Pengubahan Wang Haram atau Hawala di UAE, Undang-undang & Hukuman

How are Hawala and Money Laundering defined under UAE Laws?

According to the UAE’s legal and regulatory framework, Hawala and Money Laundering are defined as follows:

Hawala: The UAE Central Bank defines Hawala as an informal money transfer system that operates outside of conventional banking channels. It involves the transfer of funds from one location to another through service providers known as “hawaladars” without any physical movement of currency.

Money Laundering: Money Laundering is a criminal offense under UAE Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism. It is defined as the process of concealing or disguising the true nature, source, location, disposition, movement, or ownership of funds or assets derived from illegal activities.

Contoh-contoh umum termasuk: structuring/smurfing, shell companies, real estate transactions, trade-based laundering, casino operations, cryptocurrency transactions, bulk cash smuggling, and misusing Hawala networks.

The UAE takes a strong stance against these activities, and the legal consequences for individuals or entities involved in Hawala or Money Laundering can be severe. It is crucial to comply with the UAE’s anti-money laundering regulations and conduct financial transactions through legitimate and authorized channels.

When is Hawala Legal or Illegal in the UAE?

Hawala, the informal money transfer system, is not inherently illegal in the UAE. However, it is an unregulated and informal channel, which can potentially be exploited for illicit activities, including money laundering and financing of terrorism. The legality of Hawala transactions in the UAE depends on the source of funds and the intended purpose.

If Hawala is used to transfer funds derived from legal sources and for legitimate purposes, it may be considered legal. However, if it is utilized to transfer funds obtained through illegal means or for unlawful activities, such as money laundering, terrorism financing, or tax evasion, it becomes illegal under UAE laws. Authorities closely monitor Hawala networks to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.

It’s important to note that while Hawala itself is not illegal, the UAE has strict regulations in place to combat the misuse of informal money transfer systems for illicit purposes. Individuals and businesses are advised to exercise caution and conduct financial transactions through licensed and regulated channels to avoid potential legal consequences.

Types of Money Laundering cases in the UAE

The UAE has witnessed various types of money laundering cases involving individuals and entities engaged in illicit activities. Here are some common types of money laundering cases observed in the UAE:

1. Real Estate-Related Money Laundering: This involves the purchase and sale of properties using funds derived from illegal sources, such as drug trafficking, fraud, or corruption.
2. Trade-Based Money Laundering: This type of laundering involves the misrepresentation of the price, quantity, or quality of goods in import/export transactions to move illicit funds across borders.
3. Bulk Cash Smuggling: This involves the physical transportation of large amounts of cash across borders, often concealed in vehicles, luggage, or other means, to evade reporting requirements and disguise the source of funds.
4. Shell Company-based Money Laundering: In this type of case, individuals or organizations establish fake or shell companies to disguise the true ownership and source of funds, and provide a legitimate-appearing cover for illicit transactions.
5. Misuse of Informal Value Transfer Systems (IVTS) like Hawala: Certain cases involve the exploitation of informal money transfer systems like Hawala to move illicit funds globally, taking advantage of the lack of a traditional financial trail.
6. Cryptocurrency-based Money Laundering: With the increasing use of cryptocurrencies, some cases involve the use of digital assets to conceal the movement and origin of illegal funds, exploiting the anonymity and decentralized nature of these transactions.
7. Laundering through Casinos and Gaming Establishments: In some instances, casinos and gaming establishments have been used to exchange large amounts of cash for chips or other monetary instruments, effectively disguising the source of the funds.

It’s worth noting that money laundering schemes can be complex and evolve over time, often involving a combination of different methods and channels. Effective anti-money laundering measures, robust regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation are crucial in combating these criminal activities in the UAE.

What is the Anti Money Laundering Law in UAE?

The Anti-Money Laundering Law in the UAE is governed by Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism. This comprehensive law defines and criminalizes money laundering activities, outlines strict measures to combat terrorism financing, and establishes a robust regulatory framework.

The key aspects of the Anti-Money Laundering Law in the UAE include:

1. Definition of Money Laundering: Clearly defines money laundering as concealing or disguising funds derived from illegal activities.
2. Kewajipan Melapor: Requires financial institutions and businesses to implement AML/CFT measures, including customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and reporting suspicious activities.
3. Penalti dan Sekatan: Imposes severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for non-compliance.
4. Competent Authorities: Mandates the establishment of authorities like the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to oversee AML/CFT efforts.
5. Kerjasama Antarabangsa: Facilitates cooperation and information sharing with other countries in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.

What are the Maximum Penalties for Money Laundering Convictions in the UAE?

The UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering Law imposes severe penalties for individuals and entities convicted of money laundering offenses. The maximum penalties for money laundering convictions in the UAE are as follows:

1. penjara:
   • For individuals: Up to 10 years in prison.
   • For managers or representatives of legal entities: Up to 15 years in prison.
2. Denda:
   • For individuals: A fine not exceeding AED 5 million (approximately $1.36 million).
   • For legal entities: A fine not exceeding AED 50 million (approximately $13.6 million).

In addition to these penalties, the convicted individuals or entities may also face:

• Confiscation of funds, properties, or instrumentalities related to the money laundering offense.
• Dissolution or temporary or permanent closure of the legal entity involved in the offense.
• Publication of the court’s judgment in two local daily newspapers at the expense of the convicted party.

It’s important to note that these penalties represent the maximum punishments prescribed by the law. The actual sentence may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, the severity of the offense, and other mitigating or aggravating factors.

The UAE takes a strict stance against money laundering activities, and these severe penalties reflect the country’s commitment to deterring and combating financial crimes within its jurisdiction.

Are there any Special Provisions for Money Laundering linked to Organized Crime or Terrorism Financing?

Yes, the UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering Law includes special provisions for money laundering offenses linked to organized crime or terrorism financing:

1. Harsher Penalties for Organized Crime: If a money laundering offense is committed within the framework of an organized criminal group, the maximum imprisonment penalty shall be increased by a specified proportion.
2. Criminalizing Terrorism Financing: The law criminalizes the financing of terrorism and terrorist organizations. Any person who willfully collects, transfers, or provides funds or property with the intention of using them for terrorist activities can face lengthy imprisonment and substantial fines.
3. Kerjasama Antarabangsa: The law facilitates international cooperation and information sharing with other countries and jurisdictions in combating money laundering, organized crime, and terrorism financing. This includes provisions for extradition and mutual legal assistance.
4. Targeted Financial Sanctions: The UAE has implemented targeted financial sanctions against individuals and entities designated by the United Nations Security Council or other relevant international organizations as being involved in terrorism financing or associated with terrorist organizations.

These special provisions underscore the UAE’s commitment to combating the financing of terrorism and organized crime, which pose significant threats to national and global security. The severe penalties and enhanced international cooperation measures aim to disrupt and dismantle these illegal activities and their financial networks.

Key AML Compliance Requirements for Businesses in UAE

The UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering Law imposes several compliance requirements on businesses operating within the country. Here are the key AML compliance requirements for businesses in the UAE:

1. Pendaftaran: Mandatory registration with goAML portal for FIs and DNFBPs.
2. Pegawai Pematuhan AML: Appoint a dedicated officer to oversee AML program.
3. AML Program: Establish comprehensive policies and procedures for KYC, transaction monitoring, risk management, and reporting.
4. Pendekatan Berasaskan Risiko: Tailor AML program to business size, nature, and inherent risks.
5. Ketekunan Pelanggan yang Berpengalaman (CDD): Conduct thorough KYC checks, including identity verification and beneficial ownership identification.
6. Usaha Wajar Dipertingkat (EDD): Apply additional measures for higher-risk customers like PEPs.
7. Pemantauan Transaksi: Monitor transactions for suspicious activities.
8. Pelaporan Aktiviti Mencurigakan: Report suspicious transactions to Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
9. Penyimpanan rekod: Maintain customer and transaction records for at least 5 years.
10. Latihan Pekerja: Provide regular AML/CFT training to employees.
11. Independent Audit: Conduct regular audits of AML/CFT program.
12. Kerjasama dengan Pihak Berkuasa: Cooperate with authorities and provide required information.

Failure to comply with these requirements can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and potential revocation of licenses or business closure. Businesses operating in the UAE must prioritize AML compliance to mitigate risks and maintain the integrity of the financial system.

Apakah Bendera Merah dalam AML?

Bendera merah merujuk kepada penunjuk luar biasa yang menandakan aktiviti yang berpotensi menyalahi undang-undang yang memerlukan siasatan lanjut. Bendera merah AML biasa berkaitan dengan:

Tingkah Laku Pelanggan yang Meragukan

• Rahsia tentang identiti atau keengganan untuk memberikan maklumat
• Keengganan untuk memberikan butiran tentang sifat dan tujuan perniagaan
• Perubahan yang kerap dan tidak dapat dijelaskan dalam mengenal pasti maklumat
• Percubaan yang mencurigakan untuk mengelakkan keperluan pelaporan

Transaksi Berisiko Tinggi

• Pembayaran tunai yang ketara tanpa asal dana yang jelas
• Transaksi dengan entiti dalam bidang kuasa berisiko tinggi
• Struktur perjanjian yang kompleks menutupi pemilikan berfaedah
• Saiz atau kekerapan yang tidak normal untuk profil pelanggan

Keadaan Luar Biasa

• Transaksi yang tidak mempunyai penjelasan yang munasabah/rasional ekonomi
• Tidak konsisten dengan aktiviti biasa pelanggan
• Tidak biasa dengan butiran transaksi yang dibuat bagi pihak seseorang

Bendera Merah dalam Konteks UAE

UAE menghadapi khusus risiko pengubahan wang haram daripada peredaran tunai yang tinggi, perdagangan emas, urus niaga hartanah dsb. Beberapa bendera merah utama termasuk:

Transaksi Tunai

• Deposit, pertukaran atau pengeluaran melebihi AED 55,000
• Berbilang transaksi di bawah ambang untuk mengelakkan pelaporan
• Pembelian instrumen tunai seperti cek pengembara tanpa rancangan perjalanan
• Disyaki terlibat dalam pemalsuan di UAE

Kewangan Perdagangan

• Pelanggan menunjukkan kebimbangan minimum tentang pembayaran, komisen, dokumen perdagangan, dsb.
• Pelaporan palsu mengenai butiran komoditi dan laluan penghantaran
• Percanggahan ketara dalam kuantiti atau nilai import/eksport

Hartanah

• Jualan semua tunai, terutamanya melalui pindahan wang daripada bank asing
• Transaksi dengan entiti undang-undang yang pemilikannya tidak dapat disahkan
• Harga belian tidak konsisten dengan laporan penilaian
• Pembelian dan jualan serentak antara entiti berkaitan

Emas/Perhiasan

• Pembelian tunai yang kerap bagi barangan bernilai tinggi untuk andaian jualan semula
• Keengganan untuk memberikan bukti asal usul dana
• Pembelian/jualan tanpa margin keuntungan walaupun berstatus peniaga

Pembentukan Syarikat

• Individu dari negara berisiko tinggi yang ingin menubuhkan syarikat tempatan dengan cepat
• Kekeliruan atau keengganan untuk membincangkan butiran aktiviti yang dirancang
• Permintaan untuk membantu menyembunyikan struktur pemilikan

Tindakan sebagai Respons kepada Bendera Merah

Perniagaan harus mengambil langkah yang munasabah apabila mengesan potensi tanda merah AML:

Usaha Wajar Dipertingkat (EDD)

Kumpul maklumat lanjut tentang pelanggan, sumber dana, jenis aktiviti dan lain-lain. Bukti tambahan ID mungkin diberi mandat walaupun penerimaan awal.

Semakan oleh Pegawai Pematuhan

Pegawai pematuhan AML syarikat harus menilai kewajaran situasi dan menentukan tindakan yang sesuai.

Laporan Transaksi Mencurigakan (STR)

Jika aktiviti kelihatan mencurigakan walaupun EDD, failkan STR kepada FIU dalam masa 30 hari. STR diperlukan tanpa mengira nilai transaksi jika pengubahan wang haram disyaki secara sedar atau munasabah. Penalti dikenakan jika tidak melapor.

Tindakan Berasaskan Risiko

Langkah-langkah seperti pemantauan yang dipertingkatkan, menyekat aktiviti atau perhubungan keluar boleh dipertimbangkan bergantung pada kes tertentu. Walau bagaimanapun, memberi maklumat tentang subjek mengenai pemfailan STR adalah dilarang di sisi undang-undang.

Kepentingan Pemantauan Berterusan

Dengan teknik pengubahan wang haram dan pembiayaan pengganas yang berkembang, pemantauan dan kewaspadaan transaksi yang berterusan adalah penting.

Langkah-langkah seperti:

• Menyemak perkhidmatan/produk baharu untuk mencari kelemahan
• Mengemas kini klasifikasi risiko pelanggan
• Penilaian berkala sistem pemantauan aktiviti yang mencurigakan
• Menganalisis urus niaga terhadap profil pelanggan
• Membandingkan aktiviti dengan garis dasar rakan sebaya atau industri
• Pemantauan automatik senarai sekatan dan PEP

enable pengenalan proaktif bendera merah sebelum isu berganda.

Kesimpulan

Memahami penunjuk potensi aktiviti haram adalah penting untuk Pematuhan AML di UAE. Bendera merah yang berkaitan dengan tingkah laku pelanggan yang luar biasa, corak urus niaga yang mencurigakan, saiz urus niaga yang tidak konsisten dengan tahap pendapatan dan tanda lain yang disenaraikan di sini harus menjamin siasatan lanjut.

Walaupun kes tertentu menentukan tindakan yang sewajarnya, mengetepikan kebimbangan di luar tangan boleh membawa akibat yang serius. Selain kesan kewangan dan reputasi, peraturan AML UAE yang tegas mengenakan liabiliti sivil dan jenayah kerana ketidakpatuhan.

Oleh itu, adalah penting bagi perniagaan untuk melaksanakan kawalan yang mencukupi dan memastikan kakitangan dilatih untuk mengenali dan bertindak balas dengan sewajarnya kepada Penunjuk Bendera Merah dalam AML.