ATAF has convened its Advanced Financial Crime Investigators Course in Pretoria, bringing together 54 investigators from 18 countries to strengthen their capacity to detect, investigate, and address complex cross-border financial crimes.
The training builds on earlier virtual sessions and reflects a growing need for specialised skills as tax administrations respond to increasingly complex tax environments, evolving business models, and rising risks of tax evasion and non-compliance.
In many African countries, the ability to effectively investigate financial crime remains critical to safeguarding domestic revenue. Strengthening investigative capacity enables tax administrations to better identify risks, gather admissible evidence, and respond to sophisticated schemes, including illicit financial flows and aggressive tax practices.
For many participants, the programme’s virtual component has already provided a strong foundation for deeper engagement.
“The virtual sessions helped me better understand risk analysis techniques and modern investigative approaches. They have strengthened my confidence in handling complex cases,” affirmed Drissa Achille Kinda, Direction Générale des impôts, Burkina Faso.
The in-person training is designed to move beyond theory, equipping participants with practical tools and techniques required to conduct effective investigations. Through case studies, peer learning, and applied exercises, participants are strengthening their ability to identify red flags, apply forensic methods, and collaborate with other enforcement agencies.
Participants also highlighted the course’s importance in addressing emerging and increasingly complex risks.
“This course comes at the right time. We are dealing with more complex cases, and I expect to strengthen my ability to investigate and manage high-risk cases, particularly those involving cross-border transactions,” noted Sanjay Cesar from the Seychelles Revenue Services.
The training further responds to growing demands for transparency, accountability, and stronger enforcement, in line with international best practices. By building specialised skills, the programme supports tax administrations in improving compliance and enhancing revenue collection through more effective, risk-based approaches.
According to Gizela Macamba from the Angola Revenue Administration (AGT), the training also provides a platform for cross-country exchange, allowing participants to share experiences and learn from diverse institutional contexts.
“It provides an important opportunity to strengthen our skills and learn from other administrations. Sharing experiences is essential in improving how we address complex tax crimes,” she shared.
Through a combination of technical instruction and practical application, the course aims to foster a professional culture of integrity, due diligence, and ethical conduct in tax investigations.