The School of Behavioural Sciences and Forensic Investigations (SBSFI) at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), in partnership with its International Cooperation and Relations Branch, has commenced a two-week specialized training program for senior officials from Palestine. This initiative falls under the prestigious Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The comprehensive training, designed to enhance capabilities in combating financial crimes, started from August 18 to August 29, 2025.

The curriculum is meticulously crafted to address critical aspects of financial crime investigation and prevention. Key topics at the training will include trade-based money laundering (TBML), a sophisticated method used to disguise the origins of illicit funds through international trade transactions. Discussions will also delve into terrorist financing, examining the various channels and methods employed by terrorist organizations to fund their operations and the critical need for international cooperation to disrupt these networks. A significant portion of the agenda will be dedicated to exploring the legal and institutional frameworks essential for effective enforcement against financial crimes, highlighting best practices in legislation, regulatory oversight, and inter-agency collaboration.

Participants will also delve into advanced techniques crucial for modern financial crime investigations. These include the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and crime mapping to identify patterns and hot spots of illicit activity, providing a spatial dimension to financial intelligence. The training will also feature in-depth sessions on open-source intelligence (OSINT), demonstrating how publicly available information can be leveraged to uncover financial crime networks and identify perpetrators. Finally, given the rapid evolution of digital currencies, a critical focus will be placed on the complexities of money laundering involving cryptocurrency, addressing the unique challenges and emerging solutions in tracing and seizing illicit digital assets.

"The landscape of financial crime is constantly evolving, requiring a dynamic and collaborative response," an official said. "This training provides a vital platform for sharing knowledge, fostering partnerships, and developing cutting-edge strategies to protect the integrity of the global financial system." A significant focus will be placed on the latest Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures and best practices. Beyond classroom sessions, the program incorporates practical exposure through visits to various financial institutions and regulatory bodies, providing participants with invaluable insights into the operational aspects of financial systems and compliance mechanisms. This hands-on approach aims to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world application, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions in the global fight against illicit financial activities.

The comprehensive training curriculum is designed to equip the Palestinian officials with advanced knowledge and practical skills in combating financial crimes. Beyond rigorous classroom sessions, participants are scheduled to undertake crucial visits to various financial institutions and regulatory bodies. These visits aim to provide invaluable insights into the operational mechanisms and best practices employed in different systems, fostering a deeper understanding of financial crime prevention and investigation.

During the inauguration of the training program, Dr. Noorin Chaudhary, Acting Director of the School of Behavioural Sciences and Forensic Investigations (SBSFI) at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), provided crucial insights into the mechanics of cross-border terrorist funding and strategies for its control. Dr. Noorin emphasised that a primary challenge in combating terrorist financing lies in addressing the involvement of domestic residents who are often implicated in such terrorist acts. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the problem, requiring both international cooperation and robust domestic enforcement mechanisms. The program's comprehensive approach aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle these complex and evolving threats effectively.

During the inaugural ceremony, officials from Rashtriya Raksha University underscored the institution's unwavering commitment to fostering excellence in training, research, and capacity building within the critical domains of security and investigation. They emphasized that this particular program serves as a significant stride towards strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Palestine. Furthermore, it is anticipated to contribute substantially to global efforts aimed at effectively combating the pervasive challenge of financial crimes worldwide.

(Release ID: 2158374)