?? Empowering Change in Paraguay's Fight Against Corruption ??

I recently returned from Paraguay after completing phase 3 of our training program with the Unidad Especializada de Delitos Económicos y Anticorrupción (UDEA). It was a privilege to work closely with UDEA's dedicated and professional staff, providing guidance, support, and coaching as they finalized their strategic and action plans on five critical themes:

1. Enhancing Investigative Protocols: Revolutionizing investigative processes to significantly improve the effectiveness and precision of investigations using advanced techniques and case studies.
2. Streamlining Case Prioritization: Instituting international best practices to optimize the triage and classification of cases, ensuring that resources are focused on high-impact areas.
3. Fostering Inter-Agency Collaboration: Developing stronger, more cohesive partnerships across key government agencies to create a unified front against corruption.
4. Expanding Preventive Measures: Crafting comprehensive prevention strategies that engage the public, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups and gender equity issues.
5. Targeting Both Sides of Corruption: Expanding UDEA’s operational scope to tackle both the supply and demand sides of corruption, disrupting the entire cycle.

The changes and improvements we’ve instituted at UDEA are not just operational tweaks—they represent a fundamental shift in how the organization approaches its mission. These strategic and action plans lay out a clear and ambitious roadmap for the future, with realistic goals, timelines, and milestones. Importantly, this project has renewed the commitment and hope of UDEA’s staff. Despite the many challenges they face, they are now more determined than ever to continue their fight against corruption and financial crime, knowing that their efforts can and will make a difference.

I am incredibly proud of the progress we made and the professionalism, competence, and engagement of all UDEA staff throughout this process. Their commitment to bold, innovative ideas, coupled with practical, achievable goals, gives me full confidence that they will overcome the challenges ahead.

Although the official project, supported and funded by the Government of Canada’s TAP-EDM / PAT-MDE program and managed by Alinea International , is scheduled to conclude at the end of September, my commitment to UDEA doesn't end there. I will continue to serve as a special advisor to the UDEA staff on a pro bono basis, dedicated to ensuring the successful implementation of these plans. I feel a strong personal responsibility to support the remarkable and dedicated professionals at UDEA, offering my time and expertise to help make a lasting impact.

In addition to the training project but in support of the new prevention mandate of UDEA, I had the opportunity to meet with several Paraguayan NGOs and the Dean of the law school in Asunción to explore the creation of a Paraguayan Centre of Excellence for Anti-Corruption, modelled after the CCEAC. This idea was met with enthusiasm, and we will be holding further discussions to develop a plan where I, along with other experts from the Canadian Centre of Excellence for Anti-Corruption (CCEAC), will serve as advisors. We aim to challenge students at the law school and other stakeholders to take an active role in this transformative initiative.

?? Call to Action ??

To my fellow Ethics & Compliance professionals: As those who are experienced and passionate about promoting E&C best practices, it’s essential that we look beyond our traditional roles and responsibilities if we hope to have a meaningful and lasting impact. By finding opportunities to leverage and share our skills and experience with organizations that have limited resources and knowledge, we can help build their capacity to tackle corruption and financial crime more effectively. Through this collective action, we can make a practical, meaningful difference that benefits us all.

If you are interested in sharing your knowledge and experience for the benefit of others via the CCEAC, I invite you to reach out to me at [email protected]

?? For those interested in learning more about the project, I invite you to read the two-part article in the Grip online magazine: https://lnkd.in/ejDb7nfN