Financial Crime World

Extensive Recruitment Process Leads to Strengthened Office of Attorney General

Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness

The Office of the Attorney General has undergone a comprehensive restructuring, aimed at improving its efficiency and effectiveness. As part of this process, a new Attorney General was appointed in accordance with revised appointment procedures that reinforce checks and balances.

New Dedicated Premises

The office has relocated to new dedicated premises, which will facilitate better communication and collaboration among staff members. The Office has been reorganized into four units:

  • Prosecution/Litigation
  • Mutual Cooperation and International
  • EU Affairs
  • General Administration

This new structure aims to streamline processes and enhance the office’s ability to tackle complex cases.

Enhanced Capabilities

In a major boost to its capabilities, the Office of the Attorney General has recruited additional staff members, including:

  • 21 Legal Aid lawyers for civil and criminal matters
  • 6 legal procurators for a three-year period

This ensures that the office can continue to provide quality services to the public.

Strengthened Asset Recovery Bureau

The Asset Recovery Bureau has been strengthened with the secondment of a Police Inspector and Officer from the Office of the Commissioner for Revenue. This move is expected to enhance the bureau’s capacity to investigate and prosecute cases related to money laundering and other financial crimes.

Progress in Combating Anti-Money Laundering

Meanwhile, the office has made significant progress in its efforts to combat anti-money laundering. In 2020:

  • Conducted 11 risk assessments
  • Drafted 50 pieces of legislation
  • Established a new fully-fledged statistical system to track cases related to AML/CFT

Key Statistics and Convictions

Key statistics show that the Office of the Attorney General prosecuted 331 cases between October 2020 and April 2021, with:

  • 58% of these cases involving natural persons
  • 42% involving legal persons

The office has also secured convictions in several high-profile cases related to fraud and money laundering.

Budget Increase

The Office’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with its budget increasing by 44% over the past five years. This significant investment is expected to yield tangible results in the fight against crime and corruption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the extensive recruitment process undertaken by the Office of the Attorney General has strengthened its capabilities and positioned it for future success. The office’s commitment to combating anti-money laundering and improving its overall efficiency is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s efforts to promote transparency and good governance.