29
2014
1
التقرير السنوي ٢٠١٤ 2014
2
I
Our Vision National Competency, Professional High Performance and International Excellence in Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing .
Our MissionProtecting the integrity and economy of the State of Qatar through effective exchange of information, transparency enhancement and capacity building to help detect and deter money laundering and terrorism financing activities.
II
III
The Financial Information Unit has succeeded since its inception in perfectly carrying out its functions, and has played a vital role inside and outside the State of Qatar which contributed in making it a pattern in the region…
Fahed Bin Faisal al ThaniChairman of the National Anti Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Committee
(Annual Report 2010, Financial Information Unit)
“ “
IV
V
In 2014, QFIU witnessed another excellent year. With the celebration of its tenth anniversary (2004-2014), the results reflects strong achievements by implementing a clear vision, a high level of professional standards and an unwavering commitment to its strategy for the years 2013 -2017, which made the QFIU earn global recognitions and acknowledgments from the national competent authorities in the AML/CFT field.
The positive results achieved by QFIU during 2014 were a product of well thought key focus areas of strategic importance. Taking sound national procedures and investing in human capital in addition to the outreach and continuous cooperation at the operational level with the national competent authorities, offered us a valuable asset that was essential in reaching our objectives. By acquiring, and then retaining some of the best talent available in the AML/CFT field, QFIU possessed the strength needed to assume a pioneering place.
In a fine example of social responsibility, QFIU awareness programs and events continue to be of added value to the society in which the unit operates.
Since the national interest is not confined to a region or a single group , but it is rather an international commitment, we have established a high status of cooperation with all counterpart FIUs through QFIU pivotal role in the Egmont Group. For that reason, we obtained an international recognition that admits the effectiveness of the QFIU in the framework of participating in the international efforts to combat the money laundering and terrorist financing crimes.
We strongly believe that combating and suppressing these dangerous and transnational crimes require basically joint cooperative and coordinated efforts to set practical and flexible policies which are nationally and internationally applicable. Therefore, we affirm our willingness and readiness to contribute to international and regional efforts and initiatives, and assure that we will spare no effort to join the ranks of developed countries in having a strict regime to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism, and that we will not accept less than uniqueness and excellence in achievement.
In closing, I would like to thank our hard-working staff for their loyalty, and congratulate them for 10 years of exceptional achievements and faithful service.
ahMed al ThaniHead of Qatar Financial Information Unit
VII
TaBle OF COnTenTsOur Vision & Mission ........................................................................................................................................I
Quote of the Chairman of the National Anti-Money
Laundering and Terrorism Financing Committee ..................................... II
Foreword of the Head of Qatar Financial
Information Unit ............................................................................................................................. III
Governance & Capacity Building .................................................................................................1
Enhancing International Relations ...............................................................................3
Promoting Public Awareness ..............................................................................................8
Enhancing the Reporting System ..............................................................................12
Strategic Analysis .........................................................................................................................13
QFIU in the Future .........................................................................................................................17
VIII
1
GOVernanCe and CaPaCiTY BuildinG
(1) Qatar hosted Joint MENAFATF / EAG Typologies and Capacity Building Workshop
A Joint MENAFATF / EAG Typologies and Capacity Building Workshop was hosted in Qatar during the period from14-17 December, 2014 at Ritz Carlton Hotel in Doha. The workshop, was organized under the auspices of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Committee (NAMLC), in collaboration with the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) and the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and was attended by 200 participants representing 60 governments and 32 private sector entities. Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU) was represented at the workshop by a delegation headed by Mr. Mohamed Al-Muftah, Head of the Studies and Follow Up Section, with the membership of Mrs. Noora Bahar, Head of Section
2
at the Office of the Head of QFIU, Miss Hessa Al-Rumaihi, and Mr. Yasser Abd El Aziz, Researchers at the Office of the Head of QFIU.
QFIU presented two papers at the said workshop. Captain, Hamed Al-Qahtani, of the Criminal Investigation Department, Ministry of Interior, and Mrs. Bahr, Head of Section, lectured at two sessions of the workshop, the first of which dealt with “Money Laundering Risks and Threats related to Cybercrime”, whereas the second session, which was attended by representatives of the private sector, tackled “Money Laundering and New Technologies”. The workshop also presented to the participants an overview of the new obligations under the FATF 2012 Forty Recommendations.
(2) Strategic Analysis Course (SAC)’s “Train the Trainers” in StrasbourgThe Egmont Group TWG hosted jointly with the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures (MONEYVAL) a Strategic Analysis Course (SAC) in Strasbourg, France for MONEYVAL FIUs from 25-29 August, 2014.
From Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU), Mrs. Noora Bahar actively participated in the SAC Training as a strategic analyst from an Arabic speaking FIU and became a future trainer for SAC in Arabic in the MENA region.
3
enhanCinG inTernaTiOnal relaTiOns (1) Regional and International Meetings
• Participation in Egmont Committee meeting and Task Team (TT) in Paris- France:
A delegation from Qatar Financial Intelligence Unit (QFIU) participated in the Egmont Committee meeting held in Paris- France during the period from October 28 to 30, 2014.
Mr. Hamad Al Saddiqi , researcher at the Office of the Head of QFIU represented H.E Sheikh Ahmed Al Thani at these meetings.
4
• 22nd Plenary of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units-Lima, Peru The 22nd Egmont Group Plenary took place in Lima, Peru during the period from 1-6 June 2014 bringing together the Egmont member FIUs and observer organizations for in-depth discussions and training sessions in order to further the development of the international FIU network.
The Plenary was opened by the Prime Minister of Peru, who stressed the importance of, and highlighted Peru’s efforts, in combating money laundering, associated predicated offences and terrorist financing. The Plenary was attended by almost 320 participants including 115 FIUs from jurisdictions and 15 international organizations.
Extension of the Asian Regional Group joint presidency of Qatar FIU and FIU India was approved in the plenary. Angola, Brunei Darussalam, Chad, Ghana, Jamaica, Namibia, Sint Maarten and Tanzania were endorsed as new members of the Egmont Group during the meeting and the total number of units became 146.
Moreover, bilateral cooperation agreements were signed between Egmont members at the margins of the plenary. The cooperation agreements reflect the increasing willingness of Egmont members to work together in the exchange of information, which will deliver practical and positive results in expanding and organizing the flow of intelligence information and enhancing the means of communications among FIUs.
• Egmont Working Groups and Committee Meetings in Paris - FranceA delegation from Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU) participated in the Egmont Working Groups and Committee meetings held in Paris-France during the period from 10-11 April 2014.
H.E Sheikh Ahmed Al Thani, Head of QFIU attended the Committee meeting as Regional Representative and Co- Chair of Asia Group.
5
• Egmont Working Group and Committee Meeting in Hungary-Budapest
A delegation from Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU) participated in the Egmont Working Group and Committee meetings held in Hungary-Budapest during the period from 16-19 February 2014.
H.E Sheikh Ahmed Al Thani, Head of QFIU attended the Committee meeting as Regional Representative and Co- Chair of Asia Group. The delegation also participated in the meetings of the Outreach Working Group (OWG).
• 2nd Plenary of the 25th Session of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Qatar Financial Information Unit participated as part of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Committee’s delegation in the Second Plenary meeting of FATF-XXV held under the Russian Presidency in Paris – France on 12-14 February 2014.
The main issues dealt with by this Plenary were:
• Producing two public documents as part of its ongoing work to identify jurisdictions that may pose a risk to the international financial system.
• FATF Public Statement on jurisdictions with strategic anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) deficiencies.
• Improving Global AML/CFT Compliance: on-going process - Jurisdictions with strategic AML/CFT deficiencies for which they have developed an action plan with the FATF.
• Approving and publishing follow-up reports to the mutual evaluations
6
of Aruba (Kingdom of the Netherlands), Austria, Canada, Luxembourg, Mexico and the Netherlands.
• Receiving an update on AML/CFT improvements in Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
• Reviewing the voluntary tax compliance programs in several jurisdictions.
• Adopting and publishing universal procedures for assessments conducted by assessment bodies.
• Continuing to develop guidance on effective implementation of beneficial ownership requirements.
• Exploring common issues between AML/CFT and data protection experts.
• Conducting further research on the AML/CFT implications of virtual currency.
The Qatari delegation also participated on the margins of the Plenary in the meetings of the Evaluations and Compliance Group(ECG) and the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG), where the latest regional issues and the general procedures of the evaluation process were tackled.
(2) Representations and Official Visits:
• FIUs Regional Cooperation Seminar in Abu Dhabi
As Asia Regional Representative of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units, the QFIU participated in the “FIUs Regional Cooperation” Seminar held on 29 - 31 March 2014 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, which was organized by the Anti-Money Laundering and Suspicious Cases Unit (AMLSCU) and the National Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Committee, in the United Arab Emirates.
This Seminar particularly focused on promoting international cooperation among regional FIUs and other FIUs from the African and Asian countries, by exchanging experiences, working papers and presentations and discussing
7
specialized technical issues. Mrs. Noora Bahar, from Qatar Financial Information Unit, represented the Egmont Group by delivering a presentation on the “Revised Charter and Principles of Information Exchange”, in addition to a Case Study demonstrating the importance of the international cooperation.
• A delegation from NCA and UKFIU visits QFIU
H.E Sheikh Ahmed Al Thani, Head of Qatar Financial Information Unit, received on Wednesday February 26, 2014 a delegation from the National Crime Agency (NCA), the UK Financial Intelligence Unit.
Distinguished representatives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Qatar State Security Bureau in addition to QFIU team attended also the meeting, where the UK delegation made a presentation on the NCA, its new role and the latest developments and trends in the AML field.
8
PrOMOTinG PuBliC awareness
• “Money Laundering is a Real Threat”
A seminar entitled “Money Laundering is a Real Threat” was held by the Faculty of Law in Qatar University in collaboration with QFIU on 11 December 2014 at the Library Building. During the Seminar, Mrs. Noora Bahar, Head of Section, at the Office of the Head of the QFIU, lectured on “the Role of QFIU in the Implementation of the AML/CFT Regime in Qatar.” In her lecture, Mrs. Bahar discussed a number of technical issues that highlighted the application of the STR system in Qatar and the responsibilities of QFIU.
The lecture aimed at raising the awareness of students of the importance of combating all types of organized crime. The seminar was well attended by the faculty students, teaching faculty members and legal practitioners from official entities in Qatar, in addition to representatives from the private sector.
Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU) honored the participants in the Qatar University awareness program, entitled “Money Laundering is a Real Threat”, which was organized by the College of Law at Qatar University and aimed at raising awareness on the risks of money laundering crimes in general, and the international community’s duty to fight such crimes.
At the beginning of the ceremony, QFIU’s Head of Information and International Cooperation Section, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, thanked Qatar University for its contribution in spreading knowledge about money laundering crimes, especially among the youth, and pointed out that the FIU’s priority was to raise awareness on the risks of such financial crimes among
9
university students, who are the pillar of the Qatari society. He added that the program was considered as part of the proposed projects to achieve QFIU’s strategy.
Dr. Mohamed Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, the Dean of the College of Law, expressed his gratitude to the FIU for adopting the awareness program, and highlighted the determination of Qatar University, and the College of Law in particular, to promote cooperation with the FIU in all sectors, in order to contribute to fighting money laundering crimes.
Sarah Al-Faraj, a student at the College of Law, noted that QFIU promoted Qatar’s leading role and serious efforts in fighting money laundering.
At the end of 2012, QFIU launched its strategy for 2013-2017 under the vision of “National Competency, Professional High Performance and International Excellence in Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing”, based on a number of core values, mainly building up institutional capacity, resources and abilities.
The QFIU identified eight strategic goals to be implemented over five years starting year 2013, including “raising awareness of the civil society institutions about the role of the QFIU in fighting money laundering and terrorism financing”, whereas QFIU is keen to raise awareness of its role in the society and the ML/FT risks, efforts were deployed to lunch a series of relevant training programs for the competent authorities and the Public.
10
• Participation of the QFIU in the Workshop held at the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption CenterA delegation from Qatar Financial Intelligence Unit (QFIU) participated in the training workshop entitled “Financial Investigations, Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Corruption Techniques” during the period from March 31 to April 2, 2014 at the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center. During the workshop, H.E Sheikh Ahmed Al-Thani, Head of QFIU made a presentation on the role and functions of the QFIU in the AML/CFT field, in addition to the financial investigations techniques and strategies.
• QFIU holds a training workshop at the Center of Legal and Judicial Studies - The Ministry of Justice
11
The QFIU held on Wednesday 19/02/2014 a training workshop at the Center of Legal and Judicial Studies - The Ministry of Justice, as part of “the 12th Mandatory Training Course for New Legal Researchers”, where Mrs. Noora Mubarak Baher discussed many topics related to money laundering and terrorist financing in the State of Qatar, specifically the international conventions on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism and the national AML/CFT legislative framework, in addition to the establishment of the QFIU , its technical roles and the suspicious transactions reporting system. Mr. Talal Al Abdulla also shed light on the QFIU partnership with the national authorities, the private sector and the international partners.
• QFIU holds at its headquarters a training workshop for eight lawyers under trainingThe QFIU held on Tuesday 18/02/2014 at its headquarters a training workshop for eight lawyers under training, where Mrs. Noora Mubarak Baher and Mr. Mohamed Al Muftah discussed many topics related to money laundering and terrorist financing in the State of Qatar, specifically the establishment of the QFIU, its technical roles, the suspicious transactions reporting system, in addition to the QFIU partnership with the national authorities, the private sector and the international partners. The participants involvement was distinctive as they significantly interacted with the topics discussed.
12
enhanCinG The rePOrTinG sYsTeM• Membership in the National Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing
Committee (NAMLC)QFIU is an active member of the National Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Committee (NAMLC), it participates in its periodic meetings and various activities and contributes to the development of the national AML/CFT strategy.
QFIU also plays a positive role as a member of NAMLC’s various teams assigned to effectively implement the national AML/CFT system, namely:
(a) The Permanent WorkingTeam for AML/CFT coordination between the United States and the relevant Qatari authorities.
(b) The Technical Team for reviewing the revised FATF recommendations and assessment methodology.
(c) The Working Team for reviewing the controls and obligations of insurance companies.
(d) The Working Team for studying the use of personal accounts for business purposes.
13
sTraTeGiC analYsisQFIU participated with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Ministry of Interior in the first strategic analysis project on“ Money Laundering Risks and Threats related to Cybercrime” in the State of Qatar. This project is devoted to identify the risk of cybercrimes and cyber laundering, particularly electronic fraud and scams and use of fake credit cards, which offer new opportunities and possibilities for money laundering.
Performance Indicators: - Receiving STRs:
The number of STRs received by QFIU during 2014 increased by 65% comparing to 2013, reaching the highest figure during the past years.
Chart 1: Number of Reports received by QFIU over the Past Four Years:
0
100.000
200.000
300.000
400.000
500.000
600.000
210 248 313 516
2012 2013 20142011
Number of Reports received by QFIUover the Past Four Years
14
Chart 2: Number of Suspects during 2014 according to the Correspondent En-tity:
Regarding the number of individuals identified as being involved in suspicious financial activities, it is noted that Exchange Companies have the highest rate of STRs (77%), followed by Banks at a rate of (17%), Finance and Investment Companies at a rate of (5%), Insurance Companies at a rate of 1%, then Lawyers and Intermediary Companies at a rate of (0%).
Chart 3: Number of Suspects over the Past Four Years
The number of suspects in 2014 increased by 435 reaching 787 suspects, compared to 352 in 2013.
77%
17%5%
1%0%
0%
Exchange Companies
Finance & Investment companies
Banks
Intermediary Companies
Lawyers
Insurance Companies
Number of Suspects during 2014 according to the Correspondent Entity
0
100.000
200.000
300.000
400.000
500.000
700.000
600.000
800.000
158 153 352 787
2012 2013
2014
2011
The Statistics do not include the number of suspects received through international cooperation or requests for information from national authorities
Number of Suspects during 2014 according to the Correspondent Entity
Number of Suspects over the Past Four Years
15
Dissemination: The QFIU may spontaneously or upon request, disseminate information to any national competent authority or foreign counterpart agency.
In 2014, 49 cases were reported by security and law enforcement agencies, particularly the Ministry of Interior with 33 cases and foreign counterparts with 15 cases. As to the supervisory authorities of the financial sector 1 case only was reported unlike the non-financial sector which did not report any case.
Chart 4: Number of Cases Disseminated by QFIU in 2014 Upon Request:
Comparison between the Number of STRs Filed and STRs Disseminated (Spontaneously or Upon Request) in the Past Two Years
0
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
8
International Dissemnination upon Request according to FIUs
Saudi Arab
ia
Bahrai
n
Emirates
Belgium Egy
ptUSA
Indon
esia
Ukraine
Argenti
naKore
a
Sri Lan
ka
Seych
elles
Nigeria UK
Sudan
Ghana
Oman
New Zea
landJe
rsey
Trinidad a
nd Toba
go
7
4
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0
10
20
30
40
50
33
1 0
15
Number of Cases Disseminatedby QFIU in 2014 Upon Request
Non-FinancialSector Supervisory
Authorities
Financial SectorSupervisoryAuthorities
ForeignCounterpart
Agencies
Law Enforcement(Only Ministry
of Interior)
16
Chart 5: Comparison between the Number of STRs Filed and STRs Disseminated (Spontaneously or Upon Request) in the Past Two Years
In 2014, the number of STRs filed in QFIU database due to the lack of grounds for suspicion reached 106 compared to 131 in 2013, recording a 28% decrease from the previous year.
0
50
100
150
200
250
Comparison between the Number of STRs Filedand STRs Disseminated to Competetnt Authorities
STRs disseminated to Competent Authorities
STRs Filed
2014 2013
17
QFiu in The FuTureMoney laundering and terrorism financing crimes are no longer a local issue confined within the limits of a state but have exceeded that and became the goal of the entire international community. Its negative effects and great risks on people, the security and stability of nations and economies, force us today to create a great deal of cooperation and coordination, especially that the proceeds of these crimes are estimated in billions.
To this end, QFIU’s efforts are in place to aim increase awareness of this phenomenon and to help enhance the prevalent practices and necessary regulatory and monitoring tools by providing competent authorities involved in fighting money laundering and terrorism financing with the latest updates and developments in this field through conferences, training courses and awareness programs -in cooperation with local and foreign specialized centers- to help them increase their ability to identify these crimes and patterns and take adequate actions to address them.
Despite its exceptional achievements in the AML/CFT field, QFIU is always keen to enhance its active role by improving its key functions and performance, building institutional capacity, developing and providing all the resources and capabilities, in addition to mitigating any potential risks; thus achieving its future vision that was launched to serve as a clear roadmap to face emerging variables and challenges in all sectors.
Being the central authority for reporting, the QFIU is making great strides towards promoting more effective interaction between competent authorities, developing a common understanding, and establishing coordinated working links between the concerned bodies, both at the national and international levels.
Although anti-money laundering measures are effectively implemented in the State of Qatar and relevant laws and penalties are adequate and strictly enforced, QFIU’s priority during the coming phase is to
18
PRAISE BE TO GOD
support the National Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Committee (NAMLC) in improving the transparency and accountability of supervision and enforcement work by following up with the concerned authorities to update and enhance their risk-based national action plans, and to help developing AML/CFT legislative framework in order to strengthen the institutional capacity of the supervisory institutions involved in combating ML/TF crimes.
The path forward is clear, we must move with a sense of urgency and purpose to achieve our shared interest and common vision of a safer, more secure and resilient Qatar. Each of us—government, business enterprise, and individual alike—has a role to play, and in the commitment of each, we will secure our country where citizens’ interests, aspirations, and way of life can thrive.
PRAISE BE TO GOD
