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Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Investigations in Lebanon
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The Special Investigation Commission (SIC) in Lebanon has conducted various investigations into anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) cases. The following reports highlight some of these investigations, which aim to detect and prevent financial crimes such as corruption, bribery, tax evasion, and money laundering.
Report 1: Suspicious Transaction Involving Public Officials
Summary
A bank reported a suspicious transaction involving public officials suspected of corruption and bribery. The SIC analyzed the account activity and found unjustified cash and check deposits followed by withdrawals.
Measures Taken
- Frozen balances
- Encumbrance on properties
- Forwarding findings to the General Prosecutor
Report 2: Assistance Request from Law Enforcement
Summary
The SIC received a request for assistance from the General Prosecutor regarding corruption allegations against public officials. Analysis revealed accounts belonging to suspects with unjustified cash and check deposits followed by withdrawals.
Measures Taken
- Lifting banking secrecy
- Forwarding findings to the General Prosecutor
Report 3: Suspicious Transaction Involving Government Agency Employee
Summary
A bank reported a suspicious transaction involving an employee of a government agency suspected of corruption and bribery. The SIC analyzed the account activity and found cash deposits below the threshold.
Measures Taken
- Frozen balances
- Encumbrance on properties
- Forwarding findings to the General Prosecutor
Report 4: Tax Evasion Investigation
Summary
The SIC received a request for assistance from the General Prosecutor regarding tax evasion allegations against a Lebanese national. Analysis revealed cash deposits exceeding real estate sales contracts and suspicious transactions between accounts.
Measures Taken
- Frozen balances
- Lifting banking secrecy
- Forwarding findings to the General Prosecutor
Report 5: Tax Evasion Suspicion
Summary
A bank reported a suspicious transaction involving a customer suspected of tax evasion based on media reports. The SIC analyzed the account activity and found unjustified cash deposits below the threshold.
Measures Taken
- Frozen balances
- Encumbrance on properties
- Forwarding findings to the General Prosecutor
Conclusion
These reports demonstrate the importance of AML/CFT measures in detecting and preventing financial crimes, such as corruption, bribery, tax evasion, and money laundering. The SIC’s investigations and subsequent measures aim to disrupt these illicit activities and bring perpetrators to justice.