Mauritania’s Inadequate Approach to Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism

A recent report has highlighted significant shortcomings in Mauritania’s efforts to combat money laundering (ML) and the financing of terrorism (TF). Despite some progress, the country continues to struggle with investigating and prosecuting ML crimes, and its approach to TF is inadequate.

Investigating and Prosecuting Money Laundering Crimes

According to the report, many predicate offenses have been investigated and prosecuted, but the extent of ML crimes committed in conjunction with these offenses has not been fully considered. This lack of attention to ML crimes means that criminal activity may be going unpunished, and that sanctions imposed on individuals and organizations are often disproportionate and ineffective.

• The report highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to investigating and prosecuting ML crimes.
• It also notes that there is a lack of coordination between law enforcement agencies, which can lead to delays and inefficiencies in investigations.

Financing of Terrorism

The report also notes that Mauritania’s authorities have failed to investigate and prosecute TF crimes adequately. Despite some efforts to identify and prevent TF, there remain significant deficiencies in the country’s approach to combating this threat. The lack of cooperation among law enforcement agencies and the absence of a clear approach to dealing with terrorist financing are major concerns.

• The report recommends that Mauritania’s authorities take a more proactive approach to identifying and preventing TF.
• It also suggests that the country should strengthen its laws and regulations related to TF, including those related to non-profit organizations.

Technical Deficiencies

Furthermore, the report highlights technical deficiencies in Mauritania’s implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions related to ML and TF. The country has failed to establish a mechanism for proposing individuals or entities to be added to UN sanctions lists, and its laws and regulations do not provide sufficient guidance on how to implement these resolutions.

• The report recommends that Mauritania establish a clear process for identifying and nominating individuals or entities for inclusion on UN sanctions lists.
• It also suggests that the country should strengthen its capacity to implement UNSC resolutions related to ML and TF.

Preventing the Misuse of Non-Profit Organizations

The report also notes that Mauritania has taken some steps to prevent the misuse of non-profit organizations in TF, but significant gaps remain. The country has failed to identify which organizations are most exposed to TF risks or establish measures to prevent their misuse.

• The report recommends that Mauritania conduct a thorough risk assessment of its non-profit sector and establish effective measures to prevent the misuse of these organizations for TF.
• It also suggests that the country should strengthen its laws and regulations related to non-profit organizations, including those related to financial transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

Overall, the report concludes that Mauritania’s approach to combating ML and TF is inadequate and needs significant improvement. The country must strengthen its investigation and prosecution of ML crimes, improve its cooperation with international partners, and implement effective measures to prevent the misuse of non-profit organizations in TF.