Italian financial investigators to help UN mission root out crime in Kosovo

A team of investigators from Italy will join the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to help in the fight against financial crime and corruption in the province, the head of the Mission announced today.

UNMIK chief Michael Steiner said the 10 investigators from the Guardia di Finanza would arrive as soon as possible to join the new Financial Inspection Unit. He welcomed the fact that such highly qualified professionals, would help to detect and combat financial crime involving public monies in Kosovo.

“The Guardia di Finanza, who are experts in ‘mafia-busting,’ will be working here in UNMIK to reinforce our policy of zero tolerance for crime,” Mr. Steiner said. “No one – Kosovans or internationals – will be beyond the reach of our crime-fighting effort.”

Members of the new Unit will perform investigations wherever public money is involved, conducting random inspections to seek out misuse of funds or assets. The members of Guardia di Finanza will investigate cases of financial corruption that will lead to criminal prosecution.

The new Unit will have direct access to Mr. Steiner and will be funded by the UNMIK budget.