Financial Crime World

Gabonese Government Takes Bold Steps Against Illicit Financial Flows

The Gabonese government has been making significant strides in its fight against illicit financial flows, with the creation of new institutions and frameworks aimed at tackling money laundering, corruption, and other financial crimes.

The National Commission for the Fight Against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI)

At the heart of this effort is the CNLCEI, which was established in 2003 as an independent administrative authority. In 2021, the commission underwent a major overhaul, with its mandate expanded to cover corruption and illicit enrichment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Fight against corruption and illicit enrichment
  • Monitor financial transactions and prevent money laundering and other financial crimes

The National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF)

Another key player in the fight against illicit financial flows is ANIF, which was set up in 2016 to monitor financial transactions and prevent money laundering and other financial crimes. ANIF is governed by Community Regulation N°01/CEMAC/UMAC/CM on the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation in Central Africa.

Key Responsibilities

  • Monitor financial transactions
  • Prevent money laundering and other financial crimes
  • Implement the community regulation on preventing and suppressing money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation in Central Africa

Reforms and Strategies

The government has implemented reforms aimed at dematerializing payment systems, making it easier to track financial transactions and prevent illegal activities. The 2019 reform of the judicial system allowed for the creation of specialized tribunals and courts to tackle offenses related to illegal mining, forestry, and fishing activities.

Key Reforms

  • Dematerialization of payment systems
  • Creation of specialized tribunals and courts for environmental crimes

Strategy Document to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering (DSLCCBC)

The government has developed a strategy document with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to combat corruption and money laundering. The document targets 10 priority sectors likely to be subject to illicit trafficking.

Key Components

  • Prevention
  • Education
  • Conditions
  • Incentives
  • Sanctions

Collaboration and Partnerships

Key actors involved in the fight against illicit financial flows include:

  • National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF)
  • National Directorate of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC)
  • Central African Banking Commission (COBAC)
  • Inter-Governmental Task Force against Money-Laundering in Central Africa (GABAC)

Collaboration between these actors is crucial to the success of the fight against illicit financial flows. For example, a collaboration has been initiated between CNLCEI, security forces, and public prosecutors.

Diagnostic Study

In April 2021, a diagnostic study was launched to assess national governance, corruption, and the risk of illicit financial flows in the implementation of public policies.

Objectives

  • Assess national governance
  • Evaluate corruption risks
  • Identify areas for improvement

Future Plans

The government plans to conduct in-depth studies to estimate the scale and impact of suspected illicit commercial financial flows to Gabon. The ultimate goal is to reduce illicit financial flows, strengthen the recovery of stolen goods, fight against all forms of organized crime, and significantly reduce corruption in all its forms.

Key Objectives

  • Reduce illicit financial flows
  • Strengthen recovery of stolen goods
  • Fight against organized crime
  • Significantly reduce corruption

The pilot project is expected to make significant progress in the fight against illicit financial flows, and will contribute to achieving the objectives outlined in the Strategy Document.