Title: “UNODC-Supported Dialogue Forum Bolsters Kiribati’s Anti-Money Laundering and Corruption Fight”

A New Chapter in Kiribati’s AML/CFT Initiatives

On October 4, 2023, Tarawa, Kiribati, witnessed a groundbreaking Public/Private Sector Dialogue Forum, marking a crucial step forward in enhancing the nation’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) efforts. The initiative received support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Pacific Anti-Corruption Programme and the UNODC Global Programme against Money-Laundering (ML), Proceeds of Crime (POC), and the Financing of Terrorism (FT).

Participants Gather for a Critical Discussion

Fifteen representatives from various Kiribati agencies attended this inaugural event, including:

Kiribati Police Force
Kiribati Financial Intelligence Unit
Kiribati Customs Office
Kiribati Tax Office
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration Office
Kiribati Insurance Corporation
ANZ Bank
Public Service Office (PSO)

The day-long discussion focused on strengthening cooperation in AML/CFT domestic coordination.

Senior officials pointed out the significance of developing robust information-sharing networks between government bodies, financial intelligence units (FIUs), law enforcement agencies, and the private sector, emphasizing this as an essential area of growth in numerous jurisdictions, including Kiribati. Financial Intelligence Units serve a vital role in the AML framework as they swiftly disperse intelligence to law enforcement entities, leading to successful investigations of predicate offenses such as corruption linked to money laundering.

Contributions from Fiji Police Force

Venti Chandra, Senior Scientific Officer from the Fiji Police Force, delivered presentations on forensic profiling of synthetic drugs, which were met with great significance from participants.

Suspicious Transaction Reporting

The importance of Suspicious Transaction Reporting was stressed, and the significance of reporting these to the FIU was acknowledged as critical.

Agencies highlighted the need to expand stakeholder representation within the AML/CFT Coordinating Committee, reconsider their information-sharing policies, and foster trust-building among all stakeholders.

Gratitude and Commitment

Mr. Reetaake Takabwere, Deputy Commissioner for Strategy and Reform at the Kiribati Police Service, extended his gratitude to UNODC for organizing this timely forum. Kiribati’s goal to join the Asian Pacific Group on Money Laundering as a full member underscores the country’s commitment to implementing necessary frameworks and international standards against money laundering and related predicate crimes, such as corruption.

Ms. Ritite Tekiau, Secretary of the Public Service Office and UNCAC Focal Point for Kiribati, reiterated her agency’s dedication to bolstering AML efforts since corruption is considered a predicate offense for money laundering. She also acknowledged UNODC as a trusted partner in supporting the development and implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS).

The Road Ahead

The successful outcomes of this dialogue forum pave the way for further, timely dialogue sessions among public and private sector agencies in Kiribati and other Pacific jurisdictions to strengthen information-sharing arrangements and combat money laundering and its associated predicate crimes.