US embassy provides forensics document analyser to NAB for combating corruption

Islamabad

The United States Embassy in Islamabad has provided National Accountability Bureau a state-of-the-art forensics document analyzer to help combat corruption.

Director, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement-Pakistan (INL-P), Katie Stana on Wednesday officially handed over a Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) 8000, a Rs12.5 million ($125,000) that will assist the Bureau in identifying fraudulent documents including travel and identity documents, banknotes, checks, and official letters.

NAB Chairman Qamar ZamanChaudhry was also present.

At a ceremony here, Director Stana said supporting law enforcement and fighting corruption is a global imperative for American government.

She recognized NAB as Pakistan's apex anti-graft agency and noted that since Bureau was established more than 16 years ago, it has recovered more than Rs200 billion ($2 billion) and received and taken action on more than 320,000 complaints.

She hoped with this new forensics equipment, NAB will be able to investigate corruption cases, not only for NAB, but for other law enforcement agencies as well.

NAB Chairman thanked INL for its partnership and support in helping the Bureau to achieve its mission of eliminating corruption in Pakistan, both through training and equipment support.

He said the VSC 8000 is the first-of-its-kind in Pakistan.

The INL has also sponsored five NAB officers to attend a customised, intensive training programme in Evesham, United Kingdom, on set-up and use of this equipment.

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

In addition to forensics equipment assistance, INL has provided training on anti-money laundering and financial crimes to NAB investigators and prosecutors.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs works in more than 90 countries to help countries combat crime and corruption, counter drug-related crime, improve police institutions, and promote laws and court systems that are fair and accountable.