In a major step toward enhancing Dominica’s border management capabilities, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dominica recently facilitated a comprehensive training on Document Examination and Forgery Detection. Held at the National Development Foundation of Dominica Ltd (NDFD) Conference Room on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the training was designed to equip government officials, law enforcement officers, and front-line personnel with advanced skills to identify counterfeit and forged documents.
The event was led by Dr. Mohamed Awadalla, an internationally recognized Forgery Detection Consultant and Trainer with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Awadalla has held key positions, including General Manager of the Forgery Detection Department at Egypt’s Forensic Medicine Authority and Chief of the Forgery Detection Unit at the Forensic Lab in the RAK Police, UAE, bringing an extensive background of expertise to the session.
As the first training of its kind in Dominica, this event underscored the nation’s dedication to strengthening its response to document fraud and human trafficking.
Key topics covered in the training included:
- Introduction to Forgery and Document Counterfeiting: Participants learned to classify various types of official documents, including IDs and passports, while gaining insight into common forgery practices.
- In-Depth Analysis of Identification Documents: The training offered a detailed examination of ID documents and passports, focusing on materials, printing techniques, assembly processes, and security features. The use of biometric authentication methods was also discussed.
- Forgery Detection Techniques: Practical sessions allowed participants to develop hands-on skills in identifying alterations and fraudulent features in IDs and passports.
- Dr. Awadalla expressed his enthusiasm for the session, stating, “The group was highly interactive, and it was a fantastic course. It was a long day, but I am very pleased with this group and excited that this was the first training of its kind in Dominica.”
IOM Dominica Head of Office Natasha Greaves added, “The impact of this training extends far beyond immediate outcomes; it signifies a broader commitment to resilience, adaptability, and continuous improvement in our collective efforts to combat document fraud in Dominica.”
This training is part of IOM Dominica’s ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s capacity to detect and prevent human trafficking, document fraud, and other transnational crimes. By equipping government and law enforcement officials with critical forgery detection skills, Dominica is taking a significant step toward safeguarding its borders and maintaining the integrity of its institutions.
The success of this initiative opens the door for future capacity-building collaborations between IOM Dominica and local government agencies.
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