Financial Crime World

Financial Crime Prevention: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Sees Amendment to Sanctions List

The Isle of Man Government Updates DRC Sanctions List

Announcement and Background

The Isle of Man Government has announced the amendment of one entry under the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Regime, following an update to the United Kingdom (UK) Sanctions List on March 7, 2023. The ongoing efforts to prevent financial crimes and promote accountability in the DRC are reflected in this development.

Key Points

  • The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Regime asset freeze targets individuals or entities involved in human rights violations, international humanitarian law violations, or obstruction of democracy, the rule of law, and good governance in the DRC.
  • The Isle of Man Government’s DRC (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, enacted under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, govern the asset freeze.

The Updated Entry: Bosco TAGANDA

Background and Information

  1. Bosco TAGANDA (Group ID: 8736)
    • DOB: [–/–/1973, –/–/1974]
    • Address: [The Hague, Netherlands (as of June 2016), Belgium (December 2022)]
    • Position: Former Chief of Staff in CNDP, Former CNDP military commander
    • Other Information: UK Sanctions List Ref: DRC0025; UN Ref: CDi.030

Biographical Details

Bosco Taganda, a native of Rwanda, grew up in Nyamitaba, Masisi territory, North Kivu. He was appointed as FARDC Brigadier-General in 2004 after the Ituri peace agreements. Bosco Taganda served as the Chief of Staff in CNDP and took command of the military from January 2009. He has de facto served as Deputy Commander in consecutive anti-FDLR operations, ‘Umoja Wetu,’ ‘Kimia II,’ and ‘Amani Leo,’ in North and South Kivu from January 2009 to the present.

Bosco Taganda surrendered to ICC officials in Kigali on March 22, 2013, and was transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, for sentencing. In June 2014, the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed 13 charges of war crimes and five charges of crimes against humanity against him, and his trial started in September 2015. In July 2019, he was found guilty of 18 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ituri in 2002-2003. He has appealed both his conviction and sentence. On March 30, 2021, the ICC Appeals Chamber confirmed his conviction and sentence. On December 14, 2022, he was transferred to the territory of Belgium for enforcement of sentence.

Financial Institutions’ Responsibilities

  1. Check for Designated Individuals: Financial institutions and other persons must check if they maintain any accounts or hold funds or economic resources for, or provide financial services to, designated individuals.
  2. Freeze Accounts and Hold Funds: If there is a match, these institutions must freeze those accounts or other funds and not deal with, make available to, or for the benefit of designated persons.
  3. Report Findings to FIU: Financial institutions must report their findings to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Penalties for Noncompliance

Failure to comply with financial and trade sanctions legislation or attempting to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offense.