Title: Belgium’s Commitment to Combating Financial Crimes: An Overview of Corruption Prevention Measures and Money Laundering Legislation

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Belgium, known for its art, culture, and rich historical heritage in Brussels, also faces the persistent challenge of financial crimes, including corruption, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism and their proliferation. In this article, we explore the Belgian government’s efforts to mitigate these issues through various legislation and international cooperations.

Priority Given to Anti-Corruption Measures

The Belgian government recognizes the damaging impact of corruption on society and the economy. Corruption impedes sustainable economic development, exacerbates economic and social disparities, and even aids in the financing of illicit activities such as organized crime and terrorism. In response, Belgium has included the fight against corruption as part of its:

• National Security Plan
• Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16: Peace, justice, and inclusive institutions)

Since 2019, the European Union (EU) has established a rule of law assessment mechanism, evaluated against justice systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism, and checks and balances. Belgium undergoes thorough assessments under this mechanism as an EU member.

Legislation and International Commitments

Belgium addresses corruption through its Penal Code, with Articles 246 and subsequent dealing with public corruption, and Articles 504bis and subsequent focusing on private corruption. Internationally, Belgium has ratified several conventions to strengthen its commitment to combating corruption:

1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC): As a signatory state, Belgium is assessed for its application of UNCAC’s provisions through a peer review evaluation mechanism. Its first cycle evaluated Chapters III (Incrimination) and IV (International cooperation) and was completed in 2016.
2. The OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions: To raise awareness among Belgian businesses abroad regarding the risks of corruption, the government has issued an Anti-Corruption Guide and collaborates with international organizations to avoid duplicate evaluations.

Money Laundering Prevention: CTIF and Regulations

Money laundering is the concealment of the proceeds of illegal activities. To combat this issue, Belgium has established the Financial Intelligence Processing Unit (CTIF), which is responsible for preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation. The CTIF chairs the Assembly of partners, which collaborates on money laundering risks and preventive policy.

Legislation enacted to combat money laundering includes:

• The Law of 18 September 2017: This law transposes Directive (EU) 2015/849 on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure (2019): These improvements facilitate the exchange and circulation of information between the involved authorities.

Conclusion

Belgium has adopted robust legislative frameworks and international engagements to combat corruption, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism and their proliferation. By staying informed about these measures and maintaining transparency, businesses and individuals can contribute to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable economic landscape in Belgium and beyond.

For more information on documents related to the fight against corruption, please visit the dedicated websites linked within this article.