Financial Crime World

International Telephone Scam Alert Issued by Nauru FIU

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in Nauru has issued an alert notice to the public after receiving three referrals from members of the public regarding a potential international telephone scam.

The Scam

According to the FIU, the scam involves individuals being coerced into making large cash payments or transferring funds abroad as part of a fake investment scheme. The agency checked its Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR) database and found no matches for the beneficiaries.

Proactive Approach

In response, the Nauru FIU took a proactive approach by advising all members of the public to immediately contact the agency, the Cybercrime Unit, the Nauru Police Force, Digicel Nauru, or the Bendigo Bank Agency if they enter or are coerced into entering such a transaction.

Alert Dissemination

The alert notice was disseminated through various channels, including:

  • Government information offices
  • Facebook pages
  • Text blasts via the Digicel platform
  • The FIU website

Election Security Measures

During the 2022 elections in Nauru, the FIU remained vigilant and monitored potential financial crimes. The agency received information on a Person of Interest (POI) moving around with large sums of money and conducted further inquiries and monitoring, including financial information checks with foreign counterparts.

Conclusion

The FIU concluded that the POI’s activities were not related to any criminal activity and subsequently cleared them.

Coordination with Supervisory Authorities

The Nauru FIU works closely with supervisory authorities and law enforcement agencies to identify specific risks and vulnerabilities in the country. The agency has introduced a National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (2022-2025) which sets out specific goals and objectives.

Committees

The strategy also introduces three committees:

  • AML Governance Committee
  • AML Officials Committee
  • Private Partners Committee

These committees aim to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.

Case Study: FIU Dissemination to Nauru Police Force

The FIU has also disseminated information on a case involving alleged forgery at the Passport office. The agency worked closely with the Immigration Section under the Department of Justice and Border Control to investigate the matter.

Nauru’s Approach to Combatting Crimes

The Nauru FIU takes a collaborative approach to combatting crimes, working closely with all stakeholders through committees such as the AMLOC and PPC. The agency shares strategic analysis findings, including crime trends and patterns in Nauru, with stakeholders to ensure they are aware of the risks and vulnerabilities.

Working Together

By working together, Nauru aims to identify and mitigate threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring the involvement of all sectors of the Nauruan community in combating crime.