TEHRAN – In an effort to boost the Iranian Financial Intelligence Unit (IRFIU) infrastructure in the fight against transnational organized crime, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Iran has procured 15 desktop computers to IRFIU.

The provision of these computers aligns with the UNODC Country Partnership Program in the Islamic Republic of Iran for the period of 2023-2026, with the goal to enhance institutional knowledge and capacities in countering various forms of illicit activities related to money laundering, organized crime, and financing terrorism, the UN website announced in a press release on February 13.

The procurement was made possible through the funding received from the Russian Federation.

The procurement of 15 desktop computers marks a significant milestone in strengthening IRFIU’s infrastructure. The computers have been specifically procured for the newly established Anti-Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Computer-Based Training Laboratory, which serves as a crucial hub for conducting training sessions.

These computers will facilitate both online and offline training programs on the aforementioned subjects, adhering to UN standards and international best practices.

The inauguration ceremony of the training laboratory, equipped with the newly procured computers, was attended by representatives from UNODC and IRFIU, Alexander Fedulov – UNODC Iran Country Representative, and Hadi Khani – Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and the Head of IRFIU, signifying the collaborative efforts to combat financial crimes. The ceremony highlighted the importance of such technological advancements in promoting effective training and capacity-building initiatives.

The provision of these computers underscores the commitment of UNODC Iran to support IRFIU in its mission to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. By equipping the training laboratory, UNODC Iran aims to enhance IRFIU’s capabilities in detecting and preventing illicit financial activities within the region and beyond.

UNODC Iran remains dedicated to facilitating international cooperation and supporting member states in their fight against transnational organized crime.

The partnership between UNODC Iran and IRFIU exemplifies the shared commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring financial integrity, and safeguarding global security.

Training courses for anti-narcotics experts

In January, the UNODC in Iran held a five-day specialized training course for experts and officers from the Drug Control Headquarters, Anti-Narcotics Police, and Customs Administration of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Moscow, Russia.

The course titled “Searching Method of Illicit Drugs with Use of Trained Dogs”, was organized with the cooperation of the Central Customs Canine Training Centre of the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation, which is a World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Dog Training Centre, in Moscow Region, from January 22 to 26.

The UNODC Iran has been actively present in the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1999 and considers Iran as one of the strategic partners for drug control and crime prevention in the region supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran by providing technical assistance and training for years ever since its establishment, the UN website announced in a press release on February 6.

In addition to various lectures and specialized seminars and classes envisaged under the curriculum of this training, practical visits, trainings, and demonstrations were foreseen for the members of the delegation, which significantly enriched the courses, and complemented the theoretical section.

At the graduation ceremony, certificates were handed over to the participants from the Islamic Republic of Iran by the head of the Central Customs Canine Training Centre of the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation.

Study-visit workshop in Tashkent

Anti-narcotics police and law enforcement experts and officers from the Drug Control Headquarters participated in a three-day study visit organized by the UNODC office in Iran from December 4-6, 2023, in Tashkent – Uzbekistan.

The study visit encompassed various activities and topics, inter alia session on “Construction and structure of an optimal canine center, management of an optimal canine center; staffing of an optimal canine center; breeding, health, treatment, food, etc. for drug-detecting dogs”, the report added.

The attendees learned about the specific ways of training and dealing with working dogs. They also acquired needed practical knowledge for managing kennels.

At the end of the training and pursuant to the official ceremony at the Regional Customs Canine Centre of Uzbekistan, memorial trees were planted to symbolize enduring fellowship among partners in Iran and Uzbekistan and continuous cooperation in the future.

Highlighting the importance of international cooperation in the fight against narcotics, Fedulov hoped that future activities of a similar nature would continue upon the provision of support by donors.

MT/MG