Financial Crime World

Gabon Takes Aim at Illicit Financial Flows: Strategies Emerge

In an effort to combat financial crime, Gabon has taken significant steps to strengthen its institutional and legal framework.

History of Efforts

The creation of the National Commission for the Fight against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI) in 2003 marked a major milestone in the country’s fight against illicit financial flows. Since then, several key initiatives have been implemented:

  • In 2019, the judicial system was reformed to create specialized tribunals and courts for crimes related to illegal mining, forestry, and fishing activities.
  • The General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Rights and the General Directorate of Taxes have implemented reforms aimed at dematerializing payment systems.

Strategy Document

The government has developed a Strategy Document to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering (DSLCCBC) with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This document targets 10 priority sectors likely to be subject to illicit trafficking. The strategy is led by the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF) and the CNLCEI.

Key Concepts

The vision guiding the implementation of the DSLCCBC is expressed through the concept of PRECIS, which stands for:

  • Prevention
  • Education
  • Conditions
  • Incentives
  • Sanctions

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

  • 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 and Partnerships

In addition to these initiatives, collaborations have been established between:

  • CNLCEI, security forces, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office
  • ANIF, the banking sector, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office for money laundering offenses

Diagnostic Study

A diagnostic study on national governance, corruption, and the risk of illicit financial flows in the implementation of public policies was launched in April 2021.

Objectives

To combat suspected illicit commercial financial flows to Gabon, including:

  • Tax fraud
  • Violation of market rules
  • Corruption
  • Money laundering

Key objectives include:

  • Conducting in-depth studies to estimate financial flows mentioned above
  • Strengthening recovery mechanisms for stolen goods
  • Fighting all forms of organized crime
  • Reducing corruption in all its forms

Capacity Building and Data Sharing

The government has emphasized the need to strengthen the capacity of all actors combating illicit financial flows and establish a mechanism for measuring and sharing data related to these crimes. As part of this effort, a pilot project is expected to contribute to the implementation of objectives 16.4 and 16.5 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.