Financial Crime World

Financial Crime and Corruption Plague Vanuatu

The Office of the Public Prosecutor’s (OPP) Integrity and Commercial Crime Unit (ICCU) has been actively combating financial crimes and corruption in Vanuatu since its establishment in 2017.

About the ICCU

The ICCU is comprised of three prosecutors: Assistant Public Prosecutor Mr. Simcha Blessing, Principal State Prosecutor Mr. Lenry Young, and State Prosecutor Ms. Laura Lunabek. Their mission is to prosecute financial crimes such as:

  • Money laundering
  • Corruption of a serious and complex nature
  • Confiscation and asset recovery

Responsibilities

The ICCU enforces the Penal Code Act (Ch. 135) and the Proceeds of Crime Act (Ch. 284), as well as other statutory offenses. Its responsibilities include:

  • Restraint, seizure, and management of assets acquired as a result of crime
  • Facilitating incoming and outgoing requests for mutual legal assistance and extradition

International Cooperation

The ICCU also engages in international cooperation in criminal matters, including:

  • Mutual legal assistance: facilitating incoming and outgoing requests under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act (Ch. 285)
  • Extradition: enforcing rules and procedures outlined in the Extradition Act No. 16 of 2002
  • Collaboration with foreign authorities to combat financial crime and corruption

Handling Offenses Arising from Commissions of Inquiry

The ICCU also handles offenses arising from Commissions of Inquiry (COI), established under the Commissions of Inquiry Act (Ch. 85). To further its efforts, the Vanuatu Police Force has seconded three officers to the OPP to investigate cases emanating from COI reports:

  • Senior Inspector Harris Yoan
  • Corporal Kevin Kerry Boe
  • Constable Kristy Ben

Challenges Ahead

Despite these efforts, financial crime and corruption remain significant challenges for Vanuatu. The government must continue to prioritize these issues and work towards creating a more transparent and accountable financial system.

Conclusion

The ICCU’s tireless efforts are crucial in combating financial crime and corruption in Vanuatu. However, the battle is far from over. It is essential that the government continues to support the ICCU’s work and implements reforms to create a more robust and effective system of accountability.