Fighting organised crime while facing the aggressor. Austria finances EUAM led project
December 15, 2023
Criminal organisations have no boundaries and take advantage of crises and conflicts.
While Russia’s unjustified war of aggression continues, Ukraine steadfastly perseveres in addressing other challenges, such as the fight against organised crime.
Financial crimes, such as money laundering and corruption are part of criminal organisations’ DNA. These are a threat for the proper building of rule of law, democracy, and human rights and every latitude.
To support Ukraine in fighting organised crime, particularly in its liberated areas, while under attack, the Republic of Austria has decided to allocate € 135.000 funding for a Project called “Support in strengthening investigative and analytical expertise at the National Police of Ukraine (NPU), the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) and the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU)”.
The project, managed by the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine, aims at assisting Ukrainian Law enforcement agencies to improve their capacities in relation to the investigation of corruption cases, and financial and economic crimes so that full accountability of the perpetrators can be ensured.
“This project is of particular importance as it provides for the integration of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in the wider EU police network while building capacities in the common fight against organised crime”, said the Head of EUAM Ukraine, Rolf Holmboe, thanking the Austrian Ambassador Arad Benkö, on the occasion of the signing of the ceremony of the project held in Kyiv on 14 December. The initiative also provides for training and equipment for Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, added the Head of Mission.
In practice, the Austrian-funded initiative includes the acquisition of equipment, software and consultancy services for Ukraine’s competent investigative and analytical departments.
The project also focuses on training activities organised by EUAM Ukraine on financial investigations, and internal and external oversight, as identified by the Ukrainian authorities.
The project activities are organised, avoiding overlapping with other international donors and ensure the best results for the project.
Because we are all here to support our Ukrainian friends and partners, as we #StandWithUkraine.
