Over the past two weeks, nine officers from the RCIPS, joined by two officers from the Anti-Corruption Commission, completed a financial crime course that is a first of its kind in the British Overseas Territories. 

The course was run by visiting facilitators from the Proceeds of Crime Centre (PoCC) in the UK.  The PoCC is the certifying body in the UK for all financial investigators.

In the lead up to the course, extensive consultation took place between the RCIPS and the PoCC to ensure that the content would fit within the parameters of the Cayman Islands Laws and policies, and would be specific to the gaps and needs identified.  

Topics covered include:

• Financial Investigation Strategies,
• Financial Profiles and analysis,
• Bank account analysis,
• Account monitoring and Disclosure orders.
• Search and Seizure Warrants
• Confiscation, Restraint
• Preparation of confiscation hearings and court hearings.

RCIPS attendees spoke very highly of the course, recognizing the quality of content, in that it was at the forefront of financial crime fighting.  “Attendees felt engergized and better equipped to take on the ever-evolving and complex challenges financial crimes present in the Cayman Islands”, said Sergeant Nevron Bradshaw, who was instrumental in securing the PoCC team to visit Cayman.

A number of officers that successfully completed the course have the opportunity to continue their learning and development, through access to the Financial Investigations Support System UK (FISS), which is a platform to enable a joint approach to new challenges faced, information sharing and course opportunities. There is also an arrangement in place for quarterly review and consultation with the facilitators.

At least two other BOT’s are due to benefit from the course before the end of 2024.