Manx crimefighters are working with their counterparts in Japan to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Senior officers from the Isle of Man Constabulary’s financial crime unit this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding with their counterparts from Japan’s Financial Intelligence Centre.
A government spokesman said: ‘The move further demonstrates the island’s commitment to working with its global partners in the fight against financial crime.’
The Isle of Man is a full member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), a network of FIUs that promotes international cooperation through the exchange of intelligence, training and the sharing of expertise.
The MOU was signed by Detective Inspector Iain MacMillan of the Isle of Man financial crime unit and Hiroyuki Mizobata, assistant director at Japan Financial Intelligence Centre, in the presence of Kevin Roper, senior financial intelligence officer at the Isle of Man FCU, Chief Inspector Naoki Kojima, the officer responsible for MOUs with foreign FIUs, and Mr Kanji Totokawa, first secretary, police attaché, UK Embassy of Japan.
Det Insp MacMillan said: ‘As well as having a FIU that meets the Egmont model requirements, the Isle of Man also has legislation in place to allow for intelligence sharing and, where necessary, the investigation and prosecution of those involved in money laundering or the financing of terrorism.’
He added: ‘The Egmont Group recognises the importance of international cooperation in the drive to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Isle of Man and Japan will further strengthen that global network and enhance the overall effectiveness of our FIUs.’
As well as signing the MOU, the Japanese delegation enjoyed a tour of legislative buildings with Clare Christian, President of Tynwald, and visited the island’s financial crime unit.
Pictured:
Sitting: Hiroyuki Mizobata, assistant director at Japan Financial Intelligence Centre and Detective Inspector Iain MacMillan of the Isle of Man financial crime unit
Standing: Kanji Totokawa, First secretary, police attaché, UK Embassy of Japan; Chief Inspector Naoki Kojima, the officer responsible for MOUs with foreign FIUs, Kevin Roper, senior financial intelligence officer at the Isle of Man FCU