In 2021, FSVC launched a program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to combat money laundering, financial crimes and corruption. FSVC provides technical assistance to the Financial Intelligence Unit (CENAREF) and the newly created Anti-Corruption Agency (APLC) to help them operationalize their efforts and strengthen inter-agency coordination. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
FSVC is providing technical assistance to government agencies and private sector institutions to address key weaknesses identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation Report. Specific areas of support include strengthening analytic capabilities to more effectively detect and investigate suspicious activity, and to build strong cases for prosecution in instances of money laundering, terrorism financing or corruption. FSVC is also helping to strengthen inter-agency coordination.
Program Impact
- Trained over 1,000 government officials in AML/CFT and anticorruption best practices from all relevant GDRC institutions. 80% of GDRC officials trained reported an increase in knowledge of related topics thanks to FSVC’s assistance.
- Developed 30 methodologies, guidelines, policies and tools to support government institutions’ work to combat money laundering, financial crimes and corruption. 24 of these have been adopted by GDRC institutions. These include: guidelines to strengthen operational and strategic analysis for the CENAREF; strategies to enhance physical and information security at the CENAREF; a conflict of interest and confidentiality policy for the APLC; and, a whistleblower and witness protection policy for the APLC.
- Trained over 280 private sector representatives in AML/CFT and anticorruption best practices, including from all commercial banks in the DRC. 80% of private sector officials trained reported an increase in knowledge of related topics thanks to FSVC’s assistance.
- Mentored the CENAREF through the development of its first ever Strategic Analysis Report using real suspicious transaction report (STR) data from the DRC from 2021-2023.
- Facilitated 7 high-level roundtables with GDRC institutions, in Kinshasa and other cities, to facilitate inter-agency coordination on AML/CFT and anticorruption initiatives.
- Convened 10 public-private events to strengthen AML/CFT and anticorruption coordination, in Kinshasa and other high AML/CFT risk cities across the country.
- Facilitated information sharing and coordination with both domestic counterparts and foreign Financial Intelligence Units by providing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) templates to the CENAREF.
- Built the capacity of Customs officials in AML/CFT international standards, investigations and asset recovery best practices.