Victoria, Seychelles – March 26, 2024 – In a significant stride towards bolstering its efforts against money laundering, Seychelles has unveiled a groundbreaking Judicial Manual crafted in collaboration with the EU Global Facility on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing.
Chief Justice His Lordship Rony Govinden
His Lordship Chief Justice Rony Govinden, speaking at the official unveiling ceremony held at the Eden Bleu Hotel on Mahé on Tuesday, hailed the manual as a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing fight against financial crimes.
The journey towards the creation of this manual has been characterized by dialogue, collaboration, and dedication. Chief Justice Govinden recounted the initial discussions that led to the shared vision between Seychelles and the EU Global Facility.
“A courtesy call by the Key Expert on Justice & CSOs, Ambassador Mamuka Jgenti, leading other Experts of the European Union AML/CFT Global Facility, to my office on the morning of December 14, 2022, sparked two days of intense sessions held at the Palais de Justice,” Chief Justice Govinden recalled. “Together with representatives from the AG’s Office and the FIU, the possibilities of collaboration in the creation of a manual that could help guide us in this fight against money laundering and to counter terrorism financing was explored.”
From those discussions emerged the first draft of the manual in early 2023, a testament to the commitment of all parties involved.
“Under my oversight, a team led by our Director of Legal Affairs Mr. Lionel Garrick and assisted by our Senior Legal Researcher Ms. Olya Hetsman, worked with the EU Experts and teams from the AG’s Office, FIU and FCIU, to ensure that this document not only met our local needs but also became a comprehensive, workable tool that could serve as an effective guide throughout the prosecution chain, from investigation to trial,” explained Chief Justice Govinden.
Attendees included Judicial Officers, all key partners from the Judiciary, Attorney General’s Office, FUI, Internal Affairs, Police, and more
The manual, tailored specifically for Seychelles, is the first of its kind in the country. It comes as a response to the enactment of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act in 2020, which highlighted the necessity for comprehensive guidelines to navigate complex investigations and prosecute such crimes effectively.
Attended by numerous stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) staff, the launch marks the culmination of a year-long collaborative effort. The manual aims to provide practical support in financial investigations related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing cases.
Director of the Seychelles Financial Intelligence Unit, Richard Rampal, emphasized the manual’s significance in equipping key institutions with essential knowledge to combat money laundering effectively. “This is a significant development for the island, and I am privileged to contribute to this crucial initiative,” stated Rampal.
● David HOTTE, Team Leader, EU AML/CFT Global Facility making his address at the launch
Developed with the expertise of EU Global Facility experts from France, the Netherlands, Moldova, and Poland, the manual seeks to ensure seamless coordination among all stakeholders involved in combating financial crimes. David Hotte, EU Global Facility Team Leader, underscored the importance of equipping Seychelles with tangible tools to combat financial crimes effectively.
In his closing remarks, Chief Justice Govinden expressed gratitude to the EU Global Facility experts and local teams from the Judiciary of Seychelles, Attorney General’s Office, FIU, and Financial Crime Investigation Unit (FCIU) for their unwavering support and collaboration.
The unveiling of this judicial manual marks a significant milestone in Seychelles’ fight against money laundering. It signifies the nation’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring financial integrity and security.
Director of Legal Affairs for the Judiciary, Mr. Lionel Garrick, was one of speakers presenting the manual
“With this manual, Seychelles takes a proactive step towards continuing to uphold the rule of law, and combat financial crimes to protect its citizens and financial institutions from illicit activities,” noted Chief Justice Govinden.
Discussions with the Judicial Officers, Director for Legal Affairs, and Amb. Jean-Paul LABORDE, EU GF Expert, France