December 18, 2009

FINTRAC issues an administrative monetary penalty against an entity

Ottawa, December 18, 2009 – The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada has assessed an administrative monetary penalty against an entity. The penalty was imposed for violating the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA).

• Ghanaco Group Ltd., also operating as Ghanaco Financial Services, and engaged in a money services business in North York, Ontario, was issued a penalty of $4,320 on 23 November 2009, for committing one violation:
   

  • Failure of a prescribed person or entity to be registered with the Centre which is contrary to the section 11.1 of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act

A number of business sectors in Canada are required to keep certain records, identify clients, maintain compliance regimes, and submit reports to FINTRAC consistent with their obligations under the PCMLTFA. These sectors include banking, life insurance, trusts, securities, real estate credit unions, casinos and money services businesses. Money services businesses also have the obligation to register their business with FINTRAC.

FINTRAC has had the authority to issue administrative monetary penalties in response to non-compliance with the PCMLTFA and related regulations since December 30, 2008. Penalties are used as a last recourse after other measures to ensure compliance with the law have been exhausted.

Administrative monetary penalties serve as an adjunct to existing criminal penalties. Both criminal and civil penalties cannot be issued against the same instances of non-compliance. Violations are classified as "Minor", "Serious" or "Very Serious", and carry maximum penalties of $1,000, $100,000 and $500,000 respectively.

FINTRAC remains committed to working with reporting entities in ensuring compliance with the PCMLTFA and related regulations. The new penalties are a tool to encourage compliance.

FINTRAC is an independent federal government agency with a mandate to assist in the detection, deterrence and prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities. FINTRAC analyzes financial transaction reports and discloses financial intelligence to law enforcement and CSIS where it has reasonable grounds to suspect that the information would assist in the investigation of money laundering and terrorist activity financing offences or threats to the security of Canada.

FINTRAC is part of Canada's Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Activity Financing Initiative. The initiative is led by the Department of Finance and includes the RCMP, CSIS, Public Safety Canada, Canada Revenue Agency, Canada Border Services Agency, Communications Security Establishment Canada and the Department of Justice.

Additional information can be found at the Administrative monetary penalties section.

Media Contact:
Peter Lamey
FINTRAC Communications Directorate
613-943-3399