EUAM Iraq organised a study visit to EUROPOL and EUROJUST for Iraqi Officials from the Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency (FIIA), the Drafting Committee of organised crime strategy (Ministry of Interior) and the Anti-Money Laudenring/Countering Finance of Terrorism Office within the Iraq Central Bank. The visit took place from 5th to 8th of March 2023 in the Hague in order to develop a Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (SOCTA).
Due to needs presented to EUAM Iraq in 2022 by the Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency (FIIA), the Drafting Committee of organised crime strategy (MoI) and the Anti-Money Laudering/Countering Finance of Terrorism Office within the Iraq Central Bank, the Mission started to prepare the study trip to EUROPOL and EUROJUST. The Senior Strategic Advisers on Organised Crime had recognised the lack of ability to develop a Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (SOCTA). As part of an iterative process, the SOCTA methodology has been further developed and refined by experts at EUROPOL and from the law enforcement authorities of the European Member States. The SOCTA methodology allows to understand and assess serious and organised crime holistically.
Iraqi Officials meeting with Erik Fågelsbo, Deputy National Member at Eurojust for Sweden
This study visit to EUROPOL and EUROJUST increased high-level sponsorship from the beneficiaries at FIIA, and the AML/CFT Office and was centred on sustainable capacity development. The modalities to be employed are focused on enabling counterparts to drive all spheres of activity and support Iraqi-owned, Iraqi-led, and Iraqi-delivered outputs exclusively, as well as the ultimate outcomes. It also contributes to promoting gender and human rights values and benefits.
EUAM Iraq’s Senior Strategic Adviser on Organised Crime met with Patricia Silveira, Head of Strategy and External Relations Unit
The study trip was also a good opportunity to establish and enhance the relation between Europol, Eurojust and the Iraq Law Enforcement Agencies. In fact, this study visit had a reciprocal benefit as the Iraqi participants gave presentations on drafting the Organised Crime Strategy 2023-2027, the organised crime directorate work in general and the AML/CFT strategy for 2021-2023.
Major General Hameed Majeed Hameed Ali, Director of the Organised Crime Directorate, expressed his gratefulness to EUAM Iraq for organising the study trip and stated: "It is a historical event, because it is the first time that an Iraqi delegation are visiting Europol and Eurojust in the Hague.”
The desirable outcome of the study visit is that FIIA/MoI and AML/CFT are more capable and have the capacity to successfully review and implement reforms through the effective rollout of future strategies. Also, that the Iraqi authorities and FIIA require less international support in the future to review and implement National Strategies. The quality of the National Strategies and the processes underpinning its development are improved and such improvements are sustained.
EUAM Iraq’s Senior Strategic Adviser on Organised Crime met with Anders Sjöberg, Head of Desk at the Swedish Liaison Bureau
Anders DANIELSSON, EUAM Iraq’s Senior Strategic Adviser on Organised Crime commented:
“At the study trip, the Iraqi delegation also expressed their strong intentions being a third country partner with both EUROPOL and EUROJUST. EUAM Iraq Advisers also supported the Iraqi delegation at the initial discussions that was conducted at the meetings with senior representatives from EUROPOL and EUROJUST.”
EUAM Iraq will continue to support and advise the MoI and FIIA in their strong intentions being a third country partner with both EUROPOL and EUROJUST.