Africa-Press – Mauritius. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming to reinforce collaboration between the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC) in the combat against corruption and money laundering, was signed, today, in the presence of the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Mauritius, Ms Charlotte Anik Rachel Pierre, at the SICOM Tower in Ebène.
The signatories were the Director of the FIU, Ms Carine Charlette, and the Head of the IACCC, Mr Daniel Murphy. In her address, Ms Pierre underlined that corruption is a global problem which seeks a global solution.
This, she said, can be achieved only by strengthening cooperation and promoting exchange of best practices in the combat against corruption. She observed that the UK has a major financial sector in Mauritius and that the MoU will be highly beneficial to both countries.
She reiterated UK’s support to Mauritius’s engagement as an associate member of the IACCC and called upon local law enforcement agencies to work closely for the best interests of the country.
For her part, Ms Charlette stated that the purpose of the MoU is to set out arrangements relating to the creation of the IACCC Associate Membership Scheme and coordination of the IACCC and the Associate Member’s operational response.
It is an important MoU that establishes the foundation for a mutual and fruitful collaboration in the fight against grand corruption, she highlighted.
Since Mauritius’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force Grey list, she observed, the FIU has sustained its work to counter money laundering and financing of terrorism.
The organisation has also strengthened collaboration with local supervisory authorities and deepened its ties with international agencies for greater effectiveness, stressed Ms Charlette.
She informed that as at June 2023, more than 4,300 persons have registered on the FIU goAML platform which, she said, shows the willingness of citizens to comply with AML/CFT legislations.
The FIU, she remarked, has worked on 2,246 cases last year and has received some 259 intelligence reports from the Mauritius Police Force, Independent Commission Against Corruption, Mauritius Revenue Authority, Counter Terrorism Unit and Asset Recovery Investigation Division, amongst others.
In addition, some 100 requests were obtained from foreign FIUs, which according to her, demonstrates the intention of the FIU to work in close collaboration with international bodies to protect the integrity of the country.
As for Mr Murphy, he indicated that the IACCC, launched in July 2017, brings together specialist law enforcement officers from multiple agencies around the world to tackle allegations of grand corruption.
He dwelt on the main objectives of the IACCC which are to inform organisations on the assistance and initiatives, coordinate an effective global law enforcement response, and create a constructive and cooperative approach.
The Centre, he added, works towards improving fast-time intelligence sharing, assists countries in dealing with grand corruption and helps bring corrupt elites to justice.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
