Sweeping changes to fast track FCID probes

The Government is to change several important legislation to strengthen and fast track the financial crimes investigations process.

Parallel to the Police Financial Crimes Division (FCID) being turned into a powerful bureau with a strong mandate, the government is now exploring the possibility of changing the Money Laundering Act, extradition laws and mutual legal assistance legislations, top government sources told the Sunday Observer.

“Such a comprehensive change will make the transformation of the FCID more meaningful,” a senior Cabinet minister said, on Saturday. “The changes made to the FCID will be in line with the United Nations anti-corruption framework. It will not dilute any powers currently vested with the FCID,” he said.

“The government is yet to appoint committees to formulate necessary legislative changes pertaining to the anti-corruption drive. The time-frame of these changes have not been discussed yet. Therefore, until the proposed changes come into effect, the FCID will continue with its present powers and mandate,” he added. Last week, leading civil society activists held a round of discussions with the top-brass members of the government over a number of issues, including imminent changes introduced to the FCID.

They said they would strongly oppose any move to dilute the powers of the FCID as the body is identified with the anti-corruption drive of the new government.