Venezuela Venezuela

New Documents

The Justice Department announced that an indictment was unsealed accusing U.S. Congressman Enrique Roberto Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar of involvement in bribery and money laundering schemes.

The European Banking Authority announced that supervisors across the EU may now report names of individuals to EuReCA, the EU central database on anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing, which will make supervision more informed, targeted, and effective.

News

Enforcement Actions

The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada penalized the Toronto, ON-based bank for failure to comply with the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, and related regulations.

The Federal Trade Commission announced a settlement agreement with the Waltham, MA-based financial services company and its London-based payment services affiliate to resolve allegations of credit card laundering and fraud.


Important Facts

  • The U.S. State Department identifies Venezuela as a major money laundering jurisdiction. The country’s proximity to drug producing countries, an ineffective anti-money laundering regime, limited bilateral cooperation and endemic corruption in commerce and government make Venezuela vulnerable to money laundering and other financial crimes. Venezuela’s distorted foreign exchange system and price controls also create an opportunity for money laundering. The weak control of the border between Venezuela and Colombia has led to an expanding black market. Methods used to launder money include transfers via government currency exchanges; petroleum industry; minerals; and to a lesser extent, through commercial banks, gaming, real estate, agriculture, livestock, securities, and metals. Trade-based money laundering remains thriving in Venezuela (i.e. trade-based schemes used by drug traffickers, smugglers, travel agents, investitures and others). All Venezuelan government agencies and state-owned enterprises appear vulnerable to public corruption and money laundering. Though the Maduro government has expanded the country’s laws to combat organized crime, it has used such laws to suppress political opposition and as a method of intimidation. Although the reform has created criminal penalty for bribes between private companies, it excludes public companies and government employees. Venezuela has implemented enhanced due diligence procedures for foreign and domestic politically exposed persons.
Source: 2019 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR)  

Rankings

FATF i

Technical Effectiveness
Compliant : 6 High :
Largely Compliant : 12 Substantial :
Partially Compliant : 17 Moderate :
Non-Compliant : 14 Low :

BASEL i

Rank : 20/141
Score : 6.56/10

TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL i

Rank : 173/180
Score : 16/100

Tax Justice Network i

Rank : 61/133
Score : 69/100