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Poland’s Financial Crimes Definition and Regulations
The Polish system for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, also known as AML/CTF, is primarily shaped by both national and European Union (EU) legal regulations. The key legislation is the Act on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, which sets out the framework for preventing and investigating financial crimes.
The General Inspector of Financial Information
At the forefront of Poland’s AML/CTF efforts is the General Inspector of Financial Information (GIFI), a government agency responsible for monitoring and investigating suspected cases of money laundering and terrorist financing. The GIFI is headed by Anna Chałupa with Deputy Directors:
- Michał Szermer
- Patryk Dobrzycki
- Artur Kołaczek
- Elżbieta Franków-Jaśkiewicz
Reporting Suspicious Transactions
The GIFI relies on a network of reporting entities, including:
- Financial institutions
- Lawyers
- Notaries
- Real estate agents
These entities must notify the GIFI immediately if they suspect that a transaction is related to money laundering or terrorist financing.
Investigation and Prosecution
Once notified, the GIFI verifies the suspicion by gathering information from various sources, including foreign Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs). If a well-founded suspicion exists, the GIFI notifies the prosecutor’s office, which then initiates criminal proceedings in cooperation with law enforcement authorities. The prosecutor is required to keep the GIFI informed about any developments in the case.
International Cooperation
The GIFI also engages in international cooperation, exchanging information with foreign FIUs and participating in various international organizations and institutions focused on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, including:
- European Commission’s Expert Group on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
- Council of Europe’s MONEYVAL Committee
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Contact Information
The General Inspector of Financial Information can be contacted at:
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