The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has cautioned operators of tourism business in the South- East against their high rate of non-compliance with extant anti-money laundering regulations for Designated Non-Financial Institutions.
The Enugu Zonal Head of the Commission, Ibrahim Bappa gave the caution at weekend.
He said the anti-graft agency had noted with dismay the non-compliant and indifferent attitude of some tourism operators with regard to their obligations to stem the incidences of money laundering and terrorist financing in the South-East, which he said had been the least compliant zone in this regard.
While warning the operators of dire consequences from the EFCC, if such a dangerous attitude persisted among their members in the zone, Bappa noted that their compliance with the required protocols was not only necessary for the success of their businesses, but a patriotic duty that would preserve the country’s economy and image.
“We have to enlighten you so that you enlighten your members so that no one would say he does not know what is required of him or her and also for you to be on the same page with us,” he stated.
In his reaction, the Head of the Special Control Unit of Money Laundering in the zone, Tijani Kabo, also expressed displeasure with the lackadaisical attitude of most operators of Designated Non-Financial Institutions in the South-East who would not register with SCUML, let alone live up to their responsibilities as reporting entities.
