Financial Crime World

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Gabon Takes a Stand Against Illicit Financial Flows: A Look at the Country’s Efforts

In its ongoing fight against financial crimes, Gabon has made significant strides in recent years. The country has established a robust institutional framework to tackle illicit financial flows (IFFs), with the support of international partners.

Key Players in Gabon’s Fight Against IFFs

  • National Commission for the Fight Against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI): an independent administrative authority created in 2003
  • Ministry of Good Governance: oversees the implementation of anti-corruption measures
  • National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF): responsible for monitoring financial flows in collaboration with financial institutions

Reforms and Initiatives

Dematerializing Payment Systems

Gabon’s regulatory framework has undergone reforms aimed at dematerializing payment systems.

Strengthening the Judicial System

The country’s judicial system has been strengthened with the creation of specialized tribunals and courts to tackle crimes related to illegal mining, forestry, and fishing activities.

Strategy Document to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering (DSLCCBC)

In 2019, Gabon launched a Strategy Document to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering (DSLCCBC), developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The strategy targets 10 priority sectors vulnerable to illicit trafficking and is led by ANIF and CNLCEI.

PRECIS Concept

The implementation of DSLCCBC is guided by the concept of PRECIS (Prevention, Education, Conditions, Incentives, Sanctions), which emphasizes prevention, education, and incentives for compliance.

Collaboration and Partnerships

  • CNLCEI, Security Forces, and Public Prosecutors: collaborate to combat IFFs
  • ANIF and Banking Sector: collaborate to tackle money laundering

Diagnostic Study on National Governance, Corruption, and Illicit Financial Flows

In April 2021, Gabon launched a diagnostic study on national governance, corruption, and the risk of illicit financial flows in the implementation of public policies. The study aimed to identify the origin and nature of suspected IFFs.

Future Plans

  • Conduct In-Depth Studies on Illicit Financial Flows: strengthen the capacity of actors combating IFFs
  • Establish a Mechanism for Measuring and Sharing Data: reduce corruption in all its forms

The country’s efforts are expected to contribute significantly to the implementation of objectives 16.4 and 16.5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include the reduction of illicit financial flows and the strengthening of recovery mechanisms for stolen goods.