The Isle of Man Financial Intelligence Unit is among eight law enforcement agencies from smaller financial centres to be granted Associate Membership of the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC).
The scheme was launched on July 30 and enables Associate Members to rapidly exchange intelligence with the IACCC and collaborate on the development of intelligence in corruption cases.
The Isle of Man Financial Intelligence Unit joins the following agencies as new IACCC Associate Members:
- The Cayman Islands Anti-Corruption Commission
- The Gibraltar Financial Intelligence Unit
- The Guernsey Financial Intelligence Unit
- The Jersey Financial Intelligence Unit
- The Mauritius Independent Commission Against Corruption
- The Seychelles Anti-Corruption Commission
- The Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission
The new Associate Members join the existing core IACCC Members, consisting of law enforcement agencies from six countries and Interpol. The organisation, which is hosted by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), intends to that add further law enforcement agencies as Associate Members on a regular basis.
Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK said:
‘The Isle of Man welcomes the opportunity to participate in the IACCC as an Associate Member. Corruption can have a devastating effect particularly in developing countries where it can lead to increased instability, poverty and inequality.
‘Those seeking to launder the proceeds of large scale corruption need to use international financial systems to conceal and to benefit from their crimes. The Isle of Man is determined to play its part in frustrating this aim, helping to bring those responsible to justice and returning assets to the countries affected.’
Isle of Man Financial Intelligence Unit Director Phil Hunkin said:
‘IoM FIU is delighted to be invited to participate as an Associate Member of the IACCC. This agreement formalises excellent working relationships built up with the NCA and IACCC over recent years and is already delivering tangible activity and results.’
The news follows the publication of the Isle of Man Government’s report on the progress made in relation to tackling money laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism in response to a series of recommendations presented in 2016 by MONEYVAL, the Council of Europe body with responsibility for assessing compliance with international financial standards.
