Financial Crime World

Financial Crime Prevention in Gabon: Efforts Intensify Amid Challenges

Gabon, a central African nation, has been actively combating illicit financial flows (IFFs), which pose significant threats to the country’s economy and development. Despite challenges, the government has made notable strides in establishing institutions and implementing policies to address IFFs.

Key Institutions and Initiatives

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

  • Established in 2003 as the National Commission for the Fight against Illicit Enrichment
  • Became an independent administrative authority in 2021

National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF)

  • Set up to monitor financial flows
  • Works closely with financial institutions to prevent IFFs

Strengthened Regulatory Framework

The country’s regulatory framework has been reinforced through the following initiatives:

General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Rights

  • Ensures regularity of financial flows
  • Combats tax evasion and other forms of illicit trafficking

General Directorate of Taxes

  • Plays a key role in preventing IFFs
  • Implements policies to ensure transparency and accountability

Judicial Reforms

The 2019 judicial reform has led to the creation of specialized tribunals and courts for offenses related to:

Illegal Mining, Forestry, and Fishing Activities

  • These sectors are particularly vulnerable to illicit trafficking and IFFs
  • Specialized courts help to combat these issues effectively

Strategy Document to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering (DSLCCBC)

This strategy targets 10 priority sectors vulnerable to illicit trafficking. It is led by ANIF and CNLCEI, guided by the PRECIS concept of:

Prevention

Education

Conditions

Incentives

Sanctions

Inter-Agency Collaboration

Partnerships between key institutions have been strengthened, including:

CNLCEI, Security Forces, and Public Prosecutor’s Office

  • Collaborate to prevent IFFs and combat corruption
  • Share intelligence and best practices to achieve common goals

ANIF, Banking Sector, and Public Prosecutor’s Office

  • Work together to prevent money laundering offenses
  • Implement policies to ensure transparency and accountability in the financial sector