AUB, the ISF, and OMT collaborate to strengthen efforts against financial crime

In a joint effort to combat financial crime in Lebanon and strengthen national capacities in this critical field, the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) launched a specialized masterclass training session titled “Combating Trade-Based Financial Crimes” in partnership with the Internal Security Forces (ISF), and sponsored by OMT.

The masterclass aimed to enhance the technical expertise of ISF officers and personnel in identifying and investigating trade-based financial crimes—one of the most complex and evolving forms of financial misconduct worldwide.

The opening session was attended by Brigadier General Ziad Kaed Bey, head of the Judicial Police Unit, representing Major General Raed Abdallah, director general of the ISF; Dr. Yusuf Sidani, dean of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB); and Naji Abou Zeid, chief executive officer of OMT. Also present were Brigadier General Joseph Moussallem, head of the ISF Public Relations Division, along with a number of participating officers and members of the Force.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Yusuf Sidani, dean of OSB, highlighted the value of this partnership. “This initiative reflects AUB’s and OSB’s commitment to working hand in hand with security institutions and the private sector to empower ISF members with the knowledge and skills needed to combat financial crime and protect society,” he said. “Despite the challenges Lebanon faces, investing in professional and ethical competencies remains the path toward positive change.”

Naji Abou Zeid, CEO of OMT, noted the timeliness of the collaboration, coinciding with the International Fraud Awareness Week. He said, “We are proud to collaborate with the ISF for the third consecutive year in awareness campaigns that help fortify our society and protect it from becoming a victim of financial fraud.” He reaffirmed that compliance at OMT is both a duty and a commitment, emphasizing that “our money transfers strictly adhere to the terms and conditions set by Western Union and local and international regulatory bodies.”

Brigadier General Ziad Kaed Bey, head of the Judicial Police Unit, underlined the importance of the tripartite collaboration between the ISF, AUB, and OMT, describing it as a model of constructive partnerships between the security sector, academia, and the private sector. Addressing the participating officers, he urged them to make the most of the training, stressing that “the field today demands both action and knowledge, which have become essential to performing daily security duties.”

It is worth noting that the Combatting Trade-Based Financial Crimes course is a professional diploma launched by OSB with the partnership of the MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group (MENA FCCG), and the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime (GCFFC).