GIFI Steps Up Efforts to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
Introduction
The General Inspectorate for Financial Information (GIFI) has taken significant steps to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. As part of its efforts, the GIFI works closely with obliged institutions, cooperating entities, and foreign Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) to prevent and detect illegal activities.
Obliged Institutions
The following institutions are required to notify the GIFI immediately of any suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing:
- National Cooperative Savings and Credit Union
- Presidents of courts of appeal
- Heads of customs and tax offices
- Voivodes or governors of districts
These institutions play a crucial role in preventing financial crimes and ensuring public safety.
Verification Process
The GIFI verifies suspicions of money laundering or terrorist financing based on information obtained from:
- Obliged institutions
- Cooperating entities
- Foreign FIUs
In cases where a suspicion is deemed well-founded, the GIFI notifies the prosecutor’s office, which takes steps to prosecute the suspects in cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
International Cooperation
The GIFI emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in combating financial crimes. The institution has established links with various international organizations, including:
- European Commission’s Expert Group on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (EGMLTF)
- Council of Europe’s MONEYVAL Committee
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
These partnerships enable the GIFI to stay up-to-date with best practices and share intelligence with other countries.
Notification Process
The report highlights the importance of swift notification in preventing financial crimes. The GIFI notifies the prosecutor’s office, which takes steps to prosecute the suspects in cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
Key Developments
Prosecutors are required to inform the GIFI about key developments in their investigations, including:
- Decisions on blocking accounts or suspending transactions
- Results of forensic analysis and other relevant findings
The GIFI provides information and documents to courts and prosecutors upon written request, as well as to other cooperating entities.
Forwarding Information
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 competent authorities for further investigation.
Contact Information
For more information on the General Inspectorate for Financial Information, please contact:
- Anna Chałupa, General Inspector
- Michał Szermer, Director of Department
- Patryk Dobrzycki, Deputy Director
- Artur Kołaczek, Deputy Director
- Elżbieta Franków-Jaśkiewicz, Deputy Director
Address: Ministerstwo Finansów, ul. Świętokrzyska 12, 00-916 Warszawa, Polska Tel.: +48 22 694 30 60 Fax: +48 22 694 54 50 Email: sekretariat.if@mf.gov.pl