NAIROBI, Kenya- The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are exploring closer cooperation in investigating corruption and financial crime, including through digital forensics and virtual asset investigations.
The discussions took place during a meeting between EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud and UNODC Executive Director and UN Vienna Director-General Monica Juma at UNODC headquarters in Vienna on Friday, October 16.
In a statement after the meeting, Juma said Mohamud’s experience investigating corruption and financial crime brought valuable insight to efforts to promote integrity and accountability.
She commended the EACC’s leadership in corruption prevention, including its data-driven work showcased at the Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi.
Juma also welcomed Kenya’s efforts to strengthen its legal framework through the Conflict of Interest Act and the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act.
Juma said UNODC was ready to deepen its partnership with the EACC in areas including public education, prevention, intelligence-led investigations and asset recovery.
The proposed cooperation would also cover digital forensics and investigations involving virtual assets.
The meeting comes as both agencies seek to address the cross-border nature of corruption and economic crime.
EACC said the discussions also focused on strengthening law enforcement capacity, using forensic technology and facilitating mutual legal assistance across Eastern Africa.
Mohamud acknowledged UNODC’s existing support to the commission through the Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery in Kenya and the UNODC Africa Hub in Nairobi.
He also briefed Juma on the establishment of the Africa Anti-Corruption Studies and Research Centre in Nairobi and sought UNODC’s support for its research, policy and capacity-building work.
Juma said the partnership aims to help strengthen institutions and ensure those who exploit public trust are held accountable.
