Experts from the Basel Institute’s International Centre for Asset Recovery and country office in Peru conducted a Financial Investigations and Asset Recovery training workshop in Quito, Ecuador from 6–10 May 2019. 

35 practitioners from various agencies, including the Attorney General's Office, Judiciary, Financial Intelligence Unit of Ecuador (UAFE), Anti-Money Laundering Unit of the National Police of Ecuador and State Attorney’s Office, took part. The training programme was part of an agreement of cooperation signed between the Basel Institute and the Attorney General’s Office of Ecuador in March 2018.

A complex simulated investigation, customised to the Ecuadorian environment, allowed the participants to directly apply the skills and knowledge they had gained throughout the week. Using their local legal framework, they identified corruption and money laundering offences and traced assets both domestically and internationally. 

The workshop was an opportunity to discuss the Ecuadorian money laundering and asset forfeiture provisions and identify areas for improvement ahead of the next FATF Mutual Evaluation of Ecuador.

A seasoned prosecutor commented that, during his 25-year career, he had never participated in such a practical and hands-on training which directly addressed his everyday work. The judges present were equally appreciative, as it made them aware of the difficulties and challenges that investigators and prosecutors face in conducting complex financial investigations. 

Find out more about ICAR's Financial Investigations and Asset Recovery training programme for anti-corruption authorities.