International Criminal Investigations
Description
Course Description:
This course offers an in-depth look into the intricacies of international criminal investigations, with a strong emphasis on information sharing mechanisms and the sophisticated tools available to criminal investigators. Students will gain an understanding of the tools available to them to tackle transnational crime. The investigation doesn’t have to stop at the U.S. border.
Key Topics Covered:
- Introudcution to Information Sharing Bodies:
- Europol: Understanding the European Union’s law enforcement agency that assists EU member states in sharing criminal intelligence and coordinating operations against cross-border crimes.
- Interpol: Examining Interpol’s role in facilitating international police cooperation and its databases that provide crucial data for tracking criminals and stolen assets.
- Others
- Financial Intelligence Sharing:
- Egmont Group: Delving into the network of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) that share vital financial data to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.
- Criminal Investigation Tools: Things such as financial analysis, FINCEN (SARS & CTRs), correspondent bank accounts, and other tools that aid in unraveling complex international crime networks.
- Cross-Border Collaborative Efforts: Using case studies to illustrate successful international collaborations, addressing crimes like human trafficking, drug smuggling, terrorism, and cybercrime.
- Legal Considerations: Evaluating the balance between effective criminal investigations and the protection of human rights, privacy, and national sovereignty.
- Challenges in International Investigations: Identifying obstacles such as jurisdictional conflicts, differing legal standards, and language barriers that impact international criminal investigations.
- Best Practices for Coordination: Learning established frameworks and best practices for enhancing international cooperation, including the use of joint investigation teams (JITs) and mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs).
By the end of the course, students will acquire a solid understanding of the complexities involved in international criminal investigations. This knowledge will enable them to contribute effectively to global efforts in combating transnational crime.