US gives forensic document analyser to NAB

Bureau’s chief appreciates equipment, training support

ISLAMABAD: The United States Embassy in Islamabad on Wednesday provided the top anti-corruption watchdog in the country with state-of-the-art equipment to combat corruption.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement-Pakistan (INL-P) officially handed over a Video Spectral Comparator – worth Rs12.5 million ($125,000) to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The forensics document analyser will help NAB with identifying fraudulent documents, including travel and identity documents, banknotes, checks, and official letters. In this regards, a ceremony was held at the NAB Headquarters.

INL-P Director Katie Stana stated that supporting law enforcement and fighting corruption is a global imperative for the American government.

She recognised that NAB was Pakistan’s apex anti-graft agency and had recovered over Rs200 billion since its inception 16 years ago, having received and taken action on more than 320,000 complaints.

Stana hoped that with new forensics equipment, NAB would be able to better investigate corruption cases, not only for NAB but for other law enforcement agencies as well.

NAB Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry thanked INL-P for its support and for helping NAB achieve its mission of eliminating corruption in Pakistan, both through training and equipment.

He added that the VSC 8000 was the first machine of its kind in Pakistan.

Apart from providing the machine, the INL-P had sponsored five NAB officers in June 2017 to attend a customised, intensive training in Evesham, United Kingdom, to set-up and use the machine.

NAB officers noted that this document analyser is one of the most sophisticated and useful forensic tools available anywhere in the world and will help NAB in investigating corruption cases.

Moreover, it could also help other law enforcement agencies which require forensic analysis of documents.

Additionally, the INL-P has provided training on anti-money laundering and financial crimes to NAB’s investigators and prosecutors.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs operates in over 90 countries, helping them combat crime and corruption, counter drug-related crime, improve police institutions, and promote laws and court systems that are fair and accountable.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 27^th, 2017.