Poland’s Financial Watchdog Cracks Down on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
The General Inspectorate for Financial Information (GIFI) has announced a renewed focus on combating money laundering and terrorist financing in Poland.
Identifying and Reporting Suspicious Transactions
As part of its efforts, the GIFI is working closely with supervised institutions such as:
- Credit unions
- Notaries
- Customs offices
- Tax offices
- Associations
These institutions are required to notify the GIFI immediately if they suspect any illegal activity.
International Cooperation and Information Sharing
The GIFI receives information from foreign Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and has the authority to:
- Request consent for the transmission of information to other authorities or FIUs
- Require the suspension of a transaction or the blocking of an account upon a justified request by a foreign FIU
Verification and Notification
The GIFI verifies suspicions of money laundering or terrorist financing in cooperation with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. If a well-founded suspicion is found, the GIFI notifies them and requires subsequent actions to be taken.
Information Sharing and Support
The GIFI provides information and documents to:
- Courts
- Prosecutors
- Law enforcement agencies
- Other cooperating entities
In cases where an offence or fiscal offence is suspected but not related to money laundering or terrorist financing, the GIFI forwards relevant information to the competent authorities.
International Cooperation and Participation
The GIFI participates in international organizations and institutions operating in the area of counteracting money laundering and terrorist financing, including:
- The European Commission’s Expert Group on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
- The Council of Europe’s MONEYVAL Committee
- The Financial Action Task Force
Quote from Anna Chałupa, General Inspector of Financial Information
“We are committed to preventing and combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Our work is critical in protecting Poland’s financial system and supporting international efforts to combat these serious crimes.”
Contact Information
- General Inspector of Financial Information: Anna Chałupa
- Director of Department: Michał Szermer
- Deputy Directors: Patryk Dobrzycki, Artur Kołaczek, Elżbieta Franków-Jaśkiewicz
- Address: Ministerstwo Finansów, ul. Świętokrzyska 12, 00-916 Warszawa, Polska
- Phone: +48 22 694 30 60
- Fax: +48 22 694 54 50
- Email: sekretariat.IF@mf.gov.pl