Poland’s Financial Watchdog Steps Up Efforts to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
Background
The National Cooperative Savings and Credit Union (NCSCU), along with presidents of courts of appeal, heads of customs and tax offices, and Voivodes or governors of districts, have been tasked with immediately notifying the General Inspectorate for Financial Information (GIFI) of any suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing.
GIFI’s Role
The GIFI, headed by Anna Chałupa, has been working closely with these institutions to gather information and verify suspicions of illegal activities. The organization’s efforts are aimed at preventing and detecting money laundering and terrorist financing in Poland.
Information Gathering and Verification
In addition to notifications from obliged institutions, the GIFI also receives information from cooperating entities, including:
- Law enforcement authorities
- Border Guard
- Heads of customs and tax offices
This information is used to investigate and prosecute cases of suspected money laundering or terrorist financing.
Collaboration with Other Entities
Prosecutors are required to inform the GIFI about any decisions made regarding the blocking of accounts, suspending transactions, initiating proceedings, presenting charges, and issuing bills of indictment. The GIFI also provides courts and prosecutors with information and documents for use in criminal proceedings.
In cases where there is suspicion of an offence or fiscal offence other than money laundering or terrorist financing, the GIFI forwards the relevant information to:
- Law enforcement authorities
- Secret service
- Head of the National Revenue Administration
International Cooperation
The organization also exchanges information with foreign Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) to combat international money laundering and terrorist financing. The GIFI participates in international organizations and institutions, including:
- European Commission’s Expert Group on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
- Council of Europe’s MONEYVAL Committee
- Financial Action Task Force
Contact Information
General Inspectorate for Financial Information
- Address: Ministerstwo Finansów, ul. Świętokrzyska 12, 00-916 Warszawa, Polska
- Phone: +48 22 694 30 60
- Fax: +48 22 694 54 50
- Email: sekretariat.IF@mf.gov.pl
Key Officials
- Anna Chałupa - General Inspector of Financial Information
- Michał Szermer - Director of Department
- Patryk Dobrzycki - Deputy Director
- Artur Kołaczek - Deputy Director
- Elżbieta Franków-Jaśkiewicz - Deputy Director