Gabon Fights Financial Crime: A Review of the Situation and Actors Involved

Introduction

Gabon has taken significant steps to combat illicit financial flows, with a dedicated ministry for good governance and key institutions such as the National Commission for the Fight against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI) and the National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF).

Institutional Framework

The country’s institutional framework is robust, with the General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Rights and the General Directorate of Taxes responsible for ensuring regular financial flows. The 2019 reform of the judicial system has also led to the creation of specialized tribunals and courts for the repression of offenses related to illegal mining, forestry, and fishing activities.

Strategy Document

With the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Gabon has developed a Strategy Document to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering (DSLCCBC), which targets 10 priority sectors likely to be subject to illicit trafficking. The strategy is led by ANIF and CNLCEI, with the concept of PRECIS (Prevention, Education, Conditions, Incentives, Sanctions) guiding its implementation.

Key Actors

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

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

Collaboration and Initiatives

Collaboration between institutions has been initiated, including:

CNLCEI, security forces, and the public prosecutor’s office
ANIF, banking sector, and the public prosecutor’s office to combat money laundering

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.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite efforts made, suspected illicit commercial financial flows to Gabon include:

Tax fraud
Violation of market rules
Corruption
Money laundering

Conducting in-depth studies is necessary to estimate these financial flows and contribute to the implementation of objectives related to reducing illicit financial flows, strengthening recovery of stolen goods, and fighting organized crime.

Strengthening the capacity of all actors combating IFFs and establishing a mechanism for measuring and sharing data related to IFFs are essential. The pilot project aims to achieve these objectives and reduce corruption in all its forms.