Financial Crime Prevention Strategies in Tanzania, United Republic of
Tanzania, United Republic of has taken significant measures to combat financial crimes and advance crime prevention, criminal justice, and rule of law. The country has domesticated key United Nations Conventions through legislation to give effect to these international instruments.
Strengthening Institutions and Preventive Measures
According to Biswalo Eutropius Kachele Mganga, Director of Public Prosecutions, Tanzania has established institutions dedicated to fighting transnational organized crimes, including:
- Judiciary
- Drugs Control and Enforcement Authority
- National Anti-Human Trafficking Secretariat
- Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau
- Human Rights Commission
- National Prosecutions Services
To prevent transnational crimes, the country has implemented various measures such as:
- Public awareness campaigns
- Strengthening school curriculums on drugs and corruption
- Involvement of stakeholders including NGOs, CBOs, and international agencies
- Establishing treatment centers for drug addicts and opening zonal, regional, and district offices
Key Legislation and Institutions
In 2015, Tanzania enacted the Drugs Control Enforcement Act to effectively control narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. In line with the attainment of the UN 2030 Agenda, particularly goal 16, the country has established a National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in response to the United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 1373 of 2001.
To prevent terrorist attacks, Tanzania has:
- Installed CCTV cameras, screening machines, and intelligence gathering at harbors, stadiums, railways, bridges, and other economic and social infrastructures
- Strengthened the capacity of public institutions dealing with corruption prevention
Combating Corruption and Economic Offenses
Prior to 2016, corruption offenses were considered non-economic crimes. However, with amendments to the Economic and Organized Crime Control Act, these are now designated as serious and economic offenses.
The country has also amended the Proceeds of Crime Act to incorporate a more robust framework on asset recovery, ensuring that nobody benefits from crime and providing flexibility in registration and enforcement of foreign forfeiture and confiscation orders from other jurisdictions.
Commitment to International Obligations
On behalf of Tanzania, United Republic of, Mganga reiterated the country’s commitment to discharging its obligations under UN Conventions and protocols in advancing crime prevention, criminal justice, and rule of law. This is aimed at making the world a better place and achieving the 2030 Agenda.