A round table on strengthening financial forensic expertise in criminal investigations was held in Belgrade as part of the Countering Economic Crime in Serbia project. The event brought together representatives from the judiciary, prosecution, and financial forensic professionals, who engaged in fruitful discussions with the Council of Europe experts regarding potential avenues to enhance Serbia’s institutional capacity in combating financial crime.
 
The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the legal and institutional framework for the work of financial forensic experts, their recruitment and professional development opportunities, and best practices in forensic accounting and financial investigations. The participants benefitted from gaining insight on the model of institutional set up of financial forensics in France, with recommendations stemming from this model, adapted to the Serbian context.
 
The Council of Europe experts emphasized the importance of early engagement of forensic experts in investigations, as well as the need for clear forms, instructions and guidelines to ensure consistency in forensic financial analysis. The role of forensic experts in the court procedures was also a considered, particularly regarding the use of forensic report as evidence and possibility of financial forensic experts to participate in the trial as witnesses. 
 
The event concluded with recommendations on strengthening Serbia’s forensic financial framework, enhancing training programs, and ensuring adequate resources and institutional support for forensic experts. 
 
The activity has taken place within the Project “Countering Economic Crime in Serbia”, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency, and implemented by the Council of Europe.