Financial Crime World

Legislative Framework for Combating Corruption in Dominica

Dominica has taken significant steps to strengthen its legislative framework against corruption, focusing on model legislation, legislative drafting, and legal advice. According to Article 23 of the Convention Against Corruption (CAC), the country is required to establish model legislation and legislative drafting guidelines to prevent and combat corruption.

Dominica has an Extradition Act that regulates extradition procedures, including dual criminality requirements and guarantees for fair treatment of defendants. The country also has a Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act that governs mutual legal assistance between countries.

Law Enforcement Cooperation

The Dominican Financial Intelligence Unit and the Attorney General’s office cooperate with international counterparts through memorandums of understanding and informal channels. However, joint investigative teams have not been established yet.

Successes and Good Practices

Good practices were observed in informal cooperation among domestic agencies responsible for investigating crimes of corruption, as well as the fluid cooperation of the Financial Intelligence Unit with regional counterparts.

Challenges in Implementation

The country faces challenges in implementing its anti-corruption legislation. Recommendations made by experts include:

  • Keeping a record of requests for mutual legal assistance and extradition, including processing times.
  • Establishing procedures for providing assistance in accordance with domestic law.

Conclusion

Dominica has made significant progress in strengthening its legislative framework against corruption. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed to ensure effective implementation of anti-corruption laws. The country should focus on improving record-keeping and cooperation between agencies to effectively combat corruption.

Recommendations

  • Keep a record of requests for mutual legal assistance and extradition.
  • Establish procedures for providing assistance in accordance with domestic law.
  • Strengthen informal cooperation among domestic agencies responsible for investigating crimes of corruption.
  • Establish joint investigative teams with international counterparts.

By implementing these recommendations, Dominica can further strengthen its efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability.