The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Guyana has issued a warning to the public following reports that an identifiable individual has been falsely claiming to be an employee of the agency and approaching businesses and members of the public for personal and business information.
In a press release, the FIU stated that it has not authorized any employee or representative to collect information from individuals or businesses in the manner being reported.
The agency emphasized that it operates strictly within the framework of the laws under which it was established and does not obtain information through unofficial requests or personal visits.
The FIU reminded the public that it was established under Section 9(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009 (as amended). Under Section 4(a) of the Act, the Unit is empowered to “request, receive, analyse and assess suspicious transactions and other information submitted to it by reporting entities or other competent authorities, in a prescribed format.”
According to the FIU, all official requests for information are made either in writing on official FIU letterhead or through its secure information exchange portal, caseKonnect, which is used by certain reporting entities and competent authorities.
The agency is advising members of the public not to provide information to anyone claiming to represent the FIU through unauthorized means. Persons receiving such requests are strongly encouraged to report the matter to the Guyana Police Force for investigation.
