Commencing on Monday 15th September 2008, we played host to a delegation of students from Lebanon for a course designed by the Proceeds of Crime Centre. The course was opened at Bramshill by Superintendent Kevin Smith from the International Academy Bramshill.

The course was designed to give the students an overview of proceeds of crime legislation, methods, procedures and practices within the United Kingdom, both in theory and in practical situations. The objective was also for students to be able to compare the legislation with their own and identify any areas where there may be scope for improvement.

The course was instigated following an approach to the Proceeds of Crime Centre from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office who are currently working with the Lebanese Government.

There were six students in all, two Judges, three officers from the Internal Security Force, and one representative of the Serious Investigation Commission.

The course was run over a two week period and included sessions on the structure of the UK legal system, intelligence gathering, cash seizure, money laundering and confiscation. Interspersed with these sessions were visits to the Lebanese Embassy in London, a visit to Heathrow Airport where the delegates were able to view the work of the HMRC Cash Teams which operate at the airports throughout the country. The delegates also visited Crawley Magistrates Court and Blackfriars Crown Court in London, where they were able to see real cases being dealt with.

The course was very well received by the delegates with extremely positive feedback received:

"This course is good primary, interesting, beneficial and valuable experience, it provides us better service to improve the way we work in our daily practical life......"

"First of all, we learned very well and a lot in this training. I gained a big knowledge of money laundering......"

The course was run by two trainers from the Proceeds of Crime Centre, Tim Holt and Paul Smith. However they were ably assisted by several contributors throughout the period of the course and many thanks must go to Simon Dilloway (Lopham Consultancy); Bernie Crossey, Paul Winter, Cliff Brunning, Steve Betteridge, Dee Swailes and the cash seizure teams all from HMRC; Simon Davis (NTFIU) and Jeremy Rawlins from CPS.

The course was a great success and has played a major role in establishing solid links within the law enforcement community of Lebanon.

Tim Holt
Trainer
Proceeds of Crime Centre
NKBH