RRU Leads Anti-Money Laundering Effort for Palestine
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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 specialised 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, took place from August 18 to August 29, 2025.
RRU is a central university in Gandhinagar, recognised as an Institution of National Importance, with strong programs in security, cyber, and forensics, making it a trusted host for such training. The ITEC program was started in 1964 and is a long-established, fully-funded Indian government initiative to build skills among officials from over 160 countries.
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. Trade-based money laundering is a global threat that uses fake or over-valued trade invoices to move dirty money across borders. Training on TBML is vital because authorities worldwide are increasingly alert to this method.
Discussions will also delve into terrorist financing, examining the various channels and methods employed by terrorist organisations to fund their operations and the critical need for international cooperation to disrupt these networks. Partners like RRU are known to emphasise international cooperation, with training often including global partners and law enforcement agencies to share data and best practices.
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. Many ITEC training programs include immersive modules on how India sets up laws and institutions, such as financial intelligence units and regulatory bodies, helping participants understand how to build such systems at home.
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. GIS and crime mapping are powerful tools used worldwide, including by Indian agencies, to spot clusters of suspicious financial behaviour, like locating where forged documents or cash stash houses appear repeatedly.
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. OSINT is a cornerstone of modern investigations using social media, public records, and company registries to trace money flows and hidden networks. Many law enforcement training programs now include OSINT forensics.
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. India has been strengthening its abilities to trace and regulate crypto flows. Training officials in crypto-related money laundering helps them keep up with new technologies and tactics used by criminals. “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.” RRU frequently emphasises its vision of peace and stability through knowledge sharing and strategic cooperation with partners, aligning with the sentiment of a dynamic and collaborative response.
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. ITEC programs typically include structured study visits as part of training. These visits allow delegates to see how the Indian RBI, banks, FIU-IND, and other agencies enforce AML in real life.
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. Practical exposure is known to increase participant understanding and retention significantly, a reason why ITEC and RRU design immersive programs. (Supported by the same general policy info above.) 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.
Reiteration of prior point, with ITEC’s emphasis on hands-on learning through visits and peer discussions to strengthen institutional capacity. 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.
Domestic actors funding cross-border terrorism is a growing worry worldwide—training sessions often focus on money trails that go from community sources into illicit networks, underscoring the need for community outreach and strong laws. 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 emphasised 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.
RRU’s mission is to be a premier centre for security education and international cooperation, reflecting this ceremony’s emphasis on excellence and global partnerships.
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