Reports of Vatican anti-money
laundering cases down fell to 56 in 2018 from 150 in 2017, 207
in 2016, and 544 in 2015, the Holy See's Financial Information
Authority (AIF) said Tuesday.
AIF's annual report said this was a sign of progress against
money laundering.
Cases reported to the Vatican's promoter of justice rose
slightly, from eight in 2017 to 11 in 2018, but this was still
well down on the 24 of 2016 and the 22 of 2015.
As for preventive measures, AIF said, there were three
suspensions of transactions or operations, for a total of
422,077 euros, and two freezings of accounts, funds and other
economic resources, for a total of 2,362,725.33 euros.
"The path we are walking upon has become a well-paved and
well-regulated one," AIF President RenéBrülhart told a press
conference, according to Vatican News.
He said the Vatican has made several significant achievements
regarding financial transparency, including the implementation
of a regulatory framework and an improved reporting system.
The AIF carries out a two-fold function of supervisory
authority and financial intelligence within the Holy See.
A General Risk Assessment for 2018 assessed a "low-medium
level of risk" for money-laundering and a "low level of risk"
for financing of terrorism, according to the annual report.
It also notes that 11 reports were sent to the Vatican's
Office of the Promoter of Justice for further investigation. One
of these instances resulted in the first conviction for
self-laundering, pronounced by the Tribunal of the Vatican City
State.
The AIF exchanged information 488 times with its counterparts
in foreign jurisdictions.
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