Seychelles Unveils Innovative Judicial Manual: A Victoran Island Paradise’s Commitment to Financial Integrity

March 26, 2024

Seychelles’ Battleground Against Financial Crimes

In a pivotal move against financial crimes, Seychelles, the Victorian Island Paradise, unveiled an innovative Judicial Manual designed to bolster its ongoing battle against money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. The ceremony took place at the esteemed Eden Bleu Hotel on Mahé, attended by high-ranking officials and esteemed guests.

The Pivotal Moment: A Shared Vision

The Chief Justice of Seychelles, His Lordship Rony Govinden, hailed the manual as a milestone in the islands’ quest to tackle financial crimes. He recounted a pivotal meeting with EU Global Facility Ambassador Mamuka Jgenti that marked the beginning of this project.

“During a visit to my office on December 14, 2022, I was visited by Ambassador Mamuka Jgenti and a team of EU Global Facility experts,” said Chief Justice Govinden. “A shared vision emerged between Seychelles and the EU Global Facility, aiming to create a comprehensive guide to help us effectively combat money laundering and terrorism financing.”

From Vision to Reality: The Creation of a Practical Tool

This vision was transformed into a reality when the first draft of the manual was drafted in early 2023. A team, led by Director of Legal Affairs Mr. Lionel Garrick and Senior Legal Researcher Ms. Olya Hetsman, collaborated with EU experts and local partners to create a practical, usable tool for navigating the complex investigative processes of such cases.

Speakers Emphasize the Importance of Knowledge and Collaboration

Numerous stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) staff, served as guest speakers during the event. Seychelles Financial Intelligence Unit (SFIU) Director Richard Rampal underlined the importance of this essential knowledge in the fight against money laundering. The collaboration included experts from France, the Netherlands, Moldova, and Poland. EU Global Facility Team Leader David Hotte emphasized the significance of this tool as a crucial asset in the ongoing war against financial crimes.

“With this Judicial Manual, Seychelles demonstrates its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring financial integrity, and safeguarding its citizens from illicit financial activities.” - Chief Justice Rony Govinden

The Groundbreaking Judicial Manual: A Significant Achievement

This groundbreaking Judicial Manual marks a significant achievement for Seychelles in its ongoing fight against money laundering and terrorism financing, reaffirming the nation’s dedication to maintaining a secure financial landscape.

About the EU Global Facility

The EU Global Facility supports partner countries in their efforts to build the capacity of their justice and home affairs institutions. Their mission is to promote and strengthen good governance, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.