FSM National Anti-Corruption Strategy Workshop & Anti-Corruption Investigations Training Concludes in Pohnpei

PALIKIR, Pohnpei – From February 27 to March 1st 2024, the FSM Department of Justice partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in gathering Integrity stakeholders from the national level and the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) for the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Review Follow-Up and Implementation Workshop. The key component of the discussions was to translate proposed strategies into concrete measures that can be implemented effectively in the FSM. This shift towards actionable outcomes underscores the commitment of the FSM to drive substantive change in anti-corruption efforts. Through collaborative efforts and proactive engagement, stakeholders aim to propel initiatives forward, ensuring they have a meaningful impact on strengthening integrity within the governance framework. Integrity stakeholders from the national government level and from the four states of the FSM gathered for the full week workshop last week with focus on anti-corruption. The week marked a significant step forward in fulfilling the commitments made by the FSM, starting first with the \”Empowering Action: FSM National Anti-Corruption Strategy Workshop\” and followed by an Anti-Corruption Investigations training. Assistant Attorney General Ms. Josephine Joseph Silem from the FSM Department of Justice stressed in her welcoming remarks that in terms of corruption “there is no one-size-fits-all solution to apply”. She also emphasized that the FSM Government is implementing its ambitious sustainable development plan aimed at improving the living standards and wellbeing of all citizens. She further emphasized that education plays a crucial role in combating corruption as a long-term sustainable solution. Throughout the first session, the discussion focused on translating the 2019 National Anti-Corruption Strategy into tangible action. Participants were composed of national and state government representatives of the Police, Customs & Tax, Public Auditor’s office, Attorney General’s Office. The participants recommended establishing an FSM Anti-corruption Task Force, consisting of key players from both national and state level Integrity agencies, which would be the driving force behind the implementation of anti-corruption initiatives. The Task Force would be tasked with the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy and provide recommendations for its improvement. An additional example that was raised was the establishment of the Office of the Independent Prosecutor through constitutional reform via the constitutional convention of last year. The Independent Prosecutor will be appointed by the President for a term of six (6) years and will operate with full autonomy. Ms. Marie Pegie Cauchois, OiC UNODC Office and Regional Anti-Corruption Advisor highlighted that “this workshop emphasized the importance of sustained commitment and accountability in the implementation of the anti-corruption initiatives.” She underscored the alignment of these efforts with the Pacific Unity Against Corruption initiative as encapsulated in the Teieniwa Vision:https://www.unodc.org/…/Teieniwa_Vision_PUAC_post… ) The second part of the session was devoted to an anti-corruption investigation training which was led by UNODC representatives Ms. Marie Pegie Cauchois and Sophia H. Pretrick, the UNODC Micronesia focal point based Pohnpei. The course focused on different aspects of anti-corruption, equipping the participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to detect, prevent, and address instances of corruption effectively. The training began by examining the impact of corruption on society, highlighting the importance of a proactive and resolute approach to tackling the issue. It then explored how to frame an investigation plan and considered ways of collecting and analyzing financial evidence, acknowledging the indispensable role of financial trails in unraveling corruption schemes. Acting Attorney General Leonito Bacalando, Jr. encouraged participants of the training to work together and build synergies among relevant agencies and partners. He gave a presentation on Anti-Money Laundering laws of FSM and urged for the strengthening of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in the country. Recognizing the increasing complexity of corruption cases, the training also addressed the critical link between anti-corruption efforts and the fight against transnational organized crime. Participants gained insight into how corrupt practices often facilitate the operations of criminal networks, and how a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach is necessary to dismantle these illicit activities. The training concluded with an immersive case study which combined various corruption related offenses, such as violation of public procurement procedures, abuse of office, forgery, bribery and money laundering. Through the analysis of case studies, participants were tasked with applying the acquired knowledge and skills to respond to real-life situations. This practical application reinforced the importance of cooperation and coordination across different jurisdictions in effectively combating corruption.###