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The island’s fledgling Economic & Financial Crime Unit continues to battle recruitment challenges with a major inspection in the public and private sector’s ability to deal with those offences just a couple of months away.
Inspectors from the European body Moneyval will visit in April to examine the island's defences against money laundering and the financing of terrorism. An unsuccessful inspection could put Guernsey on a grey list, making it less attractive to companies and investment.
In a statement to Express this week, Dave Le Ray, Director of Operations Justice and Regulation, said while staffing levels are “stable” within the financial crime unit there are ongoing challenges.
“It remains the case that it is a challenging market for find experienced investigators... however we continue to recruit to a number of interesting vacancies and career opportunities.”
Vacancies since the Bureau was created demanded UK-based staff to be used for assistance.
That arrangement is continuing.
“We currently have four officers only who primarily work remotely for the EFCB from the UK, travelling to the island as needed,” Mr Le Ray said.
At the end of 2022 Home Affairs was reporting a “critical level” of vacancies within Law Enforcement, with 35% of the target operating model vacant within financial crime services.
"We are still being able to complete investigations and complete the mandate of the Bureau. However, I would say that we are at a critical level in the number of recruitments which we are able to attract,” Mr Le Ray said at the time.
Pictured: A number of police officers were transferred to the Bureau after its creation.
The first Director of the Bureau, Kevin Davies, who led through its formation and acquisition of legal powers, stood down last month, citing family reasons.
A recruitment process is underway to find his successor, with Phil Hunkin stepping up in the meantime.
Home Affairs said this wouldn't affect preparations for Moneyval, “which are well established”.
“Our valued workforce at EFCB continues to work across a number of specialist and complex areas within the financial crime arena,” Mr Le Ray added.
The Bureau was formed in 2021 and given powers to investigate money laundering, economic crime, and uncover unlawful proceeds through criminal investigations.
In 2022 it froze just under £150m in suspected criminal assets.
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