Seychelles Unveils Groundbreaking Judicial Manual to Combat Money Laundering

Victoria, Seychelles - March 26, 2024

In a significant stride against money laundering, Seychelles introduced a pioneering Judicial Manual, crafted in partnership with the EU Global Facility on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing.

A Landmark Moment

His Lordship Rony Govinden, Chief Justice of Seychelles, lauded the manual as a momentous occasion in the country’s fight against financial crimes during its official launch at Eden Bleu Hotel on Mahé.

The Journey Begins

The idea for the comprehensive guideline was first discussed during a visit by Ambassador Mamuka Jgenti, Key Expert on Justice & CSOs from the EU Global Facility, to the Chief Justice’s office on December 14, 2022.

1. Visit by Ambassador Jgenti
2. Initial Discussions
3. Collaborative Efforts
4. Developing the First Draft

Crafting the Manual under Seychelles’ Guidance

Director of Legal Affairs for the Judiciary, Mr. Lionel Garrick, detailed the creation process. With the Chief Justice’s guidance, local legal experts led by himself and aided by Senior Legal Researcher Ms. Olya Hetsman, along with EU Experts and representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, FIU, and FCIU worked together to tailor the document to Seychelles’ requirements.

A First of Its Kind

This guideline, reflecting the country’s unique context, signifies the first manual of its kind in Seychelles. Established in reaction to the 2020 Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, it proves essential for financial investigations concerning money laundering and terrorist financing cases.

Attendees and their Relevance

The launch was attended by senior judicial officials, representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, law enforcement agencies, and Financial Intelligence Unit staff.

Relevance and Commitment from the EU Global Facility

Richard Rampal, Director of the Seychelles Financial Intelligence Unit, commended the manual as a pivotal development. European Union Team Leader, David Hotte, reiterated their dedication to supporting Seychelles in its antimoney laundering and counter terrorism financing efforts.

Conclusion

In his closing remarks, Chief Justice Govinden expressed gratitude to the EU Global Facility experts and local teams of the Judiciary of Seychelles, the Attorney General’s Office, FIU, and FCIU for their relentless collaboration.

1. Rony Govinden, Chief Justice’s Remarks
2. EU Team Leader, David Hotte’s Closing Comments
3. Acknowledgment to Collaborators
4. Reaffirmation of Commitment to Combating Financial Crimes