French Polynesia Introduces Whistleblower Policy to Combat Financial Crimes
Papeete, French Polynesia - The government of French Polynesia has taken a significant step in combating financial crimes by introducing a whistleblower policy that encourages individuals to report suspicious activities and wrongdoing within the financial sector.
The new policy provides a secure channel for whistleblowers to report potential breaches of financial regulations without fear of retaliation. This is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and accountability in the financial sector and protect the interests of citizens and businesses alike.
Who Can Make a Report?
Under the new policy, anyone who works for or has knowledge about a company or organization operating in French Polynesia can make a report. This includes:
- Employees
- Contractors
- Customers
- External auditors
Whistleblowers do not need to have direct evidence of wrongdoing; they simply need to have reasonable grounds to believe that something is amiss.
How Can a Report Be Made?
Reports can be submitted through the following channels:
Internal Channel
Reports can be submitted to the company’s internal compliance department or to a designated whistleblower officer.
IT Platform
A secure online platform, Whistle365, has been set up for whistleblowers to report anonymously or with their identity revealed.
Written Report
Whistleblowers can submit written reports by postal mail or email.
What Happens After a Report is Made?
Once a report is made, the company’s compliance department will review it and take necessary actions. If the report requires further investigation, the company may appoint an independent investigator to look into the matter. The outcome of the investigation will be shared with the whistleblower, who can also choose to make a report to external authorities if they feel that their concerns have not been adequately addressed.
Protection for Whistleblowers
French Polynesia’s whistleblower policy provides strong protections for individuals who come forward to report financial crimes. Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation and will be kept anonymous unless they choose to reveal their identity. They may also receive compensation for any harm suffered as a result of the wrongdoing.
The introduction of this new policy marks an important step in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in French Polynesia’s financial sector. It sends a clear message that financial crimes will not be tolerated and encourages individuals to speak up if they suspect something is wrong.