MLR1PP12150 - Penalties guidance: criminal investigation: introduction

The fundamental purpose of prosecution is to act as a deterrent to serious non-compliance and through this encourage future compliance. It is also intended to send a clear message that those who do not comply will not be allowed to gain advantage over those that do.

When an individual has been convicted of a money laundering offence or has blatantly failed to comply with the Regulations, criminal prosecution and any penalty and/or imprisonment also serves to end the individual’s involvement in activities which could lead to further money laundering offences.

HMRC may decide to carry out a criminal investigation with a view to prosecution for serious or continued non-compliance with the Regulations.

When appropriate, other external law enforcement agencies may initiate an investigation for either money laundering, terrorist financing, or breaches of the Regulations which may have resulted in money laundering or terrorist funding.

(This content has been withheld because of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000)

(This content has been withheld because of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000)