Windhoek, Namibia, 19 August 2024 – The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF), serving as the Secretariat for the Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network of Southern Africa (ARINSA), and in partnership with the Namibian Judiciary and Financial Intelligence Centrer officially launched the Judicial Training on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Asset Recovery on August 19, 2024. This four-day workshop aims to enhance the capabilities of High Court Judges and Magistrates in Namibia to effectively address the complexities of AML and asset recovery within the judicial system.

 

The opening ceremony, was marked by the presence of esteemed figures in Namibia's judiciary and partners. Among the notable attendees were Mr. Bryan Eiseb, Director of the Financial Intelligence Centre, Honourable Deputy Chief Justice P.T. Damaseb, UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Hopolang Phororo, Honourable Justice Orben Sibeya, and His Honour Justice Michael Hopmeier of the Southwark Crown Court in the UK.

 

 In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Eiseb underscored the significance of this workshop, particularly in light of Namibia's recent grey listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). He emphasized the nation’s commitment to addressing identified strategic deficiencies in its AML regime, noting that the Namibian Parliament had amended nine laws and promulgated four new ones in 2023 to strengthen the regulatory framework of the financial sector.

 

 “Namibia’s inclusion on the FATF grey list highlights the urgent need for robust measures to combat money laundering and other financial crimes. Our collective efforts to enhance the AML regime are not only about meeting international standards but about safeguarding the economic stability and integrity of our nation,” Mr. Eiseb stated.

The Honourable Deputy Chief Justice, P.T. Damaseb, delivered powerful opening remarks, emphasizing the critical role of the judiciary in the fight against financial crimes. He highlighted the growing complexity and sophistication of money laundering activities, both locally and globally, which pose significant challenges for judicial officers.

 

“As judicial officers, we are on the front lines of the fight against money laundering and other financial crimes. The current climate presents us with significant challenges, requiring us to be constantly vigilant and equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to ensure that we can effectively uphold justice in such cases,” the Deputy Chief Justice noted.

 

He further stressed the importance of capacity building, not merely as a means of acquiring new skills but as a necessity for staying ahead in an ever-evolving landscape of financial crime. The training, he remarked, would empower judges and magistrates to handle AML cases with the precision and understanding they demand, thereby ensuring that Namibia’s judiciary remains strong and capable.

 

“We are all too aware that AML crimes have far-reaching consequences, both locally and internationally. In Namibia, as in many parts of the world, we have seen a worrying rise in money laundering activities. These crimes not only undermine our financial systems but also facilitate other forms of criminal behaviour, such as terrorism financing, drug trafficking, and corruption,” the Deputy Chief Justice said.

He further stressed the importance of capacity building, not merely as a means of acquiring new skills but as a necessity for staying ahead in an ever-evolving landscape of financial crime. The training, he remarked, would empower judges and magistrates to handle AML cases with the precision and understanding they demand, thereby ensuring that Namibia’s judiciary remains strong and capable.

 

undermine our financial systems but also facilitate other forms of criminal behaviour, such as terrorism financing, drug trafficking, and corruption,” the Deputy Chief Justice said.

 

He also expressed his deep appreciation for Justice Michael Hopmeier’s leadership in this training. Justice Hopmeier, a distinguished expert in economic crime, was praised for his extensive experience in handling complex AML cases and his contributions to the development of AML legal frameworks. The Deputy Chief Justice also extended his gratitude to Justice Orben Sibeya for his collaboration and commitment to enhancing the capacity of Namibia’s judiciary.

“As the head of the judiciary, I want to reaffirm my unfettered support for initiatives of this nature. Our ability to combat financial crimes effectively depends on continuous learning and adaptation. This training is a testament to our commitment to maintaining a strong, capable judiciary that can rise to any challenge,” Deputy Chief Justice Damaseb affirmed.

 

UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Phororo echoed these sentiments, noting the critical role of a strong judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring sustainable development. She emphasized the importance of this workshop in strengthening Namibia’s legal and institutional frameworks, which are essential for combating financial crimes and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

“A strong judiciary not only upholds the rule of law but also ensures justice is proportional, accessible, and effective. This workshop will equip our judges and magistrates with the necessary tools to effectively combat money laundering and recover illicit assets, thereby contributing to the integrity of Namibia’s financial systems and the trust of its citizens,” Ms. Phororo remarked.

 

The workshop includes a series of sessions that will delve into key issues such as the rationale behind AML and asset recovery, international obligations, judicial challenges, case management, and legal assistance. The collaborative effort between a distinguished UK judge, Judge Michael Hopmeier, and Namibian High Court Judge, Justice Orben Sibeya, promises to offer participants valuable insights and foster the exchange of practical experiences.

 

The event is not only a testament to Namibia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its AML framework but also a crucial step towards enhancing the effectiveness of its judicial system in tackling financial crimes. The workshop will also facilitate discussions on common challenges and potential solutions in the context of the current work of the UN Namibia in the governance area of the UN Partnership Framework and the next 2025-2029 UN Cooperation Framework with Namibia. UN support will contribute to Namibia’s capacity to secure convictions in money laundering cases and increase the seizure of illicit assets, in line with international best practices.

 

As the opening ceremony concluded, there was a clear sense of purpose and resolve among the participants, setting a strong foundation for the week ahead. This workshop marks a pivotal moment in Namibia’s journey towards a more resilient and effective approach to combating financial crimes.