The Council of Europe within the framework of the Action on Countering Corruption and Economic Crime (ACEC) and in cooperation with the Financial Intelligence Unit organized two consecutive seminars focused on the investigation and prosecution of money laundering cases.
The seminars brought together 47 participants representing six Basic Prosecution offices in Kosovo, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Police Directorate against Economic Crime and Corruption Investigation and National Coordinator on Economic Crime.
This multidisciplinary approach aimed to strengthen coordination and enhance the practical capacities of prosecutors and law enforcement authorities in addressing money laundering cases.
Following legislative changes which decentralised money laundering prosecutions from Special Prosecution to Basic Prosecution Offices, the activities focused on building technical expertise among prosecutors while improving inter-institutional cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening the understanding and use of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs), as well as improving communication and workflow between prosecutors, FIU and Police.
Lengthy discussions were carried out in relation to prosecuting standalone money laundering cases based on circumstantial evidence where the focus was on fostering the “follow the money” mindset. Participants explored key questions underpinning effective money laundering investigations: the origin of funds, the destination of financial flows, and the underlying economic reality of transactions.
Both events combined theoretical analysis with practical application focusing on financial investigation planning, evidence collection and asset tracing.
Discussions highlighted that effective coordination between prosecutors, financial intelligence unit and police is essential to successfully detect, investigate and prosecute money laundering.
The activity was organised within the framework of the Action on Countering Corruption and Economic Crime funded and implemented by the Council of Europe.
*All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations' Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.