Prosecutors of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption last week underwent a six-day training “Specialising in Fraud Prosecution”, which ended on Saturday.

Understanding that prosecuting fraud related offences are complex and often requires expertise to fully comprehend the cases, the Commission engaged the services of United Kingdom barrister David Fitzpatrick who also practices in Hong Kong.

Mr Fitzpatrick has worked as a prosecutor for the Hong Kong government and conducted many prosecutions for the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong.

He is also one of the editors in the 3rd Edition of “Bribery and Corruption Law in Hong Kong” authored by Ian McWalters SC.

The first four days of the training focussed on the latest developments on Bribery and Corruption Law in Hong Kong and other Common law countries including Fiji.

The prosecutors of FICAC were given detailed lectures and training on essential elements of trial and appellate advocacy in relation to fraud cases.

The last two days of training included the Investigators of the Commission. One of the key areas focused during the combined training was the provisions of money laundering under Proceeds of Crimes Act.

In light of the amendments to the laws governing FICAC and the additional responsibilities given under the Proceeds of Crimes Act, FICAC is now expanding its jurisdictions into investigating and prosecuting money laundering offences associated with corruption related activities.

The other important area of the combined training was on the aspects of financial investigations and effective interviewing of suspects in complex financial crimes.

Advanced financial investigation techniques and the effective methods of interviewing suspects under caution with a view of using such interview as admissible evidence in court attracted the great attention of the participants.

FICAC vigorously endeavours to maintain its integrity and transparency in its functions as a law enforcement agency.  

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