Financial Crime World

International Cooperation Crucial in Combating Financial Crime, Says Tanzania

At the 30th Regular Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna, Austria, the United Republic of Tanzania highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating financial crime.

Enhancing Capacity to Combat Financial Crime

Tanzania’s representative emphasized that the country has taken several steps to enhance its capacity to combat financial crime. These include:

  • Widening the scope of assistance to incorporate new forms of data preservation and obtaining
  • Facilitating the taking of evidence by video conference
  • Eliminating the requirement of transmitting requests via diplomatic channels to expedite the execution of requests

Tanzania has also:

  • Lowered the threshold for registration of foreign restraining, forfeiture, and pecuniary penalty orders
  • Re-enforced legal and institutional frameworks on asset recovery

The country continues to play a pivotal role in combating money laundering and financing of terrorism through the Eastern & Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) based in Dar es Salaam.

National Counter-Terrorism Center and Critical Infrastructure Protection

Tanzania has also:

  • Established a National Counter-Terrorism Center (NCTC) in response to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373
  • Put in place measures to protect critical infrastructures against terrorist attacks

Witness Protection and Corruption

The country has introduced concrete measures to conceal the identities and whereabouts of witnesses during criminal proceedings. On corruption, Tanzania maintains its firm resolve and has taken appropriate measures to ensure zero tolerance for corruption.

Illicit Wildlife Trafficking

The scourge of illicit wildlife trafficking remains a major concern, with wildlife and forest crimes being highly organized and lucrative. However, thanks to new methods and regional and international cooperation, Tanzania has witnessed a decline in poaching incidents and an increase in the wildlife population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to discharging its obligations under United Nations Conventions and their respective protocols in advancing crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law. The country emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation through mutual legal assistance and other frameworks to combat organized crimes in all their facets.