Way clear for FIU, CANU to share information on drug crimes

Jan 23, 2020 News

– arrangement will allow for parallel investigations

The way is clear for two major crime agencies to collaborate on sharing information on drug crimes.

NANA’s head, Major General (ret’d) Michael Atherly (centre) with FIU’s chief, Matthew Langevine at the recent signing.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed to allow for the exchange of information and intelligence relating to subjects suspected to be involved in or convicted of committing drug related offences– in a proactive, timely, safe and secure manner.
The agreement will allow the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) to help further neutralise the challenges and implications that come with non-compliance, including but not limited to blacklisting.De-risking will be further neutralised.
According to the National Anti Narcotics Agency (NANA), satisfying the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force recommendations (FATF) requires that the FIU cooperate and collaborate with all relevant stakeholder agencies and demonstrate effectiveness in sharing its intelligence product with law enforcement agencies and other appropriate authorities.
NANA explained: “Effectiveness will be tested based on the quality and usefulness of the FIU’s intelligence product in furthering investigations for effective prosecutions, convictions, confiscation and forfeiture (both criminal, civil or administrative processes) of assets which are derived from illegal activities, including but not limited to drug trafficking.”
NANA pointed out that drug trafficking is one of the most common predicate offences of money laundering committed in Guyana.
“CANU is one of the key agencies involved in the fight against the trafficking of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances in Guyana. Hence this MoU is seen as a significant and important development in the country’s fight against drug trafficking, money laundering and terrorist financing.”
It was stressed that the formalised arrangement provides the necessary safeguards against the misuse of information shared or exchanged and provides for strict confidentiality of the information exchanged between the agencies.
“This arrangement will also allow for parallel investigations to be conducted against subjects suspected to be involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.
Consequently, greater efficiency and effectiveness in our fight against these crimes will produce improved outcomes. Our agencies and the nation will therefore be further compliant with their international obligations and standards relating to fighting money laundering and drug trafficking.”
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), established under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (the Act) of 2009, is the primary agency responsible for the collection and analysis of financial information and the dissemination of intelligence reports to law enforcement agencies for further investigation of money laundering, terrorist financing and related offences.
Under section 9(4) (n) of the Act, the FIU is vested with the authority, to enter into any agreements or arrangements with domestic government institutions or agencies for sharing and/or exchanging information.