institutions
14-16 October, 2024 in Dojran
