ECOWAS/Fighting Money Laundering: GIABA equips journalists to investigate this scourge

The main objective of the GIABA regional seminar launched in the economic capital of Benin is to build a solid alliance between the media and institutions involved in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). This is to ensure effective communication on issues related to economic and financial crimes. By including investigative journalists in this dynamic, GIABA intends to provide them with the skills necessary to expose corrupt practices and thus contribute to the promotion of good governance.

During the three-day training, participants from different Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) acquired information research and investigation techniques specifically targeting money laundering and terrorist financing.

Inspired Participants

Malian journalist Fatoumata Boyguilé said she was inspired by the lessons learned at a regional training seminar on investigative journalism related to economic and financial crime. She said she gained a special understanding of the sophisticated methods used by criminals to launder money, a reality that is often unknown to the public. This awareness enabled him to better understand how this scourge operates and to recognize warning signs in his investigative work.

In addition to a deep understanding of money laundering practices and terrorist financing, Fatoumata Boyguilé was trained in investigative techniques specific to this field. She discovered tools and strategies that can help her conduct more effective and rigorous investigations. In addition, she learned about the role and mission of GIABA, a key institution in West Africa in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. This training has strengthened Fatoumata’s resolve to actively contribute to the fight against these crimes.

Alhassane Bah High alert

Alhassane Bah, a Guinean journalist, stressed the crucial importance of investigative journalism training related to economic and financial crimes. For him, if investigative journalism is already a complex task, investigations into money laundering are even more so. “Because you can fall into the trap of money when you lead an investigation,” he said, highlighting the risks and temptations that journalists can face. The training gave him a better understanding of the specific challenges associated with this type of investigation, thus strengthening his vigilance and professional ethics.

Alhassane Ba also realised that if one is not careful, everyone could be unwittingly contributing to terrorism. “We received an example where a businessman sold a vehicle to a customer without taking precautions to identify the persons involved. The vehicle was purchased for terrorist purposes and was subsequently used in a kamikaze attack on a UN agency,” he explained.

This testimony shared by one of the trainers had a profound impact on the Guinean journalist, making him realize the importance of taking precautions during investigations to avoid inadvertently contributing to such practices.

The seminar was opened by Armand Donald Regan Houngué, First Deputy Special Prosecutor of the Court against Economic Crime and Terrorism (CRIET), representing the Minister of Justice of Benin. “Dear participants, we hope that you will be able to turn this wish of GIABA into reality. In this way, we will no longer see on the Internet the works of John Lee Anderson, Ali Anzoula, Carmen Aristegui, these icons and models of investigative journalism, whose works fill the gap in professional investigative journalism.”

The seminar also provided a space for exchange and sharing of experiences among journalists, thus strengthening the media network dedicated to AML/CFT. The training was delivered by experts in the field as well as GIABA staff through a variety of teaching methods such as presentations, case studies and interactive discussions.

GIABA, a 24-year-old institution

Régina Bandé/Tiensbandé, communicator, project manager, life and business coach for companies and organizations, was the first trainer to intervene. Her presentation focused on the role, responsibilities and mission of GIABA as a regional initiative. “Money laundering and the financing of terrorism are major scourges that undermine all our societies. This does not only concern our fifteen Member States. The consequences are visible on an international scale, with economic losses, effects of instability and insecurity, among others. “, she presented.

According to Ms. Bande, GIABA is a 24-year-old institution. Its dynamism and ability to adapt to circumstances and changes led to the revision of its statutes, which included the fight against the financing of terrorism among its prerogatives. The fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is also part of its areas of intervention.

Treaty of Pelindaba

If we remember that Africa is a nuclear-free zone under the Treaty of Pelindaba, signed in 1996, which prohibits African countries from developing, manufacturing, acquiring and possessing nuclear weapons, Regine Bande stressed that certain countries still produce materials that contribute to the manufacture of these weapons. This also requires special attention at this level. It is worth noting that in addition to the fifteen member states of ECOWAS, the member states of GIABA include Sao Tome and Principe and the Union of Comoros.

Timothy Melaye, GIABA’s Acting Senior Manager for Communications and Advocacy, highlighted the introduction of international AML/CFT standards. During his presentation, he precisely defined key concepts such as money laundering and terrorist financing, while explaining the different forms that money laundering can take. For Mr. Melaye, everyone must be aware of their responsibility to report any suspicious activity in their environment, thereby contributing to the fight against these scourges.

Crimes related to money laundering and terrorist financing

It also highlights the diversity of criminal conduct that can be linked to money laundering, listing at least 21 internationally recognized crimes. These crimes include participation in an organized criminal group, terrorism and its financing, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation (including of children) and prostitution. These criminal activities are often underestimated, but are in fact deeply rooted in the money laundering process, making it even more important to identify and report them.

In addition to these crimes, Timothy Melaye discussed other crimes that are often associated with money laundering, such as illegal drug trafficking, arms trafficking, corruption, various forms of fraud, including cybercrime and scams such as 419, and counterfeit currency and products. He also stressed the importance of combating environmental crime, murder, aggravated assault and tax-related crime. Such a wide range of crimes demonstrates the prevalence and diversity of money laundering activities, highlighting the need for all citizens to remain vigilant at all times. Mr. Melaye explained that the assessment of countries is based on the technical compliance of the law and the effectiveness of regulations.

By the end of this seminar, journalists should have written high-quality articles on AML/CFT and increased public awareness of the dangers of these scourges.

GIABA’s challenges and prospects

The 2024 edition brings together 35 media professionals from the public and private sectors and is held in Cotonou for the third time, after 2011 and 2017. The opening ceremony was marked by the playing of the ECOWAS national anthem, followed by speeches by Timothy Melaye, representative of the Director General of GIABA, and Armand Donald Regan Houngué, First Deputy Prosecutor of the Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET), representing the Minister of Justice of Benin.

One of the main challenges GIABA faces in West Africa is the confiscation of assets from financial criminals. Despite efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, the recovery of illegally acquired assets remains a difficult task, often hampered by weak judicial systems and inadequate international cooperation mechanisms. At the same time, one of GIABA’s key perspectives is to have reliable and up-to-date data on economic and financial crime in the region. Such data are essential to better understand the extent of the problem, guide control strategies and assess the effectiveness of actions taken.

The training is a continuation of GIABA’s efforts to integrate media into the fight against economic and financial crime in West Africa, a major challenge to the region’s stability and prosperity.

Hamid Nanema

Lefaso.com