A Reported Rise in Financial Crimes on Montserrat
The Financial Crime Analysis Unit within the Royal Montserrat Police Force … RMPF is reporting a rise in financial crimes on Montserrat.
According to the Government of Montserrat’s National Performance Report 2020/21, financial crime such as money laundering, fraud, and electronic crimes are on the rise and can have a negative impact on the island’s development.
During the period, the Unit had a target to investigate 14 suspicious transactions. However, it conducted only 6 such investigations.
The reports says based on the target, this may appear to be an under-performance. However, it is mindful that investigations may only occur once they are determined to be ‘credible’ reports made to the Unit.
This report falls under goal 4 (Good Governance) in the Government of Montserrat’s National Performance Report 2020/21.
Meantime,
Deputy Commissioner of Police Charles Thompson shared some factors which he said contributed to the increase.
Thompson says the Financial Crime Analysis Unit has been and will continue to undergo training to ensure officers can identify and investigate these crimes.
And in related news, Deputy Commissioner Thompson is renewing calls for residents to report incidences of scams.
His appeal comes on the heels of an increase in financial crimes on island.
Deputy Commissioner Thompson says the scammers present themselves in various ways on social media and he is therefore urging residents to remain vigilant.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Charles Thompson