Financial Crime World

Non-Profit Organizations in Mauritania at Risk of Exploitation by Terrorist Financing

Characteristics of Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) Vulnerable to Terrorist Financing

In Mauritania, a significant number of Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) are exposed to the risks of being exploited for the purpose of financing terrorism. These organizations have certain characteristics that make them susceptible to such exploitation.

  • Subject to the 1964 Law for Associations: NPOs in Mauritania fall under the jurisdiction of this law, which regulates their activities.
  • Excluding Social and Awareness-Raising Activities: Organizations engaged only in social and awareness-raising activities without receiving or providing funds are not considered high-risk.
  • Collecting or Distributing Funds: NPOs that collect or distribute funds for charitable, religious, educational, cultural, social, or good deeds purposes are at risk.

Types of Non-Profit Organizations at Risk

The following types of NPOs in Mauritania are particularly vulnerable to terrorist financing:

  • 1233 NPOs Collecting or Distributing Funds: About 16% of the total number of associations, these organizations operate mainly in this field and are considered high-risk.
  • 100 Active NPOs at Higher Risk: A subset of the above-mentioned NPOs, these 100 organizations are deemed to be at a higher risk due to their activities and characteristics.
  • Mauritania’s Consideration: The Mauritanian government considers these 100 NPOs to be more susceptible to terrorist financing abuse.

Shortcomings in Addressing Terrorist Financing Risks

Despite the identified risks, there are shortcomings in addressing terrorist financing risks associated with Non-Profit Organizations:

  • Lack of Information on Abuse: There is a lack of information on how terrorist actors exploit NPOs for financing purposes.
  • No Awareness-Raising Programs: There is no evidence of outreach programs to raise awareness among NPOs about the risks of terrorist financing abuse.
  • No Collaboration with NPOs: No efforts have been made to work with NPOs to develop best practices to address terrorist financing risks.
  • Insufficient Supervision: There has been no enhancement of Risk-Based Approach (RBA) supervision over NPOs.