Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Economy (MoE) called upon business sector and the Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) to expedite registration in the Financial Intelligence Unit (goAML) and the Committee for Commodities Subject to Import and Export Control system before March 31 to avoid penalties.
In addition to penalties, non-compliance could resultin the revocation of their non-compliant parties’ licenses and the closure of such facilities.
The initiative falls within the framework of the awareness campaign organized by the Ministry to encourage the registration of the target groups in the government systems adopted to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism in the UAE.
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New AML steps to ensure strict compliance issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com Filed on March 3, 2021
The list includes 26 types of violations and stipulated fines that range from Dh50,000 to up to Dh1 million, which could be doubled up to Dh5 million in certain cases. File photo
The Ministry of Economy announced the extension of the grace period for registration in its systems to combat money laundering until March 31, 2021, and warned that companies that fail to register would be subject to penalties including suspension of licences and closure
The new initiatives announced by the UAE, which are in line with the government’s ongoing efforts to combat money laundering crimes, will help ensure strict compliance with the anti-money laundering law (AML) and enhance the economy’s ability to achieve sustainable growth, the Ministry of Economy said.
File picture Tough penalties ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 5 million will be imposed by the UAE Ministry of Economy on the business sector to counter money laundering crimes and combat the financing of terrorism.
The violations apply to Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs).
Brokers and real estate agents, precious metal and gemstone dealers, auditors, and corporate service providers will be under scrutiny.
The Ministry said they must register on the Financial Intelligence Unit (goAML) and on the Committee for Commodities Subject to Import and Export Control system (Automatic Reporting System for Sanctions Lists) by March 31.
Following their registration, they are advised to adopt other measures related to the two systems in accordance with the provisions of the Decree-Law and implementing the regulations.
The Ministry called on the companies practicing such activities to enhance their awareness and knowledge on the risks of money laundering and keep pace with the government's efforts in this regard.