FIU warns of fraudulent agents targeting businesses

May 11, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Guyana has issued a public advisory following reports of an individual posing as an agency employee to illegally solicit sensitive personal and business data.

The unit confirmed it has received multiple reports of an “identifiable individual” approaching members of the public and the local business community. This person is allegedly claiming to represent the FIU while requesting private information, a practice the agency says is entirely outside its legal operating procedures.

In a press release, the FIU clarified that it has not authorised any staff member or representative to approach individuals or businesses for information in this manner.

“The FIU operates strictly within the confines of the laws under which it was established,” the statement read, noting that current legislation does not provide for the informal collection of data through field solicitations. Established under Section 9(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act of 2009, the FIU’s mandate is highly regulated.

Under Section 4(a) of the Act, the Unit is authorised to “request, receive, analyse and assess” suspicious transactions, but only when submitted by “reporting entities” or “competent authorities” in a strictly prescribed format.

The agency outlined the two legitimate ways it communicates with entities all formal requests for information are issued in writing on official FIU letterhead and communication with specific reporting entities and authorities is conducted via case Konnect, the Unit’s secure information exchange portal.

The FIU is urging citizens and business owners to remain vigilant and refuse any requests for information from individuals claiming to be agency officials in person or through unofficial channels.

“The FIU hereby advises members of the public not to provide any information to any person who represents themselves as its employee and requests information in such unlawful manner,” the Unit stated. The agency further recommended that anyone approached by these fraudulent actors should immediately lodge a report with the Guyana Police Force to facilitate a formal investigation.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

AML/CFT, business data, FIU, Guyana, Guyana Police Force, illegally, personal, sensitive, solicit

Latest News