Title: Reporting Suspicious Transactions to Qatar’s Financial Crimes Watchdog: A Guide for Reporting Entities

Overview

In an effort to strengthen its stance against money laundering and financial crimes, Qatar’s financial regulator, the Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU), mandates strict reporting requirements for suspicious transactions. In this article, we outline the process for submitting Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) to the QFIU.

Reporting Methods for STRs

As a reporting entity in Qatar with access to the QFIU’s electronic system, we recommend utilizing this method for reporting due to its efficiency and speed. For others without electronic access, the following alternative methods are available:

1. Email: Use an approved email address by the QFIU to submit your STRs.
2. Postal Service: Send your STRs to the QFIU Office at Qatar National Financial Crime Centre, Building 11, 8th Floor, Al Baladiya Street 810, Doha (behind the Council of Ministries building on the Corniche).
3. Fax: Transmit your reports via fax to +974 4441 0327.

Urgent Reports

If immediate attention from the QFIU is required, reporting entities may submit STRs via telephone at +974 4445 6290.

Required Reporting Form

To comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Law No (20) of 2019 and the QFC Regulatory Authority AML/CFT Rules, utilise the QFIU Reporting Form for all STRs.

Additional Reporting Obligations

• Financial Institutions and DNFBPs: Inform the QFC Regulatory Authority about every report made by filing Form Q07.
• Rule 5.1.7(6): This vital step helps maintain an effective financial crimes reporting system in Qatar.