Financial Crime World

Tanzania’s Efforts to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

Introduction

The Tanzanian government has implemented a robust system to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, with the Police Force playing a key role in investigating these offenses. This article highlights the efforts of various authorities and agencies involved in preventing and combating financial crimes.

The Role of the Police Force

Under the Police Force and Auxiliary Services Act, the police are responsible for preserving peace, maintaining law and order, preventing and detecting crime, and protecting property. Within the force, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is tasked with investigating all crimes, including money laundering and terrorist financing. The Crime Intelligence Unit within the CID is dedicated to gathering and analyzing intelligence on criminal activity, assisting other operational components of the police in combating crime effectively.

National Counter Terrorism Center

In 2008, the National Counter Terrorism Center was established under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the Assistant Commissioner of Police at its helm. The center’s primary role is to educate Tanzanians about the threat of terrorism.

Director of Public Prosecutions

The Director of Public Prosecutions, under the Office of the Attorney General (Discharge of Duties) Act, 2005, coordinates investigation duties conducted by investigative organs, including the police. The DPP has the authority to direct investigative organs on matters related to crime investigations.

Sanctions Regime

Tanzania’s sanctions regime is enforced through implementing legislation, which incorporates United Nations, African Union, Southern African Development Community, and East African Community regulations into domestic law. The most common measures imposed include arms embargoes, financial sanctions, travel bans, and import/export bans. The Financial Intelligence Unit maintains a list of sanctioned individuals and entities.

Anti-Money Laundering Act

The Anti-Money Laundering Act provides for individual persons, groups, associations, corporate bodies, and targets of sanctions. The Ministry of Finance grants exemptions from financial sanctions to specific entities or individuals. Breaching financial or trade sanctions is punishable by imprisonment, fine, or both.

Relevant Regulators

Relevant regulators in Tanzania include the Financial Intelligence Unit and the National Multi-disciplinary Committee on Anti-Money Laundering.

Contact Information

  • Financial Intelligence Unit
  • National Multi-disciplinary Committee on Anti-Money Laundering
    • Address: Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), P. O. Box 1175, Dodoma, Tanzania
    • Email: rbcodoma@pccb.go.tz
  • Director of Public Prosecution Office
    • Address: P. O. Box 1733, Dodoma – UDOM, Tanzania
    • Email: dpp@nps.go.tz