Tunisia's presidential candidates will need allies

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Political Parties ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Presidential Candidates ◽  
Election Results ◽  
Independent Candidates ◽  
Opposition Parties

Significance Two independent candidates will contest the second round: Kais Saied, a constitutional lawyer, who garnered 18.4% of the vote and Nabil Karoui, a media mogul currently imprisoned on money laundering and tax evasion charges, with 15.6%. The election results are a rebuke to the main political parties that have dominated politics over recent years but failed to improve the economy. Not only did the candidates of the three main parties (Islamist-inspired Ennahda, and secularist Nidaa Tounes and Tahya Tounes) fail to reach the second round, long-standing opposition parties also failed to attract disillusioned voters. Impacts Both candidates will support Tunisia’s democratic achievements, even if they themselves are no revolutionaries. Saied has no party connections and could find himself isolated if elected. Karoui can count on some Nidaa Tounes support. Either president would be constrained in the likely event of an unfriendly parliament.

Tax evasion and money laundering: a complete framework

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deen Kemsley ◽  
Sean A. Kemsley ◽  
Frank T. Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Regulatory Agencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Single Process ◽  
Financial Action Task ◽  
Tax Savings ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Complete Framework

Purpose This paper aims to define the fundamental nexus between income tax evasion and money laundering. The G7 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) designates tax evasion as a predicate offense for money laundering. We determine whether this designation is complete from a conceptual standpoint, or whether there is a stronger connection between tax evasion and money laundering. Design/methodology/approach This paper applies the FATF definition for money laundering – as well as generally accepted definitions for tax evasion and for a standard predicate offense – to identify the necessary conditions for each crime. This paper then uses these conditions to test opposing hypotheses regarding the nexus between tax evasion and money laundering. Findings This paper demonstrates that tax evasion does not meet the conditions for a standard predicate offense, and treating it as if it were a standard predicate could be problematic in practice. Instead, it is concluded that the FATF’s predicate label for tax evasion, together with tax evasion methods and objectives, imply that all tax evasion constitutes money laundering. In a single process, tax evasion generates both criminal tax savings and launders those criminal proceeds by concealing or disguising their unlawful origin. Practical implications The FATF could strengthen its framework by explicitly defining all tax evasion as money laundering. This would enable regulatory agencies to draw upon the full combined resources dedicated to either offense. Originality/value The analysis demonstrates that tax evasion completely incorporates money laundering as currently defined by the FATF.

Terrorism financing and money laundering: two sides of the same coin?

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 962-968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Compin
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
White Collar Crime ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Financial Crimes ◽  
Terrorism Financing ◽  
Utilitarian Approach ◽  
The Cost

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse how terrorism financing can be assimilated with money launderning when the amounts ofmoney involved differ so markedly. Not only is the cost of financing terrorist attacks minimal compared to the huge sums often at stake in financial crimes, but also the psychological profile of terrorists, who are reclusive by nature, contrasts starkly with that of financial criminals, who are usually fully integrated members of society. When terrorism financing is equated with money laundering this represents a utilitarian approach in that it facilitates the creation of a security strategy and stifles criticism of criminogenic capitalismthat turns a blind eye to tax evasion. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is conceptual, focussing on the assimilation of terrorism financing with money laundering. There is an interview with a French magistrate, specialized in the fight against corruption and white-collar crime, and data have been collected from international organizations and scholarly articles. Findings The fight against money laundering and money dirtying has clearly sparked numerous controversies around evaluation, scope, criminal perpetrators and a lack of vital cooperation between administrative and judicial services. Social implications This paper raises questions about the reasons behind the linking of money laundering and money dirtying by states and players in public international law and why the fight against money laundering is very much overshadowed by their focus on terrorist financing in dealing with the growing threat of Islamic State, otherwise known as ISIS or ISIL, in the Middle East and West Africa. Originality/value The paper enables the reader to raise the question of similarities between the fight against money laundering and the fight against terrorism financing.

Macroeconomics of money laundering: effects and measurements

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nella Hendriyetty ◽  
Bhajan S. Grewal
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Tax Revenue ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Macroeconomic Conditions ◽  
Illicit Flows

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review studies focusing on the magnitude of money laundering and their effects on a country’s economy. The relevant concepts are identified on the basis of discussions in the literature by prominent scholars and policy makers. There are three main objectives in this review: first, to discuss the effects of money laundering on a country’s macro-economy; second, to seek measurements from other scholars; and finally, to seek previous findings about the magnitude and the flows of money laundering. Design/methodology/approach In the first part, this paper outlines the effects of money laundering on macroeconomic conditions of a country, and then the second part reviews the literature that measures the magnitude of money laundering from an economic perspective. Findings Money laundering affects a country’s economy by increasing shadow economy and criminal activities, illicit flows and impeding tax collection. To minimise these negative effects, it is necessary to quantify the magnitude of money laundering relative to economic conditions to identify the most vulnerable aspects of money laundering in a country. Two approaches are used in this study: the first is the capital flight approach, as money laundering will cause flows of money between countries; the second is the economic approach for measuring money laundering through economic variables (e.g. tax revenue, underground economy and income generated by criminals) separately from tax evasion. Originality/value The paper offers new insights for the measurement of money laundering, especially for developing countries. Most methods in quantifying money laundering have focused on developed countries, which are less applicable to developing countries.

Alternate remittance systems in Ghana: a trade enabler or an organised fraud

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Asmah ◽  
Williams Abayaawien Atuilik
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Border Trade ◽  
Single Method

Purpose Alternate remittance systems (ARS) are inherently not illegal; however, the nature of their activities has mostly been linked with money laundering and terrorist financing, which raises several questions as to why businesses in Ghana rely on these systems to conduct their cross-border trade. The purpose of this study is seeks to understand the nature of ARS in Ghana and analyse why business owners rely on them for their transactions. Design/methodology/approach Three companies were selected for the case study analysis. This research paper used a qualitative data analysis for the study. Interviews, direct participant observation and documentary review were the main techniques for data collection. The multiple sources of evidence helped to reduce the potential bias of the single method. Findings This paper found that some businesses using the system in Ghana can acquire unsecured loans at little or no interest cost, which provides a good source of funding to support business growth. Unlike other studies, this study proves that in some instances, ARS operators transact business with the clients they do not, particularly trust. Within the context of this study, this paper found evidence that supports money laundering, but the underlining crime is mostly tax evasion. The adoption of the system is an attempt to disguise the proceeds of the tax evasion crime and clean them through business operations. Research limitations/implications This analysis was based on the strain theory from the perspective of the clients. Future studies can focus attention on the ARS operators and understand their perspectives. Several other fraud theories could be used as a lens to understand the phenomena in Ghana and other jurisdictions. Practical implications The study throws more light on a “secret” or an underground banking system that operates in Ghana. It provides insights that can guide regulatory authorities in their policy implementation. The need for stricter enforcement of the law has also been highlighted. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is original, as it focuses on a sector that is highly secretive but has significant implications on the Ghanaian economy.

Baltic shells: on the mechanics of trade-based money-laundering in the former Soviet space

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Stack
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Court Cases ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Soviet Space ◽  
Tax Fraud ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Post Soviet Space

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a platform of interconnected international shell companies operated through Baltic banks, used for trade-based money laundering (TBML) across Russia, Ukraine and other post-Soviet states. Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study that draws extensively on the results of journalist investigations and court cases to describe one example of a money-laundering platform. Findings – Platforms of international shell companies operated through Baltic banks play a key role in TBML for the post-Soviet countries. They are created for systematic laundering of revenues from tax evasion, tax fraud, corruption and criminality across the post-Soviet space, and also globally. Research limitations/implications – This study implies that TBML for the post-Soviet space is a specialized industry, hosted by collaborating banks centered in the Baltic states, in conjunction with mass use of international shell companies. Practical implications – This study implies that analysis of suspicious transactions cannot remain on the level of single companies but has to take into account the interconnected payment patterns produced by such a platform. Originality/value – Provides the first study of a trade-based money-laundering platform operating in the post-Soviet space.

Weak economy compounds Moldovan political instability

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Political Parties ◽  
Presidential Election ◽  
Political Instability ◽  
The Political ◽  
Substantial Influence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Presidential Candidates ◽  
The Government

Significance Economic weakness plus popular resentment of an elite seen as corrupt creates potential for mass demonstrations by pro- and anti-EU factions. Russia's importance as an economic partner is waning but it retains substantial influence through sympathetic political parties. A presidential election this October will be coloured by the unresolved bank fraud scandal, which has created a gulf between the political establishment and the electorate. Impacts Mainstream politicians will be find it hard to shake off perceived links to corruption. Prominent figures, whether oligarchs or pro-Russian politicians, may therefore avoid standing as presidential candidates. Lack of systemic reforms is a constraint on Moldova's ability to engage with EU economies. Domestic turmoil makes the government less likely to challenge Transnistria, which will remain a conduit for Russian pressure.

Ecuador's left is down but far from out

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Vice President ◽  
Right Wing ◽  
Economic Uncertainty ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Assembly ◽  
Presidential Candidates ◽  
Face Former ◽  
Election Results ◽  
Ruling Party

Significance The first round's leading candidate, former Vice-President Lenin Moreno, of the leftist ruling party Alianza Pais, will face former banker and centre-right candidate Guillermo Lasso on April 2. The announcement came amid accusations of fraud and growing criticism over the delays in releasing the official results. Impacts The election results will increase economic uncertainty and dampen economic activity in the short term. Political tensions will rise as the two presidential candidates battle to secure votes outside of their core constituencies. Whatever the runoff result, Alianza Pais will hold its National Assembly majority, exerting significant influence over legislative matters. With economic woes hindering the new government, four years of unpopular right-wing rule could pave the way for a Correa comeback in 2021.

Chile coalition crisis hints at new Pinera presidency

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Political Parties ◽  
Presidential Election ◽  
Pole Position ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fertile Ground ◽  
Election Results ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Consistent Support ◽  
Actual Size

Significance Albeit expected, that defeat has widened divisions within its centre-left coalition and between the administration and its political parties. The election results put the centre-right opposition in the pole position to win the next presidential election in November 2017. Impacts The impact of the election outcome on the mood in government parties far exceeds the actual size of their defeat. High abstention is a criticism of both main coalitions and suggests potentially fertile ground for populism. Without consistent support from its own parties, it will be difficult for the government to pass promised reforms.

Money laundering in Ukraine

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 382-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham Stack
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
International Political Economy ◽  
Foreign Banks ◽  
Financial Flows ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Soviet State ◽  
Open Source Data ◽  
Source Data

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the role in tax evasion and corruption played in Ukraine by money-laundering organisations called “conversion centres”: networks of sham firms and banks implementing “black cash” schemes that facilitate tax evasion by the private sector and embezzlement by the state sector. The paper describes their embedding both in a post-Soviet state as well as in the international political economy. Design/methodology/approach – It draws on scholarship, journalist investigations, court records, government agency reports and other open source data and interviews with market participants. It first describes “conversion centres” as an ideal type and then presents three case studies, focusing on international financial flows and the domestic political setting. Findings – Ukraine’s conversion centres generate significant international flows of dirty money handled by specialised foreign banks mostly in the Baltic states. Domestically, conversion centres thrive through state capture, resulting from their facilitation of embezzlement by state actors. Research limitations/implications – Open source data and investigative methods make it possible to conduct empirical research in crime and corruption in the post-Soviet context. As open sources expand, the scope for such enquiry will increase. Originality/value – This is the first empirical description of “black cash” money-laundering platforms in terms of embedding in a post-Soviet state and in the international financial system.

Leak poses challenges for Dominican president

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Due Diligence ◽  
Public Officials ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Push Up

Significance While this is not illegal, the matter has drawn public attention and criticism on the basis that it appears to conflict with the stated commitment of Abinader’s government to tackling corruption, tax evasion and money laundering. Impacts Investigations into other public officials named in the Pandora Papers will keep the issue at the forefront of public attention. Accelerated pro-transparency reform may push up due diligence costs for companies operating in the Dominican Republic. Perceptions of inaction on corruption could lead to renewed popular protests on the issue.

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