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Gibraltar’s Financial Intelligence Unit Plays Pivotal Role in Combatting Economic Crime
The Gibraltar Financial Intelligence Unit (GFIU) has been a key player in combating economic crime since its establishment in January 1996. As a crucial component in the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes, the GFIU plays a vital role in receiving, analyzing, and disseminating suspicious transaction reports from financial institutions and other relevant bodies.
Functions and Responsibilities
- Staffed by officers from the Royal Gibraltar Police, HM Customs, and the Civil Service
- Functions in accordance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations and Standards
- Regularly evaluated by the Council of Europe Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL)
Investigations and Intelligence Gathering
- Maintains a comprehensive database of all disclosures and financial intelligence gathered during investigations
- Allocated to law enforcement agencies for further action
- Provides feedback to financial institutions and conducts outreach programs aimed at enhancing awareness on:
- Money laundering
- Terrorist financing
- Human trafficking
- The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
Corporate Communication Strategy
- Outlines approach to effective internal and external communications over the next three years
- Aims to raise awareness on economic crime and support implementation of a structured program to combat money laundering and terrorist financing
Strategic Plan for 2023-26: The Four E’s
- Embodying its ambitions and approach to achieving them
- Focuses on four interconnected high-level priorities:
- Engagement: Strengthen relationships with stakeholders and the community
- Expertise: Develop and maintain specialized skills and knowledge
- Effectiveness: Enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness
- Enabling: Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Recognition and Membership
- Became a full member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units in July 2004
- Continues to play a vital role in Gibraltar’s efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing
- Maintains commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective communication