Mogadishu, 21 March 2024 –Twenty-Five Criminal Investigation officers from the Somali Police Force (SPF) have completed five days of intensive training on how to investigate financial crimes to help the Federal Government fight backers of terrorism.
The training, organised by the Police component in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), imparted the participants with skills on how to detect crimes ranging from money laundering, and terrorist financing to other illegal transactional activities.
“This training provides a significant opportunity to deepen our understanding of financial intelligence methodologies, tools, and techniques of investigation,” said ACP. Samuel Asiedu Okanta, the ATMIS Police Training and Development Coordinator.
“As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and complex, the ability of the Somali Police personnel to understand and effectively analyse financial transactions has become more indispensable than ever before,” added ACP. Okanta during the closing ceremony at the General Kahiye Police Academy in the capital, Mogadishu.
The training is part of ATMIS’ efforts to build the capacity of the Somali Police Force to effectively assume full security responsibilities when ATMIS exits Somalia in December this year.
The Deputy Director of Training and Planning at the SPF Headquarters, Maj. Nur Gedi Mohamed, emphasized the significance of the training for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in disrupting the financing systems of criminal networks to curb financial crimes in the country.
“This Financial Intelligence training will strengthen your knowledge and skills in criminal investigations. You were among the best candidates selected through a rigorous process for this training,” said Maj. Nur in his address to the participants.
He added, “the training is critical and timely in the wake of the myriad challenges Somalia faces in fighting financial crimes such as money laundering, and terrorist financing.”
The course conducted by ATMIS police trainers, included both theoretical and practical sessions to deepen the participants’ understanding and capacity in financial intelligence, investigation methodologies and procedures in combating financial crimes, as well as the financial intelligence cycle, among other topics covered.
The participants also underwent intensive training on basic fingerprint techniques to enhance their understanding on the role of fingerprints in upholding justice, safeguarding communities, and ensuring the rule of law.
“Learning about financial crime is particularly important in the Somali context, where financial malpractices remain a big challenge,” said Col. Abdirahman Koronto, the Head of training at General Kahiye Police Academy.
ATMIS police are mandated to provide support to the Somali Police Force through specialised training, advising, and mentoring. They also provide operational support through joint patrols and the protection of vital installations.
