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Belarusian Authorities Enhance Fight Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Belarus has been actively engaging in efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF). As part of this initiative, the Center of Professional Development Training for Managers and Specialists of the Ministry of Finance and the Institute of Professional Development Training and Re-training of Economics Staff at the Belarusian State University of Economics have organized a series of training events on AML/CTF topics.
Training Program
The training program includes courses for natural persons seeking to obtain a tax advisor qualification certificate, as well as professional development training for existing tax advisors. Additionally, the authorities have developed and published sample internal control rules for tax advisors and a memo outlining measures required for compliance with AML/CFT legislation. These documents are available to the public.
Supreme Court Enhances Information Gathering Mechanisms
The RB Supreme Court has also taken steps to improve its information gathering mechanisms. Since January 1, 2021, all courts of general jurisdiction have been using an automated information system that ensures a uniform practice of registration and management of cases and documents filed with the courts.
Automated Information System
The system provides for the registration of all types of cases, files, and procedural documents considered and processed by courts of different instances, allowing for improved quality and volume of analytical and statistical information. The Supreme Court has also developed updated forms of statistical reports for courts of general jurisdiction and is currently implementing these forms in its automated statistical reporting system.
Statistics Show Progress in Combating ML/TF
According to statistics provided by the RB courts of general jurisdiction, there has been a significant decrease in the number of cases related to invalidation of state registration of business entities and administrative liability for failure to provide documents, reports, and other information. In 2021, there were:
- 34 cases considered and orders issued for invalidation of state registration
- Compared to 5 cases in the first half of 2022
Similarly, the number of liquidations of legal entities has decreased from:
- 179 cases in 2019 to 107 cases in the first half of 2022
- The number of persons held administratively liable for failure to provide documents, reports, and other information has decreased from:
- 7,081 in 2019 to 1,333 in the first half of 2022
Information Exchange between Authorities
The RB Supreme Court is also extending its information exchange with government authorities and institutions vital for administration of justice. The court has adopted separate terms of reference with the Department for Humanitarian Activities of the Office of the President of the Republic of Belarus to exchange information between its automated system and the Government’s “Confiscated Assets” Information System through the National Automated Information System (NAIS).
Implementation Schedule
The completion of testing and implementing the relevant services in the NAIS system is scheduled for September 30, 2022.
International Cooperation
Finally, the Department of International and Legal Affairs of the General Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for ensuring that requests from foreign competent authorities for extradition of persons committed ML/TF offenses or provision of legal assistance in such criminal matters are considered as a priority within the shortest possible time.