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Charities and Non-Profit Organizations Must Ensure Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Guidelines
In an effort to prevent the misuse of charities and non-profit organizations for money laundering and terrorist financing, the government has introduced new guidelines that outline strict requirements for these entities.
Key Requirements
- No Acceptance of Donations from Linked Entities: Charities and non-profits must not accept donations from individuals or organizations linked to terrorism or organized criminal groups.
- Proper Documentation and Auditing: All donations must be properly documented and audited to prevent any illegal activities.
- Due Diligence on Donors: Thorough due diligence is required on donors, including:
- Identifying the true source of the donation
- Ensuring that funds are commensurate with the donor’s known sources of income
- Identifying any conditions attached to the donation
Reporting Suspicious Activity
- Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU): Charities and non-profits must report any suspicious activity related to money laundering or terrorist financing to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Transparency and Accountability
- Public Disclosure of Donations: All donations must be publicly disclosed.
- Accountability: Transparency and accountability are essential in the operations of charities and non-profits.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Severe Penalties: Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in severe penalties, including fines and even criminal charges.
Contact Information
For more information on these guidelines or to report suspicious activity, please contact the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) at [insert contact information].