Financial Crime World

Niger Boosts Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Efforts

Strengthened Measures to Combat Corruption and Terrorism Financing

Niamey, Niger - In a major move to combat corruption and terrorism financing, Niger has strengthened its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) measures. The country’s authorities have taken decisive action to ensure effective control of corruption-related offenses.

Key Initiatives

  • Establishment of Corruption Hotline: A hotline for citizens to report cases of corruption has been set up by the Justice Ministry.
  • Parliamentary Immunity Lifted: Eight complaints have been lodged to lift the parliamentary immunity of MPs facing corruption charges.
  • Central Service for Counter-Terrorism Financing: A central service has been established at the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance, and a terrorism prevention unit within the judicial system has been created.

Enhanced Support for Financial Intelligence Unit

  • Better Working Conditions: The country’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has received enhanced support with better working conditions.
  • Increased Funding and Staff: The FIU has also received increased funding and additional staff to process Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs).
  • International Cooperation: International cooperation has been strengthened through agreements with Ghana and Gabon, as well as study tours to foreign FIUs.

National Coordination Committee

  • Inauguration: The AML/CFT National Coordination Committee was officially inaugurated by the Justice Minister.
  • Workshop Training: A workshop was organized for its members to train on the national strategy.
  • Country Strategy Paper: The committee has approved Niger’s AML/CFT Country Strategy Paper, which is now being adopted by public authorities.

Technical Assistance from GIABA

  • Recruitment of Financial Analyst: Technical assistance from GIABA has been instrumental in supporting Niger’s efforts, including the recruitment of a financial analyst.
  • Study Tours: GIABA has also sponsored study tours to Belgium for Niger’s officials.
  • Upcoming Initiatives: Upcoming initiatives include training programs for reporting entities, investigation and prosecution authorities, as well as community awareness campaigns.

Commitment to Implementation

  • Justice Minister’s Emphasis: The Justice Minister emphasized the importance of sustained momentum in complying with international standards, particularly in light of Niger’s porous borders and vulnerability to money laundering and terrorist financing.
  • Government Commitment: The government is committed to implementing recommendations from its Mutual Evaluation Report and providing sufficient office accommodation for its CENTIF to take advantage of GIABA’s analytical tools.

Conclusion

Niger’s renewed focus on AML/CFT efforts demonstrates the country’s commitment to combating organized crime, corruption, and terrorism financing. This marks a significant step towards strengthening national security.